Honda Indy Edmonton Introduces Two New Entertianment Areas

Edmonton - Honda Indy Edmonton today announced two new on-site entertainment areas for the 2010 event —the Bud Zone (general public) and the Bud Zone VIP Club—sponsored by Labatt Breweries of Canada. The Honda Indy Edmonton is scheduled for July 23-25.

“In our continuing efforts to provide fans with a full weekend experience, the Honda Indy Edmonton has created these two new hospitality areas giving race fans optional viewing opportunities for all of the on-track excitement”, said Mike Burton, Northlands Director of Major Events. “This is the second year that we have been able to partner with Labatt as our official brewery for the Honda Indy Edmonton.”

The Bud Zone (general public) offers a hub of activity in the prime turn one viewing area including a beer garden, access to victory podium presentations and other selected programs. It is open to all ages.

The new Bud Zone VIP Club is an upscale hospitality area with elevated viewing in a tented structure, where fans can see the majority of the race track as well as large TV screens capturing all of the racing action. Capacity for this prime location is limited to 300 people per day.

Tickets for the Bud Zone VIP Club are available for advance purchase prior to the Honda Indy Edmonton.

The Honda Indy Edmonton is the 11th round in the 17 race IZOD IndyCar Series. Four races have been run so far this year and as the teams head for the Road Runner Turbo Indy 300 on May 1 in Kansas City. Will Power of Penske Racing leads the driver standings with 172 points. Canada’s Alex Tagliani is currently 14th.

Northlands rocks Edmonton with 2,500 events each year that attract over 4 million visitors to Alberta’s Capital City. Think, Canadian Finals Rodeo, Farmfair International, Capital EX, Honda Indy Edmonton, the best of horse racing, headliner concerts, international events and all the trade shows you can handle. Visit northlands.com to find out more.


Media Contacts:
Brian Leadbetter
Director, Government & Community Relations Northlands
Ph: (780) 471-7295
Cell: (780) 902-3723
E-mail: bleadbetter@northlands.com

Sid Priddle
Media Relations Manager
Honda Indy Edmonton
Cell: (780) 886-4929
E-mail: spriddle@northlands.com

WestFront Construction to Sponsor the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints Hard Charger Award

SYRACUSE, NY – For the second consecutive season, the Cornwall, Ontario, Canada based WestFront Construction will be backing the hard charger awards for the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints (ESS). The driver that advances the most positions during each A-Main will receive $50 cash and at the annual awards banquet $1,000 will be split up among the top three in the hard charger points, thanks to the successful company owned by the McDonald family.

ESS standout Brian McDonald and his father Allen have been tremendous supporters for ESS over the years since Brian’s famed #151KB has joined the sprint car ranks. WestFront Construction has sponsored dashes and A-main’s in the past but now are at home as the title sponsor for the hard charger award.

Two-time Lucas Oil ESS champion Steve Poirier made a late season charge to nip Tommy Wickham in capturing his second hard charger title in a row. Following the leading duo was defending champion Justin Barger.

WestFront Construction does all facets of building and excavating both land and marine, will lay topsoil, provide trucking as well as snow removal in the winter. They are also distributors of a full line of Lucas Oil Products which many race teams buy from WestFront. For more information, please call (613) 932-2632.

The 27th Anniversary Season gets underway on Memorial Day Weekend with the traditional double header of the Fonda Speedway on May 29th for the annual Earl Halaquist Memorial and then the next evening it’s to the Utica-Rome Speedway. Both events will be part of the SUNY Canton Series as well as kicking off the fight for the 2010 Lucas Oil Champion.

The latest up to date information will always be available at www.empiresupersprints.com where the tradition continues of excitement guaranteed!

The Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints are brought to you by: Lucas Oil, Northwood 2 Construction/LaSalle Motorsports, SUNY Canton, 730 Truck Stop, Hoosier Racing Tires, Les Constructions Ultra, Cooks Contracting Services, Fondations 4 Saisons, Car Mate Trailers, The National Parts Peddler Newspaper, WestFront Construction, Cobra Coaches, The Ohsweken Speedway, Mohawk Racing Parts, Engine Research, Brodix Cylinder Heads, Total Race Supply, Riverside Bar and Grill, Coffrage Daniel Lampron, FX Chevy and many, many associate sponsors.

Release Prepared By Dean Reynolds
DeanR@empiresupersprints.com
(315) 458-1714

OSCAAR debuts new website for 2010 season

OSCAAR is pleased to debut to all race fans a new and exciting website. Thanks to the many hours of hard work by Seahorse Web and Don McLeod, OSCAAR continues to have one of the best and most informative among racing websites.

The new website has many great new features.  Fans can easily access race reports, breaking news, and links to all tracks and sponsors right from the main page. Fans will also be able to keep up-to-date on race day with all weather concerns.

OSCAAR takes great pride in its history. The website offers fans the standings back to 2002. Soon the site will be updated with race reports going back to the 2003. There is also a page dedicated to Don Biederman and currently under construction a page dedicated to Chris Dawson, the original and best announcer. 

All race fans love to look at pictures and thanks to Dave Franks Photos and Don McLeod, OSCAAR has over 5000 pictures online from 2008 and 2009. Thousands more photos going back to 2004 will be uploaded over the next few weeks. A special feature is that fans can set up custom searches and slide shows for their favorite driver. Last year Don McLeod also took videos of all heats and features and links to them are easily accessible to fans.

OSCAAR also likes to highlight their drivers so fans can learn just a bit more about their favorite. Each driver has a bio and current race pictures which can be easily accessed from the main page.

OSCAAR takes great pride in keeping their fans both old and new up-to-date, and with this latest website OSCAAR fans will be leading the way this season.

www.oscaar.ca

From Dave Gainforth / OSCAAR

ACT: Albany-Saratoga Postpones Sunday's ACT Event

Albany-Saratoga Speedway postpones the Sunday, April 25th Albany-Saratoga 100 due to impending rain in the forecast. It was scheduled to be the 2010 ACT Late Model Tour season opener. The event will be rescheduled at a date to be announced.

The 12th Annual Merchants Bank 150 at Thunder Road International Speedbowl in Barre, VT becomes the 2010 ACT Late Model Tour season opener. It will also be the first event of the season for the Bond Auto Tiger Sportsmen, Allen Lumber Street Stocks and the Junkyard Warriors. Merchants Bank weekend kicks off with the downtown Barre car show from 9am to 12 noon on Saturday, May 1. The car show ends with the over 100 racecars parading up Quarry Hill to the track. The 12th Annual Merchants Bank 150 will be on Sunday, May 2 with a post time at 1pm.

Multimatic Motorsports Ready to Turn Things Around in Virginia

Markham, Ontario (Wednesday, April 21, 2010) - Through the opening three rounds of the 2010 Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge, Multimatic Motorsports has proven that the new Ford Mustang Boss 302R has the performance to win, and is looking to turn its luck around at Virginia International Raceway (VIR) April 23-24.

At the previous race at Barber Motorsports Park, the team dominated by capturing pole position, recording the fastest race lap and leading the most laps, but untimely yellows cost them what could have been the team's first victory of the season.

Knowing the Boss 302R has the speed and reliability, Multimatic Motorsports is hoping Lady Luck will be on its side at the 3.27-mile natural terrain road course as the squad attempts to reap the reward for performance.

The Markham, Ontario, Canada-based team will also be trying to continue its streak of front row starting positions. Joe Foster has been living up to his nickname "Front Row Joe" since the start of the season. At Daytona, he and Scott Maxwell qualified second before starting from pole at the following races in Homestead and Alabama.

Additionally, the pair wants to add to the great memories they have of VIR. The Virginian track is the venue where Foster and Maxwell clinched the 2008 championship and where Maxwell also won his 2005 title.

The duo of Gunnar Jeannette and Frankie Montecalvo recorded their first race finish of the season at the previous round at Barber Motorsports Park. The young guns will be looking to build on that performance and come out of the two hour and 30 minute race with a strong result. Jeannette enters the weekend on a high after claiming victory in the LMPC class in the American Le Mans Series at Long Beach.

The Multimatic Motorsports drivers will get to reacquaint themselves with Virginia International Raceway on Thursday while taking part in a promoter test day before official practice starts Friday, April 23 at 8:40 a.m. ET. The team will also get a second practice session on Friday from 11:40 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. ET before the 15-minute qualifying session at 5:00 p.m. ET.

The Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge race from Virginia International Raceway will see the green flag on Saturday, April 24 at 3:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on tape-delay on SPEEDTV May 1, 2010 at 1 p.m. ET.


Multimatic Motorsports Quoteboard:

Scott Maxwell, #15 Ford Mustang Boss 302R
"I enjoy VIR. It's a good track for the Mustang Boss 302R. We know we have the speed and that the car is solid, we just need the racing luck. Hopefully at VIR we'll have some.

"I like any track that has big elevation changes like Virginia and it's fast. I can't really find anything I dislike about that track. It's a fun place and it's one of my favourite places we go to."

Joe Foster, #15 Ford Mustang Boss 302R
"I think the Ford Mustang Boss 302R will go well at Virginia International Raceway. It's a technical track with much higher speed than Barber for example. The last time we were there, Scott and I won the championship in 2008, it was a 6-hour race at the end of the season, and so we have good memories of that track in a Mustang. I'm looking forward to getting back there. I think it will be good for our car.

"Dealing with the traffic at VIR is a little bit easier as well because it's a faster track. Some of the ST cars handle and brake better than we do in some of the slower corners. They can actually be faster than us mid-corner so we don't have a chance to get by them. The faster track will lend itself better to traffic.

"I think it's a fantastic track and one of the few proper permanent road courses we have left in the U.S. that has some very visceral corners that separate the strong from the weak."

Frankie Montecalvo, #16 Bayshore Recycling Ford Mustang Boss 302R
"I raced at VIR last year in the Kinetic M3, E46, it was a 4-hour race. I think it's a really cool track and I like it a lot.

"I'm not sure how the Mustang Boss 302R will do there, but we have a good car all around so I'm confident we will once again be competitive.

"We're definitely moving along in the season, it will be important to build on our first finish and go from there. I think it's realistic to hope for good results because we know we have a solid and fast race car."

Gunnar Jeannette, #16 Bayshore Recycling Ford Mustang Boss 302R
"VIR has always been a strong track for a Mustang, so it will be interesting to see how our Ford Mustang Boss 302R performs there. We will go out there and do our best and try to win, because I know we have a car that is capable of doing that.

"VIR is a very challenging track, it has a kind of large mixture of high speed corners and low speed corners. It's also quite narrow, so for the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge type of races it may be difficult with the traffic with the ST cars out there."

Race Facts:
Virginia International Raceway
Virginia International Raceway, 3.27-mile, 17-turn natural road course
April 23 - 24, 2010, Round #4 of 10
Race Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Tape-delayed Broadcast: SPEEDTV, May 1, 2010, 1:00 p.m. ET

Schedule (All times Eastern):
Friday, April 23, 2010:
Practice: 8:40 a.m. - 9:20 a.m.
Practice: 11:40 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Qualifying: 5:00 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. (GS)

Saturday, April 24, 2010:
Race: 3:30 p.m. (2 hours and 30 minutes)

FURTHER INFORMATION
Hao Wang or Sean Mason
Multimatic Motorsports
Phone:905-470-0025
Email: racepr@multimatic.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/multimaticrace

Two Merrittville Mini-Series Set To Kick Off in Baron Roofing and Siding Spring Sizzler

Thorold, Ontario (April 22) – Merrittville Speedway’s 59th Season Opener is just two days away and when Saturday April 24th rolls around – the Baron Roofing and Siding Spring Sizzler will open two 2010 miniseries for two divisions - wide open.

“Race fans are in for quite a season,” reveals (Merrittville GM) Erica Bicknell. “We’ve got quite an exciting schedule planned and it starts right away, through all the divisions, a huge number of rookie competitors. A night at the track this summer is going to be extremely exciting!”

When the gates swing open at the special time of 4:00 PM – Team Baron Roofing will be on display with three race cars that will see action in spectacular events later in the night.

Brad Rouse’s Baron Roofing and Siding Mr. 18 is set to join the company display prior to taking to the track in the first 2010 event for the King of the Crates Sportsman Series powered by Niagara Motors.

Chad Chevalier – who has moved up to the L. St. Amand Enterprises 358 Modifieds this season shared the inaugural title last season with Greg Panunte while BJ Willard took third. Willard’s only victory last season came in the final night – so no doubt he would like to pick up where he left off.

Niagara Motors – an authorized performance parts dealer in the Niagara Peninsula is a Pontiac Buick and GMC Dealer and like any other GM Dealer across North America – can supply racers with the economical GM Crate Engine.

“We’re excited about our new series within a series,” adds Niagara Motors Parts Manager Dennis Willms. “We are happy to help out the Sportsman drivers at Merrittville once again.”

Niagara Motors has been providing award winning sales and service since 1946. Visit their dealership at 1537 Niagara Stone Road in Virgil or on line at www.niagaramotors.com.

Niagara Motors offers an extensive inventory of genuine GM Performance parts and accessories. To place your order call 1-800-563-0196.

Also set to show off his Hoosier Stock is Al Sleight who came back to the full-fendered division last season with the help of Baron Roofing and Siding.

Another driver returning to action last season was former champion Ken Sargent – who led Team Merrittville to an unprecedented fifth straight Duel on the Dirt Championship over the Pro Stocks that call the Brighton Speedway Home.

For 2010 – it’s the Duel on the Dirt Big 6 Series with 4 home track events at each DIRTcar sanctioned facility. The first is April 24th with 50 laps the distance.

For further information on the Duel on the Dirt Big 6 – click on www.merrittvillespeedway.com/duelstats

Rounding out the Baron Roofing and Siding fleet of sponsored race cars is Bill Bleich – who would love to have his first 358 Modified Feature Win come in the third of the three 50 lap events on tap.

“Throughout the three events,” prides Bicknell. “Baron’s Terry Keagan has added $4,000 to the purses, racers have to like the sound of that. Thanks to him for all he does for racing!”

Leading up to Showtime at 6:30, Race fans have got to love hearing the sounds of race cars on the track for another season.

Race fans have got to also love Merrittville’s Announce Team of Clint Geoffrey, Mikey Kruchka, Fran Buschardt and special guests during the season.

A new state of the art sound system will bring you all the exciting play by play, pit side and on the scene reports, sponsor information and all your favorite tunes!

Studies show that almost fifty-percent of homeowners would NOT hire their contractor again. When it comes to your home, don’t just hire any contractor – hire a professional contractor you can trust… BARON ROOFING AND SIDING.

The staff at Baron will take care of your needs with quality product and services… whether it’s roofing, siding, soffit, fascia, troughs and more.

If it’s over your head, they can help!

Visit their showroom at 9 Seapark Drive in St. Catharines. Their references speak for themselves - see them online at baronroofing.com.

For further information on the 59th Season call the Speedway Office at 905-892-8266 or visit the award winning merrittvillespeedway.com.

Race fans and Race teams alike can follow Merrittville on Face Book and Twitter (Twitter.com/Merrittville).

A busy summer for Andrew Ranger ... "Americans recognize Andrew Ranger's talent"

St Eustache - A few weeks ago, two times NASCAR Canadian Tire series champion Andrew Ranger was worried about his future.  His seven year partnership with his sponsors came to an end this year and left him without a ride for the 2010 season.

In a few days things changed, when the general manager of the Waste Management Recycling NDS Motorsports NASCAR team from Vermont, made the trip to Granby to meet with Andrew.  Mike Perrotte a retired Dirt stock car driver and owner of Plattsburg NY, Airborne Speedway recommended Ranger to the Waste Management team.

Following the meeting, Andrew immediately contacted his agent Alan Labrosse, who started discussions with the NASCAR K&N Pro East Series team.

A meeting was held in the Georgia, Vermont team facility early this week.  An agreement was finalized with NDS Motorsport where as Ranger will compete in the 2010 K&N Pro East series on prestigious tracks such as, Martinsville, Dover, New Hampshire, Lime Rock and Infineon Raceway.

This is an excellent opportunity for Andrew.  This is the first time in his career, the Granby Québec driver is a full time hired  professional racecar driver paid to race for a top competitive team.  NDS Motorsport is a major player in the series finishing 5th last year with experienced NASCAR regular Steve Park behind the wheel.          

For the development of Andrew's career, this is an excellent opportunity.  Andrew will be racing with experienced drivers and will be supported by a professional structured team who has five race ready stockcars.

This will provide Ranger with an excellent window of opportunity; Sprint Cup teams keep an eye on the K&N Pro Series, searching for the next superstar in NASCAR.  Ranger will be sporting # 35.  The Canadian driver will get his first chance to prove his talent May 23 at Iowa Speedway.

The May 23rd event is an East West showdown for the K & N Pro series.  Competition will be tough and promoters expect between 50 and 60 cars competing for a starting position on the on the grid.

Andrew is more than pleased with the news.

''Incredible! A few weeks ago I was anxious. I was questioning my future since there was nothing on the horizon. This deal came together and I'm more than happy. It will be a nice challenge to race in a series I don't know, on tracks that I will have to learn quickly with a new team and different cars''.

Discussions are presently underway with his former team ''Jacombs Racing'' who might work with the American team allowing a smooth transition.

Andrew will have the chance to test on May 11th with his new team at the Lime Rock, Connecticut road course and will have some additional tests on oval tracks.

Meanwhile, Professional Sports Management continues its search for financial support which would enable Andrew to participate in a few events of the NASCAR Canadian Tire series.

Negotiations are advanced, permitting Andrew to drive a Jacombs race car in selected Canadian events, St-Eustache, Toronto, Trois Rivières and Montréal.

We are working on a schedule that will allow Andrew to race the July 3rd Lime Rock race in the afternoon and then fly to Quebec in order to race the St-Eustache 250 lap, NASCAR Canadian Tires series event the same evening.

There is considerable interest to see Andrew race the NAPA 200 Nationwide event in Montreal where he battled with the likes of Carl Edwards, Kyle Busch and Marcos Ambrose contending for the lead the whole race last year.

"We continue to have several positive discussions regarding the Nationwide race of Montreal, and we are confident new agreements are forthcoming," concluded Alan Labrosse.

Source:  Professional Sports Management

Amber Balcaen: Beyond the Dirt

Kaz Grafix photo
written by Greg Cybulski - Amber Balcaen has been surrounded by dirt track racing all of her life. From the tender age of 2 months to today, she has been part of her dad's racing life and the racing community for the past 18 years. As a child, Amber scraped mud from race cars. By the time she was a teen, she graduated up to changing tires and learning about the adjustments on the car and how it all worked.

The Balcaen name is synonymous with racing and with success. The same drive and desire that created championships for Amber's legendary father, Mike Balcaen, was now carrying over to the next generation. For 5 years, Amber started carving out her own journey in racing with a Kart. She was a regular visitor to the oval dirt track in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Mike's travels also allowed Amber to race at different tracks in North Dakota, Minnesota and as far south as Arizona.

Even with limited seat time, Amber managed to achieve an early win and top 3 finishes which fueled her desire to graduate to a full-sized race car. In 2009, Amber realized her dream when she joined the Northern Lightning Sprint Association and began racing at her home track at Winnipeg's Red River Co-op Speedway.

As the 2010 season approaches, Amber Balcaen shares her thoughts on racing, the racing community and the importance of family.

Greg Cybulski: Amber, when you decided to move up to a full-bodied race car, you went with a Lightning Sprint. Why did you chose this car class to start with?
Amber Balcaen: Since I was a little kid, I’ve always really wanted to race a full size sprint car, but with my dad running Late Models we really didn’t have the budget for it. The Lightning Sprint seemed to be the closest I could get to a big Sprint Car, not to mention I would be able to race them in Winnipeg and other tracks close to home. I wanted a car that seemed fun to drive but still had a lot of power and that’s why I chose to get a Lightning Sprint.

GC: What were some of the biggest adjustments you had to make as a driver moving from a Kart to a Lightning Sprint?
AB: The difference in power from a Kart to a Lightning Sprint was definitely a major change but a good one. The thing that I had the most trouble adjusting to was being so tightly strapped into the car. In Karts we don’t wear any seat belts, where in the Lightning Sprint we have 5 seat belts holding us in a full containment seat, with an attached Hans Device. Another big adjustment was the way the car drove into the corner. In Karts you tried to keep the wheels as straight as possible, only turning left. With the Sprint there are times where I have to turn the car right when in the corner. There is a lot more movement in a Lightning Sprint compared to a Kart because of the shocks and other bar adjustments.

GC: Your dad takes a very active roll in your racing program and it's great to see him preparing your car on race day. With his years of experience in dirt track racing, you must get a wealth of information and guidance. Just say a few words about what it means to you to have your family involved with your racing.
AB: Racing is my life. There is nothing I enjoy more than being at the race track with my parents. I’ve been going to the race track with my family since I was a baby and have rarely missed my dad's races. Having a very successful race car driver as a dad definitely has it pluses. I have learned so much from him… from the business side of racing like getting sponsors, to the technical side, such as understanding the car and set-ups, and even the emotional side of it, such as how to handle yourself after a race when you’re all worked up. There are so many ups and downs of racing but I couldn’t have done it without my parents by my side. They brought me into this addictive sport, and I know it will be in my life as long as I live.

GC: In 2009 you won your first Lightning Sprint race at Red River Co-op Speedway. Would you consider that your highlight of last season?
AB: That was definitely one of the highlights of the season, but unfortunately my dad wasn’t there to share the victory with me because he was away racing. Luckily my mom was there to share the moment with me. I’m hoping I can have a few more feature wins this year so my dad can be there to see it and we can celebrate together.

GC: There are more women involved in racing than ever before. I for one think that it is good to see some barriers getting broken so that everyone can enjoy all aspects of auto racing. It's not just the good old boys club anymore. Would you comment on this?
AB: I think it’s great that more and more females are getting into the sport. Once I put on that helmet and step into my car I really don’t categorize myself as a woman. I’m just another race car driver trying to do their best. Everyone has their own opinion on female drivers, but to me it makes it that much sweeter when I am successful. I hope that I will encourage other females to join this sport as well.

GC: Who are some of your marketing partners?
AB: Imrie Demolition, Electra Sign, Atek Parts, Roadrunner Fabrication, Derrick’s Sandblasting, Direct Autoparts, S&S Autoworks and Snap-on.

GC: Have you set goals for yourself for 2010 based on lessons learned on the track from last season?
AB: I would like to improve on my adjusting to different track conditions. I had a hard time with dry-slick tracks last year so I am hoping to gain some patience and have better throttle control when it comes to different types of track conditions. Overall I want to become a smoother driver. Some other goals I have are to win more features, and to earn a top 3 position in the final point standings.

GC: As we conclude this interview, please share with our readers your thoughts on the following question. Racing is a family-oriented sport and we see it especially with the racing teams. There has been some concern, however, that there has not been enough effort to attract new people into our racing community. Representing a new generation of racers, what would you like to say to those who have never been to a speedway to get them to come out and experience dirt track racing?
AB: Dirt track racing is one of the most fun sports you can watch. Whether you know someone who is racing or not, it is definitely worth giving a try. Going with a group of friends makes the experience even better. I guarantee that you won't be disappointed! On race night, the speedway takes on a party-like atmosphere. Its all about fast cars and FUN.

ARCA: Rookie Dakoda Armstrong on pole at Talladega. Canadians Steve Arpin and Terry Jones to start fifth and ninth, respectively

TALLADEGA AL (4-22-10) - Dakoda Armstrong, driver of the No. 22 Cunningham Motorsports Dodge, completed a qualifying lap at the 2.66-mile Talladega Superspeedway in 51.346 seconds (186.499 mph) Thursday to earn the Menards Pole Award Presented by Ansell and the first starting spot for Friday's Talladega ARCA 250.

The pole is the first for the 18-year-old Armstrong, who was seventh in line for the qualifying session. His previous best start in ARCA Racing Series competition came earlier this year at Daytona, where he started fourth. Armstrong will receive 15 bonus points in the ARCA Racing Series championship standings for qualifying first.

Armstrong had already proved his superspeedway might earlier in the day by finishing second in the opening practice behind Steve Arpin and the No. 55 Mike's Hard Lemonade Toyota.

Though he acknowledged that a top starting position may not be as important in a long event on a pass-heavy, competitive track like Talladega, Armstrong did not discount the significance of winning the pole.

"It means we have the fastest car," said the Penske Racing developmental driver. "Now it'd just be great if I could lead 94 laps like that."

Mikey Kile rebounded swiftly after changing a motor late in Thursday's practice. Driving the No. 25 Tag Heuer Eyewear Toyota as the 26th car in the session, Kile turned a lap in 51.419 seconds (186.235 mph) to take the second starting spot.

"I'm not worried about the motors," Kile said. "Toyota has built us good engines and we'll have the chance to run up front, so I'm not too worried."

Kile's position on the front row gives him 10 bonus points, meaning third qualifier and current series runner-up Justin Marks (51.513 seconds/185.895 mph) scored just five points for his third position. This leaves Steve Arpin, who led by 10 points after his win at Texas Motor Speedway, as the series points leader.

The Talladega ARCA 250 will take the green flag Friday at 4 p.m. Central, with live broadcast coverage provided by SPEED. More information is available on the Web at ARCARacing.com.

ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards

Talladega Superspeedway
Starting Grid, Talladega ARCA 250 (4-23-10)

POS      NO      DRIVER/HOMETOWN         TIME    SPEED 
1        22      Dakoda Armstrong/New Castle IN  51.346  186.499       
2        25      Mikey Kile/Westlake LA  51.419  186.235       
3        32      Justin Marks/Rocklin CA         51.513  185.895       
4        31      Tim George Jr./New York NY      51.514  185.891       
5        55      Steve Arpin/Fort Frances Ontario        51.537  185.808       
6        77      Tom Hessert/Cherry Hill NJ      51.625  185.492       
7        51      James Buescher/Plano TX         51.668  185.337       
8        09      Grant Enfinger/Fairhope AL      51.696  185.237       
9        30      Terry Jones/McGregor Ontario    51.721  185.147       
10       35      Hal Martin/Galliano LA  51.732  185.108       
11       15      Alli Owens/Daytona Beach FL     51.764  184.993       
12       66      Mark Thompson/Cartersville GA   51.807  184.840       
13       5       Bobby Gerhart/Lebanon PA        51.840  184.722       
14       4       Ricky Carmichael/Tallahassee FL         51.877  184.590       
15       60      Patrick Sheltra/Indiantown FL   51.918  184.445       
16       16      Joey Coulter/Miami Springs FL   51.920  184.438       
17       1       Chad McCumbee/Supply NC         51.962  184.289       
18       6       Brandon McReynolds/Mooresville NC       51.986  184.203       
19       75      Benny Chastain/Tallahassee FL   51.992  184.182       
20       11      Bryan Silas/Stuart FL   52.023  184.072       
21       36      Robb Brent/Shelby Township MI   52.094  183.822       
22       81      Craig Goess/Greenville NC       52.340  182.958       
23       44      Frank Kimmel/Clarksville IN     52.384  182.804       
24       52      Bill Baird/Sturgis KY   52.412  182.706       
25       82      Sean Corr/Goshen NY     52.497  182.410       
26       43      Kyle Martel/Lebanon PA  52.554  182.213       
27       38      Alex Kennedy/Aztec NM   52.715  181.656       
28       42      Scott Stenzel/Orlando FL        52.848  181.199       
29       14      Chase Mattioli/Long Pond PA     52.928  180.925       
30       76      Jerick Johnson/Faribault MN     53.090  180.373       
31       59      Nick Igdalsky/Long Pond PA      53.600  178.657       
32       48      James Hylton/Inman SC   53.712  178.284       
33       23      Mark Gibson/Winder GA   Provisional   
34       34      Darrell Basham/Henryville IN    Provisional   
35       28      Brent Cross/Cortland NY         Provisional   
36       26      Brad Smith/Shelby Township MI   Provisional   
37       06      Wayne Peterson/Pulaski TN       Provisional   
38       10      Marc Easton/Lake Saranac NY     Provisional   
39       68      Larry Meadors/Louisville KY     Provisional   
40       0       Rob Jones/Bowie MD      Provisional   
41       58      Chad Hackenbracht/New Philadelphia OH   Provisional   
42       94      Jason Basham/Henryville IN      Provisional   

From ARCA

Showtime! ... Inside Track at Moncton's Radical Speedsport show

Come say hi this weekend. Lots of great hot rods and racecars. Stop by our booth in Hall B at the Moncton Coliseum to grab a copy and subscribe to the Official Publication of Canadian Motorsports.

Speedsport East ... Moncton, NB... Setting up

We're setting up the Inside Track booth at the Speedsport East show that takes place Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Moncton's Coliseum. If you're in the area, please stop by and say hi.

Rally America Round 3 – Olympus Rally / Championship Leader Aims to Stay on Top

Montréal (Québec), April 22, 2010.– Rally America championship leaders Antoine L’Estage and co-driver Nathalie Richard, both of St-Jean-sur-Richelieu (QC), are making their maiden voyage out west for this weekend’s Olympus Rally in Ocean Shores, Washington. The third round of the hotly contested Rally America series will see the fastest drivers on the continent vying for the victory. With two second place finishes at the season’s opening events, the team of L’Estage/Richard currently sit at the top of the championship leader board and plan to keep it that way by the end of the 2010 season, their first year doing the full series.

This year will mark L’Estage’s first time at the Olympus Rally, an event well-known amongst the international rally community for hosting several rounds of the World Rally Championship in the 1980’s. I’m one of the few, if not the only top driver who has never been to Olympus before but I’m confident going into the event that we’ll have a good rally. We have a great package – team, car, and tires – and although it’s tougher when you’re competing against guys that are familiar with the roads, it doesn’t bother me. We’ll make the most of our reconnaissance day on Friday and we’ll be ready indicates the Quebec driver, who relies on a well-prepared Mitsubishi Evo X by rally legend John Buffum, as well as Yokohama tires specifically suited for these challenging conditions. We’ve repeatedly shown that we have the speed to win and that’s what I want to do. confides the two-time Canadian and North American champion.

The Olympus Rally festivities start on Thursday with a press stage and charity karting event at the Pacific Grand Prix in Kent, WA. This rally marks the end of the longest break of the year on either side of the border and launches the start of seven fairly condensed events between the Rally America series and the Canadian Rally Championship. The L’Estage/Richard duo will leave their car out west with the plan of entering the Oregon Trail Rally three weeks later, followed by the Rocky Mountain Rally in Calgary, Alberta.

Antoine L’Estage and Nathalie Richard participate in the entire 2010 Rally America and Canadian Rally Championships with the support of Rockstar Energy Drink, Royal Group, Yokohama Tires, Mitsubishi Canada, Drenth Motorsport Gearboxes, Garrett Turbos, Énergie Cardio, Libra Racing, Driver's Edge Autosport (OMP), VP Racing Fuels, and MBF Racing. For more information on the team or on rallying in general, visit Coyote Rallye .

NASCAR NATIONWIDE & ARCA: Double Duty at 'Dega for Canadian Steve Arpin‏

TALLADEGA, AL (04-21-10) Steve Arpin’s feet haven’t touched the ground since the checkered flag dropped at Salem Speedway on April 11th; he is still on cloud 9.

Steve Arpin, 26-year-old from Fort Frances, Canada, won his first career ARCA Race at Salem Speedway, signed Mike’s Hard Lemonade as a sponsor, and then earned his second consecutive victory at Texas Motor Speedway. And between all that he got one of the biggest calls in his racing career – from JR Motorsports.

Last Friday, Dale Jr. announced that Steve Arpin will make his NASCAR debut at Talladega Superspeedway in the no. 7 car for JR Motorsports.

“But you’ve got Steve Arpin out there, who Carl Edwards said is incredible and who Mark (Martin) told me he’d put up against anybody on dirt in America, so you want to get that guy in there, too,” Earnhardt Jr. said. “Maybe he’s the guy who can get in there and drive that 88 for Tony (Eury) Sr.”

Steve Arpin’s dream becomes closer to a reality this weekend at Talladega Superspeedway. Not only will Arpin be going for his third straight win in the ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/Max and Menards, but he will also be making his first Nationwide Series start.

Steve Arpin will be driving the no. 55 Mike’s Hard Lemonade Toyota for Venturini Motorsports in the ARCA 250 on Friday and the no. 7 car for JR Motorsports in the Aaron's 312 on Saturday.
The past week leading up to Talladega has been busy for Arpin as he made the trip between race shops multiple times each day. While getting fitted for seats at JR Motorsports and analyzing race data with Billy Venturini, Arpin has kept his focus.

“It's been a busy week leading up to this opportunity. I have really been trying to keep myself focused and just do what I do best, which is driving a racecar,” said Arpin. “The main thing that I can't get out of my mind is how much I appreciate Dale Jr. And Kelley taking a chance and giving me this opportunity.”

Make sure to catch the ARCA 250 at Talladega Superspeedway live on SPEED at 4:00PM CT on Friday April 23rd and Steve’s NASCAR Nationwide debut on Saturday April 24th at 1:30PM CT on ABC.

Release Prepared By Emily Teeter // PR/Marketing

Mosport RaceTour makes a pitstop at Oshawa's Five Points Mall this weekend

Mosport's road course and oval seasons kick-off next month and to get Durham residents revved-up for a great summer of racing, Mosport's popular RaceTour will make a pit stop this Friday to Sunday (April 23-25) at Five Points Mall in Oshawa, ON.

Located in the court in front of the Metro grocery store, the RaceTour will feature several stock cars that will be on track this year at the Speedway - Canada's fastest ½ mile paved oval and the only stock car track in the GTA. Also featured is the sleek, exotic American Le Mans Series prototype, representing the cars competing at Mosport's biggest event of the season,  Mobil 1 presents the Grand Prix of Mosport (Aug. 26-29).

Motorsport Marshalling Services, the organization responsible for all of Mosport's corner worker requirements, will be there recruiting new members and conducting flagging demos. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in joining the front lines of the sport to learn how to become involved.

Cory Adams, a constable with Durham Region Police and a motorcycle road racer, will be on hand Saturday with his race bike and an informative display promoting the Racing Against Drugs program.

Mosport International Karting will feature a display of their hottest new race karts and will have info about how you can become a racer without owning a kart or race suit & helmet through their Arrive & Race Series. Daymak of Ajax will have a cool exhibit of electric-powered transportation, including street & dirt bikes, scooters and toy cars.

The highlight of the RaceTour show takes place Saturday from 10:45 am to 2:00 pm. In a special Five Points Mall Kids' Club event, Mosport Speedway drivers Jim Rossiter (Late Model), Bill Northam (Sportsman) , Anthony Dibello (6 Or Less), Rick Warnes ( Modified), Tim Fernandes (Ontario Legends) and Charlie Gallant  (OSCAAR Super Late Model) will be signing autographs and posing for pictures in front of their race cars, so be sure to bring your camera.

There will be a draw to win tickets to Mosport Speedway, along with season schedules and other info for pick-up. The green flag drops on Mosport Speedway's stock car and Mosport International Raceway's pro road racing schedule on the Victoria Day long weekend, May 21-23.

Five Points Mall is conveniently located at the southeast corner of Taunton & Ritson Roads in Oshawa with 70 stores and services including Metro Grocery, National Sports, Staples, Winners and Zellers. The Mall is open Monday–Friday from 10 am to 9 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday from noon to 5 pm.

From Mosport // www.mosport.com  

Fabio Urbano to rejoin BGR for 2010 OFFC Season

Brian Graham Racing Team Grote is pleased to welcome Fabio Urbano back to the team for the 2010 season of the Ontario Formula Ford Championship (OFFC).

After his first season in OFFC, Urbano looks to build on a successful season that included a podium finish at Shannonville Motorsports Park as well as a top ten in the championship standings.

Urbano is back with the support from Altwood Garage Doors, Urbano Electric and a new sponsorship with Moto Option Clothing.

He will pilot the #6 entry and is the third official driver in the FFA class for BGR Team Grote.

“I am very happy to have Fabio back with the team and know he will continue his development and work his way forward up the grid,” team owner Brian Graham said. “With a year behind him, I am sure he will find his way on the podium again in 2010.”

BGR Team Grote hits the track this coming weekend for two days of testing at the CASC Spring Fling held at Shannonville and again next week testing at Mosport International Raceway.

To learn more about BGR, visit www.briangrahamracing.com.

To learn more about Fabio Urbano visit www.fabiourbano.com.

Good news from Chrysler and GM

From Chrysler:

Chrysler Group LLC Reports Financial Results for the Period Ended March 31, 2010

Auburn Hills, Mich., Apr 21, 2010 - Chrysler Group LLC today announced its Financial Results for the period ended March 31, 2010... including a first quarter operating profit of $143 million.

Sergio Marchionne, Chief Executive Officer of Chrysler Group LLC stated, “This positive operating result in the first quarter is a concrete indication to our customers, dealers and suppliers that the 2010 targets we have set for ourselves are achievable. We are also generating cash to finance the investments being made in our product portfolio and brand repositioning,” said Sergio Marchionne, Chief Executive Officer, Chrysler Group LLC. “There has already been an uptick in customer traffic in our dealerships in Q1 and we are confident that Chrysler sales will continue to increase as we launch new products in the second quarter, beginning with the all-new 2011 Jeep® Grand Cherokee. Moreover, later this year, Chrysler will launch 16 all-new or refreshed products including the all-new Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, E-CUV, the iconic Fiat 500, and the Sebring replacement.”

***

About General Motors... from Reuters

DETROIT, April 20 (Reuters) - General Motors Co [GM.UL] has completed repayments totaling $5.8 billion to the U.S. and Canadian governments for loans that helped fund the U.S. automaker's bailout last year, the company said on Tuesday.

GM, which emerged from bankruptcy in July 2009, had pledged two weeks ago to repay the balance of loans from the U.S. Treasury and Export Development Canada "in full by June at the latest."

"Our ability to pay back these loans less than a year after emerging from bankruptcy is a sign that our plan for building a new GM is working," GM Chief Executive Ed Whitacre said on Tuesday in an opinion piece posted on the Wall Street Journal website.

The loans had outstanding balances of about $4.7 billion to the United States and $1.1 billion to Canada after accounting for exchange rates. (more at the link above).

Shell Oil Company and Penske Corporation announce global business alliance

Houston – Shell Oil Company and Penske Corporation announce a multi-year cross business alliance starting in the 2011 racing season. The new alliance allows Shell and Pennzoil to expand their motorsports presence as it includes a primary sponsorship with 2004 NASCAR® Sprint Cup Series champion, Kurt Busch and the No. 22 car, as well as associate sponsorships promoting Shell V-Power® with IZOD IndyCar Series drivers Helio Castroneves, Will Power and Ryan Briscoe.

The global business alliance provides an opportunity for Shell and Pennzoil to expand their presence not only within motorsports, but also as a preferred supplier of fuels, lubricants and related products to the Penske organization. Beginning in 2011, Shell and Pennzoil will be the “Official Fuel and Motor Oil Supplier” to the Penske organization in the U.S. and the organizations will look to extend their alliance with business development opportunities in several other countries.

The Penske organization is one of the world’s most successful and recognized automotive-based business enterprises and provides unique activation opportunities. Additionally, this alliance continues to enable further product development for Shell and Pennzoil both on and off the track through the invaluable knowledge gained surrounding fuels, lubricants and engine technologies. Like Shell and Pennzoil, Penske Corporation has a close relationship with Chrysler and Ferrari, both part of the Fiat Group.

Winning is a tradition for Penske, an organization that has earned more than 315 major race victories including 15 Indianapolis 500 wins and the 2008 Daytona 500, 370 pole positions and 22 national championships.

As part of the alliance, Pennzoil will become the “Official Motor Oil” of Penske Racing in 2011 which includes all of its entries in the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series as well as the IZOD IndyCar Series. For Pennzoil, returning to Penske is a homecoming of sorts as Pennzoil first aligned with Penske as part of its IndyCar teams in 1983 and won the 1984 and 1988 Indianapolis 500 Mile Races with driver Rick Mears. In addition, Kurt Busch won his 2004 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship driving a Pennzoil-supported car for another team.

Shell is the no. 1 lubricants supplier in the U.S. and the nation’s best-selling gasoline brand with more than 14,000 branded stations selling more premium gasoline, Shell V-Power, than any other brand. Shell has a strong motorsports history aligning with race teams since the 1920’s. In addition to the alliance with Penske Racing, Shell currently has several motorsport technical co-operation programs in place, including Ferrari in Formula 1, Ducati in MotoGP and with Richard Childress Racing and Hendrick Motorsports in NASCAR.

For additional information, please visit www.shell.us/racing.

Penske Corporation is a diversified transportation services company whose subsidiaries operate in a variety of segments, including retail automotive, truck leasing, transportation logistics, transportation component manufacturing and professional motorsports.  Penske Corporation manages businesses operating in more than 1,800 locations and employs 36,500 people worldwide. Penske Racing is one of the most successful teams in sports history. Competing in a variety of disciplines, cars owned and prepared by Penske Racing have produced more than 315 major race wins, over 370 pole positions, 15 Indianapolis 500 victories and 22 national championships. For more information about Penske Racing, please visit www.penskeracing.com.

Shell Oil Company, including its consolidated companies and its share in equity companies, is one of America's leading oil and natural gas producers, natural gas marketers, gasoline marketers and petrochemical manufacturers. Shell, a leading oil and gas producer in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico, is a recognized pioneer in oil and gas exploration and production technology. Shell Oil Company is an affiliate of the Shell Group, which operates in over 100 countries and territories and employs more than 102,000 people.

Shell Oil Products US, a subsidiary of Shell Oil Company, is a leader in the refining, transportation and marketing of fuels, and has a network of approximately 6,100 branded gasoline stations in the Western United States. Shell Oil Company is an affiliate of the Shell Group [(NYSE:RDS.A) and (NYSE:RDS.B)]. Shell Oil Company is a 50 percent owner of Motiva Enterprises LLC, along with Saudi Refining, Inc. Motiva Enterprises LLC refines and markets branded products through more than 8,300 Shell-branded stations in the Eastern and Southern United States.

Pennzoil® is the no. 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 cleansing and protection, and includes Pennzoil Ultra™ motor oil with Hyper Cleansing Technology™, Pennzoil Platinum® Full Synthetic motor oil, Pennzoil® SUV, Truck & Minivan motor oil, Pennzoil® High Mileage Vehicle® motor oil, Pennzoil® motor oil, Pennzoil Marine® engine oil and [Pennzoil® specialty oils] [I believe this is new.  What does it mean in this context because it usually means synthetic products?]. For more information about Pennzoil products, please visit www.pennzoil.com

Pennzoil is produced and marketed by Shell Lubricants. The term ‘Shell Lubricants’ collectively refers to the companies of Royal Dutch Shell plc that are engaged in the lubricants business. Shell Lubricants companies lead the lubricants industry, supplying 13% of global lubricants volume.[1] The companies manufacture and blend products for use in applications ranging from consumer motor oil and food processing oils to heavy industrial lubricants and commercial transport oils. The Shell Lubricants portfolio of top-quality brands includes Pennzoil®, Quaker State®, FormulaShell®, Shell TELLUS®, Shell CASSIDA®, Shell RIMULA®, Shell ROTELLA® T, Shell SPIRAX®, a portfolio of leading car care brands and Jiffy Lube® lubrication services.

Royal Dutch Shell plc is incorporated in England and Wales, has its headquarters in The Hague and is listed on the London, Amsterdam, and New York stock exchanges. Shell companies have operations in more than 100 countries with businesses including oil and gas exploration and production; production and marketing of Liquefied Natural Gas and Gas to Liquids; manufacturing, marketing and shipping of oil products and chemicals and renewable energy projects including wind and solar power. For further information, visit www.shell.com.

From Sam Brown.

NASCAR: Richard Childress Racing Statement Regarding Shell-Pennzoil Sponsorship

WELCOME, N.C. (April 21, 2010) -- The following is a statement from Richard Childress, president and chief executive officer of Richard Childress Racing, regarding the announcement by Shell Oil Company that it will end its sponsorship of the No. 29 Shell-Pennzoil Chevrolet at the conclusion of the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season:

“Shell and Pennzoil have been great partners with Richard Childress Racing since our first race together, when Kevin Harvick and the No. 29 team won the Daytona 500 in 2007. I’m disappointed that our partnership will conclude at the end of the year but understand some of the reasons that went into their business decision. RCR will continue to provide Shell-Pennzoil the highest caliber program possible, keeping in sharp focus the ultimate goal of winning the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship. What this creates for RCR is the opportunity for a new partner to forge its own relationship and identity with Kevin Harvick and the championship-level team led by crew chief Gil Martin, our other race teams and drivers, and our other 35 partners. The No. 29 team has had only two primary sponsors since it began in 2001 but the number 3 has played a significant role at RCR for decades. We feel strongly that the third chapter of the No. 29 team’s partnership history will be a successful one.”

From RCR

Nissan Celebrates the 40th Anniversary of the Z®’s First National Championship with a BRE 370Z

Mississauga, ON – April 20, 2010 – Forty years ago, the Datsun 240Z arrived in North America and changed the sports car landscape forever. That same year Peter Brock’s Southern California-based Brock Racing Enterprises (BRE) racing team claimed the first of its two SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) National Championships at Road Atlanta with that first iteration of the now iconic Z®-car. It was the first time in racing history that a Japanese production racer had defeated the long-established champions from Germany and England in head-to-head competition. That championship win, with driver John Morton at the wheel, firmly established the performance and engineering credibility of the popular Z®.

The #46 championship car carried the now famous red, white and blue BRE paint scheme designed by Peter Brock. In recognition of BRE’s multiple championships and the Z®’s first championship, Nissan North America has again teamed with Brock to create an updated rendition of the famous BRE livery, a specially modified 2010 Nissan NISMO 370Z Coupe.

The BRE 370Z will be unveiled at a special BRE Reunion dinner at the Classic Motorsports Mitty at Road Atlanta on Thursday, April 29 and will be displayed throughout the weekend along with a 40th Anniversary Edition 370Z and a large collection of the famous BRE racecars. Brock, Morton and many of the original BRE team members will be in attendance, as the BRE team is being recognized this year as The Mitty’s honored historic racing team.

“To be able to gather with many of my old BRE crew members at Road Atlanta this year is a truly special occasion,” said Brock. ”There will be so many race fans of that era who will join us to celebrate, as well as modern vintage teams which will be bringing their own tribute BRE racers to compete on this fabulous circuit.”

The powerful, sculpted shape of the Nissan 370Z gave Brock a dynamic canvas to exercise his design skills and update the BRE livery. He worked closely with the painters to finalize the details and make sure it met his exacting standards. “Because the 370Z has strong, sculpted shapes, I was able to make the livery even bolder and more aggressive,” said Brock. “It was good to be in the paint booth working out the details of the design. I look forward to seeing it in a race track setting at The Mitty.”

The new BRE 370Z is not just a show car, however, it’s built for the track as well. As is appropriate to commemorate the championship car, it was built to current SCCA T2 racecar regulations and will see track duty later this year. It will also be on display at multiple Z® Club events around the country, including ZCon 2010, the annual Z convention, from July 28 to August 1 in Nashville.

About the Nissan 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition

The 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition starts out as a 370Z Coupe Touring model equipped with manual transmission and Sport and Navigation Package (including SynchroRev Match™, front chin spoiler, rear spoiler, Nissan Sport Brakes and 19-inch Rays forged aluminum-alloy wheels) and adds a premium “40th Graphite” exterior colour and red leather-appointed interior.

Additional exclusive equipment includes a high-luster smoke wheel finish, red brake calipers, 40th Anniversary Car cover and License Plate finisher and 40th Anniversary badges on the rear hatch and front strut tower brace. Inside, along with the red leather-appointed seats are red door panel inserts, 40th Anniversary seatback and floor mat embroidery, red stitching on the centre stack, shift boot and kneepads, smooth leather steering wheel with red stitching and a plaque of authenticity. Only 120 examples of the 40th Anniversary 370Z will be available in Canada.

About Nissan Canada Inc.
Nissan Canada Inc. is the Canadian sales, marketing and distribution subsidiary of Nissan Motor Limited and Nissan North America, Inc. With offices in Vancouver (BC), Mississauga (ON), and Kirkland (QC), Nissan Canada directly employs 290 staff, while 147 independent businesses hold exclusive Nissan dealership franchises and 29 hold Infiniti franchises. More information can be found online at www.nissan.ca and http://www.infiniti.ca/

OSCAAR: Inside Track Rookie of The Year Driver Preview... Tyler Hawn

With the start of each new season, OSCAAR sees some new talent enter into the world of Super Late Model racing. The 2010 season is promising to be one of the more impressive classes of rookies in recent years.

Over the next couple of days each candidate will be highlighted giving the fans a little preview of the new names in the series.

The first Rookie contender is Tyler Hawn. Fans are sure to recognize the familiar last name and Tyler carries on the family tradition started by his father Dawn. Tyler first caught the racing bug back in 2000 as he competed in the 4 cylinder class at Barrie Speedway. Tyler’s talent showed early as he finished 4th overall in the points in his first year of racing. Along the way Tyler visited victory lane many times picking up multiple heat and feature victories.

When Dawn finally hung up his racing suit that opened the door for Tyler to move up to the ultra competitive limited late model class. Racing against one of the toughest weekly group of racers on the tight confines of Barrie Speedway helped Tyler to continue to earn accolades by finishing in the top ten in his first year of competition and followed that up with a top 5 the following year.

In 2010 Tyler is making a huge jump that will test all his racing abilities and experiences as the team hits the road with the Outlaws. When asked why OSCAAR? Tyler simply responds, “the cars look awesome, the speed, and the experience I will gain by traveling to all the tracks in Ontario.”

The Hawn Racing Team has set some lofty goals for 2010 which include a top 7 place in the final points and, of course, the Inside Track Rookie of the Year honours.

The team is busy putting the final touches on the #42 Monte Carlo Outlaw which he will debut opening night at Sunset Speedway. The team is still searching for some sponsor help, so if any business wants to jump on board and experience the thrill of super late model racing this is the perfect opportunity.

OSCAAR wishes Tyler and his team the best of luck in 2010 and look forward to seeing them at the track.

From OSCAAR. For more info, visit www.oscaar.ca.

Canadian GP: 'The Grand Evening' to benefit local charities‏

Montréal, April 20, 2010 - On June 10, just a few hours before Formula 1's first laps are turned on Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montréal will experience "The Grand Evening", the inaugural official soirée of the 2010 Canadian Grand Prix, an exclusive event which will benefit local charities.

At a press conference held Tuesday in Montréal, it was announced that Bernie Ecclestone, President and CEO of Formula 1 Management and Michael Fortier, Strategic Counsel for the law firm Ogilvy Renault and investment bank, Morgan Stanley, have accepted to co-chair the inaugural event. All profits from the evening, which is being organized by Octane Racing Group, promoter of the Canadian Grand Prix, will be donated to the Sainte Justine University Hospital Center UHC Foundation and the Hôpital Sacré-Coeur de Montréal Foundation.

"We wanted to mark in spectacular fashion, the return of Formula 1 to Montréal, and at the same time launch a grand new tradition," said François Dumontier, President of Octane Racing Group and promoter of the event. "Our wish is that from now on, the Thursday evening prior to the first Formula 1 laps on track, will become a grand social rendezvous that brings together the Montréal community and personalities attending the Canadian Grand Prix. More importantly, for years to come, all profits from this "Grand Evening" be donated to local charities."

François Dumontier was joined at the press conference by one of the co-chairs of the event, Michael Fortier, who was delighted to be associated with the new event, which will serve causes that are dear to him.

"I am very proud to be associated with the return of the Canadian Grand Prix. This inaugural evening will mark the success of our joined actions. That this evening becomes an opportunity to collect valuable funds for local charities, gives it a greater dimension. I invite the Montréal community to partner with Bernie, François and I to make this Grand Evening a resounding success."

Back in London following his return from the Chinese Grand Prix, Bernie Ecclestone sent the following statement: "It is with great pleasure that I have accepted to co-chair with Michael Fortier "The Grand Evening".

On the night before its first laps on track, the Canadian Formula 1 Grand Prix had to be officially launched in such fashion. I will be glad to be present, along with other Formula 1 personalities, together with the Montréal community enjoying a great evening and serving great causes."
At the press conference, it was also stipulated that "The Grand Evening" is organized right here in Montréal by Octane Racing Group, and entirely produced locally.

The event is an official activity of the 2010 Canadian Grand Prix in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz Canada and the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Canada.

Tickets for the 6 pm cocktail, the 7:30 pm dinner and the evening are currently being offered at $1,000 each. Table for 10 will cost $10,000.

You can obtain more information by visiting http://www.gillesvilleneuve.ca/ or by contacting the management at the Canadian Grand Prix at 514 350-4731.

Photo: Present at the conference held in Montreal were (from left to right) Michael Fortier, Co-Chair of the event , Benoit Tremblay, General Manager of Hôpital Sacré-Coeur de Montréal Foundation, Anièle Lecoq, President and General Manager of Sainte Justine Hospital UHC Foundation, and François Dumontier, President of Octane Racing Group and promoter of the Grand Prix.

Photo By Muriel Brousseau

Media Information:

Normand Prieur

Advices * Ideas * Words

On behalf of Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada

Office: 450 492-6963

Mobile: 514 836-6963

nprieur@videotron.ca

ACT Teams Scramble to Get Ready for Opener

Waterbury, VT – The American Canadian Tour (ACT) teams are looking forward to opening the season at the newly paved Albany-Saratoga Speedway in Malta, NY on Sunday, April 25. Many are a little bit anxious, having never seen the new track before. There was plenty of excitement when the announcement came last fall about the track going back to asphalt after over 30 years as a dirt CVRA (Champlain Valley Racing Association) track under the Richards family.

“This is not how we expected to make the first trip to the Malta track,” said Joey (Pole) Polewarczyk, Jr., the young racing star from Hudson, NH. “We would have liked to have gotten the Governor’s Cup race in at Lee USA Speedway, but Mother Nature was against us. Lee is definitely where I think I have some kind of advantage, (Pole won the race in 2008 and finished runner-up in 2009), but really, Albany-Saratoga is a place where nobody is going to have an advantage, and that is kind of cool,” concluded Pole.

The reports are that only the Burlington, VT-based SD Ireland team of Jamie Fisher, and Twin State regular Aaron Fellows from Claremont, NH have been able to get to the New York track this spring to test and tune. Most race teams like going to a new race facility, and a strong field of traveling teams from Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts are expected to start the season at the 4/10th mile speedway. There will also be teams from Ontario, Quebec, and New York.

The 2010 ACT has a large mix of veteran teams and new teams to begin the season. With no ‘weekly teams’ like at the Malta track, that is probably a little advantage for the experienced veteran teams. “I am not sure that having fewer teams because the ACT Late Model package is not a part of the Albany track will make that much difference. I think the Saturday practice will be very important and most ACT teams will have a pretty good idea of what it will take to have a successful day on Sunday,” said veteran Maine racer Glen Luce. “We are really excited to see how our new car and new Ford program will compete, and probably going to a neutral track is not a bad thing for us,” said Brian Craig, crew chief for Luce.

Fans will also get to see the dirt asphalt Modified division stars from Plattsburgh, New York’s Airborne Speedway join the weekly dirt modified drivers from Albany-Saratoga, who will begin their asphalt racing with the first of six “series” events to be held throughout the year at Albany-Saratoga, Airborne Speedway, and Devil’s Bowl Speedway in Fair Haven, VT.

There will be a test and tune session for ACT teams on Saturday afternoon, April 24th at Albany-Saratoga. On Sunday, April 25th, a full card of qualifying will be capped off with the 100-lap main event. Gates open on Sunday at 11:00 and post time is 1:00. Admission is only $18.00 for adults and kids are free.

For additional information contact the ACT office at 802.244.6963, http://www.acttour.com/, or media@acttour.com.

Information is also available at http://www.cvra.com/ or at 518.587.0220.

Canadian Steve Arpin Wins Back-to-Back ARCA Races‏

FORT WORTH, TX (4-16-10) Steve Arpin drove the No. 55 Mike's Hard Lemonade Chevrolet to the green-white-checker finish at Texas Motor Speedway to earn his second consecutive ARCA Racing Series victory.

Steve Arpin shared the points lead going into the race at Texas Motor Speedway after his first career ARCA Racing Series win at Salem Speedway just five days prior. He was top five at the open test session a month ago and top three in the speed charts during Thursday's practice.

Arpin channeled this momentum and confidence and went on to win back-to-back victories. During 37 years of racing, Venturini Motorsports has never had back-to-backs and Steve Arpin and the entire Venturini Motorsports team made this happen at Texas Motor Speedway.

During the practice session on Thursday at the Great American Speedway, Venturini Motorsports' drivers were quick on the speed charts. Driver of the No. 25 TAG Heuer Eyewear, Mikey Kile, was quickest of the teammates, rounding out practice in the second position. Steve Arpin was third quickest and Alli Owens was fifteenth.

Unfortunately, due to rain, the ARCA Racing Series was unable to qualify. The 2009 owner's points lined up the field for the Rattlesnake 150 at Texas Motor Speedway.

"We unloaded yesterday with a real good car right out of the trailer. I wish we had the chance to qualifying, because I think these guys brought me a good enough car that we could have sat on the pole," said Arpin on trackside while getting ready for the Rattlesnake 150. "But
this Mike's Hard Lemonade Chevy is really good, it doesn't matter where we start, we are just going to stay out of trouble and get to the front."

The Venturini Motorsports drivers were spread throughout the field. Mikey Kile started in the 11th position, while teammate Alli Owens started 25th. Steve Arpin started in the 22nd position and was up in the top ten after just a lap and a half.

Steve Arpin and teammate Mikey Kile were involved in a four-car incident on lap 12. The No. 25 and No. 55 were both slightly damaged, but the Venturini Motorsports teams made good pit calls, hammered on the cars, got the fenders right, and got the cars back on the track.

"There was a little bit of damage, but this thing just drove like a dream," said Arpin. "I don't think there was anything stopping it. This Mike's Hard Lemonade Chevy, wow, and these guys are awesome, every one of them!"

Steve Arpin was a man on mission, driving the high side and hit his rhythm lap after lap, taking up to 7 positions on just one lap. He worked his way up through the field and took the lead from Grand Enfinger on lap 92.

With a green-white-checker finish in sight, the Venturini Motorsports team stood on their toes, while the driver was calm and confident. Steve Arpin got a great restart and while being challenged from Craig Goess on the last lap, Arpin went on to win his second career ARCA
Racing Series event.

After bringing on his new sponsor, Mike's Hard Lemonade, Steve Arpin climbs out of his car and got a bath to remember. Arpin is congratulated from teammates Mikey Kile, who finished the race with another top 10, and Alli Owens who finished 24th, while being sprayed with Mike's Hard Lemonade by the entire Venturini Motorsports crew.

"It was awesome having Mike's Hard Lemonade on the No. 55 Chevy this weekend," said Arpin. "The partnership could not have come together at a better time and I am excited about heading to Talladega with Mike's Hard Lemonade on the car again."

The whole Venturini Motorsports team has one dream and they all work towards it together.

"Everyone at Venturini, and I'm talking about all the 25 guys, all the 15 guys, we work on everything, everybody here," said Tony Liberati, crew chief of the No. 55. "Mom and Pop, you know how they are, it's just like working for my mom and dad. I love them to death. I love it here. And I'm going to show them boys where victory lane is!"

Next for Steve Arpin: Talladega ARCA 250 Friday, April 23rd at Talladega Super Speedway. Race Kicks off at 4:00pm ET and will be aired LIVE on SPEED TV. Steve will be doing double duty at Talladega also running the Aaron's 312 Saturday, April 24th in the No.7 JR Motorsports Chevy. The Nascar Nationwide event starts at 2:30pm and will be aired on ABC.

Follow Steve Arpin on twitter @ twitter.com/stevearpin

VOTE Steve Arpin for Most Popular Driver @ arcanation.com

Contact:
Emily Teeter
Emily@venturinimotorsports.com

COUNTDOWN TO OHSWEKEN OPENER HEATS UP AS TRACK SAFETY TEAM GATHERS

By Ken Pelkie - For the past two seasons Ohsweken Speedway in Southwestern Ontario has embarked on a program to enhance safety for everyone who attends the track. The commitment has been rewarding to teams and fans alike as Ohsweken has visibly improved the number of personnel in safety positions at the speedway.

This past Sunday, a dozen of the speedways first line fire and safety personnel gathered in Brantford for a full day of classroom training in scene assessment; first aid and basic life support; firefighters role and basic fire suppression; and immobilization for extrication. This training will be enhanced with supplementary hands on sessions when the team gathers for “Test and Tune” day on May 8th at the speedway.

“This training has been in the planning stages since last fall and I have received a lot of positive feedback from many of the attendees” stated track owner Glenn Styres on Monday morning. “To me you cannot put a price on Safety and we want to provide a feeling for everyone who attends our track that we are serious about their well being and have them know we are trained and prepared to handle every situation that arises”. “We just hope that we never have to use the knowledge but we have to be prepared”. “This is just a sensible approach for the business we are in and we plan to build on the base that we have set”. “I would really like to thank everyone who gave up their Sunday and especially to Kevin Barry and Darren Allan from EMR for providing the training” Styres concluded.

When the gates swing open on May 14th for the opening round of “Friday Night Thunder”, fans will be able to “Feel The Excitement” each week as the ground pounding winged Sprint Cars embark on a seventeen race chase to the championship as the main draw at Ohsweken. They will be supported by Thunder Stocks, Mini Stocks, and Bombers. Vintage cars will visit monthly over the summer and the Mod Lites will make three appearances. The World of Outlaw Sprint series will run two programs in 2010 with July 30 and 31 appearing on their schedule and the 6th Annual Canadian Sprint Car Nationals will close out the season with a $10,000 to win show on September 16, 17, & 18. Special events designed to entertain every fan are scattered over the summer with something different being presented each week. With “Affordable Family Entertainment” as the primary goal, Ohsweken Speedway is the place to be at 7:45 PM each Friday night for an evening of action packed entertainment.

The Junior Fan Club will take on a new look in 2010 as Amy Dale has agreed to breathe new life into the social gathering of the young fans. Exciting activities will be available weekly to kids’ ages 6 through 12 that will promise to interest all.

“We have been focusing our attention toward family entertainment while giving our fans a true racing alternative in the area” states Ken Pelkie, Director of Racing Operations. “Our commitment to the fans is to provide an entertaining, first class show that the whole family will enjoy and present it in a timely manner. Two to two and one-half hours is the target for completion of the program throughout the season” Pelkie concluded.

Many sponsors have committed to return and support Ohsweken Speedway in a major way throughout the season. Grisdale Racing Products, BS&B Radiator, Outhouse Imaging & Design, Awesome Racewear, Best Western Cairn Croft Hotel, Engine Pro Racing, Village Pizza, Arrow Express, and Jones Brown Insurance headline our list of marketing partners who support Ohsweken Speedway. Trailers by Jim Bray, Evers Financial, WISECO Pistons, Gales Auto Aftermarket, Metal Works, HRW Automotive, The Rochester Americans, The Rochester Knighthawks, and Speedway Variety, appear as weekly program sponsors. Zemco Speed Equipment, HRP Racing Products, Canton Racing Products, Saldana Racing Products, DMI, KING Racing Products, The Brakeman, Winters Performance, Keizer Aluminum Wheels, and Kinser Air Filters combined will expand the Corr/Pak Sprint Car point fund to over $25,000 in cash and product.

Advanced Ticket Sales for all events where reserved seating will be utilized which include the World of Outlaws shows and the Canadian Nationals continue to the general public, Monday through Thursday during normal business hours at 1-888-720-7223. The transfer of these sales to Ticket Master will be coming in the very near future. Please follow instructions to obtain your tickets as posted on the official website at www.ohswekenspeedway.com . Any questions should be directed to Cheryl or Ken Pelkie at (1-888) 720-7223 or email to pelkiekj@ebtech.net.

Until the sound of racing engines fill the spring air, Ohsweken Speedway will be participating in a couple of final static displays this week. The first two will take place Wednesday, April 21 through Saturday, April 24 at the Lynden Park Mall in Brantford. Sprint cars of Glenn Styres, Mikey Kruchka, and Mitchell Brown will be on display along with the Thunder Stock of Rob Disher and the Mini Stock of Jacob Brown. A Bomber recently completed by Glen Hills will also be on display along with information on rules for the very affordable novice racing class. The second event takes place in Ancaster at the Ancaster Flea Market located at the Ancaster Fair Grounds. The Sunday show is open from 9:00AM to 5:00PM.

Be sure to come out and see us and for more information please check out the official website of Ohsweken Speedway at www.ohswekenspeedway.com.

From Ken Pelkie/Ohsweken Speedway