NASCAR: J.R. Fitzpatrick Sponsorhip Announcement.... Schick Canada

Schick Canada gears up for the Canadian NASCAR series by sponsoring Canadian driving sensation J.R. Fitzpatrick

EDMONTON (July 23, 2009) – Schick Canada announced today it has signed a sponsorship agreement with Canadian driver J.R. Fitzpatrick for the Edmonton Canadian Tire NASCAR Series as well as the Montreal Canadian Tire NASCAR Series and NASCAR Nationwide series.

“J.R. Fitzpatrick is one of the brightest stars in NASCAR racing today.  He shares Schick’s commitment to excellence and performance,” says Erik Rahner, Marketing Director, Schick Canada. “This sponsorship is a continuation of our ongoing support of racing in Canada.  Schick is thrilled to be associated with such a promising talent and a great person like J.R.”

Fitzpatrick, a 21-year-old Canadian racer from Cambridge, Ontario, holds the distinction of being Canada's youngest ever NASCAR Champion, having won the CASCAR Championship in 2006, posting one win, five podium finishes and two pole positions.   Schick is the title sponsor of Fitzpatrick in the Edmonton and Montreal Canadian Tire NASCAR Series and major sponsor at the Montreal NASCAR Nationwide series races.  The Schick logo will appear on Fitzpatrick’s racing suit.  The sponsorship is being activated by BOOM! Marketing, headquartered in Toronto.

“Sponsors are the lifeblood of our industry and are as integral to a successful team as the pit crew or driver.  I am very excited to partner with Schick and look forward to shaving time off of every lap in an effort to win my next race here in Canada,” says J.R. Fitzpatrick.

About J.R. (John Ryan) Fitzpatrick: Fitzpatrick began the 2009 season with a fourth-place finish in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season opener at Daytona International Speedway, where he led the most laps.  This lead to his current opportunity, driving for Kevin Harvick, Inc.’s championship winning team in both the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and the NASCAR Nationwide Series.  Fitzpatrick has eight NASCAR Canadian Tire Series starts on road tracks: he has two wins, five top fives and six top tens.  In 2007, Fitzpatrick was voted “Most Popular Driver” at the NASCAR Canadian Tire series in 2007 online by NASCAR fans in Canada.

At age 17 he achieved three top-five, five top-ten finishes and won his first race.  Fitzpatrick, at 16, finished 11th in the CASCAR Super Series points and was second in the Rookie of the Year points.  Fitzpatrick started his racing career in karts and went through the CASCAR junior ranks and then to Lake Model stock cars.  Fitzpatrick utilizes computer games to learn new tracks.  He also wrenches on his own CASCAR cars.  Fitzpatrick was born May 9, 1988, is single and resides in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada, just west of Toronto.

About Schick Canada: Schick Canada, a division of Energizer Canada Inc., is a leading manufacturer of high performance razors for men and women.  Committed to the development of shaving technology and innovation, Schick Canada has launched some of the most successful razors on the market including Xtreme 3®, the first three-bladed disposable that flexes and pivots, Intuition Plus®, the first razor that lathers shaves and moisturizes in one step, and Quattro®, the first four-bladed system and disposable razor for men and women.  For more information visit www.schick.ca.  FREE YOUR SKIN™

From Christine Newlands // Paradigm Public Relations

The G&M's Jeff Pappone is live blogging/chatting from the Rexall Edmonton Indy

Click here to join the conversation.

INDYCAR: Conquest Racing Sponsor News and Pre-Race Notes and Quotes

Edmonton, AB (July 24, 2009) – The following is a series of sponsor announcements, news items, stats, notes and quotes from Conquest Racing for this weekend’s Rexall Edmonton Indy.

Rexall Edmonton Indy
Rexall Speedway at Edmonton City Centre Airport, 1.96-mile, 14-turn temporary street course
July 24 - 26, 2009, Race #11 of 17
Race Distance:  95 laps
Live Broadcast: (US) VERSUS 5:00 p.m. ET, (Canada) TSN2 5:00 p.m. ET

REXALL EDMONTON INDY PRE-RACE NEWS, NOTES AND QUOTES

Continued Partnerships
Conquest Racing’s #34 Dallara will once again be sporting the logo of Northlands’ premier event, the Rexall Edmonton Indy, on its sidepods at the event of the same name. Also continuing to partner with the team, after first appearing on the car driven by Alex Tagliani at the Honda Indy Toronto two weeks ago, is Canada’s number-one steakhouse, The Keg Steakhouse and Bar as well as Canada’s most trusted retailer, Sears Canada and its CRAFTSMAN brand.

Local industrial torque tool company, TorcUp of Canada has returned as a partner of Conquest Racing’s after making its first appearance with the team in Long Beach earlier this season. Additionally, OOMPH! Events, an Edmonton-based full-service company that provides strategy, program, marketing sponsorship, technology and production solutions, the Westin Edmonton hotel and Driving Force, one of Canada’s largest vehicle suppliers have all joined the team’s family of partners for this weekend’s event.

Continued Momentum ‘at Home’
After showing their strength on the streets of Toronto two weeks ago, the team and driver Tagliani will be looking to continue what they started at the Honda Indy Toronto at what can be called the team’s ‘home race’ due to their partnership with Northlands, the event organizers. The team is coming off an outstanding performance, which saw Tagliani lead 21 laps before being caught out by a costly yellow flag. In three street course races this season, the team has collected three top-ten finishes with a best finish of ninth and best start of fifth.

Fifth Anniversary
While the City Centre Airport will be hosting a major open-wheel racing series for the fifth year, Conquest Racing will be making its eighth start at the 1.96-mile temporary street course. The team has a best start of eighth and finish of seventh, which were both scored in 2006 by Canadian driver Andrew Ranger. Since the first race in 2005, Conquest has four top ten finishes at the Canadian circuit.

One-Year Anniversary
Do you know where Alex Tagliani was one year ago at this time? He was in Edmonton of course, on the highest step of the podium. After finding himself without a ride following the unification of open-wheel racing, Tag made a venture into the NASCAR Canada series and scored his first victory in the stock car series at the Rexall Edmonton Indy in 2008.

The personable Canadian will try to add to those unforgettable memories this year. In his past three starts in an open-wheel car at Rexall Speedway, Tag has collected a best start of sixth and a best finish of seventh in 2005.

Here, There and Everywhere
It’s not because the on-track activities only start on Friday in Edmonton that it means Tagliani has had a week to rest and prepare for the upcoming race. Tag has been hard at work since he arrived in Edmonton on Saturday. Last Sunday, Alex spent a few hours with the folks at Carefree RV before meeting with media members at Rexall Place on Monday. Tuesday, he gave out pointers to some lucky people at a drive day with Sun Media before attending the Chairman’s Reception at City Hall. Wednesday was filled with a stop at the Driving Force offices and a visit to the Konica Minolta house.

That’s just the beginning, he then took part in an autograph session at the Sears store at the Garden Mall on Kingsway on Thursday before heading to TorcUp of Canada’s charity karting event at Stratotech Park to help raise funds for the Kids With Cancer Foundation and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

On Friday at 2:15 p.m. local time, Alex, the Conquest team, Northlands and OOMPH! Events will be hosting a group of 25 to 30 children from the Kids Up Front Foundation at the team transporter.

QUOTEBOARD

#34 Alex Tagliani Rexall Edmonton Indy Dallara/Honda/Firestone
2009 IndyCar Series starts: 5
Best start: 5th (Toronto)       
Best Finish: 9th (Toronto)
Points Standings: 21st (97 points)
Overall IndyCar Series starts: 8
Best start: 5th (Toronto - 2009)   
Best Finish: 4th (Australia, 2008 – non-championship event)
“This weekend is a very important weekend for us at the Rexall Edmonton Indy. It’s our home event and I’ve been looking forward to it. We’ve become part of the Northlands family and really want to do well at their event. It’s been a busy week for me with sponsor and media appearances and now I look forward to getting back in the car and continuing what we started two weeks ago in Toronto, however this time with a better outcome. The track at Rexall Speedway is one of my favorites and I have very good memories from this event, especially last season when I won in the NASCAR Canada Series. I wouldn’t mind adding to those memories.”

Eric Bachelart, Conquest Team Owner
“We have been really looking forward to this weekend at the Rexall Edmonton Indy. Not just because we’ve been working closely with the people at Northlands, the event organizers, since the beginning of the season, but because it is one of the best events on the IndyCar Series schedule. We’re coming off a strong performance at Toronto two weeks ago and are carrying very good momentum heading into this weekend. We’re confident we can continue that performance in Edmonton. We’re also very pleased to be welcoming new and returning partners, Northlands and the Rexall Edmonton, Sears, CRAFTSMAN, The Keg, TorcUp of Canada, OOMPH! Events, the Westin Edmonton and Driving Force and I would like to thank them for their support this weekend.”

CONQUEST RACING AT A GLANCE

2009 SEASON   
IndyCar Series Races: 5
Best Start: 5th (Toronto)
Best Finish: 9th (Toronto)

IndyCar Series Overall
IndyCar Series Races: 38
Best Start: 4th (Dallas, Richmond, Kansas City, 2002 – Laurent Redon)
Best Finish: 2nd (Fontana, 2002 – Laurent Redon)

Champ Car World Series Overall
Champ Car World Series Races: 74
Best Start: 2nd (Cleveland, 2004 – Justin Wilson)
Best Finish: 2nd  (Twice – Monterrey, Mexico, 2005 - Andrew Ranger / Assen, Holland, 2007 - Jan Heylen)

Kawartha Speedway cancels Friday, July 24th racing

From Jim Clarke / Kawartha Speedway

With the threat of rain and thunderstorms in the forecast, officials at Kawartha Speedway have cancelled racing for Friday, July 24th.  The track is closed Friday, July 31st, but returns to action Friday, August 7th for the first half of the Fast and Furious Weekend with Brighton Speedway Park.  The OSCAAR Outlaw Super Late Models will join a regular evening of NAPA Auto Parts Late Model, Better Floorz Thunder Car and Discount Car & Truck Rentals Mini Stock racing.  Pit gates open at 3:00, practice for all divisions starts at 4:00.  For details, see www.kawarthaspeedway.com.

NPP's Kennington getting ready for NASCAR action in Edmonton

For more NPP racing news, info and photos, visit www.npp-racing.com

DIRT MEETS PAVEMENT

EDSON, AB (July 23) – The Northern Provincial Pipelines Late Model Series, one of Western Canada’s top touring series on the dirt, welcomes one of Canada’s top pavement racers to Alberta this weekend. DJ Kennington sits second in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series points chase heading into Saturday’s race in Edmonton, Alberta.

"We’ve had a pretty good year so far,” says the St. Thomas, Ontario driver, “with the win in Delaware last month and two seconds and a fourth the last three races, we are now within striking distance (42 points) of the leader (Andrew Ranger).” 

The NCTS is currently in the middle of its three-race western swing. It concludes next Wednesday night in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. “I love racing in Alberta,” says the driver of the Northern Provincial Pipelines/Castrol sponsored #17 Dodge, “there seems to be an instant connection (with race fans) here in Edmonton. I can probably attribute that to my involvement in the NASCAR Nationwide Series.”

After running 26 races in 2008 and finishing 24th in Nationwide Series points, Kennington is running a limited race season this year in the #81 Dodge which is owned by Northern Provincial Pipelines Ltd. (Race operations run by MacDonald Motorsports in Thomasville, North Carolina).  “We’ve run six times this year and will probably run two or three more times before the season wraps up in November. However our main focus right now is running strong here and trying to get the Canadian championship the end of September.” 

On his way to Edmonton, after racing in Vernon, British Columbia Saturday (finished 4th), Kennington stopped by the race shop of long time supporter and sponsor Dwight Kennedy of Northern Provincial Pipelines Ltd.  “Many Canadian racers can only dream of getting that big break,” says Kennington working on his car at the NPP race shop,  “Dwight has given me a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to run the big tracks in the United States and I can’t thank him enough. Racing at Daytona International Speedway, racing in Phoenix and down in Texas and being able to run side by side with Dale Earnhart Junior, Tony Stewart and Kyle Busch is really hard to explain in words. What I do know is that these experiences will be with me forever.”

Many Northern Provincial Pipelines Late Model Series race teams will be in the grandstands Saturday cheering for the NPP sponsored #17 Dodge of DJ Kennington.  Kennington, who finished fourth earlier this year on the road course race in Bowmanville, Ontario, has the opportunity to take over the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series point lead with a strong finish on the road course in Edmonton.

NCTS WEEKEND SCHEDULE
>Friday, July 24th
Practice Session #1: 8:00am
Practice Session #2:10:45am
Qualifying: 5:00pm

>Saturday, July 25th
Race: 11:00am

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

From Gord Criag

CALABOGIE WELCOMES CASTROL TOURING CARS

Canada’s biggest auto racing series heads to the Calabogie long track - July 21, 2009 - Calabogie, OntarioRound six of the Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship presented by Toyo Tires heads to Canada’s longest & widest race track, Calabogie Motorsports Park during the Ted Powell Memorial Race Weekend Presented by The Motorsports Club of Ottawa Over 40 of Canada’s best drivers racing today’s hottest touring cars will compete in two action packed, door handle to door handle 30-minute sprint races amongst some of this countries nicest scenery that you could imagine.

Just back from an impressive double podium showing at the Honda Indy Toronto, Super Touring Class championship points leading driver Greg Pootmans and Touring Class leader Anthony Rapone will attempt to defend their current positions atop the championship standings.

The action at Toronto was intense to say the least and we anticipate the exciting racing will continue on Calabogie’s 5km road course. The championship is still up for grabs and will probably come right down to the last race of the year.

The four car BMW GT Racing team of Paul Dalla Lana, Etienne Borgeat, David Bensadoun & Pootmans will be the one’s to watch for in Super Touring class. The father & son team, Auto Analyzer Racing’s Andy & Andrew Wojteczko racing in their highly competitive Lexus IS 300’s will be hot on their bumpers. Other notable drivers to watch out for is Lombardi Honda’s Nick Wittmer, currently 2nd in the point hunt just 121 points ahead of Wojteczko as he attempts to catch up to Pootmans currently 20 points ahead of him.

MINI Cooper pilot, Alain Lauziere currently 2nd place overall in the Touring Class points standings will be back fending off Quebec driver Nigel Heron and his Acura Integra who suffered a devastating engine failure at Toronto, but hopes to be back in full stride this weekend.

Both Lauziere and Heron will be doing their best to dethrone Rapone who currently holds a 77-point lead over Lauziere and 195 points over Heron this weekend.For further information, check out www.touringcar.ca for the latest championship news.

The Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship Presented By Toyo Tires is Canada's Premiere Touring Car Series and features Canada's Best Drivers Racing Today's Hottest Touring Cars. The Championship is showcased at eight event weekends in Quebec and Ontario with marquee events at Grand Prix de Trois-Rivieres and Honda Indy Toronto.

For more information on Toyo Tires, please visit www.toyotires.ca. Toyo manufactures and distributes a complete line of replacement tires for high performance cars, luxury vehicles, light trucks and SUVs as well as tires for commercial trucks, buses and off-road and construction applications.

This explains Jack Roush doing commercials on Sirius, looking for sponsors... DEWALT Will Not Return to No.17 Roush Fenway Cup Team in 2010

CONCORD, N.C. (July 23, 2009) – Roush Fenway Racing was informed today that DEWALT Power Tools will not renew its sponsorship of Matt Kenseth and the No. 17 team for the 2010 NASCAR season.

“We would like to thank DEWALT for serving as a great partner for the past 10 years,” said Roush Fenway President Geoff Smith. “During that time we have seen great success for both their company and marketing program, as well as with Matt on the race track. They will always be remembered and honored as the sponsor of Jack Roush’s first Sprint Cup Championship team.

“Despite this success – in the face of the significant world-wide economic decline in the construction industry – DEWALT’s decision to not return is not a great surprise to us,” added Smith. “Fortunately, we have several great companies interested in taking over and we expect to begin finalizing those sponsorship arrangements in the very near future.

“All of us at Roush Fenway Racing remain committed to keeping the No. 17 DEWALT car running up front, winning races and to put them in a position to contend for a second championship this season.”

DEWALT has served as the primary sponsor on the No. 17 for the past 10 seasons. During that span Kenseth and the team matured into one of the most successful in the sport; winning 18 races, the 2000 Rookie of the Year Award, the 2003 Sprint Cup Championship, the 2009 Daytona 500 and qualifying for the Chase every year since its inception in 2004.

From Kevin Woods / RoushFenway

Cordeiro report; Guest drivers for Autobahn Country Club Announced‏

THREE GUEST DRIVERS TO COMPETE IN THE VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TDI CUP RACE AT AUTOBAHN COUNTRY CLUB

The SCCA Pro Racing Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup will arrive at the mid point of its season at Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, Illinois on July 25 and 26. During the race weekend, the series’ 25 regular drivers will be joined by three guest drivers who will be participating alongside them in all of the weekend’s activities beginning with practice on Saturday, July 25 at 10:30 am CT and concluding with the race on Sunday, July 26 at 4:55 pm CT.


The list of guest drivers includes Chicago-area Volkswagen dealer and motorsports enthusiast, Richard Fisher; journalist, Jeff Olson; and professional skier, actor and TV journalist, Glen Plake. About the guest drivers:


Richard Fisher – Fisher is a founding member of the Autobahn Country Club and the owner of the Chicago-area Autobarn dealership group. His three Chicagoland VW stores (The Autobarn VW of Evanston, The Autobarn VW of Mt. Prospect and The Autobarn VW of Countryside) sell more new and certified pre-owned Volkswagens than any group in the Midwest. Fisher also is an avid racer in the SCCA ranks where he races his Volkswagen GTI in the T3 class. Last month, he took second place at the June sprints at Road America.


Jeff Olson – Olson is a freelance journalist who covers the IndyCar Series for RACER and Autosport magazines and their websites, www.racer.com and www.autosport.com. He also has contributed to IndyCar magazine, Speed’s website, www.speedtv.com and Sports Illustrated. His career in sports journalism began at the Des Moines Register, where he discovered sprint cars at Knoxville Raceway, which eventually led him to cover the Indianapolis 500. Olson has participated in the Richard Petty Driving Experience and the Bridgestone Racing Academy.


Glen Plake – Plake is the long-time host of Resort Sport Network's Reel Thrills series and a world-class championship skier. Powder magazine called Glenn the Most Influential Skier of the last 35 Years, as he’s considered the father of extreme skiing. He’s appeared in legendary skiing movies including “Blizzard of AaaHhh’s,” “License to Thrill,” “Fistful of Moguls,” and “Steep.” Not confined to the snow, he has also appeared in several Hollywood productions as well as network TV shows. Plake is also an accomplished off-road racer who won the 2000 Baja 2000 (Class 3) race in Mexico.


http://www.makehasteracing.com/
http://www.trackmart.ca/
http://www.vw.com/
http://www.scca.com/
http://www.can-alignment.com/
http://www.hotbits.ca/
http://www.hyperfuels.com/

NCATS: Bourque excited to race the Aaron’s Dream Machine in Edmonton

OTTAWA, ONTARIO (July 23, 2009) – Pierre Bourque is looking forward to this weekend’s NASCAR Canadian Tire Series race in Edmonton, Alberta. The driver of the No. 29 Aaron’s Dream Machine Dodge is one of 22 racers expected to compete in Saturday’s Canadian Tire 100; the sixth of 13 races on the 2009 NASCAR schedule.

Bourque has raced in Edmonton before and is confident that he can perform on the 14-turn, 1.973-mile temporary road course at the City Centre Airport.

“I’ve done well in Edmonton in the past and I know we will have a strong run on Saturday. Whitlock Motorsports has prepared a fantastic car for me to race and with the great support of Aaron’s and all their people, I feel like a Lucky Dog driving the Aaron’s Dream Machine in the NASCAR series this season.”

In addition to the race itself, Bourque is enthused about driving in Edmonton because the Rexall Edmonton Indy is one of Canada’s biggest motorsports events, drawing upwards of 160,000 (3-day total for 2008) to watch the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, the IndyCar Series, the Firestone Indy Lights and the Northern Alberta Sports Car Club.

“There is just so much energy competing in front of the massive crowds in Edmonton,” said Bourque. “We meet so many passionate racing fans and that gives us the opportunity to let them know about Aaron’s and our work in support of Canada’s Military Families Fund (MFF). In addition to driving hard for Aaron’s, myself and my crew, we’re also working to raise money for the MFF and we’ll be donating all of our NASCAR Canadian Tire Series winnings in 2009 to that worthy program. I’d encourage everyone to stop by and say hello if they see us at the track.”

The Race: Practice sessions for the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series cars are scheduled for 8:00 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. on Friday (July 24). Qualifying is slated for 5:00 p.m. The 32-lap Canadian Tire 100 will take the green flag at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 25. Watch the race on TSN on Sunday, August 9 at noon.

About Aaron's, Inc.: Aaron's, Inc. (NYSE: AAN and AAN.A), the nation's leader in the sales and lease ownership, specialty retailing and rental of residential and office furniture, consumer electronics and home appliances and accessories has more than 1,575 Company-operated and franchised stores in 48 states and Canada. Founded in 1955 by entrepreneur R. Charles Loudermilk, Sr. and headquartered in Atlanta, Aaron's has been publicly traded since 1982. For more information, visit www.shopaarons.com.

About Pierre Bourque: During the week, Pierre Bourque is the man behind Bourque Newswatch (www.bourque.com) a website that goes deep behind the scenes of Canadian politics. Dubbed as “Canada's Online News Authority” it follows the movers and shakers of Canada’s political scene. On weekends, Bourque does some moving and shaking of his own, competing in car races in several series, including NASCAR, ARCA and Grand-Am. You can also follow Pierre’s Tweets at www.twitter.com/pierrebourque.

About the Military Families Fund: The Military Families Fund (MFF) is an agile and responsive organization that helps military families within hours of being advised of need. It assists with short-term emergencies and also provides long-term support. The MFF allows for several areas of support, including rehabilitation, education, financial assistance in the case of injury or death of a Canadian Forces member due to service, and urgent and extraordinary financial demands where the ability to provide family necessities is at risk. For more information or to donate, visit www.cfpsa.com.

About the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series: The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series (NCATS) is Canada’s top motorsports tour. The 13-race series features events across Canada, from BC to Nova Scotia, with a combination of oval and road course events at the nation’s top facilities and race weekends. For more information, visit www.nascar.ca.

NASCAR Canadian Tire Series News & Notes - Edmonton

NASCAR Canadian Tire Series News & Notes – Edmonton 

 

• Canadian Tire 300 Notebook
• A&W 300 Post-Race Notebook
• Steckly Looks For First Road-Course Win

 

A Renaissance Season Continues For Beauchamp

 

At the advent of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Mobil 1 in 2007, Ron Beauchamp Jr. was regarded as a title contender, but it never quite materialized until this year.

 

The first two seasons under the NASCAR banner for Beauchamp (No. 60 Mopar/Mobil 1/Exide Batteries) turned out to be an epidemic of bad luck and mechanical failures of several varieties. Factor that in with the departure of crew chief Chris Couvillion and the result was two seasons to forget.

 

Now, with Couvillion back in the fold, the Beauchamp camp is near the top of the points standings right where many thought they would be from the start. He sits in third place, just 45 points behind leader Andrew Ranger.

 

"When (Couvillion) came back last season, we hit on some things from a set-up standpoint and closed the year pretty strong," said Beauchamp. "The most important thing, I think, is our communication as a team. Everybody is on the same page and we're really gelling and that means better results."

 

Better results breeds higher confidence.

 

"I'm really confident in the car now. The last two seasons are in the past and I don't worry about that stuff," he stated. "I just run my race and I know we'll be there at the end."

 

In his first two NASCAR Canadian Tire Series seasons, Beauchamp had a total of five top-five finishes. He already has four this season with eight races yet to go. Another promising sign was winning his first series career pole position last week at SunValley Speedway.

 

Three—Edmonton, Trois-Rivieres and Montreal—of the next five events for the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series come on road courses. Many short-track racers are not particularly fond of those events, but Beauchamp isn't among that group.

 

"I like the road courses," he said. "It's a different kind of challenge. You have to race the track more than the other cars. If your car is working right, then it's all about the driver's ability. It's a nice change of pace from the ovals."

 

This week, the series heads to Edmonton for the challenging 14-turn, 1.973-mile temporary road course of Rexall Speedway—a track that Beauchamp enjoys.

 

"The car has to turn well there or you have no chance," he said. "It's flat and it's fast. The first part is more narrow and where the car has to turn, but the back is wide open and all about horsepower and speed. It's a fun, but very challenging track."

 

After meeting the challenge of stepping up his game in 2009, Rexall Speedway should be a little easier to conquer for Beauchamp.

 

Fast Facts

 

The Race: Canadian Tire 100
The Place: Rexall Speedway, Edmonton, Alberta
The Date: Saturday, July 25
The Time: 11:00 a.m. MT
TV Schedule: TSN, Aug. 9, Noon ET
Track Layout: 1.973-mile temporary road course
Race Purse: $71,823 CAD
2008 Winner: Alex Tagliani
2008 Pole: Andrew Ranger
Schedule: Friday: Practice 8-8:30 a.m., 10:45-11:15 a.m.; Qualifying 5 p.m.
Track Contact: Darren Krill, (780) 471-7162, dkrill@northlands.com
NASCAR Contact: Shon Sbarra, (704) 309-5493, ssbarra@nascar.com

 

2009 STANDINGS

 

Rk Driver                    Points
1   Andrew Ranger          847
2   DJ Kennington           805
3   Ron Beauchamp Jr.   802
4   Scott Steckly            798
5   Kerry Micks              760
6   Anthony Simone       732
7   Dave Whitlock          731
8   Jason Hathaway       676
9   Mark Dilley               647
10  Kent Nuhn               632
11  Don Thomson Jr.      629
12  Jason White             611

 

Steckly Looks For First Road-Course Win

 

Defending NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Mobil 1 champion Scott Steckly is seeking his first series win on a road course this Saturday in Edmonton in the Canadian Tire 100, an event he finished second in a year ago.

 

Much like Andrew Ranger winning his first oval-track race last weekend at SunValley Speedway, there is a validation that comes with being able to have ultimate success in both types of racing.

 

In his title-winning season of a year ago, Steckly (No. 22 Canadian Tire/Tow Truck in a Box Dodge), in addition to his runner-up finish at Rexall Speedway, finished second in Montreal and Trois-Rivieres, as well. He also posted a fourth-place finish at Mosport International Raceway.

 

Those same four tracks are on this year's schedule, as well. In the season's first race on a road course at Mosport on June 14, Steckly experienced engine problems and finished an uncharacteristic 20th.

 

"I don't know that we have anything to prove other than to ourselves by winning on a road course," said Steckly. "We've done pretty well for the most part and everyone knows we are capable of winning on a road course, but it sure would be nice to close one out and get the Canadian Tire/Tow Truck in a Box Dodge into Victory Lane for one of them."

 

Edmonton News & Notes

 

The Race: This event is the sixth of 13 races on the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Mobil 1 schedule and the second of four road-course events on the slate this season. It is the third trip to the track for the series since its inception in 2007.

 

The Procedure: The starting field is 22 cars, including provisionals. The first 19 cars will qualify through NASCAR Road Race (group) qualifying. The remaining three spots will be awarded through the provisional process. The race will be 32 laps covering 100 kilometers (63.136 miles).

 

The Track: The 1.973-mile temporary road course is fashioned from runways and access roads at Edmonton City Centre Airport and has 14 turns. At its narrowest point, Rexall Speedway is 50 feet wide and 75 feet at its widest. Over 80 percent of the track is viewable from anywhere in the grandstands, making it one of the fan-friendliest road courses in existence.

 

The Records: The one-lap qualifying record for the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series at the track is 80.797 seconds (87.909 mph), set by Andrew Ranger on July 25, 2008. The 32-lap race record is held by Alex Tagliani at 59 minutes, 24 seconds, which was set in last year's race on July 26 for an average speed of 63.774 mph.

 

A Season Ago: In last year's race, Tagliani snatched the lead from his teammate and polesitter, Ranger, on the second lap and led the rest of the way for his first series and stock-car victory. Scott Steckly finished second followed by Ranger in third.

 

Pole-No-Winner: Ranger has put his No. 27 Walmart/Tide Ford on the pole for both of the series trips to Edmonton, but has yet to turn that into a race win. The 22-year-old former open-wheel competitor has four road-course wins in nine starts in the series. Edmonton is the only road-course track that the series visits on which he has not won.

 

Also On Tap: The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series joins the IndyCar Series, Firestone Indy Lights and the Northern Alberta Sports Car Club for the Rexall Edmonton Indy.

 

NCATS Notebook: A&W 300 Wrap-Up

 

Someone's Knocking At The Door: The series' all-time leader in wins is 2008 series champion Scott Steckly (No. 22 Canadian Tire/Tow Truck in a Box Dodge) with six. However, with his win in the A&W 300 at SunValley, Andrew Ranger (No. 27 Walmart/Tide Ford) is just behind with five.

 

This Looks Familiar: In his championship season of 2007, Ranger took over the points lead after a win at Mosport International Raceway and never surrendered the lead the rest of the season despite not winning again that year. In 2009, he now has two wins heading into a span of races in which three of five events come on road courses, an area of expertise for the young driver out of Roxton Pond, Quebec.

 

First Time For Everything: In addition to Ranger winning on an oval for the first time, Ron Beauchamp Jr. earned his first NASCAR Canadian Tire Series pole in his 30th race. Also, this is the first year that the NASCAR spec engine program was an option for series teams and for its first win, Ranger's Ford had a spec engine under the hood powering it to a dominating win.

 

Mobil 1 Command Performance Driver of the Race Award: As a reward for his NASCAR Canadian Tire Series victory at SunValley Speedway, Ranger collects $1,500 from Mobil 1 for his effort.

 

Mopar Quick Three: This program awards the top three finishing Dodges in the race. In the Dickies 200, second-place Steckly was the highest-finishing Dodge and thus earned a $2,000 bonus. Third-place finisher Ron Beauchamp Jr. (No. 60 Mopar/Mobil 1/Exide Batteries Dodge) was the second-highest finishing Dodge, which earned him $1,000. Picking up $500 for finishing as the third-highest Dodge was DJ Kennington (No. 17 Castrol/Mahindra Tractor Dodge). He finished fourth overall as Dodge had six of the top-10 finishing cars.

 

Coca-Cola Move of the Race Award: Improving his position the most over the course of the race was  Steckly. After qualifying and starting 11th on the grid, he was able to finish second. As a result, he earned the $1,000 award from Coca-Cola.

 

MAHLE Clevite Engine Builder of the Race Award: In a new program for 2009, the driver who compiles the most points in a specialized system involving qualifying, race finish and leading laps collects the $1,000 award. Ranger narrowly beat out Beauchamp for this award in the A&W Cruisin' The Dub 300.

 

In Case You Missed It: Coverage of the A&W Cruisin' The Dub 300 will premiere on Sunday, Aug. 2 at noon ET on TSN. Check local listings for the most up-to-date information.

 

Up Next: Saskatoon

 

The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Mobil 1 makes the final stop of its three-race swing through western Canada at Auto Clearing Motor Speedway, a 333-mile banked oval in Saskatoon, Sask. The race will be the first NASCAR-sanctioned event to be held in the province of Saskatchewan. Scheduled for Wednesday, July 29, it is also the first non-weekend race in series history.

 

Saskatoon and its surrounding communities have been at a fever pitch since the announcement of the event earlier this year. Track officials have brought in additional seating for this special event after selling out the track's permanent seating over a month ago.

 

Shon Sbarra
NASCAR  |  Media Coordinator, Touring Series Canada
3004 37th Street NW, Gig Harbor, WA  98335
CELL: 704.509.5493  |  TEL: 253.853.7371  |  E-MAIL: ssbarra@nascar.com
 
Follow all the NASCAR Home Tracks racing news at:
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http://community.nascar.com/crews/Going_Round_In_Circles

 

 

TSN: IndyCar Series Action Heats Up the Track at the REXALL EDMONTON INDY, Live on TSN2, July 26

IndyCar Series Action Heats Up the Track at the REXALL EDMONTON INDY, Live on TSN2, July 26

– Race airs live on Sunday, July 26 at 5 p.m. ET on TSN2 –

– IndyCar Series star Danica Patrick to appear on OFF THE RECORD WITH MICHAEL LANDSBERG on Friday, July 24 at 6 p.m. ET on TSN –

– Canadians Paul Tracy and Alex Tagliani race in the last IndyCar event of the year in Canada –

Toronto, ON (July 22, 2009) – The IndyCar Series goes live from Canada for the second consecutive race, with the REXALL EDMONTON INDY, live exclusively on TSN2 on Sunday, July 26 at 5 p.m. ET and then on demand at TSN.ca.

In addition to the race, SPORTSCENTRE will have news and highlights leading up to and following Sunday’s race.  In addition, TSN.ca provides race fans with highlights and interviews from all the action surrounding the race.

Canadian drivers Alex Tagliani and Paul Tracy are in the field for this Sunday’s race looking for a win.  Tagliani takes to the track at the Rexall Speedway at the Edmonton City Centre Airport for the first time as part of the IndyCar Series.  He looks to build on his impressive performance at this month’s HONDA INDY TORONTO, where he led 21 laps before finishing ninth.  Tracy will be looking for better luck than he had in Toronto, where he collided with Helio Castroneves on lap 65.  Tracy had an impressive fourth place finish in last year’s REXALL EDMONTON INDY after starting from the 15th position.

The field for the REXALL EDMONTON INDY features the top open-wheel racers in the world, including Dario Franchitti who moved into the IndyCar Series points lead after finishing first in Toronto, as well as reigning INDIANAPOLIS 500 champion, Helio Castroneves, and fan favourite Danica Patrick.  The Rexall Speedway at the Edmonton City Centre Airport is a 3.154 km temporary street/airport course.

OFF THE RECORD WITH MICHAEL LANDSBERG goes full throttle on Friday, July 24 when Danica Patrick joins the show and attempts to steer through Landsberg’s series of hard-hitting questions.  The popular racer will be featured in two segments: ‘Up Front’, for the five-minute one-on-one interview at the top of the show; and ‘Next Question’, for the entertaining, rapid-fire line of sports and non-sports related questioning at the conclusion of the program.  OFF THE RECORD WITH MICHAEL LANDSBERG airs daily at 6 p.m. ET on TSN.

The remaining TSN/TSN2 IndyCar Series broadcast schedule is as follows:

·      August 1 – Meijer Indy 300 at 8 p.m. ET on TSN2

·      August 9 – Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio at 1 p.m. ET on TSN2

·      August 23 – Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma at 5 p.m. ET on TSN

·      August 29 – PEAK Antifreeze and Motor Oil Indy 300 at 9 p.m. ET on TSN

·      September 19 – Indy Japan 300 at 10:30 p.m. ET on TSN2

·      October 11 – Gainsco Auto Insurance Indy 300 at 12:30 a.m. ET on TSN

TSN2 is readily available through various television providers across Canada, for more information visit TSN.ca.

TSN2, a division of CTVglobemedia, brings Canadian sport fans a jam-packed lineup of major league sports action, with exclusive live events, encore telecasts of key sporting events and better timeslots for viewing in Western Canada.  TSN2’s roster features an exciting lineup of sports and events, including the NHL, Blue Jays baseball, NBA, Curling, International Hockey, Golf, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series, IndyCar Series, Grand Slam Tennis, Boxing, Major League Lacrosse, Mixed Martial Arts, and NCAA Football and Basketball.  Also available in High Definition, sports fans can access TSN2 through television service providers across the country. For more information on TSN2 and a complete list of participating television providers, visit TSN.ca.

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For More Information:
Greg McIsaac, (w) 416.384.5180, (c) 416.458.3591, greg.mcisaac@ctv.ca
Chobi Liang, (w) 416.384.7584, (c) 416.859.4738, chobi.liang@ctv.ca
Simon Bassett, (w) 416.384.7599, simon.bassett@ctv.ca

Kevin Harvick Inc. Development Driver Cale Gale Tests a NASCAR Canadian Tire Series car at Mosport Speedway

KEVIN HARVICK INC. DEVELOPMENT DRIVER CALE GALE TESTS AT MOSPORT IN PREPARATION FOR THE MOSPORT SPEEDWAY 200

(BOWMANVILLE, ON – July 22, 2009) Cale Gale turned a few laps at Canada’s Fastest Half-Mile Oval as the young Kevin Harvick Inc. development driver prepares to make his NASCAR Canadian Tire Series debut in the Mosport Speedway 200 on August 8.

“The test was good. We picked up some speed in the car and I’m looking forward to coming up to Mosport,” Gale said. “We want to be competitive right away and hope to run up front with top guys in the Series.”

In addition to Mosport, the 24-year old Mobile, Alabama native will drive the No. 13 Rheem Chevrolet for Farwell Racing Inc. at four additional NASCAR Canadian Tire Series events later this year. Gale has also raced in the NASCAR Nationwide Series for a team co-owned by NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Kevin Harvick.

Advance tickets for the Mosport Speedway 200 are just $25 until August 5 ($30 at the Gate) and parking is free. Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by a paid adult admission.

For more information about tickets, call the Mosport Hotline at 1-800-866-1072 (Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm ET) or visitonline at www.mosport.com. Tickets are also available at Ticketmaster.

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Photo: Peter Brand // Media contact: Lee Bailie, Mosport, (905) 995-8313 (cell.) or email lee@mosport.com

REPORT: NASCAR drivers targeted in Ponzi scheme

"NASCAR drivers are among the victims of a scam that also targeted police officers, Florida Department of Law Enforcement officials said...."

Wonder who?

The full story is here.

Jacques Villeneuve has an F1 deal for 2010?

From SPEED:

"Jacques Villeneuve is close to securing a contract to return to Formula One with the new USF1 team in 2010, Germany's Sport Bild reported Wednesday. The French-Canadian, now 38, last won a Grand Prix in his championship year in 1997 but subsequently drove for BAR, Renault and Sauber/BMW until 2006. Having failed to establish a career in NASCAR, he recently attended some Formula One races this year, buoyed by the reduction in downforce, the return of slick tires and the opportunities afforded by three new teams.Villeneuve did not refer specifically to USF1 but admitted to the magazine: "It is true, I will return..."

Click on the link above for the full story.

h/t j.r.

Cordeiro report; Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup reaches the midway point of the season at Autobahn Country Club

When the green flag flies for the Autobahn Grand Prix race weekend on July 25 and 26 at Joliet, Illinois’ Autobahn Country Club, it will signal a return to road racing in the Chicago area after nearly 40 years. It also will mark the halfway point of the 2009 season for the SCCA Pro Racing Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup, which is one of seven series competing during the race weekend. With four races under their belt, the 25 Jetta TDI Cup drivers will be challenged by the 21-turn, 3.56-mile road course. Autobahn is the second longest track that the series competes on during the season and has the most turns.

Unlike other circuits on the Jetta TDI Cup schedule where many of the drivers had previously competed in other series, only Melrose Park, Illinois’ Timmy Megenbier has driven at Autobahn in the past. While he’s never raced there, Megenbier has driven his personal Volkswagen Jetta GLI at an arrive-and-drive event at his “home track.”

So far this season, three drivers have found their way into victory lane with series rookies Joey Atterbury and Jake Thompson winning at VIRginia International Raceway (VIR) and Megenbier taking the wins at the past two events at Miller Motorsports Park and Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. With his win at Mid-Ohio, Megenbier moved into the Championship lead with a 19-point margin over second-place Atterbury.

Points standings after the first four races

Position/Car Number/Driver Name/Hometown/Points
1/17 Timmy Megenbier, Melrose Park, IL - 140
2/14 Joey Atterbury(R), Renton, WA - 121
3/19 Jake Thompson(R), Calgary, Alberta - 111
4/27 Andy Lee, Maricopa, AZ - 104
5/2 AJ Nealey(R), Edgewater, MD - 89
6/3 Taylor Broekemeier, Fort Collins, CO - 87
7/23 Juan Pablo Sierra Lendle, Puebla, Mexico - 76
8/8 Derek Jones, Philadelphia, PA - 72
9/4 Nicky Boulle(R), Dallas, TX - 70
10/20 Mark Pombo, Duluth, GA - 68
11/7 JD Mobley(R), Castle Rock, CO - 58
12/26 Andrew Cordeiro, Woodbridge, Ontario - 56
13/29 Devin Cates(R), Broad Run, VA - 56
14/5 Ryan Ellis(R), Ashburn, VA - 41
15/22 Andrew Novich(R), Novato, CA - 35
16/30 Perry Richardson(R), Los Gatos, CA - 35
17/24 Donny Warren(R), Winchester, VA - 31
18/6 David Richert, Niverville, Manitoba - 25
19/15 Theresa Condict(R), Lexington, MA - 16
20/34 Juan Pablo Delgado(R), Orizaba, Vericruz (Mexico) - 16
21/16 Eric Morse(R), Pittsburgh, PA - 15
22/11 Kyle Wharff(R), Miramar, FL - 13
23/28 Rhett Tucker(R), Cumming, GA - 10
24/18 Kerstin Smutny(R), Bothell, WA - 5
25/32 Andrew Gun Tucker(R), McDonough, GA - 2
(R) – Jetta TDI Cup Rookie Driver

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NASCAR Canadian Tire Series: A&W 300 (VERNON) TSN AIRDATES

Speedway 660: CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour on tap for Parts for Trucks 100

“CARQUEST PRO STOCK TOUR on tap for Parts for Trucks 100”

This Saturday night under the lights at Speedway 660 the Carquest Maritime Pro Stock Tour is heading to the Geary Woods for the Parts for Trucks 100. After last Saturday nights Enduro 200 being cancelled due to rain once again everyone is ready to get back to racing.  Once again there is another exciting night of racing coming up.  This is the race that had to be re-scheduled due to rain canceling it the first time in June.

Upwards of 30 cars are expected to make the trip to Speedway 660 this weekend including some of our own weekly Irving Lubricants Pro Stock regular drivers.  Fans are going to see some exciting competitive racing when the tour  hits the track.  Every one is sure to be on the edge of their seats!

Some of the drivers you can expect to see include Fredericton’s Shawn Tucker, former track Champion Dave O’Blenis and Craig Slaunwhite, defending Peterbilt 250 Champion.  Also St. John’s Lonnie Sommerville who had a great run in the PASS event, will be looking to make his way to victory lane. Some of the local drivers may include last year’s points Champion Greg Fahey and Matt Harris who is having a great start to the 2009 racing season.

After three of the tour races are in the books, the points have shuffled around and the point’s leader in the Carquest Maritime Pro Stock tour is John Flemming. Shawn Tucker who has won two of the three of the races is a close second in points while Shawn Turple is not far behind in third. 

Last weekend was the first of three events in the Triple Crown Series. The first race was at Riverside Speedway for the IWK 250 where Wayne Smith picked up a win along with Kent Vincent and Sprint Cup driver David Reutimann also having podium finishes.  There were 39 cars at the event. The second race of the series will take place at Scotia Speedworld on Aungust 8th for the Atlantic CAT 250 and the final race will be on September 6th at Speedway 660 for the Peterbilt 250 on SPEEDWEEKEND.  If Wayne Smith can win all three of the events there will be a big $50,000 cheque waiting for him!

In addition to the Parts for Trucks 100, fans will get to see weekly points racing in the Martin’s Home Heating Sportsman and Coast Tire Street Stocks. Fans will see heats and features in both of these divisions.  These points’s series are heating up as the summer goes on and you don’t want to miss it.

Race fans who bring a non perishable food item or make a donation for the food bank at the entrance of the Speedway will receive a bingo card for Purolator Bingo. Purolator is donating five $100 gas cards to give away to some lucky winners. At this time of year the food banks are very low on stock and rely on the help from public. Please remember the Food Bank when you leave to head to the Speedway on Saturday evening.  Another night of WicKID family fun for everyone.

July 25th Event

Parts for Trucks 100
Saturday, July 25th at 7:00p.m.
Pit gates open at 1pm
Grandstands open at 5pm
Time Trials at 6:10pm
Racing starts at 7p.m.

Rain date is Sunday July 26th at 2:00p.m.
Ticket Prices:
Adults (16 and over) $20
Youth (ages 9-15) $15
Children (ages 8 and under) FREE

From Angela Coffey // Speedway 660 - HOME OF THE PETERBILT 250

E-mail: info@speedway660.com // Website: www.speedway660.com

KAWARTHA DURHAM KART CLUB: Hershey Grand Prix Press Release

4th Annual Grand Prix – August 8 & 9, 2009

Toronto Kart Club in conjunction with Kawartha Durham Kart Club is pleased to announce the 4th annual 2009 Hershey Centre Grand Prix.  This event is to be held in the south parking lot of the Hershey Centre in Mississauga on a temporary course that was designed in conjunction with Supermoto Canada and the Toronto Kart Club.  This track has been proven to be technically challenging, fast, and has been an integral part of an action packed weekend of racing.  The entire weekend is open to the general public for the viewing of the races.  However, if you wish to see the karts up close, a paddock pass is available for a nominal fee.

Both hosting clubs are very excited to offer karting enthusiasts and racers alike a unique racing venue within the GTA in a very cost effective way.  Our goal this year is to make this event even more accessible and enjoyable for everyone than ever before.  Drivers of all ages will be competing in this event with some venturing into higher levels of racing such as Formula 1200/1600/2000, Formula BMW and yes, even Formula One.

With the support of the media community, the popularity of this event is growing each year.  With your help again this year, we are certain this year’s event will be the best ever.

For more information regarding this event, please visit our hosting club’s websites at www.kawarthadurhamkartclub.com and www.torontokartclub.com.

Paul Evans: President, Kawartha Durham Kart Club
www.kawarthadurhamkartclub.com

Rexall Edmonton Indy Ready To Roll

EDMONTON, AB – The 2009 Rexall Edmonton Indy starts this Friday, July 24, and carries on for three energy-packed days at the City Centre Airport.

“The action kicks off on Friday with gates opening at 11:30 a.m.,” explains Northlands Director of Major Events Mike Burton, “Best of all, there’s no waiting around for fans that morning, because IndyCar practice starts 15 minutes after gate opening.”

In addition to three sets of IndyCar practices, Friday’s schedule includes qualifying for the new Firestone Indy Lights (FIL), the Corporate Championship Race, and NASCAR qualifying at speeds in excess of 200 km/h. Topping things off that evening is a free concert by The Sam Roberts Band at 7 p.m. on the Budweiser Turn One Stage.

On Saturday, July 25, the gates open at 9:30 a.m. Race fans will enjoy IndyCar and GT practice, as well as a pair of races. The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series race runs at 11 a.m., followed by the Firestone Indy Lights race at 2 p.m. Immediately following at 3:30 p.m., IndyCar qualifying will take place.

On Sunday, July 26, fans will want to beat the rush and get to the track when gates open at 9:30 a.m., because it’s race day! The NASCC Eurasia Cup GT Invitational race will take place at 1:30 p.m., followed by the Rexall Edmonton Indy at 4:00 p.m.

“We have 23 of the fastest open wheel drivers in the world taking on one of the circuit’s most challenging courses at City Centre Airport,” Burton emphasized. “It’ll be anybody’s race that afternoon, but what makes the Rexall Edmonton Indy so exciting this year is having two outstanding Canadian drivers in the field, Alex Tagliani and Paul Tracy. Race fans across our country will be cheering them on.”

What To Bring

In advance of the Rexall Edmonton Indy, Northlands would like to remind race fans of a few simple do’s and don’ts for this weekend’s race.
Items allowed inside the Rexall Edmonton Indy grounds include:
· Appropriate clothing for the weather
· Sun protection, including sunscreen, hats, umbrellas and sunglasses
· Sealed, bottled water

Items not permitted inside the Rexall Edmonton Indy grounds include:
· Alcohol
· Other open beverages of any kind
· Glass containers
· Hard-sided Coolers larger than 8” x 8” x 8”
· Skateboards, rollerblades or roller skates
· Professional cameras


Park ‘N Ride Information

Northlands, in partnership with Edmonton Transit, are offering eight Park ‘N Ride sites, making it easier for fans to get to and leave from the City Centre Airport.

“There won’t be any public parking available at all near the race track, or in surrounding residential areas,” Burton advises. “Utilizing Park ‘N Ride, or taking a scheduled bus down Kingsway Avenue, are definitely the easiest ways to get to the track all three days.”

Free Park ‘N Ride locations are at:
· 145 Ave. and 112 St. (Griesbach)
· Gateway Blvd. and University Ave. (NAIT’s Souch Campus Lot)
· 86 St. and 61 Ave. (Davies City Lot)
· 175 St. and 90 Ave. (West Edmonton Mall)
· 144 Ave. and 69 St. (Londonderry Mall)

Two other Park ‘N Ride lots charge $5 to leave a vehicle there:
· 104 Ave. and 111 St. (the MacEwan College service lot)
· 118 Ave. and 107 St. (NAIT parkade)

If fans use the City Hall parkade on 100 St. and 103 Ave. to take Park ‘N Ride from there, downtown parking fees are in effect.

Free Shuttle Service

The Rexall Edmonton Indy also provides a drop off and pick up area at Gate “A”, located just off of Airport Road, allowing mobility-challenged race fans easy access to the site.

Because it’s such an amazingly busy weekend with the Rexall Edmonton Indy AND Capital Ex taking place, Northlands is offering a free inter-venue shuttle service. The shuttle will operate from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. all three days during the Rexall Edmonton Indy, running from Gate “A” to the 73 St. entrance at Capital Ex, over to Sir Winston Churchill Square downtown, and back to Gate “A” at the race track.
Ticket Information

Fans can purchase 3-Day Grandstand Passes or Single Day Tickets in advance at any Ticketmaster outlet, or online at www.ticketmaster.ca.

General Admission Walk-Up Tickets will be available at the gates of the Rexall Edmonton Indy on July 24 – 26 only.

For more information on the Rexall Edmonton Indy log onto http://www.edmontonindy.com/.

Edmonton’s biggest summer celebration, Capital EX, runs until July 26 at the Northlands’ grounds. For more information, visit www.capitalex.ca

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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 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

Delivering Exceptional Experiences
Northlands
Live A Lot
www.northlands.com

Indy Lights: Edmonton Indy Beckons Hinchcliffe

Edmonton Indy Beckons Hinchcliffe

Toronto, Canada (July 22, 2009) – The second leg of the 2009 Firestone Indy Lights Series Canadian tour takes place this weekend with Edmonton’s temporary Rexall Speedway playing host to Round 10 and Toronto’s James Hinchcliffe on Saturday 25th July as well as the Rexall Edmonton Indy the following day.

The 22-year-old Canadian racer heads west off the back of his fourth podium appearance of the year, on the streets of his native Toronto, ‘Hinch’ claiming third at the checkered flag last time out behind the wheel of the Sam Schmidt Motorsports entered #7 HinchTown.Com Dallara-Firestone.

A front-runner competing in his rookie season in the IndyCar Series’ official feeder category, James is keen to crack the top-five in the points chase after Saturday’s Edmonton race with a solitary point the difference between himself and Australia’s James Davison in fifth (236-235) heading into the event. Similarly, with four third-place podium visits to his credit already (St. Petersburg, Long Beach, Iowa, Toronto), ‘Hinch’ is targeting promotion to the top-step this weekend.

Third place however is an all too familiar spot for James in Edmonton, the home stand-out no stranger to the 14-turn, 3.145km Rexall Speedway. With three third place finishes from his last four starts at the track, competing in the Atlantic Championship, it’s safe to say James knows his way around the temporary layout. His record there also boasts two pole position starts and while he qualified on the front-row in Toronto, a first Indy Lights pole still eludes the popular racer.

“I have to say I’m really looking forward to racing back in Edmonton,” said Hinchcliffe. “It’s definitely one of the coolest events on the calendar and there’s always such a strong fan turn-out. As I’ve said before, the Canadian fans are the best out there and so passionate and knowledgeable about their racing. I’ve always enjoyed the circuit, it’s very fast and very physically demanding, probably the most in that category that we visit all year.

“We’re probably looking at a bit of a hybrid set-up for this event but we know we’ve got a good road course car and a good street course car so a mixture of those elements will hopefully help us get that first win on Saturday. I’m obviously aware of my spate of third-places this season and at Edmonton but at least I know my way to the podium and how to score well and consistently which is key to the championship!”

Round 10 of the 2009 Firestone Indy Lights Series, at the Rexall Speedway in Edmonton, gets underway at 2pm local time on Saturday 25th July.

Top-6 Indy Lights Drivers – R9/15: 1st Hildebrand (USA) 319pts, 2nd Saavedra (COL) 268pts, 3rd Romancini (BRA) 249pts, 4th Cunningham (NZ) 242pts, 5th Davison (AUS) 236pts, 6th HINCHCLIFFE (CAN) 235pts - www.indycar.com/indylights

ENDS – www.hinchtown.com

Photo Credit – Hinchcliffe enjoys a strong track record in Edmonton – SM-PR

For further information or interview requests please contact James Hinchcliffe: Email: james@jameshinchcliffe.com

David Ostella, Star Mazda Chicago Preview

RACEPR

For Immediate Release

July 22nd, 2009

Driver News: David Ostella, Star Mazda Autobahn Chicago Preview

Photo Credit: www.starmazda.com

Photo Cutline: Ostella returns to road course action this weekend in Chicago.

_____________________________________________________________________________

 

Fresh from his first podium run of the season, David Ostella departs today for races eight and nine of the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear. The doubleheader event runs as part of the Harrah’s Grand Prix at Autobahn Chicago, and is an event that the young Canadian is looking forward to.

 

“I’m excited to get back to road course racing but I did so well on the ovals that I wouldn’t mind doing a few more!” Ostella said through a chuckle prior to departing from Toronto. “The ovals were a great experience and I really enjoyed the fresh challenge, but Chicago will certainly provide that as well. It’s a long track with twenty-one corners so it’s great that we have so much track time on the schedule. I’ve been on the track during testing and on the simulator, and though it’s a new track it has some bumps in bad spots.”

 

After two promoter test sessions on Thursday, the Star Mazda racers will have two Official Practice sessions on Friday, two qualifying sessions and race eight on Saturday, and race nine on Sunday. The time should allow Ostella and his AIM Autosport team to find an optimum set-up, and the seventeen-year-old has set an ambitious goal for the weekend.

 

“On such a long track it’s hard to be as consistent as you can be on an oval but I’ve set a goal of following my best oval finish with my best road course finish of the season,” he said. The series’ rookie has a pair of top-ten finishes from five road course starts, the best being a ninth from Virginia International Raceway. “I know the team will be 100 per cent prepared so I need to match that as well and together we can do it!”

 

With his podium run at Iowa, David jumped to twelfth in the Championship with 158 points. He will be competing at Chicago with support from Global Precast Intercontinental, Alpinestars and RAW Integrated Ltd. For more information, please visit www.autobahncountryclub.net, www.starmazda.com and www.davidostella.com.

Ohsweken Speedway: World of Outlaws Sprint Cars set for two big nights at Ohsweken

By Tommy Goudge (July 22, 2009) – One of the biggest racing events in the country takes the green flag next Tuesday, July 28 when Arrow Express presents two consecutive nights of World of Outlaws Sprint series action at Ohsweken Speedway, culminating in Wednesday’s “Six Nations Showdown.”

The Ohsweken events come in the middle of a busy portion of the World of Outlaws schedule known as the “Month of Money”, which is often a pivotal point in the championship chase.  The events are also part of a busy week on the WoO schedule which finds the best sprint car drivers in the world contesting five events in six days at three different venues, beginning at Williams Grove Speedway this Friday. 

North Dakota’s Donny Schatz leads the tour standings heading into the week, with Indiana racer Joey Saldana forty-four points behind, and Jason Meyers of California in third, another twenty-five markers back.  Twenty-time WoO champion Steve Kinser of Indiana ranks fourth in the standings, while Ohsweken Speedway track record holder Danny Lasoski from Missouri sits fifth, and 2007 Six Nations Showdown winner Jason Sides of Tennessee is sixth.  Saldana leads the tour with twelve feature wins to Schatz’s ten, but Schatz has been the most consistent racer on tour, as the three time champ has twenty-four “top 5” finishes this season.

Fans are also encouraged to come a day early and participate in the Adam Beach Golf Classic presented by Ohsweken Speedway at Sundrim Golf Course in Caledonia on Monday, July 27.  Celebrity guests include actor Adam Beach and former NHL Coach of the Year Ted Nolan.  Visit www.OhswekenSpeedway.com for further details.  Plenty of FREE camping is available at the track, and breakfast will be served at the Pit Stop concession each morning, along with pig roasts before the races each afternoon!

Volunteers from Jesse’s Journey will be on hand at the Speedway both days, selling raffle tickets for a chance to win a pair of tickets to the World of Outlaws World Finals at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in November. $5.00 gets you a chance to win a pair of tickets, pit passes, transportation with “Have Bus Racing Tours”, accommodations, and many miscellaneous side tours and museum visits.  The draw - courtesy of Ohsweken Speedway and Corr/Pak Merchandising – will take place on September 19 during the final night of the 2009 Canadian Sprint Car Nationals, but you do not have to be present to win.

On Tuesday night, Ohsweken’s regular ESSO Thunder Stock division will support the World of Outlaws show, while the ESSO Mini Stocks will do the same on Wednesday night for the Six Nations Showdown.  Shayne Pierce of Wainfleet leads the way in the Thunder Stock points standings, while Brantford’s Mitchell Brown is the ESSO Mini Stocks leader.

As if the World of Outlaws events weren’t enough, another special event takes to the track on Friday night, July 31 when Awesome Racewear presents the UMP Late Model Summer Sizzler in conjunction with South Buxton Raceway, plus the ESSO Thunder Stocks, ESSO Mini Stocks, Bombers, and another edition of kids Box Car Races!   Fans are reminded that Ohsweken Speedway’s Friday Night Thunder takes a week off this coming Friday, July 24 to prepare for the big week ahead!

Plenty of good seats remain for both nights of World of Outlaws action at Ohsweken.  Two-day reserved seat ticket packages are available until Sunday, July 26 by calling 1-888-720-RACE (7223).  Two-day packages are $70 for Adults, or $35 for kids age 12 and under.  Remaining tickets will go on sale at the track each race day beginning at 12:00 noon as single day tickets only - No two-day packages will be available at the track.  Approximately one thousand General Admission seats will be held back and made available on race day for walk-ups as well.

On Tuesday, July 28, and Wednesday, July 29, make sure you are a part of the World of Outlaws Sprint series events at Ohsweken Speedway – the only place to see the World of Outlaws in Eastern Canada!   Please visit www.OhswekenSpeedway.com for more information.

STAR MAZDA CHAMPIONSHIP AUTOBAHN DOUBLE-HEADER LIVE ON HDnet THIS WEEKEND

The HARRAH'S Grand Prix of Autobahn presented by MAZDA -- featuring rounds 8 and 9 of the 2009 Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear -- will be broadcast live on HDnet this weekend.

This is a double-header weekend for the Star Mazda Championship with races on both Saturday and Sunday at 1:00 pm. Air times are 2-3 pm ET (1–3 pm local) on Saturday, July 25 and 1-4 ET (Noon – 3 pm local) Sunday, July 26. Famed racer and ESPN motorsports commentator Elliott Forbes-Robinson is the on-air analyst. Rick Benjamin is the host/play by play broadcaster and Bill Stephens is the pit reporter. Both Benjamin and Stephens are veterans of calling the Champ Car World Series on network and national cable.

With drivers from ten countries, a big field of cars and a new leader in the championship battle – Irishman Peter Dempsey (#3 Juncos Racing / HOOTERS / Motorsport Ireland / Queyside.ie Mazda) took the lead with an emotional win (his second of the season) in Round 7, a hundred laps of non-stop action under the lights of Iowa Speedway in the Pizza Ranch 100 on July 10 – the competition will be fierce.

The only other two-race winner of the year so far, Englishman Adam Christodoulou (#11 JDC Motorsports / Molecule Mazda), is just nine points back and looking to regain the championship lead he lost with a 5th-place finish at Iowa. Three other drivers who have also scored wins this season, including Richard Kent (#33 Andersen Racing / Traka / Lafarge / Allied Interior Products Mazda), Anders Krohn (#27 Mundill / Trallfa / Colosseum Mazda) and Conor Daly (#22 Andersen Racing / College Network / Indeck / Cytomax Mazda) and also prime contenders for victory at Autobahn. And a dozen others are hungry to -- and perfectly capable of – breaking through into the win column.

Daly, the 2009 Skip Barber Pro Series Champion and son of F1/Indy Car/Sports Car racing legend and noted motorsports broadcaster Derek Daly, is this year's MAZDASPEED Motorsports Driver Development Ladder winner and is racing with sponsorship support from the program. The 2008 Star Mazda champion, John Edwards, is racing in the Atlantic Championship Powered by Mazda with sponsorship from the Ladder program; the Atlantic series is also on the schedule at Autobahn and will be part of the HDnet broadcast. Both the Star Mazda Championship and the Atlantic Championship are rungs on the MAZDASPEED Motorsports Driver Development Ladder, the only automaker-supported motorsports scholarship program reaching from entry-level karting to the top levels of the sport.
Expert (drivers 30 to 44 years old) and Master (45 and older) competitors will also be well represented, including Iowa class winner and new Expert points leader, Japanese Racer Toshihio Deki (#80 Goshen Motorsports Mazda) and Californian Mike Guasch, leading the Master series with three class wins so far this season.

The Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear (www.starmazda.com) is the college basketball/ baseball/football of Indy 500-style auto racing, a high-speed training ground for future stars of the sport. Series graduates – including Indy Car stars Marco Andretti and Graham Rahal -- have gone on to race in F1, Indy Cars, NASCAR, ALMS and Grand-Am. Star Mazda race cars have a top speed of 160 mph and 0 to 60 mph acceleration takes just 2.8 seconds. Prizes for 2009 are worth $1.5 million, including a fully-sponsored drive in the 2010 Atlantic Championship for the Star Mazda series champion.

On-track Star Mazda Championship action in the HARRAH'S Autobahn Grand Prix presented by MAZDA begins with several practice sessions during a 'promoter test day' on Thursday, July 23. Official practice begins with 10:45 – 11:30 am and 4:45 – 5:30 pm sessions on Friday, July 24. Qualifying for Race #1 (Round 8 of the 2009 season) takes place 8:00 – 8:45 am Saturday, July 25. Race #1 is scheduled to take the green flag at 1:05 pm Saturday afternoon. Qualifying for Race #2 (Round 9 of the 2009 season), takes place 6:35 – 7:20 mp Saturday night, with Race #2 scheduled to start at 1:00 pm Sunday, July 26. Both races will utilize the always-exciting Star Mazda standing start.

Next up on the 2009 schedule for the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear is a two-race swing through Canada; as a featured race at the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières on August 16, and with the American Le Mans Series prototypes in the Mobil 1 presents the Grand Prix of Mosport on August 29. Current championship leader Peter Dempsey won both of these races in 2008, his first year competing in the Star Mazda Championship.

The 2009 season wraps up with a final pair of ALMS races; at Road Atlanta on September 25 and at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca on October 10.

About HDnet
HDNet (http://www.hd.net/, www.twitter.com/hdnet) is a network that is original, thinks independently and delivers unique content and provocative, authentic programming that appeals to men of all ages, delivered in true high definition. HDNet is the exclusive, high definition home for popular, original programming, including television's only HD news feature programs "HDNet World Report," and the Emmy Award winning "Dan Rather Reports," featuring legendary journalist Dan Rather. HDNet presents championship sports coverage featuring the best of Mixed Martial Arts through HDNet Fights (www.hdnetfights.com, twitter.com/hdnetfights). HDNet produces more live Mixed Martial Arts events than any other network and HDNet’s “Inside MMA” is the hottest Mixed Martial Arts program on television, giving MMA fans their weekly fix for everything MMA. HDNet also delivers the world’s largest and most diverse concert line-up through the HDNet Concert Series. The HDNet Concert Series features leading artists and bands including Coldplay, Gwen Stefani, John Mayer and more. “NASA on HDNet” presents all live shuttle launches through 2010. Launched in 2001 by Mark Cuban and General Manager Philip Garvin, the HDNet networks are available on AT&T, Charter Communications, Comcast, DIRECTV, DISH Network, Insight, Mediacom, Verizon and more than 40 NCTC cable affiliate companies. To receive HDNet information via email simply go to www.hd.net/listpage.
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For more information on the Star Mazda Championship and its drivers, as well as the Mazda Motorsports ladder system, please visit http://www.starmazda.com/ and http://www.mazdausa.com/. For information, interviews and photos, contact Star Mazda Communications Director Peter Frey at (818) 398-5733 or StarMazdaPR@aol.com.
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On any given weekend, there are more Mazdas on the road-race tracks of America than any other brand of vehicle. At the track, you’ll see MX-5 Miata, RX-8, MAZDA3, MAZDA6, RX-7 and other vintage Mazda models competing, because every Mazda has the Soul of a Sports Car.
For more information on the various Mazda spec series, visit:
http://www.atlantic-championship.com/ http://www.starmazda.com/
http://www.skipbarber.com/ http://www.mx-5cup.com/

NASCAR Canadian Tire Series - “It was a Heartbreaker, to say the Least”

At 5:18 Saturday afternoon, the racing world was a rosy place for Sun Peaks’ driver Jason White. He was on his home course, the Sun Valley Speedway, and he was about to do battle for the A&W Cruisin’ The Dub 300 championship.

He was sitting in 10th position to start. Jason felt that this position was perfect for him to make a run for the title.

When the race started Jason was outside the 5th row , ready to roar. The stands were full of friends and a family and White was ready to put on a show.

The race was full of the intrigue that surrounds a racing series were virtually the same drivers do battle at every race. Jason was enjoying the thrill of this high speed, high octane, battle of driving skills. Then bad luck struck! On Lap 203, Jason spun out, but this was only a momentary setback. The pride of Sun Peaks was quickly back in the hunt for the checkered flag.

Thirty laps later on Lap 233, more bad luck, Jason was forced to the pits to find out what was wrong with his car. The A&W #21 car was smoking.

Four laps later Jason was out of the race with blown seal.

“It was a Heartbreaker, to say the least” White said in a post race interview.
The A&W Cruisin’ The Dub 300 was a race that British Columbia’s only fulltime NASCAR Canadian Tire Series driver wanted to win very badly.

First of all, it was a race sponsored by his title sponsor A&W.

Secondly, it was at his home race course, the Sun Valley Speedway, located just a short distance from his family home in the Kamloops area of central British Columbia.

Jason told a writer for NASCAR’s website about the importance of Sun Valley to his racing career, "I love that track. It is a very special place just like anyone's home track," He continued on to say, "I've got 25 to 30 wins there and it's such a great place to race."

To further his will to win the race was a significant honour had been bestowed upon his father that race day. Jason’s dad, Marty White, a legendary driver on the Western driving circuit for more than three decades was serving as the Grand Marshal of the race. Among Marty White’s many racing honours was the fact that he was the 1976 NASCAR Northwest Modified champion.
Jason said, "I got my love of racing from my father, so it's pretty cool that he gets to be involved in this great event."

Jason White will be back in hunt for a NASCAR Canadian Tire Series title next week when he races in the Canadian Tire 100 in Edmonton on Saturday July 25.

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!!