AIM Takes victory at VIR with Dempsey

Woodbridge, Ontario, April 27, 2009 – AIM Autosport’s Star Mazda squad left Virginia International Raceway with the win on Sunday and had all three drivers in the top ten for the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear. They are second overall in the team championship while Peter Dempsey in the Motorsport Ireland / Queyside.ie No. 3 AIM Autosport / Mobil 1 / MIKE Formula Mazda leads the driver’s championship.

Dempsey, who qualified on the front row for the start, had his work cut out for him in a race that ran mostly under full course caution. Running in second, he was shuffled back to fourth on the first restart and would have to wait until two laps from the end of the race to get past the three team mates running ahead of him. Peter would use every inch of the track going in a drag race to the first turn on the final restart to take the lead position. A last lap challenge from pole sitter Adam Christodoulou worked in Peter’s favor and in another drag race to the checkers, he prevailed by a margin of .038 seconds.

“I really needed this win” Dempsey commented. “It was doubtful that I would even be at VIR until the last moment, so getting the win is what was needed to allow me to continue in the championship. I have to thank everyone at AIM Autosport for the fantastic job this weekend and now we concentrate on taking the momentum of this win forward.”

AIM Autosport’s other cars also had good results finishing in the top ten. In fact, Jorge Goncalvez (72) had a great run to finish in fourth place coming through from twelfth on the starting grid. The Venezuelan took advantage of restarts to move through the pack and record his best result so far. He is now sixth in the championship. David Ostella (Global Precast No. 71) did a great job of recovery after running off course to avoid and accident in front of him. He would cross the line in ninth place after starting from tenth on the grid. David is tenth in the championship.

“All three drivers did a great job this weekend.” said team principal Keith Willis. “We fought a variety of issues with all three cars but had good feedback from the drivers to end the weekend with strong results.” Willis continued, “Peter knew what he had to do this weekend and he just went out and did it. Jorge quietly went about his business and returned a fantastic result moving up eight positions and David put in a solid effort and kept his head. His quick thinking and fast response kept him in it at the end. David is developing as a very smart driver with good skills.”

Next up for the AIM Autosport Mazda team in the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear is the race at Miller Motorsport Park in Tooele, Utah on May 16.

From Chris Jameson / Level Ten Communications

Advertiser of the Day - Streamline Distributing

Jake Thompson Wins Round 2 of the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup

(April 30th, 2009) - Canadian driver Jake Thompson walked away from the opening weekend of the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup with his first career win and established himself as a serious contender for the $100,000 championship prize.

Heading into the weekend Thompson was trying to keep his expectations low. The event at Virginia International Raceway would be his first competition in a race car after moving up from the karting ranks. Those expectations changed after he was able to put his #19 Volkswagen Jetta TDI fourth in official practice. Friday afternoon Thompson would set the tone for a good weekend by qualifying third for race 1 and second for race 2.

Starting from row two for the first race, Thompson made it clear he was looking to begin his pro career with a trip to the top of the podium by making a pair of early moves that put him in the lead on lap 4. His stay at the front would be short lived as he showed his inexperience by going off in turn 14 the following lap. A lengthy trip through the grass relegated Thompson to the middle of the pack, but he immediately went back to work storming to the fastest lap of the race and a new track record. By the end of the 30 minute race he had worked his way back up to 8th place, a good recovery drive to salvage some points for the championship.

Looking for redemption on Sunday, Thompson used his front row grid spot to move into the lead by lap 3. Over the next 10 laps Jake would fend off challenges from both Timmy Megenbeier and defending race winner Mark Pombo to hold onto the top position. On the final lap Pombo made one last attempt for the lead going into Turn 14, but ended up off course, which allowed Thompson to cruise through the final corners for his first win of the season.

“This weekend has been a fantastic start to the year” commented Thompson. “Coming into the season I didn’t know what to expect from my first season in cars, but now I am looking to build on this win and battle for the championship”.

Heading to Round 3 at Miller Motorsports Park, May 17th, Thompson shares the championship lead with Saturday winner Joey Atterbury, and will be looking to build on the momentum he picked up at VIR.

More information can be found at www.jakethompson.ca . Jake can be reached by email at jake@jakethompson.ca 

--

Born in Calgary, AB, 23 year old Jake Thompson is an aspiring race car driver competing in the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Series. Thompson began karting at the age of 13, and in 2004 won the Canadian National Karting Championships in the premier ICC Shifter class. The 2009 Jetta TDI Cup will be Thompson’s rookie season in a full sized race car. In addition to his accomplishments on the race track, Jake holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of British Columbia.

Raabe Continues Momentum from 2008

Chris Raabe and the 01 racing team have picked up where they left off at the conclusion of the 2008 season.  They have not missed a beat a beat since returning to action just 3 weeks ago.

In 4 races since the green flag has waived on the 2009 season, Raabe has put his Scott Industrial Services, Kingston RV, Tyroute Telus, Corcoran Excavating, McColman Media, Kwik Load Products, Canadian Tire Cataraqui, Kingston Hyundai, Word for the World Ministries, Aaron’s Sales & Leasing, Endura Paints, Brunet Plumbing, Waste Management and Finish Line Web Design sponsored TEO car in victory lane 2 times, both at the Can-Am Speedway in Lafargeville, NY.

Even though the stellar winning streak has continued, the competition has definitely stepped up their racing programs over the off season.  The quality, and quantity of cars has been tremendous for the DIRTcar Sportsman class.  42 cars signed into the pit area last Saturday night at Can-Am, followed by 27 the following night at Thunder Alley.

At Can-Am, on Saturday evening, Chris took the lead early, and pulled away, opening up a 3 second lead by lap 11.  Tim Sears Jr. and Jordan Bennett were making there way through the field, and were closing quickly after another 3 laps of green flag racing.  The ensuing caution brought the Sears car right on the back bumper of the 01 car, and it was “game on” for the remainder of the event.  On the final lap, Sears drove his car into the corner deep, roughing up the 01 car, but it wasn’t enough, as Raabe held onto the inside groove and the win.

The following night, the team headed to the Thunder Alley Speed Park, just up the road from Can-Am.  A bad draw put the team in the back of their qualifying heat race, but Chris quickly moved towards the front, and finished 3rd.  With the heads up start format in place, the feature event was lined up based on the finish of each of the 3 qualifying heats.  Chris started the feature from the 9th position, and quickly worked his way towards the front of the field.  With 12 laps to go, Chris was up to second place, looking to pass race leader Brandon Sweet.  Chris went up high to mount his challenge, at the same time, a lapped car moved up as well, holding the 01 car up just enough to allow third place runner Jordan Bennett just enough room to get under Raabe, and make the pass for second, and that is how the race ended.

This coming weekend will be the first triple-header of the season.  Can-Am on Friday evening, followed by Thunder Alley on Saturday, and then the team heads to Rolling Wheels Raceway, to begin their defense of the track championship at the fast Elbridge, New York track.

“The team started to get the 01 car to get a handle at Rolling Wheels by the end of last year, winning the track title”, says car owner Garry McColman.  “However, the team has yet to win at the big 5/8’s mile track.  This weekend will be a challenge as always at “the Wheels”. Chris likes the track as speeds hit just over 110 mph but with the crate motor, it is imperative to get a good starting position in the feature.”

The team will be unveiling its 2009 merchandise in the coming weeks.  It will be available at the track each week, as well as chrisraabe.com. 

PHOTO: Car Owner Garry McColman, and Chris Raabe show off their new Aaron’s sponsorship.

Craig Revelle – Finish Line Web Design

Merrittville Speedway: Global Warranty Corp. invites fans to take the ultimate drive

Thorold, Ontario (April 30) Kendrick Racing made quite an impression last season for new sponsor Global Warranty Corporation in fielding a three car effort with team-mates Todd Kendrick, Tim Jones and Scott George – all three drivers competing in the L. St. Amand Enterprises 358 Modified Division at Merrittville Speedway.

“Once again we’re thrilled to welcome Global Warranty Corporation,” revealed (Merrittville GM) Erica Bicknell, “not only to an exciting night for their staff and customers … but to Kendrick Racing as well … they are excited about their team and the night … it’s says a lot about our sport for a company of their stature to have made such an impact so quickly.”

When Global Warranty Corporation presents Canadian Tire Financial Services Night at the Races Saturday May 9th – the 2009 Team Kendrick will be reunited with three cars in the headline division.

A chance get together between the team’s Todd Kendrick and Danny O’Brien led to the Kingston native driving the team’s #55 to a second place finish last season in the 100 lap Baron Roofing 358 Modified Super DIRTcar Series Opener at the Thorold track.

O’Brien was in the pits once again for April 25th’s rain-delayed event – but he was in the team’s 7Star Bicknell Chassied car that he is preparing to campaign on a weekly basis when the Brockville Speedway opens later in May.

“Everything started with a run in April at Merrittville.  I had a guaranteed starting spot, but my engine wasn’t back from being freshened.  I put in a call to Randy Williamson from Bicknell Racing Products to see if he could hook me up with a ride,” says O’Brien.  “He said he’d spoken to the Kendrick guys and they’d put me in their 3rd car, so I hopped in the truck and headed for the speedway.

"I didn’t have any idea what the car looked like or even what number it was.  I just figured I’d drive around the pits until someone called me over.  The last minute plan turned-out to be a great 2nd place run.  We stayed in touch throughout the year, talked a lot and became good friends.  Now we’ve put together a deal.”

O’Brien is hoping to defend his 3 consecutive track titles at Brockville with the help of the new program in 2009 as well as to improve upon his second place finish in the Mr. DIRTcar 358 modified championship series the last two seasons.

Last season saw Sanborn, NY native Tim Jones reunite with the family-owned Kendrick Race Team and Jones ran to one victory with his Global Warranty 15J. In 2009, Jones will be looking to add to the feature win column although with a new number – 5Star.

Todd Kendrick – with a win under his belt a few seasons ago in the Modern Corporation Open Wheel Lite Division will be looking to improve in his sophomore season as a 358 Modified Driver.

Before the Team Kendrick Drivers take to the track along with competitors from each of the 5 Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series Divisions – Merrittville Speedway will extend a Happy Mother’s Day to all Moms with a $2 Discount on Grandstand Admission.

When the gates open at 5:30 – Moms will get in for $8.

With Canadian Tire Financial Services Employees also in the Grandstands – the second point events in the 2009 Championship Chase will take to the track for the Original Pizza Logs Sportsman, Hoosier Stocks, Modern Corporation Open Wheel Lites, Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinders and the 358 Modifieds.

Canadian Tire Financial Services have been a part of the Niagara Community for over 40 years with locations in St. Catharines and Welland. Showing tremendous growth, Canadian Tire Financial Services have evolved by providing a wide range of financial services to valued Canadian Tire Customers and recently were named the Best Call Centre in North America.

Sign up today for your Options MasterCard and you’ll receive Canadian Tire ‘Money’ rewards virtually everywhere you shop – not just at Canadian Tire.

For further information visit our local Canadian Tire Store or on line at www.canadiantire.ca/financialservices.

Global Warranty Corporation is the leading North American independent warranty provider with more than 4000 dealers and a million customers across Canada and several US States – a market that is expanding.

Global Warranty Corporation meets and exceeds the needs of today’s drivers by providing the ULTIMATE in DRIVING PROTECTION for both Automotive and RV owners.

All new TITANIUM Star Series Plans offer many levels of coverage from basic to complete bumper to bumper packages.

For further information call 1-800 265-1519 from 9 AM to 5 PM EST, log on to www.globalwarrantycorporation.com or visit with representatives Saturday May 9th at Merrittville Speedway.

From Jim Irvine / Merrittville Speedway

INDYCAR: Paul Tracy to come face-to-face with the past at Indy

Las Vegas, NV (April 30, 2009) – In less than a week, 2003 Champ Car champion Paul Tracy will return to the scene of heartbreak.  Seven years removed from a decision that sent him home without the Borg-Warner Trophy, Tracy will arrive in Indianapolis to look his past in the eye and conquer it.

Thanks to GEICO and KV Racing Technology, Tracy will get another shot at claiming what he believes is his; an Indy 500 win.

Long Beach marked the venue for his announcement on April 17th, which seems appropriate given his history there.  Tracy cruised the paddock area as if he were at home.  But why shouldn’t he?  He raced there for eighteen consecutive years and notched his first CART win at Long Beach in 1993.  He recorded four total wins (1993, 2000, 2003 and 2004) at the seaside circuit and counts it as one of his favorite venues.

Tracy’s return to Indy is historic, as he vowed to never again step foot in the legendary speedway after the 2002 outcome.  He is aggressive, out-spoken and often times colorful, but one cannot comprehend his internal drive. Indy is special to ‘PT’ and he was even going to drive his own motorhome from his residence in Las Vegas to Indianapolis Motor Speedway before being convinced otherwise. 

Aside from the necessary training to prepare him physically for the race, Tracy’s days have been riddled with interviews, photo shoots and media productions.  Tracy departed on a red-eye flight in Las Vegas on Sunday night that arrived in Washington, DC, at 7:00 AM on Monday morning.  He participated in a photo shoot and video production for GEICO before returning to the airport and traveling back to Las Vegas on a 5:30 PM flight. 

The remainder of Tracy’s week has been filled with teleconferences, more photo shoots and interviews, including a shoot with RACER magazine, for which he will be keeping a daily blog, at his Las Vegas home.  Capping off his week will be an appearance on Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain on May 3rd at 9:00 PM (ET). 

Tracy is nothing if not focused and amid the chaos he has found peace on his bike and in his physical training regimen. It also helps that his close friend Jimmy Vasser is co-owner of KV Racing Technology and is there to offer him support above and beyond the race track.  At one-point fierce competitors, Tracy and Vasser have always maintained a close friendship, along with GEICO’s NASCAR driver Max Papis. Busy with his own NASCAR schedule during the month of May, Papis has said that he will be on-hand in Indy to offer support to his friend/teammate. 

If ever there were a time when the stars were aligned, it would be now.  Friends and supporters surround Tracy, and with GEICO and KV Racing Technology backing his effort he is going to have the opportunity to do great things in the month of May.

“Indy is important to me because I feel like I won the race in 2002, but a decision was made otherwise,” Tracy said. “I look around my home and it’s the one trophy that has escaped me, so I am looking forward to returning to the 500 and taking another shot at it.  People close to me know my passion for the history of racing and it’s no secret that the Indy 500 is the biggest race in the world, so a win for me, GEICO and KV Racing is our goal.” 

Tracy walks and talks with resounding confidence, but deep down inside there is a fire burning.  He is a champion.  He is tops in nearly every category.  But there is still one more thing out there and it awaits him in Speedway, Indiana. 

For more information about GEICO Racing, please visit www.geicogarage.com. For more information about Paul Tracy, please visit www.paultracy.com. For more information about KV Racing Technology, please visit www.kvracingtechnology.com.

From Doug Barnette / Player Management International, Inc.

KONI CHALLENGE: Pritiko Heads to New Jersey with Fresh Powerplant

TORONTO, ON - Compass360 Racing Team driver Matt Pritiko is looking to make up points in the 2009 Koni Challenge Series this coming weekend at the New Jersey Motorsports Park. He and co-driver Travis Walker were very competitive at Homestead Miami Speedway, but sadly mechanical problems ended their run. A fresh powerplant in the Compass360 Racing Honda Civic Si should get Pritiko back to the front of the field.

"I’m really looking forward to a good result in New Jersey. We had such a great finish at Daytona that the DNF at Homestead really hurt. That’s behind us now and the Compass360 team is ready to go."

Pritiko hopes to get a podium finish with his Compass360 Racing Honda Civic Si in a very tight ST class battle. “Qualifying well is so important in this class. The field is very competitive so a good starting position is a huge advantage."

The Grand-Am Koni Challenge takes place at New Jersey Motorsport Park May 1 - 2, 2009.
Race time is May 2, 3:00 PM ET; Duration: 250 mi or 2:30

Matt Pritiko Fast Facts: Matt Pritiko is one of Canada’s up and coming stars of motorsport. He is from London Ontario. In 2007, Pritiko completed his rookie season in Koni Challenge, finishing 15th in the standings, with a top five and four top tens. Pritiko was a member of Sunoco’s Team Ultra 94 and collected 1 win, 2 poles and five podiums in the Bridgestone F2000 Series. In 2002, Pritiko is was 2nd in F125/80cc in the Point Pelee Championships and took home the 2002 Most Sportsmanlike award. Pritiko is supported by Burwell Auto Body.

Compass360 Racing Fast Facts: Compass360 Racing (C360R) is the Motorsports division of Compass360, a marketing communications firm based in Toronto, Canada. Compass360 offers Brand Development and Deployment to clients in financial services, entertainment, advocacy and automotive sectors. Their work includes traditional advertising in television, radio and print, as well as 
corporate identity, logo creation, documentary film, website development and communications in non-traditional on-line media and event marketing. Compass360 Racing will field four Acuras in Grand Am's KONI Challenge in 2008, building on their third straight Manufacturer's Title and a strong second-place finish in the Driver and Team Championships in 2007.

PHOTO CREDIT – Ed Gatner

Release prepared by Russ Bond Agency, Inc. (www.russbondagency.com). For more information contact Russ Bond r.bond@russbondagency.com or 416-312-2900

Tillsonburg Indoor Speedway set for Saturday practice

From Dave Chesterman / Tillsonburg Indoor Speedway

Can you believe the season opening event is here?

Saturday May 2nd 2009 is the Opening practice for the Tillsonburg Outlaws at the Tillsonburg Indoor Speedway. Memberships will be available from 9 am to 3pm at Chesterman Power Products. Practice time will run continually during those hours. Although mainly for our club, practice day is open to members of any Ontario clubs that would like to try running on the unique indoor layout.

Please have all your safety gear and Kart ready to go for this first date. 10 points will be given to every 2009 competitor that practices on Saturday. That's certainly a good way to get your season started.

The track progress is coming nicely. Tuesday night we watered heavily in preparation for the rolling it will get Friday night right before the practice. If you look closely at the flaggers view of the track, you will see the new caution lights we will be using this year.  The track exit is changed slightly this year to clean things up in that area. Pre-race staging will be in the former pit area. All pits will be outside for 2009.

Tuesday May 5 will be the first race of the season.

See you at the track.

Dave Chesterman

Chesterman Power Products // Tillsonburg Indoor MX ... located on hwy 3 just west of Tillsonburg
www.chesterman.ca

Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints Releases Tour 2009 Schedule

SYRACUSE, NY – The first green flag is just three weeks away and the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints (ESS) officially announces the 2009 racing schedule with the 26th Anniversary Tour promising to be one of the most exciting ever.  A total of 24 dates with 20 full point shows fill the docket with record point funds awaiting the teams that visit the ESS tour for the ’09 season.

Of course the main goal is the overall ESS championship and the battle for the Lucas Oil Cup which Steve Poirier currently holds possession of.  For 2009 there will also be the lucrative and record setting Northwood 2 Construction/LaSalle Motorsports Canadian Sprint Series and the first ever SUNY Canton Series where well over $30,000 in cash is up for grabs and that total will increase during the coarse of the season.

New tracks, special weekends and as tradition, ESS will be a part of two traditional high paying events and anchor a brand new first time endeavor in Quebec.   The goal is to have each full point event $2,000 to win to go along with events that pay $3,000, $6,000 and $9,000 to win.  No doubt that there will be a boat load of money to be had.

All the action kicks off on Memorial Day Weekend as the Fonda and Utica-Rome Speedways bring in the year with style with two $2,000 to win events.  For the first time ever, the “Track of Champions” will kick off the point season and also they will decide the ESS champion as well in September.  Gene Cole’s half-mile in Vernon, NY will again host three events and as years past they will help celebrate the big three summer holiday weekends.  To make these events even more important, not only will there be $2,000 awaiting the A-Main winner but they will also be a part of the seven race SUNY Canton Series.

The very next weekend, western Ontario will see the invasion from the cars and stars of ESS and also kick off the Canadian Sprint Series.  The Ohsweken Speedway will crank up the action on Friday and then the next evening it’s the return to the Bicknell family promoted Merrittville Speedway after a one year hiatus.

To bring in June, it’s the first of three weekend visits to Autodrome’s Granby and Drummond.  Each year the trips up into Quebec prove to be one of the favorites on the ESS tour where fans great the teams by the thousands.  All six events will be the richest full point events on the tour paying $2,000 to win and $450 to take the green.  If a race team fails to qualify they will still take home at least $225 on each night.

Three Friday night events will fill out the month of June with a stop to the Autodrome Edelweiss Speedway for the first of two events at this wild and exciting 1/3rd mile oval on June 12.  After nine years ESS is proud to make a return to the Friesen family owned and promoted Ransomville Speedway.  The beautiful half-mile near Niagara Falls always showcased exciting ESS events and for 2009 it will be no different.  One week later it’s to the Mohawk International Raceway and under the new management the sprinters will be greeted by the largest number of improvements any track has ever seen.

The Fourth of July Holiday Weekend will have three SUNY Canton Events and for the first time ever in ESS history there will be back to back full point events held at the same facility.  The Can-Am Motorsports Park will run $2,000 to win events on Friday and then right back on Saturday.  Fans will expect a huge field of cars for these events.  Then it’s right down the road to Utica-Rome on Sunday.

Vern Wasson’s Woodhull Raceway will hold a $2,000 to win event on Sat. July 11th before its back into Canada at Edelweiss on July 17th and the second Granby/Drummond weekend on July 31/Aug. 1st.

A well deserved weekend off before teams will be geared up to be a part of the first annual Quebec Sprint Car Nationals which will see $6,000 up for grabs to the winner with a $30,000 total purse being offered.  ESS will be the lead sanction for the open competition event that will see the largest sprint car field in Quebec sprint car history.

It's back to Granby and Drummond to start the Labor Day weekend with this visit having an added importance as they are the final full point shows for the Northwood 2 Construction/LaSalle Motorsports Canadian Sprint Car Series.  On Sunday night it will be the final event at Utica-Rome.

The Arrow Express Canadian Sprint Car Nationals at the Ohsweken Speedway will mark the fifth annual version and ESS has been a part of Canada’s biggest 360 sprint car event for all five years.  ESS tour regulars have been a huge part of the Nationals history with Jeff VanDusen and Lance Yonge’s second and third place finishes in the inaugural event on to Steve Poirier’s triumphs years two and three.  Sept. 18 and 19 will be the dates with Sunday the 20th as a rain date for the $9,000 to win Nationals.

On Sept 26th the Fonda Speedway will crown the overall Lucas Oil/ESS champion and also the SUNY Canton Series champ.  To make this event even sweeter, ESS and SUNY Canton has set out a challenge to all outsiders.  If a non-ESS regular wins the 25 lap A-Main a $1,000 bonus will be paid making the finale $3,000 to win.

Friday, October 9th the annual NY Sprint Car Challenge for Super DIRT Week will be held for the first time at the Cayuga County Fair Speedway and bring a close to the 2009 season.  ESS will once again work side by side with the United Racing Company for the $3,000 to win affair.

Steve Poirier is the defending and now two-tome ESS champion.  But the challengers is a long list…Lance Yonge, Alain Bergeron, Michael Parent, Jeff Cook, Justin Barger, Chuck Hebing, Tim Kelly, Brian McDonald, Lee Ladouceur, Tommy Wickham, Mike Stelter, Anthony Cain, Bubby Kerrick, Doug Emery, Normand Beaudreault, Cory Sparks and many, many more will be at a host of the ESS events for 2009.

For more information feel free to log on to the newly redesigned www.empiresupersprints.com where the tradition of excitement guaranteed is carried on for over 26 years!

The LUCAS OIL Empire Super Sprints Tour 2009!!!

Sat. May 23 – Fonda Speedway, Fonda, NY - $2,000 to win!

            A-Main sponsored by Herrington Farms, Heats $100 to win! By Herrington Farms.

Sun. May 24 – Utica-Rome Speedway, Vernon, NY - $2,000 to win!

            SUNY Canton Series

Fri. May 29 – Ohsweken Speedway, Ohsweken, Ont.

Sat. May 30 – Merrittville Speedway, Thorold, Ont.

Fri. June 5 – Autodrome Granby, Granby, Que. - $2,000 to win!

            Fondations 4 Saisons A-Main

Sat. June 6 – Autodrome Drummond, Drummondville, Que. - $2,000 to win!

            Fondations 4 Saisons A-Main

Fri. June 12 – Autodrome Edelweiss Speedway, Cantley, Que.

Fri. June 19 – Ransomville Speedway, Ransomville, NY

Fri. June 26 – Mohawk Int’l Raceway, Hogansburg, NY - $2,000 to win!

            SUNY Canton Series

Fri. July 3 – Can-Am Motorsports Park, LaFargeville, NY - $2,000 to win!

            SUNY Canton Series

Sat. July 4 – Can-Am Motorsports Park, LaFargeville, NY - $2,000 to win!

            SUNY Canton Series

Sun. July 5 – Utica-Rome Speedway, Vernon, NY - $2,000 to win!

            SUNY Canton Series

Sat. July 11 – Woodhull Raceway, Woodhull, NY - $2,000 to win!

Fri. July 17 – Autodrome Edelweiss Speedway, Cantley, Que.

Fri. July 31 – Autodrome Granby, Granby, Que. - $2,000 to win!

            Fondations 4 Saisons A-Main

Sat. Aug. 1 – Autodrome Drummond, Drummondville, Que. - $2,000 to win!

            Fondations 4 Saisons A-Main

Sat. Aug. 15 – Autodrome Drummond, Drummondville, Que. - $6,000 to win!

            1st Annual Quebec Sprint Car Nationals by Fondations 4 Saisons

Fri. Sept. 4 – Autodrome Granby, Granby, Que. - $2,000 to win!

            Fondations 4 Sasions A-Main

Sat. Sept. 5 – Autodrome Drummond, Drummondville, Que - $2,000 to win!

            Fondations 4 Saisons A-Main

Sun. Sept. 6 – Utica-Rome Speedway, Vernon, NY - $2,000 to win!

            SUNY Canton Series

Fri. Sept. 18 – Ohsweken Speedway, Ohsweken, Ont.

            The Night Before the Nationals

Sat. Sept. 19 – Ohsweken Speedway, Ohsweken, Ont. - $9,000 to win!

            Arrow Express Canadian Sprint Car Nationals

Sat. Sept. 26 – Fonda Speedway, Fonda, NY - $2,000 to win!

            SUNY Canton Series, $1,000 ESS Challenge!

Fri. Oct. 9 – Cayuga County Fair Speedway, Weedsport, NY - $3,000 to win!

            NY Sprint Car Challenge.

From Dean Reynolds

A1GP Mexico City Cancelled

London, Great Britain –A1GP World Cup of Motorsport has been forced to cancel round eight of the 2008/09 season, A1GP Mexico City, Mexico on 22-24 May after the recent outbreaks of swine flu and the advisory from the UK Foreign Office to cancel non essential travel to the country.

“To say we are disappointed to have to make this call is an understatement,” said A1GP Chairman, Tony Teixeira. “When the news of the health problems broke last week we made sure we kept ourselves up to date with the latest information. It soon became obvious this was not an isolated health risk, and when the UK Foreign Office put out its advisory and the World Health Organization raised the level of influenza pandemic alert that was when we had to make our decision. We must have the safety of all members of the A1GP community as well as the thousands of loyal fans in Mexico City as our prime concern,” he added.

The cargo was due to be flown out to Mexico directly after the Brands Hatch race and so this was another factor in the decision. “If we had flown our cars out and not been able to send the teams to run them it would have been a waste of time and money. However, this cancellation does not impact on the future of the series and once Brands Hatch is over we shall be concentrating on Season Five, for which plans are already well advanced,” said Teixeira.

Now this weekend’s race A1GP Brands Hatch, Great Britain will be the final round of the championship. Going into this race there are three teams A1Team Switzerland, A1 Team Ireland and A1 Team Portugal who can still win the coveted trophy. This will mean the title race will go down to the wire as none of these teams can win the title in the Sprint race.
The permutations are numerous and complicated meaning it will be a real cliff hanger and are as follows:

Switzerland will win the title if the following cases BOTH happen*

Ireland scores less than 3 points or Switzerland outscores Ireland by at least 2 points

Portugal scores less than 7 points or Portugal doesn't outscore Switzerland by more than 2 points

If scores are tied Switzerland need to maintain its better tie-break results – presently Switzerland has four wins to Ireland’s three and Portugal's one

Ireland will win the title if the following ALL happen*

Ireland scores at least 3 points+ Ireland doesn't lose more than 1 point to Switzerland

Ireland doesn't lose more than 4 points to Portugal

If scores are tied Ireland needs to have better tie-break results – presently Switzerland has four wins to Ireland’s three, and Portugal's one

Portugal will win the title if the following ALL happen*

Portugal scores at least 7 points

Portugal outscores Switzerland by at least 3 points

Portugal outscores Ireland by at least 5 points

If nations are tied on points at the end of the season, the number of victories will determine the champion. If that is the same, it is number of second places, then third places and so on until a winner is determined.

From A1GP

TEAM MOPAR ON TRACK TO PREPARE FOR THE 2009 SEASON

April 29, 2009. Ron Beauchamp Jr. and he entire #60 Mopar Dodge Avenger team began on track preparations for the 2009 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series season at Delaware Speedway as part of the annual Mopar team test day. And as expected the Mopar Dodge Avenger is on schedule and showed great on track performance.

After months of working indoors at their race shop in Windsor, Ontario it was the first opportunity for Team Mopar to get their #60 Dodge Avenger out on the track to see how the work translated to on track performance. The results were very pleasing. “I’m very happy with how the car was today” said driver Ron Beauchamp Jr. “Today we wanted to make sure that every part of the car worked the way it was supposed to and see how any adjustments we made changed the performance, it was a good learning day for us” he added.

Crew Chief Chris Couvillion was equally pleased with how well the Mopar Parts Dodge showed. “I’d say we’re about an eight out of ten right now” he concluded. “We started the day on old tires, and the car was very strong. We want to make a few more changes and then we’ll get back on track to try them out before the start of the season. Right now I feel really good and feel that we’re very close to being ready to start the season and performing at the level we expect” he stated.

With such a positive showing in the first test session of the year the Mopar Parts Dodge team expects to continue with the strong efforts that concluded the 2008 season as they claimed podium finishes in back to back races. “The whole team has picked up right where we left off last year” said Ron Jr. “Everybody worked really well together over the winter and now we can’t wait to get the season underway” he said enthusiastically.

Next up will be an open test for NASCAR Canadian Tire series teams on Saturday May 2nd at Delaware Speedway.

The 2009 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series racing season opens at the Autodrome St. Eustache on Saturday May 23rd. Team Mopar will participate in all thirteen events that take place on ovals, road courses and temporary street circuits. You can follow the action all year long with the television broadcasts on TSN. For more information about Team Mopar and Ron Beauchamp Jr. at http://www.beauchampmotorsports.com/ and http://www.nascar.ca/

KENNINGTON PRACTICES AT A FAVOURITE TRACK AND WELCOMES MAHINDRA TRACTORS SPONSORSHIP

April 29, 2009. It was like returning home for former track champion DJ Kennington as he took to the friendly confines of the Delaware Speedway ½ mile oval to begin preparations for the 2009 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series season at the annual Mopar team practice session. Though he only ran a handful of laps, Kennington quickly had the attention of those present and showed he is ready to do battle at each event and fight for the championship.

The Castrol team has worked tirelessly preparing their Dodge Avenger for the new season and believes they have all the elements necessary to complete their mission and secure a championship. “This is the first step” said Kennington. “We only did a few laps today but we found out some good information, now we’re going to head back to the shop and make some adjustments that we think will take us another step forward” he added.

Last season Kennington completed a year of remarkable consistency with top-ten finishes in eleven of the thirteen race events. While proud of the accomplishment the team came felt disappointed they did not collect a victory. “All of the guys are more determined than ever to break through and get a victory” said Kennington. “We know we’re a contender at every event, but I want to be holding the checkered flag afterwards” he stated.

Coming on board this season as a supporting sponsor for the #17 Dodge is Mahindra Tractors, builders of some of the most rugged and reliable compact tractors, utility tractors and full size tractors. Mahindra entered the US market in 1994 and operates two assembly and distribution centers. Mahindra has been the largest selling brand in the world since 1983. “I developed a relationship with Mahindra through some of my Nationwide series racing and I’m really happy to have them come aboard and support our Canadian program here and help us out” said Kennington.

Next on the schedule is an open NASCAR Canadian Tire Series test day on Saturday May 2nd at Delaware Speedway. “We’ll be back to try some of our changes and do a little fine turning but we’re pretty much ready to” said the driver enthusiastically. “I’m really anxious to get going this year”.

The 2009 NASCAR Canadian Tire series will consist of thirteen events and begins competition on Saturday May 23rd at the Autodrome St. Eustache. Competition this year will also include events at the Edmonton Indy weekend, the NASCAR weekend in Montreal and new tracks for this season, Auto Clearing Speedway in Saskatoon and Delaware Speedway where Kennington is a former track champion. Once again this season each race will be broadcast on TSN.

JOEY HANSSEN TURNS FIRST LAPS ON TRACK IN PRIME CHAMP DODGE

April 29, 2009. The challenge of becoming a competitor in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series began this past week for 18 year old Joey Hanssen of the Netherlands as he completed his first ever laps in a stock car at Delaware Speedway just outside London, Ontario. The day began by getting comfortable with the equipment and quickly turned into an impressive start to the young mans career.

Under the watchful eye of series veteran DJ Kennington who is fielding and preparing the cars for Hanssen the first few tours of the speedway were simply easing around the ½ mile oval to give the youngster the time to get used to the racing line. In only a few short hours of on track running the speeds increased and the lap times dramatically fell to a very competitive level. “I can’t tell you how proud I am of how he did in his first time out there” said Kennington who worked the radio to help guide Hanssen around the track. “He’s used to driving Go-Karts and Formula cars which are very different from these heavy stock cars but with only a short practice he did remarkably well” he added.

Helping to make the transition to stock cars is racing veteran Kenny Forth who will be the crew chief for the team. “I remember when I did my first laps after running Formula Cars so I know what he’s feeling” said Forth. “He did a great job his first time out and with a little more experience he’ll be fine” he concluded.

Primary sponsorship for the #40 car that Hanssen will drive this season is provided by Prime Champ. Prime Champ is one of Europe’s largest environmentally friendly producers of all natural mushrooms with no pesticides used at any stage of the production process. Prime Champ supplies large retailers, discounters and industrial food services in the UK, Germany and Netherlands.

Hanssen will campaign the #40 Prime Champ Dodge Avenger for the full season of NASCAR Canadian Tire Series events and compete for the rookie of the year honours. After his first experience in the cars the verdict was written all over the 18 year old Hanssen’s face “It was fun” he smiled.

The Prime Champ team will return to Delaware Speedway on Saturday May 2nd for another test day to give Hanssen as much seat time as possible in preparation for the upcoming season.

The 2009 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series season begins May 23rd at the Autodrome St. Eustache, Quebec. This years schedule will consist of thirteen races on ovals, road courses and temporary street circuits from coast to coast in Canada. Races will be seen on TSN.

From Todd Lewis

Heart attack kills NASCAR journalist David Poole

Statement from Brian France, NASCAR Chairman and CEO

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (April 28, 2009) – “The NASCAR community is stunned and saddened by the loss of David Poole. David was as passionate about NASCAR as anyone and had very definitive opinions about the sport. He served the industry, and most importantly the fans, through his reporting and commentary in the Charlotte Observer and Sirius Satellite Radio. Our thoughts and prayers go out to David’s family and friends. He will be missed.”

From NASCAR

ALSO: Poole's blog was located here. His most recent post was on the big wreck at Talledega.

UPDATE: ESPN has a bio / story on Poole here.

UPDATE: Comment from Talladega.... "“Losing David is a huge blow to the NASCAR community. I feel we have lost one of the “old-guard” of the NASCAR press corps. As a longtime motorpsorts journalist, David was as knowledgeable about NASCAR as anyone I have ever met. I want his family to know that the thoughts and prayers of everyone at Talladega Superspeedway are with them during this difficult time. “
-Talladega Superspeedway President Rick Humphrey

FIREFIGHTERS & ICE CREAM - THIS SPRING’S HOTTEST COMBINATION

Baskin Robbins Canada Hosts 31 Cent Scoop Night To Help Firefighters Build Permanent Memorial

WHAT: Save the date: April 29th is 31 Cent Scoop Night at all Baskin Robbins across Canada! Local firefighters are teaming up with Baskin Robbins stores across the country to raise money to build a national memorial. From 5-10pm a Junior Scoop of any flavour in the store or the new Soft Serve cone will cost only 31 cents. This is a great chance to get out with friends and family and enjoy spring in your community with firefighters taking part in the celebration. While enjoying your favourite ice cream explore the fire truck and chat with firefighters about the role they play in Canada and their hopes for an Ottawa monument.*

WHY: The Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation is raising funds to build the only permanent, national memorial to firefighters who’ve died in the line of duty. Baskin Robbins is helping them make this happen. In addition to a $10,000 donation to CFFF, Baskin Robbins invites the public to make donations that night in the stores.

Even though provincial and municipal groups have paid homage to firefighters who have died in the line of duty, there has never been an organized national venue to honour Canadian fallen firefighters.

WHEN: Wednesday, April 29th, 2009
5 to 10 p.m.

WHERE: Baskin Robbins store locations across Canada
To find the closest Baskin Robbins location in your area, please visit www.baskinrobbins.ca

Please check out the official Baskin Robbins’ Facebook Fan Page http://www.facebook.com/BaskinRobbinsCanada
for more 31 Cent Scoop Night news & updates.

COST: The cost of a 2.5 oz scoop of hard ice cream or the new 3oz soft serve cone from 5pm-10pm on April 29th, 2009 will be 31 cents plus applicable taxes.

* Firefighters and trucks will be present at most but not all locations, media please contact On Q Communications if you’re planning to visit a store.

Advertiser of the Day - NGK Spark Plugs Canada

AIM Autosport VIR Race Report

Danville, Virginia (2009.04.26) After running near the front most of the day, the AIM Autosport team had to settle for eleventh place when a late race spin and problems in the ensuing pit stop put the CONSOL Energy No 61 Ford Riley two laps down in the Bosch Engineering 250 at Virginia International Raceway.

Leading up to the race, the big concern would be the heat. Temperatures were in the mid nineties and the track temperature was much higher. Tire wear and driver fatigue could be issues and fuel consumption is always at the top of everyone’s list of things to watch.

Burt Frisselle started the race having done a fantastic job to qualify the car in fourth place. From the drop of the green Burt would go on a charge working through to third. He was on pace with the leaders when an early yellow allowed the team to pit for fuel and cover the mandatory pit stop in the forty-five minute window. The crew also changed the nose that had sustained damage when a competitor tried an aggressive move on the course making contact with the car. Burt was running in fifth when the second of the day’s four full course cautions came out. The Team called the CONSOL Energy No 61 Ford Riley to the pit for fuel, a scrub set of Pirelli P-Zero tires and a driver change.

Mark went back on track in ninth place and would be on pace and record the car’s fastest lap, a 1:44.024 just seven laps into his stint. Mark was within six seconds of the leader when a car spinning off course had the front-running DP teams anticipating a caution and coming in for quick stops to assure track position. A pit stop for fuel, sticker tires and a clean windshield for Mark but the car stalled and Mark lost seconds and positions getting it restarted. The caution did not come out and the race ran green for a long stretch. Without the yellow, AIM and other teams were forced into a fuel-saving strategy as they had taken the stop outside the normal fuel window. Mark was back up to seventh spot on lap seventy-one when the wheels fell off – figuratively at first, then literally.

The drink bottle in the car was not working properly and Mark was affected by a lack of hydration and eventually a lack of concentration. He would go spinning off course at the end of the back straight but gathered it up and brought the car in. The high track temperatures had also affected tire wear so it was decided that a fresh set should go on the car and at the same time take a splash of fuel. The unscheduled stop caught the crew a bit off guard and a problem with the air wand caused the car to drop before the right-front wheel was secured. The usual cue to leave the pits is when the car comes down off the jacks so Mark hit the gas. As he left the box, the wheel came off leaving him to come to a stop near the end of pit lane. The crew gathered up the wheel and a new wheel nut and headed down pit lane where the Michael Shank team offered assistance to secure the wheel. Mark was back on track but the car was now two laps down.

The race ran the full time limit of two hours and forty-five minutes covering eighty-one laps. The CONSOL Energy No. 61 Ford Riley was recorded in eleventh at the checkered.

The team sits thirteenth overall after two rounds in the championship going into the next race at New Jersey Motorsport Park where the No. 61 Ford Riley took the pole. AIM was fourteenth after two rounds last season.

The Verizon 250 at New Jersey Motorsport Park starts at 1:00 p.m. ET on Sunday May 3rd. The race will be broadcast live on SPEED TV.

Photo Credit: Tom Cinnamon // From Chris Jameson / Level Ten Communications

Indy Lights: Kansas Points for Hinch on Oval Debut

Kansas Points for Hinch on Oval Debut

Toronto, Canada (April 27, 2009) – James Hinchcliffe’s oval racing debut in the Firestone Indy Lights Series saw the Canadian produce a 12th place finish after 67 flat-out laps at the Kansas Speedway in Sunday’s ‘Kansas Lottery 100’, 26th April.

After back-to-back third place podiums in St. Petersburg and Long Beach, the 22-year-old Toronto racer had to settle for 18 points for his finish in Kansas but remains planted in the top-five in the Driver Standings with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway up next in a month’s time.

Hoping to translate his front-running pace from the season opening street races into Saturday’s qualifying run on the 1.5-mile Speedway, James’ strong run of form was halted abruptly on his out lap as a fuel-pump issue sidelined his shot at the pole.  As a result ‘Hinch’ had to start Sunday’s race 23rd in the 24-car field while his Sam Schmidt Motorsports team-mate and former series champion, New Zealand’s Wade Cunningham claimed the pole with a fast lap posted at 187.458mph.

While the start of Sunday’s ‘Kansas Lottery 100’ proved chaotic, at least from the perspective of James’ #7 Hinchtown.Com Dallara-Firestone entry, it didn’t take the rookie long to settle into a rhythm.  Adapting quickly to racing in the draft on an oval, the Ontario ace was successfully working his way through the order before an unscheduled pit-stop dropped him a lap down on the leaders.

Contact with Pablo Donoso, after the Chilean driver had dropped suddenly down the track pinning Hinchcliffe to the white line, resulted in a broken front-wing for the Canadian and an unwelcomed pit-stop for a replacement.  Despite the challenges faced over the weekend, James’ 12th place finish saw him score for the fourth time in four races, keeping alive his aim of a rookie championship title.  Colombia’s Sebastian Saavedra claimed the win ahead of pole-man Cunningham and Brazilian Mario Romancini.

“Challenging is certainly an accurate way of describing my weekend,” stated Hinchcliffe.  “Our problem in qualifying certainly put me behind the eight-ball as far as the race was concerned, something made all the more frustrating given the pace demonstrated by my team-mates in qualifying first and third.  I should have been up there too but it wasn’t to be.  Taking everything that happened in Kansas into account, the outcome certainly could have been a lot worse.  To come away 12th with an okay points haul is relatively satisfactory and I learned a bunch heading to Indy.”

The 2009 Firestone Indy Lights Series heads to the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway next month and the ‘Freedom 100’, set for Friday 22nd May, two days before the world-renowned Indy 500 on Sunday 24th May.

2009 Top-5 Indy Lights Drivers – R4/15: 1st Summerton (USA) 130pts, 2nd Strous (NED) 126pts, 3rd Saavedra (COL) 123pts, 4th Hildebrand (USA) 116pts, 5th Hinchcliffe (CAN) 116pts – www.indycar.com/indylights

Photo Credit – ‘James Hinchcliffe holds a top-five standing heading to Indy – Levitt / LAT
For further information or interview requests please contact James Hinchcliffe: james@jameshinchcliffe.com

Rick Young's Rick at the Races - April 25-26, 2009

PIC 1   The Gauvreau team of Chelsea (Quebec) at Merrittville
PIC 2   Pete Bicknell of St Caterines (Ont) at his own track of Merrittville
PIC 3  Bobby Herrington of Kingston (Ont) at Merrittville
PIC 4  Todd Stewart,  Kingston (Ont) and Dale Planck , Cortland NY at Merrittville
PIC 5  Joel Doiron of Alexandria ( Ont) at Merrittville
PIC 6  Yours Truly at the DIRT MUSEUM Weedsport NY
PIC 7 Modified action at Weedsport
PIC 8  Sportsman action at Weedsport
PIC 9  Steve Paine in action at Weedsport
PIC 10 Jeremy Pitcher takes the Sportman victory at Weedsport
PIC 11  Steve Paine takes the Modified victory at Weedsport
PIC 12  The North Bay Speedway (Ont)

Following last week's rain out of the 358 SUPER DIRTCAR SERIES opener at the Can Am Speedway , Lafargeville (NY), the honor of staging the first round went to the Merrittville Speedway ,Ont. (for their series race scheduled for April 25) .

Merrittville staged the 2008 opener and I was there to see Dale Planck of Cortland NY take the honors. I always enjoy my visits to this venue, located just a short distance from the world famous Niagara Falls. This past weekend I made the trip again. According to the weather forecast, this years event was to be warm and sunny just like last year . Once again. I was joined by my buddy Roger Aubin and made the 6 hour journey in his Ford Escape. Like the weather man said it was a lovely sunny day when we arrived in the 'Falls' soon after midday, but things were soon to change.

There were over fifty 358 Modifieds in the pits, including many long distance travelers. The warm ups got underway which were followed by the time trials, just as the sky got darker. As the heats took place a few drops of rain began to fall as Mother Nature began to tease us. All around us the skies were black except for a stretch of brightness just above.

The odd spots of rain that fell had no effect and the heat races were completed with no problems. It looked like we might be lucky, and the show would survive as the first of the consi's took to the track. The spots of rain got more intense as the checkers fell, and before the second one could take the green, the track became un-raceable. It did ease off for a while as Mother Nature continued to tease, but by the time the inevitable cancellation had been announced the track was undergoing down pour conditions.

It was then back to the Motel for a beer !

The next day, we used the nearby Niagara Falls border crossing to the USA for part two of our weekend racing adventure. The destination was the Cayuga County Fair Speedway at Weedsport, New York. We had plenty of time to kill so took the scenic route through the Finger Lakes region. We stopped off at one of the many wineries where I bought a souvenir bottle of dry red.

On arrival at Weedsport we took a tour of the DIRT MUSEUM and HALL of FAME that's located on the Fairgrounds. I've been there a number of times before, but it's always worth another visit.

Racing started prompt at 6-00pm for the program headed by Modifieds and Sportsman. The Modified ranks were low as we'd expected (16) due to the conflicting SUPER DIRT SERIES race at the Big Diamond Speedway PA, but the quantity of Sportsman was more than adequate . Steve Paine took the victory in the Modifieds with Jeremy Pitcher doing likewise in the Sportsman. It was a beautiful sunny night and the show was over before 8-30 pm. Just right for a quick get away, allowing an arrival home in Long Sault (Ont) around mid night.

OTHER STUFF ... HELP NEEDED

Regular readers will know that I'm involved in TRACKCHASING, albeit in the 'minor leagues' . Check out www.trackchaser.net.

Last week on our forum National Speedway Directory publisher Allen Brown posed a question about the Bristol Speedway in Timmins, Ontario. We are trying to find out if it is still operating. It can clearly be seen on the Google satelite picture.

<http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=timmins&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&split=0&gl=ca&ei=hZrvScCUG5K6M6mZ3O4P&ll=48.417314,-81.477495&spn=0.001741,0.003455&t=h&z=18 <http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=timmins&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&split=0&gl=ca&ei=hZrvScCUG5K6M6mZ3O4P&ll=48.417314,-81.477495&spn=0.001741,0.003455&t=h&z=18> >

Will White our TRACKCHASING Commissioner from Quakertown PA managed to find some documentation that indicated it was still running in 2007. If anyone out there can supply me with any up to date info, I would greatly appreciate it.

Another track in the same area that can still clearly be seen on the satelite is the North Bay Speedway, Ontario.

<http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=north+bay+ont&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&split=0&gl=ca&ei=2unwSaDgM4GEtweazMSmDw&ll=46.304564,-79.399395&spn=0.007249,0.013819&t=h&z=16>

It's located east of the city beside Hwy 17 , the Trans Canada Highway. Back in the late 1990's/early 2000's my work schedule took me past the track many times during race days, but I had no time to stop. I watched a bit of the action from my truck parked on the shoulder, but could not risk staying too long. I did go back for a closer look about five years ago while on a site seeing trip with my parents who were visiting from the UK but there was no racing taking place.

Will White attended what he believes was one of the last races there in 2003. If anyone knows if it is still running in present times, again any information would be appreciated. Actually if anyone knows of anything going on 'racing wise' in Northern Ontario , (Sudbury etc) I'd like to know.

Www.rickattheraces.com WEBSITE NEWS

Thanks to Modified driver, Wallace Stacey and Josee from the Lalonde Racing Team who are the two latest entries in the Guest Book, Check out Marc Lalonde's web site: www.lalonderaceteam.com.

TW Steel – A1GP R7 Preview Brands Hatch, Great Britain

Amsterdam, The Netherlands (April 27, 2009) – Great Britain’s Brands Hatch Grand Prix Circuit once again plays host to the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport this weekend, Friday 1st – Sunday 3rd May, the Kent-based race track a fixture on the schedule since it hosted the inaugural A1GP races in September 2005.

A1GP’s return to Brands Hatch this week also marks the first anniversary of TW Steel becoming ‘Official Watch & Timing Partner’ to the series, the deal being signed and announced exactly a year ago at the corresponding race meeting. Since then, TW Steel has become a permanent fixture at A1GP events throughout the world during Season Four (08-09), the first in the ‘Powered by Ferrari’ era of competition.

Brands Hatch will see the hosting of the seventh national round of ‘Miss TW Steel’ with Sunday’s finalists competing to represent the UK in the grand finale, also set to be hosted in the UK with details to be confirmed shortly. The winner of ‘Miss TW Steel UK’ will win her very own TW Steel watch and $1500 US. On offer at the grand finale is a cash prize of $25,000 US, a professional photo-shoot with a leading lifestyle magazine and of course, the title of ‘Miss TW Steel’.

Race fans will have the opportunity to see the TW Steel range for themselves courtesy of an on-site sales platform at Brands Hatch. TW Steel’s A1GP watches, as won by the weekend’s A1GP pole-sitters and Feature race top-three finishers, will be available for those keen to emulate the best of the best on-track.

TW Steel enjoys a presence at some of the UK’s leading retailers including Harrods, Selfridges, Ernest Jones, Beaverbrooks, Goldsmiths and leading jewellers nationwide.

Race Britannia!
A1 Team Great Britain boasts one of the best ‘home’ records in A1GP history with Robbie Kerr celebrating Sprint race victories at Brands Hatch in 2007 and 2008. On both occasions the popular British ace came close to adding Feature race wins to his Sprint triumphs, collecting runner-up podium slots, but the passionate home fans were ultimately to be denied courtesy of sterling winning efforts from Germany’s Nico Hulkenberg and India’s Narain Karthikeyan.

A1 Team Brazil remains the only team to-date in A1GP to have swept the top step of the podium at Brands Hatch. Current Renault F1 driver, Nelson Piquet, created series history winning both races at the very first A1GP race meeting to kick start the inaugural 2005-06 season.
While A1 Team Great Britain leads the way with four straight top-three finishes at Brands, a total of 11 other countries have enjoyed a trip to the podium there; Brazil (2), Germany (2), Italy (2), Australia (1), France (1), India (1), Ireland (1), Mexico (1), New Zealand (1), Switzerland (1) and the USA (1).

Brands Hatch Grand Prix Circuit Driving Impressions:
The Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit is without a doubt one of the most popular circuits on the A1GP schedule with its fast turns and undulating 3.7km layout. A1 Team Great Britain’s Dan Clarke is faced with the task of flying the flag for his country on home soil this year. It’ll be the 25-year-old’s first time back racing at Brands Hatch since he triumphed in the prestigious Formula Ford Festival in 2004. In the intervening years the Englishman’s gone on to race in the British Formula Three Championship and in North America in the Champ Car World Series.
This weekend’s return to Brands will see Dan race for Great Britain for just the third time this season, following starts in New Zealand in January and Portugal this month, with his best result to-date coming last time out in the Algarve, scoring a seventh place points paying finish in the Feature race.

“I’ve had quite a lot of success at Brands Hatch previously so I’m looking forward to going back there to compete,” reflected Clarke. “I’m feeling very positive heading there, not least since we’ve had a bit of time since the last race to prepare for this one. I’m still relatively inexperienced with the A1GP car but we made progress in Portugal and scored which was a decent result. I’ve been working with the team closely over the past few days and I think a podium is a reasonable target if all our efforts pay off!

“This weekend is obviously the first time that this generation of A1GP car has run at Brands Hatch so it’s a fairly clean sheet but I’m racing against drivers with a lot more track time behind the wheel of this car. I know the layout well though and I love the high-speed corners, in particular Paddock Hill which is a great place for spectators to watch from. With the high-loads the Feature race will be relatively physical, there are some similarities with the track we raced on in Portugal earlier this month.”

While unable to previously experience the famed, and partisan atmosphere at Brands Hatch when A1GP comes to town, Dan’s hoping the home support will further aid A1 Team Great Britain’s on-track efforts come race day.

“Unfortunately my race commitments in the United States have prevented me from attending the A1GP events at Brands but I’ve certainly heard plenty about how vocal the crowd gets for the British team. It adds another element to the weekend being the British driver in the British car at the British race and that’s what’s great about being in A1GP. I’m anticipating a lot of crowd support, it brings with it a certain degree of expectation but I have to concentrate on my own program and understanding of the car but again, if all goes well I don’t think a podium is out of the question.”

TW Steel – Big in Oversized Watches www.twsteel.com

Advertiser of the Day - HMS Motorsport

Mosport's race tour display speeds into Oshawa's Five Points Mall next week

BOWMANVILLE, ON (April 24, 2009) – The Canadian road racing and stock car seasons kick-off next month at Mosport International Raceway and Mosport Speedway, and to get Durham residents up to speed, Mosport's bringing it's popular RaceTour display to the Five Points Mall in Oshawa next week, Friday, May 1 to Sunday, May 3.

Located in the court in front of the A&P grocery store, the RaceTour display will feature several stock cars that are racing this year at Mosport Speedway. The Speedway is Canada's fastest ½ mile paved oval and the only stock car track in the GTA. Also featured is a sleek, exotic American Le Mans Series prototype, representing the cars that will race at Mosport's biggest event of the season, the Mobil 1 presents the Grand Prix of Mosport (Aug. 27-30). 

Mosport Speedway drivers Jim Rossiter, Bill Northam, Phyllis Legge and Tiffany Taylor will be at the Mosport Race Tour display with their cars to meet fans on Saturday from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Fans can get autographs, meet some drivers and Mosport staff will be on hand to answer questions. Also, Mosport will be offering Five Points Mall Kids Club Members the opportunity to have their picture taken with the drivers and cars and receive a free copy, plus to purchase 2 for 1 Mosport Speedway adult tickets usable for the month of May.
There will be a draw to win tickets to Mosport Speedway, along with new season schedules and information for pick-up. Fans are welcome to bring their cameras and have their pictures taken with the cars on display.

Five Points Mall hosts monthly Kids' Club events and activities during the last Saturday of the month at 11 am. Kids' Club membership can be completed by filling out a registration card. Members will receive a quarterly Kids' Club newsletter by mail outlining upcoming events. Most of the activities are suitable for kids ages 5–12. There is no cost to participate in the Kids' Club. Info about joining the Kid's Club is available at the Mall.

The green flag drops on Mosport Speedway's Saturday Night Stock Car Racing season on May 16, while the pro road racing schedule starts with the Victoria Day SpeedFest weekend of racing, camping and fireworks, May 15-17 at the 4-km Mosport International Raceway.

The Five Points Mall is conveniently located at the southeast corner of Taunton & Ritson Roads in Oshawa with 70 stores and services including A&P, National Sports, Staples, Winners and Zellers. The mall is open Monday – Friday from 10 am to 9 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday from noon to 5 pm.

From Mosport

Brighton Speedway Park ready to go

BRIGHTON, ON - With more than 60 drivers registered at press time, Brighton Speedway is opening the season on Saturday, May 2nd , 2009 with the Coca-Cola Full Throttle Season Opener.  Introducing the FAB FOUR which includes, Bainer’s Radiator Canadian Modifieds, Brighton Automotive Pro Stocks, Bill’s Johns Comp 4s and Picture This Sign and Design Pure Stocks, to the fans of the 1/3 mile clay oval,  will set the stage for the racing season.

“The 2009 Brighton Speedway Staff Team has made a commitment to providing families with an affordable and comfortable facility filled with exciting activities.  Every year we want to introduce the fans to more and more pedal to the metal, dirt flying, gear grinding racin’ on dirt action!  We are certain the Coca-Cola Full Throttle Season Opener will give us a chance to showcase just that.  We encourage everyone to come out with a food bank donation, and $2.00 will get them through the gate to the grandstands, “ said Mark Rinaldi, Track Promoter.  “A hot entertainment ticket and a contribution back to the community are a great way to spend any Saturday Night, and I want to personally invite everyone to come and check out Brighton Speedway and all that we offer!”

With the green flag ready to fly at 7:00pm on Saturday, May2nd, the grassroots motorsport racing season at Brighton Speedway will begin. For more information on the Coca-Cola Full Throttle Season Opener and to see the complete season schedule visit www.brightonspeedway.com.

PHOTO: Ed Snyder, #69 Bainer’s Radiator Canadian Modified, is ready to race on the 1/3 mile Brighton Speedway clay oval at the 2009 Coca-Cola Full Throttle Season Opener on Saturday May 2nd, 2009.  $2.00 and a food donation gets a grandstand ticket.

From Angie Rinaldi / Photo provided by Heather Sills-Lane

NASCAR: Keselowski and Car Owner Finch both gain first Sprint Cup victories at Talladega

TALLADEGA, Ala. – As far as Brad Keselowski is concerned, Ringling Brothers has some competition.

Keselowski and car owner James Finch both picked up their first-ever NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victory when Keselowski made a last-lap pass to win the Aaron’s 499 Sunday at Talladega Superspeedway.

Keselowski hooked up with Carl Edwards to motor past Ryan Newman and Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the final seconds. Keselowski became the 25th leader in a race that saw 57 lead changes.

“This is the best show on earth,” said Keselowski, who won in only his fifth career NSCS start. “Man, was that fun. This is NASCAR racing at its finest. This was a great show. I really hope everyone enjoyed it, because I had fun. I found myself laughing in the race car halfway through the race. I hope the fans were cheering and having fun, too.”

The victory also was the first in the Sprint Cup Series for Finch, a veteran independent car owner who has a fulltime NASCAR Nationwide Series team but runs only a part-time NSCS schedule.

“This is the best thing to ever happen to me,” a beaming Finch said. “I’ve always dreamed about winning one of these races.

“Sprint Cup racing is the hardest racing in the world. I’ve won 400 short-track races. I’ve said I’d trade all of them for one of these races. That’s how hard they are to win.”

It seemed unlikely late in Sunday’s race that Keselowski was going to get that victory for Finch, as Newman and Earnhardt pulled away from the field following a restart with only four laps to go.

But on the backstretch of the final lap, Keselowski pulled in tight behind Edwards, and the duo roared around the track and caught up with the leaders as all four cars raced for the finish line.

“I knew I had to get locked into somebody’s rear bumper if I was going to get a run up to the front,” Keselowski said. “Carl and I were coming, we were coming with a full head of steam, and there was no stopping us.”

That came as a surprise to Earnhardt, who ended up finishing second.

“We had it going. I thought there was no way anybody could catch us,” Earnhardt said. “They were smart enough to move up, and the higher lane had been easier and faster all day. And here they come.

“I couldn’t believe Brad was pushing that 99 (Edwards). I would have guessed anybody else. He did an awesome job.”

Newman finished third, followed by Marcos Ambrose in fourth and Raybestos rookie Scott Speed fifth.

Speed, a former Formula One racer, said competing at Talladega Superspeedway surpassed the intensity of open-wheel racing.

“As fast as Formula One is, the racing isn’t the same as NASCAR,” Speed said. “This is the most intense thing I’ve experienced in my racing career for sure.”

Finch could say the same thing, though for different reasons. He had not won a race at any level in three years, and he admitted he wondered whether his days of having success in auto racing had come to an end.

“I didn’t know whether I’d ever win another race,” Finch said. “It’s been a long time since I’ve had a trophy, and I have to thank Brad for getting me one today.”

In 2009, Talladega Superspeedway proudly celebrates forty years of the most competitive racing in NASCAR.  While the track has seen changes made to the cars that circle its high-banks, the surface that they race on and the grandstands that thousands of fans fill twice a year, one constant remains; Talladega Superspeedway is authentic NASCAR racing at its finest. 

Tickets are on sale now for the Oct. 30 – Nov. 1 AMP Energy 500 weekend.  Tickets can be ordered by calling 1-877- Go2-DEGA, by logging onto www.talladegasuperspeedway.com, and are also available for purchase on-site at the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office located on Speedway Boulevard at the International Motorsports Hall of Fame.

- 30 -

From Kristi King / Talladega Superspeedway / www.talladegasuperspeedway.com

DRAGS: Toronto Motorsports Park upcoming events - Apr. 24, 2009

With the season already underway the are lots of stuff happening at Toronto Motorsports Park.This weekend April 25/26 on the Dragway: - Saturday Test & Tune and Sunday Bracket Series Points Race #2 + Test & Tune.   

Race your on car! On the Raceway – Saturday is Advanced Driver Training + Car Lapping  with Chief Instructor Gerry Low – you can sign up at the gates, lots of room still available.  $200+ GST (add $50 for instruction)

Sunday on the Raceway is SOAR (Southern Ontario Association of Racing) Practice before the first round on May.  In addition we’ll also be holding the TMCS (Toronto Motorsports Communication Service) Marshalling School.   The school is completely free and everyone is encouraged to attend.  Become a part of the series and get the best seat in the house as a marshal.   9am-5pm on Sunday the 26th .

Thusday April 30th Red Dawn Motorcycle Track Day will take over the entire facility at Toronto Motorsports Park – check out www.reddawnentertainment.com and come out with your bike for an exciting day of dragging and lapping!

Rich Christensen’s Armdrop Live is just 5 weeks away!  With the addition of the F4 Challenge Car show to this year’s program you can expect it to be bigger and better than ever.    Reserved seating and Premium Motorhome spots are still available so call to book your tickets now!   Racers, enter while you still have a chance spots are filling up quickly and you won’t want to miss this years PINKS ALL OUT RACING, there’s classes for everyone with more chances to win, and for the fast guys you don’t have to worry – there’s a quick 8 class for you with no hot lapping!

Next Friday May 1st will kick off our Take it to the Track Test & Tune night.  Every Friday through till the end of October from 7pm to 11pm.    Open to all makes and models!

Next weekend at Toronto Motorsports Park:

DRAGWAY:

FRIDAY MAY 1ST: TAKE IT TO THE TRACK TEST & TUNE (7-11 PM)

SATURDAY MAY 2ND: TEST & TUNE + BRACKET RACING & PRO COMP

SUNDAY MAY 3RD              TEST & TUNE + BRACKET RACING + PROCOMP

RACEWAY:

SATURDAY MAY 2ND: EXOTIC CAR LAPPING + VIPER CLUB

SUNDAY MAY 3RD: MJ MOTORCYCLE TRACK DAY – CALL (905) 428-9982 to reserve your spot!!

MONDAY MAY 4TH: ADVANCED DRIVER TRAINING + CAR LAPPING

Jim's Journeys, by Jim Clarke - Friday, April 2th 2009

Jim’s Journeys ... By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications

Chasing racing can be a fun hobby, but it also has its frustrating moments. The early season events are a gamble, a roll of the dice and in many ways a crap-shoot. Last weekend was all the proof you’d need. The Friday, April 17th event at Can Am Speedway saw some huge car counts – including a sportsman field that numbered 62 strong for the year’s second tour event. The next night was to be the small block modified Super DIRTcar Series opener, but Mother Nature threw everyone a curve. Like I said, the early season events can be a crap-shoot.

Friday, April 24th: Can Am Speedway – Lafargeville, New York

With a scheduled break from my paycheque-to-paycheque workday obligations and a beautiful early spring day on the forecast, I made the decision to head back to Can Am for a second consecutive Friday of racing. I announce at Kawartha Speedway in Fraserville, Ontario and we also run Fridays. For that reason, I want to get to the Northern New York half-mile as possible. It was the first ‘regular show’ of the year and the weather made things much too good to pass-up.

Late in the morning, I received an e-mail from my friend Craig Revelle who asked if I’d planned to go to Can Am. Craig looks after web-sites for a number of different drivers and recently launched a very interesting site called www.speedwaynostalgia.com. I’d certainly recommend it for anyone who grew-up with tracks like Kingston Speedway, Brockville, Cornwall, Can Am and others as part of their weekly travels. Craig and I met in Gananoque and he caught a lift to the track with me.

Once again, the sportsman field had some huge numbers. There were more than 40 of the crate engine powered beasts in the pits. With the small block modifieds scheduled to run a series race the next night at Merrittville Speedway, the modified car count was a little slim, but that could also have a lot to do with early season racing. Friday was also the debut of Can Am’s new crate late model division. I can remember far enough back to when late models were a regular fixture at the track, so it’s great to see them back – even though only 2 were in attendance.

Did I mention the perfect weather? It was an ideal night for racing. There aren’t many times I can recall being at a racetrack in late April and spending most of the night walking around in short sleeves. I went to the car as the evening wore on to get a sweatshirt, but ended-up pushing the sleeves up past my elbows. It was simply outstanding. A great night of racing...and no shivering!

Just as hot laps were coming onto the track, I took-up a spot next to track photographer Rebecca Eisele inside turns 3 and 4 to snap some photos of the warm-ups and heat races. Rebecca is part of my Facebook friend list and offered the use of her back-up camera when I expressed concern about the abilities of my little Kodak. She spent most of the night in the infield and got some great shots, while I stayed just long enough to lose the benefit of having the sun light my photos.

For the second time in as many weeks Napanee, Ontario’s Chris Raabe claimed the sportsman modified feature win. He led every lap and survived a late race beating and banging session with Tim Sears Jr. to capture the checkers. Frankie Caprara picked-up the modified main event. Lance Willix was the top finishing small block modified finisher.

Can Am clips: Tim Kerr of Picton, Ontario had his #07 modified in the pits, but the car was plagued by fuel pick-up problems all night. He ran his warm-up session, but couldn’t answer the bell in his heat race or the main event. Kerr has teamed-up with Mike and Lori LaSalle of Spencerville, Ontario and will follow selected big block tour events. He told me he doesn’t know where they’ll race regularly...Fellow Picton runner Adam Turner could only salvage a 25th place finish in the sportsman feature. His Bicknell chassis racer broke a rear bar on the left had side of the car during the pace lap...Bath, Ontario’s Todd Stewart was on hand with his #72 small block. He’d told me earlier in the week that they were looking to put some laps on the car, but would likely run around the back of the field to save their equipment for the next night at Merrittville...Brockville, Ontario’s Matt Billings continued his strong early season efforts. He finished 4th in the sportsman main event. Last week, he was 5th in the 30 lap tour stop. Sandwiched in-between his Can Am starts was a 7th place showing Sunday, April 19th at Cayuga County Fair Speedway in Weedsport, New York.

Coming up: Sunday, May 3rd the 2009 DIRTcar Challenge Cup at Rolling Wheels Raceway Park – Elbridge, New York.

In the distance: Wednesday, May 13th a NASCAR Canadian Tire Series test session at Kawartha Speedway – Fraserville, Ontario. Saturday, May 16th and Sunday, May 17th the 2009 season openers at Brockville Ontario Speedway and Cornwall Motor Speedway.

I wasn’t there, but: For the second week in a row, rain played a role in the outcome of a small block Super DIRTcar Series show. With all the heat races and 1 of the scheduled consolation rounds in the books the skies opened-up and brought the Spring Sizzler 100 at Merrittville Speedway to a halt. The show will be made-up in a 50 lap format Monday, May 18th.

Photo attachments: (by Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications)

#1). Tim Kerr’s pit crew had a long night trying to find a fuel system problem that sidelined the #07 car for everything but the pre-race hot lap session.

#2). Kingston, Ontario’s Tim O’Brien takes a head-first approach to doing some work on his #88 small block racer.

#3). Andy Howard brought out his crate late model for some track time at Can Am. The class will be part of regular racing in 2009 at the Northern New York half-mile.

From Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications

DIRTcar: Luke Whitteker Update - April 26, 2009

Whitteker Scores First top 10 Finish of the Season

From Craig Revelle - Finish Line Web Design

Racing at any level is filled with its ups and downs that go along with the sport that we follow.  The start of the season has been a bit of a struggle, but it is starting to look up.

The weekend started off on Friday evening at the Can-Am Motorsports Park in Lafargeville, New York.  42 Sportsman cars signed into the pit area for competition.  The team unloaded their 2009 Rust Check, Jim's Performance Plus, Coldwell Banker, Steve Summers Coburn Realty, NAPA/Parcoll Products, Riverside Pontiac, Cohen & Lord Insurance Brokers, Quaker State, and Finish Line Web Design sponsored Bicknell car, and was very competitive in his qualifying heat, finishing 4th. 

Come feature time, the track once again became dry and slick, and the team faced the same challenges as last week…no grip.  Luke started the feature event in 11th place, and dropped to 15th when the checkered flag waived.

“It's tough,” says Kevin Whitteker, father, and team owner of Luke, and the 38 special.  “We are dealing with a new car, and we are racing on a track that has no grip at all.  It is hard to pass.  We will take the car home, and start preparing the backup car for the shorter Thunder Alley track tomorrow night.”

The team, not letting their frustrations show, headed for home, and spent Saturday morning back at the shop preparing the backup car (2006 Bicknell car) for action at the Thunder Alley Speed Park in Evans Mills, New York for Saturday evening.

Luke finished 2nd in his qualifying heat, and the car appeared to be much more competitive, on the shorter track.  The track itself also had a lot more moisture in the clay surface, allowing for more grip than the previous night.  Whitteker started the main event in the 6th starting position, and made a terrific move on the opening lap of the race, when a couple cars came together and spun directly in front of Luke’s 38 special machine.  Luke quickly pulled his car to the outside of the speedway, and avoided what could have been a disaster.

At the end of the feature event, Luke brought his car home in 8th place, scoring his first top 10 of the 2009 racing season.

“Its still tough.  We are not happy with the way the car is working.  We will take the car back home, and do some something different.  We will change the torsion bar in the right rear, and make some more adjustments”, says Luke. 

Next up for the Whitteker Motorsports team will be the Can-Am Motorsports Park on Friday, May 1st, and then back to the Thunder Alley Speed Park on May 2nd.  The team looks to get the car headed in the right direction before the opener at the home track, Brockville Ontario Speedway, which opens for practice on Saturday, May 9th followed by the season opener, the kick-off of the 40th anniversary of the Brockville track on May 16th.

For more information on Luke, and the Whitteker team, go to www.lukewhitteker.com
Photo courtesy of Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications

Merrittville Speedway: Spring Sizzler a drizzler... double feature nights up next for 3 divisions

Thorold, Ontario (April 27) For the second time in three years Merrittville Speedway’s Spring Sizzler turned into a Spring Drizzler as heavy rain showers dampened what was quite an opening to the 2009 Season at the Thorold track.

It was the second time in the young season that the 2009 358 Modified Super DIRTcar Series has been affected by inclement weather after the opener was washed out just last week at the Can Am Speedway in Lafargeville NY.

“We were able to come up with quite an exciting compromise,” reveals, (Merrittville GM) Erica Bicknell, adding, “while we didn’t want to see our 58th Season open under these circumstances … each division will see their event rescheduled.”

Zavitz Financial Strategies & Employee Benefit Solutions Night Monday May 18th will see the 358 Modified Super DIRTCar Series Opener added to the event that also opens the 2009 Lucas Oil Shoot Out presented by dirttrackdigest.com.

The new date will see the 100 lap event shortened to 50 laps – with the night cap featuring the 50 lap Lucas Oil Shootout as well.

The first Holiday Weekend of the new year will kick off with the Seaway Mall presenting the BRP Can Am Late Models Saturday May 16th and added to that night is the rain delayed feature for the Modern Corporation Open Wheel Lites.

When SMS Machine presents the New York Modified Midgets – Saturday June 13th – the Hoosier Stock Division will see their delayed feature added to that night’s program as well.

“Race fans are in for some special nights,” boasted Bicknell, “when each event is made up … and then each night’s respective scheduled events on top … they will be must see events in the early part of the season”

Merrittville Speedway’s Rain Out Policy states that if due to inclement weather – rain checks will be null and void if seven events have been completed. After an initial shower, the track had just about been run back in before another downpour officially cancelled the balance of the night.

While rain checks will not be honored from April 25th – Merrittville Speedway fans are reminded of the special offer that comes with every ticket from Welland’s Boston Pizza.  Race fans with a Grandstand Ticket from April 25th’s event can also use their ticket stub to save $3 off Monday May 18th’s Admission Price.

Join us Saturday May 2nd when the 2009 Championship Chases open up for all 5 Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series Divisions – L. St. Amand Enterprises 358 Modifieds, Original Pizza Logs Sportsman, Hoosier Stocks, Modern Corporation Open Wheel Lites and Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinders. Showtime for the Baron Roofing Windows and Doors 58th Season Opener is 7:00 PM. Gates open at 5:30.

For further information – call 905-892-8266 or visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com.

Greater Moncton speedways unite

Riverview, NB  -   Motor sports Promoters Herman Berry, Jr. (River Glade Speedway) and Tim Wile, Sr. (Shediac's CENTRE for Speed) announced today that they have reached an agreement to help build and ensure the long term success of stock car racing in South Eastern New Brunswick.  After several month's of discussions and meetings on the subject the two track owners inked a deal to co-promote Greater Moncton stock car racing, this past weekend.  

The cornerpiece of the alliance is an agreement that the two tracks will run as one cohesive unit to deliver cooperative stock car events to the Greater Moncton area.  The speedways will not run stock car events on the same weekend and will run a common points system, points fund, payouts rules and proceedures for all stock car divisions.  The 2 track series is being called the "South Eastern Challenge Series" and will see 10 stock car "points" events at the two venues.  In addition each of the two facilities will have additional non cmpeting motors sports events and other types of non stock car related motor sports entertainment such as Monster Trucks, Music and Demolitions.

"I think this is a very positive step for stock car racing in our region", said Tim Wile, Sr. "I beleive this is something that the whole stock car racing community can benefit from;  fans, sponsors, drivers and the speedways.   I'm very excited about it.  This is going to be very interesting to watch and compete in this since our two tracks are so completely different.  It's going to  be a real challenge to see who will come out on top.  The only thing for certain is that the competitors in this series will be making history for the ages.   I very excited about this.  I think it's a great thing  for the Greater Moncton racing community."

 Herman Berry, Jr. commented  "Tim and I with the help of Paul Rossiter and the racing teams from both tracks have come up with a set of building rules that are (for the most part) making it so any car in the Maritimes can race at our two tracks and our cars can go to all other tracks without having to make major changes.  With this alliance we hope to have increased car counts and give the fans some very exciting racing".

The speedways have all but finalized their schedules and are hoping to find a sponsor who will brand this historic series with their name prior to the start of racing.  Till then the season opener has been slated for June 14th in Shediac with the 10 race finale set for Riverglade on Sept 13th.  More schedule details are TBA in the coming days.

AUTO INDUSTRY NEWS: CAW Ratifies Contract With Chrysler

The Canadian Auto Workers union has ratified a new contract with Chrysler. Here's Chrysler's statement from Al Iacobelli, Chief Bargainer and Vice President - Employee Relations:

"We are pleased that the men and women of the CAW have voted to ratify this contract. We know that these are unprecedented times within the automotive industry and we have the utmost respect for the Canadian represented employees. We appreciate the hard work and dedication that they bring to the job each day."

From Chrysler

INDYCAR: DIXON EARNS FIRST WIN OF 2009 SEASON WITH VICTORY AT KANSAS

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (Sunday, April 26, 2009) – Reigning IndyCar Series champion Scott Dixon earned his first victory of the 2009 season, taking the checkered flag in the Road Runner Turbo Indy 300 at Kansas Speedway .7104 of a second ahead of Helio Castroneves.

The win was the third in a row at the track by a Target Chip Ganassi Racing driver.

Dixon entered the race 17th in points after two difficult races on street circuits to begin the season. The return to a 1.5-mile oval suited him well. After starting fourth, Dixon passed pole sitter Graham Rahal on Lap 8 and went on to lead 134 of 200 laps for his 17th career victory. The win moved Dixon to fourth in the point standings as the IndyCar Series prepares for the Indianapolis 500.

Castroneves nearly duplicated his back-to-front victory from last September at Chicagoland. In that race, Castroneves won after starting 28th. Sunday, he worked his way up from the 21st to second.

Tony Kanaan finished third. The only driver to record top-five finishes in each of the first three races this season, Kanaan moved into the points lead, one point ahead of Ryan Briscoe, who finished fourth.

Kanaan led an Andretti Green Racing contingent that placed all four drivers in the top 10 for the first time since Milwaukee 2006. Danica Patrick finished fifth, Marco Andretti sixth and Hideki Mutoh eighth.

Rahal finished seventh and two-time defending race winner Dan Wheldon finished 10th.

Also on Sunday, Sebastian Saavedra earned his first career victory in Firestone Indy Lights, winning the Kansas Lottery 100 under caution ahead of 2005 series champion Wade Cunningham.

Saavedra passed Cunningham on a Lap 10 restart and led the remainder of the 67 laps.

Mario Romancini finished third, Ana Beatriz fourth and Martin Plowman fifth. Jonathan Summerton took over the points lead with a seventh-place finish.

The race featured five cautions for 33 laps. Dillon Battistini, involved in the final incident of the race on Lap 59, was transported to KU Medical Center where all preliminary tests came back negative, however, he will remain at the facility overnight for observation.

From IndyCar