TILLSONBURG / CHESTERMAN OUTLAWS: August 3, 2010

This week was a perfect example of what happens when you get a rough track. The night started out well enough but extra moisture and a soft base made for a night of awesome racing to watch but it was a rough ride for the drivers. Very high and very low were not too bad but the middle groove had some bumps that if hit in a slide made for some interesting moments.

 

At the beginning of the season someone promised # 9 Kassy Streng, from Tillsonburg, that if she won a night she could get a pink race suit. Well Streng is going to be in the pink with this week's sweep of the Beginner class. The rough track may have played into her hand as her QRC handled the bumps better than the rigid kart of last week's winner #55 Scott Hall, from Wilsonville. It wasn't all bad news for Hall who was able to hold off his sister # 01 Jamie Hall and # 57 Bryson Green, from Ingersoll, who were also both in the QRC chassis.

 

We are going to have to pull out each junior's worst night to do some point comparisons because the Summer Series is insanely close.  This group is so close that every single pass for every point is important because it could mean the difference between. This week #17 Brandon Norris, from Brantford, turned his pole position start into first overall for the night by winning the 10 and 25 lap races. It was #20 DJ McRae, from London, who managed to work his way through the field in the longer 30 lap final to grab the last main but had a mechanical take him out of the 25 lap.  The real story was he was working on passing #77x Alex Hill, from Wilsonville, when she two wheeled it right in front and in the process of jamming on the brakes, McRae broke his pedal mount. Now I must admit that I am used to watching a couple of races and guessing who took the overall win for the night but this week, I would not have been even close. Second place went to #87 Brad Perrott, from Strathroy, who ran consistently well in the 10, 25 and 30 lap races going 3-3-2. #0 Cole MacDonald, from Mississauga, also had a strong night and took a third with 2-2-7.  This group put on one heck of a show all night from their near perfect formation starts to the racing right down to the final lap holding out their noses as they crossed the finish line.

 

The Seniors were all about the Courtnage girls as #39 Kate Courtnage came out on top this week as sister Bea took second by merely a point. There must be something in the water in Harley because these girls are fast. Doing his best to represent the guys was #30 Josh Beecroft, from Ridgetown, as he worked his way around the rough track with sheer determination. One of the senior races was running on borrowed time as we picked up a motor mount plate this morning that likely belongs to Kate, Bea or Scott judging by the style of it. Better have a look racers to see what is holding on your engines.

 

The Experts were prepped to put on a great show with the tacky and rough track, and they did but not in the way you would think. The time trials took out the #7 kart when the main sprocket bolts backed out and launched the sprocket. #81 Cassidy March, from London, has yet to figure out his Honda CR250 engine running issues and left the final main before it even started (if any teams are good with those engines they could use some help on this one). #88 Devin Jarvis, from London, and #63 Dylan Chesterman started the race but left midway with fatigue.

 

#1 Holly Porter who has been running a borrowed Kart was the next to drop which left #19 Cody Coburn, from Mount Brydges, and #34 Scott Chesterman to battle it out in a last man standing grudge match for 15 laps. Chesterman had ran the first half of the race up high against the wall where it was smooth but Coburn was able to finally able to get by running the rougher but faster mid groove. This forced Chesterman to drop down and take his beating to get the lead back but Coburn answered with a similar move. Looking for all the world like these two were going to crash each other out, they battled to three laps to go when a bounce put Coburn back several kart lengths and figuring he could not close the gap, backed out of it and took second. Both racers almost needed help to get out of the karts afterwards when their noodle arms were not strong enough to pull themselves up. Amazingly both drivers set a fast lap time that was the same down to 1/1000 of a second.

  

Next Race Aug. 10 at Chesterman Power Products/ Home of the Tillsonburg Outlaws

 

 

Chesterman Power Products
Tillsonburg Indoor MX
www.chesterman.ca
519-842-5977

BRIGHTON SPEEDWAY: Southern Ontario Sprints Return this Saturday!

BRIGHTON, ON - This Saturday night Brighton Speedway gets down and dirty with the Southern Ontario Sprints as the drivers of these 650 horse power machines do battle on the 1/3rd mile bull ring!  In the last event it was hometown favorite #11 Chris Jones collecting his first ever sprint car feature ahead of the #0 Glen Styres.  They will be joined by other favorites such as the Joyceville Jet Rick Wilson, his daughter April Wilson, Styres teammate Keith Dempster, the Batman Adam West and a host of other SOS regulars as they look to take home the checker flag.

The Sprint Cars will be joined by Brighton Speedway's feature divisions Vanderlaan's Building Supplies Late Models, Bainer's Radiator Canadian Modifieds, Brighton Automotive Pro Stocks and the Bill's John's Comp 4.  Also taking to the track this Saturday night is the ever popular Larry's Towing Spectator 1 on 1 races.  If you have ever wanted to race and never had the opportunity, well here it is.  Just show up to the Speedway on Saturday night with your road car, van or truck, a helmet and your nerve!  You will have the chance to race around the track in a one lap dash for the win.  Winner of the final round recives the trophy and $100.00 cash!  Saturday Night will also host the resceduled Pro Stock mechanics race.

From Brighton Speedway

NASCAR CANADIAN TIRE SERIES: Steckly Posts Another Top Five on Western Swing‏

SASKATOON, SK, Thursday Aug. 5, 2010: Scott Steckly driver of the No. 22 Racing/Canadian Tire Dodge had another solid run in the final event of the three race Western Canada swing finishing the Velocity Prairie Thunder at Auto Clearing Motor Speedway in fourth on Wednesday night.

After practicing 8th quickest earlier in the day the team led by crew chief Greg Gibson went back to the drawing board and made some changes to the car prior to qualifying.
The Canadian Tire Dodge driver would post a time quick enough for the third starting position and the team were confident they had a good car for the 250 lap race later in the evening.

At the drop of the green flag Steckly fell back to fourth but it was a planned strategy to just run with the leaders and save the equipment. This event last year had Steckly starting from the tail of the field after losing a motor in practice and coming back to take the win so they were confident in their abilities to get to the front. After a long green flag session, Steckly brought his car to the attention of his crew for tires and fuel on lap 207 setting them up to make a run for the front over the final 40 laps.

With 18 laps to go the caution flew for only the third time in the race with the No. 22 car running in second. Steckly lined up on the outside of leader DJ Kennington for the restart but the Canadian Tire Dodge was really set up to run down low on the track and at the checkered flag he had dropped back to fourth. “We had a really good car again tonight and I was really fast down low on the track,” stated Steckly after the race. “Our strategy worked for us tonight right up until the last caution. I want to thank all my crew guys for their hard work and efforts over the last couple of weeks as well as Canadian Tire and all of our supporters.”

On this three race Western swing Steckly and his team have posted three top five finishes with a third at Edmonton, a win at Vernon, BC and a fourth at Saskatoon and moved up one position in the point standings.

Finish: 1. DJ Kennington 2. JR Fitzpatrick 3. Don Thomson Jr. 4. Scott Steckly.

Scott Steckly remains in third in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series point standings after seven events.

The Velocity Prairie Thunder 250 will be broadcast on TSN on Saturday Aug. 21, 1 p.m. ET.

Next up for the 22 Racing Team will be the Grand Prix de Trois Rivieres in Quebec on Aug. 15th.

For more information on the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series please visit http://www.nascarlocalracing.com/.

Scott Steckly would also like to thank his sponsors: Canadian Tire, MotoMaster, Mobil 1, Exide, Erb, AW Millwrights, Reefer Sales and Marks Work Warehouse.

About Canadian Tire
Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited (TSX: CTC.a, CTC), Canadian Tire is one of Canada’s most shopped general retailers with 479 stores across the country. Our core retail and automotive operation is strengthened by PartSource, an automotive parts speciality chain; Canadian Tire Petroleum, one of the country’s largest independent retailers of gasoline; Mark’s “Clothes That Work” is a leading retailer of men’s, women’s and work apparel; and, Canadian Tire Financial Services, which has issued over five million Canadian Tire MasterCard credit cards. More than 58,000 Canadians work across Canadian Tire’s organization from coast-to-coast in the enterprise’s retail, financial services and petroleum businesses.

For more information on Scott Steckly and 22 Racing please contact:
Linda Jones
Wide Open Motorsport Solutions
(705) 458-4044
Email: ljones@wideopensolutions.ca

Dixie Ford - Lapping weekend!!!! - Sign up now at www.dixiefordspeedshop.com

Have you ever wanted to see how well your car can perform? Would you like to have Professional driving instruction? If so, the Redline Rendezvous is for you!!

Come join us August 30-31 at Mosport International Raceway to drive safe and have fun. Improve your driving skills, while you learn the performance driving potential of your vehicle.

The Redline Rendezvous will be one of the most challenging and most rewarding events you will ever attend.

Redline Rendezvous...helping you realize your driving potential.

Click here for more info about this event.

CENTRE FOR SPEED: August 1, 2010

Ian Readey sent along some photos to go with the write-up from Shediac, NB's Centre for Speed on Sunday, Aug. 1. Thanks Ian!

LANE, CASHOL AND STEWART CAPTURE MACDONALD BUICK GMC 400 FEATURES AT CFS

SHEDIAC, NB - Ronnie Lane (#46) of Prosser Brook captured his second consecutive Maritime Series for Sportsman race during Sunday afternoon’s jam-packed MacDonald Buick GMC 400 stock car racing program at the Centre for Speed (CFS), Atlantic Canada’s Super Speedway and “Metro Moncton’s Playground of Power.”

A full field of top drivers from throughout the three Maritime provinces provided ‘door-handle-to-door-handle’ action in five racing divisions during CFS’s 5th annual mid-summer stock car celebration.

In the Maritime Series for Sportsman 100-lap feature, Lane emerged victorious for his second consecutive series victory at CFS crossing the stripe ahead of John Rankin (#28) of Quispamsis and Cal Hatfield (#11) of Rothesay. Lane was able to hold off a number of charges from various drivers through numerous restarts caused by collisions or mechanical failures. After starting the event mid-field in the 22-car grid, Lane patiently took the outside groove to make his way towards the front. Hatfield was the early leader of this event before Lane got a good jump on a lap #42 restart to overtake Hatfield on the outside, after which he drove a flawless race for the win. Luc Bourgeois (#88) of Memramcook, who finished fourth in the feature, had earlier captured the first 10-lap heat while defending CFS champion, Dan Bourque (#15) of Grande Digue took top honours in the second heat’

In the Streetstock 100-lap feature, veteran Rick Cashol (#54) of Saint John prevailed after finally overtaking Remi Gaudet (#22) of Grand Barachois with 10 laps remaining. Gaudet, who led for most of the event with Cashol parked on his back bumper, was unfortunately undone by balding tires as he tried to keep control of his racecar’s backend over the later part of the race. With Cashol having overtaken him on lap #90, Gaudet spun in turn #1 on lap #92 bringing out a yellow flag and relegating him to the back of the lead lap for the final restart. At the finish line, Cashol outdistanced Tyler Rossiter (#14) of Weldon and Don Marcoux (#27) of St. Louis de Kent.

The #22 Street Stock team was later disqualified and several members of the team sanctioned for physical and verbal abuse of a track official.

In Mini Stock action, Julien Leblanc (#07) captured his third feature win of the season in the 50-lap main event ahead of Mike Edwards (#23) of Riverview and CFS points leader Martin Landry (#00) of Grand Barachois.

Three Halifax-area drivers stole the spotlight In the Four Fun division 50-lap feature by crossing the finish line in the top three positions. Scott Williams (#00) of Sackville, N.S. led the parade followed by fellow Scotia SpeedWorld competitors Dave Matthews (#99) of Halifax and Stephen Lively (#1) of Shubenacadie.

And in Atlantic Open Wheel (AOW) Modifieds action, Shelley Stewart (#43) of Emerald, PEI enjoyed one of her best afternoons at CFS with wins in both the 35-lap feature and the 12-la- semifinal to go along with a second place showing in the 10-lap heat. In the afternoon’s main event, Stewart took the lead for good on lap #23 and never looked back to cross the finish line ahead of Ken Deveau (#3) of Saint John and Paul Costain (#64) of Moncton, who had earlier captured the heat win.

For the remainder of the points championship events during the month of August, CFS management has decided to move its racing programs from Sunday afternoons to Saturday bights at 7:00 p.m. Next Saturday, August 7th, the CENTRE will present racing in all of its four regular divisions with the added bonus of a ‘Burnout competition’ which is open to any street legal or regular race competitor.

OSCAAR KAWARTHA TONIGHT

Dave Franks has the trophy and he is heading to Kawartha Speedway. Who will hold it in Victory Lane following the Don Biederman Memorial?

South Buxton Raceway: Week 12 Preview

CHATHAM, ON - Eric Vanderiviere’s recovery for a third-place finish after suffering a flat tire earlier in last Saturday night’s feature race has vaulted the Chatham driver into the points lead in the Windride Transportation Services Sport Stocks.

Vanderiviere went into the night nine points behind Essex’s Doris Lajeunesse. He has a nine-point lead going into this Saturday’s action (gates open 5:30p.m., racing begins at 7 p.m.).

Vanderiviere actually assumed the points lead before the feature, thanks to his heat win and fourth-place finish in the pursuit while Lajeunesse was sixth in the heat and 10th in the pursuit. Lajeunesse was fourth in the feature.

Lajeunesse has led the standings since opening night but Vanderiviere has chipped away at the deficit over the last month.

Vanderiviere was 24 points off the lead going into July as a pair of feature wins and four checkered flags in the last three race nights helped him overtake Lajeunesse.

Merlin’s Steve Shaw, on the strength of his third feature win of the season last Saturday, moved into third place, 56 points off the lead.

Lajeunesse has been the steadiest driver among the top three as he has managed to avoid all the mayhem that has marred the class this season. The Essex driver won the opening night feature and has seven top-5 finishes in nine features.

Vanderiviere has also missed the numerous crashes but has had three DNFs with mechanical issues.

Shaw’s only top-5 feature finishes have come in the races he’s won.

Brad McLeod has the biggest lead of the four classes as the seven-time track champion has a 110-point advantage atop the Schinkels Gourmet Meats UMP Modifieds.

Defending series champion Jim Dale Jr. of Shrewsbury had a 101-point lead over McLeod after the June 5 races but motor issues have dropped the six-time points champ to fourth place, 122 points behind the leader.

McLeod, who took the points lead on July 3, has 859 points.

Wyoming’s Brian Speelman moved into second place with 749 points, 11 ahead of Belle River’s Mario Toniolo who moved into third.

C.J. Field of Chatham, who led the standings for one week at the end of June, has slipped to fifth after missing last Saturday.

Chatham’s Brad Authier has won two straight feature races and has collected six of the last nine checkereds over the last three weeks in the Dover Sanitation UMP Late Models.

But the six-time track champ can’t gain ground on Dale Glassford’s lead.

Authier had a 79-point deficit going into last week’s action and despite his feature and heat wins, he only managed to reduce the deficit to nine points.

Glassford, the defending series champion from Ridgeown, has two wins and seven second-place finishes in the nine features run this season. He also has five wins and 16 second-place finishes in the 27 total races run in the class.

Chatham’s Jim Jones, 202 points off the lead, and Wallaceburg’s Mike Lewis, 261 back, moved ahead of Chatham’s Jason Haskell into third and fourth places. Haskell was one of four regulars who missed last week’s action after he wrecked the previous weekend in an ODLM event in Brockville.

Rob Quick knocked 24 points off Blenheim’s Shawn Jones’ lead in the Four Seasons Driver Comp 4 class.

Quick won his second feature of the season last Saturday while Jones carded a rare DNF, allowing the veteran Cottam driver to reduce the deficit from 68 to 44 points.

Jones finished 12th but was upgraded to 10th in the official results after Blenheim’s Reid Fenton and Chatham’s Randy McKinlay, who finished second and third, were disqualified for refusing tech inspection.

Quick went through inspection and passed, as did the top three finishers from the Sport Stocks feature (Shaw, Louis Clements and Vanderiviere).

As a result of the DQ’s, Blenheim’s Brett Hope was rewarded a second-place finish, while Chatham’s Rick Balasin, Tilbury’s James Beaulieu and Merlin’s Steve Shaw Jr. rounded out the top five. It was Balasin’s sixth top-5 and the first for Hope, Beaulieu and Shaw Jr.

Pit Notes

- Kirk Hooker’s family will present the Country View Cup trophies to all four feature winners on Saturday. Paul DeGoey won the first Country View Cup in 2008 in the Modified class while Hooker’s children – daughter Taylor and son Jake – presented Country View Cups to Andrew Reaume in the Late Models and Jim Dale Jr. in the Modifieds last year. Hooker said his children wanted to do all four classes this year so he bought four trophies.

- Hooker will be the guest on Pit Pass this week with host Mike Regnier on Country 92.9 FM/630 AM CFCO. Pit Pass airs Friday at 6:40 p.m. and Saturday at 10:40 a.m.

- Leamington’s Paul DeGoey, who made a memorable trip to the Winners Circle last Saturday, is not a registered driver, the reason he doesn’t appear in the points standings.

- DeGoey told track announcer Dean Outhouse during his post-race interview that he hopes to be back again this season. He sat out the 2009 season after his terrifying accident on Aug. 30, 2008, and has raced four times this season.

- The Junior Fan Club Party takes place next Saturday, Aug. 14, starting at 4 p.m.

- Next Saturday will also be Chatham Maroons Night, with several members of the Jr. ‘B’ hockey club – including Brett Hope, driver of the No. 49 Comp 4 car – will be on hand to sign autographs and meet fans. There will be ticket and merchandise giveaways from the Maroons.

- The ASCS Sprints On Dirt return in two weeks, Saturday, Aug. 21.

PICTURES: 1) Eric Vanderiviere (No. 29) takes the checkered flag and climbs on car after his July 17 Mid-Season Championship race win in the Windride Transporation Sport Stocks (James MacDonald Apex One Photo).

By Mike Bennett // South Buxton Raceway

Kawartha Speedway: Don Biederman Memorial OSCAAR race TONIGHT at Kawartha

FRASERVILLE, ON - The focus will be on Fraserville as Kawartha Speedway’s 10th Anniversary season roars back to life Friday, August 6th.  A full night of Hasiuk Trailer and Container Rental Mini Stock, Better Carpet Thunder Car and NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Model action is scheduled to hit the track.  Also on the card is the 2010 edition of the Don Biederman Memorial for the OSCAAR Outlaw Super Late Models.  Gates open at 3:00 and racing starts at 7:00.

One of Kawartha’s success stories during the current campaign has been mini stock runner Tyler Junkin.  The youngster, who campaigns a half Cadillac/half Cavalier 4 cylinder racer has been a regular winner of his qualifying heats and the division’s semi feature.  His efforts have the #41 machine sitting 3rd in points, just over 35 markers behind Mike Nelson.

“I’m having fun out there and we’re learning as a team,” admitted Junkin.  “Having some good luck certainly helps, but running well leads to more experience and that’s never a bad thing.  Every time we race I feel more confident with what I’m doing and that allows me to drive the car a little deeper into the corners and experiment with some different lines.  It’s all about trying different things on the racetrack to see what works and what doesn’t.”

Whether it’s Jeff Hanley, Rob Clarke, John Fletcher or Derrick Tiemersma – all past winners – OSCAAR’s 75 lap Don Biederman Memorial brings out the best of the best.  2009 series champion Glenn Watson leads the current standings on the strength of his 3 feature wins.  Series officials expect a full field to battle for the purse and prestige that comes with winning the tour’s marquee event. 

Kawartha Speedway is located minutes from Peterborough, near the intersection of highway 28 and 7.  The track’s full 2010 schedule, including the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series finale – Saturday, September 25th – is available at www.kawarthaspeedway.com.

PHOTO: Tyler Junkin’s performance at the controls of a Hasiuk Trailer and Container Rental Mini Stock has been a shining light during Kawartha Speedway’s 2010 season.

Story and Photo attachment:  Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications

Jake Thompson Motorsports – TDI Cup Round 6 Autobahn Report

Thompson moves closer to the championship lead with Top 5 Result

Canadian driver Jake Thompson continued his push to become the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Champion with a solid top 5 finish at Autobahn Country Club this past weekend. The weekend proved dramatic as Thompson had to overcome a number of obstacles, before eventually bringing the car home in 4th position. The result moves him within 20 points of the championship lead, having reduced the point’s gap at each of the last 3 events. With 240 points still up for grabs, the title race is wide open with the top 5 separated by only 29 points.

Cloudy skies and heavy rains greeted the TDI Cup drivers as they arrived at the circuit located just outside of Chicago. With rain tires fitted to the cars for practice, the weather cleared just as the Jetta’s hit the track, and the drivers were forced to contend with a drying track. After setting the fastest time in the early part of the session Thompson pulled in early to save his tires in case of more rain later in the event. Despite a rapidly drying track, Thompson’s early lap would still be the 4th quickest of the session.

There were plenty of reasons to be optimistic as Thompson was the first car on course to start the 30 minute qualifying session. However, he would get overly aggressive on his first timed lap, spinning the car in Turn 2, and popping both left side tires. After negotiating all 19 turns of the Autobahn circuit while riding on two rims, Thompson was able to pit for new rubber. The incredible Volkswagen mechanic’s would have the car back on track in no time, giving Jake the opportunity to salvage the session. Unfortunately, Thompson re-entered in heavy traffic and would struggle to find a clear lap eventually ending up 7th on the grid.

Knowing he had a car capable of running up front, Thompson would look to move up early in the race. As the lights went out at the start he slotted into 7th, but would look to the inside of two cars, making it three wide into Turn 9. Unfortunately Thompson would come out on the losing end, and be demoted back to 8th in the process. Still, he had a fast car, and had moved up to 6th when the field was slowed for a full course caution after the 3rd lap. When the field went green again, Thompson would again make steady progress, moving into 4th on the second to last lap, and catching up to the battle for 2nd just as they took the chequered flag. It was a solid result as he finished ahead of most of his championship rivals, but still a little bit disappointing as the #19 car was clearly capable of fighting for the win.

By finishing all 10 laps, Racing for the Right To Play raised another $620 dollars, bringing the season total close to $7000! The next event for the TDI Cup is a double header at Road America August 20-22, and with the championship battle so tight there is sure to be drama at the historic 4 mile road course.

About Jake Thompson Motorsports
Jake Thompson, from Calgary, AB, is the driver of the #19 car in the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup. In his rookie season, Jake was a multiple race winner and in 2010 will return to the series as a strong contender for the championship. He is supported by Volkswagen & Odkarts.com.
Follow Jake online at:
http://www.jakethompson.ca/
www.twitter.com/jakethompson19
www.youtube.com/jakethompson19

About Racing for the Right To Play
For the 2010 Racing Season, Jake Thompson Motorsports has partnered with Right To Play to help raise money and awareness for children in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the world. Companies and individuals will have the opportunity to pledge a small donation for every lap Jake completes as part of the 2010 TDI Cup Season. In return for their support, at the final event of the year the #19 car will have the name of every contributor proudly displayed on the hood. To learn more about the program or to follow along with our progress please visit www.jakethompson.ca/righttoplay

NASCAR Canadian Tire Series on TSN... upcoming events

Watch TSN for upcoming broadcasts of NASCAR Canadian Tire Series races, including recent races in Vernon, BC and Saskatoon, SK. Click here to see the NCATS page at TSN.ca.

NOTE: the ad above features the actual race dates, as well as the broadcast dates.

Rick Young's 'Rick at the Races' for July 31 through Aug. 3, 2010

From Rick Young // www.rickattheraces.com

31 July                    Brockville Ontario Speedway

1 Aug                      Cornwall Motor Speedway , Ont

2 Aug                      Merrittville Speedway , Ont

3 Aug                     Fulton Speedway , NY

Even though work commitments once again ruled out any chances of Friday night racing, I still managed to attend four events over the past week.

On Saturday 31 July I was once again at the Brockville Ontario Speedway for a regular night of racing which included the vintage division. There was a couple of notable new additions to their ranks, one car that sported an AMC Gremlin body and another that used one from an Opel Manta. This was a pleasant surprise, because I'd always been led to believe Modifieds had to use North American built bodies. ( Opels are made in Germany). I hope this trend continues ! Who knows, some one might like to try a BMC mini body, and that would look good.

I always enjoy watching these guys in action and on this occasion they provided plenty of it. Their Feature had to red flagged following a big pile up on the first turn. On the restart former Modified driver and now Sprint Car pilot, Paul Pekonen took the checkers.

Fans were treated to a great Feature race in the Modified division where 'young guns' Gage Morin and Matt Billings fought it out. They both showed great maturity as they diced side by side and lap after lap in a very clean and sporting way. As they both approached slower traffic Morin found the quicker way through to grab his third BOS victory of the year, The SPORTSMAN feature was again won by Chris Raabe, while Kevin Fetterley did like wise in the Street Stocks.

On Sunday (1 Aug) it was the final race in Cornwall Motor Speedway's Canadian Nationals where 125 laps would decide the winner. The race was split in to two segments. After 75 laps the race was paused for a mandatory 10 minute pit stop ( on the front stretch) then continued for the remaining 50. There were around 40 modifieds in attendance but only 30 would be allowed to start the big 'dance'.

New Jersey's Brett Hearn who won the first race back in May, had all the eyes on him to see if he could do it again. Dale Planck and Lee Ladouceur made all the early running and amazingly the first 75 laps were free from stoppages with zero number of cautions. By this time Hearn had worked his way up to second place and was next to pole sitter Planck for the restart.

On lap 100 Hearn edged past Planck , and still there'd been no cautions. The continuous 'green flag' racing must have had an effect on Planck's tires as he slipped back to third as Pat O'Brien moved up. At this stage O'Brien looked the quickest, but with no stoppages to help him out, Hearn remained at the front. As the checkers came out after 125 laps of non stop racing Hearn was at the front to take the win and the 'Nationals Series ' All credit must go out to the drivers taking part, their crews and the CMS track staff for the excellence we witnessed in this race. I've never seen a race with 125 'green flag' laps before, and I doubt if I'll see it again. It was an awesome experience for everyone who saw it.

There were familiar winners in the SPORTSMAN and Pro Stock divisions with Chris Raabe and Joey Ladouceur taking the honors respectively , while Mike Gaucher won the Mini Stock event. 

Monday August 2 was a Statuary Public holiday in Ontario and with Tuesday being my regular day off, it gave me the opportunity of making a road trip. I decided to do a 'lap' of Lake Ontario and set off early Monday morning in the direction of Toronto and Niagara Falls. My destination was the Merrittville Speedway located at Thorold, and just twenty minutes away from the Falls.

The event that prompted me to make the 6 hour drive was their annual staging of the Big Block Modified SUPER DIRT SERIES. I arrived at the track at about 3-15pm in good time to relax and watch the haulers arrive. The first person I met was Gary Tomkins who was sitting in his 'road' car waiting for his racer to arrive. He hasn't had a regular drive this year and tonight he was to be driving the 76 x car ( I think it was a spare Travis Braun car). Gary also told me he'd been racing a borrowed car at the New Egypt Speedway in New Jersey on Saturday night.

Once I got in side, I toured the pits and chatted to Stewart Friesen who was debuting a brand new car. Also in the pits, I briefly spoke to Darren Latimer a visiting Australian driver. He was at the wheel of the one of Pete Bicknell's cars.

Intermission entertainment was provided by Billy Decker, Stewart Friesen and Steve Paine who took part in a kiddies bike race.

Before the big race got under way three National Anthems were played instead of the customary two. As well as the Canadian and American anthems, the Australian one was also played, in respect of Latimer.

At the drop of the green flag Steve Paine took the lead , followed in hot pursuit by Friesen and Decker. On lap 42 of the 100 lapper Friesen got past and looked all set to maintain his position until a fast moving Matt Shepherd arrived on his tail. By lap 71 Shepherd had edged past and stayed at the front until the checkers. Friesen was runner up and Dale Planck was third.

I stayed over night at the track in my personal RV, ( my Chevy HHR with the back seats folded down ! ) before crossing over into the USA at Niagara Falls the next day. I would be returning home via the southern side of Lake Ontario and taking in another event on my way.

My destination was the Tuesday night staging of the World Of Outlaws Sprint Cars at the Fulton Speedway NY. I had to be back at work early on Wednesday morning so I knew before I got there that my time in attendance would be limited. I couldn't stay much later than 10-00 pm but figured if things went well , It would be enough to get some good pit shots and some heat race photo action .

It was lovely and sunny when I arrived mid afternoon and the pits were already filling up with many of the big names . I took advantage of the situation and got plenty of pics before the crowds arrived. Danny 'the Dude' Lasoski , Steve and Craig Kinser , Donny Schatz were there as well as NASCAR Sprint Cup star Tony Stewart and his team mate and friend Jessica Zemken. Jess took time out from changing her gears for a quick chat and photo session. She told me about her WoO visit to the Oshweken Speedway at the weekend.

Not long after I took her photo we had quick rain shower which saw me taking refuge and sheltering in the back of the WoO tech trailer. It didn't last too long and the track soon dried out.

I then moved onto the center in readiness to take more photos. The SPORTSMAN support division did their warm up laps and the National Anthems signaled the start of the evening. Just as the final few bars were being played the heavens opened once more.

The skies were pitch black and things did not look good. Even if the rain was to stop, I thought it would take a long time to dry. I made a run back to my car and decided to make my exit. With work commitments the next morning, I couldn't 'sit it out'. As I traveled home , I drove through torrential rain and was back home in Cornwall, Ontario before 11-00 pm . It was then that I heard via internet that the show had survived, and after a late start the eventual winner was Steve Kinser

PIC 1       An Opel Manta bodied Vintage racer at the BOS
PIC 2        An AMC Gremlin bodied Vintage racer at the BOS
PIC 3       Paul Pekonen wins the BOS Vintage race
PIC 4       Gage Morin wins the BOS Mod Feature
PIC  5       Team Mates Terrance and Planck at the CMS
PIC  6       Four wide parade lap for bthe CMS Candian Nationals
PIC  7      The Brett Hearn during the CMS mandatory pit stop
PIC  8      Brett Hearn celebrates at the CMS with promoter Ron Morin
PIC  9       Australian Darren Latimer at Merrittville
PIC  10      Gary Tomkins in action at Merrittville
PIC  11      Stewart Friesen in action at Merrittville
PIC  12      Matt Shepherd wins the Merrittville SDS race
PIC  13       Merrittville Intermission bike race Decker and Friesen, side by side
PIC  14       Yours Truly beside Tony Stewarts Sprint Car at Fulton
PIC  15       Jessica Zemken at Fulton
PIC  16       Fulton drivers meeting ,Tony Stewart next to Danny Lasoski
PIC  17       Fulton drivers meeting, Donny Schatz next to Steve Kinser
PIC  18       Donny Schatz car at Fulton
PIC  19       Tony Stewart's car at Fulton
PIC  20      Jessica Zemken's car at Fulton

SOUTHERN ONTARIO SPRINTS HEAD BACK TO BRIGHTON SATURDAY NIGHT

By Tommy Goudge (August 5, 2010) – This Saturday night the Southern Ontario Sprints tour will return to familiar territory when Brighton Speedway hosts the tour for the sixth round of the SOS season!

The last SOS event at Brighton on July 10 featured a popular victory by local driver Chris Jones of Demorestville. The win was Jones’ first at the Rinaldi-family owned one-third mile clay oval, and first ever in the Sprint Car division.

Glenn Styres of Ohsweken took over the SOS points lead with a second place run on July 10. Consecon’s Tyler Rand is second, followed by Ridgetown driver Adam West, Keith Dempster of Alton, and Rookie leader Jim Munsie of Pickering.

Always a fan favourite at Brighton, Joyceville’s Rick Wilson will try to add to his stellar record at the Northumberland County track this weekend. In forty career Sprint Car events at Brighton, “The Joyceville Jet” has claimed thirteen feature victories to lead the way in that category, along with a dozen runner-up finishes.

Championship leader Styres has claimed ten career victories at Brighton and is sure to contend for the win again this weekend. Styres broke a fuel pump while leading at Brighton in May, and finished second on June 19 and July 10.

Other active drivers with feature wins at Brighton include Warren Mahoney (3), Kyle Wilson (3), Adam West (2), Kevin Job (1), Dick Mahoney (1), and Jamie Collard (1). Everyone from the Southern Ontario Sprints would like to send out well wishes to Collard, who suffered a back injury in a crash in World of Outlaws competition last Friday night at Ohsweken Speedway. The SOS club wishes Jamie a speedy recovery, and hopes to see him back in the driver’s seat very soon!

Others expected in competition on Saturday night and looking to add their names to Brighton’s Sprint Car win list include; Bob Crawford, April Wilson, Kyle Fraser, Travis Cunningham, Doug Banks, Chris Durand, Frank Baranowski, Paul Pekkonen, and 2010 Rookie of the Year candidates Brad Lodge, and Erin Joyce.

Don’t miss the sixth event of the SOS racing season on Saturday, August 7th! Rapid Rad and Star 93.3 present the evening’s activities featuring the Southern Ontario Sprints, along with Brighton’s popular DIRTCar Pro Late Models, Canadian Modifieds, Pro Stocks, Comp 4’s, and Spectator One on One races.

WHAT:
Southern Ontario Sprints 2010 Season, Round #6
www.SouthernOntarioSprints.com

WHERE:
Brighton Speedway
775 County Road 64
Brighton, Ontario
K0K 1H0
Phone: (613)-475-1102 or toll free 1-(866)-681-1102
e-mail: info@brightonspeedway.com
On the Web: www.brightonspeedway.com

WHEN:
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Pit Gates open @ 3:00p.m., Spectator Gates Open @ 5:30p.m., Racing @ 7:00p.m.
Tickets: $18 Adults, $14 Youth and Seniors, $4 Children Ages 7-12, FREE Children Ages 6 and Under, $42 Family Pass
** Advance ticket sales are available for all SOS events at Brighton Speedway in 2010. Visit www.BrightonSpeedway.com for details. **

Please visit www.SouthernOntarioSprints.com for more news and information about the Southern Ontario Sprints! 2010 marks the fifteenth year of operation for the Southern Ontario Sprints, brought to you this season by Wiseco Piston, Kenetic Photos, Stealth Racewear, Triple X Race Co., ASI Racewear, The Racers Edge, BS&B Radiator, www.ImageFactor.ca, Hepfner Racing Products, Saldana Racing Products, Kreitz Oval Track Parts Inc., Keizer Aluminum Wheels, and Have Bus Racing Tours.

TOP 5 IN POINTS AFTER ROUND #5
Rank. Number Name Total
1. 0 Glenn Styres – 614
2. 84 Tyler Rand – 585
3. 30 Adam West – 557
4. 5 Keith Dempster – 554
5. 9 Jim Munsie (R) – 526

FRIDAY NIGHT THUNDER RESUMES WITH ART HILL MEMORIAL THIS WEEK AT OHSWEKEN

by Tommy Goudge (August 2, 2010) - The eighth round of Ohsweken Speedway’s Friday Night Thunder hits the track this Friday, August 6. This week’s event is presented by the Rochester Knighthawks lacrosse club, and features the annual “Art Hill Memorial 42” for the ESSO Mini Stock division, along with a full card of Corr/Pak Merchandising Sprint Cars, ESSO Thunder Stocks, and Bombers, plus Chain Racing and the second annual Ohsweken Speedway Hot Dog Eating Championship!

The Art Hill Memorial event is always a special night on the Ohsweken Speedway calendar, and honours the only driver ever to lose their life at the Speedway. 2009 ESSO Mini Stock champion Mitchell Brown has won two consecutive "Art Hill Memorial 42" features, but has moved to the Corr/Pak Merchandising Sprint Car division, making way for a possible new name on the Art Hill trophy. At least two active drivers in the ESSO Mini Stock division have claimed the Art Hill Memorial victory in the past, including 2005 winner Rick Emberson, and Dave Bailey who got the win in 2007.

Trevor Goulding of Welland leads the ESSO Mini Stocks championship standings heading into Friday’s event, and has three feature wins so far this season. A trio of Brantford drivers - Craig Erskine, Kevin Hilborn, and Paul Goodale - are second, third, and fourth in the standings, while Steve Miller of Paris rounds out the top five. Twelfth in the standings is Jake Brown of Brantford, who leads the Rookie of the Year chase. Abel Castelein of Cayuga has won two features this season, while Craig Erskine, and Steve Hess have one each.

This Friday is the last “mulligan night” for the Corr/Pak Merchandising Sprint Car division. Following the conclusion of this week’s feature, each driver’s worst single-night points total will be removed from the standings, which could bring the already close points chase even tighter. Dave Dykstra of Port Colborne leads the Corr/Pak division by just ten points over South Dayton, NY driver Kyle Moffit heading into Friday’s event. Keith Dempster of Alton is currently third, followed by Campbellville’s Kevin Job, and Ohsweken driver Glenn Styres. Dykstra has claimed two Corr/Pak feature wins this season, while Moffit, Tom Huppunen, and Dain Naida have one each. Jamie Turner leads the Corr/Pak Rookie of the Year standings by a narrow nine point margin over Chris Steele, while Mitchell Brown is just five more points behind, and Todd Hoddick remains within striking distance.

The ESSO Thunder Stock division also features a tight championship battle, as leader Billy Bleich of Port Robinson is ahead of Cambridge driver Jamie Cox by just twelve points. Caledonia’s Lee Winger sits third, followed by Jeremy Bean of Stoney Creek, and Caledonia driver Ryan Dinning. Bleich and Devin Habiuk each have two ESSO Thunder Stock feature wins this season, while Cox, Winger, Mike Thorne, and Shayne Pierce have one each. Phil Nyssen leads the ESSO Thunder Stock Rookie of the Year chase by eleven points over Wyatt Van Wart, while Ed McNamara is close as well.

Karl Sault of Dundas has a commanding seventy-one point lead in the Bomber standings heading into Friday’s event, while Hamilton’s Kacey Huffman, Shawn Ireland of Burlington, Caledonia driver Jesse McDonald, and John Cote of Hamilton round out the top five. Sault has four Bomber wins this year, while Adam Riedel has two, and Dave Patton, Jeremy Hughes, and McDonald have one each.

TICKETS!
Advance reserved seat tickets are on sale for the sixth annual Canadian Sprint Car Nationals presented by Arrow Express coming up September 16th, 17th, and 18th. Less than two months remain until the $10,000 to win extravaganza takes centre stage at Ohsweken, and discounted pre-entry fees for competitors end August 15. More information for fans and competitors alike is available on www.OhswekenSpeedway.com.

OUR SPONSORS
About the Rochester Knighthawks: A charter member of the National Lacrosse League, the Rochester Knighthawks team is owned by Curt Styres. The season begins in January 2011, and more information can be found at www.RochesterKnighthawks.net.

About Corr/Pak Merchandising: Founded in 1997, Corr/Pak Merchandising Inc. is a designer and producer of Point of Purchase (POP) displays for retail. Strong emphasis on creative design and speed of response has seen Corr/Pak achieve great success in a very competitive industry. Their in-house capabilities and broad range of trusted suppliers enable them to develop any sort of effective solution for your retail display needs no matter the materials used, whether corrugated, wood, boxboard, plastic, wire or steel, or any combination of those. Please visit www.CorrPak.ca for more information on the title sponsor of Sprint Car racing at Ohsweken Speedway

RIDE WITH THE PROS
Ohsweken Speedway has two 410 cubic inch two-seater Sprint Cars available each race night for rides during intermission and before racing starts! Please visit www.OhswekenSpeedway.com for more information.

THIS WEEK AT OHSWEKEN
Ohsweken Speedway’s Friday Night Thunder returns this Friday, August 6th when the Rochester Knighthawks lacrosse club presents the “Art Hill Memorial 42” for ESSO Mini Stocks. The Corr/Pak Merchandising Sprint Cars, ESSO Thunder Stocks, and Bombers will also be in action, plus Chain Racing and the second annual Ohsweken Speedway Hot Dog Eating Championship!

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 just $10, while Seniors and Students are $8, and Kids age twelve and under are FREE!

Spectator gates open @ 6:00p.m., with the first race taking the green flag at 7:45p.m. this Friday, August 6th! Please visit www.OhswekenSpeedway.com for more information.

PIERRE BOURQUE GAINS FIVE SPOTS IN AARON’S DREAM MACHINE

Saskatoon, SK (August 5, 2010) NASCAR driver Pierre Bourque was looking to improve upon his finish from last season in the #00 Aaron’s Dream Machine Dodge at Auto Clearing Speedway during round number seven of the Canadian NASAR series. While Bourque did achieve that goal there were still some frustrations and felt that they could have done better.

The #00 Aaron’s Dream Machine Dodge team worked hard during practice to improve the car and Bourque felt as if they were making progress. Sadly they were disappointed with their qualifying performance and forced to start at the back of the field. “We didn’t show what we’re capable of on the qualifying lap but I knew we would improve during the race” said Bourque.

That’s exactly what happened as Pierre Bourque moved the #00 Aaron’s Dream Machine Dodge forward several positions even before the race had reached lap 10. “The car came to us right away and was terrific” said the driver. “I’m always aggressive on the starts and was able to take some positions right away” he added.

During an extended green flag run Bourque would fall off the lead lap but used the circumstances to his advantage. “I hate it that some of the leaders went by me but you do learn from following them. You go to school and learn a lot and with every lap I did and we were able to gain more positions in the race” he stated.

As the race moved on Bourque would look for every opportunity to improve the position of the #00 Aaron’s Dream Machine Dodge and would wind up gaining five positions during the event. “I think we’ve shown good improvement as the year has gone on” said the driver. “They’re great people to work with here at DJK Racing and I’m pleased with how we’ve come together.

Though they have endured a steep learning curve at times on the oval track events the #00 Aaron’s Dream Machine Dodge team finds themselves in an enviable position. “After seven races we’re inside the top-ten overall and headed back to a couple of road course events this month. We’ll definitely have the opportunity to move up as we head to Trois Rivieres next” he added.

Attached Photo: The #00 Aaron’s Dream Machine Dodge at Auto Clearing Speedway.

Photo Credit: Sue Chisholm and www.racetimeradio.com

About Aaron's, Inc.: Aaron's, Inc. (NYSE: AAN and AAN.A), the nation's leader in the sales and lease ownership, specialty retailing and rental of residential and office furniture, consumer electronics and home appliances and accessories has more than 1,575 Company-operated and franchised stores in 48 states and Canada. Founded in 1955 by entrepreneur R. Charles Loudermilk, Sr. and headquartered in Atlanta, Aaron's has been publicly traded since 1982. For more information, visit www.shopaarons.com.

About Pierre Bourque: Pierre Bourque will participate in select events of the 2010 Canadian NASCAR Series in his #00 Aaron’s Dodge.

Pierre is supported in this year’s effort by Aaron’s Rents, Mahindra Tractors, Telus Mobility, and Mohawk Internet Technology.

Pierre Bourque’s next scheduled event will be at the Grand Prix of Trois Rivieres August 15 in Trois Rivieres, QC. All of this year’s Canadian NASCAR series events are broadcast on TSN. For more information about Pierre Bourque, go to www.pierrebourque.net and follow him on twitter at www.twitter.com/pierrebourque

Atlanta Motor Speedway to host just one NASCAR weekend, starting in 2011

HAMPTON, Ga. (August 5, 2010) – Atlanta Motor Speedway officials today announced the facility’s 2011 event schedule will include one NASCAR racing weekend on September 2-4.

One of the original NASCAR superspeedways, the track has hosted two of NASCAR’s premier event weekends for 50 years, including the upcoming Emory Healthcare 500 slated for Sunday night, Sept. 5.

“Atlanta Motor speedway has provided top-quality racing entertainment to spectators from across the nation and around the world for 50 years,” said speedway president, Ed Clark. “While our schedule will change, our commitment to the racing fans who have been the heart and soul of Atlanta Motor Speedway through these years will be stronger than ever. Our entire staff will be even more driven to produce the top annual sporting event in Georgia for many years to come.”

Atlanta Motor Speedway hosted its inaugural Labor Day racing weekend in 2009 when the events were moved forward on the NASCAR schedule from the speedway’s traditional October date.

“We were thrilled with the acquisition of the Labor Day date two years ago and are proud to host such a prestigious, historical date on the NASCAR schedule,” added Clark.  “This track produces some of the greatest racing the circuit sees, it remains one of the drivers’ favorite tracks and we will continue to build a platform that sets this one date apart from the rest.” 

This year’s Sept. 3-5 Labor Day Weekend Schedule will include the Friday Fan Fest presented by Your Georgia’s Best Chevy Dealers, Saturday night’s Great Clips 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race and the Sunday night Emory Healthcare 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event.

From AMS

Toronto Selected To Be Home To One of the First MCLaren Automotive Retailers in the World

TORONTO – (August 5, 2010) – As McLaren Automotive moves toward the launch of the MP4-12C, plans are proceeding to have Pfaff Automotive Partners represent McLaren in Canada and the Toronto area. The proposed location for the dealership is at 33 Auto Park Circle, Woodbridge, Ontario with anticipated opening in summer, 2011.

“For more than 45 years, Pfaff has been bringing Canadians and great cars together. Canadian drivers have long been captivated by the McLaren brand and its status as a world leader in building performance vehicles. We are honoured to be bringing McLaren to the Canadian market,” said Christopher Pfaff, President of Pfaff Automotive Partners. “As the sole Canadian retailer for the McLaren launch, we will be building on our foundation as a premier luxury automotive retailer. We are looking forward to an exciting partnership with McLaren.”
McLaren Automotive has a rich and seamless heritage in producing premium sports cars for the road.

The McLaren F1 road car, which was launched in 1993, set the world land speed record for a production car, and is regarded as one of the best examples of supercar exotica. The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, one of the fastest cars on the streets, is also the most successful supercar ever in its price bracket. The manufacturer is now developing its own retail network with a product lineup to challenge the very best sports cars on the market.

“We were very aware that however well the 12C is designed, however meticulously it is assembled, and however rewarding it is to drive, McLaren Automotive objectives could not be met without a network of partners that shared our values,” explained Antony Sheriff, Managing Director. “Driving a great sports car is only part of the experience of owning a McLaren. The level of care and support that our customers get after they buy the car is just as important as a fast lap time. We are confident that we have chosen the finest group of partners in the sports car sector in the right locations.”

With an anticipated summer 2011 launch in North America, the 12C is the first in a range of high performance sports cars from McLaren Automotive. Along with future models within the range, it will challenge the world’s best sports cars, benefiting from the expertise and virtuosity of the McLaren Group. The 12C is set to re-write the rules of sports car design through Formula 1-inspired engineering, a revolutionary carbon fiber MonoCell chassis, and an absolute focus on efficiency and quality. It represents ‘pure McLaren’; from unique engineering to bespoke design where everything is for a reason.

“There is a lot of anticipation for the MP4-12C,” said Pfaff. “Our team is poised to provide a purchase and ownership experience that Pfaff customers have come to know and that is as extraordinary as the legendary 12C.”

For more information on McLaren Automotive and its vehicles, please log onto www.mclarenautomotive.com. To receive more information on Pfaff Automotive Partners, please call 416.930.3554 or log onto www.pfaffauto.com

Delaware Speedway News and Notes - ISMA Super Modifieds 2010

LONDON, ON - The ISMA Super Modifieds are back this weekend for their only Canadian stop of 2010!  Join us as the world's most powerful short track cars invade the track.  Delaware Speedway is proud to host the ISMA Super Modifieds for a special two-day engagement.

Both evenings feature ISMA Super Modifieds and NASCAR Whelen All-American Series action.  On Friday night the Super Modifieds run heats and a 35-lap main event, on Saturday they run heats and a 50-lap race.  For your enjoyment of this race, please note that hearing protection is strongly recommended for this event.

For ticket info, visit: www.delawarespeedway.com.

Event Itinerary (Subject to Change)

FRIDAY NIGHT SPONSORED BY PATCO TRANSPORTATION:
Racing Lineup:
DEMAR AGGREGATES TRUCKS
NASCAR LATE MODELS
ISMA SUPER MODIFIED

Schedule:
2:00 pm   Pit Gates Open (ISMA)
4:00 pm   Pit Gate Open (Delaware)
5:00 pm   Spectator Gates Open
5:30 – 6:00 pm  ISMA Practice #1
6:00 pm – 6:40 pm Delaware Practice (Rotating)
6:40 – 7:10 PM  ISMA Practice #2
7:50 pm   Opening Ceremonies
8:00 pm   Racing Starts

SATURDAY NIGHT:
Racing Lineup:
DELAWARE SUPER STOCKS
POWERADE MODIFIEDS
ISMA SUPER MODIFIED (Heats & 50-Lap Main Event)

Schedule:
2:00 pm   Pit Gates Open (ISMA)
4:00 pm   Pit Gate Open (Delaware)
5:00 pm   Spectator Gates Open
5:00 – 5:30 pm  ISMA Practice #1
5:30-6:00 pm  Delaware Practice (Rotating)
5:00 pm   Spectator Gates Open
6:00-6:30 pm  ISMA Practice #2
6:45-7:45 pm  ISMA Autograph Session
7:50 pm   Opening Ceremonies
8:00 pm   Racing Starts
       
Prepared by Announcer John Houghton

Kia Canada Inc. continues to roll with 19 months of consecutive sales increase while establishing ‘best-ever’ July on record.

- Best July on record in eleven years
- Sales growth streak continues at 19 months
- July 2010 sales increase 10.6 per cent
- Forte, Rondo, Sorento, Soul continue to lead volume sales charge
- ‘Kia Summer Sale’ extended to the end of August due to July sales success

Mississauga, ON, August 4, 2010 -- Kia Canada Inc. achieved the best-ever July sales month in its eleven year history and continues it achievement of 19 months of year-over-year sales increases. Total sales for the month reached 5652 units, up 10.6 per cent versus July 2009. Through the first seven months in 2010, Kia Canada has sold 32,158 units which represent a significant increase of 18.1 per cent, versus the first seven months of 2009.

“Kia Canada continues to outpace the industry through 2010, by providing Canadians world class, design-led quality vehicles for the young-at-heart,” said Maria Soklis, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Kia Canada Inc. “Fuel efficient, compact vehicles that exude value are top of mind for Canadians and now the redesigned 2011 Sportage is available at retailers across the country. Our company is clearly on the move”

July Highlights
Kia Canada Inc. experienced the best July on record in its eleven year history in Canada:
-The Kia Soul, urban crossover vehicle recorded its best sales month on record and was the volume leader for July 2010 with 1294 sales in Canada representing a 38.2 per cent increase versus July 2009. “Our design-led renaissance lead-block is the Kia Soul. After seventeen months in dealership showrooms, demand for this expressive, multipurpose and fuel-efficient vehicle has never been stronger” said Maria Soklis.

-The Kia Forte model lineup, Kia Canada’s best-selling vehicles year-to-date recorded 1221 total sales in July 2010. The compact sedan and ‘Koup’ models continue to build sales momentum in Canada with an 85.3 per cent increase versus June 2009.
-The all-new 2011 Kia Sorento CUV produced at the state-of-the-art, West Point Georgia manufacturing facility recorded its best-ever sales month with 994 vehicles delivered across Canada.
-The Kia Rondo crossover utility vehicle recorded it’s best-ever month in 2010 with 947 vehicle sales reported in Canada.

July Incentives
Building on the success of the July 2010 campaign, Kia Canada Inc. will continue the retail incentive program - the ‘Kia Summer Sale’ event until the end of August targeting 2010 model year vehicles. The core of this clear-out program includes zero per cent financing on all 2010 models, no payments until the fall plus cash savings up to $7000. Cash buyers can also select up to eight vehicles from Kia Canada’s line-up for under $20,000.

Kia Canada Inc. (http://www.kia.ca)/ -- a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart -- is a subsidiary of Kia Motors Corporation (KMC) in Korea was founded in 1999 and sells and services high quality class leading vehicles like the Soul, Forte and Sorento through a network of 168 dealers nationwide. Kia Canada Inc. employs 135 people in its Mississauga, Ontario headquarters and four regional offices across Canada. Kia Motors Corporation's brand slogan -- "The Power to Surprise" -- represents the company's global commitment to surpassing customer expectations through continuous automotive innovation.

KENNINGTON SCORES THIRD WIN OF THE SEASON

August 5, 2010. DJ Kennington, driver of the #17 Castrol Edge/Mahindra Tractors/Hitachi Tools Dodge continued his momentum from the weekend through round number seven of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. Kennington would pick up his third pole position of the season setting a new track record in doing so at Auto Clearing Speedway in Saskatoon. He would then go on to claim his third victory of the season and reclaim the overall point standings lead.

Right from the first practice laps the #17 Castrol Edge/Mahindra Tractors/Hitachi Tools Dodge showed the kind of pace it has all year on oval tracks, it was simply fast. “This car has been so strong right from the first race of the season” said Kennington. “Just some fine tuning is all we’ve done during the practice session” he added.

Rolling out third for qualifying Kennington posted a lap time of 14.824 seconds in the #17 Castrol Edge/Mahindra Tractors/Hitachi Tools Dodge setting a new fast lap record for the 1/3 mile oval that no one could touch. “I wasn’t positive it would hold up but it did and first spot is where you always want to start” summarized Kennington.

When the green flag waved for the 250 lap feature event Kennington would relinquish the lead for the first few laps but would have the #17 Castrol Edge/Mahindra Tractors/Hitachi Tools Dodge back out front on lap seven. “Just like the last race this car was just a pleasure to drive right from the start of the race” said the driver.

Following a long green flag run that took the race past the 200 lap mark Kennington relinquished the lead. During only the second yellow flag caution period he would make his scheduled pit stop for fuel and tires for the #17 Castrol Edge/Mahindra Tractors/Hitachi Tools Dodge. “That pit stop is what won the race for us” said Kennington emphatically. “I’ve got the best team in this series and they ripped off a pit stop that got us back out front and I just had to keep it there” he said.

Kennington would be challenged during the remaining laps but never relinquished the lead of the race. He would bring the #17 Castrol Edge/Mahindra Tractors/Hitachi Tools Dodge to the checkered flag and claim his third win of the seven races run so far this season. “I was driving it pretty good at the end” said the very happy driver. “A couple of times they tried to get a run on me but we were able to hold them off. We had a great finish at Vernon and to follow that up with a win here is going to make for a pretty good ride back home” he concluded.

Of note: Following a NASCAR imposed penalty on the #3 car following the event at Motoplex Speedway Kennington was awarded second place in the final results of that event. Coupled with his victory at Auto Clearing Speedway he has retaken the overall championship lead by fourteen points.

The series returns to eastern Canada and road racing for round number eight during the Grand Prix of Trois Rivieres on Sunday August 15^th. Follow the progress of the #17 Castrol Edge/Mahindra Tractors Dodge all season on the newly redesigned website www.djkracing.ca plus you can follow their daily activities at www.twitter.com/djkracing. You’re also invited to join the Facebook Group DJK Racing.

Photo: DJ Kennington in the #17 Castrol Edge/Mahindra Tractors/Hitachi Tools Dodge at Auto Clearing Speedway.

Photos Credit: Sue Chisholm and www.racetimeradio.com

ANOTHER TOP-TEN FINISH FOR ANTHONY SIMONE

August 5, 2010. For the third consecutive race during the western swing of the NASCAR Canadian Tire series Anthony Simone and the #95 Rx100 Chevrolet team showed that their early season difficulties are long since behind them as they posted another outstanding finish during round number seven at Auto Clearing Speedway in Saskatoon, SK. For the third consecutive event the team finished in the top-ten and improved their position in the overall championship standings.

During practice the #95 Rx100 Chevrolet looked to be among the quickest cars on the 1/3 mile high banked oval track. However during qualifying Simone did not have the car handling the way he expected and would manage only the thirteenth best time. “It was a bit unusual and not what we expected at all” said Simone. “The front end of the car just didn’t hold the way we believe it would and we ended up further back than we should have been” he added.

When the green flag waved to begin the 250 lap feature the handling characteristics of the #95 Rx100 Chevrolet would make for a difficult night for the team. “We ended up battling a loose race car all night” said the frustrated driver. “No matter what we tried to get the car handling the way we needed it to it was a struggle for us” he added.

Though not having the kind of performance from the #95 Rx100 Chevrolet he’d hoped Simone continued to battle for each and every position on the track. “We did the best we could with the car we had and the team worked really hard to make the car better and I’m really pleased that we were able to gain some positions” said the driver. “The whole team did their best to make it better and I gave it everything I could”.

Simone would use all his talents to gain four positions from his starting spot and capture a finishing position of ninth. “We absolutely wore the right rear tire off the car, it was that loose” said the driver. “So to come out of here with a top-ten finish we can’t really complain about that” he stated.

This marks the third consecutive top-ten finish for the #95 Rx100 Chevrolet and the momentum for the team continues to build. “To come out of this three race western swing with a second, a fifth and a ninth place finish after the tough start our team had is really great” said Simone. “We’ve got things turned around and we’re looking forward to the next event at Trois Rivieres and we’ll have the problems we had tonight sorted out for the next oval race too” he added.

Of note: Following a NASCAR imposed penalty on the#3 team at Motoplex Speedway the #95 Rx100 Chevrolet team was classified fifth in the official results of that race. Following three consecutive top-ten finishes Anthony Simone now sits eighth in the overall championship standings.

Attached Photo: Anthony Simone in the #95 at Auto Clearing Speedway

Photo Credit: Sue Chisholm and www.racetimeradio.com

BEAUCHAMP BATTLES WITH LOOSE CONDITION AT SASKATOON

August 5, 2010. Ron Beauchamp and the #60 Mopar Parts/Mobil 1/Exide Batteries Dodge team expected another strong showing in the final event of the western Canada swing for the NASCAR Canadian Tire series at Auto Clearing Speedway in Saskatoon. However, following a solid practice session and qualifying run the cars handling characteristics would let them down and leaving the team struggling for answers.

During practice on the the 1/3 mile oval Beauchamp had the #60 Mopar Parts/Mobil 1/Exide Batteries Dodge among the top running cars for much of the session. “We made a few changes trying to improve the car near the end of practice and we slowed down a bit” said Beauchamp. “So we went back to where we were and knew what to expect from the car” he added.

During qualifying Beauchamp again showed plenty of speed in the #60 Mopar Parts/Mobil 1/Exide Batteries Dodge posting the fourth quickest qualifying run putting him on the outside of row two for the 250 lap feature event. “It was a good run for us” smiled the driver afterwards. “I just want to make sure I can get to the inside line quickly off the start” he added.

As the race began Beauchamp was running in or near the top-five in the field for much of the early going before feeling the #60 Mopar Parts/Mobil 1/Exide Batteries Dodge start to develop a loose condition. “The car was starting to become a handful so we decided during the first caution to come in for some fuel and a handling adjustment” explained the driver.

When the race restarted Beauchamp was still unable to have the handling he needed from the #60 Mopar Parts/Mobil 1/Exide Batteries Dodge. And the race would remain under green for 150 laps not allowing the team to make their scheduled stop for new tires that would improve the situation. “There was nothing we could do” said the disappointed driver. “If we’d been able to make a stop sooner the crew could have dialed the car in a little more and I know we would have been able to finish in a better position than eleventh” he added.

Even with the less than satisfying result Ron Beauchamp Jr. and the #60 Mopar Parts/Mobil 1/Exide Batteries Dodge remain ninth in the overall championship standings just three points from eighth spot. “It says a lot about how good this team is and how hard the crew works to have all the damage on this car repaired after the hit we took in the last race. Everybody worked a couple of really long days and got it done and did a great job” said the driver.

Ron Beauchamp Jr. and the #60 Mopar Parts/Mobil 1/Exide Batteries Dodge Team will compete in all thirteen races on the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. Round number eight will take place on Sunday August 15^th at the Grand Prix of Trois Rivieres. All events this season will again be broadcast on TSN, For more information about Team Mopar go online to www.mopar.ca and for series information check out www.nascar.ca.

Attached photo: The #60 Exide Batteries/Mopar Parts/Mobil 1 Dodge at Motoplex Speedway.

Photo Credit: Sue Chisholm and www.racetimeradio.com