TROIS-RIVIÈRES, Quebec, Canada (August 13, 2010) - Matt Plumb made the No. 13 lucky in Friday's Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières for the GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge Grand Sport (GS) class, as he dominated the second half of the two-hour race to post the victory with co-driver Nick Longhi.
Longhi exited the No. 13 RumBum.com BMW M3 on the third lap - only five minutes into the race and under the first of three full course caution periods - and Plumb weaved through the field on the 1.521-mile (2.44-kilometer), 10-turn temporary street circuit to take the lead by only Lap 34 of 89 laps. His margin of victory over Billy Johnson stood at 3.681 seconds.
It marked the first time in the 41-year history of the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières weekend a race had been run under the lights.
"We set out a number of goals for this first season of Rum Bum Racing and I'm happy to say that we've had even more success than we originally anticipated," Plumb said. "This is a great win to keep building this program on and moving forward. Racing at night was a blast, and I hope it looked as good to the fans as I think it did."
Johnson's co-driver, Jack Roush Jr., took the lead at the start of the race and led the opening 33 laps before making his first pit stop. The stop allowed Plumb - who came out of the pits 19th in the 20-car field - to retake the lead. He quickly made his way into the top 10 by the 20-minute mark, and charged into the top five not long after that.
"It was a great call," said Longhi of the first pit stop. "I was really nervous, but that's why they don't have me do the fuel numbers. The team executed perfectly on the strategy."
After the second round of stops cycled through, Plumb pulled away, stretching his advantage to over six seconds before Johnson sliced into the lead. It marked Rum Bum Racing's second victory ever, with Plumb and Gian Bacardi winning the 2010 season opener at Daytona. It also marked the first win for Plumb and Longhi driving together. The pair averaged 67.459 mph (108.565 kph).
While Johnson cut into the lead during the final stages of the race, for several laps he was locked in a battle between Fall-Line Motorsports teammates Charles Espenlaub and Terry Borcheller. He finally passed Borcheller with 19 minutes remaining to take second, where he stayed until the checkered flag. It marked Johnson and Roush's seventh podium finish in nine races.
Jeff Bucknum mustered the final podium position with co-driver and defending race co-winner Matt Bell in the No. 6 Sunoco Camaro, as Trois-Rivières driver and fan favorite Jean-Francois Dumoulin ran out of fuel on the white flag lap. Dumoulin and Guy Cosmo were relegated to finishing 10th in the No. 83 Laps.com Porsche Cayman with BGB Motorsports.
Rounding out the top five were Borcheller and Andrew Hendricks in the No. 45 Stable One Motorsports BMW M3, while points co-leaders Charles Espenlaub and Charlie Putman extended their championship lead with a fifth-place finish in the No. 48 Sparco/Fall-Line BMW M3.
Espenlaub and Putman now lead by 10 points (254-244) over sixth-place finishers Joey Hand and Michael Marsal heading into the season finale, the Salt Lake City 200, on Sept. 11 at Miller Motorsports Park near Salt Lake City, Utah. Meanwhile, Johnson and Roush closed to within 14 points of Espenlaub and Putman with 240 points. Borcheller and Hendricks are still mathematically eligible to win the title; the two sit 28 points behind the leaders. Thirty-five points are allocated to the winners; each driver must complete 30 minutes in order to obtain points.
Several drivers were involved in incidents throughout the day. Scott Maxwell in the No. 15 Multimatic Motorsports Ford Mustang Boss 302R (qualifying); Keith Carroll in the No. 23 Racer's Roast Coffee Porsche Cayman (race) and Andrew Aquilante in the No. 35 Subaru Road Racing Team Subaru Impreza WRX STI were all evaluated and released from the infield medical center. Dion von Moltke in the No. 01 APR/BBS Audi S4 was involved in a practice incident; he was evaluated at the infield medical center and transported to a local hospital for further evaluation. He was later released.
Prior to his incident, Maxwell set a time of 1:10.740 (77.404 mph/124.570 kph), which broke a nine-year record set by Doug Goad (1:10.824) in 2001. However, the front- and rear-end damage was too sufficient for the crew to make repairs.
Also on Friday, local driver Jocelyn Herbert of nearby Betancour, Quebec, earned the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge Street Tuner (ST) pole position in his No. 98 Trois-Rivières Honda/Auberge Godefroy Honda Civic Si. For Herbert, who has competed in at least one class of racing at Le Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières since 1989, it marked his first pole in the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge. His co-driver, Cyril Hamelin, is from Trois-Rivières.
The two-hour ST race for the 41st Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières will begin at 10:30 a.m. ET on Saturday.
"To perform in front of family and sponsors at my home track is an honor, especially in a series as competitive as this one," Herbert said. "I don't know what will happen in the race, but do know that nobody can take this pole away from us."
Starting alongside Herbert will be David White in the No. 80 Performance Friction/RAYS Engineering BMW 328i. White co-drives with BimmerWorld/GearWrench team owner James Clay.
From Michael Harker, GRAND-AM Public Relations
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Plumb, Longhi Make No. 13 Lucky in Friday's Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge GS Victory At Trois-Rivières
Delaware Speedway: August 13 results and recap
LONDON, ON - Heat races proved painful for leaders in both NASCAR Late Models and Demar Aggregates Trucks on Mobil Striping and Sweeping night. Both Ron Sheridan and Paul Fothergill experienced hits that threatened to take them out of the running for the feature races.
The first NASCAR Late Model heat proved bumpier than usual for Ron Sheridan after his #52 went low on Rick Emery (14) and after a little slip-and-slide, the 52 actually rode up on the 14. The 28 of Steve Robblee was caught up in the process. Robblee, out of championship contention because of a few weeks off to recover from a back injury, headed directly to pit road and despite some fast and furious work by his crew, he wasn’t able to return. Sheridan’s crew got the 52 back out in time for green in the heat and told our announcers he was hoping to get a top ten finish in the feature.
The NASCAR Late Model heats and feature race marked the return of Jay Christie (5) following recovery for an injury he incurred while on summer vacation.
Jesse Kennedy (10) had the pole and earlier in the pits, Kennedy had told us he was happy with the car. That happiness was backed up by the 10’s performance. By almost a third of the way into the 25 lapper, Kennedy had a three-car-length-and-increasing lead over Matt Pritiko (21) and Andrew Gresel (81), who were running super close. At lap 12, that closeness turned into a spin for Pritiko and the race’s first yellow flag from Sharpie. Gresel inherited second spot and Jamie Cox (00) third.
However, 16 laps in another yellow went up as Cox did a 360 on turn two, giving up third to Scott Lindsay (20). Three laps later, Matt Box (27) and Jamie Ramsay (22) tangled on turn 3. Box pitted while Ramsay stayed out.
Ron Sheridan’s 52 was looking none the worse for earlier wear. He started the race 13 and by lap 28 had a little contact with Lindsay and took over third spot.
Lap 31, another wave of Sharpie’s yellow for Christie and his dragging bumper following possible contact on turn three. He pitted quickly and was back out with a naked back end on the #5 for the final 4 laps.
The restart was short-lived as Gord Shepherd (10x) visited the cement barrier below the Echo Outdoor Power Equipment sign off turn one.
Kennedy’s domination held on through the checkered flag and right to Victory Lane. Gresel finished second and Sheridan third.
In the second Demar Aggregates Trucks heat, Fothergill (33) tangled with Jordon Dupuis (75) on turn two, leaving the 33 with its back axle busted off. His return for the feature race was in question until the pace truck took to the track but Fothergill made it out and made out well.
Chad Rijnen (16) had the pole and despite the troublesome start to his night and starting in 15th position, Fothergill worked his way up to second. Michelle Koricina, hungry for a second feature win in 2010 was running third when the first caution was called at lap 14. The 56 of Jeff Showler appeared to take turn two too hard and despite wobbling toward and away from the cement wall all followers avoided hitting him although there were some very close calls.
A lap later Tom Zagorodny’s 77 blew the right front tire and sent off some pretty impressive sparks as he moved like a slow-rolling fireworks display toward the pits, causing Sharpie to throw another yellow.
The 75 of Jordon Dupuis took a spin off turn two at lap 17, bringing out another brief caution.
A tight quartet of Rijnen, Fothergill, Koricina and Gary Adrieansen (55) owned the top of the pack for the next few laps. At lap 20, Adrieansen saved it after a swerve on the back straightaway but it didn’t last and caught up Jordan Dupuis (75). Caution for a fourth time.
Fothergill got a bumper on Rijnen a half dozen times but couldn’t quite close the deal. Rijnen took the checkered flag – the first feature win for this truck. Fothergill and Koricina followed in second and third, respectively.
Three leaders in the first three laps of the Powerade Modified 25-lap feature race: Tony Viera (6) to start, Darrell Limon (54) in the first half-lap and a lap-and-a-half later, Justin Demelo (82).
A caution was called at lap 14 because of a spin by the 70 of John Saunders. A double-file restart put Barry Newman (1) on the inside but Demelo hung onto the lead. Jamie Cox worked his way from 8th to 3rd by the 15 lap mark as Newman continued to work on edging out Demelo.
The top 3 tightened up by lap 22 but Demelo took the win – his first feature win in Powerade Modifieds. Barry Newman came second and Jamie Cox, third.
NASCAR Late Model Heat #1 winner: Jamie Cox (00). Heat #2 winner: Matt Pritiko (21).
Demar Aggregates Trucks Heat #1 winner: Chad Rijnen (16). Heat #2 winner: Jeff Showler (56).
Powerade Modified Heat #1 winner: Justin Demelo (82). Heat #2 winner: Barry Newman (1).
Tomorrow night, Saturday August 14th, bring your Delaware Classic weekend (ISMA Super Modified) ticket stub and get in for half-price!
The night’s racing is sponsored by South End Truck Centre and features Transmission Direct Enduro and Ultimate Sandblasting and Coating Chaos Cars.
Competitors in Transmission Direct Enduro will run two 125-lap races, the second of which will be a Top Dog Showdown with additional prize money and opportunity for qualifying racers. Drivers who recorded a lap less than 24 seconds on the DelaNET scoring system either during the first feature or during any other Transmission Direct Enduro Saturday event in 2010 will be designated Top Dogs.
Drivers who have not run this season, but are deemed to be cars capable of laying down laps less than 24 seconds will also be designated Top Dogs. These drivers will be held on pit road for the first two laps of the second race and released from the dog pound when the leader begins their second lap.
The Top Dog Showdown has $2,400 in prize money allocated towards it and both races count for full Transmission Direct Enduro Championship points
From Delaware Speedway / Lisa Brandt
MIS NEWS: NASCAR returns to Michigan in 2011 on June 19 and August 21
Twice as nice! ... MIS set to host NASCAR Sprint Cup in 2011 on June 19, August 21
BROOKLYN, Mich. (August 14, 2010) — Michigan International Speedway will hosts its 84th and 85th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races in 2011, track officials announced Friday.
The track’s opening NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend in 2011 will be a return to Father’s Day on June 19. The series will visit Michigan later that summer on August 21.
“We are pleased NASCAR recognizes the significance of the hundreds of thousands of fans who continue to come to MIS from all over Michigan, the Midwest and Canada even in these challenging times. It is because of our fans’ great loyalty and support that MIS continues to host two NASCAR weekends,” track President Roger Curtis said. “Michigan International Speedway has a long tradition of creating lasting memories for every fan who attends our events. We can’t wait to continue that tradition and bring new fans and new guests to MIS who not only love NASCAR but who love MIS.”
Curtis said fans return year after year for the true passion they have for NASCAR, but also for the atmosphere at MIS. Race fans truly see MIS as “NASCAR in a national park,” starting and ending their summers in the beautiful Irish Hills of Southeastern Michigan.
“We're very excited about what Michigan International Speedway does for tourism for the state of Michigan by hosting two NASCAR races each year. Having spent time at MIS this weekend, I can see why so many people from all over the country are so eager to travel here and return here year after year. MIS is an amazing destination that we are very proud to call our own - it is truly Pure Michigan,” George Zimmermann, Vice President for Travel Michigan at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, said.
The track vows to continue keeping ticket prices low for 2011, saying race fans who renew and those who leave a $30 goodwill deposit will secure the best prices. Tickets for a NASCAR
Sprint Cup race will start at $25, with children 12 and under free in those sections, ensuring families have a chance to see NASCAR at affordable prices.
The speedway will also continue its junior pricing program where kids 17 and under are half price in reserve seats.
Renewals for current ticket customers will begin in October. The speedway will begin accepting $30 goodwill deposits for 2011 Monday by calling 800-354-1010.
Nestled in the lush Irish Hills of Southeastern Michigan, Michigan International Speedway is the Great Escape, a venerable NASCAR national park where fans can get away and enjoy the very best in racing and camaraderie. It’s the love of racing and the thrill of a great time for race fans and drivers alike.
Great seats are available for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series CARFAX 400 this Sunday. Visit MISpeedway.com or call the MIS ticket hotline at 800-354-1010.
You can also visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MISpeedway or Tweet with us @MISpeedway.
From Sammie Lukaskiewicz, MIS Director of Communications (517) 592-1208 or slukaskiewicz@mispeedway.com // Dennis Worden, MIS Manager of Public Relations (517) 592-1204 or dworden@mispeedway.com
Friday, August 13, 2010
VP INTRODUCES NEW RALLY FUEL - VP ExportTM to Complement RallyPlusTM
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The Boss is back: 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 brings road racing legend back to the streets
- The Boss returns! Limited production 2012 Mustang Boss 302 set to become the quickest, best-handling straight-production Mustang ever offered by Ford, based on the world-class foundation provided by the 2011 Mustang GT
- Boss upgraded in nearly every vehicle system; engine output, brakes, suspension, interior and exterior all examined to optimize weight, aerodynamics and track performance
- Full Mustang team effort results in a comprehensive re-engineering available only through the factory; new Boss is not a package that can be purchased out of a catalogue or achieved through tuning or aftermarket parts
- Limited-production track-oriented Boss 302 Laguna Seca model expands on Boss racing aspirations, deleting rear seat and adding race-ready suspension and aerodynamic treatments
Ford gave the green light only once before: In 1968, management approved a special Mustang – a car that sacrificed nothing in its quest to be the best all-around road-going performance machine ever created by Ford Motor Company. That car became the 1969 Mustang Boss 302, and it remains one of the world’s most sought-after examples of American performance.
Forty-two years later, Ford has given the green light again.
The team of Ford engineers, designers and stylists – all Mustang enthusiasts to the core – that created the groundbreaking 2011 Mustang GT has distilled a new model to its purest form, strengthening, lightening and refining each system to create a race car with a license plate.
Its name: the 2012 Mustang Boss 302.
“The decision to build a modern Boss was not entered into lightly,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. “The entire team at Ford felt the time was right and with the right ingredients, the world-class 2011 Mustang could support a successful, race-bred, worthy successor to the original Boss 302. For us that meant a production Mustang that could top one of the world’s best – the 2010 BMW M3 – in lap times at Laguna Seca. We met our expectations.”
To celebrate the racing heritage of the new Mustang Boss 302, Ford will also offer a limited number of Boss 302 Laguna Seca models, named for the track where Parnelli Jones won the 1970 Trans-Am season opener in a Boss 302. Aimed at racers more interested in on-track performance than creature comforts, the Boss 302 Laguna Seca has increased body stiffness, a firmer chassis set-up and an aerodynamics package carried over almost in its entirety from the Ford Racing Boss 302R.
Philosophy and powertrain “The new Boss 302 completely redefines Mustang capability,” said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. “That the Mustang team was able to take the current Mustang GT – already a world-class performance car – and refine it further for peak track performance shows the commitment Ford has to this car and its legions of fans.”
Driving the 2012 Mustang Boss 302 was intended from the outset to be a visceral experience, packed with raw, unbridled performance across the spectrum: Acceleration, handling, braking, and top speed are all equally matched for perfect balance on a car operating within the framework of legally defined safety, noise and emissions regulations.
“The team at Ford wanted to offer their fellow Mustang enthusiasts something really special – a beautifully balanced factory-built race car that they could drive on the street,” explains Dave Pericak, Mustang chief engineer. “The Boss 302 isn’t something a Mustang GT owner can buy all the parts for out of a catalogue or that a tuner can get by adding a chip. This is a front-to-back re-engineered Mustang with every system designed to make a good driver great and a great driver even better.”
Led by Mike Harrison, the V8 engine team approached Boss from the top down: With 412 horsepower from 5.0 litres, the 2011 GT engine was already an incredible performer. But to achieve the high-rpm horsepower that would make the engine competitive on the track, a new intake was essential. The resulting runners-in-the-box plenum/velocity stack combination the engine team developed was impressive enough that it got the green light after one short drive.
Helping the intake build power, revised camshafts using a more aggressive grind are actuated with the same twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) mechanism used on the Mustang GT. More aggressive control calibration yields 440 horsepower and 380 lb.-ft. of torque, while still offering a smooth idle and low-end torque for comfortable around-town driving.
A race-inspired clutch with upgraded friction materials transmits power, while a short-throw, close-ratio six-speed manual transmission handles gear change duties.
Power is delivered to a 3.73 ratio rear axle using carbon fiber plates in the limited-slip differential to improve torque handling and longevity. For those who want even more precise control over power delivery, a torque-sensing (Torsen) limited-slip differential is an available option.
Sounds like the Boss While the powertrain team defined output targets that would yield an ideal balance with the chassis, another team made sure the car made the kind of sounds owners and enthusiasts would expect from a Mustang Boss.
Up front, a Boss-specific intake system is tuned to feed the engine with minimum restrictions. A retuned induction sound tube provides concrete aural evidence of what’s occurring under the hood. And, in the Boss exhaust system engineers really had some fun.
“With an exhaust system, we have to consider three constraints: legal noise restrictions; backpressure, which can rob power; and ground clearance,” explains Shawn Carney, Mustang NVH engineer. “Since the 2011 Mustang GT exhaust is already so free-flowing – it came in way under our backpressure targets – we already had excellent performance; we were able to tune the exhaust system for a unique sound. Combined with the rush of the intake, the exhaust system really envelops the driver in V8 sound.”
Every Boss features a unique quad exhaust system: Two outlets exit in the rear similar to a standard Mustang GT. The other two outlets exit to either side of the exhaust crossover, sending exhaust through a set of metal discs that act as tuning elements before the pipes terminate just ahead of the rear wheel opening. Visually subtle, the side pipes flow very little exhaust but a lot of exhaust sound, providing a sonic experience unlike any other Mustang – and giving home tuners an additional avenue for modification.
“We added the attenuation discs to meet legal regulations, but we knew buyers might operate these cars in situations where noise regulations weren’t an issue,” Carney said. “The disc is removable and includes a spacer plate sized to match aftermarket exhaust dump valves. If an owner wants to add a set of electric valves, they just undo two bolts on either side; the disc and spacer slide out and the valve will slide right in. And the side pipes are tuned so that drivers can run wide-open and the sound levels are comfortable – very aggressive but livable for an all-day track outing.”
Carney further explains the thinking behind the unusual step of an OEM easing aftermarket component installation. “We’re Ford engineers, but we’re also enthusiasts,” he says. “We understand owner mods are part of the Mustang experience, so we try to help where we can.”
Suspension and steering In keeping with the Boss mandate to provide the best-handling Mustang ever, the already strong Mustang GT suspension system has been further refined.
Higher-rate coil springs on all four corners, stiffer suspension bushings and a larger-diameter rear stabilizer bar all contribute to the road racing mission, and Boss models are lowered by 11 millimeters at the front and 1 millimeter at the rear versus the Mustang GT. The real key to handling, though, is in the adjustable shocks and struts, standard on all Boss Mustang models.
“We’ve given drivers five settings for their shocks,” says Brent Clark, supervisor of the Mustang vehicle dynamics team. “One is the softest, two is the factory setting and five is the firmest, and we’ve provided a wide range of adjustment. A customer can drive to the track on setting two, crank it up to five for improved response on the track, then dial down to one for a more relaxed ride home. What’s unique is that drivers will find – thanks to the way the suspension works as a complete system – the softest setting isn’t too loose and the firmest setting isn’t too controlled; each step just provides additional levels of control.”
Also unique is the method of shock adjustment. Ditching the weight and complexity of electronic wizardry, the Mustang team opted for traditional race-style hands-on adjustability – similar to the Gabriel shocks available on the original Boss 302.
“The shock adjustment is right at the top of the shock tower, built into the rod and easily accessible from under the hood or inside the trunk,” says Clark. “You just take a small flat-head screwdriver, turn the adjustment screw between one and five, and head back out onto the track.”
To complement the suspension, the speed-sensitive electronic steering system has been retuned to maximize feedback and road feel to the driver. The driver is also given the option of fine-tuning the steering feel to his liking by selecting one of three settings through the instrument cluster menu: Comfort, normal and sport modes help offer track-tuned steering when desired without sacrificing low-speed maneuverability in parking situations and everyday commuting.
Similarly, Boss receives unique traction control system (TCS) and electronic stability control (ESC) settings to help drivers achieve maximum performance whether on the street or at the track.
Both systems can be completely disabled in controlled track situations where maximum driver skill is utilized, or fully engaged for maximum safety during normal driving or in less-than-ideal traction conditions.
Intermediate sport mode allows drivers to push their cars hard at the track without completely disabling the safety systems, permitting more aggressive driving before the TCS and ESC systems intervene.
Brakes, wheels and tires Working in concert with the suspension upgrades, Boss 302 receives unique, lightweight 19-inch black alloy racing wheels in staggered widths: 9 inches in front, 9.5 inches in the rear. The Pirelli PZero summer tires are sized specifically for each end of the vehicle, with the front wheels receiving 255/40ZR-19 tires while the rear stays planted thanks to 285/35ZR-19 rubber.
The combined suspension and tire package allows Boss to achieve a top speed of 155 mph and become the first non-SVT Mustang ever to achieve more than 1.0 g of lateral acceleration.
Boss braking is also up to the challenge, using Brembo four-piston front calipers acting on 14-inch vented rotors up front. In the back, standard Mustang GT brakes are upgraded with a Boss-specific high-performance pad compound. Combined with vented brake shields and unique Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) tuning, Boss drivers get maximum control and rapid, repeatable fade-free stops in road and race situations alike.
The Mustang team spent considerable time ensuring the brake pedal feel met the expectations of performance drivers. Boss receives unique low-compressibility brake lines that expand up to 30 percent less than traditional flexible brake lines, allowing maximum fluid pressure to reach the calipers in the least amount of time, giving the driver a sensation of being connected directly to the brake pads.
“This car is wicked fast, so we put a lot of emphasis on giving it comparable stopping power,” says Clark. “We started with a race-proven brake system and tuned it specifically for the characteristics of the Boss 302 and its mission. They’re the best brakes ever installed on a Mustang, and they give consistent, repeatable braking performance on the street and the track.”
As a result 60-0 stopping distances for the Boss are improved by approximately three feet versus the Mustang GT with available brake package; combined with suspension and engine improvements, Boss is expected to show approximately a two-second lap time improvement over the GT on a typical road race course. But the numbers tell only part of the story.
“We achieved measurable improvements over GT, which was already one of the best-braking cars we’ve ever designed,” explains Clark, “but what’s harder to quantify is how good these brakes feel to a driver in a race situation. Like everything on this car, the brakes are more than the sum of their parts: They’re tuned from pad to pedal to work perfectly as a system, and the difference is dramatic.”
Exterior and interior design Changes to the Mustang Boss exterior are subtle but unmistakable. True to its race-bred heritage, every component that could potentially aid aerodynamics or engine/brake performance was examined to make the vehicle more competitive, while chief designer Darrell Behmer refined the styling to evoke the 1969 Boss in a contemporary way.
“We approached this as curators of a legend,” explains Behmer. “We’ve taken design cues from the ’69 Boss street car and the menacing Bud Moore/Parnelli Jones race cars and carefully updated them to give the 2012 the proper bad-boy attitude that is unmistakably a Boss Mustang.”
To set Boss apart, each car will have either a black or white roof panel, coordinated to the colour of the side C-stripe. Available exterior colours are Competition Orange, Performance White, Kona Blue Metallic, Yellow Blaze Tri-Coat Metallic and Race Red.
Up front, a unique fascia and grille are highlighted by the blocked-off fog lamp openings and aggressive lower splitter, a version of the design used – and proven – on the Boss 302R race car. The front splitter is designed to function at high speeds by efficiently managing the air under and around the car. It helps to reduce underbody drag and front end lift while more effectively forcing air through the Boss-specific cooling system. At the rear of the car, the spoiler was chosen to complement the front aero treatment and minimize overall drag.
“What we were after on Boss was reduced overall lift with improved balance,” says Pericak. “We needed to keep the car glued to the street or the track at high speeds without increasing drag or affecting top speed and fuel usage. The end result is an aero package that uses front, rear and underbody treatments not for show, but for effect – the balance and stability of this car all the way to its 155-mph top speed is just outstanding.”
Inside, a unique Boss steering wheel covered completely in Alcantara suede complements the standard seats, which are trimmed in cloth with a suede-like centre insert to firmly hold occupants in place. Boss customers who want the ultimate seating experience can select a package that includes Recaro buckets, designed by Ford SVT in cooperation with Recaro for high performance Mustang models, and shared between the Boss and GT500.
A dark metallic instrument panel finish, gauge cluster and door panel trim also differentiate Boss from the standard Mustang, while a black pool-cue shifter ball and “Powered by Ford” door sill plates further remind customers they’re in a special car. The Boss interior gets an aural kick thanks to what’s been removed. Eleven pounds of sound-deadening material have been eliminated to let occupants further enjoy the intake, engine and exhaust note.
“Boss is a hallowed word around here, and we couldn’t put that name on a new Mustang until we were sure everything was in place to make this car a worthy successor,” explains Pericak “We were either going to do it right or not do it at all – no one on the team was going to let Boss become a sticker and wheel package.
NASCAR: Jimmie Johnson Press Conference at Michigan Int'l Speedway (Aug. 13, 2010)
NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES
CARFAX 400
MICHIGAN INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY
TEAM CHEVY DRIVER PRESS CONFERENCE TRANSCRIPT
AUGUST 13, 2010
JIMMIE JOHNSON, NO. 48 LOWE'S CHEVROLET met with media and discussed his race record at Michigan, the four teams at Hendrick Motorsports, and more. Full transcript:
WHAT'S YOUR APPROACH ON POINTS NOW?
"The bonus points, that's kind of the obvious one that all the drivers want and as a team, the momentum from a win would be very important and helpful. But from our standpoint, not just this year but others as well, we felt the consistency going into the Chase was really important. We've had some races in the last four or five weeks where we've been competitive and didn't finish well. We've had races where we weren't competitive and didn't finish well. I think we're looking more for a consistent run here leading into New Hampshire before we start the Chase. If we can get 10 points, obviously that's what we need and what we want. But I think the momentum and the confidence that comes with four or five strong races is really important."
YOU'VE HAD YEARS WHEN YOU WERE REALLY HOT GOING INTO THE CHASE AND YEARS WHERE YOU WERE REALLY COLD AND STILL WON THE CHAMPIONSHIP. WHAT'S THE SAME AND WHAT'S DIFFERENT THIS YEAR?
"From our standpoint, it seems like the bread & butter tracks for us in the past have been the 1.5-mile to two-mile tracks and that's where we've been a little bit off. And then the short track stuff has been really competitive. It's kind of a flip of sorts from what we've seen before. Every year is different and the challenges are different, but I think we're making some good gains on the 1.5-mile and two-mile tracks and we're looking forward to this weekend's race.
"I'd say when we were here in the spring is when we started trying some new things and really got away from our standard stuff and we've learned a lot about that set-up since then and we're looking forward to debuting what we have here."
MARK MARTIN SAID THE AIR AROUND HIM AND HIS TEAM IS LIGHTER NOW THAT THEY KNOW WHERE KASEY KAHNE IS GOING. HAVE YOU GOTTEN ANY SENSE FROM THEM THAT THAT'S THE CASE?
"I've not seen or talked to Mark yet but I would imagine so. Those guys knowing where they're going to be I'm sure on Kasey's side, Mark's side and even for Mr. Hendrick to have things under control now I'm sure; all of them feel very good about it. I've always said that I've been in a very tough position as a driver at Hendrick Motorsports because Mark Martin brings so much to the table that I don't want to see him go anywhere.
"At the same time we have Kasey Kahne who is going to bring a ton to the table as well and be there to work with him and develop that relationship. I guess I always try to find the positive in things and we have two very good situations and we'll just make the most of what we have today and now that there's clarity in that I think it helps everybody's worlds and lets them stay focused on their jobs and we can get back to work."
WHY DO YOU THINK THE 24/48 SHOP SEEMS TO WORK AND THAT THERE HASN'T BEEN THE SAME SUCCESS WITH THE 5/88 SHOP?
"It's so tough to tell. We all have the same equipment even though people want to argue the fact over the years, especially since I've been at Hendrick Motorsports and the benefits we know that come from a true multi-car organization (with the) same engines, same motors and we have parameters on all that stuff. So all the equipment is there; everybody has access to the same data base and I don't know what else besides just the chemistry between people can make the difference. And the No. 24 (Jeff Gordon) has had something very special that's worked for a lot of years and then the brain power of the No. 24 team selected all of us and brought us in. So whatever selection process or whatever values that they first had and then were looking for, I guess has made the difference."
IS THERE ANY OTHER TRACK THAT'S MORE FRUSTRATING FOR YOU THAN MIS?
"Yeah, I would say Sonoma and Bristol were my most frustrating tracks and now this would be the third. Now that I've gotten those out of the way, I think out of the tracks that are left, this is definitely it. Last year was so disappointing to lead and dominate both races and then run out of gas. We've seen fuel mileage bite us here before that and then there were a few races where some tire strategy worked out. One, we got beat by two (tires), so the next time we tried two and got beat by four (tires), so we've been all around a victory and just haven't nailed it yet. We're hopeful we can get it done. We ran decent in the spring but I'm not coming in here with the confidence that I did, say, last year knowing that we led both races and all that. But it's a long race and a track that I really enjoy running on and so does (crew chief) Chad (Knaus). So I feel we'll be good and hopefully we can get that win."
About Chevrolet: Chevrolet is a global automotive brand, with annual sales of about 3.5 million vehicles in more than 130 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. In the U.S., the Chevrolet portfolio includes: iconic performance cars, such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long lasting pickups and SUVs, such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers, such as Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers "gas-friendly to gas-free" solutions including the Cruze Eco and Volt, both arriving in late 2010. Cruze Eco will offer up to 40 mpg highway while the Chevrolet Volt will offer up to 40 miles of electric, gas-free driving and an additional 300 miles of extended range (based on GM testing; official EPA estimates not yet available). Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security, and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response, and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models, fuel solutions, and OnStar availability can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
From Chevrolet
WoO: Joey Saldana on the Raceline Radio Network All Across Canada on Sunday, August 15
Concord, NC - August 13, 2010- Joey Saldana, the current World of Outlaws championship point leader, will join host Erik Tomas on Raceline Radio this Sunday, August 15 at 8 p.m. Eastern on AM 900 CHML Hamilton, one of the Flagship stations of The Raceline Radio Network Canada. Raceline Radio can be heard live online at www.900chml.com and a podcast of the show will be posted as well for "On-demand" listening following the show.
Saldana will discuss the upcoming Oil City Cup at Castrol Raceway in Edmonton, which will be the World of Outlaws only visit of the year to Western Canada. The second generation driver won both nights in Edmonton last season and leads the World of Outlaws with 10 A-Feature wins this season and currently holds a nine-point lead over 20-time World of Outlaws champion Steve Kinser in points, as he chases his first title.
The interview with Saldana will also air across The Raceline Radio Network Canada on Monday, August 16 at 7 p.m., including on the Toronto flagship station, The FAN 590: www.fan590.com.
Raceline Radio is Canada's first and only nationally syndicated motorsport radio show. 2010 marks the 18th season, the show has been on the air. The Raceline Radio Network comprises 20 stations across Canada, including: The FAN 590 Toronto, The TEAM 990 Montreal, The TEAM 1040 Vancouver, The TEAM 1260 Edmonton, The FAN 960 Calgary, and CJOB Winnipeg.
Erik Tomas, a 37 year broadcast veteran, anchors and produces Raceline Radio. Tomas has also anchored World of Outlaws Late Model Series broadcasts on SPEED and has covered nearly every form or motorsport over the years. The World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including: Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Chizmark & Larson Insurance , Goodyear Tires (Official Tire), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser), VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, KSE Race Products, Penske Shocks , R2C Performance, Racing Electronics, S&S Volvo; Engine Builder's Challenge participants Don Ott Racing Engines, Kistler Engines, Shaver Specialties and Speedway Engines; and Chassis Builder's Challenge participants J&J Auto Racing, Maxim Racing and XXX Race Company.
From Tony Veneziano // World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series PR Director
OHSWEKEN SPEEDWAY: Bring your friends to Brant County Night at Ohsweken
OHSWEKEN, ON - The ninth round of Ohsweken Speedway’s Friday Night Thunder hits the track this Friday, August 13. This week’s event is “Brant County Night” presented by Metal Works, and features the Corr/Pak Merchandising Sprint Cars, ESSO Thunder Stocks, ESSO Mini Stocks, and Bombers, plus Vintage Cars and Flag Pole Racing. All fans with proof of residence in Brant County will be given two for one admission this Friday!
Dave Dykstra now holds a forty-seven point lead in the Corr/Pak Merchandising Sprint Car standings. The Port Colborne driver finished third in the feature last Friday night to extend his lead over Kyle Moffit of South Dayton, New York. Campbellville driver Kevin Job is third, followed by Keith Dempster of Alton, and Ohsweken’s Glenn Styres, who won the feature last Friday. Mitchell Brown of Brantford was the highest finishing rookie and now leads the Rookie of the Year chase by two points over Caistor Centre’s Jamie Turner.
Jamie Cox of Cambridge won his second ESSO Thunder Stock feature of the season on Friday night, and now holds the points lead by one point over Port Robinson’s Billy Bleich. Ryan Dinning of Caledonia is also within striking distance, just nineteen points behind, while Caledonia drivers Lee Winger and Mike Thorne round out the top five. Sherkston’s Ed McNamara leads the Rookie of the Year standings.
Trevor Goulding of Welland was the big winner of last Friday’s “Art Hill Memorial 42” for the ESSO Mini Stocks. The win was Goulding’s fourth of the season, and he enjoys a fifty-nine point lead over Brantford’s Craig Erskine. Kevin Hilborn of Brantford is third in the standings, followed by Ohsweken driver Steve Hess, and Caledonia’s Mike Evers. Jake Brown finished ninth in the “Art Hill Memorial 42” and currently leads the ESSO Mini Stock Rookie of the Year chase.
John Cote and Jeremy Hughes had a great race for last week’s Bomber division win, with Cote coming out on top. Karl Sault of Dundas continues to lead the standings however, and is clear of Hamilton driver Cote by sixty-one markers. Kacey Huffman of Hamilton is third, followed by Burlington driver Hughes, and Jesse McDonald of Caledonia.
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 Metal Works: Located just a few miles from Ohsweken in Caledonia, Ontario, Metal Works powder coats and finish metals for a wide range of applications, including Motorsports, Racing, Hot Rods, Show Cars and Motorcycles. They also provide metal finish for industrial and commercial uses such as shelving and product displays. Powder coating looks like paint, but it's tougher paint. It protects metal, it's durable, scratch resistant and it makes metal more attractive. Please visit www.MetalWorksPowderCoating.com for more information about Metal Works.
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 Metal Works presents the “Brant County Night”. The Corr/Pak Merchandising Sprint Cars, ESSO Thunder Stocks, ESSO Mini Stocks, and Bombers will all be in action, plus Vintage Cars and Flag Pole Racing!
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 13th! Visit www.OhswekenSpeedway.com and Feel The Excitement!
By Tommy Goudge
Brockville Ontario Speedway: Report, Results - August 12, 2010
BROCKVILLE, ON - Differerent car, same result for Tim Fuller. The talented driver from Edwards, NY returned to Brockville Ontario Speedway in a late model and scored an impressive win in the Boston Pizza-BOB FM 50 for the All Star Late Model Series on Thursday night. The win was Fuller's second in as many nights in Canada and netted him another 5,000 dollar payday.
Fuller set fast time in qualifying but it was Jared Miley and Boom Briggs setting the pace in the early going of the feature. Fuller stayed with the leaders until the halfway mark and then it was hammer time for the former Modified pilot and DIRT champion as he rocketed away from the field in the final 25 circuits lapping up to the top six. Gregg Satterlee was second. Miley who lost the lead when Fuller trapped him in lapped traffic was third followed by All Star regulars Rob Blair and Briggs. Trenton's Charlie Sandercock led a solid group of Eastern Ontario pilots as Brighton Speedway regulars came out in huge numbers to support the event.
Shane Pecore picked up his first win of the season in the 25 lap Sportsman event. Pecore avoided some hard wrecks in the early laps and then blew past Jessica Power on a mid race restart to grab the lead. He was then able to pull away on every restart the rest of the way for the win. Power put in her best result of the season as well coming home second in front of points leader Mike Mainse, Dylan Evoy and Adam Turner.
Kevin Fetterly put another notch on his winning belt at Brockville taking the 15 lap Street Stock event. Fetterly was able to get past early leader Danny Mocibob on turn 4 and pulled away in the final five laps. Kevin McRae got past as well for second, followed by Mocibob, Darrick Eaton and Steve Kearney. Brockville Ontario Speedway returns to action on Saturday night, August 14th with a full program plus the Vintage cars in action. The green flag drops at 7pm.
Late Models 50 laps: Tim Fuller, Greg Satterlee, Jared Miley, Rob Blair, Boom Briggs, Max Blair, Greg Oakes, Gille Pegg, Charlie Sandercock, Greg Belyea, Phil Potts, Caley Weese, Fred Carleton, Terry Hunt, Jason McCrory, Jeff Mutton, Beau Brown, Joe Banks, John Garvin, Rob Perry
Sportsman 25 laps: Shane Pecore, Jessica Power, Mike Mainse, Dylan Evoy, Adam Turner, Randy Earl, Kenny Polite, Roger Varacalli, Todd Ferguson, Dana Aikins, Doug O Blenis, Dylan Breen, Steve Billings, Dave Wilgosh, Tabatha Murphy, Bruce Makinson, Chris Herbison, Matt Collins, Chris Raabe, Steve Barber, Luke Stewart, Sheldon Hoogwerf, Corey Winters, Josh Jock
Street Stocks 15 laps: Kevin Fetterly, Kevin McRae, Danny Mocibob, Darrick Eaton, Steve Kearney, Todd Raabe, Selena Simzer, Brian Billings, Brian Comeau, Ryan Comeau, Craig Handley
From Steve Young / BOS
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Kawartha Speedway: Punch Your Ticket for the Big Dance
FRASERVILLE, ON - ‘Friday the 13th’ is often associated with being unlucky – but Friday, August 13th will see a lucky Kawartha Speedway NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Model driver walk away with a $ 1,500.00 payday in the year’s second 100 lap invitational event. The extra-distance show is expected to draw a full field of Kawartha regulars and some special guests who’ll be chasing the big money. After starting the season with some less than spectacular efforts, it looks like Peterborough’s Earl Ireland is starting to turn things around.
“We got bounced around a little during the first few weeks and I think there were some nights we may have been in the way,” said Ireland. “Last week, we ran well enough to win the semi-feature and finish 5th in the main event. The cars have changed quite a bit since we last raced regularly, so I still have to get used to how things feel and the different way the car handles.”
Kawartha Speedway will be a busy place over the next few weeks. In addition to the late model 100 lapper, the Hasiuk Trailer and Container Rental Mini Stocks and Better Carpet Thunder Cars will be part of the show. The track will take Friday, August 20th off before hosting a 50 lap thunder car invitational – along with mini stocks, thunder cars and the Ontario Legends – Friday, August 27th. Fans can find the full 2010 schedule – including information on a make-up date for the Summer Sizzler – at www.kawarthaspeedway.com.
Photo attachment: Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications: After a rough start to the year, Earl Ireland has started to turn-in some solid runs in his Kawartha Speedway NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Model.
Prepared by Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications
SPEEDWAY 660: Max 1 Prostock 150 - Enduro 200 - Double Header Weekend preview
Fredericton, NB This weekend is another double header weekend featuring the MAX 1 Advanced Synthetic Pro Stock 150 presented by COASTAL Blending and Packaging on Saturday night and the Enduro 200 on Sunday afternoon. Fans will get to see lots of racing again this weekend. With a few races cancelled due to Mother Nature, we are now full speed ahead until SPEEDWEEKEND.
This Saturday night under the lights there will be 150 laps of pure pro stock power, as well as points racing in 4 (that’s right 4) other divisions. Fans will see the COASTAL Blendning and Packaging Pro Stocks put in 150 laps as well as regular features in the Martin’s Home Heating Sportsman, Leisure Family Rv.com Street Stock division, 4 cylinder division and the Bandolero division. The Pro Stock competitors have been chomping at the bit waiting for this event. Originally scheduled for July 10th, the event had to be rescheduled for this weekend. On the line Saturday night for the winner is not only the expected winnings, trophy and bragging rights but also a provisional starting spot in the Pro Stock 250 on Labour Day weekend. Most of the teams hold this event a close second to the prestigious 250 because they have a chance to guarantee their place in the 250 with a win Saturday night.
Fans can expect to see the local Saturday night Pro Stock points leaders like Greg Fahey, Chris Duncan, Brian Gillespie and Brent Wiggins along with some frequent visitors like Lonnie Sommerville, Dave O’blenis and Kirk Thibeau.
The weeks are winding down for the points and it is time to get serious. Michael Banks is the point’s leader in the Martin’s Home Heating Sportsman division and he is hungry for his first championship. He has been close in previous years and hoping this is the year he can bring home a championship. Wade Harris might also have something to say about this, as he sits only 7 points back of Banks. Bill Sommerville, Ken Mackenzie and Brent Roy are also all right there knocking on the door. There are only 33 points separating the top 10.
In the Leisure Family RV.com Street Stock Division Rick Cashol is back on top with Peter Gaddess and Mike Francis close on his heels. Only 28 points separate the top 5 drivers.
After a few weeks off the wildly popular 4 cylinders are back on track this week as well as the Bandoleros. Both of these divisions had a great debut earlier this year and are pumped to be back on track for the remainder of August.
Sunday August 15th will be the Enduro 200 for the big cars and as well an event for the FWD Enduro cars. Speedway 660 officials will determine how many laps the FWD cars will run based on the number of cars that are in attendance. If you want to register your car, please call the speedway office at 454-RACE (7223) or e-mail at info@speedway660.com.
From Angela Coffey / Speedway 660
MICHIGAN INT'L SPEEDWAY: Evander Holyfield, Saving Abel among 'Show Me the CARFAX Race Weekend' grand marshal lineup
BROOKLYN, Mich. (Aug. 11, 2010) — Five-time heavyweight boxing champion Evander Holyfield has been named co-grand marshal for this weekend’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series CARFAX 400 at Michigan International Speedway.
Evander “Real Deal” Holyfield is the only professional boxer to win the heavyweight boxing title five times and is one of the greatest boxers in history. The former contestant of the first season of “Dancing with the Stars” has an impressive boxing record of 43 wins (28 by knock out), 10 losses and 2 draws.
“I look forward to being the co-grand marshal for the CARFAX 400 and meeting all the great fans at Michigan International Speedway,” Holyfield said.
Virginia Craig, a 17-old native of Hickory, N.C., is also co-grand marshal Sunday. Her wish through the Make-A-Wish Foundation is to say the most famous words in motorsports: “Gentlemen, start your engines!” Craig, who was born with spina bifida, is a life-long NASCAR fan whose favorite driver is Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
Rockers Saving Abel, along with Matthew Stamm, son of Asbury Automotive Group Vice President John Stamm, will handle the duty for the NASCAR Nationwide Series CARFAX 250 on Saturday.
Saving Abel, from Corinth, Miss., is best known for the chart-topping hit “Addicted” and will headline a post-race concert Saturday in Lot 10.
“We have four fantastic representatives this year to fire everyone up for both races,” said Larry Gamache, communications director at Carfax. “Virginia is a delightful girl whose one wish is to grand marshal a NASCAR race, which we’re proud to grant. Matthew and Saving Abel bring tons of energy to the first race of the weekend. Finally, it’s an honor to have a great champion like Evander Holyfield help us kick off the CARFAX 400.”
Nestled in the lush Irish Hills of Southeastern Michigan, Michigan International Speedway is the Great Escape, a venerable NASCAR national park where fans can get away and enjoy the very best in racing and camaraderie. It’s the love of racing and the thrill of a great time for race fans and drivers alike.
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series tickets for the CARFAX 400 this Sunday start as low as $25. Visit MISpeedway.com or call the MIS ticket hotline at 800-354-1010 today to take advantage of great pricing.
Michigan International Speedway - 2010 Schedule
Friday, Aug. 13 Meijer Pole Day
Saturday, Aug. 14 NASCAR Nationwide Series CARFAX 250
Sunday, Aug. 15 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series CARFAX 400
CONTACTS: Sammie Lukaskiewicz, MIS Director of Communications (517) 592-1208 or slukaskiewicz@mispeedway.com // Dennis Worden, MIS Manager of Public Relations (517) 592-1204 or dworden@mispeedway.com
NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Statistical Advance: Analyzing The GP3R 100
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Aug. 11, 2010) – The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Mobil 1 makes its fourth visit to the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivieres (Que.) and Circuit de Trois-Rivieres on Sunday, Aug. 15 for the GP3R 100. It is the 2010 season’s eighth event and the fourth of five road-course races on the year. Below is a statistical look at the race and recent performance of selected drivers in Trois-Rivieres, as well as some statistical trends:
Ron Beauchamp Jr. (No. 60 Mopar/Mobil 1 Dodge)
· Finished a Trois-Rivieres career-best fifth last season
· Posted finishes of 28th and 22nd in first two Trois-Rivieres starts
· One of seven drivers to start all 45 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series races, to date
Mark Dilley (No. 9 Dickies Dodge)
· Has a pair of 19th-place finishes (2007 & 2009) and a 20th-place effort (2008) in three starts on Circuit de Trois-Rivieres
· Has posted back-to-back top-10 finishes
· One of seven drivers to start all 45 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series races, to date
Maryeve Dufault (No. 10 Dodge Dealers of Quebec Dodge)
· Making her NASCAR Canadian Tire Series debut
· The fourth female driver in series history following Ashley Taws, Catlin Johnston and Isabelle Tremblay
· Has raced sports cars and motorcycles, as well as serving as a Hollywood stuntwoman
· Developmental driver with FAZZT Race Team that fields car for Alex Tagliani in the IZOD IndyCar Series.
J.F. Dumoulin (No. 04 Group Bellemare Chevrolet)
· The Trois-Rivieres native and brother of fellow competitor, Louis-Philippe, is making his third series start at the track
· Posted finishes of 10th in 2007 and 28th in 2009
· Often competes in GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series events
L.P. Dumoulin (No. 47 Maskimo/Somavrac Dodge)
· The Trois-Rivieres native and brother of fellow competitor, Jean-Francois, is making his fourth series start and second in Trois-Riveres
· Finished 12th in his series debut in last year’s GP3R 100
· Car owner is former Montreal Canadien Marc-Andre Bergeron
JR Fitzpatrick (No. 84 Schick Hydro Chevrolet)
· Has finishes of fifth (2008) and sixth (2007) in his two Trois-Rivieres outings
· Is a two-time pole winner at Circuit de Trois-Rivieres
· Has won three of the last four series road-course races – Montreal (2009), Mosport and Edmonton
· Collected his sixth series victory on July 25 at Edmonton City Centre Airport
· Collected his fifth series victory on June 13 at Mosport International Raceway
· Five of his six career series wins have come on road courses – Mosport (2), Edmonton (2) and Montreal
· Finished seventh on June 19 at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisc., in his first NASCAR Nationwide Series start in 2010 and first for JR Motorsports
· Finished 11th on Aug. 7 in NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Watkins Glen (N.Y.)
Jason Hathaway (No. 3 Snap-on Tools/Rockstar Energy Drink Dodge)
· Finished a career-best third at Trois-Rivieres in 2008
· Posted finishes of ninth (2007) and 16th (2009) in other two Circuit de Trois-Rivieres starts
· Has top-10 finishes in six of seven starts this season
DJ Kennington (No. 17 Castrol Edge Dodge)
· Logged a series career-best finish of third last season in Trois-Rivieres
· Other two Trois-Rivieres starts resulted in finishes of 12th (2007) and fourth (2008).
· Earned the victory in four of his last eight series starts dating back to 2009
· Collected his seventh career series win and third of 2010 on Aug. 4 at Auto Clearing Motor Speedway
· Collected his sixth career series win and second of 2010 on July 3 at Autodrome St. Eustache
· Collected his fifth series-career win in 2010 season opener on June 5 at Delaware Speedway
· Currently leads the points standings – 14 points ahead of JR Fitzpatrick
Jeff Lapcevich (No. 23 Tim Hortons Chevrolet)
· Has Trois-Rivieres finishes of fourth (2007) and seventh (2009)
· Has top-10 finishes in his last six series road-course starts
· Has four top 10s in last five overall Canadian Tire Series starts
Kerry Micks (No. 02 Dickies/Beyond Digital Imaging Ford)
· Won the inaugural NASCAR Canadian Tire Series event at Trois-Rivieres in 2007 by the slimmest margin (0.012 seconds) in series history over Andrew Ranger
· Has a pair of top 10s in other two Trois-Rivieres starts – ninth in 2008 and sixth in 2009
· Has led a series-high 33 laps at Circuit de Trois-Rivieres
· Has finished inside the top 10 in 13 of his last 14 series starts dating back to last season
· Has one oval-track win (Mosport Speedway in 2008) and two (Montreal and Trois-Rivieres in 2007) road-course wins in NCATS action
· Is one of seven drivers to compete in all 45 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series races
Andrew Ranger (No. 27 Dodge Dealers of Quebec Dodge)
· Has won the last two Canadian Tire Series events in Trois-Rivieres and finished second in 2007
· Has nine consecutive Canadian Tire Series podium finishes on road courses, including six wins, dating back to 2008
· Seven of his 10 Canadian Tire Series wins have come on road courses
· Has a pair of NASCAR K&N Pro Series road-course wins this season – Infineon Raceway (West) and Lime Rock Park (East)
· Two-time NASCAR Canadian Tire Series champion (2007 & 2009)
· Holds overall career series mark for wins at 10
Anthony Simone (No. 95 Rx100 Chevrolet)
· Registered a runner-up finish to Andrew Ranger in last season’s race in Trois-Rivieres
· His rookie season produced a 27th-place finish at Circuit de Trois-Rivieres
· Has strung together three consecutive top-10 finishes after a slow start in 2010
· Posted a pair of runner-up finishes on road courses – Mosport and Trois-Rivieres – last season
Scott Steckly (No. 22 Canadian Tire Jumpstart Dodge)
· Best Trois-Rivieres finish of second came in 2008 and led 17 laps in that race
· Other two starts on Circuit de Trois-Rivieres resulted in finishes of eighth (2007) and 27th (2009)
· Collected his first win of the season on July 31 at Motoplex Speedway in Vernon, B.C.
· Has finished inside the top five in five of seven starts this season
· Has eight NASCAR Canadian Tire Series wins to his credit
· Won 2008 series championship
Don Thomson Jr. (No. 4 Home Hardware Chevrolet)
· Finished a series career-best eighth in last year’s GP3R 100
· Posted a pair of 14th-place finishes at Trois-Rivieres in 2007 and 2008
· Has a current streak of six straight top-10s including four top fives
· Holds the overall series career mark for poles with 11
· His five series wins is the fifth-highest total in series history
Isabelle Tremblay (No. 77 Hamel Honda/Infrabec Dodge)
· Making her first start in Trois-Rivieres
· Made NASCAR Canadian Tire Series debut on July 17 in Toronto and became the third female driver to start a series race
· A regular NASCAR Whelen All-American Series competitor at Autodrome St. Eustache
NASCAR CANADIAN TIRE SERIES presented by MOBIL 1 At TROIS-RIVIERES
· This is the series fourth year at the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivieres and third as the event’s final race
· It is the series’ second of three trips to Quebec in 2010 along with Autodrome St. Eustache and Montreal
· A Ford has won the race in each of the three previous visits and Ford has logged eight top-10 finishes with Chevrolet garnering 11 and Dodge has nine
· The average starting field in Trois-Rivieres is 28.33 cars
· There has been an average of 3.33 caution periods for an average of 11.33 laps in the three prior GP3R 100s with the earliest coming at Lap 7 in 2007 and the latest at Lap 41 in 2008
· The average starting position of the winner is 4.33 while the polesitter has an average finish of 11.0
From Shon Sbarra, NASCAR Public Relations
CASTROL TOURING CARS AT GP3R
The schedule will bring the two classes to the track for a 20-minute practice Friday morning where drivers will sort out their machines and prepare the final adjustments required to do battle this weekend. On Saturday afternoon the fans will be treated to a 30-minute heat race where 40 cars will take to the track to determine where the competitors will start the Sunday feature race when the green flag drops at 9:40 am.
2009 was a banner year for the championship and 2010 looks to top last years attendance numbers for both the fans and competitors. This weekends contest will have no less than 10 local Trois Rivières drivers in attendance and you can be assured they’ll be pulling out all they can to impress the hometown crowd.
The local favourites to watch out for are Paul Dargis (BMW 328), Marc Antoine-Camirand (BMW M-Coupe), Luc Pelletier (Audi A4) and Pascal Carré (BMW
328) in the Super Touring class. Touring Class drivers include Denis Rouseau (Mazda Protégé), Danielle Blanchette (Honda Civic), Luc Richard ((VW GTI) and Jacques Deshaies (Mazda 3). The large number of drivers from out-of-town will ensure that the local teams will have to fight for every inch of track they need.
The Super Touring Class championship points leading Lombardi Honda Racing driver Nick Wittmer (951 pts) and Touring Class leader Durabond/Compass360 Racing’s Anthony Rapone (923 pts) will do what ever they can to defend their current positions atop the standings in what appears to be some of the fiercest competition you’ll see all weekend long.
Going into this weekend the championship is far from decided in either class. Wittmer will have his work cut out for him with drivers such as Dave Ciekiewicz (804 pts) in his potent Subaru WRX STi, Team Aldo/Northwest BMW driver David Bensadoun (661 pts) and Montreal’s own Etienne Borgeat (644 pts) in his Pontiac Solstice all vying for the top spot in the Super Touring class.
The hotly contested Touring Class battle continues with Tom Kwok (817 pts) currently 2nd place in the points standings piloting his #55 Honda Civic will be back and Michel Sallenbach (804 pts) in his Octane Promotions MINI Cooper S will have to use every trick up his sleeve to fend off fourth place driver Durabond/Compass360 Racing’s Karl Thomson and his Honda Civic Si at bay while attempting to get a top the podium in the Touring Class.
Less than 325 points separate the top five drivers in the Super & Touring classes, as the level of competition is extremely high. Watch for impressive drives to the front from Super Touring drivers Eric Hochgeschurz (BMW), Matthieu Audette (Acura), Gary Kwok (Acura), Greg Pootmans (BMW).
Touring Class also offers thrilling excitement deep into the pack. Watch for Pfaff VW driver P.J. Groenke (VW Golf), Bully Clutch sponsored Patrick Seguin (Honda), Jocelyn Fecteau (Toyota), Paul Dargis (Honda) and the rest of the field battle it out for 30 minutes on Saturday & 30 Minutes on Sunday.
For further information, check out www.touringcar.ca for the latest championship news or to view all of the Championships webisodes go to www.touringcar.tv.
The Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship Presented By Toyo Tires is Canada's Premiere Touring Car Series and features Canada's Best Drivers Racing Today's Hottest Touring Cars. The Championship is showcased at seven event weekends in Quebec and Ontario with marquee events at Grand Prix de Trois-Rivieres and Honda Indy Toronto.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Another Double-Header Weekend at Delaware!
| August 11, 2010 (London, Ontario) Fresh from two nights of ear-splitting fun with the ISMA Super Modifieds, we have two back-to-back nights of Whelen All-American Series racing this weekend! August 13 is Mobil Striping and Sweeping night featuring NASCAR Late Models, Demar Aggregates Trucks, Powerade Modifieds and the ever-popular spectator race, King of the Hill, NASCAR Late Model drivers have even more on the line in the Chase to the Great Canadian Race. Participation and finishes in the remaining races this season will help determine starting positions and qualification for bonus payouts in the Great Canadian Race Weekend, September 3-5. Ron Sheridan leads the field in NASCAR Late Models as he hopes to win his first ever series championship. Jamie Cox is on top of the Powerade Modified standings with only a 7-point lead over Barry Newman. Paul Fothergill is trying to retain his title as Demar Aggregates Truck champ. Fothergill leads the point's race with Gary Adrieansen and Jeff Showler tied, 17 points back. If you joined us for the ISMA Super Modifieds bring your ticket stub to get 50% off your admission on August 14, South End Truck Centre Night. Transmission Direct Enduro and Ultimate Sandblasting and Coating Chaos Cars are on the schedule. There's added excitement for Enduro competitors and fans on the 14th. Competitors will run two 125-lap races, the second of which will be a Top Dog Showdown with additional prize money and opportunity for qualifying racers. Details on how the Top Dog Showdown format works can be found here: http://www.delawarespeedway.com/enduro-top-dog-showdown-format Gates open at 6 pm both nights. On Friday the 13th, racing starts at 8 pm. On Saturday the 14th, racing starts at 7 pm. Public and Media Relations, Delaware Speedway 226.448.7227 |
MULTIMATIC MOTORSPORTS READY TO RACE ON HOME TURF
FURTHER INFORMATION
78 ACT TEAMS HEAD FOR NHMS TEST & TUNE
78 ACT TEAMS HEAD FOR NHMS TEST & TUNE
Waterbury, VT – The American Canadian Tour (ACT) has confirmation from seventy eight (78) Late Model teams that are scheduled to test and tune at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) Tuesday, August 17 and Wednesday, August 18 in hopes of getting an invitation back for the second annual ACT Invitational to be held September 18, 2010.
The test and tune session will have representatives from all six New England states, New York State and the Canadian provinces of Quebec and Ontario. Leading the count will be teams from Thunder Road and the US ACT in Vermont with 20; Maine, with a strong Oxford Plains Speedway contingent, is not far behind with 16 teams; New Hampshire will have 13 teams representing White Mountain Motorsports Park, Lee USA Speedway and Twin State Speedway; Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island will send 12 teams with ACT affiliate tracks Waterford Speedbowl and Seekonk Speedway represented; the Quebec ACT Castrol Serie will send 10 of its stars to the test and tune from tracks in the Montreal and Quebec City regions; veteran Mark Lamberton will represent New York State; and Ontario, with representation from Kawartha Speedway and Capital City in Ottawa, will send 5 teams to the session.
The goal will be to capture one of the coveted 'at large' bids for the second annual ACT Invitational which is held as part of a triple header with the NASCAR Whelan Modified Tour, the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, and the regions finest short track teams in the second annual ACT Invitational. There will also be Sprint Cup qualifying on Saturday in what has become one of the most anticipated events of the stock car season.
"This is just a great couple of days for our teams. For veterans it is a chance to get to this great facility that has been the heartbeat of stock car racing for the past twenty years, and for our younger teams, it is really a dream come true. The hard part is sorting out who gets the invites for the September race after the practice sessions end," said Tom Curley, President of the American Canadian Tour.
Tickets for the opening NASCAR Sprint Cup Chase and the Saturday, September 18th Triple Header can be purchased by going to www.nhms.com.
For additional information contact www.acttour.com, or media@acttour.com.
Photo: 2009 Inaugural ACT Invitational at New Hampshire Motor Speedway Class Photo
Photo by: Eric LaFleche
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