WILDEN AND WILLARD JOIN COMPASS360 RACING

TORONTO, CANADA -- After a very successful test at Lime Rock Park earlier this week, Compass360 Racing today announced that Kenny Wilden and Jeremy Willard have been signed to drive the team's #73 Acura TSX for the 2008 season. The car will feature sponsorship from Pure, a new player in the shampoo, hair care and body wash market.

The addition of Wilden and Willard brings yet another driver pairing capable of race-winning results to the C360R fold. "These guys are an amazing addition to our team," remarked Crew Chief Ray Lee. "We've got four cars that can run up front in every race, with drivers that can
finish on the podium and battle for championships."

Wilden's experience is extensive: he recently drove with Mike Shank's DP team, along with a number of KONI Challenge GS and ST programs, notching solid results (usually top-five) along the way. Kenny won Firehawk and Players championships in 1992, and Motorola Cup in 1994,
and was a fixture in Champ Car Atlantics, finishing second in the 1999 championship (again with Mike Shank).

Willard brings the focus of a pro to the table, having been Canadian Windsurfing Champion, and an internationally seeded competitor. "The drive and discipline that took Jeremy to championships on the water give him an advantage on the track," noted Wilden. "He's got amazing natural talent and a competitive instinct that will deliver results."

Willard and Wilden join 2007 KONI ST-class Champions Adam Burrows and Trevor Hopwood, along with 2007 ST runner-up Karl Thomson on the team. "We've got amazing talent in each of our four cars." said Thomson. "I've got Travis Walker, who was Inside Track's Up-and-coming Road Racer of the Year, as my co-driver. Plus, perennial podium-finisher Christian Miller is paired with former Speed Secrets coach Kevin York. Top that off with a high-profile sponsor for the new #73, and you know we are stoked!"

Willard and Wilden were equally excited . "The test went really well, and we were pleased with how fast we clicked with the guys," noted Willard. Added Wilden, "It went exactly as I had hoped and, frankly, expected it to. Ray and Karl have put together a great team."

Compass360 Racing is the motorsports division of Compass360 Design + Advertising, a firm offering branding expertise to clients in diverse industries around the globe. The team has competed in Grand American Road Racing since 2004. For details visit http://www.c360r.com/ or email racing at compass360 dot com.

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

INDYCAR: Rain gives Castroneves pole position at Motegi

MOTEGI, Japan, Friday, April 17, 2008 - Helio Castroneves didn't have to do anything to earn the pole for the Indy Japan 300. That was taken care of during the first two IndyCar Series races of the season.

Castroneves will lead the field to the green flag at the 1.5-mile Twin Ring Motegi oval after IndyCar Series officials based the starting grid on entrant points when qualifications for the PEAK Motor Oil Pole Award were rained out. "I'm sitting in the right spot in the championship to be in this situation and I'll take it," Castroneves said. "We feel we have a consistent car. In the last few years we were very fast here, and I feel we can continue (that). Once you have a good car and (qualifications) are rained out, you prevent a lot of competitors to improve. Hopefully, we can do what we did in 2006."

It's the third year in a row that Castroneves will start from the pole in the No. 3 Team Penske Dallara/Honda/Firestone. Under similar weather circumstances in '06, Castroneves was awarded the pole based on entrant points. He led 184 laps en route to the 6.3-second victory over Dan Wheldon. Scott Dixon, who won the season opener on the Homestead-Miami Speedway oval, will be making his third front-row start at TRM. He was on the pole in 2003, led 45 laps, but finished 15th because of a crash.

Andretti Green Racing teammates Tony Kanaan and Marco Andretti will share Row 2, while Dan Wheldon and Danica Patrick will be on Row 3. Vision Racing's Ed Carpenter and A.J. Foyt IV will start from Row 4. Hideki Mutoh and Ryan Hunter-Reay, making their first IndyCar Series starts at Twin Ring Motegi, will be on the fifth row. Kanaan topped a full day of practice April 17 with a quick lap of 27.2453 seconds (200.842 mph). Castroneves was fourth-quick (27.3556; 200.032).

The rain probably impacted Team Penske's Ryan Briscoe the most. He was seventh-quick in practice (27.4638 seconds; 199.244 mph) but will start 15th based on 19th and 23rd finishes (DNFs because of contact). Roger Yasukawa, making his season debut in the No. 77 Interush/Wellman Racing car for Beck Motorsports, will start 18th.

The 2008 IndyCar Series season continues with a unique weekend - two races on two continents - the Indy Japan 300 on April 19 at Twin Ring Motegi and the Long Beach Grand Prix on April 20 on the streets of Long Beach, Calif. Points will be awarded for both races with IndyCar Series drivers participating in Japan and Champ Car World Series competitors in Long Beach. The Motegi race will be telecast in High Definition at 11:59 p.m. (EDT) by ESPN2 on April 18 and re-aired at 3 p.m. (EDT) by ESPN. The race will air live on the IMS Radio Network, April 18 at 11:30 p.m. (EDT). A Spanish-language telecast of the race will be carried by ESPNDeportes. The IMS Radio Network broadcast also is carried on XM Satellite Radio and http://www.indycar.com/. The Long Beach race will air on April 20 at 5:30 p.m. (EDT) on ESPN2. The 2008 Firestone Indy Lights season continues April 27 with the Kansas Lottery 100 at Kansas Speedway.

From John Griffin, Indy Racing League

ARCA: Pierre Bourque Heads to Iowa with Eddie Sharp Racing

NEWTON, Iowa (April 17, 2008) – Canadian native Pierre Bourque returns to the ARCA RE/MAX Series this weekend with Eddie Sharp Racing. Bourque will be behind the wheel of the No. 02 impreMedia Dodge in the Prairie Meadows 250 at Iowa Speedway, the first of a multi-race run with ESR.

“I am thrilled to be back with Eddie Sharp Racing here at Iowa Speedway,” stated Bourque. “I’m looking forward to the next several races with the ESR team. This is a great program and I very much enjoy being a part of it. ”

In preparation for the upcoming races, Bourque and his Eddie Sharp Racing team have spent time on track at Rockingham and Iowa Speedways at the ARCA RE/MAX Series open test sessions. Inclement weather rained out the team’s efforts to test ARS open tests at Kansas Speedway and, just this week, at Kentucky Speedway.

“The weather has definitely been frustrating,” commented Bourque. “We lost valuable track time that would have been very beneficial to us. But, I know my team will bring a great car to the races and we’ll just have to work to get it dialed-in during practice sessions.”

Bourque has previously competed in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, NASCAR Camping World Series (formerly the NASCAR Busch East Series), the ARCA RE/MAX Series and the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona.

The veteran driver was last seen with Eddie Sharp Racing at the ARCA 200 at Daytona International Speedway. Starting in the 14th position, Bourque was running in the top-5 when another car blew a tire and collected the No. 93 impreMedia Dodge Charger. Suffering suspension damage from the impact, Bourque retired the car to the garage after 58 laps, finishing 24th.

ARCA RE/MAX Series practice runs from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Friday, April 18, 2008, with final practice from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. SIM Factory Pole Qualifying takes place on Saturday, April 19th beginning at 10:00 a.m. All cars line up on the starting grid in short-track fashion with Driver Introductions beginning at 1:00 p.m. The green flag for the Prairie Meadows 250 at Iowa Speedway drops Saturday, April 19th, at 1:30 p.m. and will be broadcast LIVE on SPEED. All times listed are EASTERN.

For more on Pierre Bourque, please visit www.pierrebourque.net.

For more information on ImpreMedia, the No. 1 Hispanic news and information company in the United States in online and print, please visit www.impremedia.com.

For additional information on Eddie Sharp Racing, please log onto www.teamesr.com.

From Jody L. Jennings // Public Relations Manager // Eddie Sharp Racing

ACT: McColl Racing Enterprises Offers $10,000 to ACT Teams

LONDON, ON – $10,000 has been posted for American-Canadian Tour stock car drivers competing in McColl Racing Enterprises-built Late Models in 2008. The London, Ontario-based chassis manufacturer has entered into a contingency agreement to reward winning McColl drivers on the ACT Late Model Tour and the Série ACT Castrol.

Any McColl chassis driver that wins two main events on the ACT Tour or two main events on the Castrol series will be given a product certificate worth $1,000. If a McColl driver wins three events on one series, the prize will be elevated to $2,500. Four wins is worth a whopping $5,000 in McColl Racing Enterprises chassis equipment, safety gear, and engine components.

“We want ACT teams using McColl chassis to know that positive results benefit both them and us,” said Alan Pinsonneault, General Manager of McColl Racing Enterprises. “We are very excited to be a part of ACT, and we are looking forward to rewarding the drivers that bring our products to Victory Lane.”

Second-generation driver Jonathan Urlin, 25, of London, ON, will race full-time with the ACT Late Model Tour in 2008, competing for the Rookie of the Year title. Many veterans consider the former open-wheel IndyCar driver to be a force. Urlin, son of 1989 ACT Champion Russ Urlin, is driving the #9ON Shear Metal Products/McColl Racing Enterprises Chevrolet this season.

It is expected that Urlin will be tested by other McColl drivers at many ACT events in 2008, including Brandon Watson of Stayner, ON, Pete Vanderwyst of St. Thomas, ON, Kawartha (ON) Speedway regulars Bryan Mercer, Dave Morgan, and Linc Brown, and Waterford Speedbowl driver Mike Lindquist of Wilton, Connecticut.

McColl Racing Enterprises is a full-line equipment dealer for many industry-leading manufacturers, including Five Star RaceCar Bodies, Longacre Racing Products, and MSD Ignition. McColl’s 6,500 square-foot chassis shop and store is in London, Ontario. For more information, visit www.mccollracing.com.

The ACT Late Model Tour season opens this Sunday (April 20) at 1:00pm with the New Hampshire Governor’s Cup 200 at Lee USA Speedway in Lee, NH. The Série ACT Castrol season kicks off at Autodrome St-Eustache near Montréal on Sunday, May 18. For information, call (802) 244-6963 or visit www.acttour.com.

From Justin St. Louis // ACT

Celebration of the life of 'Dizzy' Dean Murray

This morning, I spoke with Lynn Murray, the wife of the late 'Dizzy' Dean Murray...

A celebration of Dizzy’s life will be held on Sunday, June 1 at the family’s home in Kleinburg, Ontario. The address is 10151 Hwy. 27, which is 1 km north of the intersection of Major MacKenzie and Hwy. 27.

Taking place between noon and 4 p.m., Lynn Murray asks people to bring a picnic and lawn chairs. “It’s going to be a celebration with music and nothing solemn. Children are welcome and there’s room for people to bring their hot rods. We’re hoping to make it a fun family day for everyone.”

Irving Lubricants to sponsor Canada's only weekly Pro Stock division at Speedway 660

Fredericton, NB - Speedway 660 is pleased to announce that Irving Lubricants has signed a multi year deal to sponsor the weekly Pro Stock Division. The Irving Lubricants Pro Stock Division will be entering its 15th year as the only weekly Pro Stock Division in Canada.

Irving Lubricants has been a great supporter of Speedway 660 over the years sponsoring Best of the Best Pro Stock events over the last several years and also being the primary sponsor on Terry and Justin Labonte's Peterbilt 250 entries in 2007.

Irving Lubricants becomes only the second company in Speedway 660 history to sponsor the long standing Pro Stock division at Speedway 660. CARQUEST (formerly McKerlie Millen) has held the title since the speedways inception.

"We can't express how excited we are to be able to carry on the tradition of weekly Pro Stock Racing at Speedway 660. We pride ourselves on providing our customers with a quality product and this is an extension of that pride. The weekly product at Speedway 660 is second to none. We, at Irving Lubricants, are launching an expanded line of synthetic engine oils this spring and we couldn't think of a better way to tell everyone about the new product." said Matt Mannette, Marketing Manager Irving Lubricants Division.

"We couldn't be more excited about heading into 2008 with Irving Lubricants as our primary sponsor on our Pro Stock Division. These guys and gals are a class act and have some great products to bring to our customers and our racers. They are also race fans and are investing significantly in our sport throughout the region," said Steve Burns, Co-owner of Speedway 660.

"Our weekly Pro Stock Division is unique in that it is the only weekly Pro Stock Division in Canada and we want to take this opportunity to thank CARQUEST and specifically Wayne Johnson for their 14 years support in helping us build this division. Having said that we are very excited about taking it to the next level with the great support from Irving Lubricants," said Chris Johnston, Co-owner of Speedway 660.

Look for Speedway 660 and Irving Lubricants this weekend at the Radical Speed Sport Car Show in Moncton. The Irving Lubricants Pro Stock Division will hit the track for the first time on May 24th for the Riverview Ford Season Opener. Check out the complete 2008 schedule at www.speedway660.com

From Chris Johnston, Co-owner // Speedway 660

JL Racing partners with Quarter Master Industries to develop new ECOTEC racing clutches

TORONTO, April 16, 2008. JL Racing today announced a new partnership with Quarter Master Industries who is an industry leader in driveline components for the racing community. Quarter Master are looking to expand their line of clutches to the road racing market. Through their Saab motorsport program, JL Racing will aid in product and marketing development for Quarter Master and provide technical feedback for the ECOTEC platform.

Quarter Master development will focus on JL Racing's Saab ECOTEC engines in a road racing environment and the company are currently building clutch packs and flywheels specifically for the JL Racing Saab 9-3 Super Touring cars. These high-performance clutches incorporate the latest technology and are designed to withstand the extreme environment of road racing. Quarter Master are also developing another performance clutch for the Saab 9-3 which will be available for street applications.

JL Racing Team Principal, John Lockhart said, "It's a win-win situation for both companies. We will be able to promote their product into the road racing community and help them with distribution and marketing. They will also get valuable information on how their clutch performs under road racing conditions and more specifically with the ECOTEC driveline. And we have the opportunity to utilize the industry leading performance racing clutches built specifically for the Saab 9-3 and the ECOTEC engine.

"Charlie Harris of Quarter Master said, "We are very excited about the opportunity to be involved with JL Racing's Saab 9-3 race team and the Canadian Touring Car Championship. The ECOTEC drive line is a new state of the art, environmentally friendly power plant that we are proud to be part of the in this ever changing racing industry. This partnership will benefit all parties involved and allow us to improve our market share in the international racing marketplace. Quarter Master prides itself as a top contender in the performance aftermarket driveline industry with deep roots in all aspects of professional and amateur racing.

"This partnership continues the Saab Motorsports program of continuous innovation and leadership and will provide a new knowledge base for those racing with an ECOTEC engine throughout the world. This knowledge will also pass down to Saab, Chevrolet, Pontiac and other owners who will be able to enhance the performance of their car with race tested components.

About JL Racing.

JL Racing is one of Canada's premier sport sedan racing teams. In 2006, JL Racing formed a partnership with Saab Canada to race and showcase Canada's only Saab 93 race cars. The team has made headlines several times with a first race, first place finish and subsequent podium finishes in the Saab 93. For more information: http://www.jlracing.net/

About Quarter Master Industries

Based in Illinois,Quarter Master began operations in 1972,and since that date, their products have enjoyed a long history of track-proven race-winning results. That long-standing enjoyment has come from a "race-team like effort" with attention to detail, and from listening and responding to the racer. Quarter Master products are built to exceed the racer's demand and need for reliability, high performance & durability. For more information: http://www.racingclutches.com/.

JL Racing Media Contact:Phil Reilly info@jlracing.net416 503 8086

Quarter Master Industries Media Contact Charlie Harris charris@quartermasterusa.com847-540-8999 X 310

New Dave Franks Photos website

Our good friend Dave Franks sent me a link to his new website (developed by OSCAAR's Don McLeod). There you will find samples of Dave's work as well as contact info and pricing information. Also announced on the site was the news that Dave will be back at Flamboro Speedway in 2008 as the official track photographer, which is great news for Inside Track readers, our website visitors and Flamboro's racers, fans and sponsors. Good luck with the new site Dave!

PHOTOS: Cornwall Motor Speedway Mall Show... by Rick Young

Photos from the Cornwall Motor Speedway show at the Cornwall Square Mall in Cornwall, Ontario.
Thanks to Rick Young for sending them along.

AIM Autosport - Mobil 1 welcomed as official supplier

Woodbridge, Ontario (April 11, 2008) - AIM Autosport is please to announce they have entered into an agreement with Mobil 1 to become an official supplier to the team. Mobil 1 lubricants will now be used exclusively in AIM's Daytona Prototype (DP) and Star Mazda programs.

"We are very pleased to have Mobil 1 on board," commented AIM Autosport owner and  DP team manager Ian Willis. "In our quest for championships at every level, AIM's goal is to ensure we partner with the industry's leading companies. Mobil 1, with its strong commitment to motorsport on an international level and a line of quality products geared towards high performance, is a good fit for our needs."

AIM Autosport will put Mobil 1's line of synthetic lubricants to use immediately in the Exchange Traded Gold #61 Ford Riley as the team heads to Mexico for the next round of the Grand Am Rolex Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16. "We took delivery of our Mobil 1 products just in time to prepare the car and load the transporter ahead of this next race" Willis said. "We are looking forward to getting the car on track next week and using the Mobil 1 products to their full advantage under race conditions." All AIM Autosport race cars and equipment will now carry the Mobil 1 logo.

Vince Tieri of Mobil 1 visited AIM Autosport's facilities in Woodbridge, Ontario as the team was loading the transporter. "We are happy to support AIM Autosport's racing programs" noted Tieri. "With AIM's long history in the sport and their presence in two very dominant racing series in North America, we at Mobil 1 are pleased they chose us  as a partner we are looking forward to contributing to AIM's success on the race track.

As part of the agreement, AIM Autosport will participate in Mobil 1's marketing efforts in the corporate and retail sectors which could include having cars on display for branding programs, product launches, grand openings, dealer and consumer appreciation programs and other special events. Mobil 1 will participate in AIM Autosport's own marketing and media programs.

"We see the association between AIM Autosport and Mobil 1 providing both parties with a wide range of opportunities in the marketplace" offered Willis. "We see 2008 as the first of many successful years of cooperation in motorsports."

The AIM Autosport Exchange Traded Gold #61 Ford Riley will be on track April 19 for the Mexico City 250 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. The race will be broadcast live on Speed TV at 4:00 p.m. ET.

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.


Mobil 1: The world's leading synthetic motor oil, it features a proprietary SuperSyn anti-wear technology that provides performance beyond conventional motor oils.
Developing technology that allows Mobil 1 to exceed the toughest standards and to provide exceptional protection against engine wear, under normal or even the most extreme conditions.

Associated web sites: www.aimautosport.com        www.mobil.com/Canada-English/LCW/HomePage.asp

Photo info:
001 - (l to r) Keith Willis, Team Manager, AIM Autosport Star Mazda; Vince Tieri, Senior Account Manager, Mobil 1; Ian Willis, Team Manager, AIM Autosport Daytona Prototype
002 - (l to r) Keith Willis, Team Manager, AIM Autosport Star Mazda; Vince Ros, Senior Sales Executive, NOCO Canada; Vince Tieri, Senior Account Manager, Mobil 1; Ian Willis, Team Manager, AIM Autosport Daytona Prototype
Photo Credit: © 2008 AIM Autosport

For information Chris Jameson // Level Ten Communications // media@leveltencommunications.com

ICAR Academy Signs Veilleux and Spénard

Montréal-Mirabel, Québec (April 15, 2008) - Frédéric Senay, Chief Executive Officer of ICAR (International Center of Advanced Racing) is delighted to announce two key personnel signings for its ICAR Academy division in the form of Jean-Francois Veilleux, appointed as Director of ICAR Academy, with Richard Spénard confirmed as Chief Instructor.

Located at the state-of-the-art ICAR motorsport complex being developed on the site of the former Montréal-Mirabel International Airport, and set to open in May 2008, ICAR Academy aims to be an industry leader in high performance driving courses. The confirmation of Veilleux and Spénard confirms its intent with both men held in high regard by the automotive and racing industries.

With the ICAR facility boasting an impressive multi-configuration track layout combined with advanced safety features, ICAR Academy will offer the general public and corporate entertainment guests a wide range of advanced driving courses, where amongst other activities, they can experience the adrenalin-thrill of sampling one of ICAR's stunning race-prepped Ford Mustang's alongside a qualified instructor and unleashing its raw power in a safe, controlled environment.

Leading this experience will be seasoned racing driver and instructor Jean-Francois Veilleux (35) in his new role as Director of ICAR Academy.  A former member of the famed Player's Driver Development Program, under the leadership of Spénard, Veilleux's career includes title wins in the Jim Russell F2000 Championship, the Canadian F-1600 Championship and most recently in the 2006 Toyota Cup Series.  The Boucherville-native will also utilize his vast experience as one of Canada's leading on-track instructors having served amongst others as Senior Instructor at the Jim Russell Racing School at Mont-Tremblant and at the Driver's Edge facility in Las Vegas.

 "The opportunity to work with ICAR from the beginning and develop the ICAR Academy into a leader in its field was too good for me to refuse," stated an enthusiastic Veilleux. "I've been instructing for over eighteen years now, and finally in the ICAR Academy I have the possibility to develop a wide range of driving programs that will suit everyone from the young student to the corporate executive. There is a program for everyone and for every purse. I'm looking forward to working again with Richard Spénard. He's someone I've always thought of highly as both a racing driver and an instructor and I'm delighted he's headlining what will be an incredible and professional team of instructors associated with ICAR Academy."

ICAR Academy's second high-profile signing is the fulfillment of the Chief Instructor role by Richard Spénard (54). The Montréal-born, Sainte-Adèle resident was one of Canada's foremost racing drivers with over 25 years on-track experience.  A former team-mate of the late Gilles Villeneuve in Formula Atlantic, prior to winning the Canadian Formula 2000 Championship and Player's/GM Motorsport Series, Spénard's race record also boasted starts at the Le Mans 24 Hours and multiple wins in Trans-Am and in some of North America's leading endurance racing series.

Translating his successes as a racing driver into one of the country's foremost driver coaches, having worked with the likes of Jacques Villeneuve, Patrick Carpentier, Alex Tagliani and Andrew Ranger, Richard has also instructed at the Jim Russell Racing School in the U.S. he also established a racing school at Shannonville, Ontario and was recently the Director of Operations at the Skip Barber Racing School in Canada.  In 2001 Spénard's efforts in motorsport were honoured with his induction into the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame.

Details of ICAR Academy's programs will be available online at www.circuiticar.com shortly.

Copyright Free Image: Jean-Francois Veilleux (on the left) was appointed Director of ICAR Academy, and Richard Spénard (on the right) confirmed as Chief Instructor.
From Stuart Morrison

Hinchcliffe Eyeing Successful Start at Long Beach

Toronto, Canada (April 15, 2008) - James Hinchcliffe will kick off his title bid for the 2008 Cooper Tires Presents The Atlantic Championship Powered by Mazda this weekend with Round 1 of the 11-race series hosted on the famed streets of Long Beach, California at the 34th running of the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, Friday 18th – Sunday 20th April.
 
Piloting the #3 INDECK Swift Mazda-Cosworth for Forsythe Pettit Racing, the 21-year-old Canadian returns to the scene of his first-ever Atlantic podium having taken third at Long Beach on his series debut back in 2006, also with the Indianapolis-based outfit.
 
Hinchcliffe returns to the team after a season's absence and off the back of a fourth place finish in last year's championship, his sophomore campaign producing a total of five podium visits from nine top-ten finishes.  James' qualifying form was also amongst the best on the grid with the Toronto-resident wracking up no fewer than six front-row starts including three pole positions. 
 
Not one to dwell on previous accomplishments, Hinchcliffe heads into the new season of Atlantic competition determined to take the title.  The omens bode well with Forsythe Pettit Racing, fielding Mexico's David Garza alongside James in 2008, comfortably amongst the front-runners in pre-season testing.  Hinchcliffe topped both days of testing at Sebring in February and ran competitively at further tests at Laguna Seca and MSR Houston.
 
With the time for testing and talking firmly over, all that matters now is what happens on track this weekend on the 1.968-mile temporary street-circuit at Long Beach.  While the Pacific venue was kind to Hinchcliffe in 2006, last year's event proved less memorable with a disappointing tenth place qualifying effort subsequently leading to a seventh place finish after brake issues marred his weekend.
 
"I'm looking forward to getting the new season started," stated Hinchcliffe ahead of his trip to California.  "Long Beach offers one of the best atmosphere's in terms of all the circuits we visit and there's such a rich history to the event as well.  This will be kind of special being there for the last ever Champ Car weekend as well.  It's a great street circuit, definitely one of the best I've raced at and it offers a bit of everything really.  It's challenging but there are some decent overtaking zones if everything's going to plan which is good for the drivers and importantly for the fans watching!
 
"In most racing categories over the past couple of years the eventual champion has tended to make a precedent early in the season.  Titles are often won by having a strong first-quarter of the season and keeping up from there.  My goal for after the first couple of races is to hopefully have a decent point lead which can then be protected.  A strong result this weekend in Long Beach is the first step to making that happen!"
 
Despite not adding to his Portland victory from his rookie Atlantic season in 2006, 'Hinch' was an ever-present threat for wins in 2007 and his form, both on and off track, was recognized as he was presented with the prestigious 'Gilles Villeneuve Award' at the end of the season – the award traditionally given to the Atlantic driver who posses extraordinary ability, star quality and who has distinguished himself through sportsmanship, dedication and perseverance in the face of disappointment.  Similarly, James found himself nominated for the 'Greg Moore Legacy Award', the only Atlantic driver and only Canadian to make the short-list for the honour named after the late Champ Car star from British Columbia.
 
Round 1 of the 2008 Cooper Tires Presents The Atlantic Championship Powered by Mazda gets underway in Long Beach at 10:35am (PST), Sunday 20th April 2008 – www.longbeachgp.com
 
ENDS – www.hinchtown.com
 
Photo Credit – "Canada's James Hinchcliffe opens his 2008 season at Long Beach this weekend" – Jakob Ebrey Photography
 
From Stuart Morrison Public Relations

GP of Edmonton date change confirmed

EDMONTON, April 14 /CNW/ - Auto racing fans across North America can expect to see the best in open-wheel racing as the Rexall Edmonton Indy is set to drive into high gear July 24-26, pending confirmation by the Indy Racing League (IRL) and the Federation Internationale de L'automobile (FIA).

Edmonton's biggest summer celebration will kick off in July as Edmonton's Capital EX brings the thrills of the midway from July 17-26 and the Rexall Edmonton Indy draws the biggest names in motor racing to the city.

Tickets for the Rexall Edmonton Indy are on sale now through Ticketmaster or online at www.edmontonindy.com. Three-day grandstand packages for one of the most exciting racing events in the world start as low as $125.

In 2007, the Grand Prix of Edmonton attracted over 167,000 spectators while injecting over $25 million into the Edmonton economy. Northlands rocks Edmonton with 2,500 events each year that attract over 4 million visitors to Alberta's Capital City. Think Canadian Finals Rodeo, Farmfair International, Capital EX, Rexall Edmonton Indy, the best of horse racing, headliner concerts, international events and all the trade shows you can handle.

From northlands.com

Pat O'Brien Now Leading Canadian Challenger In The Advance Series Big-Block Ranks!

Weedsport, NY (April 11, 2008) - By Tom Skibinski, Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series PR Director

Pat O'Brien has logged thousands of miles at dozens of tracks around the DIRTcar NorthEast circuit, chasing valuable points in between towards the coveted 358-Modified Championship for the past quarter-century. The upcoming season, however, marks his first ever trip to Virginia and his initial run at the biggest prize in Big-Block Modified racing today.

An immediate concern of O'Brien is collecting the monumental first-place prize of $10,000 that awaits the winner of the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Paul Sawyer Memorial at Virginia Motor Speedway on May 1. His long-term goal will be reached that same day, finally being afforded the opportunity of a lifetime to follow the premier Big-Block Modified tour full-time in 2008.

"I've always wanted to give the whole Advance Series a try before its too late," divulged O'Brien, 43, a four-time Mr. DIRTcar 358-Modified points king who stands fourth on the all-time Small-Block list with 142 feature wins. Another 24 victories are chronicled in the Big-Block record book with a pair registered in Advance Series competition --- including last year's convincing triumph on the local front at Brockville Ontario Speedway. "We ran pretty respectable alongside the Big-Blocks last season so this is a good time to make the jump."

"Our business has been good lately and with fewer mid-week Series shows now scheduled we're looking forward to finally seeing how we can do. There were a number of tour guys we ran against last season at Can-Am and Thunder Alley and we managed to hold our own. It's always nice to pick up a win now and then but running consistent and being better at the end of the year than at the beginning is what we're really hoping for this time around," O'Brien said.

The second-generation standout from Kingston, Ontario will have his driving gloves full as he takes on the best in the Big-Block business for six straight months. Headlining the tour opener at VMS are defending Sawyer Memorial winner Danny Johnson, reigning overall Mr. DIRTcar Modified points king Brett Hearn and DIRTcar NorthEast's all-time winningest Big-Block Modified driver Alan Johnson. Both Johnson brothers are boasting new rides for the '08 oval track campaign.

"There's not much of a difference from the 358s and I've run against most of the tour guys for a lot of years now. There are probably more quality cars running the Big-Block Series on a regular basis throughout the entire year, but you see those same names at all the major 358 races once the track points finish. With the Small-Block tour mostly at the end of the year, by the time you get accustomed to running time trials its pretty much over. I like being able to have the same type of format all year," O'Brien added.

Set to begin his 24^th consecutive season of Modified racing, O'Brien has intentions of also competing weekly aboard his potent Gypsum Racing no. 6 Mile Stone-730 Truck Stop/Bicknell entry at Can-Am Motorsports Park, the site of his first Advance Series victory in 1990.

"We're keeping a pretty laid back attitude using last year's car until we can get a new one together," noted O'Brien, who has previous experience at every speedway hosting an Advance Series event except for Grandview and Lernerville in Pennsylvania and Virginia. "We enjoyed going to Fulton a few times last season and we'll probably hit most of the bigger shows up here in the north. I generally like the tracks we do good at and I've felt comfortable going to Canandaigua and Brewerton in the past. Right now we're looking forward to the Canadian swing in July, they're all closer to home and I've done well. But so have all the travelers, it should be a fun trip for everyone."

O'Brien adds his name to Virginia's all-star roster of more than 40 Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series standouts already spotlighting Billy Decker, Jimmy Phelps, Steve Paine, Gary Tomkins, Dale Planck, Matt Sheppard, Justin Haers, Tim Fuller and Vic Coffey. February Florida tour winners Billy Pauch and Jimmy Horton join young guns Ryan Phelps, Billy Dunn, Kevin Bates, Sean Beardsley, Larry Wight, Joe Isabell and '07 DIRTcar Big-Block Rookie of the Year Mike Bowman on the pre-race entry list.

Contact Director of Competition & Track Sanctioning Cory Reed at the DIRTcar NorthEast Office (315/834-6606) or log into http://www.superdirtcarseries.com/ for additional Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series information. Race teams planning to attend the Sawyer Memorial at Virginia Motor Speedway are encouraged to call DIRTcar NorthEast PR Director Tom Skibinski at DIRTcar NE headquarters (x28) or e-mail tskibinski@dirtcar.com to register.

Virginia Motor Speedway http://www.vamotorspeedway.com/ (804/758-1867) is located on U.S. Route 17, eight miles north of Saluda and 25 miles south of Tappahannock in Jamaica, Va. The speedway is just a short drive from Richmond, Fredericksburg, Southern Maryland and the Hampton Roads areas.

2008 Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Schedule
*All events subject to change.
DAY-DATE TRACK LOCATION
Sat-Mar 22 Hagerstown Speedway Weather-cancelled
Thr-May 1 Virginia Motor Speedway Jamaica,VA
Sun-May 4 Rolling Wheels Raceway Elbridge,NY
Sun-May 25 Cayuga Co. Fair Speedway Weedsport,NY
Sat-Jun 7 Fulton Speedway Fulton,NY
Thr-Jul 3 Ransomville Speedway Ransomville,NY
Thr-Jul 10 Brockville Ont. Speedway Brockville,ONT
Fri-Jul 11 Autodrome Granby Granby,QUE
Sat-Jul 12 Autodrome Drummond Drummondville,QUE
Sun-Jul 13 Cornwall Motor Speedway Cornwall,ONT
Wed-Jul 16 Grandview Speedway Bechtelsville,PA
Thr-Jul 31 Orange Co. Fair Speedway Middletown,NY
Mon-Aug 4 Merrittville Speedway Thorold,ONT
Fri-Aug 8 Brewerton Speedway Brewerton,NY
Sat-Aug 9 Canandaigua Speedway Canandaigua,NY
Sat-Aug 16 Can-Am Motorsports Park LaFargeville,NY
Sun-Aug 31 Cayuga Co. Fair Speedway Weedsport,NY
Mon-Sep 1 Rolling Wheels Raceway Elbridge,NY
Sat-Sep 6 Lebanon Valley Speedway West Lebanon,NY
Fri-Sep 12 Lernerville Speedway Sarver,PA
Sat-Sep 20 Canandaigua Speedway Canandaigua,NY
Sat-Sep 27 Rolling Wheels Raceway Elbridge,NY
Sun-Oct 12 New York State Fairgrnds Syracuse,NY
Sun-Oct 19 Orange Co. Fair Speedway Middletown,NY

Headquartered in Roanoke, Va., Advance Auto Parts is the second-largest retailer of automotive aftermarket parts, accessories, batteries, and maintenance items in the United States, based on store count and sales. As of October 6, 2007, the company operated 3,228 stores in 40 states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. The company serves both the do-it-yourself and professional installer markets.

The Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series for Big-Block Modifieds is brought to fans across the Northeast by several sponsors and partners, including series sponsors Advance Auto Parts and Hoosier Racing Tire. Rite Aid Corporation is a promotional partner and the contingency sponsors are Bars Leaks, Bert Transmission, Bicknell Racing Products, Bilstein Shocks, Brodix Cylinder Heads, Crane Cams, Dig Safely New York, Holley HP Carburetors, Integra Shocks, Intercomp, KSE Racing Products, Motorsports Safety Systems, Penske Shocks, Rislone Oil Stabilizer and Wrisco Industries.

PHOTO GALLERY: Rally Car on a ski hill

On March 30, the Rabbit Hill Ski Resort in northern Alberta closed for the season... for skiers at least. The next day, Warren Currie took his Easy Rider Racing Subaru WRX to the hill and had some fun for a few hours. Photographer Perry Nelson was there...

Kawartha Speedway Drivers Serving at Boston Pizza (Peterborough)

Fans at Kawartha Speedway are used to watching their favourite drivers speed around the ultra-quick 3/8ths mile oval every Friday night. Now, they'll get the chance to see how the same crew can handle working their way through the traffic of a crowded restaurant dining room. The stars of Kawartha's Mini Stock, Thunder Car, Limited Late Model and Late Model divisions will zip into their driving suits, but exchange steering wheels for serving trays, all in the name of a great cause.

Monday, May 5th, from 5:00 'til 9:00 Kawartha Speedway drivers will be celebrity servers at the Boston Pizza location at 821 Rye Street in Peterborough. The restaurant will donate 10% of the evening's sales to Big Brothers and Big Sisters. It's a chance for fans to spend some time with their favourite drivers - away from the racetrack - while supporting a worthwhile charity. They'll also be able to pick-up a copy of the 2008 schedule and learn about the year's special events at Ontario's premier asphalt racing facilities.

For more details, visit http://www.kawarthaspeedway.com. /Drivers interested in attending can contact Jessica Moya-Brown via e-mail (jessica@kawarthaspeedway.com or by calling 705.939.8881, extension 201.

Mark it on your calendar. Monday, May 5th from 5:00 to 9:00 and check out the action as Kawartha Speedway drivers help support Big Brothers and Big Sisters at Boston Pizza, 821 Rye Street in Peterborough.

By Jim Clarke / Kawartha Speedway PR

A1GP: Wickens Scores Shanghai Sprint Podium

Shanghai, China (Sunday 13 April, 2008) – Robert Wickens wracked up his fifth podium of the season for A1 Team Canada today in Round 9 of the 2007-08 A1GP World Cup of Motorsport, the penultimate round of the nation versus nation series and the Canadian's final appearance for the team.  From third on the grid the 19-year-old from Toronto scored a second place Sprint finish before going on to set the fastest lap of the afternoon's Feature race – a problematic first pit stop ultimately thwarting any hopes of a points score in the later event.
 
Wickens, already with more points and podiums to his name than any other Canadian to have competed in A1GP, capped a stellar rookie season in China with another front-running performance in the 20-minute Sprint, his podium scoring efforts adding to Canada's points tally with the team holding ninth overall in the A1GP Nations Standings, on 75 points, with only the Brands Hatch season finale remaining next month.
 
A superb qualifying effort from Wickens the previous day, with just one hour's practice time on the 4.6km track, put A1 Team Canada in prime position for a decent finish in this morning's 10-lap Sprint.  Qualifying third behind Switzerland's Neel Jani on pole and Portugal's Felipe Albuquerque, Wickens made a great start to snatch second as the 22-strong field of nations gave chase.  Holding second Wickens duly took the checkered for his fifth A1GP podium in seven rounds.  Jani celebrated the win for title-leaders Switzerland ahead of Wickens and Albuquerque in third.
 
A disappointing qualifying session meant Wickens started 12th on the grid for the 70-minute Feature race.  The Canadian wasted little time in trying to break into the top-ten and the points paying positions.  An aggressive shot at tenth came up just short on the second tour with disaster striking a handful of laps later at the first of two mandatory pit-stops on lap 10.  A mechanical issue with one of the wheel changes cost Wickens precious track time and position. 
 
With a points finish realistically out of reach now, the Canadian team aimed to underline their pace and grab the point on offer for fastest lap of the race.  Robert failed to disappoint, setting a hot lap of 1m35.177s just five laps from the checkered – a marker that remained unbeaten.  Wickens finished the 38-lap Feature 20th with A1 Team USA celebrating their maiden A1GP victory courtesy of Florida's Jonathan Summerton.
 
"Well the Sprint race went really well as I knew we were capable of securing a podium finish," stated Wickens.  "I got the start I was hoping for and I just wanted to score as many points as I could.  I wasn't so happy with my Feature start and I was being held up a bit through to the first stop.  Unfortunately we had a hold up at the stop but that's racing!  Luckily the team gave me a good car and we managed to get the fastest lap towards the end of the race.  Looking at the lap times I was matching the American entry so it's a bit disappointing.  Overall I've had a great year in A1GP and I was able to accomplish everything I set out to.  It's been a great experience but I leave definitely wanting more!"
 
Mark Gallagher, whose company, Status Grand Prix, operates A1 Team Canada, was full of praise for Wickens; "To take a fifth podium in seven weekends of racing for A1 Team Canada is once again testament to Robert's ability.  The Sprint race produced another superb result.  Robert then showed in the Feature, with the fastest lap, what the car was capable of.  Overall it's been another strong weekend where we were competing at the right end of the grid.  We head to Brands with hopes of a strong finish to the season.  We'll have a driver change there but in the meantime we'd like to thank Robert for the stunning job he's done for the team this season!"
 
Setanta Sports Canada will broadcast Round 9 from China as a tape-delay starting at 8am EST on Monday 14th April – www.setantanorthamerica.com
 
The 2007-08 A1GP World Cup of Motorsport concludes with Round 10 hosted at the Brands Hatch Circuit in the United Kingdom, Friday 2nd – Sunday 4th May – www.a1gp.com
 
A1GP Top-Ten Standings - Round 9/10: 1st Switzerland (150), 2nd New Zealand (121), 3rd France (111), 4th Great Britain (99), 5th South Africa (92), 6th Germany (83), 7th Ireland (83), 8th Netherlands (80), 9th CANADA (75), 10th Portugal (50)
 
ENDS – www.a1teamcan.com
 
Photo Credit: 'A1 Team Canada's Robert Wickens celebrates his Shanghai Sprint podium' – Jakob Ebrey Photography
Copyright-free A1 Team Canada images are available for download at www.a1gp-photo.com/can
FROM A1 Team Canada Media Relations: Stuart Morrison – PR & Media Manager

Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprint Results - 4/12/08

DUNDEE, N.Y. - Justin Barger had the Sprint Car racing equivalent of a perfect game on Saturday night.  Barger won his heat, captured the dash and then proceeded to claim his 11th career win in the 25th Anniversary Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprint 25-lap A-Main season opener at the Black Rock Speedway.
 
"This is a good way to start the season," stated the 24-year-old Barger.  "We won last year's opener and hopefully we can keep picking them off as the season goes on."
 
Barger, of Montrose, N.Y., started the event on the outside of the front row and took the lead at the drop of Danny Mulligan's green flag. Barger pulled away from Brian McDonald, who had started on the pole, until the first caution of the event came out on lap three when Scott Bonnell, Tommy Wickham and George Suprick tangled in turn four.
 
On the restart, Barger again opened up an advantage over McDonald.  Just before he reached the slower traffic at the tail of the field the caution came out once again on the sixth circuit when Anthony Cain and Michael Parent tangled in turn one. Barger, who was extremely good on restarts in his AEM Dryflow Air Filters/Ohsweken Speedway sponsored ride, easily retained the lead when racing action resumed.
 
"Those cautions seemed to fall at just the right time for me," stated Barger.  "The cautions opened up the track and I was happy because the car was really good on restarts.  The only problem that I had was that it took a couple of laps to get my rhythm back."
 
Barger held on for two more cautions with the final caution being displayed on lap 16 when McDonald got sideways and almost into the wall off of turn four.  This bunched up the field and placed the second place car of Bryan Howland right on the tail of Barger's Rider powered Maxim. 
 
When the green flag came back out, Barger pulled away momentarily but was unable to shake Howland as he made several attempts to take the top position away.
 
On the final circuit, Barger led with Howland able to pull alongside in turn two.  As the pair raced into turns three and four for the final time, Barger went high with Howland sliding to his inside.  Barger, forced to avoid the slower car of Normand Beaudreault, came down the speedway and held on to win by half a car length over Howland.
 
"I saw him (Howland) get to my inside when we raced into three," stated Barger.  "The slower cars were side-by-side and I couldn't get through so I had to come down and block him (Howland) a little bit."
 
Howland, of Auburn, N.Y., had to settle for a runner-up finish after starting from the inside of the second row. "I had to check up so I didn't get into him (Barger)," said Howland.  "I didn't want to drive into him.  His car was on rails all night and he earned the win."
 
Lance Yonge, from nearby Penn Yan, N.Y., had a hard fought third place finish after battling for much of the event with South Onondaga, N.Y. driver, Doug Emery.  Yonge started fourth and grabbed third for the final time on lap 16.
 
"Doug (Emery) and I have been at this a longtime," commented Yonge.  "We gave each other enough room but it was hard racing." Chuck Hebing, of Ontario, N.Y., came from the 11th starting position to finish in fourth while Emery had a shock bracket break in the closing laps causing him to finish fifth.
 
ESS/Black Rock Notes: A field of 28 sprints were on hand for ESS' earliest opener since 2003…With the threat of rain all day, the Black Rock staff did a great job getting the show completed in just three hours…The early opener did see some teams not ready:  Both Andy Noto and James Hanson were spectators while Gordy Button, Brandon Warner and Bobby Magner just couldn't get their mounts ready in time…Both Jeff Cook and rookie Robbie Shuttleworth didn't attend due to sprint break vacation…Making his first ever ESS full point show appearance was Josh Weller…Next up for the Lucas Oil tour will be a May 25th visit to the Utica-Rome Speedway for a $2,000 to win event.  This race will also be the first part of the GSSI I-90 Challenge where there will be a $1,000 point fund being offered.
 
RACE RESULTS (4/12/08)
Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints Feature A-Main (25 laps): Justin Barger, Bryan Howland, Lance Yonge, Chuck Hebing, Doug Emery, Steve Poirier, Blake Breen, Josh Weller, Alain Bergeron, Jeff VanDusen, Dan Kaszubinski, Geoff Quackenbush, Jared Zimbardi, Normand Beaudreault, Brian McDonald, Bobby Breen, Gary Troutman, Scott Bonnell, Bubby Kerrick, Tim Kelly, Anthony Cain, Michael Parent, George Suprick, Tommy Wickham
 
KSE Racing Products B-Main (10 laps): Norman Beaudreault, George Suprick, Tommy Wickham, Gary Troutman
Did Not Qualify – Cory Sparks, Mike Stelter, Chris Muhleisen, Lee Ladouceur
Lane's Yamaha Walt's Hobby Dash (4 laps): Justin Barger
Car Mate Custom Built Trailers Heat 1 (10 laps): Jared Zimbardi, Doug Emery, Scott Bonnell, Lance Yonge, Blake Breen, Geoff Quackenbush
Car Mate Custom Built Trailers Heat 2 (10 laps): Michael Parent, Josh Weller, Brian McDonald, Anthony Cain, Tim Kelly, Dan Kaszubinski
Car Mate Custom Built Trailers Heat 3 (10 laps): Justin Barger, Chuck Hebing, Bobby Breen, Bryan Howland, Steve Poirier, Alain Bergeron
 
For immediate release; By Dean Reynolds // ESS