IRWINDALE, CA - You know the saying, "It never rains in California?" Well that was not the case on Saturday as it rained steadily all day long as 56 Camping World entries wait patiently to get on the track.
Add in over 50 late models and 50 super late models and there were a lot of racers anxious to get the motors running.
NASCAR Canadian Tire Series champ Scott Steckly has drawn the number 56 time trial slot, which is last, so he will know the time to beat when he goes out.
Here are some pictures from the soggy Toyota Speedway at Irwindale.
From Linda Jones / Wide Open Motorsport Solutions
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Auberlen, Bell Win Fresh From Florida 200 in Grand-Am KONI Sports Car Challenge Season Opener at Daytona
Three GS cars trade lead over final seven laps; Aschenbach, Iannucci earn victory in ST
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 23, 2009) - In a fierce battle during Friday's season-opening Fresh From Florida 200 at Daytona International Speedway in the Grand-Am KONI Sports Car Challenge, Bill Auberlen led 22 of the final 25 laps to give himself and Matt Bell the victory in the three-hour race.
Auberlen passed Ken Wilden on Lap 70, then fought off Hugh Plumb for a lap before the caution flag flew on Lap 72. That gave Auberlen his second GS victory in three races and Bell his first-ever GS triumph in his first career class start. The duo drove the No. 96 Turner Motorsport BMW M3.
Meanwhile in ST competition, Lawson Aschenbach took the lead from Kristian Skavnes on Lap 71, and kept him at bay just moments before the yellow flag flew for Steve Jenkins' stalled car on the backstretch. Aschenbach took over from Pete Iannucci, who was making his first-ever auto race start after competing previously only in karting. The duo drove the No. 00 Georgian Bay Motorsports Chevrolet Cobalt.
Auberlen took over from Bell during the first pit stop and coming off the race's fifth caution, he earned the lead on Lap 50. He held the lead for the next 18 laps - which included two four-lap caution periods - before the Ford Mustangs showed their power.
Plumb and Wilden both drove past Auberlen on Lap 68, putting the Fords up 1-2 and attempting to give the Mustangs their third GS victory at the track in five seasons. However, it wasn't meant to be.
The Mustang pilots got together on Lap 70, and Wilden drove past into the lead. Auberlen subsequently passed Plumb and set his sights on Wilden. Then, the Ontario-native - who has finished on the podium in each of his five starts with Rehagen Racing - made a mistake coming out of the bus stop, giving Auberlen a chance.
Auberlen, who took the outright lead in overall KONI victories with 12, jumped to the top of the banking and pulled alongside Wilden's No. 59 Rehagen Racing Ford Mustang GT. Plumb pulled up behind Auberlen and the two drafted past, with Auberlen taking the lead at the line. Just moments later, the final of eight caution periods ended any chance for the Mustangs - which had led every practice and qualifying session during January - to regain the point.
Plumb drove the No. 61 Horsepower Ranch Ford Mustang GT to second with Jack Roush Jr.; the pair shared the podium in the season finale at Virginia International Raceway last October but with different teams. Wilden joined polesitter Dean Martin, who led a race-high 23 laps, one more than Auberlen.
Fourth was Billy Johnson and Tony Buffomante - making only his third career KONI start - in the No. 18 Motorsport Technology Group Porsche 997, while No. 37 JBS Motorsports Trumansburg Shur Save Ford Mustang GT co-drivers Bret Seafuse and James Gue finished fifth despite a spin by contact early in the race.
Defending race winner Craig Stanton took sixth in the No. 83 BGB Motorsports Revo Technik/Performance Drink Porsche 997, driving with Tim George Jr.
In ST, five cars raced within a second of each other in the final 10 laps, but like the GS race, the final caution put an end to the battle. No driver led more than four laps during the final 14 laps, as Aschenbach traded the paint with second-place finisher Skavnes and third-place finisher Travis Walker.
Skavnes dived under the white line on Lap 69 to take the lead away from Walker, making his first start in KONI since last June at Mosport International Raceway. He led until lap 71, when Aschenbach made a move in the tri-oval that bolstered him into the lead and his third career KONI victory in four starts, all with Georgian Bay. Iannucci, meanwhile, spent much of his time in the top five driving the No. 00.
Skavnes and ST polesitter Andrew Aquilante finished second in the No. 111 Subaru Road Racing Team Subaru Legacy, while Walker and Matt Pritiko were third in the No. 76 Compass360 Racing Skunk2/CanadianRacers.com Honda Civic Si. Aquilante led the first 29 laps, a race-high, while Walker sat atop the standings for 14 circuits. Aschenbach led for 10 laps.
Fourth were No. 01 Georgian Bay Motorsports Chevrolet Cobalt drivers Ashley McCalmont and Kirk Spencer, while outside front row starter David Thilenius and rookie Bret Spaude took fifth.
The race had eight cautions for 31 laps - including four caution periods for 15 of the event's opening 24 laps - and the race averaged 87.155 mph.
The next race on the KONI Sports Car Challenge circuit will be March 14-15, with split-class races making up the Grand-Am Fan Appreciation Weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead, Fla.
POST-RACE NEWS AND NOTES
- This victory is the 12th Grand Sport victory for Bill Auberlen and first-ever for Matt Bell in the No. 96 Turner Motorsport BMW M3. This is also the record-extending 14th GS win for Turner Motorsport.
- This victory is the second in three races for Turner Motorsport as well as the second in three for the BMW M3.
- This is the first-ever victory for the BMW M3 at Daytona International Speedway in KONI Sports Car Challenge competition.
- This is the fourth time a KONI Sports Car Challenge race has been won from the third starting position - all in an odd-ending year (2003, 2005, 2007, 2009).
- This is the second straight race in which Jack Roush Jr. finished second, a career best. This is also the second straight podium finish for Hugh Plumb.
- This is the second straight podium for Dean Martin, who drove with Ken Wilden. The duo has finished on the podium in all five of their races together. The race was also the seventh straight race in which Martin has finished seventh or better.
- Mustangs still dominated the top 10, with three top fives and five top 10s. The highest running Porsche 997 came from Motorsport Technology Group, with Billy Johnson and Tony Buffomante taking third in the No. 18 Porsche 997.
- Ten drivers led the race, the most ever in KONI competition at DIS. The mark broke the previous record of nine set in 2007. Those leading were Dean Martin (23), Bill Auberlen (22), Jack Roush Jr. (8), Jeff Segal (5), Joey Hand (4), Charles Espenlaub (4), Craig Stanton (3), Nick Longhi (2), Hugh Plumb (2) and Ken Wilden (1).
- Twenty-nine drivers, including 17 in the GS class, finished all 74 laps of the race.
- Horsepower Ranch and Kinetic Motorsports didn't get off to the starts they were hoping. Mike Canney's No. 60 Horsepower Ranch Sunset Hills Vineyards Ford Mustang GT got together with Nic Jnsson's No. 79 Kinetic Motorsports BMW M3, and Jnsson hit the outside wall hard. Both cars fell out of the race on that first lap incident.
- The BGB Motorsports Porsche 997 team dedicated the race to Memo Gomez, a former crewmember who lost his life in an accident before Thanksgiving of last year.
- Blackforest Motorsports finished 32nd in the GS class with the new Dodge Challenger, falling out after 48 laps with mechanical problems. But driver Tom Nastasi was optimistic. "It'll be competitive by the end of the year," he said. "Hopefully it'll have a win this year."
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- The ST victory is the third for Lawson Aschenbach in four career starts and the first-ever for Pete Iannucci in his first career start, who drove the No. 00 Georgian Bay Motorsports Chevrolet Cobalt.
- The victory is the third straight for Georgian Bay Motorsports and the third straight as well for the Chevrolet Cobalts.
- This is the first-ever victory for the Chevrolet Cobalt at Daytona International Speedway in KONI Sports Car Challenge competition and the first for Chevrolet in a KONI race at DIS since 2003 (ST II).
- This is the second podium in four races for Kristian Skavnes and Andrew Aquilante, who drove together for only the fourth time in the No. 111 Subaru Road Racing Team Subaru Legacy.
- This is the third podium ever for Travis Walker and first ever for Matt Pritiko, who drove the No. 76 Compass360 Racing Honda Civic Si. The team also finished 10th with Bo Roach and Pete Schwartott in the No. 75 Compass360 Racing Honda Civic Si.
- Drivers Ian Baas and Josh Hurley scored sixth place, the highest Volkswagen GTI finish. Hurley led seven laps in his rookie race in the No. 171 APR Motorsport Volkswagen GTI but the team had to serve a penalty for an excessive speed violation on pit lane. Both APR Motorsport cars finished in the top 10, with Mike Sweeney and Patrick Barrett finishing ninth in the No. 181 APR Motorsport Volkswagen GTI.
- Will Turner and Don Salama finished eighth in the No. 95 Turner Motorsport BMW 328, the car's first showing. The team had previously competed with a BMW 330i.
- Bill Fenton Motorsports earned two top 10s, with David Thilenius and Bret Spaude finishing fifth in the No. 27 Honda Civic Si and Rich Cullen and Bob Beede taking seventh in the No. 29 Honda Civic Si. Overall, Honda Civic Sis took four of the top 10s.
- Drivers leading in ST were Andrew Aquilante (29), Travis Walker (14), Lawson Aschenbach (10), Josh Hurley (7), David Thilenius (6), Andrew Danyliw (4), Kristian Skavnes (2) and Juan Leroux (2).
POST-RACE QUOTES (TOP THREE IN BOTH CLASSES)
Bill Auberlen (No. 96 Turner Motorsport BMW M3): "This is one of those battles that you're actually smiling while you're in the car because it was so fun. To see the Mustangs coming, I expected that, and when they both went by, I was thinking man these guys are fighting real hard. I think Hugh got pushed a little wide in Turn 1 and I went by into second. I was thinking, how am I going to get by the first-place Mustang?' I was waving to Hugh come on give me a push, give me a push' and he actually shoved me by to give me the lead. That's the first time that ever happened, it worked out pretty well."
Matt Bell (No. 96 Turner Motorsport BMW M3): "This is really the perfect way to start the season off. The M3 was easy to drive, fun to race, and highly competitive. A typical Turner car. I just tried to be as efficient as possible and not make any aggressive moves at the start. The car was a bit loose, but I just kept focused on conserving as much of the car as possible for Billy while still setting a good pace. The competition at this level is really fierce, so to take a win my first time out is just amazing. Billy ran a great race, and the Turner guys did a fantastic job with this car, so I'm thrilled."
Hugh Plumb (No. 61 Horsepower Ranch Ford Mustang GT): "What a battle, oh my God. When it came down to the last 10-15 minutes, we were all thinking [that] we've got to make our move to the lead. The Roush Mustang was you know, what a great car and we were able to put it in the lead. Got a tap from behind, but that's a bit of a racing incident and we moved back to third. I think with a couple more laps to go with a fantastic car, I could have brought it back to the lead. This is the first race for the new team with Mike Canney and Jack Roush Jr. as team principals with Sunset Hills and Valvoline and Roush Performance on board."
Jack Roush Jr. (No. 61 Horsepower Ranch Ford Mustang GT): "It was a little bit of a rough start, finding our way up. Eventually I was able to get some momentum and go up to the front. It was an honor to race against my previous co-driver, Dean Martin; he's a great driver. That was definitely a lot of fun. As soon as I got out of the car, my current co-driver, Hugh Plumb did an awesome job of racing out there so I'm really happy with how we did."
Dean Martin (No. 59 Rehagen Racing Ford Mustang GT): "The start of the race was good. I actually had Jeff Segal work me over pretty good on the start. On the restart, I got back by him and got up on the banking and was able to let the Mustang stretch it's legs a little bit and get ahead of him; and just had a good solid run. Towards the end of the stint, Jack [Roush Jr.] got a real good run on me and drafted past me down on the straight and we just kind of hung out and messed around for a little bit. And then I came in as soon as our fuel window opened. Then we put Kenny in at about the hour-and-a-half mark. I'd be lying if I told you that I wasn't very disappointed with the outcome of the race. We did what we could. I've really got to give some accolades to our pit crew. Those guys rocked. We had such an awesome pit stop. We were out way ahead of everybody and we just didn't have the car to win this weekend. But we'll be back in Homestead."
Ken Wilden (No. 59 Rehagen Racing Ford Mustang GT): "It was a good battle out there for sure. I was trying to save my brakes; we had a pretty low pedal. I did some pretty aggressive moves to get by Bill [Auberlen] there and wasn't sure if I was going to stay on track. I was giving it my all. I think the thing that caught me out there about three laps from the end was there was a lot of dirt and something down in the bus stop and I straddled the apex there on the grass and they got a good run on me. But, very happy. Thanks to Dean for putting me in the car and you know, we're so-so happy. We had a good test; we had the pole and we wanted to win this race. I don't think that we're satisfied and we'll be working hard at the next race."
Lawson Aschenbach (No. 00 Georgian Bay Motorsports Chevrolet Cobalt): "That was the most wild race I ran in my life. I've got to thank Pat Ianucci, my teammate, he's a great driver and this was his first race. It was great to get him a win at Daytona. I've got to thank everyone on the Georgian Bay Cobalt team that put this deal together. It was an unbelievable race. I'd do this every day of the week if I could. It was interesting. We were bumping and banging. I abused my brakes, I had no brakes at the end. I knew if I could get a good run out of the bus stop I could draft Kristian. When I car spun out, I knew I needed to get by him, and fortunately I got him before the caution came out. I'm stoked. That was a great way to start the season."
Pete Iannucci (No. 00 Georgian Bay Motorsports Chevrolet Cobalt): "I knew if I was able to put Lawson in the car in a good position he would be able to take it home. He's a great driver and it's a great team. I'm happy we were able to pull it off today, it was an exciting race. He made a great pass just before the safety car was deployed, and that secured it. This was my first car race ever - and my first win. Got to start off on the right foot!"
Kristian Skavnes (No. 111 Subaru Road Racing Team Subaru Legacy): "That was not NASCAR (going below the line to pass in the trioval, this is KONI Challenge and we can do that. Then it went back to NASCAR style, drafting 101. I had about a two-car length lead on the group and they came back and drafted by me again. We went down to turn one, it was three and four wide a few times. Everybody drove clean. This was the hardest race I've ever driven. Everybody gave everyone just enough room. We still traded a little paint, but no hard feelings. We ran out of gas right at the finish line, and ran out of brakes - the pedal was right to the floor on the last lap. Lawson did a great job. I would have done the same thing. He went by me just before it went full-course caution, and that was the end of the race."
Andrew Aquilante (No. 111 Subaru Road Racing Team Subaru Legacy): "We're very disappointed, but the Subaru symmetrical all-wheel drive and boxer engine was running great. We almost had it. If there was a 10-second difference in that caution, we probably would have had it. But oh well."
Matt Pritiko (No. 76 Compass360 Racing Honda Civic Si): "That was a great race. We had a great start. There was a lot of teamwork going on with all the team cars up there. The car started to fall off a little at the end, and that's the way it go. I've got to thank Travis for keeping it in there, and we're going to be back in Miami raring to go."
Travis Walker (No. 76 Compass360 Racing Honda Civic Si): "For the first race of the season it was crazy. It was a lot of fun. The Compass360 team built me a great car. My co-driver, Matt Pritiko, qualified well and did what he needed to do to get the job done. I got in with two hours to go. It was easy to drive. I had to worry about Aschenbach in front of me. I knew I could get him at the end. That yellow near the end bunched us up together and we put on a great show for the fans. It was a great race and a great show, and it's going to look great on TV."
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From Grand-Am / Michael Harker, PR Coordinator
From Paul Evans, KDKC President
Spring Meeting/Open House/Swap Meet
Sunday March 1st, 2009
Kawartha Downs and Speedway
As usual our spring meeting is to get all the members (and potential members) together to outline and discuss our 2009 racing season. Topics covered will be schedules, facilities, classes, sponsorship, tire selection, track layout and construction and bonus perks available to members this year.
Registrations will be accepted before and after the meeting, print off forms from the website (Club Info/membership) and be sure to have your medicals if required.
After the meeting there will be an Open House/Swap Meet. A great time to catch up with racing friends and try to sell that race suit that must have shrunk ‘cause it doesn’t fit now. For new or potential members this is a perfect opportunity to meet club members, ask questions and look for some of those bits and pieces that you still need.
Swap meet space is limited, KDKC members will be given preference until February 12th, but anyone is welcome to apply for space and everyone is welcome to attend. If you want space to sell you must contact Steve <mailto:admin@kawarthadurhamkartclub.com> with an idea of how much room you need and what you are bringing.
Agenda:
v 11:00 am – Swap Meet area open for people to set-up. Registrations accepted.
v 12:00 pm – Spring Meeting starts, swap met area will be closed.
v 2:00 pm – (approx.) Meeting ends, swap meet and open house starts, registrations accepted.
v 4:00 pm – It’s Sunday, go home and have dinner. Polish up the new stuff you bought.
Swap meet space and admission is free.
Contact admin@kawarthadurhamkartclub.com
www.kawarthadurhamkartclub.com
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IRWINDALE, Calif. (Jan. 23, 2009) - Persistent rain in the Los Angeles area has caused schedule changes for the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown weekend which will see all three races run on an action-packed Saturday of short-track racing.
Rain caused a near washout of Friday's track schedule, which was to include practice, qualifying, a NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Super Late Model race and a NASCAR Camping World Series qualifying race.
Efforts are still being made this evening to get some action in at the track, and a revised schedule for Saturday's activities will be released as soon as it becomes available. Saturday's schedule will included the 150-lap Super Late Model, 75-Lap Late Model and the both the NASCAR Camping World Series qualifying and main races.
Already determined, the garage will open for race teams from all three divisions at 7 a.m.
Gates will open for spectators at 2 p.m.
SPEED will commence with it's live coverage of the NSACAR Toyota All-Star Showdown at the regularly-schedule time Saturday at 7 p.m.
From NASCAR
Date: 24 January 2009
Press release number: 0390
Embargo date: For immediate release
Event: A1GP Taupo, New Zealand (Round 4 of 9)
Ireland Dominate Taupo Qualifying
Taupo, New Zealand A1 Team Irelands Adam Carroll dominated qualifying to put the Celtic Tiger on pole position for both of tomorrows races in Taupo, New Zealand.
Carroll initially took control of Sprint race qualifying, posting a time of 1 minute 15.197 seconds round the 2.06-mile circuit.
With so many incidents interrupting every session so far this weekend and no PowerBoost being available in qualifying for this event, the pressure was on for the drivers not to make any mistakes in each of their four flying laps this afternoon. In the blistering heat, China and Australia were first to emerge on track but it wasnt until the final moments of the first qualifying segment that the real action began with Switzerlands Neel Jani posting the quickest time of 1m 15.202s, only to be beaten by Ireland a few seconds later by 0.005-seconds.
Ireland then never looked like being beaten with Carroll going quicker with a 1m 14.507s in the final seconds. The Netherlands and Portugal both made improvements in the second qualifying segment to put Robert Doornbos alongside Carroll on the front row, and Portugals Filipe Albuquerque in third for tomorrows standing start Sprint race. Local favourite, New Zealands Chris van der Drift, made a big improvement posting a 1m 15.457s to put him sixth on the grid, 1.684-seconds faster than his earlier effort.
Perhaps not suprisingly the top three also qualified in the same positions for the Feature race. As the chequered flag came out only six cars had recorded a time making it an exciting final minute in the first segment of Feature race qualifying. Ireland powered across the line to go quickest with a 1m 14.589 with Portugal second and Australias John Martin putting in a great drive to move Jackeroo up to third.
Carroll went even quicker in the final segment to post a 1m 14.411-second lap, the fastest time an A1GP car has ever lapped Taupo Motorsports Park. The Netherlands and Portugal once again found more time in the dying seconds to replicate the top three starting positions from the Sprint race.
After running off the track in the first Feature qualfying segment, USAs Marco Andretti resisted the pressure and made up for his mistake by posting a 1m 15.527s, good enough for eigth. New Zealand improved again in the final segmant of the day putting Black Beauty tenth on the grid for tomorrows Feature race, but with some ground to make up in front of the cheering home fans. Lebanons Daniel Morad also put in a good performance to record two top ten starts for tomorrow.
Double pole-sitter, Irelands Adam Carroll, commented: I got four good clean laps in and we were quick. It was a good run. I put the new tyres on but you dont really know what the grip levels are going to be or where you are going to be. You have just got to push hard and hope you are going to be at the front and put a nice tidy lap in at the end. It is a tricky circuit to put in a nice quick lap with no mistakes.
The circuit just doesnt have much grip so when you try hard you can have a spin or run wide, things like that. That is what practice is for, you push hard just to find where everything is. When it comes to the new tyres you just have to be smooth you have still got to push a hundred per cent but you have got to put it all together.
The Netherlands Robert Doornbos said: We have been working on finding a decent set up we are happy with. We had some minor problems with brake failure yesterday but this morning we had a good programme. We wanted to see the car on new tyres to get a good idea for qualifying. This practice went well so I had a good feeling for qualifying. In the sessions I pushed as I really wanted a TW Steel watch now look at Adam as he has two and is showing off! I have to get a watch tomorrow..
It is great to be back with A1 Team Netherlands and to get them a good result. I have promised our seat holder Jan Lammers, who is not here, to put the car on the podium like in China so we are going in a good way.
New Zealands Chris van der Drift said: It could have gone a lot better for sure, and it was difficult in the first run as I lost out when Adrian Zaugg went off, I think in turn four. I was right behind him so I came to the end of that run, and I had to take the second set of tyres for the second run. It sort of went like that. In Q4 I couldnt put it all together, ran wide in turn five and that sort of mucked up my lap there.
Okay the races are long tomorrow and I think it is about being consistent and staying on the track as offline it is very slippery.
It is about being consistent and stable throughout the races. We have got a standing start in the Sprint race and a pit stop too, so that will juggle things up and it should be an exciting race.
In a change to normal proceedings both of tomorrows races will begin with a standing start.
A standing start is always tricky as these cars are quite difficult to get off the line and I havent really done a good start yet, said Carroll, so I have just got to concentrate on doing that tomorrow to get off the line and into turn one first, but I wouldnt have minded a rolling start at all.
From A1GP
Date: 23 January 2009
Press release number: 0388
Embargo date: For immediate release
Event: A1GP Taupo, New Zealand (Round 4 of 9)
Switzerland Dominate Friday Practice in New Zealand
Taupo, New Zealand Round four of the 2008/09 A1GP World Cup of Motorsport season got underway at New Zealands Taupo Motorsport Park today with reigning champion A1 Team Switzerland setting the early pace. Alexandre Imperatori started the day as the quickest rookie, while main driver Neel Jani ended the day quickest overall.
Swiss rookie Imperatori set the pace this morning with a lap of 1 minute 18.091 seconds, helped in part to being able to run a new set of tyres.
Teams use two sets of tyres carried over from the previous A1GP race in the rookie session, however, with Switzerlands first lap exit from Sepangs Feature, the team had a new set of Michelins available to him this morning, which he used to good effect.
This was certainly a good start to the weekend for the team and I hope it continues this way, said Imperatori. It is a very technical circuit and certainly very easy to make mistakes. There are lots of corners where you can make mistakes, but my car was fantastic and the new tyres helped as well.
Frances Nicolas Prost was second quickest, 0.186 seconds adrift of Switzerland, with Lebanons Daniel Morad third quickest, particularly impressive thanks to the fact his engineers had worked through the night to replace the engine on his car.
Local favourite A1 Team New Zealands Chris van der Drift had his first taste of the Taupo circuit, finishing fourth quickest in the rookie session.
There were numerous spins as the rookie drivers got to grips with the tight and dusty track, with incidents from Malaysias Aaron Lim, Irelands Niall Quinn, Indias Parthiva Sureshwaren, Portugals Antonio Felix da Costa and Monacos Hubertus Bahlsen.
In the afternoon practice it was Switzerland once again at the top, this time with Neel Jani behind the wheel to record a lap time of 1m 15.971s.
It was definitely a good start to the weekend with Alex being quickest this morning and then me as well this afternoon, said Jani. I did have a gearbox problem after that so could only do 14 laps, which was about 25-minutes of the session so we lost at least half an hour. This was not the best for us but what we did was still enough to keep us on top and we are really happy about that.
This was despite Jani being rushed into hospital last week with suspected meningitis, which ruined his training regime and left him feeling drained. He arrived out in Taupo several days later than normal after getting the all-clear to race.
I do have more colour today, Jani continued, so it looks as thought the warm weather is helping me as we dont have minus degrees like at home. I am feeling better every day and had no issues with driving today so I am very positive.
In another action-packed session, several drivers had incidents in the hot and dusty conditions including Mexicos Salvador Duran, Great Britains Dan Clarke, Netherlands Robert Doornbos, Chinas Congfu Cheng, New Zealands Chris van der Drift, Australias John Martin, Malaysias Fairuz Fauzy, Indias Narain Karthikeyan and South Africas Adrian Zaugg.
Daniel Morad ended the day second quickest with a 1m 16.106s, after spending the first half of the afternoon session at the top of the timesheets. In the final minutes Australias John Martin jumped up to third with New Zealand being pushed down to sixth overall.
Jani also confirmed the local hype that this years race is set to be the quickest ever in New Zealand saying: The biggest difference between the old cars and the new ones is rear stability. With the old one you were fighting and sliding more and now you can concentrate on taking extra speed into the corner. I think we will be a lot quicker here this year than last year.
Chris van der Drift, who has only ever competed on home soil once before, said: It was a good start for me as it has been a couple of months since I have been in the car. I had to get back in the groove and blow the cobwebs out. We are certainly going in the right direction. I did spin going into turn 12, but I was just finding my limits. The track is quite dirty off line, but it will get much quicker over the weekend as more cars go round.
This is actually only my second official race here in New Zealand so it is good to be here especially in the A1GP races. I have lots of family here supporting me so that is an extra bonus.
In a change for Saturday, Power Boost is off the menu for qualifying in Taupo after being trialed in Sepang. Some teams loved it and some teams hated it. A1GP has decided after representation from various quarters to see what this weekends grids look like without it. The series organisers will review the situation before A1GP Gauteng, South Africa.
ABOUT A1GP WORLD CUP OF MOTORSPORT: Pitting nation against nation in the World Cup of Motorsport, A1GP unites countries in a competition where human bravery, skill and excellence determine victory. Racing identical single-seat cars, the deliberately equalised technology allows countries as diverse as the USA, Lebanon, France, China and South Africa to compete on a level playing field.
With three days of on-track action, an A1GP event offers a rare opportunity for fans to interact with teams and drivers. Exclusively inclusive, A1GP brings the thrill of international motorsport to billions of fans across the globe.
Now in its fourth season, A1GP takes in a mix of established world-famous venues plus exciting new state-of-the-art facilities and tight twisty street circuits, delivering high-speed adrenalin fuelled action at every turn.
IRWINDALE, Calif. (Jan. 22, 2009) – The NASCAR Developmental Series champions concluded their Southern California celebration. Now, it’s time to get back to work and turn their focus to the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown.
“We’ve had a few months off, then we got to come here and do all this fun stuff,” said NASCAR Camping World Series West champion Eric Holmes. “It’s time to move into race mode now. That’s my favorite part anyway.”
As team haulers were rolling into Toyota Speedway at Irwindale for the prestigious NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown which has come to be known as the ‘Daytona 500 of short-track racing,’ the titlists were doing a photo shoot to further commemorate their tremendous accomplishments in 2008.
In addition to Holmes, at the shoot was champions Matt Kobyluck (NASCAR Camping World Series East); Scott Steckly (NASCAR Canadian Tire Series); Antonio Perez (NASCAR Mexico Series); Brian Loftin (NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour) and Philip Morris (NASCAR Whelen All-American Series).
At the conclusion of the photo session, Perez headed out into the heavily populated Mexican-American community of Southern California for media interviews and an appearance at the Los Angeles Covenant House which is part of a 21-facility organization throughout North America that helped over 70,000 homeless children in 2008.
Joining Perez at Covenant House was fellow NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown competitors Ricky Carmichael, the former motocross and supercross standout who is now forging a solid career in stock-car racing. Also on hand was 17 year-old Dale Earnhardt Incorporated developmental driver Trevor Bayne.
Making a visit to Los Angeles’s Crenshaw High School was 18 year-old Marc Davis, a product of a diversity program at Joe Gibbs Racing. The driver out of Mitchelville, Md. has now completed two full seasons of competition in the NASCAR Camping World Series.
In addition to the visit to Covenant House, Carmichael and Bayne spoke to the students in an automotive class at Etiwanda (Calif.) High School.
The champions week festivities for the six 2008 NASCAR Developmental Series titlists included a visit Wednesday afternoon to Universal Studios Hollywood and an evening trip to the Staples Center to watch the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers defeat the cross-town rival Clippers.
“The entire champions week celebration was really fun. Everywhere we went we got the VIP treatment,” said Kobyluck. “It’s pretty cool to be treated special for a few days.”
Among the other excursions enjoyed by the NASCAR champions was a visit to K-1 Speed Anaheim for a spin on its indoor go-kart track, and they were treated to a unique behind-the-scenes viewing of the Emmy Award-winning “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” show.
All of the scheduled activities for the champions this week lead up to this weekend’s NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown. Action will begin at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale with a NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Super Late Model race on Friday night and will continue with a Late Model and NASCAR Camping World Series races Saturday night.
All of the weekend’s racing action will be carried live on SPEED and SIRIUS NASCAR Radio starting each night at 7 p.m. PT.
For more information, contact: Shon Sbarra, NASCAR Public Relations, (704) 309-5493 or ssbarra@nascar.com
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 22, 2008) - Dean Martin made sure the Ford Mustang's practice speeds were no fluke Thursday afternoon. Tthe Brookville, Mich., driver took the pole for Friday's Fresh From Florida 200 at Daytona International Speedway - the opening event on the Grand-Am KONI Sports Car Challenge schedule - in record time.
However, a pair of BMW M3s and a Porsche 997 broke the Mustang's recent dominance of the top five speeds, with Jeff Segal and Matthew Bell qualifying second and third in two BMW M3s. Duncan Ende put a Porsche 997 in fifth.
Meanwhile, Andrew Aquilante's three-day visit to the 3.56-mile track earlier this month paid off, as the Chester Springs, Pa., driver earned his first career KONI Street Tuner (ST) pole. He will share the front row with David Thilenius, who drove a Honda.
Martin, who scored his first career KONI Grand Sport (GS) pole position Thursday, set a time of 1:59.555 (107.198 mph), the first driver ever in KONI competition to break the one-lap, two-minute mark in qualifying. The No. 59 Ford Mustang GT was quickest earlier this month in January Test Days practice.
Martin said he likes his chances for Friday's three-hour race. He has only qualified a car four times - including in Thursday's session - and came away with two victories. His co-driver, Ken Wilden, has competed with the Rehagen Racing team five times and finished on the podium four times. Together, the duo won together in 2007 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in the GS class.
Segal, the 2007 KONI GS co-champion with Jep Thornton driving for Automatic Racing, was not originally scheduled to race with the team this season but he and Thornton struck a deal to race at Daytona earlier in the week. The pair finished third a year ago in points, and after two straight seasons in the No. 09 machine, the two will pilot the No. 91 BMW M3. Segal's time was 2:00.169 (106.650 mph).
The No. 91 BMW M3 wasn't the only car to break up the Mustang's dominance of speed. GS rookie Bell qualified third in the No. 96 Turner Motorsport BMW M3 at 2:00.553 (106.310 mph), and he will drive with Bill Auberlen on Friday. Fourth in qualifying was Jack Roush Jr. - who ran fulltime last year at Martin - at 2:00.651 (106.224 mph) in the No. 61 Horsepower Ranch ROUSH/Valvoline Ford Mustang GT he shares with Hugh Plumb.
Ende rounded out the top five, taking the No. 39 TRG TheDigiTrust Group/Adam's Polishes Porsche 997 to a time of 2:00.935 (105.974 mph). He shares the car with Spencer Pumpelly.
Aquilante also paced a practice session earlier in the month at Daytona in the No. 111 Subaru Road Racing Team Subaru Legacy, and with Kristian Skavnes, will go for their first victory together. Aquilante set a time of 2:08.694 (99.585 mph), besting the previous record of 2:08.870.
Not far behind Aquilante was David Thilenius in the No. 27 Bill Fenton Motorsports Honda Civic Si, who drove the car to a time of 2:09.086 (99.283 mph). Thilenius will drive with rookie Bret Spaude.
Another rookie, Josh Hurley, was third in the No. 171 APR Motorsport APR/BBS Volkswagen GTI he shares with Ian Baas, clocking in at 2:09.363 (99.070 mph). Compass360 Racing took fourth and fifth, with Christian Miller taking fourth in the No. 74 Compass360 Racing Honda Civic Si he shares with Randy Pobst. Miller's time was 2:09.398 (99.043 mph). Fifth was Peter Schwartzott, who turned a time of 2:09.500 (98.965 mph) in the No. 75 Compass360 Racing Honda Civic Si he co-pilots with Bo Roach.
The Fresh From Florida 200, which will last three hours, will begin at 1:45 p.m. Defending winners Craig Stanton (GS) and Glenn Bocchino (ST) will return to compete in the race for BGB Motorsports and Kinetic Motorsports, both in the GS class.
POST-QUALIFYING DRIVER NOTES
This is only the third time in his career Martin has qualified a car. The first time he ever qualified was at Daytona in 2003, when he won the GS II race... While Ford Mustangs didn't dominate the top five in qualifying, they did earn six of the top 10 positions. In ST, the top dogs were the Honda Civic Sis, taking five of the top 10 spots ... Thilenius's Bill Fenton Motorsports team owns two class victories at Daytona; only HART has more (three)... Freedom Autosport driver Rhett O'Doski was involved in a practice accident when he lost control of his No. 146 Mazda MX-5 in the kink and hit the guardrail. He was transported to the infield medical center and then taken to Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach, Fla., where he received X-rays and was later released... Sixty-five cars took times, including 34 in GS and 31 in ST.
POST-PRACTICE DRIVER QUOTES
DEAN MARTIN (No. 59 Rehagen Racing Ford Mustang GT): "Getting the pole here in Daytona was our first goal, and of course winning the race tomorrow is our ultimate goal. Our lap out there today was magic. The way our Mustang handled today and performed was just perfect. We've worked really hard during the off-season and we want to show everybody that we're the best and I think our team can carry today's success over into tomorrow's race.
"A Mustang should definitely win and be on the podium tomorrow. I'll be honest; I was surprised that we went as fast as we did. I never expected to go that fast. We had been fighting the car all day and it wasn't so good, but I told the team not to mess with anything and to see what happens. I figured if I ran a two-minute flat lap, we'd be okay. So when I came by the timing light and it came up as a 1:59.60, I just went, Oh my gosh, I'm just going to come in right now.' I was so excited and just really happy for our team."
JEFF SEGAL (No. 91 Automatic Racing BMW M3): "It's going really well. I didn't have the KONI deal until the last minute. Jep Thornton, my co-driver for the last few years, said "Hey, lets do it. We'll just do one race and have a little bit of fun. We came out. We haven't practiced much at all - we weren't at the test days - so I think being on the front row isn't a bad start."
ANDREW AQUILANTE (No. 111 Subaru Road Racing Team Subaru Legacy): "It was pretty good. The Subaru Spec B 2.5 liter was running really good. I was just trying to eek out a pole behind another car coming through the tri-oval and got a pretty good draft off of him and put together a good lap."
DAVID THILENIUS (No. 27 Bill Fenton Motorsports Honda Civic Si): "I'm not sure we're as fast as we qualified but the car is real stable. I think we'll have a good race pace for tomorrow."
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For additional information contact Grand-Am: Michael Harker, PR Coordinator, 386-681-6379, mharker@grand-am.com
STECKLY NOW READY TO RACE
IRWINDALE, CA, Thursday Jan. 22, 2009: Scott Steckly and his wife Penny have been enjoying the sights of Southern California for the past three days. As the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series champion, Steckly was invited to Los Angeles as one of six champions in NASCAR developmental series.
Scott and Penny took part in a welcome brunch on Tuesday and then it was on to K-1 Speed, a local go-kart facility where they participated in a charity race benefiting Covenent House. Later that evening they were hosted at a Champions/Media dinner at the Peterson Auto Museum. Tuesday wound up with a behind the scenes look at the “Jimmy Kimmel Live” show.
Wednesday kicked off with a VIP visit to Universal Studios and the famous “Back Lot” The event filled two days finished up with a visit to the Staples Center for the NBA matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers.
“It’s been great and it is nice that NASCAR does this for us,” Steckly said. “Going to Universal Studios was something nice to do. I have never been to an NBA game but we are going to have a great time.”
Now it is on to the business of racing as Steckly and his No. 22 Bollegraaf/Tow Truck in a Box/Canadian Tire/Erb Group/AW Millwrights team arrive at the track to prepare for two days of racing. Two practice sessions and a time trial qualifying session take place Friday with Live coverage on Speed at 7 p.m. Pacific Time. Saturday’s 250 lap Toyota All-Star Showdown will also be televised Live on Speed with coverage beginning at 7 p.m. Pacific time.
Steckly, as the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Champion has a guaranteed starting position in the event that has seen 62 contenders register for the 40 starting positions. He will be competing in a NDS Motorsports prepared car as a team mate to Camping World East competitor Steve Park.
For more information on the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series please visit www.nascar.ca
From Linda Jones / Wide Open Motorsport Solutions
From Alex Kinch / Ford Racing
* Dean Martin, co-driver of the No. 59 Rehagen Racing Mustang FR500C with Ken Wilden, earned the pole for Friday’s Fresh From Florida 200 at Daytona International Speedway.
* Michael Valiante, co-driver of the No. 6 Michael Shank Racing Ford Riley led all Ford-powered Daytona Prototypes by earning the No. 3 qualifying position for the 24-hour race.
DAYTONA BEACH, FL, (January 22, 2009) – Magic. That’s the word Dean Martin used to describe his qualifying lap around Daytona International Speedway.
The co-driver of the No. 59 Rehagen Racing Mustang FR500C claimed the top spot for Friday’s season-opening Grand-Am KONI Challenge Series race in Daytona, with a quick lap that even surprised the optimistic driver.
“Getting the pole here in Daytona was our first goal, and of course winning the race tomorrow is our ultimate goal,” said Martin. “Our lap out there today was magic. The way our Mustang handled and performed was just perfect. We’ve worked really hard during the off-season and we want to show everybody that we’re the best. I think our team can carry today’s success over into tomorrow’s race.”
Martin will co-drive his No. 59 Mustang FR500C with Ken Wilden during Friday's race, on a track that tends to favor Ford’s pony car.
“A Mustang should definitely win and be on the podium tomorrow,” continued Martin. “I’ll be honest; I was surprised that we went as fast as we did. I never expected to go that fast. We had been fighting the car all day and it wasn’t so good, but I told the team not to mess with anything and to see what happens. I figured if I ran a two-minute flat lap, we’d be okay. So when I came by the timing light and it came up as a 1:59.60, I just went, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m just going to come in right now.’ I was so excited and just really happy for our team.”
“We are so excited about Dean and the Rehagen Racing team putting the Mustang on top of the board today," said Jamie Allison, manager Ford Performance Group. "The FR500C is well suited for the Grand-Am KONI Challenge, because it is a production-based road racing series, one of the best in America. We have some of the most credible and highly regarded handling cars in the world on the track and the Mustang has been able to demonstrate its superiority and accomplishment taking on the best of Porsche and BMW. Dean and Rehagen Racing getting the pole is a pretty stout accomplishment for Mustang and we are very proud them and look to continue that success in tomorrow’s race.”
Over in the Rolex Series garage, Michael Valiante and the No. 6 Michael Shank Racing Ford Riley led for all Ford-powered teams by earning the No. 3 qualifying spot for Saturday’s race.
“Since I joined Ford and Michael Shank Racing for this race, racing has really been great,” said Valiante. “From the first test I did with the team in November we were quick, and today, being in the top three again just really shows the power of this team. The car has been handling really well and I think we have a great shot for a win on Sunday.”
Following right behind the No. 6 on the leader board was the No. 76 Ford Lola of Krohn Racing. Ricardo Zonta posted the fourth quickest time of the qualifying session in Krohn Racing’s first race back with Ford power under the hood since the end of the 2006 racing season.
“I am very happy,” said Zonta following his qualifying run. “After the few problems we had this morning (went off course in the bus stop avoiding a GT car), I think I need to be very pleased with the team. They managed to get the car ready for qualifying and we had a very good car. I think we are a lot closer than last year. This lap time we worked for was for the race but I’m sure other teams worked for the qualifying time, so I’m very pleased and very happy with the position we are to start.”
By John Houghton / Public Relations Delaware Speedway
DELAWARE, ON. (January 21, 2009) - Delaware Speedway will be a NASCAR sanctioned track for the 2009-racing season and beyond. The announcement came on Tuesday evening at the speedway’s first annual “Partner Appreciation Night” in front of assembled speedway sponsors and supporters.
The surprise announcement comes as the track announces that Arlen Scherba has bought out the other three partners in the speedway to become sole owner of the business and president of Delaware Speedway. With Scherba’s renewed commitment, the track has been begun moving towards long-awaited facility improvements.
Delaware Speedway was the first track in Canada to host NASCAR Weekly Events in the summer of 2004 but ended it’s program at the conclusion of the 2005 racing season. Since that time NASCAR’s presence in Canada has grown and the programs offered to Canadian speedways and competitors has greatly improved. The result of these improvements has been Delaware Speedway and NASCAR officials coming together on an agreement that would sees the track rejoin the NASCAR program - - for the long term.
The speedway will join the ranks of over fifty of North America’s top speedways in the prestigious “NASCAR Whelen All-American Series”. The series is North America’s premier weekly short track racing program, sanctioning events at grassroots-level speedways.
“We’re looking at it as a long term program,” said race director Jeff Wilcox. “There are benefits to the drivers in terms of points funds, marketing assistance, the use of the NASCAR name for sponsorship. As well, the drivers will fall under the $1,050,000 insurance policy, the same as the cup drivers, which will offer them substantial additional protection.”
The program alters, and in some cases eliminates Delaware Speedway registration fees in favour of the NASCAR membership program, the details of which will be announced at the upcoming driver’s meeting on February 9.
“The membership programs have changed and improved since we were last a part of the NASCAR program and competitors can expect to receive more information shortly,” added Wilcox. “Crew members will not be mandated to join the program, however once the benefits are demonstrated we feel that many will take part in the membership program.”
Other tracks participating in Canada include Edmonton International Raceway in Alberta, Sun Valley Motor Speedway in British Columbia, Autodrome St. Eustache in Quebec, and Barrie Speedway in Ontario.
Involvement in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series also opens up a wealth of opportunities to competitors in terms of championship points funds, the details of which will also be announced in the coming weeks. With two NASCAR sanctioned tracks now operating in Ontario, APC Late Model at Delaware Speedway and Barrie Speedway will also be the first in Canada to compete head to head for NASCAR Provincial championships as well as for the National Championship that gives drivers the opportunity to rank against drivers from across the continent.
“This move brings Delaware Speedway and its drivers back into the extended NASCAR family,” said John Houghton, Public Relations Director. “The competitors and the speedway will greatly benefit from the additional coverage and reach NASCAR offers through it’s television audience, magazine coverage and website exposure.”
NASCAR consists of three national series (the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series, and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series), four regional series, and one local grassroots series (NASCAR Whelen All-American Series), as well as two international series (including the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series). NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races at 100 tracks in more than 30 U.S. states, Canada and Mexico. Based in Daytona Beach (Fla.), NASCAR has offices in New York, Los Angeles, Charlotte (N.C.), Concord (N.C.), Conover (N.C.), Bentonville (Ark.), Mexico City, and Toronto.
Strong Ownership, Bold Direction
The evening also provided an opportunity for speedway partners to meet with Arlen Scherba who recently became the sole owner of the speedway business. Scherba had been involved in the speedway ownership group since 2001 and is a long-time Delaware Speedway racing fan.
“I’m very excited to be working with the team we’ve got put together. I would also like to mention that have a very great relationship with the landlord,” said Scherba. “The lease is no longer an issue. I would not have invested in the business if it was. People can expect to see improvements as soon as this year. We’re very excited to be working alongside NASCAR and improving our fan experience.”
Paul Houghton the new track Operations Manager was also on hand meeting with the business partners. Houghton is already on countdown for the season.
“Our focus right now is getting ready for the 2009 racing season, that starts in a little less then two months,” said Houghton “We’re currently prioritizing our projects around the facility to improve the fan and racer experience. Delaware Speedway is already a great facility that puts on some of the best racing anywhere. We are going to make it even greater - - we are going to be your NASCAR hometown half-mile.”
The string of announcements comes with the approach of the CPT Racing Experience, a racing show that will be held this weekend at the Western Fair Agriplex January 24 through 25. Delaware Speedway officials will be on hand at the event meeting with the public and promoting the track’s new programs.
About Delaware Speedway: Delaware Speedway is a half-mile paved oval stock-car track, located just west of London, Ontario, Canada. Since 1952, Delaware Speedway has been the home to some of the finest stock car racing in Canada. Its unique natural amphitheatre-like setting allows a family or group of friends to enjoy exciting, comfortable and affordable entertainment.
Attention Teams: Basic Membership Information Now Available at www.delawarespeedway.com/MembershipsRegistration.php
RACETICKETS.COM TRAVEL LAUNCHES NEW IMPROVED WEBSITE UNDER THE BRAND MYRACETRAVEL.COM
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (January 21, 2009) – Racetickets.com Travel, the preeminent provider of race travel packages to NASCAR’s most popular events including the world famous DAYTONA 500®, has launched a new website under the brand name myRacetravel.com (www.myRacetravel.com). The launch is the culmination of several months of studies and customer feedback, and better represents the company’s focus and products.
Kim Isemann, general manager of myRacetravel.com said, “We are thrilled with the successful launch of our new website and brand, myRacetravel.com. Customer feedback thus far has been very positive, citing the website’s ease of use and easily identifiable brand. Our growing base of customers know they can continue to rely on us to provide comprehensive travel and ticket packages to some of the most popular events on the NASCAR circuit. We offer customizable ticket, hotel, transportation, and hospitality packages to fit every budget, all within a convenient online purchasing environment.”
“My father and I have used myRaceTravel.com for all of our NASCARA ticket and travel packages,” said Peter van Hijkoop, a resident of Holland and 13-time myRaceTravel.com guest. “The value and convenience is unbeatable, and the service is always first class. We simply book our trip online and we know our friends will handle the rest. We’re looking forward to going to Daytona in February and the start of another great NASCAR season!”
To purchase tickets and travel packages to the premier major motorsports events, visit myRacetravel.com today or call 866-990-RACE (7223). myRacetravel.com offers customizable packages including hotel, tickets, transportation and hospitality, to over 27 events annually.
myRacetravel.com is a wholly owned subsidiary of International Speedway Corporation, a leading promoter of motorsports activities in the United States, currently promoting more than 100 events annually. For more information, visit the company's website at www.iscmotorsports.com.
myRactravel.com is the official ticket and travel package provider of Auto Club Speedway, Chicagoland Speedway, Darlington Raceway, Daytona International Speedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Kansas Speedway, Martinsville Speedway, Michigan International Speedway, Phoenix International Raceway, Richmond International Raceway, Talladega Superspeedway, and Watkins Glen International.
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Media Contact: Lenny Santiago 386.681.5937
Royal Distributing-Bourque Polaris Race Report
Tim Horton’s Georgian Cup Snowcross
The Owen Sound track was a mix of stockpiled parking lot snow, and some natural snow we were lucky enough to get in the last few weeks. The Royal Distributing-Bourque Polaris team had been training hard and testing during the layoff since the season opener, and it paid off big in Owen Sound.
In Saturday’s heat races, the red Royal Polaris’ of Butler and Joanis dominated the day, rolling out heat win after heat win. Holeshots, large leads and checkered flags were the order of the day for both riders.
In Sunday afternoon’s Pro Stock final Lee Butler’s #73 got a 3rd place start, teammate Dave Joanis entered the first corner in 2nd place. By halfway Joanis made a move on the leader and Butler took advantage, using experience to pass both riders and move into the lead. Dave’s #115 moved into second in the same corner, and the teammates ran together to the checkered for a 1 – 2 Royal Polaris finish!
The stands at the Owen Sound fairgrounds were full with the milder Sunday weather for the day’s final race; the Pro Open mod final for the Georgian Cup. All the pro racers were focused on one goal: bragging rights to the Georgian Cup for the entire year. Dave Joanis, at 16 years old in his first Pro season, had other plans for the veteran racers.
The start was all Royal Distributing Polaris, with Butler holeshotting and Joanis following him into the first corner. The two Polaris’s jostled back and forth with the 73 and 115 putting on an exciting show for the crowd, not to mention the nervous team owners and mechanics. Dave put his Polaris inside of Lee one last time with about 3 laps remaining, Lee had a small mishap after that, rendering him to 3rd place, after remounting. Lee fought back and regained 2nd place, and that’s how they would finish, another 1-2 , with Joanis breaking Butler’s streak of final wins at 3.
Lots of pictures included this week to give you all a feel for the action!
Your Royal Distributing Bourque Polaris team is now a perfect 4 for 4 in finals on the season. Next up: Lindsay, ON for the first round of the Kawartha Cup, at the brand new Lindsay Exhibition Fairgrounds. Get out and see a CSRA Pro Snowcross race! You will be impressed!
Photos courtesy of Gary at Supernova Photo, Jackie Legge, and Phil Molto.
Thanks to our Sponsors: Polaris Racing, Walker Evans Shocks, Stud Boy, FXR Clothing, Kimpex, Ipone Oils, HMK, Oakley, OSM Magazine, Rox, Dayco, Fly, Camoplast, TekVest, Renton Coil Springs, C&A Skis, Jaws Perfomance and Digatron.
From Mark Fries / mfries@royaldistributing.com <<Philmolto.jpg>> <<JackieLegge1.jpg>> <<JackieLegge2.jpg>> <<Supernova 002.jpg>> <<Supernova001.jpg>>
Royal Distributing-Factory Recreation Ski-Doo Race Report
Georgian Cup, Owen Sound, ON: Royal Pro Rider Joey Sagan is running as fast as he has ever been! Joey doesn’t really believe in luck, but will almost admit he is due some good luck soon. After some blistering fast qualifiers, and some tough final luck at Searchmount, Joey was ready to prove he is a contender on this year’s circuit.
On Saturday, Joey did just that. Sagan’s # 202 XP ran 2nd in his Saturday Stock heat, and got a win and a 2nd place in his Mod heats. The Factory Recreation Skidoo’s spent the day on the box-on the podium, right where Joey wanted them. Everything was shaping up well for Sundays finals.
On Sunday Sagan got a poor start on the tight Owen Sound starting line, but fought hard to finish in 4th spot, and awesome drive up through the competitive pack in the short 10 lap final.
In the final race, the Pro Open final, Joey nailed an awesome start, as seen in the attached picture, as he came into the first corner in almost a dead heat for the lead. Unfortunately a sled came up and knocked into the XP and took Sagan off the sled, in the melee he became trapped under another riders sled . Joey remounted and charged back, shotgun on the field, Sagan fought back to an 8th place result.
The team knows they are super fast and are looking forward to Lindsay this weekend.
Cally Ann Sagan on her Pink #502c Skidoo XP had a strong weekend with solid wins in Sport 600 Women, in both Saturday and Sundays finals!
Also, coming out of retirement, our own Jason Smith piloted the 75x to a victory in Vintage 2 leaf/slide and a 3rd in Vintage 1 leaf/bogie classes!
See you this weekend in Lindsay ON, for the Kawartha Cup Round 1!
Thanks to all of our amazing sponsors: Ski-Doo, FXR clothing, Oakley Eyewear, HMK Boots, Tekvest, Studboy Traction, Dewalt Tools, Kimpex, Ipone , C and A Pro
Photos courtesy of Gary at Supernova Photo , and Jackie Legge
From Mark Fries // mfries@royaldistributing.com
<<Supernova Photo 003.jpg>> <<JackieLegge2.jpg>> <<Supernova Photo.jpg>>
ALMS LMP1 Team Intersport Racing Signs Kyle Marcelli For 2009
Barrie, Ontario (January 21st 2009) – Canadian Kyle Marcelli will has recently been signed by American LeMans Series LMP1 race winning team Intersport Racing. The experienced and well respected Intersport Racing team has signed Marcelli to a development program for 2009. The program consists of a full season behind the wheel in the IMSA Lites Championship in the L1 class and multiple tests behind the wheel of the team's LMP1 prototype car with the opportunity for a race drive.
Team Manager of Intersport Racing Brian Alder commented: "We are very excited about signing Kyle to the 2009 IMSA Lites Presented by Frisby Performance Tires season. Kyle has already proven himself in other series and truly is a rising star of the sport. We are looking forward to competing for the 2009 championship beginning at Sebring in March. This is also a great opportunity for Kyle as he has taken the first step in our ladder system that could lead him into an American Le Mans Series LMP ride for 2010."
Kyle Marcelli said: “I am very excited to be apart of the Intersport Racing team and be affiliated with the prestigious American LeMans Series for 2009. This is almost a dream come true for me. Ever since I can remember my Dad and I used to go to Mosport International Raceway for the American LeMans Series weekend and stand on the outside of corner two watching and cheering as the prototypes go by flat out, only dreaming that it would one day be me. Well I believe that day is almost here.”
Marcelli will be travelling down to the team’s race shop in mid February for a fitment. The team then takes off for testing in the first week in March prior to the series opener at the famed Sebring International Raceway. They will be there supporting the 12 hr race in the American LeMans Series.
About the IMSA Lites Championship: The IMSA Lites Championship was developed as a feeder series to the American Le Mans Series, the premier prototype and GT endurance racing series in the world. The championship features multi-class racing. It presents a dimension of competition as drivers must be aware of classes with distinctly different speeds as they navigate the race tracks. This is the same challenge American Le Mans Series drivers face. IMSA Lites offers competitors from around the world the opportunity to compete in a highly competitive atmosphere at historic racing circuits like Sebring International Raceway, Road Atlanta and Miller Motorsports Park. The Championship gives racers the opportunity to sharpen their skills in a multi-class environment with a focus on preparing for American Le Mans Series competition. www.imsa-lites.com.
About Kyle Marcelli: A resident of Barrie, Ontario, 18 year old Kyle Marcelli is one very fast, always winning, race car driver. A proven champion and a determined young talent in the industry Kyle is on the fast track to international racing stardom. For more information visit www.kylemarcelli.com.
For sponsorship or media inquires contact Kate Walsh at E: katewalsh@sympatico.ca // P: 705-865-6969
<<DSCF0446.JPG>> <<DSCF0447.JPG>> <<IMSA_Lites_L1.jpg>> <<LeMans Prototype.jpg>>
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Rick Young's 'Rick at the Races': Canadian Motorsports Expo and the Kawartha Speedway Banquet
PIC 1 Canadian Motor Sports Expo Program Scan
PIC 2 Yours Truly meets Jacques Villeneuve
PIC 3 Chris Raabe meets Kerry Micks
PIC 4 Caitlin Johnson with her Formula Ford
PIC 5 The NASCAR Sprint Cup car of Jimmie Johnson
PIC 6 The Fiat Toppolino bodied special on the Pincrest Reunion stand
PIC 7 My Fiat Toppolino bodied BriSCA F2 stock car at the Brafield Stadium (UK) 1977
PIC 8 Brandon Watson recieves his trophy for winning the Kawartha/Capital City Challenge
PIC 9 Brandon Watson # 19 leads Rick Rump # 96 at the Capital City Speedway in 2008
PIC 10 Joey Ladouceur at the NYS Fairgrounds, Syracuse during SUPER DIRT WEEK 2008
PIC 11 Jerry Fisher greets a Dakar Rally competitor in Buenos Aries , Argentina ( JERRY FISHER PHOTO)
PIC 12 The end of the Dakar Rally in Buenos Aires, Argentina (JERRY FISHER PHOTO)
Instead of standing in the cold watching ice racing, this past weekend I attended two indoor events. I decided quite a while back that I wanted to visit the Canadian Motorsports Expo in Toronto on Saturday (17 Jan) and made plans to go with www.rickattheraces.com 'webmaster' Craig Revelle.
On Friday night I was contacted by another buddy, Jim Clarke of Belleville, the PR man and announcer at the Kawartha Speedway. It was the tracks annual awards and banquet on Saturday night and he was wondering if I could help them out. Their resident photographer Peter Brand, was unable to attend due to sickness in the family so he asked if I could fill in.
It was only a short distance out of our way, so I phoned track boss, Derek Lynch to confirm.
I left my place in Long Sault at 5-15am on Saturday morning, and met up with Craig at the Gananoque 'Tim Hortons' just before 7-00am. It was snowing when I left home, but by then it had ended. The next stop was at the 10 Acres Truck Stop at Belleville where we joined up with Jim for a chat over Breakfast.
We arrived at the INTERNATIONAL CENTRE on Airport Road in Toronto at about 11-30 am in good time for a quick look around before the big event on my days agenda. Guest of Honor at the show was former World Champion racing driver Jacques Villeneuve. When we arrived he was busy signing autographs for the fans, but at noon a media conference was scheduled in the seminar room. This was something I didn't want to miss !
Of course most of the questions posed to Jacques, revolved around any future NASCAR SPRINT CUP plans ( if any) on his agenda, but of course I wanted to ask him something totally different !
By winning the F1 World Championship Jacques has already reached the highest level in the world of motor racing so I consider the NASCAR effort as 'another challenge'. With this in mind, and the fact that WORLD OF OUTLAW events now take place in Quebec and Ontario I asked him if he'd ever considered trying dirt racing.
Well, I'm sorry to disappoint all my fellow dirt racing friends, but the answer was emphatically no. It is something he would have no interest in doing, not even for a bit of fun. When I spoke to him privately afterwards, he told me that for fun, his choice would be karting. I guess , this isn't surprising when you consider his background and life-style in racings premier division , but I tried !
Jacques was a real nice guy, quiet, good natured and he had plenty of time for both fans and media alike.
Two other big attractions at the show were the cars of NASCAR SPRINT CUP drivers Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jnr.
While walking around the rest of the show we bumped into Chris Raabe and his team. The young 2008 SUPER DIRT SERIES SPORTSMAN Champion is about to compete in the NASCAR CANADIAN TIRE SERIES this coming season and was in conversation with top driver Kerry Micks.
I also chatted with Formula Ford driver Caitlin Johnson. She raced at the inaugural meeting at the Calabogie Motor Sports Park that I attended in 2007. Like me, she recalls the heavy rainstorm that occurred on the Saturday.
Anyone who knows me well would have no difficulty in guessing which was my favorite car in the show . It was on the Pinecrest and National Exhibition Speedway Reunion stand. It was a vintage modified that raced at those long gone tracks of Toronto. Why did I like it so much ? Well, because it featured a cut down Fiat Toppolino body complete with full radiator grille.
It looked so much like the stock cars that were raced in the UK back in the early the 1960/70's. The Toppolino was a lovely little car and it's body was put to use by many at the time. In fact my first BriSCA F2 stock car had one fitted.
As you'd expect from a show held in Toronto the emphasis was on 'paved track' racing with very little for the dirt racing fan, but Craig and I enjoyed it and will no doubt be back there next year. It's a shame that when Ontario can boast two SUPER DIRT SERIES Champions, like Chris Raabe in the Sportsman and Pete Bicknell in the 358 Modifieds that their cars weren't on display.
By mid afternoon we'd seen everything and it was time to head towards the Kawartha Speedway. The banquet was being held in the main bar below the grandstands at the track. We met up with Jim again ( who had attended the Toronto show on Friday) and chatted with Derek Lynch about the evenings plans. After the delicious roast beef buffet it was time for me to go to work 'snapping' the award winners. I don't get to Kawartha too often so as you'd expect many of the faces were unfamiliar, but there was one guy who I had seen in action last year . It was the young Late Model driver Brandon Watson of Staynor (Ont). He not only topped the 2008 Kawartha points but the 15 year old also took the trophy for the Kawartha/Capital City Speedway Mini Series.
All of the time the banquet was taking place, snow had been falling quite heavily, which prompted a 'speeding up' of the awards. We were out of there by 9-30 for the four hour homeward bound drive in the snow. It was about 1-45 am in the morning when I pulled into Long Sault.
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INDYCAR SERIES NEWS AND NOTES – Jan. 20, 2009
Today’s IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights headlines
1. IndyCar Series announces testing policy
2. Dreyer & Reinbold Racing tabs Conway to drive in 2009
1. IndyCar Series announces testing policy: IndyCar Series teams will be permitted six private test days in 2009, with limitations on the numbers of miles and sets of tires allowed based on the number of full-time cars the team fields. Teams can earn additional test days by providing opportunities to Firestone Indy Lights drivers.
Each IndyCar Series entrant that participates in the season-long IndyCar TEAM program (Team Enhancement and Allocation Matrix) will be allowed 800 miles or six days of testing, whichever comes first, and 18 sets of Firestone Firehawk tires. Entrants with a second car may conduct 1,200 miles of testing with 26 sets of tires, while entrants with additional cars will gain 200 miles and four sets of tires per car. Teams are not permitted to test at any track within seven days of a race.
“Our 2009 testing policy strikes a fair balance between controlling costs and maintaining a level playing field,” said Brian Barnhart, president of competition and operations for the Indy Racing League, sanctioning body of the IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights. “With our diverse schedule of short ovals and superspeedways, road and street courses, it’s important to give our drivers and teams the chance to keep improving and maximize their performance. We also think there is a tremendous incentive for teams to give opportunities to the next generation of IndyCar Series drivers.”
For every 200 miles a Firestone Indy Lights driver tests with a team – up to a maximum of 600, the IndyCar Series team earns 100 bonus miles.
The testing policy also affords teams with rookie drivers an additional 400 miles and eight sets of tires for three days of testing.
“When you look back at the 13-year history of the IndyCar Series, our hallmark is the absolute best on-track competition,” Barnhart said. “This plan provides rookies, newcomers and our future drivers the chance to improve their skill set and throw themselves right into the thick of the competition.”
***
2. Dreyer & Reinbold Racing tabs Conway to drive in 2009: Dreyer & Reinbold Racing announced today that it has come to an agreement with British racer Mike Conway to become the team's first confirmed driver for the 2009 IndyCar Series campaign.
The 25-year old rookie comes to the U.S.-based open-wheel series after spending the majority of his career in the European formula car ladder. Most recently, he completed his second season driving in the GP2 Series with Trident Racing in 2008. He was also a Honda F1 Racing test driver for the past two seasons.
"I'm looking forward to the opportunity to race in the U.S. with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing in the IndyCar Series," said Conway, who tested an IndyCar Series machine with Panther Racing last summer at Infineon Raceway. "I'll be visiting a lot of new tracks for the first time, especially oval tracks, but I'm very much looking forward to the challenge."
Conway has been one of the top up-and-coming British drivers for the last several years, having won the prestigious British Formula 3 championship with Räikkönen Robertson Racing in 2006. That year was also highlighted by a win in the famed Macau Grand Prix. His most recent success was winning a round at the famous streets of Monte Carlo, Monaca in the GP2 Series in 2008.
In 2004, he won the Formula Renault UK Championship, and in 2005, he was recognized twice by the British Racing Drivers' Club for his achievements in Formula 3.
"We're excited to get the things rolling in getting ready for the 2009 season," team co-owner Dennis Reinbold said. "We've made a lot of improvements in the off-season, and combined with Mike's talent, we're excited to see lots of positive results in this year's IndyCar Series events."
Conway's first test with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing will be a private rookie test before the IndyCar Series Open Test at the Homestead-Miami Speedway Feb. 25-26. These tests will be his first laps on an oval.
***
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.
Media Contacts: John Griffin, Indy Racing League, (317) 492-6579, jgriffin@indycar.com // Amy Konrath, Indy Racing League, (317) 492-6453, akonrath@indycar.com // World Wide Web: http://www.indycar.com
Matt Pritiko set to kick off year in Koni Challenge
TORONTO, ONTARIO - Matt Pritiko, from London, Ontario is ready to embark on his third season of Koni Challenge Series racing. The opening event in the 2009 Koni Challenge Series is the Fresh from Florida 200 on January 22-23, 2009.
Pritiko, is going back to his roots, as he will campaign the #76 Compass360 Racing Honda Civic Si. Pritiko began his Koni Challenge Series career with the highly touted Compass 360 team, and he is looking forward to getting back on the winning track with his new team.
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.
"Matt is an analytical and deliberate driver," said C360R Technical Director Ray Lee. "He's a team player and the consumate professional."
"Compass 360 racing is no stranger to the podium at Daytona and I have no doubt that Travis [Walker] and I will be there," a confident Pritiko said. "The crew has been working rigorously throughout the off season to improve the performance of the Hondas and I cant wait to get on track."
Pritiko has been busy in the off season, and he is clearly pumped up to get the New Year underway. "It has been a long off season. I've been training and looking over data from past years to gain all the advantage I can get."
Matt Pritiko Fast Facts: Matt Pritiko is one of Canada's up and coming stars of motorsport. He is from LondonOntario. In 2007, Pritiko completed his rookie season in Koni Challenge, finishing 15th in the standings, with a top five and four top tens. Pritiko was a member of Sunoco's Team Ultra 94 and collected 1 win, 2 poles and five podiums in the Bridgestone F2000 Series. In 2002, Pritiko is was 2nd in F125/80cc in the Point Pelee Championships and took home the 2002 Most Sportsmanlike award. Pritiko is supported by Burwell Auto Body.
Compass360 Racing Fast Facts: Compass360 Racing (C360R) is the Motorsports division of Compass360, a marketing communications firm based in Toronto, Canada. Compass360 offers Brand Development and Deployment to clients in financial services, entertainment, advocacy and automotive sectors. Their work includes traditional advertising in television, radio and print, as well as corporate identity, logo creation, documentary film, website development and communications in non-traditional on-line media and event marketing. Compass360 Racing will field four Acuras in Grand Am's KONI Challenge in 2008, building on their third straight Manufacturer's Title and a strong second-place finish in the Driver and Team Championships in 2007.
Release prepared by Russ Bond Agency, Inc. (www.russbondagency.com ) For more information contact Russ Bond r.bond@russbondagency.com or 416-312-2900
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Slick Mist Goes with Gerhart at Daytona; Lucas Oil Re-Signs 5-Time Daytona Winner
As……. Gerhart Searches for 6th Daytona Triumph
DAYTONA BEACH FL (1-20-09) – Bobby Gerhart Racing announced today that it has re-signed with Lucas Oil for the 2009 ARCA RE/MAX Series season.
Gerhart, renowned for his record five wins at Daytona, will debut the Lucas Oil “Slick Mist” brand on his no. 5 Chevy Monte Carlo at Daytona in the 46th running of the ARCA RE/MAX Series at the “World Center of Racing” in February. Lucas Oil is also sponsoring the race, known as the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona.
“The 2009 season marks our sixth consecutive season with Lucas Oil,” said Gerhart, whose five Daytona wins include three consecutive in ’05, ’06 and ’07. “We’re very proud of our association with Lucas Oil, a company whose longstanding race heritage speaks for itself. We feel like we’ve given them a good home. Our stuff is very competitive; it’s racy looking and provides the right image to promote their products. The wins at Daytona are obviously paramount to the overall success of the partnership.”
After finishing fourth at Daytona in 2008, Gerhart hopes to get back on track with an unprecedented sixth Daytona triumph. Gerhart’s sponsors are hoping for the same.
“The Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 ARCA race at Daytona is huge for us,” said Tom Bogner, Lucas Oil Motorsports Manager. “It’s a high-profile deal to be associated with Bobby Gerhart Racing and the ARCA RE/MAX Series at Daytona. It’s even more exciting because many of the new Lucas Oil products have been developed in Bobby’s car over the years, which makes our success at Daytona even more gratifying. Slick Mist is a newer product for us, and we’re working to make it a household name on the shelf. We can’t think of a better way to kick things off than with Bobby Gerhart at Daytona.”
In addition to testing at Daytona in December, the Gerhart clan is headed to Talladega Superspeedway this weekend for one final restrictor plate hurrah.
“We had a great Daytona test,” added 50-year-old Gerhart. “We came out with some very positive info. I’m pretty sure we’re going to race with the same car we won with in ’07, but we have a new one too that we’re not finished beating on yet, so it’s possible that could change.
“Now we’re headed to Talladega. There are a couple reasons we do that. Our newest engine packages aren’t in the cars till now. We took what we raced last year to the Daytona test, which gives us good aero information, but now we need to test the new power combination and look for all the speed we can – combine the two (tests) and go the ‘beach’.
“Overall, the information we’ve gleaned from the two tests has worked for us, so we’re not going to try and fix it. We’ll be testing Joey Coulter at Talladega too. In fact, the Coulter crew is here in the shop (Lebanon, PA) wrenching on the car right now. We’ve got room for more testers at Talladega if anyone’s interested.”
With increasingly competitive fields at Daytona mixed with ARCA’s best and a good share of fulltime Cup teams, victories at the historic superspeedway are factually harder to achieve. Gerhart is well aware of those challenges.
“It’s amazing really. It went from just a few teams that took it serious to a bunch of teams that took it serious. I think everyone in ARCA is coming to terms with just how important Daytona is, and I think our success there had a lot to do with that. There are a lot more ultra-competitive restrictor plate teams now than there were five years ago. I think we helped make everyone realize what we’ve always had at Daytona and how important it is for the teams, the sponsors and the series.”
In addition to the increasingly competitive restrictor plates teams in the ARCA RE/MAX Series, Gerhart recognizes other outside factors that are adding even more complicating circumstances – mainly, the economy.
“I think it’s going to be a very challenging year for all the competitors; it’s something we’re all going to face this year. It’s going to be extremely hard, in this environment, to race the way we want, and need, to race. I’ve got our team pulled back as far as I can to be as competitive as we’ve been.
“We can’t say for sure right now how many races we’re going to be able to run; it’s still up in the air. Obviously, we want to run for the championship; I still feel like I have it in me to get the job done. But you can’t run for the championship if your program can’t be what it needs to be. If you look at the last four or five years out there, it’s becoming quite clear, financially speaking, what it takes to run for the championship. I suppose if the racing gods line up just right all year long, you can do it for much less; but anymore, the financial side cannot be your Achilles heel. To win a championship here anymore, the financial side cannot be your weakness.
“I’ve been swinging my own bat for a long time. I’m obviously very involved financially myself. And with my businesses at home, all with their own challenges, it’s tough to keep everything going. Having said all that, we should be as strong as we’ve ever been at Daytona. I can’t wait to drive the rig through the gates. It’s just what I need right now.
“I’ve always looked at our team as underdogs. Maybe that’s part of our success; I don’t know. I’m very realistic, especially when I’m looking at the budgets we have to work with compared to the Cup teams. I’d say we’re tremendous underdogs.
“I mean if you look at the sheer facts…the amount of resources and engineering depth they have compared to what we have, it’s a long shot that we’d even be in their league. I mean, we’ve never even been to the wind tunnel.”
Gerhart, who was ARCA’s Rookie of the Year in 1988, has been an integral part of the ARCA RE/MAX Series for more than 20 years. Remarkably, some of the people who started with Gerhart 20 years ago, are still with him.
“We’re very fortunate. We have a support group that’s vital to what we do. They give me the tools to make these cars what they are.
“Right now, our sole focus is Daytona. This is, and always will be, the most important race to me. And it has been for a long, long time. I know my team will do everything they humanly can to put me in a position to win. They understand how important this place is to me. I’ve been so blessed to win there five times. To win once is a blessing in itself, but five? It still blows my mind to think we’ve done that.”
When asked about the possibility of winning a sixth time at Daytona, Gerhart said, “I’m not going to Daytona to run second.”
Practice for the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona is from 12 noon – 5:00 PM Thursday, February 5th with Pole Qualifying Friday at noon, February 6th followed by a final practice from 5:10 to 6:15 Friday afternoon. The 46th annual Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona, which precedes the Budweiser Shootout, is LIVE on SPEED at 4:00 PM ET Saturday, February 7th.
CONTACTS: Don Radebaugh
Willie Reyns Breaks From Tradition
By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications
After a successful 2007 season in Kawartha Speedway’s Thunder Car class, Port Hope’s Willie Reyns had prepared himself for the traditional sophomore jinx. His first year of racing regularly at the 3/8th mile oval saw him earn the division’s rookie of the year and most improved driver awards, while finishing 4th in points. The only thing missing from the 24 year-old ironworker’s resume was a race win. Throughout history – in most sports, not just auto racing – a successful freshman campaign is followed-up by a less than spectacular second season. Reyns proved to be the exception to the rule.
It all began Friday, June 6th with the drop of the green flag that started Kawartha’s 2008 season. Reyns had a strong run that saw his #87 Boundy Roofing-Appleman Carstar-Canadian Industrial Services-Kelly’s Homelike Inn Monte Carlo wind-up in the winner’s circle on opening night. It was a scene that would be repeated a total of 5 times during the campaign. With weather playing a role in the track’s season throughout the year, Kawartha Speedway put just 9 shows in the record books and Reyns recorded a top 5 run in every event.
“I didn’t know how well we’d do. Our goal coming into the season was to get a feature race win and certainly accomplished that”, said the smiling driver at the final event of the season. “We have a great team and I knew we had the potential for an excellent season. The car is well-prepared and we’re ready every time we come to the track, but there are so many factors that come into play...its hard to tell what will happen”.
Kawartha Speedway celebrated their season with the 2008 award’s banquet Saturday, January 17th. Reyns collected the hardware for his Thunder Car track championship – as well as being named the most sportsmanlike driver in the division by his competitors. The icing on the cake for the likeable runner was being selected as the track’s most exciting driver, in a first-time fan ballot.
“It was quite a night, to say the least”, says Reyns. “I figured we’d get some votes in the on-line survey – maybe even end-up in the top 5, but to be honoured by the fans that way – I’m very thankful. The support we get from the fans is amazing and I hope they know how much I appreciate everything they do for me”.
Willie Reyns says his crew will take a few days off, and then get right back into the shop and resume working on the car with an eye on defending their ’08 title. Back to back championships are rare, but Willie Reyns has already shown the ability to break from tradition.
Photo attachment: supplied by team
Willie Reyns with his collection of hardware from the 2008 Kawartha Speedway banquet.
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Kawartha Speedway 2008: A Celebration of Excellence
By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/Kawartha Speedway PR
With the 3/8th mile oval glistening under the glow of the Musco lighting and a mid-winter’s snowstorm sparkling its spacious layout, Kawartha Speedway (Fraserville, Ontario) celebrated the 2008 season by handing-out the hardware and point-fund cheques to drivers in their 4 weekly classes. A standing-room only crowd numbering close to 400 gathered at the track to enjoy a magnificent buffet dinner, closed-out the evening with dancing, socializing and fellowship.
The big winners on the night were Late Model driver Brandon Watson, who collected trophies for his championship in the Summer Shootout Series, the Late Model rookie of the year and most improved driver awards and 3rd place in division points. The youngster from Stayner, Ontario took a few minutes at the end of the night to thank everyone for a great season and offer his praise to Kawartha’s management and track officials. Port Hope, Ontario’s Willie Reyns also walked away with an extensive hardware collection. The second year Thunder Car racer earned the division championship and was named by his peers as the class’ most sportsmanlike driver. In an on-line fan vote, Reyns was also named as the track’s most exciting overall driver – a prize he claimed in a special Kawartha Speedway edition of the popular reality show, Survivor.
The Moroney Racing Team, who regularly contributed at least 4 cars to Kawartha’s Mini Stock division, also took home a number of awards. Although travel arrangements (coming home from his wedding the Dominican Republic) prevented him from claiming the accolades in person, Jason Juriga earned his first track championship. Team mate Mike Wallace claimed the runner-up position, while also receiving the rookie of the year award. Too Moroney finished 3rd in Mini Stock points, while Juriga’s new bride, Shanna Moroney was 5th in the final tally.
Barrie, Ontario veteran Stompin’ Tom Walters earned the Limited Late Model title – the 25th overall crown in his illustrious career, while Cavan, Ontario’s Dan McHattie picked-up the late model title.
In his closing remarks, track General Manager and Promoter Derek Lynch thanked the drivers, crews, family members and friends for their continued support of racing at Kawartha Speedway. He also announced that 2008 would be the final season for the track’s Limited Late Model division. Lynch concluded his remarks by naming long-time track official Dave Middleton as the recipient of the annual President’s Award.
The official 2009 schedule is now posted at www.kawarthaspeedway.com.
Award winners:
Rookie of the Year – Late Model, Brandon Watson. Limited Late Model, Jamie Horner. Thunder Car, Jeff Remington. Mini Stock, Mike Wallace.
Most Sportsmanlike driver – Late Model, Larry Jackson. Limited Late Model, Terry Betts. Thunder Car, Willie Reyns. Mini Stock, Glenn Dee.
Most Improved driver – Late Model, Brandon Watson. Limited Late Model, Jamie Horner. Thunder Car, Jamie Wagar. Mini Stock, Steven Slot.
APX Racewear Dedicated Crew – Sinopoli Racing #7 Thunder Car and #7 Late Model.
KONI Shock Contingency draw - #88 Limited Late Model, John Bryan
5 Star Stock Car Bodies Contingency draw - #99 Late Model, Linc Brown. #86 Limited Late Model, Terry Betts.
Photo attachments: By Rick Young, www.rickattheraces.com
#1). Kawartha Speedway’s top runners in the Mini Stock division.
#2). Track champion Willie Reyns and the top 10 in Kawartha Speedway’s Thunder Car class.
#3). Points champion Tom Walters and the Limited Late Model runners
#4). Champ Dan McHattie and the Late Model division top 10. <<ks1_(Medium).JPG>> <<ks2_(Medium).JPG>> <<ks3_(Medium).JPG>> <<ks4_(Medium).JPG>>
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