VERO BEACH, Fla., March 5, 2010 - Conor Daly has announced his plans to compete with Juncos Racing in the 2010 Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear. After topping the time sheets at the first official series test in Sebring at the end of January with the fastest overall time of 2:00.588, the 18-year-old is more than ready to return to the Championship this season where he will race his lucky #22 car in Juncos Racing colors.
"I am just thrilled to finally get our 2010 season plans confirmed," said Daly. "This has been a difficult winter trying to piece everything together. I had a great three-day test with Juncos Racing in January, and I want to thank them for being so patient while we worked with sponsors and investors. This will be the first time that I have returned to a series, and I personally feel better prepared for this racing season than any time in the past. I have never seen a team so dedicated to success, and I very much look forward to the first race in Sebring."
Daly represented the MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development program in both 2008 when he won the Skip Barber National Championship and in 2009 when he finished an impressive third overall in the Star Mazda Championship with 416 points, just behind Adam Christodoulou of JDC Motorsports and Peter Dempsey of Juncos Racing. Now, the son of racing legend Derek Daly is set to try to claim the Star Mazda Championship title in 2010 with Juncos Racing as he continues his journey on the "Road to Indy."
"I'm very happy that Conor was able to get all the sponsors and investors committed for the 2010 season," said Team Owner Ricardo Juncos. "It seems like we finally have 100 percent of everything lined up for this year's Championship. It is great for us to have Conor on our team this season. It will be both Conor's and our team's second year in the Star Mazda Championship this season, and we are definitely ready to start working and applying what we achieved last year in 2010.
"At the Sebring official test in January, we could see that Conor matched perfectly with the team. I'm really confident with him; he's very professional, determined and committed to winning. I can tell that he and Juncos are going to be a really good combination."
With what seems to be the right mix of knowledge, dedication and passion, Daly and Juncos Racing are ready to pursue the 2010 Championship title they are both craving. Daly, along with new teammate Tatiana Calderon, will represent Juncos Racing in the 2010 Star Mazda Championship beginning with the season-opener at the Sebring International Raceway on March 19. For more information, go to www.juncosracing.com or www.starmazda.com.
About Juncos Racing: Juncos Racing is centrally located in Vero Beach, Florida, U.S.A. to offer diverse levels of racing year round. Juncos Racing operates out of a state of the art facility which houses vehicles suitable for all levels of racing, from go-karts to open wheel Formula race cars. It is one of the few teams in the United States which offers a development program starting from racing go-karts to racing professional open wheel race cars. The team's goal is to provide young and older drivers alike with a foundation upon which they can build a career in motorsports. Juncos Racing offers two and three-day racing schools which cover theoretical and hands-on driving techniques. With your dedication and the team's expertise and advanced training techniques, Juncos Racing is confident that you will achieve and master the fundamentals of racing. For more information, please visit www.juncosracing.com.
Friday, March 05, 2010
Reliance Performance Works is on the Move!
Milton Ontario, February 25 2010: Reliance Performance Works move to their new facility at 5237 Regional Road 25 Milton will be completed by March 1st 2010. "Our new location, halfway between Oakville and Milton gives us more room and allows for future expansion" Reports general manager Steve Adams.
http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=43.472714,-79.81503&num=1&t=h&sll=43.471575,-79.813707&sspn=0.006295,0.006295&ie=UTF8&z=15
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
The Reliance Machine Works Co. Ltd.
Phone 905-693-1107
Fax 905-693-1167
Cell 905-691-4015 5237 Regional Road 25
Milton Ontario
L9T 2X5
http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=43.472714,-79.81503&num=1&t=h&sll=43.471575,-79.813707&sspn=0.006295,0.006295&ie=UTF8&z=15
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
The Reliance Machine Works Co. Ltd.
Phone 905-693-1107
Fax 905-693-1167
Cell 905-691-4015 5237 Regional Road 25
Milton Ontario
L9T 2X5
Kawartha Durham Kart Club Spring Meeting and Swap Meet
On Sunday, March 21 the Kawartha Durham Kart Club will be holding its spring meeting, open house and swap meet at Kawartha Downs and Speedway under the grandstand. Enter through the main front doors. Doors open at 11:00 with meeting starting at 12:00 sharp. Meeting is mandatory for all members and family, friends and visitors are welcome and encouraged to attend. Topics for discussion will include the 2010 schedule, rules, classes, track SAFETY updates, technical updates and Q&A.
The club will be accepting membership forms at that time. Members can download and print off the forms from the website and bring them filled out.
Swap meet and open house will begin after the meeting around 2:00. Admission is FREE for attendees and vendors alike. Please contact the club if you wish to bring items to sell and they’ll send you the pertinent information - there is a separate entrance for vendors. Set up begins at 10:00. There will also be KDKC swag for sale including t-shirts, hats, crests and license plate frames.
To jump start the day, the club will be having a BBQ lunch beginning at 11:30 courtesy of KDKC and Kawartha Speedway. Be sure to bring your appetite, there will be lots to eat. Refreshments will also be provided.
If you wish to be a vendor, please send an email to admin@kawarthadurhamkartclub.com
Visit the club website for more information and directions, membership forms and additional information.
NASCAR: Dodge, Mopar, FLO TV Paint Scheme for No. 12 at Atlanta
Dodge Charger from Penske Racing will carry a special paint scheme
featuring Dodge, Mopar(r) and FLO TV(tm) this weekend for the Kobalt
Tools 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway (AMS). Keselowski will be making his
first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start at AMS in the No. 12
Dodge/Mopar/FLO TV Charger.
The all-red Dodge Charger will have all three partners - Dodge, Mopar
and FLO TV - prominently featured in the paint scheme. The Dodge logo
will occupy both rear-quarter panels while the Mopar logo will be
positioned on the rear deck lid along with a FLO TV logo, which will
also be featured above the rear bumper.
"We are the first automaker in the United States to offer live, mobile
television," said Pietro Gorlier, President and Chief Executive Officer
- Mopar Service, Parts and Customer Care, Chrysler Group LLC. "We're
excited to team up with Dodge and Penske Racing to promote Mopar and FLO
TV to the NASCAR audience."
Dodge swept both Sprint Cup races last year at the 1.54-mile AMS.
Keselowski's teammate, Kurt Busch, is the defending Kobalt Tools 500
champion. In three Nationwide Series starts at AMS, Keselowski has one
top-five and two top-10 finishes.
When Dodge returned to NASCAR's premier series in 2001, the program
included the sponsorship of two cars. That sponsorship continued through
the 2007 season. This weekend will mark the first time the Dodge logo
has held a primary sponsorship position on a Sprint Cup car since the
end of the 2007 season.
Sprint Cup teams will have a 90-minute practice session at 2:30 p.m. on
Friday. Qualifying gets underway at 6:10 p.m.
How FLO TV Works
Television signals are delivered through a dedicated multicast network
built by San Diego-based FLO(tm) TV Inc., a live, mobile TV service
provider, and a wholly owned subsidiary of Qualcomm Inc. FLO TV offers
live and time-shifted programming from top entertainment brands.
Content includes programming from ABC, ABC Entertainment, ABC Family,
ABC News, Adult Swim Mobile, CBS, CBS College Sports, CBS News, CNBC,
CNN Mobile, COMEDY CENTRAL, Disney Channel, Disney Channel Original
Movies, ESPN, ESPNEWS, ESPN 2, FOX, FOX News Channel, FOX Sports, Fuel
TV, MSNBC, MTV, NBC, NBC2Go, NBC News, NBC Sports, Nickelodeon,
Playhouse Disney, SOAPNet and Speed.
The service is available in more than 100 major markets and many
interstate driving corridors, however it is not available in some rural
areas.
Audiovox Corp., of Hauppauge, NY, supplies FLO TV Auto Entertainment
hardware that integrates with Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram vehicles'
existing entertainment systems and new Mopar 7-inch DVD screen systems.
A small antenna, similar in size to a laptop mouse, is mounted on a
vehicle's roof to deliver the digital TV signal. Inside the vehicle, the
receiver and wiring are installed under the interior trim of the vehicle
and are not visible to occupants.
User-friendly wired and wireless remote controls allow viewers to easily
surf channels, similar to TV systems at home.
Mopar's live, mobile TV option includes a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on
new vehicles or a 12-month/12,000-mile warranty on used vehicles for
hardware and installation. The suggested retail price is $629, plus
installation. A one-year pre-paid subscription is included with
installation.
About Mopar
Mopar distributes approximately 280,000 parts and accessories in more
than 90 countries and is the source for all original equipment parts for
Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram vehicles. Mopar parts are unique in that
they are engineered with the same teams that create factory-authorized
vehicle specifications for Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram vehicles - a
direct connection that no other aftermarket parts company can provide.
More than 70 Years of Mopar
When Chrysler bought Dodge in 1928, the need for a dedicated parts
manufacturer, supplier and distribution system to support the growing
enterprise led to the formation of the Chrysler Motor Parts Corporation
(CMPC) in 1929. A complete list of parts is available at www.mopar.com.
Mopar (a simple contraction of the words Motor and PARts) was
trademarked for a line of antifreeze products in 1937. It also was
widely used as a moniker for the CMPC. The Mopar brand made its mark in
the 1960's - the muscle-car era. The former Chrysler Corporation built
race-ready Dodge and Plymouth "package cars" equipped with special
high-performance parts. Mopar carried a line of "special parts" for
super stock drag racers and developed its racing parts division, called
Mopar Performance Parts, in order to enhance speed and handling for both
road and racing use.
About Chrysler Group LLC
Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 from a global strategic alliance with
Fiat Group, produces Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram and Mopar brand vehicles
and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution
network required to compete effectively on a global scale; the alliance
builds on Chrysler's culture of innovation -first established by Walter
P. Chrysler in 1925 - and Fiat's complementary technology.
Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group LLC's product
lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles,
including the Chrysler Town & Country, Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Challenger
and Ram 1500. Fiat will contribute world-class technology, platforms and
powertrains for small and medium-sized cars, allowing Chrysler Group LLC
to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly
vehicles.
From Denny Darnell
Corvette Racing chooses Michelin
GREENVILLE, S.C. (March 5, 2010) – Corvette Racing made a big move in the second half of the 2009 American Le Mans Series, leaving behind the GT1 category where they had dominated the competition. They will not have that problem joining the uber-competitive ALMS GT category where they face factory-supported teams from Porsche, Ferrari, BMW and Jaguar.
Developing the new GT Corvette, the Corvette Racing team has made a number of changes. The new GT Corvette has new production-style bodywork, a new aero package based on the Corvette ZR1 supercar, a smaller 5.5-liter GM smallblock V8 engine and steel disc brakes in place of the carbon brakes used previously in the GT1 class.
One decision was easy, continuing the successful technical partnership with Michelin that began in 2004 and combined for 52 GT1 wins, five GT1 class championships and four victories in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
“We work very closely with Michelin and in fact, the Michelin engineer who led their tire development for the Corvette ZR1 is our Michelin tire engineer at the race track. You cannot have a closer feedback loop than that,” said Doug Fehan, program manager of Corvette Racing.
The new GT class Corvette C6.R finished second in its debut last August at Mid-Ohio and scored five podium finishes, including Corvette Racing’s first GT class win at Mosport International Raceway.
“Since Corvette Racing chose Michelin as its technical partner in 2004, the Corvette-Michelin relationship has grown beyond the track to include the Corvette ZR1; the Corvette C6.RS and an impressive new MICHELIN® Pilot® Sport PS2TM ZP tire replacement option for Corvette C5 and C6 owners,” said Silvia Mammone, Michelin Motorpsorts manager.
As Michelin’s first-ever original equipment fitment for Corvette, the Pilot® Sport PS2TM ZP tire is the result of years of research and development. With competition at its core and race tracks as its proving ground, the MICHELIN Pilot® Sport PS2TM ZP tire bears many of the same performance characteristics of its family of Pilot Sport tires, but adds an entirely new level of refinement based on the specific needs of the Corvette ZR1.
Corvette Racing’s 2010 driver line-up includes the #3 Corvette C6.R piloted by 2008 ALMS GT1 champions Johnny O’Connell and Jan Magnussen and the #4 Corvette C6.R driven by three-time ALMS series champions Oliver Gavin and Olivier Beretta. Antonio Garcia and Emmanuel Collard will join the team for the endurance races: Twelve Hours of Sebring, 24 Hours of Le Mans and Petit Le Mans.
Dedicated to the improvement of sustainable mobility, Michelin (www.michelin.com) designs, manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy duty trucks, motorcycles and the space shuttle. The company also publishes travel guides, maps and atlases covering Europe, Asia, Africa and North America. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America employs approximately 21,500 and operates 18 major manufacturing plants in 16 locations.
From www.michelinmedia.com
VP RACING NAMED OFFICIAL FUEL OF the strip, the bullring and the dirt track at LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY
LAS VEGAS, NV (March 6, 2010) Track officials today announced a three-year agreement naming VP Racing Fuels the Official Fuel of The Strip, The Bullring and The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, as well as the LVMS road course, beginning in 2010. As part of the agreement, VP will be the exclusive supplier of race fuels at these venues, with all of its most popular blends available on site, including VP100, VP110, C12 and M1 Methanol, along with VP’s specialty fuels.
In addition, VP will be the Official Traction Compound of The Strip, with VP's Lane Choice 6, Lane Choice 7 and Starting Line Resin (SLR) being used for track prep. The agreement also gives VP title sponsorship of the VP Racing Fuels Pro Bracket class as part of the Wicked HP Championship Drag Racing Series.
“We’re excited to bring VP on board as our Official Fuel given its well-deserved reputation for quality products and unsurpassed service,” said Chris Blair, Vice President of Racing Operations for LVMS. “Their race fuel blends are second to none and we’ve achieved outstanding results prepping The Strip with VP’s Lane Choice traction compounds and SLR. Our racers deserve the best products at the best value and VP Racing Fuels delivers on both.”
“VP is very excited to be back with Las Vegas Motor Speedway, a world class facility, as the Official Fuel of The Strip, Bullring and Dirt Track as well as the Official Traction Compound of The Strip,” said Bruce Hendel, Western Regional Manager for VP. “LVMS will be using VP's Lane Choice traction compound which has proven to offer superior results based on world records that were broken last fall at The Strip. Racers will find a full line of VP products available from Heads Up Motorsports, VP’s official trackside vendor.”“Heads Up Motorsports and all the local racers are extremely excited to work with and run VP Race Fuels,” said Danny Topol, owner of Heads Up. “With such a great product and great pricing it’s a win-win for all of Las Vegas!”
The Strip at Las Vegas is a ¼-mile NHRA-sanctioned drag strip that hosts the SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals as well as the NHRA Las Vegas Nationals, along with the Street Car Super Nationals and Super Chevy Show among many other events. The Bullring hosts NASCAR Super Late Models, USAC Midgets and U.S. Legend Cars among others. The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway hosts the World of Outlaws and USAC Sprint Cars as part of the Super Sprint Classic and also is home to one of the largest Dirt Modified events in the United States—the Duel in the Desert.
VP Racing is the Official Racing Fuel of NHRA Championship Drag Racing, American Drag Racing League (ADRL), IHRA, American LeMans, Atlantic Championship, Star Mazda and World of Outlaws Sprint Cars and Late Models, among more than 50 VP-sponsored series.
In addition, VP will be the Official Traction Compound of The Strip, with VP's Lane Choice 6, Lane Choice 7 and Starting Line Resin (SLR) being used for track prep. The agreement also gives VP title sponsorship of the VP Racing Fuels Pro Bracket class as part of the Wicked HP Championship Drag Racing Series.
“We’re excited to bring VP on board as our Official Fuel given its well-deserved reputation for quality products and unsurpassed service,” said Chris Blair, Vice President of Racing Operations for LVMS. “Their race fuel blends are second to none and we’ve achieved outstanding results prepping The Strip with VP’s Lane Choice traction compounds and SLR. Our racers deserve the best products at the best value and VP Racing Fuels delivers on both.”
“VP is very excited to be back with Las Vegas Motor Speedway, a world class facility, as the Official Fuel of The Strip, Bullring and Dirt Track as well as the Official Traction Compound of The Strip,” said Bruce Hendel, Western Regional Manager for VP. “LVMS will be using VP's Lane Choice traction compound which has proven to offer superior results based on world records that were broken last fall at The Strip. Racers will find a full line of VP products available from Heads Up Motorsports, VP’s official trackside vendor.”“Heads Up Motorsports and all the local racers are extremely excited to work with and run VP Race Fuels,” said Danny Topol, owner of Heads Up. “With such a great product and great pricing it’s a win-win for all of Las Vegas!”
The Strip at Las Vegas is a ¼-mile NHRA-sanctioned drag strip that hosts the SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals as well as the NHRA Las Vegas Nationals, along with the Street Car Super Nationals and Super Chevy Show among many other events. The Bullring hosts NASCAR Super Late Models, USAC Midgets and U.S. Legend Cars among others. The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway hosts the World of Outlaws and USAC Sprint Cars as part of the Super Sprint Classic and also is home to one of the largest Dirt Modified events in the United States—the Duel in the Desert.
VP Racing is the Official Racing Fuel of NHRA Championship Drag Racing, American Drag Racing League (ADRL), IHRA, American LeMans, Atlantic Championship, Star Mazda and World of Outlaws Sprint Cars and Late Models, among more than 50 VP-sponsored series.
Thursday, March 04, 2010
NASCAR Developmental Series: Morris Tops First Hunter Index... Andrew Ranger No. 7
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 4, 2010) – Experience or the new kid in the spotlight? That was the question posed to the panel of auto racing writers and NASCAR representatives tasked with compiling the inaugural Hunter Index – a brand new feature on NASCARHomeTracks.com that will spotlight the top 10 drivers in the NASCAR Developmental Series in a monthly power poll. The first edition boiled down to a simple question: Which driver enters the 2010 season with the most momentum?
In the end, it was three-time NASCAR Whelen All-American Series champion Philip Morris who got the nod over Sergio Pena, who was impressive in his NASCAR K&N Pro Series debut with a runner-up finish in January's NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown.
Defending NASCAR K&N Pro Series East champion Ryan Truex was a close third.
"As far as momentum goes, Philip Morris sure has it after getting a third NASCAR Whelen All-American Series title," said Adam Fenwick of National Speed Sport News. "Morris finished his season with two wins, two second-place finishes and a third-place finish en route to his championship.
"Pena had a great race. But it was only one race. His overall resume is more or less unproven, while Morris has all the experience and momentum on his side."
Shawn Courchesne of the Hartford (Conn.) Courant was one of the panelists who disagreed.
While Pena's resume is much shorter, he left an indelible impression with his standpoint performance at the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown, NASCAR's signature short-track showcase.
"Based on the competition faced and the singular importance of the event, I have to put Sergio Pena at the top of my list," said Courchesne. "His body of work is one race, but it was one simply amazing race. Against some of the toughest competition out there the kid didn't flinch. If Pena shows even half the poise, ability and talent he showed that night, there's little doubt he'll be a force to reckoned with on the East series this year."
Nick Joanides and Paulie Harraka rounded out the top five. Joanides was third in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series national championship last year, was third in the Late Model race and 14th in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series race at the Toyota All-Star Showdown. Harraka closed out 2009 with two wins in the final three NASCAR K&N Pro Series West races.
The Hunter Index is named for Jim Hunter, NASCAR's vice president of corporate communications and a long-time supporter of the weekly and touring series that make up the NASCAR Developmental Series.
The Index was designed in the off season as an opportunity to compare the top drivers from the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series all the way up to the NASCAR K&N Pro Series. It will also encompass drivers from the NASCAR Mexico Series, NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour.
"The great thing about this new feature is it gives us a chance to highlight the drivers that are making an impact in our developmental series," said Brett Bodine, who is the chairman of the NASCAR resumé committee and represented the NASCAR competition side on the panel. "Every series has a strong, passionate fan base that loves to get behind their favorite driver. With the Hunter Index, we've opened the forum for the fans to debate about who the hottest drivers are across the board."
Bodine started in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series and made it up the NASCAR ladder to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. As chairman of the resume committee, he helps drivers map out their path.
The panel also included media members Courchesne representing the Northeast, Fenwick from the Southeast, Tim Haddock of HaddockInThePaddock.com from the West Coast, and Greg MacPherson from the Canadian publication Inside Track Motorsports News. They were joined by Bodine and NASCAR public relations representative Jason Christley.
Once the top two were determined, the panel weighed a number of factors to come up with an initial top 10 for the first Hunter Index.
Andrew Ranger checked in at No. 7. The two-time NASCAR Canadian Tire Series champion's plans for 2010 are currently still being determined, which likely cost him a couple spots. Defending NASCAR K&N Pro Series West champion Jason Bowles won't be running a full West schedule in 2010 while focusing on progressing to the NASCAR Nationwide Series. And George Brunnhoelzl III closed out the 2009 NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour with a win in the season finale and the championship, but his move to running the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour full time this year left most of the voters with a wait-and-see approach.
Ted Christopher didn't have the end to last season on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour he had hoped – finishing third in points – but a strong finish in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series, where he won the track championship at Stafford (Conn.) Motor Speedway and a fifth-place finish in the national standings, helped land him in the No. 6 spot.
Keith Rocco (NASCAR Whelen All-American Series), Eddie MacDonald (NASCAR K&N Pro Series East) and Brett Moffitt (NASCAR K&N Pro Series East) rounded out the top 10.
The panel will conference on the first Wednesday of each month, and the Hunter Index will be released the following day.
NASCAR fans are encouraged to weigh in with their own opinions through the NASCAR Home Tracks Community page on www.NASCAR.com at community.nascar.com/nascarhometracks or on Facebook at facebook.com/nascarhometracks
PRESEASON HUNTER INDEX
1. PHILIP MORRIS (NASCAR Whelen All-American Series)
Why he's here: Veteran Late Model driver scored two wins, two seconds and a third over his final six races at Motor Mile Speedway in Radford (Va.) to win his third national championship in the last four years.
2. SERGIO PENA (NASCAR K&N Pro Series East)
Why he's here: Made a memorable series debut at Toyota All-Star Showdown by winning the pole, leading 54 laps and finishing second to NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Joey Logano.
3. RYAN TRUEX (NASCAR K&N Pro Series East)
Why he's here: Ended 2009 with seven top three finishes in the final eight races to claim the series championship.
4. NICK JOANIDES (NASCAR Whelen All-American Series)
Why he's here: Had five wins, three seconds and a fifth in final nine races in Super Late Model season at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale (Calif.) and finished third in the national standings. Also won the Late Model title at Toyota Speedway.
5. PAULIE HARRAKA (NASCAR K&N Pro Series West)
Why he's here: Had two wins in the final three races of the West to win the Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors and finish fourth in points. He was ninth in NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown.
6. TED CHRISTOPHER (NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour / NASCAR Whelen All-American Series)
Why he's here: Won the Whelen Modified season finale at Thompson (Conn.) International Speedway. He had three wins and two seconds in last six Whelen All-American Series races in winning track title at Stafford (Conn.) Motor Speedway and finishing fifth in national standings.
7. ANDREW RANGER (NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Mobil 1)
Why he's here: Closed out his second championship with three top 10s, including a win in the second-to-last race of the season. Also finished 15th in NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown.
8. KEITH ROCCO (NASCAR Whelen All-American Series)
Why he's here: Record nine top five finishes, including three wins, in final 10 races running asphalt Modified at three Connecticut tracks to finish second by Morris in the national standings.
9. EDDIE MACDONALD (NASCAR K&N Pro Series East)
Why he's here: A win (New Hampshire), a second (Lime Rock) and ninth (Dover) to wind up second in series points. Finished eighth in NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown.
10. BRETT MOFFITT (NASCAR K&N Pro Series East)
Why he's here: Was second behind MacDonald at New Hampshire, and then won at Dover to end the season. He was also fourth in the West race at Iowa.
HONORABLE MENTION: Ryan Preece (NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour), David Mayhew (NASCAR K&N Pro Series West), Eric Holmes (NASCAR K&N Pro Series West), D.J. Kennington (NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Mobil 1), George Brunnhoelzl III (NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour).
For more information, contact: Jason Cunningham, NASCAR Public Relations, (704) 201-6658 or jcunningham@nascar.com
F1200: TLM Racing Sold to AVR Motorsports
+Rolstin,+Viccary,+and+Ashtiani-762602.jpg)
BURLINGTON, ON - The owners of TLM Racing are extremely pleased to announce that TLM Racing has been sold to AVR Motorsports. At the end of the 2009 F1200 Championship Series season all 3 partners in TLM Racing had agreed, due to increasing personal and business commitments they were unable to continue managing the front running F1200 team.
It was with a heavy heart that all three owners, Chris Tanser, Dave Matkovich, and Gerry Merz feared that the work and effort that was put into building TLM Racing may fade away.
"After 4 seasons, winning over 40 podiums, 2 Rookie of the Year, and 2 Vallis Cups...to see the name TLM Racing just disappear, would have been sad", commented Gerry Merz. "We worked so hard to develop a winning system for up and coming open wheel racers, but now, to find a really top notch, young, up and coming group of guys to take all our work to another level....Chris, Dave, and I couldn't have hoped for a better future and home for TLM Racing than AVR Motorsports.
AVRmotorsports.com principals are Sam Ashtiani, Shane Viccary, and Jonathon Rolstin, all 3 graduating "Honors" with Bachelor of Engineering degrees from UOIT in April of 2010 and all 3 project leaders in the UOIT Formula SAE program.
Both Ashtiani and Viccary bring a veteran's perspective as drivers in F1200 Championship Series, as well, Rolstin brings ALMS and GT mechanical experience to round out AVR's leadership and management team!
You could make a leap that AVR Motorsports, in some ways, looks very similar to a young Autotechnica, who enjoyed tremendous success developing their Formula BMW team and who's principals were also graduates of the same programs at UofT
"The team at AVR is very solid", commented Chris Tanser. 'I can see that they will be able to take the raw experience we gained with TLM Racing in the F1200 series and now add an entirely new "higher tech" component in both racing strategy and engineering"
TLM principals Matkovich and Merz, as per the alliance created between TLM and BGR, (Brian Graham Racing), in 2009, are moving onwards and upwards into BGR's camp to focus on business and driver development, after forming BGR Sports & Entertainment with BGR principle Brian Graham.
"Gerry and I will stay close to Sam and his team at AVR throughout their inaugural season in F1200", commented Matkovich. "Although these young AVR lads are coming to the table with serious technical and engineering CV's, make no mistake, we have a vested interest in ensuring that the new TLM of AVR-TLM maintains its winning ways.
TLM Racing would like to send a HUGE thank-you out to all those who helped make our F1200 team a success from 2006-2009. Team Sponsors, such as Paul Leggat of Roseland VW in Burlington, Brad Morris and Mark Paul of Grote Manufacturing, and Dale Cox of Amsoil. Also our crew members: Teresa Matkovich, Aaron Lang, Devan Matkovich, and Paul Gibson. Last but not least all the great coverage and support we got from the media...Rob/Al/Kim at eformulacarnews.com, Tony/Jeff at ekartingnews.ca, Russ/Jim at Canadianracers.com & Canadiankarters.com, David, Greg, James and the lads at insidetracknews.com and Mike at racecanada.com Thanks so much for supporting us and the FTDA!
But most of all....the lads who made it all worthwhile, although at times, had us pulling out our hair, but most of the time, just blew us away at what they did on the track and caused our arms to go up in the air 40+ times!. Devan Matkovich, (2006), Greg "The Stig" Brenzil, Aaron Lang + Matkovich (2007), Alex Ellis, Dylan Gibson + Brenzil (2008), and Taylor Near, Carlo & Aryton Triolo, and Keenan Harris (2009)
AVR Motorsports now has 3 seats in F1200 available for 2010. AVR plans to host a driver recruitment go-kart day at Formula Kartways on March 20th. For more information about the new AVR-TLM Racing, please contact Sam Ashtiani at sashtiani@avrmotorsports.com or direct at 416-854-1818
Also: www.tlmracing.com & www.avrmotorsports.com
From Gerry Merz
MOBIL 1: THE GRID Returns for Season 2 on SPEED
FAIRFAX, Va.- Building on the success of its debut season in 2009, ExxonMobil today announced that Season Two of Mobil 1: The Grid, a weekly 30-minute television series devoted to motorsports, will kick off on SPEED at 11:30 a.m. ET on Friday, March 5.
“As the world's leading fully synthetic motor oil, the Mobil 1 brand has long enjoyed a major presence in the world of motorsports and has been the lubricant of choice for many successful professional and amateur racing teams around the globe”
Developed in partnership with Sunset & Vine, a leading global sports television distribution and production company, “Mobil 1: The Grid” offers unique, behind-the-scenes access to today’s popular, international professional racing circuits and successful race teams.
Leveraging the extensive history that Mobil 1, the world’s leading fully synthetic motor oil brand, has in advancing engine technology for motorsports circuits and teams, “Mobil 1: The Grid” delivers exclusive, in-depth features, personality profiles and the latest news from American LeMans Series (ALMS), Mobil 1 Porsche SuperCup, Indy Racing League (IRL), NASCAR and Formula One (F1).
In addition, “Mobil 1: The Grid” provides extensive coverage of a number of amateur grassroots racing programs and circuits from around the world.
“As the world's leading fully synthetic motor oil, the Mobil 1 brand has long enjoyed a major presence in the world of motorsports and has been the lubricant of choice for many successful professional and amateur racing teams around the globe,” said Lawrence Kearns, Global Automotive Marketing Manager, ExxonMobil Lubricants & Petroleum Specialties Company.
“We look forward to the premier of the second season of ‘Mobil 1: The Grid’ on Friday, March 5 at 11:30 a.m. ET and are excited to continue bringing fans closer to the action, enabling them to see first-hand how drivers prepare for races, how engineering teams seek to maximize engine performance, and the enthusiasm that drivers from various grassroots racing circuits bring to the race track.”
Future new episodes of “Mobil 1: The Grid” will run on SPEED at these times: Friday, March 12, 1:00 a.m.; Saturday, March 20, 12:00 a.m.; Friday, March 26, 12:30 a.m.; Friday, April 2, 10:30 p.m.; Friday, April 9, 11:30 p.m.; Friday, April 16, 12:30 a.m.; and Friday, April 30, 9:30 p.m.
Along with its status as the “Official Motor Oil of NASCAR,” the Mobil 1 brand has also had long-time associations with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes’ F1 team and Penske Racing’s IRL and NASCAR teams.
To view all episodes from Season 1 of “Mobil 1: The Grid,” visit www.grid1.tv. In addition, interviews and highlights from “Mobil 1: The Grid” and other Mobil 1 events can also be found on the Mobil 1 Facebook page (www.facebook.com/mobil1), and the Mobil 1 Racing Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/mobil1racing).
Chosen by more original equipment manufacturers than any other oil brand, Mobil 1 is the world’s leading synthetic motor oil brand. Additional information about Mobil 1 technology and other ExxonMobil lubricants can be found at www.mobil1.com.
ExxonMobil, Mobil, Mobil 1, and the 1 Icon are trademarks of Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) or one of its subsidiaries.
Visit www.grid1.tv to Catch Full Episodes of Season 1 of ‘Mobil 1: The Grid’
“As the world's leading fully synthetic motor oil, the Mobil 1 brand has long enjoyed a major presence in the world of motorsports and has been the lubricant of choice for many successful professional and amateur racing teams around the globe”
Developed in partnership with Sunset & Vine, a leading global sports television distribution and production company, “Mobil 1: The Grid” offers unique, behind-the-scenes access to today’s popular, international professional racing circuits and successful race teams.
Leveraging the extensive history that Mobil 1, the world’s leading fully synthetic motor oil brand, has in advancing engine technology for motorsports circuits and teams, “Mobil 1: The Grid” delivers exclusive, in-depth features, personality profiles and the latest news from American LeMans Series (ALMS), Mobil 1 Porsche SuperCup, Indy Racing League (IRL), NASCAR and Formula One (F1).
In addition, “Mobil 1: The Grid” provides extensive coverage of a number of amateur grassroots racing programs and circuits from around the world.
“As the world's leading fully synthetic motor oil, the Mobil 1 brand has long enjoyed a major presence in the world of motorsports and has been the lubricant of choice for many successful professional and amateur racing teams around the globe,” said Lawrence Kearns, Global Automotive Marketing Manager, ExxonMobil Lubricants & Petroleum Specialties Company.
“We look forward to the premier of the second season of ‘Mobil 1: The Grid’ on Friday, March 5 at 11:30 a.m. ET and are excited to continue bringing fans closer to the action, enabling them to see first-hand how drivers prepare for races, how engineering teams seek to maximize engine performance, and the enthusiasm that drivers from various grassroots racing circuits bring to the race track.”
Future new episodes of “Mobil 1: The Grid” will run on SPEED at these times: Friday, March 12, 1:00 a.m.; Saturday, March 20, 12:00 a.m.; Friday, March 26, 12:30 a.m.; Friday, April 2, 10:30 p.m.; Friday, April 9, 11:30 p.m.; Friday, April 16, 12:30 a.m.; and Friday, April 30, 9:30 p.m.
Along with its status as the “Official Motor Oil of NASCAR,” the Mobil 1 brand has also had long-time associations with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes’ F1 team and Penske Racing’s IRL and NASCAR teams.
To view all episodes from Season 1 of “Mobil 1: The Grid,” visit www.grid1.tv. In addition, interviews and highlights from “Mobil 1: The Grid” and other Mobil 1 events can also be found on the Mobil 1 Facebook page (www.facebook.com/mobil1), and the Mobil 1 Racing Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/mobil1racing).
Chosen by more original equipment manufacturers than any other oil brand, Mobil 1 is the world’s leading synthetic motor oil brand. Additional information about Mobil 1 technology and other ExxonMobil lubricants can be found at www.mobil1.com.
ExxonMobil, Mobil, Mobil 1, and the 1 Icon are trademarks of Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) or one of its subsidiaries.
Visit www.grid1.tv to Catch Full Episodes of Season 1 of ‘Mobil 1: The Grid’
Lucas di Grassi Announced as TW Steel Brand Ambassador
The 25-year-old from Sao Paulo will make his Formula One debut at the ‘Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix’ on Sunday 14th March, the opening round of the 2010 F1 World Championship, and in doing so follows a long line of illustrious Grand Prix drivers hailing from his native Brazil.TW Steel welcomes Lucas as its first Brazilian Brand Ambassador - ‘The Watch in Steel’ already growing in popularity in South America, as it has globally since debuting in The Netherlands in 2005.
“I’m extremely pleased that we’ve been able to align the TW Steel brand with one of Brazil’s leading young sports stars,” said TW Steel Chief Commercial Officer, Stewart Bain. “The great thing is that Lucas was already a fan of TW Steel watches before we engaged directly with him. His passion and enthusiasm impressed us and we wanted to capture that immediately.
“I’m delighted that Lucas and TW Steel are now partners and I have no doubt he’ll make a fantastic brand ambassador. He’s already proven his talent and he undoubtedly deserves the opportunity to showcase his abilities in Formula One. We’re relishing the chance to promote our association with Lucas, not least in Brazil where he’s already a big personality, but worldwide.”
Lucas di Grassi commented; “This is a really exciting time in my career and I’m naturally happy to be supported in my move up to Formula One by TW Steel. I look forward to representing them and of course wearing TW Steel watches around the world. I was a fan of their oversized collection already so to be able to partner with them means a lot to me. They’ve proved themselves as an ambitious brand in a very competitive market. I’ve gone through similar experiences to make it into Formula One so we have many shared synergies.”
Lucas di Grassi’s racing career started in karts in 2000, the determined Brazilian quickly graduating to cars. A pair of runner-up finishes in Brazil’s Formula Renault Championship and F3 Sudamericana Series propelled him into European competition in 2004.
Victories in the British F3 and the F3 Euro Series championships cemented his potential and saw him step-up to Formula One’s official feeder category – the GP2 Series. He finished runner-up in 2007, backing that up with additional wins and top-three finishes in 2008 and 2009 respectively. At the same time Formula One tests beckoned, the popular racer eventually landing a full-time ride in Formula One with fellow newcomers, Virgin Racing, for the 2010 season.
TW Steel, celebrating its fifth anniversary in 2010, continues to develop and lead the oversized watch market. A family-owned company, headed by 27-year-old Chief Executive Officer, Jordy Cobelens, ‘The Watch in Steel’, has emerged as an innovative, bold lifestyle brand – now available in over 50 countries worldwide.
ENDS – www.twsteel.com // For further information please contact Stuart Morrison – TW Steel PR & Communications Manager: Office: +1 514 684 2621 / Mobile: +1 514 945 3253 / Email: stuartm@twsteel.com
Capital City Speedway: Justin Holtom wins several awards
As we at Capital City Speedway look forward to the 2010 race season we must take a look back at one of the great stories from the 2009 race season. By that I mean our own Justin Holtom. Many racers have had magical seasons during which skill, hard work and good fortune combined to create something special. Justin Holtom had just such a season in 2009.
Over the past few years, Canadian racing fans have been impressed by the talented Ottawa native, as he continues to gain experience in the ACT Late Model class at Capital City Speedway. For his efforts, he won Inside Track Readers’ Choice Award as Canadian Stock Car Up and Coming Racer of the Year for 2009. His efforts also earned him the prestigious Rookie of the Year award for the ACT Castrol Series.
Justin is young compared to his fellow competitors and that means he will be around the class for many years to come. This is only the beginning of the recognition he will receive!
Look for Justin to compete very hard this season for the Drummond’s Late Model points Championship. Congratulations Justin!
From Jeremy Coulter // General Manager // Capital City Speedway // www.capitalcityspeedway.ca
Merrittville Speedway: Modified Lites undergo retrofit
Thorold, Ontario (March 3) – A little more than a month ago, the New York Dwarf Car Association (NYDCA) Member Drivers learned that there would be a number of changes at Merrittville Speedway in 2010, for the division now known as the Modified Lites. “Modified Lites is how they are known throughout the United States and now into Quebec and Eastern Ontario,” informed (NYDCA President) Bruce Mason, who added, “Some of the rule changes we will be adapting are also being reviewed by other clubs as well.”
Similar to the idea of the GM Crate Engines that power the DIRTcar Sportsman Division, Modified Lite Drivers at Merrittville will have their choice of three engines in 2010. A new ‘Pure Stock Engine’ will be joining the existing ‘Spec’ and ‘Open engine’ programs.
Mason predicted, “The new engine will help make the Modified Lite a more cost effective alternative for the new up and coming racer, as well as the veteran driver. Racers using any one of the three engine programs will not be at a disadvantage, as new weight rules will be in place to help keep a level playing field.”
At the Best Western Cairncroft Hotel this past January, the NYDCA put the finishing touches on the 2009 Season with their annual Club and Stars Championship banquet. Merrittville Champion Jamie Gilbert earned the Club’s Driver of the Year Honors.
Joey Mastroianni was named Most Improved Driver with Blair Young honored as Rookie of the Year. A Special Recognition Award was presented to Adam Leslie for his efforts surrounding his ‘Salute to the Troops’ Lucas Oil #15.
The Randy Wilkin Memorial Trophy was presented to Wally Billing for his contributions, dedication and sportsmanship displayed both in the NYDCA, as well as Modified Lite racing in general.
The Stars North Tour Awards were also handed out with all 24 drivers sharing in more than $6,000 in cash awards and trophies.
Defending Merrittville Champion Shawn Sliter came home atop the Stars point standings with his Modern Corporation team-mate Jamie Gilbert sandwiching former champ Paul Klager’s Ripley’s RCM Racing Equipment # 1.
The Stars North Tour has also undergone a make over for 2010. It will now be known as the Modified Lite Championship Tour, featuring a pair of events at Merrittville Speedway as well as the Humberstone and Ohsweken race tracks.
An additional Ohsweken event will feature the club as a support division to the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars.
“As a club … we are honored to be asked to be the support group for this big event,” prided Mason.
The Annual Rose Webber Memorial race will also be undergoing change. In 2010 this event will be known as the “International Modified Lite Championships”, and will be paired with events at Lernerville Speedway and possibly other sites.
A mid season Mini Tour will take the Modified Lites to Edelweiss, Brockville and the new Motodrome St. Marcel the weekend of June 18th to 20th. The Applefest Shootout Weekend at the Brighton Speedway will also find the Modified Lites as part of the star-studded show September 25th and 26th.
Other opportunities include the Stars South Tour featuring races at tracks such as Lernerville and Tyler County Speedway.
“It will be an ambitious schedule,” admitted Mason. “Our race teams will have lots of options this season to travel if they wish. Many of them are quite economical as well.”
Several of Merrittville Speedway’s Modified Lite Drivers have got their 2010 Seasons underway – making the trip to the East Bay Raceway Park in Florida for the TUSA Winternationals. Fifty-four drivers from 13 different states and two Canadian provinces took part in this year’s series.
“My car was real fast,” said up and coming driver Josh Sliter, “but I could never catch a break qualifying … my Uncle Shawn (Sliter) drove my other car to some success but wow … what a field of drivers this year!”
Shawn and Josh Sliter, Rick Brubacher and Wally Billing were among the best in the business in Florida – a field that included some drivers that Merrittville fans see for special events. Drivers such as Mikey and Matt Hay, Steve White, Eric McKinney, Mark Marcucci, Tracy Fritter, Ken Meadows, Lynn and Alan Knepper.
In 2010 the Merrittville Modified Lites will have a new division sponsor. J & S Heating and Air Conditioning, who have supported the Rose Webber Memorial weekend for the past few years, will now add their name to the new Modified Lite Division. The ownership of J & S has always been proud to be a part of the Merrittville Family, and is looking forward to a successful relationship representing Modified Lite racing.
J&S Heating and Air Conditioning is a factory authorized Carrier Dealer that has been serving the residential, commercial and industrial sectors of the Niagara Region since 1956.
Specializing in installations, 24 hour service, heating and air conditioning retrofit applications – J&S Heating and Air Conditioning can also service all makes and models of furnaces, air conditioners, boilers, humidifiers, air cleaners and roof top equipment. Located at 5 Seapark Drive in St. Catharines J & S is available to meet all your heating and air conditioning needs.
Visit them on line at www.jandsheatingandair.ca or call 905-682-9287.
The J&S Heating and Air Conditioning Modified Lite Division began as a test at Merrittville Speedway several years ago. Recently the newer Modified Lite versions that resemble today’s Sportsmen and 358 Modified styles replaced the Classic Coupe and Coach bodied styles.
The J&S Heating Modified Lites are one of 5 divisions that make up Merrittville Speedway’s Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series lineup that also includes the L. St. Amand Enterprises DIRTcar 358 Modifieds, Original Pizza Logs DIRTcar Sportsman, Hoosier Stocks and the Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinders.
In the weeks leading up to the start of the season … race fans can keep visiting – visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com or follow us on Face Book for all the pre-season news - Drivers making moves from one division to another … former drivers returning to the sport and all the news on what events to look forward to … it will all be revealed.
For further information on the 59th Season – race fans can also follow Merrittville Speedway on Face Book, at www.twitter.com/merrittville or visit one of the pre-season Race Car Shows at the Seaway Mall and Pen Centre.
From Jim Irvine
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
DJ Kennington unveils new Castrol Edge NASCAR Canadian Tire Series car
NASCAR Canadian Tire Series veteran DJ Kennington recently unveiled his new-look Castrol Edge Dodge Avenger at a car show in Toronto.
Video courtesy of JRA.
Multimatic Motorsports targets a cool return to form at Homestead
Markham, Ontario (March 2, 2010) - The Multimatic Motorsports Ford Mustang Boss 302R Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge squad is set to tackle the Homestead 200 at Homestead-Miami Speedway (HMS) this weekend, March 5 and 6 - its sights set on bouncing back from a challenging opening round of the championship in Daytona.
The team has been working vigorously with Ford Racing to resolve the "new car" issues that hampered its season debut in January, with primary emphasis placed on hitting the track with an improved cooling package for this second race in the championship.
Although the team has prior experience at the 2.3-mile, 11-turn speedway road course of Homestead-Miami Speedway, Round 2 of the 2010 season will mark the first time that the Markham, Ontario-based team will run its own Multimatic Motorsports entries in a Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge race at this Florida track.
While veteran drivers Joe Foster and Scott Maxwell have previously competed at Homestead-Miami Speedway, this weekend's race will be the first for rookie Frankie Montecalvo and his #16 Bayshore Recycling Ford Mustang Boss 302R co-driver Gunnar Jeannette at HMS.
The Multimatic Motorsports team will hit the track on Thursday, March 4 for a test day before official practice begins on Friday, March 5. Two practice sessions are scheduled prior to the 4:35 p.m. ET Friday qualifying session. Round 2 of 10 for the Grand-Am Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge goes green at 1:05 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 6.
The Homestead 200 will be broadcast on tape-delay on SPEEDTV March 13, 2010 at 1 p.m. ET.
Multimatic Motorsports Quoteboard:
Scott Maxwell, #15 Ford Mustang Boss 302R
"I'm looking forward to Homestead, we have a competitive car and we're getting some testing miles under our belt this week before heading to Miami to hopefully resolve the problems we had at Daytona. Sometimes you can think you have something rectified but you never know until you've actually been in a race situation. I've raced a handful of times at Homestead-Miami Speedway and historically it tends to be a race of attrition because it's tight and there are going to be so many cars in the race. With more than 70 entries out there, traffic will play a huge role and I think there will probably be a lot of carnage. It will be important to stay out of trouble and survive to the end. If it's a hot day it will be quite hard on the cars, the tires and the drivers."
Joe Foster, #15 Ford Mustang Boss 302R
"I'm looking forward to going back to Homestead-Miami. It's a 'road oval' similar to Daytona but much more challenging in my opinion for set up because the banking is much more of a challenge than Daytona. At Daytona you can drive around with your foot on the floor but not here. It will be nice to get back in the car again this week. At Daytona we showed good pace in qualifying and early parts of the race but then we had a couple of technical issues so we're looking forward to having a good run at Homestead."
Frankie Montecalvo, #16 Bayshore Recycling Ford Mustang Boss 302R
"I can't wait to get back in the Mustang this weekend. It will be my first race at Homestead-Miami Speedway but I did have a chance to test there so the track won't be completely unfamiliar to me. From what I've learned about it so far, it's a really cool track. I'm hoping that Gunnar and I will be able to have a strong weekend."
Gunnar Jeannette, #16 Bayshore Recycling Ford Mustang Boss 302R
"I think everyone on the team is looking forward to heading to Homestead-Miami Speedway. We were competitive at Daytona but had some problems, so hopefully those issues are behind us now. The team has been working hard over the past few weeks and the cooperation and working relationship with Ford is really strong. Hopefully we can now set our sights on a trouble free run and leave Homestead with a different result than Daytona."
Race Facts:
Homestead 200
Homestead-Miami Speedway, 2.3-mile, 11-turn speedway road course
March 5 - 6, 2009, Round #2 of 10
Race Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Tape-delayed Broadcast: SPEEDTV, March 13, 2010, beginning at 1:00 p.m. ET
Schedule (All times Eastern):
Friday, March 5, 2010:
Practice: 8:40 a.m. - 9:20 a.m.
Practice: 11:40 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Qualifying: 4:35 p.m. - 4:50 p.m. (GS)
Saturday, March 6, 2010:
Final Practice: 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Race: 1:05 p.m. (2 hours and 30 minutes)
From Karina Redmond // Multimatic Motorsports PR
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
Toyota Canada reports February sales... thanks customers and team members
(TORONTO) – Toyota Canada Inc. (TCI) today reported February sales of 12,693 Toyota and Lexus cars, trucks and SUVs – up 25.2% from a year ago. This included 902 Lexus luxury vehicles, up 26.2% from last year to establish a best ever February for Lexus. Sales of 11,791 Toyota models were up 25.2% vs. February 2009.
A number of models recorded best-ever February sales, as follows:
* Toyota Prius: 258 (up 55.4% from February 2009)
* Toyota Corolla: 2,906 (up 9.0%)
* Toyota Matrix: 1,602 (up 38.6%)
* Toyota Tacoma 4x4: 635 (up 75.9%)
* Toyota RAV4: 1,398 (up 11.7%)
* Toyota Venza: 1,048 (up 112.6%)
* Lexus RX 350: 412 (up 49.3%)
“We thank our customers for continued confidence in Toyota vehicles - vehicles that are reliable, safe and fuel-efficient,” said Yoichi Tomihara, President of Toyota Canada Inc. “We also thank our team members at our coast to coast dealerships for their quick and reliable work in servicing recall repairs and bringing peace of mind to our family of Toyota and Lexus customers.”
Dealership teams have moved quickly to meet the needs of customers providing them with a range of options to ensure they continue to enjoy seamless transportation while their vehicles are in for service including rentals, pick-up and drop-off service.
In co-operation with Toyota Financial Services, Toyota Canada also announced that the Toyota “Best Ever Red Tag Days” program launched today. From March 2-31, customers can take advantage of a 0% finance option on select terms for the 2010 Yaris Sedan and Hatchback, 2010 Corolla and Matrix, and the 2010 RAV4. The 2010 Camry and Camry Hybrid now also offer 0% financing options up to 60 months. With this incentive program, customers looking for a Toyota Certified Used Vehicle can also enjoy finance rates as low as 3.9%. The popular “Toyota Loyalty Program” also continues until March 31, and now offers eligible customers up to a $1,000 incentive toward the purchase or lease of a selected new Toyota vehicle.
From Toyota Canada
Performance Friction Brakes Enters 3-Year Agreement w/ Ginetta Cars Ltd
(Clover, SC) March 2, 2010 Performance Friction Corporation® announced today that it has entered a three year agreement with Ginetta Cars Ltd. as the sole supplier of brake pads for both the Ginetta Junior Championship and Ginetta G50 Cup. Both the Ginetta Junior Championship and Ginetta G50 Cup series will support the British Touring Car Championship in 2010. “Performance Friction has had a close working relationship with Ginetta for a number of years now and we are pleased to be working with them for the foreseeable future. We are delighted that Ginetta Cars has chosen Performance Friction Carbon Metallic® brake pads for these two prestigious championships,” said Peter Babbage, Managing Director of Performance Friction UK.
Performance Friction’s Carbon Metallic® brake pads have been proven to offer superior braking, pedal feel, and longer life without fade at high temperatures. Decades of research and development have created the pinnacle of brake technology, allowing more that 1,500 championships won on Performance Friction Carbon Metallic® pads.
About Ginetta Cars Ltd.
Ginetta has been building road and race cars since 1958. Today the Yorkshire-based company is a major player on the motorsport scene in the UK and abroad. Its three single-make Championships are renowned for their entertaining close racing which provides opportunities from the novice through to professional level.
Performance Friction Corporation® continues to be the market leader wherever drivers demand unrivaled performance and quality, No Compromises™. Performance Friction® brake calipers, rotors and pads are manufactured in our state of the art production plant located in Clover, South Carolina. Performance Friction® brakes are the standard of excellence in high-performance vehicles, commercial fleets and street vehicles. Hundreds of races and more than 1,500 championships have been won on Performance Friction Carbon Metallic® pads. Last year alone over 120 racing champions all over the world drove to victory on Performance Friction® brakes. www.performancefriction.com
Performance Friction’s Carbon Metallic® brake pads have been proven to offer superior braking, pedal feel, and longer life without fade at high temperatures. Decades of research and development have created the pinnacle of brake technology, allowing more that 1,500 championships won on Performance Friction Carbon Metallic® pads.
About Ginetta Cars Ltd.
Ginetta has been building road and race cars since 1958. Today the Yorkshire-based company is a major player on the motorsport scene in the UK and abroad. Its three single-make Championships are renowned for their entertaining close racing which provides opportunities from the novice through to professional level.
Performance Friction Corporation® continues to be the market leader wherever drivers demand unrivaled performance and quality, No Compromises™. Performance Friction® brake calipers, rotors and pads are manufactured in our state of the art production plant located in Clover, South Carolina. Performance Friction® brakes are the standard of excellence in high-performance vehicles, commercial fleets and street vehicles. Hundreds of races and more than 1,500 championships have been won on Performance Friction Carbon Metallic® pads. Last year alone over 120 racing champions all over the world drove to victory on Performance Friction® brakes. www.performancefriction.com
Gidley and the McDonalds/Doran Race Team off to Homestead
March 2, 2010 (Novato, CA) It’s been just over a month since the season opening Rolex 24 at Daytona, and Memo Gidley along with the Doran Racing Team have been anxiously preparing for this weekend’s Grand Prix of Miami in Homestead, Florida. The #77 McDonalds car had a stellar start to the Daytona 24 as Memo “the rain meister” Gidley, stole the show for the first 1.5 hours. Gidley started 11th and sliced through the field in the extremely difficult and wet conditions to get the McDonalds #77 out front and pulling away. The wet, widely known as the “great equalizer,” showed once again why Gidley is one of the best in the business.
“It was awesome for me that it rained and I was able to drive the McDonalds car past everybody and lead the Rolex 24…such a famous race,” said Gidley. “The feeling of being in first and having that clear track ahead is something that I live for, and it felt awesome!”
Since that time, the Doran Team in typical Doran style, completely disassembled the #77 to begin a month long rebuild to make sure everything was perfect in preparation for this weekend’s event. “I am a very detailed oriented person and I will say that even then, Kevin and his team always impress me with how nicely the #77 car is prepared each and every weekend,” said Gidley. “The Doran team has more pride in what they do than just about any team that I have worked with.”
Gidley will be teamed up this weekend with up and coming driver Dion VonMoltke. Dion has raced twice in Grand Am Prototypes with a couple of teams, including the Homestead race in 2009 and this past Rolex 24 in January. “I have gotten to know Dion over the last year from the racetrack and from the test we did together at Daytona over the winter,” said Gidley. “Not only has he been quick, he has a good attitude, takes his racing very seriously and he and his family have been really nice to be around. I think we will be very good teammates and I’m excited to see what we can do together.”
The Grand Prix of Miami takes place this weekend, March 5-6th. Green flag action kicks off Saturday March 6th at 5pm. The race will be televised live on Speed 5pm EST.
Check out Memo Gidley’s personal sponsors. Muscle Milk at www.musclemilk.com and other Cytosport workout products and supplements at www.cytosport.com , Aderholt Specialty at www.aderholt.com, Trackmagic Karts at www.trackmagic.com, Marin Bikes at www.marinbikes.com ,Bell Helmets at www.bellracing.com , Gatorz precision eyewear at www.gatorz.com , Shawn Thomas Automotive at Infineon Raceway, MG Secrets of speed karting books at www.mgsecretsofspeed.com
“It was awesome for me that it rained and I was able to drive the McDonalds car past everybody and lead the Rolex 24…such a famous race,” said Gidley. “The feeling of being in first and having that clear track ahead is something that I live for, and it felt awesome!”
Since that time, the Doran Team in typical Doran style, completely disassembled the #77 to begin a month long rebuild to make sure everything was perfect in preparation for this weekend’s event. “I am a very detailed oriented person and I will say that even then, Kevin and his team always impress me with how nicely the #77 car is prepared each and every weekend,” said Gidley. “The Doran team has more pride in what they do than just about any team that I have worked with.”
Gidley will be teamed up this weekend with up and coming driver Dion VonMoltke. Dion has raced twice in Grand Am Prototypes with a couple of teams, including the Homestead race in 2009 and this past Rolex 24 in January. “I have gotten to know Dion over the last year from the racetrack and from the test we did together at Daytona over the winter,” said Gidley. “Not only has he been quick, he has a good attitude, takes his racing very seriously and he and his family have been really nice to be around. I think we will be very good teammates and I’m excited to see what we can do together.”
The Grand Prix of Miami takes place this weekend, March 5-6th. Green flag action kicks off Saturday March 6th at 5pm. The race will be televised live on Speed 5pm EST.
Check out Memo Gidley’s personal sponsors. Muscle Milk at www.musclemilk.com and other Cytosport workout products and supplements at www.cytosport.com , Aderholt Specialty at www.aderholt.com, Trackmagic Karts at www.trackmagic.com, Marin Bikes at www.marinbikes.com ,Bell Helmets at www.bellracing.com , Gatorz precision eyewear at www.gatorz.com , Shawn Thomas Automotive at Infineon Raceway, MG Secrets of speed karting books at www.mgsecretsofspeed.com
TRAK GENERAL MEETING REVIEW: 2010 BEGINS RIGHT WHERE 2009 LEFT OFF
Immediate Release: March 2, 2010 - The Toronto Racing Association of Karters kicked off their 2010 campaign as over 150 guests made an appearance during the club’s annual General Meeting this past Sunday. Familiar friendly faces combined with a nice turn out of new members filled the room with anticipation for the 2010 racing season.
With the meeting scheduled for a 1:00pm start and Canada’s big gold medal game scheduled for later in the afternoon, the meeting was run on time and efficiently as the agenda covered a wide range of topics including dialogue on the racing schedule, as well as classes being offered at the club for 2010. Discussions covered details on the exciting race formats, made mention of the strong sponsorship program, fundraising ideas, official selection and other key programs being implemented in 2010.
TRAK President Daniel Di Leo offered insight relating to the direction of the club and mentioned that the theme for the new season was simplicity. He carried on his discussions highlighting that based on participation TRAK was Ontario’s largest club in 2009 and with a proven model in place, this seasons goal is to fine tune the program not reinvent it. A re-vamped tech program with new sophisticated fuel testing instrumentation was just one of the areas where the club looks to improve. Confirmation of Bill Oakman returning as race director for the season and the majority of the staff back in place gives the club a great starting point to carry on the momentum built last year.
The meeting was informative, to the point, and as promised finished on time for everyone to enjoy Canada’s big win. All in all, the club looks poised to continue their success as the General Meeting officially launched the 2010 season.
The Toronto Racing Association of Karters would like to thank everyone for their attendance and encourages those who were unable to attend to contact us for further details on the up-coming season.
For more information on the Toronto Racing Association of Karters or to register for the 2010 season please visit our website at www.trak.ca.
With the meeting scheduled for a 1:00pm start and Canada’s big gold medal game scheduled for later in the afternoon, the meeting was run on time and efficiently as the agenda covered a wide range of topics including dialogue on the racing schedule, as well as classes being offered at the club for 2010. Discussions covered details on the exciting race formats, made mention of the strong sponsorship program, fundraising ideas, official selection and other key programs being implemented in 2010.
TRAK President Daniel Di Leo offered insight relating to the direction of the club and mentioned that the theme for the new season was simplicity. He carried on his discussions highlighting that based on participation TRAK was Ontario’s largest club in 2009 and with a proven model in place, this seasons goal is to fine tune the program not reinvent it. A re-vamped tech program with new sophisticated fuel testing instrumentation was just one of the areas where the club looks to improve. Confirmation of Bill Oakman returning as race director for the season and the majority of the staff back in place gives the club a great starting point to carry on the momentum built last year.
The meeting was informative, to the point, and as promised finished on time for everyone to enjoy Canada’s big win. All in all, the club looks poised to continue their success as the General Meeting officially launched the 2010 season.
The Toronto Racing Association of Karters would like to thank everyone for their attendance and encourages those who were unable to attend to contact us for further details on the up-coming season.
For more information on the Toronto Racing Association of Karters or to register for the 2010 season please visit our website at www.trak.ca.
GOOD NEWS: Ford Canada sales jump 51%
FORD CANADA SALES JUMP 51%
February Highlights:
* Overall vehicle sales up 51%
* Total car sales rose 59%
* Total truck sales increased 49%
* Ford Focus sales were up 43%
* Ford Fusion sales rose 99%, for best February on record
* Ford Taurus sales increased 162%, for best February on record
* Ford Edge sales rose 104%, for best February on record
* Ford Escape sales increased 29%, for best February on record
* Ford Ranger sales were up 72%
* Ford F-Series sales increased 49%, for best February on record
* Lincoln MKZ sales rose 65%
* Lincoln MKS sales were up 39%, for best February on record
* Lincoln MKX sales increased 232%, for best February on record
OAKVILLE, Ontario, March 2, 2010 – Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited saw sales jump 51 per cent compared to last February, marking nine consecutive months of retail sales gain. February also saw record-breaking sales for several vehicles across the lineup including: the Ford Fusion, Taurus, Edge, Escape, F-Series, Lincoln MKS and MKX. Overall sales of cars increased 59.7 per cent compared to last February and total truck sales jumped 49.2 per cent. Market share also increased for the sixteenth consecutive month at Ford of Canada as the company finishes number one in Canada for the month of February.
"We remain focused on what customers want and value and we're seeing those efforts pay off," said David Mondragon, president and CEO, Ford of Canada. "With the freshest showroom in the industry, we are confident the Ford lineup will continue to deliver positive results throughout the year."
This year, Ford will introduce new or upgraded engines and new transmissions, new innovative technologies, three all-new products as well as three major product refreshes, including the spring launch of the 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty.
With this addition, Ford Super Duty will be the leader in torque, horsepower, fuel economy, towing and payload with the all-new Ford-engineered, Ford-designed, Ford-built 6.7-litre Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged diesel engine as well as the all-new 6.2-litre V-8 gas engine.
From Rosemarie Pao / Ford Canada
New Pennzoil UltraTM Hyper Cleansing Technology™ Under the Hood of Richard Childress Racing Vehicles In 2010
HOUSTON (March 1, 2010) – In 2010, Richard Childress Racing will run with Pennzoil’s cutting edge Hyper Cleansing Technology™. When Pennzoil and Shell Oil Company began a multi-year agreement in 2007 with Richard Childress Racing as the primary sponsor of the No. 29 Chevrolet driven by Kevin Harvick, an important technical support program between Pennzoil and RCR began as well. Pennzoil scientists worked directly with the race team to engineer their most technologically advanced motor oil available on the market, Pennzoil Ultra™.
Building new engines and keeping them clean and protected week in and week out is essential for race teams. Pennzoil and RCR work together throughout each race season to test motor oils in the harshest racing environments in an effort to gain insight and develop technology that can be used both on-track and in consumer vehicles on-the-road. The payoff of that relationship is evident in the new ultra-class synthetic motor oil, Pennzoil Ultra™, which is an advanced proprietary synthetic formula that far exceeds the most stringent car manufacturer standards1 and already exceeds the 2010 GF-5 specification’s requirements for cleanliness and protection. Nothing keeps an engine closer to factory clean.
“Our engines are built to be extremely efficient. With engine heat rising up in some cases to over 280 degrees Fahrenheit in tolerances that we measure to a thousandth of an inch, it is essential that our engines are maintained in clean, pristine condition and we look to our team at Pennzoil to provide that,”said Danny Lawrence, Engine Builder and Trackside Manager for Earnhardt-Childress Racing Engines, the high performance engine production and research and development company established in 2007. “In racing, even the smallest deposits can rob performance and lead to catastrophic engine failure and Pennzoil technology helps provide exactly what we need to keep our engines running clean.”
Kevin Harvick remained atop the leader board after a second-place finish at the Shelby American at Las Vegas Motor Speedway presented by Pennzoil Ultra on Sunday, February 28. On February 6, in an invigorating start to the 2010 NASCAR season, Kevin Harvick became the fourth driver to win back-to-back Budweiser Shootout titles. The achievement marked the seventh win in the exhibition race for the RCR team, more than any other organization.
“We ran Pennzoil racing motor oil with Hyper Cleansing Technology™ in the car during the Budweiser Shootout and the Las Vegas race,” said Gil Martin, Crew Chief, Shell-Pennzoil No. 29 car. “Pennzoil always provides tremendous support on and off the track that allows for our cars to challenge for the head of the pack.”
The new Pennzoil Ultra™ ultra class synthetic motor oil is the output of a global team of scientists pursuing the goal of maintaining an engine in factory-clean condition. Pennzoil’s technical support program with RCR provides the race team with the most advanced motor oil technology along with the support of a team of industry leading scientists. Through excellent collaboration, Pennzoil’s team of scientists engineer motor oils that resist heat, shear and wear, while keeping the engine clean even during the most demanding race conditions.
While the level of performance in most street cars won’t match that of an ECR engine, the cleansing and protection of passenger car engines is still vital. Pennzoil Ultra™ offers Hyper Cleansing TechnologyTM that is designed to seek out and dissolve contaminants safely into the oil before harmful deposits form that can create sludge or corrode engine parts. In fact, nothing keeps your engine closer to factory clean than Pennzoil Ultra™. The oil not only prevents deposits, but it also gently lifts existing sludge deposits off engine surfaces and dissolves them safely into the oil. Pennzoil Ultra™ also cleans out more engine sludge than the brand’s next best oil, Pennzoil Platinum®.
“At Pennzoil, we leverage our global technology to develop technically advanced motor oils,” said Luis Guimaraes, general manager, North American marketing, for Pennzoil. “We are very proud of our newest addition to the Pennzoil family of motor oils. Pennzoil Ultra™ is an advanced synthetic motor oil that keeps engines close to factory clean, and no leading synthetic motor oil provides better wear protection than Pennzoil Ultra™.
Richard Childress Racing uses and recommends Pennzoil Ultra™ technology exclusively as the formulations provide cleansing and protection even in the most rigorous racing conditions. New Pennzoil Ultra™ 5W-20, 5W-30 and 10W-30 viscosities can be found in major automotive retailers nationwide. Pennzoil Ultra™ 5W-40 and 10W-60 viscosities can be found at retailers and installers servicing mostly European cars. For additional information, please visit http://www.pennzoil.com/.
About Pennzoil®
Pennzoil® is the #1-selling motor oil and one of the most trusted brands in America. The Pennzoil line of quality products meets or exceeds industry specifications to offer exceptional engine protection, and includes Pennzoil Ultra™ motor oil with Hyper Cleansing Technology™, Pennzoil Platinum® Full Synthetic motor oil, Pennzoil® Advanced Protection motor oil, Pennzoil® SUV, Truck & Minivan motor oil, Pennzoil High Mileage Vehicle® motor oil, and Pennzoil Marine® engine oil. For more information about Pennzoil products, please visit http://www.pennzoil.com/
Grand-Am: AIM Autosport returns to Grand-Am competition at Homestead
AIM Autosport returns to Grand-Am competition at Homestead... Debut race for new partner, Pacific Mobile™
Woodbridge, Ontario - This weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway, AIM Autosport will launch its 2010 racing season in the No. 61 Ford Riley at the Grand Prix of Miami with drivers Burt Frisselle and Mark Wilkins. This will also be the first of a two race primary sponsorship by Pacific Mobile™, a division of Canadian based company Pacific Group™ Inc. Pacific Mobile™ specializes in Bluetooth accessories for mobile devices.
The No 61 Ford Riley will roll off the trailer at Homestead sporting a brand new livery designed by Pacific Group’s brand strategy and industrial design division, Pacific Creative Group. The intricate design is quite unique and unlike anything you would expect on a racecar. AIM and Pacific Mobile™ enlisted the assistance of Beyond Digital Imaging, experts in vinyl wrap systems, to take the new livery from concept to completion.
Shawn Thompson, CE0 of Pacific Group™ Companies, parent to Pacific Mobile™ recently stated "Pacific Mobile™ is pleased and excited to have partnered with AIM Autosport on their Daytona Prototype program; AIM is a respected top contender renowned for their attention to detail in preparing these sleek, prototype race cars. These are values and business practices that align nicely with the Pacific Mobile™ brand".
“We are happy to have Pacific Mobile™ as part of our Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series program to start the season”, commented team principal Willis. “We are working closely with them on a B2B program that adds value to both our companies and we hope this will translate into more opportunities to carry the Pacific Mobile™ logo and livery through the rest of the season.”
The B2B initiative is part of Pacific’s business model to develop “Win-Win” partnerships with select retailers. Professional motorsports provides access to business leaders in distribution and industry channels that are a fit with Pacific Mobile’s goals and AIM will utilize its racing program to reach those prospects and develop mutually beneficial relationships.
AIM took the car to Carolina Motorsport Park (CMP) last week for some shakedown testing. They had the advantage of Burt and Mark both racing on the new 2010 Pirelli tire during the Rolex 24 at Daytona and being able to provide additional feedback. The test was deemed a success and drivers, crew and team principals are all looking forward to getting to Homestead for the race this weekend.
The Pacific Mobile™ No. 61 Ford Riley is currently in Fort Pierce, Florida being prepared for this coming weekend’s race, the Grand Prix of Miami at Homestead-Miami Speedway on March 6th. The race will be broadcast live on SPEED TV starting 5:00 p.m. ET. The race will also be aired live on the Motor Racing Network (MRN) and streamed live online. For more info visit www.motorracingnetwork.com.
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.
AIM Autosport Facts: Established in 1995, AIM Autosport’s mandate is to identify, train and manage emerging motorsport talent. AIM has provided many young drivers with a solid foundation on which to build a career in professional racing. The success of the AIM driver development programs has been achieved through the dedication of our employees and the ongoing support of our commercial and technical partners. Away from the track, AIM Autosport serves the needs of the racing community with a purpose-built preparation shop situated in the Toronto suburb of Woodbridge, Ontario. AIM fields the No. 61 Ford Riley with drivers Mark Wilkins and Burt Frisselle in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series. The team also competes in the Star Madza Championship presented by Goodyear and the Cooper Tires presents the USF2000 Series powered by Mazda. Both series are an integral part of the new Road to Indy driver development series. AIM won the 2008 Star Mazda Championship with driver John Edwards.
Photo Credit: Chris Jameson/AIM Autosport (all)
From Chris Jameson // Level Ten Communications
Monday, March 01, 2010
CSRA Snowcross: Royal Distributing - Factory Recreation Rockstar Energy Sarnia Race Report
Round 6 Quick Draw Canadian Nationals - Snowcross Event // Feb 23, 2010
Sarnia, ON - Over 850 loads of snow were brought into the Hiawatha Park track in Sarnia to produce the huge and challenging track. The track contained big jumps and very challenging rhythm section. As soon as Pro Lee Butler saw the track, he got excited at the sight of the rhythm sections.
The Royal Distributing Rockstar team welcomed a couple of new faces for the weekend. Fifteen year old ISOC junior standout Zak Mason rode one of the teams Factory Recreation XP’s for the weekend. Zak showed absolutely amazing speed all weekend with a victory in CSRA Junior 14-15, and a second in CSRA Junior 16-17. Zak overcame a first lap mishap in Sunday’s Sport 600 final to catch and pass the entire field, including a dramatic final lap in which he moved from fourth to first.
Semi Pro rider Dylan Hall had an excellent weekend with podium finishes in both Saturdays stock final and Sunday’s Semi Pro Open final. The outstanding rookie now sits in second place in the National standings in Semi Pro Open. “I am so excited to be able to run up front every week, the equipment is awesome and I am getting more comfortable every week riding with the Semi Pro Guys.” quipped Dylan after a hard fought third place in the stock final on Saturday night.
Lee Butler came into the weekend tied for the National Pro Open championship race, and after two firsts in his moto’s and a valiant 2nd place in the final, Lee remains tied for the points lead with Iain Hayden. In Saturday night’s Pro Open final, Butler overcame a poor start to chase down and pass into second place, but the laps ran out on Butler as he came up just shy of the victory at the finish line. “Just ran out of laps there at the end, I knew once I moved into second place I could have a chance to reel him in, but time ran out. Its gonna be exciting at the next National, that’s for sure!”
In Sunday’s Pro Stock final, Lee Butler holeshotted followed by ISOC Pro racer Steve Taylor, who was piloting Joey Sagan’s Royal Rockstar sled for Sunday’s CSRA Pro Stock action. After moving out to a comfortable lead, the Rockstar Rev XP’s were setting sail. Unfortunately, after an awkward landing, Butler was forced to pull off, after injuring his leg. Steve Taylor continued on and notched the victory for the Royal team, to keep the Rockstar XP’s on the podium in every 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. Jackie Legge Photos.
From Mark Fries // mfries@royaldistributing.com
Hinchcliffe paces Firestone Indy Lights open test at Barber
BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Friday, Feb. 26, 2010 - Four drivers who competed for the full season in Firestone Indy Lights last year have been projected to contend for the 2010 championship. During the series' only preseason Open Test. - they stood 1-4 on the time chart. James Hinchcliffe, driving for Team Moore Racing, posted a quick lap of 1 minute, 14.9714 seconds to pace the 13 drivers participating in the test Barber Motorsports Park - a month before the opener on the streets of St. Petersburg, Fla.
"It was a great day for us on the No. 2 car," Hinchcliffe said. "I'm really happy, especially coming into a new team with new people. We are all working well together right off the bat and that translated into the speed we showed on the track. Everyone at Team Moore Racing deserves a huge pat on the back because there have been some long hours getting everything ready in time for this test. I'm happy that the hard work paid off."
Martin Plowman in the No. 27 AFS Racing/Andretti Autosport car was second-quick at 1:15.1319, while teammate Charlie Kimball was third at 1:15.1715. Sebastian Saavedra, who finished third in the 2009 series standings, was fourth with a best lap of 1:15.3817 in the No. 29 Bryan Herta Autosport car. All four are with new teams this season.
"I was pretty happy with today," Plowman said. "I'm never going to be truly happy unless I am P1 or on pole, but it was a solid day. We got a lot done with our testing program. We started off the day strong with a good base car and fine-tuned it the rest of the day. I don't think we showed a true potential today, but we did some long runs in the afternoon that leaves me very optimistic for when we come back."
The top seven were separated by only 0.6326 of a second. Veteran racer Jan Heylen made his debut in the No. 17 Team E entry and was fifth quick (1:15.5407). Stefan Wilson, who competed in six races in 2009, was sixth (1:15.5912) in the No. 28 Bryan Herta Autosport entry.
Another newcomer to the series, Frenchman J.K. Vernay, was seventh (1:15.6040) in the No. 7 Sam Schmidt Motorsports car.
Fourteen drivers participated in the test with rookie Adrian Campos having the only major incident during the 1,074 laps recorded. Campos was uninjured. Drivers/teams return to the scenic facility in early April for their second of three in a row races on road/street circuits to kick off the season.
DAY 1 NOTEBOOK:
Charlie Kimball's car sported a new paint scheme featuring his sponsorship from Novo Nordisk, a world leader in diabetes care. Kimball will drive the No. 26 Levemir® FlexPen® car for AFS Racing/Andretti Autosport in Firestone Indy Lights.
"This is a big year for me and expectations are high," Kimball said. "I am fortunate to not only be part of one of the top teams in all of racing at AFS Racing/Andretti Autosport, but to have the support of Novo Nordisk, one of the world's leading healthcare companies that is committed to helping me live my dream."
Kimball, 25, is the only licensed racer with type 1 diabetes in the history of the Indy Racing League. Diagnosed in 2007, he monitors his blood sugar before, during and after each race, and uses Novo Nordisk insulin Levemir® (insulin detemir [rDNA origin] injection) and NovoLog® (insulin aspart [rDNA origin] injection). The partnership with Novo Nordisk includes primary sponsorship of Kimball's race car, racing suit and helmet. Kimball also will make appearances on behalf of Novo Nordisk throughout 2010.
"Charlie Kimball is the perfect example of how people living with diabetes can successfully manage their disease without letting it get in the way of their dreams," said Camille Lee, Vice President of Diabetes Marketing at Novo Nordisk. "We are proud of our association with Charlie and we look forward to a successful year on and off the track in 2010."
***
Ana Beatriz, the first female to win a Firestone Indy Lights race, is slated to become the latest driver to graduate from Firestone Indy Lights to the IZOD IndyCar Series.
Beatriz, the first female to win a Firestone Indy Lights race, will compete with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing in the season opener March 14 on the streets of the most-populated city in South America.
"We are excited about going to Brazil for the first time with the IZOD IndyCar Series and putting Ana Beatriz in our car at Brazil adds another dimension to our program," team co-owner Dennis Reinbold said. "We are happy to have her on board for the Brazil race."
Beatriz finished third in 2008 in the Firestone Indy Lights standings for Sam Schmidt Motorsports with one win (at Nashville Superspeedway), nine top-five finishes and 11 top-10 finishes. In '09, she won at Iowa Speedway in the No. 20 Healthy Choice/Sam Schmidt Motorsports car among seven top-10 finishes in 13 races.
"It's great to be with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing for the Brazil IZOD IndyCar Series race," she said. "Hopefully we can get the rest together for the whole season. I think the team is very professional and I have great teammates with Mike Conway and Justin Wilson. I hope that I can learn a lot from these British drivers.
"This is very special for me doing my debut race at my home event. It's also very special to be the first female Brazilian race car driver to race there and it will be a great experience."
***
The 2010 IZOD IndyCar Series season begins March 14 with the Sao Paulo Indy 300 on the streets of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The race will be telecast live in High Definition at 11:30 a.m. (EDT) by VERSUS. The race will air live on the IMS Radio Network, XM channel 145 and Sirius channel 211. The race also will be carried on www.indycar.com. The 2010 Firestone Indy Lights season opens with the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg March 28 on the streets of St. Petersburg. The race will air live on indycar.com.
Media Contact: Amy Konrath, Indy Racing League, (317) 492-6453, akonrath@indycar.com // World Wide Web: http://www.indycar.com
Video: ALMS Mosport 2009
ANOTHER LOOK: 2009 MOSPORT
A championship-winning day for Acura and history for Corvette Racing
Mobil 1 presents the Grand Prix of Mosport turned into a banner day for Acura. David Brabham and Scott Sharp drove their Patrón Highcroft Racing Acura ARX-02a to an overall victory and clinched the LMP1 manufacturer championship for Acura, the marque’s first in the American Le Mans Series. Luis Diaz and Adrian Fernandez won in LMP2 for the seventh time in eight races to wrap up the class’ drivers title in their Acura ARX-01b.
Brabham and Sharp drove a trouble-free race to beat the de Ferran Motorsports Acura of team boss Gil de Ferran and Simon Pagenaud by two laps.
Lowe's Fernandez Racing and Corvette Racing each wrote their own history at Mosport.
Fernandez and Diaz grabbed the class driver championship after a fantastic battle with Dyson Racing’s Marino Franchitti and Butch Leitzinger. The Dyson Lola B09/86-Mazda coupe led by less than a second with 12 minutes left before the engine let go and forced Leitzinger to pull the car off track and to a stop at Turn 2.
Johnny O’Connell and Jan Magnussen scored a historic victory for Corvette Racing with the team’s first in GT2. Magnussen crossed the finish line in his Corvette C6.R 0.331 seconds ahead of Risi Competizione’s Pierre Kaffer, who teamed with Jaime Melo.
The win at Mosport was the third straight at the venue for the O’Connell-Magnussen pairing and fourth in their careers.
From ALMS
Kawartha Durham Kart Club 2010 Preview
Preparations are well underway for the Kawartha Durham Kart Club 2010 Championship season. With new kart racers joining the club and many returning members, the upcoming season is shaping up to be another great year for the club. Classes offered are Novice, Junior Lite and Heavy, Senior Lite and Heavy, Honda Masters and TAG Junior and Senior.
Fees remain virtually unchanged at only $120 for club membership which includes banquet ticket. New for this year will be family discounts and multi-class discounts. Race day fees will be still be only $65 for first family member, $35 for each additional member. Want to do more than one class? Your race day fee for the first class is $65 and each additional class is only $35. Visiting racers pay only $65 and can race as many times as wanted with KDKC.
Changes for 2010 will focus mainly around the safety of the drivers. Kawartha Speedway will be moving a lot more of the concrete barriers and will create more safety barriers to be located in key positions. “Increased safety is paramount to the club’s success and we have listened to the concerns and comments of our members and guests. We will do everything possible to make sure your experience at KDKC is safe and cost effective.” Paul Evans, President KDKC.
To maximize exposure, the club participated in the Canadian Motorsports Expo and will be entering a float in the Peterborough St. Patrick’s day parade on March 14. The club will also take part in Family Day open house at Kawartha Speedway on Sunday, April 25 at Kawartha Downs. Everyone is welcome to visit for stock car, and horse rides. The club will once again be in attendance at most Friday night stock car races at KDS. More information to follow.
The annual KDKC spring meeting, open house and swap meet will take place at Kawartha Downs and Speedway on Sunday March 27. Meeting begins at 12:00 sharp with the swap meet taking place at 2:00. All are welcome and there is NO CHARGE for visitors or vendors. Please contact admin@kawarthadurhamkartclub.com if you would like to participate.
Saturday, May 1 will be the Novice and rookie training and general practice for all members.
The track will be open at 9:00am. KDKC race #1 will take place on Sunday May 2nd.
KDKC 2010 Championship schedule, 11 race series with 2 drops.
May 1 – Novice and rookie training and members practice
May 2 – Race #1
May 9 – Race #2
May 30 – Race #3
June 6 – Race #4
June 20 – Race #5 Fathers day special
July 18 – Race #6
July 25 – Race #7
August 15 – Race #8
August 22 – Race #9
September 12 – Race #10
October 10 – Race #11
Visit the club website for complete schedule, rules, membership forms and additional information. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with comments or questions.
www.kawarthadurhamkartclub.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
