NASCAR SPRINT CUP: Jimmie Johnson Pre-Las Vegas Press Conference Transcript

NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES
LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY
February 27, 2009

JIMMIE JOHNSON, NO. 48 LOWE’S IMPALA SS met with media and discussed having a bad run at Las Vegas last year, the impact of no testing, engine problems at California and his difficulties there, making mistakes on pit road, how to rebound from a poor season start, and more. Full Transcript:

ON RETURNING TO LAS VEGAS FOR THIS WEEKEND’S RACE
“I’m excited to be back. I’m trying to forget about last year’s race. We ran well at California last weekend, but kind of lost the handle on things as the race went on. But I think looking back on it now we kind of understand what we did and what went on. So I think we’re really excited about today. Our qualifying program has been really, really strong the last six or eight months and I feel good about that. I think the track has been aging and has been much more competitive and more fun to drive and better action for the fans. So I’m just looking forward to it. It’s nice to be back in the swing of things and back in a rhythm and a normal work week and being on a track where we actually have to drive it and worry about set-up and springs and shocks and all that stuff so I’m real excited to be back.”

ON LAST YEAR AT VEGAS, THE RUN YOU HAD AND HAVING TO TALK TO 3,000 PEOPLE IN THE SPONSOR TENT AFTERWARDS, JUST HOW HUMBLING WAS THAT DAY AS A WHOLE?
“It was extremely humbling, and almost embarrassing in some ways. One, obviously the performance, but two, to be so frustrated on the radio and (crew chief) Chad (Knaus) and I weren’t holding any punches back and forget that there were so many people listening, especially the 3,000 we were visiting with in the sponsor test afterwards. And to walk in and have them recite some of the smart remarks and I had for Chad and that he had for me, it was embarrassing on that front and really helped me recognize and realize who is listening and all that kind of stuff. So it was a humbling and embarrassing experience all in one.”

WHERE DID YOU GO AFTER THAT? HOW DID YOU REBOUND?
“It was the start of us recognizing that we didn’t have the speed on the 1.5-mile tracks. We raced at California, obviously, and finished second, but we struggled all through practice and late in practice we hit on something that the No. 24 (Jeff Gordon) car was trying and we had a good race. So we thought, okay, we’re just going about it the wrong way but now we’ve got it. We came here and totally missed it again and we never got back. We tried the No. 24 set up it didn’t work; we tried the No. 88 (Dale Earnhardt Jr.) set-up and it didn’t work. So at that point we admitted we had a problem and we needed to catch up. In the pre-season testing that took place we were off, but we didn’t really overreact. But this race here made us say, all right, we’re really got something going on and we need to sort it out. And from this point forward, it took two or three months before we started breathing easier.
“And I’d say, really in my eyes, in July at Chicago when we really raced the No. 18 (Kyle Busch) for the win at the end, that’s when I felt like all right, we’ve caught up now and we’re where we need to be.”

ON WINNING THREE COMPLETELY DIFFERENT CHAMPIONSHIPS WITH VARIOUS CHALLENGES AND ON MAKING A COMEBACK FROM TERRIBLE RUN AT LAS VEGAS LAST YEAR
“I look at the resources we have and the relationships that exist between the NO. 48 car and the engineering staff and it builds a lot of confidence for those days when you don’t perform like you want to. We found that last year when we were living through this stuff that the two previous years and really the five or six previous seasons, that yeah, we’ve been out to lunch at times but eventually we’ll find our way back and we’ll be competitive again. And it wasn’t fun last year. We did get nervous about the Chase and some other things, but deep down inside, we didn’t panic and kind of fall apart as a race team because we had the experience of going to the basement and finding our way back up. It’s a great characteristic for this race team. I think we’ve been tested time and time again and we’ve continued to work hard and come back and be competitive after a period of time. So I’m excited about every year and the challenges that come. One thing that’s different this year though, if we do end up in that hole, is that we can’t test. And last year, if we didn’t have testing, I don’t think we would have found the magic and gotten our cars right before the Chase started.”

WHAT PROBLEMS DID YOU HAVE AT CALIFORNIA, AND DID YOU HAVE ANY OF THE MOTOR ISSUES THAT SOME OF YOUR TEAMMATES HAD?
“No, we didn’t. We were fortunate on that front. It appears that a batch of valve springs that got our other two cars and they literally broke on the same lap. Fortunately my car and Jeff’s car didn’t have those in them or the No. 39 (Ryan Newman) or the No. 14 (Tony Stewart) and we made it through. So it’s frustrating on that part because there is no way to x-ray valve spring and components beforehand to find impurities. Once something breaks, you can get in there and look at it and it’s pretty easy at that point for our guys to know what went on. But it’s frustrating on the front side. We develop components for months and months on end and endurance test them and then you get a batch that comes in that has some containment in it and you have a failure. It’s just one of the risks that are out there.

“At the start of the race, the car was really good, but tight. As we tried to help the car, we actually kept making it tighter. Looking back on it, I really felt like the splitter was on the ground. So we made adjustments to help the front travel of the car to get the splitter off the ground and it just made the car worse. Come to find out after looking at our travels afterwards, the splitter wasn’t on the ground. So I kind of steered us in the wrong direction there. I was just tight. It wasn’t the splitter dragging and making the car tight. And the adjustments we made to try to help that just hurt it even more. We kind of missed it a little bit there and tuned ourselves out, which is not common for the No. 48 car but you live and learn and we have a better idea of what to do this week.”

WITH THE NO TESTING POLICY, HOW IS YOUR THREE-YEAR DOMINANCE GOING TO PLAY INTO PUTTING YOU IN THE CHASE FOR A RUN AT A FOURTH TITLE?
“It’s still kind of early to tell. I think that once we get to June – July, we’ll have a better Idea of the testing and whether it has helped our sport in the competition or hurt it. I think over a period of time without testing, it will hurt and there will be more separation from the top teams to the bottom teams for sure. That’s just my opinion. I know there is a large group, and that group seems to be growing, that wants to keep this ban on testing. I’m certainly not in favor of it. I think we need some sort of on-track testing to advance the cars. But we’ve been dominant at different points in the year. It’s tough to be dominant all year long. With the Chase format last year it really put us in the game. Otherwise, we would have been so far out, mathematically, that I’m not sure we could have gotten back. I’m not sure how the points tallied up at the end with the No. 18 having troubles, but I don’t think we would have won the championship last year if it weren’t for the Chase. So, it’s so tough to find new technology when all you do is get two hours of practice today and the majority of the teams will be focused on qualifying practice, so I’ll get five laps today, then two laps in qualifying and then you get two 45-minute sessions tomorrow. It’s really tough to work in new stuff. And if you’re off, it’s even more difficult. And it you’re fast, you can try a set-up, your baseline set-up, and go and have a baseline run to look at and then make changes. It’s simple. If it’s faster, you leave it in. If it slows you down, you take it out. With such limited on-track activity, if you’re in a hole you’ll never get out. Or, it’s going to take you so long to get out that if a team is dominant and a team does have something, and it looks like the No. 17 (Matt Kenseth) is on that path right now, that they’ll hang onto it for a much longer period of time than we’ve seen in the past.”

ON KYLE BUSCH SAYING HE MIGHT CONSIDER GOING TO F1 AFTER WINNING A NASCAR SPRINT CUP CHAMPIONSHIP OR DABBLING IN IT
“I think that F1 would be awesome to go and experience. It doesn’t matter if it’s Kyle or who would get that opportunity to go over and do it. The question really boils down to being competitive. It’s hard to leave a championship caliber team, a race-winning team for sure, and go and start over; and with a start-up team, I read some of the stuff yesterday on that. The competitor in all of us, and if you had a chance to go get in a red car or a silver car, it would be an easy decision. But a start up team is really the tough part that whoever those drivers will be will have to face. I think that anyone who has ever driven a race car looks at F1 and gets excited and would love to have an opportunity to drive one of those vehicles and to race at some of those tracks.”

ON MAKING MISTAKES ON PIT ROAD
“Pit road is a tough situation. There are numerous times when you look at your rpm’s and you’re 100 off and you got to pit road a little fast and you’re 100 off you know that there is a segment of time when you can give some back and hopefully get it right. So then you’re left with the difficult situation to let off and try to give back that time because you know you got into that box too fast. And then you’re waiting and hoping they don’t call your number out for a pass-through penalty. And then getting into your pit box, if you can get into it a half a second faster than the other guys, then you’re overall time in the pit box is less and you make up spots. So there is a lot of time to be made. But at the same time, the risks that you take, if under green and you have to serve a pass-through penalty, it’s almost not work the risk in some cases. I’ve been nailed for speeding problems. I got in trouble at Atlanta in the Chase last year. You’re walking such a tight rope and a fine line that it’s easy to get busted.”

IF YOU HAVE A STRING OF POOR FINISHES, HOW DO YOU MAKE IT UP? WHAT CAN YOU DO IF YOU GET BEHIND?
“I think a lot of it, at least for our success, has been going to the race track and validating things. The simulation programs are good and we use them to help work on ideas. But once you get on the track, the feel that each driver has is so different that on track really is the best thing for that. Over the years, we’ve been able to dream up really neat things on the computers and through the seven post machines and all that stuff, but until you validate it on track, it’s tough. But I think it’s going to put the importance back into the simulation modes. I think your teammates, and maybe even as a group, the whole corporation is off. This guy starts with this set-up and this concept. Someone is here and someone is there. You can go at it that way. So I think your teammates will be a big part of this as well as time goes on.”

From Chevy

The racecar will stick to the track like spackle or paste....

Team Evercleanse Ready to Race in Sebring and Long Beach Grand Prix

Evercleanse, the industry leader in natural health maintenance supplements, has joined forces with Symbion Marketing to sponsor a new Porsche GT3 Cup Car. The Evercleanse car will make its debut at Sebring in February and appear again at the prestigious Long Beach Grand Prix in April. The car will be driven by Rob Morgan, an accomplished NASCAR veteran.

Los Angeles, CA (PR Web) January 9, 2008 – Evercleanse, in conjunction with Symbion Marketing and NADA Guides, is proud to announce their sponsorship of a race car in the Long Beach Grand Prix in April.

The new Porsche GT3 Cup Car will be driven by racing pro Rob Morgan at Sebring in March before it hits the streets of Long Beach for the prestigious Grand Prix the following month.

Evercleanse, the most reputable and effective colonic health supplement on the market, is excited to partner with Symbion Marketing and NADA Guides to sponsor the high performance Porsche.

The car will be driven by Rob Morgan, a seasoned driver that grew up in Arkansas with racing in his blood. His father, Charles Morgan, was a SCCA and IMSA driver. Rob followed in his father's footsteps and began racing in IMSA in 1992. He made his way to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Since then, he has raced in SCCA Trans Am and Grand Am's Daytona Prototype Series.

Morgan is best known for his GTS-1 Class win in the 1996 24 Hours of Daytona. In 1997, he placed second overall driving a Ferrari 333SP for Scandia Racing in the same event. He also owns TruSpeed Motorcars, a dealership specializing in high performance Porsches in southern California.

“We’re very excited to have the opportunity with NADA Guides and Symbion to sponsor Rob Morgan’s car. He’s a very accomplished race car driver,” said Douglas Davis, Co-Founder of Hindsight Nutritionals, Evercleanse’s parent company.

The Long Beach Grand Prix is the longest running major street race in North America. The 2009 race will be held from April 17 - 19 on the streets of Long Beach, CA. Team Evercleanse eagerly anticipates the race and looks forward to increasing their visibility on the racing circuit throughout 2009.

For additional information on Team Evercleanse, contact Douglas D. Davis at (888)848-2729, extension 101 or visit Evercleanse online at www.evercleanse.com.

About Evercleanse: Evercleanse is the leading natural detoxification product on the market. Its proprietary blend features healthy fiber and probiotics to enhance your body’s overall well being. Visit www.evercleanse.com to learn more about the benefits of Evercleanse.

Andersen Racing Becomes Presenting Sponsor Of Canada's New TRAK Karting Series

PALMETTO, Fla., Feb. 25 - As part of its long-established role as a leader in the development of open-wheel talent, Andersen Racing announced today that it will be the presenting sponsor of the Toronto Racing Association of Karters (TRAK) Series in 2009.

The not-for-profit TRAK corporation plans to stage 14 events, primarily at Goodwood Kartways in Stouffville, Ontario, Canada.

Andersen Racing competes in karting, Formula BMW, Star Mazda and Firestone Indy Lights from its headquarters at Andersen RacePark in Palmetto, Fla.

Sponsored by Allied Building Products Corp., it is the official development team of Rahal Letterman Racing, a top IndyCar Series and American Le Mans Series team.

Andersen Racing plans to use its sponsorship of the TRAK Series not only to show support for the Canadian karting community, but also as a way to identify young talent that would be suitable to step up to its Formula BMW Americas program from karting. Although this is TRAK's inaugural season, a few of the many drivers who have gotten their start in the sport by karting at Goodwood Kartways over the last 40 years include open-wheel drivers Scott Goodyear, Paul Tracy and Daniel Morad as well as long-time karting supporter and sports car star Ron Fellows.

As part of the prize package Andersen Racing has developed, three drivers from the TRAK Series will be awarded a free two-day test in one of the team's Formula BMW race cars after the 2009 TRAK series concludes in October. The trio will consist of the Junior Rotax and Senior Rotax champions, as well as a third, wild-card driver of the team's choosing selected from all junior and senior categories. Other key aspects of the prize include a mentoring program designed to further develop the karters and prepare them for the transition from karting to car racing, as well as official recognition as an RLR/Andersen Racing junior development driver.

Veteran racing engineer Remi Lanteigne, who is the director of engineering for Andersen Racing's Formula BMW and Star Mazda teams, spearheaded the team's association with TRAK. "The Formula BMW series is a very natural step up from karting," he pointed out. "Andersen Racing has established a unique program whereby it can help develop a driver from Formula BMW, Star Mazda and Firestone Indy Lights, all the way up the ladder with our association with Rahal Letterman Racing. Our partnership with TRAK is a great initiative."

Lanteigne hinted that team co-owners Dan and John Andersen may agree to participate in similar programs in other geographic areas too. The program will look to evaluate and choose aspiring young drivers across the Americas and offer them an opportunity to advance through the Andersen Racing ladder system.

Goodwood Kartways is owned by the Di Leo family, which includes two other famous open-wheel brothers, racers Daniel and Marco Di Leo. "We certainly welcome Andersen Racing on board, and we're excited about the upcoming season," said Daniel Di Leo, president of TRAK. "Goodwood Kartways has a very impressive history when it comes to the development of Canada's motorsport stars," he added.

"An association with a top-level program like Andersen Racing is something that all young karters should be excited about. The principals of Andersen Racing share in our vision to create awareness and develop future talent through grassroots programs like the Toronto Racing Association of Karters."

For more information on the series and/or Goodwood Kartways, please visit their respective websites at trak.ca and goodwoodkartways.com. For more information on Andersen Racing, see andersenracingteam.com and andersenracepark.com.

About Allied Building Products Corp.:
Allied Building Products Corp., headquartered in East Rutherford, N.J., is one of the largest roofing and siding distributors in the United States. Founded in 1950 with five employees and two trucks, today it is a $1.8 billion building material distribution company with over 3,500 employees, more than 200 branches in 30 states, well over one million square feet of office and warehouse space, and an inventory of approximately 85,000 products, from residential roofing and siding to doors, windows, waterproofing, manufactured stone, interior products and commercial roofing systems. For more information see alliedbuilding.com.

About Andersen Racing:
Andersen Racing strives to provide the best and most comprehensive training possible for future open-wheel superstars while giving its marketing partners media exposure and hospitality opportunities at some of the most prestigious events in North America. It provides a unique, four-step program utilizing multiple entries in four different platforms: karting, Formula BMW, Star Mazda (televised on SPEED) and Firestone Indy Lights (televised on VERSUS). In 2008 it fielded multiple entries in 42 races in 18 states and provinces at some of the best facilities on the continent, including the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Andersen Racing won the team championship for 2008 for both the F2000 Championship Series presented by Hoosier Racing Tire and the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear. Two of its drivers finished first and second in the F2000 driver point standings, while another was sixth. Three of its Star Mazda drivers placed third, fifth and sixth in that series' driver standings. RLR/Ander sen Racing finished sixth in the 2008 Firestone Indy Lights team standings, while one of its drivers placed fifth in that series' driver point standings.
Andersen Racing's principals, brother Dan and John Andersen, have extensive experience in series administration as well as team management. They've worked with many of today's top open-wheel stars, including several Indy 500 winners.

Andersen Racing is sponsored by Allied Building Products Corp. It is the official development team of Rahal Letterman Racing, which competes in the IndyCar Series and the American Le Mans Series. The team is headquartered at Andersen RacePark, an 18-acre facility in Palmetto, Fla. that includes a 1-mile road course test track.

For more information see andersenracingteam.com and andersenracepark.com.

DIRTcar: $20,000 DIRTcar All-Star 100 Showcases 2009 Advance Series Schedule For Big-Blocks!

Historic DIRTcar All-Star 100 Anchors Solid 2009 Advance Series Schedule

Weedsport, NY – February 27, 2009 - By Tom Skibinski, Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series PR Director

Finding a unique niche among a trio of mega-buck Modified shows spread across the Northeast Region, the first-ever DIRTcar All-Star 100 at Cayuga County Fair Speedway headlines a solid schedule of point races currently comprising the 2009 Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series.

Culminating with the crowning of an overall Hoosier Tire-VP Racing Fuels Mr. DIRTcar Champion for the 34th consecutive year, the ’09 Advance Series ventures as far south as Maryland with customary trips to Canada continuing to attract international acclaim.

“Its been a work in process but when fans come to Weedsport on July 26 they’ll be part of the biggest event in the history of short-track racing for Big-Block Modifieds,” beamed Cory Reed, DIRTcar Racing Northeast Director of Competition & Track Sanctioning, after putting his stamp on a purse of well over $60,000 that will be handed out in Cayuga County’s greatest spectacle in 55 years of racing. “With $20,000 to win and $1,000 to start, it’s already a can’t miss event from start to finish. We’ve never staged anything like this before, maybe won’t ever again, so you just gotta be here to believe it like everybody else.”

In just one more month the ‘North-South Shootout 100’ at Hagerstown Speedway on March 28 officially throws into high gear the Advance Auto Parts Series points chase. And before the curtain drops in October, the best in the business will contend for a $20,000 top prize during DIRTcar All-Star Weekend at Cayuga County, as well as set their sights on the rejuvenated $17,500-to-win Mr. DIRT Track, USA Championship at Lebanon Valley Speedway on August 27, and pool together all their talents for one shot at the $50,000 payday that awaits first-place in the 38th Rite Aid 200 at the New York State Fairgrounds on October 11.

“Its been very rewarding this off-season with tracks working closer together to secure dates in the best interest of both fans and drivers,” added Reed, indicating that discussions remain ongoing as additional series dates are pending at this time. “The schedule offers a number of back-to-back events that reach a great mix of markets and serve to further showcase the Big-Block Modifieds in our region.”

“We got off to a great start a couple weeks back in Florida and we’re excited to carry the momentum back here in the north. There’s a solid core of tracks in New York and the return of title events to Big Diamond and Lernerville will be a big treat for fans in Pennsylvania. And on tap for a second straight summer is our four-race swing through Canada, once again making Ontario and Quebec great destination points for travelers.”

Advance Auto Parts Series activity kicked off in February with open-wheel teams traveling south for the 38th Alltel DIRTcar Nationals By UNOH at Volusia Speedway Park. Veteran New Yorker Pat Ward (2 wins) was crowned Big-Block points champion while New Jersey star Brett Hearn and Delaware driver Jamie Mills shared victory lane in the annual Sunshine State shootout.

‘Spring Fever 75’ hits Big Diamond Raceway (April 26) a month after Hagerstown while June is filled by a unique dirt/asphalt doubleheader at Lebanon Valley (June 6) and Airborne Speedway (June 7), with 100 show-up points awarded to every driver attempting to qualify for the ‘Battle of Plattsburgh.’ The 100-lap ‘Big Show’ promoted by

Brett Hearn at Orange County Fair Speedway closes out the month on June 17 while Ransomville (July 3) and Fulton (July 4) speedways combine to kick off the busy month of July with an Independence Day celebration to remember.

The ‘Great Canadian Tour’ returns the second week in July, featuring four successive nights of racing for the mighty Mod Squad at Brockville, autodromes Granby and Drummond, and Cornwall in the Akwesasne-Mohawk Casino 100. The mid-season comes to a head when Jack Deery’s DIRTcar NE charter member Cayuga County puts $20K on the line for 100 laps around the storied 3/8-miler under the lights.

A return to Merrittville Speedway (Aug. 3) in the Niagara Frontier for the ‘Trevor Wilkins Memorial’ leads off August followed by overnight stops in the states at Brewerton (Aug. 7) and Canandaigua (Aug. 8) speedways during Watkins Glen Cup Weekend. Stand alone shows in New York’s Thousand Island Region for Can-Am Motorsport Park’s (Aug. 21) ‘Battle at the Border’ blockbuster and the Capital District crowd-pleaser boasting $17.5K on top at The Valley help send kids off to school in style.

The Labor Day holiday includes a traditional twin-bill at Cayuga County (Sept. 6) and Rolling Wheels Raceway Park (Sept. 7), while September showcases the ‘Autumn-Motive Fest 75’ at Lernerville Speedway and ‘World Series Weekend 100’ at Rolling Wheels. In October during Super DIRT Week, the famed Syracuse Mile hosts the crown jewel Advance Series Rite Aid 200 --- the richest race of its kind found anywhere in the United States today.

For additional information, contact Series Director Cory Reed in the DIRTcar Northeast Office (315/834-6606) during normal business hours or log into the homepage at www.superdirtcarseries.com anytime to find out more about the ‘09 Advance Series.

2009 Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Schedule
NP=Non-Point event; SP=Show-Up Point event.                                
*All events subject to change.
DAY-DATE    TRACK                                   LOCATION/WINNER
Wed-Feb 11  Volusia Speedway Park-NP Pat Ward
Thr-Feb 12    Volusia Speedway Park-NP Pat Ward
Fri-Feb 13      Volusia Speedway Park-NP Jamie Mills
Sat-Feb 14    Volusia Speedway Park-NP Brett Hearn
Sat-Mar 28     Hagerstown Speedway       Hagerstown,MD
Sun-Apr 26   Big Diamond Raceway        Minersville,PA
Sun-May 24  -TBA-
Sat-Jun 6       Lebanon Valley Speedway  West Lebanon,NY
Sun-Jun 7     Airborne Speedway-SP       Plattsburgh,NY
Wed-Jun 17  Orange Co Fair Speedway  Middletown,NY
Fri-Jul 3         Ransomville Speedway      Ransomville,NY
Sat-Jul 4        Fulton Speedway                 Fulton,NY
Thr-Jul 9        Brockville Ont Speedway    Brockville,ONT
Fri-Jul 10       Autodrome Granby               Granby,QUE
Sat-Jul 11      Autodrome Drummond       Drummondville,QUE
Sun-Jul 12    Cornwall Motor Speedway              Cornwall,ONT
Sun-Jul 26    Cayuga Co Fair Speedway Weedsport,NY ($20,000-to-win)
Mon-Aug 3    Merrittville Speedway           Thorold,ONT
Fri-Aug 7       Brewerton Speedway           Brewerton,NY
Sat-Aug 8      Canandaigua Speedway    Canandaigua,NY
Fri-Aug 21     Can-Am Motorsports Park   LaFargeville,NY
Thr-Aug 27    Lebanon Valley Speedway  West Lebanon,NY ($17,500-to-win)
Sun-Sep 6     Cayuga Co Fair Speedway Weedsport,NY
Mon-Sep 7    Rolling Wheels Raceway   Elbridge,NY
Fri-Sep 11     Lernerville Speedway          Sarver,PA
Sat-Sep 19    -TBA-
Sat-Sep 26    Rolling Wheels Raceway    Elbridge,NY
Sun-Oct 11    New York State Fairgrnds   Syracuse,NY ($50,000-to-win)
Sun-Oct 18    -TBA-
Sun-Oct 25    -TBA-

Come to Bristol Speedway with Have Bus!

From Have Bus Will Travel...



We have a special offer for the Holy Grail of Motorsports.... Bristol Motor Speedway. Have Bus Will Travel Racing Tours along with the Quality Inn and the Track have reduced the price by about 15%.

Please see the trip flyer here for pricing and weekend details to the "World's Fastest Half Mile" March 19 - 23, 2009. Don't delay, we leave in just three weeks and still have a few seats available.

You can also check out our Bristol commercial on "You Tube" here (but ignore the pricing as it's been reduced).

Thank you to all of you who came by to visit us at the Canadian International Auto Show and fill out a ballot for a Canada Day at MIS Racing Tour. Our lucky winner was Joann Subject of Limehouse, ON, Congratulations.

Don't forget to stop by the Have Bus Will Travel Racing Tours booth at the Performance World Car Show at the International Centre March 13, 14, & 15 to get your own Tour of our MotorSports SuperCoach, and reserve your spot on one of our Racing Tours.

Contact us for more information 1-888-428-3287.

Looking foward to taking you Racing.

Doug Andrews & Tara MacLeod
Have Bus Will Travel Racing Tours
536 Pefferlaw Rd.
Pefferlaw, ON L0E 1N0
www.havebus.com

Ohsweken Speedway: Spring registration and info meeting March 28

For Immediate Release – Ken Pelkie, OHSWEKEN Speedway

Ohsweken Speedway will be holding an information and registration meeting to interested parties on Saturday afternoon, March 28th. The session will be conducted in Brantford, Ontario at the Best Western – Brant Park Inn & Conference Centre located at 19 Holiday Drive just off HWY 403 at the Wayne Gretzky Parkway exit beginning at 1:00 PM.

Rules packages for all divisions will be available along with printed schedules. Questions and clarification of any rules will be handled by appropriate officials including Glen Hils and Doug Leonard. Pit memberships and Receivers will be available to purchase. To view the official rules and procedures online you can visit the Ohsweken Speedway website. All drivers, crew members and officials are urged to attend.

Glenn Styres and Ken Pelkie will be on hand to conduct the session. In the mean time, any and all questions regarding the 2008 racing programs should be addressed to Ken at our toll free number 1-888-720-RACE (7223) or by email to pelkiekj@ebtech.net.

Then on Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, March 27/28/29 Ohsweken Speedway will be on hand in London, Ontario at the Western Fair Progress building at 900 King Street for the London Auto Expo.

And a reminder that Reserved Seat Tickets for the June 18th World of Outlaw Late Model, July 27th/28th World of Outlaw Sprint, and September 18th/19th Canadian Sprint Car Nationals continue to be offered daily by phone at 1-888-720-7223. Plenty of good quality seats remain for all five dates.

Be sure to log on to the official website of Ohsweken Speedway at www.ohswekenspeedway.com for all the latest information as momentum is starting to build while we count down to the test and tune session on Friday night, May 8th.

ARCA West Sportsmen Series

Merced, CA 2-19-2009 - Officials from ARCA West announced today that the WESCAR and WCSS series have joined with ARCA West to become part of the growing ARCA West family of racing with continued growth and expansion in the Canadian and Pacific regions.

The new ARCA West Sportsmen Series was created to provide race teams with an opportunity to show their skills in an affordable racing program with growth potential, said Rick Michaud,
President of ARCA West.

“The timing of this affiliation with ARCA West and its racing programs will enhance sportsman
racing. We are making major strides with unbelievable opportunities”, said Bob Williams.
Bob will become the new director of the Sportsman Series in BC. “With Bob Williams
continuing his sportsman duties, the series is off to a great start.” said Richard Michaud,
President of ARCA West.

For information on ARCA and ARCA West’s Series, go to:
http://www.arcaracing.com
http://www.arcawestracing.com
http://justturnleft.ca/

MAY 9 Vernon, BC Sunvalley Speedway

MAY 30 Williams Lake, BC Thunder Mountain Speedway
JUNE 13 Prince George PGARA Speedway Chieftain/Penzoil 100
JULY 18 Vernon, BC Sunvalley Speedway OK Tire 100
(Canadian Tire NASCAR weekend. Top 20 in ARCA points guaranteed start)
AUGUST 15 Quesnel, BC QARA Goldpan Speedway United Concrete 100
SEPTEMBER 12 Vernon, BC Sunvalley Speedway Catapiller 100

NPP: DJ Kennington prepares for NASCAR Nationwide race at Las Vegas

The 2009 race season of the Northern Provincial Pipelines Late Model Series is still two months away. But south of the border, NPP is flying the Alberta and Canadian flag at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

KENNINGTON EYEING TOP TEN IN NATIONWIDE STANDINGS

LAS VEGAS, NV (February 26th) – With the lights of Las Vegas shimmering in the distance, Canada’s DJ Kennington hopes he can deal his way into a top 10 position in the NASCAR Nationwide Series point standings. Las Vegas Motors Speedway is the next stop for the St. Thomas Ontario driver this weekend. Kennington currently sits 12th in points after finishing16th and 24th at the Daytona and California races.

“I think we have come out of the box pretty strong this year,” says the St. Thomas, Ontario driver, “we have had two pretty good runs. I am hoping we can get the No. 81 Dodge in to the top 10 this weekend at Vegas.” Last year, in his first ever visit to Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Kennington finished 29th after qualifying his race car in 34th. “There is still a bit of a learning curve running these big tracks,” adds Kennington, “but we are starting to see results from what we learned last season. We’re heading in the right direction that’s for sure.”

Veteran NASCAR racer Michael Waltrip sits just 6 points ahead of Kennington in the Nationwide Series point standings. Kennington is only 18 points back of being in the top 10. “Last year at this time we were sitting 27th in the standings.” After Las Vegas, Kennington and his Northern Provincial Pipelines Ltd sponsored team and the rest of the Nationwide Series competitors have almost one complete month off after four consecutive weekends of racing.

SAM’S TOWN 300 (200 laps/300 miles)
>Friday, February 27th
Practice Session #1 – 11:30am (Edmonton time)
Practice Session #2 – 2:45pm (Edmonton time)
>Saturday, February 28th
Qualifying – 10:00am (Edmonton time)
RACE – 2:30pm (Edmonton time)

Northern Provincial Pipelines, based in Edson, Alberta is title sponsor of the NPP Late Model Series which brings big league racing to Western Canadian race fans. Northern Provincial Pipelines is also proud to be one of the major sponsors of the #81 Dodge driven by Canada’s DJ Kennington in the NASCAR Nationwide Series.

From Gord Craig

Merrittville Speedway: 58th season just 58 days away... support the track's sponsors!

START TO 58th MERRITTVILLE SEASON 58 DAYS AWAY – IMPORTANCE OF SUPPORTING SPONSORS MORE CRITICAL THAN EVER

For Immediate Release February 26, 2009 From Jim Irvine Merrittville Public Relations 905-685-7223 (Winter Office)

Thorold, Ontario (February 26) DIRTcar and TUSA Racing in Florida has all been put to bed for another year … the red Valentines Day decorations are being replaced by the greens of St. Patrick’s Day and that only means one thing – green flags will soon be waving once again at Merrittville Speedway.

In just 58 days, the Thorold DIRTcar-sanctioned show place will come to life for it’s 58th consecutive season – a start that once again will feature a 100 lap Super DIRTcar Series Main Event for the L. St. Amand Enterprises 358 Modified Division.

“It’s going to come up on us … real quick,” relates (Merrittville GM) Erica Bicknell, adding, “while we are putting the finishing touches to our race schedule … our race teams are putting the finishing touches to their race cars … it’s always a busy time of year!”

For a number of drivers the 2009 Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series Season will get an early start with two Race Car Shows set to showcase their off season creations with a return to the Seaway Mall (March 16 – 22) and the annual Pen Centre invasion (March 30 – April 5).

“Our Mall Shows are a very important part of our pre-season,” reveals Bicknell, “its an opportunity to put a schedule into a shopper’s hand … to have a chance to talk with them and have them see the race cars up close and meet the drivers personally … very important to us and our race teams as well … each race team can showcase their sponsors as we continue to search for new ways to attract new fans.”

With daily headlines continuing to focus on down sizing … cut backs and layoffs – race track and race team sponsors and supporters need support now … more than ever.

While a number of Merrittville’s Race Teams have been in competition already in 2009 – the majority of the more than 100 weekly race teams expected to overflow the Pit Area on a Saturday Night could not provide the on-track excitement with out the support of their sponsors.

“Many of our advertisers also support their favorite driver,” stresses Bicknell, “or a race team may bring their own sponsors to the track’s captive audiences Saturday Nights … if one of your co-workers or neighbors has a race car … think of it as investment in the community … race fans even at the grass roots level are extremely brand loyal.”

Race fans and race teams are asked to take a look at companies that support your local DIRT Track when making purchases. Tell them you saw them at Merrittville and say thanks for supporting a race team or an event.

It’s a winning result that will keep them excited about our sport in the future.

The tentative 2009 schedules for both the Saturday Night Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series and Tuesday Night’s Lucas Oil Kart Weekly Racing Series is now on the award-winning www.merrittvillespeedway.com – and right from the start – each venue further bolsters the tracks commitment to providing the best family entertainment in Niagara.

The Speedway Winter Office Number is 905-685-7223 and is open Monday to Friday 9 to 5 and on Saturdays from 9 to 12 until April 1st. Give us a call to learn how Merrittville Speedway can get your business on the right track.

For further information on Merrittville Speedway’s 58th consecutive season www.merrittvillespeedway.com for all the pre-season news.

Your local Dirt Track is where it’s at and it’s at Merrittville Speedway.

The star studded 358 Modified Super DIRTcar Series Stars are set to challenge our home town heroes in the Spring Sizzler 100 Super DIRTcar Series on April 25th.

April’s Event also includes a 25 lap Stars North Mod Lite Series Event for our own Modern Corporation Open Wheel Lites plus Hoosier Stocks.

The first of many Special Events puts Merrittville Speedway on the map as must see events and it’s just the start of 2009 – you won’t want to miss a single event all season!

Join us this season on a Saturday Night for A LUCAS OIL WEEKLY RACING SERIES EVENT featuring FIVE Weekly Racing Divisions featuring local heroes and up and coming new stars!

Make your plans … call your friends and maybe even get a car pool together and enjoy a staycation at the speedway with plenty of free parking and camping spots!

You’re among friends at Boston Pizza and Merrittville Speedway. Check your 2009 Merrittville Speedway Grandstand Ticket stubs for a special offer from the Niagara Street Welland Boston Pizza location.

Your Local Dirt Track is where it's at!! Merrittville Speedway "The Best Family Entertainment in Niagara"

MERRITTVILLE SPEEDWAY SPONSORS: The 2009 Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series for Merrittville Speedway’s 5 Divisions is brought to fans by division sponsors – L. St. Amand Enterprises, Original Pizza Logs, Modern Corporation, Hoosier Tire Canada and Turn 4 Collision.

Lucas Oil Products is one of the fastest growing additive lines in the consumer automotive industry featuring a premium line of oils, greases and problem-solving additives. Through innovative product research and development, along with aggressive marketing programs, Lucas Oil Products has established itself as the top selling additive in the industry. Race fans can look for Lucas Oil Products at their favorite automotive retailer including Drummond Home Hardware in Niagara Falls and through RCM Racing Equipment.

INDYCAR SERIES NEWS AND NOTES - Feb. 26, 2009

INDYCAR SERIES NEWS AND NOTES – Feb. 26, 2009

Today’s IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights headlines

1.      Open Test valuable measuring stick for 2009
2.      Wheldon, Panther raise more than $130,000 for foundation

1. Open Test valuable measuring stick for 2009: The first of two IndyCar Series pre-season Open Tests concluded Feb. 25, providing teams and drivers the opportunity to see how offseason developments made in the teams’ shops translated to performance on the racetrack.

The 10 hours of testing on the 1.5-mile, variably banked oval at Homestead-Miami Speedway allowed teams to prepare for the 10 oval races on the 2009 schedule and provided a measuring stick of the competition. The verdict: 2009 promises some of the closest on-track action in the history of the series.

The field of 21 cars was separated by just 0.7196 of a second after 4,698 incident-free laps. Team Penske’s Ryan Briscoe, who finished fifth in the championship last year, recorded the fastest lap at 25.1984 seconds, 212.156 mph, while reigning champion Scott Dixon was second, just 0.0394 of a second behind (25.2378, 211.825 mph).

“I'm really happy with the way our only pre-season oval test went this week,” said Briscoe, who earned two victories last season, including on the 1-mile oval at Milwaukee. “We were able to work on a lot of different things and I'm satisfied with what we were able to accomplish. I think that what we learned here at Homestead will help us on all the 1.5-mile ovals this season starting with Kansas and moving forward. I think we're in great shape, and now we're one step closer to the beginning of the season.”

Andretti Green Racing drivers Marco Andretti and Tony Kanaan were third and fourth, respectively, on the time chart, showing that the team that won three of the last five championships will once again be a contender.

“I’m really happy,” Andretti said. “We were able to test different setups that are going to benefit the Meijer car and the entire AGR team. It definitely has been a productive couple of days. I’m so confident in the setup we found that I wish we were racing tonight or tomorrow. We had a decent time, but that aside, I think we are strong overall.”

Dario Franchitti, returning to the IndyCar Series as Dixon’s teammate at Target Chip Ganassi Racing after a year absence, was fifth, while 20-year-old Mario Moraes, who earned three top-10 finishes as a rookie in 2008, was sixth in his first test since moving to KV Racing Technology.

“Both days we were not worrying about speed,” Moraes said. “We were concentrating on finding a good setup on the No. 5 KV Racing Technology–Votorantim car for the races. It was great to be back in a race car after five months and to be with KV Racing Technology. I felt very comfortable with the team, and it was fantastic to work with such an experienced group. From the engineering to the preparation of the car to the pit stops, I could not have asked for anything more. I learned a lot and I am pleased with what we achieved.”

Four rookies participated in the test, paced by Dreyer & Reinbold Racing’s Mike Conway, who was ninth-fastest overall.

“It's all about learning each time I go out - learning about running with traffic, how the tires come in, just things with setup like aero changes, mechanical changes,” Conway said. “They all feel quite different. I've really got a feel as to what the car is doing and how it's reacting to each change. I've been learning how to run in different lines and how to react in traffic.

“Each day was another positive step. I have to thank the Dreyer & Reinbold guys for the hard work and great job they've done in getting me acclimated to everything. I can't wait to get back on the track again.”

After analyzing data from the test at Homestead-Miami, teams will begin preparing for the road course Open Test March 22-23 at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Ala. That test will help teams prepare for the seven road and street events on the 2009 schedule including the season-opening races at St. Petersburg April 5 and Long Beach April 19.

***

2. Wheldon, Panther raise more than $130,000 for foundation: Dan Wheldon’s absence Feb. 24 from the first night of the Open Test at Homestead-Miami Speedway wasn’t cause for alarm. The 2005 IndyCar Series champion, who joined Panther Racing during the offseason, was in Washington, D.C., for the National Guard Foundation’s Youth ChalleNGe Champions Gala.

Wheldon and Panther Racing raised more than $130,000 for the program by donating ticket packages to the Indianapolis 500 and by autographing a painting commissioned for the event.

Georgia Youth ChalleNGe graduate Cadet Clarence Jones sat next to Wheldon during the event, and the former Indianapolis 500 champion invited Jones to be his personal guest at this year’s Indianapolis 500. At the conclusion of the event, Jones spoke to the crowd of over 1,000 guests and told his story of being involved in gangs his entire life before Youth ChalleNGe changed his life. He is now enrolled in flight school in Colorado with his sights set on becoming a commercial airline pilot.

“The Youth ChalleNGe Champions Gala was, in my career, by far the best appearance I’ve done in terms of how rewarding and inspiring it was. To be in a room with so many great people and as a representative of the National Guard was truly an honor. It was particularly inspiring to sit next to (Youth ChalleNGe graduate) Cadet Clarence Jones and learn his story. Sometimes a lot of people in our business, to a certain degree, take their life and upbringing for granted, but to hear his story and the direction his life has gone is unbelievable. It was actually pretty emotional for me, and to be able to bring him to the Indianapolis 500 this May is, in my opinion, the least I could do. I think he’ll very much enjoy the race, as he’s enrolling in flight school in Colorado and definitely has the need for speed. So now we’re looking forward to getting him to enjoy it on four wheels and without the wings.”

Wheldon flew to Homestead-Miami Feb. 25 for the final evening of testing and recorded the eighth-fastest lap of the 21 drivers on track.

***

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: www.indycar.com

Riverside International Speedway News

Sportsman Super Series To Return In 2009

Riverside Speedway is pleased to announce that the Sportsman Super Series will return to the High Banks for four events in 2009. Final details will be released in the coming weeks. The four events will consist of two 50 lap events June 6th as a support class for the Season Opening Ron MacGillivray 100 Maritime Pro Stock Tour event and Aug 22nd for the Maritime Pro Stock Tour, two 100 lap special events will be held Friday July 17th during the IWK Super Weekend and Friday September 18th during the NASCAR Super Weekend.

We are pleased that Bill and Lynn Vasil will be back to run the series. Management would like to thank Bill & Lynn for taking this on again for 2009 without them this series would not exist. In the coming weeks Bill and Lynn will be contacting all teams that participated in 2008 with further details.

New teams should send their contact info to blta@eastlink.ca . There may be a few rule changes for 2009 but for the most part our plan is to make the rule equal to Scotia Speedworld with a few exceptions to allow outside cars to participate in our Super Shows. We are still working on a Support class to run with the 2 Friday night Sportsman 100 lap events.

More to come...

From Paul McLean / Manager / Riverside International Speedway / www.riversidespeedway.ca

INDYCAR SERIES NEWS AND NOTES - Feb. 25, 2009

INDYCAR SERIES NEWS AND NOTES – Feb. 25, 2009

Today's IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights headlines

1.      21 drivers continue testing at Homestead-Miami Speedway
2.      Drivers searching for rides
3.      Milestone birthday for Yacaman

(Note: Final speeds and additional notes and quotes will be posted at indycar.com/media at the conclusion of tonight's session)

1. 21 drivers continue testing at Homestead-Miami Speedway: IndyCar Series drivers and teams continued preparations for the 2009 season with a second night of testing on the 1.5-mile, variably banked oval at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Twenty-one drivers were on track, one more than on Feb. 24, due to the addition of Dan Wheldon, who missed the first night of testing to attend a National Guard Foundation banquet in Washington, D.C.

At the 6:15 p.m. dinner break, Team Penske's Ryan Briscoe topped the speed chart with a best lap of 212.161 mph followed by reigning series champion Scott Dixon at 211.159.

Testing continues through 10 p.m. EST.

***

2. Drivers searching for rides: Several veteran IndyCar Series drivers attended the Open Test at Homestead-Miami Speedway to continue meeting with team principals in the hopes of securing a ride before the first race of the season on April 5.

Among those walking the paddock were race winners Ryan Hunter-Reay and Tomas Scheckter, as well as Bruno Junqueira, Oriol Servia and Jeff Simmons.

"It's tough for the drivers, and it's tough for the teams," Servia said. "I'd say the two best transition teams last year had to change their alignment, so it just shows how it is. It makes you wonder what we have to do. I'm here because I want to do this. I haven't looked at any other series, because this is what I believe, and I believe in the product.

"Everybody has the perfect excuse right now with the (financial) crisis. It's tough, but I still think there is room for open wheel even with the crisis. People still want to see us racing. We provide a good show, and I'm a good driver. That's why I keep my hopes up that something good will happen.

"There's a new project that's really close to getting the green light, but every day there seems to be a little issue that it hasn't happened yet. There are a couple other teams that as soon as they get something ready I'll get the phone call, but it's just tough."

***

3. Milestone birthday for Yacaman: Gustavo Yacamán has been waiting for Feb. 25, 2009, since he signed with Sam Schmidt Motorsports late last year.

Yacamán turned 18 on Feb. 25, clearing the way for him to get behind the wheel of a Firestone Indy Lights car for the first time in a private test at the Homestead-Miami Speedway on Feb. 26.

"I'm really looking forward to running," he said. "I've spent two days in the spotters' booth watching everyone run in traffic, and I've learned a lot without even being in the car. It's going to seem like it's not even my first day in the car with all that I've learned. I hope it's going to be a pretty amazing experience and that I can do a good job."

Yacamán has been at the track since Feb. 23 watching teammate Ana Beatriz and an assortment of others turning laps on the track. He's been a part of the debriefing sessions and such, but watching has been a test of patience for him.

"It was valuable time watching my teammate Ana Beatriz and everyone else because I can see the lines they were driving, how they heated up their tires, etcetera. I really learned a lot."

Besides not being able to drive, Yacamán has had to be patient on other fronts as well.

"I don't even have a credential yet. I have to be 18 for that too," he said.

His patience will be rewarded on Feb. 26 after everyone else has headed home when he runs his first laps. He'll spend the next few weeks on an intense testing program to catch up with his competitors and looks to be on the same foot as everyone else when the series kicks off its season on the streets of St. Petersburg on April 3.

"More than my birthday, I'm celebrating my official entry into Firestone Indy Lights," he said.

***

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: www.indycar.com

Rick Young's 'RICK @ the RACES' - February 22, 2009

Rick Young's RICK @ the RACES (February 22, 2009)

Bernhards Bay, Lake Oneida NY

It seams hard to believe that less than two weeks ago I was sitting at the races in my shorts and tee shirt drinking cold beer. Yes, my Florida tour is over and It's now back to the cold reality of a February in the North East. Winter's not over in my area and this past weekend my focus
was back on ice racing.

Some time ago, one of my co-workers mentioned that he'd seen ice racing at Sainte Barb, near Valleyfield in Quebec in past years, but didn't think it still took place. A few days before my Florida trip and during the course of a work day I happened to be in the vacinity of Sainte Barb
and noticed some 'typical' ice racing cars parked in peoples yards on trailers. It got me wondering if something in the area was still taking place. I had nothing planned for Saturday afternoon (21 Feb) , and as it's just a 45 minute drive from my home, I went on a 'research
mission'. Even if there was nothing going on that day, I may find evidence or information for the future.

Well, I drove to the frozen water front and found nothing that looked positive, so decided to stop and ask some questions. This is always a gamble in Quebec, because of the language situation ( Je parle petit peut Francais ! ) but I struck lucky first time, and not only found a
guy that spoke perfect English, but one that was a race fan too. He told me that it's been many years since ice racing took place at Sainte Barb and the cars I'd seen on trailers were most likely ones from nearby Beauharnois ( where I've been a number of times in the past). So my trip
was in vain, but as they say, nothing ventured, nothing gained !

The CNYIRA ( Central New York Ice Racing Association) are never 100% sure where or on what days they will actually be racing until a day or so before it happens. ( Due to ice conditions and driver availability).

A definite decision to race on Saturday (21 Feb) at Bernhards Bay , Constantia on Lake Oneida , New York was made on Friday (20 Feb). On Saturday , I received confirmation that they would race on Sunday (22 Feb) too.

I was out of bed at 5-00am on Sunday and I left Long Sault (Ont) in a snow storm shortly before 6-00am. After a wake up brew 'to go' from Tim Hortons at the Upper Canada Services on the 401 , I was on my way. It was slow going through the storm until I reached Cardinal, where
conditions improved, and by the time I'd got to the border at Thousand Islands the snow had stopped. By 8-30am , I'd had breakfast at Mexico on 1 81 and was continuing for the last few miles of the trip. By now it had started snowing again and I began having doubts if the event would take place. On arrival at Bernhards Bay I found a few hardy competitors
unloading race cars and a plow out on the lake clearing the track. Things looked positive and as I sat in my car awaiting the start a couple of familiar faces pulled up. It was Gordie Killian and Mike Knappenberger, two TRACKCHASING friends from Pennsylvania. They were there, like me to add a new track to their totals. Not long after, the TRACKCHASING husband and wife team of Guy and Pam Smith, also from PA arrived.

There were about a dozen cars in attendance and after ten minutes or so of practice they moved on to the actual races. They were split in to two classes, street and ice tires. I was quite surprised how quick they all were, even the ones with street tires. While on the ice I got chatting
to, a couple of young student journalists from the Syracuse University. One had been doing the filming while the other had been interviewing drivers. They told me they were doing a project on ice racing. After I mentioned to them where I was from and the reason I was there, they somehow decided an interview of 'yours truly' would be a good idea. They were interested in the Track/Race/Chasing hobby and asked about my travels.

This was one of the few ice racing events I've been to that took place while it was actually snowing. I didn't risk taking my good camera on to the ice, opting for my small digital Fugi. You will see from the photos, what the conditions were like, so after seeing a couple of races I was
heading for home. I had a front row seat booked in my living room, for the televised Sprint Cup race from California ! It turned out to be two in a row for Matt Kenseth #17

Bernhards Bay, Lake Oneida was # 175 on my TRACKCHASING totals

PIC 1 The ice racers unload their cars at Lake Oneida

PIC 2 to 6 Action from Lake Oneida

PIC 7 I could not resist taking a photo of this classic Saab Wagon parked on Lake Oneida

PIC 8 Jornalism students from Syracuse University at work on Lake Oneida.

Kawartha Speedway's Larry Jackson - Oh Champion, Where Art Thou

By Jim Clarke, Kawartha Speedway PR/Clarke Motorsports Communications

As his #84 Monte Carlo sat in victory lane on the final night of the 2007 season, Kawartha Speedway late model driver Larry Jackson was on top of the world. He had just clinched the division’s track championship and was waiting for his family to join him in the winner’s circle for the celebration. His 7 wins had the rest of the pack chasing the back bumper of his Gary Jackson Trucking/B & B Decals/Speedy Muffler/Montgomery Marketing/Dana Canada/Wix Filters/Strongarm ride throughout the year. Jackson’s 2008 season had its highlights and a second place finish in points would leave most drivers feeling proud, but the acting fire captain with the City of Mississauga is somewhat of a perfectionist and he admits he was disappointed with his performance.

“We might have set the bar a little too high”, admits the Oakville, Ontario runner. “Back-to-back championships would have been great, but I think our 2007 gave everyone else something to shoot for and I think the competition really stepped-up to the plate. I have to congratulate Dan McHattie on a great season and that Watson kid. What can you say about a 15 year-old who runs as well as he does on a regular basis?”

His pair of 2008 wins included a checkered flag in the first event of the summer series between late model drivers at Kawartha and Capital City Speedways. Heading into the final night of the year, Jackson trailed eventual winner McHattie by a slim 2 points. The pair of veteran drivers staged a thrilling side-by-side battle for the entire 10 lap distance of their qualifying event, with Jackson picking-up the win by a slight margin. With his fist punching the air as he crossed the line, the racer – who’ll celebrate his 34th birthday in May – made the battle for the top spot even closer.

“Even though it was only a heat race, that was the most fun I had in the racecar all season”, Jackson says with a smile. “I just kept looking straight ahead and I’m sure Dan was doing the same thing. I knew he was there and he knew I was there. We were both going for the same thing and with Kawartha paying 10 points for a win; I knew if I finished ahead of the #71, we’d be at least tied or I’d leading the points going into the feature”.

Once the 100 lap feature race took to the track, Larry Jackson was off like a house on fire. His #84 Chevy was on rails and he took command of the show early. It seemed he’d be unstoppable and then the unthinkable happened. The blue Monte Carlo slowed and was pushed into the pits. The ignition coil had failed. Jackson had gone over the car with a fine toothed comb just the night before and says the part looked okay, but it relegated him to a 17th place finish and cost him a second consecutive title. With the 2009 campaign just over 2 months away, Jackson admits he’d like to get back to Kawartha – but isn’t sure of his plans for the upcoming season.

“Our car from 2008 was sold at the end of the season”, he says. “Its not something we’d planned on doing – but sometimes you get an offer you can’t refuse. Kawartha is my favourite track and I’d love to put a program together to run there in ’09. As it stands right now, I just don’t know what we’ll be doing”.

For updates on Larry Jackson’s racing plans, see www.bartonmotorsports.com.

Photo attachments (by Jim Clarke – clarkemotorsports@hotmail.com)

#1). Larry Jackson showed his championship winning form, recording a 6th place finish in the 2007 American-Canadian Tour Summer Sizzler.

#2). 2008 saw Jackson’s #84 Chevrolet Monte Carlo debut a sharp, new blue paint scheme.

Canusa Stock Car Entry to Carry Total Lubricants Colours

Mississauga (January 27th 2009). The Canusa entry in the 2009 APC Late Model Stock Car series will carry the blue, red and gold colours of Total Lubricants Canada for the next five years, it was announced today.

This is all part of a major tie-up between the two distinguished companies from Europe and Ontario.

Canusa will distribute Total lubricants and coolants in the Ontario automotive market through its two integrated automotive distribution centres, Mississauga and Dorchester, and thirty five corporate and associate stores in south and central Ontario.

Although Total’s involvement in European F1 racing is legendary under the Elf brand, their foray into Canadian stock car racing, including participation in the APC Series at Delaware and at various tracks in Ontario and the States, will be a first for the Company. Jamie Ramsay will be driving the Canusa Total entry.

Total Lubricants Canada (TLC) was created in December 2007 following the purchase of Montreal-based Tribospec shares by the Total Group. TLC produces a complete line of automotive and industrial lubricants, including coolants, bio lubricants and next generation synthetic low sap and fuel economy lubricants and motor oils which meet all OEM specifications. Total Lubricants Canada’s Montreal blending facility has an annual blending capacity exceeding 35,000,000 litres.

Total is one of the world’s largest oil and gas majors with 96,000 employees and operations in more than 130 countries.

The five-year distribution deal with Caunusa also establishes important links for Total to Uni-Select, a North American company operating under the Canadian Automotive Group with 12 distribution centres, some 380 independent wholesalers (members) operating 700 stores under three banners – Auto Plus, Auto Parts Plus and Bumper to Bumper.

Quote from Stephen Drake, Vice-president of Canusa Automotive Warehousing
“Canusa views our relationship with Total Lubricants Canada as a strategic partnership with one of the World’s premier oil companies”

Quote from Olivier Goutal, President of Total Lubricants Canada Inc.
“Total Lubricants Canada is very pleased to be part of this three-party partnership which reflects our commitment to manufacturing the best possible product and providing the best possible customer service”

ABOUT TOTAL: Total is one of the world’s major oil and gas groups, with activities in more than 130 countries. Its 96,000 employees put their expertise to work in every part of the industry – exploration and production of oil and natural gas, refining and marketing, gas & power and trading. Total is working to keep the world supplied with energy, both today and tomorrow. The Group is also a first rank player in chemicals. Total Lubricants Canada was created in December 2008 following the purchase of Tribospec shares by the Total Group. TLC produces and distributes a complete line of automotive and industrial lubricants, coolants, rust proofing and bio lubricants, as well as carrying new generation synthetic lubricants including low sap and fuel economy products meeting OEM specifications. Total Lubricants Canada possesses a blending facility in Montreal constructed in 2000 with a blending capacity of over 35,000,000 litres.

ABOUT CANUSA: Canusa is a closely held family business that operates one of the most sophisticated integrated distribution networks in Ontario in the automotive market. It is one of the largest members of Uni-Select in Ontario and prides itself on service, product availability, competitive pricing and access to senior management. The company operates two distribution centres (Dorchester and Mississauga) and thirty five corporate and associate stores situated in south and central Ontario.

ABOUT UNI-SELECT: Uni-Select is a North America-wide company operating the Canadian Automotive Group as a separate Uni-Select business unit. With its 12 distribution centers across Canada, some 380 independent wholesalers (members) operating close to 700 stores under 3 banners (Auto Plus, Auto Parts Plus and Bumper to Bumper) and its extensive base of installers, now reaching over 2,000 under a variety of programs, Uni-Select Canada is part of a strong and efficient North American network that has been growing steadily for the past 40 years. The company offers 300,000 top-quality premium brand products for motor vehicles and replacement related parts sourced from recognized suppliers and the company prides itself in its multidisciplinary committed team working at the service of their members and installers on a daily basis.

Interview with Canadian ARCA Driver Steve Arpin

EDDIE SHARP RACING 2009
Bleacher Report Exclusive: Interview With ARCA Driver Steve Arpin
By David Phillips

DENVER, NC. (February 12, 2009) - In a Bleacher Report Exclusive Interview, I sat down with Eddie Sharp Racing rookie driver Steve Arpin, who is part of the ARCA Re/Max Series.

David Phillips: Let's start off with the basics. What is your biggest accomplishment to date and also your biggest failure or letdown?

Steve Arpin: The thing that stands out most in my mind and is definitely at the top of my list for accomplishments is the the UMP Dirtcar Winter Nationals at Volusia County Speedway in 2007.

We spent all winter long preparing for that week, and it paid off in spades. We won seven out of nine events that week. It was incredible! We met a lot of people and many of the people we met that week have helped open doors for us to give us the opportunity to do what we are doing today.

Kenny Wallace was there that week and we were racing hard every night. Him, my wife Trina, and I have become great friends since then and he has been an incredible help with both opportunity and advice through the past couple years.

Our biggest letdown so far, and hopefully of my entire career, is right back to Florida again. Last year at the same race, we were even more prepared to try and defend our 2007 championship and try to repeat what we did the year before. We started off the trip with two wins and a second in Brunswick, Ga.

We had a very fast race car. We ran our first heat race the opening night and lost a motor. We were able to limp the car to the finish, so we still qualified for the main event. Between races, my crew and I were changing the motor, I was leaning over the car taking off the carburetor, and the upper radiator hose blew off.

The water that sprayed me was over 250 degrees and that put my out for almost two months. The burns weren’t the bad part of the deal. The bad part was that we had such a good car and had a shot at winning the 2008 championship as well.

David Phillips: What was your biggest learning curve from dirt to asphalt?

Steve Arpin: I know a lot about how things work and why a car does what it does getting around a race track. That has helped me to adjust pretty quickly to all of the different cars that I’ve been driving.

Last year, we raced dirt modifieds, dirt late model, USAC Silver Crown, CRA Late Model, and did some testing in a few ARCA and Camping World Cars. There are going to be some things to adjust to, but at the end of the day they are all race cars that want to go as fast as possible.

I think the biggest learning curve...maybe not so much a learning curve, but the thing that will take the most time to master...is learning the air and how to really use it to my advantage. I have been doing my homework and reading as much as I can on it, but to really master it, it is just going to take laps.

David Phillips: How does it feel to be on a team with all rookie teammates, including yourself?

Steve Arpin: Well, we are not all rookies. Just Lofton is returning to ESR for his second season in the ARCA Re/Max Series. I think we are going to have a very strong team this year. All four of us are all getting along great and talking openly with each other on what our cars are doing, and also things we are doing that are helping us from a driving stand point.
The three of us are rookies in the ARCA Re/Max Series, but we all have an extremely diversified background, so we each have different types of feedback to offer each other to help adapt to each new track and situation as quickly as possible.
The entire crew at ESR, especially my crew chief, Wayne Carroll, and my car chief, Jonathan Davis, have been great as far as working with me and helping teach me as many lessons the easy way so I don’t have to learn them the hard way.

David Phillips: Driving for ESR, do you feel like you have big shoes to fill after they have sent two rookies to the Sprint Cup after only one season with ESR?

Steve Arpin: I am not looking at it as big shoes to fill. Both Michael McDowell and Scott Speed are great race car drivers. I look at it as more of an honor to be in a position that has created such great opportunities for drivers in the past.
We are working very hard right now to secure sponsorship or private investors to compete in the entire ARCA Re/Max Series schedule and be the first driver to bring Eddie Sharp and the entire team to their first championship.
I feel I am completely capable to race in the Cup Series and I am going to make it there, so as big as the shoes get, I’m just going to have to make my feet bigger to keep on filling them.

David Phillips: What is a normal day in the life of Steve Arpin like?

Steve Arpin: A normal day in my life. Well, I wake up every morning to my incredible wife, Trina, so, every day is a good day right from the get-go! My life revolves around racing 100 percent.
A normal day consists of lots of talking on the phone, trying to open as many doors as possible to keep my asphalt career going, trying to help out all of our customers that have our dirt-modified cars that we sell at our business back in Minnesota.
If we are not driving down the road from one race to another, we are back at the shop working on my dirt cars or building cars for customers, trying to develop them as much as we can so we can stay up front in the modified world. Lately, since we have signed with ESR, we have been working at the shop in Denver, North Carolina on the ARCA cars and spending a lot of time getting to know the team.
I like to know exactly what is under me while I am on the race track so I can really give my crew chief effective and accurate feedback. So, my wife and I now live in North Carolina and my dirt program has moved to Jonesboro, Arkansas to our new chassis builder, Taylor Chassis.
We have teamed up with Jeff Taylor Motorsports for our dirt program and are now building our own chassis. So we are constantly working back and forth with them trying to develop our new cars into the best modified on the market.
Lately, since I got married, we usually spend some time in Wal-Mart or Home Depot if we get a day off and then curl up and watch the Discovery Channel at night.

David Phillips: What are your chances of adding 2009 SunTrust Rookie of the Year to your accomplishments?

Steve Arpin: I don’t think being the 2009 SunTrust Rookie of the Year is out of the question whatsoever. The more time I spend with my team at ESR, the more time I spend with Eddie Sharp himself, and the more testing we do, I honestly believe that we have the absolutely perfect combination put together to accomplish Rookie of the Year honors. If we are smart and play our cards right, a championship is not out the question either. Right now, we have 13 out of 22 races secured, and we are going to continue our marketing efforts and secure the final nine to make reaching these goals possible.

David Phillips: What do you need to do this season to consider it a successful campaign?

Steve Arpin: To make this a successful season for me, I have to take complete advantage of the situation and learn and develop myself so I can be at the level I need to be at to move up sometime ... and be ready for 2010.
I am new to asphalt racing, and although we are adapting to this type of car incredibly quick, we still need some time to learn the things that nothing but seat time can offer. My goals for this year are to learn as much as I can each and every time I am on the track so I can put myself in the position to fill the shoes of my predecessors and move up as quickly as possible.

"The more time I spend with my team at ESR, the more time I spend with Eddie Sharp himself, and the more testing we do, I honestly believe that we have the absolutely perfect combination put together to accomplish Rookie of the Year honors."

David Phillips: Any plans to run any NASCAR races?

Steve Arpin: I have all the plans in the world to run a whole lot of NASCAR races. That’s what this season is for, and like I said before, I am going to take advantage of every lap I make this season to develop myself enough to be able to add some NASCAR races to our schedule, and maybe even some truck races this coming season.

David Phillips: What do you bring to ARCA that neither the fans nor the teams have seen before?

Steve Arpin: I feel like I can be a great asset to any team for more than just a driver. I have lots of chassis knowledge and the ability to understand the physics of the race car. This allows me to be heavily involved in setting up the race car, as the more I understand what is actually happening under the car, I can give more in-depth input to Wayne, my crew chief, for him to make the best decisions on tuning the chassis.
I have a level of determination that I don’t think can be matched. Racing is all I have ever done, and each day I love what I do more and more, and I am determined to make it to the Cup series and win a Cup championship.
We also have raced our dirt car all over the United States and Canada, and throughout these travels we have developed an incredible fan base that is supporting us now more than ever in this transition into asphalt racing.
My wife is also very involved with the race program. She and I both have a very outgoing personalities, so it’s easy for both of us to interact with our crew and keep the morale up through the good times and the bad. We can also interact with the fans and make them feel perfectly comfortable approaching the both of us at any time.

David Phillips: Will we see Steve Arpin in Victory Lane this season?

Steve Arpin: Definitely. I have an awesome team, top-notch equipment, the best crew chief in the pits, and I have the ability to put us in victory lane this year, maybe as soon as Daytona.

David Phillips: Favorite Sprint Cup driver?

Steve Arpin: Carl Edwards and Tony Stewart are both my favorite drivers. Carl has been an incredible help to Trina and I this past year. He is also a huge inspiration with his history and how he has got to the level he is at today.
The story is incredible. He is so determined and so focused at what he does and that is why he is going to be one of NASCAR’s all time greatest drivers. You watch, this year the cup will be his.
Tony Stewart is just awesome. I love his attitude and how he is at the front in everything he drives, whether he has ever been in them before or not. He is just a real racer.

David Phillips: The one person you've never met that you would like to?

Steve Arpin: Well, my whole life I’d always wanted to meet Jack Roush, but lately I have been lucky enough to have been able to spend some time with him. Today, I would have to say I would love to meet Tony Stewart.

David Phillips: Favorite sport besides racing?

Steve Arpin: My favorite sport, besides racing, would have to be hockey. I used to play a lot of hockey as a kid. My coach made me choose between racing and hockey, and I think he was kind of shocked because that was the last time I was on skates.
I still really enjoy watching hockey and am actually going to start playing a little hockey again in Charlotte this year.

David Phillips: Favorite teams?

Steve Arpin: I would have to say that my favorite team is the Montreal Canadiens. Both because they are Canadian and I have got to know Mr. George Gillett (the owner) lately and he has got to be one of the coolest guys I know.

David Phillips: Any hobbies you would like to share?

Steve Arpin: It’s kind of a new thing for me, but I am really enjoying it. My wife is a real outdoors girl and loves hiking. When we get some spare time, we like to go out and find some trails or national parks and go touring through the woods (we call the woods the bush in Canada, and it drives Trina nuts, so she is trying to teach me "correct English").
We also like to spend a little time on the lake when we can, but really we don’t do much that doesn’t involve a race car.

David Phillips: Favorite saying or quote?

Steve Arpin: My favorite saying isn’t very original, just one that keep the motivation going when things get tough. The words that I have always lived by are, "The higher the hurdles get, the higher I have to jump." Getting to the top in any sport, you are always going to run into road blocks or hurdles. If you want it bad enough, you will never let them get you down. Just jump over them, no matter how high they get.

David Phillips: Predict the Cup champ this year?

Steve Arpin: I don’t have to predict. It’s Carl Edwards, hands down.

David Phillips: What would you like for your fans to know that they already don't?

Steve Arpin: Growing up, I have raced everything I could get my hands on. I started racing go-karts, then personal watercrafts, and even bathtub boats. I raced ice ovals snowmobiles professionally for the Polaris Factory and won six world championships at the Eagle River World Championships.
We are also very involved in a dirt car chassis school and driving school. We do the Racewise Chassis School with Mark Bush in Rochester, Minnesota every March. This will be our third year doing the school and we have over 130 students each year.
We also help with the Brooks/Shaw Driving School, which is a one-day classroom and one day on track school. My wife and I are also now getting very involved with the Victory Junction Gang Camp and are absolutely amazed the things they do for the kids and the activities they have there for them. It’s the most rewarding feeling imaginable seeing the smile on the kids' faces while they are there.

David Phillips: Anything else you'd like to share?

Steve Arpin: This is an incredible opportunity that Trina and I have this season and it would not be possible without the support of the people who truly believe in me. We would like to thank everyone for their support. We would like to personally thank Jeff Taylor Motorsports, the Nelson family, my parents Chuck and Gayle Arpin, Mesilla Valley Transportation, Lone Bro Enterprises, Deer Creek Speedway, and K2 Agriculture.

AIM Autosport debuts 2009 Star Mazda drivers at Sebring

By Chris Jameson - Level Ten Communications

WOODBRIDGE, ON - Continuing their tradition of developing young talent, AIM Autosport is pleased to announce the signing of David Ostella (Canada, right) and Jorge Goncalvez (Venezuela) to compete in the team colors for the 2009 edition of the Star Mazda Series presented by Goodyear. Both drivers are seventeen years old and most recently competed in the Formula BMW Americas series. The move to Star Mazda is a significant step up the ladder in North American motorsport. AIM Autosport has a winning record in the Star Mazda series including securing the 2008 championship for seventeen year old American driver John Edwards.

This will be the second season in open-wheel formula for Ostella after spending previous years racing karts across North America and Europe. The young Canadian had particular success racing in the World Karting Association, Stars of Karting and Sunoco Ron Fellows Karting championships. He drove in various classes that would lead to a career in open-wheel racing such as Junior Intercontinental A (JICA) and 80 cc Shifter. David spent part of the 2007 season racing with the CRG factory team at select events in Europe before attending the Formula BMW licensing course in Valencia, Spain in order to earn his International C racing license. The goal was to enter the Formula BMW Americas series in 2008 and work toward developing his skills. David is now ready to put his skills to the test in the very competitive Star Mazda Series presented by Goodyear.

"I think it's awesome to be signing with AIM Autosport for the 2009 Championship," Ostella said this week. "Last season John Edwards won the championship with the team, and his baseline data will be a great help in making me a better driver this season. I can't wait for the first race in Sebring to come!"

Goncalvez will enter the 2009 season with three seasons of open-wheel experience to his credit. In addition to contesting the Formula BMW Americas series in 2008, the young Venezuelan debuted in a Renault Formula 1600cc in the Panam GP Series (2006) and completed a season in the French Formula Renault Series (2007). He previously raced karts in his home country.
Both drivers tested with the AIM Autosport squad in December in Savannah (Georgia) and January in Sebring (Florida). Goncalvez noted he "was very satisfied with the work developed in the tests gaining the confidence of the members of AIM Autosport. The change of category and major power came very well under the guidance of the team." He has continued training in Venezuela in advance of the first race in a few weeks.

AIM Autosport Star Mazda team manager Keith Willis commented on the addition of the two drivers. "Both David (Ostella) and Jorge (Goncalvez) have shown they have the skills and desire to run a very strong season for us. We took a measured approach to testing over the last few months so that both drivers could get comfortable with the cars, the engineers and the crew. That comfort level is a very important part of the dynamic that makes a successful team." He continued, "We are looking forward to the start of the season and developing both David and Jorge into drivers with the ability to win races make their mark in the racing community."

The Star Mazda Series presented by Goodyear has a long tradition of drivers moving up the motorsport ranks across North America and around the world. The series regularly competes on the under-card at major motor racing events including the Rolex Grand Am Series and American Le Mans. This presents unique opportunities for the drivers to display their talent in front of leading international teams. The series also enjoys television broadcast nationally on SPEED TV.

The first event of the 2009 calendar for the Star Mazda Series presented by Goodyear takes place March 20 in Sebring, Florida.

COMPASS360 DAYTONA KONI RACE REPORT

It's been a few weeks since the Grand-Am event at Daytona in late January. The cars have all been stripped down, with their bits-and-pieces shipped off here and there to their respective suppliers to be rebuilt, repaired and improved. Which means we've got three partially-assembled Honda Civic Si's at the shop, amongst a few of our customer cars, and looking at them made me think of the Daytona race, which went quite well for us. We had a strong result, with Matt Pritiko and Travis Walker (in our #76 car) finished on the podium in third, but it could have been ever stronger as Christian Miller and Randy Pobst (in #74) also ran up front until the last couple of laps.

So looking back at Dayona, and having the benefit of the great SPEED TV coverage (which was some of the best racing in both KONI Grand Sport and Street Tuner classes ever to grace a TV screen) to provide added insight, what did we learn?

We learned that old age and treachery are pretty much equal to youthful exuberance. Our driver line-up included two stalwarts of the North American touring car scene, Pobst and Peter Schwartzott. These guys both have amazing history in racing, and were team-mates in the early nineties in Honda Preludes and CRX's. So to see both of them duking it out with our young up-and-coming pilots Travis Walker and Matt Pritiko was really special, especially in the last half-hour of the race when Travis and Randy were battling each other for the top spot, right in the mix with the Cobalts, Subaru and BMW. It was an amazing race to watch, with lap after lap of edge-of-your seat passes.

We learned that Ray and the boys can build a car that is quick and reliable right out of the box. The #76 and #75 Civic Si sedans were brand new cars for the Daytona race. Team Technical Director Ray Lee and our amazing crew started building them after last year's season-ending race at VIR in October. Given that December and January weather here in Toronto is less than ideal for testing race cars on track, the simple fact is that neither sedan had ever turned a wheel, other than spent on the dyno. So to have all of our cars prove to be both quick and reliable with zero test time is a true testament to the amazing team Ray's put together.

We learned that the Civic is a strong platform. There's no question that we've got the best driver line-up in the KONI Street Tuner paddock, and it shouldn't be much of a surprise to see our cars atop the leader board. Come qualifying, we managed an amazing 4th, 5th and 6th, a feat that I don't believe has ever been accomplished before. Even more interesting was that our cars qualified in numerical order (#74 – MIller, #75 – Shwartzott and #76 – Pritiko), which most certainly is a first!

The Civic program is the result of discussions with Honda back at the end of 2007. At that time we were running TSXs (and rather successfully, one might add), but we knew that a new TSX would be released in 2009, and our recommendation was to continue the TSX in SPEED World Challenge and to use the Civic Si in the KONI Sports Car Challenge. This effectively doubled the budget, as Honda would be utilitzing two different cars to cover two series which had previously used the same platform. The new Civic has many similarities to the RSX-S that our team has a great history with (we still support them in Canadian Touring Car), and it's not too surprising that our Civics are equally strong.

We learned that the competition is as fierce as ever and we will need to be at the top of our game every weekend if we want to win races, let alone the championship. KONI's ST class is arguably one of the most competitive series of any touring car series in the world, and we're going to (again) have our work cut out for us if we're to win the championship. Having been second in the Driver's Championship the past two years (for Adam Burrows in 2008 and Billy Johnson and Karl Thomson in 2007), and first in the Manufacturer's crown in 2007 (second in 2008), we are motivated to win. But this isn't going to be a cake-walk!

We learned that the KONI Challenge remains one of the strongest motorsports series anywhere. Despite the economic downturn, our series boasted nearly seventy entries at Daytona. The track can easily handle that number of cars, but the fact that we had almost 70 drivers take the green flag to start the race is nothing short of amazing. Being a part of the NASCAR family certainly helps to open doors, even in a down economy, and our partners and sponsors are seeing real value in the print, on-line and tv coverage that we delivered at Daytona (viewership on both the Rolex and KONI races were up substantially over their record-breaking numbers from last year, by the way).

And so we're looking forward to Homestead, Miami in a few weeks. We're busy working with some of the local Honda clubs to bring their members out for what we hope will be a truly memorable weekend, which Grand-Am is promoting as a "Fan Appreciation Event". At the moment there are 61 cars entered (30 GS and 31 ST), which will make for more great racing!

I wonder what we'll learn then?

Zenvironment road show brings savings, eco-benefits for truckers

LANGLEY, B.C. (February 23, 2009) – A unique cross-Canada program for Yokohama heavy truck tire dealers and their fleet customers will showcase a new tire technology that not only saves operating costs but offers crucial environmental benefits that operators can take to the bank.

The Yokohama Zen Road Show is a combined trade show and information session that will highlight the company’s new Zenvironment tire manufacturing process and the contribution it makes to real gains in fuel economy, improved tire life and other environmental benefits.

The company’s claim is backed up by a unique cost-per-kilometre performance guaranty for its new truck tire line that promises a minimum 15 per cent improvement vs competitive products.

The meetings and displays, which will be staged for dealers and fleet customers in 11 locations from Vancouver to Quebec City beginning March 3, 2009, will illustrate the new Zenvironment manufacturing technology while special offers for dealers and fleet customers will provide attractive savings on the premium line.

While the cost savings are appealing to buyers, the environmental benefits inherent in the new line provide a selling advantage that operators can use with their customers, says Jonathon Karelse, manager of marketing for Yokohama Tire (Canada) Inc. “Many companies are looking through their entire supply chain to ensure they are meeting high standards of environmental performance, and that includes transportation. Tires that offer the key trio of truck tire attributes – high mileage, long casing life and low rolling resistance – demonstrate tangible environmental benefits, too,” Karelse says. “Trucking companies can show they’re doing their part.”

In 2004, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced a scheme to identify cleaner, more environmentally friendly transportation options. Called SmartWay, the program identifies products and services that reduce transportation-related emissions. For example, the new Yokohama 703ZL truck tire has earned the EPA SmartWay designation. “Trucking companies that can demonstrate SmartWay compliance have a tangible advantage,” Karelse says.

New technologies in the tire manufacturing processes, along with new designs and new construction, have contributed to the improved performance, Karelse says, but the common factor in all the Zenvironment tires is the revolutionary rubber mixing process.

Using a lower temperature/higher torque mixing technique creates a better and more uniform dispersion of carbon in the rubber. This results in rubber that is more pliable yet maintains its strength, and helps create a casing with improved durability and longevity – crucial for many cycles of retreading. The confidence in this new process has lead Yokohama to offer one of the best warranties available for commercial tires – a 7 year limited warranty with unlimited retreads for highway-use tires.

Newly-developed tread compounds have been employed to extend mileage and reduce rolling resistance without sacrificing important factors such as wet performance or the specific characteristics demanded of each highly specialized tire such as cutting/chipping resistance. New designs extend original tread life.

The theme of environmental responsibility pervades the entire road show, Karelse adds. Program materials from recycled paper to displays made of bamboo products are used throughout, he says. “Even the ball-point pens are made of a corn-derivative product: Put them in your potted plant and they dissolve!”

Yokohama Tire (Canada) Inc. markets and distributes a full line of tires for high performance, passenger car, light truck, and commercial truck applications, as well as off-the-road tires for mining, forestry and construction applications. It maintains distribution centres across Canada to serve more than 700 independent tire dealers.

NASCAR:Matt Kenseth California Winner's Press Conference

KENSETH WINS AUTO CLUB 500 TO OPEN SEASON WITH CONSECUTIVE WINS

· Matt Kenseth took the checkered flag for the 18th time in his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series career with today’s win at Auto Club Speedway.

· It is Kenseth’s third career Cup win at Fontana. He also won at the two-mile track in 2007 and ’06.

· Kenseth is the first driver to start a season with back-to-back victories since 1997.

· Ford has now won 594 all-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.

· Ford now has 10 victories at Auto Club Speedway, more than any other manufacturer.

· Ford has won at least one race at Auto Club Speedway every year from 2003-2009.

· Jack Roush now has seven victories at Auto Club Speedway, tied for most among team owners.

· Jack Roush has won at least one race at Auto Club Speedway from 2005-2009.

MATT KENSETH WINNER’S PRESS CONFERENCE

JACK ROUSH – owner, No. 17 Carhartt Ford Fusion – “It was awesome. The whole team, really, we had run well here, didn’t win the fall race, but we run well here many times and look forward to coming to Fontana. We were really taken aback by how well the Hendrick cars were running throughout practice, particularly the 48 was just awesome. He certainly put a real high mark up there that we had to look at it. As we started the race, I knew that Matt was pretty good because – one of the things about Matt Kenseth, he doesn’t practice as well as a lot of people do, as seen by me. He goes looking for the feel he likes in the car and tries to save the car so he doesn’t put extra wear and tear on it. So, he reminds me of what I heard, and, of course, David Pearson was before my time, but when I first got involved I was around the Wood Brothers, Leonard and Glen, and they would talk about how David, they could never tell how much car they had until it was time for it to count in the race, and Matt’s a little like that. I had a feeling he was going to be a little bit of a surprise to some folks tonight because he had not been up there on the leaderboard in practice, but had said that he wasn’t worried that his car had not gone faster in practice, that he felt that he had what he needed, and it felt like it had before when he was able to win. But the 48 had been really fast, and, of course, as it turned out, the 24 was a really good car as well. Greg Biffle and his 3M Fusion was, in the closing stages, from the indication I saw, it looked like he had the best car. He overshot his pit box there, not really going outside the box, but stopped squarely on the air line, and Greg Erwin made a good call by having him back up; he would’ve been last on the lead lap if they hadn’t backed him up when they did. I’m sure they would’ve had trouble with that air line, getting the right wheel off, with the left-front wheel parked on the air line. So, Greg nissed an opportunity tonight. I know that Carl Edwards was a little disappointed, and David Ragan and Jimmy Fennig will be a little disappointed. Donnie Wingo and Jamie McMurray had a brake problem, that was unfortunate. All of our Fords ran well. As I look at the no-testing program that we’re on and not being able to come to this race track and test, it’s clearly played to the strength to the people that have had success, it’s played to Hendrick’s program, it’s played to Gibbs’ program, with the way that Kyle Busch had run and it played to ours as well.” T

HAT’S FIVE STRAIGHT WINS HERE IN THE EARLY RACE AS WELL. “I don’t expect that to continue. We’re hard-pressed to figure out what to do to be more ready. But, my experience is that these things tend to even themselves out, and I just hope that when we have to give back all this success, I’m not here, I’m someplace else.”

MATT KENSETH – No. 17 Carhartt Ford Fusion – “Just great team, great crew, great, great engines. Just you need everything to go right, really, to win these races. Our car handled really good all day, and we had excellent pit stops. Our fourth one from the end we were a little bit off and I started complaining and then all of sudden they got me three or four spots every stop, so the pit stops were really important to our outcome. Their adjustments were really important. We were a little off, even though we got out in front we run down and passed. I don’t even know what they changed.. Drew and Chip came up with changing a couple of things and got it just good enough at the end. It wasn’t easy, but it was just good enough to hold them off.”

DREW BLICKENSDERFER – crew chief, No. 17 Carhartt Ford Fusion – YOU ARE NOW TWO FOR TWO AS A CUP CREW CHIEF, PLUS YOU WON YOUR FINAL TWO RACES AS A NATIONWIDE CREW CHIEF. CAN YOU TALK ABOUT SOME OF THE STRATEGY HERE TODAY? “I think our car was pretty close from the beginning. He seemed to like it better than he did yesterday. We made our way through the field, but obviously five or six cars, when you’re running in the top 10 are the hardest to pass. Thankfully, if not the, one of the best pit crews on pit road, which catapulted us to the front every single time. Because the track was getting dark, it was getting a lot faster. It wasn’t great for our set-up, we knew we had to start in the middle of the pack, so we kind of changed some things around to make sure we could get to the front, and when our pit crew got us out front, we ran extremely fast, a second and a half faster than we had run all weekend. So, that was a good thing. We had to adjust our car a little bit when we were in clean air to make sure we could run out front. Matt can drive it on the free side and can do the things we need to do to get the win, so I just kept him free and let him go after it.”

JACK ROUSH CONTINUED – WHAT HAS THE 17 TEAM, AND MATT, DONE TO WIN THE FIRST TWO RACES? “Well, Drew has brought magic to the team. His dad was a coach and he played real competitive sports in high school, so he know how to build a team, he knows how to capitalize on the energy within a team and we needed that. We had all the right people with the right skill sets on the team, but we just need somebody to create the magic and Drew has done that. We had the same cars last year, and Matt was the same guy that he was last year – he sure didn’t learn anything over the winter because he didn’t have the chance to drive these cars as much as normal. I’m celebrating with Drew the fact that – he needed a little help with the champagne. I took a little hit in the Victory Circle because I gave him my champagne bottle, which I had all primed. That’s what happened. Drew got me. We’ll credit what we’ve got going for us early here as the Drew factor, and look forward to carrying it forward. But with way that Carl had won and with the way Jamie has been running and the way Greg has won, and way David has been coming, certainly there is an expectation on my part we were going to be fastor in these races until we get to Martinsville, and the guys snuck off to the Little Rock there at Rockingham race track, and that is one of the places where you can go and test a little bit, and we think we even got something for Martinsville that we haven’t had before. So, I’m real optimistic about what’s going to happen in the first handful of races. The idea of winning Daytona under rain circumstance was a surprise. It caught me totally off-guard. Of course, I was afraid it was going to finish under rain and I was hoping it would win, but I certainly didn’t want to read the press and have two rainouts and having one of our guys be the benefactor.”

MATT KENSETH CONTINUED – THE LAST 20 LAPS WERE VERY ENTERTAINING. DID YOU THINK JEFF GORDON HAD WHAT HE HAD FOR THOSE LAST 20 LAPS? “I thought he was going to pass. I kind of have a bad habit, I guess, people call me a pessimist, I think I’m more of a realist, but when we took off the run before that we got in the lead and we ran some real fast laps and we left Jeff by 15, 20 car lengths or something like that and in the middle of that run he just ran right by me and took off. Greg would go by me, took off. I couldn’t do any better than that.

MATT KENSETH CONTINUED – “I was doing the best I can. So I don’t even know if they adjusted, but that got us in the front again, which obviously was a big key to it, and we took off. Right away I could feel it was better, but I didn’t think it that much better and I was getting looser as I ran and with as many laps that were left I honestly thought we were going to be too loose at the end and he was going to catch us. I couldn’t get away from him that time and then he got right on my bumper and I thought, ‘I’m about over,’ but I guess they tightened his up a bit and got too tight, and I was able to hang there. These things are real sensitive and they just made the perfect adjustment, and had the perfect pit stop.”

JACK ROUSH CONTINUED – WHY HAVE YOUR TEAMS BEEN SO SUCCESSFUL HERE, NO MATTER WHO’S DRIVING OR ON THE CREWS? “It does matter who drives the cars. I’m blessed with having real fast company that let me hang around with them. Looking at Matt Kenseth, it is a fact that Matt Kenseth would not be part of our program I wouldn’t have the honor to be involved with Matt, I’m sure, if it hadn’t been for Mark Martin. And Mark looked at Matt and Mark has had template set on the driver temperament and really what the nature of our strategies have been at mile-and-a-half and the two-mile race tracks. Those were his needs, and I certainly learned what his interests were and figured out what to give him to be successful, and that’s helped us. It takes three things to make these cars win: It takes technology that the manufacturer brings to the table, and in our case that’s Ford Motor Company; it takes NASCAR giving you a template set for the body shape and the engine parameters that is competitive; and it takes a driver that can close the deal. And I’ve been fortunate to have those things. The affiliation with Ford Motor Company has been a big factoring it over the years, and the crew chiefs, like Drew, have prepared the cars ideally and the cars have been driven with great enthusiasm and with great effect.”

MATT KENSETH CONTINUED – YOU TALKED EARLIER ABOUT GETTING OFF TO A GOOD START AND THAT YOU FELT CONFIDENT COMING INTO THIS RACE. CAN THIS CARRY OVER TO NEXT WEEK’S RACE AT LAS VEGAS? “Yeah, I’ve thought ahead. I feel real good about Vegas. I felt good about coming here. In a way, I don’t think a win will ever be as big in my career as winning the Daytona 500, but in a way this almost feels better. You come here and it’s not restrictor-plate racing. You don’t need other people’s help. Luck’s not involved quite as much. And we had to come here and figure out how to beat the 43 teams on speed and strategy and adjustments and all that stuff, and obviously these are the kinds of races that make up the bulk of the schedule and whether you run good or bad at these tracks has more of a determining factor on making the Chase or running for a championship. It feels pretty unbelievable to win the first two races – especially Daytona, to be able to come out of the box and run competitively here. As soon as we got Drew in that spot, about a week later and we talked about it and I had a super-long talk with Chip, everything was cool and we worked everything out, I just had a really good feeling about it. I don’t know why, I was more confident coming into this year than I have been in a lot of, lot of seasons. I just feel great about the group we have assembled. Everybody’s having fun, everybody’s loose and everybody’s performing at thye same time. And I think Drew has given the leadership and the start that they kind of need, and Chip has all the extra time to work on the cars and keep up with the engineering and the date and sift through all that stuff, and they’ve been able to work great together so far.”

DREW BLICKENSDERFER CONTINUED – HOW MUCH OF AN INFLUENCE HAS ROBBIE REISER HAD? “Robbie’s a huge part. He’s ultimately the guy three years ago when I took over the 17 team Nationwide car, I tried to model myself after. When you’re across the shop from the 17, you look at him as the ultimate team. I think that even when they didn’t win the championship, after 2003 everybody looked at them as that’s the team you want to be like – they were the best on pit road, it seemed like they could change a spring faster then everybody else. You wanted be like the 17. And then when I was able to work with Matt on the Busch side, I went and talked to Robbie a lot. I kind of hung around and looked at the way he looked at people and the way he did things, and tried to model myself – a lot of things that Robbie did, the organizational skills, a lot of leadership skills that Robbie did, I tried to mold myself around. So Robbie’s an extremely large part. He’s pulled me aside probably three times this week when I was at the shop and talked to me about a lot of different things: ‘Okay, this is a long season. This is what you need to look for.’ So, it’s huge to have Robbie Reiser 60 feet away from your office every day that you can go ask questions to.”

MATT KENSETH CONTINUED – WHY DON’T YOUR TEAM MAKE MISTAKES ON PIT ROAD LIKE SOME OF YOUR COMPETITORS DO. “I don’t know. We’re just able to make the right adjustments. I think as far as the 24, they said they got too tight. I don’t think that you could ever fault a team for staying on top of the car, even when you’re leading. You’ve got to keep up with the track conditions and your changing car. I know earlier in our car we lost a few races from leading and not adjusting enough; man, we’re so good we’re afraid to touch it and get beat. You never know. You always do what you think is right, and try to get a little bit better and the pit stop was part of it. Their adjustmets, like I said, they didn’t tell me what they were, and I’ll do a little espionage a little later and find out. But, I didn’t even care what they were, but to figure out what I needed my car. As far as pit road goes, there’s a lot that goes into it and we work real hard at it and we have a group that has the timing just right, and, like I said, there’s a lot that goes into that from the car gets to pit road to the time it gets on the race track, and it’s just something that we’ve always worked hard on.”

JACK ROUSH CONTINUED – WHAT KIND OF PSYCHOLOGICAL BOOST HAVE YOU POTENTIALLY GIVEN DEARBORN (HOME OF FORD MOTOR COMPANY) BY WINNING THE FIRST TWO RACES? “One of the things that’s been an historical benefit of winning stock-car races, NASCAR is stock-car races, you got the manufacturers involved in the ’60s and the ’70s, for sure, was they were able to quantify if they won on Sunday, the sold on Monday, and I was on Eli Gold’s show Tuesday night and Eli told me that he talked to a friend of his in Bessemer, Alabama, that had a dealership, Town and Country Ford, and they had sold two cars that were Roush Performance cars, niche market cars, that we had modified for them, on Monday. People came right in and said, ‘We’ve got to have this Roush modified car.’ So, the Ford people are really excited about the success we’re having on the race track. I heard from Bill Ford. I heard from a number of vice presidents throughout the company that reached out to contact me. I heard from Edsel Ford. I heard from twoof the heirs from Henry that are active in the company. The glass is definitely more than half full with Ford Motor Company right now. They’ve got a couple of great products coming in from Europe that’ll be here in 18 months. They’re not out of cash. They’re not out of line in regard to the number of dealers. It’s a tough economy for anybody who sells any manufactured product or does the service in our economy. But, the glass is more than half full at Ford right now and we’re just adding some more good news for them.”

GREG BIFFLE – No. 16 3M Ford Fusion (finished 4th) – “This was a pretty fast car. I just screwed it up. Trying to get greedy. You know, it was so hard to pass out here, and I was hoping to beat the 24 out and I was trying to give my guys every advantage I could. I stopped in the box, I wasn’t out of the box, but the guy pulled the hose around, and we had this problem before. It’s just me stopping too deep in the box and caught them off-guard and ran over the hose. And this box is super-long anyway. But they didn’t do anything wrong, it was my fault.”

CONVENTIONAL WISDOM SAYS THAT THIS RACE IS THE BEST INDICATOR EARLY IN THE SEASON TO GIVE TEAMS AN IDEA OF WHAT THEY COULD HAVE FOR THE YEAR. THAT’S GOT TO BE A GOOD FEELING FOR YOU. “Yeah, they’re [in trouble] if this is the kind of car I’m going to have all year. This thing was fast. Unbelievable. Unbelievable. I don’t know how I’m going to sleep tonight. I’m just sick to my stomach, man, it almost brings tears to my eyes to know that I let the guys down like I did. When you you’ve got a car like that, it sucks to not win, and it sucks that it’s your fault. If they’d have dropped a lugnut or something, it wouldn’t have been a big deal. But, when it’s your fault, it’s really hard.” BUT YOUR TEAMMATES WERE QUICK TO TELL YOU HOW WELL YOU DROVE. “They were. The guys know I’m feeling bad, but they’re trying to keep me cheered up for next week. They know we can win at Las Vegas. I’ll keep working on it. I’m just mad because it always seems like I make a mistake, a little mistake here or there. I got in a little hot during qualifying and probably could’ve been on the pole – maybe. Just little stuff. I’m too hard on myself, probably, I guess.”

From Jim Brumfield / Ford

NASCAR TRUCKS: J.R. Fitzpatrick Finishes 22nd in Truck Race at California

J.R. Fitzpatrick Finishes 22nd in Truck Race at California

Fontana, Calif. (February 21, 2009) - John Ryan (J.R.) Fitzpatrick brought the No. 7 TRG Motorsports Chevrolet Silverado home in 22nd place in today's running of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series San Bernardino 200.

Fitzpatrick had muscling an ill handling truck all race. Early in the going he had a slight touch with the wall. The team had him on strategy to run long stints and with only two caution flags the crew didn't have many opportunities to adjust on the No. 7 TRG Motorsports Chevy.

"We were a little tight at the beginning," Fitzpatrick said. "I was fighting the truck pretty much the whole day. It got real tight and I kissed the wall a little bit. It didn't seem to affect the truck all that much. Somebody was spraying oil all over the track and it made me real loose. We came in for an adjustment and I called for tightening up the back of the truck. Coming with more experience I am learning what the truck needs and doesn't. I ended up speeding on pit road - live and learn. At the end the truck was pretty good, a little bit tight off, but still pretty good. We are just going to learn more and more every lap."

The 20 year old from Cambridge, Ontario Canada is taking the lessons learned to Atlanta in two weeks.

"I have to communicate the adjustments to the truck a little sooner. We were really tight off and that is what was hurting us the most. Now I know how they drive at these tri-ovals, we are not at Daytona, we just don't hold it to the floor. I am learning how to drive these tracks. At the end we were in the top 10 in lap times. When we make the right adjustments we can be fast, we just have to make them quicker."

Kevin Buckler, TRG Motorsports team owner, knows that J.R. will go through some ups and downs as he runs his rookie season.

"J.R. did a good job today to take what we had and make the best of it," Buckler said. "Butch Hylton and the TRG Motorsports guys adjusted on the truck and had a plan for the end. Unfortunately radio problems and then the pass thru penalty cost us some track position. At the end we had a fast truck. J.R., like at Daytona, showed maturity to not try and push the truck beyond the handling threshold. Sometimes you just have to ride it out and bring it back with four wheels and four corners on the truck. We will go to Atlanta with more knowledge and get better."

Round three of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will be run at Atlanta Motor Speedway on March 7.

TRG Motorsports is based in Mooresville, North Carolina where they run a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team as well as an ARCA RE/MAX Series effort. 2008 marked the first full season of competition for TRG in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series where they recorded one win, one top-five and ten top tens overall. The team's sister company, The Racer's Group, was founded in 1993 has been competing at the top level of motor racing ever since. TRG has the most wins of any team in the Grand-Am Rolex Series with 26, including the 2005 and 2006 Rolex Series GT championship trophy to go along with wins at the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

For more information contact please contact Kyle Chura at (248) 821-0468 or chura@aol.com. Detailed team info can be viewed at www.trgmotorsports.com or www.theracersgroup.com.

Go-GP.Org A1GP Gauteng, South Africa - Feature Race Results

Event: Go-GP.Org A1GP Gauteng, South Africa (Round 5 of 9)

Switzerland Take Feature Race Victory in South Africa

Gauteng, South Africa Switzerlands Neel Jani claimed victory in this afternoon's Go-GP.Org A1GP Gauteng, South Africa Feature race with a fantastic drive from fifth on the grid. The win means the Neel Jani equals the all-time win record for a driver, Nico Hulkenbergs record of nine wins for Germany.

Jani finished 13.176 seconds ahead of Brazils Felipe Guimares, the 17-year-old putting in a mature drive to record the teams best result of the year at the Kyalami circuit.

Pole-sitter Clivio Piccione finished in third for Monaco after losing the lead to Switzerland in the first round of pit stops and then dropping behind Brazil after making a mistake.

Switzerland is now top of the 2008/09 A1GP World Cup of Motorsport standings with A1 Team Ireland crashing out on lap one after an incident with Malaysia.

From A1GP

A1GP: The Netherlands Take First Win of Season Four

The Netherlands Take First Win of Season Four

Gauteng, South Africa Jeroen Bleekemolen took the Netherlands first victory in Season Four in this mornings Go-GP.Org A1GP Gauteng, South Africa Sprint race. Bleekemolen drove a faultless race around the 2.65-mile Kyalami circuit to win by 4.407-seconds from Portugals Filipe Albuquerque. Switzerlands Neel Jani had a good start to move up to second off the standing start, but finished third after losing time trying to manoeuvre round Malaysias car, which had pitted in front of him.

Bleekemolen made a clean getaway from the standing start to lead the chasing pack into turn one for the first time. Switzerland had a great start from third to take second position from Portugal while Indias Narain Karthikeyan also had a good start to move up from fifth to fourth.

India was not able to hold position for long as an aggressive move by Clivio Piccione moved Monaco ahead into fourth with Irelands Adam Carroll also sensing an opportunity to get ahead only a few corners later, so pushing India down to sixth.

China's Ho Pin Tung and New Zealand's Earl Bamber were having a good battle for eleventh. China made a move at turn 13 on lap three but out-braked himself allowing New Zealand to re-take the position.

Malaysias Fairuz Fauzy moved up ahead of Frances Nicolas Prost for eighth, while the Netherlands was storming away at the front with Bleekemolen having a 4.686-second lead over Switzerland by lap four.

With the order now the Netherlands from Switzerland, Portugal, Monaco, Ireland, India, South Africa, Malaysia, France and Italy, the pit window opened. The Netherlands and Switzerland were first in the pits with the following three runners staying out on track an extra lap. Bleekemolen had a smooth stop but Switzerland lost time having to get away slowly to manoeuvre round Malaysias car, which had pitted just in front. Portugal pitted a lap later and was able to re-take second from Switzerland. After the only mandatory stop of the race the order was now the Netherlands leading by 6.4 seconds from Portugal, Switzerland, Monaco, Ireland, India, South Africa, New Zealand, Malaysia, France.

A1 Team Australias fantastic pit work boosted John Martin six places up the field to his eventual finishing position, twelfth. While A1 Team New Zealand moved up three places after the stop.

Portgal was on a charge setting the fastest lap of the race on lap 9 with a time of 1m29.072s, slightly closing the gap to the Netherlands.

Further down the field, Great Britains Danny watts and Brazils Felipe Guimares came together fighting for fifteenth. The pair touched heading into turn one with Watts car spinning into the gravel and out the race.

A very happy Bleekemolen came through to take the chequered flag and record the teams first win in 45 races. Obviously South Africa is lucky for the team as its first of three wins to date was round the streets of Durban in Season One. Switzerland and Portugal completed the podium with Ireland taking fourth from Monaco on the last lap, retaining its championship lead.

Race winner Jeroen Bleekemolen said: Im feeling pretty good. It all just went amazingly. It was a very hard race for me though, because in the beginning I could feel there was some kind of pull with the fuel pick up. It didnt cost me any time but I could just feel it coming.  And then after the pit stop the car just stopped and I feared the race would be over, but it started working again.  I lost about one and half or two seconds, but luckily we were still able to win. 

In the beginning we were really quick, I dont know why we were so much faster, but everything worked.  The car worked really well until the problem came but then it still was exciting for me.

Portugals Filipe Albuquerque said: The team did a very good job and I managed to pass Switzerland.  Im really happy with the fastest lap and second place.

Im still aiming for the lead of the championship.  Its going to be an interesting Feature race now because we are all together in the middle of the grid.  We will see who the luckiest guy is because anything can happen.

Switzerlands Neel Jani said: We were second and then unfortunately we had some problems at the pit stop.  First of all the pit stop was not that quick, and then I couldnt get out because Malaysia was parked in front of me.   We have to be happy with third though as its still points so lets see what happens in the next race.

For additional information about A1GP including ticket sales and television viewing times and a full list of international broadcast partners, please visit www.A1GP.com. 

From A1GP