Ron Fellows confirms NASCAR Canadian Tire Series aspirations

In today's Toronto Star Wheels Section, Canadian racing legend Ron Fellows confirms a rumour (to Norris McDonald) that has been circulating for months....

"As a matter of fact, for the last six months or so I've been working on getting a team going in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series," Fellows said. "We'd be partnering with Peter Klutt, who has a wonderful facility at his Legendary Motorcar business in Halton Hills.
"Nothing is finalized but I'm optimistic we'll be able to do something for this season. The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series makes sense. It's got great value and has a lot to offer.
"We're looking for sponsorship, of course, but the goal would be to run three or four races in '09 with the aim of running the full season next year."

What a great shot in the arm for the NCATS series to have Ron Fellows involved!

Click on the link above to see Norris' full column. Thanks to Joe Hamilton for the heads up.

Breaking News From Chrysler Re CAW Talks

Chrysler LLC Statement Regarding CAW Talks Attributed to Al Iacobelli, Chief Bargainer:

"We all recognize that we are in unprecedented times as it relates to the global economy and current financial crisis, which has a direct impact on the automotive industry. After several days of bargaining in good faith, Chrysler and the CAW have not reached an agreement that closes the competitive gap with other automobile manufacturers in Canada, to ensure Chrysler's immediate viability.

The Company has been very clear in its Canadian Government testimony and position with the CAW: we must 'close the competitive gap' of $19 an hour immediately, with a goal of not having to affect base wages and pensions; while contributing to Chrysler's viability with direct annual savings to the bottom-line in the current year, and each of the remaining years of the contract.

Although we made progress toward 'closing the gap', significant issues related to the existing 'pattern' remain on the table. These are not normal business circumstances and all Chrysler constituents have been asked to 'break pattern' – employees, retirees, dealers, suppliers and others. These requests have been made to all of our constituents, including the CAW, to ensure Chrysler's viability.

We continue to engage with the CAW to resolve these issues in a responsible manner."

Happy Birthday Jeem!

Almost missed this one.... thanks to Deep Camera for the reminder. We must all be getting old forgetting our favourite birthday!

Happy Birthday Jim (aka Jeeeeeeem) Robinson (right)... from Morty and all the boys at Inside Track.

Rexall Edmonton Indy unveils its 2009 event schedule

On March 18 in Edmonton, the organizers of the Rexall Edmonton Indy held a press conference outlining some of their plans for the IndyCar / NASCAR Canadian Tire Series race weekend that will take place this summer (July 24-26) at the Edmonton City Centre Airport.

Alex Tagliani, the winner of last year's NASCAR race in Edmonton (shown above), took part in the proceedings. The weekend schedule was unveiled at the press conference. Below is a release from the event.

The Rexall Edmonton Indy is gearing up for the hottest three-day weekend of the summer from July 24-26, 2009! With the fastest drivers in the world competing on Edmonton’s challenging track, this year’s Indy is bound to be the highlight of an already scorching Edmonton summer. The Track Schedule for the 2009 Rexall Edmonton Indy will feature:

Friday, July 24 / Event / Minutes

8:00 - 8:30 Canadian Tire NASCAR Series Practice 30
8:45 - 9:45 FIL Practice 60
10:00 - 10:30 NASCC Practice 30
10:45 - 11:15 Canadian Tire NASCAR Series Practice 30
11:30 Gates Open to Public
11:45 - 12:30 IndyCar Practice 45
12:30 - 1:15 IndyCar Practice 45
1:30 - 2:15 FIL Qualifying 45
2:30 - 3:30 Corporate Race 60
3:45 - 4:45 IndyCar Practice 60
5:00 - 5:45 Canadian Tire NASCAR Series Qualifying 45
6 :00 - 7:00 Pace Car / 2 Seater Program 60

Saturday, July 25 / Event / Minutes

8:00 - 8:30 FIL Warmup 30
8:45 - 9:15 NASCC Practice 30
9:30 Gates Open to Public
9:45 - 10:45 IndyCar Practice 60
11:00 - 12:15 Canadian Tire NASCAR Series Race 75
12:30 - 1:15 NASCC Qualifying 45
1:30 - 2:00 FIL Pre Race 30
2:00 - 3:00 FIL Race 60
3:20 - 4:50 IndyCar Qualifying - Live Versus 90
5:00 - 6:00 Pace Car / 2 Seater Program 60

Sunday, July 26 / Event / Minutes

9:30 Gates Open To Public
9:45 - 10:45 2 Seater Rides 60
10:45 - 11:45 IndyCar Warmup 60
12:00 - 12:30 NASCC Warmup 30
12:30 - 1:30 Pace Car Rides 60
1:30 - 2:30 NASCC Race 60
3:00 - 4:00 IndyCar Pre Race 60
4:00 - 6:00 IndyCar Race - Live Versus 120

Tickets for the 2009 Rexall Edmonton Indy are on sale now at all Ticketmaster locations. Call (780) 451-8000 or secure yours online at http://www.ticketmaster.ca/. Northlands rocks Edmonton with 2,500 events each year that attract over 4 million visitors to Alberta’s Capital City. Think, Canadian Finals Rodeo, Farmfair International, Capital EX, Rexall Edmonton Indy, the best of horse racing, headliner concerts, international events and all the trade shows you can handle. Visit northlands.com to find out more.

By Darren Krill / Senior Manager, Communications / Northlands

Photos courtesy of Perry Nelson

NASCAR SPRINT CUP: Jimmie Johnson Martinsville Press Conference

NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES
GOODY’S 500  // MARTINSVILLE SPEEDWAY
Jimmie Johnson Press Conference // March 27, 2009

JIMMIE JOHNSON, NO. 48 LOWE’S IMPALA SS met with media and discussed his success at Martinsville, the testing ban, changes to the All-Star race, adding more short tracks to the schedule, and more. Full Transcript:

WITH YOUR PAST SUCCESS AT MARTINSVILLE AND GOOD RUN LAST WEEK AT BRISTOL, COULD THE NO. 48 TEAM BE MAKING SOME MOVES RIGHT NOW?
“Yeah, I think so. Last weekend we did a very good job of executing and not making big mistakes to take us out of a top-three, top-five finish. I feel at that last (pit) stop, the car kind of rocked on the jack and affected the left rear tire change and it hurt us. I’m not sure we could have won, but we would have had a very good change at it if we got out of the pits like we’d hoped. So one small mistake there that really isn’t someone’s fault, it was just circumstances of the car rocking on the jack. But, great stuff. We’ve had fast cars and it was nice last weekend to not only talk about having a fast car, but to deliver and show what we have. I’m fired up about this weekend and looking forward to everything that this track has to offer. Hopefully we can qualify. I’m excited to be here. If it rains, that’s cool, but at the same time I want a shot at that first pit stall. It’s so important here and I’d hate to give it up to (Jeff) Gordon because Gordon’s going to be so tough here come race time.”

ARE YOU AND JEFF GORDON BIGGER RIVALS ON THE MARTINSVILLE TRACK THAN ANYWHERE ELSE?
“Yeah, I think the track allows you to beat and bang a little bit more. He certainly showed me that it was okay to beat and bang with your teammate like that (laughs). So if he’s in front of me, I’m not going to feel bad about roughing him up. This track has been good to both of us. I think it’s conducive to bumping and banging and hopefully it comes down to a Hendrick fight at the end. I’d love for it to be that. Hopefully it’s all four of our cars. I think Mark (Martin) is going to be great here. This is a great track for (Dale Earnhardt) Junior. So in a weird way I’m hoping it comes down to us.”

WHY IS THE GRANDFATHER CLOCK SO SPECIAL TO WIN AND WHERE DO YOU HAVE ALL YOURS?
“I have one in my office. And then I have kind of a warehouse I put together and I have the other four displayed there. They’re just awesome. I think the size of the trophy really gets our attention. It could be a $4 plastic trophy, but if it were eight feet tall we’d all love it. Just the size and taking a big trophy home is really cool. But it is a beautiful trophy that they’ve done a great job with. I’ve built a special spot for them and have lights shining on them and they look really good.”

ON THE CHANGES TO THE ALL-STAR RACE
“I’ve started to look through it and I couldn’t understand all the changes and why. I mean, I could understand the changes, but I don’t understand necessarily why. I guess a 10-lap shootout at the end will make it exciting. I get that portion of it. But it seems like they’ve added another segment in there too, as well. Right? A longer one? Wasn’t it 40, 30, 20?

LAST YEAR IT WAS FOUR 25’S
“Shoot, I can’t even keep up with it. Those last ten laps; it’s time to go is what it boils down to (laughs).  I get that aspect of it. I don’t know why we need to be out there for so many miles beforehand. Let’s just have two segments. Let’s have one 10-lap race. If you want to see some stuff happen, let’s just have a 10-lap shootout for a million bucks. Let’s not drag it on (laughs).”

ON THE 50TH RUNNING OF THE 600
“I’m looking forward to it. I know we live in a world where we’d love to see shorter races, but I think it is really special and unique for our sport to have a 600-mile race. It sounds odd, but it changes the whole way we think about a race. The track is very difficult to stay on top of the changes, day to night; and as you race on the short tracks, you have a mental clock for what a 50-lap feature is like or a 25-lap feature. Then you go to a touring division and you know what a 150-lap race is and on and on. We’re all so well programmed for a 500-mile race that the extra 100 miles really changes the way things go. Personally, I like the challenge and really enjoy that race and have had success at it and hopefully we can do that again this year.”

IF NASCAR OFFICIALS WERE THINKING OF CHANGING THE SCHEDULE AND ADDING ANOTHER SHORT TRACK, WHAT WOULD YOU THINK ABOUT THAT?
“I would love to see more short tracks on the circuit. It puts on a better show. I think the fans get a better experience up close and personal with all that goes on. There is more side-by-side racing and bumping and banging and all that stuff the fans enjoy. The argument about the seating capacity, I think that Bristol has shown you can put seats around the track. I know you lose one aspect of the motor home camping and that aspect, but again, outside of the race track there were plenty of motor homes at Bristol. I would encourage NASCAR, if they were to bring in new tracks, to look at that and eliminate some of these tracks that are struggling to fill up one show, let alone two, and build some more action-packed tracks.”

REGARDING RIVALRIES, IF YOU FOCUS ON BEATING ONE GUY, DOES IT BECOME A DETRIMENT TO YOUR TEAM BECAUSE IF YOU BEAT THAT GUY, YOU MIGHT NOT BEAT EVERYBODY ELSE?
“Yeah, I’m with you. I do know that if you just worry about one person all the time you’re going to short yourself and not focus on someone else. But at least in recent memory, it seems that one guy is on fire. Last year, the No. 18 (Kyle Busch) started the year and we all focused on the No. 18. And then the No. 99 (Carl Edwards) was steady throughout the whole and for our championship battle that’s who we were focused on the most, in the later stages. But it is weird how you really do just focus on a car, or a couple of cars. From our standpoint, and we have the fortune of great equipment and tracks that are good to us and all those thing, that I’ve worked really hard to focus as much as I can on our team and doing our best job. Fortunately history has shown for us that if we do that, we leave with the results that we want and collect the points that we need and the end result comes to us. So, it really kind of goes back to the Darlington saying years ago where you race the race track. I try to race myself and race that given track. And I have more success doing that and not getting emotional and chasing somebody that’s on a hot streak and getting caught up in that stuff. But it still does happen. As hard as I try, I still get caught up in it as well.”

THE JURY IS EXPECTED TO DELIBERATE NEXT WEEK DOWN IN SOUTH FLORIDA, HOW CLOSELY ARE YOU PAYING ATTENTION TO THAT BECAUSE OF YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH ALAN MILLER?
“I’ve been in touch with Alan and asking him how things are going. We’ve still been working as we typically do and working on new projects and a new motor home we’re getting ready to buy and all the purchase agreements and all that stuff. So our relationship is still maintained and stayed the same. He’s been gone a couple of days a week and working, really, around the clock in continuing to give his clients the level of service they need. But he hasn’t been all that descriptive. He’s given me some overviews that he feels very good about how things are going. He’s just waiting for everything to come together. But his general impression has been positive about the way things have gone in Miami so far.”

NOW THAT WE’RE FIVE RACES INTO THE SEASON, HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE TESTING BAN?
“I think if you’re running well it’s not a problem. And when you’re off base is when you really wish that you could test. We’ve had fast cars and at this point we’ve been fine without the testing. I did a tire test at Lowe’s Motor Speedway and it was nice to get back in that environment and work on some stuff. But for the short term, I think NASCAR has done a great job. I think that as much as I hat to admit it, I think that there are aspects of this that do save money and help the teams. I still think it would be nice to give the teams a chance to make their stuff better and you could have something based on where you are in points to allow everybody a chance to test and improve, but at the same time, help the guys that are off-base. That’s my biggest concern. When you’re off base, it’s going to take you so long to catch up if you can’t test. And that’s something I probably look at.”

ONLY FOUR ACTIVE DRIVERS HAVE MULTIPLE WINS AT MARTINSVILLE. YOU AND JEFF GORDON HAVE THE MOST. WHY HAVEN’T MORE GUYS GOTTEN IT, LIKE YOU GUYS HAVE, WHY DIDN’T THAT LIGHT SWITCH COME ON FOR THEM?
“I don’t know. I hope it doesn’t (laughs). For me there is such a specific rhythm, and once I got it, it’s worked. If I look for that rhythm and that feeling, good things happen. And I don’t know why some guys haven’t been able to get it. It is a very technical lap around here. So it’s not the easiest thing to do and I’ve had the great fortune of good cars and a good starting point to work from with all of Jeff’s success, and really Hendrick’s success here. So, it’s just all melted together and I say all this and hopefully I can go out there (for practice) in a few minutes and hit that rhythm and do what I need to. But it’s just been a good place for us.”

From General Motors

Bridgestone-brand Potenza™ Tires Are Standard Equipment On 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Mississauga, Ontario (March 27, 2009) – Drivers seeking a new beginning need look no further than the purpose-built, rear-wheel drive Hyundai Genesis Coupe which will be equipped with Bridgestone-brand performance tires.

“This high-profile fitment continues to grow our successful supplier relationship with Hyundai,” said Michael Martini, President, Consumer OE Tire Sales, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations (BATO). “Bridgestone-brand Potenza tires deliver world-class quality and brand prestige to suit the high performance Genesis Coupe.”

BATO will be supplying an all-season fitment Potenza RE92A™ tire and a summer fitment Potenza RE050A™ tire for the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe in four sizes:

· Front - 225/45R18 91V Potenza RE92A
· Rear - 245/45R18 96V Potenza RE92A
· Front - 225/40R19 89Y Potenza RE050A
· Rear - 245/40R19 94Y Potenza RE050A

All-season Bridgestone-brand Potenza RE92A tires feature a tread design with interlocking triangulated blocks and circumferential grooves for excellent wet, dry and snow traction. A computer enhanced tread design minimizes road noise and the polyester cord body promotes ride comfort.

The Bridgestone-brand Potenza RE050A with UNI-T technology offers outstanding wet and dry traction, a tread pattern that promotes rapid water evacuation, variable dimensions in the tread blocks, and a smooth shape to reduce noise. An asymmetrical pattern in the RE050A tread increases surface contact to enhance acceleration and cornering.

In addition to the 2010 Genesis Coupe fitment, the Hyundai Tucson and the Hyundai Santa Fe feature Bridgestone-brand tires as original equipment.

About Bridgestone Canada Inc.
Bridgestone Canada Inc. (BSCA) is a member of Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations (BATO) and a direct subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (BSAM), whose parent company, Bridgestone Corporation, is the world's largest tire and rubber company. BSCA and BATO develop, manufacture and market Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand tires. They are focused on retail, wholesale and original equipment markets, supplying passenger, light truck, commercial vehicle, off road, agricultural and other tires to their customers in Canada and the United States, respectively. In addition, through its Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions Canada unit, retreading customers have access to industry-leading research and development, manufacturing, marketing and sales expertise, providing them with a total tire solution.

You're never too old...

There's a story on The Mail Online about a 106-year-old 'speed freak' whose birthday wish was to get a ride in a racecar. They hit 108 mph at Brands Hatch. Now it's official, I do drive slower than old ladies.

The story (with lots of photos) is here.

Not racing, but....

Last summer, we had a feature in Inside Track on some racing 'wives' who are doing great things for different charities, in concert with their families' racing programs. It's fantastic when people can combine their passions with goodwill toward others.

As some of you may know, about 10 years ago, my wife Melody underwent stem cell and bone marrow transplants as part of her treatment for non-hodgkins lymphoma. We're very fortunate that because of some great doctors and nurses at Sunnybrook and Princess Margaret Hospitals, everything turned out well.

A few days ago, Melody signed on with a 'team' to take part in the 60 Km 'Weekend to End Breast Cancer' (Sept. 12-13 in Toronto) so she can help to raise some money to help others win their battles.

Here is a link to Melody's sponsorship page if you'd like to consider sponsoring her in this great event. Thank you for your consideration.

Raceline Radio... Dykstra Racing's Tom Neale up next

Raceline Radio... March 29 & 30. Check below for stations and times in your area.

Join us for our next broadcast, brought to you in Niagara by Merrittville Speedway, Pete's Automotive/Hoosier Tire Canada and Garden City Auto Complex!

Going GREEN! Racing and the environment! Bob Dickinson from the American LeMans Series tells us why they have been named the "Greenest" racing series in North America... Tom Neale from Dykstra Racing details their promotion of clean fuel and Canadian methanol production and use through their sprint car program... And The Tissot/Raceline E-Mail Bag for your chance to win a Tissot Swiss-made racing watch, a NASCAR model for a male winner and a Danica Patrick signature model for a female winner!

Listen in Niagara:

Sunday 8:06 PM, AM 900 CHML Hamilton...

Monday, 7:06 PM or after the game, The FAN 590 Toronto...

Monday, 9:06 PM, 105.1 THE RIVER Niagara Falls/Western NY

21 stations across Canada and with 8 of those in Ontario, easily the most popular and most listened to racing radio show in the province!

Many of our affiliates offer podcasts and live audio streaming on the internet.

Thanks for listening! 2009, is our 17th season on the air! Erik Tomas, The Raceline Radio Network/The Indy Motor Speedway Radio Network/Merrittville Speedway

www.raceline.ca

Marcelli Impresses in Series Debut

Sebring, Florida (March 24th 2009) – Canadian racer Kyle Marcelli enjoyed a very successful 2009 debut this past weekend in Sebring, Florida in support of the American LeMans Series 12 hours of Sebring. Marcelli was behind the wheel for eight straight days competing in two different championships. The podium got to be quite common for the Barrie, Ontario resident as he left the weekend with three podium finishes in the four starts.

Marcelli’s road trip kicked off March 4th beginning with the eight hour drive to the team’s headquarters in Dublin, Ohio. There Marcelli spent two full days getting fitted into the race car. Upon the fitment Marcelli continued south to Carolina Motorsports Park located in Kershaw, South Carolina where the Kyle and the Intersport Racing team spent two days testing in the new IMSA Lites L1 race car. “The test went very well; we got plenty of valuable track time where the team and I could really work on our chemistry together and familiarizing me with the new race car”. Commented Marcelli

Following the very successful testing, Marcelli and the Intersport Racing team continued south to Sebring International Raceway in anticipation for the opening two rounds of the championship.

Marcelli wasted no time getting up to speed. Shocking many Marcelli qualified third for race one. Challenging for the win, Marcelli was in a race long battle ultimately ending the 30 minute sprint race 3rd.  

Race two proved to be a true test of speed, endurance and stamina. The race was one hour and thirty minutes which included a pit-stop. This being a first for the young talented teenager, Marcelli certainly opened up a few eyes. As the green flag dropped, Marcelli starting from the inside of row two went three wide into turn one to take the lead. From there Marcelli never looked back opening up a 7 second lead over the second place car. Exiting a near perfect pit-stop Marcelli was en-route to victory before having some unfortunate luck as the car experienced an electrical failure with only two laps to go ending Marcelli’s race.  

“Sebring was our first real opportunity to see how we stacked up against the competition.  With very little pre-season testing, we are very pleased with the pace of the car and our driver.  Kyle is very talented and we have definitely gelled as a team.  Being able to finish on the podium in our first race is quite an achievement; we have shown that we are a front runner in the series.” Commented Brian Adler – Team Manager of Intersport Racing

Over the course of the week Marcelli also took part in the Skip Barber National Championship presented by Mazda. Marcelli topped the time charts all through practice. In what proved to be some of the most exciting racing all weekend. Marcelli was in a five car battle for the win. Crossing the stripe in race one nearly nose to tail Marcelli finished 2nd.  Race two featured the same nose to tail racing action throughout the entire 30 min race. Hungry for victory Marcelli crossed the stripe side by side taking 3rd place.

“Overall it was a very successful weekend leaving with 3 podiums in 4 starts. Our series debut left many wowed. The Intersport racing team did a great job all weekend for me. I’m very confident going into the next round at Miller Motorsports Park in Utah that we will be challenging for victory again. My Skip Barber National series debut was also successful, leaving the weekend 2nd in the championship going into round two at Virginia International Raceway I have my eye on the 350,000 prize awarded to the series champion,” commented Marcelli.

Kyle will be leaving April 1st for round two in the American LeMans Series taking place on the streets of St.Petersberg, Florida then off to Long Beach for round 3. Stay tuned for details.

For more information visit www.kylemarcelli.com. For marketing and sponsorship opportunities contact Kate Walsh at katewalsh@sympatico.ca or 705.835.6969

Brighton Speedway: The Big Bike is coming... to help the Heard & Stroke Foundation

Like to have fun, win prizes and support a great cause?  Then this wacky event might just be for you!

BRIGHTON SPEEDWAY IS LOOKING TO FILL A BIKE WITH DRIVERS, FANS AND SUPPORTERS

Sunday April 26th departing from the Brighton Sobey’s at 11:00am. There will be a BBQ and test and tune at the racetrack to follow.

This 30 seat bike requires a team of 29 riders to take the 15-20 minute bike ride. Big Bike is a very visual event, so pick a funny theme and get your noise makers ready. Each participant must raise a minimum of $50 to ride the bike.  Don’t stop there though; there are tons of great prizes to be won including: T-shirts, Electric Travel Mug, Sport Bag and Exercise Mat, Ultimate BBQ Apron, Hammock and Jacket.

All proceeds are directed to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Call Caley Weese for more information at 613-962-2502.

If you use the on-line fundraising feature you will be entered to WIN an HD LCD TV plus a Nintendo Wii Fit. To accept the challenge and join the Brighton Speedway team, please sign up with Angie by emailing angie@brightonspeedway.com

YOU HAVE TO CONTACT ANGIE AND GET PLEDGES AHEAD OF TIME...  SHOWING UP ON THE DAY OF DOESN'T GET YOU A SEAT...

Star Mazda and Racing for Kids 2009

RACING FOR KIDS TEAMS WITH STAR MAZDA CHAMPIONSHIP FOR 4TH SEASON OF VISITING SICK KIDS -- DRIVERS TO VISIT FIVE HOSPITALS DURING 2009 SEASON

GROSSE POINTE, MI.--- Racing for Kids, celebrating its 20th season of visiting sick kids in children's  hospitals around the world, will team up with the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear for five driver visits to Children's Hospitals during the 2009 season.  This marks the fourth season in a row that Racing for Kids and the Star Mazda Championship have worked together. 

Racing for Kids / Star Mazda Championship Children's Hospital visits are planned for Salt Lake City, Utah (Miller Motorsports Park) in May; Joliet, Illinois (Autobahn Chicago) in July; Trois Rivières, Quebec, in August; Atlanta, Georgia (Road Atlanta) in September; and Monterey, California (Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca) in October.

Star Mazda Championship drivers who have signed up to participate include:
Alex Ardoin – #51 JDC Motorsports / Oral & Facial Surgery Center / Twister Trailer
Toshihiro Deki – #80 Goshen Motorsports
Ryan Booth –   #83 Goshen Motorsports
Chris Cumming - #16 Kester Racing Team 3G / Texas World Speedway / Motul Oil
Billy Goshen – #82 Goshen Motorsports/Baker Commodities/GPSTrackit/OTTO/First Quality Concrete 
Taylor Hacquard - #15 Kester Racing Team 3G / Wolfe Auto Group / Texas World Speedway
Kristy Kester – #48 Kester Racing Team 3G / Texas World Speedway / Motul Oil
J.C. Kester – #24 Kester Racing Team 3G / Texas World Speedway / Motul Oil
Caio Lara – #19 JDC Motorsports / NILD / ATW
Joel Miller - #2 JDC Motorsports

"Last season was my first time with the Racing for Kids program and I found it very enjoyable," says Miller, the 2007 Skip Barber Pro Series champion and winner of the MAZDASPEED Motorsports Driver Development Ladder scholarship.  "It's amazing how much a colorful helmet can brighten up the day of a kid in the hospital."

Through the program, any Star Mazda Championship driver may join the Racing for Kids program by making a Racing for Kids-sponsored children's hospital visit, where drivers visit with sick kids and sign autographs and hand out racing memorabilia. Racing for Kids then offers a $500 cash prize to the top finishing Racing for Kids driver in the race where there was a hospital visit, and a comparable cash donation to the Children's Hospital in the top finishing driver's name.  A $1,000 cash prize will be offered to the best performing driver in the five race mini-series with another $1,000 going to the children's healthcare institution of the driver's choice.  Joel Miller of Hesperia, California won the RFK Star Mazda title last year and Alex Ardoin of Lafayette, Louisiana won the honor in 2007. 

Racing for Kids was started in 1989 by now retired Indy Driver and current Indy Racing League Team owner Robbie Buhl and Dr. Bill PInsky, a pediatric cardiologist. Since the time, Racing for Kids has visited more than 20,000 sick kids and raised and donated more than $5M to children's healthcare institutions.

Additional information is available at www.racingforkids.org or www.starmazda.com

From Star Mazda Communications Director Peter Frey

Advertiser of the Day - Reinhart Trailers

Kawartha Speedway: Willie Reyns races to Cobourg for a Fast and Furious weekend

After earning his first track championship in Kawartha Speedway’s Thunder Car division, Willie Reyns is riding the wave of racing success.  The 24 year-old ironworker from Port Hope, Ontario will have his title winning #87 Chevrolet Monte Carlo on display at the 2nd annual Fast and Furious Show – Saturday and Sunday, April 4th and 5th at the Cobourg Arena.

“After the season we had in ’08, I can’t wait to get back on the track,” says Reyns.  “I was asked to be in this show last year, but the car just wasn’t ready in time.  This year, the crew worked extra hard through the winter to get things done.  It’s being painted in the next few days.  The Fast and Furious Show will be the first time our 2009 colour scheme will be seen anywhere outside of our shop.  We’re also pitching deals to prospective sponsors for the upcoming season, so this is a great chance to show companies what we’ll do for them.”

The track will have 2009 schedules for fans and will be showing 2008 racing highlight videos throughout the weekend.  To get the biggest bang for their buck, Kawartha Speedway officials have also booked Reyns as a guest on Race Time Radio, broadcast Monday nights at 8:00 on CFOS-AM Radio in Owen Sound, Ontario. The show’s web-site www.racetimeradio.com has details on how to listen via the internet.

“The chance to promote the show and my team on the radio show is very exciting,” says the young speedster.  “Public speaking really isn’t my forte, but my sister Trudy is taking Business Management and PR in school and she’s helped me a lot with that kind of stuff.  She and other members of the team have been great in welcoming new sponsors like Cobourg Development Services, Pursey’s Yacht Portage and Acme Electric to the team.  They’ll be joining our long-term marketing partners Boundy Roofing, Appleman Carstar and Canadian Industrial Services this year.”

The Fast and Furious Show features a number of entertaining and informative displays and exhibits – including Thunderdome Racing, a NASCAR-themed remote-controlled track.  Show hours are Saturday, April 4th from 10:00 to 5:00 and Sunday, April 5th 10:00 ‘til 4:00 at the Cobourg Arena.  Admission is $5.00.  Children under 12, free with an adult.

Photo attachment:  (by Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications): Willie Reyns’ 2008 championship winning Thunder Car – in action at Kawartha Speedway.

Prepared by Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications

Mini Roadracing schedule released

By John Hopkins

The Canadian Motorcycle Association has released the dates for the 2009 Mini Roadracing Championship.

May 16-17, Stratotech Park, Fort Saskatchewan, AB
June 14, 3 Flags Motorsports Park, Regina, SK
June 27-28, Varsity Chrysler Speed Park, Calgary, AB
July 19, Tradex, Abbotsford, BC
July 31-Aug. 2, Karibou Kart Track, Quesnel, BC
Sept. 5-6, Martensville Speedway, Martensville, SK

Additionally, there will be a Western Canadian Championship event at Tradex in Abbotsford, BC on July 9.

IndyCar: Canadian James Hinchcliffe and veteran Scott Dixon on teleconference

Scott Dixon and James Hinchcliffe were guests on today's Indy Racing League teleconference

About the speakers: Scott Dixon returns for his seventh season in the IndyCar Series with Target Chip Ganassi Racing. James Hinchcliffe is a rookie in Firestone Indy Lights with Sam Schmidt Motorsports.

Scott Dixon

·         28-year-old entering his seventh season in the IndyCar Series with Target Chip Ganassi Racing

·         Reigning IndyCar Series champion
·         Reigning Indianapolis 500 champion
·         One of only two drivers to win multiple championships in the IndyCar Series (2003, 2008)
·         Winner of 10 of last 25 races dating back to middle of 2007
·         Won record-tying six races in 2008
·         Led record-setting 899 laps in 2008
·         Has 96 career starts, 16 victories, 14 poles, 48 top-five finishes and 68 top-10s
·         Wife, Emma, is expecting couple's first child later this year
·         Owns a small airplane and enjoys flying himself to races

James Hinchcliffe
·         22-year-old rookie in Firestone Indy Lights with Sam Schmidt Motorsports
·         Competed in the Atlantic Championship in each of the last three seasons, earning two victories
·         Competed for Team Canada in A1GP in 2007
·         Has worked in television as pit reporter for A1GP and served as driver analyst for Champ Car World Series international broadcasts

***

Q: Scott, obviously that's an incredible run that you've been on for the last year and a half. Can you guys keep it going in 2009?

SCOTT DIXON: I'd like to think that we can definitely keep the momentum rolling. The way we started last season and the way we ended it we were still very competitive, and with the addition of Dario (Franchitti), I think to have the last two series champions and the last two 500 champions could definitely ‑‑ we've got the target on our back as such, and people are going to have to chase us.

But I think the team hasn't got too complacent. By the looks of things over the offseason, they've been developing the cars more so maybe than other years. I know the competition is going to be very tough this year with the transition teams having a complete season in it. I'd like to say we look good as a team, and hopefully we can come away with the two big trophies by the end of this year.

Q: Talk about adding Dario as a teammate and the component that that brings to the team.

SCOTT DIXON: It's been excellent, just from having a new teammate, I think for me I thrive on that. I've been lucky enough to stay with Ganassi. I think it's my eighth season with the team, as you said, seven in IndyCar and then I had a season before that in Champ Car. I've seen and been through a lot of teammates, and every time you get a new teammate you learn a lot of stuff, and Dario I think is very technical, very, very good on road courses and street courses, and he brings a lot to the team.

Having I think the 24‑hour (at Daytona) together I think was great, but also, as you added, to have Australia to work together as a first race or a preseason race for the season was fantastic, and I think that was similar for Dan (Wheldon), who moved on to Panther. It was good to sort of get your feet a little wet and work with the new team and things like that.

Surprisingly we've been very close in driver styles and feel of the car. We're talking maybe 50 pounds to 100 pounds of spring difference is about the only thing that we kind of have. That's been pretty good for me because I've typically been a lot different from a lot of the other teammates.

As far as relationship goes, we've been great friends for many years. He was a guy I definitely looked up to when I came into the Champ Car series in 2001 and 2002, and I'd like to say we've definitely grown on that and I'm looking forward to a whole season with him.

Q:The Sam Schmidt Motorsports team looks pretty strong. You're paired up with Ana Beatriz, who won a race last year after a strong campaign, and Gustavo Yacaman. How well do you know those two already and how well do you expect to work together throughout the season?

JAMES HINCHCLIFFE: It's been really good so far. We've done a lot of testing together. Obviously Gustavo had a little bit of a handicap because he wasn't allowed to test until he turned 18. So he was present but not maybe driving at some of the tests. And Ana I've gotten to spend a bunch of time with and it's great. It's a really good mix of personalities, a little bit of a United Nations of a race team with everybody on board, and then kind of the crew, my engineer is Australian and there's a couple other Canadians on the crew. So it's a very diverse team.

Obviously Gus and I are going to be relying on Ana a little bit on the ovals. She's got that year of experience and it's going to be a first for us, and we all come from a road racing background, so I think we're all able to help each other a little bit here and there on the road courses.

But, so far really good. Gus is young and eager and aggressive and Ana has had a year of experience now, so I think it's a really good mix. I think we'll work well together.

From John Griffin, Indy Racing League

NASCAR Canadian Tire Series: Dodge & Dilley partnership enters year five

BARRIE, ONTARIO (Wednesday, March 25, 2009):   The Dodge sponsorship of NASCAR driver Mark Dilley’s No. 9 Dodge Avenger  continues for a fifth year.  Dilley, a former CASCAR Super Series National Champion, enters his third year of competition in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series with events scheduled across the country.

“I am thrilled to work with a great company like Dodge,” stated Dilley upon the announcement.  “They have been terrific sponsors for the past four years and my team and I look forward to taking them to the winners circle again in 2009.”  Dilley who is a great advocator of the sport spends many days during the year travelling the countryside promoting his sponsors and the National Racing Series. “I love everything about what I do,” added Dilley.  “I get to meet so many people and have made a lot of great friendships over the years.”

“We are proud to continue our Dodge sponsorship of Mark Dilley for a fifth year and hope to make 2009 another Manufacturer’s Cup winning year for Dodge,” said Ed Broadbear, Vice President Marketing, Chrysler Canada.  “Last year, half of the drivers who participated in all of the races drove a Dodge.  Furthermore, of all the podium finishes for the series, 56% of them were by Dodge drivers.  That’s great visibility for our brand.” 

The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series is a thirteen race schedule in 2009 with events from Coast to Coast with much anticipated stops at the Nationwide Event at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, the Rexall Edmonton Indy and the Grand Prix de Trois Rivieres.  The race schedule starts in mid-May and runs until the end of September with tape delayed television coverage on TSN and TSN HD.

Dilley hopes to improve on his 2008 results of one win, two podiums, six top fives and nine top tens in 2009. “While our 2008 year was decent,” stated Dilley “we were in contention for a couple of other wins that got away from us so we are looking to add to a couple more to our resume in 2009.”

For more information on the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series visit www.nascar.ca

From Linda Jones / Wide Open Motorsport Solutions

Advertiser of the Day - The Motorsports Club of Ottawa

Ontario Stock Cars: Brandon Watson refuses to act his age

Brandon Watson Refuses to Act His Age

By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications

His friends are surfing the internet, updating their Facebook pages and downloading the latest music to their iPods.  They’re sending text messages to friends, chatting on cell phones or hanging-out at the mall.  Brandon Watson isn’t doing any of those things.  The grade 10 student at Stayner Collegiate is planning his 2009 season of late model stock car racing.

Having just celebrated his 16th birthday, the go kart series graduate has his calendar marked with racing dates.  After recording 1 win and 7 top 5 finishes on the way to a 3rd place points finish in Kawartha Speedway’s premiere division, Watson and his team are doing their homework to make sure the McColl Racing Enterprises-Shear Metal Products-Ken MacKinnon Construction-Plumtech Plumbing-

W. Gethons Pumping-Simcoe Building Centre-LaFarge Concrete-Clearview Custom and Collision-AKN Automotive Chevrolet is ready for a new season of action.

During the winter months, Brandon Watson and his family-run racing operation ramped-up their program by bringing a public relations representative on-board and plans are currently in the works to introduce a web-site to keep fans, family, sponsors and supporters updated on the talented teen’s progress throughout the ’09 campaign.

“Our plan is to be back at Kawartha,” says Tim Watson, Brandon’s father.  “We’ll also follow the Summer Shootout Tour (between Kawartha and Capital City Speedway late model drivers) that we won in 2008.  There are some American-Canadian Tour events, some OSCAAR shows and some of the bigger purse late model races.  The goal is to get ‘Bran’ some seat time – some experience – running in a variety of different events.”

Clearly one of the most talked-about young racers in the country and perhaps North America, Brandon Watson is taking his success in stride.  The personable teen seems almost humbled by his accomplishments.  He is quick to acknowledge the support network that has brought him to this level and addressed the crowd at Kawartha Speedway’s 2008 award celebration to thank his fellow competitors for their patience and assistance during the season.

Once he slips on the helmet and climbs behind the wheel of his Chevy Monte Carlo stock car, he’s just another driver – a boy among the men and women – on the track.  An obvious reason why Brandon Watson refuses to act his age.

Photo attachments:  (by Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications): #1).  Brandon Watson works the low side of Kawartha’s 3rd turn during 2008 action; #2).  Brandon Watson battles John Donahue (#26) during Kawartha Speedway’s 2008 American-Canadian Tour 200 event.

NASCAR TRUCKS: Fitzpatrick Ready for First Short Track Race at Martinsville

Mooresville, North Carolina, (March 24, 2009) -  John Ryan (J.R.) Fitzpatrick is ready for the first short track race of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series at Martinsville Speedway, the Kroger 250 to run this Saturday.

The .526-mile Martinsville Speedway is affectionately known as the "paperclip."  The track is the shortest on the NASCAR schedule and is sure to see a lot of action from the truckers.

Twenty-year old Fitzpatrick is leading the Raybestos Rookie of the Year points and is currently 11th in the series standings.  The Cambridge, Ontario, Canada resident is visiting Martinsville for the second time.  He raced there last year finishing 21st after qualifying 19th.

"I have been at the shop working with the guys on the short track truck," Fitzpatrick said.  "It looks really nice.  Martinsville will be the first track that we visit that I have raced at before.  I am going to be more aggressive this year.  Last year I ran three races and I had to make it through all three to get my truck license.  Now I am getting more miles in the trucks and more comfortable.  TRG Motorsports has just awesome equipment.  We are going for the rookie of the year title.  If I have to push and shove and little bit to move up we will.  If I get pushed I am going to give it right back.  Last year that is the way the race went and that is how you have to get to the front."

Fitzpatrick spent last weekend at Bristol watching and learning from the TRG Motorsports Sprint Cup team.

"I was able to go up with the spotters and watch the Sprint Cup and Nationwide guys at Bristol.  I watched practice with my spotter, David Keith, and he showed me some things and I was able to pick up on a few pointers for this weekend.  Every time I have a weekend off I hope to go to a track that we will visit.  It will definitely help me a lot this weekend, spending last weekend at Bristol."

TRG Motorsports team principal Kevin Buckler is looking forward to J.R.'s run this weekend. 

"The team and J.R. have been to Martinsville together last year," Buckler said.  "He knows what to expect.  We had him at the shop all last week helping the guys with the truck and building those relationships.  We also had him at Bristol with Butch (Hylton, crew chief) learning all that he could from the Cup and Nationwide guys.  He is a sponge right now and a really talented racer.  This is my favorite combo. He is putting in the effort off of the track to be successful and that will translate this weekend to his performance on the track."

The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Kroger 250 at Martinsville will run on Saturday, March 28 and will be televised live on FOX starting at 2:00 p.m. ET.

TRG Motorsports is based in Mooresville, North Carolina. Currently the team fields a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series entry as well as a Camping World Truck Series effort and an ARCA RE/MAX Series team. The Racer's Group was founded in 1993 and has been competing at the top level of sports car racing. TRG's Porsche sports car program is run out of the company's headquarters in Petaluma, California. The team 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 in the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona (three) 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.

Welcome MyRaceTravel.com... thinking of going to a NASCAR race at Michigan Int'l Speedway this summer?

Yesterday, we sent out the second edition of the Inside Track Pit Chat Newsletter. It was timed to coincide with the release of Volume 13, Issue 1 of Inside Track Motorsport News, which should be arriving in subscribers' mailboxes and on better newsstands in the next few days.

The e-newsletter was sponsored by MyRaceTravel.com. Please click here or on the banner above to visit their site if you're thinking about taking in a NASCAR race this summer. They have some great deals and several options. Many facilities are drastically lowering their prices this year, so going to a NASCAR race has never been more affordable.

Finally, if anyone who would like to receive the e-newsletter in the future, fill out the form on the right column of this blog. It's free to receive and you can you remove your address from the list at any time.

INDYCAR: Penske, Ganassi drivers alternate top spots at Barber test

LEEDS, Ala. (Monday, March 23, 2009) – Will Power paced the final day of an IndyCar Series Open Test at Barber Motorsports Park. The Team Penske driver lapped the 15-turn, 2.38-mile circuit in 1 minute, 09.4557 seconds, 119.213 mph.

Target Chip Ganassi Racing’s Dario Franchitti had the second-quickest lap at 1:09.7776. Team Penske and Target Chip Ganassi Racing also filled the third and fourth positions, respectively, with Ryan Briscoe turning a best lap of 1:09.8401 and Scott Dixon at 1:09.8904. Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing drivers Graham Rahal and Robert Doornbos were fifth and sixth, respectively.

All 16 drivers participating in the test improved their lap times from Sunday, with the top 10 drivers going quicker than Sunday’s best time (Dixon, 1:10.5005).

Mario Moraes missed most of the afternoon after the No. 5 KV Racing Technology car sustained damage after contact with the tire barrier shortly before the lunch break. Moraes returned to the track for the final 20 minutes.

The test was the second and final Open Test before the 2009 season begins April 5 with the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.

***

Results Monday with position, car number in parentheses, driver, chassis-engine and speed:
1. (3) Will Power, Dallara-Honda, 119.213
2. (10) Dario Franchitti, Dallara-Honda, 118.663
3. (6) Ryan Briscoe, Dallara-Honda, 118.557
4. (9) Scott Dixon, Dallara-Honda, 118.471
5. (02) Graham Rahal, Dallara-Honda, 118.425
6. (06) Robert Doornbos, Dallara-Honda, 118.247
7. (26) Marco Andretti, Dallara-Honda, 118.132
8. (11) Tony Kanaan, Dallara-Honda, 117.769
9. (18) Justin Wilson, Dallara-Honda, 117.751
10. (27) Hideki Mutoh, Dallara-Honda, 117.685
11. (4) Dan Wheldon, Dallara-Honda, 117.402
12. (24) Mike Conway, Dallara-Honda, 117.120
13. (12) Raphael Matos, Dallara-Honda, 117.106
14. (5) Mario Moraes, Dallara-Honda, 117.080
15. (7) Danica Patrick, Dallara-Honda, 116.881
16. (20) Ed Carpenter, Dallara-Honda, 115.765

***

INDYCAR SERIES POST-TEST QUOTES:

            WILL POWER (No. 3 Team Penske, fastest): “It was good. I haven’t spent much time with this team, so I spent the two days gelling with my engineer. We’re really working well together now. We found some good things in the car, and we found a car that suits me. We’re happy and we’ll be pretty confident going into St. Pete. This is a great track to get fit on because you never stop working. We won’t use this much energy getting around St. Pete, so it was a good workout. I was just happy to get back in the car on a road course.”

            DARIO FRANCHITTI (No. 10 Target Chip Ganassi Racing, second): “We accomplished a lot. It’s a really interesting track. It’s a fabulous facility – the way it’s built, the way it’s kept. The track is a real commitment track, a lot of really, really fast corners. I’m enjoying it a lot. I think if were to come back here and race a couple of changes would need to be made to create some passing opportunities, but I don’t think that would be a problem judging from what they’ve already done here. It’s been a really good weekend, get to know the team better and Scott (Dixon), as well. Each week is just learning more. It’s been a long week though with Sebring. We were at Sebring from Monday right through to Saturday night and then came right here. And before that we were testing at Phoenix. I feel like I&rsq uo;ve been working pretty hard this last week.”

            GRAHAM RAHAL (No. 02 Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing, fifth): “The car is pretty good. We’re learning quite a lot, which is important. I think at the end of the day we’re competitive here, but that’s not what matters most. What matters most to us is to make sure that when we go to all the road races we’ve got a good shot at winning, and that’s what we’re trying to do right now – learn as much as we can. I think we’re doing that. We’ve got a lot more knowledge and understanding than we did before, and that’s what we need. We’re trying things that we hope we can adapt to other tracks. That’s been our focus.”

            MARCO ANDRETTI (No. 26 Andretti Green Racing, seventh): “I think the Meijer car ran really well these past couple of days. I think we are taking the right approach at this test; we are making big changes and getting clear results. There are times during a race weekend where we need to make these types of big changes and time is not on our side. So, I think we are going to be able to show up this season with a better idea of our baselines and that will allow us to be a step ahead.”

            TONY KANAAN (No. 11 Andretti Green Racing, eighth): “The great thing about a test is not having the pressure of lap times and who is the fastest. We are only concerned about figuring out what to do to make the 7-Eleven car better overall. We need to understand the changes that we make and learn what or what not to do to in order to make the car better. So, it’s a win-win for us and the team as a whole.”

            HIDEKI MUTOH (No. 27 Andretti Green Racing, 10th): “I think we had an overall good test here at Barber these past couple of days. We were able to make some changes to the car that both were good and not so good, but we will be able to use all the information that we got, and use it throughout the season. I think we will be using a lot of the information in St. Pete. The Formula Dream team has worked really hard during the offseason and I feel good about going into the first race at St. Pete.”

            DAN WHELDON (No. 4 Panther Racing): “It’s good to be in the race car. It’s not often we get the opportunity anymore with the restrictions on testing. A track like this I think some people criticize to some degree because the relevance that it has to St. Petersburg or Long Beach is pretty insignificant. But in terms of being able to test stuff for the track being consistent I think this is a good place. That’s not only what we have been doing, but need to be doing, because as I said with the restricted testing it’s important. The car has actually been pretty good. On my new tire run just before lunch, I did an outlap and then my best lap and then I spun. There’s stuff that we’re working through. There’s a problem with the car that I think we’re making it better. We haven’t got it to go away yet, but we’re working towards that. Certainly it’s incredibly competitive. You can see from the times it’s very close. It’s good to be here. For the limited running that Panther and I have had together, we’re really pretty competitive.”

            MIKE CONWAY (No. 24 Dreyer & Reinbold Racing): “It's been a good test. I think the last couple of days we definitely learned a lot about the car, not just the team but me also. We're just getting used to the car again on a road course. We struggled a bit on the first day, but the second day, we found a lot of time in the car. It was a lot easier to drive, and we gained a couple of seconds on new tires. That's a good thing, very encouraging. We just need to take what we learned at the test here and move forward to be strong for St. Pete.”

            DANICA PATRICK (No. 7 Andretti Green Racing): “As you know, the road courses have been my weak spot in racing, but with that being said, I think we were able to learn some things that will help me to continue to strengthen my road course races. It’s not really easy to see my lap times where they are, but I really think we are on the right track with the Motorola car. I’m glad that I was able to do a road course test with my new race engineer, Eddie (Jones) before we head to St. Pete in a couple of weeks.”

***

            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 in High Definition at 2 p.m. (EDT) by VERSUS. The race will air live on the IMS Radio Network. The radio broadcast also will be carried on www.indycar.com. The 2009 Firestone Indy Lights season begins with a doubleheader race weekend April 4-5 at St. Petersburg. The races will be telecast at 6 p.m. (EDT) on April 6 by VERSUS.

From John Griffin, Indy Racing League

DIRTcar: Keeping 'Tabs' on Miss Murphy

Photo attachments (by Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications)
#1).  Tabatha Murphy poses with her DIRTcar sportsman ride during the 2006 season at Brockville.
#2).  The Murphy Motorsports #66 sportsman turns a fast lap at Brockville Speedway.
#3).  The highlight of Tabatha Murphy's 2006 season was picking-up the win in a match race with Jessica Power.  The special exhibition race was arranged by Brockville Speedway fans.

Keeping 'Tabs' on Miss Murphy

By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications

Go ahead, pick a cliché.  Tabatha Murphy defies them all.  The 18 year-old from Prescott, Ontario is an exception to every preconceived notion.  At first glance people might expect the pretty, blonde teen to fit the obvious stereotypes.  She doesn't.  A recent graduate of South Grenville District High School, Murphy is currently enrolled in her first year of the Police Foundation program at Brockville's St. Lawrence College.  Something else people wouldn't know right away is what she does during her spare time.

"I love to play baseball – I've played nearly all my life," she says with a sly smile and a twinkle in her eye.  "But racing has become a huge passion.  It's not something everyone gets to do and people certainly don't expect it of me.  When I tell people about driving the racecar, they always think I'm kidding.  If they don't believe me, I just invite them to come to the track and see for themselves."

2009 will mark Tabatha Murphy's 4th season behind the wheel of a DIRTcar sportsman modified at Brockville Speedway.  While she says her long-term plan is to pursue her obvious career path as a police officer, Murphy says the sport of stock car racing will always be part of her life.  Often seen wandering the pit area with her pug 'Peanut' at her side, the young lady with the heavy right foot says she enjoys the friendships she's made at the track.

"It's fun – we have a great time," says Murphy.  "We got an offer from Dingwall Motorsports a few years ago and it's all grown from there. Obviously, I'd love to win all the time but we're doing it as a hobby and if we weren't having fun, I don't know if we'd be racing at all.  When we first started, I didn't have a clue, but I've gotten better.  Stephane Lafrance (a driver in Brockville's premier division) has helped coach me a lot over the past few years and I've learned so much."

Sponsorship and support from family and friends means so much at every level of motorsports.  Tabatha Murphy is quick to acknowledge the people that keep her #66 car on the track every week.  She says her Dad works on the car day and night getting it ready for action at Brockville.  Sponsorship from King Edward Auto Parts in Prescott is a big help.  Brockville Tractor Trailer Maintenance in Maynard has been part of the team since the beginning.  Some of their employees lend a hand on race nights.  They haul the car to the track and have given the team space in their shop to work on the car.

"We also have a special person who helps-out behind the scenes", says Murphy.  "She likes to be at the track, but likes to stay in the background – out of the spotlight.  We call her the 'magnum lady'.  She a very sweet lady and probably the biggest supporter of everything we do on this team."

Murphy is looking forward to an awesome year at Brockville and might even travel around a little, depending on her schedule and the team's finances.  She says she has noticed her fan base growing year after year and appreciates the level of support she receives.

One thing's for certain – when the green flag waves, there'll be a huge crowd in the stands at Brockville Speedway keeping tabs on Tabatha Murphy.

Partner of the Day - Targa Newfoundland

Come see Tillsonburg Outlaw Karter Amber Meyer's

From Dave Chesterman of Chesterman Power Products, Tillsonburg Indoor MX and Tillsonburg Outlaw Karts

Can you believe March is almost shot?  Warm weather has me thinking of Outlaw Kart racing for sure.

Amber Meyer and her support crew must be thinking the same thing as they are hauling their Outlaw Kart to the Tillsonburg Town Center Mall (located at Broadway St. & Bridge St. E. & Lisgar Ave. in Tillsonburg, ON) for a week-long display. If you get a chance, stop in and have a look.

There might be Jasen's BIG kart there to keep it company, too. Rumour has it that Amber grew out of her race suit; hopefully the basketball coach doesn't see her.

For those who can't make it to see the display, see above for a shot of Amber Meyer and her ride at the last race of last year.

Kart practice day is Saturday, May 2 at Tillsonburg Indoor MX.

Partner of the Day - Williamson-Dickie Canada Co

Merrittville Speedway: Turn 4 Collision Triple Crown Mini Series coming together

TURN 4 COLLISION TRIPLE CROWN MINI SERIES COMING TOGETHER FOR 4 CYLINDERS AT MERRITTVILLE

For Release   - March 23, 2009 From Jim Irvine // Merrittville Speedway Public Relations

Thorold, Ontario (March 23) – Merrittville Speedway Race Fans are celebrating today! Spring has finally sprung and is now firing on all 4 cylinders. For the Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinders and the rest of the Lucas Oil Racing Series Divisions – the race season just took a giant step as the first green flag of 2009 is that much closer.

The recently announced new for 2009 Niagara Motors King of the Crates Series for the Original Pizza Logs Sportsman Division shares something in common with a popular series that is preparing for its third season.

“Once again … it will be a race within the chase,” reveals (Merrittville Speedway General Manager) Erica Bicknell, “the year long points are one story … the Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinder Triple Crown is another.”

Race fans of all ages have come to know the Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinder Division in recent years as an exciting and affordable means to get involved in the sport of Dirt Track Racing at Merrittville Speedway.

“Long before the Casteleins, (father Abel – back to back and defending Champion and his sons A.J. and Matt) came to the division,” remembers Merrittville co-owner Nancy Bicknell, “there were families such as the Domineys and the Vanderzandens among others that al enjoyed their own successes.”

Merrittville Speedway Wall of Fame Member – the late Bill Dominey and his son Dennis were long time supporters of Mini Stock Racing at Merrittville before both generations moved on to other divisions as were Harry Vanderzanden and his son Dave.

The Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinders continue to present one of the most diverse fields each week as several automotive manufacturers are featured.

“It’s like no other division we have,” relates Bicknell, “GM … Ford … Honda … Volkswagen and others … each brand has their following and they’re all in the (4 Cylinder) starting fields every week … the mix creates quite a rivalry amongst the cheering fans in the grandstands as well.”

The Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinder Division offers the entry level racer the same motorsport experience as the other divisions – the thrills and excitement of close competition.

While Abel Castelein appears to have a hold on the season long title – fellow driver Aaron Wiley has made his own headlines in winning the last two Triple Crown Series in 2007 and 2008.

“Like our other classes … the 4 Cylinders too play an equal role in the entertaining spectacle that is dirt track racing,” reveals Bicknell, “we’re proud of the guys and girls that support the class and we’re proud to announce the return Turn 4 Triple Crown.”

Kicking off with the May 30th Meridian Credit Union presentation of the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints, the series will also be featured Saturday August 1st when Cotton Inc. presents the Lucas Oil Patriot Sprints.

Southern Ontario and Western New York Sprint Car fans planning on attending the first two events of the Triple Crown – will surely want to return for the Finale Saturday August 22nd to witness who is crowned the third Miniseries Champion when the Pen Centre presents Three Dog Night.

The Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinder Triple Crown is one of many exciting returning events featured in the schedule recently unveiled that will help celebrate 58 consecutive seasons.

“What can we say,” adds Bicknell, “we’ve got to thank Norm Ellsworth for his continued involvement in the sport … we are finalizing the Triple Crown and will be unveiling our plans in the very near future.”

Turn 4 Collision is located at 113 Cushman Road in St. Catharines – Unit 51. Turn 4 Collision provides service to all makes and models of cars and trucks – specializing in collision repairs and fleet maintenance. Call Turn 4 Collision at 905-687-4142.

For further information on the Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinders – including rules – visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com or call the Winter Office at 905-685-7723 until April 1st.

Southern Ontario Sprints release 2009 schedule

By Tommy Goudge (March 19, 2009) - The fourteenth season of Southern Ontario Sprints competition is set to kick off in less than two months time. The tour will hold championship points events at Brighton Speedway, South Buxton Raceway, and Ohsweken Speedway, and has signed on as an affiliate sanction for non-points events at Ohsweken, Autodrome Drummond, and Brockville Ontario Speedway.

The month of May will find the tour at Brighton Speedway on Saturday the 9th as Mark Rinaldi's popular track hosts the SOS season opener for the 10th year in a row. The series then heads to the site of the first ever SOS race - South Buxton Raceway - on Saturday the 23rd.

In June the tour heads back to Brighton on Saturday the 6th, and then opens a busy July slate with a non-points affair at Ohsweken Speedway on Friday the 3rd, in the $3,000-to-win Northern Summer Nationals. The following weekend will find the SOS back at Brighton on Saturday the 11th, and then back at Ohsweken on Friday the 17th for a full SOS points race.

August features points-paying events at Brighton on Saturday the 8th and South Buxton on Saturday the 22nd, while drivers from the SOS will also participate in the first annual Quebec Sprint Car Nationals at Autodrome Drummond on Saturday the 15th. Paying $6,000 to the winner, the event is guaranteed to be one of the biggest sprint car events in the country this season.

In September, the SOS points championship will wrap up back at Brighton during the Labour Day Classic weekend for the second year in a row, with full points-paying events on Saturday the 5th, and Sunday the 6th. The SOS will also participate once again in the fifth annual Canadian Sprint Car Nationals at Ohsweken. The fast-growing event will pay $9,000 to the winner this season.

The sprint car season officially wraps up in Ontario at the Brockville Ontario Speedway, which again plays host to October racing this year. The 2nd Annual "360 Sprint Car Battle at the Border" on Saturday the 17th will feature participants from the ASCS Patriots, Southern Ontario Sprints, and others in a non-points affair.

2009 SOUTHERN ONTARIO SPRINTS SCHEDULE
1. May 9 - Brighton Speedway
2. May 23 - South Buxton Raceway
3. June 6 - Brighton Speedway
NP. July 3 - Ohsweken Speedway (Northern Summer Nationals)
4. July 11 - Brighton Speedway
5. July 17 - Ohsweken Speedway
6. August 8 - Brighton Speedway
NP. August 15 - Autodrome Drummond (1st Annual Quebec Sprint Car Nationals)
7. August 22 - South Buxton Raceway
8. September 5 - Brighton Speedway (Labour Day Classic)
9. September 6 - Brighton Speedway (Labour Day Classic)
NP. September 18 - Ohsweken Speedway (Night Before the Nationals)
NP. September 19 - Ohsweken Speedway (Canadian Sprint Car Nationals)
NP. October 17 - Brockville Ontario Speedway (Battle at the Border)

Please visit www.SouthernOntarioSprints.com for more news and information about the Southern Ontario Sprints. 2009 marks the 14th year of operation for the Southern Ontario Sprints, brought to you this season by Wiseco Piston, Kenetic Photos, Fatheadz Eyewear, BS&B Radiator, Triple X Race Co., ASI Racewear, and www.ImageFactor.ca.

World Challenge : Wittmer sidelined with mechanical failure

Sebring, Florida.— Starting from the second line in the maiden round of the 2009 Touring class SCCA World Challenge, Kuno Wittmer was on his way to a podium finish in his #44 Realtime Acura just like last year but a drive line problem forced him to pull over by the track side after the completion of 9 of the scheduled 18 laps around the famed 3.7-mile Sebring facility. The 25-year old driver from Montreal had a strong weekend topping the charts in second or third place in every outing before the race. Nevertheless, Wittmer remains positive even if the end result is 13th place in the race and 10th in the standings.

“It’s such a shame! I had such a strong car all weekend and was looking for a better finish,” he said. “I always get a good car from RealTime and we could not prevent that failure. At the start, Seth (Thomas) came out of the blocks like a rocket while Pierre (Kleinubing) slipped a wheel. I was in pursuit in third place and confident I could overtake at least for second. We drove away from the rest of the grid but I felt a little vibration by lap 5. I decided then to ease the pace and settle for a podium. But the vibration grew and I wasn’t able to nurse the car beyond lap nine when I had to forfeit.” 

“I feel the competition will be tough all season, he added. That’s the fun of this series. All cars are quick and the tracks sometimes make the difference. The next round in New-Jersey should favor our Acuras because it is very twisty and we are indeed pretty quick around the corners. It will be the first World Challenge outing there but some of us were there last year in the Grand-Am round.”

New Jersey in May: Kuno Wittmer will be back in action at Thunderbolt Raceway, a 2.25-mile race track with 14 turns, on May 1st to the 3rdfor the second round of the SCCA World Challenge. Kunick Autosport will announce in a few weeks the rest of the schedule for both Wittmer brothers, Kuno and Nick. The younger Wittmer is set to race in a Canadian touring series but both are considering other projects being at this point of the year.

From Michel Poirier-Defoy