Just received word that rain has caused Ohsweken Speedway to cancel its show scheduled for tonight (July 17).
Friday, July 17, 2009
KAWARTHA SPEEDWAY: Brandon Watson Pushes his Chevy to the Limit - Comes Up Just a Little Bit Short
By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications
There have been just 2 feature race winners this season in Kawartha Speedway’s headline NAPA Auto Parts Late Model division. 16 year old Brandon Watson’s triumphs – June 5th and 19th have left the talented youngster hungry for more. The 2008 rookie of the year from Stayner, Ontario is doing everything he can to find his way back to victory lane and Friday, July 3rd he came up just a little short.
The driver of the #9 McColl Racing Enterprises-Shear Metal Products-Ken MacKinnon Construction-Plumtech Plumbing-W. Gethons Pumping-Simcoe Building Centre-LaFarge Concrete-Clearview Custom and Collision-AKN Automotive-Torbram Electric Supply-Huronia Landscaping Chevrolet started the 30 lap main event in 7th spot and after a late race caution flag, ended-up glued to race winner Dan McHattie’s rear bumper as the pair crossed the line under the checkered flag.
“I scraped the wall once coming off turn 4,” admitted the young hot-shoe while pointing to the right front fender. “I don’t think it caused any serious damage to the car, but it slowed me down a bit. The restart with 2 to go made things close, but obviously I’d rather win than finish second.”
Earlier in the night, the car was loose during one of the practise sessions – but changes made by the crew took things in a completely opposite direction. Cloud cover replaced the sunshine and the car got very tight. The young driver pulled his ride to the infield until the session ended, then headed back to the pits where the team attacked the bow-tied beast.
“We changed the rear brake pads.” said Brandon’s team owner, father and crew chief Tim Watson. “It was time – especially when you consider they’d been on the car since the start of the year. Brandon is pretty good when it comes to car control, but it doesn’t matter how fast you’re going if you can’t get the car to stop when you need it to.
At one point, the car was on jack-stands in the pits and there were legs sticking-out from each corner of the yellow, red and blue #9. The team keeps detailed notes on changes made – as well as weather and temperature conditions. Whatever they learn each night could be something that’ll help a few weeks or possibly a few months down the road. With Kawartha Speedway’s ACT Summer Sizzler on the agenda for Sunday, July 12th, the team is looking for everything they can find to gain an advantage against the full-time travelling racers.
Sunday, July 5th Brandon Watson finished 5th and 1st in his qualifying heats at Peterborough Speedway. The talented teen was second in the ‘Chase for the Colours’ late model/limited late model feature event.
Brandon Watson Racing is pleased to welcome Huronia Landscaping to their sponsorship team for the balance of the 2009 season.
For details on Brandon’s progress, see www.brandonwatsonracing.com.
Photo attachments: (Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications)
#1). Brandon Watson waits while the crew makes adjustments to his #9 Chevrolet Monte Carlo.
#2). Brandon Watson battles the #26 of John Donahue during Kawartha Speedway’s 2008 ACT Summer Sizzler.
#3). At barely 14 years of age, Brandon Watson made his Kawartha Speedway Late Model debut at the 2007 ACT Summer Sizzler.
Kawartha Speedway: July 17, 2009 - It's All About the Fans
By Jim Clarke, Kawartha Speedway PR/Clarke Motorsports Communications
Every race fan has a favourite driver – and every racecar driver has a group of fans they count on for support every time they take to the track. Friday, July 17th the 2 elements will come together as Discount Car and Truck Rentals presents Fan Appreciation Night at Kawartha Speedway. Midway through the night, drivers in all 3 of the track’s weekly divisions will bring their cars onto the front stretch of the spacious 3/8th mile oval and fans will be invited to the racing surface to collect autographs from their favourite drivers. The track will have a limited number of the 2009 souvenir programs available for autograph seekers.
“It’s called Fan Appreciation Night, but the drivers look forward to it just as much as the fans do,” says Derek Lynch, Kawartha Speedway’s promoter and general manager. “The turnout of fans is amazing. It gets to the point where you can hardly move around out on the track.”
With the 2009 season nearing the halfway point, the point’s battles in all 3 classes are getting extremely tight. In the Discount Car & Truck Rentals Mini Stocks, last season’s champion Jason Juriga occupies the top spot. John Baker Jr., Kyle Donaldson and 2008 champion Willie Reyns are locked in a torrid battle for the Better Carpet Thunder Car title, while defending champion Dan McHattie continues to hold the hot hand in the NAPA Auto Parts Late Model chase.
In addition to the meet and greet with the drivers, the track will also host the Second Annual Discount Car & Truck Rentals race for charity, featuring selected participants in a 10 lap exhibition race in mini stocks supplied by the track’s driving experience.
As always gates open Friday, July 17th at 3:00 with rotating on track practise sessions starting at 5:00. For directions to the track and full details on the Kawartha Speedway schedule, including the 2009 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series season finale - Saturday, September 26th, visit www.kawarthaspeedway.com.
Photo attachments: (Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications)
#1). Jason Juriga has turned-in a dominating 2009 performance in Kawartha Speedway’s Discount Car & Truck Rentals Mini Stock division.
#2). John Baker Jr. is locked in a tight 3 car race for top spot in the Better Carpet Thunder Car points.
#3). After finishing 14th in the ACT Summer Sizzler, Dan McHattie heads back into action sitting atop the NAPA Auto Parts Late Model points.
#4). Last year’s winner of the Discount Car & Truck Rentals race for charity, Collin Welsh will be back to defend his title.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup: Saturday, July 18 at Peterborough Speedway
The Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup returns to action this Saturday night at Peterborough Speedway. The event is a make-up date for a previously rained out race.Gates open at 2 p.m. Front gate admission is $15 and pit gate admission is $25. Racing starts at 5:30 p.m.
Parts Canada Superbikes at Mosport: Epic title battle reaches midpoint
BOWMANVILLE, Ont. (July 15) – A compelling, see-saw battle for the 2009 Parts Canada Superbike Championship reaches its midway point at Mosport International Raceway this weekend. Seventeen-year-old Brett McCormick comes into the key doubleheader with an 11-point lead, 157-146, over five-time national champion Jordan Szoke after three of seven races. After Szoke won the opening round of the series on his Canadian Kawasaki Motors Kawasaki ZX-10R, McCormick picked up the next two wins aboard the Team Suzuki / Blackfoot / Picotte Racing Suzuki GSX-R1000.
With full points races on both Saturday and Sunday this weekend’s action on the 3.9km (2.459-mile) Mosport circuit could prove critical in deciding the outcome of this year’s title chase. There has been very little to choose between the two protagonists. Szoke won the opener at Calabogie Motorsports Park in May after a dramatic last lap battle with McCormick. The victory was Szoke’s 27th career national Superbike triumph, making the 30-year-old from Brantford, Ont. the winningest rider of all time.
McCormick replied with a narrow win over Szoke in round two at Circuit ICAR in Mirabel, Que. Then the Saskatoon ace made it two wins in a row with a stunning pass of Szoke on the final lap at Calgary’s Race City Motorsport Park. While McCormick has been victorious in the two most recent races, Szoke always excels at Mosport and has won five times at the track, including once last year.
Other racers will undoubtedly try to break up the McCormick/Szoke monopoly in the pair of Superbike feature races this weekend. Ottawa racer Andrew Nelson is enjoying his finest season yet on the Nelson Racing Yamaha YZF-R1 and the 26-year-old sits third in points with 96 coming into this weekend.
Not far behind, however, is Cochrane, Alta.’s Clint McBain with 90 points. The 36-year-old has won twice at Mosport in the past two years and has finished in the top five in each of this season’s three races on his Suzuki Dealers / Acceleration Racing Suzuki GSX-R1000. Fifth in points is 43-year-old six-time champion Steve Crevier of Maple Ridge, B.C., who is having a stellar year on the Deeley Racing Powered By Buell / Buell 1125R.
Tied for sixth in the standings are Szoke’s Canadian Kawasaki Motors team-mate Alex Welsh of Uxbridge, Ont. and Team Toyota Yamaha / OTSFF Yamaha YZF-R1 rider Kevin Lacombe of Granby, Que., who finished third in last year’s title chase. Also in the top 10 are HJC Pro Rookie of the Year contenders Royce McLean (Team Toyota Yamaha / OTSFF Yamaha YZF-R6) of Coaldale, Alta. and Keene, Ont.’s Jodi Christie (Honda Powerhouse Honda Dealers of Ontario / Roz- Gar Racing Honda CBR600RR), along with the A. Perusse Kawasaki / Kawasaki ZX- 6R of Granby, Que.’s Karl Daigle.
Not to be discounted are GoLo Racing Suzuki GSX-R1000 rider Frank Trombino of Kleinburg, Ont., who has two Mosport victories to his credit, and former two-time Canadian Superbike champ Michael Taylor of Toronto, who will make his 2009 debut on a Parkway Honda Powerhouse / ProStar Motorsports Honda CBR1000RR.
The roles in the McCormick/Szoke battle are reversed in the Yoshimura Pro Sport Bike Championship, the national tour’s premier support division, where Kawasaki’s Szoke comes to Mosport with a nine-point lead over McCormick, 155-146 after narrowly beating the Suzuki rider at Race City. Yamaha’s Lacombe leads a tight battle for third with 99 points after three events, just one ahead of Welsh on the Kawasaki, with Yamaha racer Nelson (95), Crevier on the Buell (84) and Lacombe’s Yamaha team-mate McLean (82) all close behind.
Honda stalwart Christie is a distant eighth in the standings, while the top 10 is rounded out by New Smyrna Beach, Fla.’s Dave Estok on the Deeley Racing Powered By Buell / Buell 1125R and two-time Canadian Superbike Champion Francis Martin of Sherbrooke, Que. on the BMW Motorrad Canada BMW HP2.
This weekend’s action will also feature a single race for the Armour Bodies Amateur Sport Bike Championship, where Cochrane, Alta.’s Cody Matechuk (Suzuki Dealers / Acceleration Racing Suzuki GSX-R600) enjoys a solid 155-134 lead over Longueuil, Que.’s Sebastien Tremblay (A. Perusse Kawasaki / Kawasaki ZX-6R). The 15-year-old Matechuk has won twice while Tremblay, 21, picked up the victory on home turf at Circuit ICAR. Efram Ellenbogen of Belleville, Ont. is third in the Amateur Sport Bike standings riding his BnE Racing Yamaha YZF-R6.
Raphael Archambault of St-Colomban, Que. holds a narrow 119-112 advantage over Brantford, Ont.’s Rob Busby heading into this weekend’s pair of races for the Suzuki SV650 National Cup, and Bodhi Edie of Warman, Sask. is eight points clear of Hamilton, Ont.’s Steven Nickerson, 201-193 with a pair of Honda CBR125R Challenge races on tap.
Practice for this weekend’s event begins on Thursday with qualifying, including the Pirelli SuperPole for the Inside Motorcycles Pole Position Award in the Parts Canada Superbike class set for Friday. Races in all national classes will go Saturday and Sunday, except in the Amateur Sport Bike division, where qualifying will be held Saturday for Sunday’s race.
A three-day SuperTicket is $60 at the Gate and each ticket includes parking, paddock admission, and entrance to Saturday Night Stock Car racing at Mosport Speedway. For more information call the Mosport Hotline at 1-800-
866-1072 (Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm ET) or visit online at www.mosport.com.
2009 Point Standings
Parts Canada Superbike: 1. Brett McCormick (Suzuki) 157; 2. Jordan Szoke (Kawasaki) 146; 3. Andrew Nelson (Yamaha) 96; 4. Clint McBain (Suzuki) 90; 5. Steve Crevier (Buell) 84 Yoshimura Pro Sport Bike: 1. Jordan Szoke (Kawasaki) 155; 2. Brett McCormick (Suzuki) 146; 3. Kevin Lacombe (Yamaha) 99 Armour Bodies Amateur Sport Bike: 1. Cody Matechuk (Suzuki) 155; 2. Sebastien Tremblay (Kawasaki) 134; 3. Efram Ellenbogen (Yamaha) 82 Suzuki SV650 Nat’l Cup: 1. Raphael Archambault 119; 2. Rob Busby 112; 3. Jeremie Hade Precourt 101 Honda CBR125R Challenge: 1. Bodhi Edie 201; 2. Steven Nickerson 193; 3. Ryan Roche 123
For more series information, visit www.cdnsuperbike.com
Ohsweken Speedway: Southern Ontario Sprints and Santa Claus come to town this Friday
By Tommy Goudge (July 15, 2009) – A special edition of Friday Night Thunder takes to the track at Ohsweken Speedway this week as Gales Auto Aftermarket presents “Christmas In July” with the Southern Ontario Sprints tour, plus the ESSO Thunder Stocks, ESSO Mini Stocks, Bombers, and another edition of Autograph Night! Santa Claus will be visiting, and fans are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to our toy drive. Fans who donate will receive $5 off adult admission or $2 off senior/student admission.
The Southern Ontario Sprints tour brings a tight championship points race to Ohsweken Speedway this Friday for round five of their 2009 season series. Ohsweken was the site of the second event ever held in club history way back in 1996, and has been a staple on the SOS schedule ever since. More than sixty SOS events have been held at Ohsweken since that time, with Campbellville’s Kevin Job taking the most recent SOS feature win on July 18, 2008.
Adam West took his second SOS feature win of the season last Saturday night at the Brighton Speedway to draw within eleven points of championship leader Justin Martin heading into this Friday’s event. Warren Mahoney finished third last Saturday and now sits third in the SOS standings, just another nine points behind West. Bob Crawford and Rookie of the Year award contender Tyler Rand round out the top five in the standings.
Last season’s SOS event at Ohsweken saw twenty-eight entries, and featured a torrid battle for the feature win between Keith Dempster and Kevin Job, with Job coming out on top. Dempster settled for the runner-up spot, followed by Warren Mahoney, Rob Pietz, and Glenn Styres. Like Adam West, Styres has claimed two SOS feature wins this season, but missed last Saturday’s event at Brighton, dropping him from the points lead back to sixth in the SOS championship standings.
Meanwhile, the ESSO Thunder Stocks championship chase is also a tight one, as Shayne Pierce was able to extend his lead over Billy Bleich last Friday night, but only slightly, as the gap is still only seven markers. Ryan Dinning became the sixth different winner in the division last Friday night, and currently sits seventh in the points standings. Rounding out the top five in the standings behind Pierce and Bleich are Jeremy Bean, Brad Herron, and Lee Winger.
Mitchell Brown continued his domination of the ESSO Mini Stocks last Friday, taking his seventh feature win of the season, but it was another close battle for the win. Paul Goodale, Abel Castelein, and Mike Evers are just some of the contenders knocking on the door for their first feature win of the season, while Brown is followed in the points standings by Kevin Hilborn, Evers, Rick Emberson, and Dave Goodacre.
Karl Sault leads the way in the Bomber division, but Rodney Rutherford has claimed two of the last three feature wins, including last Friday’s wild race. Sault is followed in the standings by Kacey Huffman, Jesse McDonald, Team 113, and Dale Cooke.
Plenty of advanced reserved seat tickets for the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars “Six Nations Showdown” July 28 and 29, and Canadian Sprint Car Nationals September 18 and 19 are on sale now. Please visit www.OhswekenSpeedway.com and call 1-888-720-RACE to order yours today!
In preparation for the World of Outlaws events coming up in just two weeks, Friday Night Thunder takes a night off next week on July 24. Mark your calendars accordingly, and make sure to come early to the July 29 World of Outlaws event for a pig roast!
Friday Night Thunder resumes on Friday, July 17 when Gales Auto Aftermarket presents Christmas in July with the Southern Ontario Sprints Tour, along with the ESSO Thunder Stocks, ESSO Mini-Stocks, and Bombers, plus Autograph Night and a visit from Santa! Friday Night Thunder at Ohsweken Speedway offers affordable family entertainment just a short drive away from most mid-western Ontario locations.
Friday Night Thunder Adult General Admission for this special event is just $15, while Seniors and Students are $8, and kids 12 and under are FREE! Bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Christmas in July toy drive and receive $5 off Adult admission or $2 off Seniors/Students admission. Please visit www.OhswekenSpeedway.com for more information. On Friday night, gates open at 6:00p.m., with the first race at 7:45p.m.
IHRA: Lagana family to make history at Grand Bend
Dom Lagana makes IHRA professional debut at Grand Bend
For years Bobby Lagana Jr. has been the star of his family’s drag racing business behind the wheel of the Lagana Family Racing Top Fuel dragster.
Now it is his younger brother’s turn to share some of that spotlight.
Dominick Lagana, who made history last weekend when he faced off against his brother in a match race in Epping, N.H., will make his IHRA professional debut this weekend at the 10th annual MOPAR Canadian Nationals at the Grand Bend Motorplex in Grand Bend, Ontario.
Team Lagana has been on the edge of their seat all year in anticipation of Dom Lagana’s first race, carefully planning when and where to race. But after an extremely successful match race in Epping where little brother beat up on big brother, it didn’t take long for the team to decide that Grand Bend was the place for his highly anticipated debut.
“I am at a total loss for words,” Lagana said. “I am so excited for this weekend. Life is good right now.”
Last weekend’s match race at the New England Dragway played a key role in the team’s decision to debut the second Lagana car in Grand Bend. Not only did the two brothers put on an impressive show for the fans, but the race also featured the very first brother versus brother Top Fuel run in drag racing history.
In that race Dom Lagana recorded his first 300 mile per hour pass and pulled out the win despite Bobby Lagana having a slight advantage on the line. Bobby Lagana’s slim margin at the tree put him ahead at half track, but Dom Lagana was able to zoom past him with a crowd pleasing 4.77 elapsed time at 311 miles per hour.
Bobby Lagana was no slouch either, running a 4.79 E.T. at 309 miles per hour.
While Dom Lagana’s great numbers played a key part in the team’s decision to debut the car this weekend, the determining factor ended up being family friend Ric Duchene’s willingness to drive the second rig to Grand Bend.
Now the team will once again venture into uncharged waters as, for the first time in IHRA history, two brothers will attempt to qualify for an eight-car Top Fuel field.
And while Dom Lagana is certainly looking forward to this weekend’s event, older brother Bobby Lagana, who is currently third in points, couldn’t be more excited to help make this unlikely story a dream come true.
“The way this year has gone it could not have been scripted any better. To be able to race my brother was awesome and now for both of us to compete for an Ironman is unbelievable,” Lagana said. “Dom and I both agree our mom has been leading us for most of this year. I just want to thank our family, crew, friends, sponsors, IHRA and all the fans for a wonderful year so far.”
MEDIA CONTACT: Larry Crum // IHRA - Feld Motorsports // 304-812-0104 (cell) // lcrum@feldinc.com
Rick Young's 'Rick at the Races' for July 8 through 15, 2009
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PIC 1 Maple Leaf Cookies in the Byward Market (Ottawa)
PIC 2 to 5 Scenes from the Brockville SuperDirtSeries Show
PIC 6 Brett Hearn wins the Brockville Super Dirt Series race
PIC 7 Vintage Mods at the Brockville's Saturday races
PIC 8 Tabitha Murphy wins a SPORTSMAN race at Brockville on Saturday
PIC 9 Carla and other music fans also get wet in Montreal
PIC 10 to 13 Scenes from the rained out Cornwall SUPER DIRT SERIES
PIC 14 to 16 Scenes from the latest rain out at the Capital City Speedway (15 Jul)
RICK @ the RACES (8 to 15 July)
8 JUL CAPITAL CITY SPEEDWAY (OTTAWA, ONT) RAIN
9 JUL BROCKVILLE ONTARIO SPEEDWAY DRY !
11 JUL BROCKVILLE ONTARIO SPEEDWAY RAIN
12 JUL CORNWALL MOTOR SPEEDWAY (ONT) RAIN
15 JUL CAPITAL CITY SPEEDWAY (OTTAWA , ONT)
Oh what a rotten summer this is turning out to be as once again wet weather dominates this report. Out of four events I'd planned to see, only one survived.
To brighten things up, I had my daughter Carla visiting me this past week, prior to a working trip to the UK. For the past couple of years she's been living in Austin, Texas but has decided to return to her homeland for a while. Before flying back , she's been spending some time with 'Dad'.
On Wednesday my plans were to attend the regular weekly show at the Capital City Speedway in Ottawa, so the two of us spent the afternoon in the nations capital. We visited the Byward market, a tourist attraction, that's within walking distance of the Houses of Parliament. It's the place where on his presidential visit, Barack Obama stopped off to buy some cookies for his daughters. He stunned onlookers when he took time out from his cavalcade and walked to the market bakery to buy some some of their delicious maple leaf short bread. It was here he made the comments 'I love this country'. If they are good enough for Barack, they were good enough for me, so we bought a couple.
After Carla and I had supper in an excellent Italian Restaurant (called 'Stella' ), we both went our separate ways. She went to meet some friends in Ottawa while I drove to the Speedway. As I got on to the 417 Queensway and headed west , the sky on the horizon looked pitch black and as I pulled off at the Stittsville exit, I spotted race cars on trailers coming away from the track. Not a good sign ! As I pulled into a gas station to 'top up' I met 'Dentman' Dave Watchorn, a friend and long time CCS racer. He confirmed that the big storm I'd seen in the distance had wiped out the nights races. So far this year the track had managed a 100% record with no rain-outs, but this time their run of good fortune had came to an end.
The following night ( Thursday) Mother Nature decided to co-operate for my trip to the SUPER DIRT SERIES for Big Block Modifieds at the Brockville Ontario Speedway. It was the first stop on their four night Great Canadian Tour. From Brockville they would be at Autodrome Granby, Que (Fri) Autodrome Drummond, Que (Sat) and the Cornwall Motor Speedway, Ont (Sun).
There were about 35 Mods in attendance which included most of the big names. The big 100 lap race was a bit of a disappointment, with New Jersey's Brett Hearn getting a flag to flag, rarely challenged win.
A late finish at work on Friday prevented me from going too far, so Carla and I went to Cornwall's 'LIFT OFF' a summer spectacular beside the banks of the St Lawrence Seaway ( Live music, fun fare and hot air balloons)
So, I missed seeing Billy Decker taking the Autodrome Granby SUPER DIRT SERIES race.
On Saturday the weather forecast looked diabolical, with rain predicted almost everywhere. Autodrome Drummond's SUPER DIRT SERIES was my first choice but it looked certain to get rained out, so I chose to visit Brockville again for their regular weekly show. While I went to the races, Carla went to a concert in the Jean Drapeau Park ( next to the Gilles Villeneuve Circuit), Montreal for the "Vans Warped Tour' that featured a band called Bad Religion
It was lovely and sunny when I arrived at Brockville but just after the heats had been run, the skies opened and within minutes the night was over. It was good to see one of my facebook friends Tabitha Murphy get a long awaited win in the SPORTSMAN class. I'm glad I didn't gamble on the long trip to Drummond as it got rained out before it even started , as did the Airborne Speedway Plattsburgh ( ACT SERIES race) and Autodrome St Eustache ( Canadian Tire Series race). The latter two were rescheduled for the following day (Sunday). Carla's concert was also a 'wash out' and was home early.
The weather looked very promising for Sunday, so I was looking forward to a pleasant day at the Cornwall Motor Speedway. I said goodbye to Carla soon after breakfast who was driving down to Baltimore, Maryland to see her mum, before her flight to the UK on Tuesday.
I arrived at the Speedway at about 1-30pm ( I'm always there early) and sure enough, the weather was good, with just a few clouds and some warm sunshine. It's always a good move to be there early when it's a big show, and the SUPER DIRT SERIES is always a crowd favorite. As it got nearer to start time the skies became darker as some black clouds started to tease us. The time trials went ahead, and were followed by the heat races for the other divisions. Just as the opening heat for Modifieds had been completed, it started to rain. A little bit at first, and then turning into a full blown rain and hail storm. It only lasted about twenty minutes but was enough to put an end to the night. Cornwall became another casualty of this years rotten summer.
Late News...Normaly I like to get my weekly report out no later than Wednesday night, but a power outage in Long Sault prevented me doing this. I had to leave home for the Wednesday nights Capital City Speedway races before it resumed. It started off nice and sunny, and you've guessed it ! another bout of wet stuff ended the show after the first feature... When is this rain going to end?
Estevan Motor Speedway - Race Results July 14/09
Estevan Motor Speedway - Race Results July 14/09 (Esteven, Saskatchewan)
IMCA HOBBY STOCK HEAT #1
Brock Beeter, Jim Mann, Mike Wilson, Randy Stepp, Brendan Heggs, Alyssa Harris, Robert Pickering, Ryan Swenson-DNS
IMCA HOBBY STOCK HEAT #2
Alvin Dube, Dustin Hoffart, Austin Daae, Carl Hanson, Chris Dukart-DNF, Cory Evans-DNF, Fred Alexander-DNS
IMCA STOCK CAR HEAT #1
Chad Strachen, Randy Fyllesvold, Mel Elsberry, Allan Fetzer, Jason Laducer, Glen Barnstable, Wes Baier, Tyler Tix, Geoff Mann, Ryan Harris-DNF, Robbie Rosselli-DNF, Greg Feuring-DNF
IMCA STOCK CAR HEAT #2
Aaron Haggerty, Joe Flory, Nathan Burke, Mike Swallers, Kelly Henderson, Greg Mann, Sterling Labatte, Dale Labatte, Trent Emmel, Joey Stang-DNF
IMCA MOD HEAT #1
Jay Noteboom, Chase Junghans, Davin Emmel, Tyson Turnbull, David Thome, Trent Johnson, Pete Bradley, Dennis Durmas, Paul Leach
IMCA MOD HEAT #2
Mike Hanson, Hank Berry, Shawn Strand, Ricky Alvarado, Chris Hortness, Wyatt Olson, Rusty Corneliuson-DNF, Corey Mann-DNF, Chase Ruble-DNF
IMCA MOD HEAT #3
Will Brack, Allen Kent, Matt Brack, Kody Scholpp, Aaron Turnbull, Steven Pfeifer, Wes Maley, Tracy Domagala, Tyler Wagner-DNF
IMCA MOD HEAT #4
Troy Gemmill, Kenny Wallace, Mike White, Spencer Wilson, Grant Junghans, Eric Paul, Dale Burwick, Ed Bourassa, Derek Lisafeld
IMCA MOD HEAT #5
Mike Hagen, Devin Raynard, Les McLenehan, Paul Donnelly, John Barber, Brent Schlafmann, Troy Adams, Stan Mayer, Tom Massett-DNF
IMCA MOD HEAT #6
Troy Heupel, Kelly Bauman, Marlyn Seidler, Brendan Gemmill, Todd Dart, Dave Deese, Brad Lisafeld, Richie Mann, Stu Veroba-DNF
IMCA MOD B-MAIN #1
2J Grant Junghans, 21E Davin Emmel, 22X Dennis Durmas, 01S David Thome, 2B Pete Bradley, 27P Eric Paul, 01 Paul Leach, 06 Trent Johnson-DNF, 10 Tyson Turnbull-DNF, 75W Spencer Wilson-DNF, 20W Mike White-DNF, 63 Ed Bourassa-DNF, 32B Dale Burwick-DNF, 75 Derek Lisafeld-DNF
IMCA MOD B-MAIN #2
99 Shawn Strand, WW1 Ricky Alvarado, 29 Les McLenehan, 57 Wyatt Olson, 71 Brent Schlafmann, 4 Troy Adams, 17H Chris Hortness, 9M Tom Massett, 59 John Barber, 7M Stan Mayer, 12 Paul Donnelly-DNF, 41 Corey Mann-DNF, 25C Rusty Corneliuson-DNF, 27 Chase Ruble-DNF
IMCA MOD B-MAIN #3
16M Matt Brack, 21E Davin Emmel, G3 Brendan Gemmill, 7 Marlyn Seidler, 11 Steven Pfeifer, 3cc Todd Dart, 77 Tyler Wagner, 02 Kody Scholpp, 4L Brad Lisafeld, 10D Dave Deese, 42 Richie Mann, 96 Tracy Domagala, 31 Stu Veroba, 61 Wes Maley
IMCA HOBBY STOCK FEATURE
1. 48 Brock Beeter
2. 17 Alyssa Harris
3. 33 Cory Evans
4. 27 Mike Wilson
5. 21 Carl Hanson
6. 73H Dustin Hoffart
7. 8 Fred Alexander
8. 3 Alvin Dube-DNF
9. 01 Robert Pickering-DNF
10. 81 Randy Stepp-DNF
11. 20 Chris Dukart-DNF
12. 3 Jim Mann-DNF
13. 14 Brendan Heggs-DNF
14. 17 Austin Daae-black flagged
15. 36 Ryan Swenson-DNS
IMCA STOCK CAR FEATURE (no track points-tour special) 1. 62 Aaron Haggerty 2. 132 Chad Strachen 3. 11S Mike Swallers 4. 97 Nathan Burke 5. 24 Kelly Henderson 6. X Jason Laducer 7. 20 Joe Flory 8. 14 Randy Fyllesvold 9. 19 Tyler Tix 10. 5E Mel Elsberry 11. 21 Wes Baier 12. 67 Allan Fetzer 13. 18 Ryan Harris 14. 95 Greg Mann 15. 1 Glen Barnstable 16. 11 Trent Emmel 17. 71L Dale Labatte 18. 25 Joey Stang 19. 55 Sterling Labatte 20. 46 Geoff Mann-DNF 21. 7 Robbie Rosselli-DNF 22. G4 Greg Feuring-DNS
IMCA MOD FEATURE A-MAIN (no track points-tour special) 1. 15W Will Brack 2. 12H Mike Hanson 3. 721 Troy Gemmill 4. 7N Jay Noteboom 5. 33 Allen Kent 6. 98 Devin Raynard 7. 25 Hank Berry 8. 7 Marlyn Seidler 9. 21R Aaron Turnbull 10. G3 Brendan Gemmill 11. 4T Troy Heupel 12. 27X Mike Hagen 13. 99 Shawn Strand 14. 2J Grant Junghans 15. 18 Chase Junghans 16. 16M Matt Brack 17. 22X Dennis Durmas 18. 29 Les McLenehan 19. 57 Wyatt Olson 20. 36 Kenny Wallace 21. 21E Davin Emmel 22. 66 Kelly Bauman 23. WW1 Ricky Alvarado-DNF 24. 01S David Thome-DNF
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Rexall Edmonton Indy Sells Out Edmonton City Centre Tailgate Zone!
Edmonton City Centre Tailgate Zone Sold Out For 2009 Rexall Edmonton Indy!
The Edmonton City Centre Tailgate Zone is now sold out for the Rexall Edmonton Indy, running from July 24-26, 2009.
The popular hospitality area, located at track level on Turn 1, offers race fans the opportunity to get close to the action while entertaining clients, suppliers and staff. Due to overwhelming demand, the Edmonton City Centre Tailgate Zone was recently expanded by over 100 seats. Those seats have now sold out with 10 days to go to the start of the Rexall Edmonton Indy.
“The Edmonton City Centre Tailgate Zone is a great place for the corporate community to experience the excitement of the Rexall Edmonton Indy,” said Ken Knowles, President of Northlands. “With trackside seating, fans in the Edmonton City Centre Tailgate Zone can expect to enjoy a true Indy experience.”
Tickets for the 2009 Rexall Edmonton Indy are on sale now, including 3-Day Grandstand Passes and Single Day Tickets, at all Ticketmaster outlets, or online at www.ticketmaster.ca.
Northlands rocks Edmonton and Alberta with 2,500 events each year that attract over 4 million visitors to Alberta’s Capital City. Think Rexall Edmonton Indy, Canadian Finals Rodeo, Farmfair International, Capital EX, the best of horse racing, headliner concerts, international events and all the trade shows you can handle. Visit www.northlands.com to find out more.
Media Contacts:
Darren Krill Randy Kilburn
Senior Manager, Communications Media Relations
Northlands 2009 Rexall Edmonton Indy
Tel: (780) 471-7162 Cell: (780) 451-1550
Cell: (780) 886-2760 E-mail: rkilburn@northlands.com
E-mail: dkrill@northlands.com
CIEKIEWICZ STRONG AT TORONTO INDY WITH COMPASS360 RACING
Toronto, Canada -- Compass360 Racing's Dave Ciekiewicz took to the streets of Toronto last weekend for the Honda Toronto Indy at the helm of the team's #36 Acura TSX. Entered in the Acura Sports Car Challenge, the fifth round of the Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship, the team's signature matte-black and florescent-orange TSX was a hit with the huge number of fans that turned out for the Saturday and Sunday CCTCC races.
"It was so great to race on this track and to see all the people in the stands," enthused Ciekiewicz. "The racing was close, and I know people love to see our production-based cars battle against each other on this tight circuit."
Indeed, there is no room for error on the concrete-walled gauntlet that forms the Toronto Indy track. Ciekiewicz qualified eleventh, continuing to improve and adapt to the front-wheel-drive Acura after starting the first two races of the year in a rear-wheel-drive BMW.
On Saturday, DC demonstrated masterful racecraft, moving up through the field and finishing seventh during the first CCTCC race of the weekend, held in the mid-afternoon. "The car worked really well, and I'm still getting used to the nuances of a front-wheel-drive car,"
remarked Ciekiewicz. "It's amazing how different it feels to go into a corner loose and to put your foot to the floor, knowing the front end will pull you out and put down the power."
For the second race, on Sunday morning, Dave was in the heat of the top-ten battle. At the two-thirds point, he tried a late-braking maneuver down the end of the long back straight along Lakeshore Boulevard, which would have worked wonderfully had another car not been parked backwards at the apex of corner three. As it was, DC did an astonishing job of keeping the #36 Acura off the walls and other competitors, and running down the escape road. He quickly turned around and rejoined the race, now in 19th, which was where he finished, not having enough time to make up the positions he'd lost.
Some great YouTube footage here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74FWQG1dxvw
"I was impressed with Dave's drives this weekend," noted Team Principal Karl Thomson. "It's a great event, right in our own back yard, and to see DC do so well, continuing to improve session after session, was fantastic. Our guys did a great job too, and I'm just thrilled with the whole team, with special thanks Ivan Ceccato and Steve Scala who really pulled out all the stops."
Compass360 Racing's next event is this coming weekend, where they will once again field three front-running Honda Civic Si's in Grand-Am's KONI Challenge, this time at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama. The team current sits first in the KONI championship, and hopes to extend that lead.
Look for details on the team's website at http://c360r.com/.
Bum rap
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In today's Toronto Sun, there's a a piece about the Toronto Indy and a mention of Jacques Villeneuve's quick exit from the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series race in Montreal.
The piece includes the line, "Driving the No. 7 Tide-sponsored Dave Jacombs Racing Ford, Villeneuve was spun into the wall by six-time national champion Don Thomson Jr. on the first lap of the Tide 250."
Don Thomson started second. Andrew Ranger started fourth (behind Thomson). Jacques Villeneuve was several rows back, in 10th.
By most accounts (I was there, but didn't see the initial contact), Ranger got into Thomson (I'm told Ranger later accepted blame via a radio transmission to his team) halfway through the first turn, leaving Thomson sideways in the outside lane. Most cars got by, but Villeneuve was unable to avoid Thomson and ploughed into him. There is no wall outside of turns 1 & 2 at St-Eustache.
This isn't to pin blame on Ranger (Villeneuve's teamate) as there was a frenzy of action into turn 1, but it's just to note that it would have been a physical impossibility for Thomson to have dropped eight spots in 100 yards before turning Villeneuve into a wall that wasn't there. Dave Stubbs in the Gazette saw it this way, too.
People (the fans and Villeneuve) were very disappointed that he was out of the race after 100 yards on Sunday but it's not right to hang the blame for it on Thomson.
People (the fans and Villeneuve) were very disappointed that he was out of the race after 100 yards on Sunday but it's not right to hang the blame for it on Thomson.
Parts Canada Superbikes at Mosport: No quit in six-time champ Crevier
NO QUIT IN SIX-TIME CHAMP CREVIER
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE // Contact: John Hopkins (416) 451-6623
TORONTO, Ont. (July 15) – A number of young up-and-comers are gaining the headlines in this year's Parts Canada Superbike Championship, but one of the stalwarts of Canadian motorcycle road racing refuses to give up the spotlight.
While the likes of 17-year-old series leader Brett McCormick and rookie star Royce McLean continue to turn heads, six-time Canadian Superbike champion Steve Crevier is enjoying a career renaissance this season with the Deeley Racing Powered By Buell factory team.
Riding the squad's Buell 1125R the 43-year-old from Maple Ridge, B.C. sits fifth in the Parts Canada Superbike Championship standings and sixth in Yoshimura Pro Sport Bike points heading into this weekend's midseason doubleheader at Mosport International Raceway in Bowmanville, Ont., the fourth and fifth rounds of the seven-race national tour.
"I'm feeling good. I'm happy with what we've achieved but I think we're still capable of doing more," says the winner of 26 national Superbike races, second all time. "We're consistent and we're improving. We're refining what we've got and we're getting closer and closer all the time."
The twin-cylinder Buell, which made its debut with Crevier last season, is at a horsepower disadvantage to the more conventional four- cylinder bikes in the Superbike class. But Crevier gave the 1125R a spectacular racing debut in the opening round of the 2008 Parts Canada Superbike season at Calabogie Motorsports Park, finishing third.
That was the highpoint in a season of growing pains, however, and Crevier eventually placed seventh in the Superbike standings.
Crevier opened the 2009 season with a seventh place finish at the Calabogie season opener, but he feels the team turned a corner at the following event at Circuit ICAR in Mirabel, Que. There Crevier put on a charge in the race to finish fourth, and likely would have got up to third with a couple of more laps available.
"I was really struggling in Quebec," he recalls. "I was tired on Saturday. I was frustrated; I was just trying too hard. But my guys didn't give up. We changed our plan for the race. We knew tire wear was going to be an issue so we put an endurance package together, and it paid off.
"That race kind of made me rethink everything. I go into every race, well, you've got to expect to win. But when your crew doesn't give up on you it makes all the difference. After that race I felt like, 'Hey, we can do this.'"
Crevier followed that breakthrough with a sixth place result in round three of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship at Calgary's Race City Motorsport Park, a venue that with its long drag strip front straight was unlikely to favor the Buell.
Crevier has gone from strength to strength in the Sport Bike class.
After sixth place finishes at Calabogie and ICAR he placed the Buell on the front row at Race City and scored a fifth place finish after being in the thick of the podium battle.
"I'm a lot more optimistic coming into Mosport," says Crevier, who has won four middleweight Sport Bike national championships in his storied career. "In the Sport Bike class I think we've got a good chance of running up front and getting on the podium."
What makes Crevier's performances all the more impressive is the fact that he continues to battle the aches and pains that come with age and his profession. Ironically the worst of those, a pinched nerve in his arm, is not the legacy of the race track but related to a neck injury he suffered in a car accident.
He also struggles with knee problems that date back to a crash at Shannonville Motorsport Park at the start of the 2002 season, just after he had won his record sixth Canadian Superbike crown the previous year.
"I'm not able to train the way I want to train," explains Crevier, who has had to forsake his extensive dirt bike conditioning for yoga and other less physically punishing pursuits. "It's a crummy deal and I'm not where I want to be. I love to ride and now I have to ride less. I can't get around this stuff.
"On the one hand you think that maybe if I take some time off some of this stuff will get better, but for a guy my age, you take a season off and you lose that feeling. It's not good."
Nevertheless Crevier still retains the fire that has made him Canada's most successful motorcycle road racer. And rather than be intimidated by the new young lions like McCormick and 14-year-old McLean, the wily veteran welcomes the challenge.
"Look at how healthy the series is today," he says. "I'm happy to see a bit of new blood. These kids are coming on strong, and if I see a chance to get on the box I'm going to brag about it as long as I can. Pretty soon I might not be able to keep up with these guys."
But as long as he can do the job Crevier has no intention of ending his legendary career.
"I've said to the Deeley team, let's let my results dictate my retirement," Crevier says. "Right now I'm having fun and I'm doing good. If I'm not shining, and it's looking like it's just a job to me, then I shouldn't be in it, I've had my time. But until these kids start kicking my butt, I see no reason to give it up."
*****
The fourth and fifth rounds of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship take place July 17-19 at Mosport International Raceway in Bowmanville, Ont. For ticket information go to www.mosport.com or call 1-800- 866-1072. For media credentials, interviews and other requests please contact Jerry Priddle at jerry@mosport.com or John Hopkins at john@cdnsuperbike.com.
*****
The Parts Canada Superbike Championship will hold a press conference at the Hard Rock Café Upstairs Lounge at 279 Yonge Street in Toronto on Wednesday, July 15 beginning at 1:15 p.m. Three-time defending Parts Canada Superbike champion Jordan Szoke, current series leader Brett McCormick and two-time Canadian Superbike champion Francis Martin will be in attendance.
Please RSVP to Lee Bailie at lee@mosport.com or (905) 995-8313.
For more series information, visit www.cdnsuperbike.com
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
NASCAR Canadian Tire Series - “I felt like I was in a heavy weight fight!”
This was Racin’ Jason White’s first post-race comment after Sunday’s rain-delayed Tide 250 at the St. Eustache Autodrome.
You just knew it was going to be one of those weekends when bad weather forced the postponement of Saturday’s race start until Sunday afternoon.
Before the drivers got off their mark to start the race, Jason White knew that it was not going to be an easy race.
First of all, former Formula One Champion and Indy 500 winner, Jacques Villeneuve was in the pack. Although White relished the challenge of pitting his driving skills against the son of legendary racer Gilles Villeneuve, Jacques’ presence meant one more driver contending for the championship.
Secondly, Jason’s car experienced troubles while sitting in position to start the race. This caused a short delay in the commencement of the much-anticipated race. This rocky start was a just an omen of what lay ahead for last year’s NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Rookie of the Year.
But White was not the only one to experience problems at the start of the race. Villeneuve and veteran racer Don Thomson Jr. connected on the 2nd turn causing the first caution flag very early in the race. Racin’ Jason did not go unscathed at this the very first pass through Turn 2.
His tie rod was damaged when it became involved the same incident with Thomson and Villeneuve. And for the rest of the race, Jason said, “It was a battle to keep the car going”. But the great efforts of the A&W Drive-Thru crew and White’s driving skills kept the car in the race.
Turn 2 would prove to be a tough spot on the oval for Jason as well. On Lap 81, the Sun Peaks driver spun out but was to keep the car in the race.
Twenty five laps later, on Lap 106, the race’s 5th caution was signalled when once again Jason spun out on Turn 2.
On Lap 195 Jason was collected on Turn 3. This caused the 11th caution of the race. There were 13 cautions in total in this hard-fought race.
Ironically, White’s last spin-out seemed to correct a problem created on his first spin-out of the race. His tie-rod was bent back almost into correct position!
Racin’ Jason started in 17th position and despite the various problems experienced by his car he managed a 14th place finish.
The race was won by Scott Steckly. Jacques Villeneuve, in his much-anticipated return to Canadian motor racing, finished 22nd, failing to complete the first lap after his dust up with Don Thomson Jr. on that dreaded Turn 2.
In the overall standings for the season, Jason White sits 11th, a mere 12 points out of the Top Ten.
Jason is excited about the next NASCAR Canadian Tire Series race. It is the first of a three-race swing through western Canada. The flag drops next Saturday at the SunValley Speedway in Vernon, B.C. for the A&W Cruisin’ The Dub 300.
Next week’s race is extremely special for Jason. Not only is the SunValley Speedway his home course, but his main sponsor, A&W will be the sponsor of the race. White will be surrounded by friends and family at the course that he grew up on. But the race will also have another meaning for Jason and his family. White’s father, Marty White, a legendary driver in Western Canadian racing history, will be the race’s Grand Marshal.
A&W food services of Canada, is Canada's original hamburger quick service restaurant chain, and today is one of its fastest growing. The first A&W drive-in restaurant in Canada opened on Portage Avenue in Winnipeg in 1956. The combination of great tasting burgers, onion rings and frosted mugs of famous A&W Root Beer served by friendly carhops was an instant hit. Since then, A&W has continued to grow and evolve with the times, expanding into over 700 locations from Vancouver Island to Newfoundland. At the heart of that growth is the fact that, while so much of our world has changed, the simple things that made A&W so popular in its early days are the same today. We still serve A&W Root Beer in frosted mugs. Our onion rings are made fresh from whole onions every day. With a rich history behind us, we look forward to an even more exciting future ahead of us. A&W is expanding all across Canada, with particular emphasis on Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic.On your way to the next NASCAR CANADIAN TIRE SERIES race, be sure to "CRUISE " into an A&W near you!! See you at the races!!
You just knew it was going to be one of those weekends when bad weather forced the postponement of Saturday’s race start until Sunday afternoon.
Before the drivers got off their mark to start the race, Jason White knew that it was not going to be an easy race.
First of all, former Formula One Champion and Indy 500 winner, Jacques Villeneuve was in the pack. Although White relished the challenge of pitting his driving skills against the son of legendary racer Gilles Villeneuve, Jacques’ presence meant one more driver contending for the championship.
Secondly, Jason’s car experienced troubles while sitting in position to start the race. This caused a short delay in the commencement of the much-anticipated race. This rocky start was a just an omen of what lay ahead for last year’s NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Rookie of the Year.
But White was not the only one to experience problems at the start of the race. Villeneuve and veteran racer Don Thomson Jr. connected on the 2nd turn causing the first caution flag very early in the race. Racin’ Jason did not go unscathed at this the very first pass through Turn 2.
His tie rod was damaged when it became involved the same incident with Thomson and Villeneuve. And for the rest of the race, Jason said, “It was a battle to keep the car going”. But the great efforts of the A&W Drive-Thru crew and White’s driving skills kept the car in the race.
Turn 2 would prove to be a tough spot on the oval for Jason as well. On Lap 81, the Sun Peaks driver spun out but was to keep the car in the race.
Twenty five laps later, on Lap 106, the race’s 5th caution was signalled when once again Jason spun out on Turn 2.
On Lap 195 Jason was collected on Turn 3. This caused the 11th caution of the race. There were 13 cautions in total in this hard-fought race.
Ironically, White’s last spin-out seemed to correct a problem created on his first spin-out of the race. His tie-rod was bent back almost into correct position!
Racin’ Jason started in 17th position and despite the various problems experienced by his car he managed a 14th place finish.
The race was won by Scott Steckly. Jacques Villeneuve, in his much-anticipated return to Canadian motor racing, finished 22nd, failing to complete the first lap after his dust up with Don Thomson Jr. on that dreaded Turn 2.
In the overall standings for the season, Jason White sits 11th, a mere 12 points out of the Top Ten.
Jason is excited about the next NASCAR Canadian Tire Series race. It is the first of a three-race swing through western Canada. The flag drops next Saturday at the SunValley Speedway in Vernon, B.C. for the A&W Cruisin’ The Dub 300.
Next week’s race is extremely special for Jason. Not only is the SunValley Speedway his home course, but his main sponsor, A&W will be the sponsor of the race. White will be surrounded by friends and family at the course that he grew up on. But the race will also have another meaning for Jason and his family. White’s father, Marty White, a legendary driver in Western Canadian racing history, will be the race’s Grand Marshal.
A&W food services of Canada, is Canada's original hamburger quick service restaurant chain, and today is one of its fastest growing. The first A&W drive-in restaurant in Canada opened on Portage Avenue in Winnipeg in 1956. The combination of great tasting burgers, onion rings and frosted mugs of famous A&W Root Beer served by friendly carhops was an instant hit. Since then, A&W has continued to grow and evolve with the times, expanding into over 700 locations from Vancouver Island to Newfoundland. At the heart of that growth is the fact that, while so much of our world has changed, the simple things that made A&W so popular in its early days are the same today. We still serve A&W Root Beer in frosted mugs. Our onion rings are made fresh from whole onions every day. With a rich history behind us, we look forward to an even more exciting future ahead of us. A&W is expanding all across Canada, with particular emphasis on Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic.On your way to the next NASCAR CANADIAN TIRE SERIES race, be sure to "CRUISE " into an A&W near you!! See you at the races!!
Bell Returns to ST Class Competition with Compass360 Racing
Toronto, ONT (14 July 2009) – By any measure, Matt Bell has had a break-out season in his very first year competing in the top Grand Sports (GS) class of Grand-Am KONI Sports Car Challenge competition, setting new track records as well as taking a record number of pole positions after kicking off the year with a dramatic win in the season-opening race at Daytona.
But one thing he hasn’t done since move up to GS is run the second half of the endurance events as his team has tapped the youngster for his qualifying and race-opening talents, a strategy that has paid dividends with Bell leading over 70 laps so far this season.
However this weekend, Bell will not only get to run the opening stint of the GS, but he’ll also get a shot at closing the Street Tuner event on Saturday as he returns to compete in the ST class with series powerhouse Compass360 Racing. Bell will be sharing the driving duties with Bret Spaude, who will qualify and open the race before turning the No. 75 Honda Civic Si machine over to Bell to charge to the finish.
Bell raced a BMW in the ST class in 2008 as he stepped up to KONI Challenge after success in the BMW Club racing ranks. The chance to build his front-wheel drive resume with a strong team was one that Bell didn’t want to pass up, even though it will make for a busy weekend for the Daytona winner, with the ST Class race on Saturday evening ahead of the GS Class event on Sunday.
“This is going to be a busy weekend!” joked Bell. “But it’s a great opportunity for me to race for Compass and I want to thank Karl (Thomson, C360R principal) for making this possible. This is the kind of weekend drivers really look forward to. Qualifying and starting the races in GS has been really satisfying, but I’m also looking forward to running to the checkered flag on Saturday. I learned a lot about racing in KONI last year, but I feel like I have some unfinished business and hopefully we can make it back to the podium this weekend.
”Compass360 Racing has made quick work of the deployment of the all-new Honda Civic Si, taking 3 wins -- including a series record-setting 1-2-3 podium-dominating performance at New Jersey Motorsports Park. Bell will also have the advantage of some level of familiarity with the car, after having impressed the team in testing the car at Mid-Ohio in June.
“Matt really impressed us when he tested the car last month, so we’re happy that he’s able to join us this weekend at Barber,” said Thomson. “This has been a great season so far for us, and hopefully Matt and Bret will add another chapter to that this weekend. He’s been really strong in GS this year, and we’re excited to see him close out the race on Saturday night for us.”Practice begins Thursday morning with a track practice day, followed by practice Friday afternoon and qualifying Saturday morning. The two-and-a-half hour ST race is scheduled for 2:50 PM on Saturday, with the GS race slated to start at 8:20 a.m. Sunday.
Compass360 Racing (C360R) is the motorsports division of Compass360 Marketing Communications, a firm offering branding expertise to clients in diverse industries across North America. The Championship-winning race team, with support from Honda of America, fields three front-running Honda Civic Si's in Grand-Am's KONI Challenge, as well as the #36 Acura TSX in Canadian Touring Car. For details visit http://c360r.com.
But one thing he hasn’t done since move up to GS is run the second half of the endurance events as his team has tapped the youngster for his qualifying and race-opening talents, a strategy that has paid dividends with Bell leading over 70 laps so far this season.
However this weekend, Bell will not only get to run the opening stint of the GS, but he’ll also get a shot at closing the Street Tuner event on Saturday as he returns to compete in the ST class with series powerhouse Compass360 Racing. Bell will be sharing the driving duties with Bret Spaude, who will qualify and open the race before turning the No. 75 Honda Civic Si machine over to Bell to charge to the finish.
Bell raced a BMW in the ST class in 2008 as he stepped up to KONI Challenge after success in the BMW Club racing ranks. The chance to build his front-wheel drive resume with a strong team was one that Bell didn’t want to pass up, even though it will make for a busy weekend for the Daytona winner, with the ST Class race on Saturday evening ahead of the GS Class event on Sunday.
“This is going to be a busy weekend!” joked Bell. “But it’s a great opportunity for me to race for Compass and I want to thank Karl (Thomson, C360R principal) for making this possible. This is the kind of weekend drivers really look forward to. Qualifying and starting the races in GS has been really satisfying, but I’m also looking forward to running to the checkered flag on Saturday. I learned a lot about racing in KONI last year, but I feel like I have some unfinished business and hopefully we can make it back to the podium this weekend.
”Compass360 Racing has made quick work of the deployment of the all-new Honda Civic Si, taking 3 wins -- including a series record-setting 1-2-3 podium-dominating performance at New Jersey Motorsports Park. Bell will also have the advantage of some level of familiarity with the car, after having impressed the team in testing the car at Mid-Ohio in June.
“Matt really impressed us when he tested the car last month, so we’re happy that he’s able to join us this weekend at Barber,” said Thomson. “This has been a great season so far for us, and hopefully Matt and Bret will add another chapter to that this weekend. He’s been really strong in GS this year, and we’re excited to see him close out the race on Saturday night for us.”Practice begins Thursday morning with a track practice day, followed by practice Friday afternoon and qualifying Saturday morning. The two-and-a-half hour ST race is scheduled for 2:50 PM on Saturday, with the GS race slated to start at 8:20 a.m. Sunday.
Compass360 Racing (C360R) is the motorsports division of Compass360 Marketing Communications, a firm offering branding expertise to clients in diverse industries across North America. The Championship-winning race team, with support from Honda of America, fields three front-running Honda Civic Si's in Grand-Am's KONI Challenge, as well as the #36 Acura TSX in Canadian Touring Car. For details visit http://c360r.com.
NASCAR: Jacques Villeneuve to drive for Braun Racing in Montreal
MOORESVILLE, N.C. (July 14, 2009) - Braun Racing is pleased to announce that former Formula One World Champion Jacques Villeneuve drive the No. 32 Dollar General Toyota in the NAPA Auto Parts 200 Presented by Dodge at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, Canada. This event marks the second career NASCAR Nationwide Series start for Villeneuve at the world renowned road course named after his father, Gilles Villeneuve, also a legendary F1 racer.
Last season, Villeneuve qualified Braun Racing's No. 32 Toyota Camry in the fifth position and was poised to be one of the cars to challenge for the win. Despite the heavy rain conditions that enveloped the area, the highly skilled driver ran in the top-five until he was collected in an accident and went on to finish 16th.
"I am very happy to return to the track this year in Montréal with Braun Racing," said Villeneuve. "I enjoyed greatly my experience last year and their trust is greatly appreciated. It is also a team that prepares great cars. I am confident the No. 32 will be at least as good as the car the team prepared for me last, which is exciting. But what makes me even more happy is the fact that this time around, I'm part of the equation from a much earlier stage. Together we will be able to better prepare for the end of August race and it should have a good influence on our results.
Villeneuve is a road course phenomenon with a tremendous amount of experience on the 2.709-mile road course. In a career that has spanned for more than two decades, Villeneuve has found success that can be rivaled by very few. He has captured world championships in both the CART and Formula One Series and was the winner of the 1995 Indianapolis 500. To win championships in both CART and F1, plus the famed Indy 500 is a feat that has only been accomplished by two other drivers.
"We are very happy to have Villeneuve back behind the wheel of the No. 32 in Montreal," said Braun Racing owner, Todd Braun. "He is a highly talented driver and had a very strong run in our car last year. He has unparalleled experience to add to our team and its road course program."
Promoter and spokesperson for the event, François Dumontier, echoed Braun's thoughts.
"Braun Racing has the opportunity to be the favorite team at our event next August," said François Dumontier. "Not only are they bringing to Montreal the excellent Jason Leffler, they have elected to give their second car to Jacques Villeneuve. Our fans remember how he qualified well, and was a key player for most of the race last summer. To see him back on track this year is a real promise of an exciting race. As a fan myself, I look forward to see our great champion in the Dollar General Toyota."
Photo: Jacques Villeneuve to drive Braun Racing No. 32 Dollar General Toyota in the NAPA Auto Parts 200 Presented by Dodge at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, Canada on August 29-30, 2009. // Photo credits: CIA Stock Photography, Inc. // The imagery is a courtesy of CIA Stock Photography, Inc, and is copyright-free for the media.
NPP Late Model Series at Castrol Raceway
NPP Late Model Series
GOLDEN RACE FOR TOM, MIDGLEY, EMOND
EDMONTON, AB (June 13) – After several weather cancellations in May and June, the stars of the Northern Provincial Pipelines Late Model Series raced on their home track for this first time this season. Friday and Saturday night
(July 10th / 11th) NPP teams competed with the open wheel sprint car division at the 55th running of the Gold Cup at Edmonton’s Castrol Raceway. Three NPP Series drivers figured prominently in the results both nights. Stony Plain Alberta’s Mike Tom won Friday nights Feature and placed third Saturday night. Sidney, British Columbia’s Darrell Midgley placed second Friday night and was Saturday night’s Feature winner. Leduc, Alberta’s Trevor Emond had a third and a second place finish at the two night show.
For the full release, results and more, go to www.npp-racing.com.
From Gord Craig / NPP Late Model Series
Allen Berg Racing Schools July Update
WORLD CLASS · Racecars · Instruction · Experience
JULY UPDATE
ABRS offering final spots in Formula Car Courses at Mission Raceway in BC Lower Mainland.
Positions only available in courses running August 10 to 12, 2009. See our calendar here: www.allenbergracingschools.com/formula-racing-calendar.asp
Click here for more info: www.allenbergracingschools.com/formula-cars-racing-school.asp.
Road Car Track Programs — NEW DATES ADDED
With increased demand of our Road Car Lapping Programs (www.allenbergracingschools.com/road-car-track-days.asp), ABRS has added an Introductory Road Car Program as well as Advanced Road Car Lapping Session at 8 AM to 12 PM on Tuesday July 28.
To Register for any of these programs, visit: www.allenbergracingschools.tix.com/ActSelectionAllenBerg.asp?OrganizationNumber=1463
ABRS One Day Formula Car — NEW DATES ADDED
With our summer programs quickly filling, ABRS is adding in new One and Two Day Formula Car dates in September.
Click here: www.allenbergracingschools.com/formula-racing-calendar.asp for a full list of our Formula Car Dates and Programs.
ABRS at Rexall Edmonton Indy
If you are attending the Rexall Edmonton Indy July 24-26, be sure to visit our paddock on Friday, July 24 We are located on the north end of Grandstand D (www.edmontonindy.com/indyMap/index.html) just outside Turn three. We are hosting the REI Corporate Championship (www.edmontonindy.com/index.php/get-involved/corporate-championship) which is running on track on Friday 2:30—3:30 PM
2009 may be the last season for ABRS in Calgary. Book now while space is still available, to ensure your opportunity for the ultimate racing experience!!!
Click here: www.allenbergracingschools.com/calgary-racing-schools-video1.asp to view a lap of Race City Speedway recorded from one of our on-board cameras.
Click here www.allenbergracingschools.com/calgary-racing-schools-video2.asp to view one lap of driving comparing two drivers through our MoTeC data systems.
We provide a complimentary 2.0GB USB drive loaded with your video, data, MoTeC program and photos in our One and Two Day Formula Car programs, in order for you to relive the experience!
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Monday, July 13, 2009
David Ostella, Star Mazda Iowa Report
RACEPR
For Immediate Release
July 13th, 2009
Driver News: David Ostella, Star Mazda Championship Iowa Report
Photo Credit: Eric McCombs, Star Mazda
Photo Cutline: David running the banks of the tri-oval.
__________________________________________________________________________
David Ostella produced his best run of the season Friday night as he raced to the podium in the first annual Pizza Ranch 100 at Iowa Speedway. Racing under the lights with the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear, the seventeen-year-old Canadian turned the longest day of the season into his best one yet.
“It was just awesome to get on the podium for the first time this year and for it to be from an oval seems crazy to me, something I didn’t really expect,” he said following a race from fifth on the grid to third. “The race was a little confusing at the beginning and it cost me a few positions, but I knew I had the car for a top finish and on restarts I just showed it. I moved back up, and once in third I didn’t want to push it too hard and ruin a third-place finish so I kept it smart and just took us to the podium.”
In a rare circumstance, the entire Star Mazda schedule was completed on Friday as after a pair of practice sessions the teams headed to single-car qualifying and 100 laps of the tri-oval under the lights, both situations that the teenager from Maple, Ontario, enjoyed.
“It was like running in daylight, but even better because everything was so clear, it was a great experience,” he said of his first night race. “And single-car qualifying was a great experience as well. It was completed in reverse-order from practice times so I was in the middle. It was very intense because it’s not like a road course session where there can be full seconds between first and tenth, on an oval it is tenths of a second that separate the drivers, so even the slightest mistake hurts you a lot.”
Ostella emerged from the afternoon session in fifth, making it much easier to face the fact of having to race just hours later. “It was a little tiring having the schedule in a single day and knowing you had to race just five hours after qualifying, but I was excited coming from the session and I knew AIM Autosport had put together a great car,” he recalled. “I had been fast right from the first lap of the weekend and it really provided an advantage. It certainly helped in getting P5 in qualifying, and you just never want to miss an opportunity to show you can run at the front with the leaders. I really had everything I needed this weekend.”
The Iowa stop took the championship past its halfway point, and it continues July 25-26 as the featured event at the Autobahn Grand Prix in Joliet, Illinois. The drivers return to road-course racing at the doubleheader race weekend, and as always David will be racing with support from Global Precast Intercontinental, Alpinestars and RAW Integrated Ltd.
For Immediate Release
July 13th, 2009
Driver News: David Ostella, Star Mazda Championship Iowa Report
Photo Credit: Eric McCombs, Star Mazda
Photo Cutline: David running the banks of the tri-oval.
__________________________________________________________________________
David Ostella produced his best run of the season Friday night as he raced to the podium in the first annual Pizza Ranch 100 at Iowa Speedway. Racing under the lights with the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear, the seventeen-year-old Canadian turned the longest day of the season into his best one yet.
“It was just awesome to get on the podium for the first time this year and for it to be from an oval seems crazy to me, something I didn’t really expect,” he said following a race from fifth on the grid to third. “The race was a little confusing at the beginning and it cost me a few positions, but I knew I had the car for a top finish and on restarts I just showed it. I moved back up, and once in third I didn’t want to push it too hard and ruin a third-place finish so I kept it smart and just took us to the podium.”
In a rare circumstance, the entire Star Mazda schedule was completed on Friday as after a pair of practice sessions the teams headed to single-car qualifying and 100 laps of the tri-oval under the lights, both situations that the teenager from Maple, Ontario, enjoyed.
“It was like running in daylight, but even better because everything was so clear, it was a great experience,” he said of his first night race. “And single-car qualifying was a great experience as well. It was completed in reverse-order from practice times so I was in the middle. It was very intense because it’s not like a road course session where there can be full seconds between first and tenth, on an oval it is tenths of a second that separate the drivers, so even the slightest mistake hurts you a lot.”
Ostella emerged from the afternoon session in fifth, making it much easier to face the fact of having to race just hours later. “It was a little tiring having the schedule in a single day and knowing you had to race just five hours after qualifying, but I was excited coming from the session and I knew AIM Autosport had put together a great car,” he recalled. “I had been fast right from the first lap of the weekend and it really provided an advantage. It certainly helped in getting P5 in qualifying, and you just never want to miss an opportunity to show you can run at the front with the leaders. I really had everything I needed this weekend.”
The Iowa stop took the championship past its halfway point, and it continues July 25-26 as the featured event at the Autobahn Grand Prix in Joliet, Illinois. The drivers return to road-course racing at the doubleheader race weekend, and as always David will be racing with support from Global Precast Intercontinental, Alpinestars and RAW Integrated Ltd.
Cordeiro Report; Autobahn Country Club final schedule
July 24-25, 2009. Autobahn Country club. Joliet, IL.
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RTR Tonight: July 13th 2009 - 8 p.m. on AM560 CFOS - RTR's 127th Show
RTR Tonight - July 13th 2009 - 8pm on AM560 CFOS - RTR's 127th Show
Race Time Radio Driven by Lucas Oil - Featuring Stock Car Racing in Ontario, Canada
www.racetimeradio.com
Live Show Tonight Mon. July 13th 2009: 127th RTR Show on am560 CFOS www.560cfos.ca at 8 p.m.
Show Line-Up: RAIN-X Clear Vision Interview with: #77 Late Model Dion Verhoeven - Sauble Late Model 150 Winner
PLUS: Sauble Speedway Report, Ontario Pro Challenge Series, Scott Steckly Winner of the NCATS race at Autodrome St-Eustache on the weekend, Pete Bicknell on the Upcoming DIRTcar All Star Weekend - July 17th, 18th and 19th at Cayuga County Fair Speedway - in New York, Adam West, winner of the SOS Southern Ontario Sprints race at Brighton Speedway, and Racing news from Ontario Speedways
RTR accepts on air calls Monday Nights from 8 to 9pm on Show Nights. Call (Local): (519) 376-7777, Toll Free: 1-800-265-3757.
Kennington Finishes Second at St. Eustache
CASTROL/MAHINDRA DRIVER DJ KENNINGTON FINISHES SECOND AT ST. EUSTACHE
July 13, 2009. DJ Kennington and the Castrol/Mahindra Dodge team demonstrated that they are going to be a formidable challenger for the championship during round four of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series at St. Eustache. Kennington would record his second podium finish of the season and move up to second in the overall point standings.
Kennington felt he had something to prove during this second visit to St. Eustache after having a mechanical malfunction in the first race of the season. The Castrol/Mahindra Dodge was quickest during practice and DJ posted a new track record qualifying lap of 17.210 seconds around the 4/10 mile track or an average speed of 83.67mph.
As the green flag waved on the 250 lap event Kennington received an unexpected surprise. “The car was way loose in the beginning but it did come back to me after about ten laps. It might have been just low tire pressures” he added. Kennington would receive the five bonus points for leading a lap and through the first stages of the race never lost touch with the lead pack.
Though he did fall out of the lead Kennington continued to keep the Castrol/Mahindra Dodge near the front of the field as the race progressed. “It was our strategy to stay near the front and play the tire game and try to play track position for the end of the race” said the driver.
Though the second half of the race Kennington continued to keep the Castrol/Mahindra Dodge Avenger near the front of the field looking to seize on any opportunity and improve his position. With a handful of laps remaining and Kennington holding the second position there was one more chance to regain the lead on the final restart of the race. Kennington tried to nose the Castrol/Mahindra Dodge ahead but couldn’t hold the position and settled for a second place finish.
Though he wasn’t able to score the victory Kennington was pleased with the days result. “It’s a nice points day for the Castrol/Mahindra Dodge team and it would have been nice to win, maybe with a couple more laps we might have had a shot but we’ll take it. We’ve got some nice momentum going now and we’re knocking at the door every week and that’s what we need heading west”.
Round number five of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series begins a three race swing through Western Canada. Competitors will be at Sun Valley Speedway near Vernon for a 300 lap event this coming Saturday July 18th. Other events this year include races at the Edmonton Indy weekend, the NASCAR weekend in Montreal. All thirteen races will again be broadcast on TSN. For more on DJ Kennington log onto http://www.djkennington.com/
Photos: 1. The Castrol/Mahindra Dodge ready for qualifying 2. DJ Kennington (left) on the podium at St. Eustache.
Photo Credit: Todd Lewis
This release prepared by, TL Sports & Entertainment, todd@tlsportsent.com (239) 961-2618
July 13, 2009. DJ Kennington and the Castrol/Mahindra Dodge team demonstrated that they are going to be a formidable challenger for the championship during round four of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series at St. Eustache. Kennington would record his second podium finish of the season and move up to second in the overall point standings.
Kennington felt he had something to prove during this second visit to St. Eustache after having a mechanical malfunction in the first race of the season. The Castrol/Mahindra Dodge was quickest during practice and DJ posted a new track record qualifying lap of 17.210 seconds around the 4/10 mile track or an average speed of 83.67mph.
As the green flag waved on the 250 lap event Kennington received an unexpected surprise. “The car was way loose in the beginning but it did come back to me after about ten laps. It might have been just low tire pressures” he added. Kennington would receive the five bonus points for leading a lap and through the first stages of the race never lost touch with the lead pack.
Though he did fall out of the lead Kennington continued to keep the Castrol/Mahindra Dodge near the front of the field as the race progressed. “It was our strategy to stay near the front and play the tire game and try to play track position for the end of the race” said the driver.
Though the second half of the race Kennington continued to keep the Castrol/Mahindra Dodge Avenger near the front of the field looking to seize on any opportunity and improve his position. With a handful of laps remaining and Kennington holding the second position there was one more chance to regain the lead on the final restart of the race. Kennington tried to nose the Castrol/Mahindra Dodge ahead but couldn’t hold the position and settled for a second place finish.
Though he wasn’t able to score the victory Kennington was pleased with the days result. “It’s a nice points day for the Castrol/Mahindra Dodge team and it would have been nice to win, maybe with a couple more laps we might have had a shot but we’ll take it. We’ve got some nice momentum going now and we’re knocking at the door every week and that’s what we need heading west”.
Round number five of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series begins a three race swing through Western Canada. Competitors will be at Sun Valley Speedway near Vernon for a 300 lap event this coming Saturday July 18th. Other events this year include races at the Edmonton Indy weekend, the NASCAR weekend in Montreal. All thirteen races will again be broadcast on TSN. For more on DJ Kennington log onto http://www.djkennington.com/
Photos: 1. The Castrol/Mahindra Dodge ready for qualifying 2. DJ Kennington (left) on the podium at St. Eustache.
Photo Credit: Todd Lewis
This release prepared by, TL Sports & Entertainment, todd@tlsportsent.com (239) 961-2618
Hanssen Scores First NCATS Top-Ten Finish
HANSSEN SCORES FIRST TOP-TEN FINISH
July 13, 2009. Joey Hanssen the driver of the Prime Champ Dodge Avenger in the NASCAR Canadian Tire series recently celebrated his eighteenth birthday. He delivered himself a birthday present in round number four at the Autodrome St. Eustache with the first series top-ten finish.
After rain delayed the race until Sunday afternoon Hanssen would roll off from twentieth position for the 250 lap main event. The Prime Champ driver would once again take the methodical and consistent approach in his race strategy. “The car was really good and handling just the way I wanted it” said the driver. Hanssen would move slowly up through the field and soon was running just outside the top-ten.
As the race moved through the mid point and Hanssen made his scheduled stops for fuel Hanssen would continue to run toward the front of the field though he had gone a lap down. Just past the half way mark he would regain his lap through the NASCAR free pass rule and not relinquish it for the duration of the race.
Later in the race the cars handling would deteriorate. “After our pit stop the cars was not as I wanted it be” said Hanssen but it was still okay. In the late stages of the race Hanssen would face another serious obstacle as several competitors ahead of him collided. “We had a few problems about three quarters through the race when all three cars came together and I couldn’t avoid it. I got into a few people. I don’t know who I hit but it was messy back there” he joked.
The Prime Champ Dodge would suffer cosmetic damage to the front of the car and during several pit stops the crew would do make repairs and keep Hanssen in the fight. Joey would continue to run as hard as he was able to the checkered flag and be rewarded with a tenth place finish. “I thought we might be done because the radiator was bent but they guys did a good job and we continued. It’s a good result and I’m happy with that” he stated.
With the first top-ten result of the season Hanssen is pleased with how the Prime Champ team has progressed in a short period of time. “We’ve made a lot of progress with the team, the chassis adjustments, the learning process is pretty much on its way now. I know how the car reacts better to the changes. We’ll run more consistently and be fine for the rest of the year” he added.
The 2009 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series season now heads to western Canada for three events beginning Saturday July 18th at Sun Valley Speedway near Vernon, BC. This years schedule will consist of thirteen races on ovals, road courses and temporary street circuits from coast to coast in Canada. All thirteen races will be seen on TSN. For more information about Joey Hanssen the NASCAR Canadian Tire series go to http://www.nascar.ca/
Photo caption: The #40 Prime Champ Dodge at St. Eustache
Photo Credit: Todd Lewis
About 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.
This release prepared by TL Sports & Entertainment, todd@tlsportsent.com (239) 961-2618
July 13, 2009. Joey Hanssen the driver of the Prime Champ Dodge Avenger in the NASCAR Canadian Tire series recently celebrated his eighteenth birthday. He delivered himself a birthday present in round number four at the Autodrome St. Eustache with the first series top-ten finish.
After rain delayed the race until Sunday afternoon Hanssen would roll off from twentieth position for the 250 lap main event. The Prime Champ driver would once again take the methodical and consistent approach in his race strategy. “The car was really good and handling just the way I wanted it” said the driver. Hanssen would move slowly up through the field and soon was running just outside the top-ten.
As the race moved through the mid point and Hanssen made his scheduled stops for fuel Hanssen would continue to run toward the front of the field though he had gone a lap down. Just past the half way mark he would regain his lap through the NASCAR free pass rule and not relinquish it for the duration of the race.
Later in the race the cars handling would deteriorate. “After our pit stop the cars was not as I wanted it be” said Hanssen but it was still okay. In the late stages of the race Hanssen would face another serious obstacle as several competitors ahead of him collided. “We had a few problems about three quarters through the race when all three cars came together and I couldn’t avoid it. I got into a few people. I don’t know who I hit but it was messy back there” he joked.
The Prime Champ Dodge would suffer cosmetic damage to the front of the car and during several pit stops the crew would do make repairs and keep Hanssen in the fight. Joey would continue to run as hard as he was able to the checkered flag and be rewarded with a tenth place finish. “I thought we might be done because the radiator was bent but they guys did a good job and we continued. It’s a good result and I’m happy with that” he stated.
With the first top-ten result of the season Hanssen is pleased with how the Prime Champ team has progressed in a short period of time. “We’ve made a lot of progress with the team, the chassis adjustments, the learning process is pretty much on its way now. I know how the car reacts better to the changes. We’ll run more consistently and be fine for the rest of the year” he added.
The 2009 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series season now heads to western Canada for three events beginning Saturday July 18th at Sun Valley Speedway near Vernon, BC. This years schedule will consist of thirteen races on ovals, road courses and temporary street circuits from coast to coast in Canada. All thirteen races will be seen on TSN. For more information about Joey Hanssen the NASCAR Canadian Tire series go to http://www.nascar.ca/
Photo caption: The #40 Prime Champ Dodge at St. Eustache
Photo Credit: Todd Lewis
About 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.
This release prepared by TL Sports & Entertainment, todd@tlsportsent.com (239) 961-2618
Tim Hortons Team Frustrated
TIM HORTONS CHEVROLET TEAM CAN’T CATCH A BREAK
July 13, 2009. Jeff Lapcevich and the #23 Tim Hortons Chevrolet team came to the Autodrome St. Eustache for round number four of the NASCAR Canadian Tire series looking to build on their top-ten finish from the last event and carry the momentum from that successful event. After a solid qualifying effort and looking strong a bad break would end their day early.
Lapcevich and the #23 Tim Hortons team hit the track for practice and posted consistent top-ten speeds. “The Tim Hortons Chevrolet was good right away and we just needed to make some minor adjustments to the sway bar” said Lapcevich. “That and a few minor changes to the pedals and we were set” he added.
Lapcevich would start the 250 lap main event from the eighth spot and with his smooth driving style would begin moving forward. As the race moved toward the mid point Lapcevich would run into the top-five. “The car was fast, it was comfortable, we raced up to third before we pitted and we were really looking forward to a good finish” said the driver.
The team would continue to work their race strategy and looked to be heading toward another solid finish. Unfortunately it would be a bad twist of fate that would ruin their day. As Lapcevich approached corner three the Tim Hortons Chevrolet inexplicably spun out and was contacted by another competitor. “I didn’t have any warning, the car just stepped out and went hard into the wall and we got hit in the front and that took out the radiator and it pretty much finished us.” he summarized.
It was an unfortunate turn that robbed the #23 Tim Hortons team of a solid finish. “It’s very disappointing” said Lapcevich. “These guys just worked so hard and have had a lot of sleepless nights and it would have been nice to bring home a good finish. But we’ve decided that instead of going out west for the next events we’re going to work on our new car and do some testing and we’ll be ready to go for the event at Mosport” he added.
Jeff Lapcevich and the Tim Hortons team will resume competition in the 2009 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series on Saturday August 8th at Mosport Speedway following the Western Canada Events. This year’s series events will consist of ovals, road courses and temporary street circuits from coast to coast in Canada. All events are once again scheduled to appear on TSN. For More information about Jeff Lapcevich and Lapcevich racing log onto http://www.lapcevichracing.com/
Attached Photo Caption: The #23 Tim Hortons Chevrolet team preparing the car for competition at St. Eustache.
July 13, 2009. Jeff Lapcevich and the #23 Tim Hortons Chevrolet team came to the Autodrome St. Eustache for round number four of the NASCAR Canadian Tire series looking to build on their top-ten finish from the last event and carry the momentum from that successful event. After a solid qualifying effort and looking strong a bad break would end their day early.
Lapcevich and the #23 Tim Hortons team hit the track for practice and posted consistent top-ten speeds. “The Tim Hortons Chevrolet was good right away and we just needed to make some minor adjustments to the sway bar” said Lapcevich. “That and a few minor changes to the pedals and we were set” he added.
Lapcevich would start the 250 lap main event from the eighth spot and with his smooth driving style would begin moving forward. As the race moved toward the mid point Lapcevich would run into the top-five. “The car was fast, it was comfortable, we raced up to third before we pitted and we were really looking forward to a good finish” said the driver.
The team would continue to work their race strategy and looked to be heading toward another solid finish. Unfortunately it would be a bad twist of fate that would ruin their day. As Lapcevich approached corner three the Tim Hortons Chevrolet inexplicably spun out and was contacted by another competitor. “I didn’t have any warning, the car just stepped out and went hard into the wall and we got hit in the front and that took out the radiator and it pretty much finished us.” he summarized.
It was an unfortunate turn that robbed the #23 Tim Hortons team of a solid finish. “It’s very disappointing” said Lapcevich. “These guys just worked so hard and have had a lot of sleepless nights and it would have been nice to bring home a good finish. But we’ve decided that instead of going out west for the next events we’re going to work on our new car and do some testing and we’ll be ready to go for the event at Mosport” he added.
Jeff Lapcevich and the Tim Hortons team will resume competition in the 2009 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series on Saturday August 8th at Mosport Speedway following the Western Canada Events. This year’s series events will consist of ovals, road courses and temporary street circuits from coast to coast in Canada. All events are once again scheduled to appear on TSN. For More information about Jeff Lapcevich and Lapcevich racing log onto http://www.lapcevichracing.com/
Attached Photo Caption: The #23 Tim Hortons Chevrolet team preparing the car for competition at St. Eustache.
This release prepared by TL Sports & Entertainment, todd@tlsportsent.com (239) 961-2618
Penalty Hurts Team Mopar
LATE RACE PENALTY DENIES BEAUCHAMP OF ANOTHER SOLID FINISH
July 13, 2009. Ron Beauchamp Jr. and the #60 Mopar Parts Dodge Avenger team were running at the front of the field for much of round four of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series at the Autodrome St. Eustache on Sunday afternoon. However as Beauchamp was battling inside the top-five a NASCAR penalty would severely impact their finishing position.
The #60 Mopar Team worked diligently through practice and had a very quick race car but a slip up by the driver would hurt them in qualifying. “I made a mistake and drove in a bit soft in corner one and I tried to make it up in the next one and it cost us” said Beauchamp. Beauchamp would begin the 250 lap main event from the eleventh starting position, but wouldn’t be there for long.
As the green flag waved Beauchamp maneuvered the #60 Mopar Avenger forward and was soon inside the top-five. “The Mopar Dodge always races well, I was just trying to be patient and I was able to move forward” he stated. Ron Jr. would continue his push toward the front and would eventually take the lead on lap 181. “I definitely wanted to get out front and lead some laps and get those five bonus points and we were able to do that’ said Beauchamp.
Team Mopar would make scheduled stops for tires and fuel along with some minor handling adjustments and as the competitors cycled through stops Beauchamp would again be up front challenging the leaders. “As the laps ticked away Beauchamp was bumped aggressively from behind by the #02 car and lost a position. Beauchamp would subsequently return the favour to retake the position. However his retaliation would cause NASCAR to penalize him one lap for aggressive driving. “I don’t agree with the call” said Beauchamp. “I almost got wrecked between corner one and two and I came back and just tried to give him a little taste of his own medicine. It looked like he might have slowed up a bit in the corner and he went spinning. I don’t understand why I got the penalty, shouldn’t it go back to the original incident” he wondered.
Beauchamp would charge the #60 Mopar Parts Dodge as best he could in the closing laps but his fate was sealed. He would finish outside the top-five for the first time this season and wind up twelfth. With the disappointing finish Beauchamp would fall to third in the overall championship standings.
L
The 2009 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series racing season resumes this coming Saturday with a 300 lap event at Sun Valley Speedway near Vernon, BC. It is the first of three events in western Canada. 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/
Photo caption: Team Mopar prepares the #60 Mopar Parts Dodge for qualifying at St. Eustache
Photo Credit: Todd Lewis
CONTACT INFORMATION
Ron Beauchamp Sr., Beauchamp Motorsports (519) 726-9600
This release prepared by, TL Sports & Entertainment, todd@tlsportsent.com (239) 961-2618
Ohsweken Speedway: July 10 Feature Winner photos by Rick Wellman
Courtesy of Rick Wellman Photography
(8229 Westwood St.; Niagara Falls, Ont. Canada L2H 1Y3)
Phone (905) 354-4445
Cayuga Speedway ISMA pictures from Bill Mehlenbacher
Thanks to Bill Mehlenbacher for forwarding some shots from Sunday's ISMA SuperModified race at Cayuga Motor Speedway. London, ON's Mark Sammut (78) won the ISMA feature.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
NASCAR Canadian Tire Series - Steckly Claims Tide 250 (Unofficial Results)
STECKLY CLAIMS TIDE 250
Extends Series Career Win Mark To Six
St. Eustache, Que. - Defending NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Mobil 1 champion Scott Steckly isn't quite ready to surrender his crown. He won the Tide 250 at Autodrome St. Eustache on Sunday afternoon.
Steckly, out of Milverton, Ont., led 43 of the final 44 laps, but still had to withstand a challenge from DJ Kennington on a restart with six laps to go. Steckly was able to hold on and beat Kennington to the line by .319 seconds.
It was Steckly's first win of the season and first carrying the Canadian Tire colors, his new primary sponsor this season. Overall, he extended his own series career win record to six. His last win came at Barrie (Ont.) Speedway on Sept. 6, 2008.
Steckly, who was forced to serve a drive-through penalty after jumping an early restart, was able to overcome the error and make his way back to the front.
"The restart thing was my fault and that just made it harder," said Steckly. "It is great to get back to Victory Lane. I wish it wouldn't have taken four races, but we'll take it."
John Gaunt finished third for this second career podium finish. He was followed by local favorite Andrew Ranger and Dave Whitlock, winner of the Tufoil 250 in St. Eustache on May 23, in fourth and fifth, respectively.
Kerry Micks, Brad Graham, Jason Hathaway, Andre Coursol and Joey Hanssen rounded out the top 10.
Ranger, in a brand new race car sporting a NASCAR spec engine under the hood, controlled the early portion of the race, but was hounded by Kennington and Micks for much of the way.
Former Formula One champion and Indy 500 winner Jacques Villeneuve made his series debut much to the delight of the crowd, but the joy was quickly doused after an accident on the first lap. Starting the race on the inside lane left him with no where to go as cars stacked up in front. The crew tried to make repairs but to no avail. He finished 22nd.
The race was slowed due to caution 12 times for a total of 64 laps.
Earlier in the day, Kennington set a track record in qualifying besting the record of Don Thomson Jr. set on July 5, 2008. Kennington recorded a time of 17.210 seconds compared to Thomson's time of 17.219 seconds on the .4-mile flat oval.
Unofficially in the point standings, Ranger assumes the lead from Ron Beauchamp Jr. Kennington is second, 17 points behind Ranger. Beauchamp slipped to third in the standings after finishing 12th.
The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Mobil 1 begins its three-race swing to western Canada next Saturday at SunValley Speedway in Vernon, B.C. for the A&W Cruisin' The Dub 300.
NASCAR CANADIAN TIRE SERIES presented by MOBIL 1-Tide 250 Unofficial Results
Sunday
At Autodrome St. Eustache
St. Eustache, Que.
Lap length: 0.4 miles
(Start position in parentheses)
1. (6) Scott Steckly, Milverton, Ont., Dodge, 250 laps, 52.121 mph, $11,500.
2. (1) DJ Kennington, St. Thomas, Ont., Dodge, 250, $7,000.
3. (3) John Gaunt, Barrie, Ont., Dodge, 250, $5,500.
4. (4) Andrew Ranger, Roxton Pond, Que., Ford, 250, $4,300.
5. (12) Dave Whitlock, Petrolia, Ont., Dodge, 250, $3,500.
6. (5) Kerry Micks, Mt. Albert, Ont., Ford, 250, $2,600.
7. (15) Brad Graham, Glencoe, Ont., Dodge, 250, $2,500.
8. (16) Jason Hathaway, Appin, Ont., Dodge, 250, $2,400.
9. (19) Andre Coursol, St. Jerome, Que., Chevrolet, 250, $2,300.
10. (21) Joey Hanssen, Venray, Holland, Dodge, 250, $3,250.
11. (13) Jonathan Bouvrette, St. Therese, Que., Ford, 250, $2,000.
12. (11) Ron Beauchamp, Jr., Windsor, Ont., Dodge, 249, $1,800.
13. (14) Kent Nuhn, Williamsford, Ont., Chevrolet, 238, $1,700.
14. (17) Jason White, Sun Peaks, B.C., Chevrolet, 234, $1,650.
15. (9) Anthony Simone, Holland Landing, Ont., Chevrolet, 206, $1,600.
16. (18) Derek White, Kahnawake, Que., Chevrolet, 194, suspension, $1,500.
17. (2) Don Thomson, Jr., Hamilton, Ont., Chevrolet, 194, $1,450.
18. (8) Jeff Lapcevich, Grimsby, Ont., Chevrolet, 166, accident, $1,400.
19. (22) Hugo Vannini, Repentigny, Que., Ford, 136, accident, $1,350.
20. (7) Mark Dilley, Barrie, Ont., Dodge, 112, engine, $1,300.
21. (20) Dexter Stacey, Kahnawake, Que., Pontiac, 29, differential, $1,250.
22. (10) Jacques Villeneuve, Montreal, Que., Ford, 0, accident, $1,225.
Race Statistics
Time of Race: 1 hour 55 minutes 7 seconds
Margin of Victory: .319 seconds
Fastest Qualifier: D.Kennington (83.672 mph, 17.21 seconds)
Caution Flags: 12 for 64 laps.
Lead Changes: 16 among 6 drivers.
Lap Leaders: D. Kennington 1; A. Ranger 2-28; S. Steckly 29-31; K. Micks 32-39; A. Ranger 40-96; S. Steckly 97; A. Ranger 98-99; S. Steckly 100-147; J. Gaunt 148-150; D. Kennington 151; J. Gaunt 152-180; R. Beauchamp,Jr. 181-204; S. Steckly 205-234; J. Gaunt 235; S. Steckly 236-243; D. Kennington 244; S. Steckly 245-250.
Standings: 1. A. Ranger, 657; 2. D. Kennington, 640; 3. R. Beauchamp,Jr., 632; 4. S. Steckly, 628; 5. K. Micks, 605; 6. D. Whitlock, 597; 7. A. Simone, 577; 8. J. Hathaway, 534; 9. M. Dilley, 512; 10. K. Nuhn, 508.
NCATS: lap 225... 25 to go
Steckly has a quarter la lead on the train of Gaunt, Kennington, Beauchamp, Ranger and Whitlock. Yellow for spin by Micks, assisted by Beauchamp.
FW: CTCC Touring Championship: Wittmer brothers take three more podiums home to Lombardi Honda Racing in Toronto
Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship
Wittmer brothers take three more podiums home to Lombardi Honda Racing in Toronto
Honda Indy Grand Prix, Toronto, July 12th, 2009 - With racing action returning to the streets of Toronto with the Indy Grand Prix Honda, brothers Nick and Kuno Wittmer sure the best out of their weekend with no less than three podiums with their Lombardi Honda Racing Civic in the Canadian Touring Car Championship. Back in action, veteran Kuno earned a second and a third on a race facility he likes a lot. Meanwhile, younger brother Nick, after an early encounter with concrete on Friday, came back charging to a deserving 4th on Saturday and a 2nd place on Sunday morning. After ten rounds of the season now completed, Nick Wittmer sits in second place in the standings, only 20 points from the lead while Lombardi Honda Racing is the team to beat.
"Our game plan went perfect", admitted Kuno Wittmer. "Nick and I knew this track does not forgive much and one must stay clear of the walls and other racing cars. Nick almost lost his weekend on Friday morning in practice. I like this course and have raced it in many series. For the Saturday race, from second row I jumped in second early but was never able to contend for the lead since the winner had outrageous power on the back stretch. The Sunday race was a carbon copy except I didn't want to compromise our chances to step on the podium and Nick just outbraked me late in a corner. The only team orders we have is never to make contact."
"I must first thank our team for resurrecting my car after my error on Friday," smiled Nick Wittmer. "I thought my car was beyond repairs and they pulled a miracle. I started the race from ninth and went around a first-lap accident to finish in fourth with an ailing car. I'm so happy of the end result even if the car in third was declared under weight. For the second race, I wanted to remember Kuno who was the fastest in the family! Just kidding, we have raced many times side by side and we would never touch. I just caught him by surprise in a corner. Now I must concentrate to work on that 20-point gap separating me from the lead in the standings."
"Kuno and Nick were fantastic", cheered team owner Tony Lombardi. "It proves we have the best team in this league. We're going to do our very best to give Nick a car to get back in the lead starting from our next program in Calabogie."
Only Nick at Calabogie in two weeks
The next program will take the Canadian Touring Car Championship to the new and winding race track in Calabogie, Ontario, west of Ottawa on July 25 and 26. Nick Wittmer will be the only one taking to the track in the #06 de Lombardi Honda Racing Civic since both team-mates Kuno Wittmer and Jean-François Dumoulin will be unable to attend.
Lombardi Honda Racing team is competing in the Canadian Touring championship for a fourth season. The 2009 schedule shows 16 rounds heading to six facilities, It features events in Mosport, the new ICAR complex in Mirabel, the Grand Prix of Toronto and the most important double header of the summer will obviously be the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières. Next will be the only visit to Calabogie this season on July 25 and 26.
For more information, go to Lombardi Honda web sites at www.lombardihonda.com or www.lombardihondaracing.com.
Source : Michel Poirier-Defoy : 514 - 942 - 8463
NCATS: lap 200
Under yellow... Steckly ... Beauchamp ... Gaunt... Kennington ... Ranger... Whitlock... Hathaway ... Micks ... 50 to go.
NASCAR St-Eustache: lap 135 update
Scott Steckly leads John Gaunt, DJ Kennington, Ron Beauchamp, Dave Whitlock, Jeff Lapcevich, and Kent Nuhn.
Jacques Villeneuve got caught up in another racer's crash and was out on lap 1. Don Thomson also lost many laps after being caught up in the same wreck.
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