Penske pulls the plug on '09 Detroit IndyCar race

Too bad this race was scheduled near the time of the NASCAR weekend in Montreal, or it would have been a slam dunk to move it to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve to fill the F1 void. I still wouldn't be surprised to see some movement in the IndyCar sked to put a race there before July... GM)

From IndyCar.com

By Dave Lewandowski

Terry Angstadt, president of the Indy Racing League's commercial division, said the sanctioning body will review venues to fill the void on the 2009 IndyCar Series schedule after officials for the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix announced that the event will not be held because of difficult economic conditions.

He's also hopeful that the event on Belle Isle will return in 2010.

"The economic environment that our region, state and country faces, both today and in 2009, is difficult," said Roger Penske, Chairman of the Downtown Detroit Partnership. "It is unfortunate that we must postpone the 2009 Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix as sponsorship opportunities and support has proven to be very challenging for the event in the near term."

The IndyCar Series has competed on the island circuit the past two years, with Tony Kanaan and Justin Wilson winning races in front of large and enthusiastic crowds.

"This is unfortunate news but something that Roger Penske and his group have kept us abreast of for some time," Angstadt said. "The people of Detroit welcomed the IndyCar Series with impressive crowds the past two years and we support the Detroit Grand Prix's efforts for a possible return in 2010.

"The current economic climate is a challenge for all of us but as we look ahead to 2009 and beyond we remain bullish on the opportunities ahead for the unified IndyCar Series. There is little doubt that the IndyCar Series offers considerable value opportunities for current and potential partners of the series and its teams and tracks.

"Any decision on what we might do with a valuable asset like a Labor Day race weekend either short or long-term will not be decided upon quickly."

The Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix is a 501(c)3, non-profit corporation and a subsidiary of the Downtown Detroit Partnership. All net proceeds raised by the event fund measures to preserve and improve Belle Isle.

More than $7 million in infrastructure improvements have been made to Belle Isle since the return of the Grand Prix, including the paving of roadways, repairing or replacing damaged lighting and drainage, landscaping, the renovation of the Belle Isle Casino and Scott Fountain and the installation of pedestrian bridges, children's playgrounds and irrigation systems on the island.

According to a joint study conducted this year by the event and the Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Grand Prix generated more than $55.2 million in economic impact for metropolitan Detroit in 2008 and another $12.8 million in direct spending throughout Detroit and its surrounding tri-county area.

This year's study by the DMCVB also revealed the Grand Prix helped attract thousands of visitors to the area as 28 percent of event attendees came to Detroit from outside the tri-county region and 52 percent of those visitors came from outside of Michigan.

"I want to thank all of the fans that have supported the 2007 and 2008 Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix events," said Bud Denker, Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix event chairman. "Over 100,000 people attended each of the past two Grand Prix races and we are hopeful we can extend the excitement of world-class racing on Belle Isle in the future.

"We also want to thank the City of Detroit, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the City of Windsor for their partnerships. The Grand Prix would not have been possible without the support of more than 50 corporations including Bridgestone/Firestone, Bosch, Comerica Bank, General Motors, Meijer, Caesars Windsor, Charter One Bank, Pepsi, MGM Grand Detroit and many others. Finally, the over 1,000 Grand Prix volunteers were the best ambassadors of any race in North America and we say thanks to them.

"If the economic conditions improve, we hope to be able to bring the event back to Detroit in the summer of 2010."

Merry Christmas to Brockville Ontario fans, teams and sponsors

From Steve Young / Brockville Ontario Speedway
 
BROCKVILLE, ONT - Brockville Ontario Speedway would like to thank its fans, teams and sponsors for their contributions to a fanastic 2008 racing season at the Beast of the East. On behalf of the staff, the Kirkland family wishes each and everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year.  In order to keep the one year configuration in good shape for the 2009 season, track officials have again decided not to hold a New Years day event this season.

 
The schedule for the new season undergoing its final touches with a release expected in the weeks ahead.  Once again, a Merry Christmas to all our fans, teams and sponsors.

Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprint Release - 12/17/08

By Dean Reynolds / Contact: DeanR@empiresupersprints.com

Cobra Motorhomes and Trailers to Sponsor the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprint Dash Series: Chuck Hebing Aboard the ESS Series for 2009.

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The 2009 racing season starts a new era for the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints (ESS) and the popular sprint car organization would like to welcome Cobra Motorhomes and Trailers as the title sponsor for the dash series.  Successful owner and talented sprint car driver Chuck Hebing not only will be making his first sponsorship endeavor, but also a part of the ESS tour for 2009.

The man known around the sprint car ranks as the “Cobra” will be replacing huge ESS fan Walt Throne and Walt’s Hobby after a 22 year span in sponsoring the cars and stars of ESS.  “Walt is like family to us but of course times change.  He has handed down the business to his son and is looking to relax in his North Country camp.” said ESS President and good friend Chuck Miller.  “We were so honored that Walt and his wife came to the 25th Anniversary Banquet.  We will miss him, his rides in the van, his pep talks and all his jokes.  We looked forward to seeing him at the races.”

While ESS is saying good bye to a good friend, Hebing is coming aboard as a big supporter for the upcoming season and hopefully beyond.  “Chuck is so exciting on the race track and just loves sprint cars.  We are glad to have him take over the dash series point fund sponsorship as well as having him on the tour for ‘09” said Miller.

Even though the Ontario, NY driver has six career ESS victories, this will mark the first time he will look a possible championship.  “I started running mostly ESS at the end of 2008 and had a ball with them.  They are one tough bunch of race teams but we are looking for the challenge.” noted Hebing.  “It’s a long season and you need some luck but we will give it a shot.  Sponsoring the dash series is just a small way to give back to the racers and I’m glad to be a part of ESS.”

Cobra Motorhomes and Trailers are located in Ontario and are committed in custom building of all motorhomes and trailers.  There are no two Cobra projects that are alike.  Top race teams such as Sweeteners Plus, H&H Racing, Jay James and many more went to Cobra for their work.  It’s not just race haulers though; Hebing will build anything to your needs.  For all the information that is at your finger tips, please log on to www.cobramotorhomesandtrailers.com .

The top five drivers in the dash series points will share in the largest point fund ever.  This signing is just a start of what will be a long line of major sponsorship announcements to come after the first of the year.  Race teams will be vying for the largest payoffs in what is now the 26th year of the successful 360 sprint car organization.

For the latest up to date information, please log on to www.empiresupersprints.com where it will be a new era of excitement guaranteed.  Also, everyone from the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprint family we wish you a very safe and healthy holiday season.

CASCAR Champion Hits Daytona's High Banks for ARCA Testing with TRG

Mooresville, N.C. (December 17, 2008) – J.R. Fitzpatrick, the youngest ever CASCAR Super Series Champion, will make his first appearance at the historic high banks of Daytona International Speedway this weekend as the ARCA RE/MAX Series descends upon the 2.5-mile tri-oval in Daytona Beach, Florida for the first open test in preparation for the 2009 season.  Fitzpatrick will reunite with TRG Motorsports, the team he ran three NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races with towards the end of the 2008 season.

“I am really looking forward to my first trip to Daytona,” said Fitzpatrick, who is eager to build up his superspeedway skills.  This test is critical for Fitzpatrick who hopes to gain approval by NASCAR to compete in the Camping World Truck Series full-time in 2009.  “I know the guys in the TRG shop have prepared a really nice car for me to go down there with and I will have Tony Raines there to help me figure the drafting out.”

Fitzpatrick, who has never raced in the ARCA RE/MAX Series before, will drive the No. 71a TRG Motorsports Chevrolet in the three-day test which kicks off on Friday, December 19th and runs between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. through Sunday.  Fitzpatrick will have a teammate in 23-year-old Macon, Georgia’s Beau Slocumb.

“We’re super excited to have J.R. down in Daytona representing TRG Motorsports in the ARCA RE/MAX Series test,” said Team Principal, Kevin Buckler.  “J.R. has already proven that he can do the job.  He’s a great talent and we’re all looking forward to watching him turn his first laps at Daytona International Speedway.”

Fitzpatrick’s effort will be led by veteran Crew Chief, Jon Wolfe, who also serves as the team’s General Manager.  The crew will be taking chassis No. 106, which is a brand new car in TRG’s fleet.  This chassis was purchased from Dale Earnhardt, Inc. and was last raced by NASCAR Sprint Cup star, Martin Truex Jr.

“This is a dream come true for me,” said Fitzpatrick.  “I can't wait to make my first couple of laps there.”

From TRG_motorsports / Jamie Maynard

 
<<JR Fitzpatrick.JPG>>

Mac's Convenience Stores back with Legend Cars of Alberta for 2009

At a time when there's a lot of rough news floating around, it's great to see some positive news on the Canadian motorsports scene. This morning, I received the Mac's Legend Cars of Alberta Christmas Newsletter, which annouced that Mac's and several other series sponsors are returning for 2009. (GM)

Mac's Convenience Stores back for 2009!

Legend Cars of Alberta is honoured to announce that 2009 will be the 15th year of sponsorship by Mac’s Convenience Stores. The Legends Racing Series has changed and grown over the past 15 years and Mac's has been there every step of the way and has played a huge role in our participant and fan growth.

Mac’s is not only the series sponsor of the Mac’s Legend Racing Series in Western Canada but Mac’s Convenience Stores also sponsors the Mac’s "Froster 50" which is the premier race for Legends in Canada with a prize purse of $10,000.00. The "Froster 50" is the biggest event on our racing calendar each season and the 2009 event is looking bigger and better than ever. 2008 saw a visitor from Washington take home the big prize, what will happen in 2009?

Mac’s Sponsorship also extends to the Legends Renegade Racing School, and the #24hr Legends School racecar.

On the racing side of things, Mac’s Sponsorship includes the 2007 & 2008 "Chase for the Mac’s Cup" Pro Series Champion #17 of Ira Laughy. Mac's Convenience Stores has been the primary sponsor on Ira's #17 car for 5 seasons now. Mac's and Ira are looking forward to another successful season in 2009.

Click here to see the rest of the newsletter, which includes all of the club's announcements and a tentative 2009 schedule.

ASA LM: Jimmy Lang Racing Seeks Development Driver for 2009 Season

Jimmy Lang Racing Seeks Development Driver for 2009 Season

ASA Late Model Championship Team to Field Second Car for Upcoming Season

CONCORD, NC (December 17, 2008) – Racing is a hard business to break into, but what if you had an opportunity to race for a championship team right out of the gates? Jimmy Lang Racing is looking to give a talented young driver that opportunity. The 2008 ASA Late Model South Series Championship team is looking for a development driver to serve as a teammate to Jimmy Lang for the 2009 season. The candidate will run the ASA Southeast Asphalt Tour alongside Lang. With the addition of racing in highly-competitive equipment, the new driver will also receive driver coaching from Lang both on and off the track.

“It’s going to be really exciting to have a teammate. It will be really neat to help coach a driver along in a series at the same time,” said Lang. “We have learned a lot in our two years in the ASA Late Model ranks. We laid the ground work to building a race team, and now we think we are ready to have two top-notch cars at the track each week.”

The operation will be headed up by veteran crew chief Rich Lushes, who came on board just a few months ago. His racing background started when he was knee-high to a grasshopper. At the age of just two weeks, he was at his first racetrack. In more recent years, he served atop the pit box for both Michael Annett and Landon Cassill, both of whom are now in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Lushes helped Lang cap off a five-win season, which included 16 top-10 finishes and the ASA Late Model South Championship.

“Right now we are currently looking at adding a second team on to our program here at Jimmy Lang racing,” added Lushes. “Basically, if a driver signs on with us, they are going to get complete consulting. We will be doing everything from the setups for the team cars, to on-track coaching. They are going to get everything they need to get to the next level.”

When drivers move up from the lower levels, they quickly find that learning the ropes with setups and tires can hinder performances of starter teams. Jumping onboard with a winning team like Jimmy Lang Racing takes a lot of the headaches out of starting your own team.

“Nowadays you want to work with a team that already has the information,” added Lushes. “To start a team takes so much time, money and knowledge. Look at Michael Waltrip Racing. They really struggled when they first started out. We have a team in place; we have a great foundation and on-track performances to back it up.”

With plans of a new driver and a 2008 champion already in one seat, expectations are high for the 2009 campaign.

“We have some very talented people here in the shop,” added Lushes. “Jimmy is one of the best drivers I have ever worked with as far as talent is concerned. Everything is gelling real well, and things are moving forward with positive attitudes for the 2009 season.”

For more information on becoming a Development Driver for Jimmy Lang Racing, contact Rich Lushes by e-mailing him at richlushes@hotmail.com. You can also contact the team at jimmylangracing@yahoo.com or call (843) 784-7227.

For more information on Jimmy Lang, please contact Elgin Traylor at (704) 788-2134 x 4, and be sure to check out his website at www.jimmylang.net.

From Elgin Traylor, 51 Sports // (704) 788-2134, elgin@51sports.net

NASCAR: Roush Fenway names Blickensderfer Crew Chief of #17 DeWalt Cup Team

Roush Fenway Racing Names Blickensderfer Crew Chief of No. 17 DEWALT Sprint Cup Team

Bolin to return to post as No. 17 engineer

 

CONCORD, N.C. (Dec. 17, 2008) – Roush Fenway Racing has named Drew Blickensderfer crew chief for Matt Kenseth’s No. 17 DEWALT Sprint Cup team for the upcoming 2009 season.

 

“We are really looking forward to Drew coming on board with the No. 17 DEWALT team,” said Kenseth. “Drew brings a great work ethic and high level of enthusiasm to our team. He has been waiting for the opportunity to become a crew chief in the Sprint Cup Series and I know he’ll make the most of it.

 

“I had the chance to work with Drew for a couple of years in the Nationwide Series and he is one of the hardest working guys in the garage. He has a passion for the sport, and I know he will be a great addition to our No. 17 team.”

 

Blickensderfer served the past three seasons as a crew chief in Roush Fenway’s highly successful Nationwide Series program. He helped guide Danny O’Quinn to a Raybestos Rookie title in 2006, before teaming with Kenseth in the Nationwide Series for the next year and a half.

 

The duo earned three victories in the series, before Blickensderfer moved over to Carl Edwards’ No. 60 team midway through the 2008 season. There, he helped guide the Edwards’ team to seven wins in their last 19 races and a second-place finish in the Nationwide Series point standings.

 

With the addition of Blickensderfer, Chip Bolin – who served as the crew chief on the No. 17 Sprint Cup team in 2008 - will return to his previous post as team engineer, where he was instrumental in helping guide the team to a Cup championship in 2003.

 

“Chip has been one of the biggest assets to this team since the beginning,” said Kenseth. “Both as an engineer and crew chief, he has been instrumental in our championship run in 2003 and our making the Chase every year since.  We are looking forward to adding Drew to the mix and everyone on this No. 17 DEWALT team is committed to working together and to running up front next season.”

 

Roush Fenway Racing is the NASCAR’s largest team operating 10 full-time motorsports teams; five in NASCAR Sprint Cup with drivers Matt Kenseth, Jamie McMurray, Greg Biffle, Carl Edwards and David Ragan; four in the Nationwide Series with Kenseth, Biffle, Edwards, Ragan, Erik Darnell, Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. and Colin Braun; and one team in the Craftsman Truck Series with Braun.

 

CONTACT: Kevin Woods, 704-720-4600 or kwoods@roushfenway.com

Merry Christmas from Hooker Motorsports

Chatham, ON racer Kirk Hooker sent this along, with his wishes for a Merry Christmas to everyone, from Hooker Motorsports, including Kirk, Dianne, Taylor, Jake, Randy, Deb, Matthew, Shelby, Mud and Mike.

Kawartha Downs Kart Club releases 2009 schedule

FRASERVILLE, ON - The Kawartha Durham Kart Club continues to prepare for their upcoming Championship season with the release of their tentative schedule.

The year starts with training and practice on April 19th and includes up to 2 races per month on Sundays and additional practice days during the summer. Consideration has been given to avoid conflicts with the BSKRC regional series. Changes and confirmation of these dates may necessitate alterations. A shared event and/or night race with the stock cars, under the lights of Kawartha, is also in the works.

April
Sunday 19th   Practice #1/ training day
Saturday 25th   Rain date for training day
Sunday 26th   Race #1

May
Sunday 3rd   Race #2
Sunday 24th   Race #3

June
Saturday 13th   Practice #2
Sunday 14th   Race #4
Sunday 21st   Race #5

July
Sunday 5th   Race #6
Sunday 19th   Race #7

August
Saturday 8th   Practice #3
Sunday 9th   Race #8
Sunday 30th   Race #9

September
Sunday 13   Race #10
Sunday 27   Race #11

October
Sunday 4th   Race #12

Be sure to visit the Kawartha Durham Kart Club website for more information and updates at www.kawarthadurhamkartclub.com

From Paul Evans / KDKC

Offer your two cents at the Inside Track Pit Board Forum

If you haven't checked in lately, there's a lot of great discussions taking place on the Inside Track Pit Board Forum. From local grassroots racing (all disciplines) to the international scene, the Pit Board is a civil and respectful place to discuss motorsports.

It's FREE TO JOIN, but remember, you must use your full first and last names to sign up (e.g. John Smith). Any other username will be rejected.

Click here to visit the site and we look forward to you signing up.

NASCAR: Robby Gordon Motorsports Partners with Toyota in 2009

Charlotte, N.C. (December 15, 2008) – Robby Gordon Motorsports announced today that they will partner with Toyota beginning in the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season for the No. 7, which is guaranteed a spot in the season opener Daytona 500.

“We are excited to be partnering with Toyota in NASCAR in 2009. After watching their progress last season, we decided that a switch to Toyota was the right package for our team,” commented Robby Gordon, owner of Robby Gordon Motorsports. “We are confident that fielding a Toyota Camry will add to the success of our organization and the competitiveness of our performance on the race track.”

“I’ve known Robby as a driver, team owner and fierce competitor since 1990,” said Lee White, President of TRD, U.S.A. “We’ve raced together in Off-Road, IMSA, SCCA and Indy Car and have shared many memorable challenges and victories. It will be exciting to see how the association between Robby, his team, Toyota and TRD will develop in 2009. I promise you that it will not be boring to watch.”

Toyota's first involvement with Robby Gordon dates back to 1989 when he became the youngest grand national sport truck driver to win a championship in a TRD-powered Toyota truck. Gordon and TRD hope to continue this successful pattern in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

About Robby Gordon Motorsports: In 2008, the team scored three top-10 and seven top-20 finishes and was very competitive at the superspeedway events, finishing second in restrictor-plate points. Based in Charlotte, N.C., and owned by Gordon, will enter its fifth season of competition in 2009 in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, and will continue to operate successful racing programs in the SCORE International Off-Road desert series and the Dakar Rally. 

About Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.: Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. is the marketing, sales, distribution and customer service arm of Toyota, Lexus and Scion.  Established in 1957, TMS markets products and services through a network of more than 1,450 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealers.  Toyota directly employs more than 36,000 people in the U.S. and sold more than 2.6 million vehicles in 2007.

TRD, U.S.A. (Toyota Racing Development): TRD, U.S.A. (Toyota Racing Development) in Costa Mesa, Calif., and Salisbury, N.C. provides engineering and technical support for the company’s top tier American racing programs.  A subsidiary of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., TRD serves as the North American racing arm for design, development, manufacturing and track support of Toyota race engines and vehicles.  In addition, TRD is also the source of high-performance aftermarket products for both street performance and grassroots racing Toyotas.

From Robby Gordon Motorsports

Subaru withdraws from the World Rally Championship

The hits just keep on coming...

 

Subaru to withdraw from World Rally Championship

Subaru has announced its decision to withdraw from the 2009 World Rally Championship.

 

This sudden decision was in response to the widespread economic downturn that is affecting the entire automotive industry, and follows Suzuki’s withdrawal announced yesterday.

 

After 20 years in the sport, during which time the Prodrive-run Subaru World Rally Team has won six World Rally Championship titles, this is not only sad news for Subaru and the team, but also for millions of rallying fans around the world.  Thanks to its highly successful World Rally Championship programme, Subaru has developed into one of the world’s most widely recognised and evocative automotive brands. 

 

Prodrive chairman, David Richards, said: “Subaru’s departure from the World Rally Championship is a great loss as it is one of the sport’s icons. The Subaru World Rally Team has created true champions such as Colin McRae and Richard Burns and its absence will be felt by many the world over.  Although this decision closes a significant chapter in Prodrive’s history, our focus now turns to the future.”

 

For many, Prodrive and Subaru are synonymous, given the long-standing and close association between the two companies.  However, while the Subaru World Rally Team historically represented a significant part of Prodrive’s business, today it accounts for no more than 20 per cent of the company’s turnover.

 

Prodrive will look to redeploy as many of the rally team as possible in other areas of its business operations, which have grown to span advanced engineering and manufacturing for the automotive, defence, marine and aerospace industries, in addition to other motorsport programmes.

 

Despite the current economic downturn, Prodrive’s automotive engineering business remains buoyant as it works with vehicle manufacturers to accelerate the development of next generation fuel-efficient vehicles and alternative fuel technologies.

 

Together with Subaru, Prodrive’s commitment to its customer rally teams will also continue unabated for 2009 and beyond.  Over the past 15 years, Prodrive has sold close to 500 rally cars to more than 400 private competitors and independent rally teams in 47 countries.  During this time, Prodrive’s customers have won five consecutive Production World Rally Championships and countless international rallies. In 2008, Prodrive-supported customer teams have claimed eight rally championship titles around the world.

 

Looking ahead, 2010 will see the introduction of new World Rally Championship technical regulations, which provide Prodrive with an opportunity to prepare for re-entering the championship with a new team and build on its 24 years of World Rally Championship experience and success.

 

From Ben Sayer, Prodrive

New NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Series Director?

Word is that former Barrie Speedway co-owner Brad Moran was making the rounds at the recent PRI show as Richard Coughlin's replacement as the Series Director of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series.

Airborne Speedway Redesigned, Fall Foliage 300 Returns to ACT Schedule

PLATTSBURGH, NY – Airborne Speedway Promoter Mike Perrotte has announced plans for a major renovation of the historic Plattsburgh, NY stock car track, including a total reconfiguration of the racing surface and layout for the 2009 racing season.   As a result, the track has added a second American-Canadian Tour Late Model Championship event, the storied Fall Foliage 300, to its 2009 schedule.

The addition of the race brings the ACT schedule to 13 championship events, and compliments the annual Spring Green 100 at Airborne on May 9.  The 38th Annual Fall Foliage 300 will be held on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009. The 300-lap distance will also be the first of its kind for the present-day ACT Late Model Tour.

Airborne Speedway’s 4/10-mile, D-shaped layout will be partially razed to allow construction of new, sweeping, progressively-banked corners, creating multiple racing grooves and closer competition.  The present layout has been in use since 1990.  Previously, Airborne Speedway had been a 5/8-mile track with both dirt and asphalt surfaces since 1954.

The Fall Foliage event has a grand history, beginning in 1972 as a 200-lap race at the former Catamount Stadium in Milton, VT.  After Bobby Dragon won the inaugural event, the race distance was increased to 300 laps.

 
Winners of the era included Canadians Don Beiderman and Jean-Paul Cabana, southern stars Butch Lindley, L.D. Ottinger, and Robbie Crouch, and New Englanders Stub Fadden and Dick McCabe.  When Catamount closed its doors after 1987, the race moved to Maine’s Beech Ridge Motor Speedway for three seasons, won by Crouch, Buzzie Bezanson, and Dave Dion.

Crouch won the first two Fall Foliage 300s at Airborne Speedway in 1991-92, while the present-day Late Model division took over in 1996 with a 200-lap race.  That year produced one of the most memorable finishes in ACT history, as Dave Whitcomb beat Ron Weston and Jean-Paul Cyr in a three-wide photo finish for the victory.  For

2002 only, Vermont’s Thunder Road hosted the race, won by Maine rookie Ryan Moore.  Cyr won as the Fall Foliage returned to Airborne in 2003, while Brent Dragon and Patrick Laperle won the race in 2004 and 2005, respectively, as a 150-lap event.

Open-wheel Modifieds took control of the race in 2006-08, each year won by future hall-of-famer Kenny Tremont, Jr.  Tremont’s 2006 victory was in a 75-lap event, while 100-lap scores came in each of the last two years.

“The Fall Foliage 300 has certainly had a quirky history, but it’s a glorious one with a past winners list that reads like a who’s-who of short track racing,” said ACT President Tom Curley.  “ACT’s Late Model division got its start at Airborne Speedway, and we know that the return of the Fall Foliage event there will be an important happening for many of our race teams and fans.”

The ACT Late Model Tour is expected to bring race teams from across New England, New York, and Canada to the Fall Foliage 300.  The event now becomes the final qualifying race for the first-ever ACT Invitational at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, NH on Sept. 18-20.  For more information, call (802) 244-6963 or visit www.acttour.com.

From ACT Media

Bicknell Racing Products Chassis Seminar and Driving School

For Immediate Release December 15, 2008.  From Randy Williamson
Bicknell Racing Products // 905-685-4291

St. Catharines, Ontario (December whatever ) – With Christmas Day now less than a month away and counting down, the perfect gift idea for that favorite driver or crew member on your list might be a day at the Bicknell Racing Products Chassis Seminar/Pete Bicknell Driving School.

Merrittville Speedway will once again play host to the three day format with sessions at the storied Thorold Ontario facility set for April 11th, 12th and 18th, 2009. Each day is a separate day with the sessions hosted by Pete Bicknell and Randy Williamson.

“Although our focus leans towards Sportsmen and Modified Teams.” reveals BRP’s Williamson, “each year … our classes are made up of drivers from all divisions looking to boost their confidence and knowledge.”

The day long sessions feature both classroom and on track sessions that will benefit any type of race car – from entry level Street Stocks and 4 Cylinders to Classic Dwarf Cars and Mod Lites to the Sportsmen and 358 or Big Block Modified type race cars.

In previous years, race teams have attended from as far away as New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Quebec in addition to New York and Ontario.

Drivers and crew members alike will learn what it takes to stop the guess work when it comes to solving improper handling, how to adapt to changing track conditions, proper spring and shock selecting and how to interpret weight transfer, body roll and roll steer.

Included in the materials is a BRP Set Up Manual which will become a valuable tool both at the shop and at the track.

Each on track portion will provide drivers with proper driving techniques and will teach tire selection and overall car preparation.

Bicknell Racing Products – manufacturers of the Bicknell 2009X Chassis has a proven track record and in 2008, drivers in BRP cars won 606 feature events and 61 Track and Series Championships.

Pete Bicknell has made a name for himself on the track – winning numerous Track Championships and Series titles including the 2008 Mr. DIRTcar 358 Championship, the Lucas Oil Shoot Out Title and the Ransomville Speedway Points Crown.

The on track sessions will allow drivers plenty of individual track time and drivers are reminded to bring their RACEceivers along for added one on one in car support from Bicknell and Williamson. Both will provide analysis of each driver’s laps – working on any problems which will lead to more consistent laps and decreasing lap times.

AMB Transponders are also welcome and each driver will receive post session print outs of their lap times.

Each of the three sessions will begin at 8:00 AM at the Merrittville Speedway with the Class Room session beginning at 9:00 AM Sharp in Dipper’s Turn 1 Bar located behind the Turn 1 Grandstands at the Thorold facility. Lunch which is included in the fee will be at 12 Noon followed by the On Track Session beginning at 1:00 PM.

For French language competitors, Bicknell Racing Products’ Luke Proulx will provide assistance on one of the designated dates to be announced at a later date.

All Inclusive Registration Fee for Drivers is $300 while the Crew Member Fee is $75. Registration forms can be printed from Merrittville Speedway’s web site www.merrittvillespeedway.com and new for 2009 – forms can also be filled out and sent in direct.

Space for any of the three days is limited and interested race teams are asked to reserve their spots as soon as possible by contacting Erica Bicknell at 905-685-7223 or via e mail at ebicknell@cogeco.net.

Merrittville Speedway – located in Thorold Ontario is a 3/8th mile DIRTcar Member Track that will be celebrating it’s 58th Consecutive Season in 2009.

For further information on Bicknell Racing Products – race teams can visit www.bicknellracingproducts.com.

Ford of Canada statement on support from Cdn. and Ont. governments

From Lauren More, Ford of Canada
   
NOTE TO EDITOR:  The Canadian and Ontario governments today announced their intention to provide support to the country's auto industry. The following statements can be attributed to David Mondragon, president and CEO, Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited.     

OAKVILLE, Ont., Dec.12, 2008 – "The Canadian and Ontario governments have demonstrated strong leadership in the decision to support the country's auto sector. At Ford of Canada, we are well on our way to transforming our company and do not need immediate access to government loans. Instead, we have asked the government for a "stand-by" line of credit to be used only if the current economic crisis worsens.

However, we look forward to working with the government to create ways to stimulate the industry in Canada. For example, by providing support to the auto credit market, the government would help the more than 1 million Canadian vehicle buyers who rely on financing each year. Other actions could include tax holidays for new vehicle purchases and incentives to encourage consumers to trade-in older vehicles and buy new, lower-emission vehicles.

We are all working toward the same goal – a prosperous auto industry that can help fuel a strong Canadian economy."

Rick Young's 'Rick at the Races' December 14, 2008

Rick Young's 'Rick at the Races' December 14, 2008

PIC # 1    Chris Raabe in action at Syracuse during SUPER DIRT WEEK 2008

PIC # 2   Peter Gibbons at the Kawartha Speedway 2006

PIC # 3    Chris Raabe with friends and family at SCOTIA BANK PLACE (Ottawa). L to R (Back) Greg Hale, Mike Raabe, Chris Raabe and Chris Hale. Sisters Heather and Jenna at the front.

PIC # 4    Craig (left) and Garry McColman at SCOTIA BANK PLACE (Ottawa)

PIC # 5      Am I really gonna eat all this ? 'Sudden Death By Chocolate' at Marshy's

PIC # 6    Meeting up with Lyndon Slewdidge at the game.

PIC # 7,8,9,10   Examples from the PALLMALL NZ STOCK CAR ARCHIVE

During the 2008 DIRT racing season , there was one young man who kept me busier than most while taking Victory Lane photos. His name was Chris Raabe and this year he won championships at three tracks, The Brockville Ontario Speedway (Ont), Thunder Alley Speedway(Evans Mills NY) and Rolling Wheels (Elbridge NY).

The seventeen year old from Napanee (Ont) took the checkers 22 times out of 45 feature races he entered. Not only that, he also won the LUCAS OIL Eastern Championship, the LUCAS OIL ALL STAR event (Brighton Speedway AppleFest)  and the prestigious SUPER DIRT CAR SERIES for SPORTSMAN.

It's been obvious to everyone that the youngster has talent and it was no surprise when this past Friday (12 Dec) it was announced that he'd been offered a NASCAR CANADIAN TIRE SERIES ride for 2009. Recently retired, former Canadian National Champion, Peter Gibbons from Stouffville, (Ont) has offered Raabe five ( possibly more) NCT Series races for the coming year.

Coincidentally, Craig Revelle who manages the www.rickattheraces.com website, also does the same for www.chrisraabe.com.

This past weekend, with no racing on the agenda, Craig and myself decided to take in the Ottawa Senators versus Tampa Bay Lightning NHL game. It just so happened that Chris Raabe, his family, friends and team members were going to be there too. Garry McColman, the team boss and major backer invited us to join them in his private suite (Kingston's K-ROCK 105-7 / KIX COUNTRY 93-5 radio stations)...... What a scoop for www.rickatheraces.com.

A public transport strike is currently taking place in Ottawa , resulting in an increase in car traffic to Scotia Bank Place so we opted to arrive early and treat ourselves to supper at Marshy's ( the popular eatery on site) . After 'pigging out' on the excellent bill of fare we entered the arena and met up with 'Team Raabe'.

We watched the first period of the game from our allocated seats before joining Garry, Chris and the rest of the gang in their suite. This gave me the opportunity to hear first hand about the big news that has just been released. Garry told me that Chris would be joining the Gibbons team in Hickory, North Carolina during the first week of January, where his seat would be fitted before doing some testing.

I also posed the question many Dirt racing fans are asking. Are we still going to see him next year? I'm pleased to say the answer was affirmative, and he should be back in his Sportsman on non-conflicting dates.

I must admit, I was hoping to hear he'd be behind the wheel of a Big Block Modified at Volusia ( Florida) in February, but that scenario didn't materialize in our conversation. Of course, after the initial start in Sportsman, an upgrade to 358's may occur later.

As for the game, the Sens beat the Lightning 2-0, and I'm sure everyone enjoyed the night. I also got to meet Lyndon Slewidge of the OPP who is the resident National Anthem singer for the Ottawa Senators games.

What a perfect way to spend a non racing night in winter ! .... watching my favorite hockey team take a win, while talking about 'racing'.

Following last weeks RICK @ the RACES report, my mail box had a couple of messages relating to the subjects mentioned. After hearing about Jerry Fisher's racing adventures in Argentina, I was contacted by Randy Lewis of Southern California, the Worlds number one TRACKCHASER. I guess Argentina is a country he has yet to conquer!  and was requesting to be put in touch with Jerry. Randy's current tally of tracks visited is 1398 in 22 different countries.

I also had a message from Colin Herridge in the UK, who after seeing the piece about Craig's www.speedwaynostalgia.com brought to my attention a similar project taking place in New Zealand. He sent me some photos and the contact address for Gavin Evitt and his PallMall NZ Stock Car Archives. A sample can be seen in my photo section. <<092_92 (Medium).jpg>> <<057_57 (Medium).jpg>> <<sens2 (Medium).JPG>> <<sens1 (Medium).JPG>> <<sens4 (Medium).JPG>> <<sens3 (Medium).JPG>> <<88DaynePlummer1968Standarde-mailvie (Medium).JPG>> <<1981HBTeam_3B_Barry_Sklennars (Medium).jpg>> <<19GJohnAndrews1985NZs (Medium).jpg>> <<21W_IanTaylor (Medium).jpg>>