HONDA'S SHOCK F1 WITHDRAWAL?

Honda appear to be on the verge of pulling out of F1 and putting their team up for sale. Sources cite the collapse of the automotive market and the teams near $300 million annual expenses to run what was easily the worst manufacturer team over the last two years.

It's a surprisingly last-minute move as teams are expected to roll out their 2009 cars in January and Honda had just spent a good deal of money pursuing Team Boss Ross Brawn, the architect behind Ferrari's title-winning years with Michael Schumacher at the wheel.

Jenson Button had also just re-signed with the team leaving his F1 future in doubt as well. This isn't the first time Honda have left the sport abruptly though. They pulled out of F1 in 1992 under eerily similar circumstances.

With the time difference an announcement could be made as early as tonight.

More on this soon...

Yokohama Tire Corporation to be Presenting Sponsor of the Patrón GT3 Challenge

FULLERTON, CA (Dec. 3, 2008) – Yokohama Tire Corporation announced today it will be the presenting sponsor and official spec tire of the newly-minted Patrón GT3 Challenge by Yokohama race series. The single-make series, featuring Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars, is a support event for the American Le Mans Series and is entering its fifth season after previously being known as the IMSA Challenge.

The agreement between Yokohama and IMSA (International Motor Sports Association), which is for the 2009 and 2010 racing seasons, provides Yokohama prominent branding on each race car as well as in seven, one-hour Speed TV specials covering the Series. The 2009 campaign will feature 12 races during six event weekends at famous American racetracks such as Sebring International Raceway, Road Atlanta and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

As part of the sponsorship, Yokohama will engineer and construct purpose-built ADVAN® racing tires for the GT3 Cup cars. The ADVAN A005® will handle dry weather racing while the A006® will handle wet weather duty. The sizes (front/rear) will be 240/640R18 and 280/680R18.

Yokohama ADVAN Sport® tires are OE fitment on the Porsche 911 Carrera 4 and the Cayenne with other recent OE fitments including the Boxster and the Boxster S.

“We’re excited to participate in a series that features Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars and great racetracks,” said Mark Chung, director of strategic marketing. “This is a proud extension of our motorsports involvement with IMSA, ALMS and Porsche.”

Details about the series can be found at www.IMSAChallenge.com

Yokohama Tire Corporation is the North American manufacturing and marketing arm of Tokyo, Japan-based The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., a global producer and distributor of premium tires since 1917. Servicing a network of more than 4,500 points of sale in the U.S., Yokohama Tire Corporation offers a complete line of tires, including high-performance, light truck, passenger car, commercial truck and bus, as well as off-the-road mining and construction applications. For more information on Yokohama’s extensive product line, visit www.yokohamatire.com.

Yokohama is a strong supporter of the tire care and safety guidelines established by the Rubber Manufacturers Association and the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration. Details can be found at the “Taking Care of Your Tires” section at www.yokohamatire.com.

FBMW: David Ostella World Finals Preview

Formula BMW driver David Ostella has just one start remaining on the schedule of his maiden open-wheel season and it is without a doubt the biggest one yet. The Canadian teenager is already in Mexico City where the 2008 Formula BMW World Finals will take place at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez this weekend. While the circuit will be new to most drivers, the format should prove quite familiar.

"It’s very much like karting events used to be," said Ostella prior to his departure. "Qualifying and heat racing that lead up to a main event. I like it because it means more racing first of all, and because consistency will be rewarded, especially if you are up front."

As he does whenever possible, the young driver from Maple, Ontario, has been wearing out simulator programs in preparing for yet another unseen circuit. "I’ve been practising and already feel that this is an awesome track to race," he said early this week. "It was great on the game, and I expect it will be as good or even better in real life."

After timed and SuperPole qualifying on Friday, Formula BMW drivers from around the world will face Heats one and two on Saturday before running a third and final 25-minute heat on Sunday morning. Points will then be tabulated, and the field created for a 30-lap World Final on Sunday afternoon. Ostella is optimistic heading in, especially when noting the schedule.

"My goal is the same as it always has been," he said of his final run. "I want to be toward the front and show that I’m quick and can run with the fast guys. I really like that we will have four full practise sessions, and have set my goal as a top-five finish."

David will once again be racing with support from his season-long partners in Global Precast Motorsports, Alpinestars, and RAW Integrated. For more information on David and Global Precast Motorsports, please visit www.davidostella.com

 
<<in car by Kathy Kerber.jpg>>

Varney Motor Speedway: Drivers' Meetings Dec.14

VARNEY MOTOR SPEEDWAY
2009 DRIVERS' MEETINGS
SUNDAY, DEC. 14TH, 2008
LOCATION: OPTIMIST HALL – HOLSTEIN ON.

- Doors open at 12:00 noon
- 12:15 PM General Rules
- 12:30 PM Overview of use of transponders
- 1:00 PM Revised payouts for Stock 4 and Street Stock divisions
- 1:15 PM Stock 4
- 1:45 PM Street Stock
- 2:15 PM Super Street Stocks
- 2:45 PM Varney Late Models
- 3:15 PM All Pro Modified
- 3:45 PM Trains & Vans

Please plan to attend this meeting as we are looking to discuss some major changes that will affect everyone that races at Varney Motor Speedway.

Although we value everyone’s input only drivers that where registered and raced on a regular basis in 2008 will be allowed to vote on any rule changes.

ARCA: Canadian Steve Arpin to Drive for Eddie Sharp Racing in 2009

Denver, N.C. (December 3, 2008) – Fort Frances, Ontario’s Steve Arpin has signed with Eddie Sharp Racing to drive a partial season in the ARCA RE/MAX Series in 2009. The Open-Wheeled Dirt Modified phenom from Canada will drive for ESR in the 12 speedway events at Daytona International Speedway, Rockingham Speedway, Talladega Superspeedway, Kentucky Speedway, Pocono Raceway, Michigan International Speedway, Iowa Speedway, Chicagoland Speedway, and Kansas Speedway.

“We’ve worked really hard for a lot of years in racing,” said Arpin. “We did a lot of research looking for the best team, best equipment, and best people possible in any series to make the next step. We truly feel that Eddie Sharp Racing is the best of those three scenarios and are looking forward to competing in the ARCA RE/MAX Series in 2009. We think this is the best team to be with to further my career.”

Arpin is a jack-of-all-trades, master of all things four-wheeled. And even those things without wheels! At only 15, Arpin competed in his first World Championship Snowmobile Derby and won! Arpin nailed a total of eight World Championships before he was 18. In 2008 alone, Arpin ran his famous No. 00 “eh” Larry Shaw Modified, a UMP Open Late Model, USAC Silver Crown sprint car, and a CRA Late Model. Sidelined briefly in February due to burns sustained while changing his own motor at Volusia Speedway (yes, this boy can turn a wrench!), Arpin came back and was named the 2008 USAC Sliver Crown Rookie of the Year and the Minnesota Modified National Champion. Did we mention that this was Arpin’s first year in a sprint car…ever? Arpin has won almost every big Modified event across the country.

Arpin is currently working to secure funding to run the entire 2009 ARCA RE/MAX Series schedule with ESR.  And you can bet that if he does, he will be contending for the 2009 Championship title.

Eddie Sharp Racing is located in the Charlotte, NC suburb of Denver. Eddie Sharp Racing has proven to be a successful avenue of driver development, and is considered among the most elite teams in the ARCA RE/MAX Series. Drivers from Eddie Sharp Racing's ARCA program have quickly advanced to the NASCAR Nationwide and Sprint Cup Series, two of the highest rated motorsport series in the world.

For more on Eddie Sharp Racing, please log onto www.teamesr.com.
For more on Steve Arpin please visit www.stevearpinracing.com.
Media Contact: Jody L. Jennings // Eddie Sharp Racing // jjennings@teamesr.com <<SArpin_waist.JPG>> <<SArpin_helmet.jpg>>

NASCAR CEO Makes Policy U-Turn

TSN has a story up where NASCAR CEO Brian France has urged drivers to be more outspoken to up the entertainment factor in the Sprint Cup. His comments appear to be a direct u-turn from the assumed policy NASCAR has had in the past of being very conservative and sponsor conscious. One of the more popular jokes about NASCAR is the perception drivers are required to mention their sponsors whenever in front of the camera.

Here's a nugget from the story:

"Our fans like to see the emotion. If you're running 200 miles an hour and you're about to win a race and somebody spins you out, you don't need to hop out of the car and act like you're in the library. You're mad. You're upset," said France.

It's no secret that NASCAR's television broadcasts have declined somewhat in the last year and given the state of three-quarters of the manufacturers in NASCAR this could signal a change in attitude among the NASCAR elite. This is the first real scare for the series since it's popularity exploded after the death of their most marketable athlete, Dale Earnhardt Sr. at Daytona in Ferbuary of 2001.

Hopefully sponsors and drivers will take his words to heart and NASCAR will return to their roots where mavericks like Smokey Yunick ran wild.

Visit TSN.ca for a link to France's comments.

Very sad news... John Massingberd

I just received the following note from Wendy Taylor....

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of John Massingberd.

John lost his battle with ALS in the early morning hours of December 1, 2008.

John's lasting legacy will be his vibrant, generous personality and many friendships that he has built his life and business on over the years.

We invite you to join us, a gathering of family, friends and business associates at The Black Bull – 1124 Guelph Line, Burlington http://www.blackbull.ca/ (for directions and map)

Time: Monday, December 8th – from 4 pm – 10 pm as we celebrate a life well lived!

For more information, contact Wendy Taylor (Executive Assistant), SnowTrax Television, Raceline Radio Network, Dirt Trax Television // Tel: (905) 332-7223

UPDATE (12/3/08): There's a nice tribute to John on the Raceline site:

VISIONARY, LEGEND AND AMBASSADOR LEAVES LASTING IMPRESSION

JOHN MASSINGBERD 1954 – 2008

(Burlington, ON – December 2, 2008) For Immediate Release - It is with supreme sadness Promark Motorsport International Inc., Raceline Radio Network Inc., Snow Trax Television Inc., and Dirt Trax Television Inc., announces the passing of company founder, President and CEO John Massingberd.
John departs in his 54th year, losing a brief but courageous battle with ALS, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, commonly known as “Lou Gehrig’s disease”.
The oldest of three sons, born in Toronto in 1954, John established Promark Motorsport International and Raceline Motorsport Television in the late 80’s to fill a void in the televising of Canadian racing events.
In 1993, he founded, Executive Produced and co-anchored Raceline Radio, Canada’s first nationally syndicated motorsport radio program, featuring Canadian racing talent. Now in its 15th year, Raceline Radio is the most widely syndicated National Motorsport radio program in Canada.
A year later, Massingberd launched Snow Trax Television which is now in its 14th year and is broadcasted nationally in both Canada and the United States. In 2004, Dirt Trax Television, a companion program focusing on the All-Terrain Vehicle market, was launched and has reached similar acclaim with North American enthusiasts.
Massingberd’s energy, infectious sense of humour and genuine charm is what contributed to John’s larger than life persona. His unique vision, business acumen and strong sense of dedication is what drove him to break new ground in the televising and radio coverage of Canadian motorsport racing and the world of snowmobiling and ATV recreation.
His efforts and legacy have been submitted to The Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame for induction consideration. A special memorial ALS snowmobile ride in John’s name is also planned for this winter season. All proceeds from the charitable ride will be donated to help family’s whose loved ones are stricken with ALS.
A reception to celebrate Massingberd’s life is in the planning process, as is a special tribute broadcast on The Raceline Radio Network. A series of special segments celebrating John’s most memorable experiences as host of Snow Trax Television is also planned for this broadcast season.
Under the management of a dedicated team of individuals, the properties of Raceline Radio, Snow Trax Television and Dirt Trax Television will continue to strive forward and break new ground in delivering entertaining and content rich programming to Motorsport and Powersport enthusiasts alike.
We all sincerely appreciate your thoughts, prayers and condolences.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the ALS Society of Ontario or your local Snowmobile Club.

INDYCAR SERIES NEWS AND NOTES - Dec. 2, 2008

INDYCAR SERIES NEWS AND NOTES – Dec. 2, 2008
Today’s IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights headlines

1.      Dixon, Castroneves, Matos earn First Team All-America honors
2.      Patrick most searched athlete in 2008
3.      Schmidt to be honored by Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation
4.      Firestone Indy Lights schedule finalized

1. Dixon, Castroneves, Matos earn First Team All-America honors: Scott Dixon, Helio Castroneves and Raphael Matos have been voted to the 2008 All-America Auto Racing First Team by the American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association. They are among 17 drivers in seven categories eligible for the Jerry Titus Award that will be presented to the Driver of the Year Jan. 10 in Ontario, Calif.

Dixon and Castroneves swept First Team honors in the Open-Wheel category as the top two vote getters. Dixon, the IndyCar Series champion, recorded a record-tying six victories in 2008, including the Indianapolis 500, to win his second series championship by 17 points over Castroneves. Castroneves won twice and set a series record with eight second-place finishes in his pursuit of Dixon. The two of them easily outdistanced the other nominees in the Open Wheel category. Both are now four-time All-Americans, the third time for Dixon on First Team and the first time Castroneves has achieved the top rung.

Matos earned First Team honors in the At Large category. Matos won the Firestone Indy Lights championship on the strength of three victories. He is the fifth Firestone Indy Lights champion since 2002 to earn First Team honors. Matos will compete in the IndyCar Series in 2009.

Ryan Briscoe and Tony Kanaan were voted to the Second Team. Briscoe, who recorded his first two IndyCar Series victories in 2008 en route to a fifth-place finish in the championship, was voted to the All-America Team for the first time. The Australia native also won the non-points race in his home country in October.

Kanaan, who won once in 2008 and finished third overall, was elected for the fourth time.

Danica Patrick and Dan Wheldon earned Honorable Mention honors by garnering at least 5 percent of the overall votes. Patrick finished a career-high sixth in the championship and earned her first career victory in 2008, becoming the first woman to win a major Indy car event. Wheldon was named to the team for the fourth time in his career. He won two races in 2008 and finished fourth overall.

***

2. Patrick most searched athlete in 2008: Danica Patrick topped golfer Tiger Woods, quarterback Tom Brady and Super Bowl champion Eli Manning as the most searched for athlete in 2008, according to AOL’s annual list of top Web, mobile and video searches.

AOL annually ranks the top searches in 40 categories based on the people, places and topics that received the largest volume of Web and mobile search queries on AOL Search and on Truveo, the company’s video search engine.

Patrick, who raced into national prominence with a fourth-place finish in the Indianapolis 500 in 2005, increased her popularity with several milestones in 2008. Prior to the start of the IndyCar Series season, the 26-year-old graced the pages of Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Edition, an issue that generates more than 69 million readers as well as more than 250 million online visitors.

On the track, Patrick made history in April when she earned her first career victory, the first victory by a woman in an Indy car event. She went on to finish a career-high sixth in the championship.

***

3. Schmidt to be honored by Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation: Firestone Indy Lights team owner Sam Schmidt will receive the 2008 Visionary Leadership Award from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation Dec. 2 at the Making Magic Happen Gala in Los Angeles.

Schmidt will be recognized for his outstanding professional and philanthropic leadership and will be joined by actress Jane Seymour, who will receive the 2008 Philanthropy Award.

"I am so touched and honored by this recognition from the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation," said Schmidt, founder of the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation. "Not only was Chris a friend, but he inspired me and so many others to pull through challenging times and move forward with my life."

Schmidt founded the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation shortly after a practice crash left him with a spinal cord injury that paralyzed him from the chest down. He has taken the passion and commitment that made him a competitive race car driver and has focused that energy on creating a broader awareness of spinal cord injuries.

"Sam has demonstrated extraordinary generosity of time, talent and resources, and his efforts have touched many people," said Peter T. Wilderotter, president and CEO of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. "This award is presented with gratitude to Sam for his enthusiastic dedication, loyal support and inspirational example." 

The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation and the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation have worked together for several years to fund cutting-edge research to find more effective treatments for spinal cord injuries.

***

4. Firestone Indy Lights schedule finalized: Nine races on the Firestone Indy Lights schedule in 2009 will be held on the same day as IndyCar Series races, series officials announced on Dec. 2.

The 15-race schedule, divided among eight ovals, four temporary street circuits and three permanent road courses, includes three new venues and the series' first two races outside of the United States.

"It is important to Firestone Indy Lights that our drivers and teams can showcase their talents not only to IndyCar Series teams competing on the same track, but to the fans that come to each event," said Roger Bailey, executive director of Firestone Indy Lights.

Same-day races will be held at St. Petersburg 2, Long Beach, Kansas, Milwaukee, Edmonton, Kentucky, Mid-Ohio, Infineon and Chicagoland, while the season-opening St. Petersburg race, Iowa, Watkins Glen, Toronto and the season finale at Homestead-Miami will be held on the day prior to the companion IndyCar Series race.

The Firestone Freedom 100 is scheduled to be held as part of Miller Lite Carb Day activities on May 22 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, two days before the 93rd Indianapolis 500-Mile Race.

Firestone Indy Lights is an essential stepping stone for drivers and teams striving to compete in the IndyCar Series and the Indianapolis 500. Teams compete for nearly $4 million in prize money in cars that are second in speed only to the IndyCar Series at most tracks they visit.

The complete Firestone Indy Lights schedule will be telecast in high-definition on Versus and available through live webcasts on indycar.com.

The complete 2009 Firestone Indy Lights schedule:

Date / Track

April 4 Streets of St. Petersburg
April 5 Streets of St. Petersburg
April 19        Streets of Long Beach
April 26        Kansas Speedway
May 22  Indianapolis Motor Speedway
May 31  Milwaukee Mile
June 20 Iowa Speedway
July 4  Watkins Glen International
July 11 Streets of Toronto
July 26 Edmonton City Centre Airport
Aug. 1  Kentucky Speedway
Aug. 9  Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course
Aug. 23 Infineon Raceway
Aug. 29 Chicagoland Speedway
Oct. 9  Homestead-Miami Speedway

The 2009 IndyCar Series season opens April 5 with the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on the streets of St. Petersburg, Fla. The race will be telecast live at 2 p.m. (EDT) by VERSUS. The 2009 Firestone Indy Lights season begins with a doubleheader race weekend April 4-5 at St. Petersburg.

From IndyCar

Mosport's 2009 Major Event Schedule Released

MOSPORT RELEASES 2009 MAJOR EVENT SCHEDULE
 
BOWMANVILLE, ON (December 1, 2008) - Mosport International Raceway’s 2009 major event schedule, released today, will again feature the only Canadian stop in North America’s premier sports car championship – the American Le Mans Series, along with two rounds each in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series and the Parts Canada Superbike Championship. Tickets for the six-event schedule are now on sale.

 
In making the announcement, Myles Brandt, president and general manager of the country’s largest motorsports facility said that Mosport’s 2009 race line-up will continue to emphasize quality, variety and value.

 
“We’ve put together the strongest and most diverse motorsports schedule in Canada, featuring a great blend of world class programs like the American Le Mans Series and the country’s top stock car and motorcycle championships,” said Brandt. “Also important to our fans is that we’ve held the line on ticket pricing. Our weekend SuperTickets range from $30 to $65, with children 12 and under admitted free. We believe this makes a weekend at Mosport one of the most affordable major sporting events in Canada.”

 
All major race events at Mosport include these value-added benefits with paid admission:
 
•         kids 12 and under admitted free (with a paid adult admission)
•         free access to the Race Team Paddock
•         free access to the Mosport Motorsports Expo and Marketplace
•         free access to the Saturday Night Stock Car Racing at Mosport Speedway
•         free parking
 
The green flag drops on Mosport’s 49th season of racing May 15-17 with the Victoria Day SpeedFest, celebrating the summer’s first long weekend.

 
Tickets and holiday gift certificates can be purchased online at mosport.com www.mosport.com  or by calling the Mosport Ticket Hotline (1-800-866-1072).

 
Since 1961, Mosport International Raceway has been Canada’s Home of Motorsports, playing host to more than 400 event days a year. Located less than an hour east of Toronto, the 750-acre, multi-purpose facility is the only permanent motorsports complex in the GTA, with a world-renowned 4-kilometre road course, a 2.4 kilometre driver development centre with skid pad, a 1.4 km pro kart circuit and a half-mile paved oval.

 
MOSPORT’S 2009 MAJOR EVENT SCHEDULE
 
May 15-17                 Victoria Day SpeedFest Weekend
The kick-off to Mosport’s season features the Castrol Canadian Touring Car Series, the Sundown Grand Prix endurance racing classic and the GT Challenge. This long-weekend start to summer camping includes a Saturday night fireworks display.

 
June 12-14               Mosport High Octane Weekend
Drivers in Canada’s top stock car championship will take on one the world’s most challenging road courses as the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series makes its first of two stops at Mosport. Also on the race schedule are two U.S.-based championships, the Ford Racing Mustang Challenge for the Miller Cup and the F2000 Championship presented by Hoosier Racing Tires. The Castrol Canadian Touring Car Series returns for their second round at Mosport.

 
June 19-21               30th Annual International Vintage Racing Festival
Organized by the Vintage Automobile Racing Association of Canada, this annual historic auto racing event features beautifully restored ready-to-race cars from the past 50 years of motorsports. Featured classes include Open Wheel, Historic & Vintage Production, Sports Racers and Group 70+.

 
July 17-19                 Parts Canada Superbike Doubleheader Weekend
Canada’s top riders compete in a doubleheader points race for the national Parts Canada Superbike Championship. Mosport is the premier stop of the season for the Superbikes, along with other national classes including Canadian Thunder, Pro 600 and Suzuki SV650.  Off track features include the BMW Motorrad SummerFest (with on and off road bike to test, live music and hot new merchandise), the Yamaha Riding Academy and demo rides featuring the latest bikes from manufacturers like Suzuki.

 
August 8                   The Mosport Speedway 200
The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series makes a return visit, but this time on the more familiar soundings of an oval. Mosport Speedway is Canada’s fastest half-mile paved oval and this 200-lap race provides the drivers and crew with one of the toughest tests of the season.

 
August 27-30           Mobil 1 Presents The Grand Prix of Mosport
Canada’s biggest sports car race features the only north-of-the-border stop in the American Le Mans Series for exotic prototypes and GT race cars. It’s a world-class field of drivers demonstrating their skills in sophisticated vehicles highlighting leading-edge technology. Three of North America’s top open-wheel championships are on the race card (the Cooper Tires Presents The Atlantic Championship Powered by MazdaTDI Cup, IMSA Lites and IMSA Challenge. , Formula BMW & Star Mazda Championship, presented by Goodyear), plus rounds in the Jetta

From Mosport

<<2008 Mosport ALMS Race Start (photo credit Dan Boyd - low rez).jpg>>

COMPASS360 RACING SIGNS MATT PRITIKO FOR 2009

Toronto, Canada -- Compass360 Racing today released further details of of their driver line-up for 2009 with the announcement that London, Ontario's Matt Pritiko has re-joined the team, which competes in Grand-Am's KONI Challenge series.

Pritiko was a part of the team's roster in 2007, notching four top-ten finishes, including an exceptional fourth-place at Trois-Rivieres. He finished an impressive 15th in the overall standings in his rookie year.

Matt's return to Compass360 Racing coincides with the team's move to Honda Civic Si's, after successfully campaigning Acura TSXs over the past two seasons.

"We've worked with Honda of America on the marketing objectives for 2009," noted Team Principal Karl Thomson. "We'll be moving from the TSX to Civic Si, using the KONI Challenge as a platform to demonstrate the fact that the Si is a 'giant killer'.

Compass360 Racing's KONI program pits the pocket rocket Civic Si against cars that fight at higher price-points in the showroom, including the BMW 330i and Z4, Subaru Legacy, Mini Cooper S, Mazda RX8 and VW GTI.

Pritiko is an ideal pilot for the new Civic. "Matt is an analytical and deliberate driver," said C360R Technical Director Ray Lee. "He's a team player and the consumate professional."

Indeed, Matt is a World Karting Association Champion. In 2005 he was selected by Ron Fellows to join the Team Sunoco Ultra 94 program to compete in the Bridgestone/Firestone F2000 series where he claimed second overall. Perhaps most importantly, Matt's performance both on and off-track earned him the David Preston Sportsmanship Award.

Matt will also be testing with North Carolina's Corrie Scott Racing in their Arca/ReMax car over the next few months. This is a great opportunity for Matt, and further proof that the crossover between Grand-Am and other NASCAR-owned series will continue, which is good for drivers and teams alike.

The KONI Challenge race schedule starts on January 22nd in Daytona, Florida.
-------------------
Compass360 Racing (C360R) is the motorsports division of Compass360 Marketing Communications, a firm offering branding expertise to clients in diverse industries across North America. For details visit http://www.c360r.com/ or http://www.compass360.com/

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

AIM Autosport - Wilkins awarded North America Cup

Accolades from Canadian Automobile Sport Clubs: Mark Wilkins awarded the North American Cup

Woodbridge, Ontario - November 30, 2008: The Canadian Automobile Sport Clubs - Ontario Region  presented  a number of awards and trophies at their annual banquet last week and to his surprise, Mark Wilkins was awarded the North American Cup which goes to a Canadian driver who excels in his achievements in a North American or international racing series. Mark received the award based on his back-to-back wins and overall showing in the Grand Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal cask No. 16.

Mark and his team mate Brian Frisselle had a breakout win for Woodbridge, Ontario-based AIM Autosport when they surprised everyone at their home race in Montreal after being spun to the back of the field in the opening lap. Crossing the line just 64/1000ths ahead of the second-place car, it is on record as the closest finish in Rolex Sports Car Series history. One week later, the team would take the pole and the win at Watkins Glen and go on to record their third consecutive podium at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California two weeks later. At that race, they also drove from the back of the pack  in an impressive run. Mark Wilkins was at the wheel when the checkers flew at each of these events. Overall, Mark and Brian lead eleven of thirteen races in the No. 61 Ford Riley and the team would go on to place fifth overall in the series championship.

This North American Cup was first presented to CASC by past-president, George Chapman of Winnipeg in 1980 and is awarded to the outstanding Canadian racing driver taking into account results of all races in any category in North America. The trophy honours the driver who brings the greatest international recognition to Canadian motorsport. Past recipients include Ron Fellows, Paul Tracy, David Empringham, Devon Powell and Klaus Bytzek.  The first recipient in 1980 was Jacques Villeneuve, brother of Gilles, whose son would go on to win both CART and Formula 1 championships.

Scott Ellsworth, President of CASC-Ontario Region commented on Mark's selection. "Winning at the international level at which you compete is a challenge an order of magnitude greater than winning in your own backyard. You (and your team) demonstrated consistent success in Rolex Grand-Am competition in 2008. This award is richly deserved and we're proud that this year it is going to a driver from CASC Ontario Region."

"I am extremely thrilled to have been chosen for this award," exclaimed a very surprised Wilkins. "To be selected by your peers for any award is great, but to think that my name will be on a plaque alongside some of my racing heros and mentors, is absolutely amazing. I can only hope that my racing career continues to flourish and that can attain the same levels of success as theirs." Mark continued, "I'd like to thank the board, all the members and the selection committee at CASC-OR for this  this award. We now look forward to another successful season with AIM Autosport in the Grand Am Rolex Sports Car Series."

AIM Autosport's win at Montreal was earlier selected by fans as Grand Am's "Moment of The Year" in online balloting and the team was recognized at the annual awards banquet. That stunning win is now in the running for the Speed Performance Awards as "Move of The Year". Fans can view the video and vote online at www.speedperformanceawards.com

AIM Autosport Facts: Established in 1995, AIM Autosport  has a mandate to identify, train and manage emerging motorsport talent. AIM has provided many young drivers with a solid foundation on which to build a career in professional racing. The success of the AIM driver development programs has been achieved through the dedication of our employees and the ongoing support of our commercial and technical partners. Away from the track, AIM Autosport serves the needs of the racing community with a purpose-built preparation shop situated in the Toronto suburb of Woodbridge, Ontario. AIM fields the No. 61 Ford-Riley Daytona Prototype in the Rolex Grand Am series with drivers Mark Wilkins and Burt Frisselle. The team also competes in the Star Madza Championship presented by Goodyear. AIM won the 2008 Championship with driver John Edwards.

Photo Credit: Caitlin Fell
From Chris Jameson // Level Ten Communications
  <<AIM_Wilkins_Infineon_08.jpg>> <<Mark_Wilkins.jpg>>

Sports Car Club of BC - December newsletter

Peter Weedon sent us a link to the December newsletter for the Sports Car Club of BC.

Click here to see the entire 28-page PDF document.

Merrittville Speedway Press Release - Christmas Ideas

From Jim Irvine - Merrittville Speedway Public Relations - 905-685-7223 (Winter Office)

Thorold, Ontario (November 28) – Merrittville Speedway (www.merrittvillespeedway.com) has just the “right” gift for that special race fan or racer this Holiday Season with the launching of the Thorold track’s ALL NEW Item - Crash Cash.

With Christmas Day now less than one month away and counting down, The ALL NEW Crash Cash is a perfect item for Stocking Stuffers and can be used during the racing season at all Merrittville Speedway Concessions for food and drink, at the Novelty Trailer for fan apparel and at any Ticket Booth.

Each Crash Cash Certificate has a $5 Value – so race fans of any age will love them as will race team members. You can purchase them in any number for that special fan or racer on your Christmas List!

For the race fan on your list, a present that will keep giving all summer long is a Season Ticket with 25 events tentatively making up the 2009 Schedule – one more than what made up the 2008 season including the addition of an ASCS Patriot Sprint Group race in early August to compliment the May 30th Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints event.

All 2009 Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series events and specials are included in either Grandstand General Admission or Reserved Seating Packages starting at $240 per Adult – a potential savings of $106. Student and Senior rates are available starting at $220. The all inclusive ticket also comes with a complimentary Pasta Night Dinner held annually pre-race August 3rd in addition to other great benefits to be released soon.

The 58th consecutive season will once again kick off with the Annual Spring Sizzler Saturday April 25th and will conclude with the Triple Header Weekend September 11-13th.

Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series Driver VIP Passes, Memberships and Season Passes will be available beginning Monday December 8th at a special rate until April 1st but would make great gifts for your favorite driver this Christmas.

The 2009 Driver VIP Pass will be valid for “all events scheduled” from May 2 thru September 5th.  Further details on the 2009 Driver VIP Pass will be released shortly.

Pit side - big savings are in store for early birds who purchase Memberships and Season Passes prior to April 1st. Early Bird rates are $50 and $350 respectively and in the case of the year long pass – saves the racer a potential $195.00.

An event that both race fan and race team can compete in is the 100 lap Enduro that will once again close the season. The event is lined up by when a driver registers so surprise him or her with a starting spot towards the front. Registration is just $50 from now until September 1st.

To compliment any 2009 Grandstand Ticket Package, the Merrittville Speedway Winter Office has an inventory of fan wear and race apparel available.

The Winter Office is located in Bicknell Racing Products – 117 Cushman Road in St. Catharines Ontario and is open during business hours Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. 

BEGINNING Monday December 8th, Crash Cash Certificates, Grandstand and Pit Area Season Passes, Driver VIP Passes and Memberships will become available.

For convenient holiday shopping, the BRP Showroom will be open for a Holiday In-Store Special Event at the Merrittville Speedway Open House on Saturday December 13th from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Free coffee and donuts for the early birds will also be available! Need to get that racer something on his or her wish list… ‘Special One Day in Store Savings’ … You just won’t want to miss!

To reach Merrittville Speedway during the off season – call 905-685-7223 or via e mail – ebicknell@cogeco.net.
 
MERRITTVILLE SPEEDWAY SPONSORS: The 2008 Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series for Merrittville Speedway’s 5 Divisions was brought to fans by division sponsors – L. St. Amand Enterprises, Original Pizza Logs, Lucas Oil, Hoosier Tire Canada and Turn 4 Collision in addition to contingency sponsors Bilstein Shock Absorbers, Hoosier Tire Canada, Inside Track Motorsport News, Intercomp, ISC Racer’s Tape, Jaz Products, Kirkey Racing Fabrication, Motorsports Safety Systems, Port City Racing, R.J.S. Racing Equipment, Sway-A-Way, Ultra Shield Race Products, Outerwears and XRP, Inc.

Lucas Oil Products is one of the fastest growing additive lines in the consumer automotive industry featuring a premium line of oils, greases and problem-solving additives.

Through innovative product research and development, along with aggressive marketing programs, Lucas Oil Products has established itself as the top selling additive in the industry.

Race fans can look for Lucas Oil Products at their favorite automotive retailer including the St. Catharines and Niagara Falls PartSource locations, Drummond Home Hardware in Niagara Falls and through RCM Racing Equipment.