Mobil 1 Expands CASC-OR Sponsorship for 2008

The Canadian Automobile Sports Clubs - Ontario Region is pleased to announce the renewal and expansion of Mobil 1’s support of CASC-OR with a comprehensive Corporate Sponsorship Package for 2008.

In addition to renewing title sponsorship for the region’s highly successful Mobil 1 Solosprint Championship Series and Mobil 1 Autoslalom Championship Series – support has been extended to include the CASC-OR Road Race Division.

Commencing in 2008, regional racers will participate in the newly titled “Mobil 1 GT Championships” (Mobil 1 GT Sprints) and the “Mobil 1 Formula Car Championships” (Mobil 1 Formula Libre).

Accompanying a financial contribution, the company will also provide a supply of Mobil 1 product to recognize podium winners and volunteer staff at events throughout the season.

This package will help to provide for the continued promotion and growth of grass roots motorsports activities in the province.

The CASC-OR Board of Directors and all CASC-OR Clubs and members would like to thank David Swain and Imperial Oil for their continued support.

Photo is of David Swain (David Swain Racing) and Nick Majors (Vice President, CASC-OR)

"I was kidnapped by Martian Nazis who inserted a probe in my $#&^%$..."

On Yahoo...

Defiant Mosley alleges plot against him

LONDON (AFP) - Max Mosley, president of world motorsport's governing body (FIA), claimed on Tuesday that he had been the victim of a covert surveillance operation orchestrated by unknown enemies of his so as to force him to resign his post.

However, the 67-year-old son of pre-World War II British fascist leader Oswald insisted that he would not step down, but that he would stay away from this weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix not because he was asked to but so as he could mend fences with his family.

Mosley, a lawyer and former candidate for the Conservative party, was pictured in a British Sunday newspaper allegedly participating in an orgy with prostitutes dressed as Nazi guards.
Mosley, who has said he will take legal action against the perpetrators of the covert action, apologised in a statement for any embarrassment caused to the organisation and its members.

"I will not allow any of this to impede my commitment to the FIA," said Mosley, who has been president of FIA - an unpaid role - since 1993.

"From information provided to me by an impeccable high-level source close to the UK police and security services, I understand that over the last two weeks or so, a covert investigation of my private life and background has been undertaken by a group specialising in such things, for reasons and clients as yet unknown. I have had similar but less well-sourced information from France.

"Regrettably you are now familiar with the results of this covert investigation and I am very sorry if this has embarrassed you or the club.

"Not content with publicising highly personal and private activities, which are, to say the least, embarrassing, a British tabloid newspaper published the story with the claim that there was some sort of Nazi connotation to the matter. This is entirely false.

"It is against the law in most countries to publish details of a person's private life without good reason. The publications by The News of the World are a wholly unwarranted invasion of my privacy and I intend to issue legal proceedings against the newspaper in the UK and other jurisdictions.

"I have received a very large number of messages of sympathy and support from those within the FIA and the motor sport and motoring communities generally, suggesting that my private life is not relevant to my work and that I should continue in my role. I am grateful and, with your support (FIA), intend to follow this advice.

"I shall now devote some time to those responsible for putting this into the public domain but, above all, I need to repair the damage to my immediate family who are the innocent and unsuspecting victims of this deliberate and calculated personal attack."

... continued at the link above

Motorsports Showcase to Kick off the 2008 Race Car Season

Dear Friends,

Again this year we will be taking part in hosting the: Motorsports Showcase to Kick off the 2008 Race Car Season
This event will feature local stock cars and drag race vehicles, along with some of the area's top race car drivers in a fundraising "kick-off" and barbeque focused on motorsport.

The event will launch a fundraising draw Grand Prize Summer in Michigan, NASCAR style!

Where: Community Living Haldimand (Formally, Haldimand Association for the Developmentally Challenged)
Jennie Deagle Complex // 2256 River Road, Box 396 // Cayuga, Ontario N0A 1E0
Telephone: (905) 772-3344 Fax: (905) 772-3155
E-mail: centraladmin@clhaldimand.com

When: Friday, May 9, 2008

Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Community Living Haldimand is a non-profit organization and charity based providing individual support and special needs to over 125 persons and their families for individuals who rely on this association so they can share in all elements of community with dignity and have opportunities to participate effectively.

What:: Local Racecars on display promoting upcoming race season.

Why: To allow the clients of the center an up close and personal look at the racecars and a chance to meet their drivers and crew. Help create awareness of Community Living Haldimand in Cayuga. Create awareness of special projects needed for the center. Create awareness of local racers.

Who will be on display?

Area Motorsports Racers who participate at or with the following tracks and groups.

• Toronto Motorsports Park
• Cayuga Speedway
• Ohsweken Speedway
• Merrittville Speedway
• Flamboro Speedway
• Can/Am Stock Super Stock Series
• Southern Ontario Sprint Cars
• Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA)
• Area Custom Cars and Motorcycles

What's New: Plans have not been confirmed yet to extend the event in the evening. We will be in touch once the plans are firmed up. Thank you, for your continued support

From Bill Mehlenbacher

Fastco Motorsports to field two-car team in Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship

Fastco Motorsports, a division of Fastco Canada, announced today that it would field a two-car team in this year's Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship, to compete in the Super Touring Car class.

The cars entered are 2008 Hyundai Tiburon GTs equipped with the 2.7 liter, V-6, 4 cam engine and are being prepared by GT Racing, last year's champions. The CCTCC is Canada's premier touring car series and consists of 16 races held on 6 road-racing circuits across Quebec and Ontario. The first race will be held on May 17 & 18 at Mosport, Ontario.

The father and son team of Glenn and Lee Chaplin will handle the driving duties. Glenn is the operations manager and Lee is a regional sales manager at Fastco Canada.

Fastco is a Canadian company with its head office in Montreal. It is the manufacturer of Fast Wheels, a premier line of alloy wheels as well as the eastern Canadian distributor of Falken, Firenza & Vredestein tires. The company would like to thank Hyundai Canada Corporation, SKF Bearings & Lettrage Provan for their assistance in the preparation of the racecars.

The vehicles will also be on display at a number of car shows across Quebec & Ontario this summer.

In other Fastco news, Fastco Canada announced the introduction of its new competition wheel line today, to coincide with its participation in this year’s Canadian Touring Car Championship.

The FCO1 is an ultra-light, alloy wheel manufactured by using the flow forming process, and is designed for competition use. The wheel, available in 17 x 8” weighs 16.3 lbs, and is offered in a number of bolt circles and offsets. It comes in both hyper silver and gunmetal finishes and has a suggested retail price of $335.00.

The FCO2 is a light, super strong, forged, alloy wheel and is also ideal for competition purposes. The wheel, available in 17 x 7.5” weighs 17lbs, and is offered in two bolt circles. It comes in platinum finish only. It has a suggested retail price of $378.00.

Both wheels will be available at Fast Wheels dealers across the country by early May.

For further information visit www.fastwheels.ca

Media Contact: Bob Chaplin // Marketing Manager // Fastco Canada // 450-455-9877

Russ Bond: Catch the vibe!

Inside Track catches the "Vibe"... By Russ Bond

As a former full-time Inside Track Motorsport News employee, and a current contributor, whenever I get in a jam, I can always count on the guys at the office to help out. This was the case recently, as I was part of the GM National promotion of the 2009 Pontiac Vibe.

The idea was to complete a series of challenges in and around Toronto in the new 158bhp Vibe, and one of those challenges was the fit 9 "full size" adults into the compact car. A quick call to editor Greg MacPherson and I was all set. All the guys from the office piled into the Vibe and we even managed to get all the doors closed - good job guys.

We also had in tow Katrina and Danny from Motoring 2008 (http://www.motoringtv.com/) and they filmed the entire scene for an upcoming show. So, if you want to see just who works at Inside Track, and see them in "action" check out the Motoring2008 episode featuring the Pontiac Vibe. Thanks guys for helping me out, and just so you know, our Team Style is now in the lead of the http://www.catchthevibe.ca/ challenge, thanks to you!

Okay, back to Formula 1!

Photo by Danny Bailey-Motoring2008

NASCAR's Regan Smith to return to Riverside for Round 2 of the IWK 250

JAMES RIVER, NS (April 3, 2008) - NASCAR Sprint Cup Series star Regan Smith will make a return to Riverside International Speedway July 18 & 19 for the 2008 edition of the IWK 250 Presented by DuPont Refinish and Steve Lewis Auto Body. Smith, driver of the Dale Earnhardt Inc. No. 01 in NASCAR’s elite series, will be seeking to improve his podium finish in the 2007 IWK 250.

“I finished third last year and I want to improve on that,” said Smith, who hails from Cato, New York. “Second place is the worst position to finish in - so I guess that means I want nothing but to win. The car owner already told me I could use the checkers or wreckers policy to make that happen.”

Smith will wheel a car owned by Nova Racing out of Antigonish as a teammate to regional racing stars Donald Chisholm (Antigonish) and George Koszkulics (New Glasgow). Smith’s ’08 IWK 250 racecar was unveiled today at the Atlantic Heavy Equipment show in Moncton (NB) bearing No. 08 and sponsored by Komatsu and Wilson Equipment.

This year the IWK 250 will present a different format in as much as the competition rules have been tuned and tailored to better compliment racers from the Maritimes region as well as their counterparts from the northeastern seaboard of the United States.

With a purse that exceeds $100,000 and the winner having an opportunity to take home $24,000 (including potential bonus awards) it is no wonder more than 40 top pro stock drivers have already registered for the race.

With only 30 spots open on the starting grid competition will be fierce during four rounds of qualifying to earn their way into what will be the richest stock car race ever run in the Maritimes: the IWK 250.

With the race being sanctioned by the CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour, the “Supershow” will see the series competitors vie for the race winners bragging rights as well as valuable series championship points. All four of the series former champions have already entered: Wayne Smith (Halifax), John Flemming (Halifax), Shawn Tucker (Fredericton, NB) and Rollie MacDonald (Pictou). While the CARQUEST Tour sanctions the IWK 250, special rules apply that set it apart from other series events.

With the race date being an off-weekend for the Pro All Stars Series North division, entries have already been received by top New England drivers including Maine’s Travis Benjamin, Johnny Clark and Kirk Thibeau.

With all of these components put together the stage will be set to attract a full house of enthusiastic race fans and most importantly to raise as much money as possible for the IWK Health Centre - with the goal being to exceed the $20,000 raised at the eveent in 2007 for the regions foremost children’s hospital.

Regan Smith, who rubs fenders with the best stock car racers in the world on weekly basis, sees the calibre of competition at the IWK 250 as formidable.

“The competition was very strong,” said Smith of his experience in ‘07. “The drivers raced me clean, but hard.”

Smith was equally impressed with the fans at Riverside.

“The fans were great,” said Smith. “I did not realize how big racing is in Nova Scotia but was pleasantly surprised. They know their stuff so that makes it fun to put on a good race for them.”

The IWK 250 has grown to a two-day event for 2008 with Friday featuring the Napa 100 for the Highland Home Hardware Sportsman Series as well as AMP Open Wheel racing. Saturday will see a full slate of activities including qualifying and pre-race festivities for the pro stocks along with the Kenworth Nova Scotia Maritime Legends Challenge; the day will culminate with the running of the IWK 250 presented by DuPont Refinish and Steve Lewis Auto Body.

A detailed weekend event schedule and advance ticket information will be announced as available.

The Regan Smith No. 08 Komatsu/Wilson Equipment IWK 250 racecar will be on display again April 18-20 at the Castrol Radical Speed Sport Car Show in Moncton (NB) where visitors to the Riverside International Speedway booth can enter to win Riverside event tickets, and more.

About Regan Smith: At just age 24 Smith already has 20 years of racing experience. Getting his start in a go-kart at just four years old he moved to quarter-midgets at 12 winning championships in both divisions. He went on to race in the USAR Hooters ProCup Series and the Allison Legacy Series where he won rookie honours and the series championship in 2001. Smith began his NASCAR career at age 18 with two Craftsman Truck Series starts in 2002, the same year he made his NASCAR Nationwide Series debut. In 2007 he made seven NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts as a developmental driver under the tutelage of series veteran Mark Martin. 2008 sees Regan Smith contending for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Rookie of the Year title - currently best in class over fellow rookie contenders including 2007 IndyCar Series champ Dario Franchitti. To learn more about Regan Smith please visit www.regansmith.com.

About the IWK The IWK Health Centre, while located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is an essential resource for women, children, youth and families from across the Maritimes and beyond. Each year, thousands of Maritime children and women come to the IWK requiring emergency care, surgery for critical illnesses, and inpatient care for ongoing medical conditions.
About Steve Lewis Auto Body Steve Lewis Auto Body, a DuPont Refinish body shop, is located on Beech Street in Sydney. The company is in their 33rd year of business and proud to support many community and charitable efforts, including a 15-year involvement with the IWK.
About DuPont Refinish In March of 1999, DuPont Performance Coatings was formed by the combination of Herberts GmbH and DuPont Refinish, creating the world’s largest supplier of automotive coatings and the third largest coatings company overall. Canadian headquarters are in Ajax, Ontario. DuPont Refinish services over 4,000 collision repair and commercial fleet customers across Canada. For more information call 1.800.668.6945 or visit www.pc.dupont.com.

About Riverside Speedway: Riverside Speedway, a 1/3-mile high-banked asphalt oval, is located in James River between New Glasgow and Antigonish at exit 30 off Trans Canada Highway 104. Opened in 1969, the facility was totally rebuilt in 2006 to become a premiere motorsports site, compared to the best short tracks in Canada and the U.S. The 2008 schedule includes two CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour events on June 7 and August 16; the IWK 250 event on July 18-19, also sanctioned by the CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour; and the Atlantic Dodge Dealers 300 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series event on September 20. For more information about Riverside Speedway, please visit www.riversidespeedway.ca or call 902.863.2410.

From Paul McLean / GM-Riverside Int'l Speedway // Distributed by Joan Roué for Riverside Int'l Speedway

Motorcycles: Go Big Racing to cease operations

HAMILTON, ON - After a highly successful 2007 season, Go Big Racing has announced it will cease all operations. Despite its best efforts in the off-season, the team was unable to secure adequate sponsorship for the 2008 season. The All-Canadian team operated by Paul Glenn and Ross Millson have decided to part ways effective immediately.

"It's not something anyone wanted to see happen." said Millson, "but after some lengthy discussions we felt this was the best solution for this team and its members, to salvage the season as individuals."

"We were in talks with a number of outstanding companies about marketing with the team and were confident new sponsors were imminent.” stated Glenn. “However, due to the rise of the Canadian dollar and the economic outlook for 2008 many of the opportunities were sidelined."

In the US-based SunTrust MOTO-ST Endurance series, the Go Big Racing squad finished on the Sport Twins (ST) podium in all but one of the six events in last year’s title chase. The team managed to take the title battle down to the last race at Daytona, finishing second overall in Sport Twins Championship.

In the 2007 Parts Canada Superbike Championship Paul Glenn was crowned the 2007 National Amateur Champion. Ross Millson had a strong pro debut, finishing third in the Pro Rookie chase and 11th overall in Superbike final points standings.

A season that also saw Go Big Racing’s 13 year old Development Rider, Steven Nickerson chosen from over 600 applicants to compete for one of 20 spots in the 2008 Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup.

Millson looks to continue his association with Nickerson throughout 2008. All of this would not have been possible without the support of our past sponsors, friends and family members for whom the team will always be grateful.

From Ross Millson

INSIDE TRACK NOTEBOOK: Tuesday, April 2, 2008

The Southern Ontario Sprints will be holding their annual Spring meeting on Sunday April 20th, 2008 at the Best Western Brant Park Inn in Brantford, Ontario. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 11:00am. All are welcome and encouraged to attend...

Click here to download the April edition of the Sports Car Club of BC's (SCCBC) Pit Pass club newsletter...

Sunset Speedway recently announced that Lucas Oil Products will be sponsoring both of its OSCAAR Outlaw Super Late Model races in 2008....

UPDATE: Ohsweken Speedway is putting its advance reserved seat tickets on sale starting April 14. The date was originally April 7. Advance tix for this summer's special events at Ohsweken - featuring the World of Outlaw Late Models, World of Outlaws Sprints, and the 4th Annual Canadian Sprint Car Nationals will open at 8:00 a.m. on April 14. Ticket requests will be taken daily by phone only (1-888-720-7223), Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The Lucas Oil Canadian Vintage Modifieds put out the following: "The Canadian Vintage Modified club is pleased to announce that Lucas Oil Products Inc. will be their title sponsor for the next two seasons. Lucas Oil began sponsoring CVM three years ago. Club President, Gilles Bedard says everyone is thrilled about the sponsorship, “Over the past three years our two organizations have developed a very strong relationship and we look forward to building on this success for many more years to come.”
Lucas Oil Products is one of the fastest growing additive lines in the automotive industry. Oils, greases, and problem solving additives have helped Lucas to establish its place in the industry.
Other sponsors for the 2008 season are Grisdale Enterprises of Dundas, Canadian Automotive and Trucking Institute of Cambridge, Creative Edge Signs and Graphics in Kitchener, Stealth Titanium Valves of Michigan, John’s RV Centre of Milton, Flamboro Machine Shop of Dundas, Leaf Racewear and Safety Equipment in London, and B&B Decals of Oakville.
The 2008 season of Canadian Vintage Modifieds racing is shaping up to be another exciting one! Bedard says there will be new rivalries heating up the track. “Our 2007 champion Phil Shaw will be back to defend his crown however he won’t be challenged this season by his closest rival Steve Lyons. Steve has decided to run a limited schedule this season but this won’t mean that Shaw is going to have a free ride.”

Delaware's Chaos Cars: Youtube videos on going racing

The Chaos Cars are the newest racing challenge offered by Delaware Speedway. The Delaware Speedway Ultimate Sandblasting & Coating Chaos Car division is designed to be a safety conscious, low-cost, fun-level class. Events that Chaos Cars compete in will be varied and will include fun-type novelty events and are centred on having fun in a controlled, low-cost environment!

Around the region work has begun on preparing these vehicles - - the Delaware Speedway Video Team will be releasing small documentary pieces in the weeks leading up to the season so that everyone can get an idea about what is involved in preparing these vehicles. Perhaps you will be inspired to prepare your own and join the Chaos Cars on the track for their historic series debut!

Click here to go to the Chaos Car page of Delware's website with links to the three-part videos.

From Delaware Speedway. Thanks to John Houghton for the 'heads up'

Canadian Bill Adam an analyst on ABC's ALMS broadcasts

BOWMANVILLE, ON (APRIL 1, 2008) – When the American Le Mans Series visits the  west coast of Florida this weekend for the Acura Sports Car Challenge of St. Petersburg, a Canadian motorsports great will be there to bring the action home (ABC, Sat. April 5, live- 1:30 pm- 3:30 pm EDT). Bill Adam, a Canadian sports car racing legend and veteran motorsports broadcaster will serve as ABC's analyst for the race along with the Series' April 19 stop in Long Beach, California.
 
Raised in Burlington, Ontario and currently living in Miami, Florida, the 61 year-old Adam's decorated sports car racing career began in the late 1970s. After being hired to drive the factory-backed Group 44 team in the IMSA series in 1980, he and co-driver Bob Tullius piloted a Triumph TR-8 to victories at Mosport Road Atlanta, Road America and the Twelve Hours of Sebring. One of Adam's more memorable wins came at Mosport in 1983, when he and Tullius piloted a Jaguar GTP prototype to victory in a six-hour endurance race. In 1986 and 1987, Adam collected more victories competing in the Rothmans Porsche Cup and also won the Porsche Cup award in recognition of being one of the top Porsche drivers worldwide.
 
After spending some time out of motorsports Adam returned to racing, piloting the Champion Racing Porsche in 1994. Along with international sports car racing star Hans Stuck, he finished second at the Twelve Hours of Sebring in 1995, and scored a class victory with Stuck in 1996. In 1997, he placed second in class with Stuck and Thierry Boutsen in the 24 Hours of Daytona. He won the Daytona World Sports Car Enduro race in 2005, and still competes in select Historic Sports Car Racing events behind the wheel of an American Le Mans Series prototype Audi R8.
 
Since 1985, Adam has also worked as a broadcaster for various forms of motorsports. In addition to the American Le Mans Series, he has worked Formula 1, Champ Car World Series, Formula Atlantic and Trans Am Series races for networks such as CBS, NBC, ESPN, SPEED, CTV and CBC.
 
"My favourite is the American Le Mans Series. I suppose because I raced big sports cars, I still love them the best," Adam said of his many broadcasting assignments in the world of motorsports.
 
Confirmed to work ABC's two American Le Mans Series telecasts, Adam will also be a part of the Edmonton IndyCar Series broadcast team in July. 

Via Lee Bailie / Mosport

Patrick Carpentier #10 Valvoline Dodge Texas Preview

The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series heads west to the “Lone Star State” for this weekend’s race at Texas Motor Speedway. No. 10 Valvoline Dodge driver Patrick Carpentier will again attempt to qualify for the 43-car field solely on time. After a successful performance at Martinsville the No. 10 team gained a spot in owner points and is 45th, 192 points outside of the top-35, but only 81 points away from gaining five positions in the standings.

DRIVER PATRICK CARPENTIER QUOTES:
WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM MARTINSVILLE? “I’m really happy. It’s a learning process. It’s something to do one lap, but to learn to run with these guys for the entire race, that’s the problem.

“At first I was running alright, then I got spun out a couple times and I was lucky I didn’t hit the wall. I was thinking, ‘man, when is this going to stop?’ It seemed like it was going from bad to worse. Toward the end of the race I finally began understanding that I needed to roll the center of the corner a lot faster than what I was doing. I was driving the car like qualifying which is very different than what it needs to be. Martinsville was like a fist fight in a phone booth.

“That’s how it is. When you miss three races you get behind. You don’t learn that stuff. You stay home, you watch and you don’t learn anything. So making the race this weekend was an amazing thing, especially for a short track.”

HEADING TO TEXAS “Texas is going to be fun. It’s been a few weeks since we’ve been to a track that I’ve raced on before. I had never been to Bristol and Martinsville before going there for the race.

“I’ve raced at TMS in the IRL, but like I said before, there isn’t too much I can carry over to stock cars from my open-wheel experience. It’s actually pretty boring racing around there in an open-wheel car. All you try to do is run the bottom and hold the throttle wide open. Running around there in stock cars will be a lot more challenging.

“We’re excited. Last weekend was a huge hurdle for us. It wasn’t pretty, but we finished the race and even gained a spot in the owner standings. That was one of our goals. If we can keep making races, and finishing them we will slowly begin to chip away at the top-35. It has been a really tight battle between the guys outside the top-35. Now, with a few of the bigger names outside of it, it will only be harder.”

CO-OWNER, GEORGE GILLETT JR. QUOTES ON CARPENTIER’S PERFORMANCE TO DATE: “Patrick is the real thing. These fellows who come from open-wheel racing have no problem with driving fast in close quarters. You saw how he ran in the qualifying races down in Daytona. Unfortunately, he had a tire going down, but he kept going.

“He qualified brilliantly at Atlanta. I don’t think any other driver came close to picking up half a second on their second qualifying lap, like Patrick did. He’s the real thing, and we’re proud of him. “Both Patrick and his team have risen to the challenge. He’s a great guy. The sponsors love him, and our fans love him. We’re very pleased with that relationship.”

From Heath White // Team Communications - Gillett Evernham Motorsports

Photo by Perry Nelson

Mystery sponsor adds $6,000 to Flamboro's Points Chase

From Flamboro Speedway

Promoters John Casale and Frank Casale are excited to publish a new addition to the 2008 Flamboro Speedway Points Chase.

Six-thousand dollars in contingency cash prizes have been added to this summer’s grass roots racing program, to be won by the top performing drivers at Hamilton’s premier stock car facility.

In the spirit of ‘The Chase’ for the championship, the newly added contingency dollars will be shared over two separate points in the midst of the season. Participating drivers will want to remember these dates: June 28th and August 30th. The Flamboro Speedway point leaders at the close of these two race events, in each of the hometrack divisions, will be awarded with contingency prizes.

The point leader of the Grisdale Late Models will receive a $2,000 dollar cash reward, and the point leaders of the Midtown Carstar Thunder Cars and Waterdown Napa Mini Stocks will each receive a $500 dollar cash reward. All rewards will be presented at the 2008 Awards Banquet, and the winning driver must be in attendance or represented by a proxy to receive his or her prize.

Said John Casale, “I am very excited to present this kind of prize to our drivers. They need our support, and the support of our great sponsors, to keep putting on a great show for race fans.”

Casale also made note that this new award program was sponsored, but would not give up the identity of the generous benefactor. “We’ll make a big deal and show great thanks and appreciation at the banquet. Just make sure you’re there.”

To whomever the mystery sponsor is, on behalf of all involved in the Flamboro racing program, our many thanks for your support. See you at the banquet.

Note to the Competitors: To be clear, the point score following the night of June 28 (and then August 30) will be the determining standing. There will be no drop nights considered when determining the point leaders for these contingency awards. Awards will be presented at the 2008 Flamboro banquet. The winning drivers must be in attendance or represented by a proxy to receive his or her prize. Failing to meet these criteria will forfeit any earned awards.

Fire... April Fool's joke

I've removed this post at the request of the person who initiated an ill-advised April Fool's joke.

AIM Autosport - Miami Grand Prix Report

Homestead, Florida (March 30, 2008) - Starting from the second row for the Gainsco Grand Prix of Miami, the AIM Autosport Exchange Traded Gold #61 Ford Riley would come to the checkers in eighth place. A caution-filled race and an unscheduled pit stop hampered the team's efforts to stay near the front and battle for a podium result.

Mark Wilkins, who had qualified the car P4, would take the start at the Homestead Miami Speedway on a day that saw temperatures approaching 90F. The heat had caused the track to become greasy up on the oval sections in practice and this would come into play as the AIM Autosport crew fought to find the right balance of front and rear grip.

"We had good balance through the infield" commented Wilkins, "and it was not so bad through the oval. However the transition from infield to oval was tricky and we needed to make sure we had enough front grip to set the car and enough rear to keep it from running up the banking."

Mark would be sitting sixth when the first in a series of full course cautions came out on lap eleven. He would pit along with the leaders and take on fuel. Another caution on lap twenty-two and Mark would stay out as the team tried to cycle into their initial pit window. Mark reported that the tires were making the car a bit twitchy under braking but would go on to turn his best lap before coming in for fuel and tires. The crew also made adjustments for front end grip.

Mark would next pit on lap forty-five for fuel and tires during another full course caution. Under yellow, the GT cars are not always separated from the DP cars on the restart and many of them did not pit. The #61 re-entered the track behind a number of GT cars and timing sheets showed them dropping from P5 to P16 overall. Mark would work his way back up to P9 before handing the controls over to Brian Frisselle on lap sixty-four who was schedule to run to the finish without another stop.

"The cautions did not fit well with our initial pit strategy" said AIM Autosport principal Ian Willis. "It was a bit of a gamble every time the pits opened under yellow to see what the leaders would do. At one point the Exchange Traded Gold #61 Ford Riley sat second, staying out while the lead group came in to pit under yellow. It might have been fine from there and we'd have been in the hunt but we had to pit under the green when a back-marker ran us off course and we picked up a lot of debris." Willis continued, "We had to get Brian in under the green to clean out the radiator screen. The crew did a great job and we got the car back out without losing a lap but now we had a lot of cars to get around."

At lap eighty-nine, following another full course caution, Brian was lined up behind nine of the GT cars. He would clear all nine within one lap of going green and then once again, the track went full course caution when the DP car just ahead of Brian went off on the front straight. Sitting eighth with just eleven minutes to go in what was now a timed race, on the restart another DP some ten laps down, decided to try and get a lap back and ran into the back of the #61. Brian reported getting a bit sideways after the hit and there was now bodywork rubbing against the rear tire on right turns. Fortunately with only two right turns on the infield section, this might not prove to be an issue with less than five laps to go. Brian then reported that the tire rub went away and there were "No worries."

The checkers flew on lap ninety-nine and Brian would slot the car in P8.

"We are a bit disappointed with the final result" noted Frisselle. "We definitely had the car to run up front but between the unscheduled stop late in the race, then being caught behind some lapped cars that were in their own fight, we could just not get close enough to the lead pack to mount a charge."

Willis commented after the race. "After losing track position with the unscheduled stop, we did not get the chance to race for another position. Without the contact we should have been P7 or possibly P6 had we had the chance to race with the 99 car."

AIM Autosport picked up some important points in this raced having been shut out in the Rolex 24 last month. The next race is the Mexico City 250 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, April 17-19.

AIM Autosport Facts: Established in 1995, AIM Autosport  has a mandate to identify, train and manage emerging motorsport talent. AIM has provided many young drivers with a solid foundation on which to build a career in professional racing. The success of the AIM driver development programs has been achieved through the dedication of our employees and the ongoing support of our commercial and technical partners. Away from the track, AIM Autosport serves the needs of the racing community with a purpose-built preparation shop situated in the Toronto suburb of Woodbridge, Ontario. AIM currently fields the #61 Exchange Traded Gold Ford-Riley Daytona Prototype in the Rolex Grand Am series with drivers Mark Wilkins and Brian Frisselle. The team continues to support the Star Mazda series and is developing a team for the 2009 season.

Photo Credit: © 2008 Bob Chapman - AIM Autosport Exchange Traded Gold #61 Riley-Ford at 2008 Gainsco Grand Prix of Miami
For information and photos please contact: Chris Jameson / Level Ten Communications // T: 416.284.4932

IndyCar Series to be sponsored by Coca-Cola through 2010

IndyCar Series Teams Up With Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola to Become Official Sponsor of IndyCar Series Through 2010

INDIANAPOLIS, Tuesday, April 1, 2008 - The IndyCar Series today announced a major multi-year agreement with Coca-Cola North America that will make Coca-Cola, one of the world's most recognized brands, an official sponsor of the IndyCar Series through 2010.

The agreement builds on Coca-Cola North America's relationship with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indianapolis 500, which dates back decades. Through this expanded association, Coca-Cola will develop retail marketing programs to help enhance the IndyCar racing experience for fans throughout the season.

This new partnership follows the announcement last year of a 10-year sponsorship agreement between Coca-Cola North America and International Speedway Corporation (ISC), owner of five tracks on the IndyCar Series schedule. Coca-Cola also has relationships with several other tracks on the schedule, making it the leading soft drink at the majority of the tracks where the IndyCar Series will race in 2008.

"Coca-Cola is truly a global brand, and we're thrilled to have them on board with the IndyCar Series," said Terry Angstadt, president of the Indy Racing League's Commercial Division. "Coca-Cola's enormous brand recognition and marketing capabilities create some very exciting activation opportunities as we go forward. This announcement also adds to the sponsorship momentum that we've been building over the last several months. The growing number of partnerships we're making with quality organizations like Coca-Cola and others is really helping to build an exciting future for the IndyCar Series."

"This new association with the IndyCar Series allows Coca-Cola to build on our long and successful history with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indianapolis 500," said Beatriz Perez, senior vice president, Integrated Marketing, Coca-Cola North America. "By joining forces with the entire IndyCar Series, Coca-Cola will be able to create customized programs designed to bring IndyCar fans closer to their favorite sport."

More on 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 1.5 billion servings each day. For more information about The Coca-Cola Company, please visit our website at http://www.thecoca-colacompany.com/.

More on the IndyCar Series: The IndyCar Series is the premier open-wheel series in the United States, competing on a challenging combination of superspeedways, short ovals, scenic road courses and temporary street circuits. All 2008 IndyCar Series races will be available worldwide through a comprehensive, long-term broadcast agreement with ABC Sports/ESPN. A leader in motorsports technology, the IndyCar Series is the first racing series to power its Honda engines on 100 percent fuel-grade ethanol, a renewable and environmentally-friendly fuel. The IndyCar Series continues to be the fastest and most competitive racing series, attracting a diverse lineup of drivers including Danica Patrick, Marco Andretti, Dan Wheldon, and Helio Castroneves. For more information on the IndyCar Series, please visit http://www.indycar.com/.

From John Griffin, Indy Racing League

Dirt from the Stands by Greg Cybulski

"Dirt from the Stands" by Greg Cybulski

News From Saskatchewan

Well race fans, if there is anything that warms this reporter's heart, it's seeing healthy growth in Prairie Dirt country.  That is what you will find at southeast  Saskatchewan's premier dirt track facility, Estevan Motor Speedway in 2008.

Already known as the host of one leg of the IMCA Dakota Classic Modified Tour which also includes tour stops at North Dakota's Nodak Speedway, Williston Basin Speedway, Southwest Speedway & Dacotah Speedway, Estevan has scheduled a series of race specials for 2008 that will have fans on the edge of their seats all season long.  Summer heats up at EMS with the 2008 Dakota Classic Tour on Monday, July 7th. 

The rumors have been confirmed!  The World of Outlaws Late Model Series will be invading Estevan Motor Speedway for the first time on Saturday, July 12th following their visit to River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks, ND. on Friday, July 11th as part of the "Wild West Tour" swing of their schedule.  The Outlaws Late Models also have eastern Canadian dates at Ohsweken Speedway (June 19), Autodrome Drummond (June 21) and Cornwall Motor Speedway (June22).  Additional information on this special event will be provided in the not too distant future.

The Northern Late Model Racing Association will pay another visit to one of their favorite stops on the tour at the 3/8 mile, high banks on Saturday, July 26th and the Northern Outlaw Sprint Association makes its annual visit on Saturday, August 9th.

Speaking of sprint cars, please be sure to watch for an exclusive one-on-one feature with Estevan's own Kyle Fedyk as he shares his thoughts about racing across the prairies.

Aside from its specials, Estevan Motor Speedway provides one of the best weekly race programs on the prairies for the dirt track racing fan.  Its fan-friendly atmosphere is perfect for a night out with the family.  Western hospitality at its best! 

For more information about Estevan Motor Speedway, go to:  http://www.estevanmotorspeedway.com/index.html

Until next time...

Take care and good racing,
Greg Cybulski

Prairie Dirt (2005)
http://ca.geocities.com/prairiedirt/home.html

Edelweiss Speedway honours its champs

GATINEAU, QC - Even though a large quantity of snow is still on the ground of the Outaouais region, it was a night of celebration on Saturday when Edelweiss Speedway had is annual banquet. A great night as the best drivers was crowned.
 
In the modified category, Laurent Ladouceur was the big winner with the top spot in the point's title and the mini-series sponsored by Fondations BRL. His son Lee finished second in both championships. A good battle throughout the season between both of them as veteran Dave Heaslip finished third, followed by Eric Gauvreau in fourth and a great fifth place par Denis Larocque. Pierre Dagenais had finished third in the Fondations BRL mini-series.
 
Dave Bissonnette imitated Laurent in the Pro-Stock category as he finished on top in the track championship and also the Service de Pneus Capital mini-series. Joey Ladouceur finished second in both series, followed by Denis Gauvreau in third in each competition. Nicolas Vaillant and Stéphane Lebrun finished fourth and fifth respectively.
 
In the Semi-Pro, Bruno Boivin won both the track title and the Toiture Marcel Raymond mini-series; he was followed by Marc Lalonde who was second in both series. Richard Brady completed the podium in the point's title and Mark Trudeau finished third in the mini-series.
 
Martin Lagacé had a great season in the 4 cylinders category and won the championship followed by Gabriel Mercier and Yannick Raymond in third.
 
The rookies of year received a nice plaque for their performance as Ghyslain Valade in Pro-Stock, Benoit Dubois in Semi-Pro and Jean-Marc Larose in 4 cylinders won the honours.
 
The president's cup which is given to people who contribute to the sport went to Yvan Dubois and Guy Pinard for their Modified Pace-Car project.
 
A few major announcements were made during the evening. Edelweiss will be involved with 2 foundations and will have 2 special nights, on July 4th, the Heart and Stroke foundations and on August 15, the Cancer Foundation will be represented. A press conference will be held on April 26 in Gatineau. More details to follow in the next few weeks.
 
Congratulations to all the winners and the 2008 season is approaching really quickly and many great things will happen at the track during the next summer.

From Edelweiss Speedway

Michigan Int'l Speedway launches Fan Advisory Board

Race fans can submit applications for new committee until April 21
 
BROOKLYN, Mich. (March 31, 2008) ­ Help wanted: Michigan International Speedway is looking for a few good race fans to volunteer for its new Fan Advisory Board with the primary goal being to support and fulfill the speedway's vision to create lasting memories for every person, every time. If MIS race fans are interested in volunteering for the board, visit www.MISpeedway.com and fill out the application.
 
Starting in early May, MIS will be forming a Fan Advisory Board. Race fans will have the opportunity to provide important input into various MIS initiatives. Each fan advisory board member will provide feedback and suggestions on the current state and direction of MIS and the auto racing industry while playing a role in the decision-making processes that affect speedway guests. Fan input plays an important role at MIS and helps drive the integral part of the business.
 
"This is a tremendous opportunity for a select group of fans to serve on our Fan Advisory Board and express their feedback and suggestions on the direction of MIS and its services and programs," MIS President Roger Curtis said. "These fans will play an important role in the decision-making process, which will indirectly affect all of our guests. We are looking for positive fans that will provide constructive and meaningful input and help with our goals as a racetrack."
 
Applications for the Fan Advisory Board are available at MISpeedway.com and will be accepted until April 21. All applications must be postmarked by that date to be considered.
 
MIS has always prided itself on listening and understanding its race fans. In the past year, input from MIS fans has helped with various projects at the track, including the speedway's new logo, way-finding signage and improved turn 1 seating. Additionally, the speedway's tagline "It's Your Speed!" was created with the fan in mind. Even Curtis, who has been president of the track for nearly two years, was able to spend time with fans riding by riding on trams, sitting in the grandstands and chatting with them in the AAA Motorsports Fan Plaza during the 2007 season.
 
"I enjoy being able to spend time with our fans and listen to what they have to say. Being a part of their experience is very important to me," Curtis said. "This new Fan Advisory Board is just another way that we are dedicated to them. Their input plays an important role in our success."
 
Michigan International Speedway tickets can fit anyone's budget. The speedway is hosting the ARCA RE/MAX Series on June 13, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Cool City Customs 200 on June 14, the NASCAR Nationwide Series CARFAX 250 on August 16 and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series LifeLock 400 on June 15 and 3M Performance 400 on August 17. 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 Michigan International Speedway

Mike Vincec wins Skip Barber Southern Region finale at Sebring

SEBRING, FL - Mike Vincec backed up his win in the Skip Barber Southern Region Championship at Las Vegas a few weeks ago with a spectacular win in the series finale at Sebring this weekend.

"I started ninth because of the problems on Saturday," Vincec said. "I didn't make a great start, but I slowly picked off the drivers ahead of me. I knew I just had to be patient and make smart passes."

That is exactly what Vincec did, and he took home his second win in the last three races. The weekend started out on a solid note for Vincec as he took the pole for the penultimate round the first of two races on the weekend.

"Getting the pole was great," Vincec said. "But in the race, my car was not that good. I was able to stay in the top four or five, but I got hit from behind on the last lap."

Vincec was able to cross the line ninth, and that set up the dramatic drive to the front on Sunday.

"I have learned so much this year about formula car racing," Vincec said. "It's great that Sunoco, and Ron Fellows gave me this opportunity, and I have to thank them for that."

Ron Fellows was also happy with Vincec's performance for Sunoco Team Ultra 94. "I'm very pleased to see the progress Mike has made," Fellows said. "As we often see, when you get your first win, your confidence builds, and your next win comes much easier. Mike has done extremely well in the ultra competitive Skip Barber series, and everyone with Sunoco and Team Ultra 94 are very proud of his efforts."

The final points standings will be released later in the week.

From the Russ Bond Agency

Under the category "You can't write this stuff...."

(Editor's note: You know you're warped when the strangest part of this story is where he drinks tea with the hos afterwards.)

From the Bankok Post...

FIA President Mosley under pressure over Nazi sex video

London (dpa) - Max Mosley, president of motorsports' governing body FIA, is under pressure after a British tabloid reported Sunday that he engaged in sex acts with prostitutes that involved Nazi role-playing.
The News of the World reported that Mosley, 67, paid five prostitutes 2,500 pounds in cash and then engaged in an orgy that lasted almost five hours.
Mosley, the son of British Union of Fascists founder Sir Oswald Mosley, is alleged to be seen on a video that shows him screaming orders in German and lashing girls wearing concentration camp uniforms.
The man on the video - allegedly Mosley - is also seen to be whipped by the prostitutes before engaging in sexual acts. He then drank a cup of tea with them.
Mosley's father, who had Adolf Hitler as guest of honour at his wedding, which was held in the Berlin home of Nazi propaganda chief Joseph Goebbels, died in 1980.
An FIA spokesman said that the organisation would not comment on a personal matter. Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone said that he was shocked but believed Mosley's position as FIA president was not in jeopardy.
Ecclestone told the Times newspaper: "I've known him an awful long time. If somebody had told me this without the evidence I would have found it difficult to believe.
"Assuming it's all true, what people do privately is up to them. I don't honestly believe it affects the sport in any way. Knowing Max, it might be all a bit of a joke."

...continued at the link above

This link in the Daily Telegraph features a nice composite.

CLICK HERE at your own peril... photos... I'm going to rip my eyeballs out now...

Brighton Speedway releases 2008 schedule

BRIGHTON, ON - Coming off a banner 40th Anniversary Season in 2007, Brighton Speedway staff and management are truly excited about the upcoming 2008 season at the 1/3rd mile dirt oval. This season will continue to host some of the most exciting weekly racing in Ontario, including numerous special events!

The green flag drops on Saturday, May 3rd with the Coca Cola Full Throttle Energy Drink Season Opener. Admission for this event is only $2.00 with a donation to the food bank. Last year over 3,000 lbs was raised for the Brighton Food Bank and we look forward to exceeding that weight this year with the help of our dedicated race fans.

The ever popular winged warriors, the Southern Ontario Sprint Cars, will return to the Speedway six times in 2008 starting on Saturday, May 10th. They will visit once a month until the popular Labour Day Classic weekend presented by Lucas Oil, Mix 97, Rock 107, CJBQ 800, Ultramar Home Heating Fuels, Custom Carts and Mystical Distributing. This weekend of racing includes a double helping of sprint cars and includes the final two points events of the season. The SOS will be crowning their champion for the first time ever on Sunday, August 31st, at Brighton Speedway.

Leon’s Furniture of Trenton will present the ever popular School Bus Races in 2008 on June 7th and September 6th. The Buses will also make as special appearance on Friday, July 18th for the Radio Station Battle in the Busses. This new addition to the schedule will pit local radio hosts from KIX 93.5, Mix 97, Rock 107, CJBQ 800, Star 93.3 & The Breeze 107.9 in a battle for the Championship Belt. It will not only be the radio stations that come out the winner, as five area food banks will also win with donations generated by the radio station personalities. Each radio station will pick a food bank of their choice and will collect food prior to and the day of the event. The Radio Station that collects the most food will be awarded the Pole Position and start on the front row for the Radio Station Battle in the Busses.

The weekend of July 3rd, 4th and 5th will host the first ever Monster Madness Extreme Weekend at Brighton Speedway. Friday, Saturday and Sunday will host Monster Trucks, FMX Freestyle Motocross Riders, a Demolition Derby and Monster Truck Ride Truck. Each event will host a pre race pit party and autograph session. Join us for a weekend of destruction for only $34.00 for adults! Free camping is always available and tickets will be on sale early for this exciting event.

Friday, July 25th Lucas Oil Products presents the Lucas Oil Sportsman Series East! DIRT Sportsman drivers from Eastern Ontario and New York will invade Brighton Speedway in hopes of earning one of the four guaranteed qualifying position for the year end Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup. The Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup, to be held on Friday, September 26th at the Brighton Speedway, will see the winners of the four qualifying events in guaranteed starting position for the $1,500.00 to-win event that will pit the best from the East! against the top drivers from the Lucas Oil Sportsman ShootOut from the West.

Along with the Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup Brighton will be hosting the Dirt Track Digest All Star Sportsman Race plus the return of the Hotch’s Auto Parts Canadian Modified/Pro Stock Show Down. The Benson Auto Parts 358 Applefest Shootout presented by Imagefactor.ca, will bring the regular season to an end on Saturday, September 27th featuring the 358 DIRT Modified Shootout and the Lucas Oil “Clash for Cash”. It will also mark the first ever “Battle at Brighton” where IMCA Modifieds challenge Brighton Speedway’s Canadian Modifieds for a $1,000 to win invitational event.

Tim Horton’s will return in 2008 as title sponsor of the Kids’ Club! The Tim Horton’s Kids’ Club holds racing themed activities weekly for children ages 6 to 12, keeping the kids begging to return week in and week out. Along with the Tim Horton’s Kids’ Club our Race to Read program will once again challenge area grade three students to read as much as they can in the month of May.

Other great events will take place throughout the season including the Holiday Inn Five Dollar Fridays, Hotch’s Auto Parts Endurance Race Series, Belleville Pro Bowl 10 Pin Enduro Car Bowling, Hino Trucks of Kingston and Ottawa presenting the Ontario Dirt Late Models just to name a few. The season at Brighton Speedway also includes Ontario Extreme Lawn Tractors, Spectator One on One Racing and tons of excitement each and every race night.

Once again Brighton Speedway is focusing on family and keeping your wallet happy at the same time! Adult tickets for a regular weekly show are only $9.00 and a family can enter the races on most Saturday nights for only $20.00, including a family sized popcorn. An affordable action packed, pedal to the metal racing filled night out for everyone.

For more information and a complete schedule be sure to visit http://www.brightonspeedway.com/. Schedules will also be available at local malls throughout the months of March and April, as the drivers put their cars on display and fans have their chance to win a Season’s Pass. The first race event is Test and Tune Practive scheduled for Saturday, April 26, Sunday, April 27 & Wednesday, April 30th.

From Brighton Speedway

NASCAR: Gibbs Grabs Another Win For Toyota

The checkered flag couldn't come fast enough for Denny Hamlin; or did it wave too quickly for Jeff Gordon?

Gordon closed a full second gap between the two in the closing laps, coming up two car lengths short as Hamlin scored his first win of 2008, the second for Joe Gibbs Racing and Toyota. Jeff Burton finished third, Jimmie Johnson was fourth and Tony Stewart held off Dale Earnhardt, Jr., for fifth. Jamie McMurray, eighth, scored the best finish for Ford while Juan Pablo Montoya, thirteen, did the same for Dodge.

The season appears to be shaping up to be a real dogfight between the Gibbs, Hendricks, Childress and Roush operations.