2007 ALMS Yearbook Available

By Inside Track Staff

Gary Horrocks, Inside Track's resident sports car authority, has contributed to the American Le Mans Series 2007 Yearbook.

Featuring over 450 colour photos and a very attractive coffee table book design the yearbook is a must-have for any avid sports car enthusiast.

For more information, or to order your own copy, visit http://www.tpppublishing.com/. Be sure to check out the sample pages provided too. It's a very cool feature more online book retailers should have.

Raceline to Feature Wickens Interview

Montreal, Canada (March 20, 2008) - Raceline Radio will feature an interview with A1 Team Canada's all-time points scorer, Robert Wickens, during this Sunday's broadcast, starting at 8pm EST - 23rd March.
 
Raceline's host, Erik Tomas, caught up with Wickens following last weekend's A1GP World Cup of Motorsport meeting in Mexico City - Round 8 of 10 in the 2007-08 season.  The Toronto teenager captured the pole for the Feature race at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, his third front-row start in four races, before going on to break the scoring record for a Canadian driver in A1GP with point finishes in both the Sprint and Feature events.
 
Wickens' record in A1GP since his competitive debut in Round 3 in Malaysia last November now boasts 62 points scored, 1 victory (R7 Sprint - South Africa), 4 podium finishes, 2 pole positions, 7 top-ten finishes and 8 top-ten qualifying starts.
 
Raceline Radio is Canada's only nationally syndicated motorsport radio show! To check out details of which radio stations broadcast the show, and more importantly when, please log on to: www.raceline.ca
 
For further information on the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport please log on to – www.a1gp.com
 
Photo Credit: 'Wickens celebrates his Mexico City A1GP Feature Pole' – Jakob Ebrey Photography
From: A1 Team Canada Relations: Stuart Morrison – PR & Media Manager

Martinsville $500 Special! - Have Bus Will Travel Racing Tours

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Sad news: 'Dizzy' Dean Murray has passed away

(Don Biederman celebrates in Flamboro's victory lane with (L to R) Miss Flamboro Speedway, Frank Casale, John Casale, Don, 'Dizzy' Dean Murray and Gary Scott, after Biederman's 1981 win // Dave Franks Photos)

Yesterday, I heard the sad news that 'Dizzy' Dean Murray passed away. According to what I was told, it happened on Tuesday of this week.

I've been attempting to confirm his passing and news of the family's arrangements before posting anything, but I've received several more 'heads up' messages this morning and felt compelled to put something on our site this morning.

'Dizzy' wore many hats in the motorsports business. He was the publisher of Wheelspin News, the promoter of the Motion car shows. He also promoted racing series like the Goodyear Challenge Cup and major racing events like the American-Canadian Tour race at Flamboro Speedway in the early '90s.

When myself and my parters decided we were going to publish a Canadian motorsports magazine, in 1997, we went to Kleinburg, ON to visit Dizzy to get his advice. We also explored the possibility of reviving the "Wheelspin News" name that he had made so famous. In the end, no one could determine who 'owned' the name at that point, so we went with with Inside Track Motorsport News.

In the years since, I would regularly receive phone calls from Dizzy, just calling to chat about the state of Canadian racing, NASCAR, or his most recent trip to Oktoberfest in Germany. The first time I ever covered Speedweeks, in Daytona, it was 1990 and it was 'Dizzy' and Dave Franks who showed John Hopkins and I the ropes.

It was very gratifying to me that Dizzy liked Inside Track.... and he would say so almost every time we talked. Even though he didn't make it out to the track a lot during the past decade or so, he still seemed very connected and had his finger on the pulse of the community.

As everyone knows, Dizzy was a great promoter. But more than that, he was a true character who had as much fun as anyone I can think of during the time he spent on earth.

I'm planning to do several pages on the life and passing of 'Dizzy' Dean Murray in the next issue of Inside Track. Anyone wishing to contribute, please drop me a line at greg 'at' insidetracknews.com. Please feel free to post your memories of Dizzy here, as well.

I'll try to post some photos on this thread throghout the day, and I'll publicize the family's plans as soon as I hear them.

Here is Dizzy's inductee bio from the Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame:

"Dizzy Dean Murray (Inducted in 1995)
No one who ever saw 'Dizzy' Dean Murray in his gold cowboy boots and 10-gallon hat, hawking copies of Wheel Spin News in the grandstands, will never forget it. Murray founded Wheel Spin with $15 in his pocket in 1965. It covered all forms of auto racing, becoming a resounding success and won several media awards. 'Diz' also ran the Motion Car Shows, was a motorsport consultant and sponsored races and racecars."

UPDATE (12:30 p.m.): I just got off the phone with Dizzy's wife Lynn and his daughter Cheri. The family is going to hold a private ceremony on Saturday, and are in the process of planning a public 'Memorial Celebration' at their home in Kleinburg, in May. 'Dizzy' was originally from Moncton, NB and was 71-years-old at the time of his passing. We will publish the details for Dizzy's Memorial Celebration as soon as they are available.

Scoop: Edmonton IRL race still not confirmed

By James Neilson

This afternoon, IRL spokesman John Griffin told me there might not be an official, post-merger IRL schedule until after the start of the 2008 season.

"There are two factors preventing us from releasing a revised schedule right now," said Griffin. "One is Champ Car's bankruptcy hearing scheduled for March 27 and the other is we are awaiting FIA approval for the Edmonton race."

The IRL season kicks off on March 29, two days after the Champ Car bankruptcy hearing gets underway, and leaves the series very little time to finalize its schedule before the Homestead Speedway opener.

Between the FIA approval and the courts, Canadian fans might have to wait until the IRL season is underway for confirmation that at least one Canadian round has survived the open wheel 'merger'.

On a positive note, Griffin was confident the series would get FIA approval, which is basically a formality for a larger series like the IRL, and that Edmonton would be on their official '08 schedule. Speculation continues that the Edmonton race will be bumped back one week due to a conflict with the previously scheduled IRL event at Mid-Ohio.

Corey Moesker Racing Team moving to the Can-Am Midget Racing Club

Press Release from the Corey Moesker Racing Team
 
WYOMING, ON (March 18, 2008) - The Corey Moesker Racing Team revealed their plans to move to the Can-Am Midget Racing Club to the public with the unveiling of the team's new car at the CPT Racing Experience, which was held at the London Convention Centre this past weekend.
 
With the purchase of a new car, the team will face a completely different challenge from their past experiences.  The team will move on, after three years of competing in the JCAR Mini Truck class.  "We're very excited about getting on track this year with this new car.  It will be quite a jump, going from 13 horsepower to 130 horsepower, but we're really looking forward to it."  said driver Corey Moesker, with a grin on his face.  "We had a ton of fun racing the Mini Truck during the past few years, but we decided that it was time to move on."
 
All of the team's sponsors from 2007 will return again this season.  Plympton Plumbing, Broadway Service, MacDermid & Associates' Co-operators Insurance, and Lawson Products' logos will all be featured the new car.  "These fine companies have been supporting our team for a very long time," Moesker continued, "and we're pleased to continue delivering as much exposure for them as we can."
 
The team is also very happy to announce that Grand Bend Speedway will join the team as an associate sponsor in 2008.  "We're very excited about our new marketing partnership with Grand Bend Speedway."  Moesker explained.  "Our team has been racing at GBS just about every other weekend for the past three years now, and we've been close with the track owners for the past five years, so it will be great to represent them in 2008." 

The Can-Am Midget Racing Club has three races scheduled at Grand Bend's freshly rebuilt 1/4 mile stock car oval throughout this season.  "We can't wait to return to GBS a few times this year.  The track, itself, is very unique, and it's a family orientated facility. We've become close friends with many of the various teams there, and we hope to put on a good show for them when we return."  said Moesker. 
 
The team continues preparation for the upcoming racing season.  The Can-Am Midget Racing Club's first race of 2008 is scheduled for May 10, at Flamboro Speedway, which is near Hamilton. The team still has some great sponsorship opportunities available for the 2008 racing season.
 
For more information on CMRT sponsorships, please contact corey@moeskerracing.com. // Additional CMRT information available at: www.MoeskerRacing.com

'Print-at-Home' Tickets available for races at Michigan Int'l Speedway

... Ticket insurance is also available for MIS ticket buyers
 
BROOKLYN, Mich. (March 19, 2008) ­ No more waiting and wondering where your Michigan International Speedway tickets are. Race fans that purchase tickets for the 2008 race season at Michigan International Speedway now have the opportunity to print their race tickets at home.
 
The "print-at-home" option is available for new orders and is another way that MIS is strengthening its commitment to its race fans by offering another new convenience.
 
"The ability to print your race tickets at home instantly and have them before you leave for MIS will be very convenient for our race fans," track President Roger Curtis said. "Imagine: No more waiting at Will Call; no more wondering when your race tickets will arrive in the mail. This is an easy and convenient way for our race fans to have their valuable tickets in hand without having to wait for them."
 
Race fans may choose the print-at-home ticket option when they purchase MIS tickets from now until the day of the event. This option is available for customers who have purchased grandstand seats only. If a customer has ordered camping passes, Victory Lane Club, Champions Club presented by AAA, or any other non-grandstand item, the print-at-home option is not yet available.
 
Each print-at-home ticket is valid for one admission only. A barcode printed on the ticket will be scanned at the admission gates.
 
So far the response for print-at-home tickets has been tremendous.
 
"The reason we decided to print the tickets immediately is because I wanted to hold my birthday present in my hands right away," Spring Arbor, Mich., resident and first-time MIS customer Kelsey Hall said. "It was also so much easier and more convenient than waiting until closer to race day and risking the tickets getting lost in the mail. We are so glad that MIS offered this service."
 
Fans may also purchase ticket insurance for the 2008 season. Insurance will cover the cost of your tickets and other purchases should issues arise that would prevent the guest from attending a race.
 
With the insurance provided by World Access, fans will be reimbursed if a medical issue, traffic accident, jury duty, employment termination, requirement of work, or any other covered reasons prevents the insured from attending a race.  Additional covered reasons are included in the policy. More information on the program can be found at www.MISpeedway.com/insurance.
 
World Access is a leading specialty insurance and assistance provider. They also offer Event Ticket ProtectorSM Insurance coverage for concert and other sporting tickets.
 
"Race fans often plan their family vacations around a race and unfortunately, unexpected situations arise that can result in a change of plans," Curtis said. "We see this offering of insurance as a way to provide additional peace of mind with their ticket purchases for the 2008 race season. Race tickets are an investment and should be protected."
 
Michigan International Speedway tickets can fit anyone's budget. For its 40th anniversary in 2008, MIS is hosting the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series LifeLock 400 on June 15 and the 3M Performance 400 on August 17. Other events include the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Cool City Customs 200 on June 14, the NASCAR Nationwide Series CARFAX 250 August 16 and the ARCA RE/MAX Series Michigan 200 June 13. Tickets are available for all events, including qualifying days.
 
To order tickets, pit passes, camping or hospitality packages, call the MIS Ticket Hotline at 800-354-1010 or visit MISpeedway.com.
 
From Sammie Lukaskiewicz, MIS Director of Communications and Dennis Worden, MIS Manager of Public Relations

Gary Elliott set to celebrate his 40th year in racing with the 'Giving Back Tour'

Press Release from Gary Elliott
 
Gary and Nonie Elliott will begin their 40th season racing stock cars in southern Ontario. This year marks the 5th decade of non-stop racing in this wonderful sport and is highlighted by the incredible relationship between this race team and Quaker State. This year is the 35th season Gary has had the honour of running the Quaker State logo on his race car.

2008 is billed "The Giving Back Tour." Each night, at every track the Quaker State Monte Carlo competes at, the Elliott Racing team will give a bike away to a child from the ages of 5 to 12 years old.

On July 26th at Flamboro Speedway, every feature winner of the night will draw a name of a child to win a bike. The Late Model feature will consist of 40 laps, and every fan in attendance will receive a free 40th Anniversay souvenir program.  Gary and his sponsors will give every race team in the Late Model class $40 on top of their regular winnings.

A full race schedule is planned in '08 that will include over 18 nights at Flamboro, two at Sauble Speedway, two or three at Delaware Speedway and possible one race in Nova Scotia.

The potential Nova Scotia race is a 150-lap event on  August 16th at Riverside Int'l Speedway in Antigonish. There will be much planning and consideration for this long trip, but the desire is to do it for a few reasons to highlight this milestone season. Not only is Nova Scotia Gary's birthplace, but it will be Shirley Elliott's (Gary's mom) 80th birthday and she is planning to go to the race if he can make the trip.  We will keep you posted as the season progresses.

Meanwhile the new Monte Carlo (see photos) was on display in the Performance World car show this past weekend and took home "Best Stock Car" in the show. A shot of David Elliott's (Gary's son) new Pennzoil Monte Carlo also appears.

Andretti to Purchase Toronto GP?

Courtesy Andretti Green Promotions

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (March 18, 2008) – Andretti Green Promotions, LLC announced today it has signed a letter of intent to purchase the assets of the Grand Prix Association of Toronto Corp. The letter, which is dated March 14, 2008, runs through a period ending on April 30, 2008. Andretti Green Promotions, the wholly-owned subsidiary of Andretti Green Racing, will begin a process of due diligence immediately to determine if it will proceed to the next step, which would be to enter into a purchase agreement with the Grand Prix Association of Toronto.

The terms of the letter of intent will not be disclosed.

The Grand Prix Association of Toronto owns and operates the Grand Prix of Toronto, which has been a mainstay in the North American Indy racing landscape since 1986 and also saw events in 1977 and 1978.

Andretti, who also co-owns Andretti Green Racing with Kim Green and Kevin Savoree, ended his driving career following last year’s Indianapolis 500, but not before winning 42 races – seven of which came in Toronto. Team Green, the predecessor to Andretti Green Racing, captured two Toronto wins, one with driver Dario Franchitti in 1999 and another with Andretti behind the wheel in 2001.

Andretti Green Promotions has been operating since 2004 when it announced it would stage the Indy Racing League’s first non-oval event ever on April 3, 2005. Since then, the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg has become a cornerstone of the IndyCar Series, Indy Pro Series and American Le Mans Series schedules.

The fourth-annual Honda Grand Prix will take place April 4-6, 2008, and will again feature two Indy Pro Series races, the Acura Sports Car Challenge ALMS race and the Honda Indy St. Pete IndyCar Series event.

Andretti Green Racing, based in Indianapolis, Ind., was founded in 2002 and stands as the winningest team in IndyCar Series history. The team has 32 IndyCar Series wins, four Indy Pro Series victories and three IndyCar Series championships to its credit (2004, 2005 and 2007). Andretti Green has won the Indianapolis 500 twice, as well, in 2005 and 2007. In addition to its Indy Racing League program, Andretti Green expanded into the American Le Mans Series with Acura in 2007 with and made an immediate impact, capturing an historic class win at the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring.

Michael Andretti, chairman, Andretti Green Racing:

“Toronto is a place that I have always loved. It’s a great racetrack and a great venue. Racing there was always the highlight of my year and it’s exciting to think that we’re exploring the possibility of owning the event. I was fortunate enough to win there seven times as a driver and all of those wins were special. If we were able to put a deal together to own and operate an event in Toronto, I would certainly count that as another win there, for sure.”

Kevin Savoree, president and chief operating officer, Andretti Green Racing; managing director, Andretti Green Promotions:

“This is an exciting first step in the process. Having the letter of intent in place allows Andretti Green Promotions a chance to look at all the opportunities that exist in Toronto and evaluate its future. There is a great deal of due diligence to complete and a lot of hours in front of us, but we’re looking forward to getting started. Toronto has always been one of the true signature events in Indy racing and Mike, Kim and I are looking forward to exploring our options there.”

Charlie Johnstone, president & ceo, Grand Prix of Toronto:
“The expressed interest by Andretti Green Promotions to own the Grand Prix of Toronto speaks volumes to the stature this event maintains in open wheel racing in North America. We look forward to working with Michael, Kim, Kevin and their team over the course of the next several weeks to pull this off.”

Bill Pearsall wins best in class and best paint and graphics

Performance World Custom Car and Truck Show - Toronto - The entry of Bill Pearsall, sponsored by:
Ponderosa Nature Resort, Can-Alignment Motorsports, Golfi Concrete, Lakeshore Carpet One and Firehall Pizza. Painted by Sweers custom painting and lettered by Partimer Signs. Bill won best in class and best paint and graphics

Bill is going to be racing this car at Delaware Speedway this coming season. Can-Alignment would also like to congradulate Andrew Corderio on rookie of the year in Ice racing at Minden, and for the extraordinary final weekend of total domination.

Scott Murfin - Can-Alignment Motorsports

Scotia Speedworld: Racing with the stars

HALIFAX, NS (March 18, 2008) - As it enters its 21st year of high-octane family entertainment Scotia Speedworld can rightfully advertise a facility where drivers can hone their talents - and fans can watch motorsports stars develop - right before their eyes.

A fact never more apparent than this week as three of the tracks racing fraternity have entered the Pro All Stars Series South division season opener at one of the cornerstone landmarks in NASCAR history ? the Hickory Motor Speedway inn North Carolina.

The Easter Bunny 150, round one of four for the inaugural PASS National series, sees Speedworld graduates Dean Clattenburg, John Flemming and Shawn Turple among the entrants. All three racers honed their talents on the 1/3-mile course called Scotia Speedworld.

Clattenburg blazed Speedworld in the late 80s and early 90s spending time in the Open Wheel and Sportsman divisions before moving to MASCAR in �92 when he won the series Rookie of the Year title. Dean, a Dartmouth native, moved to North Carolina in �96 to pursue a full-time career in racing which he has accomplished as a top fabricator while still racing the southern short tracks; Dean finished fifth overall on the highly competitive 07 PASS South series.

Flemming raced at Speedworld for 10 years in the street stock division before moving to MASCAR in 1994, when he earned the series Rookie of the Year title, going on to become a three-time CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour champion. He has made a full-time move to PASS competition this year, hoping to contend for both the PASS North and National titles.

Turple, a two-time C&R Auto Supply Sportsman division champ, moved to pro stock racing full-time in �05 winning CARQUEST Tour Rookie of the Year title. In �06 he captured the checkered flag at the series grand re-opening race at Riverside Speedway.

Other Speedworld graduates who went on to earn significant accolades beyond their home track include - in alphabetical order:  Scott Alexander (two-time winner of the pro stock Forbes Chev Olds 150), the late Scott Fraser (two-time MASCAR champ, IPSC champ, and inductee in both the Maritime Motorsport Hall of Fame and the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame); the late Scott Kelly (IPSC champ and second-place in the highly competitive Oxford 250); Gordie Ryan (multi-time CARQUEST Tour winner), and Wayne Smith (three-time MASCAR champ and inaugural CARQUEST Tour champ.)

In 2008 Scotia Speedworld will continue setting the stage for the motorsports stars of tomorrow with 22 shows planned between May 24 and September 6 ? with a division available to meet the skill level and desire of most aspiring drivers.

Weekly racers can start as young as eight years of age in the Bandolero division, and move through �the ranks� to the four-cylinder Miller Tire/BFGoodrich Thunder & Lightning Cars, the six-cylinder Hobby Stocks, the 5/8-scale Legends Cars, and the eight-cylinder C&R Auto Supply Sportsman division.

Several special events will supplement the �08 schedule at Scotia Speedworld including three stops by CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour, the return of the ground-pounding Monster Trucks, and the Atlantic CAT 250 ? the only Canadian stop this year for the hard-charging Pro All Stars Series.

Regardless of the show ? weekly racing on Friday nights or special event Saturdays - fans will be entertained all season long at Scotia Speedworld with exciting racing action in every division featuring the cars and stars of regional racing ? for today and tomorrow.

The 2008 season opener at Scotia Speedworld is May 24 with the Lucas Oil 100 ? round one of 11 on the 2008 CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour.

About Scotia Speedworld: Scotia Speedworld is a 3/10-mile asphalt oval stock car racing track featuring a Weekly Racing Series for six divisions and several special events during the race season, which runs from May to September. Scotia Speedworld is located at Exit 6 on Highway 102, across from the Halifax Stanfield International Airport. For more information please click on ScotiaSpeedworld.ca or call our Event Hotline at (902) 873-2277 or our office at (902) 481-2514.

From Joan Roue / Scotia Speedworld

Grand Bend Motorplex - Armando’s Pizza Top Dragster series

Grand Bend Motorplex is pleased to welcome Armando’s Pizza as the title sponsor of it’s Top Dragster program. The Armando’s Pizza Top Dragster series will feature six event weekends, with the Championship finals on Labour Day weekend.

As well as the title sponsor of the Armando’s Pizza Top Dragster class, Armando’s will also become the official Pizza supplier of Grand Bend Motorplex. John Pizzo, of Armando’s Pizza is enthused about being the new ‘Pizza Guy’ at GBM. “I’m really looking forward to bringing fresh, made-to-order pizzas to my friends at the Motorplex. Armando’s has built a strong reputation for great food and great customer service, similar to the strong reputation that Grand Bend Motorplex has for great racing, and now we’re going to make sure that people get both when they come out for the weekend.” GBM’s popular Top Dragster program, featuring open wheeled competition approaching 200 mph, will feature six events during the 2008 racing season. For more details check out: http://www.grandbendmotorplex.com/

About Armando’s Pizza:

-Opened 1st location: 1967
-Expansion through corporate and franchise expansion, 7 total stores and counting.
-The hospitality industry is driven by customer service. Without a serious commitment to it, businesses will not only fail but can do harm to the reputation of a business. The best way to quantify how committed a company is to customer service is to look at its track record. Armando’s has built such a strong reputation for good customer service over almost 40 years that we are now visited by the grandchildren of families that ate here in the early days. We use the same high-quality ingredients today that we did in the ‘60s because cutting corners would mean sacrificing our product which in turn would mean delivering a less-than-perfect product to our customers. Our signature traditional-style pizza has never changed because that’s what customers want. Although we have expanded our menu to include a vast Italian cuisine, there will never come a time when the old favorites are not on the menu. http://www.armandospizza.com/

A1GP: Mexican Double Score for Canada's Wickens

Mexico City, Mexico (Sunday 16 March, 2008) - An overheating engine ultimately robbed A1 Team Canada's Robert Wickens the opportunity to convert a well-earned pole position into victory in the Feature race of Round 8 of the 2007-08 A1GP World Cup of Motorsport in Mexico City on Sunday.  The 19-year-old Toronto-native battled hard despite this to capture fifth in the Feature having earlier scored a seventh place finish in the morning's Sprint event at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

Wickens' performances at the 4.42km track netted Canada its first double-score since Round 6 in Australia in February and with 10 points accumulated in Mexico City, Robert now becomes Canada's all-time A1GP points scorer with 62 markers earned in just 12 race starts this season.  With two rounds remaining, in China and Great Britain respectively, A1 Team Canada sits ninth overall in the A1GP Nations Standings.

A sixth place qualifying slot for Sunday morning's 14-lap Sprint event kept Robert at the sharp-end of the action in what was ultimately an incident-packed race meeting.  An early red-flagging of the race brought with it much frustration for the Canadian team as Robert's efforts picking up two spots were wiped in an instant.  The second rolling-start saw a fierce fight to the first turn with Wickens again battling the leaders.  His luck ran out early however as he found himself pushed wide on the exit of the Turn 1.  Despite this Robert ensured another solid points finish with seventh at the checkered.  New Zealand's Jonny Reid triumphed over Great Britain's Oliver Jarvis and Switzerland's Neel Jani.

The Canadian enjoyed a clear view of the track from pole through to lap seven of the Feature when the early indicators of an overheating engine presented themselves.  Passed by Jani, Wickens ran second to his first scheduled pit-stop two laps later.  As the field cycled through, Ireland, the sister car to Canada - with both teams operated by Status Grand Prix, split the Swiss and Canadian entries.

Faced with driving on the defensive for the remainder of the 47-lap race thanks to engine concerns, Robert again delivered a supreme performance.  A constant force in the top-five, Wickens survived a spearing from behind by Germany on lap 34 and emerged from the second round of stops sixth.  A late-race penalty for Switzerland promoted Canada back up to fifth - a position held through to the flag.  Adam Carroll delivered A1 Team Ireland's maiden A1GP victory, the Irishman taking the Feature win ahead of Great Britain's Oliver Jarvis and the USA's Jonathan Summerton.

"I think we salvaged the best that we could given the circumstances today," stated Wickens.  "Obviously when you have a Feature pole you hope to lead throughout but we had a lot of overheating issues.  My oil temperatures were crazy and I'd always lose ground on the main straight making me a bit of a sitting duck!  I want to do the best I can every weekend so it's an honour to have now scored more points than any other Canadian in A1GP but I'm a little disappointed that things just didn't really go our way today, especially in the Feature."

Mark Gallagher, Managing Director of Status Grand Prix commented; "We knew Robbie was a bit behind the eight-ball in the Feature race.  As usual he was giving us top-class feedback and we recognized we would struggle a bit so in that context he did a phenomenal job.  Robbie's pole yesterday ranks amongst the best in A1GP so it's disappointing not to win but good to come away with back-to-back points.  Ireland and Canada are working incredibly well together and it's no surprise that Canada won last time out in South Africa and Ireland won here in Mexico this weekend!"

The 2007-08 A1GP World Cup of Motorsport returns to China for a second stop with Round 9 hosted at the Shanghai International Circuit, Friday 11th - Sunday 13th April - www.a1gp.com

A1GP Top-Ten Standings - Round 8/10: 1st Switzerland (128), 2nd New Zealand (113), 3rd France (108), 4th Great Britain (95), 5th South Africa (88), 6th Netherlands (80), 7th Germany (77), 8th Ireland (73), 9th CANADA (62), 10th China (45)

Photo Credit: 'A1 Team Canada's Robert Wickens in action in Mexico City' - 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

Kennington 34th in Bristol Nationwide Series race

BRISTOL, TN (March 15th) - Rain wiped out qualifying and then shortened Saturday�s running of the Sharpie 300 NASCAR Nationwide race at Bristol Motor Speedway.

When the race was halted, Canada's DJ Kennington and his Northern Provincial Pipelines/Mahindra Tractors sponsored #81 Dodge Charger was awarded a 34th place finish. "We were in the garage when the flag flew to suspend racing," said Kennington. "We were repairing a broken rear end. The crew just about had the car ready to come back out on to the race track when the rain began to fall."

Only 171 of the 300 scheduled laps were completed. "We were down laps because of the mechanical problem. We just wanted to get back out on the track and get in more seat time."

Next race for the St. Thomas, Ontario driver is at Nashville Superspeedway this Saturday. "We're holding steady in the point standings. We need some strong showings in the next few races to try to get us back into the top 30 in points. Memphis is a brand new track for us as are most of the tracks well be racing at this season. Our first time at the Memphis facility will be this Friday in practice."

The Pepsi 300 is race number six of the 35 event NASCAR Nationwide Series Schedule.

Next NASCAR Nationwide event:
NASHVILLE SUPERSPEEDWAY (PEPSI 300)
Practice: Friday, March 21st (12:30pm & 3:30pm - Edmonton time)
Qualifying: Saturday, March 22nd (8:00am - Edmonton time)
Race: Saturday March 22nd (NOON - Edmonton time)

From Gord Craig

Canadian Ron Fellows wins at Sebring

With files from Rick Voegelin // GM Racing Communications

CORVETTE RACING SCORES SIXTH SEBRING 12-HOUR GT1 VICTORY

O'Connell Notches Record-Setting Seventh Sebring Class Win with Magnussen and Fellows

SEBRING, FLA - After a long day's race into night, Corvette Racing scored its sixth GT1 class victory in seven years in America's classic endurance race, the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring. Johnny O'Connell, Jan Magnussen and Ron Fellows drove their No. 3 Compuware Corvette C6.R to an eight-lap victory over their teammates Oliver Gavin, Olivier Beretta and Max Papis in the No. 4 Compuware Corvette C6.R.

The winning trio completed 328 laps of the 3.7-mile, 17-turn road course and finished eighth overall. The runner-up Corvette completed 320 circuits and finished 10th overall. The No. 008 Aston Martin DBR9 was third in the GT1 class with 299 laps completed.

O'Connell became the all-time leader in Sebring victories with his seventh career win on the historic circuit. His victory tonight broke a longstanding tie with motorsports legend Phil Hill, who tallied six victories on the Sebring course.

"Every record you get is special, but this was probably the most special," O'Connell said. "I've been coming here for 18 years, and I can't think of a better hot rod than the Corvette C6.R to set the record.

"It's huge to break Phil Hill's record," O'Connell continued. "Phil is the embodiment of everything that was wonderful about that era of sports car racing. When you meet some of your childhood heroes, they're a disappointment, but when I met Phil, he was the coolest cat in the world. He talked about the beauty of the cars he competed in and the spectacle of this race. When you spend time with someone who is that deep and insightful, you come away with a much better understanding of how special this race is.

"When you win Sebring, you share it," he noted. "It's not about one guy. I got my first ALMS win with Jan in 1999, and I've won some 25 races with Ron. I can't think of two finer gentlemen and race car drivers I'd rather share this win with."

The ides of March did not treat the No. 4 Corvette C6.R as kindly. At one hour and 56 minutes into the 12-hour race, Beretta brought the car to the pits with an apparent drivetrain problem.

"I came out of Turn 9 and it went completely loose," said Beretta. "I thought the race was gone. I was worried that wheels would lock up and couldn't bring the car back to the pits. I didn't want to get stuck on the course."

The stricken car went to the transporter where the crew replaced the right halfshaft in nine minutes. The No. 4 Corvette C6.R then returned to action with Papis at the wheel and a nine-lap deficit to the class-leading No. 3 Corvette.

"We lost the inner tripod joint on the right side," explained team manager Gary Pratt. "All of the lube was still there, but it snapped one of the three drives at the spline. We've never seen a failure like that before."

Tonight's victory was the third Sebring win for Fellows and O'Connell as teammates. The pair won previously with Gavin in 2002, with Franck Freon in 2003, and with Papis in 2004. The car made 10 pit stops totaling 13 minutes ­ a minute and a half less time in the pits than the closest competitor.

"Today's race was unfortunate for the No. 4 car, but we ran well all day with the No. 3," Fellows said. "My crew chief, Dan Binks, and the guys had flawless pit stops. Johnny and Jan did a great job, and I couldn't be happier than to win Sebring with these guys. Just like Le Mans last year, we kept plugging away. It's a tough, tough track; it's hard on equipment and physically demanding. I think all three of us feel we have some unfinished business at Le Mans, and that's the next big prize we're going to shoot for." ...

NASCAR: Top 35 Now Set For 2008

Sam Hornish can breathe easier. Dario Franchitti can not. Michael Waltrip will drive into Martinsville, the weight lighter on his shoulder. Bill Davis will not.

After five races in 2008, the guaranteed spots for each race this year have now been established. Out with last year's Top 35 and in with this year's group. And, while we talk in terms of drivers, the top 35 is derived from the car owners list.

The one team no one expected to be outside the Top 35 following Bristol - the No. 26 driven by Jamie McMurray. McMurray's team missed the cut by four points. Dave Blaney is another 18 points back in 37th. Franchitti is 15 behind Blaney and the list goes on.

With the retirement of Dale Jarrett there is no driver outside the top 35 who is a former champion. Realistically, 11 teams will be vying for seven spots. At Bristol this weekend there were only 46 entries.

The facts may make Patrick Carpentier breathe just a bit easier, but only a bit. Carpentier is clearly four or five good finishes from climbing into a more secure top 35 position.