Ransomville, NY – July 6, 2007 – By Tom Skibinski, Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series PR Director
Danny Johnson has always liked trips out west, especially with a fast car in tow and some big money on the line in a championship race at one of his favorite tracks. Johnson was again one of the fastest cars on Friday night and when it came time to collect the $6,000 top prize, the ‘Doctor’ waited patiently until the end to sew up his second Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series victory of the season in the headline CWM Chemical/E-Z Oil 100 at Ransomville Speedway.
“The crew gave me a great car and I’d just like to welcome everybody back here at Ransomville, its been awhile since I’ve been in victory lane,” said Johnson, 47, following his 63rd career (2nd all-time) Advance Auto Parts Series triumph which pushes his DIRTcar NorthEast best to seven Big-Block victories. The native Rochesterian now has 37 DIRT Big-Block wins on the ridge and another 63 in Small-Block competition at the Friesen Family facility.
“It’s always great to get a win and one in the series is really awesome. It’s been a good year so far and we’ve got a lot of tough competitors here. Nobody lets you win, its just tough racing out here,” added Johnson, a two-time Big-Block points champion at Ransomville with five more track titles registered in the DIRTcar 358-Modified ranks. His fifth Advance Auto Parts win at Ransomville moved him from sixth to fourth in the ’07 tour point standings through seven events.
Runner-up Billy Decker pushed Johnson across the finish line to earn preferred starter status for the prestigious Eckerd 200 Championship race on Oct. 7 of Super DIRT Week XXXVI at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse. Long-time race leader Dale Planck settled for third followed by current Advance Auto Parts points leader Tim Fuller and ’07 runner-up Brett Hearn following his fourth straight top-five tour finish.
Planck copped the second of four qualifying heats and when it came time for the customary re-draw he quietly selected the no. 1 marked football to earn the pole-position start. Integra Shocks Fast Timer Matt Sheppard (16.919 sec./79.792 mph) was not as fortunate, choosing ‘4’ to invert that same number of drivers in aligning the heats and eventually falling in 13th on the feature race starting grid.
Johnson won heat two and drew third while Hearn joined Planck on the front row. And there the trio remained for the most part as the first quarter of the race ran nearly caution-free. The only yellow flag that flew over the initial 25 circuits came on lap five when local runner David Just exited the speedway high in turn one and made his way onto the surrounding access road.
Heat four winner Decker started fifth in the 30-car field and was comfortably in position to challenge Planck and Johnson by the halfway mark. Hearn and fellow tour traveler Jimmy Phelps rounded out the front-five while track Small-Block points leader Todd Burley, Fuller, Frank Cozze, veteran Canandian Pete Bicknell and defending Mr. DIRTcar points king Alan Johnson battled among the top-10 with 50 laps still to navigate.
Justin Haers threw a scare into the front runners as he blew a right-rear tire directly in front of the lead pack on the 56th circuit as they diced in frantically traffic. Eighteen cars remained in the lead lap on the ensuing lap 60 restart and the fast five order remained intact as the track grew blacker and shinier with each passing lap.
Scored sixth on lap 70, Fuller was the man on the move, first moving ahead of Phelps for fifth on lap 77 and waiting until lap 94 to find a way past Hearn for the fourth position. In the meantime, Planck’s East End Auto Parts & Construction-Jacob's Excavation/Bicknell machine was getting tighter and Johnson took advantage among lapped cars to bulldoze his way past to forge the lone lead change on lap 79. Vic Coffey looped in turns one and two on lap 85 and suffered a right-rear flat tire just four circuits later to incur the final two caution periods and set up a dramatic dash to the checkers between Johnson and Decker.
Holding down sixth with just five laps to go, Phelps slipped to ninth-place on lap 97. But all eyes still remained focused on the leaders as Decker tried Johnson battled both high and low in every corner and down each straightaway over the final three laps. Decker finally pulled right up to the bumper of the Thompson Motorsports no. 27J Chiefs Tobacco & Gas/Troyer at the wire without Danny ever flinching as became the first repeat winner on tour this season.
“(Dale) just got caught up with a lapped car while his car got tight and mine was really loose,” Johnson noted. “And that’s just what we needed with the track tonight and it came on good for me. This team just doesn’t give up, they’ve got a lot of desire and I have a lot of confidence and the crew builds it up even more for me. With them behind me 100% it gives me all the confidence in the world every time we race.”
Continuing to steer one of the fastest cars in ’07, three-time Integra Shocks fast time trailer Decker posted his best finish of the year, complementing a pair of fourth-place tour tallies with a runner-up finish at Ransomville. “We’ve had terrible luck in this series and after last week we were looking for a tall bridge to jump off, so second really isn’t so bad,” said Decker, who held the Advance Auto Parts points at this same juncture last season heading into the Canadian swing. The 1998 Mr. DIRTcar titlist improved to ninth on the points chart before flying north to the Thousand Islands region.
“I not only followed Danny at the end, I had the right front on him and the right rear on him. I put everything I had on him and just couldn’t get by. At that (late) stage of the race I was just trying anything. We came to win the race but just couldn’t make it happen, that’s all there is to it.
“The track was tough, it got a little tight and just one groove there made for some super tough sledding. We’d rather see it get slick from top to bottom and make it level but with one groove the way it is you’re just battling every lap. One guy’s left rear is in it and you want your right rear in it, you end up making contact. But all in all it’s a good night. We enjoy coming to Ransomville, it’s Scott’s (Jeffery, crew chief) hometown with great fans and we’re glad they have us back every year.”
After pacing the 30-car field for the first 78 laps, Planck faded to the show position at the end which was still good enough for a $2,500 payday. “I think I could’ve definitely kept (Danny and Billy) behind if we didn’t figure on the track going a little slippery and then taking on rubber,” said Planck, on the heels of his second top-three finish of the season on tour. “But I’m still happy to be here, I can’t thank my car owner (Ryan Jacobs) and crew enough.
“I overheated the right-front (tire), she just wouldn’t turn there at the end. I’m just happy to be here in third on the podium, chasing the series … it’s a tough one and here it shows if you’re just a little bit off. Even in the lead on a one-groove track, if the car’s off you’re gonna get passed.
“We’ve been trying to work on this slick track set-up. We’ve got to get back to basics here for the next few nights, which is where we should’ve been tonight but who knows. Hindsight is always better than foresight but a podium finish is still good,” Planck added.
Many of the Advance Auto Parts Big-Block Modified teams have already started to pack with just two days standing between their annual excursion north to Canada. Back-to-back-to-back 100-lap series stops at Cornwall, Drummond and Brockville are up next in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec, with the rare tripleheader kicking off on Sunday, July 8. All three main events pay $6,000 to the winner with valuable points towards the overall Hoosier Tire-Sunoco Race Fuels Mr. DIRTcar Championship up for grabs along with guaranteed starting spots in the Eckerd 200 at Syracuse during Super DIRT Week XXXVI on Oct. 7.
Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Race #7 – Ransomville Speedway, July 6, 2007 CWM Chemical/E-Z Oil 100 Big-Block Modified Event Summary
FIN STR CAR# DRIVER
1 3 27j Danny Johnson/Rochester,NY($6,000)
2 5 91 Billy Decker/Unadilla,NY
3 1 77x Dale Planck/Cortland,NY
4 9 19 Tim Fuller/Edwards, NY
5 2 20 Brett Hearn/Sussex,NJ
6 6 44 Frank Cozze/Wind Gap,PA
7 14 3b Chad Brachmann/Sanborn,NY
8 15 42 Pete Bicknell/St.Catharines,ONT
9 10 98h Jimmy Phelps/Baldwinsville,NY
10 7 7x Steve Paine/Waterloo,NY
11 13 44s Matt Sheppard/Waterloo,NY
12 12 84 Gary Tomkins/Clifton Springs,NY
13 8 14j Alan Johnson/Middlesex,NY
14 24 777 Kevin Bolland/New Brighton,PA
15 19 49 Billy Dunn/Watertown,NY
16 21 7 Sam Crogan/Lewiston,NY
17 26 26 Rick Richner/Niagara Falls,NY
18 29 60 Kenny Stafford/Homer,NY
19 11 32c Vic Coffey/Leicester,NY
20 18 42b Kevin Bates/Lake Ariel,PA
21 4 89b Todd Burley/Spencerport,NY
22 16 7k Scott Kerwin/Newfane,NY
23 17 111 Kevin Wills/Ransomville,NY
24 30 3 Justin Haers/Phelps,NY
25 23 20m Jeff McGinnis/Ransomville,NY
26 25 54j David Just/Ransomville,NY
27 22 123 Robbie Krull/Cambria,NY
28 27 xXx Todd Gordon/St.Catharines,ONT
29 20 93 Rich Vinson/Sanborn,NY
30 28 19k Joe Kubiniec/Lockport,NY
LAP LEADERS: Planck (1-78), D.Johnson (79-100).
CAUTIONS: 5 for 14 laps.
ECKERD 200 QUALIFIER: Billy Decker (P).
DID NOT QUALIFY(7)
1-Mark Golding/Lockport,NY
7ny-Bill Torrisi/Pendleton,NY
9-Jon Miller/Olcott,NY
17c-Pete Cosco/St.Catharines,ONT
t21-Roger Chrysler/Lewiston,NY
41-Boyd MacTavish/St.Catharines,ONT
52-James Friesen/St.Catharines,ONT
Saturday, July 07, 2007
OSS / CAYUGA: July 14 OSS race at Cayuga Speedway Park has been "postponed"
From Cayuga Speedway Park:
"To: All Race Fans
Please be advised that the Ontario Sportsman Series race scheduled for July 14, 2007 has been postponed. It will accompany another scheduled race event this season.
The same procedure for the June 16 race will take effect. July 14 race tickets are transferable to any other race this season. Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused."
"To: All Race Fans
Please be advised that the Ontario Sportsman Series race scheduled for July 14, 2007 has been postponed. It will accompany another scheduled race event this season.
The same procedure for the June 16 race will take effect. July 14 race tickets are transferable to any other race this season. Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused."
KONI CHALLENGE: TUATY SIGNS WITH KENSAI/COMPASS360 FOR 2007
Toronto, Canada -- Kensai Racing with Compass360 have signed David Tuaty to drive their #74 Acura RSX-S for the remainder of 2007, starting with the KONI Challenge race at Watkins Glen on July 7th.
"David and I have always been friendly competitors," noted Team Driver Karl Thomson. "He's always quick, and we're pleased to add another experienced driver to our line-up." Tuaty, who hails from Miami, Florida, will co-drive with go-karting star Matt Pritiko, who has impressed so far in his rookie year in the KONI Challenge.
Tuaty is no stranger to the Grand Am paddock, having competed in the series since 2001, with numerous podium finishes along the way. He and co-driver Guy Cosmo brought their Fountain BMW to victory lane at the inaugural Iowa Speedway event earlier this season, and Tuaty currently sits 13th in the standings, despite not scoring points in two races. He's finished well into the top ten four times in 2007.
"I'm excited to join the Kensai/Compass360 guys -- they're really a team to watch this year," smiled Tuaty. "We're going to put the 74 car on the podium before the season is over!"
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The team's two TSXs will also be in the mix at Watkins Glen: Billy Johnson and Karl Thomson will be working hard to get their #76 back atop the driver's championship, just eight points behind points leaders Trevor Hopwood and Adam Burrows. Beau Buisson will be joined in long-time Acura pilot Benoit Theetge in the #75 car. Theetge is also a familiar face to KONI Challenge competitors and fans, having most recently piloted his own #173 TSX to a strong fifth-place finish in last year's season-closing six-hour race at Virginia International Raceway.
The Watkins Glen Grand Prix promises to be an exciting weekend of racing, featuring the KONI Challenge GS and ST-class cars on track together for only the second time this season. The KONI race starts at 3:30pm on Saturday and should prove to be a great start to the Indy Racing League event the next day.
The team thanks its generous sponsors including Acura, Skunk2 Racing, Hawk Brakes, Tel-IT Consulting, Fujita Air Systems, Dupont and NAPA, Georgian College, Burry Signs, OMP and Piloti Shoes.
For PR inquiries regarding Kensai Racing with Compass360, contact Karl Thomson, (416) 465-2299 x21 or email karlt at compass360 dot com. Information on the team is available at www.compass360.com/racing . For more information on the KONI Challenge Series visit http://www.grand-am.com/ // Photo courtesy of Grand-Am.
"David and I have always been friendly competitors," noted Team Driver Karl Thomson. "He's always quick, and we're pleased to add another experienced driver to our line-up." Tuaty, who hails from Miami, Florida, will co-drive with go-karting star Matt Pritiko, who has impressed so far in his rookie year in the KONI Challenge.
Tuaty is no stranger to the Grand Am paddock, having competed in the series since 2001, with numerous podium finishes along the way. He and co-driver Guy Cosmo brought their Fountain BMW to victory lane at the inaugural Iowa Speedway event earlier this season, and Tuaty currently sits 13th in the standings, despite not scoring points in two races. He's finished well into the top ten four times in 2007.
"I'm excited to join the Kensai/Compass360 guys -- they're really a team to watch this year," smiled Tuaty. "We're going to put the 74 car on the podium before the season is over!"
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The team's two TSXs will also be in the mix at Watkins Glen: Billy Johnson and Karl Thomson will be working hard to get their #76 back atop the driver's championship, just eight points behind points leaders Trevor Hopwood and Adam Burrows. Beau Buisson will be joined in long-time Acura pilot Benoit Theetge in the #75 car. Theetge is also a familiar face to KONI Challenge competitors and fans, having most recently piloted his own #173 TSX to a strong fifth-place finish in last year's season-closing six-hour race at Virginia International Raceway.
The Watkins Glen Grand Prix promises to be an exciting weekend of racing, featuring the KONI Challenge GS and ST-class cars on track together for only the second time this season. The KONI race starts at 3:30pm on Saturday and should prove to be a great start to the Indy Racing League event the next day.
The team thanks its generous sponsors including Acura, Skunk2 Racing, Hawk Brakes, Tel-IT Consulting, Fujita Air Systems, Dupont and NAPA, Georgian College, Burry Signs, OMP and Piloti Shoes.
For PR inquiries regarding Kensai Racing with Compass360, contact Karl Thomson, (416) 465-2299 x21 or email karlt at compass360 dot com. Information on the team is available at www.compass360.com/racing . For more information on the KONI Challenge Series visit http://www.grand-am.com/ // Photo courtesy of Grand-Am.
IHRA EDMONTON: ZIZZO GOES 326 MPH TO SET CASTROL RACEWAY TRACK RECORD
EDMONTON, Alberta (July 6, 2007) – T.J. Zizzo, Lincolnshire, Ill., further displayed his hold on the Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam™ Drag Racing Series taking the Torco Racing Fuels Pro Nitro Top Fuel No. 1 spot after the day of qualifying. Zizzo’s 326.16 mph run set the Castrol Raceway speed record and put him in good position to win this weekend’s CARS RV & Marine & Motorsport Rocky Mountain Nationals presented by Torco Racing Fuels.
Other current No. 1 qualifiers include Terry Haddock (Knoll Gas Torco Racing Fuel Pro Nitro Funny Car), Scott Cannon Jr. (Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com Pro Modified), Rob Atchison (Alcohol Funny Car) and Pete Berner (Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com Pro Stock).
Zizzo took the top spot as well as the Top Fuel Last Man Standing bonus with his 4.609-second pass. Zizzo came into the Rocky Mountain Nationals 13 points ahead of Bruce Litton, who currently sits No. 3 with a 4.725. Doug Foley’s 4.645 puts him into the second position.
In Nitro Funny Car, Haddock holds the No. 1 position with a 5.052, 287.68. He’s currently fifth in the point standings and earned the Last Man Standing bonus. Charlotte, N.C.’s Bob Gilbertson is second, followed by Paul Lee and Steven Macklyn. Jason Duchene, of Beaumont, Alberta, is currently not in the field.
Current Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com Pro Modified No. 1 qualifier Cannon Jr., Lyman, S.C., covered the track in 6.128 seconds. He earned the Last Man Standing bonus as well. Ontario’s Carl Spiering sits second followed by Chip King and Jim Halsey. Cannon Jr. entered this event No. 1 in the standings with a 31-point lead over the field.
Ontario-native Atchison, entering this event fresh off a win at the last Nitro Jam race, holds the No. 1 Alcohol Funny Car spot with a 5.887, 241.97. The pass also earned him the Last Man Standing bonus. Terry Munroe sits second, followed by current points leader Mark Thomas. Calgary’s Roger Bateman is fourth and Edmonton’s John Evanchuk is currently No. 8.
Berner, Crete, Ill., jumped to the Pro Stock No. 1 spot with a 6.460, 215.20, which also locked up the Quarter-Max Pro Stock Challenge. He’s trailed by Brian Gahm, Robert Patrick, John Montecalvo and Bob Bertsch, rounding out the top five. Berner came into this event trailing Montecalvo by one point in the standings.
Racing resumes Saturday at 10 a.m., with professional qualifying rounds at 3 and 7:30 p.m. For more information, log onto www.ihra.com. The CARS RV & Marine & Motorsport Rocky Mountain Nationals presented by Torco Racing Fuels is the fourth of eleven events on the $19.5 million 2007 Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series.
EDMONTON, Alb. -- Results Friday after qualifying for the CARS RV & Marine & Motorsport Rocky Mountain Nationals presented by Torco Racing Fuels at Castrol Raceway, fifth of 11 events in the $19.5 million 2007 Knoll - Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday's final eliminations.
Top Fuel -- 1. T.J. Zizzo, 4.609 seconds, 326.16 mph; 2. Doug Foley, 4.645, 325.53; 3. Bruce Litton, 4.725, 312.21; 4. Scotty Cannon, 4.750, 318.32; 5. Terry McMillen, 4.849, 261.67; 6. Bobby Lagana Jr., 4.984, 291.95; 7. Mitch King, 5.133, 229.55; 8. Mike Strasburg, 5.347, 173.74.
Nitro Funny Car -- 1. Terry Haddock, Dodge Stratus, 5.052, 297.68; 2. Bob Gilbertson, Stratus, 5.092, 243.28; 3. Paul Lee, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.131, 244.52; 4. Steven Macklyn, Pontiac Firebird, 5.193, 296.63; 5. Dale Creasy Jr., Monte Carlo, 5.316, 274.22; 6. Jack Wyatt, Stratus, 5.394, 228.92; 7. Andy Kelley, Firebird, 5.472, 205.22; 8. Randy Bykowsky, Monte Carlo, 5.988, 237.30.
Pro Modified -- 1. Scott Cannon, Pontiac Firebird, 6.128, 232.35; 2. Carl Spiering, Chevy Camaro, 6.141, 231.36; 3. Chip King, Dodge Daytona, 6.176, 232.59; 4. Jim Halsey, Camaro, 6.181, 230.29; 5. Pat Stoken, Camaro, 6.184, 222.29; 6. Kenny Lang, Chevy Corvette, 6.199, 228.92; 7. Quain Stott, Corvette, 6.209, 230.61; 8. Ed Hoover, Corvette, 6.242, 227.46; 9. Matt Hagan, Camaro, 6.257, 226.20; 10. Mike Castellana, Ford Mustang, 6.261, 225.26; 11. Danny Rowe, Corvette, 6.290, 228.54; 12. Joe Delehay, Dodge Viper, 6.299, 225.41; 13. Eddie Ware, Camaro, 6.302, 226.39; 14. Gary Mason, Corvette, 6.332, 227.69; 15. Kirk Kuhns, Willys, 6.383, 218.05; 16. Kip Dupuis, Buick Special, 6.407, 222.25.
Alcohol Funny Car -- 1. Rob Atchison, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.887, 241.97; 2. Terry Munroe, Monte Carlo, 5.907, 238.13; 3. Mark Thomas, Monte Carlo, 5.931, 241.67; 4. Roger Bateman, Chevy Camaro, 5.957, 234.45; 5. Larry Dobbs, Chevy Corvette, 5.990, 236.22; 6. Terry McMillen, Dodge Avenger, 6.023, 233.03; 7. Trevor Lebsack, Ford Mustang, 6.052, 228.19; 8. John Evanchuk, Pontiac Firebird, 6.072, 226.47.
Pro Stock -- 1. Pete Berner, Pontiac GTO, 6.460, 216.13; 2. Brian Gahm, Ford Mustang, 6.460, 214.76; 3. Robert Patrick, Shelby Cobra, 6.472, 213.54; 4. John Montecalvo, Chevy Cobalt, 6.480, 213.64; 5. Bob Bertsch, Mustang, 6.490, 213.33; 6. Steve Spiess, Cobalt, 6.494, 213.94; 7. Rob Mansfield, Cobalt, 6.497, 213.94; 8. Rickie Smith, Cobalt, 6.509, 213.33; 9. Elijah Morton, Mustang, 6.512, 213.60; 10. Cary Goforth, Cobalt, 6.527, 212.36; 11. Frank Gugliotta, Cobalt, 6.529, 212.09; 12. Dean Goforth, GTO, 6.543, 211.86; 13. Ronnie Humphrey, Mustang, 6.607, 208.20; 14. John Nobile, Mustang, 6.625, 210.87.
From Travis Reynolds / IHRA
Other current No. 1 qualifiers include Terry Haddock (Knoll Gas Torco Racing Fuel Pro Nitro Funny Car), Scott Cannon Jr. (Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com Pro Modified), Rob Atchison (Alcohol Funny Car) and Pete Berner (Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com Pro Stock).
Zizzo took the top spot as well as the Top Fuel Last Man Standing bonus with his 4.609-second pass. Zizzo came into the Rocky Mountain Nationals 13 points ahead of Bruce Litton, who currently sits No. 3 with a 4.725. Doug Foley’s 4.645 puts him into the second position.
In Nitro Funny Car, Haddock holds the No. 1 position with a 5.052, 287.68. He’s currently fifth in the point standings and earned the Last Man Standing bonus. Charlotte, N.C.’s Bob Gilbertson is second, followed by Paul Lee and Steven Macklyn. Jason Duchene, of Beaumont, Alberta, is currently not in the field.
Current Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com Pro Modified No. 1 qualifier Cannon Jr., Lyman, S.C., covered the track in 6.128 seconds. He earned the Last Man Standing bonus as well. Ontario’s Carl Spiering sits second followed by Chip King and Jim Halsey. Cannon Jr. entered this event No. 1 in the standings with a 31-point lead over the field.
Ontario-native Atchison, entering this event fresh off a win at the last Nitro Jam race, holds the No. 1 Alcohol Funny Car spot with a 5.887, 241.97. The pass also earned him the Last Man Standing bonus. Terry Munroe sits second, followed by current points leader Mark Thomas. Calgary’s Roger Bateman is fourth and Edmonton’s John Evanchuk is currently No. 8.
Berner, Crete, Ill., jumped to the Pro Stock No. 1 spot with a 6.460, 215.20, which also locked up the Quarter-Max Pro Stock Challenge. He’s trailed by Brian Gahm, Robert Patrick, John Montecalvo and Bob Bertsch, rounding out the top five. Berner came into this event trailing Montecalvo by one point in the standings.
Racing resumes Saturday at 10 a.m., with professional qualifying rounds at 3 and 7:30 p.m. For more information, log onto www.ihra.com. The CARS RV & Marine & Motorsport Rocky Mountain Nationals presented by Torco Racing Fuels is the fourth of eleven events on the $19.5 million 2007 Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series.
EDMONTON, Alb. -- Results Friday after qualifying for the CARS RV & Marine & Motorsport Rocky Mountain Nationals presented by Torco Racing Fuels at Castrol Raceway, fifth of 11 events in the $19.5 million 2007 Knoll - Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday's final eliminations.
Top Fuel -- 1. T.J. Zizzo, 4.609 seconds, 326.16 mph; 2. Doug Foley, 4.645, 325.53; 3. Bruce Litton, 4.725, 312.21; 4. Scotty Cannon, 4.750, 318.32; 5. Terry McMillen, 4.849, 261.67; 6. Bobby Lagana Jr., 4.984, 291.95; 7. Mitch King, 5.133, 229.55; 8. Mike Strasburg, 5.347, 173.74.
Nitro Funny Car -- 1. Terry Haddock, Dodge Stratus, 5.052, 297.68; 2. Bob Gilbertson, Stratus, 5.092, 243.28; 3. Paul Lee, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.131, 244.52; 4. Steven Macklyn, Pontiac Firebird, 5.193, 296.63; 5. Dale Creasy Jr., Monte Carlo, 5.316, 274.22; 6. Jack Wyatt, Stratus, 5.394, 228.92; 7. Andy Kelley, Firebird, 5.472, 205.22; 8. Randy Bykowsky, Monte Carlo, 5.988, 237.30.
Pro Modified -- 1. Scott Cannon, Pontiac Firebird, 6.128, 232.35; 2. Carl Spiering, Chevy Camaro, 6.141, 231.36; 3. Chip King, Dodge Daytona, 6.176, 232.59; 4. Jim Halsey, Camaro, 6.181, 230.29; 5. Pat Stoken, Camaro, 6.184, 222.29; 6. Kenny Lang, Chevy Corvette, 6.199, 228.92; 7. Quain Stott, Corvette, 6.209, 230.61; 8. Ed Hoover, Corvette, 6.242, 227.46; 9. Matt Hagan, Camaro, 6.257, 226.20; 10. Mike Castellana, Ford Mustang, 6.261, 225.26; 11. Danny Rowe, Corvette, 6.290, 228.54; 12. Joe Delehay, Dodge Viper, 6.299, 225.41; 13. Eddie Ware, Camaro, 6.302, 226.39; 14. Gary Mason, Corvette, 6.332, 227.69; 15. Kirk Kuhns, Willys, 6.383, 218.05; 16. Kip Dupuis, Buick Special, 6.407, 222.25.
Alcohol Funny Car -- 1. Rob Atchison, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.887, 241.97; 2. Terry Munroe, Monte Carlo, 5.907, 238.13; 3. Mark Thomas, Monte Carlo, 5.931, 241.67; 4. Roger Bateman, Chevy Camaro, 5.957, 234.45; 5. Larry Dobbs, Chevy Corvette, 5.990, 236.22; 6. Terry McMillen, Dodge Avenger, 6.023, 233.03; 7. Trevor Lebsack, Ford Mustang, 6.052, 228.19; 8. John Evanchuk, Pontiac Firebird, 6.072, 226.47.
Pro Stock -- 1. Pete Berner, Pontiac GTO, 6.460, 216.13; 2. Brian Gahm, Ford Mustang, 6.460, 214.76; 3. Robert Patrick, Shelby Cobra, 6.472, 213.54; 4. John Montecalvo, Chevy Cobalt, 6.480, 213.64; 5. Bob Bertsch, Mustang, 6.490, 213.33; 6. Steve Spiess, Cobalt, 6.494, 213.94; 7. Rob Mansfield, Cobalt, 6.497, 213.94; 8. Rickie Smith, Cobalt, 6.509, 213.33; 9. Elijah Morton, Mustang, 6.512, 213.60; 10. Cary Goforth, Cobalt, 6.527, 212.36; 11. Frank Gugliotta, Cobalt, 6.529, 212.09; 12. Dean Goforth, GTO, 6.543, 211.86; 13. Ronnie Humphrey, Mustang, 6.607, 208.20; 14. John Nobile, Mustang, 6.625, 210.87.
From Travis Reynolds / IHRA
Friday, July 06, 2007
IHRA: Edmonton event preview
From IHRA
NORWALK, Ohio (July 5, 2007) -- Last season the walk-up crowd at Castrol Racewayhttp://www.castrolraceway.com in Edmonton made the Rocky Mountain Nationals the most heavily-attended race in the history of the facility. This season the fans are not taking any chances.
The advance ticket sales for the 2007 version of the Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam event in Edmonton by far exceeds anything ever seen before. Last year’s successful event, coupled with a star-studded field, combined to make the CARS RV & Marine & Motorsport Rocky Mountain Nationals presented by Torco Racing Fuels the hottest ticket in town.
“The ticket demand has been unbelievable,” IHRA president Aaron Polburn said of the Rocky Mountain Nationals. “Rob Reeves and his staff have done an outstanding job of keeping up with the phones because, quite honestly, they are ringing non-stop. In fact our next three races, first in Edmonton, then in Grand Bend and finally in Martin, Michigan, are way ahead of last year’s ticket sales numbers. Edmonton should be an exciting weekend and really jump-start the rest of the season.”
Defending world champion Dale Creasy Jr. will look to defend his Torco Racing Fuels Pro Nitro Funny Car 2006 victory against the strongest and deepest Nitro Funny Car field Alberta, Canada has ever seen. Jack Wyatt will make the trip to Edmonton to do battle with Creasy while Andy Kelley, the runner up in Tulsa, and Bob Gilbertson will also look to knock Creasy off his perch.
Gilbertson, in fact, will be competing in his “Jungle Jim” tribute body, something extra for the fans in Edmonton to enjoy.
The Torco Racing Fuels Pro Nitro Top Fuel class is also as strong and as deep than at any other time in IHRA history. T.J. Zizzo will enter Edmonton with the points lead but a number of different drivers are within striking distance. Bruce Litton, who was the runner up in Tulsa, is within a couple rounds of Zizzo heading into Castrol Raceway. Bobby Lagana Jr., Scotty Cannon and Doug Foley are also well within range of the front-running Zizzo.
“It’s early in the season and there is a lot of racing left,” Lagana said. “T.J. is off to a fast start and has a great car with a strong team so the rest of us really have to step up our games so he doesn’t run away with it. Edmonton is going to be a battle because it really is a pivotal race.”
Scott Cannon Jr. has had the strongest car thus far on the 2007 Nitro Jam circuit, but a number of different drivers have Cannon in their sights…including a nitrous car. Pat Stoken proved a nitrous car could compete in what last season was a blower car class, Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com Pro Modified. Stoken claimed the Ironman at the Skull Shine Sooner Nationals, putting a nitrous car in the winner’s circle at a Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam event for the first time since Mike Castellana won in Budds Creek during the 2005 season.
Kenny Lang, Ed Hoover, Danny Rowe and defending world champion Quain Stott also are within 100 points of Cannon in the race for the championship.
In Alcohol Funny Car it looks like it will be, as usual, Mark Thomas and Rob Atchison battling it out for the championship. But Terry Munroe might have something to say about it, in the end, as well. Munroe won the first event of the season in San Antonio before Thomas claimed the Ironman at the Spring Nationals in Rockingham. Atchison held serve with an Ironman victory at Tulsa Raceway Park.
“Three winners in three events, that’s kind of cool,” Atchison said after his victory in Tulsa. “This class is so strong. It’s a battle any time you race Mark, Terry Munroe and his team are running well and there are others who can beat you. This is going to be very exciting all season because every round will be a big round.”
The same can be said for the Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com Pro Stock class. John Montecalvo will head to Edmonton with the points lead, but that lead is by the slimmest of margins. Defending champion Pete Berner sits just one point behind Montecalvo on the strength of an Ironman victory in Tulsa. Robert Patrick, Brian Gahm, Rob Mansfield and Steve Spiess are also very much alive in the title hunt.
The CARS RV & Marine & Motorsports Rocky Mountain Nationals presented by Torco Racing Fuels are scheduled for July 6-8. Pro qualifying will commence Friday, July 6 at 3 p.m. followed by a second pro qualifying session at 7:30 p.m. Saturday will offer two professional qualifying sessions as well, the first at 3 p.m. followed by the Cervus Contractors Equipment JCB Night of Fire beginning at 7:30.
Professional eliminations are slated to begin Sunday, July 8 at 10:30 a.m.
To order tickets for the CARS RV & Marine & Motorsports Rocky Mountain Nationals presented by Torco Racing Fuels visit www.ihra.com and click on the "Buy Tickets" link in the top-right corner. You can also purchase tickets at www.castrolraceway.com.
NORWALK, Ohio (July 5, 2007) -- Last season the walk-up crowd at Castrol Racewayhttp://www.castrolraceway.com in Edmonton made the Rocky Mountain Nationals the most heavily-attended race in the history of the facility. This season the fans are not taking any chances.
The advance ticket sales for the 2007 version of the Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam event in Edmonton by far exceeds anything ever seen before. Last year’s successful event, coupled with a star-studded field, combined to make the CARS RV & Marine & Motorsport Rocky Mountain Nationals presented by Torco Racing Fuels the hottest ticket in town.
“The ticket demand has been unbelievable,” IHRA president Aaron Polburn said of the Rocky Mountain Nationals. “Rob Reeves and his staff have done an outstanding job of keeping up with the phones because, quite honestly, they are ringing non-stop. In fact our next three races, first in Edmonton, then in Grand Bend and finally in Martin, Michigan, are way ahead of last year’s ticket sales numbers. Edmonton should be an exciting weekend and really jump-start the rest of the season.”
Defending world champion Dale Creasy Jr. will look to defend his Torco Racing Fuels Pro Nitro Funny Car 2006 victory against the strongest and deepest Nitro Funny Car field Alberta, Canada has ever seen. Jack Wyatt will make the trip to Edmonton to do battle with Creasy while Andy Kelley, the runner up in Tulsa, and Bob Gilbertson will also look to knock Creasy off his perch.
Gilbertson, in fact, will be competing in his “Jungle Jim” tribute body, something extra for the fans in Edmonton to enjoy.
The Torco Racing Fuels Pro Nitro Top Fuel class is also as strong and as deep than at any other time in IHRA history. T.J. Zizzo will enter Edmonton with the points lead but a number of different drivers are within striking distance. Bruce Litton, who was the runner up in Tulsa, is within a couple rounds of Zizzo heading into Castrol Raceway. Bobby Lagana Jr., Scotty Cannon and Doug Foley are also well within range of the front-running Zizzo.
“It’s early in the season and there is a lot of racing left,” Lagana said. “T.J. is off to a fast start and has a great car with a strong team so the rest of us really have to step up our games so he doesn’t run away with it. Edmonton is going to be a battle because it really is a pivotal race.”
Scott Cannon Jr. has had the strongest car thus far on the 2007 Nitro Jam circuit, but a number of different drivers have Cannon in their sights…including a nitrous car. Pat Stoken proved a nitrous car could compete in what last season was a blower car class, Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com Pro Modified. Stoken claimed the Ironman at the Skull Shine Sooner Nationals, putting a nitrous car in the winner’s circle at a Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam event for the first time since Mike Castellana won in Budds Creek during the 2005 season.
Kenny Lang, Ed Hoover, Danny Rowe and defending world champion Quain Stott also are within 100 points of Cannon in the race for the championship.
In Alcohol Funny Car it looks like it will be, as usual, Mark Thomas and Rob Atchison battling it out for the championship. But Terry Munroe might have something to say about it, in the end, as well. Munroe won the first event of the season in San Antonio before Thomas claimed the Ironman at the Spring Nationals in Rockingham. Atchison held serve with an Ironman victory at Tulsa Raceway Park.
“Three winners in three events, that’s kind of cool,” Atchison said after his victory in Tulsa. “This class is so strong. It’s a battle any time you race Mark, Terry Munroe and his team are running well and there are others who can beat you. This is going to be very exciting all season because every round will be a big round.”
The same can be said for the Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com Pro Stock class. John Montecalvo will head to Edmonton with the points lead, but that lead is by the slimmest of margins. Defending champion Pete Berner sits just one point behind Montecalvo on the strength of an Ironman victory in Tulsa. Robert Patrick, Brian Gahm, Rob Mansfield and Steve Spiess are also very much alive in the title hunt.
The CARS RV & Marine & Motorsports Rocky Mountain Nationals presented by Torco Racing Fuels are scheduled for July 6-8. Pro qualifying will commence Friday, July 6 at 3 p.m. followed by a second pro qualifying session at 7:30 p.m. Saturday will offer two professional qualifying sessions as well, the first at 3 p.m. followed by the Cervus Contractors Equipment JCB Night of Fire beginning at 7:30.
Professional eliminations are slated to begin Sunday, July 8 at 10:30 a.m.
To order tickets for the CARS RV & Marine & Motorsports Rocky Mountain Nationals presented by Torco Racing Fuels visit www.ihra.com and click on the "Buy Tickets" link in the top-right corner. You can also purchase tickets at www.castrolraceway.com.
Pierre Bourque upate from Thursday at Watkins Glen
From Pierre Bourque....
"I am paired with Dan DiLeo this weekend. He's from Markham (I think). Our Driving.Ca / Canada.Com / Working.Com / Dose.Ca Team TRG #42 Porsche 997 was 3rd quickest in practice today (Thursday) for the Grand-Am Koni Challenge at Watkins Glen.
"The two hour session got underway right after a giant deluge, so I started off in wet conditions and I had my first-ever laps around the Glen on wet treads, but the track is beautiful. Things dried up and lap times dropped as the session progressed, ending under sunny skies.
The car is strong, we'll be contenders come race day Saturday."
Good luck Pierre and thanks for the update!
"I am paired with Dan DiLeo this weekend. He's from Markham (I think). Our Driving.Ca / Canada.Com / Working.Com / Dose.Ca Team TRG #42 Porsche 997 was 3rd quickest in practice today (Thursday) for the Grand-Am Koni Challenge at Watkins Glen.
"The two hour session got underway right after a giant deluge, so I started off in wet conditions and I had my first-ever laps around the Glen on wet treads, but the track is beautiful. Things dried up and lap times dropped as the session progressed, ending under sunny skies.
The car is strong, we'll be contenders come race day Saturday."
Good luck Pierre and thanks for the update!
KEVIN HARVICK, JEFF BURTON, ROBBY GORDON & MAX PAPIS CONFIRM ENTRY FOR MONTREAL BUSCH SERIES RACE
Daytona Beach, Fla. - July 6, 2007 - Several marquee drivers from the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series and NASCAR Busch series, along with a veteran road racer announced they will all compete in the inaugural NASCAR Busch Series NAPA Auto Parts 200 - Presented by Dodge at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal on August 4, 2007. The announcement was made at Daytona International Speedway, home of this evening's Winn-Dixie 250 NASCAR Busch Series race.
Martin Spalding, general manager of Stock-Car Montreal, said, "The growing field of drivers continues to brim with world-class talent. I'm looking forward to these competitors dueling with each other on the tight turns and long straight-aways that make this course so special."
Harvick, the reigning and two-time NASCAR Busch Series champion, stated, "I'm really looking forward to racing on this historic road course. I've seen video from the test session last month and there will definitely be some challenging areas for us drivers, but it should produce a great show for fans!"
"Montreal is a great city with so much racing heritage," said Burton, a 24-time winner in the NASCAR Busch Series. "I'm especially excited to be racing in front of our legions of Canadian NASCAR fans. I always see the Canadian flag at our events in the US, and I'm eager to bring the show to their home soil."
Gordon, an accomplished road racer and former winner in the NASCAR Busch Series stated, "Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is one of the most challenging and demanding road courses in the world. This race will test the skills of all the drivers, and I'm looking forward to the challenge."
Papis, a former Rolex 24 at Daytona champion, announced he will drive for the Phoenix Racing Team in the NAPA 200. Commenting on the race, Papis said, "I've had the pleasure of competing at some of the most demanding courses throughout my career in open-wheel and sports cars. But I'm especially excited to be competing at this track with some of the world's most talented drivers, and giving them a run for their money."
The NAPA Auto Parts 200 Presented by Dodge will be run on Saturday August 4, 2007, at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. The weekend of activities begins on Friday with the Grand-Am Rolex Series, and will feature a race from the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. To order tickets for the weekend, call 514-397-0007, seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. or order online at www.circuitgillesvilleneuve.ca.
# # #
From Normand Prieur, Stock-Car Montreal (514) 982-0833
Martin Spalding, general manager of Stock-Car Montreal, said, "The growing field of drivers continues to brim with world-class talent. I'm looking forward to these competitors dueling with each other on the tight turns and long straight-aways that make this course so special."
Harvick, the reigning and two-time NASCAR Busch Series champion, stated, "I'm really looking forward to racing on this historic road course. I've seen video from the test session last month and there will definitely be some challenging areas for us drivers, but it should produce a great show for fans!"
"Montreal is a great city with so much racing heritage," said Burton, a 24-time winner in the NASCAR Busch Series. "I'm especially excited to be racing in front of our legions of Canadian NASCAR fans. I always see the Canadian flag at our events in the US, and I'm eager to bring the show to their home soil."
Gordon, an accomplished road racer and former winner in the NASCAR Busch Series stated, "Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is one of the most challenging and demanding road courses in the world. This race will test the skills of all the drivers, and I'm looking forward to the challenge."
Papis, a former Rolex 24 at Daytona champion, announced he will drive for the Phoenix Racing Team in the NAPA 200. Commenting on the race, Papis said, "I've had the pleasure of competing at some of the most demanding courses throughout my career in open-wheel and sports cars. But I'm especially excited to be competing at this track with some of the world's most talented drivers, and giving them a run for their money."
The NAPA Auto Parts 200 Presented by Dodge will be run on Saturday August 4, 2007, at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. The weekend of activities begins on Friday with the Grand-Am Rolex Series, and will feature a race from the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. To order tickets for the weekend, call 514-397-0007, seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. or order online at www.circuitgillesvilleneuve.ca.
# # #
From Normand Prieur, Stock-Car Montreal (514) 982-0833
OSCAAR: Biederman Memorial Slideshow from Bill Mehlenbacher
Thanks to Bill Mehlenbacher for sending along this slideshow from the recent Don Biederman Memorial at Cayuga Speedway Park.
UPDATE: Here is a photo gallery from the ASA portion of the show.
UPDATE: Here is a photo gallery from the ASA portion of the show.
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
NCATS: Dodge-sponsored Avenger driver Mark Dilley takes second in Sunday’s MOPAR 300 at Barrie Speedway
(PHOTO: Mark Dilley (r) was second in Sunday's MOPAR 300 at Barrie Speedway // Credit: G. MacPherson / Inside Track)
BARRIE, ON – Mark Dilley came within one finishing position of having a perfect night at Barrie Speedway on Sunday evening. The driver of the #9 Dodge-sponsored NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Avenger smashed the track record during afternoon time trials for the MOPAR 300 to earn the pole position for the 300-lap chase around the 1/3-mile tri-oval.
(PHOTO: Mark Dilley (9) sat on the pole for Sunday's MOPAR 300 at Barrie Speedway // Credit: G. MacPherson / Inside Track)
During the race, the #9 Dodge / Mobil1 / Exide / MOPAR / Leland / Wild Wing / CRS Dodge Avenger led twice for a total of 80 laps before ultimately finishing second to fellow Dodge driver DJ Kennington, who took the checkered flag just over a second in front of Dilley.
Dilley, who hails from Barrie, Ontario, calls the high-speed Barrie bullring his hometrack. The veteran driver always seems to do well at the facility, and Sunday’s MOPAR 300 on Canada Day was no exception.
(PHOTO: The pre-race autograph session. // Credit: G. MacPherson / Inside Track)
“We’re pretty happy with this,” said Dilley, following the podium celebrations. “All in all, it’s a pretty good night for us. We sat on the pole and our Dodge Avenger was definitely fast. When I got out front, I could pretty well pull away at will. But it’s still tough coming back through the field after a pit stop.”
Dilley had even more reason to smile after the race given that his runner-up finish lifted him into a tie for the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series points lead with stock car newcomer Andrew Ranger. Both have accumulated 500 points to date.
The race was slowed by 16 caution flags, each of which triggered a subsequent restart. Under NASCAR race procedures, the top two runners are ‘doubled up’ on the front row, placing the leader on the inside of the front row and the second-place driver immediately to his right. While exciting for the fans, the restarts were a source of concern for Dilley and several others.
“The restarts were very tough tonight. It’s great for the fans to have side-by-side restarts, but they’re very difficult on a track this size. You’ve got 550 horsepower cars and everyone has to make their gear shifts at the right time. I guess that’s the NASCAR way, but it’s tough on equipment.”
In terms of pit strategy for the #9 Dodge-sponsored Avenger, the team made its lone stops just after the midway point of the race, coming to pit road twice during the same caution period.
“I stopped twice under one caution to change all four tires. The car was a little bit tight with the new fuel load and tires but it came back to me after we burned some fuel. The guys on the crew did a great job and just keep getting better and better every week.”
Discussing his new qualifying record of 13.969 seconds around the high-banked Barrie track, Dilley said, “It was pretty neat to break the track record for Barrie Speedway. I was happy to put on a good show for all of the people from Dodge and MOPAR, as well as for all our fans at Barrie. We’ll see if we can do it again [set another track record] in September.” The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series returns to the track on September 8 for its second of two appearances this season.
BARRIE NOTEBOOK: It was a ‘one-two’ sweep for Dodge drivers in the MOPAR 300 at Barrie Speedway on Canada Day (July 1). DJ Kennington led Mark Dilley across the finish line at the end of 300 laps. Third-place went to five-time Canadian National stock car champ Don Thomson Jr. The grandstands were packed for the Barrie event, which saw 20 cars take the initial green flag. Series points leader Andrew Ranger finished fifth in his first-ever visit to the challenging short track.
LOOKING AHEAD: NASCAR heads out west for a pairNext, the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series caravan heads out west to Vernon, British Columbia for a July 15 race at Sun Valley Speedway. The BC Dodge Dealers Dodge Avenger 300 is the first of two races on the western swing, which will conclude the following weekend (July 21) with an appearance at the Grand Prix of Edmonton (AB).
Prepared by Inside Track Communications // For more information about the #9 Dodge team and its sponsors, visit www.whitlockmotorsports.com. For more on the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, including complete race results, reports, point standings, event schedules and upcoming broadcast times for races on TSN, see www.nascar.ca
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
NCATS: Jim Lapcevich scores top-ten NASCAR finish in Barrie
“There is never a dull moment when you race at Barrie”
BARRIE, ONTARIO (July 1, 2007) – Team Fastline driver Jim Lapcevich finished ninth in Sunday’s NASCAR Canadian Tire Series at Barrie Speedway’s Mopar 300 in the #25 EMCEA Transport – Tim Hortons Fastline Motorsports Chevrolet Monte Carlo.
“There is never a dull moment when you race at Barrie,” said Lapcevich, who along with brother Jeff drives for the Hamilton-based team. “At one point in the race we got down a couple of laps and with the help of the free pass we were able to get back on the lead lap and the car was running really well.”
D.J. Kennington won the event, Mark Dilley was second, and Don Thomson Jr. finished third in the race that saw the lead change 13 times between six drivers.
Lapcevich, who resides in Grimsby, ON, started 12th in the 20-car field for the 300-lap race on the third-mile paved oval. He will not be going to the next event.
“Our plan is to skip the race in Vernon, BC and get the road course cars ready for the Edmonton event where Jeff (Lapcevich) won last year,” added Lapcevich. “Edmonton is a great venue with very enthusiastic fans, and I really enjoy racing there.”
The next event for Team Fastline will be race five in the 12-race NASCAR Canadian Tire Series at the Rexall Grand Prix of Edmonton on the 3.154-kilometer (1.96 miles), 14-turn road course at the City Centre Airport in Edmonton, Alberta on July 20-21.
For information about the Rexall Grand Prix of Edmonton, call (780) 488-8882 or visit online at www.grandprixedmonton.com
Tim Hortons, EMCEA Transport, Springer’s Meats, Troy Cove Marine, Mr. Lube, and B & J Electric sponsor Team Fastline, www.FastlineMotorsports.ca
For more information, please contact Bruce Mehlenbacher at Bruce@JAJEntertainment.com
BARRIE, ONTARIO (July 1, 2007) – Team Fastline driver Jim Lapcevich finished ninth in Sunday’s NASCAR Canadian Tire Series at Barrie Speedway’s Mopar 300 in the #25 EMCEA Transport – Tim Hortons Fastline Motorsports Chevrolet Monte Carlo.
“There is never a dull moment when you race at Barrie,” said Lapcevich, who along with brother Jeff drives for the Hamilton-based team. “At one point in the race we got down a couple of laps and with the help of the free pass we were able to get back on the lead lap and the car was running really well.”
D.J. Kennington won the event, Mark Dilley was second, and Don Thomson Jr. finished third in the race that saw the lead change 13 times between six drivers.
Lapcevich, who resides in Grimsby, ON, started 12th in the 20-car field for the 300-lap race on the third-mile paved oval. He will not be going to the next event.
“Our plan is to skip the race in Vernon, BC and get the road course cars ready for the Edmonton event where Jeff (Lapcevich) won last year,” added Lapcevich. “Edmonton is a great venue with very enthusiastic fans, and I really enjoy racing there.”
The next event for Team Fastline will be race five in the 12-race NASCAR Canadian Tire Series at the Rexall Grand Prix of Edmonton on the 3.154-kilometer (1.96 miles), 14-turn road course at the City Centre Airport in Edmonton, Alberta on July 20-21.
For information about the Rexall Grand Prix of Edmonton, call (780) 488-8882 or visit online at www.grandprixedmonton.com
Tim Hortons, EMCEA Transport, Springer’s Meats, Troy Cove Marine, Mr. Lube, and B & J Electric sponsor Team Fastline, www.FastlineMotorsports.ca
For more information, please contact Bruce Mehlenbacher at Bruce@JAJEntertainment.com
NCATS: Late Race Penalty Takes great finish away from Hathaway at Barrie Speedway
Barrie, Ontario-Team 3 Red/EHR with Jason Hathaway behind the wheel of the #3 Snap on Tools Dodge returned to action on the ovals this past Sunday evening on the tight 1/3 mile oval of Barrie Speedway for the third round of racing in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series.
Team 3 Red/EHR took their #3 Snap on Tools Dodge to the track with high hopes of picking up the momentum they enjoyed off the top of the season with their 7th place finish at Cayuga Speedway in late May.
Under the watchful eye of Crew Chief Giulio Montanari the team practiced their car in two practice sessions on Sunday. As the sessions went on the car got better and at the conclusion of practice, Hathaway was sitting 3rd in the practice times.
"The car felt pretty good and got better and better each time we went out. It was neutral and I could do what I wanted with it and that is pretty good on a track as tough as this one!" said Hathaway after the afternoon practice sessions.
The qualifying session did not go as well as planned for the Team. With cool tires and only two laps to get the quickest time in the field, Hathaway put in a disappointing 15th place time of 14.248 sec on the 1/3-mile oval.
The green flag flew on the MOPAR 300 at 8:45 pm and the cars roared to life for the gruelling 300 lap event. Off the start Hathaway was able to capitalize and started his progression to the front of the pack. By lap 100 Hathaway was up to the 7th running position in a tough field of cars. A hard fought battle with the #25 car of Jim Lapcevich combined with some great driving placed Hathaway in the 2nd running position by lap 131. He also earned 5 bonus points for a leading a lap of the 300 lap event!. Running behind the leader, Hathaway got caught up in a mid race caution and suffered some fiberglass damage and restarted at the rear of the field. Hathaway made his way back up through the field and at lap 200 was back up to 7th place.
On lap 213, under caution, a mystery penalty administered by NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Officials pulled Hathaway out of 7th place that he earned and relegated him to the back of the field. Now, deep in the pack with tons of "beating & banging" going on Hathaway had no choice but to hold on for the remaining 79 laps and bring his car home in one piece.
A disappointed Guilio Montanari reflected on the night's event. "What a brutal way to end this race. The guys worked so hard in the pits and this is pretty disappointing. We had a great race going, the car was handling well and Jason and Duane worked awesome together. Spotting in the stands, Duane got him through a whole bunch of chaos on the track...he has great eyes up there and it saved the car I don't know how many times."
"On the track tonight there were tons of accidents out there and we missed so many of them. Duane did a great job getting me through the traffic and helping to keep the car in one piece. We had a great car tonight and it was fun to drive. It is pretty disappointing that we were penalized and couldn't show what this team was capable of achieving." said Hathaway after climbing out of his damaged racing machine.
Team 3 Red/EHR will head to beautiful Vernon, British Columbia for their event next scheduled event at Sun Valley Speedway July 15th. The Team will finish up their western swing with their second appearance at the Edmonton Grand Prix in Edmonton, Alberta July 20th & 21st.
Team 3 Red/EHR is proud to be associated with their great sponsors and supporters. Team 3 Red/EHR thanks Snap-on Tools, Super 8 Motels, Advantex Freight Forwarders, Fast Eddie Racewear and Choko Motorsports, Briggs & Stratton, Castrol, Napoleon Fireplaces & Barbeques, Xilarate Sports Fluid and The Busted Knuckle Garage. For more information on our sponsors please visit our website at www.team3red.com.
Team 3 Red/EHR took their #3 Snap on Tools Dodge to the track with high hopes of picking up the momentum they enjoyed off the top of the season with their 7th place finish at Cayuga Speedway in late May.
Under the watchful eye of Crew Chief Giulio Montanari the team practiced their car in two practice sessions on Sunday. As the sessions went on the car got better and at the conclusion of practice, Hathaway was sitting 3rd in the practice times.
"The car felt pretty good and got better and better each time we went out. It was neutral and I could do what I wanted with it and that is pretty good on a track as tough as this one!" said Hathaway after the afternoon practice sessions.
The qualifying session did not go as well as planned for the Team. With cool tires and only two laps to get the quickest time in the field, Hathaway put in a disappointing 15th place time of 14.248 sec on the 1/3-mile oval.
The green flag flew on the MOPAR 300 at 8:45 pm and the cars roared to life for the gruelling 300 lap event. Off the start Hathaway was able to capitalize and started his progression to the front of the pack. By lap 100 Hathaway was up to the 7th running position in a tough field of cars. A hard fought battle with the #25 car of Jim Lapcevich combined with some great driving placed Hathaway in the 2nd running position by lap 131. He also earned 5 bonus points for a leading a lap of the 300 lap event!. Running behind the leader, Hathaway got caught up in a mid race caution and suffered some fiberglass damage and restarted at the rear of the field. Hathaway made his way back up through the field and at lap 200 was back up to 7th place.
On lap 213, under caution, a mystery penalty administered by NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Officials pulled Hathaway out of 7th place that he earned and relegated him to the back of the field. Now, deep in the pack with tons of "beating & banging" going on Hathaway had no choice but to hold on for the remaining 79 laps and bring his car home in one piece.
A disappointed Guilio Montanari reflected on the night's event. "What a brutal way to end this race. The guys worked so hard in the pits and this is pretty disappointing. We had a great race going, the car was handling well and Jason and Duane worked awesome together. Spotting in the stands, Duane got him through a whole bunch of chaos on the track...he has great eyes up there and it saved the car I don't know how many times."
"On the track tonight there were tons of accidents out there and we missed so many of them. Duane did a great job getting me through the traffic and helping to keep the car in one piece. We had a great car tonight and it was fun to drive. It is pretty disappointing that we were penalized and couldn't show what this team was capable of achieving." said Hathaway after climbing out of his damaged racing machine.
Team 3 Red/EHR will head to beautiful Vernon, British Columbia for their event next scheduled event at Sun Valley Speedway July 15th. The Team will finish up their western swing with their second appearance at the Edmonton Grand Prix in Edmonton, Alberta July 20th & 21st.
Team 3 Red/EHR is proud to be associated with their great sponsors and supporters. Team 3 Red/EHR thanks Snap-on Tools, Super 8 Motels, Advantex Freight Forwarders, Fast Eddie Racewear and Choko Motorsports, Briggs & Stratton, Castrol, Napoleon Fireplaces & Barbeques, Xilarate Sports Fluid and The Busted Knuckle Garage. For more information on our sponsors please visit our website at www.team3red.com.
Micks retains BDI funding for entire NASCAR Canadian Tire Series
MT. ALBERT, ONTARIO (June 29, 2007) – BDI (Beyond Digital Imaging Inc.) will continue to supply primary sponsorship of Kerry Micks and the #02 Ford Taurus in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series for the remainder of the season. The Micks Motorsports team welcomes its associate sponsorship with Nur America and HP Canada.
"We are very happy with the hard work and determination that Micks Motorsports has shown in these first three races of the season,” said Beyond Digital Imaging Inc.’s Director of Performance Graphics, Court Armstrong. BDI is Canada's leading digital printing company and an official partner and licensee of NASCAR in Canada.
"Kerry and his group are one of the hardest-working teams in the paddock and that means a lot to us,” added Armstrong. “His hard work and ‘never give up’ attitude is a testament to the team’s excellent performance last season, and with this new funding the team will be poised to hit the podium without having to hunt for sponsors."
“I'm very excited to continue with our long-standing relationship with Beyond Digital Imaging for the remainder of the 2007 season,” explained Micks, from Mt. Albert, Ontario. “This sponsorship agreement allows our team to commit to running the full NASCAR Canadian Tire schedule. Our first two races were not very successful but our team is determined to take BDI to the winners circle before this season is finished."
Beyond Digital Imaging Inc. (BDI), Canadian Detailing Services, Cathcart Trucking and APX Racing Gear and Incentives Inc. 3M, Nur America, Canada are sponsors of Micks Motorsports.
About Kerry Micks:
Micks 45, of Mount Albert, Ontario, was the 1993 CASCAR Super Series National Champion, and he finished the 2006 season in third position with four top-three podium finishes, including a win at Mosport International Raceway and the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve road course in downtown Montreal.
In 2006, Micks collected three poles, including the Grand-Prix de Trois-Rivières, Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, and Autodrome St-Eustache. He also captured second place finishes at the Grand Prix of Edmonton and Mosport Speedway.
From Micks Motorsports by Bruce Melhenbacher
"We are very happy with the hard work and determination that Micks Motorsports has shown in these first three races of the season,” said Beyond Digital Imaging Inc.’s Director of Performance Graphics, Court Armstrong. BDI is Canada's leading digital printing company and an official partner and licensee of NASCAR in Canada.
"Kerry and his group are one of the hardest-working teams in the paddock and that means a lot to us,” added Armstrong. “His hard work and ‘never give up’ attitude is a testament to the team’s excellent performance last season, and with this new funding the team will be poised to hit the podium without having to hunt for sponsors."
“I'm very excited to continue with our long-standing relationship with Beyond Digital Imaging for the remainder of the 2007 season,” explained Micks, from Mt. Albert, Ontario. “This sponsorship agreement allows our team to commit to running the full NASCAR Canadian Tire schedule. Our first two races were not very successful but our team is determined to take BDI to the winners circle before this season is finished."
Beyond Digital Imaging Inc. (BDI), Canadian Detailing Services, Cathcart Trucking and APX Racing Gear and Incentives Inc. 3M, Nur America, Canada are sponsors of Micks Motorsports.
About Kerry Micks:
Micks 45, of Mount Albert, Ontario, was the 1993 CASCAR Super Series National Champion, and he finished the 2006 season in third position with four top-three podium finishes, including a win at Mosport International Raceway and the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve road course in downtown Montreal.
In 2006, Micks collected three poles, including the Grand-Prix de Trois-Rivières, Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, and Autodrome St-Eustache. He also captured second place finishes at the Grand Prix of Edmonton and Mosport Speedway.
From Micks Motorsports by Bruce Melhenbacher
NCATS: PODIUM FINISH FOR DON THOMSON JR IN HOME HARDWARE CHEVY
Don Thomson Jr. and the entire Home Hardware team knew they would have to be at their best to secure a top finish at one of the most challenging short tracks on the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series (NCATS) schedule, the tight 1/3 mile bullring known as Barrie Speedway. And despite setbacks due to other driver’s misfortune, Thomson was able to claim his second podium finish of the season.
As usual the Home Hardware Chevrolet was very quick during practice as Don Thomson Jr. was on top of the time sheets during both one hour sessions. “The car felt good, but you know me I’d always like a little more” he stated. “But the car is good and we should be fine for the race he added. Thomson would post the fourth quickest qualifying time and start from the outside of row two.
Through the early stages of the race, the drivers appeared to be keeping their cool. It’s easy to get into difficulty at a tight track like Barrie, but through the early stages of the race the drives appeared to be keeping their cool. How quickly things can change. Unfortunately Thomson would get caught up in an early incident between two other drivers. Fortunately the #4 car sustained no serious damage.
Following a pit stop for tires and fuel that shuffled the Home Hardware Chevy to the back of the field Thomson was again collected in other drivers incidents. “It’s all about survival” said the Home Hardware Chevy driver prior to the 300 lap main event. At this point Thomson decided to make a bold move. “I told the team that I wanted to stop for right side tires, and that I wasn’t stopping again”. The strategy worked.
The remainder of the race would be slowed often by caution periods. As the laps wound down Thomson and the Home Hardware Chevy were battling hammer and tong with the #17 car. The two drivers would swap the lead six separate times through the evening providing some of the most exciting and clean racing seen this year. “It was really some great racing” said Thomson afterwards. “Battling that close for that long is really exciting. Their team did a great job and I congratulate them. But for us to come to Barrie and get collected a couple of times, we’ve got to be happy with a third place finish.
The NASCAR Canadian Tire series will return to action with a swing through Western Canada beginning at Sun Valley Speedway near Vernon, BC on July 15th. The NCATS run a twelve event schedule on ovals, road courses and temporary street circuits across Canada. Each of the twelve races will also be broadcast on TSN. For information about the NCATS including schedule, results and more, log onto www.nascar.ca
This release prepared by TL Sports & Entertainment
As usual the Home Hardware Chevrolet was very quick during practice as Don Thomson Jr. was on top of the time sheets during both one hour sessions. “The car felt good, but you know me I’d always like a little more” he stated. “But the car is good and we should be fine for the race he added. Thomson would post the fourth quickest qualifying time and start from the outside of row two.
Through the early stages of the race, the drivers appeared to be keeping their cool. It’s easy to get into difficulty at a tight track like Barrie, but through the early stages of the race the drives appeared to be keeping their cool. How quickly things can change. Unfortunately Thomson would get caught up in an early incident between two other drivers. Fortunately the #4 car sustained no serious damage.
Following a pit stop for tires and fuel that shuffled the Home Hardware Chevy to the back of the field Thomson was again collected in other drivers incidents. “It’s all about survival” said the Home Hardware Chevy driver prior to the 300 lap main event. At this point Thomson decided to make a bold move. “I told the team that I wanted to stop for right side tires, and that I wasn’t stopping again”. The strategy worked.
The remainder of the race would be slowed often by caution periods. As the laps wound down Thomson and the Home Hardware Chevy were battling hammer and tong with the #17 car. The two drivers would swap the lead six separate times through the evening providing some of the most exciting and clean racing seen this year. “It was really some great racing” said Thomson afterwards. “Battling that close for that long is really exciting. Their team did a great job and I congratulate them. But for us to come to Barrie and get collected a couple of times, we’ve got to be happy with a third place finish.
The NASCAR Canadian Tire series will return to action with a swing through Western Canada beginning at Sun Valley Speedway near Vernon, BC on July 15th. The NCATS run a twelve event schedule on ovals, road courses and temporary street circuits across Canada. Each of the twelve races will also be broadcast on TSN. For information about the NCATS including schedule, results and more, log onto www.nascar.ca
This release prepared by TL Sports & Entertainment
Pierre Bourque Ready to Hit the Road (Course) at Watkins Glen
Busch East Driver Will Drive Porsche for The Racers Group This Weekend
CONCORD, NC (July 2007) – Lately, Pierre Bourque has been making headlines in the NASCAR Busch East Series and the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, behind the wheel of Dodge Charger racecars. Generally speaking, he’s been getting plenty of practice turning left as the majority of both tour schedules are on oval tracks.
This coming weekend though, Bourque will return to his racing roots in a full-blown road racing machine on the road course at Watkins Glen International. Bourque will drive a Porsche for The Racers Group in Saturday’s three-hour KONI Challenge event.
"I am thrilled to be re-joining Kevin Buckler's Team TRG,” said Bourque. “They are ultra-competitive and are the consummate professionals. Earlier this year, I ran for them in the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona, where I finished 12th in the GT class and won the Hard Charger Award for most passes during the race."
This will be Bourque’s first event at Watkins Glen, but he already has made plans to return to the track later this summer when the NASCAR Busch Series competes there on August 11th.
"I've never raced at Watkins Glen, but since I will be doing the NASCAR Busch Series race there in August for Fitz Motorsports, I figured this would be a perfect opportunity to do some serious sports car racing in the Grand-Am KONI Challenge, but to also get in a lot of track time in advance of the Busch race.
"The deal came together quickly. I met with Kevin when he was at Mosport a couple of weeks ago when both the KONI series and my NASCAR Canadian Tire Series were together. From there things just clicked and so I will be running the #42 DRIVING.CA-CANADA.COM-WORKING.COM-DOSE.CA TRG Porsche this coming weekend at Watkins Glen."
The Supercuts 200 for the Grand-Am KONI Challenge Series will take the green flag at 3:30 PM on Saturday, July 7th.
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."
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 www.PierreBourque.net
CONCORD, NC (July 2007) – Lately, Pierre Bourque has been making headlines in the NASCAR Busch East Series and the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, behind the wheel of Dodge Charger racecars. Generally speaking, he’s been getting plenty of practice turning left as the majority of both tour schedules are on oval tracks.
This coming weekend though, Bourque will return to his racing roots in a full-blown road racing machine on the road course at Watkins Glen International. Bourque will drive a Porsche for The Racers Group in Saturday’s three-hour KONI Challenge event.
"I am thrilled to be re-joining Kevin Buckler's Team TRG,” said Bourque. “They are ultra-competitive and are the consummate professionals. Earlier this year, I ran for them in the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona, where I finished 12th in the GT class and won the Hard Charger Award for most passes during the race."
This will be Bourque’s first event at Watkins Glen, but he already has made plans to return to the track later this summer when the NASCAR Busch Series competes there on August 11th.
"I've never raced at Watkins Glen, but since I will be doing the NASCAR Busch Series race there in August for Fitz Motorsports, I figured this would be a perfect opportunity to do some serious sports car racing in the Grand-Am KONI Challenge, but to also get in a lot of track time in advance of the Busch race.
"The deal came together quickly. I met with Kevin when he was at Mosport a couple of weeks ago when both the KONI series and my NASCAR Canadian Tire Series were together. From there things just clicked and so I will be running the #42 DRIVING.CA-CANADA.COM-WORKING.COM-DOSE.CA TRG Porsche this coming weekend at Watkins Glen."
The Supercuts 200 for the Grand-Am KONI Challenge Series will take the green flag at 3:30 PM on Saturday, July 7th.
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."
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 www.PierreBourque.net
Star Mazda Toronto Preview
Three Canadian drivers, all rookies, each with one win so far this season, will be among the rising stars of open wheel racing competing in Round Seven of the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear race at the Steelback Grand Prix of Toronto, July 6 – 8.
This will be the first of three Star Mazda races in Canada over the next two months, including Trois Rivierès, Quebec (where Star Mazda is the feature race) on August 18-19, and at Mosport in Bowmanville with the American Le Mans Series on August 24-25.
Heading the list is Toronto̢۪s own Marco Di Leo, driver of the #21 Maxwell Paper Products Mazda. Di Leo was the 2006 Skip Barber National Championship runner-up, 2005 Skip Barber Scholarship winner, Team Sunoco Ultra 94 member and F2000 Bridgestone Series champion. He won the Star Mazda season-opener in Sebring and is currently third in the championship battle with 190 points. He finished 7th in Round Six two weeks ago at Cleveland.
Second is Burnaby B.C.̢۪s Lorenzo Mandarino, driver of the #23 Newway Forming/Team G.FRO Mazda and race winner at Round Four in Salt Lake City. Mandarino had a tough weekend in Cleveland, finishing 18th, but is currently 6th in the Star Mazda Championship with 165 points. Mandarino was the 2005 SKUSA (Super Karts USA) Supernational Winner in the Super Pro class and an 11-time karting champion since 1996.
Devin Cunningham of St. Bruno, Quebec, won the 2006 Discovery Channel competition, called ‘Star Racer,’ designed to find the next great Canadian racing driver. The 8-part docu-reality series aired last fall and Cunningham is now making the most of his prize, a full-season sponsorship in the 2007 Star Mazda Championship. He won Round Five of the Star Mazda Championship in Portland driving the #33 Discovery Channel/AIM Autosport Mazda and is currently 8th in the championship with 163 points.
Also of note in the Star Mazda field is Natacha Gachnang, a native of St. Gingolph, Switzerland currently living in Toronto. She is Devin Cunningham’s teammate on the AIM Autosport team, driving the #35 AIM Autosport Mazda. Gachnang is the lone female driver in the Star Mazda Championship and has made series history by finishing on the podium in the last two races (2nd at Portland and 3rd at Cleveland). Gachnang was the 2001 Swiss junior karting champion and raced in the European Formula BMW series 2002 – 2005, moving up to Formula 3 in 2006. She joined the Star Mazda series at Salt Lake City and Toronto will be her fourth Star Mazda race.
It should be noted that Toronto-based AIM Autosport is the home of Team A.I.M. (Apprenticeship In Motorsport), a not-for-profit organization that fosters the development of Canadian youth in the motorsport industry and works to nurture the motorsport industry, find partnership opportunities for young racing apprentices and to grow the pool of apprentices in Canada. AIM alumni include Indy 500 winner Sam Hornish, Champ Car racer Andrew Ranger.
Also a prime contender for victory in Toronto will be current championship points leader Dane Cameron of Sonoma, California. Cameron has won two races and scored three pole positions so far this season and leads the championship with 218 points. Cameron started from the pole and finished 2nd in Cleveland. In 2006, Cameron drove in the Formula Ford 2000 series and finished second in both Toronto races (all FF2000 events were ‘double headers’) on his way to finishing 2nd in the championship and being ‘Rookie of the Year.’ As a Team USA Scholarship driver, he won the 2006 Palmer Audi Winter Championship in Europe. In 2005 Cameron was the SCCA Formula Jim Russell Series champion and Rookie of the Year.
An interesting side note is that the Star Mazda Championship is something of a ‘United Nations of Racing’ with drivers not only from around the U.S. and Canada, but also, Venezuela, Switzerland, Pakistan, England and the Philippines.
And the series demonstrates another aspect of democracy with special categories for drivers who don’t fit the ‘young lion’ category. The Expert Series is for drivers in the 30 to 44 age range, and the current points leader is Tony Rivera with 92. In the Masters Series category for racers 45 and older, Steve Hickham leads with 86 points.
And here̢۪s the story on what they̢۪re all fighting for; forty years ago, on May 31, 1967, Mazda introduced the first street car with a rotary engine, the Cosmo Sport. Since then, they̢۪ve built two million rotary-engined vehicles and the company has built its very identity on the idea of Zoom-Zoom and every vehicle they produce having the soul of a sports car.
In pursuit of that ideal, Mazda has created a unique, company-sponsored ‘motorsports ladder’ that reaches all the way from karting to Champ Car. This year’s Star Mazda series champion will receive a Mazda-sponsored full-season drive for 2008 in the next series up the ladder, the Cooper Tires Presents The Champ Car Atlantic Championship Powered by Mazda. And the 2008 winner of the Atlantic Championship gets a $2 million sponsorship to help them move up to Champ Car.
So… they’rre racing for their dream, and for the opportunity of a lifetime. And it all begins on Friday, July 6 with a 70-minute practice session starting at 8:00 am. Racers will also have a 30-minute practice session starting at 5:00 pm. The 35-minute qualifying session to set the starting grid for the race takes place at 8:00 am Saturday morning. The 45-minute Star Mazda Championship race is scheduled to take the green flag at 3:30 pm Saturday, July 7.
Toronto is the seventh round of the 12-race 2007 Star Mazda Championship schedule. Star Mazda races are broadcast tape-delayed on SPEED TV. Date and time (all times stated are Eastern and subject to change) for the one-hour broadcast is available at www.speedtv.com/programs. The Toronto race is scheduled to air on Saturday, July 21 at 12:00 pm with a re-broadcast on Monday, July 23 at 3:00 pm.
The next event on the Star Mazda schedule is at Road America, with the American Le Mans Series, on August 10 – 11. Foor additional information please visit www.starmazda.com and www.mazdausa.com.
From Star Mazda
This will be the first of three Star Mazda races in Canada over the next two months, including Trois Rivierès, Quebec (where Star Mazda is the feature race) on August 18-19, and at Mosport in Bowmanville with the American Le Mans Series on August 24-25.
Heading the list is Toronto̢۪s own Marco Di Leo, driver of the #21 Maxwell Paper Products Mazda. Di Leo was the 2006 Skip Barber National Championship runner-up, 2005 Skip Barber Scholarship winner, Team Sunoco Ultra 94 member and F2000 Bridgestone Series champion. He won the Star Mazda season-opener in Sebring and is currently third in the championship battle with 190 points. He finished 7th in Round Six two weeks ago at Cleveland.
Second is Burnaby B.C.̢۪s Lorenzo Mandarino, driver of the #23 Newway Forming/Team G.FRO Mazda and race winner at Round Four in Salt Lake City. Mandarino had a tough weekend in Cleveland, finishing 18th, but is currently 6th in the Star Mazda Championship with 165 points. Mandarino was the 2005 SKUSA (Super Karts USA) Supernational Winner in the Super Pro class and an 11-time karting champion since 1996.
Devin Cunningham of St. Bruno, Quebec, won the 2006 Discovery Channel competition, called ‘Star Racer,’ designed to find the next great Canadian racing driver. The 8-part docu-reality series aired last fall and Cunningham is now making the most of his prize, a full-season sponsorship in the 2007 Star Mazda Championship. He won Round Five of the Star Mazda Championship in Portland driving the #33 Discovery Channel/AIM Autosport Mazda and is currently 8th in the championship with 163 points.
Also of note in the Star Mazda field is Natacha Gachnang, a native of St. Gingolph, Switzerland currently living in Toronto. She is Devin Cunningham’s teammate on the AIM Autosport team, driving the #35 AIM Autosport Mazda. Gachnang is the lone female driver in the Star Mazda Championship and has made series history by finishing on the podium in the last two races (2nd at Portland and 3rd at Cleveland). Gachnang was the 2001 Swiss junior karting champion and raced in the European Formula BMW series 2002 – 2005, moving up to Formula 3 in 2006. She joined the Star Mazda series at Salt Lake City and Toronto will be her fourth Star Mazda race.
It should be noted that Toronto-based AIM Autosport is the home of Team A.I.M. (Apprenticeship In Motorsport), a not-for-profit organization that fosters the development of Canadian youth in the motorsport industry and works to nurture the motorsport industry, find partnership opportunities for young racing apprentices and to grow the pool of apprentices in Canada. AIM alumni include Indy 500 winner Sam Hornish, Champ Car racer Andrew Ranger.
Also a prime contender for victory in Toronto will be current championship points leader Dane Cameron of Sonoma, California. Cameron has won two races and scored three pole positions so far this season and leads the championship with 218 points. Cameron started from the pole and finished 2nd in Cleveland. In 2006, Cameron drove in the Formula Ford 2000 series and finished second in both Toronto races (all FF2000 events were ‘double headers’) on his way to finishing 2nd in the championship and being ‘Rookie of the Year.’ As a Team USA Scholarship driver, he won the 2006 Palmer Audi Winter Championship in Europe. In 2005 Cameron was the SCCA Formula Jim Russell Series champion and Rookie of the Year.
An interesting side note is that the Star Mazda Championship is something of a ‘United Nations of Racing’ with drivers not only from around the U.S. and Canada, but also, Venezuela, Switzerland, Pakistan, England and the Philippines.
And the series demonstrates another aspect of democracy with special categories for drivers who don’t fit the ‘young lion’ category. The Expert Series is for drivers in the 30 to 44 age range, and the current points leader is Tony Rivera with 92. In the Masters Series category for racers 45 and older, Steve Hickham leads with 86 points.
And here̢۪s the story on what they̢۪re all fighting for; forty years ago, on May 31, 1967, Mazda introduced the first street car with a rotary engine, the Cosmo Sport. Since then, they̢۪ve built two million rotary-engined vehicles and the company has built its very identity on the idea of Zoom-Zoom and every vehicle they produce having the soul of a sports car.
In pursuit of that ideal, Mazda has created a unique, company-sponsored ‘motorsports ladder’ that reaches all the way from karting to Champ Car. This year’s Star Mazda series champion will receive a Mazda-sponsored full-season drive for 2008 in the next series up the ladder, the Cooper Tires Presents The Champ Car Atlantic Championship Powered by Mazda. And the 2008 winner of the Atlantic Championship gets a $2 million sponsorship to help them move up to Champ Car.
So… they’rre racing for their dream, and for the opportunity of a lifetime. And it all begins on Friday, July 6 with a 70-minute practice session starting at 8:00 am. Racers will also have a 30-minute practice session starting at 5:00 pm. The 35-minute qualifying session to set the starting grid for the race takes place at 8:00 am Saturday morning. The 45-minute Star Mazda Championship race is scheduled to take the green flag at 3:30 pm Saturday, July 7.
Toronto is the seventh round of the 12-race 2007 Star Mazda Championship schedule. Star Mazda races are broadcast tape-delayed on SPEED TV. Date and time (all times stated are Eastern and subject to change) for the one-hour broadcast is available at www.speedtv.com/programs. The Toronto race is scheduled to air on Saturday, July 21 at 12:00 pm with a re-broadcast on Monday, July 23 at 3:00 pm.
The next event on the Star Mazda schedule is at Road America, with the American Le Mans Series, on August 10 – 11. Foor additional information please visit www.starmazda.com and www.mazdausa.com.
From Star Mazda
NCATS: CENTENNIAL CHRYSLER RACER JOHN GAUNT COMES HOME SEVENTH IN SUNDAY’S MOPAR 300 AT HIS HOMETRACK BARRIE SPEEDWAY
BARRIE, ON – If anyone knows how tough it can be to race at Barrie Speedway, it’s John Gaunt. Before turning his attention to the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series in 2007, the driver of the #12 Centennial Chrysler-sponsored Dodge Avenger spent his Saturday nights in recent years doing battle at the high-banked, 1/3-mile tri-oval, located north of Barrie, Ontario.
Gaunt qualified 15th fastest in the 20-car field for Sunday night’s MOPAR 300 NASCAR race at Barrie Speedway, and overcame several spins and incidents to bring the #12 Centennial Chrysler / AKN Sikkens / Vital Signs / Mobil1 / Unitec Dodge Avenger home in seventh place.
“It was a pretty rough night,” said Gaunt, after the race. “I had a ‘top 10’ car, which was pretty good. I got ‘turned’ pretty early the race. I actually got ‘turned’ a couple of times during the race. But I was able to lead a lap, which was nice. We haven’t led a lap in this class for 10 years, so that was a bit of a victory for us.”
The Barrie, Ont. racer credited his crew for helping to keep his car in contention despite the on-track setbacks. “The guys gave me super pit stops tonight. I was having a bit of a tough time getting the car in gear for restarts, so we spun the tires a few times and got them pretty hot a few times. We changed six tires throughout the course of the night. We fought hard to stay on the lead lap – we almost got lapped once – but managed to stay on the lead lap. All in all, it was a pretty good result.”
Gaunt’s result was all the more impressive given that he and his team were unable to totally overcome the handling condition that troubled them throughout practice, qualifying and the race. “It [the car] was ‘tight’ all race, just the same as it was all day. We’re just searching for the car’s balance. Qualifying wasn’t great because of the tight handling conditions. It gained a bit of grip as it cooled off into the night, but it just wasn’t right.”
Another high point for Gaunt and the Centennial team was the reception they received during the pre-race driver introductions. When Gaunt’s name was announced to the packed grandstands, the Barrie Speedway crowd erupted in cheers.
“I picked up about 100 horsepower when they announced my name and the big cheer came up from the crowd. It was overwhelming and it was great to get so much support from the fans at Barrie Speedway.”
Following the first three races of the 2007 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series season, Gaunt’s #12 Centennial Chrysler / AKN Sikkens / Vital Signs / Mobil1 / Unitec Dodge Avenger sits seventh overall in the driver point standings.
Looking ahead to the next outings for Gaunt and company, the team will soon be heading to Western Canada for a pair of events. The first takes place on July 15 at Sun Valley Speedway in Vernon, BC. The following week (July 21) the #12 Centennial Avenger will be in action at the Grand Prix of Edmonton.
“We’re looking forward to racing at Vernon, British Columbia [Sun Valley Speedway]. I’ve never raced at that track or in B.C. for that matter, so that should be fun,” said Gaunt. “And I’m also anticipating being at the Grand Prix of Edmonton. I have a better approach to the road courses after we did so well at Mosport. I raced there [Edmonton] once before in an oval car that was switched over for the road course. Our current road course car is purpose-built for road racing, so it should be a better experience.”
RACE SUMMARY: Dodge driver DJ Kennington won Sunday night’s MOPAR 300 at Barrie Speedway. He was closely followed across the finish line by Dodge Avenger racer Mark Dilley. Don Thomson completed the podium finishers, in third.
Prepared by Inside Track Communications. For more information about John Gaunt and the #12 Centennial Chrysler Dodge Charger team, call (705) 726-0393 or visit www.centennialchrysler.ca . To learn more about the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, visit www.nascar.ca
NCATS: RON VAN ES BATTLES TO AN 11TH-PLACE LEAD LAP FINISH AT BARRIE SPEEDWAY
STONEY CREEK, ON – Barrie Speedway is widely considered to be one of the toughest short tracks on the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series schedule. Following Sunday night’s MOPAR 300 at the high-banked Central Ontario track, Ron Van Es can confirm the track’s reputation.
The driver of the #11 Van Es Racing Chevy qualified eighth-fastest in the field of 20 for the 300-lap race around the challenging 1/3-mile tri-oval, but was involved in an incident prior to lap 100 which adversely affected the handling of his car for the rest of the event.
Determined to soldier on, Van Es battled the rest of the way to finish on the lead lap, in 11th-place. “It was a really, really tough night,” said Van Es, following the race. “But through adversity, we turned ‘nothing’ into something. My team never gave up. I never gave up. And I drove my backside off for them.”
In a predictably physical race at the Barrie ‘bullring’, Van Es – like most others – was involved in his fair share of contact. Unfortunately for the Stoney Creek, Ont. racer, the lap 89 incident he was caught up in rendered his car virtually undriveable.
“We got mixed up in an accident early and that messed up the handling of the car. After that, it drove like a dump truck. The ‘toe’ was knocked out and I couldn’t even turn the wheel to the right, which you need to do to warm up the tires and clean them off before restarts.
“We stuck it out and came home 11th. That’s mostly thanks to a lot of attrition, but we never got lapped on the racetrack and never needed to use the ‘lucky dog’ rule to get back on the lead lap. There were a lot of slower cars who got their laps back thanks to all the cautions, so by the end of the race, almost everyone was back on the lead lap which meant you really had to race hard to pick up some spots.”
Sunday provided a mix of highs and lows for the #11 team as they overcame mechanical issues with their car in the lead-up to a solid qualifying performance. “We missed the first hour of practice to an issue with the car,” continued Van Es. “We got it fixed for the second practice and improved our times, but it really hurt to miss the whole first hour. Alex Nagy [the team’s crew chief] made some great adjustments to the car for qualifying and it made a huge difference. I think there was actually more speed there, but I didn’t know what I had. It was nice to start eighth and that definitely helped our night.”
After participating in the first three NASCAR Canadian Tire Series races, the #11 Van Es Racing team is going to skip the next two events. “Unfortunately, we’re going to have to miss the two races out west (Vernon, BC and Edmonton, AB),” said Van Es. “They’re two great events, but unfortunately, we have budget considerations that won’t allow us to make it to those races. We’re going to focus on getting ready for the second half of the schedule, which is pretty intense, starting with the NASCAR Busch Series weekend in Montreal in early August.”
BARRIE RACE SUMMARY: DJ Kennington won Sunday’s MOPAR 300 at Barrie Speedway. At the end of 300 laps, he came home just over a second in front of Barrie, ON racer Mark Dilley. Five-time CASCAR National champion Don Thomson Jr. rounded out the podium finishers. The race was slowed by 16 cautions for a total of 101 laps and featured 13 lead changes among six different drivers. Series points leader Andrew Ranger continued to impress in his first season of stock car racing with a fifth-place finish. Twenty drivers took the initial green flag for the third of 12 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series races on the 2007 schedule.
Prepared by Inside Track Communications. For more information about Van Es Racing, contact Jolene Convery at Van Es Racing at (800) 263-4884. For more information about the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, visit www.nascar.ca
NCATS: Kennington Survives and Wins Mopar 300
BARRIE, Ontario (July 2, 2007) – It was short-track racing at its best as D.J. Kennington gutted out a grueling 300 laps Sunday evening on the 1/3-mile tri-oval at Barrie Speedway in a race that featured 13 lead changes among six drivers. Most of those lead changes involved Kennington and eventual third-place finisher Don Thomson Jr.
For much of the race, the outside was the place to be on the two-groove track. Therefore, virtually every restart produced a new leader with the second-pace car having the preferred line. NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Sirius Satellite Radio rules mandate double-file restarts with lead lap cars at the front of the field like the initial start of the race.
“The double-file restarts are taking some getting used to,” said Kennington. “You’re not racing one or two cars; you’re racing four or five or six.”
Second-place finisher Mark Dilley echoed the thoughts of Kennington on the double-file restarts.
“Those things are crazy,” said the Barrie native. “It makes it pretty hectic out there.”
The race was slowed 16 times for caution, but that did not disappoint the capacity crowd since the result was another exciting restart. Factor that in with the small size of the track leading to lapped traffic in fairly short order and it was a fan-friendly race. There was racing all around the track with every driver fighting for the last inch.
Kennington, racing out of St. Thomas, Ontario, battled Thomson for well more than 80 laps for the race lead over the final half of the race. The two were either door to door or nose to tail and exchanged the lead six times over the span. It was not until the final two restarts of the night that the leader, having the inside position, was able to fend off the second-place car on the outside. Kennington was able to get the nose of the No. 17 Castrol Dodge into turns one and two before Thomson in his No. 4 Home Hardware Chevrolet could sweep in from the outside and gain the advantage.
Thomson, a resident of Ayr, Ontario, ultimately surrendered the second spot very late in the race to pole sitter Dilley, who trailed Kennington to the finish line by 1.126 seconds. It was Dilley’s third top-10 finish of the season in his No. 9 Dodge-sponsored Avenger.
“That was some of the most fun racing I have ever done in my life,” said Kennington of his long battle with Thomson. “(Thomson) is such a great racer. It was an awesome time.”
Finishing fourth was Kerry Mix in the No. 02 Beyond Digital Imaging Ford Taurus followed by Andrew Ranger in fifth. Both Mix and Ranger overcame poor qualifying performances to notch a top-five finish after starting the race in 17th and 16th positions, respectively.
It was the first visit to the bullring of a track for Ranger, a former competitor in the CHAMP Car Series. He also came into the race as the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series championship points leader. It was certainly a different style of racing than what he was used to and, possibly as a result, he got lapped early in the event. However, he did earn his way back on to the lead lap as the beneficiary on the lap 130 restart. The beneficiary car gets to earn back a lap by being the first car a lap or more down at the time of a caution period. Ranger took full advantage of that opportunity and drove his No. 27 Wal-Mart/Tide Ford Fusion to the front of the pack from there for the top-five finish.
Ron Beauchamp Jr., John Gaunt, Joey McColm, Jim Lapcevich and Derek Lynch rounded out the top 10.
The already tight championship point standings got even closer. Now, Ranger shares the lead with Dilley with Peter Gibbons, Beauchamp and Thomson all lurking less than 50 points away. Kennington has overcome a last-place finish in the season opener due to a mechanical problem and now sits in sixth position just 56 points off the pace set by Ranger and Dilley.
The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Sirius Satellite Radio heads west for its next event, the British Columbia Dodge Dealers Avenger 300, on July 14-15 at Sun Valley Speedway in Vernon, B.C. That race will be followed up the very next week with a road course event as part of the big Grand Prix Edmonton weekend in Alberta.
NASCAR CANADIAN TIRE SERIES presented by SIRIUS SATELLITE RADIO-Mopar 300
OFFICIAL Results
Sunday At Barrie Speedway
Barrie, Ontario
Lap length: 0.333 miles
(Start position in parentheses)
1. (2) D.J. Kennington, St. Thomas, Ontario, Dodge, 300 laps, 49.791 mph, $7,360.
2. (1) Mark Dilley, Barrie, Ontario, Dodge, 300, $6,180.
3. (4) Don Thomson, Ayr, Ontario, Chevrolet, 300, $3,040.
4. (17) Kerry Micks, Mt. Albert, Ontario, Ford, 300, $2,620.
5. (16) Andrew Ranger, Roxton Pond, Quebec, Ford, 300, $2,100.
6. (3) Ron Beauchamp, Windsor, Ontario, Dodge, 300, $2,895.
7. (15) John Gaunt, Barrie, Ontario, Dodge, 300, $2,295.
8. (20) Joey McColm, Ajax, Ontario, Dodge, 300, $2,005.
9. (12) Jim Lapcevich, Caistor Centre, Ontario, Chevrolet, 300, $1,675.
10. (19) Derek Lynch, Warksworth, Ontario, Dodge, 300, $1,615.
11. (8) Ron Van Es, Stoney Creek, Ontario, Chevrolet, 300, $1,375.
12. (18) Kent Nuhn, Williamsford, Ontario, Pontiac, 300, $1,290.
13. (11) Brad Graham, Glencoe, Ontario, Dodge, 299, $1,230.
14. (14) Peter Gibbons, Stouffville, Ontario, Chevrolet, 299, $1,190.
15. (7) Dave Whitlock, Petrolia, Ontario, Dodge, 299, $1,130.
16. (13) Jason Hathaway, Appin, Ontario, Dodge, 298, $1,090.
17. (6) Doug Brown, Brantford, Ontario, Dodge, 297, $1,050.
18. (10) J.R. Fitzpatrick, Cambridge, Ontario, Chevrolet, 253, $1,010.
19. (5) Scott Steckly, Milverton, Ontario, Dodge, 151, motor, $970.
20. (9) Bob Merrifield, Belle River, Ontario, Dodge, 110, radiator, $930.
Race Statistics
Time of Race: 2 hours 0 minutes 23 seconds
Margin of Victory: 1.126 seconds
Fastest Qualifier: M.Dilley (85.819 mph, 13.969 seconds)
Caution Flags: 16 for 101 laps.
Lead Changes: 13 among 6 drivers.
Lap Leaders: D.Kennington 1-72; M.Dilley 73-82; D.Kennington 83; M.Dilley 84-153;
J.Hathaway 154; P.Gibbons 155-170; J.Gaunt 171-172; D.Kennington 173-193; D.Thomson 194-208; D.Kennington 209-221; D.Thomson 222-239; D.Kennington 240-283; D.Thomson 284-286; D.Kennington 287-300.
Standings: 1. A.Ranger, 500; 2. M.Dilley, 500; 3. P.Gibbons, 456; 4. R.Beauchamp, 455; 5. D.Thomson, 451; 6. D.Kennington, 444; 7. J.Gaunt, 428; 8. D.Lynch, 427; 9. J.Fitzpatrick, 413; 10. K.Micks, 399.
From Shon Sbarra / NASCAR
SHEPHERD RECORDS CAREER BEST FINISH AT MEMPHIS
Peter Shepherd - Race Recap
Memphis Motorsports Park/Memphis, Tenn./June 30, 2007
Started 15th / Finished 15th
SHEPHERD RECORDS CAREER BEST FINISH AT MEMPHIS
Peter Shepherd, No. 50 Northern Tool + Equipment Ford F-150
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (June 30, 2007) - Although Saturday was a day filled with thunderstorms and nasty weather, a little bit of light shined on Peter Shepherd and the No. 50 Northern Tool + Equipment team. With a remarkably smooth race at the .75 mile Memphis Motorsports Park, Shepherd was able to run inside the top-20 for the majority of the night. Coming off a 32nd place finish, the strategy for the No. 50 team was to stay on the track and complete all of the scheduled 200 laps. With superb pit stops combined with good driving, the team soared above expectations and was able to grab the 15th position as the checkered flag flew at lap 200.
The Craftsman Truck Series made its stop at Memphis Motorsports Park on Saturday for the O'Reilly Auto Parts 200 with Brad Keselowski leading the pack to the green flag. Shepherd started in the 15th position and managed to hold on to the position until an early yellow came out at lap eight for a wreck involving the No14 and No. 23 trucks. When the race restarted, Shepherd found himself shuffling positions inside the top 20. Shepherd held onto the 19th position until the second caution of the night flew at lap 72 for debris.
Once the pit lane opened, Shepherd came to the attention of the Northern Tool + Equipment team. After reporting to crew chief Matt Puccia that he did not have much brake; the call was made to take four tires, fuel and brake adjustments. Quick work by the crew sent Shepherd back on track for the restart in the 16th position.
As the laps clicked off, Shepherd reported to the crew that his F-150 had gone to the tight side, that he was unable to get his Northern Tool + Equipment Ford to rotate through the center of the turns the way he wanted it to. Shepherd reported that his brake issues continued, and that he would need a chassis adjustment on the next stop to help correct his ill-handling issues.
Shepherd got the break he needed when the caution flag flew at lap 114 for a wreck involving the No. 00 truck. Shepherd came to pit road with the leaders to take on four tires, fuel and a slight air pressure adjustment. The crew was once again on their game, advancing Shepherd a position, lining him up in 18th for the restart.
With the adjustments made to his No. 50 Ford, Shepherd began to feel more comfortable with the handling of his Northern Tool + Equipment F-150. He patiently worked his way around a handful of trucks, working his way to the 16th position when the final caution flag of the night flew at lap 191 for a spin involving the No. 9 truck. Shepherd was able to pick up a position on the restart to bring his Northern Tool + Equipment Ford home in the 15th position.
"I'm pleased with the 15th place finish tonight," Shepherd said. "Track position was a big deal tonight and I felt that I left a little bit on the table during qualifying. Of course, this Northern Tool + Equipment team did a great job and kept me in the race all night," said Shepherd. "I was able to gain a lot of valuable experience and the team gave me the advantage tonight."
About Northern Tool + Equipment
Northern Tool + Equipment has been a supplier of high-quality tools and equipment for more than 25 years, selling products through direct mail, the Internet and at nearly 60 retail locations in 11 states. Along with a deep selection of hand, power and air tools, Northern Tool + Equipment carries a wide variety of products, including generators, pressure washers, air compressors, hydraulics, small engines, trailers, water pumps, tractors, welding equipment and much more. Northern Tool + Equipment also serves as the exclusive distributor of NorthStarTM brand equipment, which is fabricated and assembled at the company's 250,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility. For more information, visit www.northerntool.com.
From Rory Connellan, Roush Fenway Racing
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