Pacific MobileT announces 2010 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series team sponsorship

 

 

FOR RELEASE – February 4, 2010

 

Pacific Mobile™ Announces 2010 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Team Sponsorship

 

TORONTO, CANADA – Pacific Group Inc., has begun announcements around its 2010 motorsports sponsorship initiatives, beginning with the confirmation that it will be entering the NASCAR Canadian Tire series with a Pacific Mobile™ sponsored team entry. Pacific Mobile™, a mobile lifestyle brand of Bluetooth Handsfree and mobile media accessories, has been evaluating team partners and is close to a deal that will run Pacific Mobile™ as the primary sponsor of a brand new, high-profile, Canadian-based team.

 

Shawn Thompson, CEO of Pacific Group Inc., parent company of Pacific Mobile™ recently stated “We are working on the fine details around our primary sponsorship with the team.”  Thompson continued by adding, “I can confirm that Pacific Mobile™ is sponsoring what we feel will be a very competitive and high level professional entry into the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series and that we will provide full details around the sponsorship when we unveil the new Pacific Mobile™ race car livery package in the upcoming months.”

 

The Pacific Mobile™ NASCAR  Canadian Tire Series entry will bring valued brand awareness to the latest brand in the Pacific Group Inc. family.  With the theme of “Keep Moving™” Pacific Mobile™ is the perfect program for retailers and consumers who would like to join the “Mobilution™” – the increasing emergence of a mobile device culture. Pacific Mobile™ products are affordable, discretely styled high quality products that help consumers in their mobile media lifestyles, wireless communications and hands-free safe driving legislations.  In Canada the entire Pacific Mobile™ line-up with additional race fan support initiatives will be showcased nationally at participating Canadian Tire stores.

 

With more sponsorship announcements in the following weeks and months, the race team and Pacific Mobile™ are close to making a decision on who will be driving the Pacific Mobile™ NASCAR Canadian Tires Series entry.  Commented Thompson, “We are considering a very talented up-and-coming driver from California, and an equally talented driver from Canada. The driver who shows the most promise to take the Pacific Mobile™ entry into the winner’s circle will secure the seat.”

 

For additional information on Pacific Mobile, its products and 2010 NASCAR sponsorship can be found at www.gopacificmobile.com and the brand’s Twitter and Facebook sites.

 

About Pacific Group Inc.,

A privately held company, The Pacific Group provides the capital and corporate leadership to a family of divisions offering innovative approaches to customer service, brand building and the development of new technologies. Pacific Group, through its NASCAR sponsorships is bringing awareness to a roster of new brands, products and business-to-business services with corporate initiatives to empower positive consumer choices. Visit www.pacificgroupcompanies.com for more information.

 

About Pacific Mobile™

Pacific Mobile is a brand of products designed exclusive to support consumers looking for affordable and user-friendly mobile device accessories. Positioned as tech for the non-techie, Pacific Mobile™ products are ready to capture everything mobile from hands-free legislation to listening to music while staying in touch with your mobile communities. For more information login and join the brand on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube or visit the official Pacific Mobile website - www.gopacificmobile.com

 

Distributed by Inside Track Communications for Pacific Group Inc.

 

All Star Circuit of Champions: Dollansky Victorious at Volusia

Entering last night's event there were a lot of unknowns for Craig Dollansky. He was beginning the 2010 season with a new team, car, and even the Goodyear Tires on his car were new to him. Some drivers may be daunted by a scenario like this, but Dollansky adapted very quickly as he picked up the victory in OReilly All Star Circuit of Champions action at Volusia Speedway Park.

After setting quick time, Dollansky would begin the night on the pole position with Jason Sides to his right. On the drop of the Green Flag Dollansky would take the lead on Lap 1 coming out of the second turn. Behind him Joey Saldana was on the move as he picked up four positions, moving from his eighth place starting position to fourth in just one circuit of the track. When the dust settled after the first lap the top-five were Dollansky, Sides, Lucas Wolfe, Saldana and Donny Schatz.

Tonight the track was lightening quick, which made it difficult to pass . On Lap 5, Dollansky would first encounter traffic for the first time which gave Sides an opportunity to close in. The following lap Dollansky was having trouble getting around lapped traffic, which allowed Wolfe to catch the top-two and battle for the top spot. It also allowed Saldana to sneak up on the top-three and steal third from Wolfe.

At this point Saldana was all over Sides for the second position, while Dollansky stretched out his lead. At the half way point the top five were Dollansky, Sides, Saldana, Schatz, and Wolfe. Just one lap later the first caution flag of the race would fly for Doug Esh, who came to a stop in Turn 3.

On the restart, Steve Kinser was on the move as he moved his way into the top-five and began pursing his teammate. One of the best battles on the track was between Saldana and Schatz as they sized each other up. When the leaders started to encounter traffic again, Sides was closing in on Dollansky. On Lap 24, Sides caught Dollansky and got on the outside in Turn 1. The duo would run nose-to-tail down the back stretch. On the 26 circuit of the course Sides would beat Dollansky to the line and take the lead.

Two laps later disaster would strike for Sides as first sparks were reported over the radio, then his racecar slowed and came to a stop high in Turn 3 with rear end damage. On the drop of the green Dollansky set sail, while Saldana and Schatz battled, but just before Dollansky could take the checkered flag the Red Flag flew for Tim Kaeding who had flipped exiting Turn 2. This set up a second Green, White, Checkered situation. On this restart, Dollansky powered into the first turn leaving Saldana and Schatz to decide second. When the Checkered Flag flew it would be Dollansky picking up the win with Saldana, Schatz, Kinser, and Stevie Smith just eking his way into the top-five at the end.

Tonight Dollansky collected his sixth career All Star win and his first in All Star Winter Nationals action since 2001 when he won at Volusia. Overall it was the third time in his career that he celebrated a 410 sprint car win in Victory Lane at Volusia.

Next up is a second night of thrilling racing action at Volusia Speedway Park. Thursday, February 4th General Admission for the event is $29 with a Pit Pass running $40. Reserved seats can be purchased on race day for $2 more per seat. This year Volusia is extending a one of a kind chance to get close to the racing action to fans, as they will have unprecedented access throughout the racing program. Every ticket purchased is a FREE Fan Pit Pass. All fans have to do is show their grandstand ticket and sign in to at a table near the pit entrance, and they will be free to visit the pit area at any time during the course of the race night to see the best sprint car drivers in the world, their cars and their crews hard at work.

Winner Craig Dollansky: It was a great team effort with my brand new race team. It is always a team effort when you make it to Victory Lane. I could not be happier for everyone involved. This was our first night running on the Goodyear Tires. Some other teams have tested, but we did not, so we are pretty happy that we could win on our first night with them. It is a great win for everyone who stands behind this team. We have a great support system.

Second Place Joey Saldana: We had a great car and it was really great in lapped traffic. We could really move around. We had a good start, but with an open track like that it is hard to make up any ground especially on a guy like Craig. Put a guy like that up front it is hard to pass them unless lapped traffic comes into play. If we had been in lapped traffic, I think we would have been good enough to win. We have quality cars. I started eighth, so I will take a second and come back tomorrow.

Third Place Donny Schatz: The track was so fast on the restart is about the only time you had a chance to pass unless someone makes a mistake. Some nights you have to deal with that. We had a decent race car, but there were a lot of decent racecars out there tonight. I wish we could have stayed in traffic a little longer. That is where races are won and lost. We saw Jason Sides sneak by in it. We have five more nights of racing to go, so we will keep on plugging away.

OReilly Auto Parts A Main 30 Laps
1. 7 Craig Dollansky (1)
2. 9 Joey Saldana (8)
3. 15 Donny Schatz (3)
4. 11 Steve Kinser (6)
5. 1 Stevie Smith (5)
6. r19 Lucas Wolfe (4)
7. 17 Daryn Pittman (11)
8. 14 Jason Myers (9)
9. 30c Lance Dewease (13)
10. 15h Sam Hafertepe Jr. (17)
11. 24 Terry McCarl (20)
12. 3c Cale Conley (7)
13. 51 Freddie Rahmer (22)
14. 6 Danny Lasoski (12)
15. 83 Tim Shaffer (10)
16. 49 Brad Sweet (14)
17. 6f Bob Felmlee (15)
18. 2b Ben Gregg (24)
19. 83jr Tim Kaeding (23)
20. 7s Jason Sides (2)
21. 91 Cody Darrah (19)
22. 0s Glen Styres (18)
23. 39 Dough Esh (21)
24. 0 Brandon Wimmer (16)

By Kelly Brown Public Relations Director

PHOTOS: Canadians practice at New Smyrna (2/3/10)

This is a photo gallery from today's practice session at Florida's New Smyrna Speedway, featuring some of the Canadians planning to compete in the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing, including Brandon Watson, Bruce Gowland, Patrick Laperle and others. Thanks to Dave Franks for sharing his work. You can see Dave's website here.

The Ontario Dirt Late Models Association welcomes back Track Mart for 2010

Track Mart and the Ontario dirt Late Models Association have come together to announce the Track Mart Challenge.

The Track Mart ODLM Eastern Challenge will give away a new DefNderTM to the champion of the three night battle at Autodrome Edelweiss July 23rd, Brockville Speedway July 24th, and Cornwall Speedway on the 25th.The Track Mart Challenge will base its standing on points earned by drivers from all three nights. The driver earning the most points in the three events will be given a new DefNderTM from Track Mart at Cornwall Speedway.

To be eligible to win the new DefNderTM, each driver must display Track Mart decals throughout the season, and be registered with ODLM for 2010.“We enjoy our standing relationship with Track Mart. They are an important part of our series and I would like to thank Jay Cordeiro at Track Mart for being so involved with our series. It’s sponsors like them that keep us going in the right direction year after year,” stated Marketing Director Ron Piotrowski.
Track Mart will also return to ODLM as a contingency sponsor for 2010.

strong>Award Information:A $250.00 product credit on a DefNderTM neck restraint device from Track Mart Inc. is awarded per month.In the event that a winner of an award has purchased a DefNderTM from Track Mart Inc. or one of its authorized vendors (http://www.trackmart.com/Vendors.html) then a $250.00 cash prize will be substituted for the product credit.The winners will also have their names, details and photograph posted in our 1/3 page magazine advertisements in InsideTrack and our website. This contingency program is administered and paid entirely by Track Mart Inc.Track Mart Inc. will notify the lucky winners by telephone and email of their prize.

Registration:Competitors must register each year to be eligible for awards.It is the competitor's responsibility to properly register and neatly apply decals.You must be registered in the program before the date of the event in question. Register for this program by filling out the appropriate online form at http://www.trackmart.com/

Requirements:Open to Canadian residents and/or citizens competing throughout the world.Open to competitors competing in Canada.Decals Required: YESNumber of decals: two (2)Location:The official Track Mart/DefNderTM decals must be visibly displayed on each side of the vehicle.Decals or a downloadable PDF is available at http://www.trackmart.com.Submissions: A high quality jpg of the vehicle must be submitted for each motorsports event or show per ballot. Drivers can only submit one ballot per event or show per person.Recipient must have rights to use the submitted photo in the magazine ad.Each month one (1) award will be drawn at random from the eligible entrants.See attached schedule for submission cut off dates.All submitted material and ideas become the property of Track Mart Inc.It is the competitor's responsibility to understand these regulations and make certain that all requirements are met.

Submission cut off dates:Please check the website for current updates. www.trackmart.com/Contingency_Program.html

Program Contact Info:

Track Mart Inc. Marketing Dept.

PO Box 921029200

Weston Rd.

Woodbridge,

ON, L4H

3J3Media@TrackMart.com

Ron Piotrowski - Ontario Dirt Late Models

416-779-3193

http://www.ontariodirtlatemodels.com/

TRAK GENERAL MEETING AND 2010 RACING SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED

With the inaugural season under their belts, TRAK officials have been working diligently throughout the off-season to carry their momentum into 2010. Recognized as the largest not-for-profit racing club in the Greater Toronto Area, the Goodwood Kartways based racing league is excited to announce their schedule for the upcoming season.

Utilizing a two drop system, the fourteen race schedule features a variety of unique formats designed to keep TRAK members and their families eager to come back for more. Four different track configurations, five separate race formats, and a mutually beneficial inter-club travel date sum up the bulk of the 2010 series but perhaps the highlight of the schedule will take place towards the end of September. “Thunder under the Lights”, considered one the most successful and unique races in 2009, will be back on the schedule and promises to be bigger and better as karters from all over Ontario add this event to their list of races to attend in the upcoming season.

The racing season will officially kick off Sunday February 28th at 1:00pm sharp as TRAK’s annual General Meeting will kick off the festivities at the Goodwood Community Centre. TRAK extends an open invitation to the entire karting community to attend as TRAK officials will announce many exciting details pertaining to the direction of the club and the new season in general. We hope to see you there!

With the racing season just a few months away, TRAK encourages all of their participants to stay ahead of the game. Membership applications are available at www.trak.ca and for those of you that have not yet registered your kart number, a reminder that numbers are assigned by a first come first serve basis.

To view the 2010 TRAK schedule in its entirety and to learn more about the Toronto Racing Association of Karters please visit www.trak.ca.

Cherry Bomb Announces their Disturbing the Peace 1968 Project Camaro

Loudon, TN (February 2, 2010)... After an extensive and over-the-top sweepstakes last year when Cherry Bomb gave away their highly publicized project Dodge Charger on national television, owner Paul Banks knew it was time to outdo himself on the next one. His plan: to team with YearOne and recreate his own version of the 1968 Camaro, one of the cars largely responsible for the early success of the Cherry Bomb Glasspack brand. Cherry Bomb?s Disturbing the Peace 1968 Project Camaro blends today?s radical technology with 60's & 70's hotrod style.

The LSX based engine will be given significant enhancements by an 8-71 BDS blower, a BDS intercooler system, electronic fuel injection, aftermarket EFI and coil pack controllers, a custom accessory drive system, and of course a killer custom exhaust with Cherry Bomb side pipes. The fuel system will include a custom fuel tank with baffles and in-tank fuel pumps, and the cooling system will be made up of a Be Cool aluminum radiator and custom covered hoses. A T-56 Magnum 6-Speed Transmission by Tremec will round out the torque transfer.

The rear axle: a Moser 9 inch rear with 3.73 posi. A Detroit Speed and Engineering hydroformed subframe and C6 steering knuckles and tubular control arms will make up the front suspension, followed in the rear by a Detroit Speed and Engineering Quadra-Link. Baer?s 6S 6-piston brakes will provide its occasional need for stopping power.

The wheel & tire combo sets the whole tone of the ride with Custom Billet Slot Mags' 18"x8" fronts, and 18"x12" rears on BFG g-Force KDW 245-40-18 fronts, and BFG g-Force Drag Radials 345-30-18 rears.

A Vintage air AC system, Alpine head unit and Boston Acoustics amps/speakers round out the interior's must have creature comforts. The interior will of course include YearOne restoration parts, Classic Instruments' gauges, and Custom Cerullo seats. The body: YearOne reproduction panels and trim Mini-tubbed and modified for four link rear suspension. Painted Cherry Bomb red over flat black with gloss stripes, and black powder coated trim and details, this Disturbing the Peace Camaro will be considered another true Cherry Bomb signature statement!

In addition to the legendary Cherry Bomb Glasspack, Cherry Bomb now offers six different high performance muffler products, each created with their own unique design that provides improved horsepower and fuel savings, plus a great high performance sound including: Cherry Bomb Pro, Cherry Bomb Elite, Cherry Bomb Extreme (available in traditional Cherry Bomb red), Cherry Bomb Turbo, and the company?s top-of-the-line, most technologically advanced product, the Cherry Bomb Vortex. Additionally Cherry Bomb also offers a wide range of cat back system, accessories, and a very popular line of apparel including hats, garage jackets, tee shirts and more.

For more information about the full line of Cherry Bomb mufflers, systems and accessories, visit www.cherrybomb.com, or call 866-869-9704.

BGR Team Grote announce first driver signing of season

As a direct result of our development program BGR is pleased to announce we have signed F1200 graduate Taylor Near to drive one of the teams Formula Fords in the upcoming Ontario Formula Ford Championship. Taylor tested with the team at the end of the season in 2009 after a stellar year in F1200. 2009 was Taylor's first season racing and he developed throughout the season and showed great promise.

"We are pleased to have Taylor join us and look forward to his growth as a driver and keeping him in the BGR Team Grote family. I was pleased with his test in the fall and know there is plenty of potential. This year he will learn to work with an engineer and driver coach as well as the strength of teammates to help each other learn quicker." said team owner Brian Graham. The team will be testing prior to the opening rounds of the OFFC to better prepare for the challenges ahead.

Taylor is hard at work developing relationships with partners for the upcoming season, you can visit his site http://www.taylor-near.com/ to learn more about Taylor and his program.
BGR Team Grote is well known for the development of young drivers whom aspire to careers in racing and providing more seasoned drivers with all the tools they need to be successful in their racing endeavors. More driver signings will be announced shortly.

Visit http://www.briangrahamracing.com/ to learn more about the team and what they have to offer you for the 2010 season.

Calgary-based NCATS team looking for Crew Chief

Calgary, AB-based Whissell Motorsports is looking for an experienced crew / car chief for its NASCAR Canadian Tire Series team. A strong knowledge of stock car set up is required. Road course experience an asset.

Position will be responsible for maintenance/repair plans; working on the car; preparing car for events; overseeing track operations, etc.

Part time, evenings/weekends, travel required. Pay based on experience.
Contact via email: jarrad 'at' whissell.ca or call (403) 888.9050.

Ford Racing announces $35,000 ACT contingency program

Waterbury, VT – Ford Racing announced an aggressive $35,000 contingency plan for the American Canadian Tour (ACT) for the 2010 campaign. The contingency program, tailored to support those teams that have chosen to compete in 2010 with the Ford powered S347JR engine in any ACT affiliate track weekly events, as well as the touring programs under the ACT sanction, is the largest contingency plan offered in the 25-year history of ACT.

"We want short track supporters across North America to know that we are very supportive of their efforts. Short tracks have been the backbone of stock car racing for over 50 years, and Ford recognizes their importance. We believe the contingency program that we have offered the ACT competitors and supporters reflects our support," said Mike Delahanty, Program Manager-Sportsman Circle Track Racing for the Ford Racing Technology division of Ford Racing.

The Ford spec engine program was begun as a joint venture between Ford engineering and ACT in 2008. After months of research and development to make the Ford compatible with the existing motors that were exclusive in weekly and touring Late Model racing throughout the Northeast, the approved product was introduced at the beginning of the 2009 season. Long-time ACT competitor, and three-time King of the Road Champion at Thunder Road Speedbowl in Barre, VT, Cris Michaud, brought Ford Racing their first crate victory in mid-summer last season. 2009 Lee USA Track Champion Wayne Helliwell, and ACT regular young gun Joey Polewarczyk, Jr. from Hudson, NH, among others, have switched over to Ford for their 2010 campaigns.

The FORD Racing Blue Oval Challenge Program will offer several contingency programs to registered and approved competitors who compete in ACT Tour (US) events; ACT Castrol Série events, two ACT special events: the New Hampshire Motor Speedway Invitational II and the Vermont Milk Bowl at Thunder Road. The contingency program will award the following:
      
                     I       ACT TOUR & ACT Castrol Série
                                        Win            $500
                                        2nd             $250
                                        3rd              $100

                     II      ACT Special Events, NHMS ACT Invitational II, VT Milk Bowl
                                        Win            $1000
                                         Best FORD  $  500

                     III     ACT Ford Racing Blue Oval Cup     

(A season-long point program encompassing all Ford participants throughout the ACT Tour, ACT Castrol Canadian Series, and all ACT affiliate weekly tracks. An end-of-season point tally will reward Ford-powered competitors finishing in the top 10 as follows):

                                1st place-    $3000                6th place-   $ 600
                                2nd place-   $1500                7th place-   $ 500
                                3rd place-   $1000                8th place-   $ 400
                                4th place-   $  800               9th place-   $ 300
                                5th place-   $  700               10th place-   $ 200

A total of 43 ACT events will be eligible for contingency during the 2010 race season, and all ACT affiliate weekly programs will be eligible including: Thunder Road in Barre, VT; Lee USA in Lee, NH; White Mountain Motorsport Park in Lincoln, NH; Oxford Plains Speedway in Oxford, ME; Seekonk Speedway in Seekonk, MA; Waterford Speedbowl, in Waterford, CT; Twin State Speedway in Claremont, NH; Kawartha Speedway in Peterborough, ON; and Capital City Speedway in Ottawa, ON. Other tracks may be added and eligible number of point-counting events and further details will be forthcoming from the ACT office to registered competitors.

"This program, designed by Ford, validates the vision we have been working on over the past decade at ACT," said Tom Curley, President of ACT. "We have tried to bring one region of the country under a 'universal' set of rules that was cost efficient for race teams, promoters, and fans. The idea was to have a strong, cost effective race car for weekly racing that was still exciting to watch and also capable of running touring events in the region. Recent events like the TD Bank 250 at Oxford and the ACT Invitational at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway have certainly showcased how successful the format for these times has been. The Ford vs. Chevrolet rivalry is now officially re-established."

The sensational young star of ACT racing, Joey Polewarczyk, Jr., said, "We made the switch to Ford for the 2010 season for a couple of reasons. We needed to try something different to compete with teams like Brian Hoar, Brent Dragon, and Brad Leighton in order to get an ACT Championship, which is our goal. If we are successful, we are hoping that Ford might also help us with some future goals we have in racing. This contingency incentive program is just great--not only the money involved, but racing against all the other potential Ford teams in a region gives our competitive juices just one more goal to go after."

The ACT season opens on April 18, 2010 at the Lee USA Speedway in Lee, NH with the annual running of the NH Governor's Cup 150. This will also be the first opportunity to lock in an invitation to the ACT Invitational II at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Saturday, September 18, 2010.

Additional information contact the ACT office at 802.244.6963 or media@acttour.com

Daytona 500 benefit party for Barrie racer Garry Reynolds

Dave Bradley sent me a note about a benefit party to be held Feb. 14 in honour of former Barrie Speedway Late Model champion Garry Reynolds, who is battling cancer. See Dave's note below:

"Barrie Speedway Late Model driver Garry Reynolds is battling cancer, and we'd like to help out. We are hosting an event to raise money to help Garry and his family during this difficult time. Please join us to kick off the 2010 NASCAR season on February 14th. Come and watch the Daytona 500 at the HorsePower Sports Bar and BBQ Grill at the Barrie Molson Centre.

There will be lots of prizes, a silent auction and of course some great racing on the big screens! Tickets are only $10. All proceeds will be donated to Garry and his family. Tickets are available at Bayside Auto or at the Barrie Colts office at the Barrie Molson Centre. Thanks for your support and we look forward to seeing you on February 14th! Doors open around noon, and tickets will be available at the door."

New Humberstone Speedway 'Silly Season'

What is the best Season besides Racing Season? Silly Season. The Silly Season has been very active in the Niagara Region in preparation for the 2010 racing season at the New Humberstone Speedway in Port Colborne, Ont. The race fans will see a whirlwind of driver changes as the season approaches.

The 358 Modifieds will have 10 events on the upcoming schedule. Some fine rookies will make an instant impact joining a talented group of vets. Shawn Sliter has most recently been competing with the Open Wheel Lites as well as Sportsman and Mod Stocks. Chad Chevalier has been a former Sportsman champ as well as Shayne Pierce who will make the move from the Street Stocks.

The Sportsman Division will see a very strong field once again as Jamie Gilbert the former Mini Stock and Open Wheel Lite Champ make the full time jump to Sportsman. Former Street Stock Champ Rob Murray will call upon his 15 years experience. Adam Leslie will make a huge step from the Open Wheel Lites as well as Pure Stock Champion and former Street Stock competitor Aaron Vasas. The “Big Guy” Dave Small will show off his Sportsman skills moving up from the Mini Stocks. 2 time Pro 4 Truck champ Doug Banner will double the cylinders for his racer. First time RACIN Jason Moore Son of Davey will jump into the former Cody McPherson Sportsman to strut his stuff.

The Street Stocks will see former Pro 4 Truck star champion Kevin Aube going the full body route. A former Pro Stocker Brian Halliwell will be making the return to his roots in a Street Stock after several years off.

In the Open Wheel Lites The “Steel City” of Hamilton's Randy Hollingshead will make a return after some lengthy time off from the Pro Stocks and speaking of Steel or STEELE, The “Real Deal” Chris Steele will be competing with the Open Wheel Lites when his Sprint Car schedule allows.

So while you are visiting The New Humberstone Speedway this upcoming season, you will see the 358 Modifieds and Pure Stocks with 10 shows each, The Cosco Haulage Dirt-Car Sportsman, Brian's Tire Repair Street Stocks, the Niagara Auto Sales Pro 4 Trucks and the Ron's Automotive Mini Stocks as well as other visiting classes as they become finalized.

With all of these drivers changes, more are possible as drivers meeting have not yet taken place. So be sure to follow Humberstone Speedway on the net at: www.humberstonespeedway.com or call Humberstone Speedway at: 905-834-4002 or Cosco Haulage at 905-935-2886.

By Fran Bushardt

Randy Bernard, longtime CEO of Professional Bull Riders, Inc., named CEO of the Indy Racing League

INDIANAPOLIS (Feb. 2, 2010) – Randy Bernard, longtime CEO of Professional Bull Riders, Inc., has been named CEO of the Indy Racing League, the sanctioning body of the IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights. His hiring was announced today by Jeffrey Belskus, president and CEO of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation, the home of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race and owner of the Indy Racing League. Bernard will begin March 1.

“Randy is the right person at the right time to head the Indy Racing League,” Belskus said. “He brings a superb sports marketing and promotion background, proven CEO skills, energy and enthusiasm at a time when the IZOD IndyCar Series is positioned for growth.”

Bernard said that for the 15 years he has been the CEO of the PBR he’s been “blessed to work with such a great sport, and I enjoyed the success that we all shared together.”

“But I was ready to make a change in my life,” he said. “Josie George was determined that the change should be with the Indy Racing League, and after significant research I was excited about the opportunity.

“I truly believe I can make a difference with the Indy Racing League, and I see tremendous potential. The IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights have intense action, high-stakes competition, extreme athletes, a diverse international schedule, great sponsors and a very passionate fan base.”

Bernard, 43, produced one of the eight PBR events in its inaugural 1994 season while with the marketing and entertainment department of the California Mid-State Fair and “fell in love with the sport.” He was named CEO in 1995 and worked with the PBR founders in the succeeding years to develop and expand the brand, events across North America and the popularity of the sport worldwide.

Under Bernard’s leadership, PBR’s Built Ford Tough Series regular-season attendance increased 12 percent in 2009, and ratings with television partner VERSUS increased nearly 30 percent last year. The PBR has been quick out of the chutes in 2010 with attendance up 23 percent in its first five weeks of competition.

Professional Bull Riders, the governing body for the stand-alone rodeo event of bull riding, was formed in 1992 in Scottsdale, Ariz., by 20 bull riders who each invested $1,000 to launch an athlete-owned and operated bull riding tour apart from the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Their goal was to increase the opportunity to earn more money as well as to gain some control of their sport.

In April 2007, Bernard successfully executed a merger between Professional Bull Riders, Inc. and Spire Capital Partners, a New York-based private equity firm, and remained CEO under the new ownership structure.

The announcement was made at a news conference at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway attended by members of the IMS Board of Directors including Nancy George, Josie George and Jack Snyder. IMS chairman Mari Hulman George, who was traveling, and board member Kathi George Conforti, who lives in California, were not in attendance.

Bernard thanked the Hulman-George family “for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of this great tradition. I have had the opportunity to meet with Ms. George, Josie, Nancy, Kathi, Jack Snyder and Jeff Belskus several times and really look forward to sharing their vision.

“I also look forward to working with Terry Angstadt and Brian Barnhart. They both are highly regarded, and I am confident we will make a great team.”

Ms. George, who has served as chairman of the family-controlled corporation since 1990, praised Bernard’s selection. “Our family has been the steward of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway since 1945 and has owned and operated the Indy Racing League since its founding in 1994. This is our family business, and we have a new generation of family members beginning to be involved. I believe Randy is an excellent choice to head our growing IZOD IndyCar Series and assure that it will continue to be a positive asset for racing and for our family business.”

Ms. George also praised Belskus, who heads all businesses owned by IMS. “Jeff has stepped in during a challenging time in our business, and he is making the changes necessary to insure a healthy future for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway that we can hand over to future generations of our family and the public.”

Belskus noted that Angstadt, president of the commercial division of the Indy Racing League, and Barnhart, president of competition and racing operations, are doing excellent jobs. “Never in the history of the Indy Racing League have we been as strong or as well positioned. Terry has led a superb sales effort that has brought IZOD, Apex-Brasil and others to our sport, injecting many millions of new dollars. Brian has provided racing fans exciting competition with many of the world’s greatest drivers while leading advances in safety and technology, with much more to come. Randy’s leadership will add another dimension to our company, complementing Terry and Brian and allowing them to concentrate on what they do best.”

Belskus assumed the duties of president and CEO of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in June 2009. He subsequently succeeded Tony George as CEO of the Indy Racing League, which is a subsidiary of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Bernard, who attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, is married and has three children.

Media Contact: Amy Konrath, Indy Racing League, 317-492-6453, akonrath@indycar.com

Open Road Motorsports enters the 2010 Cdn Rally Championship this Saturday in Maniwaki Quebec

Open Road Motorsports is forming a new team to enter the 2010 Canadian Rally Championship. ORM has a long history in events such as Targa Newfoundland and One Lap of America. Results have been achieved at every level including numerous class wins and the overall win at Targa Newfoundland in 2006.

The team is preparing a Group 5 VW Golf to compete in the 2010 2wd Championship.

Driver: Glen Clarke
Co-Driver: Ray Felice

Glen Clarke: “My driving career started in the early 90's with karts, Porsches and formula cars. After lots of fun and reasonable success on the track, I turned my attention to adventure races such as the Cannonball One Lap of America and Targa Newfoundland. I found the personal challenges associated with these events to be very rewarding. Competing at Targa raised my interest in stage rally. Stage rally offers the new challenge of mastering the driving, navigation and team work required to be successful.

A key to achieving success in any undertaking is effective team work. My Targa experience has taught me that the most important team member is the co-driver. The co-driver is the team's quarterback and is essential for managing the driver's pace. Ray Felice is one of the most experienced and most talented co-drivers in the business. When I learned that Ray was available for Tall Pines, I knew that he would be the right person to help develop our team and help us learn to compete in a safe and competitive manner.”

Ray Felice: “ I am very excited about teaming up with Glen and the Open Road Motorsports Team this year as we plan to contest all 6 CRC events in 2010. Glen is a very talented driver and expert car builder and this season will put his skills to the test. We have set some pretty lofty goals but as Glen said, he does not race for 2ndplace! ”
For more information, please visit www.openroadmotorsports.com

Open Road Motorsports
1525 Allen Road
Mountain, Ontario
K0E 1S0
www.openroadmotorsports.com

FORD CANADA LAUNCHES 2010 WITH 6% SALES INCREASE

January Highlights:
Overall vehicle sales up 6%
Overall car sales rose 1%
Overall truck sales up 7%
Ford Fusion sales increased 18%
Ford Taurus sales rose 68%
Ford Edge sales up 16%
Ford F-Series sales increased 17%
Lincoln MKZ sales rose 37%
Lincoln MKX sales were up 97%
Lincoln Navigator sales increased 72%
Overall Lincoln sales up 59%

OAKVILLE, Ontario, February 2, 2010 – Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited kicked off the new year with a sales increase of 6 per cent in January with retail sales up 16 per cent. This marks the company's eighth straight month of retail sales gains and fifteen consecutive months of market share increases. January saw car sales rise 1 per cent, truck sales increase 7 per cent and Lincoln sales achieve a 59 per cent increase.

"The auto industry has definitely experienced a turbulent start to the year," said David Mondragon, president and CEO, Ford of Canada. "But as a testament to the strength of our new product, Ford grew retail sales in January in spite of challenging industry headwinds."
Positive results across the Lincoln lineup helped to boost sales for Ford of Canada with MKZ, MKX and Navigator all showing strong sales gains compared to last January.

To keep the sales momentum going, the company has launched the 'Ford SYNC™ My Ride Event.' During this event customers can receive a SYNC media system at no extra charge with the purchase or lease of most new 2010 Ford vehicles, as well as 0 per cent APR purchase financing for up to 72 months or up to $8,000 in price adjustments on select new 2010 Ford vehicles. Offers vary by model.

"The SYNC My Ride Event comes at a perfect time since most provinces have a new law making it illegal to drive with cell phones or entertainment devices in hand," said Mondragon. "By offering SYNC for free, consumers are able to stay connected while keeping their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road. In fact, more than half of the vehicles sold in Ford of Canada showrooms for January were equipped with SYNC."

Spira to sponsor Hooker, McWhirter and Watson at New Smyrna

Ken Spira, president of Spira Fire Protection of Guelph announces a commitment to support three Ontario racers at the 44th Annual World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna Speedway in Florida. Racing is scheduled to begin on February 5th and conclude after nine nights of racing on February 13th.

 

Spira continues their third year of sponsorship in the Sunshine state for Hooker Brothers Racing from Chatham, Ontario. Driver Kirk Hooker, brother Randy and crew call Delaware Speedway their home track for asphalt where they run the Friday night series as well as Late Model specials throughout Ontario.

 

Shawn McWhirter from Mount Forest, Ontario will be running a full schedule during the February, Speedweeks event after sharing a ride with Justin McClellan in 2009. Shawn will be running the Limited Late Model Class as he does throughout Ontario.

 

New for the Spira team is support for Brandon Watson from Stayner, Ontario. Brandon is a talented teenaged driver with a large family history of racers. At just 16 years of age, Brandon has opened the eyes of many seasoned veterans with his performances at many Ontario tracks as well as in Quebec and New Hampshire. Brandon attended with twenty-seven American Canadian Tour teams a Test and Tune session at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in preparation for the Inaugural ACT Invitational on Saturday, September 19, 2009. Teams from Ontario, Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Quebec were all in attendance and for the majority of the drivers, the “Monster Mile” is the biggest track they’ve ever run on.

 

Sixteen year old Watson was among the fastest cars of the day and was very competitive in both lanes during the mock race. Brandon also received 2nd overall in the Spencer Lewis Ontario Asphalt Short Track Power Rankings among 10 of the best short track racers in Ontario on Friday January 22, 2010 at the Canadian Motorsports Expo.

 

Cars making up the Spira Racing team in 2010 include the #82 Late Model of Jason Shaw, #44 Late Model of Steve Laking, #38 Late Model of Kirk Hooker, #9 Late Model of Brandon Watson, #31 Limited Late Model of Shawn McWhirter, #72 Thunder Car of Randy Russnell, #82 Mini Stock of Billy Schwartzenburg, #22 Mini Stock of Wade Watson, #86 Mini Stock of Dave Hagedorn and #81 Mini Stock of Samantha Shaw.

 

From Spira Racing

Slowboy Racing - New Location - Same Great Service

In June of 2009 we made a huge leap of faith in the worst of economic times and decided to move our families and our business to Central Florida. The first few months I had second guessed my decision on more than one occasion, the next few months I questioned myself even more. What sane person would up root their family and business in the same year 133 banks have closed their doors and move 1200 miles away? No one said I was sane….. So read on.

After much deliberation on my part, something had occurred to me, the last time I was in a pinch like this was at the end of 2001 when I knew I was going to lose my income (JOB)… and that brought out the best in me, even in the worst of times. Losing my job (while it seemed like the end of the earth at the time) gave me an opportunity to start my own business doing something I really loved; building engines and making cars go fast.

In the beginning, business was that simple – people call, I provide a service and/ or parts and I do the work myself and shake hands and move on to the next job. Then, all of the sudden three years later I have thirty employees to take care of and I asked myself – when did I sign up for this? While I would not change any of the past eight years, the people I have met along the way, or the employees I have hired – I would do things differently given another chance. Do things differently – interesting, but what would you do different? I will explain, keep reading.

Somewhere along the way I lost sight of what was most important to me – enjoying what I do every day while providing a great shopping experience, at an affordable price, with the best service possible. Those of you who have built a business from the ground up know what I am talking about, we all strive to provide a great service, and fill a niche in the market where we can excel and grow. We set priorities and how sometimes yours (priorities) go out the window when you are forced to meet payroll, pay insurance, rent, healthcare, and the other eighty things no one told you about when you started your business.

All of these years later how many people who have done over thirty million dollars in sales look back and wonder where their company went, and what they would change if they could? Change is an interesting word, change brought us to Florida – and change while sometimes painful is usually a good thing.

This brought about some soul searching – and made me think, maybe now is our opportunity to get back to basics by focusing on our “core competencies” – or for a more simplistic explanation - “do what we do, and do it very well”. We are a high performance machine shop who specializes in getting the most performance for your hard earned dollar – we are “under the hood specialist”. We specialize in hard parts to include all of your engine rebuilding and turbocharger needs.

We have successfully designed and built upon our years of experience in machining to produce over eight different casting projects; we have sold thousands of turbochargers, and have machined and built over 700 short blocks. While many people are suffering in this housing market it brings upon us an opportunity to take advantage of a phenomenal deal on a brand new commercial property about five miles from our current location in Sanford. This will afford us the opportunity to keep cost down and better serve our core customers. We will be getting back to basics for 2010 and only focusing on what we do well – and best of all, have a little bit of fun again.

More details to come soon including details on a new website!

Mike Huml Slowboy - http://www.slowboyracing.com/

COMPASS360 RACING WINS DAYTONA SEASON OPENER

(Daytona Beach, FL) -- Compass360 Racing started the 2010 season of GRAND-AM's Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge with much the same form they wrapped up the Driver, Team and Manufacturer's Championships last year.

"We signed a group of drivers that we believe form the very best line-up in the paddock," explained Team Principal Karl Thomson. "We want to aggressively defend our titles, and these guys have proved they are more than up to the task."

The race started well, with all four orange C360R Honda Civic Si's qualifying in the top-twelve, and with David Thilenius putting the #74 he shares with Lawson Aschenbach on outside pole. At the drop of the green flag, Thilenius made short work of getting around the first-place car, which developed into a back-and-forth battle between the top four cars lasting through the first hour of the race.

The team's other three cars were likewise moving up the field, making the most of two restarts after some yellow-flag periods in the early going. Zach Lutz, who impressed with his Mustang Challenge drives last year, led the field in his very first GRAND-AM race in the #75 J.C. Concrete-sponsored car, Gregory Leifhooge, also a Rookie to the series, likewise led during his stint in the #76 Exclusive Management / Coolgas car.

Consequently, three of the team's four cars led the race at one point or another, and ran together in the top five after the pit stops were completed mid-race.

Aschenbach, who had managed to build a 5-second lead, saw that lead shrinking with fifteen minutes to go. One of Bimmerworld's new BMW 328's was making up time, with an equally quick Freedom MX-5 in hot pursuit. Meanwhile, Benoit Theetge, who had taken over from his brother Donald in the team's #77 Honda, was leading a tightly-fought battle five-way battle for fourth, which included one of APR's VW GTI's, an RSR Mini, the other Bimmerworld car, and the other two Compass360 Civics.

With twenty minutes to go, Jesse Combs in the #76 car was running line-astern behind the BMW and Mini, and tagged the rear of the Bimmerworld car in turn-one, putting paid to a sure top-seven finish. Meanwhile Lutz's team-mate Ryan Eversley had made exceptional strides to move his #75 car up to fifth, just behind Theetge, who'd managed to hold on to fourth.
As the checkered flag fell, it was Compass360 cars in first, fourth and fifth which was a strong showing for the team and its entirely-new driver line up.

"I'm really proud of all the guys today," noted Crew Chief Ray Lee. "The crew, the drivers, everyone executed flawlessly today. We're traditionally strong at Daytona, and it's the fourth year in a row we've been on the podium, so we'll see if we can repeat this performance at Homestead next month."

The Fresh From Florida race will be televised, tape-delayed on SPEED TV on February 13th at 7:00pm on SPEED.

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 four front-running Honda Civic Si's in GRAND-AM's Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge, as well as providing technical and engineering support to numerous Honda and Acuras in Canadian Touring Car. For details visit http://C360R.com.

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series tickets for Michigan Int'l Speedway on sale

BROOKLYN, Mich. (Feb. 1, 2010) ­— Fans always want the most value for their Michigan International Speedway race ticket. So now is the time for the best deals possible during the speedway’s Value Pricing Period, today through April 4. The Value Pricing Period kicks off the speedway’s public ticket sale today. Tickets can be purchased online at MISpeedway.com or by calling 800-354-1010.

“Our ticket pricing is unique in that we offered the lowest prices for our loyal, renewing customers and anyone who left a goodwill deposit,” MIS President Roger Curtis said. “So this is the best opportunity for any new fans of our sport or fans who forgot to renew in October to take advantage of some great ticket deals before event pricing goes into effect. A majority of our prices in the reserved grandstand seats are still lower than they were in 2009.”

MIS offers NASCAR Sprint Cup Series tickets for as low as $25. Kids 12 and under are free in the general admission seating areas, while junior pricing for 17 and under are half price for all reserved seats.

The Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 on June 13 and CARFAX 400 on August 15, both NASCAR Sprint Cup events, feature some of the lowest ticket prices in the country.

Prices on other events such as the VFW 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series on June 12 and the CARFAX 250 Nationwide Series race on Aug. 14 are also less than they were last year during this time — $30 and $40, respectively.

Lastly, the Racing for Wildlife 200 ARCA Racing Series event on June 11 and Gatorade Pole Day on Aug. 13 are just $10 each.

Prices are subject to increase in April when the Value Pricing transitions to Event Pricing, just before the races, so Curtis encourages anyone who wants to see some of the best stock car racing in the country, including the MIS stock car debut of Danica Patrick, who plans to enter the CARFAX 250 in August, to give MIS a try. 

“We are really excited about 2010,” Curtis added. “The whole team here is energized for the start of what will be a phenomenal NASCAR season and a return to affordable, fun entertainment in Michigan.”

The track has expanded seat size in the center grandstand and Turn 3 grandstand for this season, and will continue to make sure fans are greeted with amenities and events that make their time at MIS more enjoyable.

Nestled in the lush Irish Hills of Southeastern Michigan, Michigan International Speedway is the Great Escape, a venerable NASCAR national park where fans can get away and enjoy the very best in racing and camaraderie. It’s the love of racing and the thrill of a great time for race fans and drivers alike. 

MIS’ Value Pricing Period has begun. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series tickets for the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 on June 13 and CARFAX 400 on August 15 are as low as $25. Visit MISpeedway.com or call the MIS ticket hotline at 800-354-1010 today to take advantage of great pricing for 2010 events at MIS.

Michigan International Speedway - 2010 Schedule

Friday, June 11           ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards Racing for Wildlife 200
Saturday, June 12      NASCAR Camping World Truck Series VFW 200
Sunday, June 13         NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400

Friday, Aug. 13           Gatorade Pole Day
Saturday, Aug. 14       NASCAR Nationwide Series CARFAX 250
Sunday, Aug. 15         NASCAR Sprint Cup Series CARFAX 400

CONTACT:
Sammie Lukaskiewicz, MIS Director of Communications (517) 592-1208 or slukaskiewicz@mispeedway.com
Dennis Worden, MIS Manager of Public Relations (517) 592-1204 or dworden@mispeedway.com

Rally America Series: Podium Finish for Antoine L'Estage

Montreal (Québec), February 1, 2010 – Quebec driver Antoine L'Estage and his co-driver Nathalie Richard finished in second place at this past weekend's SnoDrift Rally, Round 1 of the Rally America series and the first event of the North American Rally Cup.  Held on the icy roads of Michigan's Montmorency County, this rally presented some of the most treacherous and challenging conditions the teams have ever experienced. The duo from St-Jean-sur-Richelieu (QC), will again be at the wheel of their Rockstar Energy Drink Royal Group Mitsubishi Evo X this coming weekend at the Canadian Rally Championship season opener, Rallye Perce Neige.

Antoine L'Estage finished a strong second behind four-time American champion and X Games superstar Travis Pastrana at the SnoDrift Rally, an event that has been won only by these two drivers in the past four years. « To say that these roads were icy would be a huge understatement.  Some people attributed faster times to the guy that was first on the road (Pastrana) with a bit better traction but he drove a great rally and was the fastest out there.  I tried to keep the pressure on at the start of Saturday morning's competition but I also didn't want to take any huge risks in those conditions » commented L'Estage.

Antoine and his five-time North American champion co-driver Nathalie Richard set the fastest time on five of the competitive road sections.  This strong finish earned L'Estage valuable points towards qualifying for his third trip to the Summer X Games, to be held this August in Los Angeles.  It also marks important points for the North American rally championship, a title that L'Estage already won in 2007 and 2008.

« So many times throughout the rally I was in awe of Antoine's driving.  I very rarely get scared in the rally car but in talking with some of the other top co-drivers, this was definitely the scariest event for us - it was like we were all at the mercy of the ice!  I thought that Antoine was just amazing going those speeds and keeping it on the road without getting even a scratch on the car » confessed Richard, L'Estage's co-driver since 2006. « It's one of those rallies that we'll remember for a long time. » 

The team's focus will now shift a little north to the Maniwaki region of Québec for the Rallye Perce Neige on February 5 & 6, the first round of the Canadian Rally Championship.  L'Estage and Richard won this event the past two years and are very confident coming into their second winter rally in as many weekends.  Although L'Estage hopes for more snow to fall between now and the start of the event, he will again rely on his Yokohama tires regardless of what Mother Nature decides.

Antoine L'Estage and Nathalie Richard participate in the 2010 Canadian Rally Championship with the support of Rockstar Energy Drink, Royal Group, Yokohama Tires, Mitsubishi Canada, Drenth Motorsport Gearboxes, Garrett Turbos, Énergie Cardio, Libra Racing, OMP Racewear and MBF Racing. For more information on the team or on rallying in general, visit Coyote Rallye www.coyoterallye.com.

Source : Coyote Rallye Media Services, (514) 825 - 4332