CARPENTIER PACES PRACTICE

Patrick Carpentier, driving the #10 Valvoline Dodge prepped by Gillette/Evernhmam Motorsports, paced the second Sprint Cup practice with a fast lap of 48.348 seconds, 186.150 miles per hour. Carpentier was second fastest in the first test session with a lap of 48.313 seconds, 186.285 miles per hour.

Carpentier's teammates, Kasey Kahne and Elliott Sadler, were 27th and 35th respectively in the second test session.

Fellow Canadian Jacques Villeneuve posted the fifth fastest lap in the first practice at 48.434 seconds, 185.820 miles per hour.

"I like that," laughed Carpentier when notified he was second fastest in the first practice. "It's very positive. We've got to duplicate it tomorrow."

Carpentier estimates he will need to qualifying inside the top eight in order to lock in a spot in the 50th running of the Daytona 500.

ARCA: Daytona starting grid after qualifying

Here are the starting positions for the Canadians for Saturday's ARCA race at Daytona...

12 #30 Terry Jones/Amherstburg Ontario Jones Group Dodge 50.150 secs. / 179.462 mph

14 #93 Pierre Bourque/Ottawa Ontario Impre Media Dodge 50.258 secs. / 179.076 mph

25 #25 Ryan Fischer/Surrey British Columbia Venturini Motorsports Chevrolet 50.421 secs. / 178.497 mph

Andrew Ranger did not qualify for the race.

Full practice and qualifying results are located here.

PHOTO GALLERY: NASCAR Drivers including Villeneuve and Carpentier by Dave Franks

76 pictures from Dave Franks (Thanks Dave!) from the Feb. 6 NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers' meeting at Daytona Int'l Speedway. Included are several shots of Canadians Jacques Villeneuve and Patrick Carpentier. Dave and Judy Franks say 'hi' from Daytona!

COKE ZERO BECOMES TITLE SPONSOR OF JULY NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES RACE AT DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Feb. 8, 2008 – Coke Zero is taking the driver’s seat as the new title sponsor of the July NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at the famous Daytona International Speedway (July 5, TNT, 6:30 p.m.). Officially, the race will be entitled the “Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola.”

To bring NASCARâ fans closer to the sport they love and create excitement about the race, Coke Zero and Daytona International Speedway are hosting an online voting contest that allows fans to choose the official race logo. Beginning in conjunction with the 50th running of the Daytona 500 (Feb. 17, Fox, 2 p.m.), fans can visit NASCAR.COM to vote for their favorite from two logo options. The winning logo, determined solely by fan votes, will be revealed on NASCAR.COM immediately after the contest concludes on March 1, 2008.

“As Coke Zero takes a bigger role in NASCAR, we can’t think of a better venue to showcase the brand than under the lights at Daytona during Fourth of July weekend,” said Beatriz Perez, senior vice president, Integrated Marketing, Coca-Cola North America. “People who are unwilling to compromise on taste choose Coke Zero for its real Coke taste and zero calories. Because NASCAR fans have the same uncompromising attitude about their favorite sport, it makes sense to give them a say in choosing the logo for the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola.”

Title sponsorship of the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola will serve as the centerpiece for Coke Zero’s expanded presence within NASCAR. When the green flag drops on the start of the 2008 season, fans also will see the debut of Coke Zero’s first-ever NASCAR-themed advertising campaign, along with driver appearances, high-visibility track signage and several other initiatives – all promoting the brand’s core message – Coke Zero has “Real Coke Taste and Zero Calories.”

“With a history of creating innovative experiences to bring NASCAR fans closer to the sport, Coca-Cola is a perfect partner to help build on the traditions of Daytona and create new ones like the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola,” said Robin Braig, president, Daytona International Speedway. “We can’t wait to give fans a taste of what Coke Zero will bring to one of NASCAR’s premier events.”

Scheduled for July 5, the 2008 Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola, concludes a holiday weekend of racing at Daytona International Speedway. The NASCAR Nationwide Series takes to the speedway for the running of the Winn-Dixie 250 Powered By Coca-Cola on July 4.

The debut of the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola is part of a new 10-year sponsorship agreement between Coca-Cola North America (CCNA) and International Speedway Corporation (ISC). Through a variety of track partnerships, brands from CCNA will be refreshing fans at 12 race tracks in 2008 before expanding to 16 race tracks by 2012.

In December 2007, CCNA also extended its long-term partnership with NASCAR through the 2017 season. The sponsorship commitment, one of the largest in professional sports, continues CCNA’s position as the exclusive non-alcoholic beverage sponsor for NASCAR.

While Coca-Cola has been involved with stock car racing for more than 40 years, the brand officially teamed with NASCAR in 1998. A signature part of the Coca-Cola’s innovative marketing approach is the Coca-Cola Racing Family – a group of top drivers that includes Greg Biffle, Jeff Burton, Denny Hamlin, Kevin Harvick, Dale Jarrett, Bobby Labonte, Mark Martin, Jamie McMurray, Kyle Petty, Elliott Sadler, Tony Stewart and Michael Waltrip. In addition, the Coca-Cola 600, held annually at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C., is the longest continuous sponsorship of any race in NASCAR.

Coca-Cola Zero was created to meet consumer demand for Real Coke Taste with Zero Calories. Together, Coca-Cola, Diet Coke and Coke Zero are the perfect trifecta of cola brands, offering choice for anyone seeking great cola taste. Since its launch in 2005, volume growth for Coke Zero continues to accelerate. Among 350 sparkling beverage brands launched since 2001, Coke Zero is one of only six to surpass 1% market share, and the only one to maintain it. By using irreverent, humorous communication and delivering Real Coke Taste and Zero Calories, Coke Zero has established a strong connection with young adult males and achieved the highest trial of any recently launched Coca-Cola North America brand.

About The Coca-Cola Company: The Coca-Cola Company is the world's largest beverage company. Along with Coca-Cola, recognized as the world's most valuable brand, the Company markets four of the world's top five nonalcoholic sparkling beverage brands, including Diet Coke, Fanta and Sprite, and a wide range of other beverages, including diet and light beverages, waters, juices and juice drinks, teas, coffees, energy and sports drinks. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company's beverages at a rate exceeding 1.4 billion servings each day.

For more information about The Coca-Cola Company, please visit our website at http://www.thecoca-colacompany.com/.

NASCAR: Kurt Busch Draws Budweiser Shootout Pole

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 7, 2008) - Kurt Busch drew the lucky flag out of the Budweiser bottle to earn the Budweiser Shootout pole position during Thursday night's draw party at the SPEED Stage located just outside of Daytona International Speedway.

Busch, driver of the No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge for Penske Racing, will be making his fifth career start in Saturday's Budweiser Shootout, a non-points All-Star race that features the previous season's pole winners and past Budweiser Shootout winners.

The Budweiser Shootout will feature a record field of 23 drivers battling at DIS for the first time in NASCAR's new winged car (formerly known as the Car of Tomorrow).

"I think it's going to be an interesting race," Busch said. "I'm glad to be a part of it because you get to run with a tight group of competiton. These guys are tough and you get to learn with this new car.

"Who knows? I mean I could be 23rd on the first lap just because of how violent the draft could be with the car. We've had packs of eight, maybe 10, but now we�ve got 23 that are going to hold it to the floor so we'll see what happens."

Busch is geared up about the extra track time during DIRECTV Speedweeks.

"I think it's great," Busch said. "To come up with a unique way to start the season and to knock the rust off and to get out there before the rest of the field, there are only 23 of us that get the special treatment. You got to soak it up while you can.

"I've been out of it a few years and you do miss a lot of track time. It's good to get out there first and get some homework knocked out."

Pulling the outside pole is Mark Martin, who is driving the No. 8 U.S. Army Chevrolet for Dale Earnhardt Inc. Rounding out the top five were Michael Waltrip, Jamie McMurray and David Gilliland.

American rock band Sister Hazel will perform three pre-race songs, the National Anthem as well as a 60-minute post-race concert from the Entertainment Stage next to the Budweiser Bistro in the Sprint FANZONE.

Sprint FANZONE and hospitality passes will permit fans to view the pre-race concert from the tri-oval area along pit road and all Budweiser Shootout ticket holders will be able to attend Sister Hazel's post-race concert.

The 45th annual ARCA 200 ARCA RE/MAX Series at Daytona will kick off the day of racing at 4:15 p.m. The 2007 ARCA 200 winner Bobby Gerhart will be gunning for his record fifth win against a stout field that includes 2007 Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti and former Formula One driver Scott Speed.

Tickets to the 45th annual ARCA 200 and the 30th annual Budweiser Shootout on Saturday, Feb. 9 as well as other DIRECTV Speedweeks events are available online at http://www.racetickets.com/ or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

Children 12 and under with a paid adult are admitted free to the infield (not including the Sprint FANZONE) and the unreserved grandstands for the Budweiser Shootout and ARCA 200.

30th annual Budweiser Shootout starting lineup
1. Kurt Busch, No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge
2. Mark Martin, No. 8 U.S. Army Chevrolet
3. Michael Waltrip, No. 55 NAPA Auto Parts Toyota
4. Jamie McMurray, No. 26 Crown Royal/Cask No. 16 Ford
5. David Gilliland, No. 38 freecreditreport.com Ford
6. Reed Sorenson, No. 41 Target/Polaroid Dodge
7. Dale Earnhardt, Jr., No. 88 National Guard/Mountain Dew/AMP Energy Chevrolet
8. Kasey Kahne, No. 9 Budweiser Dodge
9. Martin Truex, Jr., No. 1 Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Boats Chevrolet
10. Tony Stewart, No. 20 Home Depot Toyota
11. J.J. Yeley, No. 96 DLP HDTV Toyota
12. Denny Hamlin, No. 11 FedEx Express Toyota
13. Ken Schrader, No. 49 Qtrax.com Dodge
14. Bill Elliott, No. 21 Air Force Ford
15. Dale Jarrett, No. 44 UPS Toyota
16. Casey Mears, No. 5 Kellogg's/CARQUEST Chevrolet
17. Greg Biffle, No. 16 3M Ford
18. Jimmie Johnson, No. 48 Lowe�s Chevrolet
19. Dave Blaney, No. 22 Caterpillar Toyota
20. Carl Edwards, No. 99 Office Depot
21. Clint Bowyer, No. 07 Jack Daniel's Chevrolet
22. Jeff Gordon, No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet
23. Ryan Newman, No. 12 alltel Dodge

Merger talks either heating up or hitting a roadblock... depending what you read

This story says Tony George is heading to Japan on Saturday to meet with "officials at Twin Ring Motegi about moving their Indy-car race from April 20 to allow the Long Beach Champ-car Grand Prix to be staged that weekend..."

This story, on the other hand, says "The latest merger discussions between Indy Racing League and the rival Champ Car World Series hit a snag over race dates."

We'll see which way it goes. Tracks and series are already issuing press releases praising the deal.

As noted by an earlier poster, there is no mention of merging the GP of Toronto or the race at Mt. Tremblant into the IRL schedule.

A note on the GP of Toronto website says, "Did you know the 2008 Grand Prix of Toronto is carbon-neutral?" Unfortunately, that statement might be bang on. If this plays out the way it appears it's heading, it will be a sad end for what was once one of the major events on Toronto's annual sports and entertainment calendar.

On, off, on, off, on, off... on?

Could it be ??????

While things have been pretty bad on the Champ Car front for quite a while (team, driver and management defections, cancelled races, a weak driver roster, poor TV package, etc.) there has been blood in the water for the past few weeks, ever since team owner Carl Haas said that this year would probably be his last in that series, in advance of a defection to the IRL for 2009.

With those words, he effectively ended the open wheel war. And with every passing day - now that the writing is on the wall - Champ Car's bargaining position grew weaker. For the first time in 13 years, time was working in favour of a merger.

This morning, the on again, off again talks are apparently on again... and within a signature of ending the madness in time to create a unified series for 2008. TSN references the Speed TV story here.

We've all been down this road before, but this time it seems different. Champ Car's owners are truly motivated to act sooner than later and possibly salvage something of their investment and pride, before their series further detiorates.

A1 Team Canada: Robert Wickens Q&A

Montréal, Canada (February 6, 2008) - The current three week break in the 2007-08 A1GP World Cup of Motorsport schedule allows teams and drivers from the 22 competing nations the opportunity to catch their breath after a pair of thrilling events down-under in New Zealand and Australia to kick start the 2008-leg of the series.

Toronto's Robert Wickens led A1 Team Canada to podium finishes in both rounds and as a result of the team's double points score in Round 6's Sprint and Feature races, Canada cracked the top-ten of the A1GP Nations Standings for the first time this season with four rounds remaining in South Africa, Mexico, China and Great Britain.

Having returned to Canada, the 18-year-old rookie took some time-out to reflect on his stellar A1GP performances:

Q:  Without a doubt you were 'Driver of the Day' in Round 6 in Australia following blistering performances in the Sprint and Feature races!  What was the key to your ability to gain so much ground in the wet?

Robert Wickens (RW):  "I think with the Sprint race it was just a case of me taking the risk of going to the outside first.  Arguably I was one of the first drivers to take the wet line on slick tires and ultimately that's what really paid off.  I just took the line and started passing people on the outside of the corners.  Obviously it was fairly high risk as the people on the inside would slide up the track.  There were a couple of passes near the end where it was pretty hairy!  Basically I committed to every move and it worked out well."

Q:  When you started 15th in the 14-lap Sprint race did you have any inclination a third-place podium finish would be possible and how satisfying was it to get there?

RW:  "To be honest I was just hoping to score some points.  I had a decent first lap, it wasn't outstanding but I maintained my position.  From there I was able to pass India on the second lap with a fair move.  After that everyone seemed to settle into a rhythm although I was faster than the cars ahead of me they were all holding each other up.  We toured around in single file for a few more laps and then the rain started to fall.

"After that I saw I could carry a lot more entry speed into the corners and was able to take more chances with the grip on-track.  I think the fact that I pushed hard at the start paid off as once it started to rain I had a better tire temperature than some of the others and that gave me a bit of an advantage.  Without a doubt it was one of the hardest earned podium finishes I've had in my career.  Going from 15th to third is something that doesn't happen every day!"

Q:  What was going through your mind on the opening lap of the Feature race as you climbed from 21st to tenth?

RW:  "Well when I finished the first lap I was like 'that went a lot better than expected'!  I had a great launch off the line at the start of the race passing three or four guys before we'd even reached the first corner.  From there it was almost every other corner I was able to pass for position.  I'd just take a different line and it would pay off."

Q:  You're the first driver to score back-to-back podium finishes for A1 Team Canada and the first to collect three podium finishes.  Having started just eight races did you think you'd make that much of an impression as a rookie?

RW:  "You always want to make the best impression for whoever you're racing for!  I think every driver who races for a team wants to set records.  My goal coming into A1GP was to score Canada's first points of the season.  We obviously had a great weekend on my debut in Malaysia as we scored a podium in the Sprint.  Once you get a podium finish you expect that level of performance for the rest of the year.  That was then basically the mind-set we set for ourselves.  I think it's pushed us to achieve more and it's helped us score the podium finishes in New Zealand and Australia."

Q:  The Eastern Creek round marked Canada's first double-score in over a year and helped elevate the team into the top-ten of the A1GP Nations Standings.  In which areas has the team progressed to get to the point where Canada's a consistent front-runner and podium threat?

RW:  "Considering this is the first time we've all worked together, the chemistry between us is unbelievable.  For example you only have to look at the stats to see how awesome our pit-stops are in the Feature races.  The guys do a fantastic job in the pits and that was evidenced again in Australia where I gained two positions after both stops - keeping me in the top-six both times.  I can't thank the guys enough for really working hard during those stops.  It proves just how important their role is during the actual race as well as in their preparation."

Q:  Is there a belief within the Canadian team that a win could be on the cards before the season's out?

RW:  "For sure!  We finished second in the Taupo Feature and we definitely had the pace to win that race but things just didn't quite go our way.  I do think a win is possible in the near future."

Q:  In your short time competing in A1GP you've logged trips to Malaysia, China, New Zealand and Australia.  In your opinion how has A1GP been received in these countries and did you spot any maple leaf flags on your travels?

RW:  "There were Canadians that I met in both New Zealand and Australia and they all had their flags with them which was great.  Some of them were from Toronto so we had plenty to chat about.  To be honest I've seen the maple leaf flag at every event I've been to, including China, which is great.

"The coolest race I've participated in this season was Taupo in New Zealand.  I say that as the fans just had so much respect for us being there and they were basically treating us all like we were Formula One drivers.  It was a really cool experience and they love their motorsport down there and that was reflected in the welcome we received and our treatment throughout the weekend."

Q:  What's been the highlight of your A1GP campaign to-date?

RW:  "The second place finish at Taupo was definitely a great moment not least as I started fourth but had to overcome the problems with the clutch-stop at the start and in the pits.  It was good to have a strong qualifying position and from there we kept our heads down and enjoyed a really quick car!"

Q:  You recently confirmed you'll be competing in the 2008 World Series by Renault.  What are your expectations heading into your first European-based championship?

RW:  "My expectations heading into every championship are always the same!  I want to be a consistent top-five runner, get a handful of podiums and when the opportunity's there I want to win.  Competing in A1GP has been useful as so many of the drivers I've been racing against compete in Europe also.  Without a doubt it's helped me get used to the European driving style.  Coming from my Champ Car Atlantic background, for example, you're not allowed to block whereas you can in Europe so I've been learning how to do that without compromising my pace or position."

The 2007-08 A1GP World Cup of Motorsport continues with Round 7 hosted on the streets of Durban, South Africa, Friday 22nd - Sunday 24th February - www.a1gp.com

Photo Credit:  'Canada's Robert Wickens celebrates his Taupo Feature podium with the team' - Jakob Ebrey Photography
From A1 Team Canada Media Relations: Stuart Morrison - PR & Media Manager

Several Canadians entered to qualify for Saturday's ARCA race at Daytona

A handful of Canadians have filed entry forms to participate in this Saturday's ARCA season opener at Daytona Int'l Speedway. The complete entry list is here.

# Driver / Hometown / Sponsor / Make / Car Owner

#25 Ryan Fischer / Surrey, BC / Venturini Motorsports / Chevrolet / Cathy Venturini

#30 Terry Jones / Amherstburg, ON / Jones Group / Dodge / Terry Jones

#93 Pierre Bourque / Ottawa, ON / Impre Media / Dodge / Jessica Sharp

#98 Andrew Ranger / Roxton Pond, QC / DGM Racing / Chevrolet / Michelle Gosselin

MOSPORT'S ROADSHOW TOUR HEADS TO SPEEDORAMA THIS WEEKEND

BOWMANVILLE, ON (February 5, 2008) - With anticipation building for the start of the 2008 race season, Mosport International Raceway's RoadShow Tour is set to touch down at Speedorama this weekend for the final major show at the Automotive Building at Exhibition Place in Toronto (February 8-10), before redevelopment begins next month.

Located at booth 252 on the main floor of the Automotive Building, the RoadShow display will feature Mosport's sleek American Le Mans Series Panoz prototype show car alongside the powerful 1,000 cc Suzuki GSX-R Superbike of Go Big Racing. Team rider Ross Millson, who competes in Canada's top professional motorcycle series, The Parts Canada Superbike Championship, will also be on hand.

There will be a draw to win tickets to this year's Victoria Day SpeedFest Weekend at Mosport (May 16-18), along with Mosport's new season schedules and information. Fans are welcome to bring their cameras and have their pictures taken with the show car and motorcycle on display. The hours for Speedorama are 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday (Feb. 8 and 9) and 10 a.m.-6 p.m., on Sunday (Feb. 10). For more information visit www.speedoramainfo.com

The Automotive Building will undergo a $46.88 million renovation to create a new Conference Centre expected to open in April 2009.

From Lee Bailie / Mosport

Budweiser Shootout, ARCA 200 Kick Off 2008 Stock Car Racing Season

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - The Daytona 500, celebrating its 50th running next Sunday, Feb. 17, isn�t the only race commemorating a milestone during DIRECTV Speedweeks 2008 at Daytona International Speedway.
 
The Budweiser Shootout, a non-points All-Star race featuring the previous season�s pole winners and past Budweiser Shootout champions, will kick off the 2008 NASCAR season on Saturday night, Feb. 9 at 8:30 p.m. with a 70-lap dash for cash.
 
A record field of 23 drivers, including 2007 Budweiser Shootout champion Tony Stewart and new Hendrick Motorsports driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., will do battle for a winner�s check that�s worth more than $200,000.
           
Not only will the Shootout bring an exciting day of racing to avid race fans, several other activities and events are planned for Saturday as well. 
           
American rock band Sister Hazel will perform three pre-race songs, the National Anthem as well as a 60-minute post-race concert from the Entertainment Stage next to the Budweiser Bistro in the Sprint FANZONE. 
           
Sprint FANZONE and hospitality passes will permit fans to view the pre-race concert from the tri-oval area along pit road and all Budweiser Shootout ticket holders will be able to attend Sister Hazel�s post-race concert.
 
The 45th annual ARCA 200 ARCA RE/MAX Series at Daytona will kick off the day of racing at 4:15 p.m.  The 2007 ARCA 200 winner Bobby Gerhart will be gunning for his record fifth win against a stout field that includes 2007 Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti and former Formula One driver Scott Speed.
           
Race fans with Sprint FANZONE passes and a race ticket will also have access to the ARCA RE/MAX Series garage between noon and 2 p.m. and ARCA drivers will be available to sign autographs from 12:30-1:30 p.m.
 
The starting lineup for the Budweiser Shootout will be determined at a draw party scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. on the SPEED stage located outside the Turn 4 tunnel. Race fans are welcomed to attend this free event.
 
Tickets to the 45th annual ARCA 200 and the 30th annual Budweiser Shootout on Saturday, Feb. 9 as well as other DIRECTV Speedweeks events are available online at www.racetickets.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.
 
Children 12 and under with a paid adult are admitted free to the infield (not including the Sprint FANZONE) and the unreserved grandstands for the Budweiser Shootout and ARCA 200.
 
From Daytona Int'l Speedway

TSN announces busy auto racing schedule for 2008

Toronto, ON (February 5, 2008) – TSN announced today its 2008 auto racing broadcast schedule – the network’s largest ever with a total of 121 races (up from 105 races in 2007) from five different series. TSN’s comprehensive schedule features full-season coverage of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (formerly NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series), the NASCAR Nationwide Series (formerly NASCAR Busch Series), the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, Formula One and Indy Racing League (IRL).

TSN celebrates NASCAR’s 60th anniversary with a broadcast schedule featuring all 39 NASCAR Sprint Cup races, all 35 NASCAR Nationwide Series races and the entire 13-race NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. TSN will also have complete coverage of all 18 Formula One races and all 16 IRL races (complete broadcast schedule below).

TSN’s live coverage of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series gets underway on February 9 with the first race of the season – the Budweiser Shootout – featuring Canadian drivers Jacques Villeneuve and Patrick Carpentier. TSN will also broadcast a pre-race show prior to each of the network’s 39 races. Highlighting the NASCAR schedule is one of the most anticipated events in racing history: the 50th running of the Daytona 500, which will air Sunday, Feb. 17. SportsCentre’s Brent Wallace will be on-site from Daytona International Speedway to cover all the action from the day’s event and race. TSN will also televise a 30-minute NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Preview Show on Friday, Feb. 15, leading up to the big race.

ESPN Classic will also honour the 50th running of the Daytona 500 with a weekend full of vintage thrills and spills from Daytona International Speedway, in anticipation of this year’s big race. The three-day celebration airs February 15 to 17 and includes highlights from Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s emotional win at Daytona in 2004.

This also marks the second season of TSN’s multi-year deal as the exclusive Canadian English broadcaster for all 35 NASCAR Nationwide Series races. The 10-month NASCAR Nationwide Series hits the speedway on Saturday, Feb. 16 at Daytona with the Orbitz 300 and concludes at Homestead in Miami on November 15. TSN will also have live coverage of the NASCAR Nationwide Series race in Montreal on August 2, at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

TSN will also have coverage of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, which launched in May 2007. TSN will televise 13 one-hour broadcasts – one for each of the series’ 13 races – including race coverage, driver interviews and features.

(editor's note: Autdrome St-Eustache lobbied for a '13th race' on the NCATS sked. Looks like they got it. - g.m.)

TSN offers Formula One fans a trip around the world in 2008, televising the entire 18 race F-1 season, including pre-race and qualifying. TSN’s schedule is highlighted by live coverage of the Canadian Grand Prix from Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on June 7 and 8, and the inaugural Singapore Grand Prix on September 27 and 28, which will be contested on a new street circuit under the lights, making it the first night-race in F-1 history.

TSN also has complete coverage of the 16 race IRL season, beginning with the Miami Indy 300 on March 29. The crown jewel of the series – the Indianapolis 500 – airs live on TSN on May 25.
2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series on TSN
• *February 9 – Budweiser Shootout (Daytona International Speedway)
• *February 14 – Gatorade Duels at Daytona (Daytona International Speedway)
• *February 17 – Daytona 500 (Daytona International Speedway)
• February 24 – Auto Club 500 (California Speedway)
• March 2 – UAW-Dodge 400 (Las Vegas Motor Speedway)
• *March 9 – Kobalt Tools 500 (Atlanta Motor Speedway)
• *March 16 – Food City 500 (Bristol Motor Speedway)
• March 30 – Goody’s Cool Orange 500 (Martinsville Speedway)
• April 6 – Samsung 500 (Texas Motor Speedway)
• April 12 – Subway Fresh Fit 500 (Phoenix International Speedway)
• April 27 – Aaron’s 499 (Talladega Superspeedway)
• *May 3 – Crown Royal 400 (Richmond International Speedway)
• *May 10 – Dodge Challenger 500 (Darlington Raceway)
• *May 17 – NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race (Lowe’s Motor Speedway)
• *May 25 – Coca-Cola 600 (Lowe’s Motor Speedway)
• *June 1 – Dover 400 (Dover International Speedway)
• *June 8 – Pocono 500 (Pocono Raceway)
• June 15 – Michigan 400 (Michigan International Speedway)
• *June 22 – Toyota/Save Mart 250 (Infineon Raceway)
• June 29 – LENOX Industrial Tools 300 (New Hampshire Motor Speedway)
• *July 5 – DIS July Sprint Cup Series 400 (Daytona International Speedway)
• *July 12 – Chicagoland 400 (Chicagoland Speedway)
• *July 27 – Allstate 400 at the Brickyard (Indianapolis Motor Speedway)
• *August 3 – Pennsylvania 500 (Pocono Raceway)
• August 10 – Centurion Boats at the Glen (Watkins Glen International)
• *August 17 – 3M Performance 400 (Michigan International Speedway)
• *August 23 – Sharpie 500 (Bristol Motor Speedway)
• *August 31 – CAS Sprint Cup 500 (California Speedway)
• *September 6 – Chevy Rock & Roll 400 (Richmond International Raceway)
• *September 14 – Sylvania 300 (New Hampshire International Speedway)
• September 21 – Dover 400 (Dover International Speedway)
• September 28 – Kansas 400 (Kansas Speedway)
• *October 5 – Amp Energy 500 (Talladega Superspeedway)
• *October 11 – Bank of America 500 (Lowe’s Motor Speedway)
• October 19 – Subway 500 (Martinsville Speedway)
• *October 26 – Pep Boys Auto 500 (Atlanta Motor Speedway)
• *November 2 – Dickies 500 (Texas Motor Speedway)
• *November 9 – Checker Auto Parts 500 (Phoenix International Raceway)
• *November 16 – Ford 400 (Homestead-Miami Speedway)
*available in High Definition on TSN HD

2008 NASCAR Nationwide Series on TSN
• *February 16 – Orbitz 300 (Daytona International Speedway)
• *February 23 – Stater Bros. 300 (California Speedway)
• *March 1 – Sam’s Town 300 (Las Vegas Motor Speedway)
• *March 8 – Nicorette 300 (Atlanta Motor Speedway)
• *March 15 – Sharpie Mini 300 (Bristol Motor Speedway)
• *March 22 – Pepsi 300 (Nashville Superspeedway)
• *April 5 – O’Reilly 300 (Texas Motor Speedway)
• *April 11 – Bashas’ Supermarkets 200 (Phoenix International Raceway)
• *April 20 – TBD (Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez)
• *April 26 – Aaron’s 312 (Talladega Superspeedway)
• *May 2 – Funai 250 (Richmond International Raceway)
• *May 9 – Diamond Hill Plywood 200 (Darlington Raceway)
• *May 24 – Carquest Auto Parts 300 (Lowe’s Motor Speedway)
• *May 31 – Dover 200 (Dover International Speedway)
• *June 7 – Federated Auto Parts 300 (Nashville Superspeedway)
• *June 14 – Meijer 300 (Kentucky Speedway)
• *June 21 – TBD (The Milwaukee Mile)
• *June 28 – Camping World 200 (New Hampshire International Speedway)
• *July 4 – DIS NASCAR Nationwide Series 250 (Daytona International Speedway)
• *July 11 – TBD (Chicagoland Speedway)
• *July 19 – TBD (Gateway International Speedway)
• *July 26 – TBD (O’Reilly Raceway Park)
• *August 2 – TBD (Circuit Gilles Villeneuve)
• *August 9 – TBD (Watkins Glen International)
• *August 16 – Carfax 250 (Michigan International Speedway)
• *August 22 – Food City 250 (Bristol Motor Speedway)
• *August 30 – Camping World 300 (California Speedway)
• *September 5 – Emerson Radio 250 (Richmond International Speedway)
• *September 20 – TBD (Dover International Speedway)
• *September 27 – Kansas 300 (Kansas Speedway)
• *October 10 – TBD (Lowe’s Motor Speedway)
• *October 25 – Memphis 250 (Memphis Motorsports Park)
• *November 1 – O’Reilly Challenge (Texas Motor Speedway)
• *November 8 – TBD (Phoenix International Raceway)
• *November 15 – Ford 300 (Homestead-Miami Speedway)

2008 Formula One on TSN
• March 16 – Australian Grand Prix (Albert Park, Melbourne)
• March 23 – Malaysian Grand Prix (Sepang International Circuit, Kuala Lumpur)
• April 6 – Bahrain Grand Prix (Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir)
• April 27 – Spanish Grand Prix (Circuit de Catalunya, Catalunya)
• May 11 – Turkish Grand Prix (Istanbul Park, Istanbul)
• May 25 – Monaco Grand Prix (Circuit de Monaco, Monte Carlo)
• June 8 – Canadian Grand Prix (Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montreal)
• June 22 – French Grand Prix (Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, Nevers Magny-Cours)
• July 6 – British Grand Prix (Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone)
• July 20 – German Grand Prix (Hockenheim Circuit, Hockenheim)
• August 3 – Hungarian Grand Prix (Hungaroring, Budapest)
• August 24 – European Grand Prix (Nürburgring, Nurburg)
• September 7 – Belgian Grand Prix (Circuit of Spa-Francorchamps, Spa)
• September 14 – Italian Grand Prix (Autodromo Nazionale di Monza, Monza)
• September 28 – Singapore Grand Prix (Marina Bay Circuit)
• October 12 – Japanese Grand Prix (Fuji Speedway, Shizuoka Prefecture)
• October 19 – Chinese Grand Prix (Shanghai International Circuit, Shanghai)
• November 2 – Brazilian Grand Prix (Autodromo Carlos Pace, Sao Paulo)

2008 IRL on TSN
• March 29 – Miami Indy 300
• April 6 – St. Petersburg Indy
• April 19 – Indy Japan 300
• April 27 – Kansas City Indy 300
• May 25 – Indianapolis 500
• June 1 – Milwaukee Indy 225
• June 7 – Texas Indy 300
• June 22 – Iowa Indy
• June 28 – Richmond Indy Challenge
• July 6 – Watkins Glen Indy
• July 12 – Nashville Indy 300
• July 20 – Mid-Ohio Indy
• August 9 – Kentucky Indy 500
• August 25 – Infineon Indy
• September 1 – Bell Isle Indy
• September 8 – Chicagoland Indy

TSN, a division of CTVglobemedia, is Canada's Sports Leader. Setting the Canadian sports broadcasting standard, TSN's flagship news program, SportsCentre, was voted the number-one source for sports news by sports fans from across the country.* TSN's comprehensive broadcast schedule also features the NHL and first three rounds of the Stanley Cup Playoffs; Toronto Maple Leafs hockey; International Hockey including the IIHF World Junior Championship; the Olympic Games through 2012; CFL including Friday Night Football; NFL including Sunday and Monday Night Football; PGA TOUR and all four golf Majors; Season of Champions Curling; NASCAR including the Daytona 500; Formula One including the Canadian Grand Prix; IRL including the Indy 500; Blue Jays baseball; Raptors basketball and the NBA Finals; Tennis and all four Grand Slam events; EURO 2008 and UEFA Champions League Soccer; and HBO World Championship boxing. TSN HD offers more sports coverage, more hours and more events in High Definition than any other network in Canada, reinforcing TSN's position as Canada's Sports Leader in High Definition. TSN is available in 9 million households. TSN's programming and news content is also available online at TSN.ca.
*2005/2006 Roper Canada – Winter

From TSN

CRC Round 1 Preview: Rallye Perce Neige Maniwaki

STOUFFVILLE, Ontario (CARS Media) -- The nation's top rally drivers are set to kick off the 2008 Canadian Rally Championship Presented by Subaru February 8-9 at the Rallye Perce-Neige Maniwaki.

Defending Canadian champion driver Antoine L'Estage and his co-driver Nathalie Richard will battle it out against the best of the rest at the winter-weather event in the Gatineau region of Quebec. The Hyundai-supported driver has claimed back-to-back Canadian Rally Champion titles.

"We've won the championship for the past two years and everyone wants to take that from us," said L'Estage, who pilots a top-spec Hyundai Tiburon. "We're going to have to work hard to win again this year."

But they'll be keeping a close eye on 2007 event winners and series runners-up Andrew "ACP" Comrie-Picard and co-driver Marc Goldfarb in their Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX. Snow specialist Sylvain Erickson and co-driver Chloe Erickson are also sure to be a threat in their brand-new Subaru Impreza WRX STI.

"The Canadian rally championship is looking awesome for 2008," said Comrie-Picard. "The competition is going to be incredible."

There's no doubt the field will be blisteringly fast at the tricky winter rally. L'Estage and Comrie-Picard recently finished one-two at the U.S. season opener, and Erickson is a snow and ice veteran.

"This is an exciting time for rallysport in Canada," said Jorge Dascollas, President of the Canadian Association of Rallysport (CARS). "With extensive contingency support programs announced by Subaru and Mitsubishi, the series is set to enjoy some of the most intense competition in North America."

Two-time Canadian champion Pat Richard will also return to the series with a Subaru factory effort in 2008, but it's not yet certain whether he'll attend the season opener.

Also, 2005 champion driver Peter Thomson, and western two-wheel drive contenders Eric Grochowski, from Calgary, and the Zedril brothers – 2007 Production class champions from Winnipeg - are expected to compete.

The Rallye Perce Neige is the only true winter rally in the Canadian Rally Championship and is home to some of the longest stages on the continent. The event, held from February 8 - 10, includes 237 kilometers of competitive stages.

Rally car racing is often described simply as "real cars, real roads, real fast." The all-season motorsport sees drivers and their co-drivers take modified road cars to the limit as they achieve blistering speeds over closed-road courses that typically cover more than 150 kilometers of gravel, dirt or snow-covered roads. Fans can get up close to the cars in the service areas and catch all the action from specially designated spectator points located at the best spots on the route.

The Canadian Rally Championship is comprised of six events held nationwide in a season that extends from February to November. The series is presented by Subaru Canada, features contingency programs from Subaru Canada and Mitsubishi Canada. The Canadian Association of Rallysport (CARS) is the official sanctioning body for rallying in Canada.

Full coverage of the championship will air on RDS and TSN. Check local listings.

For more information: Terry Epp, National Series Manager, 905-640-6444, or crc@carsrally.ca On the web: http://www.carsrally.ca/ ; http://www.rallyeperceneige.com/
PHOTO: Antoine L'Estage and Nathalie Richard, Canadian Rally Champions, drift through the snow during 2007 competition. PHOTO BY: Andrew Harvey (Mandatory Credit).

PMRA: Torco Racing Fuels Ontario to present 2008 PMRA Series

CAYUGA, ONTARIO (February 6, 2008) - The Pro Modified Racing Association is pleased to announce Torco Racing Fuels Ontario as the presenting primary sponsor and official fuel of the PMRA drag racing series.

Now in its fourth year of operation, the Pro Modified series will be known as 'The PMRA Presented by Torco Racing Fuels Ontario.'

"This is terrific," stated PMRA Director of Operations Bruce F. Mehlenbacher. "It is an honor and pleasure to be associated with one of the most prominent names in drag racing today. Torco has done much in supporting the sport, and its involvement with us will take the PMRA to a new level.

"The support from Torco Racing Fuels Ontario will enable the PMRA to step-up our marketing, promotional and media activities. The series has several new teams on board for 2008 and this program will help raise the awareness of the series and the result will be more spectators at our events, ultimately benefiting our teams and our venues," added Mehlenbacher. "The PMRA's goals have been to secure primary sponsorship for the series and expand into the Michigan, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania markets. This is definitely a big step in the right direction."

The Michigan-based Torco is a main manufacturer of racing fuels and related products to motorsport, with distributors throughout North America. Torco Racing Fuels Ontario is headed up by PMRA competitor Scott Wildgust and his partner Jack Switzer of Stratford, Ontario.

"Teaming up with the PMRA is a good fit with Torco Racing Fuels Ontario," said Wildgust, who placed second in the 2007 PMRA Championship point race. "The PMRA has become a solid and popular Pro Modified circuit, and we're glad to get involved. We look forward to the upcoming season."

Wildgust also said that aside from being the presenting sponsor and official fuel of the PMRA, Torco Racing Fuels Ontario will provide bonuses to PMRA racers at the end of the season. He added that details for the year-end bonuses are still to be finalized.

"The plan is to build on this program moving into the future," added Wildgust. "We've been working closely with the PMRA on ways to support the series and its venues and there will be an additional announcement later this week."

Wildgust also mentioned that high-performance fuels for all types of race cars, including the popular PMRA Pro Modifieds, will be readily available through Torco Racing Fuels Ontario.

PMRA tour stops in 2008 include two dates at Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga, Ontario, Dunn Tire Raceway Park in Lancaster, New York, Sanair in Quebec and the Southwestern Ontario track of Grand Bend Motorplex.

Negotiations are underway with several US race tracks based in Michigan, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania with the plan of presenting a seven-event PMRA drag racing series this season.

For more information, contact Bruce F. Mehlenbacher mehlenbacher@ProModifiedRacing.com

About Torco Racing Fuels Ontario: Torco Racing Fuels is the manufacturer of high performance racing and power products. Torco Racing Fuels is the choice of engine builders and professional racers for extreme power and consistency of our blend stock. Dynos and racetracks have witnessed the controlled burn and quantum power released in this Mach Series Designed Fuel. Records will be set and heads will turn. A new paradigm of thought went into the development and chemistry at the base of these fuels, assuring that peak cylinder pressure is maintained by the critical timing of fuel releasing its maximum energy potential. There are 21 grades of high performance fuels available for all types of applications.

Torco Racing Fuels Ontario power products are packaged, making them available to be shipped directly to your doorstep or through our distributors for your convenience.

Mach Series Racing Fuels are available in five-gallon pails, 55-gallon containers, bulk-transport loads, and 30,000-gallon rail cars.

Torco Racing Fuels Ontario is based in Stratford, Ontario, and can be contacted by calling (866) 96-TORCO (86726) Website: www.torcoontario.com

About the Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA):
The Pro Modified Racing Association, http://www.promodifiedracing.com/, was organized late in 2004, started racing operations in 2005, and is entering its fourth year of operation. The PMRA is a self-governing organization with input from its teams, and adheres to the technical and safety rules as outlined by the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) and the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). The series has event venues in Ontario, Quebec, and New York State.

Cars in the PMRA capture the true spirit of hot rodding, and the class is one of drag racing�s most exciting and colorful classes, offering a diverse group of race cars with different types of 2,500-horsepower engines.

No Pro Modified team has dominated in the history of PMRA events. In 2005, 2006, and 2007, each event was topped off with a different winner, and 2006 Grand Bend Motorplex winner Joe Boniferro became the first repeat winner in series history, winning the 2007 Grand Bend race.

Combining classic body styles and modern equipment, constructors are permitted, within established rules and parameters, to modify and enhance the cars in both appearance and performance. The cars are fuelled by gasoline or methanol, propelling them down the quarter-mile in low six-second times at over 200 miles per hour. The PMRA provides drag race fans the opportunity to see, hear, and experience the popular Pro Modifieds, known as "the world's fastest door slammers".

From: Bruce F. Mehlenbacher

BRIGHTON SPEEDWAY: Oval Ice Racing This Saturday

Brighton Speedway is set to drop the green flag on yet another Oval Ice Racing Event this Saturday, February 9th at 11:00 am.  It seems Mother Nature is going to hold out and the track is prepared to handle a repeat of the racing action that heated it up on January 28th.

Six divisions of snowmobiles, six divisions of 4 wheelers and one 50 lap race of endurance cars will round out the program.  With over 80 participants and almost 700 people attending 2 weeks ago, Brighton Speedway is working even harder to make the second event in the 2008 season more memorable than the chili.  The cooks will be heading back to the kitchen to provide some of best tasting chili around; "Don't let last time fool you, we can make great chili," quotes Jennifer Rhebergen, Assistant to General Manager Angela Rinaldi.
 
The event is Sponsored by; Jarrell Chalmers Group, D.L. Services, Percy Boom River Rats, Centreton Farm & Sport, Lucas Oil, Maestro's Painting Contractors, Cornerstone Builders, Dan's Suzuki, Rapid Rad, Dave McDonald Homes, Trenton Glass, Rock 107, Battlefield Equipment Rental & Bill's Johns.
 
PIT GATES OPEN AT 9am - Register for snowmobiles & 4 wheelers before 10:30!!!!!   Endurance Race registrations taken until noon!!!!
 
For more information visit www.brightonspeedway.com or call Jennifer and Angela TOLL FREE 866-681-1102   Local Number - 613-475-1102

WALKER AND THOMSON LEAD COMPASS360 TO RECORD FINISH AT DAYTONA

February 2nd, 2008, Daytona Beach, FL -- The Compass360 Racing team made Acura proud at Grand-Am's Fresh From Florida 200, the opening round of the 2008 KONI Challenge schedule at Daytona's famed high- banked track. When the checked flag fell, all three of the team's Acura TSXs were in the top ten, with Compass360 leading the Team Championship, and two of its pilots tied for first in the Driver's Championship.

Having signed talent from the top two Street Tuner cars in the 2007 season, Compass360 Racing certainly did their best to stack the odds in their favor. Adam Burrows and Trevor Hopwood, the ST-class champions, moved from a rear-drive BMW to the team's front-wheel-drive Acura, joining team principal Karl Thomson, who finished a close second to the duo last year. Travis Walker, co-driving with Thomson, welcomed team-mates Christian Miller (recent Time Attack race winner who also drove a rival TSX for much of 2007) and Kevin York (an ex-Speed Secrets driver coach). To be sure, a very stout driver line up!

Qualifying results saw the team's TSXs spread throughout the field, with Thomson placing his #76 car in a solid sixth position. Burrows, unfortunately, was hung up in traffic, and managed 16th in #74, while York put #75 in 25th.

The team, and drivers, know that qualifying is but one component of a successful race, and that car conservation, pit strategy and racecraft are important to ensure a good finish. And so, the race started very well indeed.

Thomson took advantage of a first-lap bunch-up just after the green flag flew, with a dramatic move from sixth to second by the third corner. He settled into the first part of his stint behind the first- place BMW of Toby Grahovec, with third-place Kuno Wittmer close behind. The three jostled for position throughout the first hour, and when a full-course yellow flag flew within their strategy, all three teams pitted, with the order being Kuno, Karl, and Toby.

Adam Burrows, in the #74 TSX, and Kevin York in the #75, both had made their way up through the field before the race's second yellow flag period, handing their cars off to their co-drivers during flawless pit stops from the capable Compass360 Racing crew.

As the race wore on, Walker held a solid third place in #76, Hopwood was close behind in fifth, and Miller held sixth. With half an our to go, it looked very good indeed for the team.

But as always in Grand-Am's KONI Challenge, the last thirty minutes of any race hold many surprises. On a restart after a yellow flag, Hopwood moved around two slow-moving GS cars at start finish to avoid causing a three-car wreck. Despite the fact that he let both cars back ahead of him before the first corner, Grand-Am officials deemed that he'd "jumped the start" contrary to the rules and was given a stop-and- go penalty. "What's most disappointing about the penalty," remarked Hopwood, "is that not only did I let the two GS guys by, but I lost so much momentum that I also let Peter Cunningham (a SPEED World Challenge champion) by as well, and that was for position." It was something that would not only affect Hopwood's race, but Walker's as well.

With the #74 car of Burrows and Hopwood back in 14th place after the stop-and-go, Miller in the #75 car moved up to fifth. Walker was still third with Cunningham closing. With the end of the race looming, the HART Accord needed fuel, promoting Walker to second and Cunningham close behind. With a few laps to go, the two TSXs battled fiercely for position, coming upon a slower GS-class Porsche. The Porsche held up Walker at a critical point on the infield, which allowed Cunningham by; a full-course caution was called a few corners later, robbing Walker of his chance to get back around his rival.

Miller, meanwhile, was occupied in a battle of his own, a long brake pedal making it harder to fend off the hard-charging Eric Curran in his newly-turbocharged Cobalt SS. Hopwood, too, was battling through the field, bringing his car into the top ten.

With the white flag waving under yellow, the Compass360 Racing team celebrated its first three-car top-ten finish. Thomson (who won the event in 2007) and Walker took the final podium position; Miller and York notched a very strong first event together, with Burrows and Hopwood coming home ninth (a strong result but disappointing because they would have been top-five if not for the stop-and-go penalty).

It's never over until you get through technical inspection though, and with the top two cars being penalized for having too much fuel capacity, the C360R drivers all moved up: Walker and Thomson are now tied for first place in the Driver's Championship, and Compass360 Racing is leading the Team Championship. Miller and York are fifth, with Burrows and Hopwood eighth in the the Driver's points.

"This is an amazing result for our team," exclaimed Thomson. "It's a testament to the hard work by Ray, Petr and the rest of our crew. They've spent a lot of time working on our Acuras in the off-season, and this just proves it was worthwhile."

With a long wait until the next KONI race at Lime Rock in May, the team plans some new driver signings and sponsorship agreements in the next few months. Check http://www.c360r.com/ for details.

Compass360 Racing (C360R) is the motorsports division of Compass360 Design + Advertising, a firm offering branding expertise to clients in diverse industries across North America. For details visit http://www.c360r.com/ or email racing at compass360 dot com.

PR inquiries about the Compass360 Racing team should be directed to Team Principal Karl Thomson at (416) 465-2299 x21 or email karlt at compass360 dot com

Photo credit: Wes Duenkel. Reproduction rights granted for all editorial uses.

Daniel Morad to Champ Car Atlantic with Eurointernational

February 04, 2008 - Indianapolis, Indiana - Fresh off a record-setting season that saw him crowned the 2007 Formula BMW USA Champion, seventeen-year-old Daniel Morad is making the move to the COOPER TIRE PRESENTS THE CHAMP CAR ATLANTIC CHAMPIONSHIP POWERED BY MAZDA for 2008. Daniel will once again join forces with Eurointernational, the team which would guide the young Canadian to the 2007 Formula BMW USA Championship. Daniel will be testing with the team at the first official practice in Sebring, Florida on February 5th.

At seventeen, Daniel will be the youngest rookie in the series this year and he is looking forward to the challenge. "We had a lot to consider about where we would race in 2008" Daniel said, "and everything started to fall into place over the past few weeks." He continued, "Once we could finalize plans to race again in North America, getting back under the Eurointernational tent was our target." Eurointernational's team principal Antonio Ferrari announced back in December they would field at least one car in the Champ Car Atlantic Championship for 2008. "Eurointernational did a fantastic job for us in winning the championship last season so what better choice to make the move up the ladder. We are very happy to be in the Champ Car Atlantic Championship and we look forward to a successful run in 2008."

"We are pleased to be working with Daniel for another season,' commented Eurointernational's Ferrari. "He is a smart young driver that brings it all to the track and works with his crew with the dedication that brings success."

Daniel will have some other duties with Eurointernational in 2008 as they will continue to field teams in both the American and European Formula BMW championships. He will serve as driver coach for members of both teams. "Daniel has great skills and the ability to communicate his experience to other young drivers" noted Ferrari. "He will be a great asset to our efforts to gain another Formula BMW championship."

With two solid years in open-wheel racing that earned him a spot on the 2007 Red Bull Junior Team, Daniel's entry into Champ Car Atlantic is garnering reaction with series officials. “We are obviously pleased to welcome Daniel to the Champ Car Atlantic Championship in 2008,” said Champ Car Atlantic Managing Director Vicki O’Connor. “We’ve seen a number of talented drivers come into our series from Formula BMW USA over the past few years—including series chhampions such as Daniel—and those drivers have been quick to adapt tto our cars. I would expect that Daniel will also adapt quickly and challenge an international field of highly-skilled competitors as a Champ Car Atlantic rookie this season.”

Since completing the Formula BMW USA season, the Markham, Ontario native attended the Formula BMW World Final in Valencia, Spain winning two of three heat races, spent some time testing in Formula Renault on circuits in Europe and most recently, attended the BMW-Sauber Pit Lane Park exhibit in Las Vegas performing demonstration runs in the Formula BMW FB02. Daniel, a graduate of the Sunoco Ron Fellows Karting Championship, will also continue as a Red Bull-supported athlete in 2008. Daniel is also pleased to welcome back Metro Directories as a sponsor in his Champ car Atlantic Championship bid. "Metro Directories has been a strong supporter through my two years in Formula BMW" noted Daniel. "We are happy to have them back this year and I hope we can reward their support of my racing career."

The Cooper Tire Presents The Champ Car Atlantic Championship Powered by Mazda gets underway April 20th, 2008 with the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach in California. Three official test sessions in Sebring (Feb. 5) Laguna Seca (Mar. 10) and Houston (Mar. 25) take place prior to the first race.

From Chris Jameson // Level Ten Communications

A1GP Team Canada: Slick Wickens Steers Canada to Third Podium

Eastern Creek, Australia (Sunday 3 February, 2008) - A1 Team Canada celebrated its strongest showing of the 2007-08 A1GP World Cup of Motorsport season today in Round 6 with Toronto's Robert Wickens scoring a sublime third place Sprint podium having started the race down in 15th.  A second points scoring finish followed with sixth place in the Feature race as a downpour down-under greeted the 22-strong field of nations at Australia's Eastern Creek International Raceway.

Taking just seven race starts to become the first Canadian driver to score three A1GP podiums, 18-year-old Wickens conquered tricky conditions to give the team a second consecutive top-three finish following his runner-up podium last time out in New Zealand.  Sixth in the afternoon's Feature race also gifted Canada its first double points score at an A1GP round in over a year, the team meeting its objectives heading into the weekend scoring in both races and breaking into the top-ten of the A1GP Nations Standings - Canada now placed tenth overall, on 37 points, with four rounds remaining.

Wickens was an early candidate for 'Driver of the Day' in the morning's 14-lap Sprint race.  A mid-race downpour unleashed the Canadian entry with Robert emerging from a static dry pace, starting 15th, to one of the fastest entries in the wet.  While his rivals struggled, the 2006 Formula BMW USA Champion streaked around the 3.39km Sydney circuit - the highlight a stunning sweep past Germany's Michael Ammermüller for fourth.  Climbing to third at the checkered, Robert joined race-winner Loic Duval from France and New Zealand's Jonny Reid in second on the podium.

Ironically the Sprint's top-three drivers would all start the afternoon's 70-minute Feature race from either the rear of the grid or the pit-lane - Wickens' lining up 21st courtesy of a qualifying penalty awarded the day before.  As if to prove the morning's mastering of the wet was no fluke, the teenage rookie subsequently blitzed the opening lap crossing the start-finish line for his second tour in an incredible tenth place, half the field passed in the process!

A solid race followed with Robert keeping the Canadian car out of trouble and a constant presence in the top-ten.  At ease despite the treacherous track conditions, Wickens steered his way to sixth at the checkered with the race called on time just three laps shy of the 45 scheduled laps.  South Africa's Adrian Zaugg celebrated the win followed by Switzerland's Neel Jani and Great Britain's Robbie Kerr.

"I'm ecstatic with today's performances as it shows we're getting better and better every weekend," enthused Wickens.  "I was confident of our performance in the wet and I really can't thank the team enough.  They gave me two great pit stops in the Feature race and together we scored two solid points finishes today which is outstanding, it was simply a great team effort!"

Mark Gallagher, whose Status Grand Prix operation runs A1 Team Canada stated; "Robert represents the very best of young talent coming into A1GP and he's a real credit to Canada to be in this series.  He has established himself as a contender in every race.  To get a podium in the Sprint race from where he started from was exceptional.  Sixth in the Feature again underlined the fact that he's a consummate racer and the team can't praise him enough for the contribution he's making!"

Setanta Sports Canada will broadcast Round 6 from Australia as a tape-delay starting at 8am EST on Monday 4th February - www.setantanorthamerica.com / The 2007-08 A1GP World Cup of Motorsport advances with Round 7 playing out on the streets of Durban, South Africa, Friday 22nd - Sunday 24th February - www.a1gp.com

A1GP Top-Ten Standings - Round 6/10: 1st France (96), 2nd New Zealand (96), 3rd Switzerland (93), 4th South Africa (79), 5th Germany (77), 6th Great Britain (58), 7th Netherlands (55), 8th Ireland (50), 9th Brazil (38), 10th CANADA (37)

Photo Credit: 'A1 Team Canada's Robert Wickens celebrates his Australian Sprint podium' - Jakob Ebrey Photography
Copyright-free A1 Team Canada images are available for download at www.a1gp-photo.com/can

From: A1 Team Canada Media Relations: Stuart Morrison - PR & Media Manager

E3® Spark Plugs Announces 2008-2010 Team Lucas Sponsorship

Ponte Vedra, FL (February 1, 2008) - E3® Spark Plugs, the fuel efficient, low emissions, high performance spark plug that is now available for most small engine, powersports and automotive applications, is pleased to announce their three year sponsorship of TEAM Lucas. E3 joins the ranks of K&N Engineering, General Tire, Dixie Chopper, Torco Racing Fuels, R&L Carriers, Super Clean, Jim Beam Distillery, and Fatheadz Eyewear as a sponsor of over 400 grassroots racing events covered by ESPN2, Speed and Versus Networks. As a member of Team Lucas, E3 will be an official sponsor of the Lucas Oil Speedway, Ranch and Stadium, and a major sponsor of the...

Lucas Oil Motorsports Hour - Versus
IHBA Drag Boat Series - SPEED, 7 events
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series - SPEED, 35 events
Lucas Oil Pro Pulling Series - ESPN2 and Versus, 290+ events
World Series Off Road Racing - Speed, 18 events
NASCAR West Racing Series - SPEED
ASA Modified West Series - 7 events

E3 is the only spark plug on the market that improves horsepower and fuel economy, while lowering hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions. Now found in over 14,000 stores nationwide including: Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Lowe's, Pep Boys, Advance Auto, CSK Auto, Sears, Summit, JEGS, JC Whitney and more, it is has been proven to improve power from 2 to 13 hp, depending on engine class as compared to all other brands of premium plugs.

E3 president, Todd Arey, says, "We are especially pleased to be a part of such an exciting array of series in support of grassroots motorsports across the U.S. The same initiative and creativity that sparks the drive to race, is found at E3. Our commitment to innovation is equally strong and representative in our line of high performance, environmentally friendly spark plugs."

Bob Patison, Lucas Oil President, says, "E3 is an excellent addition to Team Lucas, a quality company with a quality performance product. We're excited about our 2008 race season and the opportunity to build greater brand awareness for all nine companies that compose Team Lucas."

For more information about E3 spark plugs, including performance and emission test results and where-to-buy, visit http://www.e3sparkplugs.com/.

From Leslie Maxwell