Saturday, May 15, 2010
Bernard Spoils Near-Perfect Performance by Bouwman
Everyone knew it was Chris' race, except for 2009 defending NLSA champion Roland Bernard.
The 12-lap feature began with a yellow flag when Dave Sobczak's axle broke on his #17 car, ending his evening. Starting from the outside of the front row, Chris Bouwman took the lead going into turn one and placed some distance between himself and Roland Bernard who started right behind Bouwman, in fourth, in his #2 Lightning Sprint.
Two laps into the race, the red flag was thrown after a hard-charging Jennifer Carlson got too close to the berm in turn 2 which resulted in a rollover. The speedway's fire and rescue crew assisted the uninjured Carlson from her #6 Sprint.
Lead by race leader Chris Bouwman, the race resumed with Amber Balcaen taking over third place from Chris Unrau entering into turn 1.
Heading into turns 3 and 4, with the white flag showing, Roland Bernard had one last opportunity to go for the win. Coming off of turn 4, Bernard dove inside of Chris Bouwman to take the lead on the last lap. A similar maneuver that had collected Jennifer Carlson earlier had given Bernard enough bite to get by his opponent and take the checkered flag for the win.
While Chris Bouwman served notice that he is going to be a contender this season, 2009 NLSA points champion Roland Bernard just found another way to win.
Rounding up the top five was Roland Bernard, Chris Bouwman, Amber Balcaen, Chris Unrau and Darren Pallen.
In earlier action, NLSA heat races were won by Roland Bernard and Amber Balcaen.
The next Northern Lightning Sprint Association race is scheduled for Thursday, May 27 at Red River Co-op Speedway.
Northern Lightning Sprint Association
Red River Co-op Speedway, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Heat 1
1. 2 Roland Bernard
2. 4C Chris Bouwman
3. 18 Ryan Harms
4. 11 Darren Pallen
5. 17 Dave Sobczak
6. 6 Jennifer Carlson
Heat 2
1. 10 Amber Balcaen
2. 64 Tyson Hiebert
3. 27 Chris Unrau
4. 3X Bob Charney
5. 5 Chris Sorin
6. 28 Jeff Laurin
Feature
1. 2 Roland Bernard
2. 4C Chris Bouwman
3. 10 Amber Balcaen
4. 27 Chris Unrau
5. 11 Darren Pallen
6. 18 Ryan Harms
7. 64 Tyson Hiebert
8. 5 Chris Sorin
9. 28 Jeff Laurin
10. 3X Bob Charney
11. 6 Jennifer Carlson (DNF)
12. 17 Dave Sobczak (DNF)
About the Northern Lightning Sprint Association:
Created in September of 2008, the Northern Lightning Sprint Association is a rapidly growing organization committed to the creation and maintenance of safe, fast, fun, and affordable open wheel racing. Many of the organization’s members are dedicated to helping charities such as the Children’s Hospital Foundation and Cancer Care of Manitoba. More information can be found at http://www.nlsprints.com
Friday, May 14, 2010
Tillsonburg Outlaws welcome new racers for fun and exciting racing
The Indoor pits were packed as Tillsonburg Outlaws gathered to avoid the heavy rain that Southern Ontario was receiving May 11. Luckily there was room for the Outlaw Karts and their drivers. Other than the outside being cold and wet the racing was hot and dry as always.
There were some new members/racers to welcome, # 52 Jacob Sheridon, from Mt Brydges, # 0 Cole MacDonald, from Mississauga and # 37 Scott Kelly from Stratford. All three slid into action nicely and will soon be giving some of the leaders a run for their money.
Andrew Marshall, #48, from Dorchester, made his Beginner farewell race count as he took 1st in all three races for overall this week. Andrew is ready to fit into the more competitive Junior group after only two nights in his new kart. Running second in each race was rookie Jacob
Sheridon who used his debut to get comfortable quickly and run some great laps while under constant pressure from Scott Hall, #55, from Wilsonville who finished third on the night.
The JR. class had some new heat moving into it, over the winter and they were female. The first sprint the girls took 1-2-3 as Amber Meyer, #93, from Tillsonburg grabbed her first win followed by Alex Hill, #77, from Wilsonville and Hannah Ferrell, #8 from Windham Center. Not to be outdone, last years champ DJ McRae, #20, from London took the final race win which ensured he got a top three for night. The racing in this class is so intense that when the leaders of the 10 lap sprint caught up to a lapper at the finish line no one backed down and the resulting chaos left DJ McRae on his lid and Alex Hill out for the night after testing our new exit wall. Three JR races and with three different winners. I think every racer in this group is going to end up with a win at some point this season. The class is that close.
Conor Mahoney, #5, from Hamilton got his first overall of the season, in the SR division, as he narrowly beat out Cody Coburn, #19 from Mt Brydges in points this week. Bea Courtnage, #79 from Harley took a win and a second which was enough to tie for third with Dustin Churcher, #9 from Tillsonburg. It looks as though it is no longer possible to go from the back of the field for a win in the 10 lap sprint which means next week will likely see some new names listed in the top three. Race wins went to Bea Courtnage, Conor Mahoney, Cody Coburn
Scott Chesterman, #34, from Langton took the time trial win, in the expert division with a eight second lap. In the feature Holly Porter, #1, looked to have the 30 lap main in the bag when she pulled over with a derailed chain resulting from a loose motor. Porter tightened her own engine so no one else to blame. That left Dave Chesterman, #7 to inherit second for the race and
the night.
After two weeks of racing the battles are already starting to shape up. Stay tuned to see who comes out on top next week.
Release prepared by Chesterman Power Products
www.chesterman.ca
Tillsonburg Indoor MX
519-842-5977
There were some new members/racers to welcome, # 52 Jacob Sheridon, from Mt Brydges, # 0 Cole MacDonald, from Mississauga and # 37 Scott Kelly from Stratford. All three slid into action nicely and will soon be giving some of the leaders a run for their money.
Andrew Marshall, #48, from Dorchester, made his Beginner farewell race count as he took 1st in all three races for overall this week. Andrew is ready to fit into the more competitive Junior group after only two nights in his new kart. Running second in each race was rookie Jacob
Sheridon who used his debut to get comfortable quickly and run some great laps while under constant pressure from Scott Hall, #55, from Wilsonville who finished third on the night.
The JR. class had some new heat moving into it, over the winter and they were female. The first sprint the girls took 1-2-3 as Amber Meyer, #93, from Tillsonburg grabbed her first win followed by Alex Hill, #77, from Wilsonville and Hannah Ferrell, #8 from Windham Center. Not to be outdone, last years champ DJ McRae, #20, from London took the final race win which ensured he got a top three for night. The racing in this class is so intense that when the leaders of the 10 lap sprint caught up to a lapper at the finish line no one backed down and the resulting chaos left DJ McRae on his lid and Alex Hill out for the night after testing our new exit wall. Three JR races and with three different winners. I think every racer in this group is going to end up with a win at some point this season. The class is that close.
Conor Mahoney, #5, from Hamilton got his first overall of the season, in the SR division, as he narrowly beat out Cody Coburn, #19 from Mt Brydges in points this week. Bea Courtnage, #79 from Harley took a win and a second which was enough to tie for third with Dustin Churcher, #9 from Tillsonburg. It looks as though it is no longer possible to go from the back of the field for a win in the 10 lap sprint which means next week will likely see some new names listed in the top three. Race wins went to Bea Courtnage, Conor Mahoney, Cody Coburn
Scott Chesterman, #34, from Langton took the time trial win, in the expert division with a eight second lap. In the feature Holly Porter, #1, looked to have the 30 lap main in the bag when she pulled over with a derailed chain resulting from a loose motor. Porter tightened her own engine so no one else to blame. That left Dave Chesterman, #7 to inherit second for the race and
the night.
After two weeks of racing the battles are already starting to shape up. Stay tuned to see who comes out on top next week.
Release prepared by Chesterman Power Products
www.chesterman.ca
Tillsonburg Indoor MX
519-842-5977
Brian Mulligan Honored With 2010 Sammons Hall Of Fame Award
Internationally acclaimed motorsports promoter, marketing and public relations specialist Brian Mulligan has been named recipient of the 2010 Leonard J. Sammons Jr. Memorial Award which recognizes outstanding contributions to auto racing. Mulligan will be honored when the 19th Annual Northeast Modified Hall of Fame driver inductions and special award ceremonies take place Sunday, May 30 on the Cayuga County Fairgrounds in conjunction with the annual Memorial Day Weekend holiday show at Weedsport speedway.
Forty-five years ago Mulligan was at a drag strip watching his car take runs down the track. As a car owner he always argued for the racers and talked racing all the time.
Brian was at the drag strip one day wondering when they would announce for the cars to start the final runs of the day. He, along with all the others, waited. When they asked the promoter about the announcement, they were told the speedway announcer got into some trouble last night and was in jail. The promoter said they tried to bail him out but to no avail. Then he turned to Mulligan and said, “You’re always talking racing, you can announce.” This launched a legendary career behind the microphone for Brian.
He was raised to speak English, but in his early elementary school years was introduced to the French language. He picked it up quickly and more importantly went on to marry a French woman and constantly spoke French around the house.
His announcing responsibilities suddenly grew bigger when Sanair Speedway opened in St. Pie, Que. He announced NHRA events at the drag strip and moved on to announce at other major NHRA venues like Pomona, Englishtown and Columbus, Ohio. He emerged as the familiar voice of two languages, French and English. He also announced at the small oval built at Sanair and then moved up to the three-quarter mile tri-oval, manning the microphone for CART/Indy car and Trans-Am races.
“I guess the only two forms of racing I’ve not yet announced are Formula One and NASCAR.”
In 1983 the Mulligans moved to Cornwall, Ontario. His arrival in town coincided with the need for an announcer at the local track and one day he found Cornwall Motor Speedway owner Ron Morin in his driveway. Morin was told by a local racer that his new announcer had just moved back into town and Ron jumped at the opportunity to get Brian behind the microphone.
During the early years Brian earned his living selling racing equipment. His accounts included Competition Cams, MSD, RJS and others. He had also ventured into snowmobile drags with an experimental team fronted by Bombardier Sleds. Their nitro-methane breathing sled caught the attention of Glenn Donnelly when they ventured one autumn weekend to Weedsport, N.Y. for the national snowmobile events. The drag sled adventures continued for many seasons on the Eastern Pro Tour and snowmobiling remains Brian’s wintertime passion to this day. His wife, Huguette, even learned to score snowmobile races and joined him in on the annual tour.
“I was also working for Tom Curley’s ACT Tour back then and met Ken Squier at one of the Vermont events. We became good friends and I announced at his speedways often. I learned a lot about racing from Squier and still respect and admire him today.”
As the lead announcer at Cornwall Motor Speedway, Mulligan re-entered the “Donnelly camp” when Morin’s track became a full-member DIRT-sanctioned facility featuring the Small-Block Modified division. Cornwall’s prominence grew as did Mulligan’s bi-lingual announcing reputation. Soonafter, Donnelly asked him to help out at Syracuse, and that is where he met up with veteran announcers Joe Marotta and Jack Burgess.
“When I first came along, Jack could no longer climb the stairs so Glen put Joe and I in the “Eye-in-the-Sky” tower and moved Jack to the infield on the concrete stage. Joe and I have grown very close over the years, he and Ken Squier are the two announcers I respect the most. I’ve also learned a lot from Joe, he loves to imitate me and I him. When we get together it can be pure joy for both of us. I always try and take a small piece out of each event we work together.”
Through his relationship with Donnelly and the DIRTcar empire, Mulligan was asked by event organizers Andy Fusco and Dave Lape to announce at some of their LAPCO specials. His role with Donnelly expanded to include occasional announcing assignments at DIRTcar charter member tracks Rolling Wheels Raceway Park and Cayuga County Fair Speedway in Central New York.
Just two years ago, Mulligan had a full weekend plate north of the border, announcing at Autodrome Edelweiss on Fridays, Autodrome Drummond on Saturdays and Cornwall on Sundays. Today, Brian serves as DIRTcar Northeast’s Pro Stock Series Director, a position he has held for the past two years.
“I was talking with Cory (Reed, former NE Competition Director) two years ago about some of my ideas to improve the Pro Stock tour and promote the division,” recalled Mulligan, regarding the popular full-fender class that has long been a weekly staple at Cornwall. At the DIRTcar promoter meetings in November that year Reed announced a new series director and the name Brian Mulligan appeared on the screen overhead.
“Seeing it up on the screen was the first official confirmation of that ‘promotion’,” Mulligan added. “But a job I gladly accepted.” He has since increased the interest in and exposure for the class, with three new Pro Stock tracks entering the DIRTcar Northeast-fold in 2010.
Mulligan’s eldest son Patrick follows the family interests and also promotes auto racing in Canada while owning his own Pro Stock team. His youngest son, Danny, stays involved trackside as a flagman, climbing the starter’s stand for special shows only throughout the summer months.
DIRTcar Racing Northeast main office is located in Weedsport, New York on the Cayuga County Fairgrounds, home of DIRTcar All-Star Weekend in July. DIRTcar Northeast’s crown jewel event ---Super DIRT Week at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse runs annually in October featuring Hoosier Tire-VP Racing Fuels Mr. DIRTcar Championship Series events for Big-Block Modified, 358-Modified, Sportsman and Pro Stock divisions. Ticket and schedule information is available by contacting the Weedsport office (315/834-6606) during the day or logging into www.allstar100weekend.com and www.superdirtweekonline.com anytime.
Photo: NE Hall of Fame award winner Mulligan brough bi-lingualsim to Auto Racing
Photo By Ken Dippel
Release Prepared by Gary M. Spaid, Northeast Modified Hall of Fame Selection Committee
Jimmie Johnson Talks Brian Vickers, Darlington and other topics at Chevy Press Conference
NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES
AUTISM SPEAKS 400 PRESENTED BY HERSHEY’S MILK AND MILKSHAKES
DOVER INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY
AUTISM SPEAKS 400 PRESENTED BY HERSHEY’S MILK AND MILKSHAKES
DOVER INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY
JIMMIE JOHNSON, NO. 48 LOWE’S CHEVROLET met with members of the media at Dover International Speedway and discussed concern for Brian Vickers, performance of the 48 team, the accident at Darlington and other topics.
DO YOU LIKE RACING AT DOVER?: “It’s been a great track for me over the years. When I think back to my first time driving at the track was driving was in 1998 or 1999, probably ’98. Loved the track when I came here and still today, it’s one of the tracks that really challenges the drivers in a lot of ways. From the entry and the approach into the corner, you’re at one altitude kind of and then you fall two or three stories off into the corner and then have to climb back up that hill on corner exit. It makes for a fun lap and I guess kind of reminds me of my off-road racing days a little bit. I really enjoy this race track.”
CAN YOU TALK ABOUT YOUR CONCERN FOR BRIAN VICKERS?: “Certainly concerned for him and I think that it’s still so new that they’re still learning and trying to understand exactly what’s going on with him. I spoke with him, he’s in good spirits and certainly hope that they get to the bottom of things and get him healed up and back in the race car as soon as possible. From when I spoke to him last night, there’s still a lot of question marks and concerns and trying to understand just what in the world is going on. Until they can find out what’s going on, there’s a lot of worry and concern. It’s weird to talk to a guy and I talked to him on the phone and he was just happy, not necessarily happy about being out of the car, but healthy and sounds find and normal. But there’s obviously something going on.”
DO YOU THINK THE EXTENDED GREEN-WHITE-CHECKERED FINISHES THAT THE FANS WANTED HAVE WORKED SO FAR AND IS THERE ANYTHING WITH THEM THAT HAS SURPRISED YOU?: “I think that there have been some good changes and good compromises with the green-white-checkereds. I haven’t had one really bite me yet. I know there are a few drivers that were in position and then caution came out and it kind of worked against the situation they were in. We knew coming into it that it would change the game some. I think it’s made the finishes less predictable. Strategy has changed quite a bit from what we’ve seen in the past and four tires stops are paying off at tracks that you never, ever would have even pitted before. It’s been a much different few races or third of the races, third of the season so far, I think it’s added excitement and at the end of the day, we need to really find that compromise of what upholds the integrity and the competition on track and also keeps the fans engaged to remain sitting in the grandstands.”
HAVE YOU SEEN A LARGE DIFFERENCE FROM THE SPOILER BEING ADDED TO THE RACE CARS?: “For us, I can’t say that it’s really changed much. I know that there’s been some conversation that maybe HMS (Hendrick Motorsports) or the 48 team has had some troubles with the spoiler being on the car. I can’t say that it’s changed much for us. I look at the start of the year and we didn’t have the dominant car, but we were able to close the deal and win three races. Since the spoiler came along, we’ve kind of been in that same situation, been competitive, if we’ve been on track and running then I think our worst finish has been 10th. If you look at the tracks that we’ve come through and we’ve almost won at Texas, Phoenix we had a great chance of winning so there’s a lot of hope in there when you’re sitting in our position. We’re not where we want to be, but we’re still awfully competitive and we’re not as worried or concerned as some of the headlines may read and some speculation that might be out there. The sport is ever-changing and the spoiler definitely does change it some. I think it changes it more in traffic when you’re driving through traffic. The car is less stable and there’s less available air. In general, I think it’s been pretty much the same across the board. I’ve been not necessarily surprised, but very impressed with what NASCAR put into this before hand to meet side forces and downforce numbers and did a good job of making the car very consistent.”
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE FAN REACTION LATELY TO YOU NOT WINNING AND DO YOU THINK THAT JOE GIBBS RACING IS CLOSING THE GAP ON HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS?: “I’m not really familiar with some of the things that have been said about us having some DNFs. Last weekend, I was in four wrecks before the fourth one finally took me out of commission and we were done. It was just a wild night and I know (Kevin) Harvick joked around at California that we have a horseshoe implanted in a certain area. That horseshoe fell out before that race started Sunday last week because I’ve never been in four wrecks and then have a guy with no brakes come and t-bone me from the side. It changes, we’ve been saying this all along with the 48 car being at the top of its game, this stuff doesn’t last forever. The garage area gets smarter, teams, driver and everyone is developing and trying to make their equipment faster and better. We’re not where we want to be right now. We’re still very competitive and as I said earlier, not at a point to where some of the headlines may read, that we’re not competitive and we’re not in this thing, but we have a little work to do. There’s nothing wrong with that. The three races we won this year, we weren’t the dominant car, but we got the job done. The way I look at it, our pit stops are better than they’ve ever been. Chad (Knaus, crew chief) and I are working great together. We’re trying to find some new speed for our race cars and it just takes a little bit of work. Where we’re sitting now, second in the points, is far better than some seasons that we’ve gotten off to. There’s still a lot of racing left and it will be fun.”
HOW SURPRISED WERE YOU WHEN THE 43 CAR HIT YOU AT DARLINGTON LAST WEEK?: “I’ve never been in a position like that where a car just came in. I guess in some road courses, some things take place and you get hit unexpectedly from behind, but I’ve never had a car without brakes just hit me and not even know what was going on. I’m sure it was an uncomfortable right for AJ (Allmendinger) knowing he was going to hit someone or something. For myself, I knew the caution was out and I rolled into the corner, getting ready to talk on the radio to Chad (Knaus, crew chief) about what we needed for adjustments and at the last second I saw a flash of green and then before I knew it I was trying to gather my thoughts and my breath and get the car out of the way and off the race track because he slid right up in there.”
IS THERE MORE STRESS THAN NORMAL BETWEEN YOURSELF AND CHAD KNAUS ON THE RADIO?: “It’s just part of it. People that have listened to the 48 over the years know that there are heated moments and that is just part of any race team. Certainly the 48, we’re not immune to the emotion that takes place during the course of a race. It’s the same stuff and I think we’re doing a much better job at dealing with adversity this year, today in general than we have from the start of our career and even last year. We make it colorful from time to time.”
Chevrolet is one of America’s best-known and best-selling automotive brands, and one of the fastest growing brands in the world. With fuel solutions that range from “gas-friendly to gas-free,” Chevrolet has nine models that offer an EPA-estimated 30 miles per gallon or more on the highway, and offers two hybrid models. More than 2.5 million Chevrolets that run on E85 biofuel have been sold. Chevrolet delivers expressive design, spirited performance and strives to provide the best value in every segment in which it competes. More information can be found at www.chevrolet.com. For more information on the Volt, visit archives.media.gm.com/volt.
CONTACTS:
Nancy Wager
727.415.3109
nmwager@aol.com
Judy Kouba Dominick
317.408.1049
jkdracer@aol.com
FREE: Inside Track Canadian Racing Guide (2010)
Inside Track's annual schedule guide is now available as a free download here.The 2010 Canadian Racing Guide features every Canadian racing schedule (stock cars, road racing, drag racing, etc.) we could find (tracks and series!), as well as a listing for all of the major international tours.
The Inside Track Canadian Racing Guide is your ultimate tool for chasin' racin'.
TW Steel Announce Formula One Winner and DTM Series Racer David Coulthard as Brand Ambassador
Amsterdam, The Netherlands (14 May, 2010) – TW Steel, the international watch brand specializing in oversized watches, is pleased to announce that 13-time Formula One Grand Prix winner, David Coulthard, has joined its roster of Global Brand Ambassadors.
Coulthard, who enjoyed a stellar Formula One career from 1994 to 2008 racing for Williams F1, McLaren-Mercedes and Red Bull Racing, will sport TW Steel branding on his race helmet as he embarks on his latest on-track venture – competing in the German-based DTM Series for Mücke Motorsport.
In addition to returning to the international motorsport arena, the 39-year-old Scot remains a high profile and popular figure in the Formula One paddock in his role as an analyst for the BBC’s F1 television coverage – giving his unique insight into the driver mindset at each Grand Prix throughout the season.
“To have someone of David’s stature represent the brand and join our team of global ambassadors is a fantastic endorsement for TW Steel,” stated TW Steel Head of Global Sponsorship, Harry Gibbings.
“We’re delighted to be partnering with him as he steps back behind the wheel in the DTM Series. TW Steel enjoys tremendous representation in Germany and having David onboard will only serve to strengthen the appeal of the brand there and ultimately beyond. He’s noted for being a professional both on and off-track and we’re looking forward to growing our relationship with him moving forward.”
“I’m excited to be partnering with TW Steel in what’s definitely a new chapter of my career,” reflected Coulthard. “It’s great to be racing in the DTM Series, I’m enjoying the challenge of something new and exciting and similarly I’m happy to be representing TW Steel as I compete. In addition to producing some great watches they already have an impressive list of ambassadors and I’m delighted they see the value in my profile, both as a sportsman but also as a representative of TW Steel.”
David Coulthard joined TW Steel executives at the Monaco Grand Prix to make the announcement as the company hosted a group of international media on Friday 14th May – the watch brand present in its capacity as ‘Official Timing Partner’ to the Renault F1 Team.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 and co-owner, Jordy Cobelens, ‘The Watch in Steel’, has emerged as an innovative, bold lifestyle brand – now available in over 50 countries worldwide.
http://www.twsteel.com/
http://www.twsteel.com/
David Ostella - Star Mazda Test at O'Reilly Raceway Park
David Ostella was in Indianapolis a week ago as the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear drivers took part in an Official Series Test at O’Reilly Raceway Park. Filling the time between Championship rounds in St. Petersburg and Laguna Seca, Ostella and others were testing in preparation for ‘The Night Before the 500’ to be raced at ORP May 29.
“It was good to be back on an oval. I really enjoy racing on them,” said Ostella, who scored his first Star Mazda Championship podium last year at the oval Iowa Speedway. “This one was similar to Milwaukee: short and not too wide, so getting it right the first time will be crucial for passing as it will take a couple of laps to make a pass. As a racer, it’s a type of track I want to master to prove that I am a professional racer that can handle and adapt to any configuration.”
A year ago during his rookie season, Ostella was a revelation running in his first oval race at the Milwaukee Mile before scoring his first podium in the next round at Iowa. Wise beyond his years, Ostella has come to have a refined approach to the round tracks. “The secret is to never get too relaxed because the slightest mistake or movement off line can lead to tremendous problems,” he said this week from his home in Maple, Ontario. “Obviously you could lose positions, but there is also the matter of the wall that surrounds each one! Still, I love the speed and the thrill of racing ovals. It takes a lot of patience, yet it’s also very intense.”
At O’Reilly Raceway Park late last week for a two-day test, Ostella and his AIM Autosport team spent day one getting accustomed to new surroundings before getting down to serious business on day two. The eighteen-year-old was in the top three during three out of four sessions to close the test, and more than accomplished the goals he set for himself.
“On day one we were focussing on line and taking things slowly, working methodically,” he said. “It was a good day experimenting with different setups to find what could work, then on day two I wanted to be in the top five and show some speed. We worked hard at making the car consistent for race conditions, and I believe we have a pretty good package for the end of the month.”
Teams will return to ORP May 29th for round four of the championship, but not before racing across the country a week earlier at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in round three. Ostella will be racing in both events with support from Global Precast Intercontinental, and will have some new supporters on the car as Masters Insurance and Pro Green Demolition have joined Alpinestars and RAW Integrated Ltd. in helping the young Canadian go racing. For more information, please visit www.davidostella.com
Photo: David Ostella was again feeling at home on the oval.
Photo By www.otp.ca
NPP Late Model Series Season Opener at Home Track
HOME TRACK SEASON OPENER
EDMONTON, AB. – With a favourable weather forecast in place for this Saturday, the Northern Provincial Pipelines (NPP) Late Model Series kicks off its 10th season of racing action at their home track for the first time since 2005. “Since the very first season back in 2001, we have always scheduled our first race of the year at Castrol Raceway,” says NPP Series announcer Gord Craig. “Unfortunately the weather has not cut us a break the past few years.”
Race fans at Bridge County Raceway in Lethbridge (2009), Rocky Mountain Raceway Park in Okotoks (2008), Drumheller’s Hidden Valley Motorsports Park (2007) and Rimbey’s Central Alberta Raceways (2006) have all hosted a NPP Series season opening race courtesy the weather. In past years NPP Series officials had scheduled only one Edmonton race date before the May long weekend.
“This year we scheduled back to back Saturday events in Edmonton anticipating one of those dates would be affected by the weather. We guessed correctly.” Craig said.
Last weekend’s original season opening race date was postponed. The Lucas Slick Mist Season Opener and the NPP Late Model Series Championship Chase begins May 15 at Castrol Raceway in Edmonton.
Lucas Oil Returns to the CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour
(Halifax, NS, May 13, 2010) – The CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour is pleased to announce that Lucas Oil Products Canada is returning as a major sponsor for the 2010 season. This is Lucas Oil’s fourth year as a title sponsor. Lucas Oil will present the Season Opener, Lucas Oil 100 at Scotia Speedworld on June 5 at Scotia Speedworld, located just outside of Halifax, NS. The second Lucas Oil event will be hosted in Oyster Bed Bridge on Prince Edward Island at Oyster Bed Speedway on July 31st.
“Lucas Oil Products is excited to once again be a proud sponsor and official oil of the CARQUEST Maritime Pro Stock Tour.” Said Steve Snowden, National Sales Manager, Lucas Oil Canada. “Lucas Oil has a long history of supporting Grass Roots Racing in both Canada and the United States through its development of high performance racing oils and lubricants, we are able to offer the consumer quality products that far surpass anything else on the market. We look forward to another exceptional season of top tier racing in Atlantic Canada.”
The Lucas Oil 100 kicks of the 10th anniversary season of the CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour at Scotia Speedworld on Saturday, June 5th at 4:00pm. Tickets are $25 for adults, $5 for youth 8-15 years, children 7 and under are free. Tickets available at the gate on race day, or on line at www.ticketatlantic.com, Ticket Atlantic Box Office, participating Atlantic Superstores and charge by phone 902. 451.1221 (Service charges apply)
About Lucas Oil:
Lucas Oil is one of the fastest growing additive lines in the consumer automotive industry, carrying a premium line of oils, greases and problem solving additives as well as a heavy-duty line of products for the industrial and agricultural markets. Lucas Oil has long been directly involved in the racing industry, and seeing a need for better lubricants in this industry, Lucas Oil developed a line of high performance engine oils and gear oils that are second-to-none in the racing industry. Lucas racing products, including high performance engine oils and gear oils have proven themselves on NASCAR, NHRA, IHRA, USHRA and ATPA tracks across the country.
About the CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour:
The CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour (CPST) is the highest level of stock car racing in Canada. The Tour is recognized in the industry as one of the healthiest stock car racing series in North America. CPST visits four tracks throughout the Maritimes during its May through September season. The CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour is owned and operated by Maritime Pro Stock Tour Limited. For more information, call our administration office at 902.481.2531 or click www.maritimeprostocktour.com
About CARQUEST Auto Parts:
With nearly 4000 locations in North America, CARQUEST Auto Parts supplies the professional automotive service repair industry as well as do-it-yourselfers with replacement parts, tools and equipment.
“Lucas Oil Products is excited to once again be a proud sponsor and official oil of the CARQUEST Maritime Pro Stock Tour.” Said Steve Snowden, National Sales Manager, Lucas Oil Canada. “Lucas Oil has a long history of supporting Grass Roots Racing in both Canada and the United States through its development of high performance racing oils and lubricants, we are able to offer the consumer quality products that far surpass anything else on the market. We look forward to another exceptional season of top tier racing in Atlantic Canada.”
The Lucas Oil 100 kicks of the 10th anniversary season of the CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour at Scotia Speedworld on Saturday, June 5th at 4:00pm. Tickets are $25 for adults, $5 for youth 8-15 years, children 7 and under are free. Tickets available at the gate on race day, or on line at www.ticketatlantic.com, Ticket Atlantic Box Office, participating Atlantic Superstores and charge by phone 902. 451.1221 (Service charges apply)
About Lucas Oil:
Lucas Oil is one of the fastest growing additive lines in the consumer automotive industry, carrying a premium line of oils, greases and problem solving additives as well as a heavy-duty line of products for the industrial and agricultural markets. Lucas Oil has long been directly involved in the racing industry, and seeing a need for better lubricants in this industry, Lucas Oil developed a line of high performance engine oils and gear oils that are second-to-none in the racing industry. Lucas racing products, including high performance engine oils and gear oils have proven themselves on NASCAR, NHRA, IHRA, USHRA and ATPA tracks across the country.
About the CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour:
The CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour (CPST) is the highest level of stock car racing in Canada. The Tour is recognized in the industry as one of the healthiest stock car racing series in North America. CPST visits four tracks throughout the Maritimes during its May through September season. The CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour is owned and operated by Maritime Pro Stock Tour Limited. For more information, call our administration office at 902.481.2531 or click www.maritimeprostocktour.com
About CARQUEST Auto Parts:
With nearly 4000 locations in North America, CARQUEST Auto Parts supplies the professional automotive service repair industry as well as do-it-yourselfers with replacement parts, tools and equipment.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
NASCAR's Smith to Pilot Cat Car for Kids at IKW 250
JAMES RIVER, NS (May 13, 2010) - NASCAR driver Regan Smith will return to Riverside International Speedway this summer to enter the IWK 250 presented by Steve Lewis Auto Body for the fourth consecutive year. Smith will pilot the Nova Racing prepared No. 10 CAT Car for Kids - the second year Atlantic CAT has partnered with the track in support of the regions largest children's hospital.
Smith will return to Riverside for the July 17 event looking for redemption after a late-race incident in the 2009 edition of the IWK 250 saw the NASCAR driver parked by race officials - much to the chagrin of Smith - who looks forward to his annual jaunt north of the border.
"I am very excited to be coming back to Riverside," said Smith. "I really enjoy the racetrack, the people and the area. It's something that I look forward to doing every year, but perhaps more so this year after the way my race ended last year."
Last year Smith and eventual Maritime Pro Stock Tour series champion Shawn Turple got in a tussle that saw Turple's car wrecked and Smith's car parked.
"It wasn't my decision to park the car, but rather that of the officials," continued Smith. "While I respect their call to park me I didn't agree with it, as I was simply finishing something that I didn't start. There's a right way and a wrong way to pass another car on the track and I will race and drive other drivers the same way that they decide to race me. That's how I approach every race, and this race won't be any different."
Smith's DNF in '09 was in direct contrast to his win in the '08 edition of the race; in '07 he finished third.
Smith, driver of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series No. 78 car, will travel to Riverside on one of his few off-weekends over the gruelling 36-race NASCAR season that spans from February to November and travels all over the United States. After 11 races this year Smith is 31st in the series point standings with $1,182,245 in winnings. The IWK 250 is traditionally Smith's only appearance in Canada.
Besides the race, Smith is an annual visitor to the IWK Hospital in Halifax where he and other drivers visit with patients and their families just prior to the IWK 250. The CAT Car for Kids concept that debuted last year added a special touch to the event by allowing the patients and their families the opportunity to co-sponsor a NASCAR driver along with Atlantic CAT by offering the children the chance to write their names on the racecar. Naturally, they all get to meet their driver.
"We are very proud to be involved in the IWK 250 again this year," said James Bond, Marketing Manager for Atlantic CAT. "It gives us great pleasure to partner with Riverside International Speedway in supporting the IWK."
The CAT Car for Kids concept has been expanded this year to allow others to sign the car in exchange for a donation to the IWK. The 2010 racecar is on display until May 26 at Atlantic CAT's showroom in Dartmouth where fans are invited to stop by in support of the CAT Car for Kids and the IWK.
The funds collected during the campaign will be added to those generated during the IWK 250 weekend. Over the past three years the IWK 250 has raised in excess of $ 60,000 for the IWK.
The IWK 250 has grown from a one-day event at its inception in 2007 to a two-day event in '08 and '09 - to a three day event for 2010. Festivities start Thursday July 15 with a pre-race party followed by sportsman and legends racing Friday July 16 and culminating with pro stock practice, qualifying and the IWK 250 on Saturday July 17.
Besides Smith, the IWK 250 is expected to draw the best of the regions racers as they vie for their share of a purse expected to exceed $100,000.
About Regan Smith
Regan Smith, 26, got his start in a go-kart at just four years old - at 12 he moved to quarter-midgets; he won championships in both divisions. He went on to race in the USAR Hooters ProCup Series and the Allison Legacy Series where he won rookie honours and the series championship in 2001. Smith began his NASCAR career at age 18 with two Craftsman Truck Series starts in 2002, the same year he made his NASCAR Nationwide Series debut. In 2007 he made seven NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts as a developmental driver under the tutelage of series veteran Mark Martin. In 2008 Smith won the coveted NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Rookie of the Year title. 2009 saw a part-time Cup schedule for Smith as he formulated his relationship with current Cup car owner Furniture Row Racing; now fielding a a full-time Cup ride for Smith in 2010. To learn more about Regan Smith please visit www.regansmith.com.
About the IWK
The IWK Health Centre, while located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is an essential resource for women, children, youth and families from across the Maritimes and beyond. Each year, thousands of Maritime children and women come to the IWK requiring emergency care, surgery for critical illnesses, and inpatient care for ongoing medical conditions.
About Atlantic CAT
Atlantic CAT is the full-line Caterpillar equipment and engine dealer with eight locations serving the Provinces of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick. The dealership meets the business needs of its customers by providing superior products backed by excellent parts and service capabilities. To learn more about Atlantic CAT, please visit www.atlcat.ca.
About Steve Lewis Auto Body
Steve Lewis Auto Body is located on Beech Street in Sydney. The company is in their 32nd year of business and proud to support many community and charitable efforts, including a 14-year involvement with the IWK. Call them at 902.539.2848.
About Riverside International Speedway
Riverside International Speedway, a 1/3-mile high banked asphalt oval, is located in James River, between New Glasgow and Antigonish, at exit 30 off Trans Canada Highway 104. Opened in 1969, the facility was totally rebuilt in 2006 to become a premiere motorsports site, comparable to the best short tracks in Canada and the U.S. For more information about Riverside Int'l. Speedway, please visit www.riversidespeedway.ca or call 902.863.2410.
For More Information
Joan Roué
902.444.0703
Smith will return to Riverside for the July 17 event looking for redemption after a late-race incident in the 2009 edition of the IWK 250 saw the NASCAR driver parked by race officials - much to the chagrin of Smith - who looks forward to his annual jaunt north of the border.
"I am very excited to be coming back to Riverside," said Smith. "I really enjoy the racetrack, the people and the area. It's something that I look forward to doing every year, but perhaps more so this year after the way my race ended last year."
Last year Smith and eventual Maritime Pro Stock Tour series champion Shawn Turple got in a tussle that saw Turple's car wrecked and Smith's car parked.
"It wasn't my decision to park the car, but rather that of the officials," continued Smith. "While I respect their call to park me I didn't agree with it, as I was simply finishing something that I didn't start. There's a right way and a wrong way to pass another car on the track and I will race and drive other drivers the same way that they decide to race me. That's how I approach every race, and this race won't be any different."
Smith's DNF in '09 was in direct contrast to his win in the '08 edition of the race; in '07 he finished third.
Smith, driver of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series No. 78 car, will travel to Riverside on one of his few off-weekends over the gruelling 36-race NASCAR season that spans from February to November and travels all over the United States. After 11 races this year Smith is 31st in the series point standings with $1,182,245 in winnings. The IWK 250 is traditionally Smith's only appearance in Canada.
Besides the race, Smith is an annual visitor to the IWK Hospital in Halifax where he and other drivers visit with patients and their families just prior to the IWK 250. The CAT Car for Kids concept that debuted last year added a special touch to the event by allowing the patients and their families the opportunity to co-sponsor a NASCAR driver along with Atlantic CAT by offering the children the chance to write their names on the racecar. Naturally, they all get to meet their driver.
"We are very proud to be involved in the IWK 250 again this year," said James Bond, Marketing Manager for Atlantic CAT. "It gives us great pleasure to partner with Riverside International Speedway in supporting the IWK."
The CAT Car for Kids concept has been expanded this year to allow others to sign the car in exchange for a donation to the IWK. The 2010 racecar is on display until May 26 at Atlantic CAT's showroom in Dartmouth where fans are invited to stop by in support of the CAT Car for Kids and the IWK.
The funds collected during the campaign will be added to those generated during the IWK 250 weekend. Over the past three years the IWK 250 has raised in excess of $ 60,000 for the IWK.
The IWK 250 has grown from a one-day event at its inception in 2007 to a two-day event in '08 and '09 - to a three day event for 2010. Festivities start Thursday July 15 with a pre-race party followed by sportsman and legends racing Friday July 16 and culminating with pro stock practice, qualifying and the IWK 250 on Saturday July 17.
Besides Smith, the IWK 250 is expected to draw the best of the regions racers as they vie for their share of a purse expected to exceed $100,000.
About Regan Smith
Regan Smith, 26, got his start in a go-kart at just four years old - at 12 he moved to quarter-midgets; he won championships in both divisions. He went on to race in the USAR Hooters ProCup Series and the Allison Legacy Series where he won rookie honours and the series championship in 2001. Smith began his NASCAR career at age 18 with two Craftsman Truck Series starts in 2002, the same year he made his NASCAR Nationwide Series debut. In 2007 he made seven NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts as a developmental driver under the tutelage of series veteran Mark Martin. In 2008 Smith won the coveted NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Rookie of the Year title. 2009 saw a part-time Cup schedule for Smith as he formulated his relationship with current Cup car owner Furniture Row Racing; now fielding a a full-time Cup ride for Smith in 2010. To learn more about Regan Smith please visit www.regansmith.com.
About the IWK
The IWK Health Centre, while located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is an essential resource for women, children, youth and families from across the Maritimes and beyond. Each year, thousands of Maritime children and women come to the IWK requiring emergency care, surgery for critical illnesses, and inpatient care for ongoing medical conditions.
About Atlantic CAT
Atlantic CAT is the full-line Caterpillar equipment and engine dealer with eight locations serving the Provinces of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick. The dealership meets the business needs of its customers by providing superior products backed by excellent parts and service capabilities. To learn more about Atlantic CAT, please visit www.atlcat.ca.
About Steve Lewis Auto Body
Steve Lewis Auto Body is located on Beech Street in Sydney. The company is in their 32nd year of business and proud to support many community and charitable efforts, including a 14-year involvement with the IWK. Call them at 902.539.2848.
About Riverside International Speedway
Riverside International Speedway, a 1/3-mile high banked asphalt oval, is located in James River, between New Glasgow and Antigonish, at exit 30 off Trans Canada Highway 104. Opened in 1969, the facility was totally rebuilt in 2006 to become a premiere motorsports site, comparable to the best short tracks in Canada and the U.S. For more information about Riverside Int'l. Speedway, please visit www.riversidespeedway.ca or call 902.863.2410.
For More Information
Joan Roué
902.444.0703
Meridian Credit Union to Present Salute to the Troops Night at Merrittville
Adam Leslie to Debut Tribute to Naval Centennial
Thorold, Ontario (May 12) – The Meridian Credit Union is a financial institution that is totally focused on making people smile.
There will be lots more to smile about Saturday when Ontario’s largest Credit Union presents May 15th’s Salute to the Troops Night as Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series action returns to Merrittville Speedway.
Original Pizza Logs DIRTcar Sportsman Rookie Driver Adam Leslie’s car will be on display prior to race time in the grandstand area. Similar to last year’s salute to Canada’s fallen heroes – Leslie’s 2010 car celebrates the 100th Anniversary of the Canadian Navy.
Bring the Navy to Canadians events will be focused to honour the past, to showcase the current navy and to reinforce the requirement for the future navy. While the up and coming driver has taken on the tribute on his own – race fans can look forward to a group of naval warships that will visit Toronto during the Canadian National Exhibition. Port visits are planned for both coasts and in the St. Lawrence and Great Lakes.
“The centennial is quite a milestone both for our navy and nation’s history,” relates Merrittville GM Erica Bicknell. “A salute to Adam for his efforts and kudos to the weatherman for the favorable forecast once again – Saturday Night is Speedway Night!”
Race fans can follow Leslie’s season by visiting www.adamleslie.com.
Returning to action also in the Meridian Credit Union presentation honoring all branches of the Canadian Forces will be the L. St. Amand Enterprises DIRTcar 358 Modifieds, Hoosier Stocks, J&S Heating and Air Conditioning Modified Lites and the Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinders.
“Last week’s major storm sure put a damper on the spectacular racing we’ve enjoyed so far this season,” prided Bicknell, “through all divisions race fans surely have been witness to some exciting action!”
Following the announcement of new features added to Meridian Credit Union’s on line banking service comes news that members can now use their MCU Debit Cards in the United States.
Meridian Credit Union is one of Canada’s largest credit unions, delivering a full range of financial services to individuals and businesses in Ontario. They serve 220,000 Members and 10,500 businesses through 44 branches, eight commercial business centres and two corporate offices. Anyone can join Meridian.
Through their Good Neigbhour Program, Meridian’s corporate social responsibility program, they help build strong, vibrant, inclusive communities. As part of their commitment to corporate social responsibility, Meridian is also an employer of choice and has been selected by Maclean’s Magazine in 2009 and again in 2010 as one of Canada’s Top 100 employers. To learn more – visit www.meridiancu.ca.
When the Gates open at 5:30 – visit with Meridian Credit Union staff prior to Showtime at 7:00!
Meridian Credit Union is Ontario’s largest credit union, serving more than 220,000 Members in communities across south central Ontario, and offers a full range of banking, wealth management and credit products and services through our 44 neighbourhood branches and eight Commercial Business Centres.
For further information on Merrittville’s 59th Season call 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).
Join us this season on a Saturday Night for a LUCAS OIL WEEKLY RACING SERIES EVENT featuring FIVE Divisions featuring local heroes and up and coming new stars and special events including the inaugural June 17th WoO LMS Extravaganza presented by Brian’s Tire Repair Turn 4 Collision and PineView Drywall and brought to race fans by GIANT FM, TV Cogeco, Modern Corporation, Cotton, Inc, Toolneeds, Auto FX Graphics and Signs and IBEW Local 303 Niagara.
WoO LMS Adult Tickets are $35 and Children are $12. Phone orders are accepted with either VISA or MasterCard by calling 905-892-8266.
Race fans – check your 2010 Ticket Stubs for a Crazy Offer from Little Caesars Pizza – located at 572 Niagara Street in Welland. With the purchase of a HOT-N-READY Pizza and Crazy Bread – receive a Free Crazy Bread!
Enjoy all the play by play from the Merrittville Announce Team of Clint Geoffrey, Mikey Kruchka and Fran Buschardt and special guests all season long on our new state of the art Yorkville NX Series Loudspeakers. Race fans and teams can also tune into 89.9 FM to listen to live feeds from our FM Transmitter.
Make your plans … call your friends and maybe even get a carpool together and enjoy a staycation at the speedway with plenty of free parking and camping spots – a night at the races is so much fun and so close to home!
Your Local Dirt Track is where it’s at!!! Merrittville Speedway ‘The Best Family Entertainment in Niagara.”
Release Prepared By Jim Irvine
Merrittville Speedway Public Relations
905-892-8266
jimirvine@cogeco.net
Ontario Dirt Late Models announce 2010 points fund
BLENHEIM, ONT. - The Ontario Dirt Late Models (OLDM) are gearing up to start their 2010 season in July. The total point fund and prizes will add up to over $32,000 for this season. Each of the five races will result in a $2,000 payout to the winning driver, and over $1000 per race in contingency sponsorship will be up for the racers.
The OLDM Association has raised the point fund from $7,300 to $13,875 in 2010. This $6,575 difference will attract more cars, and more competition. The ODLM hopes to add more to point fund by the end of the season, depending on sponsorship opportunities.
Attendance by the driver or owner at the ODLM Awards Night/Christmas party is mandatory in accepting the point fund money. The banquet will be held on November 27, at the University of Guelph at their Ridgetown Campus, in Ridgetown, Ontario. Details will follow at a later date.
For more information regarding the ODLM Marketing department, contact Ron Piotrowski at (416)779-3193 or ron-odlm@live.ca.
About the Ontario Dirt Late Models
The Ontario Dirt Late Models was founded in 2002 by Debbie & Charles Brush to give dirt Late Models in Ontario a chance to tour. This year the ODLM was incorporated, which includes Debbie Brush, Ron Piotrowski, and Bruce Thompson consisting of the board of directors. The schedule can be found on www.ontariodirtlatemodels.com
The OLDM Association has raised the point fund from $7,300 to $13,875 in 2010. This $6,575 difference will attract more cars, and more competition. The ODLM hopes to add more to point fund by the end of the season, depending on sponsorship opportunities.
Attendance by the driver or owner at the ODLM Awards Night/Christmas party is mandatory in accepting the point fund money. The banquet will be held on November 27, at the University of Guelph at their Ridgetown Campus, in Ridgetown, Ontario. Details will follow at a later date.
For more information regarding the ODLM Marketing department, contact Ron Piotrowski at (416)779-3193 or ron-odlm@live.ca.
About the Ontario Dirt Late Models
The Ontario Dirt Late Models was founded in 2002 by Debbie & Charles Brush to give dirt Late Models in Ontario a chance to tour. This year the ODLM was incorporated, which includes Debbie Brush, Ron Piotrowski, and Bruce Thompson consisting of the board of directors. The schedule can be found on www.ontariodirtlatemodels.com
Gaunt Brothers Racing to Compete in NASCAR Canadian Tire Series in 2010
CORNELIUS, N.C. (May 11, 2010) Former Canadian stock-car racer and co-owner of Triad Racing Technologies Marty Gaunt has formed Gaunt Brothers Racing. The team will field a fulltime entry in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series in 2010. Gaunt’s brother, John, a veteran of the Canadian NASCAR circuit, was announced as the driver.
Gaunt Brothers Racing (GBR) is located in Mooresville, NC. GBR is the only North Carolina-based team competing in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series.
“My racing roots are in Canada, so this opportunity means a great deal to me,” said Marty Gaunt, a native of the Toronto area. “John and I decided over the holidays to field a car together, something we’ve always wanted to do.”
Entering its fourth season of action, NASCAR Canadian Tire Series competition continues to heat-up.
“The Series is really gaining steam, so it just seemed a perfect time to form GBR and go racing,” Marty Gaunt said. “John is a strong driver with a proven track-record, and we’ll be putting him in some good equipment. There’s no reason we can’t win a race this season. We’ll be disappointed if we don’t.”
John Gaunt will drive the No. 11 entry for GBR. Gaunt resides in Barrie, Ontario and has raced in Canadian stock car circles for over twenty years, amassing numerous wins.
“Racing with Marty will be fun and intense at the same time,” John Gaunt said. “The bottom-line is, we’re here to try to win races, and we’ll work hard to put this team in position to do it.”
2010 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series action gets underway at Delaware on June 5.
Follow Gaunt Brothers Racing at www.gauntbrothersracing.com during the 2010 season for updates, media and information.
Media Contact:
Kinnon Marshall
Gaunt Brothers Racing
11148 Treynorth Drive Ste A
Cornelius, NC 28031
704-237-5026
kinnon@gauntbrothersracing.com
Kumho Tires Supplies OE Tires to Mercedes-Benz’s Sprinter Model
- Kumho Tires gains a foothold to rebuild its reputation through expanding Mercedes-Benz supply
- The company expects the supply leading to sales increase in RE tire market
Seoul, May 11th, 2010 — Kumho Tires, one of the world’s leading tire manufacturers, expands its partnership with world-renowned Mercedes-Benz of Daimler. The company announced today that it will supply original equipment (OE) tires to Mercedes-Benz’s Sprinter vans which will be sold in Europe and North America, starting from May.
Kumho Tires is the only tire manufacturer in Korea which supplies to Mercedes-Benz. Sprinter is the fourth model of Mercedes-Benz’s vehicles that Kumho Tires supplies tires for. Previously, the company has been supplying its tires for A-Class, Viano and Actros.
The supply for Sprinter displays that Kumho Tires proved its product quality again by continuously extending its supplies to one of the leading automobile manufacturers in the world, from A-Class and the high-end multipurpose van, Viano, from 2007, construction trucks and tractors, Actros, for korean market last year to commercial cargo vans, Sprinter, this year. Sprinter models equipped with Kumho’s OE Tires will hit the markets in Europe, North America and Asia.
The Sprinter is one of the best selling commercial vehicles in Europe, and also well known as ‘Benz ambulance’ in Korea as it is often converted to an ambulance. Kumho Tires expects that the supply for Sprinter will have a ripple effect on improving the company’s brand recognition as well as on increasing sales in replacement equipment (RE) market.
Kumho Tires plans aggressive sales to supply its tires to high-end automobiles and to continue to increase its competitiveness in OE tire market to keep pace with the growing premium tire market. Kumho Tires currently supplies OE tires to Big 3 automobile manufactures in North America and to Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen in Europe while the company aims to expand its partnership with more global automobile manufacturers.
A spokeperson of Kumho Tires said, “The reinforced partnership with Mercedes-Benz proves that Kumho Tires is being recognized for its technological prowess and quality in global market.”
OHSWEKEN SPEEDWAY: Practice, Staff Meeting, and Opening Night POSTPONED
From Ken Pelkie (Thursday, May 13, 2010): In what is hoped not to be a pattern this season, Ohsweken Speedway management has been forced to cancel all activities at the speedway scheduled for today (Thursday) and tomorrow (Friday – May 14).
Persistent rain and cool temperatures all week has prevented track staff from working on the racing surface and standing water in the pits and parking lot only indicate a recipe for trouble if we were to go ahead as planned.
“Even if the sun came out tomorrow morning we have had too much rain to prepare for opening night” explained owner Glenn Styres. “We would be putting race cars on a track that was just simply not prepared enough and the outcome could be costly in equipment and unsafe for the competitors. We will just go ahead and cancel now and take another run at it next week” Styres concluded.
Next Thursday (May 20) will be test and tune night. Pit gates will open at 5:30 with on track activities scheduled to begin at 6:30. Pit admission is $10 while spectators will be admitted free to the spectator seating area.
A brief Staff meeting will take place at 5:30 in the Tech Barn and field Fire / Safety crew training will take place that evening.
Then on Friday, May 21st we will kick off the season as RapStar Energy Drink presents a full program of CORR/PAK Sprints, Thunder Stocks, Mini Stocks, and Bombers. The Dwarf Cars of the Stars Championship Tour North will fill out the program.
Persistent rain and cool temperatures all week has prevented track staff from working on the racing surface and standing water in the pits and parking lot only indicate a recipe for trouble if we were to go ahead as planned.
“Even if the sun came out tomorrow morning we have had too much rain to prepare for opening night” explained owner Glenn Styres. “We would be putting race cars on a track that was just simply not prepared enough and the outcome could be costly in equipment and unsafe for the competitors. We will just go ahead and cancel now and take another run at it next week” Styres concluded.
Next Thursday (May 20) will be test and tune night. Pit gates will open at 5:30 with on track activities scheduled to begin at 6:30. Pit admission is $10 while spectators will be admitted free to the spectator seating area.
A brief Staff meeting will take place at 5:30 in the Tech Barn and field Fire / Safety crew training will take place that evening.
Then on Friday, May 21st we will kick off the season as RapStar Energy Drink presents a full program of CORR/PAK Sprints, Thunder Stocks, Mini Stocks, and Bombers. The Dwarf Cars of the Stars Championship Tour North will fill out the program.
Delaware Speedway: Lloyd Rawlings ready for Late Model season
(Windsor, ON) - Lloyd Rawlings will be kicking off his 18th season of competition at Delaware Speedway this Friday night as part of the featured Late Model division at the historic London-area half-mile race track. The 19 race season throughout the summer will be part of the NASCAR Whelen All-American racing series, and will include some big events, including the Canada Day 143-lap feature, the Labour Day 200-lap event, as well as the highlight, a chance to compete against NASCAR Sprint Cup Superstar Kyle Busch on July 7.
The mid-week show is billed as the APC Summer Showdown, and Busch will be joined by David Reutimann and Regan Smith against the top Late Model drivers in Ontario. That race is part of the focus on the season explains Rawlings.
"Our goal early in the season is to be in the top-ten in the points standings so we're locked into that event. It will be a highlight of my career when I get to race against Kyle Busch," he said.
Rawlings moved up to the Late Model division in 2009 to compete against arguably the best weekly field of race car drivers in Ontario. In his first full-time campaign in the class, Rawlings finished 19th in the points, which was a tremendous result considering they team missed four
events.
"Last year was a real learning curve for our team, but we learned a lot and are very excited about 2010," Rawlings said.
Lloyd, and his brother / crew chief Doug Rawlings have been together since day one racing together, and would like to thank all of their marketing partners and are looking forward to another successful year.
"Brad Coxon and his company have been behind us since we started racing at Delaware, and have been a big part of our team over the years," Rawlings said. Coxon specializes in light and heavy towing services, as well as mobile offices, event solutions, and storage.
"Randy Soulliere has been a part of our team for over 10 years now and he's been so supportive as well,” Rawlings said about his Platinum Tool Technologies sponsors.
Rawlings would also like to thank Emile Hermann of Windsor Battery and Metal, Joe Carroccia of Cybertech Electric and Controls, Jesse Darmon and Xcentrick Autosports, Dr. Dianne Miskus of Optimal Chiropractic.
The team will be adding a new marketing sponsor to the mix this year, and would like to welcome, Eric Keller and REFAC Industrial Contractors. The team also has to thank Steve Bell of AM 800 for all the local media support.
For more information on Lloyd Rawlings, please contact Lloyd atracer@mnsi.net and for more information on Delaware Speedway, please visit www.delawarespeedway.com.
Release Prepared by Jamie Maudsley // www.maudsleymotorsports.com
The mid-week show is billed as the APC Summer Showdown, and Busch will be joined by David Reutimann and Regan Smith against the top Late Model drivers in Ontario. That race is part of the focus on the season explains Rawlings.
"Our goal early in the season is to be in the top-ten in the points standings so we're locked into that event. It will be a highlight of my career when I get to race against Kyle Busch," he said.
Rawlings moved up to the Late Model division in 2009 to compete against arguably the best weekly field of race car drivers in Ontario. In his first full-time campaign in the class, Rawlings finished 19th in the points, which was a tremendous result considering they team missed four
events.
"Last year was a real learning curve for our team, but we learned a lot and are very excited about 2010," Rawlings said.
Lloyd, and his brother / crew chief Doug Rawlings have been together since day one racing together, and would like to thank all of their marketing partners and are looking forward to another successful year.
"Brad Coxon and his company have been behind us since we started racing at Delaware, and have been a big part of our team over the years," Rawlings said. Coxon specializes in light and heavy towing services, as well as mobile offices, event solutions, and storage.
"Randy Soulliere has been a part of our team for over 10 years now and he's been so supportive as well,” Rawlings said about his Platinum Tool Technologies sponsors.
Rawlings would also like to thank Emile Hermann of Windsor Battery and Metal, Joe Carroccia of Cybertech Electric and Controls, Jesse Darmon and Xcentrick Autosports, Dr. Dianne Miskus of Optimal Chiropractic.
The team will be adding a new marketing sponsor to the mix this year, and would like to welcome, Eric Keller and REFAC Industrial Contractors. The team also has to thank Steve Bell of AM 800 for all the local media support.
For more information on Lloyd Rawlings, please contact Lloyd atracer@mnsi.net and for more information on Delaware Speedway, please visit www.delawarespeedway.com.
Release Prepared by Jamie Maudsley // www.maudsleymotorsports.com
Centre For Speed kicks off 2010 season with Atlantic Demolition Championship on May 15
(Shediac, N.B.) -- The Centre for Speed, Atlantic Canada's Super Speedway and "Metro Moncton's Playground of Power", will kick off its 15th anniversary stock car racing and motorsports season with the Barely Used Auto Parts 'Atlantic Demolition and Endurance Championship' Season Opener on May 15 at 2:00 p.m., the first of 22 motorsports events to be presented at the CFS during 2010.
Cars from throughout the three Maritime provinces, from Sydney, Nova Scotia to Bathurst, New Brunswick, have registered for Saturday's Demolition and Endurance Championship event. The speedway believes this will be the biggest Demolition Derby event ever held at the Centre for Speed with up to $10,000 in prize money on the line. This event will also include a 'Full Contact' and a 'Barrel race' as well as a 200-lap Endurance race.
The 2010 stock car racing season will kick off with the Shediac Shakedown 50-lap Invitational’s on May 23 at 2:00 p.m. with points racing, including bonus points for all competitors, in all four regular divisions of Super Sportsman, Shediac Sportsman (formerly Street Stock class), as well as the 4-cylinder Mini Stocks and Four 4 Fun divisions. The majority of this year's CFS stock car events will be held on Sunday afternoon's starting at 2:00 p.m. while a number of events in July and August are scheduled on Saturday evenings.
In addition, the CFS has added a number of ‘Full Contact’ features to some of its weekly points championship events for those who would like more "Rock 'Em Sock 'Em" racing action. These include events like a 50-lap 'Full Contact race', a ‘Go till you Blow’ race, 'Figure 8' races
and other similar events throughout the summer, which are open to all who want to join in on the fun.
Apart from its point’s championship stock car racing events in 2010, the Centre will also host four Maritime Sportsman Super Series events as well as the Atlantic Stock Car Championships and season-ending Atlantic Demolition and Endurance Championships over three weekends in October.
For those who like even more 'crash and bang' action, the Centre will also present three 'Days of Destruction' events, featuring Full Contact, Endurance, and other novelty races in addition to Demolition Derbies. This includes the highly anticipated 'Monster Truck Mayhem’ event, featuring some of the top Monster Truck competitors such as 'Crushstation', 'Backdraft' and 'Eradicator', which is scheduled for July 11 along with a GIANT Demolition Derby.
The action gets underway this Saturday afternoon, May 15 at 2:00 p.m. with the Barely Used Auto Parts 'Atlantic Demolition and Endurance Championship' season opener. Front gates and grandstand will open at 1:00 p.m.
The speedway urges everyone to check the CFS web site or call the speedway's info line to check the status of the event before travelling as a rain date will be announced in the event of poor conditions.
The Centre for Speed (CFS) is a 128-acre motor sports park which includes Atlantic Canada's largest and fastest 3/8 of a mile stock car oval as its centerpiece along with several other racing facilities. The Centre overlooks the Northumberland Strait and is located five kilometres east of Shediac's Parlee Beach on Route #133 in the village of Grand Barachois, New Brunswick.
Full schedule details are available at www.centreforspeed.com
For further information, contact:
Tim Wile, Promoter & General Manager
Centre for Speed
(506) 388-2415
(506) 532-3032 (CFS Info line)
Cars from throughout the three Maritime provinces, from Sydney, Nova Scotia to Bathurst, New Brunswick, have registered for Saturday's Demolition and Endurance Championship event. The speedway believes this will be the biggest Demolition Derby event ever held at the Centre for Speed with up to $10,000 in prize money on the line. This event will also include a 'Full Contact' and a 'Barrel race' as well as a 200-lap Endurance race.
The 2010 stock car racing season will kick off with the Shediac Shakedown 50-lap Invitational’s on May 23 at 2:00 p.m. with points racing, including bonus points for all competitors, in all four regular divisions of Super Sportsman, Shediac Sportsman (formerly Street Stock class), as well as the 4-cylinder Mini Stocks and Four 4 Fun divisions. The majority of this year's CFS stock car events will be held on Sunday afternoon's starting at 2:00 p.m. while a number of events in July and August are scheduled on Saturday evenings.
In addition, the CFS has added a number of ‘Full Contact’ features to some of its weekly points championship events for those who would like more "Rock 'Em Sock 'Em" racing action. These include events like a 50-lap 'Full Contact race', a ‘Go till you Blow’ race, 'Figure 8' races
and other similar events throughout the summer, which are open to all who want to join in on the fun.
Apart from its point’s championship stock car racing events in 2010, the Centre will also host four Maritime Sportsman Super Series events as well as the Atlantic Stock Car Championships and season-ending Atlantic Demolition and Endurance Championships over three weekends in October.
For those who like even more 'crash and bang' action, the Centre will also present three 'Days of Destruction' events, featuring Full Contact, Endurance, and other novelty races in addition to Demolition Derbies. This includes the highly anticipated 'Monster Truck Mayhem’ event, featuring some of the top Monster Truck competitors such as 'Crushstation', 'Backdraft' and 'Eradicator', which is scheduled for July 11 along with a GIANT Demolition Derby.
The action gets underway this Saturday afternoon, May 15 at 2:00 p.m. with the Barely Used Auto Parts 'Atlantic Demolition and Endurance Championship' season opener. Front gates and grandstand will open at 1:00 p.m.
The speedway urges everyone to check the CFS web site or call the speedway's info line to check the status of the event before travelling as a rain date will be announced in the event of poor conditions.
The Centre for Speed (CFS) is a 128-acre motor sports park which includes Atlantic Canada's largest and fastest 3/8 of a mile stock car oval as its centerpiece along with several other racing facilities. The Centre overlooks the Northumberland Strait and is located five kilometres east of Shediac's Parlee Beach on Route #133 in the village of Grand Barachois, New Brunswick.
Full schedule details are available at www.centreforspeed.com
For further information, contact:
Tim Wile, Promoter & General Manager
Centre for Speed
(506) 388-2415
(506) 532-3032 (CFS Info line)
Brockville Ontario Speedway: Danny O'Brien's quest for Fifth Consecutive Title Begins this Weekend
It’s that time of year, when race teams are looking to put a winter’s worth of rebuilding, and tinkering to test, in hopes of dethroning Danny O’Brien as Brockville Ontario Speedway track champion. To say O’Brien is the King of Hill at Brockville Ontario Speedway would be a fair assessment, after all, he has won the past 4 championships, and a win total that most racers won’t even accomplish through an entire career.
While O’Brien has dominated the past several years at the BOS, the competition will surely be tough in 2010, but O’Brien and his Global Warranty, 1000 Islands RV, Pat’s Radiator, 103.7 BOB FM, Jackson’s Landscaping & Property Maintenance, Murdock’s Cement Finishing, Stover Bus Lines, Kendrick Racing team are certainly up to the challenge, and welcome all competitors, looking to take over the title.
“We have a great run going at the BOS, and we are looking forward to getting the season started. There are some strong competitors at Brockville, and it wont be easy, but we are up to all the challenges that will come our way,” said O’Brien.
O’Brien will be looking to capture the opening night victory, just as he did last season, which started a remarkable total of 8 feature wins at the track in 2009. O’Brien will also return to weekly racing at the Cornwall Motor Speedway, another track that he has had extreme success over his illustrious career.
“We are excited about returning to Cornwall weekly in 2010," O’Brien said. “Cornwall is one of the most well run tracks in the DIRTcar sanction, and we are proud to call it our Sunday home for the 2010 season.”
In addition to a confirmed schedule of Brockville on Saturday nights, and Cornwall on Sunday, O’Brien and his team will also follow the 358 Mr. DIRTcar Series schedule, which begins in just over week at Merrittville Speedway, in Thorold, Ontario. The Mr. DIRTcar 358 Championship has eluded O’Brien over his career, and has set that as his goal for the 2010 season.
For more information on Danny O’Brien and the 7* Global Warranty racing team, please visit our website www.dannyobrien.ca
Photo: Danny O'Brien is looking for his fifth consecutive, and tenth overall, points championship at Brockville Ontario Speedway.
Photo By Rick Young
Release Prepared By Craig Revelle – Finish Line Web Design
FRIDAY: Motorsport Showcase Community Living Haldimand
On Friday, May 14 Community Living Haldimand in Cayuga will host the Seventh Annual Motorsport Showcase race season "kick-off".
Community Living Haldimand through its history has continued to provide the essential special needs, services, and support to hundreds of individuals and their families in our local area.
We will be setting up at 10:00 a.m. and have you on your way home by 2:00 p.m. We will be having a barbeque as well for lunch.
Bill Mehlenbacher's Facebook page on the event is located here. It has a list of confirmed guests and racing vehicles.
Community Living Haldimand through its history has continued to provide the essential special needs, services, and support to hundreds of individuals and their families in our local area.
We will be setting up at 10:00 a.m. and have you on your way home by 2:00 p.m. We will be having a barbeque as well for lunch.
Bill Mehlenbacher's Facebook page on the event is located here. It has a list of confirmed guests and racing vehicles.
KARTING: BSRKC ready for 2010 championship season
Sutton, ON – The Brian Stewart Racing Karting Championship (BSRKC) is ready for their fifth season of Ontario regional competition. With their opening round set for this weekend at 3-S Go Karts in Sutton, it will be the first of an eight weekend series that has split its events into two unique weekends, dividing the two stroke and four stroke classes. The Indy Racing League® continues to recognize the series as part of Brian Stewart Racing’s involvement in the Firestone Indy Lights™ series. All Rotax races are qualifiers for the Rotax Max Challenge Series and the Canadian National Championships.
Highlighting the schedule will be the joint 2 cycle and 4 cycle events where all twelve official classes will convene at both Leamington and Shannonville. After a one year hiatus, the BSRKC series returns to Leamington and the Point Pelee Karting track where the combined classes and the close proximity to the United States are two more reasons sure to draw large fields. The legendary ‘Bear Hunt’ at Shannonville Motorsport Park will no doubt surpass its success as last year’s show almost topped 500 entries over the three day event.
As mentioned, the four cycle classes will kick off their schedule this weekend in Sutton. From there they will take a six week break before back-to-back weekend events in Leamington and Flamborough. After taking part in the ‘Bear Hunt’ on the August 1st long weekend, the four cycles will complete their quest for the Stewart Cup in late August at Innisfil. This year’s official Honda classes are: Novice, Jr. Light, Jr. Heavy, Sr. Light, Sr. Heavy and Masters.
The two stroke classes will kick off their schedule next weekend at Kawartha Speedway before the series heads to Innisfil. The Innisfil Indy has made significant improvements to their venue and returns to the series for the first time since its inauguration in 2006. The following two events will be in Leamington and Shannonville, before ending their season in Sutton on September 18 and 19. This year’s official classes for the two stroke weekends are: Rotax Mini-Max, Rotax Junior, Rotax Senior, Rotax DD2, ICC/Moto Shifter and include the Honda Jr. Medium.
The jam-packed season will keep the series just as exciting as ever. Both the Simcoe Kart Club and the Waterloo Regional Kart Club maintain their status as the two organizing clubs backed by an exceptional group of officials, volunteers and members together with a long list of very generous sponsors that guarantee their success.
This Sunday’s event is sponsored by Aim Sports (USA) & Mike McKnight, 401 Dixie Nissan/Infiniti & Peter Geer, KnK Karts North America & Kevin Barrick and Autosports Media Group & Tony Ventresca. Mr. Stewart will be at the track to observe the racing. He will also be awarding the trophies, presenting the cheques and drawing all of the prizes. Autosports Media Group’s Cody Schindel will be on site Saturday and Sunday taking pictures to capture the excitement. He will also present the fast qualifiers with their AMG gift certificates.
For more information about the Brian Stewart Racing Karting Championship Series including event schedules and information, please visit their website http://bsrkc.com or call Lynda Chiovitti at 905.722.3089 or contact her via email at LyndaChiovitti@hotmail.com.
The Brian Stewart Racing Karting Championship Series and its Principals, Organizers, Volunteers and Sponsors are committed to presenting the most professional regional karting Series in North America at an affordable cost. The BSRKC Series is dedicated to providing an environment of sportsmanship and camaraderie while furthering the development of kart racers of all ages and competitive levels. The BSRKC Series also intends to advance our karters into the higher echelons of motorsports through our Series’ namesake and Indy Racing League® Firestone Indy Lights™ Team Founder, Brian Stewart and Brian Stewart Racing.
Contact: Lynda Chiovitti – 905.722.3089 // Prepared by: Autosports Media Group
OHSWEKEN SPEEDWAY KICKS OFF FIFTEENTH ANNIVERSARY SEASON THIS FRIDAY!
By Tommy Goudge (May 12, 2010) - The wait is finally over! Seven long months have passed since Shane Stewart won the fifth annual Canadian Sprint Car Nationals, and bringing the 2009 season to a close at Ohsweken Speedway. This Friday, May 14, the Speedway roars back to life in fine fashion with the Fifteenth Anniversary Season Opener presented by Corr/Pak Merchandising. The season opening event features all of the regular Friday Night Thunder divisions including the Corr/Pak Merchandising Sprint Cars, ESSO Thunder Stocks, ESSO Mini Stocks, and Bombers.
The Corr/Pak Merchandising Sprint Cars are once again the headline division for Friday Night Thunder in 2010, and 2009 Corr/Pak Champ Tom Huppunen enters the season as the driver to beat. Veterans Kevin Job, Keith Dempster, Glenn Styres, Mikey Kruchka, and Jamie Collard are just a few of the challengers for the title this season, while former Ohsweken feature winner Mike Ling returns to the dirt after a decade of pavement racing driving for Miles Hill. The Rookie of the Year award is sure to be fiercely contested as an even half dozen first year drivers are signed up this year, including 2009 ESSO Mini Stock champ Mitchell Brown, Jamie Turner, Chris Steele, Stevin Goldner, Shane Butler, and Todd Hoddick.
The always competitive ESSO Thunder Stocks featured the closest points chase of any Friday Night Thunder division last season, and the same could happen this year. Defending champ Shayne Pierce will be back this season, this time in his family owned car. Meanwhile, other top ten drivers such as Billy Bleich, Jamie Cox, Jeremy Bean, Mike Thorne, Brad Herron, Ryan Dinning, Rob Disher, Lee Winger, and Chris Dickie would all like to take their first Thunder Stock title.
The ESSO Mini Stock division won't feature a repeat champion in 2010, as '09 champ Mitchell Brown has moved to the Corr/Pak Sprints. Former champions Abel Castelein, Rick Emberson, Kelly Hallett and Mike Giberson will try to add to their totals, while Dave Goodacre, Dan Stewart, Rob Slater, Ethan Martin, and Mike Evers are sure to compete for feature wins as well. Five first year drivers are also signed up to compete for the Rookie of the Year award, including Jacob Brown - younger brother to Mitchell - Ryan Beagle, Brittani Myers, Jamie Goudge, and Robin Elliott.
In the Bomber division, the driver to beat is Karl Sault, who claimed his first championship in 2009. The always unpredictable Bombers are also likely to include Jesse McDonald and Kacey Huffman, and a host of other drivers having fun in the very affordable division.
Before Friday's action takes the green flag, Thursday night features Test and Tune for all divisions competing at the Speedway in 2010. The Test and Tune session offers a sneak peek at the 2010 season, and the best part is it's free for fans to observe from the main grandstand!
Ohsweken Speedway's Friday Night Thunder kicks off this Friday, May 14 when Corr/Pak Merchandising presents the Corr/Pak Merchandising Sprint Cars, ESSO Thunder Stocks, ESSO Mini-Stocks, and Bombers. Friday Night Thunder at Ohsweken offers affordable exciting family entertainment just a short drive away from most Mid-Western Ontario locations. Friday Night Thunder Adult General Admission is $10, while Seniors and Students are $8, and Kids age 12 and under are FREE! Please visit www.OhswekenSpeedway.com for more information. Spectator gates open @ 6:00p.m., with the first race taking the green flag at 7:45p.m. this Friday, May 14!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Actor and Automotive Enthusiast Lee Rehermen to Host Battle of the Supercars on SPEED
ON AND OFF-TRACK COMPETITION BETWEEN RACERS TANNER FOUST & PAUL TRACY WILL FOCUS on SOME of WORLD’S MOST PRESTIGIOUS VEHICLES
SEASON PREMIERES in JULY of 2010
Actor and automotive enthusiast Lee Reherman, host of SPEED series Forza Motorsport Showdown and the voice of Hot Rod Television, is set to lead the network’s new original, Battle of the Supercars. The series will roll out 13, 30-minute episodes on SPEED beginning July 22 at 10 p.m. ET.
A WATV production out of Los Angeles, the show spotlights the driving talents of Tanner Foust (Top Gear USA & Supercars Exposed), the 2007 and 2008 Formula Drift ‘Pro Drift’ champion, and open-wheel standout Paul Tracy, the 2003 IndyCar Series Champion, as they battle it out by driving some of the world’s most exotic cars from Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche and other top-end manufacturers. Both drivers, while successful in their driving disciplines, are extremely competitive and will bring polar opposite approaches and personalities to the table.
In addition, Reherman, who was a star on the television series, American Gladiator, will be overseeing the competition, moving it along and adding his passion for the automotive culture to each episode.
“With a name like Battle of the Supercars, this series demands a larger-than-life-sized host, someone who can go toe-to-toe with Tanner and Paul and not get run over,” said Robert Ecker, SPEED VP of Programming and Executive Producer. “Lee Reherman is that guy.”
Each episode will compare supercars with similar traits, like the ‘V-12 Coupes’ show featuring two powerful, front-engine touring cars in the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti and Aston Martin DB9 Coupe. Other battles will include ‘All-Wheel Drive Superstars,’ where a Porsche 911 Turbo will take on the 5.2 liter V10 Audi R8, or Chevrolet’s Corvette ZR-1 takes on Dodge’s Viper SRT-10 in a face-off of ‘America’s Supercars.’
SPEED™, anchored by its popular and wide-ranging coverage of NASCAR, is the nation’s first and only cable television network dedicated to automotive and motorcycle racing, performance and lifestyle. Now available in more than 79 million homes in North America, SPEED is among the industry leaders in interactive TV, video on demand, mobile initiatives and broadband services. For more information, please visit SPEED.com, the online motor sports authority.
For More Information Contact:
David Harris, Speed
Senior Manager, Media Relations
Project Manager, PINKS All Out
1220 West W.T. Harris Boulevard
Charlotte, NC 28262
(704) 501-5796- Office
(704) 756-9301- Mobile
www.SPEEDtv.com
david.harris@speedtv.com
F1200: Iamundi takes two of three
Courtesy Kyle Kosir
The Formula 1200 Championship, part of the CASC Race Ontario Series, had their 2010 season started May 8th and 9th with the 60th BEMC Spring Trophy Races at Mosport International Raceway. Coming into the new season, two drivers seemed to be entering with a lot of momentum from the 09 season; two-time F1200 champion Michael Iamundi (#35 Montana Auto Centre Van De Car) and 2009 4th place finisher Eric Barrett (#80 Lynx B) won 17 of 18 rounds of the 2009 season, including all 12 at Mosport. In fact, the last time Iamundi or Barrett failed to win a race at Mosport was Celebration 2008, when Guy Bellingham won the final race of the season.
With any new season comes new teams, new drivers, and new rules; all of which aim to make the racing either more competitive or more cost efficient. After 19 years away, Frank O’Hanlon returns to competition, driving the #87 Mysterian M2. He’ll be joined this year by a couple of rookies, hopefully for a full season of 1200 action. Among this year’s crop of rookies include Kevin Kapelke (driving the #4 Blackhole), Karl-Dennis Allard Turcotte in the #93 BRD, Steve Bamford (in the #7 Mysterian M2/#46 Lynx B) and Kevin Deevey, racing under the new AVR Motorsports banner in the #25 BRD. AVR takes over where TLM left off; personally, I wish the team good luck; as I do all competitors.
Qualifying was run in conjunction with the CASC Formula Libre class; however the faster cars seem to be the least of the team’s worries. Temperatures barely over freezing, gusting winds and falling rain made conditions treacherous at best. Iamundi seemed to have had the best run going, until a penalty for passing under yellow cost him his best 2 times. The season’s first pole went to Phil Wang in the #73 Sterling MicroSystems Caracal C, with a time of 2:02.938. Joining Wang in the top 5 included top-10 finishers in the ’09 points Robert Tronchi in the #36 Vallis Motorsport BRD and Andre Bonaldo in the #92 BRD, former champion Guy Bellingham in the #17 V-Max, and Shane Viccary in the #27 AVR Gladiator.
Race 1 had the conditions worsen to qualifying, and the 19 drivers in the field had some of the worse weather seen in many seasons. Wang found out how bad the conditions were firsthand as he spun coming to the original green flag, forfeiting his pole and nullifying the start. For the second go-round, Bamford in his Mysterian spun and impacted the front straight concrete wall, forcing his retirement. It was a rough first lap for Bellingham, as he spun in the first turn; he would continue on and finish tenth. However, it would be Iamundi who would have the greatest swing in luck; starting 6th, he would be have the lead heading down the hill into turn 4, only to spun off in the conditions and be beached in the Turn 5 gravel bed. This would cause a full-course caution and a subsequent green/white/checker finish. When the race was restarted, a strong lead battle between Sergio Pasian in the #76 BRD, Bonaldo and Tronchi. As they battled up front through the last couple laps, battles continued right through the field. On the last lap, Aaron McCauley in the #31 Vallis BRD spun out, forcing the #79 Lazer of Michael Rogers to spun and get stuck in the same gravel bed as Iamundi did earlier. Up front, it would be Pasian who went on to take the first win of 2010, followed home by Bonaldo, Turcotte, Tronchi and Barrett.
Sunday, and two races greetings the 1200 grid. Snow also greeted the competitors, as the course was lined with a light dusting during warm-up. Gridding up for race 2 would see both Iamundi and Bellingham starting from the rear; Iamundi because of his off in race 1 and Bellingham because of a switch to run a BRD. They would be the big story of this race, as within 4 laps, they both were up front and battling the 8th-place starting Wang. After a back and forth battle for the next few laps, Bellingham took the lead and started to pull away. He was on his way to his first win since 2008, when his engine lost power and caused him to stop up the back straight. This gave the lead to Wang, but it would be Iamundi winning race 2 on a last lap pass. Rounding out the top-5 would be Tronchi, Rogers and race 1 winner Pasian. Bellingham would be credited with a 9th place finish.
Race 3 would be run in bright sunshine, which seemed to suit Iamundi, as he would walk away to an 8-second victory over Wang. Behind them though was an excellent six-way fight for the final podium position between Bellingham, Tronchi, Rogers, Bonaldo, Pasian and Barrett. On the last lap, going through the infamous Turn 2, a wreck within the pack would cause the retirements of the first names mentioned in the group (Bonaldo would end up rolling his car and would leave the track seeking some medical additional assistance post-race).
Heading to Round 2 at Shannonville, the point standings look like this: Sergio Pasian leaves Mosport with a slim 1-pt lead on Michael Iamundi, 61 to 60. Phil Wang is third, on the strength of back-to-back runner-up finishes and 3 top-10s, with 56 pts; Tronchi (43) and Barrett (40) round out the top-10. In the race for Rookie of the Year, Kevin Deevey leads with 14 pts, eight points clear of Turcotte, with Kapelke and O’Hanlon tied for third and Bamford fifth.
NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Action at Delaware Speedway
(London, Ontario) Mother Nature decided to remind us of her power last Friday, raining out the action at Delaware Speedway on the Mother’s Day Weekend.
OK Mother, we heard you, now it’s our turn!
This May 14, we’ll be on the track with the NASCAR Late Models, Delaware Super Stocks and Demar Aggregates Trucks. Fans will also cheer on the spectators in 2010’s first King of the Hill race!
Dorchester’s Steve Robblee is defending his title in the Late Model Division, having finished the ’09 season as champion – his 9th time taking the title. Ron Sheridan of Mt. Bridges was just 16 points back of Robblee in ’09. Sheridan is widely considered to be the best driver never to have won a championship at Delaware.
In the Super Stocks, the #11 of Jason Lidster from St. Thomas In looks to repeat as champion, while former Junior Racing League graduates like Darrell Lake do their best to take the title away.
And in the Demar Aggregates Trucks, Paul Fothergill picks up this season after another truck championship last year and a solid run in the Enduro on the first of May.
We’re also welcoming back the volunteers from Jesse’s Journey who will complete their lap of the track in support of the Walk Across Canada in a Day fundraiser. It’s a minimum $5 donation to help end Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and walk with us just before racetime.
For more info:
Joe Czernai, General Manager Delaware Speedway (519) 851-5006
Lisa Brandt, Publicity (226) 448-7227
OK Mother, we heard you, now it’s our turn!
This May 14, we’ll be on the track with the NASCAR Late Models, Delaware Super Stocks and Demar Aggregates Trucks. Fans will also cheer on the spectators in 2010’s first King of the Hill race!
Dorchester’s Steve Robblee is defending his title in the Late Model Division, having finished the ’09 season as champion – his 9th time taking the title. Ron Sheridan of Mt. Bridges was just 16 points back of Robblee in ’09. Sheridan is widely considered to be the best driver never to have won a championship at Delaware.
In the Super Stocks, the #11 of Jason Lidster from St. Thomas In looks to repeat as champion, while former Junior Racing League graduates like Darrell Lake do their best to take the title away.
And in the Demar Aggregates Trucks, Paul Fothergill picks up this season after another truck championship last year and a solid run in the Enduro on the first of May.
We’re also welcoming back the volunteers from Jesse’s Journey who will complete their lap of the track in support of the Walk Across Canada in a Day fundraiser. It’s a minimum $5 donation to help end Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and walk with us just before racetime.
For more info:
Joe Czernai, General Manager Delaware Speedway (519) 851-5006
Lisa Brandt, Publicity (226) 448-7227
NCATS: Mosport's June NASCAR race named Vortex Brake Pads 200
BOWMANVILLE, ON - Vortex Brake Pads and Mosport International Raceway have announced a two-year agreement that will see the Canadian manufacturer as title sponsor of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series races at Mosport International Raceway, this year scheduled for June 11-13. Formerly called the High Octane 200, the event will now be known as the Vortex Brake Pads 200.
“We had a great experience sponsoring the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series race last year at the Mosport Speedway oval and for the next two seasons are looking forward to having our name associated with the historic Mosport International Raceway circuit and their NASCAR Series race,”
said Bryan Watts, vice-president of Vortex Brake Pads. “Through our sponsorship of Ed Hakonson Racing (EHR) and driver Jason Hathaway, we’ve made inroads into this and other stock car racing championships. We believe our association with Mosport will open-up opportunities for us in the road racing community as well.”
Vortex Brake Pads are made by OE Quality Friction Inc. (OEQF). Founded in 1997, OEQF is a leading aftermarket manufacturer that specializes in hydraulic and air disc pads and have over 1,400 brake pad applications. OEQF employs over 200 people in a state of the art 80,000 sq ft. manufacturing and warehouse facility located in Mississauga, Ontario.
“This is great news and I’m happy to be joining Vortex in making this sponsorship renewal announcement today. I’m proud that they’ve committed to at least two more years with Mosport and look forward to working with Vortex to grow what is already a popular event,” said Mosport’s president and general manager Myles Brandt.
In addition to the NASCAR race (the first of two Canadian Tire Series stops at Mosport this season), the weekend will also feature the country’s top sedan racing series, the Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship, along with two open-wheel series races, the U.S. based F2000 Championship and the Ontario Formula Ford Championship.
Tickets for the Vortex Brake Pads 200 are now on sale, with three-day weekend SuperTickets at $50 until June 9.
For more information about all Mosport events and to purchase tickets, go to www.mosport.com or call the Mosport hotline at 1-800-866-1072 (Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm ET).
From Jerry Priddle, www.Mosport.com
Rankin Construction Presents John Puhl Memorial Night at Humberstone Speedway
A grassroots night of racing at Humberstone Speedway will be presented for the Victoria Holiday Weekend May 23 at Pt. Colborne's Humberstone Speedway. The five Division program will be sponsored by Rankin Construction Limited and will also honor the late John Puhl who founded Humberstone Speedway. The Weekly Racing Series consisting of the Ron's Automotive Mini Stocks, Niagara Auto Sales Pro 4 Trucks, Brian's Tire Repair Street Stocks, and the Cosco Haulage Sportsman. The Weekly Series will also be joined by the Frontier Auto Dismantler Pure Stocks.
Rounding out the evening will be capped off by a huge Victoria Holiday Fireworks Display and Humberstone Speedway will name their 2010 Miss Humberstone who will be representing the track at many on and off track functions. Be sure to be on hand as the weather and the racing action and point battles are sure to heat up as the Summer Season drama heightens. The pits will open at 4:30 with the grandstands at 5PM and racing at 6:30PM
For more details call Humberstone Speedway at (905) 834-4002 or call Cosco Haulage at (905) 935-2886. Please visit the website at www.humberstonespeedway.com and be sure to find more interesting fun on Facebook where you will meet the friends of Humberstone.
Time is slowly closing in on the July 11 Stars Of NASCAR program and after July 1 reduced priced tickets will no longer be available. Come see the NASCAR Stars competing with the Young Automotive Professional 358 Modifieds, which will include last years winner Dave Blaney, Kenny Schrader, Bobby Labonte and Guest Announcer Michael Waltrip. It will be a full five division race program with the Street Stocks. More details are available at www.humberstonespeedway.com.
Media members are required to contact Andrew Bilous for Stars Of NASCAR Night at abilous@fullservicemedia.ca
Release Prepared by Fran Bushardt
Rounding out the evening will be capped off by a huge Victoria Holiday Fireworks Display and Humberstone Speedway will name their 2010 Miss Humberstone who will be representing the track at many on and off track functions. Be sure to be on hand as the weather and the racing action and point battles are sure to heat up as the Summer Season drama heightens. The pits will open at 4:30 with the grandstands at 5PM and racing at 6:30PM
For more details call Humberstone Speedway at (905) 834-4002 or call Cosco Haulage at (905) 935-2886. Please visit the website at www.humberstonespeedway.com and be sure to find more interesting fun on Facebook where you will meet the friends of Humberstone.
Time is slowly closing in on the July 11 Stars Of NASCAR program and after July 1 reduced priced tickets will no longer be available. Come see the NASCAR Stars competing with the Young Automotive Professional 358 Modifieds, which will include last years winner Dave Blaney, Kenny Schrader, Bobby Labonte and Guest Announcer Michael Waltrip. It will be a full five division race program with the Street Stocks. More details are available at www.humberstonespeedway.com.
Media members are required to contact Andrew Bilous for Stars Of NASCAR Night at abilous@fullservicemedia.ca
Release Prepared by Fran Bushardt
Waterloo Regional Kart Club Race 3 Report
The Waterloo Regional Kart Club (WRKC) was back at Flamboro Speedway for race #3 of the 2010 season on Saturday May 8th. The weather forecast wasn’t encouraging with rain and high winds forecast; unfortunately in this case the weatherman was correct. The conditions presented challenges for the drivers and their crews. Those that were able to adapt and brave the harsh conditions were rewarded with good finishes.
The race winners were as follows:
Cadet: 1st Ryley Hulme, 2nd Ciarra Collison, 3rd Peter Ditner 4th Caleb Colling, 5th Nolan Quinton
Novice: 1st Jordan Howse, 2nd Austin Bisschop, 3rd Gehrig Halliday 4th Noah Bray, 5th Brandon Lowry
Jr. Light: 1st Darren Dryden, 2nd Matthew Scannell, 3rd Joshua Shantz 4th Cole Ledson, 5th Justin Billington
Jr. Heavy: 1st Tristan Gill, 2nd Kyle Durnin, 3rd Eric Van Wyngaarden 4th James Moore, 5th Dominique Smith
Sr. Medium: 1st TJ Marshall, 2nd Adam Racine, 3rd
Masters: 1st Jake Collison, 2nd Brian Wilkinson, 3rd James Tait 4th Daryll Skinner, 5th Michael Grinyer
The club takes a break for a couple of weeks after starting the season with 3 straight Saturday races. The next WRKC race is Saturday May 29th. For information about the Waterloo Regional Kart Club or to view our 2010 race schedule please visit our website at WWW.WRKC.ON.CA.
For more information contact: Brad Buckler 416-209-4058 // Website www.wrkc.on.ca
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