CANADIAN MOTOR SPEEDWAY... Unanimous thumbs up at Niagara Region

Just received the following from Jim Mullin of the █ ♣ █ CANADIAN MOTOR SPEEDWAY PROJECT █ ♣ █ Facebook group.

Subject: CMS success news

"Council Unanimous At Niagara Region......Canadian Motor Speedway moving ahead at full throttle!!!!"

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Sad News: Greg Wilkins passes

From Grand-Am

WOODBRIDGE, ON - GRAND-AM competitor Greg Wilkins, 53, lost his courageous battle with cancer on Wednesday. He is survived by his wife, Vera and children, Mark and Lauren (Greg is pictured at right with his son Mark (l).

Wilkins was best known for his role as a leader in the corporate world as a President and CEO of Barrick Gold and most recently as Executive Vice-Chairman, but to everyone in the GRAND-AM community and at AIM Autosport, Greg was a loyal friend with a competitive spirit.

A gentleman in the paddock, Wilkins was a fierce competitor on the track who would quietly achieve goals sought by most race drivers with his crowning achievement, a class victory at the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2000. His greatest podium appearance however, may have been in 2005 when he finished third at the Rolex 24 At Daytona with son Mark as his co-driver.

Greg had 39 career starts in the Rolex Series, winning the GTO class at Mid-Ohio in 2000. He raced 48 times in the Continental Tire Challenge, scoring 38 top-10 finishes with victories at Phoenix in 2003 and California in 2004....

Click on the link above for the full release on the Grand-Am site.

Inside Track offers its sincere condolences to the family and friends of Greg Wilkins.

Jamie Allison named Ford Director of North America Motorsports

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 18, 2009 – Jamie Allison, a 22-year Ford veteran with experience in engineering, product planning and marketing, has been named director, Ford North America Motorsports, effective January 1, 2010, it was announced today.

Allison, who most recently has been Ford Performance Group Manager, will replace current director Brian Wolfe, who has been named to a new position in global product development by Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Ford Global Product Development and Tony Brown, group vice president, Ford Global Purchasing.

“I’m excited about the challenge of helping take Ford’s racing program forward,” said Allison, who has been part of the Ford Racing management team for just over six years.  “For a kid who wanted to work for Ford Motor Company, to help carry forward a tradition that Henry Ford himself started is something special.

“Brian Wolfe really made a great difference in the program in his time as director, opening up so many opportunities to reach out, not just the professional racers, but to the grassroots and sportsman racers as well.  He installed a philosophy that we were going to be ‘racer-friendly’ in all that we do, and we as a team will carry that forward.”

Allison joined Ford Motor Company in 1987, after graduating from the University of Michigan-Dearborn with an electrical engineering degree.  He later returned to earn a MBA in marketing from the same university.

He began his career at Ford in product engineering, and spent the first 10 years of his career working within engineering and product planning.

In 1997, Allison made the transition to product marketing, and held a series of marketing jobs within the company before joining Ford Racing Technology in 2003, where he has overseen the Ford Racing Performance Parts business, as well as North America Motorsports Marketing.

Under Allison’s leadership, the Ford Racing Performance Parts business was transformed by offering ready-to-race vehicles for production-based racing, Performance Packs and new vehicle modifications for enthusiasts.  The team also partnered with Shelby Autos on the launch of exciting new Shelby performance vehicles, and created the Ford Performance Group as an outreach to Ford Clubs—all of which reinvigorated Ford's support of performance enthusiasts. 

Wolfe became director, Ford North America Motorsports, in July 2008, and has had a major impact on the program since then.

Ford captured Mustang championships this season in NHRA Funny Car, Grand-Am KONI and SCCA World Challenge GT, as well as Ford’s first Daytona 500 win since 2000.

Under Wolfe’s direction, the company also launched the NASCAR Nationwide Series Mustang, secured official vehicle sponsorships with the NHRA and American Drag Racing League, and assisted with bringing the European Fiesta to a successful racing debut in North America, with a second-place at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, and a 1-3-4 finish in its X Games rally competition debut.

Wolfe opened the door to additional grassroots opportunities for Ford in circle track racing and road racing, but may be best known as being the man to help bring the Cobra Jet Mustang sportsman drag racing car back to the track after 40 years, along with Ford’s re-entry into NHRA Pro Stock.

The 2008 Cobra Jet won its initial outing at Pomona in February 2009, and went on to set records across the country.   A 2010 version of the Cobra Jet will go into production in January, with all 50 being sold in advance of production.

About Ford North America Motorsports: Ford North America Motorsports, based in Dearborn, Mich., is responsible for major racing operations in North America, including NASCAR (Sprint Cup, Nationwide Series, Camping World Trucks), Grand American sports car racing, NHRA drag racing, USAC midget car racing and the Ford Racing Mustang Challenge for the Miller Cup.  The department also oversees the development and marketing of Ford Racing Engines and Performance Parts, the outreach programs with all Ford Clubs and Ford enthusiasts, and the marketing of the Ford Racing brand through initiatives such as Team Ford Racing.  For more information regarding Ford Racing’s activities, please visit www.fordracing.com.

VP RACING OFFERS STREET LEGAL FUEL OPPORTUNITY TO THE HIGH PERFORMANCE MARKET!

SAN ANTONIO, TX (December 17, 2009) VP Racing Fuels, Inc., the industry leader in the manufacture of racing fuels and performance products, announced the introduction of VP100TM, a street legal unleaded performance fuel. VP100 is specifically engineered for high-performance street cars, exotics, sport compacts, muscle cars, street rods and vehicles requiring premium fuels in excess of 91 octane. “With additional media and television focusing on enthusiasts driving their high performance street cars, VP recognizes the importance of having unleaded fuels available to meet the needs of these niche markets,” said John Sonnefeldt, VP’s Director of Sales & Marketing for Street Fuels.

Well-suited for high-performance street cars, VP100 is oxygenated with ethanol. Environmentally friendly, it meets California Air Resource Board (CARB) requirements and is street legal throughout the U.S. At 100 octane (R+M/2), it generates substantial power increases over pump gas. A test with a turbocharged application proved VP100 will generate up to 14% more power than premium grade 91 octane unleaded gasoline.

VP100 is safe for use in cast-iron head engines with compression ratios up to 13:1 and aluminum heads up to 14:1 and reduces the fear of detonation in power enhanced vehicles. “VP100 contains no metal compounds and will not harm catalytic converters or oxygen sensors,” Sonnefeldt added. “Designed to enhance performance in the latest generations of turbo- and supercharged engines, VP100 will deliver consistent performance every time you fill up at the pump.”

“In areas where premium fuels such as 93 octane are unavailable, VP100 is the perfect solution,” Sonnefeldt continued. “Over 200 cars currently in production suggest premium fuel for optimum performance. Blending VP100 with your local premium fuel can give you the desired octane number to meet the maximum performance standards of your vehicle.”

For customers with technical questions about VP100, a tech support line has been established at 812-878-2025. Questions may also be emailed to StreetLegalTech@vpracingfuels.com.

VP100 is becoming more readily available at the pump nationwide. All VP fuels are available in 5, 15, 30 and 54-gallon containers at locations worldwide where racing fuel is sold. To purchase VP100, contact your local dealer or to find a location near you, contact the appropriate VP Regional Distribution Center, each of which is listed at vpracingfuels.com.

In addition to fuels, VP’s product line includes specialty lubricants, performance chemicals and traction adhesives – each designed to produce the most power and best performance in their respective racing applications. More information can be obtained from VP’s website – vpracingfuels.com.

Globe & Mail: McDreamy's other role....

From the Globe & Mail

By PETRINA GENTILE // From Thursday's Globe and Mail Published on Thursday, Dec. 17, 2009

He's best known as "McDreamy" - the heartthrob neurosurgeon Dr. Derek Shepherd on the hit TV drama series Grey's Anatomy.

But off the set, actor Patrick Dempsey has another passion with a faster pace. He's a racecar driver on the side, and he's serious about the sport.

"I've been racing the Mazda RX-8 in the Rolex series; this will be my fourth year. That's what I really love. It's a great car," the actor says.

While he hasn't made it to the podium yet, he did have a top-10 finish in this year's gruelling 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race. He came in ninth in his class, driving a Ferrari F430 GT with Team Seattle and raising more than $250,000 for children's hospitals.

Dempsey has also raced in Canada at the Gilles Villeneuve track in Montreal and Circuit Trois-Rivières in Quebec. "The fans up there are phenomenal," he says, as his surprisingly lean body rests against a 2011 Mazda2 at the Los Angeles Auto Ahow.

Dempsey loves speed and fast cars. Off the track, his daily ride is a Porsche GT3 RS. But it can be challenging to drive at times.....

Continued at the link above....

Steve Kinser Lands With Tony Stewart

This story was written by Robin Miller of Speed TV.

Two of the most successful names in American motorsports are teamming up for 2010 as SPEEDtv.com has learned that Steve Kinser is joining Tony Stewart's team in the World of Outlaws.
Stewart, a champion in USAC, IRL and NASCAR who also fields winning teams in USAC and WoO, couldn't be reached for comment but pairing the 55-year-old legend with new WOO bully Donny Schatz seems like a perfect way of saluting The King's checkered career. "Yep, it's true, Tony is giving me a great opportunity," said Kinser on Thursday afternoon from his shop in Bloomington, Ind. "It's a pretty cool deal for an old guy like me and I can't thank Tony enough."The No. 20 car wasn't quite up to snuff this year so I think he wants to see if I can help turn things around."Of course the irony is that the 20-time WoO champion, winner of 552 A-Mains, will be taking his son, Kraig's, seat as a teammate to Donny Schatz, who has captured four consecutive WOO crowns, including the past two for Tony Stewart Racing.For the full story, click: http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/woo-steve-kinser-lands-with-tony-stewart/

Reid Replaces Punch At ESPN's NASCAR Helm

Marty Reid will replace Dr. Jerry Punch alongside booth mates Dale Jarrett and Andy Petree for ESPN’s 2010 NASCAR coverage, calling the action for all 17 of the networks NASCAR Sprint Cup races as well as many of their NASCAR Nationwide Series telecasts.

Punch will return to pit road for the network’s Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series broadcasts next season, after anchoring the network’s broadcasts for the past three years.

ESPN Executive Vice President of Studio and Event Production Norby Williamson explained the move, saying, “We play to the strengths of our announcers, and Marty’s strength is calling the tactical aspects of the race while deferring to the analysts.”

The remainder of the NASCAR on ESPN team will return next season, including analysts Rusty Wallace, Brad Daugherty, Tim Brewer and Ray Evernham, NASCAR Countdown host Allen Bestwick and pit reporters Dave Burns, Jamie Little, Mike Massaro, Shannon Spake and Vince Welch.

Specific assignments and schedules will be announced later. In addition to his new NASCAR role, Reid will continue as lead booth announcer for ESPN’s five-race IndyCar Series schedule, showcased by the Indianapolis 500.

COMPASS360 RACING SIGNS ASCHENBACH AND THILENIUS FOR 2010

(Toronto, Canada) -- Compass360 Racing today released details on their second season-long driver pairing in Grand-Am's Continental Sports Car Challenge. Long-time Grand-Am competitor David Thilenius will share the team's #74 Honda Civic Si with Lawson Aschenbach. C360R won all three Grand-Am Street Tuner championships (Team, Driver and Manufacturer) in 2009, and these signings represent the commitment the team has in its championship defense.

Thilenius has raced in Grand-Am since 2005, most recently with Bill Fenton's Honda program, and his racing resume dates back to Formula Mazda in 1987. His career has includes seasons and wins in Grand Am Continental Sports Car Challenge, Formula Mazda, F1600, F2000 and the Firehawk Endurance Championship.

Aschenbach's resume features Grand-Am podium results, including a Daytona KONI win in 2009. He drove for the General Motors factory Team Cadillac program in 2007, won the SPEED World Challenge GT Championship in 2006 and has been a part of four manufacturer's championships, including Chevrolet's KONI title in 2008.

Thilenius and Aschenbach join Zach Lutz and Ryan Eversley as team- mates in the iconic bright-orange C360R Honda Civic Si sedans.

"I can't tell you how excited I am to add two more top drivers to our team," said Team Principal Karl Thomson. "Dave's been one of the guys I've wanted to have drive with us for years, and Lawson really kept us on our toes last season when he drove the Cobalt. These two guys have both stood on the top step of the podium and know what it takes to win races and a championship. By combining them with Ryan and Zach, I think we've got the best driver line-up in the paddock."

Compass360 Racing made history last year by being the first team to sweep the podium, with a dominant performance at New Jersey Motorsports Park. Not only did they win the Grand-Am Championship triple-crown but also took third in both the Driver's and Team points, once again being the first in the series ever to do so.

"I enjoyed driving for Bill Fenton the last three years," explained Thilenius. " I spent way too much of that time chasing these orange cars, so I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to race for Compass360 with a great co-driver like Lawson. Lawson has been quick in everything he's ever driven. We have a great team behind us and a championship-quality car in the Civic, so I'm looking forward to a great season."

For his part, Aschenbach was equally excited. "I had such a strong start to the year in 2009, and Compass360 was the team to beat. It was always neck-in-neck. So it's amazing to be here to go for the championship with David. I'm really looking forward to driving the Honda at Daytona and to notching some more wins for the team."

Grand Am's Continental Sports Car Challenge starts its year early with Test Days at Daytona in early January. The series first race is on January 29th, as part of the Roar Before the 24 in support of the Rolex 24 Hours of Dayona, and will be televised, tape-delayed on SPEED TV.
Compass360 has been on the podium at the season-opener every year since 2007, and hopes to continue that tradition in 2010.

Compass360 Racing (C360R) is the motorsports division of Compass360 Branding Communications, a firm offering marketing expertise to clients in diverse industries across North America. The Championship- winning race team, with support from Honda of America, fields three front-running Honda Civic Si's in Grand-Am's KONI Challenge, as well as an Acura TSX in Canadian Touring Car. For details visit http://c360r.com/ .

2010 Mr. DIRTcar Pro Stock Series Announced!

Old & New Figure Into 2010 Mr. DIRTcar Pro Stock Series Title Chase

Weedsport, NY — December 16, 2009 — By Tom Skibinski, DIRTcar Racing Northeast PR Director

A solid mix of new shows with established extra-distance events is on the docket for 2010 with an overall Hoosier Tire-VP Racing Fuels Mr. DIRTcar Pro Stock Series champion destined to be distinguished for a 16th consecutive season in the Northeast.

The first-ever series stops at Glen Ridge Motorsports Park and Autodrome Granby, accompanied by more traditional tour dates at founding member facilities Canandaigua Speedway, Rolling Wheels Raceway Park and the New York State Fairgrounds, elevates the count to an even dozen title races earmarked to crown the newest points king as a fifth decade of DIRTcar Racing is on the horizon.

“I’m very pleased the way the series schedule panned out,” commented DIRTcar Pro Stock Series Director Brian Mulligan, now a staple in his third year guiding DIRTcar NE’s premier full-fender traveling tour. “Two new weekly tracks and still more interested in hosting tour events further validates the growing popularity of this class and affirms the professionalism of our traveling teams.”

Rolling Wheels (28 events), NYS Fairgrounds (16) and Canandaigua (13) top the list of sites staging Pro Stock Series shows since the tour was launched in 1995. Headed by new track President Donald Fontaine and VP/General Manager Dominic Lussier at Granby and co-promoters Jake Spraker and Mike Romano at Glen Ridge, the formidable pairs are slated to bring the track total to 28 as the new millennium speeds on.

Under first-year owner Tiger Chapman, Can-Am Motorsports Park kicks off the spring schedule (April 18) followed by two more Sunday shows at Rolling Wheels (May 2) and Cornwall Motor Speedway (May 23). Sandwiching Mohawk Int’l Raceway (Aug. 21) in between, Granby and Autodrome Drummond (June 25-26) provide the first doubleheader to open up the summer with Glen Ridge and Lebanon Valley Speedway (Sept. 10-11) comprising round two as the eastern affiliates lead off the post-Labor Day champ trail.

DIRTcar NE charter members Canandaigua (Sept. 18) and Rolling Wheels (Sept. 25) close out the month before Super DIRT Week XXXIX in Syracuse (Oct. 10) and 2nd Annual DIRTcar Fall Nationals at Brockville Ontario Speedway (Oct. 17) bring the curtain down in autumn.

For additional information, please contact Pro Stock Series Director Brian Mulligan (613/938-6751) or DIRTcar Racing Northeast Director of Competition & Track Sanctioning Joe Skotnicki (704/796-4566) during normal weekday business hours. Also log into the homepage at www.dirtcar.com to find more news about Pro Stocks as well as the entire circuit as DIRTcar Northeast’s 35th consecutive season of racing gets underway.

2010 Mr. DIRTcar Pro Stock Championship Series (confirmed dates)
*All events subject to change.
DAY-DATE TRACK LOCATION
Sun-Apr 18 Can-Am Motorsports Park LaFargeville, NY
Sun-May 2 Rolling Wheels Raceway Park Elbridge, NY
Sun-May 23 Cornwall Motor Speedway Cornwall, ONT
Fri-Jun 25 Autodrome Granby Granby, QUE
Sat-Jun 26 Autodrome Drummond Drummondville, QUE
Sat-Aug 21 Mohawk International Raceway Akwesasne, NY
Fri-Sep 10 Glen Ridge Motorsports Park Fultonville, NY
Sat-Sep 11 Lebanon Valley Speedway West Lebanon, NY
Sat-Sep 18 Canandaigua Speedway Canandaigua, NY
Sat-Sep 25 Rolling Wheels Raceway Park Elbridge, NY
Sun-Oct 10 New York State Fairgrounds Syracuse, NY
Sun-Oct 17 Brockville Ontario Speedway Brockville, ONT

GRAND-AM: Grand-Am & Featherlite Trailers extend long-standing relationship through 2014 season

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Dec. 16, 2009) - Following one of the most competitive seasons in its 10-year history, GRAND-AM Road Racing continues to combine growth stability in announcing today a five-year extension with longtime partner Featherlite Trailers. The renewal maintains a relationship that began during GRAND-AM's inaugural season of competition in 2000.

As the Official Trailer of GRAND-AM - which sanctions both the Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 and the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge - through the 2014 season, Featherlite will continue to showcase its trailers during GRAND-AM race weekends.

GRAND-AM currently utilizes Featherlite products for at-track merchandise sales as well as a unique mobile business center known as the Toshiba Motorsports Business Center presented by SunTrust, which allows teams and sponsors the opportunity to conduct business meetings in two conference rooms and execute functions such as coping, faxing, scanning and utilizing the internet. Additionally, a designated area outside the trailer is set up each race weekend, catering to fans through Q&A sessions with drivers and team members.

Featherlite's latest offering will be a newer trailer for competition and technical needs, which will be introduced to teams and sponsors during an open house from 3-5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 7, during the 'Roar Before The Rolex 24' at Daytona International Speedway.

"Featherlite has been an official partner since the inception of GRAND-AM Road Racing, and to have them extend their agreement for an additional five years demonstrates the stability and value our sponsors enjoy by partnering with GRAND-AM," said Kevin Hindson, GRAND-AM Road Racing Vice President of Marketing. "As our series has grown through the years, Featherlite has shown its commitment by providing us with trailers that exceed all our event needs."

Added Eric Clement, Vice President of Sales and General Manager of Featherlite Trailers: "We are very happy to continue our partnership with GRAND-AM. The extensive growth in both the Rolex Series and Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge - along with the unique business to business opportunities at the races - has precipitated our contract extension. Featherlite will continue to benefit from our at track presence with a sales and service transporter."

GRAND-AM will begin its 2010 season in late January at Daytona International Speedway, with the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge opening Jan. 29 with the Fresh From Florida 200, and the Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 on Jan. 30 and 31 with the 48th running of the Rolex 24 At Daytona.

About Featherlite Trailers: Featherlite Trailers, based in Cresco, Iowa, builds a variety of aluminum trailers offering superior design, workmanship and value for all types of hauling needs, ranging from race car and ATV/motorcycle trailers to horse and livestock trailers. For more information, visit www.featherlitespecialty.com

About GRAND-AM Road Racing: 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.

From Tammy Davis, GRAND-AM Road Racing, tdavis@nascar.com

2010 Honda Indy Toronto tickets go on sale today

TORONTO (Dec. 16, 2009) - Tickets for the 2010 Honda Indy Toronto, which will return to Exhibition Place July 16 – 18, go on sale today and are available online at www.HondaIndyToronto.com. Highlighted by the open-wheel racing of the IZOD Indy Car Series, the 2010 Honda Indy Toronto also will feature the Firestone Indy Lights, the SPEED World Challenge, the SCCA Pro Racing Trans-Am Series and, for the second consecutive year, the Canadian Touring Car Championship.

Additionally, the event marks the Toronto debut of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series.

“We also have dramatically expanded our entertainment slate for 2010,” said Charlie Johnstone, Vice President and General Manager of the event. “In addition to perhaps one of the best line-ups of racing action anywhere in North America in 2010, we will be investing significantly in the off-track experience including a major concert, live entertainment, an interactive family zone and much more.”

In an effort to bring a more cost-effective experience for race fans, many of the reserved seat ticket packages have been reduced in price and a new junior price ticket has been added.

Reserved seat adult ticket packages range from $106 to $215 for upper Gold Level tickets. Adult general admissions tickets have been reduced as well. They are $21 for Friday, $31 for Saturday and $42 for Sunday’s events. Three-day general admission ticket packages are $52 each. Reduced rate tickets are available for juniors, ages 12 and under, in most ticket categories. Ticket prices include all taxes and service charges.

Race fans purchasing any ticket package before December 31, 2009, will receive an added amenity. Advance purchasers can choose from an IZOD IndyCar paddock pass (valued at $57), a VIP Pit Walk-Through ($36 value) or a three-day parking pass ($70 value).

The Honda Indy Toronto is staged on a 1.77-mile, 11-turn circuit that runs through Exhibition Place in downtown Toronto.

For more information on the 2010 Honda Indy Toronto, and to purchase tickets, visit www.HondaIndyToronto.com or call 877.503.6869.

NASCAR star Matt Kenseth is coming to the Canadian Motorsports Expo

REIGNING DAYTONA 500 CHAMPION AND PAST NASCAR SPRINT CUP CHAMP COMING TO THE CME

NASCAR star Matt Kenseth has accomplished a lot during his racing career. The 37-year-old Wisconsin native won the 2003 NASCAR Sprint Cup championship in dominant fashion, and he will head to Daytona International Speedway, next February, as the defending winner of the world’s most coveted stock car race; the Daytona 500.

But before he does that, Matt Kenseth will be coming to Toronto’s International Centre on Saturday, January 23, 2010 to meet with fans and sign autographs at the Canadian Motorsports Expo. Kenseth has many enthusiastic fans in Canada, many of whom were at Cayuga Speedway in 2002 when he emerged victorious in a thrilling CASCAR race, beating a field comprised of several other NASCAR stars and talented Canadian racers.

“I’m really looking forward to coming to the Canadian Motorsports Expo,” said Kenseth, in announcing his appearance at the CME. “Canadian racing fans are very passionate about NASCAR and it’ll be great to have an opportunity to talk racing with them again, and to sign some autographs. One of the last times I was near Toronto, it was for a CASCAR race at Cayuga Speedway, which I was fortunate enough to win. So much has happened since then; it’ll be fun to catch up with everyone at the Canadian Motorsports Expo.”

Speaking on behalf of the CME, show founder and President Glenn Butt said, “We are extremely proud to announce Matt Kenseth’s participation at the 4th Annual Canadian Motorsports Expo. There are very few people in the world who have won a NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship or stood in victory lane at the Daytona 500. Matt Kenseth is a member of a very exclusive club of individuals who have done both. We are all thrilled that he will be coming to the CME.”

Specific details about Matt Kenseth’s appearance will be released in the coming weeks.

ABOUT MATT KENSETH: Matt Kenseth drives the No. 17 Crown Royal Ford Fusion in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for Roush Fenway Racing. Kenseth’s victory in the 2009 Daytona 500 was the first-ever for the Roush Fenway team. Kenseth, who has 18 Sprint Cup victories to his credit, hails from Cambridge, Wisconsin. He won the NASCAR Sprint Cup title in 2003, just three seasons after being honoured as the series’ top rookie (in 2000). Prior to that, he competed in the ARTGO, ASA, Hooter’s Late Model and Nationwide Series. Kenseth won the International Race of Champions (IROC) title in 2004.

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. Star drivers Matt Kenseth, Paul Tracy, Ron Fellows and Jessica Zemken will be at the CME to sign autographs and meet the fans.

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. Matt Kenseth photo by Getty Images, courtesy of Motorsports Management International.

Canadian Motorsports Expo: The Duhamels are coming to CME

MOTORCYCLE LEGENDS MIGUEL AND YVON DUHAMEL ARE COMING TO THE CANADIAN MOTORSPORTS EXPO... CANADIAN RACING GREATS MAKE FIRST VISIT TO CME

(TORONTO, ON // DECEMBER 15, 2009) There is no question that Canada’s first family of motorcycle racing is the Duhamel clan, and two of its legendary members will make an appearance at the Canadian Motorsports Expo Jan. 22-24, 2010.

Yvon Duhamel, the patriarch of the family, and his son Miguel, will be at the International Centre in Mississauga, ON to meet racing fans, sign autographs and talk about their storied careers.

A native of Montreal, Yvon Duhamel made his name as a versatile racer who tackled virtually every form of the sport, from motocross and ice racing to flat track and road race. He earned international acclaim, however, for his road racing exploits. Riding for the Deeley Yamaha team, Duhamel finished second in the Daytona 200 in 1968 and qualified on pole for the 1969 Daytona 200 with the first ever qualifying lap above 150 mph.

In 1971 Yvon joined the Kawasaki factory racing team and became famous for his ability to tame the daunting H2R three-cylinder two-stroke. He won five American Motorcyclist Association Nationals for Kawasaki between 1971 and ’73 and represented the company on the international stage.

Miguel Duhamel is one of the most successful racers in AMA history. He has won the Daytona 200 on five occasions, claimed five AMA Supersport titles, two AMA Formula Xtreme crowns and was AMA Superbike champion in 1995.

He was the AMA Superbike Rookie of the Year in 1990, riding for the Yoshimura Suzuki team. He raced for Honda in 1991 and competed in Grand Prix racing in 1992 on a Yamaha. After a year with Kawasaki in the U.S. in ’93, he helped Harley-Davidson’s fledgling Superbike team in 1994 before joining the American Honda factory squad in 1995 for a relationship that would last 14 years.

Miguel is the winningest rider in AMA road racing history with 86 victories in Superbike, Supersport and Formula Xtreme competition.

“Having Yvon and Miguel Duhamel join us at the Canadian Motorsports Expo brings a whole new element to this event,” said CME show founder and president Glenn Butt. “They are without a doubt two of this country’s most successful racing exports and have represented Canada with great distinction internationally.”

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. Star drivers Matt Kenseth, Paul Tracy, Ron Fellows and Jessica Zemken will be at the CME to sign autographs and meet the fans.

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.

PHOTO: Miguel Duhamel, by insidetracknews.com

Merrittville Speedway: Track to kick off 2010 with rules and membership meetings for stock cars and karts

Thorold, Ontario (December 14) – Merrittville Speedway will hold a Rules and Membership Meeting for drivers that compete in both the Saturday Night 5 Division Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series and the Tuesday Night Lucas Oil Weekly Karting Series – Sunday January 10th at the Holiday Inn in St. Catharines.

“While many of our race teams are anticipating our Practice Days and the Season Openers,” relates GM Erica Bicknell, “the afternoon sessions will detail any applicable rule changes and clarifications.  Furthermore, the Sunday meetings will allow competitors that have purchased a membership or drivers pass to enter the lottery draw for the Seaway Mall and Pentre Shopping Centre Spring Mall Shows. 

The sessions will begin at 11am for all Tuesday Kart Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series / Original Pizza Logs Divisions – the Drummond Home Hardware Garden City Auto Complex Novice 1, KC Auto Parts Novice 2, RCM Racing Equipment Junior 1, Ed MacPherson Construction Junior 2, Superior PetroFuels Junior Restricted Flathead, Philbrick Farm & Garden Equipment Wilder Racing Engines Senior Animal and the Cassell Manufacturing Senior Flathead Divisions.

Kart Officials will discuss any applicable rule changes until 12pm.

Kart Memberships will be available for the 2009 price on Sunday for $ 50.00 which includes $ 35.00 for the Membership and $ 15.00 for the Annual Awards Night.   After January 10th the price will be $ 52.00.

From 12:30pm  to 1:30pm  – the Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinders and the Modern Corporation Open Wheel Lites.

Hoosier Stocks are scheduled from 2:00pm to 3:00pm.

The Original Pizza Logs Sportsman and L. St. Amand Enterprises 358 Modified Session will be from 3:30 to 4:30pm.

Special early bird pricing is available for our Saturday Night Competitors. 2010 Stock Car Memberships will be available for $50.00.  2010 Drivers VIP Passes are $ 200.00 for the 4 Cylinder Division and $250.00 for all others and pricing includes tax.

The 2010 Driver VIP Passes will be accepted for all scheduled events from May 1st thru September 4th. This also includes the June 17th World of Outlaws Late Models, and both Monday Night Madness Nights. In addition, the VIP Drivers Pass can be used for the ‘member’ rate for the April 24th Triple 50 Event and the J&S Rose Webber Memorial International Dwarf Car Classic Weekend – September 10th and 11th.

Season pit passes will also be available for the Special Early Bird Rate of $ 375.00. All teams are encouraged to be in possession of a VIP Drivers pass or a Season Pit Pass Membership for the Pit Easy Pass (drive through entry for the driver of the vehicle only). 

“If everyone takes a few minutes on the 10th,” adds Bicknell, “it makes the first few nights of the season so much easier … for our race teams and our staff alike.”

Early Bird Tickets will also be available for the World of Outlaws Event on June 17th. We will also process All DIRTCar Memberships. The Holiday Inn is located on the North Service Road – at Lake Street in St. Catharines and is easily accessible from the QEW.

For further information on Merrittville Speedway’s 59th Consecutive Stock Car Season and/or 17th for Karts – call the Speedway’s Winter Office at 905-685-7223 … visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com or join Merrittville Speedway on Facebook.

Cherry Bomb Performance Exhaust Introduces New Glasspack Header Mufflers

Loudon, TN (December 11, 2009)... Cherry Bomb, makers of the legendary Glasspack muffler has recently introduced four new Glasspack header mufflers. They are designed for anyone who wants the distinctive sound of the Cherry Bomb glasspack in a muffler that bolts directly to their headers. With a compact size and rugged construction, they are perfect for off-road vehicles, or custom racing exhaust applications. Like all Cherry Bomb mufflers, they improve horsepower, torque and fuel economy, while providing that distinctive Cherry Bomb sound the company is famous for. Each one features a true 3" straight thru core for maximum exhaust gas flow.

The new mufflers are available in the following sizes:
1) 20" with a 3? diameter flange, 3" outlet
2) 26? with a 3" diameter flange, 3" outlet
3) 27-1/2" with a 3-3/8" diameter flange, 2" outlet
4) 36" side pipe design with a 3" diameter flange and side outlet.
Turned out side pipe - Great for Jeeps!

Cherry Bomb began manufacturing the Cherry Bomb Glasspack in 1968. Forty years later, Cherry Bomb manufactures a full line of high performance mufflers, in addition to a large number of cat back systems, accessories, and custom kits, all of which create fuel savings due to improved engine efficiency. Cherry Bomb is located at 2400 Maremont Blvd., Loudon, TN. For product information call 866-869-9704 or visit www.cherrybomb.com.