Wednesday, December 23, 2009

NASCAR: New Qualifying Criteria Set For Budweiser Shootout

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- The 32nd annual Budweiser Shootout, the prestigious non-points NASCAR event that kicks off Speedweeks 2010 and the new Sprint Cup Series season, will have new qualifying criteria beginning in 2010, Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig announced.

Moving forward, the field for the Budweiser Shootout will be comprised of:

·         The 12 drivers who qualified for the previous year’s Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup

·         Past NASCAR Sprint Cup champions

·         Past Budweiser Shootout champions

·         Past Daytona 500 and Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola champions

·         The reigning Raybestos Rookie of the Year

 “As NASCAR evolves, we tailor the Budweiser Shootout’s qualifying criteria to provide fans with a lineup that showcases NASCAR’s best drivers on the high banks of Daytona,” Braig said. “The new criteria put a premium on race winners at NASCAR’s most storied track – Daytona International Speedway – and we’re looking forward to kicking off the new season with an electric night of racing.”

“The Budweiser Shootout has marked the start of a new racing season for more than 30 years,” said Mark Wright, vice president of media, sponsorship and activation, Anheuser-Busch.  “Given the changes in the sport over the past year, we feel this new format gives fans a true race of champions.”

The race distance will continue to be 75 laps (187.5 miles) on the 2.5-mile tri-oval. The race will have two segments, of 25 and 50 laps. Both green- and yellow-flag laps will count.

Between segments, there will be a 10-minute pit stop at which time teams will pit and may elect to change tires, add fuel and make normal chassis adjustments.

Starting positions will be determined by a draw at the annual Budweiser Shootout Draw Party on Thursday night, Feb. 4, on the SPEED stage in the Midway, outside Turn 4.

The Budweiser Shootout, which is scheduled for 8:10 p.m., is the climax to a racing tripleheader on Saturday, Feb. 6. Kicking off the day’s activities at 1:05 p.m. will be Daytona 500 Qualifying Presented By Kroger, which will set the front row for the 52nd annual Daytona 500.

At 4:30 p.m., the ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards will kick off their season with the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 and Danica Patrick will make her much-anticipated stock car racing debut.

Tickets for all Speedweeks 2010 events are available online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP and fans can stay connected with Daytona International Speedway on Twitter (www.twitter.com/disupdates) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/DaytonaInternationalSpeedway)

Drivers eligible for the 2010 Budweiser Shootout

2009 Chase for the Sprint Cup drivers

Jimmie Johnson

Mark Martin

Jeff Gordon

Kurt Busch

Denny Hamlin

Tony Stewart

Greg Biffle

Juan Pablo Montoya

Ryan Newman

Kasey Kahne

Carl Edwards

Brian Vickers

Others – criteria filled in parentheses

John Andretti (Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola)

Geoff Bodine (Daytona 500, Budweiser Shootout)

Jeff Burton (Coke Zero 400)

Kyle Busch (Coke Zero 400)

Derrike Cope (Daytona 500)

Dale Earnhardt Jr. (Daytona 500, Coke Zero 400, Budweiser Shootout)

Bill Elliott (Series champion, Daytona 500, Coke Zero 400, Budweiser Shootout)

Kevin Harvick (Daytona 500, Budweiser Shootout)

Matt Kenseth (Series champion, Daytona 500)

Bobby Labonte (Series champion)

Terry Labonte (Series champion, Budweiser Shootout)

Joey Logano (Reigning Raybestos Rookie of the Year)

Sterling Marlin (Daytona 500, Coke Zero 400)

Jamie McMurray (Coke Zero 400)

Ken Schrader (Budweiser Shootout)

Michael Waltrip (Daytona 500, Coke Zero 400)

·         Eligibility based on a driver having competed in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series within the last two seasons.

From DIS public relations

PHOTOS: 1999 stock car photo gallery, by DaveFranksPhotos.com



This is a 421-photo gallery of assorted racing shots from the 1999 racing season. Thanks to Dave Franks for sharing his work. You can see Dave's website here.

Reliance Performance Works releases new 5X5 steel hub


Milton Ontario, December 18th 2009: Reliance Performance Works has announced the addition of a new heat treated steel 5X5 front hub to their product line. It is geared toward racers that use a spindle with an Impala pin.
Benefits of this hub include,
· 1pc. heat treated 4140 steel for maximum strength and light weight
· Well vented for maximum cooling
· Uses lightweight machined 6061 aluminum dust cap that is available in flat or bullet nose style
· Standard 8X7” rotor mounting
· Wheel mount full 7” diameter for best support

The Reliance Machine Works Co. Ltd. manufactures a high quality line of chassis components for the Late Model, Pro Stock and Street Stock Markets under their “Reliance Performance Works” brand name. In business since 2001, they also provide custom machining and prototype development services for all racing including Nascar©, NHRA©, and sports car racing.

Reliance Performance Works releases new Anti-dive slugs


Milton Ontario, December 18th 2009: Reliance Performance Works has announced the release of a series of anti-dive slugs to fit the popular Leavitt chassis.

The slugs are available in 0-3/8” offset and the inserts 0-1/2” offset. They are fully CNC machined for consistency and have a black oxide finish

The Reliance Machine Works Co. Ltd. manufactures a high quality line of chassis components for the Late Model, Pro Stock and Street Stock Markets under their “Reliance Performance Works” brand name. In business since 2001, they also provide custom machining and prototype development services for all racing including Nascar©, NHRA©, and sports car racing.
www.reliancemachine.com

If Kawartha Speedway Thunder Car Racer Andy Ford Could Only Buy a Break...

Week after week, Andy Ford is one of the most popular fixtures in the pit area at Kawartha Speedway.  Win, lose or draw the Scarborough, Ontario racer – driver of the #93 J.P. Accounting/Advanced Hydraulics/Hercolift/MTV Chevrolet in the track’s Better Carpet Thunder Car division – greets everyone he meets with a firm handshake and a warm, friendly smile.  Gregarious and personable outside of the racecar, the 45 year-old is a take no prisoners competitor when the action gets hot and heavy.  A solid performer who’s always ready and willing to help if someone needs a hand, Ford has also had some of the worst racing luck of any driver at the popular Fraserville, Ontario oval.

“What can I say?  We just had one of those years.  Everything that could go wrong did go wrong,” said Ford with a chuckle and his ever familiar smile.  “It started on opening night and just continued on from there.  We’d meet at my brother Dan’s place in Castleton through the week and with help from our Dad; go over everything 2 or 3 times.  We never loaded the car into the trailer without being fully prepared, but things never seemed to work out the way we’d hoped.  If we were running for big money, we probably would have thrown in the towel after just a couple of weeks.  Just like everyone else, we’re at the track to have fun so we just kept plugging away.”

Andy Ford’s machine battled glitches and gremlins throughout Kawartha Speedway’s 2009 season.  The team changed spark plugs and wires, a distributor cap and rotor while trying to correct an engine miss that turned-out to be a collapsed lifter.  After transmission problems during the pre-race practice session saw the car loaded-up early, they were back the following week – only to break a crank in the motor.

“Dan, Dad and I talked and came to the conclusion that some of our issues might be solved with a fresh power plant under the hood,” said Ford.  “We placed an order for a 602 crate motor, but ended-up on a 3 week waiting list to get it.  We borrowed an engine, but only got to use it once because of rainouts.”

Keeping his light-hearted, fun attitude, Andy Ford figured by end of the season everything on the car – except the roll cage and the driver – had been changed.  He thinks only one of the 2 components was still good...and it was most likely the roll cage!  On the final night of the season, all the hard work came to fruition as the #93 machine found its way to victory lane in the thunder car semi feature.

“It was like we’d won the Daytona 500,” admitted the driver.  “There were so many obstacles during the year, I was happy just to be around to see a checkered flag.  Having my picture taken holding one made everything we went through worth all the hard work.”

Ford says they’ll be back at Kawartha for the 10th Anniversary season starting Friday, June 4th.  It’ll be a busy off-season as the driver joins the CTV television crew in his position as videotape editor at the Winter Olympics in February and a new season of ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ in March.

Kawartha Speedway’s 2010 schedule is posted now at www.kawarthaspeedway.com.  The track will also be part of the 4th annual Canadian Motorsports Expo – January 22nd, 23rd and 24th – at Toronto’s International Centre.

Photo attachment:  After a difficult year, Andy Ford won the Better Carpet Thunder Car semi feature on the final night of Kawartha Speedway’s 2009 season.

Release and photo by Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications

Schumacher to Return

Make it official, for the reported tidy sum of US$10-million, Michael Schumacher is coming back to Formula 1 with Mercedes after a 3-year "retirement".
The deal starts off as a 1-year deal, but Schumacher is quoted as saying that "It's not a one off thing", with discusssions leading him to drive through to 2012 with the team.
The 41 year old, former 7 time world champion joins Nico Rosberg on an all German team.

Jimmie Johnson earns driver of the year honours from the EMPA

LANGHORNE, PA December 22, 2009 . . . The awards keep coming for NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson as the Eastern Motorsport Press Association has voted him the Al Holbert Memorial National Driver of the Year.

EMPA is made up of members who are journalists, photographers and broadcasters that cover motorsports on a regular basis.  Johnson will have his award presented at the annual EMPA Convention being presented at the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center in Trevose, PA, January 15 thru 17th. The presentation will take place during the NASCAR/EMPA Hall of Fame Dinner.

Joining Johnson as recipients of special awards from the EMPA will be Richie Evans Memorial Northeast Driver of the Year Ted Christopher; T. Wayne Robertson Memorial Newsmaker Award winner Wall Stadium promoter Jim Morton; Junie Donlavey Spirit of the Sport Award winner NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour competitor Wade Cole; along with John Blewett III Young Guns Presented by New England Racing Fuels Award winner Ryan Truex.

Four new members will be inducted in the Eastern Motorsport Press Association Hall of Fame. One of the true legends in dirt modified racing, Freddy Adam tops the list of inductees along with sprint car legend Steve Smith, Western Pennsylvania sprint car and super modified legend Lou Blaney and one of the founding partners of the weekly trade newspaper Gater Racing News Norm Patrick.

Long time Pocono Raceway public relations person Bob Pleban will be honored with the Art McHugh Memorial in recognition of his many years of support of the EMPA. Several other special awards will be presented along with journalists and photographers receiving awards for their outstanding efforts during 2009.

During press conference sessions set for Saturday, January 16th, presentations will be made by the National Hot Rod Association featuring Top Fuel star Antron Brown along with presentations by the World Racing Group, Andy Belmont’s ModSpace ARCA Series team, IndyRacing League, Pocono Raceway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway’s Jerry Gappens, Dover International Speedway, Bethel Motor Speedway, Sundance Vacations Speedway and others.

Sponsor support for the 42nd annual convention comes from a variety of sources including the NHRA, NASCAR, SPEED, NHRA, World Racing Group, Andy Belmont Motorsports, IndyRacing League, Pocono Raceway and Brice NAPA Auto Parts.

The convention will also be the final under the leadership of Ernie Saxton who is one of the founders and has served as president for most of the years since 1969 when the organization got its start. He has notified the organization that he will not be running for any office in 2010.

Additional information can be had by telephone 215.752.7797 or you may e-mail Ernie Saxton atEsaxton144@aol.com.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

IZOD IndyCar Series News & Notes - Dec. 22, 2009

Today's IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights headlines

1.      Briscoe Weds Manske in Hawaii

2.      Castroneves ready to welcome new member of Penske Racing

3.      Target Chip Ganassi Racing featured on VERSUS program

4.      Brian Stewart Racing to field USF2000 team


1. Briscoe Weds Manske in Hawaii: IZOD IndyCar Series driver Ryan Briscoe was married to ESPN anchor Nicole Manske in Maui, Hawaii, Dec. 19.

The couple kicked off their tropical wedding celebration Dec. 18 by treating each of their 100 guests to a traditional luau celebration. The following day, the Team Penske driver and Manske said their vows during a cliff-side ceremony under the Hawaiian sunset.

Following the ceremony and a beach-side dinner, guests were treated to a club-like "after party" that featured a 12-foot ice martini bar, an ice cream sundae bar and the couple's favorite indulgences: french fries for Manske and salt and vinegar chips for Briscoe.

Briscoe, who finished third in the 2009 IZOD IndyCar Series standings after he recorded three wins and four poles for Team Penske, proposed to Manske last year during the holidays when the two were vacationing at the Great Barrier Reef in Briscoe's home country of Australia. The couple chose Hawaii as the location for their wedding because it was roughly the midpoint between their two hometowns of Sydney, Australia (Briscoe) and Roscoe, Illinois (Manske).

The newlyweds will spend their honeymoon in Fiji before visiting Sydney for a few days. The couple will then return to their home in Charlotte, N.C. before Manske resumes her hosting duties for "NASCAR Now" on ESPN and Briscoe takes his place behind the wheel of the No. 6 Team Penske Dallara/Honda in January for pre-season testing.

2. Castroneves ready to welcome new member of Penske Racing: Team Penske's Helio Castroneves and his girlfriend, Adriana Henao, are preparing for a very special gift this holiday season.

The couple is expecting their first child - a little girl that will be named Mikaella - over the holidays and they could not be more excited. The baby is due shortly after Christmas.

"Adriana is doing great and we are just waiting for the little one to arrive," said Castroneves, the three-time Indianapolis 500 champion with Team Penske. "Like we do at Team Penske, we are trying to make sure we are well prepared for the big race. We have been working on her room and getting everything ready - basically just making sure we are set to go when we get the green flag."

The expectant mother and father are in Atlanta, where the baby will be born and where Henao and her family reside. They have prepared the baby's room with all the necessities, including a beautiful crib and all the stuffed animals a newborn could possibly need.

"It has been a crazy year but this is the best ending we could hope for in 2009," said Castroneves. "Adriana and I are so happy and we are looking forward to the best Christmas present of all!"

3. Target Chip Ganassi Racing featured on VERSUS program: NFL linebacker Junior Seau smelled the ethanol, got his hands dirty and lifted a few tires during his weekend with the No. 9 Target Chip Ganassi Racing crew for Scott Dixon during the Infineon Raceway race weekend in August.

What he learned and experienced will be shown on "Sports Jobs with Junior Seau" on VERSUS. The first airing of the pit crew episode is 10 p.m. (EST) Dec. 23.

Seau, a 19-year veteran who played with the San Diego Chargers, Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots, experiences a different sport each episode of the show, trying behind-the-scenes jobs that make the athletic activity possible.

4. Brian Stewart Racing to field USF2000 team: Two-time Firestone Indy Lights championship winning entrant Brian Stewart Racing announced plans to field a team in the Cooper Tires presents the USF2000 National Championship powered by Mazda in 2010.

The new team will serve as a development step for the team's Firestone Indy Lights program, which claimed back-to-back entrant championships in 2005 and 2006.

"Since 2005, we have sponsored the Brian Stewart Racing Karting Championship (BSRKC) in an effort to enable all young people to be able to participate in a competitive karting series while developing their driving skills," said team founder, Brian Stewart. "Now we want to take our Driver Development Program one step further by establishing a new stepping stone between karting and our Firestone Indy Lights team. The decision to enter a team in the USF2000 Series also helps us to support the 'Road To Indy' ladder program that was recently announced by the Indy Racing League."

Participants in BSR's Driver Development Program will compete in 12 USF2000 races over the course of the year and will be supported by Firestone Indy Lights quality staff and technology, including driver coaching by Tommy Byrne and physical training from the staff of PitFit.

"Each driver will have a team of people to support them, including top-notch mechanics and engineers," added BSR business manager, Janet Stewart. "We will be bringing 45 years of experience and our history of excellence with us to this series."

Media Contacts: Amy Konrath, Indy Racing League, (317) 492-6453, akonrath@indycar.com // www.indycar.com

Kawartha Speedway 2010 - A Numbers Game

Kawartha Speedway 2010:  A Numbers Game

By Jim Clarke, Kawartha Speedway PR/Clarke Motorsports Communications

Romanian gymnast Nadia Comaneci collected 3 gold medals during the 1976 Summer Olympics and became the first in her sport to be awarded a perfect ‘10’.  Dudley Moore chased the braided blonde beauty Bo Derek in the 1979 Hollywood classic ‘10’.  Drivers and teams at Kawartha Speedway hope to earn their place in the spotlight as the track heads into their 10 anniversary season with a 10 race schedule that kicks-off with an open practice session for all divisions Friday, May 28th.

At the end of the 2009 campaign, speedway general manager and promoter Derek Lynch announced tentative plans for the 10 race schedule during a driver’s meeting.  While teams were initially shocked by the plans, Lynch says he’s had favourable comments from most of the track’s regulars – and even some new teams – who are excited to spend their Friday nights at one of the country’s premiere motorsports facilities.

“The number of dates we’ll have on the 2010 schedule has been one of the most discussed motorsports stories since we made the announcement,” admitted Lynch.  “When you look at rainouts, 10 races would be more events than we had in 2008 – and just 2 less than the 2009 season.  With an average of 3 shows a month, we’ll have the chance to make-up an event lost due to weather.  That’s something we haven’t done before.”

Lynch says Kawartha Speedway will continue to spotlight their weekly divisions with extra distance events for the NAPA Auto Parts Late Models, Better Carpet Thunder Cars and the Discount Car and Truck Rental Mini Stocks.  The track will also feature a pair of OSCAAR Outlaw Super Late Model events, 4 shows featuring the Ontario Legends’ Series and an appearance by the Ontario Pro Challenge racers.

“One event missing from the program is the American-Canadian Tour stop in July,” stated Lynch.  “We’ll still be an ACT sanctioned track and will send a representative to their invitational shows including Loudon, New Hampshire in September.  From a financial standpoint, getting the ACT drivers to make the trip from Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire was getting tougher and tougher.  In its place, we’ll go back to our 150 lap summer sizzler format – run in 3, 50 lap segments – Friday, July 9th.  We’ll also close-out the 2010 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series schedule with a 250 lapper Saturday, September 25th.”

Kawartha Speedway’s 10th Anniversary 2010 schedule is available now at www.kawarthaspeedway.com.  The track will also be part of the 4th annual Canadian Motorsports Expo January 22nd to 24th at the International Centre in Toronto.

Photo attachments:  Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications

#1).  After winning the 2009 Discount Car & Truck Rental championship, Mike Wallace can’t wait for Kawartha Speedway’s 10th Anniversary Season to get rolling.

#2).  Track champion Kyle Donaldson dominated the Better Carpet Thunder Car division in 2009 and announced on the final night of the year that his #57 machine was up for sale.

#3).  Cavan, Ontario’s Dan McHattie showed his championship winning form again in 2009, earning another NAPA Auto Parts Late Model crown.

Peterborough Examiner: Kawartha Speedway rolls out 2010 schedule

From the Peterborough Examiner

"Winter may have officially stated but plans for racing action at Kawartha Speedway are heating up.

As the track heads into its 10th anniversary season, plans are for a 10-race schedule that kicks off with an open practice session for all divisions on Friday, May 28.

At the end of the 2009 campaign, speedway general manager and promoter Derek Lynch announced tentative plans for the 10-race schedule during a driver's meeting.

Lynch said while teams were initially surprised by the plans, Lynch says he has had favourable comments from most of the track's regulars -- and even some new teams -- who are excited to spend their Friday nights at one of the country's leading motorsports facilities located in Fraserville.

"The number of dates we'll have on the 2010 schedule has been one of the most discussed motorsports stories since we made the announcement," stated Lynch...

Continued at the link above.

Monday, December 21, 2009

VP RACING FUELS EXPANDS TECH SUPPORT

SAN ANTONIO, TX (December 21, 2009) VP Racing Fuels, the world leader in race fuel technology, today announced the expansion of its Technical Support group. “VP’s strength has always been its leading edge technology and dedication to R&D, much of which has been conducted right alongside racers on their dynos and at the track,” said Steve Burns, VP’s President and CEO. “But because we can’t be everywhere at once, we want to make sure that technical support for all our other customers remains just a phone call or e-mail away.”

“You won’t find another fuel company offering this level of support, which will be yet another point of differentiation that will set VP apart,” Burns continued. “Customers can now easily tap into the specialized expertise needed to ensure they not only select the best fuel for their application, but tune their engine to achieve the maximum performance of which that fuel is capable.”

VP’s expanded Tech Support roster includes the following:

General Tech Support
Tech@vpracingfuels.com; 812-878-2025

Specialty Tech Support
Drag Racing: DragTech@vpracingfuels.com; 812-878-2025
Oval Track: OvalTrackTech@vpracingfuels.com; 302-521-1767
Motorcycle/Powersports: MotorcycleTech@vpracingfuels.com; 210-241-1192
Street Legal Fuel: StreetLegalTech@vpracingfuels.com; 812-878-2025
Small Engine Fuel: SEF94@vpracingfuels.com; 812-878-2025

In addition, customers can visit VP’s website at vpracingfuels.com to review fuel information and submit tech questions online. As always, customers may also contact their VP Regional Distribution Center, which can field not only technical questions, but queries about pricing, dealer locations, shipping and more.

“The importance of technical support can’t be overemphasized,” Burns concluded. “When you lead an industry in technological development as we do, people look to you for guidance and support to ensure they can effectively implement that technology.”

VP Racing is the Official Racing Fuel of NHRA, ADRL, American Le Mans, Atlantic Championship, Star Mazda, TORC and sponsor of many more. In addition to fuel, VP’s product line includes performance chemicals, specialty lubricants, traction adhesives and fuel handling accessories. More information can found online at vpracingfuels.com.

Inside Track Readers' Choice Awards... just 10 days left to vote

Voting for the Eighth Annual Inside Track Readers' Choice Awards is well underway. In fact, there are just 10 days left to have your say as the polls will remain open until late on New Year's Eve. We're planning to announce the winners, on stage, at the Canadian Motorsports Expo on Friday, January 22, 2010.

The survey consists of 13 questions. Most of the categories include six nominees and space for write-in votes. The Inside Track Readers' Choice Awards celebrate Canada's top current and future racing stars, across the spectrum of motorsports, including stock cars, road racing, motorcycle racing, rallying, karting and drag racing.

Click here to be taken to the survey site.

Mr. Small Block Pete Bicknell wins in Australia

DIRTcar Veteran Bicknell Cops Roosters Cup In Australia At Maryborough

Maryborough, QLD, Australia – December 19, 2009 – Finding unexpected success in his only appearance in the land downunder, Canadian star Pete Bicknell raced home in the Darren Latimer-owned #83 entry on Saturday to win the opening round of the Roosters Cup at Maryborough Speedway.

After making heavy contact with the wall in his opening heat race, Bicknell advanced from the 13th starting position on his way to victory, holding out Australian Champ Peter Britten and Mark Robinson.

"After the heat (crash) I figured I just better be careful and take my time," offered Bicknell, DIRTcar Racing Northeast’s all-time Small-Block Modified winner (203), in his post-race response. “I could see where everybody was making their mistakes and I knew where my car was better. I could drive in so good underneath them and they were slipping up high so I just conserved and tried to keep on doing that."

The 30-lap race got off to an untidy start with Luke Oldfield a lap one casualty after heavy contact on the backstretch. Pole-sitter Barry Ashen led the field away only to be rounded up by Mark Robinson, who moved from third to first on the opening lap.

Robinson held the race lead for all but the remaining four laps, paying dearly for moving off the pole-line as he worked his way through dense lapped traffic as both Bicknell and Peter Britten moved to within striking distance.

The slick Maryborough surface offered little in the way of passing opportunities, with Bicknell showing his class by methodically picking off cars one at a time, yet still protecting his prime position low on the racetrack.

"I knew as  long as I didn't leave that bottom open there was no way he (Britten) could get by me. I made sure I slowed down in the corner and I know Peter's a good racer, he's not going to knock me out of the way so I knew I would be ok."

Britten advanced underneath Robinson with three to go and appeared to be gaining on Bicknell only for the yellow flags to wave, setting up a two-lap dash to the finish. It mattered little however, with Bicknell going on to score what was an unlikely win after the damage sustained earlier in the night.

"The best of the best were here, there is no doubt about it," Bicknell remarked. "Peter Britten and a few of the other guys, I knew they would be good, just didn't know how good. Then when we were starting out with the warm-ups they had me worried because I was a little bit slower than they were but we had some fuel issues there. I knew I could be a little faster than that so it was just a matter of getting the car dialled in."

"The track was a lot like we race on. It gets a little dusty and abrasive, but that's kind of fun because that's where the driver comes out. When the track is wet and tacky anybody can go fast on it. That was more of a drivers track tonight."

The St. Catharines, Ont. chauffeur  was accompanied on his whirlwind Australian visit by Bicknell Racing Products VP Randy Williamson, with the pair earlier holding a 'Dirt Modified University' seminar at the premises of the Australian BRP distributor Ian Boettcher Race Parts. They also conducted a driving school the day after the Maryborough race, capping off a hectic five days in Australia.

"Hopefully, we can get the drivers to understand the cars a little better and help dial in everybody a little quicker and give them some ideas to look at. Identify what they are doing wrong maybe and what they should be doing when the track changes like it did tonight."

"Its been a lot of fun. Maybe next time we’ll try and get a few of us over. It's a great country, great people and beautiful racetracks. When it really comes down to it, these facilities are great. They are as good or better than most of the tracks that we race at,” Bicknell added.

Bicknell and Williamson depart Australia on Monday (Dec. 21) to prepare for what will be a busy 2010 racing season back home on the other side of the globe.

Roosters Cup Round One: Feature (30-laps): PETE BICKNELL, Peter Britten, Mark Robinson, David Clark, Kevin Britten, Mick Sauer, Jim Mee, Rian Collier, Lance Towns, Allan Jarvis, Gary Wathen, Aiden Gee, Paul Booker, Phil McNamara, DNF: Barry Ashen, Ricka Groom, Andrew Pezzutti, Nev Robertson, Ray Klarich, Luke Oldfield.

By Ben Graham, Dirt Modifieds Australia Media Liaison // *Ben Graham Photo Attachment