INDYCAR Australia: Nikon Indy 300 Practice Results

Nikon Indy 300 Practice Results

SURFERS PARADISE, Australia - Practice Friday for the Nikon Indy 300 IndyCar Series event on the 2.795-mile Streets of Surfers Paradise, with position, car number in parentheses, driver, chassis-engine and speed:

1. (8) Will Power, Dallara-Honda, 106.130
2. (3) Helio Castroneves, Dallara-Honda, 104.637
3. (10) Dario Franchitti, Dallara-Honda, 104.626
4. (5) Oriol Servia, Dallara-Honda, 104.335
5. (06) Graham Rahal, Dallara-Honda, 104.273
6. (02) Justin Wilson, Dallara-Honda, 104.256
7. (9) Scott Dixon, Dallara-Honda, 104.182
8. (17) Ryan Hunter-Reay, Dallara-Honda, 103.854
9. (6) Ryan Briscoe, Dallara-Honda, 103.181
10. (11) Tony Kanaan, Dallara-Honda, 103.148
11. (18) Bruno Junqueira, Dallara-Honda, 102.914
12. (19) Mario Moraes, Dallara-Honda, 101.990
13. (36) Alex Tagliani, Dallara-Honda, 101.832
14. (27) Hideki Mutoh, Dallara-Honda, 101.806
15. (33) E.J. Viso, Dallara-Honda, 101.761
16. (2) A.J. Foyt IV, Dallara-Honda, 101.542
17. (14) Vitor Meira, Dallara-Honda, 101.479
18. (4) Dan Wheldon, Dallara-Honda, 100.770
19. (26) Marco Andretti, Dallara-Honda, 100.763
20. (7) Danica Patrick, Dallara-Honda, 100.567
21. (34) Jaime Camara, Dallara-Honda, 100.137
22. (15) Buddy Rice, Dallara-Honda, 99.901
23. (20) Ed Carpenter, Dallara-Honda, 99.157
24. (23) Townsend Bell, Dallara-Honda, 99.085

F1 Montreal: Canadian politicians prepare to hand over your money

If you're a gambling man, and you have a hunch that Canadian politicians are preparing to hand over a ton of your money to Bernie Ecclestone to 'save' the 2009 Canadian GP... it's time to go 'all in'.

From CP

"LONDON — Montreal Mayor Gerald Tremblay met with Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone on Thursday and expressed optimism his city will once again host the Canadian Grand Prix.
Tremblay said the two-hour meeting in London was constructive but that a lot of work remains to be done.
"We have a better understanding of the issues, we still have a lot of work to do to evaluate all the options, but it is still possible to hold a Grand Prix in Montreal in 2009 and subsequent years," said Tremblay, who was accompanied by federal International Trade Minister Michael Fortier and Quebec Economic Development Minister Raymond Bachand."

The full story is here.

British plan 1,000 mph rocket car

"It will be faster than a speeding bullet: a pencil-shaped car powered by a jet engine and a rocket, roaring across a desert at 1,000 mph.
If all goes to plan, the Bloodhound SSC will break the land speed record by the largest-ever margin, and, in 40 seconds of breathtaking thrust, inspire thousands of British schoolchildren to take their science college-entrance exams."

... Click here for the full story and (real) photos.

NASCAR: Camping World to be title sponsor of the NASCAR Truck Series starting in 2009

DAYTONA BEACH (Oct. 23, 2008) – The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) announced today that Camping World will be the title sponsor for the NASCAR Truck Series beginning in 2009. Camping World replaces longtime series sponsor Craftsman, which had been the sole title sponsor since the inception of the NASCAR Truck Series in 1995.

The seven-year agreement gives Camping World the exclusive rights to sponsor the series, which has built its reputation on very competitive and tough racing. Camping World will enjoy the support of the most brand-loyal fans in all of sports, including millions who annually attend races of the series, which features 25 points events at 23 tracks across North America. All NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races will be broadcast live on SPEED or FOX which will result in over $100 million worth of exposure for the new title sponsor.

“Camping World has a unique connection to the sport and to the NASCAR fans,” said NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France. “Camping and tailgating is an essential part of the NASCAR race experience. Thousands of RVs pack the campgrounds at every NASCAR event, often for three or four days at a time. This makes Camping World the perfect match for the NASCAR Truck Series.”

“I can’t say enough about the commitment and leadership that Craftsman has provided for the Truck Series over the past thirteen years. We thank Craftsman for all it’s done with the series and the fans,” said France.

"Camping World has a strong affinity with NASCAR fans and we're thrilled to be the primary sponsor in NASCAR's Truck Series," said Camping World Chairman and CEO Marcus Lemonis. “With the state of the current economy, Camping World’s main objective is to communicate our brand in the most cost-effective manner and to promote affordable, family fun. Additionally, we feel strongly that this sponsorship will dramatically increase our customer base in experiencing our entire product offering. We expect this relationship to not only benefit the teams and fans, but we will put a special emphasis on supporting the four auto manufacturers in selling more trucks and the Truck Series sponsors to yield the same return on investment that we’ve enjoyed. Camping World will work diligently to promote the four manufacturers and team sponsors by positioning them as preferred product providers to the four million RV enthusiasts we currently serve,” said Lemonis.

The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will launch its inaugural season Feb. 13 at Daytona International Speedway. Camping World will continue its successful relationship with Kevin Harvick Inc., RCR, ISC, SMI, Dover Motorsports, ESPN, SPEED and its title sponsorship of the NASCAR Camping World East and West Series through 2009.

The NASCAR Truck Series is invariably competitive year in and year out. Along with a 19% increase in television ratings this year, the series is host to another heated battle for the championship as the points lead has changed nine times. Johnny Benson and Ron Hornaday have traded the lead several times this year; Benson currently leads Hornaday by only 65 points with four races to go. Along with crafty veterans such as Rick Crawford, Dennis Setzer and Todd Bodine, the series also features up-and-coming rookies like Colin Braun and Erik Darnell. Drivers for each manufacturer have won races this year and are represented in the series standings’ top 10.

Founded in 1966, Camping World is America's largest direct marketer and specialty retailer of recreational vehicles and outdoor camping accessories and services. The company grew from a single point location in Bowling Green, Ky., to operating successful nationwide Supercenters.
Over the last five years, Camping World has progressively expanded their products and services providing consumers with a vast selection, convenience and value. Camping World now operates under the department store model as a one-stop shopping destination providing services to enhance and protect the RV lifestyle including: Recreational Vehicle Sales; RV Rentals; RV Service & Collision; over 8,000 RV & outdoor accessories; Performance & Tow centers; Detail & Refurbishment centers known as RV Spa; President's Club customer loyalty program; Campground reservations & directories; RV Finance and Insurance; RV Tours & Travel and a nationally distributed magazine called RV View.

The dynamic Camping World retail network headquartered in Lincolnshire, Ill., currently operates in 33 states and serves over four million RV enthusiasts.

From Ramsey Poston / NASCAR

Centre For Speed releases its 2009 racing schedule

Contact: Tim Wile at 506 388-2415 or Richard Gauthier at 506-874-1256 for more informaiton

Oct 23, 2009 - CFS is pleased to announce it's 2009 Schedule of Events. Highlights for this years schedule, so far, include the continuation of the popular Maritime Super Series for Sportsman and the enhancement and expansion of "Speed Weeks" to include 4 big weekends of Motor Sports including the 9th annual "Atlantic Championships Speed Weekend '09" for stock car enthusiasts.

We're still working on a few dates including, we hope, a second Pro Stock Tour date so stay tuned. More events will be announced as finalized Fans are urged to check back frequently for updates throughout the off season as some dates are tentative and other events are being negotiated.

Gas should be a lot cheaper. Would a boycott of one company help?

At the peak of the oil frenzy this summer, a barrel of oil topped out at $147 (in July). At that point, a litre of gas was almost $1.40 in Toronto... or roughly .95 of a penny, per dollar (per barrel).

Today, a barrel of oil goes for $68... yet the price of a litre of gas (at the major chains) in Toronto is $1.03.

Given the pricing model when oil was more than double what it is now, gas should be going for 65 cents / litre in Toronto today. At the very least, compared to the last time oil was at these prices, it should be well under 80 cents / litre.

Gas goes up like a rocket, but it goes down like cold molasses. Iraq has stabilized. There are no hurricanes brewing in The Gulf. There are no reasons for the price not to drop. But it doesn't. It's dirty, dirty, dirty, no matter how the gas companies' talking heads spin it.

The high price of gas has had a negative impact on the Canadian racing industry during the 2008 season. Both for racers and fans. The price of gasoline should be as reactive to the price of oil on the way down, as it was on the way up. That's all.

There's no way an across the board boycott would work; people would never go for it because they need their cars... which need gas... for now. But how about picking one of Canada's gas vendors and send them a message? I don't care which one.

Would a boycott help? Who knows. At worst, it would send a message to a company that walks in lockstep with the others. Tomorrow's price in T.O. will 'fall' 3.4 piddly cents, to $99.6 cents/litre. The fact that this info is published in advance shows there's no free market when it comes to this necessary commodity.

Paul Tracy to race a NASCAR Truck Oct. 31 at Texas Motor Speedway

Las Vegas, NV (October 22, 2008) – The month of May found Paul Tracy betraying his open-wheel star status and testing a Toyota Tundra truck for Germain Racing, the 2006 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Champions.  Tracy did more than test; he impressed, which led to him being tabbed to pilot the #9 Germain Racing Toyota Tundra with sponsorship from Bombardier Learjet and Sport Clips. 

 
Initially scheduled to compete in Las Vegas, the date was moved to accommodate Sport Clips, which is a Texas-based company and a former sponsor of Tracy.  A native of Toronto, Tracy’s hood will be adorned by Canadian-based Bombardier Learjet. 

 
Tracy, who made his stock car debut in NASCAR’s #2 series in a Sport Clips car in 2006, will return to the oval-track for the Chevy Silverado 350K NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race on October 31st at Texas Motor Speedway.  This will be Tracy’s first foray into the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, however the 2003 Champ Car Champion is nothing if not versatile. In just the last two years, Tracy has raced open-wheel cars, Grand-Am cars, NASCAR, and off-road trucks.

 
Often referred to as one of the most colorful, recognized racers in the world, Tracy has been spending his free time consumed with a rigorous training program that has not only kept his body in top physical condition, but has also kept his mind and reflexes sharp.  Tracy recorded a record 31 wins in the Champ Car World Series, but since his departure from Forsythe Racing his passion and enthusiasm have intensified.  He exhibits a sense of discipline that is beyond what anyone can comprehend. 

 
A pure racer and competitor, Tracy is looking forward to teaming with Germain Racing driver Todd Bodine for a one/two finish in Texas. 

 
“Germain Racing is a championship organization and I’m excited to be behind the wheel of the Bombardier Learjet/Sport Clips Toyota Tundra in Texas,” Tracy said.  “Todd (Bodine) and I are good friends and I’m looking forward to helping him and the Germain Racing team win the race in Texas and gain spots in the point standings.  I appreciate them giving me the opportunity and I will do whatever I can to support their effort at Texas.” 

 
Where Tracy goes, the masses follow. Next week they will follow him to Texas Motor Speedway where the Thrill from West Hill is sure to put on a show. The last time Tracy showed up at a racetrack he started 15th and finished 4th in a car fielded by Vision Racing at the Edmonton IndyCar race on July 26, 2008. 

 
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.

F1 Montreal: Clowns to the rescue?

A delegation including the mayor of Montreal and federal cabinet minister who lost his bid for a seat in the recent federal election is jetting overseas to rescue the Canadian GP.

This story on CTV.CA ends with a note that Guy Laliberte, the President of Cirque du Soleil and an F1 fan, is "ready to get involved" in the event.

Wouldn't it be great if they used Laliberte's money to pay Bernie Ecclestone what he wants for the 2009 race, plus whatever he feels he is owed for the 2006 through 2008 Cdn. GPs? ... instead of your tax dollars? Heck, we can dream.

And how fitting that a guy who runs a circus would get involved in running Canada's F1 race...

NASCAR TRUCKS: Fitzpatrick Has Strong Run in Debut at Martinsville

Here's is the team's post-race release on JR's run at Martinsville

Ridgeway, Va. (October 21, 2008)  – The highly anticipated debut for J.R. Fitzpatrick in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series came on Saturday afternoon at 0.526-mile short track of Martinsville Speedway as the youngest ever CASCAR Super Series Champion qualified on time and finished on the lead lap in his first visit to the Martinsville oval.  Fitzpatrick qualified 19th in the Mammoet Chevrolet fielded by DGM Racing and crossed the finish line in 21st position in the Kroger 200.

“It wasn’t all that bad,” said Fitzpatrick of his first start behind the wheel of a Chevrolet Silverado.  “I’m a little disappointed that the weather wasn’t cooperating because I needed as much practice as I could get,” he said of Friday’s two practice sessions that were cancelled due to rain.  “Friday was a complete washout,” said Crew Chief Bond Suss.  “It rained all day and the garage closed early.”  Fortunately, the team tested at Tri County Speedway (TCS) on Wednesday and Fitzpatrick was able to get familiar with the truck in preparation for the Kroger 200.  “It was a good choice to test at TCS,” explained Suss. 

With practice washed away on Friday, NASCAR allowed the teams to practice first thing on Saturday morning.  The team turned the truck around for qualifying in record time and felt confident that they could make it in on time.  “I felt we could run a 20.20 in qualifying and that time would be good enough to put J.R. in the race,” said Suss.  “He ran two great laps in qualifying and his time put him 19th on the grid.  “Our Mammoet Chevrolet was really good in qualifying and pretty good in practice, so I thought we were good to go.”  The NASCAR Sprint Cup cars took to the track following qualifying though, and changed the whole attitude of Fitzpatrick’s Chevrolet.

“After the Cup cars went out, it changed my truck a whole bunch,” said Fitzpatrick of the extra rubber laid down around the half-mile paperclip.  The change in conditions caused his truck to be way “too tight” which was a condition the team battled throughout the race.  “This was probably a result of the Cup cars’ ‘Happy Hour’ practice,” explained Suss who was calling the shots.  “J.R. did a great job.  To come home with a lead lap finish in his first truck race is a great accomplishment especially at Martinsville.  He only got 40 minutes of practice because of the rain and adapted very quickly.  J.R. had to make it in on time and qualified 19th.  We were too tight at the beginning of the race and worked to free the truck up on our pit stops. Once we did we just couldn't get track position to get the finish where we wanted.  In the end J.R. finished with all the fenders on it and earned the respect of the other drivers.”

“In the race, I think I was just being too nice because I was getting pushed around quite a bit,” said Fitzpatrick of his debut.  “I guess I had it in the back of my mind that I had to get my licenses for the rest of the year so if we get something put together for next year I’ll actually be able to go to Daytona.” 

From TRG_motorsports / Jamie Maynard

Rick Young's 'Rick at the Races' for DIRTcar's Eastern States Weekend

PIC 1   Danny O'Brien
PIC  2   'Quebecers on tour ' The Michel Chicoine team
PIC   3  Jessica Zemken
PIC   4    Martin Cagne 6g (QUE) and Tommy Flannigan # 72 (ONT)
PIC  5   Danny O'Brien # 17D (ONT), Matt Shepherd # 1x (NY) Mario Clair # 22 (QUE)
PIC  6  Pierre Dagenais # 124 (QUE) Jimmy Johnson # 77 (NY) Tim Hindley #94 (NY)
PIC 7   Michel Chicoine # 97 (QUE) Jimmy Phelps # 98 (NY)
PIC 8   358  Winner Brett Hearn # 4 in Victory Lane
PIC 9   The Chris Raabe team prepare their tires
PIC 10    Mike Ruggeiro wins the SPORTSMAN race
PIC 11  Yours Truly beside the beautiful Gremlin bodied Mod
PIC  12    Joey Ladouceur # 92
PIC  13  Pete Stefanski the Pro Stock winner
PIC  14   Gary Tomkins # 84 and Ronnie Johnson # 2
PIC  15  Danny Johnson # 66
PIC  16  Michael Storms # 4 takes off
PIC 17   Danny Johnson winner of the 2008 Eastern States 200

EASTERN STATES WEEKEND
ORANGE COUNTY FAIR SPEEDWAY
MIDDLETOWN, NY

This past weekend I joined hundreds of other Canadian DIRT racing fans for the annual pilgrimage south of the border to the EASTERN STATES WEEKEND at the ORANGE COUNTY FAIR SPEEDWAY at Middletown NY. This years event, was it's forty-seventh year and included all the major DIRTCAR divisions. Just like last week's SUPERDIRT WEEK in Syracuse, the weather stayed dry, if not a trifle chilly !

A prearranged early finish from work, enabled me to cross the border at Cornwall (Ontario) just after 2-30pm on Friday afternoon. It's a good six hour drive and with the minimum of stops, I was in Middletown just after 9-15pm. The Friday night races had been completed when I arrived but that didn't matter too much. For anyone not familiar with the 'Eastern States' , it's one of the biggest 'social occasions' on the DIRT calender and the track bar, 'The 31'st Lap' is always the hub of activity.

The first person I bumped into was Danny O'Brien # 17 D and his crew from Kingston (Ont). He's currently engaged in a points battle with St Catherines (Ont), Pete Bicknell # 42 for the 358 SUPER DIRTCAR CHAMPIONSHIP. Pete has a slight lead at the moment, and the chase will be decided at the Can Am Speedway at Lafargeville NY this coming Saturday (Oct 25) . Danny told me he'd gained a third place in the qualifying heats which had taken place earlier in the evening.

I then had a quick word with Jessica Zemken, who was organizing a drive for the next day. She would be at the wheel of the # 27 Jerry Wildrick car of Sussex NJ.

I also chatted with 'Racing Russ' the well known DIRT race statistician from Port Jervis NJ , and , QUEBECDIRT.COM'S Linda Robert, and her friends from the Michel Chicoine # 97 Modified team ( Ste Cecile De Miton, Que).

After a long day, where I'd worked the morning shift trucking round Montreal, before driving down to Middletown, I was ready for bed at about 1-00am, so retired to the camping area.

Next morning I drove into town to my usual Diner for breakfast before returning to the fairgrounds for another long day. The first part of the day was the qualifying heats for BIG BLOCK Modifieds before the afternoon staging of the 358 SUPERDIRTCAR SERIES race.

While walking the pits, I came across CV ( Charles) Elms # 6 from North Haverhill (New Hampshire) . He's the promoter at the Bear Ridge Speedway in Vermont and the Canaan Fair Speedway (NH) who I'd met a few years back when visiting his tracks. I was pleasantly surprised that he not only remembered me, but commented on one of my magazine articles he'd seen.

There were a good number of Canadian's in the race but with the Series coming to a close, most eyes from 'north of the border' were on Bicknell and O'Brien. I was taking photos, like last year on the third turn, but to put it kindly , the race wasn't the most exciting I've seen !  Local hero Brett Hearn # 4 had a run away victory. The highest Canadian finish was from Pierre Dagenais # 124 (Gatineau Que) in nineteenth, who was followed across the line by Bicknell and O'Brien.

This race was over by mid afternoon and signaled the end of part one on the days program. Part two , a SPORTSMAN SUPER DIRTCAR SERIES race was to resume in the evening.

During the afternoon I chatted to Chris Raabe # 01 and his crew who were getting their car set up . Just like the 358 SUPER DIRTCAR SERIES, the SPORTSMAN division is undergoing a 'Battle of Ontario'. Raabe from Napanee is currently leading the points with Greg Panunte #99P ( Port Colborne) and Mark D'Ilario # 08 ( Smithville) in hot pursuit.

Before racing got under way, I took 'time out' and went into town for supper. I avoided my former 'favorite' Chinese Buffet (which had given me a bad stomach upset last year ) and looked for somewhere different. I came across a place I'd never heard of before called the 'Cheeseburger in Paradise' so thought I'd give it a try. It wasn't a burger bar like the name suggests, but more of a family type restaurant surrounded in a tropical Island setting. The food was good and I'll make a point of returning next year.

Once back at the Fairgrounds, I decided to watch the SPORTSMAN races from the Grandstand instead of my usual spot on the center.

Raabe started twelth in the Feature, and ran a comfortable tenth until the closing stages. A brush with the outer wall required a tow to the pits, and by the time he returned to the track it was too late. Local driver Mike Ruggiero # 4R took the checkers. Raabe's poor finish means that the SPORTSMAN division will also wait until this coming weekends finale at Can Am ( Lafargeville NY) to decide the winner.

Following the SPORTSMAN feature I moved in to the '31'st Lap' for the traditional NEW YEARS EVE party. This is best be described as a 'lively' affair complete with festive accessories like party hats, hooters and streamers. I must be getting old ! , Because I was too tired to last out to the end, and was tucked up under the blankets making zzz's long before I had done, in previous years.

I was up at 9-00am and drove into Middletown for Breakfast. Joining me in the Diner was Gary Tomkin's ( Former SDS Champion, # 84) mum and dad. I've been acquainted with Keith Tompkins, Gary's father,  for quite a few years and we often have a good chat when we meet up. He told me about Gary's new sponsorship from the Americans Hockey Team and his forthcoming return trip to Australia for a racing holiday. After his successful visit last winter, he's been invited back again .

With breakfast over it was back to the track for the final day of the Eastern States 200 Weekend. Before the big event, the DIRT PRO STOCKS were engaged in their Series race and once again Canada was well represented. My buddy, Joey Ladouceur # 92 from Alexandria (Ont) was there as well as Denis Gauvreau # 72 , Bruno # 33 Cyr, Stephane Lebrun # 6 and Jocelyn Roy # 05 from Quebec.

Pete Stefanski # 2 from Wheatfield NY took the checkers with Ladouceur chasing his back bumper as they crossed the line.

One of the cars present on the big day was not actually racing. It was a beautifully restored AMC Gremlin bodied Modified from the 1970's era. This was the time in history when North American Modifieds and BriSCA F1's from the UK looked very similar in appearance. It was in the days before modifieds changed to 'uniform' sheet metal bodies and the BriSCA F1's decided to do away with stock bodies and add silly looking wings.... Oh if only we could turn back time!

That Gremlin sure was smart!

I was stationed in my regular turn three spot on the infield with fellow photographer's Jim Young and Ralph Corwin for the EASTERN STATES 200 Lapper, the headline race of the weekend for Big Block MODIFIEDS. There were no Canadian entrants in this one, although Pierre Daganais # 9 had contested the qualifiers in the former Bob McCeadie car.

As you'd expect in a 'long-haul' race, there were various lead changes but it was 'the Doctor' Danny Johnson # 66 who was there when it mattered. With less carnage than previous years, the race was over by 5-30pm, so after grabbing a few victory lane shots I was on my way out of the gate.

My strategy for the journey home was the same as for the drive down. I made just two short stops, the first in Malta NY for gas and a McDonalds 'to go' , then another for a coffee at Dunkin Donuts in Plattsburgh NY . I was back in Canada at 11-30 pm and home in Long Sault (Ont) twenty minutes later.

LOOKING FORWARD

The place to be this Saturday is the Can Am Speedway at Lafargeville NY ( located just 20 minutes from the 1000 Island border crossing) where this years 358 and SPORTSMAN SUPER DIRTCAR SERIES will be decided. <<2008_0919Image0037 (Small).JPG>> <<2008_0919Image0120 (Small).JPG>> <<2008_0919Image0045 (Small).JPG>> <<2008_0919Image0035 (Small).JPG>> <<2008_0919Image0081 (Small).JPG>> <<2008_0919Image0078 (Small).JPG>> <<2008_0919Image0091 (Small).JPG>> <<2008_0919Image0107 (Small).JPG>> <<2008_0919Image0115 (Small).JPG>> <<2008_0919Image0129 (Small).JPG>> <<2008_0919Image0198 (Small).JPG>> <<2008_0919Image0164 (Small).JPG>> <<2008_0919Image0188 (Medium) (Small).JPG>> <<2008_0919Image0021 (Small).JPG>> <<2008_0919Image0146 (Small).JPG>> <<2008_0919Image0238 (Medium) (Small) (Small).JPG>> <<2008_0919Image0284 (Medium) (Small).JPG>>

Shaw Motorsports - Pittsburgh's Motordrome Speedway outing report

A convoy of 5 passenger vehicles, 28 people and 2 haulers loaded with the #82 as well as the #44 of Steve Laking met in the early morning hours to depart for the long journey south to Motordrome Speedway, just south of Pittsburgh in Smithton Pennsylvania. Most of the crew arrived in plenty of time to check into the motel and then arrive at the track for the evenings practice session at 6:00pm. Steve Laking’s hauler and the Spira vehicle cut it a little close as they made a wrong turn and got a little lost but managed to make it to the track in time for practice.

The #82 Lucas Oil Ford went out for the first practice and after accumulating many leaves and debris on the front grill causing an overheating concern, Jason returned to the pits where he notified the crew of a loose condition. The crew started with an anti-roll bar adjustment and then changed shocks, springs and finally tires to tighten up the car on corner exit.

The adjustments made during the 5 practice sessions did improve on the cars handling a little, however the crew would have to come up with something overnight to allow Jason to get on the throttle harder in the centre of the corner at the very fast and bumpy race track. Steve Laking in the #44x had the opposite problem as he was fighting a push condition in his Spira Fire Protection Chevy.

After a good breakfast, the Shaw crew returned to the speedway for a practice session prior to qualifying through heat races that would set the starting order of the 100 lap feature that evening. Despite many changes thrown at the car to tighten it up, the car did not react and the loose condition remained. Prior to the evenings race, the Shaw Team, Steve Laking and Gary Elliot brought two bicycles to the track to be given away to two lucky children as part of Gary Elliott’s 40th Anniversary Celebration..

Jason lined up the Del Metals Ford in the pole position for the 12 lap heat race, inside the #98. After taking the green flag, the #98 got a good run on the outside, passing Jason and putting him into second, closely followed by the #44(not Steve Laking). The #44 and #21 moved past Jason on the second lap, putting him into 4th as the #98 pulled well ahead of the field. Jason fought hard with the #69 in a battle for 4th and as the #98 went unchallenged to take the checkered flag, the #69 got ahead of the #82 by half a car length to put Jason 5th.

Jason informed the crew that “we are in trouble” with the setup as the loose condition was still very much alive in the car and they would have to keep trying to tighten up the car prior to the 100 lap feature.

Within minutes of lining up for the100 lap feature, Dave Meades found a faulty right rear shock that could have been the culprit of the loose condition. Dave Bell, quickly replaced the shock and the Spira Ford lined up 14th, behind the #44x of Steve Laking.

Both driver and crew were eager to see how the car was going to handle as the green flag was given to the field. Before a lap could be completed the #44 went hard into the wall exiting turn 4 just in front of the two Guelph cars. Jason slowed and headed low on the track, however as Steve hammered on the brakes, he came down the track and made contact with the right side of the #82 sending him into the wall. The contact on the left front wheel broke a strut mount from the frame, ending the night for the #82 before it got started.

Steve Laking received minor damage to the left front of the #44x that was repaired in the pits and Steve re-entered the field at the back of the pack for a complete restart.11 laps later, Steve was making a move on the #20 car when the #20 got loose coming out of turn 4 and suddenly hit the brakes causing Steve to spin down the front stretch to avoid him and hard into the inside wall.

The contact was so violent that the car was severely damaged and cracked the concrete wall, ending the night for the 44x as well. The well planned trip for both teams was a bitter, season ending disappointment and after patching Steve’s car enough to get it in the trailer, the team had a few beverages back at the motel before the long drive back to Guelph the following day.

Gary Elliott in the #36 had rear end problems that also ended their night in the pits. The balance of the race ended in a battle between two local cars with the #98 taking the checkered flag with only 15 cars remaining out of the 28 car field.

The experience, although without a good result was a good one and now that the team has a taste of the fast ½ mile track, they may try their luck again next year. Next up for the Shaw Team is to break down the car and refresh it for next year as well as help Steve Laking with the huge project of repairing his car over the winter. The Shaw team would like to send out a special thank you to the friends, families and sponsors that attended the event south of the border.

From Ken Spira

Champions crowned at Saratoga Speedway (BC)

It took the last race of the 2008 season and a post race tech inspection to decide 5 of the 9 point champions for Saratoga Speedway (http://www.saratogaspeedway.bc.ca/) as the 28th season of auto racing at the Black Creek oval came to close Saturday night (Oct. 11).

With 4 point champions already decided the remaining 5 went right down to the last race of the night in 4 of them while one of them went a little further as a post race inspection in the Bomber class decided the point champion.

Heading into their final main event of the season Port Albernie’s Rob Gaudrealt had to just finish ahead of Stewart Lee to clinch his 2nd speedway point championship his 1st coming in 1992 in the Hobby Stock class. The championship looked to be his after he finished 2nd behind Kyle Harrison in the 50 lap championship race while Lee was down laps after mechanical problems sent him into the pits while running 4th. After the trophy’s for the race were handed out the top five point cars of Gaudrealt, Lee, Harrison, Andy Meyers and Justin Beaulieu headed to a tech inspection which is where the championship was decided as both Lee and Gaudrealt failed a spring inspection which in turn saw all the points they earned on the night taken away.

With both Gaudrealt and Lee having their points taken away the championship fell into the hands of Kyle Harrison who came into the night just over 100 points back and did what he had to by winning the 50 lap race. While running third Harrison made a brilliant down low pass of race leader Charlie Ackerman and Gaudrealt who got caught up in lapped traffic and could only watch as the lead swapped hands with Harrison holding off Gaudrealt for the remaining laps to pick up the valuable main event double points which in the end gave him his 2nd speedway championship to go along with his 2006 Claimer car championship. Harrison went thru the 08 season by being consistent by not winning a lot of races but by finishing in the top five in most which allowed him to be in a position to have a chance for the championship which he was able to take advantage of. The final point standings had the top five finishers being Harrison, Meyers, Gaudrealt, Lee and Beaulieu.

Campbell River’s Travis Stevenson ended his Crash to Pass season the same way he started it by winning the main event ahead of Kermit Dahl and Jeff Monks and in doing so the likeable racer clinched his 1st ever points championship after leading the point’s race from the opening night’s race back in April. The top five point getters in the Crash to Pass class behind Stevenson were David Dahl, Ryan Monks, Brad Kotscheroski and Jeff Monks

In the hunt for the Hornet car championship Dave Hargrave went into the 35 lap A main only having to finish better than 2nd place point sitter Doug McLean whose hopes for the championship ended half way thru the race went when he got involved in a accident which ended his season on the back of a tow truck giving Hargrave the speedway’s oldest driver at 74 his first ever championship. The top five in the ever growing popular class behind Hargrave and McLean were Brandon Steen, Lyle Bowlan and Jocelyn Popowich.

In Figure 8 racing Steen joined his dad Kerry the 08 Stock car point champion as a speedway point champion as he finished 2nd in both the heat race and main event to Walker Welsh but ahead of Rachael Sawatzky who went into the night in 2nd spot and a chance to overtake Steen for the top spot. Steen had a very successful season as he was a top finisher in almost every race he finished and did s by also by driving a Hornet car almost right after every Figure 8 race. The top five finishers in Figure 8’s were Steen, Sawatzky, Welsh, Michael Corder and Aaron Spam.

In the Road Runner class Kermit Dahl came away with the season championship after the Kenny Davis car in 2nd overall with Dan Kemp behind the wheel failed to gain enough points to overtake him after he sold his car to Lyle Newton who drove it for the final race night, With Newton behind the wheel he won the heat race then grabbed 2nd in the main event behind Riley Carter while Kemp suffered a flat tire ending any chances of Davis winning his 2nd straight championship. The final top five in the Road Runner class behind Dahl and Davis were James Buchanen, Hans Baan and Carter.

The final Speedway function for the circle track racers in 2008 will be November 15th in Courtenay at the Best Western Hotel with the awards banquet and tickets are still available until November 3rd  and can be purchased at the speedway on that date or before by phoning 250-923-2982 or check the speedway web site at saratogaspeedway,bc,ca.

In closing congratulations from myself Andy Guest to point champions Travis Stevenson, Kermit Dahl, Dave Hargrave, Brandon Steen, Kyle Harrison, Kerry Steen, Tony Johnson, Dean Thompson and my son Ryan Guest who I am so very proud of. With the end of this season it ends for me a era in which I was part of local racing as I have decided to retire from being involved to spend more weekends with my boys and to next season help Ryan with his next step in racing into a Hornet car as well as myself turning to having fun instead of watching others by running my own Hornet car. To you the race fan thank you for following local racing and drivers thru my reports and please continue to support the sport of auto racing as it is a great sport.

From Andy Guest / Saratoga Raceway

Pat Richard secures Canadian Rally Championship at Pacific Forest Rally

MERRITT, BC (CARS Media) – Hyundai’s Antoine L’Estage and co-driver Nathalie Richard earned their second win of the season at the Pacific Forest Rally, while Subaru Rally Team Canada has secured the championship title.

 
“We’re very happy to have won, and this puts us in a good spot for the North American Rally Cup,” said L’Estage. “We had some problems at this event, but thanks to our crew and sponsors, we were able to win again here.”

 
L’Estage and Richard, the defending champions, have suffered from reliability problems this year in their Hyundai Tiburon, preventing this normally dominant team from enjoying the success they have had in the past.

 
After overcoming their own challenges this weekend, Subaru Rally Team Canada’s Pat Richard and co-driver Alan Ockwell charged back from last to finish in third-place overall in their new Subaru WRX STi. The result makes it mathematically impossible for any other team to catch them for the series title at the final round next month.

 
“I’m really happy to have won the Canadian Rally Championship. I have been away from the Canadian scene since 2004 and so to come back and win the title is just awesome!” said Richard.

 
This year marks the return of Subaru Rally Team Canada, after the factory effort went on hiatus in 2004.
 
Second place went to Gord Olsen and Todd Patola of Alberta in their Subaru WRX. The pair steered clear of the troubles many other teams experienced to tie their best career finish.

 
“We’re happy with the result, and it means we’re third in the championship now, which is a new thing for us, so that’s great too,” said Olsen. 

 
Pacific Forest Rally is an event that features treacherous roads and often changing conditions and this year saw many teams suffer mechanical trouble.

 
L’Estage and Richard dropped out of the lead early in the contest after a failed differential looked like it would end their event. The duo’s crew were able to make repairs and the team was able to regain lost ground to eventually top the podium.

 
Richard and Ockwell suffered a flat tire during the first day of action and were unable to change it immediately. The resulting damage as the tire broke apart pushed the team down the order to the very bottom for the start of Saturday’s action.

 
Warren Currie and co-driver Robin Chapelsky finished in fourth-place overall to take the top spot in the Production 4 class in their Subaru WRX, while Zebe Szewczyk and co-driver Tomasz Karzynski earned the Group 5 win in their Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart, Eric Grochowski and co-driver Leanne Junnila of Alberta drove hard in their Group 2 VW Golf GTI to earn the class win and finish eighth overall.

 
Brothers Jan and Jody Zedril finished seventh overall and took the Production class victory in their Mitsubishi Lancer. The duo also took top honours in the PIAA Eco Challenge, where entered teams measure who can go the fastest with the least amount of fuel.

 
Rally car racing is often described simply as “real cars, real roads, real fast.” The all-season motorsport sees drivers and their co-drivers take modified road cars to the limit as they achieve blistering speeds over closed-road courses that typically cover more than 150 kilometers of gravel, dirt or snow-covered roads. Fans can get up close to the cars in the service areas and catch all the action from specially designated spectator points located at the best spots on the route.

The Canadian Rally Championship is comprised of six events held nationwide in a season that extends from February to November. The series is presented by Subaru Canada, supported by Yokohama Canada and features contingency programs from Subaru Canada and Mitsubishi Canada. The Canadian Association of Rallysport (CARS) is the official sanctioning body for rallying in Canada.

The final round of the series takes place in Bancroft, Ontario. The Rally of the Tall Pines is held over November 21-22, 2008.

Full coverage of the championship will air on RDS and TSN. Check local listings.

For more information: www.carsrally.ca or www.pacificforestrally.com

Pacific Forest Rally Final Results (full results at www.pacificforestrally.com )

1 ) Antoine L’Estage – Nathalie Richard (Hyundai Tiburon) - 1 hour 47 min. 22 sec.
2 ) Gord Olsen – Todd Patola (Subaru Impreza WRX) – 1:50:45
3 ) Pat Richard – Alan Ockwell (Subaru Impreza STI) – 1:52:29
4 ) Warren Currie – Robin Chapelsky (Subaru Impreza WRX) – 1:53:18
5 ) Zebe Szewczyk – Tomasz Karzynski (Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart) – 1:53:55
6 ) Hardy Schmidtke – Adam Vokes (Subaru Impreza WRX) – 1:56:01
7 ) Jan Zedril – Jody Zedril (Mitsubishi Lancer ES) – 2:00:30
8 ) Eric Grochowski – Leanne Junnila (VW Golf GTI) – 2:02:12
9 ) Carl Barrell – Aaron Neumann (VW Golf GTI) – 2:04:58
10) Neil Wright – Lorna Wright (Mazda RX7) – 2:09:04

PHOTO BY: Andrew Harvey Photography <<PFR_08_ahp_0875.jpg>> <<PFR_08_ahp_0181.jpg>> <<PFR_08_ahp_0055.jpg>>

NASCAR: Scott Steckly Tests with GEM and serves as a VIP at Talladega

Milverton, ON, Monday October 20, 2008: Scott Steckly took advantage of a great opportunity last week as he was invited to the Statesville, North Carolina headquarters of Gillette Evernham Motorsports. “I got a call from Scott McDougal at GEM a couple of weeks ago asking if I would be available to test with them in a Camping World East Series car,” said Steckly. “There was no question about it, so we firmed up the details and headed to the GEM race shop last week.”

Scott Steckly, the 2008 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series champion and his championship winning crew chief Greg Gibson arrived in North Carolina on Tuesday. The GEM team got Steckly fitted in the driver seat and made sure everything was ready to go for the test session at Motor Mile Speedway in Virginia on Wednesday. “It was a great experience,” said Steckly. “One I won’t soon forget. We put a lot of laps on the car and made a few changes and overall everyone was very satisfied with the times we posted.” Motor Mile is a 1/2 mile banked oval very much like Riverside Speedway that the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series cars race on each year.

Steckly and Gibson are hoping that this test will lead into a ride for the Toyota All-Star Showdown that takes place in Irwindale, CA in January. Steckly has earned a guaranteed starting spot in the event as the 2008 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Champion along with the winners in seven other NASCAR Series. “We don’t have anything definite for that event yet and we will only compete if a good ride is available,” said Steckly.

Steckly was also invited to the recent NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Talladega. He was introduced as the Canadian NASCAR Champion and was on stage with the dignitaries for driver introductions. “It has just been an amazing few weeks,” stated Steckly.

Next up for Scott Steckly and his 22 Racing Team is the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series National Awards Banquet this Saturday October 25th at the Markham Hilton. Steckly will be crowned the 2008 Champion on this night and receive all the accolades accorded the Champion.

From Linda Jones / Wide Open Motorsport Solutions

Mitsubishi Brigade earns a Top 5 and crowns a national champion at the Pacific Forest Rally

Merritt, British-Columbia (October 20th, 2008) – The fifth round of the Canadian Rally Championship, the Pacific Forest Rally, was held out of the small community of Merritt, British-Columbia this weekend and the two-day event took a heavy toll on the starting grid as less than half the field made it to the finish. Mitsubishi clinched a Top 5 place with Albertans Zbigniew Szewczyk and Tomasz Karzynski in their Group 5 Lancer Ralliart while Manitobans Jan and Jody Zedril became the 2008 Canadian Production class champions in a stock Lancer with their seventh place finish, their career best in a national series event.

Zbigniew Szewczyk had a flawless run and was third overall with only two stages to go but he could not hold off a comeback from all-wheel drive open class cars and finally settled for fifth. He and codriver Tomasz Karzynski are now within two points of Mitsubishi Cup leaders Simon and Maxime Losier. The Zedril bothers completed their hat trick in Merritt. After their North American and American Production titles, they locked another class win with one event to go and give Mitsubishi the marques championship in the same process. They were also awarded the ECO Challenge, a unique concept where the winner is the vehicle that uses the least amount of gasoline in the event.

Open class entries were part of the heavy attrition. Mitsubishi Cup leaders, Simon and Maxime Losier went out early with a mechanical problem. “A one-dollar pin that prevented us from shifting, Losier said, “left us idle Saturday morning.” Rejean Losier and Philippe Poirier in their Synchro EVO 8 where fighting for a podium finish when a quick right caught them off guard and sent them off-road. “Our car is so strong we could have continued”, he claimed, “but we became time barred.”

“We have to congratulate the Zedril brothers for their victory and the winning of the Production class Championship”, says Peter Renz, National Marketing Manager for Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada (MMSCAN). “It is so demanding to prepare a production vehicle for the Canadian series. They have completed all the events they have entered and won their class three times out of four. With three class championships, they are having an outstanding year. Same thing for Szewczyk and Karzynski who were the best two-wheel drive car in the rally.”

The last round of the Canadian Rally Championship is set for the end of November in Ontario for a classic event, the Rally of the Tall Pines. It usually draws a large entry and the candidates for the Mitsubishi Cup will be legion. “At least five teams still have a shot at the Cup and the 10 000 $ prize money”, concludes mister Renz.

More information is available at http://www.carsrally.com/

Brockville Ontario Speedway Results October 18, 2008

Brockville Ontario Speedway: October 18, 2008
 
Wilson leads All Canadian Domination at First Can-Am Challenge
 
BROCKVILLE-They often to refer to a sprint car as the All-American race car.  The first ever Can-Am Sprint Car Challenge at Brockville Ontario Speedway came to a different conclusion, it's now North America's race car as Joyceville's Rickey Wilson led all Canadian sweep of the podium positions in the 25 lap feature on Saturday afternoon.

 
Wilson representing the Southern Ontario Sprint car group started on the pole for the main event that brought together the main sprint sanctioning bodies that compete in Ontario, Quebec and New York State.  He led every lap despite stiff challenges from both Steve Poirier and Alain Bergeron.  Wilson was his usual heads up self behind the wheel, realizing that a middle groove around the BOS was a way to ensure a good offense and good defense at the same time, leaving his rivals with very little to work with to get past him.  The new car got its first roof dance in front of the hometown faithful as Wilson and his racing family celebrated the victory.  Poirier was a strong second just in front of Bergeron. The top seven finishers were Canadian in the race.

 
It was a three car battle as well in the 25 lap Sportsman finale.  Josh Van Brocklin, making just his second appearance of the year at Brockville held off Matt Billings and Chris Herbison for the victory.  VanBrocklin was able to pass on the outside in the early going and get to the front quickly and survived restart after restart to beat Billings to the line with Herbison in tow.  Luke Whitteker and Randy Earl rounded out the fast five.

 
A couple of major accidents didn't slow down Todd Raabe who led all 20 laps in the Street Stock feature.  Phil Potts applied the pressure from the drop of the green to the checkered but never had enough to get past the Pembroke pilot.  Nico Leblanc, Dominic Gauvreau and Doug Anderson were third through fifth respectively. The race was red flagged twice as Jerry Kimmerly was shaken up when his car was involved in a three car wreck on the back stretch and then when Billy Code barrell rolled twice in turn 1 with parts flying every which way off the trusty Nova. Gerry O swept to an impressive win in the 16 lap Rookie main event easily outdistancing Chris Bakker and Frank Mitchell Jr.

 
A near capacity crowd was on hand for the final event of the 2008 season at Brockville Ontario Speedway.  The track thanks fans, drivers, crews and staff for all their support during 2008 and looks forward to May 2009 and another campaign at the Beast of the East.

 
Sprints 25 laps: Rick Wilson ($2,000), Steve Poirier, Alain Bergeron, Kevin Job, Lee Ladouceur, Brian McDonald, Michael Parent, Tommy Wickham, Chris Jones, Kayle Robidoux, Jeff Cook, Bubby Kerrick, Tim Kelly, Kyle Wilson, April Wilson, Sylvain Eriksen, Paul Pekkonen, Tyler Rand, Bill Baldwin (DNS)

Sportsman 25 laps: Josh Van Brocklin, Matt Billings, Chris Herbison, Luke Whitteker, Randy Earl, Dylan Evoy, Sheldon Hoogwerf, Mike Mainse, Rod McDonald, Dave Wilgosh, Doug O Blenis, Brian Copp, Shane Pecore, Jessica Power, Kenny Polite, Adam Trickey, Tabatha Murphy, Roger Varacalli, Ryan Buzzell, Peter Stapper, Greg Belyea, Zeke McKeown, Jack Barbazon

 
Street Stocks 20 laps: Todd Raabe, Phil Potts, Nico Leblanc, Dominic Gauvreau, Doug Anderson, Richard Brady, Jay O Hara, Marco Lalonde, Guy Amesse, Wes Bilmer, Stephane Bussiere, Kevin Campbell, Gaetan Amesse, Bruce Makinson, Alex Gagnon, Steve Billings, Rob Perry, Guy Regimbald, Jaco Code, Jason Lamothe, John Kingyens, Billy Code, Art Brown, Mark Grier, Selena Simzer, Mark Rinaldi, Jerry Kimmerly, Steve Kearney, Brandon Bolton, Mario Baptiste

 
Rookies 16 laps: Gerry Oszczakiewicz, Chris Bakker, Frank Mitchell Jr, Justin Ramsay, Stacey Ferguson, Ron Day, Mike Schonauer, Bev Rosebush, Mike Lees, Trevor Gaucher, Josh Kirkland, Brandon Henderson, Chris Lloyd, Ronnie Tyo, Henry Schnieder, Gabriel Mercier, Steve Barber, Dillon Sallows, Joe Banks

From Steve Young

JR Fitzpatrick NASCAR Truck Series race at Martinsville... Finished 20th

Canadian JR Fitzpatrick started 19th in his first-ever NASCAR Truck
Series race, at Martinsville Speedway, on Saturday. The NASCAR Canadian
Tire Series regular lots spots early due to a tight condition in the
Mammoet Chevy. In spite of being roughed up a big in his inaugural Truck
run, the Ayr, ON racer finished 20th on the lead lap.

Thanks to Jason Sharpe for the info and Diane Dale for the photos!
Congrats JR!

JR Fitzpatrick, pre-race at Martinsville

Here are some pre-race shots of JR Fitzpatrick in NASCAR Truck Series action at Martinsville Speedway on Saturday. JR practiced 30th fastest and qualified an impressive 19th.

Info from Jason Sharpe / Photos courtesy of Diane Dale.
... Race stuff posted shortly.

. <<JR_20081018_001.jpg>> <<JR_20081018_002.jpg>> <<JR_20081018_003.jpg>>

Report: GM / Chrysler mergers talks heat up

There's a story in the USA Today saying that there is a push to merge General Motors and Chrysler prior to the U.S. election. Can't see how this could be good news for Canadian racing.

F1: Montreal organizer's statement gets to the root of the 'technical' issue that killed the Grand Prix F1 du Canada

... No shock that the 'issue' was.... $$$$$.

For Immediate Release

CLARIFICATION NOTE FROM GRAND PRIX F1 DU CANADA REGARDING ALLEGATIONS FROM BERNIE ECCLESTONE

Montréal, October 19 2008 -  Contrary to allegations made by Bernie Ecclestone regarding money owed by Grand Prix F1 du Canada for past hosting rights, the organizers of the Canadian Round of the Formula 1 World Championship would like to make clear that Mr. Ecclestone has received and accepted the terms of payment that were fully agreed to for the 2006 and 2007 events. According to Paul Wilson, Vice-President Marketing Grand Prix du Canada: "It is totally untrue to suggest that our organization has defaulted on payments owed for the past three years."

As reported this past week, Mr. Wilson continued: "It is true that we have a commercial disagreement regarding our monetary obligations, but only for 2008. This is the result of an historical difference within the contractual understanding between the two parties. We were working hard to resolved the matter in order to meet our 2008 obligations when Mr. Ecclestone, without notice, surprised everyone by unilaterally dropping the Canadian Grand Prix from the 2009 FIA schedule last October 7."

"We believe that it is important to shed the light on this matter and to clarify any allegations that could tarnish the reputation of our organization. We do not accept that the integrity of the Grand Prix du Canada should be called into question, when it is evident that the table is being set for new negotiations with different levels of the Canadian government," concluded Mr. Wilson.

From Sarah-Émilie Bouchard // HKDP

Dirt From The Stands by Greg Cybulski

Time For Change

Well race fans, I was not aware that sitting at home and listening to the Knoxville Nationals on Hoseheads Radio was more important than supporting a sanctioning body's point race. 

I was, however, proven wrong when poor scheduling and lack of communications contributed to an embarrassing total of 9 Sprint Cars pitted at Estevan Motor Speedway on Saturday, August 9th.  Of these 9 teams, two were locally-based and one team came from Alberta.  According to my math, that means that 6 regular teams from the Grand Forks, North Dakota region made a commitment to travel from I-29 to southeast Saskatchewan to race  First, let me say that each of the participating teams were sent a note of thanks for their commitment.  To the organization that is the Northern Outlaw Sprint Association, there is only one thing that can be said...

Estevan Motor Speedway is an ideal track for sprint car racing.   Estevan Motor Speedway wants sprint car racing.   After 5 years of hosting the Northern Outlaw Sprint Association, Estevan Motor Speedway deserves better than what they got. 

It is the feeling of this writer and many others that this group's policies must change to become more inclusive to enable more teams from out of the territory to support long distance tour dates.  Especially in times of economic struggles, additional cars are essential for a successful race event.  In this regard, the NOSA Sprint Tour has failed.  In this era, standardization of rules for a car class, such as the ASCS program for 360 sprints, has made it possible for teams to support different events without concern.  These teams know that they can unload their car and race no matter where they are.  Throwing additional money into a standard purse is not the only answer to greater car counts, policy reform towards inclusion is the greater answer.  It is my sincere hope that there will be a commitment to improve the quality of the open wheel experience in Estevan and other facilities which require a long tow and to provide the best possible show for the race fans of those regions.

In 2004, I penned a little article for Bernie Hill's Rollcage Dirt Track Racing Magazine entitled "Time For Change" in which I echoed the same sentiments as today.  The article was a comparative of NOSA and the Northern Latemodel Racing Association.  I wrote of the NLRA's success as a touring group because of their ability to gain additional regional teams for their tour dates, whereas, I suggested that perhaps NOSA should "tour" as a 360 group in order to have additional Wissota teams participate in their race dates. 

Contrary to popular belief, the majority of sprint car teams in our region are 360's.  Grand Forks, North Dakota is an island for weekly 410 sprint car racing, surrounded by a sea of 360 sprint cars.  There is a universal truth that states, "pride will come before the fall".  It makes one wonder how great the pride of 410 sprint car racing will be for NOSA at River Cities Speedway while the island is slowly sinking into the sea.

Until next time...

Take care and good racing,
Greg Cybulski

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

NA RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP: Pacific Forest Rally: 4th Victory for Antoine L'Estage and Nathalie Richard

Merritt (British-Columbia), October 20, 2008 – At the wheel of the 4WD Royal Group Yokohama Hyundai Tiburon, Quebec driver Antoine L’Estage, co-driven by Nathalie Richard, won this past weekend’s Pacific Forest Rally in British Columbia.  This victory gives the duo from St-Jean-sur-Richelieu their fourth of the year and enough points to remain atop the leader board of the North American Rally Championship.

Once again, with the anticipation of a fierce dual between championship points leader Patrick Richard and two-time defending Canadian Champion, Antoine L’Estage, the penultimate rally of the 2008 calendar was hotly contested.  Antoine and Nathalie were virtually untouchable, leading the competitive stages for the entire 155km. « This is a good victory for us.  With only one rally left in the North American Rally Cup, we are in a good position to defend our title. We’re coming away from this weekend really positive about our chances » explains Antoine. He adds : « I also want to congratulate Patrick Richard, his co-driver Alan Ockwell, and their entire team for clinching the Canadian Championship here this weekend ».

Snow was not a factor at this year’s Pacific Forest Rally, but mud and constantly changing conditions made for tricky road surfaces. Antoine L’Estage was not too affected : « we pushed hard enough to take the lead from the start on Friday night, which we then just had to manage on Saturday. Everything was going well until we encountered some mechanical problems in the morning.  We lost some time but our lead was large enough that we were able to take the victory regardless » mentions Antoine. « Our mechanics are an integral part of our team and they did an incredible job at each service. They earn huge accolades from me, as does Nathalie, who did another great job at my side  » he concludes.

« Our mechanical bad luck at the Rallye Defi cost us the chance to defend our Canadian Championship title but we proved that we can get past that and come back fighting. Our objective now is to win the North American Rally Championship at the Rally of the Tall Pines next month » indicates Nathalie Richard.

Conclusion of the 2008 season in November

The last round of the 2008 Canadian Rally Championship and the North American Rally Cup is set for November 22nd.  Bancroft, Ontario will host the Rally of the Tall Pines, a popular event amongst competitors and spectators alike. Antoine L’Estage won this rally with Yanick Napert in 2004, Nathalie Richard won with John Buffum in 2005, and together Antoine and Nathalie were victorious in 2006 and 2007. 

Antoine et Nathalie compete in the Canadian Rally Championship with the proud support of : Hyundai Canada <http://www.hyundaicanada.com/> , Royal Group <http://www.royalgrouptech.com/> , Yokohama Tires <http://www.yokohama.ca/> , Énergie Cardio <http://www.energiecardio.com/> , Libra Racing <http://www.libraracing.com/> , OMP Racewear <http://www.driversedgeautosport.com/> , and MBF Racing <http://www.mbfracing.com/> . You can also visit the team’s site Coyote Rallye <http://www.coyoterallye.com/>  for more specific information on the team or as a general rally reference.

Source : Coyote Rallye Media Services, (514) 825 - 4332 
Photo : Antoine L’Estage and Nathalie Richard, winners of the 2008 Pacific Forest Rally.
Photo Credit : © Marie-Lyse Tremblay (rights reserved; high resolution available upon request).