MOSPORT: Historic Can-Am to headline Vintage Racing Festival this weekend

(BOWMANVILLE, ON – June 19, 2008)  The powerful sports cars of Historic Can-Am are set to return to Mosport’s famed 4 kilometre road course to headline a busy weekend of competition at the 29th International Vintage Racing Festival (June 20-22).

Organized by the Vintage Automobile Racing Association of Canada (VARAC), this year’s festival will highlight the historic period of Can-Am racing which took place from 1966 to 1974. In eight short years Can-Am provided exciting racing with huge ground-pounding machines capable of unleashing over 1100 horsepower.

The series attracted many of the best drivers of the era including John Surtees, Jackie Stewart, Denny Hulme, Bruce McLaren and Mark Donahue among others. Mosport hosted a Can-Am race every year during the 1966-74 period (except for 1968), and the events quickly became among the most anticipated on the season schedule.

In addition to the high-horsepower Can-Am feature race, other classes of vintage racers will include a special 50th anniversary race for Austin Healey Sprites, a German challenge race and an all-MG race for the Simms Cup. A special classic car show takes place on the infield on Sunday with parade laps around the track, and a collection of Lola race cars to will also be on-site to celebrate the company’s 50th anniversary.

Canadian driver Nat Adams who drove Chinook Can-Am cars will be on hand along with a Chinook racer brought in from England for the event. Toronto-based Chinook builders George and Rudy Fejer are also expected to attend.

In all, more than 200 cars driven by competitors from North America and Europe will compete across the various classes this weekend.

For more information or to order tickets go to www.mosport.com or call 1-800-866-1072.

Media contact:
Lee Bailie, 1-800-866-1072, ext. 306, (905) 261-8134 (cell.) or lee@mosport.com

-30-

Photos by: Bob Harrington

Photo information- 1968 McLaren M6B, 1969 Lola T70 (front) 

2008 Kumho Super Challenge... July 26-27 in Pitt Meadows, BC

VCMC Motorsport Club, in partnership with Kumho Tires Canada, is once again proud to host the Kumho Super Challenge on the weekend of July 26-27 in beautiful Pitt Meadows, British Columbia. The Kumho Super Challenge is a highly anticipated event, drawing top-notch drivers for some of the most intense competition of the season. This is the must attend autocross event of the year!

Visit http://www.kumhosuperchallenge.com for more information.

From Carol Wong // 2008 Kumho Super Challenge Vice-Chair Competition

PAUL TRACY THE TRUCK DRIVER?

LAS VEGAS, NV (June 20, 2008) – Rationale would tell you that 2003 Champ Car Champion Paul Tracy would be turning laps in the newly unified IndyCar Series.  However, those who know PT know that he is not always a rational guy.  Tracy is a guy who wants to win and a guy who races with passion beyond comprehension.  He is a guy who will fit beautifully into NASCAR’s Craftsman Truck Series.
 
Imagine a green, white, checker finish and coming to the checkered flag are Todd Bodine, Ron Hornaday, Mike Skinner and Paul Tracy.  I think we all can agree that it would most likely get very interesting.  This is where Tracy belongs.  He fits in perfectly.  
 
While he was the Champ Car leader in wins with 31, Tracy has an incredible respect for NASCAR drivers and he looks forward to racing with them when his opportunity rolls around in the fall.  This opportunity will find him in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series where he will be behind the wheel of the #03 Germain Racing Toyota Tundra when the series visits Las Vegas on September 20th.   

Paul Tracy is a racer pure and simple.  Some would think that he is sitting around missing driving open-wheel cars, but they would be wrong.  When Forsythe Racing abruptly chose to pass on the opportunity to join the IndyCar Series when the merger was completed in March, Tracy took the news in stride and began to focus on himself and his family.  He also continued his rigorous physical training regimen, but picked it up a notch.  This is not a guy who sits around.  
 
On May 28th, Tracy took to the track at Chicagoland Speedway for a Toyota engine test that found him clocking lap times close to those of Germain Racing teammate Todd Bodine.  Tracy has a great respect for Bodine and enjoyed the opportunity to provide him with an extra half-day of rest when Tracy took the wheel after lunch and allowed Bodine to get home before leaving the next day for Dover.
 
While some would question Tracy’s move to trucks from open-wheel cars, the reality is that Tracy is one of the most versatile race car drivers in the world.  He has raced virtually everything that moves and he learns quickly.  Versatility is a trademark of PT, as he has raced open-wheel cars, Grand-Am cars, NASCAR, and off-road trucks, all in the last two years.  
 
Tracy is certainly one of the most talented, colorful drivers in the world and he looks forward to taking part in some of the most exciting racing in the world.  
 
“I watch the Truck Series races and think to myself that this is some of the most exciting racing that I watch and I want to be a part of it,” Tracy said.  “I can’t thank Bob Germain, Todd Bodine and Toyota enough for allowing me this opportunity to be a part of what they’ve built.  I’ll do whatever I can to help them win the championship and that’s all I’m really after.  Whether it’s testing or running a race I don’t really care because it’s exciting just to be a part of a championship team and contribute in some capacity.”  
 
Tracy continued, “If you look at my racing career I’ve always been a very loyal guy, so it’s been nice to have loyal personal sponsors in Monster Energy Drink and Claus Ettensberger Corporation.  I’m looking forward to representing them in a new venue and hoping to get them additional exposure as well.”  
 
Tracy will be at home when the green flag waves under the lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Saturday night, September 20th. The open-wheel star resides just 20-minutes from the 1.5-mile D-shaped oval.    
 
For more information about Paul Tracy, please visit www.paultracy.com  // For more information about Germain Racing, please visit www.germainracing.com 

From Doug Barnette  // Player Management International, Inc.

OHSWEKEN: Weather Postpones World of Outlaws Late Model Series at Ohsweken to Friday

Weather Postpones World of Outlaws Late Model Series at Ohsweken to Friday

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

by Tommy Goudge (June 19, 2008) -

43 World of Outlaws Late Models and 34 Corr/Pak Merchandising Sprint Cars signed in for competition on Thursday night at Ohsweken Speedway, but the weather would not co-operate as persistent rain showers moved through the area, forcing cancellation of the evening's events.  The inaugural "Six Nations 50" for the World of Outlaws Late Model series has been rescheduled for Friday, June 20, and joins an already action-packed night of Friday Night Thunder events that will also include the Empire Super Sprints tour, and Ohsweken's ESSO Thunder Stocks, ESSO Mini Stocks, and Friday Night Fun Stocks.

Reserved seat tickets for Thursday night's event will be honoured on Friday, June 20.  Bring your Thursday night ticket stub on Friday night as this is your rain check.  Rain checks from the cancelled Friday, June 13 event will be honoured as well, and are good for $10 off admission on Friday, June 20.  Reserved seat tickets and general admission tickets are still available for purchase on Friday night, June 20.  Reserved seats are $30 for Adults, and $20 for Kids 12 Years of Age and Under.  General admission seating is located in the bottom 6 rows of Sections A, B, C, M, N, and O.  All other rows and sections are reserved seating areas.  General admission tickets are $20 for Adults, and $10 for Kids 12 Years of Age and Under.

Pit gates on Friday, June 20 will open at 2:00p.m., with spectator gates opening at 4:00p.m., Late Model hot laps scheduled for 5:30p.m. followed by Late Model time trials, and racing for all divisions beginning at 7:45p.m.  Ohsweken officials and World of Outlaws officials will work together to run the Late Model portion of the program as early as possible, as the tour is scheduled to be in Dummondville, Quebec on Saturday night.

Located on Chiefswood Road in the village of Ohsweken, Ontario, Ohsweken Speedway offers affordable family entertainment just a short drive away from most Mid-Western Ontario locations. Please visit www.OhswekenSpeedway.com for more information on upcoming events, results archives, and much more!

From Tommy Goudge
Ohsweken Speedway Media
media@ohswekenspeedway.com

TONIGHT: World of Outlaws Late Models at Ohsweken Speedway

Click here to watch a promotional video about tonight's World of Outlaws Late Model Series race at Ohsweken Speedway. If it's anything like the WoO Sprint Car race last summer, it should be great!

From Ohsweken's site: "Hot laps are scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. on June 19, with race time set for 7:45 p.m.General admission to the program, which also includes the track’s regular 360 Sprint Car class, is $20 and $10 for kids 12-and-under. Reserved seats are available for $30 and $20 for kids 12-and-under."

ANOTHER TOP-FIVE FOR COMPASS360 RACING AT MOSPORT

BOWMANVILLE, ON -- Compass360 Racing brought four Acuras to do battle at Mosport. The team's bright orange RSX-S, which was taken out of retirement to stand-in for the new C360R Honda Civic that debuted -- and was destroyed -- at Lime Rock, joined the three matte-black TSXs for an all-out assault on the top spots.

Practice went well until the #75 GoEnzo.com / 034 Motorsport TSX was involved in a massive shunt in corner one. The damage was sufficient to render the car unrepairable, while driver Kevin York was fortunately uninjured.

With Kevin and his co-driver Christian Miller sitting second in the Driver's Championship going into the weekend, Team Owner Karl Thomson elected to have Miller drive in his place in the RSX, alongside hot-shoe Travis Walker.

Three Compass360 cars took to the grid on Saturday, Adam Burrows having qualified the #74 Fischer Skis / Sunday Group TSX in a solid eighth place. Miller put the unfamiliar #76 RSX 23rd and Jeremy Willard started the #73 Pure Hair + Body Care TSX close behind in 26th.
Surprisingly, the field managed to run without a caution period until near the one-hour mark of the two-and-a-half hour race. Pandemonium ensued, with cars pitting out of sequence, even before the pace car had picked up the field. Under Grand-Am rules, the pace car will pick up the leader of the race, after which time the faster class (Grand Sport at Mosport) is allowed to pit, with the slower class (Street Tuner) allowed to pit on the second time by. Apparently, a corner worker outside Grand-Am's control was holding a sign that said "Pits Closed" during the first part of the GS window, which threw everything into disarray.

The end result was that no one received any penalties, and the Compass360 Racing cars, which all pitted on the lap they were supposed to (and would not have incurred penalties) lost significant track position.

Prior to the yellow, the #73 TSX of Willard had been hit by a GS car, which threw Jeremy off-track, damaging a rim. He soldiered on and was able to pit during the yellow flag, handing the car to Kenny Wilden, but down a lap.

The second half of the race was marred by a number of caution periods, which meant that the team's two front-running cars weren't able to move through the field with any momentum. At the checkered flag, Trevor Hopwood in the #74 car was narrowly ahead of Travis Walker in the #76, both holding station to garner valuable points.

"The pit stop situation really screwed us today," fumed Crew Chief Ray Lee. "We had a real shot at second and third place, but that one lap pit difference made sure that didn't happen."
"We should have been a couple of places higher," remarked Walker. "But we had nothing, I mean nothing, for the Cobalts." Agreed Hopwood, "Those turbo-charged and super-charged cars are wicked fast! There's no way we can catch them on the straights."

The team is already building a new Civic to replace the one demolished at Lime Rock, but it won't be ready until the Iowa event in early August. Which means that Christian Miller will take Thomson's seat in the RSX for the Mid-Ohio and Watkins Glen events. "It was a tough decision to sit these races out, as I love Mosport, Mid-O and Waktins, and I've had good results at those tracks," said Thomson. "But Christian's doing well in the points and I think we owe it to him to give him the opportunity to stay up there. The fact that he and Travis finished sixth (the third sixth for Chris in three races) proves that I made the right call."

Kevin York, meanwhile, will run with Marko Radisic in the #75 BMW 330i, which is entered as a C360R car but will be run by Jeffery Bock and his Fountain Motorsports team. "Jeff was the first guy to offer assistance when my Civic was wrecked at Lime Rock," noted Thomson. "It made sense to run a joint effort for Kevin in one of Jeff's BMWs for the next two races, flying our joint colors along with GoEnzo.com."

Compass360 Racing (C360R) is the motorsports division of Compass360 Design + Advertising, a firm offering branding expertise to clients in diverse industries across North America.

For details visit http://www.compass360.com/racing or email karlt at compass360 dot com.- 30 -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

South Buxton Raceway drivers standings as of June 15, 2008

Following are the drivers point standings from South Buxton Raceway, as of June 15, 2008, including driver's name, car number in brackets, hometown and points.

Castrol UMP  Late Models
1.    Dale Glassford (60) Thamesville             373
2.    Brett Reaume (77) Blenheim                  373
3.    Jim Dale Jr. (00) Blenheim                       345
4.    Brad Authier (1A) Chatham                    340
5.    Jim Jones (34) Chatham                           333
6.    Justin Coulter  (RH94) Leamington         317
7.    Joe Field (4) Chatham                                289
8.    Gregg Haskell (RH21) Chatham               272
9.    Don Gordon (33) Chatham                       266
10.   Andrew Reaume (88) Blenheim               252
11.   Mike Lewis (05) Wallaceburg                   233
12.   John Vanderlinden (13X) Chatham         225
13.   Tom Hazlett (44) Blenheim                       210 
14.   Mark Glassford (90) Goderich                  186
15.   Kirk Hooker (38) Chatham                        182
16.   Paul Rivait (11) Tilbury                               172
17.   Tim Mackenzie (81) Chatham                    49

Feature Wins – Field 3; A. Reaume, Chris Ross (18R) 1 each.
Checkered Flags – A. Reaume 5; D. Glassford, Dale Jr. 4 each; Jones, Field 3 each; Authier  2;  Coulter  1.
Heuvelmans/Blenheim Chevrolet Dash For Cash Wins  ‑ A. Reaume 2; Authier, D. Glassford, Dale Jr.  1 each.
Fastest In Time Trials – Authier, Hooker, A. Reaume, D. Glassford, B. Reaume 1 each.
Fastest Qualifying Time – Authier 16.000 seconds (May 10)

Schinkel's Gourmet Meats UMP Modifieds
1.       Curtis Coulter (5) Leamington                       424
2.       Paul DeGoey (1D)  Leamington                    396
3.       Jim Dale Jr. (00) Blenheim                             388
4.       Brian Speelman (22) Wyoming                     380
5.       Abe Unger (46) Leamington                          373
6.       Clayton Smith (55) Woodslee                       365
7.       Mario Toniolo (25M)  Belle River                 327
8.       Dan McIntyre (77) Windsor                           328
9.       Chris Van De Wiele (0) Rutherford               317
10.   Mike Demars (75) LaSalle                              243
11.   C.J. Field (4)  Chatham                                    108

Feature Wins – DeGoey 3; Dale Jr 2.
Checkered Flags – DeGoey 6; Dale Jr. 5; Coulter 3; Van De Wiele 2; Unger,  Smith 1 each.              

Lube Tech Sport Stocks
1.       Todd Wellman (25) Chatham                      275
2.       Eric Vanderiviere (93) Chatham                  241
3.       Steve Shaw (96) Merlin                                232
4.       Louis Clements (3) Chatham                        229
5.       Gerald Martin (43) Essex                              226
6.       Joel Dick (9) Leamington                              225
7.       Rob Young (23) Kingsville                             220
8.       Eren Vanderiviere (29) Merlin                     213
9.       Gary Vyse (99) Wallaceburg                          209
10.   Doris Lajeunesse (38) Essex                          189
11.   Randy McKinlay (14) Chatham                     172
12.   Jamie Parker (98) Windsor                           136
13.   Jim Ellis (32) Leamington                               128
14.   Dave Small (48) Windsor                               116
15.   Ken Morrison (28) Chatham                         101
16.   Bob Chapman (5) Leamington                      94
17.   Chris Sherrah (17S) South Buxton                80                   
18.   Rick Balasin (21) Chatham                             62

Feature Wins – Wellman 3; Shaw, Clements 1 each

Checkered Flags – Wellman 7; Clements 4; Shaw, Vyse, Eren Vanderiviere 2 each; Eric Vanderiviere, Dick, Parker, Martin  1 each

Garage Restaurant Comp 4s
1.   Denis DeSerrano (69) Cottam                    298
2.   Nate McNally (8) Charing Cross                 277
3.   Clinton Van Dyk (44) Blenheim                  266
4.   Rob Quick (18) Cottam                                261   
5.   Shawn Nelson (20) Windsor                       242
6.   Norm DeSerrano (96)  Kingsville                231
7.   Steve Bastien (99) Harrow                          226
8.   Brandon Windsor (70) Leamington           224
9.   Shawn Jones (27) Blenheim                        186
10.  Dan Sheehan (52) Tilbury                            175
11.  Murray Van Hooste (13) Blenheim            173
12.  Jordan Arnel (33) Chatham                         167
13.  Gerry Rivait Jr. (70) Tilbury                          162
14.  Mechell Van Dyk (88) Blenheim                  108
15.  Dan Tiessen (2) Leamington                         92
16.  Kyle Hope (93) Blenheim                              76
17.  Dwain Fox (66) Dresden                               66
18.  Randy Lewis (7) Windsor                              54
19.  Joel Desjardins (23D) Chatham                   54
20.  Shane Dixon (6) Ridgetown                          28
21.  Jerry Ramaut (91) Chatham                         14

Feature Wins – McNally, Quck 2 each; C. Van Dyk 1 each

Checkered Flags – Quick 7; McNally 5; Quick 4; D. DeSerrano, C. Van Dyk, Van Hooste 2 each; Windsor, Fox, Thiesen, Jim Van Dyk (44) 1 each.

Next Race: Saturday, June 21, Country 92.9 FM/630 AM CFCO Night At The Races

From Mike Bennett // South Buxton Raceway

F2000: Double podiums for Marcelli in Watkins Glen

Watkins Glen, NY (June 17th 2008) – Marcelli leaves the fast and unforgiving Watkins Glen International as the only driver to make the podium both days in the ultra competitive Pro F2000 Championship Series.

After battling back from the very difficult weekend in Road Atlanta, Marcelli worked hard in preparation for round 5 and 6 held this past weekend at Watkins Glen International. Having shown the speed necessary thus far in the season, Marcelli again has proven himself to be a championship contender.

Marcelli quickly got up to speed on the Thursday test day posting times consistently in the top 3. Friday approached and the times continued to drop as teams and drivers tuned their set ups. BGR’s Kyle Marcelli didn’t miss a beat continuing to be in the top three of each session.

“Watkins Gen is a beautiful facility; the track is world class as it is very fast but leaves no room for error. I really enjoyed pushing the car to its limits around the 3.5 mile road course, it very flowing and really rewards smooth drivers,” said Marcelli

With rain expected all day Saturday, Thursday and Friday testing looked to be a wash. However, the F2000 Championship Series time slots seemed to have fit great into mother natures schedule as we had a dry track for both qualifying and racing.

Saturday featured Marcelli put his Brian Graham Racing prepared Van Diemen on the front row for the start of round five. As the green flag dropped Marcelli slotted into second place. Marcelli ran a mistake free race crossing the stripe after the 30 min feature race behind the Norwegian driver to finish second.

Sunday proved to be entertaining as Marcelli again put himself on the front row for the start of round six. The outside starting position at Watkins Glen proved to be a difficult position as Marcelli was forced wide by the Anderson Racing duo. Putting the pace down right away Marcelli caught back up to the lead pair before having a full course caution bunch the field back up. Ready for the restart things got messy as the field was five wide into turn one.

As multiple drivers were storming aggressively up the inside, Marcelli was again forced way wide barley missing a multi car pile up in corner one. Getting back on track Marcelli found himself in sixth. Working hard putting down fast laps Marcelli made his way back into the top three. With still three laps to go Marcelli had the pedal to the metal catching the second place car, unfortunately running out of laps Marcelli crossed the stripe taking third place and being the only driver on the podium both days.

“Overall it was a successful weekend for myself and the BGR squad. It was great to be the only driver on the podium both races earning good points for the overall championship. I’m really looking forward to Mid Ohio, In the meantime we will continue to work hard and prepare to go for the win at the next round.” Says Marcelli

The next round in the Pro F2000 Championship Series is in about three weeks time at the Mid – Ohio sports car course.

Marcelli would like to thank his sponsors Dan Chobotiuk at Sunlife Financial, Lafarge, Barrie Trim and Mouldings, GP Masonry and Landscaping Supplies, Trudel Roofing, PFAFF, Alpinestars, The Robert Simpson Brewery, Brown Windows, MG Homes, Mullins Pub, MMG Trading, Simcoe Building Center and Stif Creative Works

From www.kylemarcelli.com

Pete Shepherd Update... two Canadian races upcoming

Pete Shepherd will be driving Bryan Cathcart's ACT-style Late Model this Friday night in the 100-lap special at Kawartha Speedway. The following weekend (Sunday, June 29), at Cayuga Motor Speedway, the Brampton, ON racer will take part in the ARCA RE/MAX Series race in a Roush-powered, Roulo Brothers-owned Ford.

It will be nice to see Petey back in action... and isn't Bryan Cathcart about the nicest guy in racing?!

Paul Tracy to appear on NASCAR Now

(Editor's note: Sounds like PT has something in the works... I hope so. This is a NASCAR show, so I expect his chat to be stock car related. A few days ago, however, a little bird told me that Tracy is looking for money to race in the IndyCar event in Edmonton, in a Derrick Walker-owned car. Either way, it would be good to see him back racing something.)

 

 PAUL TRACY TO APPEAR ON NASCAR NOW

Las Vegas, NV (June 18, 2008) – With the racing season in full swing, Paul Tracy has decided that it is his turn to jump on board.  The 2003 Champ Car champion has been idle since Forsythe Racing made the decision to forego the opportunity to join the Indy Racing League.  
 
Since the month of March, when Tracy was rendered rideless for the first time since his pre-school days, he has been relaxing with his family and taking advantage of different testing opportunities that have been presented to him.  
 
On Thursday evening, Tracy will be appearing live on ESPN’s NASCAR Now to talk about life, racing and his future plans.  If you know PT at all you know that he has a plan, and it is more than likely a great one.  
 
He has spent the last few months testing everything from trucks in a desert to trucks at Chicagoland Speedway.  Now he is getting serious and beginning to focus on his racing future.  
 
Tracy, who is referred to as one of the most colorful racers in the world, has also spent the last few months executing a physical training program that could whip the military into shape.  He is nothing if not focused, and 2008 could be the year that his racing career heads in a different direction and has him competing for a championship in a new venue.  
 
For more information about Paul Tracy, please visit www.paultracy.com
 

From Doug Barnette  // Player Management International, Inc.

ARCA: Another Great Run for Ryan Fischer Marred By Clutch Failure

Another Great Run for Ryan Fischer Marred By Clutch Failure

BROOKLYN, Michigan (June 18, 2008) – Venturini Motorsports along with rookie driver Ryan Fischer were excited about returning to high speed racing action in the Irish Hills of Michigan International Speedway (MIS) this past weekend.

Although MIS was a track Fischer had seen no racing action, the team was well prepared. Fischer was heading into the race with high hopes after earning his career best finishes two races in a row at the high-speed tracks of Kansas Speedway and Kentucky Speedway respectively.

Fischer started the event strong, racing his way through the top-10 until the clutch on his car gave way midway through the event leaving him with a car that could no longer outperform the competition.

The Venturini Motorsports Chevrolet team arrived at the track Wednesday afternoon to prepare for the upcoming event by unloading the team’s transporter and taking the car through technical inspection.

Fischer found himself being one of the first cars out to begin practice the following day, trying to garner as much seat time as possible during the short practice session. The team found themselves sending Fischer back on the track several times throughout the two-hour session. They made several changes, and got the car dialed in to Fischer’s liking.

The team laid down a fast lap of 40.359 Secs at 178.399 MPH during their practice runs. Fischer would later qualify the No. 25 Happy Father’s Day, Venturini Motorsports Chevrolet in the 10^th position.

The ARCA RE/MAX Series found there scheduled race date of Friday being interfered by a horrible weather system rolling through the area and were forced to postpone the race to Saturday afternoon.

Fischer was set to start the Racing for Wildlife 200 in the 10^th position, and took the green flag, along with 40 other ARCA RE/MAX Series competitors. He quickly found himself taking to his competition, and working his way through the top-10. Fischer was racing hard with his competition, and found himself sitting in the sixth position waiting for his late race charge to the front.

Fischer then reported his clutch going softer and softer throughout the run and a slight vibration in the car. During the next yellow flag, veteran crew chief Billy Venturini brought the No. 25 Happy Father’s Day Venturini Motorsports Chevrolet down pit road, where the team quickly learned of the failing clutch.

With the foul clutch, Fischer found it hard exiting pit road, as well as getting up to speed on the restarts. It was also increasingly difficult to keep up the fast pace of the leaders. But being a team player, Fischer told his team, “We worked our butts off preparing this car, and it was a rocket all day, if it weren’t for this clutch problem, we would be contending for the lead. I am proud of you guys and the work you’ve done; let’s finish this race with a race car in one piece and no DNF’s.”

The No. 25 Happy Father’s Day Venturini Motorsports Chevrolet lost the fast race pace after loosing the clutch but Fischer along with his team did not quit, and brought home their car in one piece, and made sure they did not receive a did not finish (DNF). They ended their hard fought day in the 26^th position.

“We had a superb race car all day long today, and we definitely had something for the leaders. I hate it that our great run was marred by our clutch problem, but I am proud of my team for standing behind me throughout the whole race, and helping us accomplish our goal of no DNF’s. MIS was a fun, fast track, and I learned a lot from racing here. Venturini Motorsports prepared me another stellar car, and it was very fast, with little handling issues. I want to wish father’s everywhere a happy father’s day, and I would like to thank my dad for everything. I would also like to thank my Venturini Motorsports crew, as well as CJM Racing, and all of my fans,” Fischer commented after finishing the Racing for Wildlife 200.

Crew Chief Billy Venturini’s comments following the race, “Ryan had one of the top cars to beat here today and I believe if we didn’t have that clutch issue, we would have been dueling for the lead during the closing laps of this event. I am proud of Ryan for staying calm and racing his heart out every lap, and our crew they worked hard throughout this whole weekend, and did an excellent job on pit road.”

Make sure to catch Ryan Fischer and the No. 25 Venturini Motorsports Chevrolet in two weeks at the Cayuga Motorsports Park, in ARCA’s first trip back to Canada in several years.

From Nic Moncher // PR/Marketing Coordinator // Ryan Fischer Motorsports

Two podiums for TwoFast Racing at Mosport!

Montréal, June 17, 2008 – The TwoFast Racing team got two podium finish at the Mosport Raceway on June 14th and 15th, in the third round of the Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship, hence confirming its position at the head of the Championship.

After the qualifications Saturday morning, Éric Leblanc, driver of the Mazda # 40, started the afternoon race from the third position, behind Anthony and André Rapone, quite an encouraging position. Unfortunately, after only a few laps, Leblanc was forced to abandon the race, since his engine died. “Although we had experienced many difficulties since the beginning of the season, the team was not discouraged by this additional problem. The mechanics worked really hard to fix the car so that I could be back on the starting grid the following day“, explains Leblanc.

Leblanc and TwoFast Racing team’s determination and efforts paid off on the Sunday afternoon. Leblanc made a spectacular recovery from the very last position to the second one. However, a problem with the gear box slowed down his efforts and led him slightly out of the track, which allowed his partner Christian Raymond to pass him and gain a position. Still, Leblanc finished the race in the third position. “I’m a very pleased with my performance. The gear box really caused me difficulties every time I passed the turn number 5. It impaired my concentration and Christian took advantage of a small mistake I eventually made. This season’s beginning has been psychologically tough on the team and I, we needed such a result to stay focused and motivated. I am very confident for the remaining of the season“, confides Leblanc.

As for Christian Raymond, driver of the Mazda car # 04, the qualifications went well, positioning him in the fifth spot for the Saturday race departure. And what race it was : continuously fighting with the two Rapone’s Acura, Raymond lost twice the control of his car in the famous turn number 2 – without hitting anyone – and overtook many cars, including a memorable moment in the turn number 1, where he moved from the third to the first position. “It was a very exciting race Saturday, with a lot of passing. My concentration was excellent and I had to remain quite calm in the turn number 2, where frankly I really did not want to lose the control of my car!”, says Raymond. It’s finally in the second position, behind Réjean Vincent, that Raymond crossed the finish line.

The final race of the week-end gave Raymond the opportunity to consolidate his position at the head of the Championship. Starting from the very first position since the driver Vincent did not compete on the Sunday, Raymond moved to the second position after a few laps and then to the third when his partner Éric Leblanc passed him while he was slightly going out of the raceway. However, a few minutes later, it was Leblanc’s turn to slightly go out of the track and Raymond gained back the second position in front of him, where he finished the competition. “I am pleased by this week-end for two reasons: first, this podium gives me a comfortable length ahead in the Championship, and second, Eric’s results are in line with the incredible efforts of our team. It’s good for our morale!”, states Raymond.

The Twofast Racing team will be dedicating the coming weeks to preparing the July 11-13 competition that is to take place in Mirabel, region where the pilot Christian Raymond was born.

Christian Raymond and Éric Leblanc want to thank their mechanics who again maximized the cars’ performances and fixed an engine in a record time : Yves Bédard, head of the team and chief mechanic, as well as Alexandre Boiteau, Benoît Brazeau, Dominique Brazeau and Mathieu Ouellette. TwoFast Racing also wants to express its gratitude towards its driver, François Ouellette, and its precious sponsors, the Québec Mazda Dealers Association, Rythme Urbain, Rack’N’Roll, Lettrage ProVan, International AllStars and Mazdaspeed.

Visit TwoFast Racing at www.twofast.ca.
Information on the Championship is available at www.touringcar.ca.
Contact : Véronick Raymond Communications – vraymond@sympatico.ca – 514-269-7698

Somebody better tell JR Fitzpatrick....

This might explain it... CP24's ticker writers.... ?

(h/t Mike Galipeau, who saw it on the CASC forums)

OSS: Dave Didero steps down as Marketing Director

The Ontario Sportsman Series' website has the following announcement:

"Didero steps down as Marketing Director
Due to his recent illness and recovery Dave Didero has stepped down as the marketing director for the OSS. "I understand completely - Dave has a long recovery and needs to focus on that." stated series director Dave Connelly. "Fortunately all the leg work has been done this winter and we can thank Dave for the all the support labeled on the front fendors of our cars. I'll be overseeing the marketing for the series over the summer and our new directors will pick up the ball in the fall after the season wraps up."

Best of luck to Dave Didero in his recovery.

OHSWEKEN: First "Camper Special" of 2008 This Week at Ohsweken Speedway

First “Camper Special” of 2008 This Week at Ohsweken Speedway

by Tommy Goudge (June 16, 2008) –

Thursday, June 19, 2008 is a date many race fans in Southern Ontario have had marked on their calendar ever since the 2008 Ohsweken Speedway schedule was released.  The reason of course is the inaugural event at Ohsweken for the World of Outlaws Late Model series as they contest the “Six Nations 50” presented by Arrow Express.  On June 20 - the following night - Friday Night Thunder at Ohsweken will feature the stars of the Empire Super Sprints presented by Gale’s Auto Aftermarket, and fans who attend both events can gain admittance to Friday Night Thunder for just $5 by presenting their Thursday night ticket stubs.  The events create a great “camper special” doubleheader at the Speedway, which has lots of free primitive camping space available adjacent to the track.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series held a race in Canada for the first time last season at Autodrome Dummond in Quebec, but this Thursday’s event will be the tour’s first visit to Ontario.  The event is also the second round of the 7-race “Great Northern Tour” mini-series, which begins at Port Royal Speedway in Central Pennsylvania on Tuesday night.  Heading into the Northern swing, the series points standings feature a tie at the top between 2 drivers from Kentucky - ’07 champ Steve Francis from Ashland, and Darrell Lanigan of Union.  The top 6 drivers in the WoO LM points standings are in fact separated  by just 40 points, with West Virginia’s Josh Richards sitting 3^rd, followed by Chub Frank of Pennsylvania, Illinois driver Shannon Babb who drives for NASCAR driver Clint Bowyer, and Pennsylvania’s Rick Eckert rounding out the top 6.  Many local drivers from the Ontario Dirt Late Model series and South Buxton Raceway Late Model division are expected to challenge the traveling invaders of WoO. Other Late Model drivers from Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York are expected to compete as well, including 2006 World of Outlaws champion Tim McCreadie of Watertown, New York, who now runs a part time dirt track schedule while also competing in stock cars as a development driver for the Richard Childress Racing NASCAR team.  Selected drivers will be available for an autograph session when the gates open at 4:00p.m. on Thursday.

Joining the action in support of the World of Outlaws on Thursday night is Ohsweken’s Corr/Pak Merchandising Winged Sprint Car division, with a full points-paying card of Heat Races, B-Main, and 20 lap A-Feature on tap.  Jared Zimbardi of Salamanca, NY leads the Corr/Pak standings by 19 markers over Alton, Ontario driver Keith Dempster, followed by Kevin Job of Campbellville, current rookie of the year leader Ryan Hunsinger of Brantford, and Fred Cade of Niagara Falls in 5^th, just 31 points back of the lead.  Advanced reserved seat tickets are still available for the “Six Nations 50” by calling 1-888-720-RACE (7223).  Reserved seats are $30, and reserved seats for kids (12 and under) are $20, while General Admission is $20, and general admission for kids (12 and under) is $10.  Please visit www.OhswekenSpeedway.com for more information regarding ticket ordering procedures.

The night after the Outlaws invade Ohsweken, another special event is on tap as the Empire Super Sprints will make their annual June visit to the Speedway.  The New York State-based series first visited Ohsweken in 2003 and has appeared at the Speedway each season since.  Mike Woodring won that first visit on July 25, 2003, with Dan Kaszubinski winning in ’04 and ’05, and Jeff Van Dusen taking feature honours in each of the last 2 seasons.  The tour heads to Ohsweken with Steve Poirier of Saint-Mathieu-de-Beloeil, Quebec leading the points standings on the strength of 2 ESS feature wins already this season, including 1 this past weekend in his home province at Autodrome Granby.  Poirier, a 2-time and defending champion of the Canadian Sprint Car Nationals at Ohsweken, also won the inaugural Southern Ontario Sprints event at Brockville Ontario Speedway in May.  Perennial ESS contender Lance Yonge of Penn Yan, NY trails Poirier by 27 points heading into this Friday’s event, followed by Montrose, NY driver Justin Barger, Alain Bergeron of St. Pie, Quebec, and Michael Parent, another Quebec driver from Granby. 

Leading the ESS Canadian Challenge standings is Bergeron, who won his first ESS feature of the season on Saturday at Autodrome Drummond. Bergeron, the ESS champ in 2006, previously visited victory lane at Ohsweken this season when he won the Corr/Pak Merchandising Sprint Car feature on May 23 after a late race battle with Jared Zimbardi.  Many of Ohsweken’s Corr/Pak Merchandising Sprint Car division regulars will be on hand, and with the ESS tour using an open draw format this season similar to that of the Corr/Pak division at Ohsweken, the local teams have a great chance to defend their home turf against the travelers of the ESS. 

Joining the ESS on Friday are Ohsweken’s ESSO Thunder Stocks, ESSO Mini Stocks, and Friday Night Fun Stocks.  Cody McPherson of St. Catharines leads the Thunder Stock standings, while Abel Castelein of Cayuga leads the Mini Stocks, and Dundas driver Chris Hils leads the Fun Stocks.  Admission prices for the Empire Super Sprints event at Ohsweken on Friday, June 20, 2008 are the same as a regular Friday Night Thunder event at Ohsweken - $10 for Adults, Seniors and Students (ages 13-17) $8, and Kids 12 and Under FREE! 

On Thursday night, June 19, 2008, spectator gates open at 4:00p.m. with a driver autograph session at the same time, while hot laps are slated for 5:30p.m. followed by time trials for the World of Outlaws Late Models, and the first green flag of the night at 7:45p.m. 

On Friday night, June 20, 2008, spectator gates open at 6:00p.m., with hot laps scheduled at 7:00p.m., and the first green flag of the night at 7:45p.m. 

Ohsweken Speedway offers affordable family entertainment just a short drive away from most Mid-Western Ontario locations.  Please visit www.OhswekenSpeedway.com for more information on upcoming events, results archives, and much more!

From Tommy Goudge  // Ohsweken Speedway Media

KONI CHALLENGE: Predators endure long weekend at Mosport

TORONTO, ONTARIO - Predators Autosport came into the Mosport round of the Koni Challenge Series with high hopes. The team had tested well at their home track, and they were hoping that the 'home field' advantage would help them during the weekend.

Things started off bad for the team, when their #53 Chevrolet Cobalt SS had a mechanical issue on the test day that sidelined the team for the rest of the day.

"It was disappointing," Predators Autosport driver Matt Pritiko said. "We found the problem, and we had it fixed for qualifying on Friday."

Qualifying went well for the team with a solid top 15 effort, and team owner Steve Morris was sure the car would actually be better in race trim. "I think our car will be a contender on Saturday, and I am sure our drivers will be able to move up."

Morris' prediction came true, as from the drop of the green flag, Pritiko started to move forward into the top 10. As Pritiko's stint continued, he had slight contact with another car that brought him to the pits to have the front fascia repaired. This put the team off the planned strategy, but Pritiko was still able to turn competitive lap times.

When Boyer took over, he was moving up in the order, but a handling issue sent him off the track in turn 5. The crash ended the day for the team.

"This is a big problem for us," Morris said. "We have a race next weekend in Mid Ohio and I don't think this car can be repaired by then."

After a frantic search, Morris managed to find another Cobalt, and the team will spend this week getting the new car ready for its debut in Mid Ohio this upcoming weekend.

"I am really proud of the Predators Autosport team," Pritiko said. "They don't give up, and we'll be ready for Mid Ohio this weekend."

Predators Autosports Fast Facts: Predators Autosports was formerly Kart Depot Predators. The Steve Morris owned team is based in Ottawa, Ontario. Originally a karting team, the team became Predators Autosports when the moved up to car competition in the Honda Michelin Challenge Series. For the past two seasons, Predators Autosports has been competing in the Koni Challenge Series.

Matt Pritiko Fast Facts: Matt Pritiko is one of Canada's up and coming stars of motorsport. He is from London Ontario. In 2007, Pritiko completed his rookie season in Koni Challenge, finishing 15th in the standings, with a top five and four top tens. Pritiko was a member of Sunoco's Team Ultra 94 and collected 1 win, 2 poles and five podiums in the Bridgestone F2000 Series. In 2002, Pritiko is was 2nd in F125/80cc in the Point Pelee Championships and took home the 2002 Most Sportsmanlike award. Pritiko is supported by Burwell Auto Body.

Release prepared by Russ Bond Agency, Inc.

NCATS: Home Hardware Chevy on Podium

June 15, 2008.  Don Thomson Jr. and the Home Hardware Chevrolet team battled the fierce competition and the elements and came away with a podium finish in round number two of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series (NCATS) at Mosport Raceway this weekend.

 

The Home Hardware team qualified an unusually low thirteenth for the 200km race and knew that they would have to be one their game to come away with a good finish.  Trouble lurked only a few laps into the race as Don Thomson Jr began to notice a vibration in the car.  Thinking quickly the Home Hardware driver tried to change strategy.  “Truthfully when we came in, I told the boys put the new tires on, this is our pit stop.  When I got about halfway around the track I found out we didn’t put fuel in the car”.

 

While the clouds darkened above the race course, Thomson who knew the Home Hardware Chevrolet team would have to stop again to take on fuel made another bold call.  “I said to the boys, when I come in for that fuel, put the rain tires on”.  The gutsy call paid off as Thomson began to cruise around the other competitors that had continued on slicks.

 

As the Home Hardware Chevy continued toward the front, other drivers could not control their vehicles and slid off course and a full course caution slowed the field and bunched up the competition after they had also changed to wet weather tires.  Thomson would grab the lead briefly, but chose to ensure his car made it to the finish and claimed a third place finish.  “That’s a brand new car, never been on the track” said the driver afterwards.  “I’m not as crazy as those young guys, so I just cruised home to third and we’ll take that and move on.  The rain coming definitely worked in our favour.

 

The 2008 NCATS schedule has expanded to thirteen events this year run on ovals, road courses and temporary street circuits across Canada.  The next event will take place Saturday June 28th at Barrie Speedway.  You can watch all thirteen races this season on TSN.  For information about the NCATS including schedule, results and more, log onto www.nascar.ca

 

Attached Photos:  The Home Hardware Chevrolet on the grid at Mosport

 

Photo Credit Todd Lewis 

This release prepared by TL Sports & Entertainment

NCATS: Mobil 1/Mopar Dodge slides out at Mosport

June 15, 2008.  The 2008 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series racing season resumed with round number two for Ron Beauchamp Jr. and the Mobil 1/Mopar Parts team at Mosport Raceway this past weekend.  After bouncing back from qualifying troubles and finding themselves at the front of the field the team fell victim to wet and slippery conditions on the challenging road course.

 

Quickly during Saturday’s qualifying session the Mobil 1/Mopar Parts Avenger showed themselves as one of the most powerful contenders in the 29 car field.  “The car was great” said Ron Beauchamp Jr.  “Unfortunately we barely got going and we had a problem with the timing belt that would end our session early and we’d spend a lot of hours repairing”.  The repairs would also cost the Mobil 1/Mopar Parts team their eighth place starting spot on the grid putting them at the back of the field.

 

As the green flag began the 200km event Beauchamp lunged forward immediately, putting slower cars quickly behind him and setting his sight on the next competitor.  “This was what we expected” said Ron Jr.  “I knew we could make up some ground pretty quickly, there were some other good cars at the back and we all moved up together”.

 

As teams began to make their scheduled pit stops that also helped the Mobil 1/Mopar Parts team gain spots and on lap 25 Beauchamp would take over the lead.  Ron Jr would make his scheduled stop and look to continue his strong afternoon. 

 

From this point forward the weather would take over as the dominant story of the afternoon.  Clouds darkened and heavy rains began to soak the famed road course.  “Things got crazy after that” concluded Beauchamp afterwards.  “We were in third place so we tried to stay out and hang on but it got so unpredictable, I went into a corner and the front end started to go, then the back end, we were just trying to survive out there but I just ended up in the gravel.  All I was trying to do was stay on the track”. 

 

Beauchamp would return to the pits for rain tires but a strong finish was out of the question.  “Even with the rain tires these cars are so heavy and hard to handle it’s impossible to make up the lost track position.  The Mobil 1/Mopar Parts Dodge would be classified seventeenth at the finish.  “Hopefully we’ll have a dry day for the next race at Barrie, we’ll be ready” said the driver.    

 

The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series resumes with round three on Saturday June 28th at Barrie Speedway.  This years schedule will consist of thirteen races on oval tracks, temporary street circuits and road courses.  All races will once again be broadcast on TSN.  You can read more about Team Mopar and Ron Beauchamp Jr. at www.beauchampmotorsports.com and www.nascar.ca

 

Photo :  Mopar/Mobil 1 Dodge Avenger before the rain at Mosport

Photo Credit:  Todd Lewis

This release prepared by, TL Sports & Entertainment

NCATS: Kennington Scores Second at Mosport

June 15, 2008.  DJ Kennington’s and the Castrol Dodge team were committed to bouncing back after a disappointing opening round of the 2008 NASCAR Canadian Tire series racing season.  Their task was made extra difficult by the challenging Mosport road course an heavy rain showers.  The Castrol Dodge team were up to the challenge.

 

DJ Kennington is also competing in most events on the NASCAR Nationwide series and this had the Castrol Dodge team working without their regular driver for practice and qualifying.  Kenny Forth worked out the kinks on the brand new car and following his 26th place finish in Kentucky, DJ Kennington made the nine hour journey to Mosport for the Sunday afternoon race.  Of course with the driver change Kennington would start at the back of the field.

 

Kennington would begin moving the Castrol Dodge forward quickly after the green flag waved and was just outside the top-ten by the end of lap eight.  Now in touch the leaders there would be one more obstacle the team would have to overcome, heavy rain showers. 

 

Conditions quickly worsened and the Castrol Dodge team made the switch to grooved rain tires at just the right time and allowed the driver to continue to move forward in the difficult conditions.  Following a late race caution period the race restarted with a green/white/checker finish.  Kennington pushed hard on the #4 and #84 car battling for the lead.  At the end he would be just short but extremely pleased with the second place finish for his team.  “It’s awesome” said the driver afterwards.  It took a lot of people to do this, my dad, Dave Wight, Kenny did a great job, my friend Brandon Cole who drove with me from Kentucky.  It’s great for Castrol, Northern Provincial Pipeline, and MC2 

 

NASCAR Canadian Tire series competition resumes Saturday June 28th at Barrie Speedway where Kennington swept both events last season.  The 2008 NASCAR Canadian Tire series will consist of thirteen events on ovals, road courses and temporary street circuits from coast to coast.  Each race will be broadcast on TSN.  More information can be found by logging onto www.djkennington.com and www.nascar.ca

 

Attached Photo Captions:  DJ Kennington and the Castrol Dodge on the grid at Mosport.  DJ Kennington (left) on the podium at Mosport with JR Fitzpatrick (middle) and Don Thomson Jr. (right)

 

Photos by Todd Lewis

This release prepared by TL Sports & Entertainment

Auto Clearing Motor Speedway Race Results - Sunday, June 15, 2008

Auto Clearing Motor Speedway Race Results - Sunday, June 15, 2008
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Round Three + Legends Cars of Alberta Mac's Froster 50
This is rain date race meet from Saturday, June 14, 2008

Parts Source Subcompact Mini Stock Division:

Heat Race: 1) #19 Aaron Anderson, 2) #41 Jim Barnsley, 3) #07 Darnell Schick, 4) #78 Matt Bartsch, 5) #4 Todd Jalbert, 6) # 28 Brennen Forseille, 7) #77 Frank Vangool, 8) #76 Michelle Thibault, 9) #23 Dan Burwash, 10) #48 Terry Forbes, 11) #88 Allison Nagorski, 12) #62 Craig Heintz, 13) #13 Mike Leather, 14) #1 Scott Barrand, 15) #69 Kim Regier

Qualifier Race: 1) #19 Aaron Anderson, 2) #4 Todd Jalbert, 3) #41 Jim Barnsley, 4) #88 Allison Nagorski, 5) #77 Frank Vangool, 6) #23 Dan Burwash, 7) #78 Matt Bartsch, 8) #76 Michelle Thibault, 9) #07 Darnell Schick, 10) #28 Brennen Forseille, 11) #62 Craig Heintz, 12) #13 Mike Leather, 13) #1 Scott Barrand, 14) #69 Kim Regier, 15) #48 Terry Forbes

Parts Source Feature Race: 1) #19 Aaron Anderson, 2) #41 Jim Barnsley, 3) #07 Darnell Schick, 4) #78 Matt Bartsch, 5) #4 Todd Jalbert, 6) #28 Gerry Forseille, 7) #77 Frank Vangool, 8) #76 Michelle Thibault, 9) #23 Dan Burwash, 10) #48 Terry Forbes, 11) #88 Allison Nagorski, 12) #62 Craig Heintz, 13) #13 Mike Leather, 14) #1 Scott Barrand, 15) #69 Kim Regier.

Lucas Oil Super Late Model Division:
Heat Race: 1) #5 Jeff Reimer, 2) #70 Trent Seidel, 3) #55 Jim Gaunt, 4) #77 Greg Vangool, 5) #09 Doug Bienna, 6) #20 Ken Campbell, 7) #88 Roger Carriere, 8) #8 Andrew Clewes

Qualifier Race: 1) #20 Ken Campbell, 2) #70 Trent Seidel, 3) #5 Jeff Reimer, 4) #55 Jim Gaunt, 5) #77 Greg Vangool, 6) #8 Andrew Clewes, 7) #88 Roger Carriere, 8) #09 Doug Bienna

Lucas Oil Feature Race: 1) #5 Jeff Reimer, 2) #8 Andrew Clewes, 3) #88 Roger Carriere, DQ #70 Trent Seidel, DQ #55 Jim Gaunt, DQ #77 Greg Vangool, DQ #09 Doug Bienna, DQ #20 Ken Campbell.

Legends Cars of Alberta - Mac's Froster 50
This is a single feature of race 50 miles (133 laps) with all cars participating, however the results are per class (Semi-Pro, Pro and Masters):
Semi Pro: 1) #9 Bill Busby, 2) #30 Filipe Barata, 3) #59 Greg Skinner, 4) #5 Jason Wilkie, 5) #67 Chris Thimer, 6) #21 Blake Erb, 7) #68 Gary Kostiak, 8) #77 Jason jessiman, 9) #7 Jody Archer, 10) #66 Val Groebmair, 11) #5ab Adam Gilbert

Pro: 1) #8 John Hilliker, 2) #17 Ira Laughy, 3) #42 Hugh Williamson, 4) #45 Jarrod Schaufert, 5) #29 Aaron Friend, 6) #14 Curtis Blanchette, 7) #4 Larry Carlson, 8) #12 Rick Blanchette, 9) #15 Dave McKean, 10) #22 Rick Walls

Masters: 1) #H20 Darrell Buckingham, 2) #18 Kevin Kemna, 3) #89 Grant McDonald, 4) #78 Tom Overholt, 5) #76 Tom Overholt, 6) #20 Bob Rattai, 7) #26 Ernie Ludwig.

From Richard Woodvine // Competition Director // Saskatoon Stock Car Racing Association

NCATS: JR Fitzpatrick wins at Mosport

June 15, 2008.  John Ryan (J.R.) Fitzpatrick and the #84 Fitzpatrick Motorsports Chevrolet team had a difficult start to the racing weekend at round two of the 2008 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series racing season this past weekend at Mosport Raceway.  But hard work, some aggressive driving and a little racing luck put the #84 Fitzpatrick Motorsports Chevrolet in victory circle on Father ' s Day.

 

After only a single qualifying lap on Saturday, a engine problem would end their session early and would also have the team hustling to complete a motor swap in time for the green flag.  “The team was a bit frustrated after the troubles, but after we all calmed down and worked out our strategy for Sunday we came back energized said Fitzpatrick.  “We had a good third place starting spot and a strategy for the race and we just kept sticking to it” he added. 

 

In the early part of the race Fitzpatrick would have little trouble staying at the front of the field with the leaders.  “I was just trying to save my stuff” said the driver “I got burned a little with that last year.  Things just kept playing out the way we hoped, we pitted when we wanted to and I just kept trying to save my stuff for ten to go”.

 

A complicating wrinkle in the afternoon plans came in the form of heavy rain showers that had all of the competitors scrambling.  “Right when it started to rain (Alex) Tagliani got into me and blew out the left front tire and fender, as it turned out it was almost the perfect opportunity to come in and put rain tires on.

 

The grooved tires helping Fitzpatrick move the #84 Chevrolet toward the front of the field when a late race caution would bunch the teams up for a green/white/checkered finish to the race.  “We had a lot of luck on our side today” said Fitzpatrick.  “When the race restarted I stuck it on the outside of everybody, I think I was in the grass for about sixty feet trying to pass everyone.  I was trying to wipe the rain out of my eyes, it was really wild, the last two laps were just a blur.”

 

Fitzpatrick would complete the comeback on the final lap as he passed teammate Don Thomson Jr to take the lead for the first time on the final lap and claim his first victory since Edmonton last season.  “This one’s for my dad on Fathers Day, he’s back.  What a great job by the whole team”   

                                                                                                                    

J.R Fitzpatrick and the Fitzpatrick Motorsports team will be back in competition for round three of the 2008 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Saturday June 28^th at Barrie Speedway.  The 2008 schedule will take teams to the east coast and western Canada where Fitzpatrick swept away the competition last year.  All races will once again be broadcast on TSN.  More information on the series can be obtained by visiting www.nascar.ca 

 

Photo Caption:  J.R. Fitzpatrick #84 Chevrolet on grid at Mosport.  JR Fitzpatrick (middle) celebrates victory at Mosport with third place finisher teammate Don Thomson Jr. (right) and runner up DJ Kennington (left)

           

Photos by Todd Lewis

This release prepared by TL Sports & Entertainment

NCATS: Full Throttle Team Fights to the Finish

June 15, 2008.  The return of the Full Throttle Fury Red car with Brad Graham behind the wheel appeared to be on track for a solid finish at round number two of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series at Mosport.  However when the rain came it spoiled the Fathers Day party that the Full Throttle Fury / Logel’s Auto Parts/ Challenger Motor Freight team had planned.

With a top-ten qualifying effort the Full Throttle Fury / Logel’s Auto Parts/ Challenger Motor Freight team began the 51 lap race under sunny skies and cruised in the top-ten for the early part of the race.  “The car was good, it was one of the fastest cars we’ve ever had here” said Brad Graham afterwards.  “We even got up into the top-five and when we made our scheduled pit stop we had a problem with our fueling system”.

During the pit stop the fuel from the gas can was not flowing into the car’s fuel cell.  This would force the team to make an extra stop to correct the problem and add fuel.

As Graham began to try and make up positions in the Full Throttle Fury / Logel’s Auto Parts/ Challenger Motor Freight Dodge weather would then become the issue.  “I was just coming down the straightaway, and all of a sudden boom, rain soaked the track and we wound up in the tire barrier”.

The Full Throttle Fury / Logel’s Auto Parts/ Challenger Motor Freight team called Brad to the pits for rain tires and to try and repair some of the body damage.  “It was just chaos from then on” said a dejected driver afterwards.  “Our car was really consistent every lap, but a couple of bad breaks really cost us.  We’ll just have to go back to the shop and be ready to go at Barrie” he concluded.

The 2008 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series racing season will take next weekend off, and resume competition at Barrie Speedway on June 28th.  Teams will race from coast to coast in Canada on challenging oval tracks, temporary street circuits and road courses. For more information about the series log onto www.nascar.ca and for more news information about the team go to www.bradgraham.ca. All races this season will also be broadcast on TSN.

Photo:  Brad Graham and the Full Throttle Fury Dodge at Mosport
Photo Credit:  Todd Lewis // Prepared by TL Sports & Entertainment