It's not like he got dressed up like a Nazi for an orgy or anything...

Bernie Ecclestone: Hitler was a man who "was able to get things done."

Link to the full story here.

SOUTHERN ONTARIO SPRINTS: Tour heads back to Brighton Speedway this Saturday

By Tommy Goudge (July 7, 2009) – The Southern Ontario Sprints tour is back in action at Brighton Speedway this Saturday, July 11th for the fourth round of the championship series, with defending champion Glenn Styres leading the way.

Styres has won both SOS races held at Brighton this season, and raced to a runner-up finish at South Buxton behind Adam West to build a solid points lead.  Chasing Styres in the standings are Justin Martin, Ryan Hunsinger, Bob Crawford, and Warren Mahoney.  The rest of the top ten includes Adam West, Keith Dempster, rookie of the year contender Tyler Rand, Dick Mahoney, and Jamie Collard.

Meanwhile Rick Wilson isn’t chasing points, but he is chasing the feature win at Brighton as he tries to add to his lead atop the all-time SOS feature wins list, and all of the drivers will also be looking to stake their claims in the Riverside Bar and Grill mini-series points fund.

The last SOS event at Brighton on June 6th ended with Glenn Styres in victory lane, followed by Keith Dempster, Justin Martin, Ryan Hunsinger, and Jamie Collard.  Styres, Hunsinger, and Collard also recorded top five finishes in the opening round of SOS competition at Brighton on May 17th.

Don’t miss the fourth round of the Southern Ontario Sprints season on Saturday, July 11!  Dekeyser Excavating will present the evening’s activities, featuring the fourth round of the SOS season presented by Holiday Inn of Trenton, along with Brighton’s popular Canadian Modifieds, Pro Stocks, Pure Stocks, and Stingers, plus the first ever Excavator Olympics, with proceeds going to Quinte Access and Brighton Speedway Chase for the Cancer Cure charities.  Make sure to come early and catch Brighton’s pre-race show, the Lucas Oil Hot Seat, LIVE in the courtyard starting at 6:20 p.m.!

WHAT: Southern Ontario Sprints 2009 Season, Round #4 // www.SouthernOntarioSprints.com

WHERE: Brighton Speedway // 775 County Road 64 // Brighton, Ontario // K0K 1H0
Phone: (613)-475-1102 or toll free 1-(866)-681-1102
e-mail: info@brightonspeedway.com // On the Web: www.brightonspeedway.com

WHEN: Saturday, July 11, 2009
Pit Gates open @ 3:00p.m., Spectator Gates Open @ 5:30p.m., Sprint Car Hot Laps @ 5:50p.m., Racing @ 7:00p.m.
Tickets: $18 Adults, $14 Youth and Seniors, $4 Children Ages 7-12, FREE Children Ages 6 and Under, $45 Family Pass

Please visit www.SouthernOntarioSprints.com for more news and information about the Southern Ontario Sprints.  2009 marks the fourteenth year of operation for the Southern Ontario Sprints.  Nine Championship Points events are on the schedule this season, plus five special non-points events.  Together they create the fourteen race 2009 schedule, brought to you by Wiseco Performance, ASi Racewear, BS&B Radiator, Fatheadz Eyewear, Triple X Race Co., Kenetic Photos, and www.ImageFactor.ca.

From Tommy Goudge / SOS Media Officer

Merrittville Speedway: Kart Results (July 5, 2009)

Thorold, Ontario (July 6) Performance Manufacturing and Slack Performance Karts presented the Burris Tire 50 Twenty Five at Merrittville Speedway July 5th and when the 50 lap Event for the Cassell Manufacturing Senior Flathead Division took the checkered flag and $500 – Blake Priestley had won the 50 lap Lucas Oil Feature – his fourth of the season.

In the Philbrick Farm & Garden Equipment Senior Animal 50 lap Event, Nick Herriven came home the winner of the Performance Manufacturing and Slack Karts 50 lap Event $500 to win Event – his first of the season.

Two drivers earned their second features of the season – both earning $200 in the process.

Jordan Cosco came home the winner of the Action Appraisal and Priestley Cut Tires 25 lap Event for the Ed MacPherson Construction Junior 2 Division while Brett Senek won the 25 lap Cosco Haulage Event for the Superior PetroFuels Junior Restricted Flat Head Division.

Ninth place Junior 2 Finisher Gregory Beckett and runner-up Junior Flathead James Moll each received $50 Bonuses donated by the Bilinsky and Sears’ Families/Insane Injun Racing/Insane Cuts respectively in post race draws.

RCM Racing Equipment posted the $100 Feature Winners Share for their Tuesday Night Junior 1 Division and for the 9th time of the season – Dylan Davidson was in KC Auto Parts Victory Lane at the conclusion of the 25 lap Event.

Kurtis Wiley earned his 4th KC Auto Parts Novice 2 Feature of the season also sharing in the $100 purse donated by JNE Recovery.

Chris Crawford won his 8th Drummond Home Hardware Garden City Auto Complex Novice 1 Feature of the season - sharing as well in the $50 Purse Money donated by Canadian Roadside Assistance and Kingsbury Racing.

The Tillsonburg Outlaw Kart Club who race weekly at Chesterman Power Products in Tillsonburg paid a visit to add to the 9 Division Event with Connor Mahoney and Dylan Chesterman winning their respective Junior and Senior 30 lap Events.

Merrittville Speedway would like to thank event sponsors - Performance Manufacturing, Slack Karts, Burris Tire, Lucas Oil, RCM Racing Equipment, Cosco Haulage, Action Appraisals, Priestley Cut Tires, Bilinsky Racing, Canadian Roadside Assistance/Kingsbury Racing, JNE Recovery and Hansen Racing, the Sears Family and to Race Director Paul Klager and his staff - Steve Sim, Andy Tallman, Chris Steele, Adam Leslie, Joey Mastroianni, Colleen Curvin, Tim Tallman, Dan Wilder, Dave Sim, Heather Nash and St. John Ambulance.

Merrittville Speedway would also like to remind its Lucas Oil Weekly Karting Series Race Teams that there is no racing Tuesday July 7th. Racing resumes Tuesday July 14th.

Gates open at 5:00 with racing at 7:00. Grandstand Admission is free. For further information call 905-892-8266 or visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com.

Performance Manufacturing Slack Performance Karts
Burris Tire 50 Twenty Five Heat Results

Drummond Home Hardware Garden City Auto Complex Novice 1 Division – Group 1 Heat 1 – Kathleen Lampman, Donald Hingston, Justin Kingsbury, Wyatt Seburn, Austyn Werstroh. Group 1 Heat 2 – Kathleen Lampman, Justin Kingsbury, Austyn Werstroh, Wyatt Seburn, Donald Hingston. Group 2 Heat 1 – Chris Crawford, Donny Lampman, Kyle Phillips, Cora Czuba, Ryleigh Sliter. Group 2 Heat 2 – Chris Crawford, Kyle Phillips, Donny Lampman, Ryleigh Sliter, Cora Czuba.

Drummond Home Hardware Garden City Auto Complex KC Auto Parts Original Pizza Logs Novice 2 Division – 7 laps – Heat 1 – Kurtis Wiley, Joshua Hansen, Lee Sleight, Noah Walker, Brandon Ruch, Jacob Wilson, Sydnee Seburn. Heat 2 – Jacob Wilson, Lee Sleight, Noah Walker, Kurtis Wiley, Brandon Ruch, Sydnee Seburn, Joshua Hansen.

RCM Racing Equipment Original Pizza Logs Junior 1 Division – 8 laps – Heat 1 – Dylan Davidson, Alex Riley, Wyatt Walker, Steven Beckett, Parker Abruzno, Driver Kart #58, Eric Veihdeffer, Mackenzie St. Jean. Heat 2 – Dylan Davidson, Mackenzie St. Jean, Eric Veihdeffer, Wyatt Walker, Parker Abruzno, Steven Beckett, Alex Riley, Driver Kart #58.

Ed MacPherson Construction Original Pizza Logs Junior 2 Division – 8 laps – Group 1 Heat 1 – Jordan Peters, Braeden Bilinsky, Travis Majuery, Alex Blasko, Dylan Culp, Joshua Dmytrow, Brian Monahan, Gregory Beckett. Group 1 Heat 2 – Darren Peters, Travis Majuery, Alex Blasko, Braeden Bilinsky, Joshua Dmytrow, Brian Monahan, Gregory Beckett, Dylan Culp. Group 2 Heat 1 – Jordan Cosco, Nicholas Schultz, Matthew Veihdeffer, Travis Miller, Greg Kohut. Group 2 Heat 2 – Nicholas Schultz, Matthew Veihdeffer, Jordan Cosco, Travis Miller, Greg Kohut, Caleb Vandervalk.

KC Auto Parts Superior PetroFuels Original Pizza Logs Junior Restricted Flat Head Division – 8 laps – Heat 1 – James Moll, Brett Senek, Ben Werth, Taylor Sears, Chance Watt, Court Turner, Dillan Sliter, Jordan Barnes. Heat 2 – Brett Senek, Ben Werth, James Moll, Taylor Sears, Court Turner, Jordan Barnes, Chance Watt, Dillan Sliter.

Philbrick Farm & Garden Equipment Original Pizza Logs Senior Animal Division – 10 laps – Heat 1 – Nick Herriven, Aaron Barker, Matt Barker, Larry Stolzenberg. DNS – John Matthews. DQ – Kevin Daunce, Isaac Pelissero. Heat 2 - Blake Priestley, Connor Mooradian, Matthew Farnham, Corey Bodman, Chris Watson, Jesse Linney.

Cassell Manufacturing Senior Flathead Division – 10 laps – Heat 1 – Blake Priestley, Jay Bean, Larry Stolzenberg, Kevin Root, Larry Wight, Alicia Willard, Dave Ruch, Paul Lindberg, Nick Herriven.

Tillsonburg Outlaw Kart Club Junior Heat 1 – Connor Mahoney, Jayden March, DJ Christie, Cody Adcock, Brad Perrott, Brandon Norris, Hannah Ferrell. Heat 2 – Connor Mahoney, Hannah Ferrell, Jayden March, Brad Perrott, DJ Christie, Brandon Norris, Cody Adcock.

Tillsonburg Outlaw Kart Club Senior Heat 1 - Dylan Chesterman, Cody Day, Cassidy March, Chris Waters, Cody Coburn, Ron Parker, Tim Ferrell, Jeremy Chatterson. Heat 2 – Dylan Chesterman, Cassidy March, Cody Day, Chris Waters, Tim Ferrell, Ron Parker, Cody Coburn, Mark Courtnage, Jeremy Chatterson.

Performance Manufacturing
Slack Karts
Burris Tire 50 Twenty Five Feature Results

Drummond Home Hardware Garden City Auto Complex Novice 1 Division –Canadian Roadside Assistance/ Kingsbury Racing 20 lap Feature – Chris Crawford, Kyle Phillips, Justin Kingsbury, Kathleen Lampman, Donny Lampman, Donald Hingston, Austyn Werstroh, Wyatt Seburn, Ryleigh Sliter, Cora Czuba.

KC Auto Parts Original Pizza Logs Novice 2 Division – JNE Recovery 20 lap Feature  - Kurtis Wiley, Jacob Wilson, Lee Sleight, Joshua Hansen, Noah Walker, Sydnee Seburn, Brandon Ruch.

RCM Racing Equipment Original Pizza Logs Junior 1 Division – 25 lap RCM Racing Equipment Feature –  Dylan Davidson,  Wyatt Walker, Mackenzie St. Jean, Alex Riley, Eric Veihdeffer, Steven Beckett, Driver Kart # 58, Parker Abruzno.

Ed MacPherson Construction Original Pizza Logs Junior 2 Division – Action Appraisal/Priestley Cut Tires 25 lap Feature – Jordan Cosco, Nicholas Schultz, Jordan Peters, Matthew Veihdeffer, Joshua Dmytrow, Travis Majuery, Alex Blasko, Travis Miller, *Gregory Beckett, Caleb Vandervalk, Dylan Culp, Brian Monahan, Greg Kohut, Braeden Bilinsky. * - $50 Bonus from Bilinsky Racing

KC Auto Parts Superior PetroFuels Original Pizza Logs Junior Animal Division  - Cosco Haulage 25 lap Feature – Brett Senek, *James Moll, Taylor Sears, Ben Werth, Court Turner, Chance Watt, Jordan Barnes, Dillan Sliter. * - $50 Bonus from Sears Family

Philbrick Farm & Garden Equipment Wilder Racing Engines Original Pizza Logs Animal Division – Performance Manufacturing/Slack Karts 50 lap Feature  – Nick Herriven, Aaron Barker, Kevin Daunce, Blake Priestley, Corey Bodman, Matt Barker, Chris Watson, Larry Stolzenberg, Jesse Linney, Matthew Farnham, Connor Mooradian, John Matthews.

Cassell Manufacturing Senior Flathead Division – Lucas Oil 50 lap Feature – Blake Priestley, Jay Bean, Larry Stolzenberg, Kevin Root, Larry Wight, Alicia Braun, Dave Ruch, Paul Lindberg, Nick Herriven.

Tillsonburg Outlaw Kart Club – Junior Outlaw 30 lap Feature – Connor Mahoney, DJ Christie, Cody Adcock, Jayden March, Hannah Ferrell, Brad Perrott, Brandon Norris.

Tillsonburg Outlaw Kart Club – Senior Outlaw 30 lap Feature – Dylan Chesterman, Chris Waters, Cody Coburn, Cody Day, Ron Parker, Tim Ferrell, Mark Courtnage, Jeremy Chatterson, Cassidy March.

IndyCar: Conquest Racing and King Tut Together Again

King Tut to be featured on #34 car at Honda Indy Toronto

INDIANAPOLIS (July 7, 2009) – After a successful venture together at this year’s Indianapolis 500, Conquest Racing and the Rubicon Sports Agency are thrilled to announce an extension of the partnership with the King Tut exhibition “Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs and exhibition organizers Arts and Exhibitions International to include next week’s Honda Indy Toronto.

“Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs” will make its exclusive Canadian appearance at the Art Gallery of Ontario from November 24, 2009 to April 18, 2010, marking the first time in 30 years an exhibition of King Tut’s treasures has visited Toronto. As in Indy, a golden image of the boy pharaoh will once again be featured on the cockpit of the #34 Conquest Racing car of Montreal driver Alex Tagliani with additional King Tut branding on the front wing.

“The King Tut exhibit is an extraordinary one and it’s an honor to be able to promote such a wonderful exhibition once again,” expressed Conquest Racing Team Owner Eric Bachelart. “With the exhibit heading to Toronto after its run in Indianapolis, it’s a natural fit for us to continue our partnership with Arts and Exhibitions International. I invite everyone who is in or who will be in the Toronto area when the exhibit is in town to go see it, as it’s a rare opportunity to see such magnificent ancient treasures and a unique way to learn about ancient Egyptian history.”

The King Tut exhibition is organized by National Geographic, Arts and Exhibitions International and AEG Exhibitions, with cooperation from the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities.

“We’ve already seen a swell of excitement surrounding the exhibition coming to Toronto,” said Bryan Harris, vice president of marketing and sales, Arts and Exhibitions International. “Partnering with Conquest Racing, Rubicon and Alex Tagliani for the Honda Indy Toronto helps bring the excitement of King Tut to fans in a whole new way.”

The historic collection, which is currently on display until October at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, features more than 100 artifacts from King Tut’s tomb and other ancient Egyptian sites. Additional information and ticket pre-registration is available at www.kingtut.org.

"We are delighted to have Arts and Exhibitions International back on board with their King Tut exhibit for the Toronto event,” said Jim Freudenberg of the Rubicon Sports Agency. “The month of May created a very successful platform for them with Conquest Racing and Alex and with the exhibit heading to Toronto after Indy, it makes sense that we work together again to create awareness and advance ticket sales for them."

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION: On display from November 24, 2009 through April 18, 2010 at the Art Gallery of Ontario, “Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs” features striking objects from some of the most important rulers throughout 2,000 years of ancient Egyptian history, from the 4th Dynasty into the Late Period (about 2600 B.C. – 660 B.C.). Derived from a variety of contexts, including temples and royal and private tombs, most of these artifacts had never visited North America prior to this tour.  It will have made stops in Atlanta, GA and Indianapolis before appearing at the AGO.

More information about the exhibition and pre-registration for tickets is available at www.kingtut.org or www.ago.net.

ABOUT CONQUEST RACING: Conquest Racing is amongst the longest-running, well-established open-wheel race teams in the IndyCar Series. The organization is recognized for its simple and efficient ways of doing business as well as its approach to achieving excellence in motor sports. Entering its 13th year of competition in 2009, Conquest Racing has amassed pole positions, podium finishes and race wins through its years in different racing series. The team first participated in Indy Lights from 1997 to 2001, before doing a single season in the IndyCar Series in 2002, where they claimed Rookie of the Year honors. Conquest then competed in the Champ Car World Series from 2003 up until the beginning of 2008 when the team made the transition to the newly unified IndyCar Series.

PMRA Pro Modifieds will race during IHRA National Event meet at the Grand Bend Motorplex

GRAND BEND, ONTARIO (July 7, 2009) – The Pro Modified Racing Association will be racing in conjunction with the International Hot Rod Association 10th Annual IHRA MOPAR Canadian Nationals at the Grand Bend Motorplex in Grand Bend, Ontario July 17-19.

The Pro Modified Racing Association race, the PMRA Challenge presented by Motorsport 1320 will be the fourth event in the seven-race 2009 PMRA tour, and the first time the Pro Modified series has raced at a major national drag race meet and be run eighth-mile.

“We are very pleased and honored to be a part of the IHRA MOPAR Canadian Nationals,” said PMRA Director of Operations Bruce Mehlenbacher. “The PMRA event will be part of our Championship Point Award Series during the IHRA weekend, and our teams will be out in full force. This is a great opportunity for fans at a major drag race in Canada to witness the PMRA, and a great opportunity for our teams to partake in this prestigious event.”

The 10th Annual MOPAR Canadian Nationals will be round seven of the 11-race IHRA 2009 series, and will feature a full contingent of Professional and Sportsman teams.

The PMRA Challenge presented by Motorsport 1320 will hold its qualifying and elimination runs throughout the weekend with the IHRA Professional categories, including a round during the popular “Night of Fire” session held Saturday evening July 18. This action-packed night will also feature professional qualifying in Top Fuel, Pro Stock, Pro Modified and other special racing, including a 200-mph Jet Motorcycle, a Top Fuel Bike, an Alcohol Funny Four Car Match Race Saturday night and the Xtreme Machine Jet Truck.
Two qualifying sessions for PMRA competitors will be held Friday, July 17, with the professional categories at 3:00 and 7:00 p.m. and at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday. The fourth and final qualifier will be held during Saturday’s “Night of Fire,” and eliminations are scheduled to get underway Sunday, July 19, at noon.

For information about the 10th Annual IHRA MOPAR Canadian Nationals at the Grand Bend Motorplex, call (519) 238-7223 or visit www.grandbendmotorplex.com

For more information on the PMRA Challenge presented by Motorsport 1320, contact Bruce F. Mehlenbacher Bruce@PMRA.ca

About the Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA):
The Pro Modified Racing Association, www.PMRA.ca, was organized late in 2004, started racing operations in 2005, and is entering its fifth year of operation in 2009. The PMRA is a self-governing organization with input from its teams, and adheres to the technical and safety rules as outlined by the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) and the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). The series has event venues in Ontario, Quebec, and New York State.

The PMRA will compete at several drag strips in 2009, including dates at Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga, Ontario, starting with the season opener on May 16 and 17, June 13 and 14 and the season-closer on September 19 and 20, and 12, and the South-western Ontario track of the Grand Bend Motorplex at the 10th Annual IHRA MOPAR Canadian Nationals July 17 to 19, the Stratford Spectacular Hot August National presented by Ideal Supply & NAPA Auto Parts August 8 and 9 and on September 5 and 6.

Cars in the PMRA capture the true spirit of hot rodding, and the class is one of drag racing’s most exciting and colorful classes, offering a diverse group of race cars with different types of 2,500-horsepower supercharged, nitrous powered and turbocharged engines.

Combining classic body styles and modern equipment, constructors are permitted, within established rules and parameters, to modify and enhance the cars in both appearance and performance. The cars are fuelled by gasoline or methanol, propelling them down the quarter-mile in low six-second times at over 200 miles per hour. The PMRA provides drag race fans the opportunity to see, hear, and experience the popular Pro Modifieds, known as "the world's fastest door slammers".

Several of the PMRA events will be run in conjunction with the Quick 32 Sportsman Series presented by NAPA Auto Parts, www.Quick32.ca, offering fans a great show of drag racing.

Photo Credit: Mark Ackert - Drag Race Canada - www.dragracecanada.com

Castrol Canadian Touring Car Return to Indy

July 7, 2009 - Toronto, OntarioThe Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship presented by Toyo Tires is proud to return for Round 5 of the series after the one year hiatus to the Honda Indy Toronto in the Acura Sports Car Challenge with nearly 50 cars entered in two distinct classes, Touring and Super Touring.

Canada's Best Drivers Racing Today's Hottest Touring Cars will be on hand for all three days of this exciting race weekend in downtown Toronto with an open practice and qualifying session following up with two 30 minutes races that are sure to give the fans a glimpse of intense professional Canadian road racing.

Super Touring Class points leader Richard Boake piloting his potent Subaru WRX STi will attempt to defend his lead against a large field of competitors that grew even bigger during the off-season. Watch for NorthWest Value Partners Greg Pootmans & 8 Legs Racing driver Arek Wojciechowski try to make their way up the point’s ladder as well as Lombardi Honda’s Nick Wittmer. Auto Analyser sponsored driver Andrew Wojteczko is coming off three wins in a row and is currently third in points overall.

In the highly competitive Touring Class, Thornhill native Anthony Rapone will be pulling out all the stops in his Honda Civic Si to keep rivals Acura Integra driver Nigel Heron & Alain Lauziere’s MINI Cooper at bay. Up until now these three competitors have swapped positions atop the podium over the last four events. The Touring Class is deep and filled with a lot of racing talent, Betz Pools Racing’s father & son team Frank & Ryan Blanchet, Roger Bowes in his Acura, Bully Clutches Patrick Seguin piloting a Civic and Quebec native Joycelyn Fecteau and his Toyota Corolla are all potential contenders for the class championship.

This weekend starts Friday morning at 8:00am sharp for the championship when the Number 7 Honda 2009 Honda Accord pace car will take the drivers on to Toronto’s famed street course for a reconnaissance pace lap before the 30-minute practice. Both classes will be qualifying later in the day from 4:15 to 4:45pm and the green flag for first race of the weekend drops Saturday afternoon at 3:15. The feature race will begin at 10:00am Sunday for 30 minutes where the two classes will be putting on the “show” of the weekend with no less than 48 cars.

For more information on the series visit http://www.touringcar.ca/ The Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship Presented By Toyo Tires is Canada's Premiere Touring Car Series and features Canada's Best Drivers Racing Today's Hottest Touring Cars. The Championship is showcased at eight event weekends in Quebec and Ontario will marquee events at Grand Prix de Trois-Rivieres and Honda Indy Toronto.

For further information check out http://www.touringcar.ca/ for the latest championship news.For more information on Toyo Tires, please visit http://www.toyotires.ca/. Toyo manufactures and distributes a complete line of replacement tires for high performance cars, luxury vehicles, light trucks and SUVs as well as tires for commercial trucks, buses and off-road and construction applications.

Have your say... NASCAR's Most Popular Driver voting is underway

You can support your favourite NASCAR Canadian Tire Series driver by voting online in NASCAR's Most Popular Driver poll.

Click on the following link to vote for your driver: www.nascar.com/news/features/mpd.poll.canadian.tire.series/index.html

Mitsubishi dealers expand customer service with Yokohama tires

LANGLEY, B.C. (July 6, 2009) – The right replacement tires for the full range of Mitsubishi vehicles, from the hottest new sports sedan to the most rugged sport utility vehicle, will be available from Mitsubishi dealers across the country, the result of a new agreement between Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada, Inc. and Yokohama Tire (Canada) Inc.

Beginning this summer, the coast-to-coast network of 74 Mitsubishi dealers will be able to provide premium Yokohama tires for the full range of original equipment (OE) tire sizes, along with the recommended winter tires for the complete Mitsubishi line of cars and light trucks, the two companies announced.

Owners of Mitsubishi cars like the acclaimed Lancer Evo X are already familiar with the extraordinary performance and superior driving characteristics of Yokohama ADVAN ultra high performance tires, which are standard equipment on Evo X.

“It just makes sense for Mitsubishi owners to be able to get the right tires for their vehicles from the source they trust – their regular Mitsubishi dealer,” says Eric Dedoyard, Director of Sales for Yokohama Canada. “Now Mitsubishi owners can look after tire replacement in the same place where they get their vehicles serviced, with the same confidence.”

The dealerships will work with existing Yokohama dealers to manage product distribution.

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

Chris Raabe Scores 2nd DIRTcar Sportsman Series Win Sunday At Cornwall!

Raabe Doubles Up In 2009 DIRTcar Sportsman Championship At Cornwall

*Rick Young Photo Attachment // Cornwall, ONT – July 5, 2009 – By Tom Skibinski, DIRTcar Racing Northeast PR Director

Around this same time last year Chris Raabe was celebrating his first career feature race victory in the Mr. DIRTcar Sportsman Championship Series. Three months later he was officially crowned Mr. DIRTcar Champion at the age of 17.

Only four shows have reached the record book this season, and now Raabe, a seasoned veteran of the weekly open-wheel wars, has already captured his second checkered flag on tour and his latest triumph Sunday in the Benson Auto Parts 50 at Cornwall elevated him back into familiar territory --- first-place in the latest Mr. DIRTcar point standings.

The ‘Teenage Tornado’ settled into the top-three by the halfway mark, moved in to shadow leader Guy Ouellette with 30 laps scored, then dove under the fast Frenchman to forge the only lead change with 13 laps still remaining. A late race scare in traffic nearly thwarted Raabe’s best effort, yet the talented traveler from Napanee, Ontario held on for a three car-length margin over hard-charging Brandon Sweet in the tour’s first trip to Cornwall since 1996.

“Hats off to everyone here (on the team), they’re the real winners. I just get in the car and drive it, not a whole lot to it,” downplayed Raabe, the modest teenager who is now staring history right in the eye with a second-straight Mr. DIRTcar title clearly in sight. “The guys worked really hard on the car, we were a little bit off at the start but got better as the night went on.”

Qualifying fifth fastest in time trials to help sort out the 30-car field, Raabe finished second in his heat behind Sweet before drawing sixth to start outside row three and right alongside Sweet in the 50-lap finale.

Ouellette grabbed the pole in his own pre-race pick and shot out early before the first yellow waved just as the opening circuit ended. When the dust finally cleared, Canadian chauffeur Sheldon Hoogwerf and Central New Yorker Eric Giguere were among the casualties although each were able to rejoin the rear without losing a lap.

Ouellette jumped out front back under green flag conditions and was chased by Western New York invader Jipp Ortiz, fresh off his win the night before stateside at Can-Am Motorsports Park in LaFargeville. Raabe stormed into third with a handful of laps complete, although he traded spots with fourth-place runner Shane Pecore to leave him just ahead of Sweet while fast time trailer Sammy Reakes IV crept up to challenge in the early stages.

Quebecois driver Steve Bernier had slowed in turn four to force a second caution period on lap seven, and it wasn’t until fellow Canadian Todd Ferguson looped his mount exiting turn three that yellow lights would fall again on lap 21.

The top-five positions remained intact at the halfway mark forcing the nearest challengers to zero in on the #07 of Ouellette, #0 of Oritz and #01 of Raabe as the tight quarter-miler blackened with each passing lap. Raabe finally overtook Ortiz for second on lap 28, yet three yellows in three laps only delayed his rise to the front as Ouellette made his car as wide as can be knowing a change was about to come.

Pulling up to the leader’s bumper seemingly lap after lap, Raabe finally made it alongside Ouellette on the back chute, then pulled off a perfect slide for life exiting turn four before emerging as the new front-runner with three miles of racing still to go. Knowing Raabe had found the hot set-up with laps clicking off at a 15-second clip, Sweet followed suit and bullied his way into second with eight laps left and 23 cars riding around to contend with.

Raabe suddenly drew a gasp from the capacity crowd as he made contact with American Mark Chiddy on the front straightway attempting to put him a lap down just as the white flag was in the air. Raabe slowed his Scott Industrial Services no. 01 Kingston RV Centre-Tyroute Communications/TEO machine sideways for a brief moment, regrouping just in time to shut the door on a fast-closing Sweet en route to his sixth DIRTcar win of the season.

“I was off that (front) wall more times than I could count, we’re gonna have to start putting on a heavier right side bar, that’s for sure,” smiled Raabe, who retook the series points from sixth-place finisher Reakes by a count of 307-301 through the initial four tour events.

“The track was a little choppy at the start of the night, but everyone here working on it did a great job getting it back into shape. It was real racy, certainly had lots of bite through the middle and was just a good track tonight,” noted Raabe, whose first series win this year came at Can-Am in April, with Black Rock (9th) and Brewerton (21st) his only other finishes in tour competition.

While Raabe visited victory lane at Cornwall last season, Sweet was just as excited with his runner-up tally as it highlighted his first-ever trip to Ron Morin’s plush facility as well as his initial top-five feature race run on tour this year.

“It's definitely awesome to come out here for the first time and run this good,” remarked Sweet, who finished 18th in the final overall 2008 Mr. DIRTcar title hunt. “But first off, I want to congratulate Chris, he’s a good runner and we’ve been running with him since go-karts.”

“I’d also like to thank all my sponsors, its been a great year so far, hopefully we can keep it going,” added Sweet, who has registered four feature wins in ’09 aboard the no. 24 Clarence Henry Coach-Powis Excavating/Bicknell entry, split evenly between Can-Am and Thunder Alley Speedpark at two apiece.

On this day a member of the touring trio comprised of top Frenchmen representing autodromes Granby and Drummond, Ouellette was in line for his first win of the season until Raabe forced the St-Hyacinthe, Quebec driver out of his groove before crossing the line in the show position. A climb up the victory lane podium was met by track PR master Brian Mulligan, who served as translator for Ouellette in his first-ever post-race appearance trackside.

“This is my first time to Cornwall and I really enjoyed the experience,” opened Ouellette after keeping his R Tuning-J.Anctil Rona/TEO mount at the head of the class all night until developing a push as the laps dwindled. “I’d like to thank all the spectators for coming out to support this event. It was a real pleasure to run with guys the caliber of Chris and Brandon, hopefully I’ll get to do it again sometime very soon.”

The Mr. DIRTcar Sportsman Series takes nearly a two-week break before getting the green light for round number five at Cayuga County Fair Speedway on Saturday, July 18 as part of DIRTcar All-Star Weekend, July 17-19.

DRAGS: St. Thomas to host round three in NAPA Quick 32 Sportsman Series

SPARTA, ONTARIO (July 5, 2009) - The next event in the Quick 32 Sportsman Series presented by NAPA Auto Parts will be the Diamond Days presented by Roffelsen Jewellers at the St. Thomas Dragway in Sparta, Ontario July 11-12.

This will be the third event in the six-race Quick 32 Sportsman Series tour, and the first time the series has competed at the track.

The event will also host round three in the Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA) tour.

Season-opener winner T.J. Schippling of Shakespeare, Ontario, leads the Quick 32 Championship Point Award Series Standings at present with his Top Dragster, followed by Top Sportsman racer Darrin Grubb of Pine River, Ontario and his Cavalier.

Next is the Dodge Stratus of Kevin Wicke of Stratford, Ontario, while Jamie Bridge of Napanee, Ontario is fourth with his dragster, and Spencer Hyde of Stratford, Ontario is fifth with his dragster.

Wagg & Bell, Paul Martin, Mitch Elliott, Todd Hope, Doug Cadman, Lisa Spiering, Melanie Simmons Michael Hinbest, Scott Wildgust, Carl Spiering, Michael Kalin, Darryl McMillen and James Lichty round out the top 18 teams.

At present, Hamilton, Ontario’s Bruce Boland leads the PMRA Championship Point Award Series Standings, followed by Ike Maier of Tottenham, Ontario, and Mark Nielsen of Brantford, Ontario.

Fourth is Joe Boniferro of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Dave Earhart of Strathroy, Ontario is fifth, and rounding out the top ten is Tony Piselli, Jeff Roth, Jason Kalso, Eric Latino and Jack Grainy.

This St. Thomas event, known as The Diamond Days presented by Roffelsen Jewellers Race, will be held July 11-12 for the Quick 32 Sportsman Series presented by NAPA Auto Parts, and is to be run in conjunction with the Pro Modified Racing Association Pro Modifieds for the two-days.

Qualifying for the Diamond Days presented by Roffelsen begins at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 11, the first of three qualifiers that day. Championship eliminations will begin Sunday, July 12, starting at 1:00 p.m.

For information about St. Thomas Dragway, call (519) 775-2263 or visit www.stthomasdragway.com. From Bruce Mehlenbacher

IHRA: Rocky Mountain Nationals Wrapup - Litton becomes first repeat winner

Litton becomes first repeat winner of year... Hoover gets his revenge in Pro Modified

EDMONTON, AB - Records fell by the wayside both on and off the track during a very busy weekend at the River Cree Resort and Casino Rocky Mountain Nationals presented by Paradise RV Sunday at Castrol Raceway in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

With six professional classes, nearly two dozen sportsman classes and small handful of match races and exhibition vehicles sprinkled in for fun it was an exciting three days of racing as fans came out in droves to see the world's greatest drivers go at it on the Canadian quarter mile.

Packing the stands as tightly as possible to make room for three straight sold out crowds, race fans watched Bruce Litton (Top Fuel), Ed Hoover (Pro Modified), Roger Bateman (Alcohol Funny Car), Jason Arkinstall (Nitro Bikes), Gary Christopher (Pro Mod Bike) and Rod Elliott (Pro Nostalgia) take home Ironman trophies during Parts Source Championship Sunday at Castrol Raceway.

The IHRA also saw its record of four straight events without a repeat winner among its regular touring pros come to an end Sunday thanks to the win by Litton.

Also taking home wins during Sunday's championship rounds were Scott Blake (Top Sportsman), Tom Koenen (Top Dragster), Jamie Fiesel (Quick Rod), Dennis White (Super Rod), Casey Plaizier (Hot Rod), Randy Hutchings (Stock) and Casey Plaizier (Super Stock) in sportsman competition.

There were also a number of drivers taking home wins in several other sportsman categories.

Nitro Funny Car also returned to IHRA competition over the weekend as Dale Creasy Jr. made his return to racing against Terry Haddock in a weekend long grudge match between the two Nitro Funny Car world champions.

While Creasy dominated the headlines, it was Bruce Litton who took the spoils.

Litton made quite a statement in his bid for a second championship Sunday while also breaking up the list of non-repeat winners with a victory in Top Fuel Sunday at the Rocky Mountain Nationals at Castrol Raceway.

Litton (Indianapolis, Ind.) ran a solid 4.908 second lap at 299.26 miles per hour to get around Mitch King (Galveston, Texas) who was in his first career final. King ran a disappointing 7.221 elapsed time after smoking the tires at halftrack.

"I am just thrilled that we could get a win for the fans and for Lucas Oil Canada and United. They are the ones that keep us racing and turning win lights," Litton said. "It was a long haul up here, but the spectators made this worthwhile. These crowds are second to none."

Sunday marked Litton's second win of the year as he also claimed a victory at the season opening Mardi Gras Nationals in Baton Rouge. It was also Litton's fourth final in five tries this season as he extended his points lead over rookie Del Cox Jr. to 84 points after Cox fell out in the first round.

"It isn't about me, I just steer the car. These guys (my crew) deserve all the credit. They do their jobs so well and allow me to come out here and have the easy part," Litton said. "We have been so blessed to do this and we enjoy having the opportunity to represent our sponsors and put on a good show for these incredible fans."

Litton, who won the inaugural Rocky Mountain Nationals in 2003, knocked off Bobby Lagana Jr., Terry Haddock and King on his way to his 15th career victory.

King reached his first career final round with a big upset of Terry McMillen in the semifinals. McMillen began pedaling the car at mid-track while King produced a trouble-free run with a 5.145 second pass at 273.39 miles per hour to advance. McMillen crossed the line on a 5.997 second lap at 166.37 miles per hour.

Litton made his fourth final in five tries with a dominating win over Terry Haddock who had all sorts of trouble in his run. Litton blew bye the '08 Nitro Funny Car champ with a 4.987 second pass at 288.21 miles per hour while Haddock limped across the line nearly two seconds later.

In quarterfinal action King pulled a huge upset of protégé Del Cox, who suffered his first first round loss of the season. With the loss Litton was able to extend his points lead over the rookie from California.

Haddock continued the upset trend with a stunner over Edmonton product Tim Boychuk in a pedal fest as Haddock kept in the throttle despite smoke rolling from every corner of the car. In the other quarterfinal rounds Litton got past Bobby Lagana Jr. and McMillen made an easy pass against Smax Smith.

Coming into the weekend everyone knew that the Pro Modified final at the Rocky Mountain Nationals would probably consist of Ed Hoover and Kenny Lang.

What they didn't know was who was going to come out on top this time.

Hoover (Gilbert, S.C.) and Lang (Grande Pointe, Manitoba), meeting for the fourth time in five races this season, continued their grudge match in the battle of the United States versus Canada as this time Hoover got the best of Lang, breaking up a string of three-straight elimination losses to the Canadian to take home his first win of the year.

"It has been a tough road. We have been to five races and have made just one final. It was our turn to win," Hoover said. "Kenny Lang beat us and shut us down three times this year and it was nice to get one back. It is just satisfying to win one for Paul Trussell. He has been behind me 13 years now and we needed to get one. The car was just phenomenal this weekend."

Hoover ran a 6.127 elapsed time at 235.23 miles per hour to get around Lang (Grande Pointe, Manitoba) who smoked the tires on his way to a disappointing 13.265 second lap in the finals.

"It is a tribute to my team, my crew and to our new deal – Gilbert Powerhouse. That is the name of my new engine company," Hoover said. "I took over tuning this car this year and we like to tune it aggressive. This is Ed Hoover power, now Al Billes power. I wanted to do something different and that is what I did. We qualified No. 1, set both ends of the track record and got the win.

"That is a good day for Ed Hoover Powerhouse."

Hoover picked up his 14th career victory.

Hoover, traveling nearly 3,000 miles to be at Castrol Raceway for this weekend's event, set up his dominance early by claiming the Last Man Standing award on Friday on his way to taking the No. 1 qualifying position, a number that would hold as the weekend advanced.

"I have to keep talking about the Canadian fans. Last night we had a tent full drinking beer and having a great time. They are great people," Hoover said. "It may be a long haul, but these fans make it worth the trip."

Lang got a bit of revenge on Saturday, stealing the five points back, but Hoover was able to get it done when it mattered most. Hoover claimed wins over Wade Sjostrom, Wayne Hofer and Lang to take the victory.

With the win Hoover closed the gap to just eight points in the Pro Mod points chase.

Hoover and Lang set up their epic second straight final with a few interesting afternoon runs.

Hoover, who was almost eliminated in the first round, rebounded nicely with a big win in the quarterfinals to receive a bye in the semis via his No. 1 qualifying position. It was in that bye run that Hoover claimed lane choice, running a solid 6.10 elapsed time at 236.17 miles per hour.

Lang's journey went a little smoother in the early morning, but really picked up in the afternoon session when Lang went head to head with Rick Distefano in the semis in a battle of the '53 Corvettes.

Despite the super semifinal matchup, Distefano took all the guess work out of the win when he went red, giving the free pass to Lang who ran a 6.706 E.T. at 227.46 miles per hour, setting up the battle of the best in IHRA Pro Modified competition.

Hoover survived a scary first round, stumbling twice before powering his way to a win. He didn't have nearly as much of a challenge in the quarters with an easy win over Wayne Hofer. In the other quarterfinal matchups Distefano got a free pass when Joe Delehay failed to show and Lang smoked Ross Hogenson.

Roger Bateman left no question who had the most dominating car of the weekend Sunday afternoon when he rocketed past Ken Webster in the Alcohol Funny Car final as Bateman walked away from the Rocky Mountain Nationals with two new track records and a shiny new IHRA Ironman to add to his collection.

"We had a good week. The race car was good and it makes it easy on an old man when the race car is this good," Bateman said.

But it wasn't just the car that kept Bateman motivated – it was the memory of the last time he was at Castrol Raceway for the Rocky Mountain Nationals.

"We raced here three years ago and the guys reminded me that I lost in the final that year despite having the fastest car," Bateman said. "We didn't give it away this time."

Bateman (Calgary, Alberta) was a force to be reckoned with all weekend long, taking the No. 1 spot in qualifying and setting a pair of track records on Saturday before rolling through the competition Sunday on his way to his first career IHRA victory.

Not only did he set the new track record over the weekend, but every run over the course of the weekend was faster than the old track marks.

"Even our worse run was better than the track record," Bateman said. "Now that is a good weekend."

Bateman defeated Ken Webster (Red Deer, Alberta) in a superb final as Bateman ran a 5.669 elapsed time at 252.80 miles per hour to Webster's 5.909 second lap at 233.92 mph.

Bateman's domination of the Alcohol Funny Car class continued in the semifinals in a matchup with the second fastest car of the weekend, John Evanchuk. While Evanchuk got off the line first, Bateman was able to regroup and drive around the Edmonton native with a 5.697 elapsed time at 250.97 miles per hour. Evanchuk ran a 8.112 after hitting some trouble on the far end.

Webster advanced to the finals when his opponent, Trevor Lebsack, took too long to stage essentially giving the free pass to Webster. Webster ran a 5.723 second lap at 253.33 miles per hour.

In quarterfinal action Lebsack pulled a bit of an upset over three-time IHRA world champion Rob Atchison who heavily shook the tires at about 200 feet. Webster got a nice win over Nathan Sitko in a super race, while Evanchuk took down Scott McVey and Bateman rolled over Jordan Pawlick.

A great weekend of racing in Nitro Bikes saw a bit of a scary moment during the finals when Jason Arkinstall, moments after taking the win light, ran off the far end of the track after failing to get stopped during his run against Damian Cownden.

After a brief delay Arkinstall's and his bike were pulled from the sand and he was able to celebrate in victory lane with his first career IHRA Ironman trophy.

Arkinstall (Surrey, British Columbia) ran a 6.610 elapsed time at 214.31 miles per hour to Cownden's (Victoria, British Columbia) 7.192 E.T. at 154.60 mph as Cownden dropped a cylinder at halftrack, easily handing the victory to Arkinstall.

Arkinstall and Cownden, who seemed to be on a crash course all weekend long, made sure that matchup became a reality with a pair of nice wins in the semifinals.

Arkinstall defeated John Breckenridge with a 6.659 elapsed time at 212.76 miles per hour to Breckenridge's 7.882 second lap. Cownden reached the finals with a 6.779 second time at 212.03 miles per hour to get past Ken Kent who ran a 6.899 E.T.

In the quarters it was Cownden over Mike Scott, Kent over Kevin Boyer, Breckenridge over Andy Beauchemin and Arkinstall over Mike Pelrine

Without a doubt the most dominating vehicle of the weekend whether on two wheels or four was the 2004 Ninja motorcyle driven by Gary Christopher in Pro Modified bike.

Holding down the top spot in qualifying throughout the weekend and carrying that momentum into Sunday, Christopher (Hope, British Columbia) was able to easily eliminate one opponent after another en route to taking the Pro Modified Bike championship Sunday afternoon.

Christopher eliminated Gord Smith (Kelowna, British Columbia) in the finals with a 7.229 second pass at 182.53 miles per hour while Smith coasted across the line nearly six seconds later after running into a bit of trouble early in his run.

Christopher, who had the fastest car all weekend long, easily reached the finals with a dominating win over Kevin Shupac. Christopher ran a 7.309 elapsed time at 188.12 miles per hour to Shupac's 9.172 E.T.

Smith matched himself with Christopher via a win over Rich Podszus who struggled at the line. Smith ran a 6.679 E.T. at 167.76 miles per hour.

In the quarters it was Christopher over Mike Smith, Shupac over Spencer Johnson, Smith over Terry Schweigert and Podszus in a solo pass when his opponent failed to show.

In Pro Nostalgia Rod Elliott was able to survive a couple of scares to reach the finals, eventually taking a victory over No. 1 qualifier Eddy Plaizier in the 7.20 index class.

Elliott (Edmonton, Alberta) ran a 7.242 elapsed time at 198.78 miles per hour while Plaizier (Edmonton, Alberta) ran a 7.274 E.T. at 163.10 miles per hour.

Elliott, who held the top spot on Friday, was knocked off of the podium by Plaizier on Saturday but was able to get his revenge by taking home the Ironman Sunday afternoon.

Plaizier was gifted a trip to the finals when opponent Cal Tebb took too long to stage, essentially awarding a free pass to Plaizier. Even with the freebie Plaizier still ran a blazing 7.210 E.T. at 188.70 miles per hour on the 7.20 index.

Elliott advanced to the finals with a win against newcomer Corey Sakura in a great drag race. Elliott ran a 7.258 second time at 187.05 miles per hour to Sakura's 7.282.

In quarterfinal action it was No. 1 qualifier Plaizier over the two-time Rocky Mountain Nationals champ Joey Steckler, Sekura over Jason Bussey, Tebb with a free pass and defending champ Elliott over Tim Boychuk.

Boychuk, who was entered in both Top Fuel and Nostalgia Funny Car, failed to make the semis in either class.

From Larry Crum / IHRA

2010 NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown Schedule Announced

2010 NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown Schedule Announced

            DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 4, 2009) – NASCAR announced today that its premier short-track racing showcase, the 2010 NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown, will be run Jan. 29-30 at the Toyota Speedway at Irwindale (Calif.).

            The sixth running of the event, which brings together the top racers from across North America for the ”Daytona 500 of short-track racing,” will be highlighted by the 225-lap NASCAR Camping World Series all-star race.

            The schedule also includes a 100-lap NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Super Late Model race and a 75-lap NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Late Model race. Both nights of racing will air live on SPEED as part of full weekend of racing on SPEED that includes the Rolex 24 at Daytona sports-car event.

            “The NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown is, without question, the pinnacle event of our touring and weekly series calendar,” said George Silbermann, NASCAR’s managing director of racing operations. “The excitement and competition has grown with each running of the event. The all-star weekend is a perfect way to cap a tremendous 2009 season, and also get drivers and fans ready for another great year of racing.”

            The NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown was held in the fall for its first five years.  It was moved to January last year to give competitors more time to prepare and also to increase  exposure for drivers and teams.

            The result was an event that had everybody talking. Current NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Raybestos Rookie of the Year candidate Joey Logano went for the win on the final turn of the final lap and collected race leader Peyton Sellers. Instead of a second straight showdown victory, Logano was penalized for the move, and the victory went to Matt Kobyluck.

            It was just another of a long line of exciting finishes to the all-star race.

            Kobyluck, who won the NASCAR Camping World Series East title, became the first reigning series champion to cap the season with a NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown victory.

The NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown main event – contested in NASCAR Camping World Series cars – is open to any driver approved to drive on a half-mile or longer tracks in the NASCAR Camping World Series. Current Sprint Cup Series drivers such as Kevin Harvick, Martin Truex Jr. and Logano launched their careers in the NASCAR Camping World Series. The series is the top development step for drivers looking to make the jump to one of NASCAR's national series.

“The Toyota All-Star Showdown is NASCAR’s most prestigious short track racing event featuring some of the finest talent this segment of motor racing has to offer and Toyota Speedway at Irwindale is honored to again serve as its host,” said Bob DeFazio, Toyota Speedway at Irwindale track operator. “It continues to grow in popularity as a ‘must attend’ event and we can’t think of a better way for race fans and NASCAR short track racing’s elite to put the finishing touches on 2009 and kick-off the 2010 NASCAR racing season!”

Each race winner during the 2009 NASCAR Camping World Series season will become eligible for a protected starting spot. In addition, 2009 series champions of NASCAR's regional touring series – the NASCAR Camping World Series East, NASCAR Camping World Series West, NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour, NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, and NASCAR Mexico Series –  and the 2009 national champion for the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series are also eligible for protected starting spots.

In addition to eligible 2009 race winners and series champions, the starting lineup will be determined through time trials, limited provisionals for NASCAR Camping World Series regulars, and the last-chance "Open" race that provides drivers one final chance to make the grid."

New this year, the top five NASCAR Whelen All-American Series state champions – as determined by the final national standings – entered in the Late Model race will be eligible for protected starting spots.

From Jason Christley, NASCAR Public Relations

Ohsweken Speedway: Northern Summer 360 Nationals photos from Rick Wellman

Northern Summer 360 Nationals Sprint action and feature winners.

Photos courtesy Rick Wellman Photography
8229 Westwood St.; Niagara Falls, Ont. Canada L2H 1Y3
Phone 905 354 4445

INDYCAR: Camping World Grand Prix at The Glen starting lineup

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. - Qualifying Saturday for the Camping World Grand Prix at The Glen IndyCar Series event on the 3.37-mile Watkins Glen International, with starting position, car number in parentheses, driver, chassis-engine, time and speed in parentheses:

1. (6) Ryan Briscoe, Dallara-Honda, 1:28.5970 (136.935)

2. (18) Justin Wilson, Dallara-Honda, 1:29.3106 (135.841)

3. (9) Scott Dixon, Dallara-Honda, 1:29.7279 (135.209)

4. (5) Mario Moraes, Dallara-Honda, 1:29.8003 (135.100)

5. (02) Graham Rahal, Dallara-Honda, 1:29.9526 (134.871)

6. (10) Dario Franchitti, Dallara-Honda, no time (no speed)

7. (24) Mike Conway, Dallara-Honda, 1:29.1715 (136.052)

8. (7) Danica Patrick, Dallara-Honda, 1:29.2076 (135.997)

9. (26) Marco Andretti, Dallara-Honda, 1:29.3539 (135.775)

10. (11) Tony Kanaan, Dallara-Honda, 1:29.4131 (135.685)

11. (13) E.J. Viso, Dallara-Honda, 1:29.5661 (135.453)

12. (4) Dan Wheldon, Dallara-Honda, 1:29.9137 (134.929)

13. (27) Hideki Mutoh, Dallara-Honda, 1:29.7943 (135.109)

14. (3) Helio Castroneves, Dallara-Honda, 1:29.8662 (135.001)

15. (15) Paul Tracy, Dallara-Honda, 1:30.6167 (133.883)

16. (14) Ryan Hunter-Reay, Dallara-Honda, 1:30.4001 (134.203)

17. (06) Robert Doornbos, Dallara-Honda, 1:30.6266 (133.868)

18. (2) Raphael Matos, Dallara-Honda, 1:30.4981 (134.058)

19. (23) Milka Duno, Dallara-Honda, 1:33.6824 (129.501)

20. (98) Richard Antinucci, Dallara-Honda, 1:31.1910 (133.039)

21. (20) Ed Carpenter, Dallara-Honda, 1:31.6852 (132.322)

Note: Franchitti lost his two fastest laps for causing a full-course caution during Firestone Fast Six.

IHRA EDMONTON: Saturday - More records set at Castrol Raceway

More records set at Castrol Raceway: McMillen shoots to top of Top Fuel charts; Hoover holds off Lang

Despite a sudden downpour during the afternoon session and chilly temperatures throughout the day, the IHRA still saw record crowds during the SMS Equipment Night of Fire at the River Cree Resort and Casino Rocky Mountain Nationals presented by Paradise RV Saturday night at Castrol Raceway in Edmonton, Alberta Canada.

It was standing room only before the showers and more of the same once the rains subsided as fans in attendance stayed to see a collection of nearly ever form of drag racing on the planet earth.

Top qualifiers during Saturday’s SMS Equipment Night of Fire were Terry McMillen (Top Fuel), Ed Hoover (Pro Modified), Roger Bateman (Alcohol Funny Car), Jason Arkinstall (Nitro Bikes), Gary Christopher (Pro Modified Bikes) and Eddy Plaizier (Pro Nostalgia).

McMillen (Elkhart, Ind.) used what ended up being the only Top Fuel round of the afternoon to shoot to the top of the charts with a 4.834 second time at 287.78 miles per hour.

McMillen and Terry Haddock were able to get in one round of Top Fuel qualifying moments before the rains started, giving McMillen the advantage as the only driver with three qualifying runs over the weekend.

“It was a great run under some pretty awesome conditions. I hated to see the second round of qualifying get rained out, but we were happy to be able to get in that run,” McMillen said. “It was great to see all these fans out despite the downpour, the Edmonton fans truly are some of the best in the world.”

Despite the great lap by McMillen it was Bruce Litton who grabbed the five bonus points for being Saturday’s Last Man Standing, running a 4.844 elapsed time at 302.41 miles per hour. Litton claimed the honor by being the fastest winning car during the SMS Equipment Night of Fire qualifying session.

With that lap Litton dropped in behind McMillen in second while Edmonton’s own Tim Boychuk placed himself third with a 4.898 E.T. at 299.46 miles per hour heading into Sunday’s eliminations.

Mitch King (5.044) and Del Cox (5.448) rounded out the top five in Top Fuel.

“I think we are in pretty good shape going into tomorrow. It won’t be easy, IHRA Top Fuel always has tough competition, but we are ready to get back at it in the morning,” McMillen added.

In Pro Modified Lang (Grande Pointe, Manitoba) got his revenge on Ed Hoover (Gilbert, S.C.) in the battle of the United States versus Canada as the two drivers who have went at it all season long continued their grudge match Saturday night.

Hoover got the edge on Lang Friday night, garnering the five bonus points associated with claiming the Last Man Standing award, but Lang responded on Saturday with a 6.060 elapsed time at 235.93 miles per hour to steal the five points back and claim Saturday’s Last Man Standing Award.

While Lang had the top time Saturday night, Hoover remained on top as the No. 1 qualifier heading into eliminations. Hoover ran a 6.026 E.T. at 237.55 miles per hour on Friday to remain on top of the charts.

“Usually after a rain like that the track gets super good so I stepped al over the motor and my clutch just to see if we could go a five here and that is just a chance you have to take,” Hoover said. “You plan on the track cooling off and it did, but what happened was that enough cars didn’t go down the track before the fast cars got out there.

“I got in trouble when I put it in second gear, I pedaled it and then I quit it. We will now just go back with what worked in the daytime and go with that tomorrow.”

Lang wedged himself just behind Hoover in second, followed closely by a trio of Alberta natives in Rick Distefano (6.208), Joe Delehay (6.240) and Ross Hogenson (6.293).

When it was all said and done the two drivers on top of the points split their wins during qualifying, but it is Sunday where the win light really matters.

“I like racing him until race day when he kicks my butt,” Hoover said with a laugh. “It was nice getting a few wins over him during qualifying, but it would be better if we could do it when it counts. Tomorrow we need to stay in that right lane because that is my lane of choice. The car is set up for that lane so I need to go very fast every round to keep that choice.”

Alcohol Funny Car continued to put on a show Saturday night with several close side-by-side runs and a pair of new track records set by Alberta’s own Roger Bateman.

Bateman (Calgary, Alberta) reset both track records at Castrol Raceway with a blazing 5.615 elapsed time at 254.23 miles per hour to take the top qualifying spot heading into Sunday’s eliminations.

Ken Webster (Red Deer, Alberta) was just behind Bateman in second with a 6.675 E.T. at 253.56 miles per hour and three-time IHRA world champion Rob Atchison (5.767) was third. Scott McVey (5.775) and John Evanchuk (5.791) rounded out the top five in a field that came one spot shy of an all five-second field.

In the two wheel category it was Arkinstall in Nitro Bikes and Christopher (Hope, British Columbia) in Pro Mod bike topping the motorcycle charts.

Arkinstall (Surrey, British Columbia) ran a 6.599 elapsed time at 218.90 miles per hour on his nitro-powered 2003 Weekend to top the Nitro Bike category while Ken Kent (Edmonton, Alberta) qualified second with a 6.625 E.T. at 210.93 mph.

Damian Cownden (6.664) who had the top spot going into the day dropped to third while Andy Beauchemin (6.723) and John Breckenridge (6.756) round out the top five going into Sunday.

Christopher ran a 7.153 elapsed time at 190.67 miles per hour to top the qualifying charts in Pro Modified. Gord Smith (Kelowna, British Columbia) was just behind him in second with a 7.243 E.T. at 189.63 mph.

Rich Podszus (7.473), Kevin Shupac (7.975) and Spencer Johnson (8.046) rounded out the top five in Pro Modified Bikes.

Half track burnouts and crazy bodies highlighted the Pro Nostalgia class as Eddy Plaizier claimed the top spot in qualifying heading into Sunday’s eliminations.

Plaizier (Edmonton, Alberta) ran a 7.203 second elapsed time on a 7.20 index at 188.28 miles per hour to take the top spot while Jason Bussey (Edson, Alberta) was second with a 7.208 E.T. at 188.44 miles per hour.

Rod Elliott (7.223), Cal Tebb (7.230) and Ron Sekura (7.235) rounded out the top five.

Racing action will get back underway at 9 a.m. Sunday morning with pro eliminations getting underway at 11 a.m. Final eliminations are set to begin at 4 p.m. Sunday evening.

EDMONTON, Alb. -- First-round pairings for professional eliminations Sunday for the River Cree Resort & Casino Rocky Mountain Nationals presented by Paradise RV at Castrol Raceway, the fifth of 10 events in the 2009 Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series.  Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday.

Top Fuel -- 1. Terry McMillen, 4.834 seconds, 287.78 mph  vs. 8. Smax Smith, 8.449, 89.20; 2. Bruce Litton, 4.844, 302.41  vs. 7. Bobby Lagana Jr., 7.509, 107.04; 3. Tim Boychuk, 4.898, 299.46  vs. 6. Terry Haddock, 5.714, 174.37; 4. Mitch King, 5.044, 286.80  vs. 5. Del Cox Jr, 5.448, 182.16.

Pro Modified -- 1. Ed Hoover, Chevy Camaro, 6.026, 237.55  vs. 12. Wade Sjostrom, Camaro, 7.043, 195.05; 2. Kenny Lang, Chevy Corvette, 6.060, 236.01  vs. 11. Tim Vogt, Corvette, 6.691, 206.73; 3. Rick Distefano, Corvette, 6.208, 229.12  vs. 10. Tom Meheden, Chevy Beretta, 6.649, 208.52; 4. Joe Delehay, Camaro, 6.240, 228.69  vs. 9. Perry Thyr, Camaro, 6.515, 212.66; 5. Ross Hogenson, Corvette, 6.293, 219.51  vs. 8. Dan Vogt, Corvette, 6.484, 211.93; 6. Vern Mills, Chevy Bel Air, 6.357, 218.27  vs. 7. Wayne Hofer, Corvette, 6.398, 215.20.

 Alcohol Funny Car -- 1. Roger Bateman, Ford Mustang, 5.615, 254.23  vs. 8. Jordan Pawlick, Dodge Avenger, 6.044, 237.17; 2. Ken Webster, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.675, 253.61  vs. 7. Nathan Sitko, Pontiac Firebird, 5.944, 239.65; 3. Rob Atchison, Monte Carlo, 5.767, 250.41  vs. 6. Trevor Lebsack, Chevy Camaro, 5.848, 246.21; 4. Scott McVey, Monte Carlo, 5.775, 248.75  vs. 5. John Evanchuk, Firebird, 5.791, 247.38.

Nitro Bikes -- 1. Jason Arkinstall, 6.599, 218.90  vs. 8. Mike Pelrine, 6.979, 189.84; 2. Ken Kent, 6.625, 210.93  vs. 7. Kevin Boyer, 6.904, 205.60; 3. Damien Cownden, 6.664, 210.97  vs. 6. Mike Scott, 6.871, 216.10; 4. Andy Beauchemin, 6.723, 206.23  vs. 5. John Breckenridge, 6.756, 200.26.

 Pro Modified Bike -- 1. Gary Christopher, 7.153, 199.49  vs. 8. Craig Pelrine, Harley-Davidson, 8.148, 146.35; 2. Gord Smith, Kawasaki, 7.243, 190.11  vs. 7. Terry Schweigert, Suzuki, 8.096, 166.42; 3. Rich Podszus, Suzuki, 7.473, 178.35  vs. 6. Walter Dwelsdorf, Ninja, 8.057, 169.15; 4. Kevin Shupac, Suzuki, 7.975, 165.72  vs. 5. Spencer Johnson, Suzuki, 8.046, 148.38.

Pro Nostalgia -- 1. Eddy Plaizier, Chevy, 7.203, 188.36 vs. Bye; 2. Jason Bussey, Chevy Camaro, 7.208, 200.65 vs. 15. Tom Reithmayer, Mustang, 7.034, 207.88; 3. Rod Elliott, Plymouth Barracuda, 7.223, 194.24 vs. 14. Brian Ross, Swindahl Camaro, 10.022, 98.36; 4. Cal Tebb, Pontiac GTO, 7.230, 195.59 vs. 13. Rick Barnhart, Ford Fairlane, 7.662, 177.28; 5. Ron Sekura, Camaro, 7.235, 188.60 vs. 12. Brent Harris, Willys Coupe, 7.467, 200.62; 6. Tim Boychuk, Ford Mustang, 7.267, 190.00 vs. 11. Sherrie Bodnarchuk, Plymouth Superbird, 7.373, 198.03; 7. Corey Sekura, Pontiac Trans Am, 7.284, 191.38 vs. V; 8. Darrell Webb, Chevy Nova, 7.295, 194.16 vs. 9. Joey Steckler, Chevy Corvette, 7.325, 192.96.

From Larry Crum / IHRA

IHRA EDMONTON: Hoover resets track records at Castrol Raceway

Hoover resets track records at Castrol Raceway

EDMONTON, AB - On a night where records seemed to fall left and right, Pro Modified driver Ed Hoover made the biggest splash of them all with a new track mark for speed and elapsed time in front of a packed house Friday the River Cree Resort and Casino Rocky Mountain Nationals presented by Paradise RV at Castrol Raceway in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Going head to head with points leader Kenny Lang in a battle of the United States versus Canada, Hoover (Gilbert, S.C.) got the best of the Grande Pointe, Manitoba resident with a 6.026 E.T. at 237.55 mph to Lang’s 6.154 elapsed time at 235.72 mph to top the provisional qualifying charts and claim Friday’s Last Man Standing in Pro Modified.

“Jim (Weinert) has done a great job on the track. I did not expect that kind of E.T. out of my car, but we just got a hold of it early and had a great 60 foot and a great eighth mile and that is where your E.T. comes from,” Hoover said. “I didn’t expect 6.02 here on the mountain. I figured it would probably go 10 or 11 at best, it was pretty surprising.”

Hoover’s numbers were good enough to reset all of the track records at Castrol Raceway, joining a pair of Alcohol Funny Car drivers who also set new marks as records seemed to fall at will under the pristine drag racing conditions at the Canadian quarter mile.

“We work on this thing every week and I am tuning it myself,” Hoover said. “I never quit tinkering with it; I am never settled on a tune-up. We are trying a few things a little different this weekend and hoping they will pay off on Sunday.”

Behind Hoover and Lang was a trio of Alberta natives including Rick Distefano (6.231, 229.12) who made his IHRA return after a lengthy absence with the third spot through two rounds of qualifying. Rounding out the Pro Mod top five are Ross Hogenson (6.298) and Joe Delehay (6.309).

While Hoover headlined the door slammer rounds, the nitro rounds saw an incredible night of racing in both Top Fuel and Nitro Funny Car as the IHRA welcomed the nitro burning floppers back to competition in style.

Dale Creasy Jr., Terry Haddock, Jason Duchene and Randy Bykowsky put on quite a show in Nitro Funny Car to round out the evening’s competition rounds.

While the Funny Cars put an end to the evening’s qualifying sessions, Top Fuel got down to business in trying to determine the fastest rail car of the evening.

And that honor went to Indianapolis, Ind. native Bruce Litton who claimed Friday’s Last Man Standing and topped the provisional qualifying charts with a 4.868 elapsed time at 297.16 miles per hour.

“It was a good run. We just wanted to go down to the finish line under power and just get something under our belt,” Litton said. “The sun played a little bit of havoc, driving right in the glare, but we kept it in the groove and that is all you can ask. It worked out well.”

Mitch King (Galveston, Texas) was just behind Litton with a 5.044 E.T. at 286.80 mph while King’s second car, driven by Del Cox Jr., qualified fourth (5.448). Tim Boychuk (7.509) was fifth.

IHRA also welcomed Alcohol Funny Car back to the fold and the alcohol burning cousins of the nitro clan did not disappoint.

Both track records were reset during Friday’s qualifying rounds as Roger Bateman (Calgary, Alberta) set the new E.T. mark with a 5.655 second lap at 252.05 mph to top the provisional qualifying charts while Ken Webster (Red Deer, Alberta) set the new speed record at 253.61 miles per hour, falling in line behind Bateman on the charts with a 5.761 elapsed time.

Three-time IHRA Alcohol Funny Car champion Rob Atchison was third on the charts with a 5.767 E.T. at 250.41 mph followed by Scott McVey (5.775) and John Evanchuk (5.807).

A pair of two-wheel classes made quite a bit of noise in the middle of the order headlined by the nitro-burning Harley Davidson class. Damian Cownden (Victoria, British Columbia) headlined the Nitro Harleys with a 6.664 elapsed time at 210.97 miles per hour to take the provisional pole, followed very closely by Ken Kent (Edmonton, Alberta) who put down a blazing 6.665 E.T. at 210.93 mph.

Andy Beauchemin (6.729) was third and Jason Arkinstall (6.747) was fourth, putting down top speed of the night at an incredible 218.90 miles per hour, one mile per hour shy of the world record. John Breckenridge (6.821) rounded out the top five.

In Pro Modified Bikes it was Hope, British Columbia native Gary Christopher on top of the charts with a 7.154 elapsed time at 199.49 miles per hour. Gord Smith (Kelowna, British Columbia) is second with a 7.243 E.T. at 189.63 mph.

Rounding out the Pro Mod Bikes are Rich Podszus (7.473), Kevin Shupac (7.975) and Tony Clizbe (8.089).

In Pro Nostalgia Edmonton’s own Rod Elliott topped the provisional charts with a 7.243 E.T. at 194.24 miles per hour. Ron Sekura (Drayton Valley, Alberta) was second on the charts with a lap of 7.243 seconds at 188.25 mph.

Eddy Plaizier (7.254), Tim Boychuk (7.267) and Cal Tebb (7.272) rounded out the top five in Pro Nostalgia.

Racing action will get back underway at Castrol Raceway at 10 a.m. Saturday morning leading up to the SMS Equipment “Night of Fire” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday evening.

EDMONTON, Alb. -- Results Friday afterqualifying for the River Cree Resort & Casino Rocky Mountain Nationals presented by Paradise RV at Castrol Raceway, fifth of 10 events in the 2009 Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series.  Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday's final eliminations.

Top Fuel -- 1. Bruce Litton, 4.868 seconds, 297.16 mph; 2. Mitch King, 5.044, 286.80; 3. Del Cox Jr, 5.448, 182.16; 4. Tim Boychuk, 5.649, 174.75; 5. Bobby Lagana Jr., 7.509, 107.04; 6. Smax Smith, 8.449, 89.20; 7. Terry McMillen, 8.770, 88.56.

Pro Modified -- 1. Ed Hoover, Chevy Camaro, 6.026, 237.55; 2. Kenny Lang, Chevy Corvette, 6.154, 235.72; 3. Rick Distefano, Corvette, 6.231, 229.12; 4. Ross Hogenson, Corvette, 6.298, 219.51; 5. Joe Delehay, Camaro, 6.309, 226.24; 6. Vern Mills, Chevy Bel Air, 6.357, 218.27; 7. Wayne Hofer, Corvette, 6.411, 208.39; 8. Dan Vogt, Corvette, 6.484, 211.93; 9. Perry Thyr, Camaro, 6.515, 212.66; 10. Tim Vogt, Corvette, 6.696, 206.01; 11. Tom Meheden, Chevy Beretta, 6.777, 198.99; 12. Wade Sjostrom, Camaro, 7.043, 195.05.

Nitro Bikes -- 1. Damien Cownden, 6.664, 210.97; 2. Ken Kent, 6.665, 210.93; 3. Andy Beauchemin, 6.729, 206.23; 4. Jason Arkinstall, 6.747, 218.90; 5. John Breckenridge, 6.821, 199.76; 6. Mike Scott, 6.871, 212.29; 7. Lyle Newton, 7.292, 193.85; 8. Ben Ground, 7.327, 191.97.  Not Qualified: 9. Mike Pelrine, 7.785, 173.47; 10. Kevin Boyer, 8.233, 188.99; 11. Jim Schellenberg, 8.378, 165.86.

Alcohol Funny Car -- 1. Roger Bateman, Ford Mustang, 5.655, 252.05; 2. Ken Webster, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.761, 253.61; 3. Rob Atchison, Monte Carlo, 5.767, 250.41; 4. Scott McVey, Monte Carlo, 5.775, 248.75; 5. John Evanchuk, Pontiac Firebird, 5.807, 247.38; 6. Trevor Lebsack, Chevy Camaro, 5.848, 246.21; 7. Nathan Sitko, Firebird, 5.953, 238.30; 8. Jay Childs, Dodge Avenger, 6.408, 213.84.  Not Qualified: 9. Jordan Pawlick, 10.129, 91.29.

Pro Nostalgia -- 1. Rod Elliott, Plymouth Barracuda, 7.243, 194.24; 2. Ron Sekura, Chevy Camaro, 7.243, 188.25; 3. Eddy Plaizier, 7.254, 188.36; 4. Tim Boychuk, Ford Mustang, 7.267, 190.00; 5. Cal Tebb, Pontiac GTO, 7.272, 192.91; 6. Joey Steckler, Chevy Corvette, 7.325, 192.96; 7. Cory Kincaid, 7.330, 192.55; 8. Darrell Webb, Chevy Nova, 7.337, 194.16.  Not Qualified: 9. Rick Barnhart, 8.259, 173.76; 10. Brian Ross, 10.022, 98.36; 11. Corey Sekura, 7.196, 187.34; 12. Brent Harris, 7.182, 200.62; 13. Jason Bussey, 7.105, 200.65; 14. Sherrie Bodnarchuk, 7.071, 198.03; 15. Tom Reithmayer, 6.906, 207.88.

Pro Modified Bike -- 1. Gary Christopher, 7.154, 199.49; 2. Gord Smith, Kawasaki, 7.243, 189.63; 3. Rich Podszus, Suzuki, 7.473, 171.36; 4. Kevin Shupac, Suzuki, 7.975, 165.72; 5. Tony Clizbe, Suzuki, 8.089, 156.10; 6. Cory Duncan, Suzuki, 8.091, 163.63; 7. Terry Schweigert, Suzuki, 8.096, 166.42; 8. Craig Pelrine, Suzuki, 8.148, 144.69; 9. Walter Dwelsdorf, Ninja, 8.351, 169.15; 10. Spencer Johnson, Suzuki, 8.468, 130.86; 11. Dan Boehm, Kawasaki, 9.263, 175.07; 12. Devin Pelrine, Suzuki, 10.938, 75.28; 13. Mike Smith, Kawasaki, 11.211, 153.81.

From Larry Crum / IHRA

IHRA EDMONTON: Friday Notebook - Rocky Mountain Nationals

Rocky Mountain Nationals – Friday Notebook

LONG HAUL

From the Nitro Nationals at Rocky Mountain Raceways to the Rocky Mountain Nationals at Castrol Raceway, IHRA's west coast swing continues this weekend as drivers from all over the globe converge on Edmonton, Alberta, Canada for the seventh annual River Cree Resort and Casino Rocky Mountain Nationals presented by Paradise RV.

While the IHRA it typically considered more of an east coast racing organization, the past two weeks have proven the sanctioning bodies' continued commitment to expanding its borders and growing its presence across North America.

For drag racing fans that means more racing at a track near you, but for the drivers that expansion means more miles logged on the trucks and trailers hauling the rigs from one stop to the next across the U.S. and Canada.

Two drivers in particular, Pro Modified veteran Ed Hoover and Top Fuel ace Bobby Lagana Jr, have learned the hard way what growing the IHRA brand is all about.

Lagana, a New York native who has traveled with the IHRA for both of their west coast stops and Gilbert, S.C. native Ed Hoover both made the long haul to Edmonton this weekend and both are hoping to make the long trips pay off with wins at one of the largest drag races in North America.

"The best part about this event is the fans. They don't have a lot going on up here so they really appreciate the IHRA coming up here," Hoover said. "I remember a few years ago we got here on Friday and it was pouring outside. Despite the rain, I had more fans come by that day and thank me for coming than I do during most sunny days.

"They are all nice people and they take the time to thank you for being here. You don't see much of that anymore."

Hoover's crew began their journey one week and 3,000 miles ago, making it to the Edmonton track early this week. Hoover, however, decided to meet his team a few days later in an effort to avoid fatigue behind the wheel.

While the trip is long enough in a plane, behind the wheel the miles – and the wear and tear on both the equipment and the body – can really add up.

"We spent a week and roughly $4,000 on maintenance alone just to make the journey," Hoover said. "It beats them to death during the four day drive and that is why I fly because the driver doesn't need to be tired on Sunday.

"But once we get up here, the fans make it all worth while."

Top Fuel veteran Lagana reiterated that thought.

Lagana, who rarely passes on a chance to race, made the trip to Salt Lake City last weekend for the IHRA Nitro Nationals and wasted little time packing up and heading across the border for the race in Edmonton this weekend.

"We were in Salt Lake City when I made the comment that maybe we should have our heads examined as far away from home as we are, but it was beautiful out there," Lagana said. "Already being in Utah the trip wasn't bad coming up here. I have been here every single year except for one and I really think it is a pleasure racing here."

And Lagana isn't done yet. Immediately following the race this weekend Lagana and his crew will pack up and head back across the border for an event in New Hampshire next week. He will then return to Canada a week later for the MOPAR Canadian Nationals in Grand Bend.

"We are definitely going to see the country. From the Midwest, east, central and west, we are going to see it all," Lagana said. "These are dedicated racers. Every car that is up here and even some of the guys who wanted to come but couldn't make it, they are all hardcore racers. That is what the IHRA is all about – dedicated racers."

DOUBLING UP

Racing one nitro car in a weekend is tough enough, but wrestling two cars down the track is just downright impossible.

Well, almost impossible.

IHRA veteran Terry Haddock will show why he is one of the best drivers on the tour this weekend when he wheels both a Top Fuel dragster and a Nitro Funny Car this weekend at River Cree Resort and Casino Rocky Mountain Nationals at Castrol Raceway.

"It makes for a tremendously hectic weekend. And we are going to have a new challenge this weekend because a few crew members were unable to make the trip," Haddock said. "We will figure out how to do a good job, but it won't be easy."

Haddock, the 2008 IHRA Nitro Funny Car world champion, will debut his flopper this weekend in a match race against three other NFC wheelmen. One of his competitors, two-time world champion Dale Creasy Jr., will be looking to get back at the Washington native after he stole a potential third straight title from him late last year.

Creasy, who was seemingly well on his way to a third title midway through the 2008 season, was involved in an accident at Castrol Raceway last year that put him out for the rest of the season, opening the door for Haddock to steal his very first championship.

Now Creasy returns to the track that bit him one year ago to take on Haddock in a battle of the best in nitro burning floppers.

But proving who is king of the Nitro Funny Cars is only a small portion of Haddock's schedule.

Along with driving his flopper in a handful of match races, Haddock will also be looking for a victory in the Top Fuel ranks this weekend as he tries to move back into the top five in points after missing the last few events.

"Driving these cars is what we love to do so getting to drive them both will be a lot of fun," Haddock said. "The economy hasn't been nice to us so far this year, but we are hoping people will see how much dedication and heart this team has.

"We really don't have much in the way of money or support, we are just out here doing what we love each weekend and hoping in the end it all pays off."

WELCOME BACK

While the decision to cut Alcohol Funny Cars from the 2009 Nitro Jam schedule was not an easy one, the IHRA welcomes its alcohol burning floppers back to the fold this weekend at the Rocky Mountain Nationals at Castrol Raceway.

Well over a dozen Alcohol Funny Cars are on hand for this weekend's event including one of the greatest in the history of the sport – Rob Atchison.

The Canadian born wheelman is second all-time on the IHRA charts in wins (20) and has three championships to his credit all gained back-to-back-to-back during the 2003, 2004 and 2005 seasons.

While Atchison has been able to keep the tires spinning on his Ace sponsored car, the 35-time final round participant is thrilled to be able to return to IHRA competition this weekend.

"It is a great opportunity to be able to come back and run at the Edmonton track. For me I was fortunate to have Ace Manufacturing step up and sponsor my west coast car and I have been able to run a few more races in Canada giving me an opportunity to see a little more of my Canadian fans," Atchison said. "This is a beautiful facility. They work hard at accommodating the racers and making it the best they can. This is usually the best weekend of the year for drag racing."

While Grand Bend is considered Atchison's home track, Castrol Raceway has a special place in his heart. Along with a win in 2005, Atchison has seen plenty of success and has one of his biggest followings right here in Edmonton.

"Other than Grand Bend our biggest following is here. Alberta fans really support this event and that is why we are here," Atchison said. "We are here to put on a show and entertain a full crowd. It is nice to be able to do this in front of 30,000 screaming fans. It is a place where you can here them cheering on you even from the other end of the track."

WELCOME BACK PART 2

After taking a couple of years off competing in the Pro Modified class, Rick Distefano is back.

Distefano has competed in a number of WCPM events in the west, getting a win and a runner-up in the process. This weekend will be his biggest test, however, as he takes on the competitors in the IHRA for the Rocky Mountain Nationals.

This year is really a season long test session as he dials in his engine program in anticipation of taking delivery of his new 70 ½ Camaro. This is the newest body style to debut in the Pro Mod ranks and he will be one of only a handful to compete with this very unique frame.

The engine program has also netted the team some success including a few rounds in the low 6s at non-national event tracks leaving the team very optimistic that they can net a few rounds in the five second range at close to 240 miles per hour.

"The engine program is all in-house this year and it gives us complete control of all aspects of its development," said Distefano.

From Larry Crum / IHRA

SPEEDWAY 660: Fan Fest a big hit

Fredericton, NB – Mother nature has not been to kind to us lately as it has rained on our parade or so to speak the past couple weekends.  She did not win this weekend.  All week the forecast has been showing rain for this weekend.  Track officials made the decision to wait until later in the day to make the decision whether to race or not to race. The right decision was definitely made as the races went on and what exciting racing it was.

It was the first FANFEST 2009 presented by Sojourn Signs + Weekly Racing event at Speedway 660 and it was a huge success.  Drivers, crews and race fans of all ages were admitted into the track for FREE. This was a great opportunity to show appreciation for all the support that the drivers, crews and fans show each and every week.  It was good to see a lot of regular race fans and a lot of new faces in the crowd tonight. Guaranteed they will become regulars now that they have seen what they have been missing. Racing is a wonderful sport and one that can be very addictive once you have heard the cars, and have seen racing from some of the finest drivers in Canada each and every week.

In the Coast Tire Street Stock division, Rick Cashol came out strong winning his heat, dash and feature and taking home the Robin’s Inn Hat Trick Award. Cashol is a contender each and every week. He had a little weight lifted off his shoulders tonight as he was not pulling double duty by racing in both the Coast Tire Street Stock and Martin’s Home Heating Sportsman divisions. It was reported that Bradley Logan was in the # 54 Sportsman car tonight. Logan has filled in for a few drivers this season.  Finishing a strong second was Trent Noble and Matt Matheson also with a strong podium finish in third.

In the Martin’s Home Heating Sportsman Division, John Rankin was the big winner of the evening.  Rankin has had a very good season thus far. Ranking finished second in the heat and dash and quickly moved though the field in the 30-lap feature to battle Dave Biggar for the lead. Rankin had a huge lead until the caution came out.  Rankin got back out front and never looked back. This is a very exciting and al competitive division and tonight was a great show.  Dave Biggar also had a very good night winning his heat, dash and coming in third in the feature. Glyn Nott passed Dave Biggar to take second place.

In the Irving Lubricants ProStock division, Robert Tomlinson came out strong in the heat until the last lap when Brad Mann took the lead and went on to win the race.  Tomlinson also lead the first part of the feature until the first caution when a couple of cars got together and spun. Brad Mann sprinted out to take the lead on the restart.  Mann got shuffled back in the pack but came back to take fourth.  Big Kevin Moore was the big feature winner of the evening. Greg Fahey challenged Mann but came up a little short ending up with a second place finish. Glen Rasmussen had a good night finishing in third.  There were a couple familiar faces on track tonight as Dan Eddy and Jerry Curtis were in the Pro Stock field. 

Next weekend will be the TWIN 100s-COAST TIRE "Best of the Best" Pro Stock 100 + Martins Home Heating Sportsman 100. Fans will see some exciting racing for sure.

From www.speedway660.com