The story is here.
IRL star Sam Hornish qualified fastest by a large margin, while Pete Shepherd will start 7th. the 100-lap race starts tonight (Friday) at 5:15 p.m.
Grid (TOP 10)
POS NO DRIVER/HOMETOWN TEAM & CAR TIME SPEED
1 27 Sam Hornish Jr./Defiance OH Mobil 1 Dodge 38.667 186.205
2 98 Erin Crocker/Wilbraham MA Mac Tools-Mac Card Dodge 39.225 183.556
3 99 Erik Darnell/Beach Park IL Roush Fenway Racing Ford 39.454 182.491
4 4 Tim Andrews/Mooresville NC Dodge Motorsports Dodge 39.462 182.454
5 16 Justin Allgaier/Springfield IL AG Tech Chevrolet 39.478 182.380
6 31 Tim McCreadie/Penfield NY Camping World Chevrolet 39.633 181.66
7 7 39 Pete Shepherd/Brampton ON BeavEx-Reliance Tool-Zardo-Logel's Ford 39.675 181.474
8 47 Phillip McGilton/Marion IL SI Performance Ford 39.683 181.438
9 46 Frank Kimmel/Clarksville IN Hantz Group-Nu South Lemonade-Pork Ford 39.715 181.292
10 59 Justin South/Hueytown AL HD Supply Lumber & Building Supplies Dodge 39.717 181.283
Friday, June 15, 2007
STOLEN RACECAR ALERT... DELAWARE JUNIOR RACING LEAGUE FIBREGLASS SHOW BODY
"A Krown Body Maintenance Junior Racing League fibreglass show body was stolen from the Byron (ON) area while the raceteam was racing at Delaware Speedway on Wednesday! These bodies are custom built and very unique, making them easy to spot. The hood on this racecar body was signed by George Barris at a recent autoshow and is a ONE OF A KIND ITEM. If anyone sees this body or parts of it contact police immediately!"
Castrol powers the OSS in 2007!
The Ontario Sportsman Series is pleased to announce Castrol Canada and Wakefield Canada as a major partner in 2007.“We’ve been in discussions with Anthony Stadelman and Bob MacDonald since the OSS was formed and they stepped up right away expressing their interest in being involved with the series, Castrol has a long term goal with the series and we sat down numerous times to outline what the vision of the series will be over the next few years” says Dave Connelly of the OSS. “The great news is that they are committed to the series on a long-term basis and we are all on the same page on how to grow the series.”
"Castrol has a long history of supporting motorsports around the globe, and specifically here in Canada, so the relationship is a natural fit. Our long term support of the CASCAR series is testament to that, and its dissolution has left a hole, both in our portfolio and the marketplace, for grassroots stock car racing. We’re very excited to be involved with the Ontario Sportsman Series, we think our program is a fitting way to give back to the sport and its participants. Gentlemen start your engines!” states Anthony Stadelman - Director of Marketing for Wakefield Canada.
Castrol has a history of over 100 years of developing and marketing the highest quality premium products for use in virtually every type of engine you can imagine. Our tradition of developing superior technology and fine tuning it through testing, both in the laboratory and on the race track, has led to the finest quality of lubricants available for literally millions of vehicles around the world.
The OSS kicks off its inaugural season on Saturday night (June 16) at Mosport Speedway.
From the OSS
NCATS: Mosport Dickies 200 Fast Facts
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (June 14, 2007) – With one race under their collective belts, NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Sirius Satellite Radio drivers and teams are geared up for the second race this season.
This time, however, the task includes a few right-hand turns as they tackle the road course at Mosport International Raceway.
THE TRACK: The 10-turn, 2.459-mile road course at Mosport International Raceway, located just north of Bowmanville, Ontario, opened in 1961. In 2000, the track was resurfaced and widened to 40 feet. Over the years, Mosport has hosted the former CASCAR Super Series, as well as Formula 1 and IndyCar events.
THE EVENT: The Dickies 200 presented by Canadian Shield Anticrime is scheduled for a 2:15 p.m. ET start on Sunday, June 17, but a full weekend of racing action is planned at Mosport. Joining the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series for this extravaganza is the Grand-Am KONI Challenge. The Cup Lites Racing Series will also be on hand.
DICKIES AND NASCAR: Dickies, the leading global workwear brand and title sponsor of this weekend’s Canadian Tire Series event, has been involved with NASCAR for over six years. This November will be the third running of the Dickies 500 in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series at Texas Motor Speedway. “We are excited to be working with Mosport and the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series,” said Bill McFarlane of Williamson-Dickie Canada Company. “We have a strong partnership with (Canadian Tire) Series driver Dave Whitlock, sponsoring his No. 39 Dickies Dodge Charger, and we think this is another great way to bring racing excitement to NASCAR’s Canadian fans.”
WHY 200?: It’s the Dickies 200 presented by Canadian Shield covering 124.3 miles, but the event does cover 200 kilometers.
FOUR ON THE FLOOR: Canada’s Miguel Duhamel, AMA Super Bikes driver, will drive a four-wheeled vehicle in a NASCAR event prepared by Dave Jacombs, who also fields Andrew Ranger’s No. 27 Wal-Mart/Tide Ford team. Duhamel, who owns the records for most wins and championships in the Super Bikes Series, is entered in this event. He also has his sights set on the Canadian debut of the NASCAR Busch Series at Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on August 4.
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY: Brothers Jeff and Jim Lapcevich want to give their father, Joe Lapcevich, a very special Father’s Day present at Mosport this weekend in their Tim Hortons/EMCEA Transport Chevrolets.
“It’s been a goal of ours to stand on the winner’s podium together, and it has been close the last two years. It’s been a Mosport Father’s Day present we’ve planned for a while,” said Jim. “Maybe this will be our year.”
FATHER’S DAY FOR THE FANS: Fans can give dad a real Mosport VIP experience, tickets to the Grand Prix Club. The Grand Prix Club includes a three-day admission and a Sunday hospitality event that includes a trackside lunch overlooking the start-finish line and Turn One.Ticket information for the Dickies 200 presented by Canadian Shield Anticrime can be obtained by calling Mosport International Raceway at (905) 983-9141 or by logging onto www.mosport.com. Tickets are also available at TicketMaster.
What: Dickies 200 presented by Canadian Shield (Race No. 2 of 12 in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series).
Where: Mosport International Raceway, Bowmanville, Ontario.
When: 2:15 p.m. ET (approx.), Sunday, June 17, 2007.
Track layout: 2.5-mile road course.
Race length: 50 laps/125 miles.
Posted awards: $67,524 CAD.
TV: TSN (Sun., June 24, Noon ET).
Top 10 in Points: 1. Don Thomson Jr., 190; 2. Mark Dilley, 175; 3. Peter Gibbons, 165; 4. Andrew Ranger, 160; 5. Derek Lynch, 155; 6. Jason Hathaway, 151; 7. John Gaunt, 150; 8. Joey McColm, 142; 9. Kerry Micks, 139; 10. Kent Nuhn, 138.
Pre-race schedule (all times local): Sat., 6/16 – 6:30 a.m. Registration Opens; 10:05-10:35 a.m. Practice; 11:50 a.m.-12:20 p.m. Practice; 4:00 p.m. Bud Pole Qualifying. Sun., 6/17 – 10:00 a.m. Registration opens; 2:15 p.m. Dickies 200 presented by Canadian Shield.
From NASCAR
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Mike Stawicki and G-Force return to PMRA competition at Cayuga
By Bruce F. Mehlenbacher
CAYUGA, ONTARIO (June 11, 2007) - One of Pro Modified drag racing’s most prominent teams will be competing in the upcoming Third Annual KC Auto Family Day Spectacular - PMRA Challenge presented by Paul Wolf Electric & Lighting Supply Inc., Sylvania and Independent Electrical Distributors.
Based in Western New York, Mike Stawicki and the G-Force Race Cars team Camaro will be running this coming Saturday, June 16 at Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga, Ontario.
Running in both the IHRA Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam™ Drag Racing Series and NHRA AMS Staff Leasing Pro Modified Challenge presented by Tindle Enterprises Pro Modified competition, Stawicki considers Toronto Motorsports Park one of his favorite tracks, and has gone down the Kohler Road quarter mile many times. He won the PMRA Challenge race at the track back in 2005, and the team will be ready to take on the large field of Pro Modifieds in the Supercharged 1967 Camaro.
After a development year in 2006 with the new Mike Stawicki 521-cubic inch Brad Anderson Hemi engine, the team was able to muster a 6.09 pass in the 2006 IHRA world finals. For 2007, the team has run a career-best with a 6.03-second, 237.95-mph pass at the NHRA Gatornationals in Florida.
“G-Force Race Cars and Stawicki work hand-in-hand with car development, and this development goes into the race cars we build,” according to G-Force Race Car’s Jim Salemi.
“For the most part we do our testing with the car Mike drives,” said Salemi, who is crew chief for the team. “This is where we try our new ideas.”
Salemi added G-Force Race Cars builds seven to 10 Pro Modifieds a year, plus updates on existing cars. Some of its customers include Raymond Commisso, Mike Janis, and the Carl Spiering Motorsports - Eaton Electrical Camaro.
He added that the competition in the Pro Modified class is constantly getting stronger as the bar is continuously raised meaning more money must be spent to succeed.
“It’s getting harder to promote our race car on our budget,” Salemi admitted. “We’re dealing with million-dollar teams now, but we’ll be there.”
CAYUGA, ONTARIO (June 11, 2007) - One of Pro Modified drag racing’s most prominent teams will be competing in the upcoming Third Annual KC Auto Family Day Spectacular - PMRA Challenge presented by Paul Wolf Electric & Lighting Supply Inc., Sylvania and Independent Electrical Distributors.
Based in Western New York, Mike Stawicki and the G-Force Race Cars team Camaro will be running this coming Saturday, June 16 at Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga, Ontario.
Running in both the IHRA Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam™ Drag Racing Series and NHRA AMS Staff Leasing Pro Modified Challenge presented by Tindle Enterprises Pro Modified competition, Stawicki considers Toronto Motorsports Park one of his favorite tracks, and has gone down the Kohler Road quarter mile many times. He won the PMRA Challenge race at the track back in 2005, and the team will be ready to take on the large field of Pro Modifieds in the Supercharged 1967 Camaro.
After a development year in 2006 with the new Mike Stawicki 521-cubic inch Brad Anderson Hemi engine, the team was able to muster a 6.09 pass in the 2006 IHRA world finals. For 2007, the team has run a career-best with a 6.03-second, 237.95-mph pass at the NHRA Gatornationals in Florida.
“G-Force Race Cars and Stawicki work hand-in-hand with car development, and this development goes into the race cars we build,” according to G-Force Race Car’s Jim Salemi.
“For the most part we do our testing with the car Mike drives,” said Salemi, who is crew chief for the team. “This is where we try our new ideas.”
Salemi added G-Force Race Cars builds seven to 10 Pro Modifieds a year, plus updates on existing cars. Some of its customers include Raymond Commisso, Mike Janis, and the Carl Spiering Motorsports - Eaton Electrical Camaro.
He added that the competition in the Pro Modified class is constantly getting stronger as the bar is continuously raised meaning more money must be spent to succeed.
“It’s getting harder to promote our race car on our budget,” Salemi admitted. “We’re dealing with million-dollar teams now, but we’ll be there.”
Nick Wittmer returns to Mosport
Courtesy Service Presse
Montreal, Quebec — Nick Wittmer will be returning this weekend on a track he almost calls home for having raced so many times in the last years, Mosport Raceway in Ontario, Canada. The 22 year-old driver will be pairing again with American Glen Bocchino in the #31 I-Moto Acura TSX for the fifth round of the Grand Am Koni Challenge.
They will look for a better result than the 12-lap DNF thay experienced in Lime Rock some three weeks ago. Meanwhile, brother Kuno Wittmer will take some time off after last weekend’s double header in Watkins Glen where he enjoyed only one good result: the older Wittmer brother was sidelined with a mechanical issue when a cv joint broke on his Realtime Racing Acura CSX but he recovered in the second round to finish a rewarding fourth, to keep within striking distance in the standings.
‘‘Mosport has to be like coming home, claimed Nick. This is one of my favourite facilities even if we will be in Trois-Rivières in August. Mosport, probably with Mont-Tremblant, has to be one of the most challenging race strip in North America and I know Glen and I can do very well. We have put our last race hiccup (engine) behind and are looking forward to a podium finish this time. The crew at I-Moto have put our car in mint shape and we hope the weather stays clear and warm.”
“I came back from Watkins Glen with half a smile, grinned Kuno. The upper-state New-York track is outstanding and I wanted to get closer in the standings. In the first round, I almost took the lead in the first corner and was fighting hard for the victory, at least a podium spot, when one of the half-shaft let go. The results indicate I crashed but the only thing that crashed was a cv joint on my car that keft me very disappointed. In the second race, I started ninth and reeled in a few guys before finishing fourth overall. I’m still seventh in the standings, only nine points away from fifth and third is still within grasp.”
Montreal, Quebec — Nick Wittmer will be returning this weekend on a track he almost calls home for having raced so many times in the last years, Mosport Raceway in Ontario, Canada. The 22 year-old driver will be pairing again with American Glen Bocchino in the #31 I-Moto Acura TSX for the fifth round of the Grand Am Koni Challenge.
They will look for a better result than the 12-lap DNF thay experienced in Lime Rock some three weeks ago. Meanwhile, brother Kuno Wittmer will take some time off after last weekend’s double header in Watkins Glen where he enjoyed only one good result: the older Wittmer brother was sidelined with a mechanical issue when a cv joint broke on his Realtime Racing Acura CSX but he recovered in the second round to finish a rewarding fourth, to keep within striking distance in the standings.
‘‘Mosport has to be like coming home, claimed Nick. This is one of my favourite facilities even if we will be in Trois-Rivières in August. Mosport, probably with Mont-Tremblant, has to be one of the most challenging race strip in North America and I know Glen and I can do very well. We have put our last race hiccup (engine) behind and are looking forward to a podium finish this time. The crew at I-Moto have put our car in mint shape and we hope the weather stays clear and warm.”
“I came back from Watkins Glen with half a smile, grinned Kuno. The upper-state New-York track is outstanding and I wanted to get closer in the standings. In the first round, I almost took the lead in the first corner and was fighting hard for the victory, at least a podium spot, when one of the half-shaft let go. The results indicate I crashed but the only thing that crashed was a cv joint on my car that keft me very disappointed. In the second race, I started ninth and reeled in a few guys before finishing fourth overall. I’m still seventh in the standings, only nine points away from fifth and third is still within grasp.”
Tonight... one night only....Justin Martin and some other guy you may have heard of....
MEET JUSTIN MARTIN and the #7 Southern Ontario Sprints race team at the Hamilton Home Depot tonight (June 14) between 6 and 8pm.
Also on hand will be NASCAR's Tony Stewart to sign autographs (for the first 700 people). This is a great opportunity to see one of NASCAR's top stars. Especially since the last time 'Smoke' was in these parts - for the Canada Day Shootout at Cayuga Speedway a few years back - the event promoter surrounded the driver with 8-foot-tall, steroid-enraged, bouncer-freaks who threatened you with bodily harm for even thinking of taking a picture of Stewart. If you think I'm kidding, I'm not. But that's another story...
WHERE: Home Depot.... 350 Centennial Parkway; North Hamilton
OSS: Choko & Fast Eddie Racewear gets behind the OSS
The Ontario Sportsman Series and Choko Motorsports/Fast Eddie Racewear of Stouffville, On have joined forces for the 2007 season. Both Choko Motorsports and Fast Eddie Racewear have a long history of supporting racing in Canada and they will be the official apparel supplier of the newly formed Ontario Sportsman Series.
“Choko and Fast Eddie Racewear understand racing having been involved with Cascar as well as numerous other racing series; not to mention fielding a car in the former Cascar Super Series and currently they field the #3 car in the Nascar Canadian Tire Series,” stated Dave Connelly of the OSS. “The knowledge and experience that they bring to the table to support is going to help us grow this series in the years to come, it’s an honour to be working with both of these companies.”
"Grassroots racing is the backbone of our sport, we have supported many series over the years that include, Cascar, Oscar, several Saturday night Track Events, and individual drivers, like Peter Gibbons, Stu Robinson Jr, D.J. Kennington, Chris Fowler, Billy Rouse, and more recently Jason Hathaway. The new OSS series will be another positive group in Canada, that will ultimately build driving skills that will allow progression to the larger opportunities,” says Ed Hakonson owner of Choko Motorsports.
Choko Motorsports will celebrate 25 Years in business in early 2008. From the beginning, we had a vision that included a Motorsports in a major role within the Canadian sporting scene.
Having locations in Montreal, Stouffville, Buffalo and Calgary, has allowed our staff and Company in general, to understand our Canadian market and grow in the US also. We are a fixture and intend to continue long into the future, as our Motorsports programs mature. Our Passion for the business and experience with details, allows us to remain as the Number 1 supplier of Motorsports apparel and safety wear in Canada.
From Dave Connelly // OSS
NCATS: Pierre Bourque Using All of His Talents at Mosport... Versatile Racer Kicking Off Busy Stretch Inside Racecars In Two Countries
CONCORD, NC (June 14, 2007) – Pierre Bourque is an accomplished road racer who has branched out into stock car racing in recent seasons. This weekend, he’ll get to combine both worlds into one race in front of his countrymen at the historic Mosport road course near Toronto, Ontario.
The race will be Bourque’s first NASCAR Canadian Tire event of the season and he’ll be behind the wheel of a Whitlock Motorsports entry.
"I'm thrilled to be renewing my on-track relationship with Whitlock Motorsports,” said Bourque. “The NASCAR Canadian Tire series is going to be a great place to go racing this season and this is going to be our first of several races. The fact that it will be at Mosport, where there is so much history and prestige only makes me look forward to this weekend even more.”
Bourque recently got the chance to try out his #29 Driving.ca, Canada.com, Working.com, Dose.ca Dodge Charger at Mosport, and that test set a good tone for the upcoming race there.
“We tested our Dodge Charger there last week, ironed out an engine hiccup, and we feel we will be very competitive for the Father's Day race."
The month of June is going to be a busy one for Bourque. After he completes his race at Mosport, he’ll be heading to the United States to spend two days at New Hampshire International Speedway, testing with Fitz Motorsports in preparation for the June 29th NASCAR Busch North Series event there.
“I’m also really looking forward to getting back on track in the Busch East Series,” said Bourque. “This is going to be my first time racing at New Hampshire and it looks like a challenging track – a real racer’s track. I can’t wait to get out there and take some laps there.”
Race fans will now have a new tool to keep up with Bourque’s busy racing schedule. His new website, www.pierrebourque.net has been launched. The site features all kinds of news, results and background information on the Canadian race driver, as well as a number of multimedia goodies for race fans. Be sure to check Bourque’s new site out, as well as his primary sponsor’s website, Driving.ca.
“I am as passionate about motorsports as my primary sponsor Driving.ca is about motoring. Driving.ca is a fantastic website for people looking to research a new vehicle purchase, learn about the latest industry developments, or follow the very latest in racing. We're both all about passion, which makes Driving.ca and perfect match for me."
The Canadian Tire event at Mosport will take place on Sunday, June 17th
For more information on Pierre Bourque, please contact Mike Twist at (207) 590-1786 or (207) 499-2565 and be sure to check out the all-new PierreBourque.net.
The race will be Bourque’s first NASCAR Canadian Tire event of the season and he’ll be behind the wheel of a Whitlock Motorsports entry.
"I'm thrilled to be renewing my on-track relationship with Whitlock Motorsports,” said Bourque. “The NASCAR Canadian Tire series is going to be a great place to go racing this season and this is going to be our first of several races. The fact that it will be at Mosport, where there is so much history and prestige only makes me look forward to this weekend even more.”
Bourque recently got the chance to try out his #29 Driving.ca, Canada.com, Working.com, Dose.ca Dodge Charger at Mosport, and that test set a good tone for the upcoming race there.
“We tested our Dodge Charger there last week, ironed out an engine hiccup, and we feel we will be very competitive for the Father's Day race."
The month of June is going to be a busy one for Bourque. After he completes his race at Mosport, he’ll be heading to the United States to spend two days at New Hampshire International Speedway, testing with Fitz Motorsports in preparation for the June 29th NASCAR Busch North Series event there.
“I’m also really looking forward to getting back on track in the Busch East Series,” said Bourque. “This is going to be my first time racing at New Hampshire and it looks like a challenging track – a real racer’s track. I can’t wait to get out there and take some laps there.”
Race fans will now have a new tool to keep up with Bourque’s busy racing schedule. His new website, www.pierrebourque.net has been launched. The site features all kinds of news, results and background information on the Canadian race driver, as well as a number of multimedia goodies for race fans. Be sure to check Bourque’s new site out, as well as his primary sponsor’s website, Driving.ca.
“I am as passionate about motorsports as my primary sponsor Driving.ca is about motoring. Driving.ca is a fantastic website for people looking to research a new vehicle purchase, learn about the latest industry developments, or follow the very latest in racing. We're both all about passion, which makes Driving.ca and perfect match for me."
The Canadian Tire event at Mosport will take place on Sunday, June 17th
For more information on Pierre Bourque, please contact Mike Twist at (207) 590-1786 or (207) 499-2565 and be sure to check out the all-new PierreBourque.net.
NCATS: BROWN READIES FOR ROAD COURSE TEST
BRANTFORD, ON – Doug Brown and his Haldex Limited, Mopar-powered Dodge Charger will be among the field of NASCAR Canadian Tire Series competitors heading to Mosport International Raceway this weekend for the first of four road course events on their 2007 racing calendar.
In the past, the 10-turn, 4 kilometre course has presented major disappointments for the veteran competitor and his teammates who definitely prefer the oval track events of the 12-race series. After five previous attempts at the legendary track set in the rolling hills of Clarington Township north of Bowmanville, Ontario, Brown finally gained his first top-ten finish last season with a daring pass on the last lap of 51-lap event in the former CASCAR Super Series.
“It’s always a challenge adapting to the speed variations, the shifting and the unusual configurations of road course racing but as a team we feel confident that the experienced gained from past outings at Mosport will help improve our performance in this year’s race,” Doug responded in evaluating his chances in the Father’s Day event. “On any road course you have to race the track not just the competition.”
For this weekend’s event, the Brantford-based competitor will be in an unfamiliar car prepared by DJ Kennington and powered by the engine built by DJ’s father Doug Kennington.
“We feel the car will be as competitive as those of any of our Series’ top competitors and we know that DJ has prepared the car to do the job. It’s now up to me to drive it smoothly, consistently and as fast as possible to run with those who have proven their expertise on road courses. I’m really looking forward to testing that Dodge horsepower, especially on the long Mario Andretti straightaway. “
Doug currently sits 13th in the early season standings after being knocked out from an accident and ensuing electrical problems late in the opener at Cayuga Speedway two weeks ago.
“The Cayuga race put us in an early hole but I feel we still have a strong chance to catch and run with the early leaders as the season progresses. We were solid throughout most of that opener and I’m confident that with steady runs in each of the remaining races we have a legitimate chance to give the early season favourites a strong run for the championship.
30-plus teams are expected to contest Sunday’s “Dickies 200 presented by Canadian Shield Anticrime.” Qualifying for the race will take place on Saturday.
HB Motorsports is pleased to have Haldex Limited as its Title Sponsor with NAPA Autopro supporting team programs through its role of Major Associate Sponsor role. Bicknell Racing Products; World of Graphics; HurryPrint Imaging Centre; WIX Filters; KWIC Internet; Gates Canada; BOC Gases; Brochures etc; Leitch Performance Engines; Strodes BBQ & Deli; and BrentZone Graphics are also valued members of our Associate Sponsorship Marketing team.
Prepared by: Ken Spencer // Marketing and Media Relations // HB Motorsports
In the past, the 10-turn, 4 kilometre course has presented major disappointments for the veteran competitor and his teammates who definitely prefer the oval track events of the 12-race series. After five previous attempts at the legendary track set in the rolling hills of Clarington Township north of Bowmanville, Ontario, Brown finally gained his first top-ten finish last season with a daring pass on the last lap of 51-lap event in the former CASCAR Super Series.
“It’s always a challenge adapting to the speed variations, the shifting and the unusual configurations of road course racing but as a team we feel confident that the experienced gained from past outings at Mosport will help improve our performance in this year’s race,” Doug responded in evaluating his chances in the Father’s Day event. “On any road course you have to race the track not just the competition.”
For this weekend’s event, the Brantford-based competitor will be in an unfamiliar car prepared by DJ Kennington and powered by the engine built by DJ’s father Doug Kennington.
“We feel the car will be as competitive as those of any of our Series’ top competitors and we know that DJ has prepared the car to do the job. It’s now up to me to drive it smoothly, consistently and as fast as possible to run with those who have proven their expertise on road courses. I’m really looking forward to testing that Dodge horsepower, especially on the long Mario Andretti straightaway. “
Doug currently sits 13th in the early season standings after being knocked out from an accident and ensuing electrical problems late in the opener at Cayuga Speedway two weeks ago.
“The Cayuga race put us in an early hole but I feel we still have a strong chance to catch and run with the early leaders as the season progresses. We were solid throughout most of that opener and I’m confident that with steady runs in each of the remaining races we have a legitimate chance to give the early season favourites a strong run for the championship.
30-plus teams are expected to contest Sunday’s “Dickies 200 presented by Canadian Shield Anticrime.” Qualifying for the race will take place on Saturday.
HB Motorsports is pleased to have Haldex Limited as its Title Sponsor with NAPA Autopro supporting team programs through its role of Major Associate Sponsor role. Bicknell Racing Products; World of Graphics; HurryPrint Imaging Centre; WIX Filters; KWIC Internet; Gates Canada; BOC Gases; Brochures etc; Leitch Performance Engines; Strodes BBQ & Deli; and BrentZone Graphics are also valued members of our Associate Sponsorship Marketing team.
Prepared by: Ken Spencer // Marketing and Media Relations // HB Motorsports
OSCAAR Ready to Make Some Noise in Barrie
By George Strang
June 13, 2007 - The OSCAAR Outlaw Super Late Models return to action this Saturday, June 16th at Barrie Speedway. The tough 1/3 mile tri-oval will play host for what is race #3 of 13 on the 2007 schedule for the OSCAAR tour. This date marks the only appearance of OSCAAR at Barrie this season.
Last year's schedule saw two appearances at Barrie, both of which had their own unplanned turn of events. The June event last year saw fresh pavement and blistering hot temperatures combine to cancel most of the allotted practice sessions because of slick track conditions and fear that the supers would tear up the new racing surface. That, and the fact that drivers hadn’t driven on the reconfigured tri-oval before lead to a lot of questions and tense nerves come racing time. In the end the full racing card was completed with the #61 of John Fletcher taking home the checkers.
The September event saw the proceedings split up over two days due to rain moving in after the heat races were in the books. The feature was run the following day and Fletcher completed the sweep of Barrie grabbing the checkers again and taking a stranglehold on the season points standings.
Barrie was also a coming out party of sorts for the #22 of Glenn Watson last year. In only his second outing in a super late model, he dominated the field for most of the race until brake failure in the last few laps ended his shot at the win. The team followed up that performance with a strong second place finish in the fall Barrie event.
But this is the ’07 season, and with two races in the books, it’s Watson who’s carrying the series points lead back to his home track, and the pressure is on. He’s got the likes of 5 time series champion Rob Clarke hot on his heels in second, followed by reigning series champion John Fletcher, who is undefeated on the new track configuration, and the always fast Shane Maginnis is right in the mix too in fourth. If anyone has a bad night, it’s going to hurt in the points standings. Whoever wins carries that momentum into Cayuga and the Don Biederman Memorial.
The 2007 Rookie Class will be a factor in Saturday night's race. #7 Derrick Tiemersma leads the rookie points and sits 5th in the season standings. Looking to challenge Tiemersma and make up ground against his competitors is #99 Tim Watson. Barrie fans will recognize the familiar blue with red flames body but this time it will be on Watson's Outlaw car rather than the Limited Late Model he drove over the last two years. OSCAAR also looks forward to the first OSCAAR race for #51 Mark Ruigrok among others in a stellar class of rookies.
June 16th. Barrie Speedway. Spectator gates open at 5:30pm with green flag racing at 7pm.
June 13, 2007 - The OSCAAR Outlaw Super Late Models return to action this Saturday, June 16th at Barrie Speedway. The tough 1/3 mile tri-oval will play host for what is race #3 of 13 on the 2007 schedule for the OSCAAR tour. This date marks the only appearance of OSCAAR at Barrie this season.
Last year's schedule saw two appearances at Barrie, both of which had their own unplanned turn of events. The June event last year saw fresh pavement and blistering hot temperatures combine to cancel most of the allotted practice sessions because of slick track conditions and fear that the supers would tear up the new racing surface. That, and the fact that drivers hadn’t driven on the reconfigured tri-oval before lead to a lot of questions and tense nerves come racing time. In the end the full racing card was completed with the #61 of John Fletcher taking home the checkers.
The September event saw the proceedings split up over two days due to rain moving in after the heat races were in the books. The feature was run the following day and Fletcher completed the sweep of Barrie grabbing the checkers again and taking a stranglehold on the season points standings.
Barrie was also a coming out party of sorts for the #22 of Glenn Watson last year. In only his second outing in a super late model, he dominated the field for most of the race until brake failure in the last few laps ended his shot at the win. The team followed up that performance with a strong second place finish in the fall Barrie event.
But this is the ’07 season, and with two races in the books, it’s Watson who’s carrying the series points lead back to his home track, and the pressure is on. He’s got the likes of 5 time series champion Rob Clarke hot on his heels in second, followed by reigning series champion John Fletcher, who is undefeated on the new track configuration, and the always fast Shane Maginnis is right in the mix too in fourth. If anyone has a bad night, it’s going to hurt in the points standings. Whoever wins carries that momentum into Cayuga and the Don Biederman Memorial.
The 2007 Rookie Class will be a factor in Saturday night's race. #7 Derrick Tiemersma leads the rookie points and sits 5th in the season standings. Looking to challenge Tiemersma and make up ground against his competitors is #99 Tim Watson. Barrie fans will recognize the familiar blue with red flames body but this time it will be on Watson's Outlaw car rather than the Limited Late Model he drove over the last two years. OSCAAR also looks forward to the first OSCAAR race for #51 Mark Ruigrok among others in a stellar class of rookies.
June 16th. Barrie Speedway. Spectator gates open at 5:30pm with green flag racing at 7pm.
Inside Track Readers' Choice Awards Winners
Canadian Racing Legend Ron Fellows on top in four categories once again
TORONTO, ON – The votes for the fifth-annual Inside Track Readers’ Choice Awards, presented by Castrol, have been tallied, and the winners were announced in the July 2007 issue of Inside Track Motorsport News.
In a return to the format used in previous years, Inside Track supplied a list of potential nominees in most of the 12 categories representing various popular forms of racing in Canada, along with space for write-in nominations. Inside Track wanted to ensure that every single Canadian racer had the chance to win whether or not they were put forward by the editors and contributors.
The category winners are: Stock Car Racer of the Year – J.R. Fitzpatrick (CASCAR); Up & Coming Stock Car Racer of the Year – Tyler Brown (Delaware Late Model); Road Racer of the Year – Ron Fellows (ALMS, SPEED GT); Up & Coming Road Racer of the Year – Robert Wickens (Formula BMW USA); Motorcycle Racer of the Year – Jordan Szoke (Parts Canada Superbike Championship); Up & Coming Motorcycle Racer of the Year – Brett McCormick (SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike); Drag Racer of the Year – Daniel Mercier (NHRA Northeast); Kart Racer of the Year – Scott Campbell (RotaxMax Team Canada) and Rally Racer of the Year – Antoine L'Estage (Canadian Rally Championship).
Ron Fellows picked up a trio of additional awards. For the third time in Inside Track Readers’ Choice Awards history, he was chosen as Overall Canadian Racer of the Year, previously taking that title in 2004 and 2005. Also, he was once again selected as the Canadian Racer of the Year Competing at the Highest Levels of International Competition and Most Deserving of Induction in the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame.
Inside Track Motorsport News is Canada’s top racing magazine, and the Readers’ Choice Awards are a key component of the magazine’s commitment to shine a bright light on this country’s current and future stars. The program is supported by title sponsor Castrol Canada, and the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame has incorporated several Readers’ Choice Award winners into their induction celebrations.
All voting for the Inside Track Readers’ Choice Awards, presented by Castrol was conducted via a controlled balloting procedure at the official Inside Track website (www.insidetracknews.com). Polls closed at 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 31, 2007. Previous Overall Canadian Racer of the Year winners include former CASCAR driver Steve Robblee (2002) and former Champ Car champion Paul Tracy (2003).
Inside Track Readers’ Choice Awards, Presented by Castrol
2006 Winners based on voting in the Winter / Spring of 2007
Overall Canadian Racer of the Year
1. Ron Fellows
2. Pat O'Brien
3. John Flemming
Stock Car Racer of the Year
1. J.R. Fitzpatrick
2. Pat O'Brien
3. John Flemming
Up & Coming Stock Car Racer of the Year
1. Tyler Brown
2. Mat Williamson
3. Shawn Press
Road Racer of the Year
1. Ron Fellows
2. Paul Tracy
3. Scott Maxwell
Up & Coming Road Racer of the Year
1. Robert Wickens
2. Kevin Lacroix
3. Jamie Holtom
Motorcycle Racer of the Year
1. Jordan Szoke
2. Ethan Barkley
3. Dusty Klatt
Up & Coming Motorcycle Racer of the Year
1. Brett McCormick
2. Karl Daigle
3. Dean Wilson
Drag Racer of the Year
1. Daniel Mercier
2. Derek Malcolm
3. Remi Weeks
Kart Racer of the Year
1. Scott Campbell
2. Pierre Luc Ouellette
3. Mike Vincec
Rally Racer of the Year
1. Antoine L'Estage
2. Frank Sprongl
3. Aaron Neumann
Canadian Racer of the Year Competing at the Highest Levels of International Competition
1. Ron Fellows
2. Miguel Duhamel
3. Bruno Spengler
Most Deserving of Induction in the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame
1. Ron Fellows
2. Pat O'Brien
3. Scott Fraser
TORONTO, ON – The votes for the fifth-annual Inside Track Readers’ Choice Awards, presented by Castrol, have been tallied, and the winners were announced in the July 2007 issue of Inside Track Motorsport News.
In a return to the format used in previous years, Inside Track supplied a list of potential nominees in most of the 12 categories representing various popular forms of racing in Canada, along with space for write-in nominations. Inside Track wanted to ensure that every single Canadian racer had the chance to win whether or not they were put forward by the editors and contributors.
The category winners are: Stock Car Racer of the Year – J.R. Fitzpatrick (CASCAR); Up & Coming Stock Car Racer of the Year – Tyler Brown (Delaware Late Model); Road Racer of the Year – Ron Fellows (ALMS, SPEED GT); Up & Coming Road Racer of the Year – Robert Wickens (Formula BMW USA); Motorcycle Racer of the Year – Jordan Szoke (Parts Canada Superbike Championship); Up & Coming Motorcycle Racer of the Year – Brett McCormick (SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike); Drag Racer of the Year – Daniel Mercier (NHRA Northeast); Kart Racer of the Year – Scott Campbell (RotaxMax Team Canada) and Rally Racer of the Year – Antoine L'Estage (Canadian Rally Championship).
Ron Fellows picked up a trio of additional awards. For the third time in Inside Track Readers’ Choice Awards history, he was chosen as Overall Canadian Racer of the Year, previously taking that title in 2004 and 2005. Also, he was once again selected as the Canadian Racer of the Year Competing at the Highest Levels of International Competition and Most Deserving of Induction in the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame.
Inside Track Motorsport News is Canada’s top racing magazine, and the Readers’ Choice Awards are a key component of the magazine’s commitment to shine a bright light on this country’s current and future stars. The program is supported by title sponsor Castrol Canada, and the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame has incorporated several Readers’ Choice Award winners into their induction celebrations.
All voting for the Inside Track Readers’ Choice Awards, presented by Castrol was conducted via a controlled balloting procedure at the official Inside Track website (www.insidetracknews.com). Polls closed at 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 31, 2007. Previous Overall Canadian Racer of the Year winners include former CASCAR driver Steve Robblee (2002) and former Champ Car champion Paul Tracy (2003).
Inside Track Readers’ Choice Awards, Presented by Castrol
2006 Winners based on voting in the Winter / Spring of 2007
Overall Canadian Racer of the Year
1. Ron Fellows
2. Pat O'Brien
3. John Flemming
Stock Car Racer of the Year
1. J.R. Fitzpatrick
2. Pat O'Brien
3. John Flemming
Up & Coming Stock Car Racer of the Year
1. Tyler Brown
2. Mat Williamson
3. Shawn Press
Road Racer of the Year
1. Ron Fellows
2. Paul Tracy
3. Scott Maxwell
Up & Coming Road Racer of the Year
1. Robert Wickens
2. Kevin Lacroix
3. Jamie Holtom
Motorcycle Racer of the Year
1. Jordan Szoke
2. Ethan Barkley
3. Dusty Klatt
Up & Coming Motorcycle Racer of the Year
1. Brett McCormick
2. Karl Daigle
3. Dean Wilson
Drag Racer of the Year
1. Daniel Mercier
2. Derek Malcolm
3. Remi Weeks
Kart Racer of the Year
1. Scott Campbell
2. Pierre Luc Ouellette
3. Mike Vincec
Rally Racer of the Year
1. Antoine L'Estage
2. Frank Sprongl
3. Aaron Neumann
Canadian Racer of the Year Competing at the Highest Levels of International Competition
1. Ron Fellows
2. Miguel Duhamel
3. Bruno Spengler
Most Deserving of Induction in the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame
1. Ron Fellows
2. Pat O'Brien
3. Scott Fraser
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
By James Neilson
TORONTO, ON - The Hard Rock Cafe, in the shadow of Toronto's world famous Eaton Centre, played host to top NASCAR Canadian Tire series drivers Dave Whitlock, Derek Lynch and Pierre Bourque on June 13 as well as Grand-Am Koni Challenge frontrunners David Empringham and Scott Maxwell.
The drivers were in attendance to promote this weekend's Father's Day Doubleheader at Bowmanville, Ontario's 4 km long Mosport road course on June 15, 16 and 17. The event will feature a pair of Grand-Am Koni Challenge races, The Grand Sport class is set to run on June 16 while the Super Touring class will run on June 17.
Empringham is looking forward to racing lifelong friend Maxwell. "The most fun I've had was racing with Scott (In Grand-Am)," said Empringham. "But when the helmets are on, we're enemies." Maxwell expects a tough race from his former teammate turned racing rival. "Dave is obviously quick," said Maxwell. "I'm pretty sure he'll have the widest Mustang in the race."
Racing alongside the Grand-Am Koni Challenge Series on Sunday will be the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series in the Dickies 200. This is the second race for the Series after Home Hardware Chevy driver Don Thomson Jr. won the inaugural event at Cayuga Speedway on May 26.
"I'm looking forward to moving from the ovals onto the Road Course," said Whitlock. "There are pretty substantial changes from an oval car to a road course car. Most teams now have a separate car for each."
TORONTO, ON - The Hard Rock Cafe, in the shadow of Toronto's world famous Eaton Centre, played host to top NASCAR Canadian Tire series drivers Dave Whitlock, Derek Lynch and Pierre Bourque on June 13 as well as Grand-Am Koni Challenge frontrunners David Empringham and Scott Maxwell.
The drivers were in attendance to promote this weekend's Father's Day Doubleheader at Bowmanville, Ontario's 4 km long Mosport road course on June 15, 16 and 17. The event will feature a pair of Grand-Am Koni Challenge races, The Grand Sport class is set to run on June 16 while the Super Touring class will run on June 17.
Empringham is looking forward to racing lifelong friend Maxwell. "The most fun I've had was racing with Scott (In Grand-Am)," said Empringham. "But when the helmets are on, we're enemies." Maxwell expects a tough race from his former teammate turned racing rival. "Dave is obviously quick," said Maxwell. "I'm pretty sure he'll have the widest Mustang in the race."
Racing alongside the Grand-Am Koni Challenge Series on Sunday will be the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series in the Dickies 200. This is the second race for the Series after Home Hardware Chevy driver Don Thomson Jr. won the inaugural event at Cayuga Speedway on May 26.
"I'm looking forward to moving from the ovals onto the Road Course," said Whitlock. "There are pretty substantial changes from an oval car to a road course car. Most teams now have a separate car for each."
For more information on the Father's Day Double Header visit www.mosport.com.
PETER SHEPHERD TO PILOT ROULO BROS. ENTRY IN ARCA RACE AT MICHIGAN INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY
(Confirming my earlier post, here's the release from RoushFenway.... G.M.)
Concord, N.C. (June 13, 2007) - Roulo Bros. Racing has announced that Roush Fenway Racing development driver Peter Shepherd will once again be behind the wheel of the No. 39 Ford Fusion for select ARCA RE/MAX Series events. Shepherd will assume driving duties beginning at the ARCA 200 at Michigan International Speedway this Friday, June 15th. The No. 39 will carry BeavEx Courier Services as the primary sponsor and Zardo Scrap Metal, Logels Auto Parts and Reliance Tool as associates.
"It's great to have Peter back in the car," said Gary Roulo, owner. "He has a natural driving ability and he will be a great representative for team sponsors. On the sponsor side, BeavEx has been a great marketing partner for us, participating as an associate sponsor for several previous events. We are really excited to have them on as a primary sponsor for the Michigan race."
"I'm excited to be back in a Roulo Bros. car this weekend," said Shepherd. "We're happy to have BeavEx Courier Services as our primary sponsor this weekend. We had a decent top 10 run at Michigan last year so we're hoping to top that this Friday for BeavEx Courier Services and our entire team. The Roulo Bros. always provide me with winning equipment and Michigan is a great track with lots of room to pass so I'm really looking forward to having a good weekend."
Roulo added, "We have had a good record at M.I.S. through the years in both ARCA and NEXTEL Cup. We had a good run last year with Pete and we were in a position to win two years ago with Erik Darnell until we ran short on fuel. We really appreciate the relationship with Jack Roush and everyone in the Roush Fenway organization. They have been great to work with. It's also rewarding to know we're helping to groom some of the future stars for their race teams."
In 2006 Shepherd scored three top ten finishes in four starts for the Roulo Bros. in ARCA RE/MAX Series competition. His best finish of fourth came at Gateway International Speedway. In last year's ARCA RE/MAX Series visit to Michigan, Shepherd posted the fifth fastest qualifying lap at 39.404 seconds (182.732 mph) in the Roulo Bros./BeavEx entry, ultimately racing to a tenth place finish.
Qualifying for the ARCA 200 is scheduled for 3 p.m. EDT on Thursday, June 14th.
The ARCA 200 at Michigan International Speedway rolls off at 5:15 p.m. EDT Friday, June 15th. The race will be carried on Speed Channel.
About Roulo Bros.
Over the past two seasons, Roulo Bros. Racing has worked with several of Roush Fenway Racing's development drivers including David Ragan, Erik Darnell, Danny O'Quinn, Jr. and Shepherd. Roulo Bros. Racing team co-owners; Gary and Rusty, serve as Crew Chief and Car Chief respectively. The Roulo Bros. are established ARCA and NASCAR competitors. Roulo Bros. Racing currently owns 22 career ARCA RE/MAX Series wins with six different drivers. Through the years Roulo Bros. Racing has had a well known driver roster including drivers such as Alan Kulwicki, Bobby Hamilton Jr., Chuck Bown, Darrell Waltrip, David Green, Dick Trickle, Jimmy Spencer, Ken Schrader, Mike Wallace, and Rich Bickle to name only a few.
Just in case there was any question in anyone's mind regarding where Budweiser stands...
It appears Budweiser is keen to follow Junior out the door at DEI.
Attribute to: Tony Ponturo
Vice President, Global Media and Sports Marketing // Anheuser-Busch, Inc.
"Anheuser-Busch has enjoyed a remarkable relationship with Dale Earnhardt Jr. since our sponsorship commenced back in 1999. Dale Jr. is an excellent ambassador for the sport and our company, and we look forward to exploring options with Hendrick Motorsports and JR Motorsports to continue Budweiser’s relationship with him as he enters this new stage of his racing career."
ARCA Canucks at Michigan
The entry list for this Friday's ARCA race at Michigan Int'l Speedway lists of a pair of Canadian entries:
#30 Terry Jones (Amherstburg, ON) driving the Jones Group Dodge
and
#39 Pete Shepherd (Brampton, ON) driving the BeavEx-Reliance Tool / Zardo / Logel's Ford (owned by Russ Roulo)
Good luck to both!
p.s. - I caught up with Pete Shepherd at the recent NCATS race at Cayuga Speedway Park when he was spotting for his friend J.R. Fitzpatrick. There's an interview with 'Petey' in the next issue of Inside Track, which is on press now.
#30 Terry Jones (Amherstburg, ON) driving the Jones Group Dodge
and
#39 Pete Shepherd (Brampton, ON) driving the BeavEx-Reliance Tool / Zardo / Logel's Ford (owned by Russ Roulo)
Good luck to both!
p.s. - I caught up with Pete Shepherd at the recent NCATS race at Cayuga Speedway Park when he was spotting for his friend J.R. Fitzpatrick. There's an interview with 'Petey' in the next issue of Inside Track, which is on press now.
It's Official... Junior to Hendrick for '08
We'll post the release when it arrives, but look for Dale Earnhardt Jr. to team up with Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson at Hendrick next season.
More to come...
More to come...
UPDATE: TSN has the story here. And Jayski gives the blow-by-blow from the press conference here. NASCAR covers the story here.
Not really any word yet on whether or not Kyle Busch is actually heading to DEI, although he will supposedly be finishing the season out in Hendrick's #05.I'll bet if the young fella could get into the 'Wayback Machine' and not announce to the world that the new Car of Tomorrow "Sucks!" after winning the first COT race... and change his decision to abandon his team when they were thrasing to repair his car.... he would.
Right now, 'Shrub' seems as popular as Poison Ivy.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Dale Jr. to hold press conference tomorrow at his JR Motorsports shop
MOORESVILLE, N.C. – NASCAR NEXTEL Cup driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. has scheduled a news conference for Wednesday at 11 a.m. ET at his JR Motorsports race shop.
.... and the winner is: Hendrick ???
UPDATE: Jayski is carrying reports that Dale Earnhardt Jr. will announce he's trading places with Hendrick driver Kyle Busch in a deal that will see the two drivers swap seats starting in 2008.
NCATS: Micks returns to Mosport as defending champion
“It’s going to be an important weekend for the future of Micks Motorsports.”
MOUNT ALBERT, ONTARIO (June 13, 2007) – Kerry Micks has a lot riding on his performance this weekend. Not only is the stock car veteran the defending winner of the Father's Day Doubleheader Weekend at Mosport International Raceway, and would like to keep hold of his title, he is hoping for a good showing to retain and secure solid sponsorship for the remainder of the year.
For the upcoming race, Micks will be driving the Beyond Digital Imaging Ford Taurus on the Mosport road course, the second race in the new 12-event NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Sirius Satellite Radio.
“We run really well at Mosport and I enjoy the challenging road courses, they separate the men from the boys,” said Micks from his Mount Albert, Ontario race shop. “Our team’s start in the first race of the season wasn’t all that great and the plan is to rebound with a good finish,” he added.
The Father's Day Doubleheader Weekend - The Dickies 200, presented by Canadian Shield Anticrime will take place Saturday and Sunday on the 2.5-mile, 10-turn road course, June 16 – 17, at Mosport International Raceway, located about 60 miles east of Toronto just north of Bowmanville, Ontario.
“It’s going to be an important weekend for the future of Micks Motorsports in 2007,” Micks added, referring to primary sponsorship agreement with Beyond Digital Imaging for the first three events of the season. “A podium finish or hopefully a win may give us the momentum the team needs to secure the sponsorship for the rest of the season.”
For information about Mosport tickets and camping, call the Mosport International Raceway at (800) 866-1072 or visit online at www.mosport.com
Micks Motorsports is sponsored by Beyond Digital Imaging (BDI), Canadian Detailing Services, Cathcart Trucking and APX Racing Gear and Incentives Inc.
From Bruce F. Mehlenbacher // Photo by Bill Mehlenbacher
“We run really well at Mosport and I enjoy the challenging road courses, they separate the men from the boys,” said Micks from his Mount Albert, Ontario race shop. “Our team’s start in the first race of the season wasn’t all that great and the plan is to rebound with a good finish,” he added.
The Father's Day Doubleheader Weekend - The Dickies 200, presented by Canadian Shield Anticrime will take place Saturday and Sunday on the 2.5-mile, 10-turn road course, June 16 – 17, at Mosport International Raceway, located about 60 miles east of Toronto just north of Bowmanville, Ontario.
“It’s going to be an important weekend for the future of Micks Motorsports in 2007,” Micks added, referring to primary sponsorship agreement with Beyond Digital Imaging for the first three events of the season. “A podium finish or hopefully a win may give us the momentum the team needs to secure the sponsorship for the rest of the season.”
For information about Mosport tickets and camping, call the Mosport International Raceway at (800) 866-1072 or visit online at www.mosport.com
Micks Motorsports is sponsored by Beyond Digital Imaging (BDI), Canadian Detailing Services, Cathcart Trucking and APX Racing Gear and Incentives Inc.
From Bruce F. Mehlenbacher // Photo by Bill Mehlenbacher
F1: Kubica's Crash Captured
Inside Track photographer Paul Pedicelli managed to snap some of these shots of Robert Kubica after his massive accident at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on Sunday. While these images are shocking, Kubica was released from a Montreal hospital only hours after the race, and expects to make Indianapolis this weekend.
For more of Paul's catalogue of images, check out his website Vroomfoto.com.
For more of Paul's catalogue of images, check out his website Vroomfoto.com.
NCATS: VAN ES READY TO TAKE STEP INTO CONTENTION
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (June 11, 2007) – Ron Van Es finished the 2006 racing season with the feeling that a piece was missing from the puzzle. He thinks, now, that sometimes elusive final component of the equation is in place and is ready to take the step into contention on a consistent basis.
After a complete evaluation of everything from driving style to singular components, the 28-year-old Van Es and his team concluded that their overall motor program was one of the main sources of concern. So, they made the difficult decision to change engine builders for the 2007 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Sirius Satellite Radio season.
“A lot went into our decision,” Van Es said. “We had to determine what we could pinpoint as the problem, or problems. Kind of a recurring theme was engine failures, so we made up our minds to go with Peter Gibbons as our engine builder.”
Gibbons is also a current competitor in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series as well as a two-time champion of the former CASCAR Super Series. More importantly, however, he operates his motor shop from Mooresville, N.C., an area where many NASCAR teams are based and the heart of where most of the engine research and development is done.
“Peter has been awesome to work with,” said Van Es, a resident of Stoney Creek, Ontario. “He is more than willing to spend time with us, even at the track, and provide advice and input.”
Even though Van Es’ No. 11 Star Van Systems/Ingersoll Rand Chevrolet wound up finishing 20th after being caught up in an accident, the season-opener at Cayuga Speedway Park was a solid debut with the Gibbons-built motor.
He posted the second-fastest time in practice and qualified third for the race. His starting position on the inside of the second row was new territory for the Van Es race team, but after the solid effort in practice they felt confident there.
“We know that we are good enough to run with the leaders. We just had to go out and prove it,” he said.
Which they did. For the first half of the race, Van Es was firmly holding his ground in the top five. At one point, he made a move on eventual race winner Don Thomson Jr. and made the pass for the lead. Unfortunately for Van Es, the caution flag waved quickly thereafter setting up another new experience: a restart as the leader.
“I had never before restarted a race (at this level of competition) in the lead, but I had just passed Thomson, the guy who ended up winning the race, for the lead, so it was time to give it a go. I was a little tentative on how to handle it, and Thomson pulled a veteran move and taught me a lesson,” Van Es said.
The remainder of the race was entirely forgettable for the Van Es team. On lap 98, Kerry Micks and Mark Dilley got tangled up in turn two. Van Es dove down to the infield grass to miss the trouble, but could not avoid Micks’ machine as it slid down the track and onto the grass. The damage sustained to the front of Van Es’ car ended all hope for contention. He eventually retired the car with suspension problems.
The disappointing end did not dampen the enthusiasm of Van Es or his team.
“We feel that we have a program that can compete each every time. Sure, the finish didn’t work out the way we would have liked, but it was not of our own making,” said Van Es. “The look on my guy’s faces was very gratifying. They put a lot of work into this car, and now with that performance our morale is at an all-time high.”
A different kind of beast awaits Van Es, one that he admittedly termed as a downfall in the past. The next event for the Canadian Tire Series, The Dickies 200 presented by Canadian Shield Anticrime, will be held on the 2.5-mile, 10-turn road course at Mosport International Raceway in Bowmanville, Ontario.
“The road course races had been the places where we suffered the most motor problems, so maybe this will be a more accurate test of where our new engine program is,” said Van Es.
“I really like the track, though. It has changes in elevation and challenging turns. It is really a fun place to compete. Like all road course tracks, Mosport demands a good handling car. Alex Nagy, my crew chief, has always given me a great handling car and now that we have seemingly solved our motor problems, I am very excited and looking forward to the event.”
Ticket information for the Dickies 200 presented by Canadian Shield Anticrime can be obtained by calling Mosport International Raceway at (905) 983-9141 or by logging onto www.mosport.com.
Fast Facts What: Dickies 200 presented by Canadian Shield (Race No. 2 of 12 in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series).
Where: Mosport International Raceway, Bowmanville, Ontario.
When: 2:15 p.m. ET (approx.), Sunday, June 17, 2007.
Track layout: 2.5-mile road course.
Race length: 50 laps/125 miles.
Posted awards: $67,524 CAD.
TV: TSN (Sun., June 24, Noon ET).
Top 10 in Points: 1. Don Thomson, Jr., 190; 2. Mark Dilley, 175; 3. Peter Gibbons, 165; 4. Andrew Ranger, 160; 5. Derek Lynch, 155; 6. Jason Hathaway, 151; 7. John Gaunt, 150; 8. Joey McColm, 142; 9. Kerry Micks, 139; 10. Kent Nuhn, 138.
Pre-race schedule (all times local): Sat., 6/16 – 6:30 a.m. Registration Opens; 10:05-10:35 a.m. Practice; 11:50 a.m.-12:20 p.m. Practice; 4:00 p.m. Bud Pole Qualifying. Sun., 6/17 – 10:00 a.m. Registration opens; 2:15 p.m. Dickies 200 presented by Canadian Shield.
Track contact: Lee Bailie, (905) 983-9141 lee@mosport.com
For more information, contact: Shon Sbarra, NASCAR Public Relations, (253) 377-9128 or ssbarra@nascar.com // Jason Christley, NASCAR Public Relations, (386) 947-6788 or jchistley@nascar.com
After a complete evaluation of everything from driving style to singular components, the 28-year-old Van Es and his team concluded that their overall motor program was one of the main sources of concern. So, they made the difficult decision to change engine builders for the 2007 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Sirius Satellite Radio season.
“A lot went into our decision,” Van Es said. “We had to determine what we could pinpoint as the problem, or problems. Kind of a recurring theme was engine failures, so we made up our minds to go with Peter Gibbons as our engine builder.”
Gibbons is also a current competitor in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series as well as a two-time champion of the former CASCAR Super Series. More importantly, however, he operates his motor shop from Mooresville, N.C., an area where many NASCAR teams are based and the heart of where most of the engine research and development is done.
“Peter has been awesome to work with,” said Van Es, a resident of Stoney Creek, Ontario. “He is more than willing to spend time with us, even at the track, and provide advice and input.”
Even though Van Es’ No. 11 Star Van Systems/Ingersoll Rand Chevrolet wound up finishing 20th after being caught up in an accident, the season-opener at Cayuga Speedway Park was a solid debut with the Gibbons-built motor.
He posted the second-fastest time in practice and qualified third for the race. His starting position on the inside of the second row was new territory for the Van Es race team, but after the solid effort in practice they felt confident there.
“We know that we are good enough to run with the leaders. We just had to go out and prove it,” he said.
Which they did. For the first half of the race, Van Es was firmly holding his ground in the top five. At one point, he made a move on eventual race winner Don Thomson Jr. and made the pass for the lead. Unfortunately for Van Es, the caution flag waved quickly thereafter setting up another new experience: a restart as the leader.
“I had never before restarted a race (at this level of competition) in the lead, but I had just passed Thomson, the guy who ended up winning the race, for the lead, so it was time to give it a go. I was a little tentative on how to handle it, and Thomson pulled a veteran move and taught me a lesson,” Van Es said.
The remainder of the race was entirely forgettable for the Van Es team. On lap 98, Kerry Micks and Mark Dilley got tangled up in turn two. Van Es dove down to the infield grass to miss the trouble, but could not avoid Micks’ machine as it slid down the track and onto the grass. The damage sustained to the front of Van Es’ car ended all hope for contention. He eventually retired the car with suspension problems.
The disappointing end did not dampen the enthusiasm of Van Es or his team.
“We feel that we have a program that can compete each every time. Sure, the finish didn’t work out the way we would have liked, but it was not of our own making,” said Van Es. “The look on my guy’s faces was very gratifying. They put a lot of work into this car, and now with that performance our morale is at an all-time high.”
A different kind of beast awaits Van Es, one that he admittedly termed as a downfall in the past. The next event for the Canadian Tire Series, The Dickies 200 presented by Canadian Shield Anticrime, will be held on the 2.5-mile, 10-turn road course at Mosport International Raceway in Bowmanville, Ontario.
“The road course races had been the places where we suffered the most motor problems, so maybe this will be a more accurate test of where our new engine program is,” said Van Es.
“I really like the track, though. It has changes in elevation and challenging turns. It is really a fun place to compete. Like all road course tracks, Mosport demands a good handling car. Alex Nagy, my crew chief, has always given me a great handling car and now that we have seemingly solved our motor problems, I am very excited and looking forward to the event.”
Ticket information for the Dickies 200 presented by Canadian Shield Anticrime can be obtained by calling Mosport International Raceway at (905) 983-9141 or by logging onto www.mosport.com.
Fast Facts What: Dickies 200 presented by Canadian Shield (Race No. 2 of 12 in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series).
Where: Mosport International Raceway, Bowmanville, Ontario.
When: 2:15 p.m. ET (approx.), Sunday, June 17, 2007.
Track layout: 2.5-mile road course.
Race length: 50 laps/125 miles.
Posted awards: $67,524 CAD.
TV: TSN (Sun., June 24, Noon ET).
Top 10 in Points: 1. Don Thomson, Jr., 190; 2. Mark Dilley, 175; 3. Peter Gibbons, 165; 4. Andrew Ranger, 160; 5. Derek Lynch, 155; 6. Jason Hathaway, 151; 7. John Gaunt, 150; 8. Joey McColm, 142; 9. Kerry Micks, 139; 10. Kent Nuhn, 138.
Pre-race schedule (all times local): Sat., 6/16 – 6:30 a.m. Registration Opens; 10:05-10:35 a.m. Practice; 11:50 a.m.-12:20 p.m. Practice; 4:00 p.m. Bud Pole Qualifying. Sun., 6/17 – 10:00 a.m. Registration opens; 2:15 p.m. Dickies 200 presented by Canadian Shield.
Track contact: Lee Bailie, (905) 983-9141 lee@mosport.com
For more information, contact: Shon Sbarra, NASCAR Public Relations, (253) 377-9128 or ssbarra@nascar.com // Jason Christley, NASCAR Public Relations, (386) 947-6788 or jchistley@nascar.com
Tyler Brown season update
WATERDOWN, ONTARIO – Tyler Brown has been busy this season and everything has been going according to plan. “This year is all about learning more about these potent cars and learning how to race competitively,” Brown said.After spending the 2006 season getting a feel for this level of competition and trying to gain the respect of his fellow competitors, the 15 year old is now working hard to run with the veterans and become a legitimate contender. Brown has captured some excellent finishes this year including a 3rd place finish at Flamboro Speedway.
“That 3rd place run was awesome, I raced with veterans and track champions like Scott Lyons. When I brought the car home 3rd it was great to know I can run with those guys.” The same has been true at Delaware Speedway, outside of London, where he has battled side by side with the top runners there.
Crew Chief Glen Brown stated, “We have tried things this year that have not worked as far as car set-up goes, but that is part of Tyler learning what works for him. We have also started him at the back of the field to help him hone his passing skills. This year is all about lots of racing and seat time to help with Tyler’s learning curve. We race every weekend, sometimes both Friday & Saturday, from now until the end of September.”
This past week Tyler was at Flamboro Speedway again for the 1st leg of the ultra competitive Grisdale Triple Crown races. Running Flamboro this year is in response to great sponsors in the area. Tyler is carring sponsorship from Donato & Associates of Dundas, Waterdown Automotive and, new for 2007, Snipes & Wipes Automotive Detailing of Waterdown. Tyler qualified in the 7th spot for the feature amongst a field of 29 cars.
“We worked hard all day on the set up and the car was awesome” Brown said. Unfortunately on the 3rd lap of the feature 2 cars right in front of Brown made contact and turned sideways and, with nowhere to go coming out of turn 2 at full throttle, the #91 made heavy contact with another car ending his night.
Tyler Brown is 15 years old and from Waterdown, Ontario. During 2006 Tyler became the youngest late model driver in the history of Delaware Speedway en route to capturing the 2006 “Rookie of the Year” title and finishing 10th in seasons points.
In 2005 Tyler won his 1st race in his 2nd official start in the Ontario Pro Challenge series. In seven years of karting he started more than 225 races and won one “Championship”, “Most Improved Driver Award”, and a “Team of the Year” award.
At the local level he has never finished lower than 5th in series points and at the regional or national level he has never finished lower than 10th. Brown drives for 4B Racing (http://www.4bracing.com/) and he is supported by Assante Wealth Management, Donato & Associates, Waterdown Automotive, VH Web Dezine, Snipes & Wipes, Leaf Racewear, CARSTAR Quality Collision Services, The Adin Group Inc. and Big Brothers Big Sisters.
For more information on Tyler Brown visit http://www.tyler-brown.com/
NCATS: Fastline Team looks forward to legendary Mosport
HAMILTON, ONTARIO (June 12, 2007) – Fastline Team drivers Jeff and Jim Lapcevich are hoping to present their father Joe with a unique Father’s Day present. The brothers of the Hamilton-based team will be racing at the next stop in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series on the legendary Mosport International Raceway road course, race two in the 12-race schedule.
“I always look forward to going to Mosport, it’s one of my favorite race tracks,” said Jeff Lapcevich, the 37-year old driver of the #23 Tim Hortons - EMCEA Transport Fastline Motorsports Chevrolet Monte Carlo from Caistor Centre, Ontario. “We’ve had good luck there over the years, winning in 2004 and placing second the last two seasons.”
The Father's Day Doubleheader Weekend - The Dickies 200 presented by Canadian Shield Anti-Crime will take place Saturday and Sunday, June 16-17 at Mosport International Raceway, located 60 miles east of Toronto on the 2.5-mile, 10-turn road course in Bowmanville, Ontario.
“It’s always been a goal of ours to stand on the winner’s podium together, and it’s been close the last two years,” explained Jim Lapcevich, who finished fourth and fifth consecutively the last two years. “It’s been a Mosport Father’s Day present for Dad we’ve had planned for a while, maybe this will be our year,” added the 35-year old driver from Hamilton, Ontario and driver of the #25 EMCEA Transport – Tim Hortons Fastline Motorsports Chevrolet Monte Carlo.
For information about Mosport tickets and camping, call Mosport International Raceway at (800) 866-1072 or visit online at www.mosport.com
About Jeff Lapcevich:
Jeff Lapcevich finished the 2006 CASCAR Super Series with four top-ten and two top-five finishes including a win in the Griddly Headz 100 at the Grand Prix of Edmonton and a second place finish on the Mosport International Raceway Road Course. Jeff Lapcevich began his career on road circuits, and the experience acquired in this form of motorsport has developed into a successful career on the CASCAR tour, as he has won six road course events in the past four years in CASCAR.
About Jim Lapcevich:
In 2006, Jim Lapcevich captured seven top-ten finishes in the CASCAR Super Series and two top-five finish with a fourth place finish at the Mosport International Raceway Road Course and at the Grand Prix of Montreal. With a strong background in oval track events, Jim Lapcevich has progressed from the Saturday night "bull-rings" to become one of the top drivers in CASCAR, with several victories in this national series. With a strong competitive desire, Jim will always be in the hunt vying for that checkered flag.
“I always look forward to going to Mosport, it’s one of my favorite race tracks,” said Jeff Lapcevich, the 37-year old driver of the #23 Tim Hortons - EMCEA Transport Fastline Motorsports Chevrolet Monte Carlo from Caistor Centre, Ontario. “We’ve had good luck there over the years, winning in 2004 and placing second the last two seasons.”The Father's Day Doubleheader Weekend - The Dickies 200 presented by Canadian Shield Anti-Crime will take place Saturday and Sunday, June 16-17 at Mosport International Raceway, located 60 miles east of Toronto on the 2.5-mile, 10-turn road course in Bowmanville, Ontario.
“It’s always been a goal of ours to stand on the winner’s podium together, and it’s been close the last two years,” explained Jim Lapcevich, who finished fourth and fifth consecutively the last two years. “It’s been a Mosport Father’s Day present for Dad we’ve had planned for a while, maybe this will be our year,” added the 35-year old driver from Hamilton, Ontario and driver of the #25 EMCEA Transport – Tim Hortons Fastline Motorsports Chevrolet Monte Carlo.For information about Mosport tickets and camping, call Mosport International Raceway at (800) 866-1072 or visit online at www.mosport.com
About Jeff Lapcevich:
Jeff Lapcevich finished the 2006 CASCAR Super Series with four top-ten and two top-five finishes including a win in the Griddly Headz 100 at the Grand Prix of Edmonton and a second place finish on the Mosport International Raceway Road Course. Jeff Lapcevich began his career on road circuits, and the experience acquired in this form of motorsport has developed into a successful career on the CASCAR tour, as he has won six road course events in the past four years in CASCAR.
About Jim Lapcevich:
In 2006, Jim Lapcevich captured seven top-ten finishes in the CASCAR Super Series and two top-five finish with a fourth place finish at the Mosport International Raceway Road Course and at the Grand Prix of Montreal. With a strong background in oval track events, Jim Lapcevich has progressed from the Saturday night "bull-rings" to become one of the top drivers in CASCAR, with several victories in this national series. With a strong competitive desire, Jim will always be in the hunt vying for that checkered flag.
From Bruce Mehlenbacher // Photos by Bill Mehlenbacher
Mike Stawicki and G-Force return to PMRA competition at Cayuga New York state team ready to contend at Toronto Motorsports Park
CAYUGA, ONTARIO (June 11, 2007) - One of Pro Modified drag racing’s most prominent teams will be competing in the upcoming Third Annual KC Auto Family Day Spectacular - PMRA Challenge presented by Paul Wolf Electric & Lighting Supply Inc., Sylvania and Independent Electrical Distributors.
Based in Western New York, Mike Stawicki and the G-Force Race Cars team Camaro will be running this coming Saturday, June 16 at Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga, Ontario.
Running in both the IHRA Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam™ Drag Racing Series and NHRA AMS Staff Leasing Pro Modified Challenge presented by Tindle Enterprises Pro Modified competition, Stawicki considers Toronto Motorsports Park one of his favorite tracks, and has gone down the Kohler Road quarter mile many times.
He won the PMRA Challenge race at the track back in 2005, and the team will be ready to take on the large field of Pro Modifieds in the Supercharged 1967 Camaro. After a development year in 2006 with the new Mike Stawicki 521-cubic inch Brad Anderson Hemi engine, the team was able to muster a 6.09 pass in the 2006 IHRA world finals.
For 2007, the team has run a career-best with a 6.03-second, 237.95-mph pass at the NHRA Gatornationals in Florida. “G-Force Race Cars and Stawicki work hand-in-hand with car development, and this development goes into the race cars we build,” according to G-Force Race Car’s Jim Salemi. “For the most part we do our testing with the car Mike drives,” said Salemi, who is crew chief for the team. “This is where we try our new ideas.”
Salemi added G-Force Race Cars builds seven to 10 Pro Modifieds a year, plus updates on existing cars. Some of its customers include Raymond Commisso, Mike Janis, and the Carl Spiering Motorsports - Eaton Electrical Camaro.
He added that the competition in the Pro Modified class is constantly getting stronger as the bar is continuously raised which means more money must be spent to succeed.
“It’s getting harder to promote our race car on our budget,” Salemi admitted. “We’re dealing with million-dollar teams now, but we’ll be there.”
The race will be the second in the five-race 2007 PMRA tour, and organizers are very pleased to have the Toronto-based Paul Wolf Electric & Lighting Supply Inc., along with Sylvania and Independent Electrical Distributors as part of the event. Headlining the event will be the popular Pro Modifieds of the Pro Modified Racing Association, with speeds of over 225 miles per hour on the quarter-mile track.
Also on hand will be a jet-powered ambulance, wheelstanders, a large fireworks display and the National Speed Association Pro Stock sleds. Also joining the PMRA at Toronto Motorsports Park will be the CAN-AM Stock/Super Stock Series and the wild and ferocious Super Street Outlaw 10.5 cars.
The PMRA series expects to see the return of series regulars and principals in the 2007-Point Series sponsored by Wix Filtration Products, Valvoline, a division of Ashland Inc., Uni-Select, and Moen Incorporated. Sam Andreacchi, Matt Guenther, Gary Irving, Ike Maier, Gary Mater, John Russo and Scotty Wildgust all started their PMRA career on the Kohler Road quarter-mile strip at the first event on Victoria Day weekend.
Established PMRA teams including Bruce Boland, Dave Earhart, Rob Laperriere, Joe Lilienthal, Mark Mitchell, Larry Sinke, and 2006 Champions Kasey Janzen and Joe Boniferro are all expected to return.
“We should see a few other teams out for the first time this year,” added Mehlenbacher, referring to Ralph Andreacchi, Joe Caruso and Mike Cusimano's "Midlife Crisis" and Tony Pontieri driving for Rob Sporring. Qualifying for the Third Annual KC Auto Family Day Spectacular - PMRA Challenge presented by Paul Wolf Electric & Lighting Supply Inc., Sylvania and Independent Electrical Distributors will begin Saturday afternoon with the eight quickest teams returning for the final eliminations under the lights on Saturday night at Toronto Motorsports Park.
For information contact Toronto Motorsports Park call (905) 772-0303 or visit online at http://www.torontomotorsportspark.com/ Now in its third year of operation, The Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA), http://www.promodifiedracing.com/, has enjoyed strong fan popularity and will present some of the best in Pro Modified racing for 2007.
From Bruce F. Mehlenbacher
Ruckus Racing Returning to Track - Billy Innes to Compete in OSS
(Tillsonburg, Ontario) – Former CASCAR Super Series competitor Billy Innes will return to Ontario stock car action in 2007, behind the wheel of a Chevrolet Monte Carlo, compete with his traditional number ‘00’. The return to competitive racing for Billy and his Ruckus Racing Team will take place on Saturday June 16th, as Innes will enter the inaugural Ontario Sportsman Series (OSS) event on the ½-mile oval at Mosport.
Innes is looking forward to not only his return to competitive action, but to running up front at each event during the six-event tour. “I’m really looking forward to getting back behind the wheel of a Sportsman car and racing on the Ontario Sportsman Series tour. I’ve been watching the series for the past several years, while it was still owned by CASCAR, and thought it would be the perfect fit for our race team. We travel to a number of different parts of Ontario, and get great exposure to a number of markets.
"I think it’s a great place to race if you don’t have the finances to do the entire Canadian Tire NASCAR Racing Series, but you don’t want to be tied down to one track. We’re going to get to race at a bunch of different tracks that I’ve raced at in a number of different cars. Also, our team has a lot of experience at all levels, including with a car like the OSS car. We’re not too far removed from the CASCAR Super Series, and I crewed for some teams after that. That experience should give us a good starting spot for the team in terms of being competitive.”
The tour’s inaugural event will be under the lights at Mosport Speedway on Saturday June 16th, the same weekend as part of a big weekend at Mosport, including a 100-lapper for the OSS, and plenty of action on the road course. “That place is a real drag strip. They straights are long and fast, and the corners are tight. D.J. Kennington has been working on the car and I think we’re going to be in good shape for the first race, and see where we stack up after that.”
Billy’s racing career has spanned almost 30 years, as he first started competing in Ice Racing as a teenager, in 1981. Innes turned to dirt and asphalt, advancing through the ranks to an Ontario Pro Four car in the late 80’s.
In 1991, Innes turned to CASCAR, graduating to the Super Series in 1992. Following that season, Billy’s car owner backed away from the sport, as Innes picked up rides where he could over the next several years, including with his own championship caliber Street Stock team.
In 2001, Innes would again join the ranks of the Canadian elite, racing his own Super Series car throughout a number of Ontario events during the next four season. Despite being underfunded through much of that time, Innes ran well well, posting a number of strong finishes.
After a few years on tour, Innes stepped back from racing, to concentrate on building his business ventures, but now it’s time to return to the race track. “I think the series is a great deal. It’s affordable for a guy like me, and just enough racing. I also like what they’ve done with the schedule, making it so the Canadian Tire NASCAR Series drivers can make all the shows. They also have a good mix of tracks. I’m really looking forward to going to Sunset again. That’s one of my favorite tracks.”
Innes won’t be worried about knocking the rust off during next weekend’s opener, “I’ve got some great guys helping me out and I think we’re going to be potent. We’re going to race the first two events for sure, and would really like to take a shot at the championship.”
For more information on Billy Innes, Ruckus Racing, or the Ontario Sportsman Series, please visit www.ontariosportsmanseries.com, or e-mail ruckus00@hotmail.com.
- From Jamie Maudsley
Innes is looking forward to not only his return to competitive action, but to running up front at each event during the six-event tour. “I’m really looking forward to getting back behind the wheel of a Sportsman car and racing on the Ontario Sportsman Series tour. I’ve been watching the series for the past several years, while it was still owned by CASCAR, and thought it would be the perfect fit for our race team. We travel to a number of different parts of Ontario, and get great exposure to a number of markets.
"I think it’s a great place to race if you don’t have the finances to do the entire Canadian Tire NASCAR Racing Series, but you don’t want to be tied down to one track. We’re going to get to race at a bunch of different tracks that I’ve raced at in a number of different cars. Also, our team has a lot of experience at all levels, including with a car like the OSS car. We’re not too far removed from the CASCAR Super Series, and I crewed for some teams after that. That experience should give us a good starting spot for the team in terms of being competitive.”
The tour’s inaugural event will be under the lights at Mosport Speedway on Saturday June 16th, the same weekend as part of a big weekend at Mosport, including a 100-lapper for the OSS, and plenty of action on the road course. “That place is a real drag strip. They straights are long and fast, and the corners are tight. D.J. Kennington has been working on the car and I think we’re going to be in good shape for the first race, and see where we stack up after that.”
Billy’s racing career has spanned almost 30 years, as he first started competing in Ice Racing as a teenager, in 1981. Innes turned to dirt and asphalt, advancing through the ranks to an Ontario Pro Four car in the late 80’s.
In 1991, Innes turned to CASCAR, graduating to the Super Series in 1992. Following that season, Billy’s car owner backed away from the sport, as Innes picked up rides where he could over the next several years, including with his own championship caliber Street Stock team.
In 2001, Innes would again join the ranks of the Canadian elite, racing his own Super Series car throughout a number of Ontario events during the next four season. Despite being underfunded through much of that time, Innes ran well well, posting a number of strong finishes.
After a few years on tour, Innes stepped back from racing, to concentrate on building his business ventures, but now it’s time to return to the race track. “I think the series is a great deal. It’s affordable for a guy like me, and just enough racing. I also like what they’ve done with the schedule, making it so the Canadian Tire NASCAR Series drivers can make all the shows. They also have a good mix of tracks. I’m really looking forward to going to Sunset again. That’s one of my favorite tracks.”
Innes won’t be worried about knocking the rust off during next weekend’s opener, “I’ve got some great guys helping me out and I think we’re going to be potent. We’re going to race the first two events for sure, and would really like to take a shot at the championship.”
For more information on Billy Innes, Ruckus Racing, or the Ontario Sportsman Series, please visit www.ontariosportsmanseries.com, or e-mail ruckus00@hotmail.com.
- From Jamie Maudsley
That might work, but I have a better idea for dealing with $%#@*&$ left lane drivers....
SLOW DRIVERS - MOVE OVER: GRASSROOTS CAMPAIGN PRODS SLOWPOKES OUT OF LEFT LANESCAMAS, WA - JUNE 12, 2007 - Enough with slow drivers in the left lane! “As traffic gets increasingly congested, it’s time for citizens to reclaim the left lane,” says J.A. Tosti, spokesman for Left Lane Drivers of America, a grassroots effort to get slower traffic to move right. “More and more these days, you find slow drivers in the left lane, causing no end of headache and frustration to those of us who have places to go and people to see.
"Some of these offenders are timid and tentative, some are completely oblivious to what’s going on around them, and some are self-appointed ‘hall monitors’ regulating what they alone have determined to be proper driving speeds. Whatever be the case, it’s time for us raise the awareness level and trumpet the message, ‘If you’re not a Left Lane Driver, get out of the left lane!’”
In order to actually help slower drivers get the point, Left Lane Drivers of America offers copyrighted windshield decals which boldly and prominently display their unified sentiment in the offending driver’s rear-view mirror.
The decal, which reads “MOVE OVER” also has a large arrow showing them where to go. The words and arrow display backwards on the windshield so that they read properly when seen in the mirror (go to www.leftlanedrivers.org to see picture). According to Tosti, “Although the sign minces no words, the idea here is not to be rude or pushy but to offer slow drivers a gentle prod, reminding them of the need to either pick up the pace or make room for those who choose to drive a bit faster.”
In fact, slow drivers do need to move over. In many states, the left lane is supposed to be the passing lane and slower drivers can be cited for obstructing traffic. Those who stake out permanent positions for themselves in the left lane tend to provoke those wanting to drive faster, often giving them no other choice but the dangerous strategy of passing on the right in order to get ahead. Slow drivers can easily become slow moving safety hazards.
Bottom Line: Moving over is a matter of courtesy. It is a matter of safety. It is a matter of doing one's part to help traffic flow smoothly. And it is the law in many states: “Stay to the right except to pass”. Left Lane Drivers of America is doing something positive to help improve traffic flow on today’s overcrowded, pressure- packed freeways. Their “Move Over” message has the potential of helping reduce instances of road rage, hazardous driving and untimely, often deadly accidents.
From: J.A. Tosti // Email: jat@leftlanedrivers.org
Monday, June 11, 2007
Further to our 'sour grapes' post a few days ago.... current F1 drivers tell Villeneuve to zip it
Jacques Villeneuve should just go away and keep his mouth shut.
That was the between-the-lines message yesterday from some of Villeneuve's former rivals in Formula One after comments the 1997 world champion made about the driving style of McLaren-Mercedes rookie Lewis Hamilton.
"I think sometimes Jacques talks quite a lot with the press and ... sometimes he talks too much," Renault's Giancarlo Fisichella told reporters during an FIA drivers' news conference yesterday as preparations began for this weekend's 39th Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
That was the between-the-lines message yesterday from some of Villeneuve's former rivals in Formula One after comments the 1997 world champion made about the driving style of McLaren-Mercedes rookie Lewis Hamilton.
"I think sometimes Jacques talks quite a lot with the press and ... sometimes he talks too much," Renault's Giancarlo Fisichella told reporters during an FIA drivers' news conference yesterday as preparations began for this weekend's 39th Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
... continued at the link above
Ride for Hospital for Sick Children
Have you ever dreamed of zipping along in a sleek, sexy exotic sports car? Ever wanted to feel the exhilaration of incredible acceleration? Did you want to experience “race-car-like” cornering forces?
Now you can and all for a great cause, The Hospital for Sick Children, “The James Fund”. Your $20 donation will get you a ride in sleek new Viper in the hands of a professional driver and colour photos on CD to prove to all your friends you did it.
This one-of-a-kind event takes place on Saturday, June 16th at the Powerade Centre in Brampton, 7575 Kennedy Rd. S. from 2 pm to 5pm.
If all the excitement of the hair raising ride is not your thing and you prefer to remain stationary, you can have your picture taken in a Viper for a $10 donation to the Hospital for Sick Children and skip the ride.
In the past years of fund raising, some very special stories have come out of this event. Vipers have an allure that few other cars can elicit from enthusiasts. The sheer power, sleek curvy lines, unique sound of the growling V10 and its’ massive tires all combine to make these very serious and special cars. They have enough character to develop a cult fellowship of their own. Viper lovers will literally cross the street just to get a closer look at one.
Each year of this unique event, the members of the Viper Club of Ontario and the instructors of the ILR Car Control School have manage to raise about $3,000 to help children through the Children’s Wish Foundation and the Hospital for Sick Kids.
This year’s event will be held in memory of young James Birrell. James was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, a disease that kills one child a week in Canada. This rare form of cancer only afflicts children under the age of 8. Despite the heroic efforts of the staff at the Hospital for Sick Children, James lost his battle to cancer at the tender age of eight.
His father Syd and his family know first hand the support and help the hospital can offer families trying to survive this terrible disease. The story of James’ fight, his selfless outlook and how his family struggled has been remembered in an amazing book called “Ya Can’t Let Cancer Ruin Your Day”. It even touched world famous celebrity Tom Hanks who became personally involved and eventually a spokesperson for the fight against this deadly disease. Now it is our turn to give back so others can also have that support.
The Hospital for Sick Children is the world leading research centre for finding a cure for this terrible and deadly disease. They are very close to putting a final chapter on this book and we can help make it a happier ending.
Along with the “Ride for Charity”, owners of Mopar muscle cars have been invited to show off their collectible cars at the Car Show. Prowlers (the cars, not the burglars) and PT Cruisers will round out the Mopar theme to the show. Race cars, sports cars and exotics will also be on hand to give you plenty to dream about.
Davidson Chrysler, Canada’s number 1 Viper seller, has always been behind this event 100%. The Powerade Centre has donated the use of their modern facility for this charitable cause.
Bring your family, friends and neighbours out to Powerade Centre in Brampton on Saturday, June 16th and help raise money to help treat the children of The Hospital for Sick Children.
- From Ian Law
Now you can and all for a great cause, The Hospital for Sick Children, “The James Fund”. Your $20 donation will get you a ride in sleek new Viper in the hands of a professional driver and colour photos on CD to prove to all your friends you did it.
This one-of-a-kind event takes place on Saturday, June 16th at the Powerade Centre in Brampton, 7575 Kennedy Rd. S. from 2 pm to 5pm.
If all the excitement of the hair raising ride is not your thing and you prefer to remain stationary, you can have your picture taken in a Viper for a $10 donation to the Hospital for Sick Children and skip the ride.
In the past years of fund raising, some very special stories have come out of this event. Vipers have an allure that few other cars can elicit from enthusiasts. The sheer power, sleek curvy lines, unique sound of the growling V10 and its’ massive tires all combine to make these very serious and special cars. They have enough character to develop a cult fellowship of their own. Viper lovers will literally cross the street just to get a closer look at one.
Each year of this unique event, the members of the Viper Club of Ontario and the instructors of the ILR Car Control School have manage to raise about $3,000 to help children through the Children’s Wish Foundation and the Hospital for Sick Kids.
This year’s event will be held in memory of young James Birrell. James was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, a disease that kills one child a week in Canada. This rare form of cancer only afflicts children under the age of 8. Despite the heroic efforts of the staff at the Hospital for Sick Children, James lost his battle to cancer at the tender age of eight.
His father Syd and his family know first hand the support and help the hospital can offer families trying to survive this terrible disease. The story of James’ fight, his selfless outlook and how his family struggled has been remembered in an amazing book called “Ya Can’t Let Cancer Ruin Your Day”. It even touched world famous celebrity Tom Hanks who became personally involved and eventually a spokesperson for the fight against this deadly disease. Now it is our turn to give back so others can also have that support.
The Hospital for Sick Children is the world leading research centre for finding a cure for this terrible and deadly disease. They are very close to putting a final chapter on this book and we can help make it a happier ending.
Along with the “Ride for Charity”, owners of Mopar muscle cars have been invited to show off their collectible cars at the Car Show. Prowlers (the cars, not the burglars) and PT Cruisers will round out the Mopar theme to the show. Race cars, sports cars and exotics will also be on hand to give you plenty to dream about.
Davidson Chrysler, Canada’s number 1 Viper seller, has always been behind this event 100%. The Powerade Centre has donated the use of their modern facility for this charitable cause.
Bring your family, friends and neighbours out to Powerade Centre in Brampton on Saturday, June 16th and help raise money to help treat the children of The Hospital for Sick Children.
- From Ian Law
NPP: Events cancelled for the upcoming weekend due to a lack of staff at Rapid Fire Motorsports Park
I've heard of a lot of reasons for cancelling a race, but this is a new one....
URGENT NOTICE TO NPP DRIVERS AND RACEFANS
DRAYTON VALLEY, AB. - Alberta's current labour shortage has forced NPP Series officials to cancel the Fathers Day weekend race events at Rapid Fire Motorsports Park in Drayton Valley (June 16th/17th). "They have maybe 2 volunteer staff members and thats it," says NPP Series announcer Gord Craig, "I'd never thought I'd see a day where a race was cancelled due to a lack of staff and volunteers. Last year I believe they had close to 40 staff and volunteers making sure the race ran smootly. This just proves that the lure of high paying jobs in the oilpatch continues in Alberta. Not even the fun and high octane excitment of working at a race track is immune to labour shortages.
DRAYTON VALLEY, AB. - Alberta's current labour shortage has forced NPP Series officials to cancel the Fathers Day weekend race events at Rapid Fire Motorsports Park in Drayton Valley (June 16th/17th). "They have maybe 2 volunteer staff members and thats it," says NPP Series announcer Gord Craig, "I'd never thought I'd see a day where a race was cancelled due to a lack of staff and volunteers. Last year I believe they had close to 40 staff and volunteers making sure the race ran smootly. This just proves that the lure of high paying jobs in the oilpatch continues in Alberta. Not even the fun and high octane excitment of working at a race track is immune to labour shortages.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
PHOTO GALLERY: Fleetwood Country Cruize In by Dave Franks
Here are some photos from Dave Franks & Randy Collins. Thanks guys!
Fleetwood Country Cruize In - June 9, 2007 (Delaware, ON)
Fleetwood Country Cruize In - June 9, 2007 (Delaware, ON)
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