Toronto open-wheel race purchase date extended

TSN is reporting that the deadline for Andretti Green Racing to purchase the open-wheel race at the CNE grounds has been extended by two weeks:

"The deadline to bring an Indy Racing League event back to Toronto has been extended by another two weeks.

Andretti Green Racing, which is interested in buying the rights to a race in Toronto, said in a press release Thursday that said the IRL team and Grand Prix Association of Toronto have agreed to extend the closing date on staging the race to May 15.

"The additional period is needed to allow both parties time to meet certain obligations related to the completion of purchase agreements," the statement said.

"The terms of the agreement will not be disclosed and neither party will be offering furthercomment."

The annual Toronto race was taken off the schedule this summer after Champ Car was absorbed into the IRL earlier this year. There have been indications that various government agencies will be asked to kick in additional support if the sale is to go through.

According to reports, Andretti Green Promotions discovered that the event was running a $2-million deficit and want someone to step in and cover the shortfall before they sign off on a deal."

Delaware Speedway: Tonight's Racing Cancelled (May 2, 2008)

We regret to announce that Delaware Speedway Opening Night in support of Jesse�s Journey has been cancelled do to inclement weather and the threat of lightning in the area.

For those that were planning to take part in or support the Jesse�s Journey Walk Across Canada in a Day program, that program has been moved to next week, Friday, May 9th at 7:00 PM.  Delaware Speedway hopes the walk in Springbank Park was a success for the participants and hopes to add to that success next week.

From John Houghton // Announcer / PR // Delaware Speedway

PHOTO GALLERY: NASCAR Canadian Tire Series 'MOPAR Day' at Kawartha Speedway

The TEAM MOPAR TEST DAY for the Dodge / Chrysler NASCAR Canadian Tire Series teams was held at Kawartha Speedway on Wednesday, April 30, 2008. Photographer Chris Mann took these photos (166 in this gallery)... thanks Chris.

May edition of the Sports Car Club of BC's PIT PASS Newsletter

The May issue of the Sports Car Club of BC's PIT PASS Newsletter is now available. Click here to see the entire 32-page PDF

For more SCCBC info, visit their mainpage at: http://www.sccbc.net/

Merrittville Speedway: 57th Season set to open!

For Release - Thursday May 1, 2008 - From Jim Irvine - Merrittville Speedway Public Relations - 905-685-7223 - Winter Office

Thorold, Ontario (May 1) - Merrittville Speedway's 57th Season is less than 57 hours away and one team that is looking to make quite an impression in the Global Warranty Corporation Event is that of Team Kendrick.

Kendrick is part of the team owned by his family - his brother Darren and their father Wayne. "We've been trying to put the pieces together for a few seasons," relates Kendrick, adding, "thanks to Global Warranty Corporation and Strickland Automart - for all they have done."

Global Warranty Corporation is the leading North American independent warranty provider with more than 4000 dealers and a million customers across Canada and several US States - a market that is expanding. Global Warranty Corporation meets and exceeds the needs of today's drivers by providing the ULTIMATE in DRIVING PROTECTION for both Automotive and RV owners.

All new TITANIUM Star Series Plans offer many levels of coverage from basic to complete bumper to bumper packages. For further information call 1-800 265-1519 from 9 AM to 5 PM EST, log on to http://www.globalwarrantycorporation.com/ or visit with representatives Saturday May 3rd at Merrittville Speedway when the gates open at 5:30.

Some two months ago we learned of the new three car team and how Todd Kendrick was very much looking forward to his first event as an L. St. Amand Enterprises 358 Modified Rookie in the Baron Roofing Spring Sizzler 100 and the car did end up having good results.

In it's first event it ran to a second place finish in the 358 Mod Super DIRTcar Series Opener but it was 2007 Series Runner-up Danny O'Brien behind the wheel. "We were very pleased with the job Danny did when we were asked to help him out," revealed Todd, "we felt it would be a great thing for our race team - and he didn't disappoint."

Although Kendrick may have been let down somewhat from not being in the big event he admits, "I am and will always be on the lookout for what is best for our race team and sponsors - I have a lot to learn and the 100 lapper may not have been the right time to try to figure things out."

"We're thrilled to welcome Global Warranty Corporation," revealed (Merrittville GM) Erica Bicknell, "not only to our first full card of the year - but to Kendrick Racing as well - they are excited about their team and the night - it says a lot about our sport for a company of their stature to have made such an impact so quickly."

In 2008, Tim Jones has reunited with the family-owned Kendrick Race Team for a Three Car effort that also includes Scott George and the Jones and George cars are both sponsored by Global Warranty Corporation. The two used the 100 lapper as a shakedown of their brand new BRP Cars and are hoping to be on the mark Saturday May 3rd.

All 5 divisions will kick off the first point events of the 57th Season when the Lucas Oil Open Wheel Lites and Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinder Divisions join the race card in addition to the Hoosier Stocks and Original Pizza Logs Sportsman.

The Meridian Credit Union Kids Club will also kick off its new season with Registration Night as the younger race fans also prepare for another activity-packed season.

Your local Dirt Track is where it's at and it's at Merrittville Speedway .

Join us this season on a Saturday Night for A DIRT WEEKLY RACING SERIES EVENT featuring FIVE Weekly Racing Divisions featuring local heroes and up-coming new stars or one of our many special events! .

Merrittville Speedway "The Best Family Entertainment in Niagara"

PMRA: Crane Cams posts event winner prize at each race

DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA (May 1, 2008) - The Pro Modified Racing Association is honored to announce the sponsorship support from one of motorsport�s icons.
 
Crane Cams, one of the largest and most innovative manufacturers of engine camshafts, valve train components, and electrical items, will be supplying contingency sponsorship for the winner at each of the 2008 PMRA events.
 
�To get Crane involved with the PMRA is very important and gratifying for us,� said PMRA Director of Operations Bruce Mehlenbacher. �It shows that the PMRA has reached a level where major aftermarket firms such as Crane believe in our series.�
 
Based in Florida since 1953, Crane was founded by hot rodder and machinist Harvey Crane, with an emphasis on quality and reliability. By 1960 Crane was producing products for a host of drag racing applications. Drag racing legend Pete Robinson won the 1961 NHRA Nationals in a Crane-equipped dragster, and soon the little shop in Florida began expanding.
 
The company, producing cams and related parts for a wide variety of race and street applications, grew to its present size, with a 160,000 square foot facility at Daytona Beach. Along with building OEM and private label equipment, Crane supplies automotive electronic components, and parts for the motorcycle, marine, and aviation industry.
 
The recipient of the first Crane Cams - Event Winner Contingency Award will be decided as the PMRA gets under way May 17-18 for the Third Annual Victoria Day Weekend - PMRA Challenge at Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga, Ontario.
 
The PMRA will compete at several drag strips in 2008, including two dates at Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga, Ontario, May 17 and 18, and June 28, New York International Raceway Park on June 7 and Dunn Tire Raceway Park on July 26 in New York State, Sanair in Quebec on August 16, and a season-closer at the Southwestern Ontario track of the Grand Bend Motorplex on August 30 and 31.
 
About Crane Cams: Crane Cams, founded in 1953, will celebrate their 55th anniversary in 2008.  Located in Daytona Beach, FL, Crane Cams name is recognized throughout the racing industry for the high quality, precision products that are designed to withstand the rigors of competition and out perform their competitors.  Crane Cams products are found in every form of professional and sportsman level of motorsports racing with both Engine Builders and Racing Teams.  These products produce the kind of horsepower, torque, throttle response and absolute reliability that for over 50 years has made Crane Cams one of the performance industry�s cornerstone companies.
 
Crane Cams manufactures camshafts, valve-train components and electrical products for not only the racing industry but also for marine, motorcycle and general aviation engines. For more information, visit www.cranecams.com .
 
About the Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA): The Pro Modified Racing Association, www.ProModifiedRacing.com, was organized late in 2004, started racing operations in 2005, and is entering its fourth year of operation. The PMRA is a self-governing organization with input from its teams, and adheres to the technical and safety rules as outlined by the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) and the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). The series has event venues in Ontario, Quebec, and New York State.
 
Cars in the PMRA capture the true spirit of hot rodding, and the class is one of drag racing�s most exciting and colorful classes, offering a diverse group of race cars with different types of 2,500-horsepower supercharged, nitrous powered and turbocharged engines.
 
No Pro Modified team has dominated in the history of PMRA events. In 2005, 2006, and 2007, each event was topped off with a different winner, and 2006 Grand Bend Motorplex winner Joe Boniferro became the first repeat winner in series history, winning the 2007 Grand Bend race.
 
Combining classic body styles and modern equipment, constructors are permitted, within established rules and parameters, to modify and enhance the cars in both appearance and performance. The cars are fuelled by gasoline or methanol, propelling them down the quarter-mile in low six-second times at over 200 miles per hour. The PMRA provides drag race fans the opportunity to see, hear, and experience the popular Pro Modifieds, known as "the world's fastest door slammers."

From Bruce F. Mehlenbacher / PMRA

Rick Young's 'Rick at the Races' April 26-27, 2008

Rick at the Races... By Rick Young. From April 26-27, 2008

PICTURES:
PIC  1   Doing the 'tourist thing'
PIC  2   The Dave Hebert Hauler with the'Habs' banner
PIC 3    Dave Hebert on track at Merrittville
PIC 4     Larent Ladouceur dices with either Tarreance or Planck ( the cars look identical ! )
PIC 5   # 37 Kyle Jacobs in action at Merrittville
PIC 6   # 3 Chad Brachman goes drag racing at Merrittville
PIC 7    Dale Planck in the Merrittville Victory Lane
PIC 8    Posing by the Humberstone Speedway sign
PI C 9     # 777 Tyler Macpherson in the Humberstone pits
PIC 10   Humberstone Minstox action
PIC 11    Humberstone Truck action
PIC 12    Humberstone SPORTSMAN action
PIC 13    Rob Pratt # 38 , winner of the Humberstone SPORTSMAN feature

RICK @ the RACES ( 26/27 April)
Merrittville Speedway   (358 SUPER DIRTCAR SERIES Race) & Humberstone Speedway.

An early season start to the 358 Modified Super DirtCar Series, meant a trip down to the Niagra region this past weekend. The Merrittville track, located just 20 minutes away from the world famous Niagra Falls was hosting the 2008 opener. This is one of the longest established venues in North America and Saturday night heralded the start of it's 57th year in operation.

Like many of my long-distance race tours, I was joined on this one by my buddy Roger Aubin and we used his Ford Escape. An early morning start ( 6-00am) saw us parked up at our motel in Niagra Falls soon after lunch. With a few hours to kill before the racing started, we did the 'tourist thing' and walked down to see the 'Falls'. I usually manage get to Merrittville once a year, and on most occasions I stay at the same place, The BlackStone Inn, which is handy for all the resorts attractions.

We arrived at the track around 4-00pm and met up with another member of our gang, Jim Clarke of Belleville who was parked by the pit gate. While standing there 'shooting the breeze' I spotted Laurent Ladouceur , one of my local drivers from Alexandria (Ont) in the line waiting to get in. Laurent ,who won the 358 Super DirtCar Series in 1989 told me he was making his first ever visit to the track.

The big event, also attracted quite a few other surprise visitors from far and wide, including David Hebert from the Drummondville area of Quebec. Right now, It's 'Stanley Cup' time , and Dave's crew were letting everyone know which NHL team they support , with a large Montreal Canadiens banner hanging from their hauler.

Carey Tarrance of Akwesasne NY had brought along two cars, one for himself and one for Dale Planck.

While wandering the pits I chatted to Merrittville track promotor Pete Bicknell who was also taking part in the Series. Pete has been a major player in the 358 division for many years and  is tagged as 'Mr Small Block'. I also had the pleasure once again, of meeting his eldest daughter Erica , (who is track manager), and his wife Nancy.

The weather forecast had looked very doubtful during the week leading up to the event, and much to the relief of most race fans, the usual time wasting SUPER DIRTCAR SERIES lap trials were dispensed with for the evening. We went straight into the heats, which is what most fans prefer anyway. The 38 car field was split into 4 heats and two Consis.

The program also featured, Street Stox and a 40 lap Sportsman race which turned out to be 45 minute marathon of cautions. For some reason the guys just couldn't keep out of trouble, and following yellow flag after yellow flag the race director thankfully ordered single file restarts. Eventual winner was Mike Bowman.

The 100 lap SUPER DIRT SERIES race was just the opposite and went the duration with only one caution. Cortland, NY's , Dale Planck was in a class of his own leading from green to checkers. A flag to flag win didn't mean it was a boring race, not at all ! Watching Planck ducking and diving while lapping most of the pack, was a sight to savor. Runner up, was Kingston's (Ont) Danny O'Brien who shadowed him for a while, but gradually slipped back as the laps ticked away. In third place was New Yorker, Chad Brachman. It turned out to be a great night of racing!

This early season sortie to the Golden Horseshoe area of Ontario allowed me to add another track to my TRACKCHASING totals. On Sunday it was the season opener for the Humberstone Speedway at nearby Port Colborne on the banks of Lake Erie. This is another track with long history and was formerly known as the Gasport Speedway.

It has been on my 'hit list' for quite a while but with the distance involved and the fact that it runs on Sunday nights ( clashing with my local Cornwall Motor Speedway) meant it's been a difficult one to get. The Cornwall season is yet to begin ( May 18) , so this was my golden opportunity to pay a visit.

In recent years the highest division the track has hosted on a regular basis have been DIRT Sportsman. I don't know why , but this fact gave me a preconceived notion that the facility would be 'minor league'. I have to say I was totaly wrong , pleasantly surprised, and very impressed. A new application of fresh clay with a good banking, well positioned bleachers and a tidy control tower/bar/concessions area all augured to make the place very different to what I had expected. I would like to see it added to future Big Block and 358 Modified SUPER DIRT SERIES tours.

For my first visit, Sportsman topped the bill with MiniStox, Streetstox and Trucks as the supporting divisions.

Many of the Sportsman, were the same ones I'd seen the night before at Merrittville. Their 25 lap feature once again, provided plenty of yellow flags, and eventually, the attrition rate allowed an exciting finish, with Tyler McPherson losing his lead to Rob Pratt on in the final laps.

Yes, I enjoyed my visit to Humberstone and hope to get back some day, and maybe , with luck see some 'Big Block' Modified Series races. The track is run by the Cosco family and I'd like to thank Mrs Linda Cosco and her friendly staff for being so helpful. I always like to get a souvenir track sticker where ever I go, and she/they  went out of their way to find some for me.

The show was over by 9-30pm , so a hasty exit was made for our 7 hour plus, drive back to Eastern Ontario.

Shaw Motorsports: April Update

GUELPH, ON - On April 12th, the Shaw Motorsports crew had the car loaded in the trailer prepared to test a new setup at Delaware Speedway, however the weather did not co-operate and the day of testing was canceled due to rain. Since the Shaw Motorsports shop was empty, the crew went to work to help Ken Spira and Dave Hagedorn with their mini-stock project.

Ken has purchased a mini-stock with the long term goal of starting a driver development program after a few years of fun with the car. Ken and Dave plan to share the driving responsibilities for the 2008 season when they are at the track with the #82 and time permits. The car has been registered as the #88 with a paint scheme to match the #82 Shaw Motorsports car. Although Ken's short term goal is to have some fun driving the car as well as having other crew members, sponsors and family members experience the thrill of racing, the long term goal is to put a driver development program together known as Spira Racing.

The crew of Shaw Motorsports have been a big help in supporting Ken and Dave putting this program together and will be there to help out whenever their schedule permits. Ken, Dave and possibly other crew members from the Shaw team will be driving the #88 Spira Racing Mustang when the Shaw Motorsports #82 Late Model team is at Flamboro Speedway.

The Shaw Team were welcomed into the home of Paul Dudnick, owner of Roof Trusses and Components located on Highway #7 between Rockwood and Guelph. Paul & Nancy have a beautiful home in the country and the team enjoyed great food and socialization as they waited for the race season to begin. Paul and Nancy can be found at most race tracks that Shaw Motorsports attend and have become much more than just sponsors of the Shaw Motorsports Team. The team apologizes for the smell of chicken wings that probably still lingers in the garage from the batches of wings prepared by Randy Shaw and Ken Spira. Nancy Hoffman took care of preparing an excellent meal for the crew and their families and Shaw Motorsports is very appreciative for all the hard work. 
 
The team has received their first batch of hero cards from Georgetown Printing. The cards once again are top quality and the team would like to thank, Rick from Icon Photography, Steve Jensen and both John and Paul from Georgetown Printing.
 
After a disappointing opening night at Flamboro Speedway, the Shaw team are setting their sites on a busy and hopefully successful month of May with 5 races scheduled. The team is planning a test day at Sauble Speedway just prior to the Margarita Strawberry Ice 150 on May 31st. Despite the financial incentive that Flamboro Speedway have put in place to encourage the points runners to stay there, the Shaw Team is committed to travel throughout the province whenever possible to give their sponsors as much exposure as possible. The friendships made throughout the years while traveling in the Alstar Series are also an important piece of the Shaw Team and they will do what they can to see as many of them throughout the season as possible.
           
In sponsor news, Ken Wood from Castrol Heavy Duty Lubricants has announced their return as product sponsor to Shaw Motorsports. 2008 marks the 6th consecutive year that Castrol Heavy Duty Lubricants has been supplying the Shaw team with quality lubricants. A special thanks goes out to Plasti-Kote who are the teams official paint sponsor. Matt from Plasti-kote was nice enough to add some bottles of their Odds �n� Ends fast drying enamel that the team plans to use for detail and trim on the car.
 
From Ken Spira for Shaw Motorsports

Auto Clearing Motor Speedway Schedule Release

SASKATOON, SK - Auto Clearing Motor Speedway's 2008 race schedule kicks off on Mother's Day, May 11, 2008 at 2:00 PM. All mothers will be admitted free of charge that day and will have a chance to win some valuable prizes. Sponsors for our opening day include: Heinrichs Jewellery, Dutch Growers, Angles Salon Spa, Pelican Media, Saskatoon Media Group, Country Style BBQ and The Star Phoenix.

Auto Clearing Motor Speedway anticipates an increase in car counts in almost all of the six racing divisions.

Special events featured in the 2008 schedule are:

• Six (6) visits by the Siemens Western Elite StockCar Tour
• Two (2) visits by ARCA West (formerly NEWALTA SLM); their Series opener on May 31 and the ARCA West Series Points final on September 20.
• Two (2) visits by the Legends Cars, including the Mac's Froster 50 on June 14 and the Dent Clinic Feature on August 16
• Four (4) visits by the exciting Super Truck Racing Series, which will effectively be a series within a series. The points winner will receive an all expense paid trip to the NASCAR Kroger 200 in Martinsville, Virginia on October 18, 2008.
• A return visit by the IMCA Modifieds, the fast and loud open wheel stock cars will be at the Speedway on July 16 for the Summer Sizzler

Other events that will be creating lots of interest include the Lucas Oil/Rock 102, Cruise Weekend on August 22.

Canada's largest steel bodied race for Street Stock is now called the A&W Martensville 100. A full weekend of events is being planned around this race on June 21, 2008 including a pancake breakfast, a Show N Shine, and live entertainment. The winner of the race will receive an all expense paid trip to the NASCAR Sprint Cup race in Martinsville, Virginia in October 2008.

To close out the 2008 race season will be the fan favorite ENDURO that is scheduled for October 5, 2008.

Merrittville Kart Results: April 29, 2008

For Immediate Release - April 30, 2008 - From Jim Irvine - Merrittville Public Relations
 
Thorold, Ontario (April 30) - One year ago the Merrittville Speedway Kart Spring Series Opener was affected by rain with the Senior Feature delayed a week.
 
In 2008, it tried to rain on first time Race Director Paul Klager's first event all afternoon but to no avail.
 
The light rain and unseasonably cold temperatures however provided a great racing surface for first time 2008 winners and the other race teams that braved the cold.
 
"Overall it was a great night," relayed Klager, "the last two weeks have been so warm … we've got to thank everyone that came out … the weather can only get better!"
 
Steven Beckett, Dylan Davidson, Travis Majuery, Brett Senek, Connor Mooradian and Aaron Barker in the Drummond Home Hardware Garden City Auto Complex Novice 1, KC Auto Parts Novice 2, RCM Racing Equipment Cassell Manufacturing Junior 1, Ed MacPherson Construction Junior 2, Superior PetroFuels Junior Restricted Heavy and Philbrick Farm & Garden Senior Original Pizza Logs Divisions all won their opening night feature events.
 
Kart Racing continues Tuesday May 6. Gates open at 5:00 with racing beginning at 7:00. Grandstand admission is free.
 
Hoosier Tire Canada Heat Results

Drummond Home Hardware Garden City Auto Complex Original Pizza Logs Novice 1 Division – 6 laps –
Heat 1 – Steven Beckett, Taylor Gregoric, Joshua Hanson, Cierra Black.
Heat 2 – Joshua Hanson, Taylor Gregoric, Steven Beckett, Cierra Black.

KC Auto Parts Original Pizza Logs Novice 2 Division – 6 laps –
Heat 1 – Gregory Beckett, Dylan Davidson, Alex Riley, Gene Gregoric, Caleb Vandervalk, Joshua Mergel, Joshua Dmytrow.
Heat 2 – Dylan Davidson, Gregory Beckett, Gene Gregoric, Caleb Vandervalk, Joshua Dmytrow, Joseph Mergel. DNF – Alex Riley.

RCM Racing Equipment Cassell Manufacturing Original Pizza Logs Junior 1 Division – 8 laps –
Group 1 Heat 1 – Travis Majuery, Matthew Veihdeffer, Greg Kohut, Travis Miller, Dillan Sliter. 
Group 1 Heat 2 – Travis Majuery, Travis Miller, Matthew Veihdeffer, Greg Kohut, Dillan Sliter.
Group 2 Heat 1 – Jacob Lutz, Jesse Cassell, Dylan Culp. DNF - Jordan Cosco.
Group 2 Heat 2 – Jacob Lutz, Dylan Culp, Jesse Cassell, Jordan Cosco.

Ed MacPherson Construction Original Pizza Logs Junior 2 Division – 8 laps – 
Heat 1 and Heat 2- Jordan Barnes, Brett Senek, Braeden Bilinsky, Mitchell Tallman, James Gorchek.

Superior PetroFuels Original Pizza Logs Junior Restricted Heavy Division – 8 laps –
Group 1 Heat 1 – Kevin Daunce, Matthew Farnham, Connor Mooradian, Corey Bodman. DNS - Isaac Pelissero.
Group 1 Heat 2 – Kevin Daunce, Matthew Farnham, Connor Mooradian, Isaac Pelissero. DNF - Corey Bodman.
Group 2 Heat 1 – Matthew Barker, Ben Werth, Matthew Watson, John Matthews, Vincent Pagnotta. .
Group 2 Heat 2 – Ben Werth, Matthew Barker, Matthew Watson, John Matthews, Vincent Pagnotta.

Philbrick Farm & Garden Equipment Original Pizza Logs Senior Division – 10 laps – Heat 1 Aaron Barker, Frank Chadwick, Chris Watson, Braydon Robertson, Dillon MacPherson. DNF – Dale Cooley.
Heat 2 – Chris Watson, Aaron Barker, Dillon MacPherson, Dale Cooley, Frank Chadwick, Braydon Robertson.

Burris Tire Feature Results
Drummond Home Hardware Garden City Auto Complex Original Pizza Logs Novice 1 Division – 7 laps – Steven Beckett, Taylor Gregoric, Joshua Hanson, Cierra Black.
KC Auto Parts Original Pizza Logs Novice 2 Division – 7 laps -  Dylan Davidson, Gregory Beckett, Gene Gregoric, Joshua Dmytrow, Caleb Vandervalk, Joseph Mergel. DNS – Alex Riley.
 
RCM Racing Equipment Cassell Manufacturing Original Pizza Logs Junior 1 Division – 15 laps – Travis Majuery, Jacob Lutz, Matthew Veihdeffer, Travis Miller, Jesse Cassell, Dylan Culp, Greg Kohut, Dillan Sliter. DNS – Jordan Cosco.

Ed MacPherson Construction Original Pizza Logs Junior 2 Division – 15 laps –  Brett Senek, Braeden Bilinsky, Jordan Barnes, Mitchell Tallman, James Gorchek.

Superior PetroFuels Original Pizza Logs Junior Restricted Heavy Division  - 15 laps  – Connor Mooradian, Kevin Daunce, John Matthews, Matthew Farnham, Matthew Barker, Ben Werth, Corey Bodman, Matthew Watson, Vincent Pagnotta, Isaac Pelissero.

Philbrick Farm & Garden Equipment Original Pizza Logs Senior Division – 20 laps – Aaron Barker, Chris Watson, Dillon MacPherson, Frank Chadwick, Dale Cooley, Braydon Robertson.
 
Join us this season on a Tuesday Night for A KART WEEKLY RACING SERIES EVENT featuring FIVE Kart Weekly Racing Divisions and the stars of tomorrow today!
 
Many of Merrittville's Saturday night Stock Car Stars got their starts in Kart Racing including Lampman, Steele, Wood, Wutzke, Bicknell, D'Ilario, Chevalier, Williamson, Klager, Tallman, Mastroianni, Leslie, Pierce, Robbins and Small.

CSC Racing Products Inc. partners with the Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship

"I am very pleased to welcome CSC as a Sponsor Partner," stated Touring Car President John Bondar. "CSC is recognized for their expertise in the area of driver and race car safety and our competitors will benefit from their knowledge."

In addition to the Sponsor partnership, CSC will be providing safety related merchandise for the winner of the Hard Charger Award at each race weekend.

"We are happy to be partnering with the Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship," said Jennifer deWinter of CSC. "Our relationship with John Bondar has proven to be very rewarding in the past and we look forward to a long association with both him and the teams that comprise the Championship."

About CSC Racing Products Inc. - With over 30 years of experience, as manufacturers of roll cages and racing chassis� and retailers of quality products like BELL helmets and HANS safety devices CSC Racing has a clear mandate. They offer a quality product at a competitive price with a commitment to safety that is unequalled in the industry.

About the Canadian Touring Car Championship - Boasting Canada's best drivers in today's hottest touring cars the Canadian Touring Car Championship consists of two classes of competition, over eight weekends, with races held in Quebec and Ontario.

From John Bondar, CCTCC // For information on CSC Racing Products, contact Jennifer deWinter at: 866-410-HANS or visit http://www.cscracing.com/

INSIDE TRACK NOTEBOOK: Thursday, May 1, 2008

MOPAR DAY AT KAWARTHA
For those of you with Facebook accounts, Jim Clarke of Kawartha Speedway has posted some shots from yesterday's MOPAR Day (NASCAR Canadian Tire Series) at the Peterborough (ON)-area speedway. The track will host the season-ending event, in September. Jim's gallery is located here...

***

GRAND BEND MOTORPLEX: JUNIOR RACERS ADDED TO THE SHOW!
Grand Bend Motorplex and the IHRA are pleased to announce the inclusion of select Junior Dragster classes at the Mopar Canadian Nationals and the inaugural IHRA Summit Pro-Am event this summer at the Grand Bend Motorplex.

Grand Bend’s wildly popular 7.90 Heads-Up Junior class will be featured during the Mopar Canadian Nationals, July 18-20. Of particular note, is the unique Saturday “Night of Fire” elimination rounds for the super quick Junior racers. You know, they’ve got an incredible Junior program at GBM and we want to recognize that when we bring the Torco Nitro Jam to town.”

Said Skooter Peaco of IHRA. “Having these tiny terrors on the racetrack at the same time the Top Fuelers are in the burnout box will not only be an amazing visual, but also showcase the truth of our claim that IHRA drag racing is for everybody.”

Torco Race Fuels of Ontario came forward enthusiastically to offer their support for the Junior class. Each entrant will receive $20 towards purchases at the onsite ‘Torco’ trailer, with fuel awards going to the winner, runner-up and semi-finalists.

The Junior Dragsters will also have the opportunity to ‘strut their stuff’ at the Summit Pro-Am event at Grand Bend Motorplex on the Weekend of August 22-24. The classes in competition at the Pro-Am will include the 8-9 year old Beginners category as well as Advanced and Master level competition.

Paul Spriet of Grand Bend Motorplex; “We’ve been fortunate that the folks at IHRA have always listened to our ideas and even adopted several of them. That’s one of the things that make it such a great partnership. When we tried to sell them on the idea of adding Juniors to these big shows, they gave us an enthusiastic “YES” before we even got to our sales pitch.”

Aaron Polburn, President of IHRA also added; “We’ve already seen what happens when you ignore the future. These kids are the future of IHRA Drag Racing and they’re a lot of fun to watch. We’re giving them the ‘full meal deal’. Winners Circle, Ironman Trophies, Drag Review coverage. They’re gonna love it!”

-IHRA Mopar Canadian Nationals: July 18-20, 2008-IHRA Summit Pro-Am Event: August 22-24, 2008

Grand Bend Motorplex, located just outside of the resort town of Grand Bend, Ontario, is Canada’s largest Drag Racing facility and home of the Mopar Canadian Nationals. Their weekly Junior Dragster program is one of the largest in North America, with forty to fifty entrants in competition each week.

More details on the action at the ‘Plex’ can be found at www.grandbendmotorplex.com.

From Ron Biekx - General Manager // Grand Bend Motorplex

***
THIS AND THAT
Some interesting tidbits from the TSN site... Danica Patrick is putting out feelers looking for a "serious" F1 test.... Ron Dennis has denied being the source that led the News of the World to look into Max Mosley's, er, politically incorrect sexual habits. Since the story broke, many have speculated that Dennis sought payback after McLaren was hit hard by the FIA in the wake of last year's F1 spy scandal.

Canada Aims High Heading to Brands Hatch (DRT)

Montréal, Canada (April 30, 2008) - The tenth round of the 2007-08 A1GP World Cup of Motorsport will play out in the United Kingdom this weekend as Kent's Brands Hatch Grand Prix Circuit hosts the season finale of the nation versus nation championship, Friday 2nd - Sunday 4th May.  Having announced last week that Toronto's James Hinchcliffe will return to race action for A1 Team Canada at the event, there's just one mission for the 21-year-old and that's to help secure Canada's best-ever A1GP finish.

Already comfortably in the top-ten of the current A1GP Nations Standings, sitting ninth on 75 points, 25 points clear of tenth placed Portugal, Canada's sights are firmly set on a potential top-six finish.  A mere six points separate Germany, the out-going A1GP World Champions, in sixth place on 83 points and Canada in ninth with Ireland (83) and the Netherlands (80) in between.

While the Canadian team has already enjoyed its best ever A1GP season, with rookie racer Robert Wickens steering his way to victory in Round 7's Sprint race in South Africa in addition to four other podium finishes, Brands Hatch could seal the deal on the team's stellar progress competing around the world with lots to play for heading into the final Sprint and Feature races.

Hinchcliffe will return to the cockpit of the 550bhp A1GP car for the first time since Round 2 in the Czech Republic last October.  The 21-year-old, capped a total of eighteen times for Canada - with a highest placing of second alongside seven top-ten A1GP finishes last season, is looking forward to his debut on the 2.62-mile Brands Hatch Grand Prix Circuit.

"I'm really looking forward to being back at Brands Hatch," said Hinchcliffe.  "I attended last season's race to support A1 Team Canada and I'm pumped to actually be the guy driving there this year.  The team's already proven itself to be a consistent force and I'm confident we can go out there and keep that momentum going.  The points battle is pretty tight where we're at but we all know what's achievable if everything goes our way.  Brands also marks the last time we'll be racing the Lola-Zytek A1GP car so hopefully we can give it a good send off and put on a great show for the British crowd."

Hinchcliffe will be joined in the United Kingdom by his fellow Atlantic Championship racer, Daniel Morad.  The 18-year-old from Markham will again undertake Friday morning's 'Rookie-Only' session for Canada having performed the role over the course of the previous three A1GP race meetings.

"As always I'll be working to make sure we get a good base set-up on the car," Morad commented.  "I'd like to crack the top-three in the rookie session this time.  I've definitely got an eye on landing the race seat for next season so I'm keen to keep showing I can do a good job.  I've been learning as much as I can with each opportunity.  I know I'm capable of doing a full weekend but in the meantime I'll do all I can to help the team and James this weekend and hopefully I'll get my shot next season."

Sunday's 20-minute Sprint race starts at 11am GMT (6am EST) with the 70-minute Feature race starting at 3pm at Brands Hatch (10am EST).  Live Feature race streaming will be available via - www.a1gp.com / Setanta Sports Canada will broadcast Round 10 from the United Kingdom as a tape-delay starting at 8am EST on Monday 5th May - www.setantanorthamerica.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)

Photo Credit: 'Toronto's James Hinchcliffe returns to duty for A1 Team Canada' - 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

Chuck Daigh has passed away (4/29/2008)

From Ed Moody

Chuck Daigh won the 1963 Players 200 at Mosport
 
Chuck Daigh passed away this morning. Chuck built hot rods prior to WW II and ran at the Dry Lakes. After his duty in the paratroopers he worked for Bill Stroppe preparing the famous Mexican road race Lincolns and riding as co-pilot in three of those races. He joined Pete DePaolo Engineering where he managed the west coast semi-factory Ford stock car team.

While at DePaolo's, he helped build the Battlebirds as well. He worked for the Rathmann Chevrolet NASCAR stock car team. After Rathmann's Chevrolet stock operations shut down he left to work building the Reventlow Scarab Sports Car and Formula One cars. In recent years he rebuilt two of the Reventlow F1 desmodromic valve motors for collectors.

As a driver, Chuck won the Willow Springs and Santa Barbara Sports Car Main events driving a Kurtis 500S - Lincoln that belonged to Frank Kurtis. He later won the Main Events at Paramount Ranch and Santa Barbara driving the Trountman-Barnes Ford powered sports car special. Chuck won several more big sports car races with the front engined Scarabs, including the Los Angeles Times Riverside Grand Prix in 1958.

He also won the big Nassau main event with a Scarab. Daigh drove for Ferrari at Le Mans and co-drove the winning Ferrari at Sebring one year. He later drove the Reventlow Formula One car in international races. Chuck tried to qualify at the Indianapolis 500 three times through the years but the cars were not good enough. Daigh also drove for Briggs Cunningham, with the Lister-Jaguars, a few times.

There are additional links about Daigh and his career here and here.

Brighton Speedway set to launch "a season that is all about the fans"

BRIGHTON, ON - Brighton Speedway is opening the season on Saturday, May 3rd, 2008 and launching into a season that is all about the fans.  The Coca-Cola Full Throttle Season Opener is affordable to every fan at $2.00 admission with a food bank donation.  Introducing the FAB FOUR, Bainer�s Radiator Canadian Modifieds, Brighton Automotive Pro Stocks, Bill�s Johns Comp 4 and Picture This Signs and Design Pure Stocks, to the fans of the 1/3 mile clay oval is just the beginning of a schedule that is filled with fan favourites, and chances for the fans to win.

New for 2008 is the Fan Appreciation Reward Program where each and every fan of pedal to the metal, dirt flying, gear grinding racing action has the chance to win two tickets, from Have Bus Will Travel Transportainment, to the World of Outlaws finals being held at The Dirt Track at Lowes Motor Speedway in Charlotte, North Carolina, Wednesday, Oct. 29 to Sunday, Nov. 2, 2008.  Sponsored by Adecco, Trenton, Subway, Trenton & Campbellford, Custom Carts, Trenton, Brighton Auto Repair, National Car Rental and Have Bus Will Travel, the package includes 4 nights accommodation with 3 hot breakfasts, 3 day tickets & Pit Passes to the World of Outlaws, World Finals, and as many of the daytime extras that can be jam packed into the adventure.

This new Fan Appreciation Reward Program is available to anyone who completes a registration form, available starting opening night. This program has been custom built for the fans at Brighton Speedway every week, while in attendance, fans swipe their card to be entered in weekly and random draws held throughout the entire racing season including monthly draws for tickets to other exciting racing events throughout Ontario.  The most valued fans, with the highest rates of attendance will be entered in the season ending draw for the World of Outlaws Finals, (must be of legal age to be eligible for this prize only).  Be sure to enroll and be recognized as the valued fan that you are.

All fans will feel their value with the return of Fan Appreciation nights.  Scheduled for May 17th, June 21st, July 26th, August 16th and September 20th, fans will have the chance to meet and greet their favourite drivers while the drivers share their appreciation with giveaways and autographs for everyone.

Add these Fan specific activities to a jam packed schedule of the Fab Four, SOS Sprints, School Busses, Spectator One-on One Racing, Gord�s Water VanTastics, Late Models, a Monster Madness 3 day Weekend and the always favoured Tim Horton�s Kids� Club, there really is something for every fan at Brighton Speedway.

The Coca-Cola Full Throttle Season Opener is May 3rd, 2008.  $2.00 and a food bank donation will have every fan on the edge of their seats.  The green flag flies at 7:00pm.  For more information and to see the complete season schedule visit www.brightonspeedway.com.

From Angie Rinaldi / BSP

Mosport Kart Club 1st Event Preview

MOSPORT, ON - This Saturday, May 3rd, Mosport Kart Club will be hosting their first race of the year at 3S Go-Karts, Sutton. Registration opens at 7:05am so be early to avoid the line ups. The first class will go on track at 9:00. Track layout will be SENNA counter-clockwise. Visit the Simcoe Kart club website for images of the various track layouts.

Mother Nature is threatening to challenge the driving skills of all the members, but this is not a bad thing. This makes better drivers out of all of us. If you can race in the rain (and sometimes snow), then dry pavement should be a piece of cake.

Established in 1980, Mill Valley Trophies began as a small, home-based store offering trophies and awards to the local community, along with the area's first computerized engraving system. Today, Mill Valley Trophies can offer its customers a full range of corporate awards, trophies and plastic engraving of signs, name badges and more in a remarkably quick turnaround time.

Their employees are fully trained in the latest engraving technology and pride themselves in keeping up with the constantly-changing engraving environment. The trophies that MKC participants receive are produced from the imagination of the creative experts at Mill Valley Trophies. For more information, go to  www.millvalleytrophies.com

For more information and a complete schedule, visit www.mosportkartclub.com

From Paul Evans / MKC

PHOTO GALLERY: Flamboro Speedway April 26, 2008

Here is a 170-picture Gallery from the Flamboro Speedway season opener on April 26. Unofficial results are available on the track's website. Dave Franks' new site is located here. Thanks Dave!

Inside Track Short Track Contingency Program... All Ads in PDF format

Click here or on the image at right to download a PDF file (under 3 Mb) of all the Inside Track Short Track Contingency Ads that appeared in Volumes 12.01 and 12.02 of the magazine.

We got a little overzealous handing out copies of 12.01 (especially) at the winter racing shows and we are extremely short on copies of this issue. Our original plan was to send several copies to each person who had an ad in an issue, but the shortage makes that impossible.

Feel free to download, save and print this file for your purposes. Or you can send this link (http://www.insidetracknews.com/images/ITMN_Short_Track_Contingency_Pages_2007_2008_sm.pdf) to anyone who might be interested. We apologize for not being able to send everyone all of the issues promised.

We thank everyone for their participation and support. Watch for details of the 2008 Inside Track Short Track Contingency Program shortly.

Shaw Motorsports - Flamboro Report April 26, 2008

GUELPH, ON - The threat of rain loomed as the Shaw Motorsports crew headed to Flamboro Speedway with a new setup and even newer Chevy crate motor for the first race of the 2008 season. Although the team only tested the new setup and crate motor once this season, they were confident that they had a fast car.
 
For the first of two practice sessions, driver Jason Shaw was not happy with the push in the centre of the corner, however the car was handling well and turning some good lap times. The crew made an adjustment to the anti-roll bar for the second practice session that proved to correct the problem with the push, however there was now a loose off condition that required some attention. A shock change was made and tires were changed around to decrease the stagger and thus hopefully reduce the loose off condition for the one and only heat race.
 
The #82 Castrol Oil Ford Fusion lined up 9th for the heat race consisting of 10 cars while the skies cleared and the threat of rain was replaced with a dropping temperature and increased winds. After receiving the green flag, Jason ran side by side with the #56 for the first two laps until Jason had to dart high and the #56 low to miss the spinning #95 in centre of turn 4 bringing out the caution and putting the #82 into 8th. Before lap 3 was complete, Jason passed the #34 to gain 7th and then one lap later got around the #86 to obtain 6th. A battle to get into the top 5 started on the 7th lap and when the #41 and #95 got together on the last lap, it was the #82 who would slide between the two to take the checkered flag in 5th. Jason was happy with the handling of the car, however the crate motor seamed to lack power coming off the corners and he felt that the other cars were pulling away from him at that point.
 
With the #44 of Steve Laking on the pole, Jason sat in 9th for the start of the 25 lap feature. While the cars were running a few hot laps prior to the green flag, the #37 pulled into the infield with mechanical difficulties, putting the #82 up to 8th before the green flag was displayed. Jason ran the first two laps, side by side with the #29 before he was able to gain the position as well as two more on the same straightaway to take 5th. The #44 remained in the lead followed by the #07, #52, #8 and then the #82 to round out the top 5 and while the #44 pulled away by 10 car lengths, the #07 slid backwards, allowing Jason to move into 4th.

Caution came out on lap 11 for the #56 who may have had help getting turned sideways by the #75. With the #56 moved to the back and the #75 maintaining his position as an uninvolved car, the #82 restarted 4th were he would remain until lap15 when the right front tire went down, sending Jason towards the pits were it looked like their night would finish. Before Jason could limp off the track, the caution came out for cars spinning in turn 2 so the Shaw crew ran to the pits to get the right front changed and get the #82 back on the track to hopefully gain a few spots during the remaining 10 laps.

The Shaw crew had the #82 back on the track in the 15th position before the started displayed the green flag to restart the race. Unfortunately for the Shaw team, the spare right front tire had lost 10 pounds of air pressure while the race was going on and although it was still full of air, the car would not handle correctly and Jason pulled off the track to watch the final laps from the fence. It is hoped that the bad luck will be an isolated case limited to the first night of racing and things will look much better for the next race to be held on (Saturday May 3rd also at Flamboro Speedway). Congratulations goes out to the #44 of Steve Laking who got his first win of the season on the first night out in his very sharp, newly constructed Spira Fire Protection sponsored Chevy.
 
In other racing news, it was the first night for the Spira Racing mini-stock program where Shaw crew member Dave Hagedorn piloted the #88 Spira Fire Protection Ford Mustang. Dave qualified well and put the car into the 30 car feature  to start 13th. Dave (Hags) was able to finesse the #88 throughout the 25 lap feature and into a 7th place finish. Dave, and car owner Ken Spira will be sharing the driving responsibilities throughout the season as time permits with their commitments to the Shaw Motorsports Team who congratulate the Spira Racing Team on a job well done and for the added entertainment they provide at the speedway.
 
From Shaw Motorsports // Photos courtesy of Dave Franks Photos

AIM Autosport - Grand Am Race Report -VIR

Alton, VA - April 27, 2008: The day started with wet conditions but both Mark and Brian felt the car was strong on the rains and they would end the session P2. There was a chance of rain for race time so the drivers of the Exchange Traded Gold #61 Ford Riley were confident they had the car to run in any condition today.

The track was dry by race time with overcast skies. Brian would take the green and settle into third place and a lead group of three started to pull away from the field. Brian was within striking distance of the leader.

A full course caution on lap eight had the team call Brian in for a timed fuel stop on lap eleven. The #61 would exit the pits P8 and by lap  fifteen, was back up to P4. Brian sat in a group of DP cars caught in slower traffic presenting few opportunities to pass but he was running faster times than the DP cars ahead. Brian was sitting P2 when another full course caution came out. The team pitted for tires, fuel and a driver change.

To this point in the race, Brian had the fastest lap.

With Mark at the controls, the #61 came out P6 in good position and ahead of some of the main series rivals. He was closing on the cars in front and set a fast lap of 1:15:501 on lap 36. Mark kept a consistent pace and moved to P3 through traffic and eventually P2. Pit strategies played into the hands of the #61 and Mark would go P1 before coming in for a splash-and-dash to get them to the end of the race.

Back on track P4, Mark then encountered a back marker. Coming up on some GT traffic, and under braking, Mark hit the rear of the back marker and officials called in a stop and go penalty for the contact. Unfortunately it would turn into a drive through and a stop-and-go when there was some miscommunication about where Mark should stop to serve the penalty. He would re-enter the track P7.

The day�s third full course caution bunched up the field but there would be lapped cars and GT traffic to deal with on the restart. Mark would make it up to P6 but was running out of laps. He would continue to make his way through traffic and close the gap to the car ahead.

In the end, the AIM Autosport Exchange Traded Gold #61 Ford Riley would cross the checkers P6.

After the stop-and-go I got a bit frustrated commented Mark. It was pretty annoying to be blocked by lapped traffic, hitting me through the turns. The penalty hurt us in that regard. He continued to say :The car was great though. A bit loose and hard to handle at the end, but we are happy to bring the car home for some much needed points.

Brian Frisselle commented, "The Ford Riley was very fast again and both Mark and I turned some very quick laps. But sometimes traffic, especially lapped, cars can be tough to deal with and we got caught in a situation that cost us some track positions. We are on the edge of getting a good result. It is just a matter of time."

AIM Autosport principal Ian Willis summed up the days results. Even though it was our second highest series finish the whole team is diasappointed with the end result. Everybody on the team did a fabulous job and we know that a podium is in our future......we just can't wait.

The team has a couple of weeks to regroup before heading to the next round of the Rolex Grand Am Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California May 16-18

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.

From Chris Jameson // Level Ten Communications

Delaware Speedway: Geared up for the 2008 regular season

DELAWARE, ON - Delaware Speedway is geared up for opening night this Friday evening! The line-up for the evening features the three fastest Delaware divisions: the Peterbilt of Ontario Super Stocks, POWERADE Open-Wheel Modifieds and APC Late Models and is held in support of Jesse's Journey.

As part of the larger Jesse’s Journey Walk Across Canada in a Day campaign, by making a minimum donation of $5 fans and competitors will have to opportunity to walk the 1/2 mile track before the event to add to walking totals from around the region. The fundraiser will take place beginning at 7:00 PM. For more information on that program can be found at www.delawarespeedway.com.

The Peterbilt of Ontario Super Stocks boast a great lineup of drivers for the 2008 season with over twenty-two pre-registered. Windsor’s Ray Morneau (#98) is set to defend his championship against a field of experienced drivers and a handful of new challengers. In a Super Stock coming of age story, the pair of Krown JRL graduates Andrew Perkins and Darrell Lake feel they are in a position to compete strongly in 2008.

“Darrell and I have learned a lot these past four years,” said Perkins in a practice day interview. “We’re ready to go up and try to compete for a championship.”

Perkins faced a tough run by the end of last year after a rivalry developed between his #3 and Jeremiah Rabideau (#51) of Glencoe. A series of incidents cost both drivers positions and points.
Additionally, Matt Humphrys (#04) of St. Marys will be joining the class, moving up from Challenger Motor Freight Trucks. The division will also see the entry of Kris Lawrence taking reigns his father’s #28 Pontiac Ventura. Duane Manning of Komoka had previously been keeping the seat warm for Kris after the passing of Dave Lawrence at home in 2006 season. Kris has previously competed successfully in the speedway’s Krown JRL, where his brother Jordan will be racing in the senior division for he first time this year.

The POWERADE Open Wheel Modifieds will be as exiting as ever in 2008. The last season saw plenty of bumper-to-bumper, sidebar to sidebar action in this class of speed machines. The past three seasons have seen three different champions with Jamie Cox (#3) of Dorchester, Barry Newman (#1) of Springfield, and Mark Watson (#20) of Ailsa Craig. With hot shoes like Paul Shipway (#88) of Ailsa Crag and David McCullough (#39) of Glencoe gaining more and more experience, the division is expected to be as fiercely competitive this season as it was last season.

The APC Late Models are also expected to be wildly exciting this season. Jesse Kennedy will be defending his championship and special event wins at the PartSource 140 and APC 300. Scott Lindsay is widely expected to be a contender in 2008 along with the likes of “Rocket” Ron Sheridan (#52) of Strathroy and Dion Verhoeven (#77) of Kerwood.

Anticipation is high with the return of Delaware racing legend Steve Robblee (#28) of Dorchester. The Windsor area will be well represented this season with the addition of Duke Sawchuck to the Dan Delisile team of racing. Doug Stewart will be joining the fray with his #2 late model, and Chad Rijnen will be making the jump to Late Model from Super Stock, driving the #33 JR Motorsports entry.

Team APC / CANUSA will be represented by Jamie Ramsay (#42) of St. Thomas. As well, Brandon Watson, a young-gun from the Barrie area is rumoured to be trying his hand at the Delaware oval on opening night. Also returning to competition in 2008 will be Al Lebert of Stoney Point in a new-style late model and Rick Emery of Ruscom.

Numerous contingency sponsors are also announcing their intentions to be apart of the Delaware Program. Five Star Race Car bodies will be providing a body package for the year end banquet and the APC 300. Other top equipment manufacturers such as Holly Carburetors, Edelbrock, Brodix Cylinder Heads, and MSD Ignition will be providing prizing for the competitors at the end of the year. Locally, McColl Racing Enterprises, Larry Knott Fibreglass Fabrication, Leaf Racewear, John Saunders Racing, APC / CANUSA and Exeter Toyota are all an important part of the program in 2008. Further details on these programs will be announced in the near future.

The gates will fly open at 6:00 PM on Friday with the racing beginning at 8:00 PM. You won’t see racing this intense on television, don’t miss a lap!

From John Houghton // Announcer / PR // Delaware Speedway

Dickies Expands RCR partnership to include associate sponsorship of the No. 29 NASCAR Cup Series team

WELCOME, N. C. (April 18, 2008) -- Dickies®, the leading global workwear brand, and Richard Childress Racing (RCR), are expanding their partnership to include an associate sponsorship position on the No. 29 Shell-Pennzoil team with driver Kevin Harvick in the NASCAR Cup Series.
 
Dickies and RCR began their partnership in 2006 as the official provider of work apparel for RCR. The opportunity to increase their involvement into team partnership with RCR was the next logical step in a successful relationship.
 
"Dickies has been part of the NASCAR family since 2001. The company's sponsorship of the Dickies 500 at Texas Motor Speedway is an important part of our marketing efforts and a perfect fit with the Dickies brand, said Jon Ragsdale, vice president of marketing and  Business Development for Dickies. "This year we are expanding our NASCAR portfolio by becoming an associate sponsor on the No. 29 car driven by Kevin Harvick. Harvick and team owner Richard Childress are perfect embodiments of the hard-working men and women that wear Dickies products and we look forward to seeing Dickies in victory lane."
 
Harvick is currently fifth in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series point standings with two top-five and four top-10 finishes in the season's first eight races. Dickies will use Harvick in local promotions, store visits, midway track displays and hospitality programs.
 
"Dickies has been a great partner of RCR the past couple of years so we're very happy to have them expand their program to the No. 29 Cup Series team," said Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing. "The entire RCR team is proud to wear Dickies durable workwear in the shop and at the track so we couldn't be more excited about moving to the next step and proudly display the Dickies logo on the No. 29 car with Kevin Harvick."
 
About Dickies: Since its beginnings in Fort Worth, Texas in 1922, the Williamson-Dickie Manufacturing Company has grown from a humble manufacturer of bib overalls into a global brand powerhouse, with DICKIES work pants, shirts, denim, outerwear, school uniforms, outdoor gear, medical and chefs apparel and an extensive licensing program offering sturdy head-to-toe clothing options for hardworking men and women of all ages, professions, regions and interests. Williamson-Dickie operates through subsidiaries in North America, Canada and Europe as well as exclusive distributorship around the world.
 
About Richard Childress Racing: Richard Childress Racing ( www.rcrracing.com) has earned more than 180 victories and 11 NASCAR championships, including the 2007 NASCAR Nationwide Series owners' point title and six in the Cup Series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt. RCR was the first organization to win championships in the Cup Series, Nationwide Series and Truck Series. Its 2008 Cup Series lineup includes Clint Bowyer (No. 07 Jack Daniel's), Kevin Harvick (No. 29 Shell-Pennzoil) and Jeff Burton (No. 31 AT&T). Its 2008 Nationwide Series lineup includes Clint Bowyer (No. 2 BB&T), Bobby Labonte and Stephen Leicht (No. 21 Chevrolet) and Burton and Scott Wimmer (No. 29 Holiday Inn/Holiday Inn Express).
 
From David Hart // Director of Communications // Richard Childress Racing

Targa NF President’s Challenge turns up the heat on carmaker competition

ST. JOHN’S (April 15, 2008) – The President’s Challenge for Manufacturers, a new competition that pits automakers in a week-long, head-to-head contest for corporate bragging rights in Canada’s longest and toughest motorsport event, will be a feature of the 7th annual Targa Newfoundland, event organizers have announced.

The new competition creates a level playing field so that manufacturers’ entries in both the Grand Touring and Targa competition can compete for the President’s Cup, a prestigious award signifying overall achievement in design, performance, durability and competitive spirit.

The challenge of Targa has drawn some of the world’s great car companies to the annual international rally through central and eastern Newfoundland. Since the event’s inception in 2002, corporate titans like BMW, Chrysler, Hyundai, Infiniti, Kia, Lexus, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Porsche and Subaru have supported entries in the grueling six-day contest.

“We have had outstanding support from the community of car manufacturers in Canada,” says Targa organizer Robert Giannou. “Each has come here for their own reasons, and each has thrilled and entertained the many thousands of fans that follow the event here, across Canada and all over the world. We are indebted to each and every one for their contribution to the event.”

While the carmakers have frequently won class and category honours and filled their trophy cases with awards, there has never been an opportunity to compete directly with each other on a level playing field, Giannou says.

“In their business, auto manufacturers must succeed in the face of ferocious competition unlike nearly any other industry. Indeed, they thrive on competition and they have demonstrated that at Targa in their individual classes. But they have never been able to compete against each other in a meaningful way that acknowledges the differences in their products. The President’s Challenge for Manufacturers creates that opportunity,” Giannou explains.

For 2008, manufacturers entering two or more cars are automatically entered in the President’s Challenge. Manufacturer-entered competitors in Grand Touring Equipped, Grand Touring Unequipped, Modern Standard Specification, Modern Modified Specification, Modern Hybrid and Open are eligible. Both entries do not have to be in the same category: For example, one could be in Modern SS and one in GT Equipped, giving companies the option of picking the challenge that best suits their products and marketing goals.

Entries are scored on their finish within their category at the end of the event, with points allocated on the basis of their finishing position: First in category is one point, second is two points and so on. The combined score of the two entries (or the two best entries in the case of a company with three or more entries) will be compared, with the lowest aggregate score winning. A simple mechanism will be in place to settle a tie.

“We have searched for a way to create a competition that acknowledges and respects the differences in design and sporting character of a wide range of vehicles, and of the marketing efforts of the companies that make them. This competition accepts the legitimate differences between unlimited performance potential of a car in the Open division and the sporting nature of a car best suited to the Grand Touring competition, and puts them in a competition that lets each excel at what they do best,” says Giannou.

The beauty of the formula, Giannou says, is that it doesn’t give an advantage to any one category within the event. “We expect the competition to be very, very close,” he says.

The 7th annual Targa Newfoundland will start and end in St. John’s and will cover more than 2,000 kilometres of the challenging, twisty roads of the central and eastern portion of the island of Newfoundland over six days, including up to 400 kilometres of closed-road, flat-out Targa Stages. The event starts with registration and technical inspection in St. John’s on Saturday, September 13, and concludes back in the city on Friday, September 19, 2008.

Competitors have come from the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, Holland, the Bahamas and the U.K. for the first six editions of Targa Newfoundland. Entries continue to arrive daily for the 2008 event. Targa Newfoundland is owned and organized by Newfoundland International Motorsports.

-30-

Information:

Media: Doug Mepham (613)966-4969
Sponsors: Scott Giannou (709) 576-7537
Competitors: Dave Harty (709) 722-2413
Targa Website: www.targanewfoundland.com
Official charity: Easter Seals Newfoundland and Labrador www.easterseals.nf.ca

Dave Harty
Registrar/Marketing
Targa Newfoundland
September 13th-20th, 2008
Ph (709) 722-2413
Toll Free: 1-877-332-2413
Email: daveh@targanewfoundland.com
www.targanewfoundland.com

Edelweiss Speedway season preview

GATINEAU, QC - by Martin Bélanger - The car show and press conference announcing the major events of 2008 was done this past Saturday in the parking lot of the Vieux-Duluth in Gatineau. Many cars along with several fans were present for the first activity of the season for Edelweiss.

The speedway always had the support of the drivers and also a good fan base. To recognize that, Edelweiss decided to give back to the community by getting involved with two foundations which are the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Canadian Cancer Society. Each foundation will have a fundraiser night at the speedway.

On Friday, July 4th, it will be the Heart and Stroke Foundation night with the presentation of the first edition of the ``Simone 50``, fifty laps for the modifieds which will also be a Syracuse qualifier. The event was name after the loss of Simone Belhau, who died from a heart disease last summer. Simone was Serge Lagace's wife.

The Canadian Cancer Society will have their night on Friday, August 15 with the feature race of 50 laps for Pro-Stock. This race will be named the ``Carole Legault 50`` in honour of Carole Legault, the wife of pro-stock driver Denis Gauvreau. Carole passed away in 2005 after a long battle against cancer.

Each night will have a fundraiser to help out both foundations. The money will be collected in many ways, with the help of JGV Design who will provide stickers in hearts for the heart foundations and ribbons for cancer, the drivers will be invited to participate. Drivers will sell to the fans these stickers and the racecar that will sell the most will receive a gift certificate of $150 from Vieux-Duluth for the heart foundation. We are still looking for a restaurant for the cancer.

Also on these fundraiser nights, the fans will also be able to buy stickers and put them on the car they think will be the feature winner. Everyone that will choose the winner will get a coupon good for a free hot-dog and a soft drink for another race program.

In addition, 1 dollar of each entry on the fundraiser night will go to the foundation. The Speedway is committed to equal each entry for the two events. It will be a total of 2$ for each fan that will go to the foundation.

Along with these two fundraiser nights, many other big events are planned throughout the year. The always spectacular Empire Super Sprints will make three stops this year on July 18, August 15 and September 19. These cars can reach speeds up to 170 km/h and are always popular at Edelweiss.

The Lucas Oil Canadian DIRT Challenge is returning again this year after a successful race last year when 38 cars showed for the 100 lap event. Beside the ``Simone 50``, the modified will start the season with a 50 lap feature event that will also be a Syracuse Qualifier.

In Pro-Stock, there will 2 events to watch, the ``Carole Legault 50`` which will also be a Mohawk Race Parts event and the MrDIRTcar Pro-Stock series that will stop at the track on Friday, September 5th. The winner of this 100 lapper will receive a cool $1500 for his win.

The Semi-Pro class will have again this year the Street Stock Challenge on Friday July 4th, last summer, this race had attracted many outsiders. This class will close the year in fashion with a $600 to win 50 laps feature race on Friday, September 19. Many drivers are expected.

With the help of several sponsors a new bonus program will start this season. Coffrage 20-20 will sponsor the hard-charger prize in the modifieds, the driver that make the most passes through a feature will get a $100 bonus at the end of the night. At the end of the year the driver that will have accumulated the most passes will get an extra 750$.

Each class will also have the halfway bonus award. In the modifieds, Total Race Supply will give a gift certificate of 50$, Micheline Richard of Royal Lepage Group will donate 50$ in the Pro-Stocks, Dépanneur Tassé 307 will present a gift certificate of 20$ value in the the Semi-Pro class. DLP Motorsports is offering a 25$ gift certificate in the Mod-Lite category and Quickie convenience stores will provide a 20$ certificate in the 4 cylinders class.

Mr.Gas is also involved with the hard-charger award in both the Semi-Pro and 4 cylinders, the 20$ gift certificate will alternate between the two classes. Kenyon Racing will sponsor the hard-luck award by giving a 50$ gift certificate to driver who had bad luck. It is a total of over $5,200 in prize and money that the drivers will receive this year.

A new category is starting this year; the Mod-Lite class will begin. These small cars who are run by 600cc and 1000cc motorcycles engines can reach incredible speeds. Dean Pronovost, the instigator of the project, believes that the Outaouais Region is a great spot for this class.

Already nearly 10 cars are projected to start the year. If you want to have a preview of this class, the speedway will have a 2-day practice session next week-end on Saturday, May 3rd and Sunday, May 4th. Some drivers from the Toronto area will be present to help out the new drivers.

With only 3 weeks left before the start of the new season, we are expecting a lot of action in 2008 at Edelweiss. With the Mod-Lite practices during next week-end, the other classes will have their own session on Saturday, May 10th and the season will officially start on Friday May 16th with the presentation of a 50 lap feature race plus a Syracuse Qualifier for the modifieds on Dupont and Dupont night. Be there!

TOYO TIRE CANADA INC. extends sponsorship agreement for Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship

TORONTO, ON – April 28, 2008 – Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship officials announced today TOYO TIRES has extended its commitment as the presenting sponsor of the Championship.

“I am very pleased to announce the extension our TOYO partnership today,” said Touring Car President John Bondar. “As we continue to grow the Championship into the premiere racing series in the country, we are looking for partners that believe in our product and want to help us grow it. TOYO is one of those companies and we’re thrilled they are on board,” he added.

As an integral part of the sponsorship, Touring Car competitors will be using TOYO’s next generation of competition radial, the new TOYO PROXES R888, exclusively for the entire season.

The PROXES R888’s unique compound was designed using the latest TOYO RACING Technology that will enable racers to compete with maximum performance. It has improved cornering grip from its stiffer bead construction, and semi-slick shoulder area, as well as better braking response from its continuous centre contact.

It also has a durable, special tread rubber compound that maintains optimum temperatures for maximum handling capabilities, even during extended periods of competition. For the benefit of the competitors Toyo has set up a significant purchase discount and cash-back program for all competitors.

“TOYO’s affiliation with Canadian touring car racing goes back six years and over that time we have always been impressed with the continuous improvement in the caliber of both the competitors and the events themselves,” said Bruce Bridgman, National Manager, Marketing & Strategic Planning, Toyo Tire Canada Inc. He added, “At TOYO we are extremely excited to be part of this Championship and that the PROXES R888 has been selected for use by all competitors.”

About the Canadian Touring Car Championship - Boasting Canada’s best drivers in today’s hottest touring cars the Canadian Touring Car Championship consists of two classes of competition, over eight weekends, with races held in Quebec and Ontario.

From the Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship

Win a Have Bus Will Travel NASCAR adventure at Kawartha Speedway

FRASERVILLE, ON - The 2008 racing season at Kawartha Speedway kicks-off Friday, May 30th and just being there to watch the opening night green flag fall could see you checking-out the NASCAR Canada Day at Michigan International Speedway, August 15th to 17th.

Again this year, Kawartha has teamed-up with Have Bus Will Travel to award a deluxe package worth $600.00 to MIS for the 3M Performance 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup race and the Carfax 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series event.  The winner's package also includes Have Bus Will Travel's unique brand of 'transportainment' - with 2 nights' accommodation, breakfast, a pit road pass and access to the NASCAR Canada hospitality tent at MIS. 

To enter, just fill-out a ballot at the Have Bus Will Travel display at Kawartha's season opener - Friday, May 30th.  You'll see a great show on the track, with Late Models, Limited Lates, Thunder Cars and Mini Stock racing...plus OSCAAR Outlaw Super Late Models on the track - and you could be on your way to NASCAR Canada Day at Michigan International Speedway, August 15th to 17th.

To wrap-up the 2008 season, Kawartha Speedway will again host the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series finale – the Dodge Charger 250.  Have Bus Will Travel will be back at the track and will hold a draw to award a NASCAR race tour gift certificate worth $625.00 for a trip to the Sprint Cup/Nationwide Cup event of the winner's choice.

For details on the complete Kawartha Speedway schedule, including the ACT Summer Sizzler 200 - Sunday, July 13th visit www.kawarthaspeedway.com. Learn more about NASCAR race tours with Have Bus Will Travel by clicking on www.havebus.com .

By Jim Clarke, Kawartha Speedway PR

Canadian Kyle Marcelli shows speed in F2000 debut

BARRIE, ON (April 22nd) – Marcelli, a rookie in the Pro 2-Litre Championship leaves the first weekend of the ultra competitive Series at Virginia International Raceway with a pair of top five finishes. The first weekend of 2008 is in the books for race car driver Kyle Marcelli. Having never stepped into the car before the weekend Marcelli arrived at Virginia International Raceway Monday afternoon in preparation for the first round of the 2008 Pro Formula 2000 Championship Series. Taking the next step in Marcelli's dominant career thus far, the Brian Graham Racing prepared Zetec and Marcelli took to the track Tuesday the 15th to shake down the car and clean the dust off the driving shoes, "it was a learning day for us, a chance to learn the car, the track and the new series tires," said Marcelli.

Upon the completion of Tuesday's shake down we had Wednesday to prep the car before the first official test day on Thursday. Thursday proved to be a difficult day for the team as they suffered electrical problems all day. However, Marcelli was able to make it out for the last session to get some valuable seat time. "Unfortunately we lost the entire day to try set up changes to the car, but it was good to make it out for the last session to give Kyle a chance to learn the track and the new car," said team owner Brian Graham.

Friday witnessed two official 25 minute sessions, the team used this time to make the set-up changes to the car that they were hoping to try on Thursday. Saturday morning qualifying vastly approached. It proved to be lap record setting with warm conditions, good rubber laid down and minimal wind. With over 40 cars on track it was crucial to put together a good lap in qualifying without traffic.

"It's important to start at the front for the race, especially here at V.I.R as it is a tough track to pass on. If you're able to get a clean lap in qualifying then you should be in good shape, if you can get a clean lap with a draft you will be in even better shape. I was able to get a clean lap in passing only one car into the climbing S's, I crossed the stripe with a 1.55.9 almost 2 full seconds faster than last year's pole time but that only put me 7th on the grid, unable to get in another clear lap we were forced to save tires for the race," said Marcelli.

The green flag dropped for the start of round one in the F2000 championship series, with a big accident in corner one a full course yellow quickly came out. Two laps later the field went green and Marcelli quickly moved up multiple spots to settle into 4th. With four cars battling for 3rd place it allowed 1st and 2nd to get a gap. Going back and forth lap to lap Marcelli crossed the stripe 5th for round one of the championship.

Sunday mornings qualifying witnessed similar conditions, with Marcelli bettering his time crossing the line with a 1.55.8 which earned him a 5th place starting spot for the feature, it just goes to show how tight the field is. With 40 plus cars roaring across the stripe to take the green flag at the famed circuit Marcelli again saw himself in a race long battle for third place. With a four car train fighting it out all race long Marcelli crossed the stripe nose to tail taking another well earned top five finish.

"Obviously you're always going for a win, but we had to look at the big picture here. It's a long season ahead of us with twelve races to go in the championship, two top fives is a good start to the season now we just have to go for the wins," said Marcelli.

After the first weekend of competition Marcelli and the Brian Graham racing team leave Virginia International Raceway sitting 4th in the overall championship and 2nd in the team championship.
The next round is in Brasselton, Georgia at Road Atlanta where they will be seeking a win.

For more information visit www.kylemarcelli.com