NASCAR: Bourque back with Aaron’s, at DJK Racing

NASCAR Canadian Tire Series racers Pierre Bourque (l) and DJ Kennington (r) met in Toronto on Feb. 18 to sign a contract that will see Bourque participate in at least seven NASCAR Canadian Tire Series races, in 2010, driving for Kennington’s DJK Racing team.

“I signed a deal with DJ Kennington to run with his team this year,” said Bourque, who hails from Ottawa, Ontario. “We’re going to do a minimum of seven races and I’m really looking forward to it. The bulk of my races in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series will be sponsored by Aaron’s and I’m very happy to be driving ‘The Dream Machine.’ I’m also excited that DJ Kennington will be putting the cars together for me.”

Bourque continued, “It’s been in the works for much of the winter. I thought DJ would be an awesome person to drive for. I explored several options, but DJ has a strong program and I have a real appreciation for his mechanical prowess.”

Bourque flew Aaron’s colours in several NCATS events in 2009 in cars prepared by the former Whitlock Motorsports team, and is looking forward to working with Kennington in 2010. Kennington, who lives in St. Thomas, Ontario, is returning with longtime sponsor Castrol, for an astounding 18^th consecutive season.

“It’s a great representation of the quality of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series to see companies like Aaron’s and Castrol involved in the sport,” said Bourque. “DJ has a long-running relationship with Castrol and that’s testament to the products he puts on the track and the way he represents his sponsors.

“In Aaron’s case, it’s an American-based company with a storied relationship with NASCAR, south of the border. To have them come into Canada with me in 2009 and to grow their relationship this year, shows they have an appetite to extend their footprint in this country, through racing. That says a lot about the quality of the racing that we have in Canada.”

Discussing the news, Kennington said, “We have Pierre signed to drive with us this year and that’s very exciting news. My goal is to grow our program into something bigger – basically in line with what Whitlock Motorsports was. I would like to make it into a three-car team and getting involved with Pierre and Aaron’s is a great step toward that. Anytime you can get a corporate sponsor like Aaron’s involved with your program, that’s a good thing.

“It takes a lot running two cars, but Pierre has obviously been there before and he knows what it takes. It’s nice to have our sponsorships lined up this early so we can concentrate on getting the cars ready to race.”

The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series is a 13-race series featuring a mix of oval track and road racing events.

Ontario Dirt Late Models Association welcomes Klotz Synthetic Lubricants

Ontario Canada (February 19th, 2010) – ODLM Officials and Klotz Synthetic Lubricants has announced that Klotz has agreed to become a sponsor of the ODLM for the 2010 season. Klotz will provide support to ODLM as a Contingency Sponsor and Product programs with the ODLM Series.

“We couldn’t be happier about joining ODLM for the 2010 season,” remarked Sam Donnelly, of Klotz Canada. "As a company full of racers, we understand how important contingency programs are when it comes to making ends meet throughout the season. Klotz products set the standards for performance & quality, which is exactly what, is required to be a frontrunner in this ultra-competitive racing organization. We want all the ODLM racers to know that we are proud to be a part of their racing family and we look forward to earning their business in the months ahead."

Contingency Program for ODLM 2010: Klotz will award a $50 Product Certificate to the eighth place finisher in each event and a $50 Product Certificate to the fourteenth place finisher in each event. Klotz will also provide a case of product to be given away at each event and also product for the year end points for 2010.

To be eligible, each driver must display the official Klotz decals and must be visibly displayed on each side of the vehicle throughout the season and be registered with ODLM for 2010.

Whether you're new to the powersports industry or an old-timer, Klotz is one name you can trust. Driven to perform at the highest levels, we race-test every product to make sure it meets the most stringent demands. Whether it's your Car, Motorcycle, ATV, Snowmobile, Boat, PWC, RC  or V-Twin, you can trust Klotz to take better care of it than any other brand.

More information on Klotz Synthetic Lubricants is available at www.klotzcanada.com.

From Ron Piotrowski // Ontario Dirt Late Models Association // http://www.ontariodirtlatemodels.com

Royal Distributing - Factory Recreation Rockstar Energy Race Report: Round 5 CSRA Royal Distributing Cup National Snowcross Event

Royal Distributing-Factory Recreation Rockstar Energy Race Report
Round 5 CSRA Royal Distributing Cup National Snowcross Event (Feb. 13-14, 2010)

Innisfil, ON - This race was circled on the calendar in the Royal trailer all season, with team sponsors Royal Distributing sponsoring and hosting the race.   The entire Royal Distributing Rockstar Energy team was completely stoked at performing in front of fans and sponsors alike. 

Lee Butler had taken home the Royal Cup the previous year and anything less from the Rockstar riders would have been a disappointment.   The team had a strong start to the weekend and ran well in the Pro Stock qualifiers, but failed to chalk up a checkered flag.  During the break in the action before the night program, Wayne and the Factory Recreation crew went over the sleds in an effort to extract every ounce of performance for the Pro Stock Final. 

Joey Sagan, #202 was still nursing an injury suffered in the previous race in Owen Sound. He rode through pain to recover from a poor start and made some timely passes and move up into 4th place.  A heartbroken Sagan stopped 50 yards from the finish line due to a fuel pump problem.  Sometimes racing luck is with you and sometimes it isn’t.  Up front, Lee Butler battled for the first few laps and then began to check out on the field as he took a commanding lead to the checkers in the long 20 lap final. 

As part of the crowd-pleasing Saturday night show, the Pros lined up the Pro Open sleds to treat the crowd to the first of three Pro Open motos, the balance to be run on Sunday.  Racing luck bit the Royal team again, as a mechanical malfunction foiled competitor Dave Joanis on lap 2 and forced Royal’s Joey Sagan to take evasive action in mid-air.

As the field rolled through, Joey was in the racing line and was clipped, effectively ending his season with a broken leg as he was taken to hospital.  The entire Royal Rockstar Factory Recreation team wishes Joey a speedy recovery and we know he will come back with a vengeance next year.  As the saying goes, the show must go on, and throughout the rest of the Pro Open motos and final Lee Butler battled with Iain Hayden for top spot. Lee persevered and brought home the Royal Cup once again this year, sweeping the Pro Stock and Open Finals on the weekend.  Lee now shares the overall points lead and looks forward to trying to bring home his second consecutive title. 

“We worked so hard for this race, and it was very important to me to take home the Royal Cup for the guys!  It’s a bittersweet victory, my thoughts are with Joey and how he’s doing, so this one’s for him!”

Semi Pro rookie Dylan Hall continued his strong season of learning the Semi-Pro ranks while showing more of his blistering speed.  Dylan finished up the weekend with some podium finishes in his motos and a 5th place in the Semi-Pro stock final.

Special thanks to Ski Doo, Rockstar Energy Drink, FXR, Kimpex, Ipone Oil, Studboy Traction, HMK Boots, Hercules Distributing/Fox Racing Shox, Oakley Eyewear, Jaws Performance, JR Hall Transport, C and A Pro Skis, OGIO and Manitoulin Motorsports. Photos by Gary Debock
       
From Mark Fries // mfries@royaldistributing.com

DP Brakes announces 2010 MX and Off-Road rider/team lineup

BUFFALO, NY. - DP Brakes, world leader in sintered braking technology, is continuing the company’s long history of strong support for MX and Off-Road racing again in 2010. DP has signed an impressive list of MX and Off-Road teams and riders for the 2010 season.

Riders in MX and SX and AX will once again consist of Monster Energy’s Pro-Circuit Kawasaki, Honda Of Troy, Tuf Racing Honda, GPF Babbitt’s Online Kawasaki, Fun Mart Cycle’s KTM, and Suzuki City Suzuki teams.

On the various off-road circuits, DP Brakes products will be used by Team Suzuki riders Josh Strang and Rodney Smith in GNCC.  Team Andrews Monster Energy Yamaha Team riders will be competing in GNCC, OMA and AWRCS Series. Other notable off-road riders that will be counting on DP Brakes in 2010 are: Husky Factory rider Glenn Kearney, KTM riders Cole Kirkpatrick, Jesse Robinson, Rich and Jack Lafferty Jr., and Sr., Andrew Matusek, plus numerous other outstanding riders throughout the US and Canada.

“Many of these competitors have chosen to use DP Brakes year after year, and have provided us with great feedback so we can maintain our leadership in sintered brake technology. We wish them all the best in 2010,” stated Larry Mills, President of DP Brakes and Clutches North America.

For more information on the complete line-up of DP brake pads, shoes, clutch kits, and rotors contact DP Brakes North American Headquarters/Tony Mills International Inc. at 4401 Walden Avenue, Lancaster, NY 14086, (716) 681-8806, or visit them on the web at www.dp-brakes.com.

From Larry Mills // (716) 681-8806 // dpbrakestm@aol.com 

Daytona International Speedway To Install Reinforced Concrete In Turn 2

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Daytona International Speedway has begun installing reinforced concrete in Turn 2 today, Track President Robin Braig announced.

Following a comprehensive review of Turn 2, by a team of engineers and asphalt specialists with North American Testing Corporation (NATC), it was decided to repair the damaged portion of the track as an immediate first step.  NATC is conducting a thorough evaluation of the entire track and upon completion will implement all necessary solutions (including repaving if necessary) to ensure the long-term integrity of the track.

“This is the correct course of action to repair the track,” Braig said. “Our team of engineers and asphalt specialists with North American Testing Corporation has previous experience with concrete being used on an asphalt track and it is a proven solution.”

The damaged area of the track is along the 31-degrees of banking in Turn 2, making the utilization of concrete the best solution.  The repairs will begin today and take about two days to complete followed by several days of cure time. 

The engineering team concluded that a combination of unusually cold and wet weather exacerbated by race cars bottoming out in that section of the track contributed to the breakdown of the pavement.

Daytona International Speedway will next host a full schedule of motorcycle racing during Daytona 200 Week, February 25th through March 8th.

Further updates will be provided as necessary.

From DIS

James Hinchcliffe Commits to Team Moore Racing

Canada’s James Hinchcliffe will return to the Firestone Indy Lights Series in 2010 having announced a deal to compete for Indianapolis-based Team Moore Racing. The 23-year-old from Toronto will kick-start his sophomore season in IndyCar’s official feeder series on Sunday 28th March as Round 1 of the 13-race championship takes to the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida.

Hinchcliffe enjoyed an impressive rookie season in the 2009 Firestone Indy Lights Series, powering his way to fifth overall in the Driver Standings racing for Sam Schmidt Motorsports.  The Ontario-resident collected a string of podium finishes, including a popular third-place hometown effort at the ‘Honda Indy Toronto’ last July.

“I’m super excited to be back in the Firestone Indy Lights Series and I’m looking forward to competing for Team Moore Racing,” enthused Hinchcliffe in announcing his new ride.  “I know the owners, Mark Moore and Tom Wood, have put together a really strong group of people to steer the team forwards and I’ll be giving my all behind the wheel to contribute to that.

“I was competitive in my first season in Indy Lights which was great but I need to close the deal and get some race wins this year as I look towards moving up full-time into the IZOD IndyCar Series.  Last year there were a few unknowns for me but now I have experience of both the car and the tracks under my belt.  It’s down to me to put that to good use and work with Team Moore Racing to target the title.”

Hinchcliffe will join Spanish rookie, Adrian Campos, in Team Moore Racing’s two-car line-up for 2010.

‘Hinch’ boasts a stellar record in the junior ranks as he aims to follow in the footsteps his fellow Canadians – Paul Tracy, Jacques Villeneuve, Patrick Carpentier and Alex Tagliani, in making it to the top-flight of North American open-wheel racing, the IZOD IndyCar Series.

Back-to-back ‘Rookie of the Year’ titles and Runner-Up finishes in Formula BMW USA and Star Mazda, in 2004 and 2005 respectively, were followed by race wins and podiums in the Atlantic Championship between 2006-08.  James similarly enjoyed success representing A1 Team Canada in the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport during this period.

For further details – www.teammmooreracing / www.indycar.com // ENDS – www.hinchtown.com // Press release issued on behalf of James Hinchcliffe by SM-PR: Tel: +1 514 684 2621 / Cell: +1 514 945 3253 / Email: stuart@sm-pr.com

PHOTO GALLERY: Daytona 500 (2/14/2010) by DaveFranksPhotos.com

This is a photo gallery from Daytona International Speedway on Sunday, February 14, 2010. It features the Daytona 500 and race winner Jamie McMurray. Thanks to Dave Franks for sharing his work. You can see Dave's website here.

PHOTO GALLERY: Nationwide Series Daytona (2/13/2010) by DaveFranksPhotos.com

This is a photo gallery from Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, February 13, 2010. It features the NASCAR Nationwide Series race, including DanicaMania and some Canadian content in the infield. Thanks to Dave Franks for sharing his work. You can see Dave's website here.

Merrittville Speedway: Support Welland Food Drive during Seaway Mall Show

Thorold, Ontario ( February 17) About one month prior to putting it into drive for another year - Race Cars representing all 5 of the Thorold Track’s Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series Divisions will be on display in Welland’s Seaway Mall for a week long run in support of the Welland Food Drive – March 15th to 20th.

With the first green flag set to fly on the 2010 Season April 24th - one Seaway Mall Shopper will not miss a single event after winning the ultimate prize package - a 2010 Grandstand Season Pass. 

“We are really touched by the Speedway’s support,” relayed Welland Food Drive Director Monique Finley, “while we are focused on our annual event … our charities need our help year round and sometimes … it’s as easy as just one more thing.”

Between now and the Seaway Mall Race Car Show – Merrittville Speedway is challenging it’s race teams and race fans alike to buy just one more thing each time they go grocery shopping … collect it and bring it in when they come to see some of the new cars on display.

As part of the Speedway’s 59th season and in conjunction with the Welland Food Drive, shoppers making a donation of non-perishable food items at the Merrittville Display during race week will receive a ballot for entry into the Grandstand Pass Giveaway. 

From all the ballots collected during the week, one lucky winner will be chosen to win the Grand Prize of a 2010 Merrittville Speedway Grandstand Season Pass. The prize is valued at $275.00.

Donations of any quantity however will enter you into the draw.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Mall providing race fans from across the Region an opportunity to meet some of their favorite drivers and to get a first-hand look at their race cars … all in support of such a worthy cause,” said Erica Bicknell, GM of Merrittville Speedway.   “This year marks our 59th season, so what better way to treat our fans than with an up-close race experience in an intimate setting … we’re hoping that everyone will do their part for the Welland Food Drive as well,” she added.

At last months Driver Meeting, the following drivers were picked to show off their new cars for 2010:

From the Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinders  - Rob Overholt, Aaron Wiley and Dan Sider are set to show their cars. In the J&S Heating and Air Conditioning Mod Lite Division  - look for Jason Corless, Ray Sliter Jr. and Josh Sliter.

The Hoosier Stocks will be represented by Ron MacAulay, Dave Small and Ken Sargent. From the Original Pizza Logs Sportsman – its Cody McPherson, Rob Knapp and Brad Rouse. The headlining L. St. Amand Enterprises 358 Modifieds will feature Rob Pietz, veteran Tim Jones and 2010 Rookie - Shawn Sliter.

Tuesday Night’s Lucas Oil Weekly Karting Series drivers will also be represented by brothers Steven and Gregory Beckett and sophomore driver Brandon Ruch.

The Welland Food Drive committee is a volunteer group who plans for and co-ordinates the Food Drive in support of three Welland organizations – The Hope Centre, The Salvation Army and the Open Arms Mission.

For further information on the Welland Food Drive or to volunteer for next November’s annual event – visit www.wellandfooddrive.com.

The Seaway Mall - located at 800 Niagara Street features over 120 friendly stores and services and offers free wireless internet throughout the mall.

The Seaway Mall is open Monday to Friday from 10 AM to 9 PM, Saturday from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM and Sundays from 12 to 5 PM.

Shoppers can also visit the Seaway Mall on line at www.seawaymall.com.

From Merrittville Speedway

PHOTO GALLERY: NASCAR Trucks at Daytona (2/13/2010) by DaveFranksPhotos.com

This is a photo gallery from Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, February 13, 2010. It features the NASCAR Truck Series race. Thanks to Dave Franks for sharing his work. You can see Dave's website here.

Cordeiro report; Driver lineup for 2010 VW Jetta TDI Cup

My name is Andrew Cordeiro and I am from Woodbridge, Ontario. In 2008 I began a very exciting racing career with Volkswagen and will continue to do so throughout the 2010 season. Last season brought significant results to my racing progress, with my first podium finish at my hometown track, Mosport International Raceway. Season highlights included: Road Atlanta, GA 2nd place finish, Mosport, ON 3rd place finish, Autobahn Country Club Joliet, Ill. 4th place finish, Mid-Ohio, OH, 4th place finish and 7th place finish overall in my second year of racing.

New to 2010, the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup will be heading to Autodromo AMOZOC Puebla, Mexico. There, it will be hosting two races for all VW employees and locals in the hometown of the Volkswagen Mexico assembly plant. Also, all drivers and crew will have the opportunity to tour the local factory top to bottom, very cool.

The driver lineup for the 2010 VW Jetta TDI Cup is as follows:

Rafael Navarro IV – Temecula, CA

Colin Thompson – Perkasie, PA

Arie Ouimet – Plymouth, MA

Michael Hogg – Vancouver, BC

Chris Wehrheim – Norcross, GA

Kevin Gleason – Johnstown, PA

JJ Tomlinson – Park City, UT

Taylor Tzouanakis – Wauconda, IL

Justine Jackson – Kingston, Jamaica

Wyatt Gooden – Gates Mills, OH

Jarvis Gennari – Boca Raton, FL

Brian Whitmire – Baton Rouge, LA

Mike Mineo-Nardacci – East Hills, NY

AJ Severino – Hamilton, NJ

Jenna Wagner – Bristol, VA

Andrew Novich – Novato, CA

Nate Norenberg – Plymouth, MN

Taylor Broekemeier - Fort Collins, CO

JD Mobley - Castle Rock, CO

AJ Nealey - Edgewater, MD

Andrew Cordeiro - Woodbridge, ON

Ryan Ellis - Ashburn, VA

Jake Thompson – Calgary, AB

Juan Pablo Delgado – Orizaba, Mexico

Juan Pablo Sierra Lendle - Puebla, Mexico

2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Schedule

Round 1 & 2 April 23 – 25 Virginia International Raceway (Alton, VA)

Round 3 May 9 New Jersey Motorsports Park (Millville, NJ)

Round 4 June 5 – 6 Miller Motorsports Park (Tooele, UT)

Round 5 July 18 – 20 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (Lexington, OH)

Round 6 July 30 – Aug. 1 Autobahn Country Club (Joliet, IL)

Round 7 & 8 Aug. 20 – 22 Road America (Elkhart Lake, WI)

Round 9 & 10 Sept. 24 – 26 Autodromo AMOZOC (Puebla, Mexico)

http://i49.tinypic.com/693moh.jpg Andrew Cordeiro and Jetta TDI Cup carhttp://i45.tinypic.com/nx0w8i.jpg Andrew Cordeiro and Brad Whitford of Aerosmithhttp://i31.tinypic.com/15nq1dy.jpg Andrew Cordeiro #26

Ice Racing 2010
During the “off season” I have kept my racing technique sharp by competing in Ice Racing. If you haven’t seen or heard of this before, you are missing out! Located in Minden, Ontario, just two hours north of Toronto, ice racing is the most fun you can have with a car in the winter months. It is a very inexpensive sport and provides an abundance of car control skills which are essential for the roads. The season began in January and runs through the last weekend in February. All spectators are welcomed! For more information on ice racing check out http://casc.on.ca/iceRacing.php

Driver coaching 2010
This year I will be coaching at Mosport with http://www.frankewald.com/ lapping days.Mosport is an incredible track and if you have ever wanted to tackle this beast, Frank’s lapping days are a great, relaxed way to try it out. The next lapping day is Friday, May 28, 2010.

Andrew Cordeiro

Kawartha Speedway: Daryl Fice Redefines the Term 'Driver Education'

He isn’t old enough to hold a provincial driver’s licence.  At just 15 years of age, he’s barely old enough to think about getting one.  That hasn’t stopped Daryl Fice from taking his own driver education program.  The 10th grade student at Oshawa’s Maxwell Heights Secondary School is about to enter his second season of competition in the Discount Car and Truck Rental Mini Stock division at Kawartha Speedway.  After finishing the 2009 campaign 12th in overall points, the youngster can’t wait to kick-off the new year.

“I’d never raced anything anywhere anytime before, so I think the first year was very successful”, said the young high-schooler.  “We got better as we went along and learned how to make some changes to get more out of the car.  There’s only so much you can do with the mini stock, but we’re a young team and still have so much to learn.”

While he didn’t set any goals for his rookie season, the freckle-faced Fice says he’d like to run with more consistency in 2010.  Being a regular in the track’s weekly semi-feature would be a good start, followed by a top 5 finish in the main event.  He hasn’t planned a victory lane celebration just yet, but he’s looking forward to the night when his #44 Tell and Sell.ca/J & D Towing/Tryon Masonry/Russitt Auto Service/NAPA Auto Parts/Praxair/Vinyl Creations/MHM Supplies/Durham Auto Works machine finds its way to the winner’s circle.

“It’s a pretty level playing field already and just about anyone has the chance to win,” according to Fice.  “With Wallace (2009 champion Mike Wallace) moving-up to a late model and (2008 champion) Jason Juriga’s plans still up in the air, it could make things better for the rest of us.  We just bought a new engine that’ll help us be more competitive with the Hondas, so I’m hoping for good things.”

Like so many people his age, Daryl Fice got hooked on racing very early in life when his grandfather first exposed him to the sport.  Since then, the thought of driving a racecar has always been in the back of his mind.  Their program is a family effort, with the driver’s father Darrin and Grandpa Roy helping out in the garage through the week and at the track on race nights.  Just like his favourite NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Junior looked to his father for support and guidance, the young wheelman is happy to have family members in his corner.

He admits a desire to eventually move up to a late model but for now, Daryl Fice is content to get his education driving a Discount Car and Truck Rental Mini Stock at Kawartha Speedway.

Kawartha Speedway’s 10th Anniversary season kicks-off Friday, June 4th.  Full details can be found at www.kawarthaspeedway.com.

Prepared by:  Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications
Photo attachment:  Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications: 15 year-old Daryl Fice is looking forward to a new season of action in his Discount Car and Truck Rental Mini Stock at Kawartha Speedway.

Wakefield Canada Inc. named one of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies

Toronto ON, February 16,2010 - Wakefield Canada triumphed over thousands of other applicants to win a 2009 Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies (Best Managed) award. This prestigious national award is sponsored by Deloitte, CIBC Commercial Banking, National Post, and Queen’s School of Business.

“Today’s market place is not just about the investment in the product; it is also about the investment in the people. Wakefield Canada invests in their team to build up a strong and stable company. Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies carries this attribute and we are pleased to say Wakefield Canada is one of this year’s recipients.” John Hughes, Partner, Private Company Services group with Deloitte, a national sponsor of the Best Managed program.

“Our customer-based philosophy directs our efforts. The entire employee base, from the field staff across the country to the senior management group is highly focused and understands our goals. Over the first five years we have created a very effective operation and internal culture. We are honoured to be recognized amongst leading Canadian organizations and are committed to providing this standard of excellence in all that we do – for our customers, our partners, and our team. We are looking ahead to continued success,” said Bob MacDonald, President, Wakefield Canada Inc.

Established in 1993, the Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies is a national awards program, recognizing Canadian companies that have implemented world-class business practices and created value in innovative ways. Applications are reviewed by an independent judging panel that evaluates how companies address various business challenges, including new technologies, globalization, brand management, leadership, leveraging and developing core competencies, designing information systems, and hiring the right talent to facilitate growth.

“It takes a company focused on values, a strong business plan, and most of all hard work, to succeed in today’s market place” said  Calvin Younger, Senior Vice-President, CIBC Commercial Banking. “Companies winning this year’s Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies exemplify these traits.”

The 2009 winners of the Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies award, along with Requalified and Platinum Club members will be honoured at the annual Best Managed gala in Toronto on 8 March 2010.  On the same date, the Best Managed symposium will address leading-edge business issues that are key to the success of today’s business leaders.

About Wakefield Canada Inc.: On July 1, 2010 Wakefield celebrates its fifth anniversary in business establishing its presence as exclusive Canadian distributor and marketer of Castrol lubricants. The company has grown its reputation as a top tier supplier within the Canadian automotive marketplace. Visit www.wakefieldcanada.ca to learn more.

From John Morris // Marcovitch Public Relations

Daytona 500: Post-race quotes - Jamie McMurray, Dale Earnhardt Jr. etc.

JAMIE MCMURRAY, NO. 1 BASS PRO SHOPS/TRACKER BOATS IMPALA: WINNER

FROM JAMIE MCMURRAY: "Unbelievable. Unbelievable. I told my wife today, she was like if you win tonight....oh I am going to cry...it is so unreal. I thought if I made it without seeing my Dad or my wife, I'd be ok. (IN TEARS) It is unbelievable really. I can't explain it. It is a dream. I mean it really it is.

"Where I was last year...and for Johnny Morris (Bass Pro Shops) and Chip (Ganassi) and Felix (Sabates), Bass Pro Shops to take a chance on me and let me come back, it means a lot to me. What a way to pay them back. Happy Valentines Day to my wife. My Dad is here, it is just very emotional.

"After we won Talladega, we went to McDonalds. I think tonight we will have a Big Mac."

TALK US THROUGH THE LAST LAP: "Biffle helped me out. I spun the tires on the restart. It is just a gamble on which line to get the biggest run. Greg gave me an unbelievable push down the backstretch. Then when I saw the No. 88 (Dale Earnhardt, Jr.) behind me, I thought 'Oh no'. He had a good car and Earnhardt at Daytona is just, I mean they win all the time it seems like. So you never know what to expect.

"I certainly thank the fans that stuck around. That was tough having to get in and out of the car but they stuck with us and it was cool to here the applause when I got back in car. Sprint for everything they do. I went to one of their parties the other night and Dan Hesson is just a great guy and it means a lot. Not only Sprint, but everybody that is a part of our sport. With the economy the way it is, we couldn't be here to put this show without all these sponsors. I want to get with my team."

KEVIN "BONO" MANION, CREW CHIEF, NO. 1 BASS PRO SHOPS/TRACKER BOATS IMPALA - Winner

"I guess this means I'm going to Disneyland! That was awesome. Chip, Felix, and Teresa give us everything we need. Brian Pattie, you couldn't ask for a better teammate and brother. You'd better watch out for this Earnhardt Ganassi Team this year. Thanks to everyone who helped push. I don't know; I closed my eyes for the last lap."

DALE EARNHARDT, JR., NO. 88 AMP ENERGY/NATIONAL GUARD IMPALA, FINISHED 2ND: "I am just disappointed to come that close and not win it but, I'll tell you. We did the right thing by coming down and getting two tires. The AMP Energy/National Guard Chevrolet was pretty good all day. Just working on some handling issues. I don't know if got them fixed or not. When it gets cold, everybody's car handles good. I want to thank my team for working really hard. The engine shop did an awesome job. The car worked really good. I'm happy for Jamie and his crew chief Bono who helped me when I was younger."

Jamie McMurray wins the Daytona 500

Jamie McMurray wins the Daytona 500. Dale Earnhardt Jr. came out of nowhere to take 2nd.

Daytona 500... closed for repairs

With 78 laps to go in the Daytona 500, the race has been red flagged so that a hole in the asphalt (near the bottom of turn 2) can be repaired.

With the cars parked on pit road, Clint Bowyer leads David Ragan, Kasey Kahne, Carl Edwards and Elliott Sadler.

So far in the race, Bowyer, Greg Biffle, Kevin Harvick, Mark Martin, AJ Allmendinger and Kurt Busch have all led a significant number of laps.

UPDATE: Engines re-fired at 5:01 p.m. after a 1 hour and 40 minute delay to repair holes in the track surface. The party line is that heavy rain and cold temps are to blame. That or a track that hasn't been re-paved since 1978. Dale Jr. had some timely comments on the issue two days before this race.

UPDATE 2: Another red flag, at lap 161. Report from Kevin Harvick (leader) that the original patch is now totally gone. Does anyone have a big wad of gum?