TSN: Edmonton going ahead with 2010 IndyCar / NASCAR event

TSN is reporting that the Edmonton City Council has voted to go ahead with the 2010 Rexall Edmonton Indy, despite higher than expected losses in 2009. There had been speculation that the race might be called off for 2010. Edmonton's mayor calls the event a "valuable tourist attraction" that will likely take place beyond 2010. In addition to the IndyCar Series, the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series also has a race scheduled for the Edmonton event.

Click here for the full story.

4th Annual CME has something for every racer and fan

THE 4TH ANNUAL CANADIAN MOTORSPORTS EXPO HAS SOMETHING FOR EVERY RACER AND FAN
Canada's premier motorsports show takes place January 22-24, 2010 at the International Centre

(TORONTO, ON // DECEMBER 7, 2009) The 4th annual Canadian Motorsports Expo returns to Toronto’s International Centre January 22, 23 and 24 (2010) for a three-day celebration of Canadian motorsports. Featuring star drivers, racing vehicles, equipment suppliers, collectible vendors, tracks and series from across the motorsports spectrum, the show has something for every racer and fan.

As well, informative and entertaining seminars and forums take place throughout the weekend, offering information on everything from finding out ‘how to get involved in racing’ through to chassis and setup advice from some of the industry’s top experts.

Throw in appearances and autograph sessions featuring Canadian and international racing stars like Paul Tracy, Ron Fellows, a celebration to kick-off Mosport’s 50th Anniversary Season, Jeff Gordon’s #24 Dupont Chevy and Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s #88 AMP Chevy… and it’s clear to see that the ‘The racing season begins at the Canadian Motorsports Expo.’

“Last year’s CME was our first-ever at the International Centre and it couldn’t have been more successful,” said CME President Glenn Butt. “And since the day after that show ended, we’ve been working hard toward 2010. In short, we’re set to take the Canadian Motorsports Expo to a new level.”

Butt continued, “Last year’s CME was extremely successful, in terms of attendance, showgoer value and content. By ‘cleanup time’ on Sunday, it was obvious that the exhibitors and vendors had been well rewarded for being at the show. To date, almost all of them have renewed for 2010. With more than a month to go until showtime, I’m pleased to report that booth and display sales have already surpassed last year’s totals. Hall 1 is virtually sold out, and we’re expanding the show into Hall 2, which will allow us to incorporate more racecars and exhibitors, to further increase attendee value.”

ABOUT THE CME: The Canadian Motorsports Expo is a three-day celebration of Canadian racing that runs January 22 to 24 at the International Centre (6900 Airport Road in Mississauga). The show is powered by Inside Track Motorsport News and supported by companies like Lucas Oil Canada, NASCAR Canada, Mosport International Raceway and Canadian Tire. In addition to booths and racing vehicles representing the entire spectrum of Canadian motorsports, the show is loaded with seminars and forums to entertain and inform racers and fans alike.

For more information about the Canadian Motorsports Expo, visit www.canadianmotorsportsexpo.com, call Glenn Butt at (905) 721-1762 or email him at glenn@canadianmotorsportsexpo.com. You can reach co-promoters Inside Track at (416) 962-7223 or email expo@insidetracknews.com.

- 30 -

Promotive Racing wishes Robin Buck a "Happy 50th Birthday"!

At a recent get together, friends celebrating Robin's birthday were treated to a visit by Robin himself. Seldom seen outside of the "home", Robin arrived in full race suit ready to go! He was sporting a new ride for this year, which he proudly displayed to the crowd. He even did some doughnuts inside the building, although we're not quite sure if they were intentional or if he just couldn't see where he was going! It was great to see the ol' geezer out and about (It would be nice, though, if he'd empty his "overflow" bottle a little more often).

All the best Robin and from all of your friends, Happy Birthday!

Promotive Racing wishes Robin Buck a "Happy 50th Birthday"!

Pics courtesy of Brandon Alexander

ATE PremiumOne® Disc Brake Pads Employ “Application-Matched” Design to Restore OE Braking Performance

Allentown, PA (November 2009) - Continental Commercial Vehicles & Aftermarket, a leading aftermarket supplier of OE-engineered aftermarket products, has engineered its line of ATE PremiumOne Disc Brake Pads to be application-matched to meet each vehicle’s specific requirements. For every application, the friction materials, pad design and hardware are designed to deliver the exact braking characteristics the automaker intended. Instead of having to choose from a variety of grades and options, PremiumOne customers receive pad performance as specified by the original vehicle manufacturer, every time.

In addition to providing OE performance, ATE PremiumOne Disc Brake Pads are designed to provide exact OE fit for fast, easy installations. Pads are designed with shims, slots and chamfered edges in order to match OE pad performance and reduce noise. For a complete installation, all pads come with applicable accessories such as clips, anti-noise shims, wear sensors and electrical connectors.

Compared with ‘generic’ replacement pads, ATE PremiumOne Disc Brake Pads provide reduced wheel dusting and extended pad life. The pads’ sound deadening under-layer design helps to reduce NVH for smooth, quiet operation.

ATE is an aftermarket brand of Continental Corporation, one of the world's leading brake system manufacturers and suppliers. From the introduction of the first hydraulic brake system in 1926 to the development of the first antilock braking system prototype in 1967, the ATE brand has a rich history of innovation and experience.

ATE offers a comprehensive line of premium brake system replacement parts, hydraulics, and service products for popular import, Asian and domestic applications.

For more information, please visit us on the web at: www.ate-na.com

With sales exceeding €24 billion in 2008, the Continental Corporation is one of the top automotive suppliers worldwide. As a supplier of brake systems, systems and components for the powertrain and chassis, instrumentation, infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers, the corporation contributes towards enhanced driving safety and protection of the global climate. Continental is also a competent partner in networked automobile communication. The corporation currently employs approximately 133,000 at nearly 190 locations in 35 countries.

The Automotive Group is one of the leading global automotive suppliers. With its three Divisions Chassis & Safety (5.1 billion €, 27,000 employees), Powertrain (4 billion €, 25,000 employees) and Interior (5.9 billion €, more than 30,000 employees) it achieved sales of approximately 15 billion € in 2008. The Automotive Group is present in more than 130 locations worldwide. As a partner of the automotive and commercial vehicle industry, it develops and produces innovative products and systems for a modern automotive future, in which a car accommodates individual mobility and driving pleasure to driving safety, environmental responsibility and cost-efficiency.
Within the Continental Interior Division the Commercial Vehicles & Aftermarket Business Unit accommodates the specific requirements of the commercial vehicle, special vehicle and aftermarket sector. A global network of sales and service companies ensures proximity to local customers. Covering the product brands Continental, VDO, ATE and Barum the Business Unit offers electronic products, systems and services for commercial and special vehicles, a broad selection of products for specialized workshops and spare parts for the Independent Aftermarket and the Original Equipment Services after end of series production of the vehicle manufacturer.

Sunset Speedway Construction Pictures - Dec. 6, 2009

Sunset Speedway's Steve Slaughter (thanks Steve!) sent along the most
recent construction shots from the track. While there is half-foot of
snow an hour north of the track, the Barrie (ON) area is still dry.
According to Slaughter, the immediate task is to finish facing the
outside wall, and then it will be ready for the first layer of asphalt.
Fingers crossed for continued 'nice' weather.

STOCKS: Kyle Busch Wins 42nd Annual Snowball Derby at Five Flags Speedway

NASCAR Star Closes Out 2009 Season With Another Major Super Late Model Victory

PENSACOLA, FL (December 6, 2009) – NASCAR Sprint Cup Series standout and 2009 NASCAR Nationwide Series champion Kyle Busch has won the 42nd Annual Snowball Derby at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida.  Busch started third in the 300-lap race and took the lead late from 2005 Snowball Derby winner Eddie Mercer to collect the $22,500 winner’s check.

Mercer held on to finish second with NASCAR Nationwide Series regular Steven Wallace placing third.  Two-time Snowball Derby winner Bobby Gill came from last place at the start to place fourth at the finish.  John Bolen overcame an early wreck to finish fifth.

This is the fourth major Super Late Model event that Busch has won this season.  He also won Speedfest at Lanier Speedway (GA), the Redbud 300 at Anderson Speedway (IN) and the Winchester 400 at Winchester Speedway (IN) in his free time from his NASCAR obligations.

This event concludes the racing season at Five Flags Speedway for 2009.  The track will open its 2010 season with the TBARA Winged Sprint Cars on March 19th.

For more information on the 43rd Annual Snowball Derby, contact Five Flags Speedway by calling (850) 944-8400 and be sure to visit www.snowballderby.com and www.fiveflagsspeedway.com.

Results – 42nd Annual Snowball Derby
1.  Kyle Busch
2.  Eddie Mercer
3.  Steven Wallace
4.  Bobby Gill
5.  John Bolen
6.  Grant Enfinger
7.  Chase Elliott
8.  Wayne Niedecken Jr.
9.  Ryan Lawler
10.  Ryan Sieg
11.  Scott Carlson
12.  Ross Kenseth
13.  Scott Hantz
14.  Dennis Prunty
15.  Dennis Schoenfeld
16.  Brian Scott
17.  Randy Gentry
18.  Johanna Long
19.  Gary Helton
20.  Danny Bagwell
21.  Stephan McCurley
22.  Casey Smith
23.  David Rogers
24.  Justin Drawdy
25.  Brian Ickler
26.  Shane Sieg
27.  David Stremme
28.  Cale Gale 
29. Josh Hamner
30.  Tyler Millwood
31.  Augie Grill
32.  Brian Campbell
33.  Hunter Robbins
34.  Bubba Pollard
35.  Heath Hindman
36.  Jeff Choquette
37.  Cecil Chunn 

From Matt Kentfield, 51 Sports

Not racing, but.... some good news

From today's Globe & Mail

"Canada's economy created a stunning 79,000 jobs in November as the private sector finally began hiring again.

The Canadian unemployment rate dipped to 8.5 per cent from 8.6 per cent as both full-time and part-time jobs rose and the number of self-employed declined, Statistics Canada said Friday.

In the U.S., where earlier this year the economy was losing around 600,000 jobs a month, the unemployment rate fell to 10 per cent in November and just 11,000 positions were shed. Economists surveyed by Bloomberg News had anticipated a drop of 125,000 U.S. jobs...."

Have a great weekend everyone!

Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship's 2010 schedule released

Hot on the heels of a fantastic 2009 season for competitors and fans alike, John Bondar, President of the Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship presented by Toyo Tires, announced the 2010 race schedule today. The Championship will be showcased at seven double-header event weekends in Quebec and Ontario with marquee events at Grand Prix de Trois-Rivieres, Honda Indy Toronto and Mosport International Raceway.

“The championship experienced unprecedented growth in 2009 with new teams coming on board and a large contingent of rookie drivers joining the championship which meant fields averaged over 36 racecars,” Bondar said. “We increased the number of sponsor partners and more are coming in 2010.  We have also been approached by numerous new teams that want to join in the action for 2010, so things are already looking good for the future."

Sponsors and fans can relate to the racecars in CCTCC because they are like their everyday driver.  It is common to see makes such as BMW, Lexus, Honda, Subaru, Acura, Toyota and Hyundai battling on the track at the same time for supremacy in their Class.  Touring Class is for entry level racecars with limited modifications and engines up to 2 litres while Super Touring Class is for highly modified racecars with high performance engines.  Promoters, sponsors and fans alike will be thrilled at the large car counts as the drivers from all over entertain the crowd with some of the most intense race action in Canada’s largest race series.

SCHEDULE

Event #1 - May 22/23 - Mosport International Raceway

Event #2 - June 11/12/13 - location to be confirmed

Event #3 - July 3/4 - ICAR at Mirabel

Event #4 - July 16/17/18 - Honda Indy Toronto

Event #5 - August 13/14/15 - Grand Prix de Trois-Rivieres

Event #6 - August 27/28/29 - Mosport International Raceway

Event #7 - September 11/12 - ICAR at Mirabel

For further information check out www.touringcar.ca for the latest championship news.

From Perry Iannuzzi // Communications Director
Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship Presented By Toyo Tires
Canada's Best Racers Driving Today's Hottest Touring Cars

Too bad Canadian racing fans don't drink Coke...

COCA-COLA HONORED WITH 2009 NASCAR MARKETING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Coke Becomes First NASCAR Partner to Win Award Two Times

LAS VEGAS (Dec. 3, 2009) – Coca-Cola, a long-time NASCAR partner with the most integrated involvement in all levels of the sport, was honored with the 2009 NASCAR Marketing Achievement Award today at the NASCAR NMPA Myers Brothers Awards here as part of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion's Week.

In addition to its position as the official non-alcoholic beverage of NASCAR, Coca-Cola has relationships with 15 race tracks and 12 drivers through the Coca-Cola Racing Family. A full portfolio of its brands support NASCAR: Coca-Cola, Coke Zero, NOS, Powerade, and Vitamin Water. Coke is also title sponsor to two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races, the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway and the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway....

.... "We are honored to be selected as the recipient of the 2009 NASCAR Marketing Achievement Award. For Coca-Cola, competing and winning in the marketplace is the equivalent to competing and winning on a NASCAR track. It requires a season-long commitment by our brands, bottlers, employees and customers to create that emotional connection with the fans that is at the core of our success," said Beatriz Perez, Senior Vice President, Integrated Marketing, Coca-Cola North America. "Coca-Cola is proud of the many programs we offer across our portfolio of brands through our associations with NASCAR, our track partners, the Coca-Cola Racing Family and other driver personalities. Being recognized by NASCAR for our marketing activation makes this past year even more refreshing for Coca-Cola." ...

From NASCAR

Mark's Work Wearhouse Customer Appreciation Event

CONTINENTAL TIRE TO BECOME ENTITLEMENT SPONSOR, EXCLUSIVE TIRE SUPPLIER FOR GRAND-AM SPORTS CAR CHALLENGE

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Dec. 1, 2009) - GRAND-AM Road Racing is pleased to announce the entitlement sponsorship of the Sports Car Challengewith Continental Tire of Fort Mill, S.C. The new agreement entails the tire manufacturer becoming the title sponsor of GRAND-AM's Sports Car Challenge, which features factory showroom, high-performance sports cars. The series will be officially known as the GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge, beginning Jan. 1, 2010.

The five-year agreement also details a fully-integrated sponsorship that includes race entitlements and in-market activation. In addition, Continental Tire becomes the series' exclusive tire supplier.

The GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge agreement is the culmination of months of planning between the two parties to develop a partnership that showcases the performance and durability of Continental Tires while continuing to support the rapid growth of the Sports Car Challenge.

"GRAND-AM is excited Continental Tire has recognized the Sports Car Challenge as one of the fastest growing motorsports series and has made a choice to partner with us," said Kevin Hindson, Vice President of Marketing, GRAND-AM Road Racing. "Continental Tire brings with them a great history of product quality and performance. Their commitment to motorsports tire technology and advanced performance solutions can only add to the already amazing competition and continued growth of what will now be known as the GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge."

"This entitlement sponsorship adds an entirely new dimension to our marketing strategy to promote the Continental brand. The exclusive and official tire status will help to emphasize the performance capabilities of the ExtremeContact tire lines," said Bill Caldwell, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Continental Tire. "GRAND-AM Road Racing is one of the highest-caliber racing series in the world and we are proud and excited to be a part of it. We're looking forward to the start of the 2010 season."

The GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge showcases the latest in international and American-made high-performance sports cars, coupes and sedans straight from the dealer showroom floor modified for safety. The competition is divided into two classes, Grand Sport and Street Tuner, which usually compete in the same race.

Grand Sport (GS) includes high-performance international exotics from Porsche and BMW which go head-to-head with American muscle cars from Ford and Chevrolet. Street Tuner (ST) features smaller compact cars including Chevy Cobalt, Mini Cooper, Subaru Legacy, Honda Civic Si, Mazda RX-8 and BMW 330i, and in 2010 will introduce the KIA Forte Koup.

The GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge officially kicks off the 2010 season with the "Roar Before The Rolex 24" test days Jan. 8-10 at Daytona International Speedway. The test days are in preparation for the Fresh From Florida 200 race on Jan. 29, which will be broadcast on SPEED. The event will include a pre-race grid walk, an autograph session and other activities for family enjoyment. For tickets, visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com.

About GRAND-AM
GRAND-AM Road Racing, which operates and sanctions the Rolex Sports Car Series and the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge, is the foremost sanctioning body of sports car racing in North America.. The 12-race Rolex Series 2010 schedule and the 10-race Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge 2010 calendar deliver professional sports car racing to key markets throughout North America in addition to being televised in the U.S. and Canada on SPEED and distributed globally through ESPN International. GRAND-AM Road Racing showcases emerging and legendary drivers from around the globe and thoroughbred racing machines from the industry's leading constructors and the world's top automobile manufacturers. Learn more about GRAND-AM at www.grand-am.com.

About Continental Tire
With sales exceeding €24 billion ($42.27 billion USD) in 2008, the Continental Corporation is one of the top automotive suppliers worldwide. As a supplier of brake systems, systems and components for the powertrain and chassis, instrumentation, infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers, the corporation contributes towards enhanced driving safety and protection of the global climate. Continental is also a competent partner in networked automobile communication. The corporation currently employs approximately 134,000 at nearly 190 locations in 37 countries.

Super DIRTcar Series: Cornwall Motor Speedway confirms return to series in 2010

Weedsport, NY — December 2, 2009 — By Tom Skibinski, Super DIRTcar Series PR Director

A loyal DIRTcar Racing Northeast track affiliate for more than a quarter-century, Cornwall Motor Speedway will be back stronger than ever as it is scheduled to host the Big-Block Modified Super DIRTcar Series for a 17th consecutive year.

Northeast Modified Hall of Fame promoter Ron Morin has also inked overall Hoosier Tire-VP Racing Fuels Mr. DIRTcar Championship Series events in 358-Modified, Sportsman and Pro Stock classes, placing Cornwall alongside Brockville Ontario Speedway, Rolling Wheels Raceway Park and the New York State Fairgrounds as the only sites slated to feature all of DIRTcar NE’s major touring divisions in 2010.

“It's nice to be able to provide our fans with the best in dirt track racing,” stated Morin, who was honored in 2007 during the 16th Annual Northeast Hall of Fame induction ceremonies on the Cayuga County Fairgrounds as a co-recipient of the Leonard J. Sammons Jr. Memorial Award which recognizes outstanding contributions to auto racing. “With only a few months available every season, our goal is to present a variety of entertaining shows that attract many of the top teams to our facility from both Canada and the U.S.”

The mighty Big-Block Modifieds return to Cornwall on Sunday, July 11 for the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino International 100, one of the biggest events of the summer staged north of the border. 2010 tour action at the racy quarter-mile kicks off with a Pro Stock 50-lapper on May 23 and follows up with a Sportsman show on June 13 before concluding Morin’s 29th year at the helm with the traditional 100-lap 358-Modified main on Sept. 5.

“It's hard to find a track operator as devoted to DIRTcar Racing as Ron, and his continued support is evident with Cornwall able to showcase our top touring stars next season,” commented Joe Skotnicki, DIRTcar Racing Northeast Director of Competition & Track Sanctioning. “Both the fans and racers are in for a real treat every time they visit Cornwall, we’re just as proud to have the Morin family part of our own.”

Hagerstown Speedway is slated to set in motion the 31st Super DIRTcar Series points chase on Saturday, March 27, with the confirmation of Cornwall’s date bringing the total to 18 that count towards the Hoosier-VP Mr. DIRTcar title.

Big-Block Modified action kicks off down south with four non-point series shows during the 39th Annual DIRTcar Nationals By UNOH at Volusia Speedway Park. Five straight days of trackside activity ---including practice on Feb. 9--- culminate February 13 with a 50-lap finale boasting a first-place prize of $5,000. In between, Feb. 10-12, each 30-lap DIRTcar BB Modified feature winner stands to collect $2,000.

For more information, please contact Series Competition Director Joe Skotnicki at 704/796-4566 while Big-Block Modified tour news continues to be posted on www.superdirtcarseries.com. Specific track information can be found on the internet at www.cornwallspeedway.com with the home office reached by phoning 613/938-3945.

2010 SUPER DIRTcar SERIES SCHEDULE (confirmed dates)

NP=Non-Point event; SP=Show-Up point event.                                                           

DAY-DATE    LAPS  TRACK                                  LOCATION   

Wed-Feb 10  30-NP   Volusia Speedway Park     Barberville,FL          

Thr-Feb 11    30-NP   Volusia Speedway Park     Barberville,FL          

Fri-Feb 12      30-NP   Volusia Speedway Park     Barberville,FL          

Sat-Feb 13    50-NP   Volusia Speedway Park     Barberville,FL          

Sat-Mar 27     100     Hagerstown Speedway      Hagerstown,MD

Sat-Apr 10     100     Fulton Speedway                Fulton,NY

Sun-May 30  100     Cayuga Co Fair SpeedwayWeedsport,NY         

Tue-Jun 15   100     Airborne Speedway             Plattsburgh,NY

Thr-Jun 17    100     Orange Co Fair Speedway Middletown,NY        

Wed-Jun 23  100     Mohawk Int’l Raceway        Akwesasne,NY       

Sun-Jul 4      100     Rolling Wheels Raceway   Elbridge,NY

Sun-Jul 11    100     Cornwall Motor Speedway Cornwall,ONT

Fri-Jul 16       50        Cayuga Co Fair Speedway Weedsport,NY        

Sat-Jul 17      100     Cayuga Co Fair Speedway Weedsport,NY ($20,000-to-win)

Mon-Aug 2    100     Merrittville Speedway          Thorold,ONT

Thr-Aug 26    100     Lebanon Valley Speedway W.Lebanon,NY ($17,500-to-win)

Sun-Sep 5     100     Cayuga Co Fair SpeedwayWeedsport,NY         

Sat-Oct 2        200-SP Fulton Speedway                Fulton,NY ($20,000-to-win)    

Sun-Oct 10    200     N.Y.S Fairgrounds               Syracuse,NY ($50,000-to-win)

Sun-Oct 17    100     Brockville Ont. Speedway  Brockville,ONT        

Thr-Nov 4      Qual.  The Dirt Track @ Lowe’s    Concord,NC 

Fri-Nov 5        50        The Dirt Track @ Lowe’s    Concord,NC 

Sat-Nov 6      50        The Dirt Track @ Lowe’s    Concord,NC 

DIRTcar Racing Northeast main office is located in Weedsport, New York on the Cayuga County Fairgrounds, home of DIRTcar All-Star Weekend in July. DIRTcar Northeast’s crown jewel event ---Super DIRT Week at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse runs annually in October featuring Hoosier Tire-VP Racing Fuels Mr. DIRTcar Championship Series events for Big-Block Modified, 358-Modified, Sportsman and Pro Stock divisions. Ticket and schedule information is available by contacting the Weedsport office (315/834-6606) during the day or logging into www.superdirtweekonline.com anytime.

NASCAR champ Jimmie Johnson to compete In 2010 Rolex 24 At Daytona

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson will kick off his 2010 racing season at Daytona International Speedway in the Rolex 24 At Daytona on Jan. 30-31, the prestigious twice-around-the-clock challenge and the ultimate test of driver and machine. For the third straight year, Johnson will co-drive the No. 99 GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing entry – the 2009 Rolex Series Daytona Prototype champions – with the team’s lead drivers Alex Gurney and Jon Fogarty as well as open-wheel veteran Jimmy Vasser.

The 2010 Rolex 24 will be Johnson’s fifth appearance in the grueling race that kicks off the season for the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16. Johnson has a best finish of second in both the 2005 and 2008 Rolex 24s.

Johnson, the 2006 Daytona 500 champion, recently made NASCAR history by winning his fourth consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

He could make history again in late January at Daytona by becoming the first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion to also win the overall Rolex 24 title.

“It would be unbelievable,” Johnson said about winning an overall Rolex 24 title. “I’ve had such a great time with Bob (Stallings) and his entire race team. I’m really looking forward to the 24-hour race. Big compliments go out to the GAINSCO team on their championship. It was exciting to watch and an awesome battle all the way to the end and I’m very proud of the guys.

“I hope to do a better job (in 2010) in the 24. I kind of broke our toy (in 2009) after a pit stop. We had a great time. I know it’s very important for all of us to win the Rolex 24 and we’re going to show up with that in mind.”

Johnson, always a fixture at the Rolex 24, thrives on the tough competition that the race annually produces and the opportunity to drive something totally different from his NASCAR Sprint Cup car.

“To me, on a personal note, to win this race, it's hard to say where it would rank,” Johnson said. “But it is extremely high on my list because it's outside of my comfort zone and cars I haven't spent a lot of time driving.  I just don't have experience in higher downforce cars. To run well and finish second in the two times I have is really special to me.  Certainly hope we can win this year.” 

The Rolex 24 is one of only two 24-hour sports car events in the world and attracts a star-studded driver lineup from all racing disciplines around the world.

Besides Johnson, other drivers who competed in the 2009 edition of the Rolex 24 included NASCAR stars Kurt Busch and Juan Pablo Montoya, IndyCar stars Dario Franchitti, Ryan Briscoe, Scott Dixon and Danica Patrick and sports car veterans David Donohue, Darren Law, Max Angelelli, Hurley Haywood and Scott Pruett.

“The Rolex 24 is an event that's been around for ages and there’s a lot of prestige that goes with it,” Johnson said. “To me it's in the top five of races in the world.  You can lump it in with the 24 Hours At LeMans, the Daytona 500, the Monaco Grand Prix, the Brickyard. I think it's in the top five of all racing world wide.”

The Rolex 24 also produces a festival atmosphere with plenty of activities for fans to experience such as a massive GRAND-AM autograph session, wine and cheese tasting, Chili Cook-Off, the Daytona 5K run/walk and Uncle Robbie’s Breakfast Garage.

From www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com.

KARTING: Innisfil Kart Club elects new Board of Directors

On Sunday November 29 at its fall meeting, the Innisfil Kart Club (IKC) elected a new Board of Directors. They are: President - Scott Lethbridge; Vice President - Jay Hewitt; Treasurer - Elizabeth Woodbridge; Secretary - Judy Slack; Race Director - Martin Woodbridge. Other Board members are Charlie Campbell, John Kacsala, Frank Launi and Mark Learn. The Board comes in with over 60 years of experience in racing from Open Wheel, Stock Car and Kart racing.

As 2009 comes to a close we are already working hard on the 2010 season and we are very excited about our plans. We will have new race formats that will create more track time and offer different challenges to the drivers with greater rewards. We are also looking at ways to reduce the costs involved with racing.

Just how excited are we about next season, well for starters we are very proud to announce that for the Senior Divisions, the champions will win a full day with NASCAR Canadian Tire Series driver Mark Dilley at the new high banks of Sunset International Speedway in a 400 HP Limited Late model Stock car.

In other Innisfil club news, it was announced at the fall meeting that Tony Launi will be repaving the track and all new curbing will also be done. The paving will be completed in the spring of 2010 along with the curbing. This is great news for IKC members and all drivers that take to the track next year. It will create some very exciting racing at Innisfil Indy.

Registration for the 2010 season will be $75.00 until February 17, 2010 and $100.00 after that date so register soon.  Innisfil Indy is offering a special deal of $400.00 for a season of practice until January 1, 2010 after that the price goes up to $550.00 for a season pass.

The IKC  board would like a new logo so we are having a contest for our members past and present so submit your ideas to us. The winning design will be used as our logo and the winner will receive a prize. The due date will be December 28, 2009 so get your entries in to us soon. Please send it to info@innisfilkartclub.ca.

We at IKC have an agenda and will stick to it.  Our goal is to be the Place to Race in 2010.  This is just the first of many exciting announcements so keep an eye on us in the coming weeks and months for more great news at Innisfil Kart Club.

We believe there must be consistency and organization for any club to run well and we are determined to provide that. A schedule must be kept and rulings consistent for all. We will have tech and they will not be involved with any team competing at IKC . We are still looking for a starter and again this position can only be done by a neutral party. We want to make sure all who come to IKC to race have great time. A rule book will be printed and followed and apply to everyone who races at IKC.

 We would like to thank the outgoing board of directors for their time and hard work and wish them all the best.

Scott Lethbridge // info@innisfilkartclub.ca // 705 309 9009

CORNWALL MOTOR SPEEDWAY PROFILE: Gage Morin - Born Into the Motorsports Mainstream

Cut him and his blood flows red, just like everyone else – but racing is in Gage Morin’s veins.  The 17 year-old from St. Andrews West, Ontario was born into one of the best known motorsports families in south eastern Ontario, so there is no denying his natural connection to the sport.  His grandfather, Ron Morin has owned and operated Cornwall Motor Speedway since 1980.  His aunt Carol has been the track’s manager for the past 22 years, while his mother Denise looks after the comings and goings at the quarter-mile oval’s back gate.  It was only a matter of time before the St. Joseph’s Catholic Secondary School student began his own transition into the family ‘business.’

At the ripe young age of 12, Morin first belted into a racing machine.  His weapon of choice at the time was a go-kart, run primarily at his familiar stomping grounds along-side the eastbound lanes of the ‘401’ highway.  At 14, he set-out to explore the 4 cylinder ‘rookie’ division, picking-up a number of wins along the way.  By the time he’d turned 15 years of age, a modified called his name.  With endless years of motorsports involvement – including time as a driver himself – Ron Morin takes great pride in sharing knowledge and experience with his grandson.  Over the years, Gage has sharpened his racing skills under the watchful eye of his current DIRTcar small block modified car owner Doug Young. 

On the rare occasion when his mother Denise managed to escape the confines of the back gate sign-in booth, her nervous pacing wore an easily recognised path in the grassy area next to the track.  Even though there was only 1 seat available, she virtually drove every lap next to her youngest charge. 

“I can’t help but be concerned when he’s racing,” admits Denise Morin.  “I don’t want to hold him back when it comes to pursuing his dream, but my biggest concern is that he’s safe.  I can’t control what any of the other drivers do – and while I don’t want to be tagged as an overprotective mother – I don’t want him to think he’s bullet proof.  I’ve been around the sport almost my entire life.  I’ve seen what can happen to even the best drivers and I don’t want that legacy for my kid.”

Tagged by many as one of the DIRTcar world’s rising stars, Gage Morin is actually shy and quiet when it comes to talking about his own on-track performance.  When the cameras and microphones come around, he’s quick to praise the support crew that keeps his #16 D & A Tractor Sales/Sweet Dreams/ 730 Truck Stop/Olson Fab/B & L Metals/Mark’s General Maintenance Bicknell on the race track and running competitively during a very busy race season.  In an arena with drivers often more than twice his age, he understands there is a great deal to learn and he looks forward to gaining more experience every time he straps into the racecar.

To start the 2009 season, Gage Morin and his team decided on an aggressive 3 race per weekend schedule with action at Autodrome Edelweiss, Brockville Ontario Speedway and Cornwall on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights respectively.  Midway through the year, there was a switch of Friday night homes to the revamped Mohawk International Raceway, but the young hot shoe secured enough points during his brief time at Edelweiss to finish 8th in the year’s final rundown.

A flip at Cornwall sidelined the team for a short period while the crew spent some time checking welds on the frame and chassis and waited for new sheet metal to be installed.  The 17 year-old speedster also had engine problems keep him out of some late season events at all 3 tracks, but scored enough points to finish 12th at Mohawk, 15th at Brockville and 11th at Cornwall.  Despite a few rough spots during the season, Gage Morin – who is itching for the chance to try a sprint car – says he’s thrilled with what they were able to accomplish.

“It would have been great to make every show at each track, but that’s just racing luck,” said the 12th grade student.  “We learned a lot.  We raced a lot and at this level – especially at my age – experience is what it’s all about.  I don’t mind winter, but I can’t wait to start the 2010 season.  I think we have some unfinished business to take care of.”

With bright, young talents like Gage Morin coming through the ranks, fans of DIRTcar modified racing have a great deal to look forward to.

Words and Photos Prepared by:  Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications

Photo attachments:  Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications
#1).  Some tough luck, including a mid-season flip at Cornwall sidelined Gage Morin’s #16 team for a few weeks.
#2).  With new sheet metal and a fresh graphics package, Gage Morin was ready to attack the second half of the 2009 DIRTcar small block modified season.

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"Supporters of the Canadian Motor Speedway are hoping the Town of Fort Erie will give the project its full endorsement at Monday's council-in-committee meeting.

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Click here for the full story, featuring quotes from Inside Track contributor Ed Moody.