Pacoima, CA / Sept. 7, 2010 – The Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear today announced that the drivers who competed in the series' 20th anniversary 2010 season will divide a prize package valued in excess of $1.5 million.
The top prize, valued at $750,000, is a career-making opportunity that motivates young drivers from around the world to battle for the series championship -- a full-season drive in a factory-backed RX-8 competing in the 2011 Grand-Am GT 1 class courtesy of the MAZDASPEED Motorsports Driver Development Ladder. In addition, the champion gets $100,000 in cash and a test with a top Indy Lights team courtesy of Performance Friction, Andersen Racing and the IndyCar Road to Indy program.
Drivers are also competing for the first annual VISITFLORIDA Cup, a 7-race championship-within-a-championship sponsored by the series' television partner, VISITFLORIDA, the official tourism and marketing organization for the state of Florida. The live HDnet broadcasts and global syndication package made possible by the VISITFLORIDA partnership brings Star Mazda Championship racing to more than 150 million households worldwide. The prize, a custom 'dream vacation' provided by VISIT Florida goes to the driver scoring the most points in the seven races that are part of the Cup, including the upcoming season finale at the 13th Annual Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta, September 29 – October 2.
Cash awards totaling $500,000 will be presented to the top-15 finishers in the points championship; the winner of the coveted 'Rookie of the Year' award gets $10,000. The top-3 finishers in the Expert and Master Series championship each receive $10,000, $5,000 and $2,500 respectively, while the top-3 finishers in the Team Championship get $10,000, $7,500 and $5,000.
Special prizes add to the total, including $5,000 for the Quartermaster Clutch Performer Award, $5,000 for the VP Fuels Most Improved Driver Award, $2,500 for the President's (Spirit of Star Mazda) Award and $1,500 for the Performance Friction Crewmember of the Year Award. The winner of the BBS Wheels Hard Charger Award gets a custom-made coffee table made from a polished BBS wheel and etched glass top, plus a set of four BBS racing or BBS road car wheels, a prize valued at $5,000. In addition, merchandise valued at more than $40,000 is awarded via drawings conducted during driver meetings at each race weekend, including 26 sets of new Goodyear radial racing tires (two sets per weekend) and 13 sets of Performance Friction brake pads.
"With the support of our sponsors and corporate partners, we're able to offer a prize package that is noteworthy for both its size and its focus on enhancing the careers of the drivers who compete in our series," says Gary Rodrigues, founder and CEO of the Star Mazda Championship. "Our champions from 2008 and 2009, John Edwards and Adam Christodoulou, teamed up with backing from the MAZDASPEED Ladder to race a SpeedSource RX-8 and help Mazda win the 2010 Grand-Am Manufacturer's Championship. Building relationships with a global automaker and racing a factory-sponsored car in a high-profile international series is a huge step forward for these young drivers. Both of them have now won championships in open-wheel and sports car racing and are on their way to careers as professional drivers. That is function of the Star Mazda Championship and the MAZDASPEED Ladder, and I think it's clear that the program is working."
The MAZDASPEED Motorsports Driver Development Ladder is the only automaker-backed driver development program that provides financial resources for champions to move up through the ranks from karting to the Skip Barber Pro Series, then to the USF2000 National Championship Powered by Mazda and the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear.
IndyCar's Road to Indy program is a separate but complimentary driver development program and is designed to provide a clear path for young drivers whose goal is to race in IndyCar and the Indy 500. The Road to Indy includes the USF2000 National Championship, the Star Mazda Championship and Indy Lights. The Indy Lights test that is part of the Star Mazda champion's prize package is provided through the joint efforts of Star Mazda, Performance Friction, Andersen Racing and the Road to Indy. Additional Road to Indy elements of the 2011 Star Mazda Championship prize package are under development and will be announced soon.
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For more information on the Star Mazda Championship and its drivers, please visit www.StarMazda.com. For additional assistance with interviews, photos, etc., contact Star Mazda Communications Director Peter Frey at (818) 398-5733 or StarMazdaPR@aol.com.
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On any given weekend, there are more Mazdas on the road-race tracks of America than any other brand of vehicle. At the track, you’ll see MX-5 Miata, RX-8, MAZDA3, MAZDA6, RX-7 and other vintage Mazda models competing, because every Mazda has the Soul of a Sports Car.
For more information on the various Mazda spec series, visit:
www.skipbarber.com www.usf2000.com www.mx-5cup.com
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
Kia returns to Targa Newfoundland with Forte Koup and a special wish
ST. JOHN’S (September 7, 2010) – Nine years after a young Kia Canada Inc. dipped a tentative toe into Canada’s motorsport waters, the company returns to Canadian motorsports and Targa Newfoundland 2010 with a dramatic new Forte Koup, an ambitious new commitment and a new partner with a big wish.
A new 2010 Kia Forte Koup will be co-driven by Adam Hill, who originally hails from Perth, Australia, and now calls Vancouver home, and Mark Kostick of Edmonton. The Koup has been entered in the Modern Division of Targa and will carry the banner for Team Wishful Thinking as part of a partnership to raise $100,000 for the Children’s Wish Foundation.
“Kia Canada is very excited to utilize the 2010 Targa Newfoundland as its official debut for motorsports in Canada,” said Jack Sulymka, public relations manager of Kia Canada Inc. “You couldn’t ask for a better venue for our return and we expect the Koup to turn a few heads.”
Both drivers are affiliated with Kia Canada: Kostick is the General Manager at Sherwood Kia in Edmonton and Hill is Chief Executive Officer of Omni Corporation, provider of Kia Canada extended warranties.
Kia dealers across Canada have joined the fundraising effort by committing a portion of the proceeds of each vehicle sold between August 16 and September 18, 2010.
“Kia Canada retailers across Canada are squarely behind us on this endeavour,” said Kostick. “They understand that the Children’s Wish Foundation is a great charity and want to see the car perform well.”
The Forte Koup, finished in racing red, was donated by Kia Canada for the rally. Sherwood Kia modified the vehicle to make it rally-ready for the class. The new 2.4-litre Forte Koup promises performance to match its dramatic looks, with a mix of power, handling and durability ideally suited to the rigors of a week of competition.
After the competing in Targa, the vehicle will tour the vast majority of auto shows in Canada and will be located in the new Kia Canada auto show display. In early spring, 2011, the vehicle will be auctioned-off and all proceeds will be donated to The Children’s Wish Foundation.
Kia was among the earliest corporate supporters of Targa, fielding a then-new Kia Rio for the media team of auto writer Bob English and local radio personality Ken Ash in the inaugural Targa Newfoundland in 2002. Over the next three years, Kia cars won class honours for the company several times.
Donations to the Targa fund raising efforts can be made at: http://www.childrenswish.ca/targa http://www.childrenswish.ca/targa .
Follow the Koup and Team Wishful Thinking’s daily experiences at: www.kia.ca/targa http://www.kia.ca/targa
Owned and operated by Newfoundland International Motorsports Limited, Targa Newfoundland is one of three internationally recognized Targa motorsports events in the world. The 9th annual Targa Newfoundland will start in St. John’s on Saturday, September 11, 2010, and end back in the capital Saturday, September 18. The competition will cover more than 2,000 kilometres of the challenging, twisty roads of the central and eastern portion of Newfoundland, including up to 450 kilometres of closed-road, flat-out Targa stages. Competitors have come from the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Holland, Germany, the Bahamas, Turks & Caicos and the U.K. for the first editions of Targa Newfoundland and international interest continues to build with competitors registering daily.
A new 2010 Kia Forte Koup will be co-driven by Adam Hill, who originally hails from Perth, Australia, and now calls Vancouver home, and Mark Kostick of Edmonton. The Koup has been entered in the Modern Division of Targa and will carry the banner for Team Wishful Thinking as part of a partnership to raise $100,000 for the Children’s Wish Foundation.
“Kia Canada is very excited to utilize the 2010 Targa Newfoundland as its official debut for motorsports in Canada,” said Jack Sulymka, public relations manager of Kia Canada Inc. “You couldn’t ask for a better venue for our return and we expect the Koup to turn a few heads.”
Both drivers are affiliated with Kia Canada: Kostick is the General Manager at Sherwood Kia in Edmonton and Hill is Chief Executive Officer of Omni Corporation, provider of Kia Canada extended warranties.
Kia dealers across Canada have joined the fundraising effort by committing a portion of the proceeds of each vehicle sold between August 16 and September 18, 2010.
“Kia Canada retailers across Canada are squarely behind us on this endeavour,” said Kostick. “They understand that the Children’s Wish Foundation is a great charity and want to see the car perform well.”
The Forte Koup, finished in racing red, was donated by Kia Canada for the rally. Sherwood Kia modified the vehicle to make it rally-ready for the class. The new 2.4-litre Forte Koup promises performance to match its dramatic looks, with a mix of power, handling and durability ideally suited to the rigors of a week of competition.
After the competing in Targa, the vehicle will tour the vast majority of auto shows in Canada and will be located in the new Kia Canada auto show display. In early spring, 2011, the vehicle will be auctioned-off and all proceeds will be donated to The Children’s Wish Foundation.
Kia was among the earliest corporate supporters of Targa, fielding a then-new Kia Rio for the media team of auto writer Bob English and local radio personality Ken Ash in the inaugural Targa Newfoundland in 2002. Over the next three years, Kia cars won class honours for the company several times.
Donations to the Targa fund raising efforts can be made at: http://www.childrenswish.ca/targa http://www.childrenswish.ca/targa .
Follow the Koup and Team Wishful Thinking’s daily experiences at: www.kia.ca/targa http://www.kia.ca/targa
Owned and operated by Newfoundland International Motorsports Limited, Targa Newfoundland is one of three internationally recognized Targa motorsports events in the world. The 9th annual Targa Newfoundland will start in St. John’s on Saturday, September 11, 2010, and end back in the capital Saturday, September 18. The competition will cover more than 2,000 kilometres of the challenging, twisty roads of the central and eastern portion of Newfoundland, including up to 450 kilometres of closed-road, flat-out Targa stages. Competitors have come from the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Holland, Germany, the Bahamas, Turks & Caicos and the U.K. for the first editions of Targa Newfoundland and international interest continues to build with competitors registering daily.
Antoine L’Estage and Nathalie Richard Eyeing the Victory and a New Record
Montréal (Québec), September 7, 2010.– After a two-month break in the Canadian Rally Championship calendar, that was put to good use by Antoine L’Estage and Nathalie Richard as they became the 2010 Rally America Champions and won a bronze medal at the popular ESPN Summer X Games, the Rockstar Energy Drink Royal Group team will be back in competition this weekend for the Rallye Défi (September 10 & 11), round four of six in the Canadian championship. The Quebec team from St-Jean-sur-Richelieu has already won the Rallye Défi on four separate occasions and a victory this weekend would be a new record for this particular event.
Victorious at the Rallye Défi in 2009, Antoine L’Estage and Nathalie Richard are among the heavy favourites at the wheel of their Rockstar Royal Group Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X. I’m impatiently awaiting the start of Défi, it’s our home event and last year’s win allowed us to tie John Buffum’s record. If we win again this weekend, Nathalie and I will move up into the record books as the only ones with five victories at Défi mentions Antoine L’Estage, our current standing in the championship dictates that we have to go for the victory he adds.
In preparation for the Rallye Défi, the Rockstar Royal Group team tested its Mitsubishi Evo X at the end of August, a test session that went off without a hitch. The point of our test was to put the car back to our regular rally-spec after making a few adjustments for the X Games in July. I was really happy with the car and it just reinforced my confidence heading into the rally explains Antoine, who hopes to continue the momentum after winning the Rally America title and his success at X Games. Another title up for grabs at the Rallye Défi this weekend is that of the overall North American Rally Cup. Antoine and Nathalie’s two closest rivals that qualify for this championship would need to win all remaining Canadian events in order to maintain a mathematical chance of claiming the title. With the unlikelihood of these competitors attending this weekend, the entire Rockstar Royal Group team is heading into Rallye Défi confident of locking-up the title as soon as they start the event.
Contested on dirt and gravel roads in the Ste-Agathe region (Friday) and the Parc Papineau-Labelle (Saturday), the Rallye Défi is known for its challenges. Antoine L’Estage and Nathalie Richard will make use of Yokohama Canada’s newest generation of gravel tires. Défi is often an unknown in terms of surface conditions, with roads that can be tough on the equipment. The Yokohama tires are new and improved, which allows me to attack these roads worry-free adds Antoine.
Antoine L’Estage currently holds two Canadian titles (2006 and 2007), one American (2010), as well as two North American (2007 and 2008) and twenty-two overall victories in Canada and the United States. Co-driver Nathalie Richard has earned five national championships (Canada and USA) and thirty-one rally victories on both sides of the border. She also holds five overall North American Championships.
Antoine L’Estage and Nathalie Richard is the only team to participate in the entire 2010 Rally America and Canadian Rally Championships, with the support of Rockstar Energy Drink, Royal Group, Yokohama Tires, Mitsubishi Canada, Drenth Motorsport Gearboxes, Garrett Turbos, Énergie Cardio, Libra Racing, Driver's Edge Autosport (OMP), and VP Racing Fuels. For more information on the team or on rallying in general, visit Coyote Rallye
Victorious at the Rallye Défi in 2009, Antoine L’Estage and Nathalie Richard are among the heavy favourites at the wheel of their Rockstar Royal Group Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X. I’m impatiently awaiting the start of Défi, it’s our home event and last year’s win allowed us to tie John Buffum’s record. If we win again this weekend, Nathalie and I will move up into the record books as the only ones with five victories at Défi mentions Antoine L’Estage, our current standing in the championship dictates that we have to go for the victory he adds.
In preparation for the Rallye Défi, the Rockstar Royal Group team tested its Mitsubishi Evo X at the end of August, a test session that went off without a hitch. The point of our test was to put the car back to our regular rally-spec after making a few adjustments for the X Games in July. I was really happy with the car and it just reinforced my confidence heading into the rally explains Antoine, who hopes to continue the momentum after winning the Rally America title and his success at X Games. Another title up for grabs at the Rallye Défi this weekend is that of the overall North American Rally Cup. Antoine and Nathalie’s two closest rivals that qualify for this championship would need to win all remaining Canadian events in order to maintain a mathematical chance of claiming the title. With the unlikelihood of these competitors attending this weekend, the entire Rockstar Royal Group team is heading into Rallye Défi confident of locking-up the title as soon as they start the event.
Contested on dirt and gravel roads in the Ste-Agathe region (Friday) and the Parc Papineau-Labelle (Saturday), the Rallye Défi is known for its challenges. Antoine L’Estage and Nathalie Richard will make use of Yokohama Canada’s newest generation of gravel tires. Défi is often an unknown in terms of surface conditions, with roads that can be tough on the equipment. The Yokohama tires are new and improved, which allows me to attack these roads worry-free adds Antoine.
Antoine L’Estage currently holds two Canadian titles (2006 and 2007), one American (2010), as well as two North American (2007 and 2008) and twenty-two overall victories in Canada and the United States. Co-driver Nathalie Richard has earned five national championships (Canada and USA) and thirty-one rally victories on both sides of the border. She also holds five overall North American Championships.
Antoine L’Estage and Nathalie Richard is the only team to participate in the entire 2010 Rally America and Canadian Rally Championships, with the support of Rockstar Energy Drink, Royal Group, Yokohama Tires, Mitsubishi Canada, Drenth Motorsport Gearboxes, Garrett Turbos, Énergie Cardio, Libra Racing, Driver's Edge Autosport (OMP), and VP Racing Fuels. For more information on the team or on rallying in general, visit Coyote Rallye
Sunday, September 05, 2010
SOUTHERN ONTARIO SPRINTS: JONES JAMS AT BRIGHTON
by Tommy Goudge (September 4, 2010) - Chris Jones dominated the first night of the Southern Ontario Sprints Labour Day Classic doubleheader at Brighton Speedway on Saturday night. The win was the local driver's second career Sprint Car feature victory, the first also coming at Brighton in July. Keith Dempster finished second, while Glenn Styres claimed third and extended his points lead, as he tries to win an unprecedented fourth SOS title.
Keith Dempster and Chris Jones started the twenty lap feature on the front row, and Jones utilized the high groove to take the lead. The field was just crossing the line to complete the first lap when Doug Banks spun to a stop in turn three to bring out a caution flag. The yellow flag quickly turned red when April Wilson tangled with Dick Mahoney as the field slowed. Wilson rolled over and did enough damage to her machine to be done for the night.
Jones led on the restart, while many eyes were on August feature winner Rick Wilson, who moved from eighth to challenge for fifth in the early going. Doug Banks again brought out a caution on lap four when he stopped on the backstretch, and then went to the pit area.
Jones again led on the restart, and started to lap slower traffic on the ninth circuit. Dempster gained on Jones in traffic, but the caution flag flew again on lap eleven for debris on the front straight. Jones took off on the restart and contacted the frontstretch wall with his right rear as he crossed under the green flag, but continued on.
Lap fifteen found Rick Wilson and Dain Naida trading the fourth spot back and forth, with Wilson eventually prevailing. Jones worked traffic successfully over the last four laps and cruised to his second career win, followed by Dempster, Styres, Wilson, and Naida.
"The car felt a little funny, and I eased into the next corner and just felt it out a little bit," said Jones of his close call with the wall. "The bite was still there, the car felt ok, so I just kept trying to hit my marks."
The Brighton surface was in great shape on Saturday, and featured fast grooves both top and bottom. Jones commented on the track conditions afterwards.
"I knew the key to the race was getting a good start because I really thought the bottom was going to be the place to be tonight," said Jones. "But, it was a really nice cushion. You could put the right rear up against the cushion. I kept looking at the scoreboard and I saw it was Dempster behind me every time, so I was thinking there wasn't a lot of passing going on behind me, so if I could just hold my own and keep hitting my marks, it would be ours!"
Glenn Styres finished third on Saturday, but the finish was as good as a win for the three time SOS champ, who extended his margin in the standings to forty-four over Tyler Rand.
"I was hoping I could stay up front there for awhile," said Styres afterwards. "That 11 car got hooked up pretty good - he was out of sight, and congratulations to their team. I was trying everything, and it's just really tough. The competition is so close right now and the fans gotta love it."
Heat races for the twenty car field were claimed by Dick Mahoney, Rick Wilson, and Dain Naida, while Naida also won the Black's Transport Dash For Cash.
NOTES
- Michigan driver Dain Naida made his first visit to Brighton a successful one by winning his heat race, dash for cash, and finishing fifth in the feature.
- June feature winner Jamie Collard returned to competition on Saturday night for the first time since a crash at Ohsweken Speedway on July 30 put him out with a back injury. Collard had a solid night in his return, and claimed sixth in the feature.
- Warren Mahoney had trouble with the rear end and drive-shaft on his primary car during heat race action and switched to "Lefty", his backup car, for the feature. Warren drove from nineteenth on the grid to finish eleventh and claim Hard Charger honours, and the Stealth Racewear "Under The Radar" award.
- The SOS tour gets back to action for round eight of the fifteenth anniversary season and second night of the Labour Day Classic on Sunday, September 5 back at Brighton Speedway.
RACE REPORT – SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2010
SOUTHERN ONTARIO SPRINTS
2010 SEASON EVENT #7
Brighton Speedway - Brighton, Ontario
ENTRIES
(Number Name - Hometown)
0 Glenn Styres - Ohsweken
2 Brad Lodge - Stouffville
5 Keith Dempster - Alton
6n Dain Naida - Tecumseh, MI
9 Jim Munsie - Pickering
10 Bob Crawford - Sutton
11 Chris Jones - Demorestville
15aw April Wilson - Joyceville
16k Kyle Wilson - Joyceville
25 Warren Mahoney - Lefroy
30 Adam West - Ridgetown
33j Erin Joyce - Alcove, QC
42w Rick Wilson - Joyceville
45x Doug Banks - Inverary
67 Chris Durand - Port Stanley
71 Travis Cunningham - Grimsby
77x Jamie Collard - Burford
79 Dick Mahoney - Newmarket
84 Tyler Rand - Consecon
98 Paul Pekkonen - Brockville
HEAT RACES
(8 laps each - top 3 finishers in each redraw for feature starting positions)
HEAT RACE #1
Finish. Number Name (Starting Position)
1. 79 Dick Mahoney (2)
2. 5 Keith Dempster (4)
3. 11 Chris Jones (3)
4. 71 Travis Cunningham (7)
5. 9 Jim Munsie (1)
6. 16k Kyle Wilson (5)
7. 10 Bob Crawford (6)
HEAT RACE #2
Finish. Number Name (Starting Position)
1. 42 Rick Wilson (2)
2. 0 Glenn Styres (3)
3. 30 Adam West (6)
4. 15aw April Wilson (1)
5. 45x Doug Banks (4)
6. 2 Brad Lodge (5)
7. 33j Erin Joyce (7) DNS
HEAT RACE #3
Finish. Number Name (Starting Position)
1. 6n Dain Naida (2)
2. 77x Jamie Collard (3)
3. 98 Paul Pekkonen (1)
4. 84 Tyler Rand (4)
5. 67 Chris Durand (6)
6. 25 Warren Mahoney (5) DNF
BLACK'S TRANSPORT
DASH FOR CASH
(6 laps)
Finish. Number Name (Starting Position)
1. 6n Dain Naida (2)
2. 0 Glenn Styres (1)
3. 5 Keith Dempster (5)
4. 77x Jamie Collard (4)
5. 79 Dick Mahoney (3)
6. 42w Rick Wilson (6) DNS
'A' FEATURE
(20 laps)
Finish. Number Name (Starting Position)
1. 11 Chris Jones (2)
2. 5 Keith Dempster (1)
3. 0 Glenn Styres (3)
4. 42w Rick Wilson (8)
5. 6n Dain Naida (4)
6. 77x Jamie Collard (6)
7. 71 Travis Cunningham (10)
8. 30 Adam West (5)
9. 84 Tyler Rand (12)
10. 16k Kyle Wilson (16)
11. 25 Warren Mahoney (19)
12. 10 Bob Crawford (18)
13. 67 Chris Durand (15)
14. 98 Paul Pekkonen (7)
15. 79 Dick Mahoney (9)
16. 2 Brad Lodge (17)
17. 9 Jim Munsie (13) DNF
18. 45x Doug Banks (14) DNF
19. 15aw April Wilson (11) DNF
20. 33j Erin Joyce (20) DNS
Lap Leaders - Jones (1-20)
Stealth Racewear "Under the Radar" Award - 25 Warren Mahoney
Hard Charger - 25 Warren Mahoney (Gained eight positions)
UNOFFICIAL TOP 10 IN POINTS AFTER ROUND #7
Rank. Number Name Total (Positions Gained/Lost)
1. 0 Glenn Styres - 920 (--)
2. 84 Tyler Rand - 876 (--)
3. 5 Keith Dempster - 875 (--)
4. 30 Adam West - 823 (--)
5. 79 Dick Mahoney - 756 (+1)
6. 11 Chris Jones - 753 (+2)
7. 9 Jim Munsie (R) - 752 (-2)
8. 10 Bob Crawford - 700 (-1)
9. 2 Brad Lodge (R) - 690 (--)
10. 42w Rick Wilson - 673 (--)
NEXT SOS EVENT:
"SOS Labour Day Classic" Night #2
Sunday, September 5, 2010
@ Brighton Speedway
Brighton, Ontario
www.BrightonSpeedway.com
www.SouthernOntarioSprints.com
CHAMPIONS CROWNED AT OHSWEKEN SPEEDWAY
by Tommy Goudge (September 3, 2010) - Season Championship night presented by Rochester Americans was wild and unpredictable on Friday at Ohsweken Speedway. Glenn Styres emerged with the Corr/Pak Merchandising Sprint Car feature win, while Dave Dykstra needs only to take a green flag during Nationals weekend to claim the season championship. Larry Czinege, Jr. won his second career ESSO Thunder Stocks feature, while Jamie Cox held on to claim the championship. Steve Hess won his third ESSO Mini Stocks feature of the year, and Trevor Goulding claimed the season title. Jesse McDonald won his first Bomber feature of 2010, while Karl Sault won his second championship. Shawn Ireland won the Bomber "Crack The Whip" race, Brian Page and Bill Harju claimed Vintage Car wins, Zeger Van Thuyl won the ESSO Thunder Stocks Mechanics race, and Adam Reidel got the ESSO Mini Stocks Mechanics race win.
CORR/PAK MERCHANDISING SPRINT CARS
Kyle Moffit and Glenn Styres started the twenty-five lap feature on the front row, but the caution flew for Dain Naida spinning wildly in turn one. While the yellow flag was waving, the rest of the field did not make it through the second turn before a red flag was needed.
The incident began as Tom Huppunen spun, collecting Mitchell Brown, Dave Dykstra, Stan Zanchin, Todd Hoddick, and Mike Ling. Zanchin got the worst of the exchange, landing upside down at the exit of turn two. All the drivers emerged uninjured, with only Huppunen and Dykstra able to restart.
Moffit led the first four laps after the restart, but went off track in turn two and tapped the outside wall, inflicting enough damage to end his night. Styres assumed the lead and led the rest of the way, but had to survive many restarts along the way as flat tires, crashes, and mechanical issues plagued others in the field.
Keith Dempster had one of the harder hits of the night when he contacted the wall in turn one on lap twenty-three. The 2008 champion emerged from his heavily damaged machine gingerly, but uninjured.
Styres took his second win of the season, while Dain Naida came from the back of the pack to take the runner up spot. Tom Huppunen, Jared Zimbardi, and Kyle Patrick rounded out the top five. Heat races for the twenty-three car field were claimed by Jared Zimbardi, Kevin Job, and Tom Huppunen.
Dave Dykstra finished sixth in the feature despite being involved in the crash on the first lap, then changing a flat right rear tire at the midway point, putting an exclamation point on his outstanding season.
ESSO THUNDER STOCKS
Rob Disher and Chris Dickie started the twenty-five lap feature up front, but the field quickly fanned out as championship contenders Jamie Cox and Billy Bleich searched for a path to the front. Larry Czinege, Jr. was again very fast on Friday, and quickly took over the lead, while Bleich, Ryan Dinning, and others raced in the top five.
Isaac Pellisero spun in turn two to bring out a caution flag on lap ten, and when the race restarted, Rob Disher and Ed McNamara both lost wheels in turn one to bring the caution back out. Bleich knew he had to finish at the front and looked for ways to get there, but Czinege proved too strong out front, while Ryan Dinning slipped by to claim second at the end. Bleich settled for third, followed by Phil Nyssen and Mike Thorne.
Jamie Cox was cruising in the top five and making sure his championship was wrapped up until the last lap when mechanical problems nearly spelled disaster. Cox was able to hold on and finish eighth, good enough to claim his first ever ESSO Thunder Stock title.
Heat races for the twenty-one car field were claimed by Czinege, Lee Winger, and Nyssen.
ESSO MINI STOCKS
Mike Giberson and Kevin Hilborn began the twenty lap feature on the front row, but Steve Miller was able to get out front and dice with Hilborn for the lead in the early going. Miller felt pressure from Abel Castelein and Craig Erskine before Steve Hess eventually became the main challenger and got by for the lead.
Paul Goodale survived a scary moment when his #14 was sent flipping in turn two. Goodale emerged unhurt, while a handful of cars were sent to the pits for ignoring the red flag.
Hess drove on to his second win in a row, while Erskine, Castelein, Taylor, and Mike Evers rounded out the top five. Heat races for the twenty-two car field were claimed by Hess, Castelein, and Evers. Trevor Goulding finished sixth and wrapped up his first ESSO Mini Stocks championship.
BOMBERS
Brittany Gyokery and Shawn Ireland began the Bomber season championship race on the front row, but Jesse McDonald eventually emerged from the pack to take the lead while Ireland had problems. McDonald got the feature win, followed by Sarah Rutherford, Aaron Turkey, Gyokery, and Matt Smith.
Heat races for the twenty-two car field were claimed by Dave Patton and Shawn Ireland, while John Cote got the B-Main win.
Karl Sault finished sixth and wrapped up his second consecutive Bomber division championship.
NEXT WEEK AT OHSWEKEN
Ohsweken Speedway will be idle next Friday, September 10 for the Fall Nationals at Black Rock Speedway, and then back in action for "Fan Appreciation Night" presented by Speedway Variety on Thursday, September 16. The ASCS Patriots vs. Corr/Pak Merchandising Sprints Challenge and ESSO Thunder Stocks will be on the card for the first of three race nights which make up the Sixth Annual Canadian Sprint Car Nationals weekend September 16-18. The first five hundred paid spectators on Fan Appreciation Night will receive a free gift! Gates open at 5:00 on Thursday, September 16 with racing starting at 7:45!
FRIDAY NIGHT THUNDER 2010
ROUND 12 RACE REPORT - SEPTEMBER 3, 2010
OHSWEKEN SPEEDWAY
OHSWEKEN, ONTARIO
EVENT SPONSOR - ROCHESTER AMERICANS
CORR/PAK MERCHANDISING SPRINT CARS
HEAT RACES (8 laps each - Top 4 redraw for feature starting spots):
BS&B RADIATOR HEAT RACE #1
1. 35 Jared Zimbardi (Salamanca, NY), 2. 7 Kyle Moffit (South Dayton, NY), 3. 81 Derek Jonathan (Lewiston, NY), 4. 0 Glenn Styres (Ohsweken), 5. 7x Mike Ling (Mount Brydges), 6. 5 Keith Dempster (Alton), 7. 49 Todd Hoddick (Cheektowaga, NY), 8. 67 Chris Durand (Port Stanley) DNF. No Time.
BEST WESTERN CAIRN CROFT HOTEL HEAT RACE #2
1. 21x Kevin Job (Campbellville), 2. 11 Jamie Turner (Caistor Centre), 3. 5d Dave Dykstra (Port Colborne), 4. 33k Kyle Patrick (Tilbury), 5. 6n Dain Naida (Tecumseh, MI), 6. 31 John Burbridge, Jr. (St. Williams), 7. 94 Stan Zanchin (Fort Erie), 8. 30g Stevin Goldner (Aylmer) DNS. Time - 1:51.183.
GRISDALE RACING PRODUCTS HEAT RACE #3
1. 12c Tom Huppunen (Fenwick), 2. 14h Jim Huppunen (Fenwick), 3. 71 Travis Cunningham (Grimsby), 4. 21j John Burbridge, Sr. (Simcoe), 5. 10 Mitchell Brown (Brantford), 6. 23 Steve Garry (Dundas), 7. 7p Jim Price (Wainfleet) DNF. Time - 1:51.796.
CORR/PAK MERCHANDISING
SPRINT CAR FEATURE (25 laps)
Position. # Name (Starting Position)
1. 0 Glenn Styres (2)
2. 6n Dain Naida (14)
3. 12c Tom Huppunen (6)
4. 35 Jared Zimbardi (8)
5. 33k Kyle Patrick (10)
6. 5d Dave Dykstra (11)
7. 14h Jim Huppunen (9)
8. 11 Jamie Turner (7)
9. 71 Travis Cunningham (4)
10. 21x Kevin Job (5)
11. 21j John Burbridge, Sr. (12)
12. 67 Chris Durand (21)
13. 5 Keith Dempster (16) DNF
14. 81 Derek Jonathan (3) DNF
15. 31 John Burbridge, Jr. (17) DNF
16. 7 Kyle Moffit (1) DNF
17. 23 Steve Garry (18) DNF
18. 7x Mike Ling (13) DNF
19. 10 Mitchell Brown (15) DNF
20. 94 Stan Zanchin (20) DNF
21. 49 Todd Hoddick (19) DNF
22. 7p Jim Price (23) DNS
23. 30g Stevin Goldner (22) DNS
No Time.
ESSO THUNDER STOCKS
HEAT RACES (8 laps each)
HEAT RACE #1
1. 33x Larry Czinege, Jr. (Ridgeway), 2. 55 Mike Thorne (Caledonia), 3. 44 Jamie Cox (Cambridge), 4. 17 Rob Disher (Grimsby), 5. 8 Ryan Dinning (Caledonia), 6. 00 Robbie General (Ohsweken), 7. 73 Mike Miller (Caledonia) DNF.
HEAT RACE #2
1. 83 Lee Winger (Caledonia), 2. k51 Ed McNamara (Sherkston), 3. 31 Dave Bailey (Hagersville), 4. 8x Steve Perry (Hamilton), 5. 39 Isaac Pellisero (St. Ann's), 6. 23 Trevor DeBoer, 7. 04 Wyatt Van Wart (Cambridge).
HEAT RACE #3
1. 51 Phil Nyssen (Burford), 2. 108 Billy Bleich (Port Robinson), 3. 710 Mike Dooley (St. Catharines), 4. 1 Chris Dickie (Brantford), 5. 08 Derek Martin (Hamilton), 6. 293 Doug Crawford, 7. 191 Gord Bates (Selkirk).
ESSO THUNDER STOCKS
FEATURE (25 laps)
Position. # Name (Starting Position)
1. 33x Larry Czinege, Jr. (14)
2. 8 Ryan Dinning (5)
3. 108 Billy Bleich (10)
4. 51 Phil Nyssen (21)
5. 55 Mike Thorne (8)
6. 710 Mike Dooley (13)
7. 8x Steve Perry (12)
8. 44 Jamie Cox (11)
9. 83 Lee Winger (9)
10. 1 Chris Dickie (2)
11. 73 Mike Miller (19)
12. 23 Trevor DeBoer (16)
13. 08 Derek Martin (6) DNF
14. 00 Robbie General (15) DNF
15. 04 Wyatt Van Wart (18) DNF
16. 17 Rob Disher (1) DNF
17. k51 Ed McNamara (3) DNF
18. 31 Dave Bailey (4) DNF
19. 39 Isaac Pellisero (7) DNF
20. 293 Doug Crawford (17) DNF
21. 191 Gord Bates (20) DNS
ESSO THUNDER STOCKS
MECHANICS RACE (5 laps)
1. 8 Zeger Van Thuyl
2. 55 Jeff Shields
3. 23 Team 23
4. 8x Don Day
5. 00
6. 08 Tyler Martin
7. 108 Matt Rudd
8. 1
ESSO MINI STOCKS
HEAT RACES (8 laps each)
HEAT RACE #1
1. 777x Steve Hess (Ohsweken), 2. 14 Paul Goodale (Brantford), 3. 99 Robin Elliott (Woodstock), 4. 48 Craig Erskine (Brantford), 5. 11 Mike Giberson (Caledonia), 6. 6x Mike Sarantakos (Smithville), 7. 55 Rob Slater (Dundas), 8. 44 Dale Cooke DNF.
HEAT RACE #2
1. 28 Abel Castelein (Cayuga), 2. 72 Kevin Hilborn (Brantford), 3. 6 Trevor Goulding (Welland), 4. 05 Dave Goodacre (Brantford), 5. 86 Rick Emberson (Paris), 6. 84rk Ryan Beagle (Vittoria), 7. 22 Brittani Myers (Hamilton).
HEAT RACE #3
1. 265 Mike Evers (Caledonia), 2. 02 Mike Taylor (Burlington), 3. 79 Steve Miller (Paris), 4. 77x Ethan Martin (Ohsweken), 5. 10 Jake Brown (Brantford), 6. 113 Mark Thorne (Waterford), 7. 76 Jamie Goudge (London) DNF.
ESSO MINI STOCKS
FEATURE (25 laps)
Position. # Name (Starting Position)
1. 777x Steve Hess (11)
2. 48 Craig Erskine (8)
3. 28 Abel Castelein (12)
4. 02 Mike Taylor (13)
5. 265 Mike Evers (10)
6. 6 Trevor Goulding (9)
7. 79 Steve Miller (3)
8. 10 Jake Brown (7)
9. 86 Rick Emberson (6)
10. 44 Dale Cooke (21)
11. 99 Robin Elliott (4)
12. 11 Mike Giberson (1)
13. 84rk Ryan Beagle (17)
14. 22 Brittani Myers (20)
15. 77x Ethan Martin (15) DNF
16. 14 Paul Goodale (5) DNF
17. 05 Dave Goodacre (14) DNF
18. 6x Mike Sarantakos (16) DQ
19. 113 Mark Thorne (18) DQ
20. 55 Rob Slater (19) DQ
21. 72 Kevin Hilborn (2) DQ
22. 76 Jamie Goudge (22) DNS
ESSO MINI STOCKS
MECHANICS RACE (5 laps)
1. 02 Adam Reidel
2. 6x Hank Takis
3. 28 Kyle Beatty
4. 77x Jeff Hill
5. 113 John Sargeant
6. 84rk Kevin Beagle
7. 99 Mike Goneau
8. 72 Derek Hilborn
9. 22 Tim Hicks
10. 86 Ian Emberson DNF
BOMBERS
HEAT RACES (6 laps each - Top 6 finishers transfer to A-Feature)
HEAT RACE #1
1. 26 Dave Patton (Rockton), 2. 99cc Chris Cowell (Caledonia), 3. 420 Kyle Andress (Hamilton), 4. 17 Brittany Gyokery (Jarvis), 5. 81 Karl Sault (Dundas), 6. 23 Dusty DeBoer, 7. 13 Kacey Huffman (Hamilton), 8. 9 Rodney Rutherford (Waterdown), 9. 10-4 Trevor Roszell (Waterdown), 10. 14 Gord Hardy (Cambridge) DNF, 11. 97 Derek Chechalk (Hamilton) DNF.
HEAT RACE #2
1. 113 Shawn Ireland (Burlington), 2. 88j Jesse McDonald (Caledonia), 3. 10 Jeremy Hughes (Burlington), 4. 03 Sarah Rutherford (Dundas), 5. 1988 Matt Smith (Rockton), 6. 199 Aaron Turkey (Ohsweken), 7. 13c Corrie Cowell (Delhi), 8. 31 Steve Hils (Dundas), 9. 777 Rob Twitchett (Cambridge), 10. 83 Matt Jansen (Dundas) DNF, 11 38 John Cote (Hamilton) DNF.
B-MAIN (Top 4 finishers transfer to A-Feature)
1. 38 John Cote, 2. 9 Rodney Rutherford, 3. 31 Steven Hils, 4. 13 Kacey Huffman, 5. 13c Corrie Cowell, 6. 777 Rob Twitchett, 7. 97 Derek Chechalk, 8. 10-4 Trevor Roszell DQ, 9. 14 Gord Hardy DNS, 10. 83 Matt Jansen DNS.
BOMBERS
FEATURE (12 laps)
Position. # Name (Starting Position)
1. 88j Jesse McDonald (9)
2. 03 Sarah Rutherford (5)
3. 199 Aaron Turkey (3)
4. 17 Brittany Gyokery (1)
5. 1988 Matt Smith (7)
6. 81 Karl Sault (10)
7. 13 Kacey Huffman (16)
8. 23 Dusty DeBoer (8)
9. 38 John Cote (13)
10. 31 Steven Hils (15)
11. 99cc Chris Cowell (6)
12. 10 Jeremy Hughes (12)
13. 420 Kyle Andress (4) DNF
14. 26 Dave Patton (11) DNF
15. 9 Rodney Rutherford (14) DNF
16. 113 Shawn Ireland (2) DNF.
BOMBERS
CRACK THE WHIP (10 laps)
Position. # Name (Starting Position)
1. 113 Shawn Ireland (1)
2. 88j Jesse McDonald (6)
3. 13 Kacey Huffman (7)
4. 81 Karl Sault (10)
5. 03 Sarah Rutherford (5)
6. 38 John Cote (8)
7. 1988 Matt Smith (3)
8. 10 Jeremy Hughes (9)
9. 99cc Chris Cowell (4)
10. 420 Kyle Andress (2)
VINTAGE CARS
HEAT RACE (8 laps)
1. 99 Dave Szarchuk, 2. 62 Al Harju (Cayuga), 3. 00 Bill Harju (Fisherville), 4. 43 Brian Page (Ridgeway), 5. 9 Jamie Swain, 6. 27 Doug Fralick (Port Colborne), 7. 16 Daryl Bray (Rainham Centre), 8. 6 Lowry Siemens (Dunnville), 9. 4 Chic Voit (Kenmore, NY), 10. 400 Jim Atkinson (Smithville).
VINTAGE CARS
FEATURE (10 laps)
1. 43 Brian Page (3)
2. 99 Dave Szarchuk (5)
3. 27 Doug Fralick (4)
4. 62 Al Harju (2)
5. 9 Jamie Swain (6)
6. 6 Lowry Siemens (1)
7. 00 Bill Harju (10)
8. 78 Pat Sonnenburg (11)
9. 4 Chic Voit (9)
10. 16 Daryl Bray (7)
11. 400 Jim Atkinson (8)
UP NEXT @ OHSWEKEN SPEEDWAY:
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2010
SPEEDWAY VARIETY PRESENTS:
"FAN APPRECIATION NIGHT" FEATURING
ASCS PATRIOTS VS. CORR/PAK MERCHANDISING SPRINT CARS CHALLENGE,
PLUS ESSO THUNDER STOCKS
ADULTS $15, SENIORS AND STUDENTS $10, KIDS AGES 6-12 $5, KIDS AGE 5 AND UNDER FREE!
SPECTATOR GATES OPEN @ 5:00 P.M., RACING @ 7:45 P.M.
Friday, September 03, 2010
Edelweiss Speedway Cancels its September 3rd Program
Cantley, PQ – Friday, September 3, 2010– Bad weather previsions in the Outaouais region forced promoter Serge Lagacé to cancel the last regular season program that consisted in a 50-lap Semi-Pro feature, a 25-lap Mod-Lite and 25-lap Mini-Stock event.
The cancellation confirms the 2010 champions in each division. Stéphane Lafrance is the new Modified champion with 5 wins this year, a first in his career; Nico Leblanc captures his first title since 2006 in the Semi-Pro class with a total of 7 visits in the winner`s circle. After a slow start, Dean Pronovost charged back to win his third Mod-Lite title in a row with 5 victories over the summer and Jean-Marc Larose won his first championship in the Mini-Stock division.
Edelweiss will present his last event of the 2010 season this Monday afternoon with the Annual Super Enduro with 50-lap feature races in the 4 cylinders, 6 cylinders and also 8 cylinders and a ladies race could be added if there is enough registered cars. A Demolition Derby was also added to the schedule for Monday Afternoon. The pit gates will open at 10am for registration and the first race is schedule to start at 2pm. The admission cost will only be 10$ for adults, 6$ for students and seniors, kids 12 years old and under will be admitted for free. For pit admission, the price will be 20$ and 5$ for kids 12 and under.
Release Prepared by Martin Bélanger
Kawartha Speedway Cancels Friday, September 3rd Racing
In most cases, the colour green is a good thing - especially in the world of motorsports. The only problem occurs when you're a track promoter, looking at the radar for the latest weather forecast. Kawartha Speedway's Derek Lynch saw nothing but green when he checked the satellites for the latest update. On a weather radar, green means rain and Lynch was forced to cancel the night of racing for Friday, September 3rd.
"We have drivers, teams and fans who travel a great distance to be here," said Lynch. "If I thought there'd be even the slightest chance we'd manage to get the full show in the books, we'd be going full speed ahead. With a 50 lap mini stock invitational and the Ontario Legends in addition to a regular show for our other classes, it just wasn't worth taking the chance."
Kawartha Speedway's 10th Anniversary season will continue with the late model Summer Sizzler - Friday, September 10th. The 150 lap event will be run in 3 fifty lap segments and pay $3,000.00 to the overall winner. The night of racing will have some revised start times as well. Gates will open at 2:00, with racing getting underway at 6:00. For all the details, see www.kawarthaspeedway.com.
Thursday, September 02, 2010
Cornwall Motor Speedway hosts the Jiffy 150 this Sunday evening!
Cornwall, Ont – Thursday, September 2, 2010 – The tradition continues this weekend at Cornwall Motor Speedway with the annual Jiffy 150 as the best 358-modified drivers will compete in a 100-lap feature. The Pro-Stock will have their final race of the Mohawk Race Parts Series with a 50-lap event. The Sportsman, Semi-Pro and Mini-Stock will have regular nights. The champion of each of the 5 divisions will be crowned this Sunday, September 5 on Jiffy Auto Service Night.
A great amount of money will be distributed amongst the qualified drivers that will take part in the 100-lap feature race. Several invaders will make the haul to Cornwall in order to take the coveted $4,000 on the line. Danny Johnson is the current point`s leader in the MrDIRTcar 358-Modified Series. He is followed by 2 former Series Champions in Pete Bicknell and Mario Clair, Cornwall regular and second place finisher in the track title, Danny O'Brien comes in fourth place. Stewart Friesen, Eric Gauvreau, Mat Williamson, Pat O'Brien and Chad Brachmann complete the top 10. You can expect several other competitors from Ontario, Quebec and Northern United States to be in the pits next Sunday.
A good battle is expected for the Mohawk Race Parts Series as only 1 point separates Ghislain Valade and Joey Ladouceur for the lead after 4 events. Another good field of cars will be on hand for the 50-lap race event. As extra drivers from Eastern Quebec and also Ontario will make the trip to the quarter mile bullring, the competition will be stronger than usual on the quarter mile bullring.
The Sportsman, Semi-Pro and Mini-Stock will also have important business to end with the final point`s night being this Sunday. Laurent Ladouceur in the Modified and Joey Ladouceur in the Pro-Stock, only has to show up to secure their championship but Chris Raabe in Sportsman, Gaetan Amesse in the Semi-Pro and Ronnie Tyo will run strong to try and win their first championship at Cornwall in their respective class.
A lot of action is expected on the track this Sunday night! The pit and general admission gates will open at 3:30pm with the general admission cost being 28$ for adults, 20$ for students and senior and kids 12 years old and under are admitted for free. For pit admission the price will be 35$ for DIRTcar members and 40$ for non-members as you need to be at least 14 years old to enter the pit gates. For more information on the upcoming races at Cornwall, you can visit the website at www.cornwallspeedway.com
CMDRA Western SEASON FINALE - Sept. 11-12 - Castrol Raceway, Edmonton, AB
CMDRA All Bike Drags Western SEASON FINALE at Castrol Raceway in Edmonton, AB - September 11-12, 2010
The Canadian Motorcycle Drag Racing Association (CMDRA) is gearing up for their sixth and final race of the Drag Specialties/Parts Canada All Bike Drag Series on September 11-12th at Castrol Raceway in Edmonton, AB presented by the Harley-Davidson Dealers of Alberta and K 97 Classic Rock. The battle for the 2010 championships will be decided in Edmonton at a race you don't want to miss!
The CMDRA is looking forward to another action packed season of racing featuring the fastest, most exciting ALL MAKE motorcycle drag racing action in Canada including the Screamin' Eagle Top Fuel Series, Screamin' Eagle Pro Fuel Series, Screamin' Eagle Pro Dragster Series, Pro Modified Series, Pro Stock Series, Modified Series, Triple J Pipelines Super Gas Series, Screamin' Eagle Stock XL (883) Series, Pro Street Series, McNeney & McNeney Super Bike Series, Mission Springs Brewing Company Street Series, Screamin' Eagle V-Rod Destroyer Series, Gasoline Alley Harley-Davidson Hot Harley Series, Drag Specialties Gas Shootout and the All Steel Builders/Time Machine Motorsports Fuel Shootout along with 2 NEW classes, V Pro and Index Eliminator.
Come check out everything from 7 second Pro Street bikes, 6 second Pro Mod bikes and Top Fuel Nitro Harley's burning up the quarter mile at over 200 mph. Spectators are welcome to walk around the pits and meet the racers and crew that make it all happen!
This race will also feature the Rocky Mountain Nostalgia Funny Cars!
SATURDAY
9:00am - FREE Race School, sponsored by Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada & the Trev Deeley Foundation 9:30am - Test & Tune 12:30pm - 1st Round of Qualifying
SUNDAY
10:00am - Test & Tune
12:30pm - 1st Round of Eliminations
ADMISSION
Adult: $20 per day, $40 Weekend
Youth/Senior: $10 per day
Kids 5 & Under FREE
Tickets are only available at the Gate
The poster for this event can be viewed here: www.cmdra.com/index2.html
The CMDRA was formed in 1993 by a group of West Coast Professional dragbike racers and motorcycle enthusiasts. The CMDRA has become known throughout Canada and the USA for its commitment to safety, development and enhancement of All Make Motorcycle Drag Racing. The CMDRA, a non-profit association, is the only fully NHRA sanctioned drag bike racing association in Canada.
REMAINING 2010 CMDRA WESTERN RACE SCHEDULE September 11-12 - Castrol
Raceway, Edmonton, AB - http://www.castrolraceway.com/
September 13 - Year-end Awards Banquet, Nisku Rec Centre, Edmonton, AB
For more information please contact:
Shannon McNeney or Adele Tompkins
Canadian Motorcycle Drag Racing Association
Phone: (604) 580-9008 or 1-877-580-9008
Email: info@cmdra.com
Website: www.cmdra.com
The Great Canadian Race Weekend is almost here!
| September 1, 2010 (London, Ontario) The long weekend is a labour of love for Delaware Speedway with three great days of action in a row on the Great Canadian Race Weekend! Only two points separate Kris Lawrence and Jason Lidster, and Lidster from Steve Smith atop the Delaware Super Stocks standings heading into Friday's show. And there's a big prize up for the winner in the spectator's race, the King of the Hill finale - $1000! Before the green flag flies on Friday, drivers in Delaware's Junior Racing League sponsored by Krown Body Maintenance will be signing autographs for fans. Saturday September 4th we're running triple 35-lap feature races involving Powerade Modifieds, Demar Aggregates Trucks and the Transmission Direct Enduro All-Stars. A special feature of Saturday's itinerary is the return of the Train Races! We've demonstrated the excitement these chained-together cars offer - just imagine when there are a bunch of them on the track! Better yet, don't imagine – join us on Saturday and you'll see for yourself. Racing begins at 7 on Saturday. Then on Sunday September 5th, the grand finale to a great race weekend: NASCAR Late Model drivers will compete for a total of $35,000 in prize money including $10,000 to win the "Great Canadian 200". You never know who will show up to take part in this exciting event! Racing starts at 2 pm. Tickets for the entire weekend or a single day of The Great Canadian Race Weekend are available at www.delawarespeedway.com Public and Media Relations, Delaware Speedway 226.448.7227 |
Rick Young's 'Rick at the Races' Aug 27-29
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Rick Young’s ‘Rick at the Races’
www.rickattheraces.com
Aug 27 Autodrome Edelweiss
Aug 28 Brockville Ontario Speedway
Aug 29 Cornwall Motor Speedway
With the help of Mother Nature and an early finish at work on Friday, I managed to attend three events this past weekend. It was warm and sunny in the North East and all my local tracks went ahead on schedule with no rain related cancellations.
On Friday, I finished work in Cornwall (Ont.) before 6-00 pm and was able to make a rare visit to the Autodrome Edelweiss, located in the Gatineau Mountains, a twenty minute drive north of Ottawa. The regular start time is 7-45 pm and thought I had plenty of time to get there for their 100 lap Modified Special. I hadn't realized that the racing was starting earlier for this event, and as a result I missed the first heat.
Once arrived, I soon got myself stationed on the center and started taking pictures alongside track photographer Al Patrick. On normal nights, it would be fair to say that Edelweiss struggles a little bit to get good car counts as far as the Modifieds are concerned. (This is mainly due to the tracks location and the abundance of Friday night tracks in the area). So it was very pleasing to see that the 100 lap 'Super Challenge' had attracted a good field. There were 27 Modifieds in attendance.
Ron Morin was also there with the Cornwall Motor Speedway Pace Truck so I joined him on track for the rolling lap parade. Thanks to Ron, the CMS Pace Truck now has a RICK @ the RACES decal on it.
The track was in really good shape and it was no surprise to me when David Hebert from St Damase Quebec, crossed the line to take the checkers. When it comes to 'long haul' races David is one of the best in Canada. Kayle Robidoux gave him a good run for his money and the two of them ended the race inches apart. Early leader Steve Bernard wasn't far behind them in third.
Many of the additional cars present were Autodrome Granby and Drummond regulars, who would be staying in the area for the Brockville Ontario Speedways staging of the 100 lap 'Super Challenge' the next day.
Brockville was on my agenda too, and I was there early enough to do the rounds of socializing before it all started. During the night, a few more RICK @ the RACES decals were pictured with friends, Sheldon Hoogwerf, Tabatha Murphy, Chantal Lasage, Bruce Makinson, Matt Billings and Dylan Evoy. Check out the new section 'STICKERBUDDIES' on www.rickattheraces.com. I have to thank Lynda Makinson (Bruce's wife) for arranging a photo shoot of the lovely ' Cheryl's Angels'. Check out the photo section!
Once the action got underway I took my usual spot on the center with my Brockville shooting partner, Henry Hannewyk. There were 38 Modifieds in attendance and we knew it was going to be an action packed night. During the heats, I was given a photo opportunity, all track cameramen dream of. Right in front of me a big wreck occurred involving John Mulder, Mario Clair, Yan Bussiere and Michel Chicoine. As both Clair and Chicoine flipped over wildly, I looked on in amazement. By the time I realized that I should be capturing the action, it was too late and the shot was way out of focus. Oh well! You can't win them all! Thankfully all the drivers concerned were unhurt but the Mulder, Clair and Chicoine cars were out of action for the rest of the night. The latter two drivers, quickly unloaded their spare cars from the haulers so they could compete in the consi's.
Over the years, the BOS has always been considered good hunting grounds for the Kingston, Ontario brothers, Pat, Danny and Tim O'Brien. All three of them were in the big race and I think most people were expecting one of them to win. First it was Danny who looked like doing it, then it was the turn of elder brother Pat, but the one guy they couldn't get passed was David Hebert. Hebert had the car hooked perfectly and there was nothing Pat could do to get by him. In the closing stages, when it looked like a possibility, a front end failure on the home straight put him out of the race. At about this time brother Danny had slipped back a few spots and it was deja vu, as Robidoux and Bernard followed Hebert across the line. How often does that happen? I saw two 100 lap races in two days, at two different places and at both tracks, the first three were the same. Another great drive by David Hebert, who can always be relied upon to give it 100%.
The next day, after a three week hiatus due to rain, I was back at the Cornwall Motor Speedway. It was a regular show for Modifieds, Sportsman and Pro Stocks, with the Semi Pro's and Mini Stocks taking center stage for their big races of the year.
As usual, I was there early and before the racing took place, the Mini Stock of Ronnie Tyo and the Pro Stock of Gilles Godard's were photographed with RICK @ the RACES decals on them, Thanks Guys!
The first Feature was the 25 lapper for the Mini Stocks which was won by Mike Gaucher. This was followed by the Modifieds which turned out to be a battle of the 'young guns'. Teenagers, Matt Billings and Gage Morin showed great maturity as they raced like veterans side by side (and fairly) to the checkers. At the flag it was Morin, in an emotional first Modified win at his grandfather Ron's track.
It was good to see PJ Peters taking a long overdue victory in the Pro Stocks, while Chris Raabe notched up yet another Sportsman win in his record breaking year. The Semi Pro's ended the night with their 25 lapper, which as expected had plenty of cautions. The eventual winner was Gaetan Amesse.
It was beautiful night to be out racing as the show moved along nicely with no delays (apart from the last race!) and was all over before 10.00 pm. Just what I needed after a busy week!
Finally, before I sign off for this week, I have to mention long time RICK @ the RACES reader, Randy Zimmer from Buffalo New York. Randy is one of the top USA Rally drivers who I first came across in February 2006 at the annual Challenge Sur Glace at the Bertrand Fabi Circuit in Sherbrook Quebec. He was competing in his Subaru and I photographed him both on the track and during the podium celebrations after he gained a creditable third place.
The next time we met was in September of that year, at (what is believed to be) the first ever European style Rally Cross to be held in the USA. Up until then the USA's idea of a Rally Cross was a pretty boring 'one car against the clock' affair. Randy was one of the pioneer competitors at that historic event which was held at the Glad Rag Speedway, Corinth NY.
Since then we've kept in contact and once when I needed info about the Buffalo Airport, on an occasion when my daughter was using it to visit me, he was very helpful. When the RICK @ the RACES decals were mentioned in my weekly report, Randy was one of the first people to contact me. "Can you send me one for my car, as I'm racing at the first Rally America Rally Cross at the New Jersey Motor Sports Park on Aug 28/29" was his request. I was flattered, one was dispatched immediately and the decal was on his car for the event. Thanks Randy, much appreciated.
PIC 1 Edelweiss Modified action
PIC 2 Edelweiss winner David Hebert
PIC 3 Ron Morin sticks a Rick at the Races decal to the Cornwall Motor Speedway Pace Truck
PIC 4 'Cheryl's Angels' beside Bruce Makinson's car
PIC 5 & 6 The wrecked cars of Mario Clair and John Mulder at the BOS
PIC 7 Mario Clair's wrecked car at the BOS
PIC 8 Pat O'Brien and Pat O'Brien side by side at the BOS
PIC 9 Pat O'Brien's front end failure puts him out at the BOS
PIC 10 David Hebert, was the 100 lap winner at the BOS
PIC 11 Dylan Evoy was the SPORTSMAN winner at the BOS
PIC 12 Sebastien Benoit and Matt Billings at the CMS
PIC 13 Gage Morin celebrates his CMS victory with his grandfather, promoter Ron
PIC 14 PJ Peters wins the CMS Pro Stock Feature
PIC 15 A wreck in the SPORTSMAN feature at the CMS
PIC 16 Chris Raabe in Victory Lane at the CMS
PIC 17 25 lap Mini Stock Feature winner at the CMS, Mike Gaucher
PIC 18 Gaetan Amesse wins the 25 lap Semi Pro Feature at the CMS
PIC 19 Randy Zimmer at the Challenge Sur Glace, Sherbrooke, Quebec, 2006
PIC 20 Randy Zimmer at the New Jersey Motor Sports Park Aug 2010
RYAN LITT: GET OUT THE BROOMS
By Tommy Goudge (September 2, 2010) – London, Ontario driver Ryan Litt had last weekend off, and he’s ready to get back behind the wheel in two big events in Michigan this Friday and Saturday night. Ryan will look to go three for three this season at the Dixie Motor Speedway in Birch Run, Michigan on Friday before heading to the Berlin Raceway in Marne, Michigan on Saturday. Both events will be sanctioned by the Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints series.
The #07L BS&B Radiator/OTC Tools Claxton-powered Beast Sprint Car has been on the shelf since a crash at Salem Speedway on August 8. Ryan spent the following Saturday as a hired gun driving for Wilshe Motorsports at Slinger, Wisconsin in a Must See Racing Xtreme Sprint Series event.
“Slinger was awesome…a really fun place to race,” says Ryan. “The turns are banked super high and even the straightaways have some decent banking - higher than most turns at other tracks. The fans really loved the sprint cars and are excited for us to come back.”
Ryan’s mount for the Slinger race had a 360 cubic inch engine under the hood, as opposed to the 410 engines used by most of his competitors. That didn’t stop him from running the second fastest lap of the day in time trials. Veteran Jeff Bloom was the only driver to beat Ryan’s time.
“The car was unreal at Slinger - fast right out of the trailer,” says Ryan. “We made a gear change and spring change for qualifying and had fast time with two cars to go. Bloom was one of them. Still a pretty good run, all things considered.”
The feature started out well and the car again felt good for Ryan, but problems surfaced.
“In the feature we started ninth and were running about fifth by lap twenty-five,” says Ryan. “I was just riding because of the problem I was having. The car was super fast - I was running it about 75-80% of what it had in it. I think we definitely had the car to beat.”
A hanging throttle was the culprit, and Ryan was eventually credited with a thirteenth place finish. Ryan is still fourth in the Must See Racing series points with one race left on that schedule – September 11 at the Dells Raceway Park in Wisconsin.
“The problem was with the throttle being hung up,” says Ryan. “When I let off going into the corner, it would keep pulling which forced me to ride the brakes a lot, and they eventually burnt off. There was a caution and I couldn’t even run caution speed without killing the ignition. I decided I had no choice but to pull it off. I couldn't even stop for my pit - I had to circle around the pit area until I slowed down enough.”
Ryan would like to thank Don and Suellen Wilshe for the opportunity to drive their car at Slinger, and looks forward to working with them again in the future.
“I would have missed the Slinger race if it wasn't for Don calling me on the Monday after Salem,” says Ryan. “Thanks to Don and Suellen for allowing me to drive for them, and also thanks to Bill, Jenny, and Jay for helping us get the car ready to go. I also need to thank Grimes, and my grandfather Alex and for spending two days in the shop putting the car together during the week.”
Ryan will be back in the family-owned #07L machine this weekend at Dixie and Berlin. The chassis was sent away for repair, and the rest of the car required quite a bit of work after the heavy crash at Salem.
“We just got the frame back from Beast on Sunday,” says Ryan. “We got the car all back together Monday night and fired the engine on Tuesday.”
Dixie and Berlin are two of Ryan’s favourite tracks, and venues where he’s had a lot of success.
Ryan has won both AVSS races contested this year at Dixie, and is looking to make it a clean sweep for 2010 this Friday. A victory at Dixie would run Ryan’s career win total to five at the high-banked 4/10 mile.
Saturday will be Ryan’s first visit to Berlin in 2010, but it’s another place where the #07L has been to victory lane. Ryan has two career feature wins at Berlin, and always runs fast at the 7/16 mile oval.
“(I’m) hoping to win both races,” says Ryan. “We are usually really good at both tracks, so if everything goes as planned it should be a great weekend.”
WHAT
Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints (AVSS)
2010 Season Rounds 7 and 8
www.SuperSprints.com
WHERE
Dixie Motor Speedway
10945 Dixie Highway
Birch Run, MI 48415
Phone: 989 624-9778
e-mail: info@DixieMotorSpeedway.com
On the Web: www.DixieMotorSpeedway.com
Berlin Raceway
2060 Berlin Fair Drive
Marne, MI 49435
Phone: 616-677-5000
e-mail: mstrevel@berlinraceway.com
On the Web: www.berlinraceway.com
WHEN
Dixie Motor Speedway:
Friday, September 3, 2010
Pit Gates Open 2:00p.m. - Practice Begins 3:00p.m.
Grandstands Open 5:00p.m. - Qualifying 5:30p.m. - Racing 7:30p.m.
Berlin Raceway:
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Racing 7:00p.m.
Ryan and the team would like to thank all their sponsors for their support during the 2010 season, including OTC Tools, BS&B Radiator, Linton Media, Linde Gases, Leaf Racewear, and Xtreme Metal Worx.
Do you want to be an insider and have Ryan Litt Racing news delivered straight to your e-mail? Got a question for Ryan? Just send an e-mail to ryanlittmedia@hotmail.com and we'll do the rest. Questions may be featured in future Ryan Litt Racing news updates so be sure to include your name and hometown! If you're a Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube user, make sure to join the official Ryan Litt Racing pages by searching "Ryan Litt".
For more information on Ryan and the team, including schedules, news releases, photos, videos, merchandise, and contact information, please visit Ryan's official website powered by Linton Media at www.RyanLitt.com.
Kawartha Speedway - Just Get in it and Drive
Kawartha Speedway’s Hasiuk Trailer and Container Rental Mini Stocks regularly treat fans to some of the best side-by-side racing anywhere in the province. Numbering more than 20 strong on a weekly basis – with even higher car counts during scheduled special events – the 4 cylinder crowd brings their ‘A’ game every time the green flag waives. Friday, September 3rd the class will run a 50 lap invitational event, paying a solid $200.00 to the winner. Plainville, Ontario’s Brad Martin – who currently sits 10th in division points at Kawartha – says he likes his chances in the big race.
“We’ve had some solid runs lately – winning our heat race and the semi feature August 27th,” said Martin. “For a while, we were over thinking things – worrying about issues like the weekly draw that were beyond our control – but lately we’ve just been running the car and letting everything fall into place on its own. Its made for a better night of racing for all concerned.”
In addition to the mini stock 50 lapper, the September 3rd show will also feature the Better Carpet Thunder Cars and NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Models. The Ontario Legends Series will be on the slate as well, for the second time in consecutive weeks. Pit gates open at 3:00, grandstands at 5:00 – the same time as rotating on-track practice sessions begin. For more details on Kawartha Speedway’s 10th Anniversary season – including the Late Model Summer Sizzler Friday, September 10th – see www.kawarthaspeedway.com.
Photo attachment: Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications: Brad Martin is looking forward to the 50 lap mini stock invitational Friday, September 3rd at Kawartha Speedway.
Prepared by: Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications
Acura Dealers Put 'Awesome' Wheels Under Soldier On Targa Rally Entry
PHOTO: Shown at this week's Calabogie Motorsports Park test session with the Acura TL SH-AWD that's entered in the 9th annual Targa Newfoundland Rally are [left to right] drivers Corporal Andrew Knisley and Master Corporal Jody Mitic. The car has been provided through the sponsorship of the Acura Dealers of Canada.
Two Disabled Canadian Forces Veterans to Compete in Five-Day Event ... Objective by Team is to Raise $150,000 for ‘Soldier On Fund’
CALABOGIE, Ontario (September 2, 2010) – A fully prepared Acura TL performance sedan that will carry a team of Canadian Forces veterans injured in the war in Afghanistan on their quest to raise funds and spread awareness for the Soldier On program for wounded soldiers got its initial test here this week, and its team of drivers said the car was “awesome.”
The Acura TL SH-AWD is entered in the 9th annual Targa Newfoundland international rally, with drivers Master Corporal Jody Mitic and Corporal Andrew Knisley behind the wheel. The car has been provided through the support of the Acura Dealers of Canada.
The rally starts on Sunday, September 12, 2010, in St. John’s.
Mitic and Knisley will share driving and navigating duties for the grueling week-long, 2,000+ kilometre motorsport event. The team’s objective is to raise $150,000 in donations to the Soldier On Fund by completing Canada’s longest and toughest motorsport event.
“In the initial tests on the track, the car exceeded our expectations,” said team manager Major General (Ret’d) Lewis MacKenzie. The car underwent its first testing at Calabogie Motorsport Park, near Ottawa.
“It was awesome!” added Knisley.
Both Mitic and Knisley suffered devastating injuries in combat in Afghanistan. Their remarkable recovery has been aided by the Soldier On Fund, a trust fund of the Canadian Forces established to improve the quality of life of ill and injured soldiers through active participation and peer interaction in fitness and sports.
The Acura TL SH-AWD is equipped with an automatic transmission that can be controlled by paddle shifters and has been constructed to permit both men relatively easy access to the cockpit. Mitic lost both legs below the knee to a land mine in 2007; Knisley’s right leg was destroyed below the hip by an improvised explosive device in 2009. Both men have prosthetic lower limbs.
The car will carry the livery of the Acura Dealers of Canada, and technical support is being provided by Honda Canada. Michelin North America (Canada) Inc. and Motegi Racing Wheels have provided product support.
“The Acura TL SH-AWD starts with a number of advantages that make it ideally suited for this project, beginning with the Super Handling All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system,” explains Jerry Chenkin, executive vice president of Honda Canada Inc. “Faced with every kind of driving challenge – from tight and twisty roads to fast open stages, over every kind of road surface – Acura’s SH-AWD system offers both performance and security. We believe that will be an ideal combination for the two drivers.”
The innovative SH-AWD system manages the power from the 3.7-litre 24-valve SOHC V6 engine to provide front-rear torque distribution control with independently regulated torque distribution to the left and right rear wheels. The system automatically distributes the optimum amount of torque to all four wheels in accordance with driving conditions. The result is drastically improved handling with reduced understeer and better balance.
During spirited cornering, SH-AWD seamlessly distributes more torque to the outside rear wheel to help the TL turn in more quickly and precisely, while also continuously apportioning drivetrain torque front to rear and also left to right. The result is a remarkably balanced and precise all-wheel-drive performance sedan ideally suited for some of the rough and wet road conditions often encountered in Targa Newfoundland.
“For first-time Targa competitors, this system should offer a level of security in wet or slippery conditions, and better performance in the dry,” said Chenkin. The car is also equipped with Acura’s Co-Operative Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) stability control system as well as traction control.
MacKenzie confirmed the SH-AWD system was put to the test in lapping the Calabogie circuit, which included driving in rain. “What was most impressive for our crew was the car’s ability to recover in a corner at speeds that might otherwise have put the car off the road,” he said.
The steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters that control the automatic transmission in the Acura TL SH-AWD will also simplify the driving challenge for the two drivers.
Mitic and Knisley will have to get along without the car’s amazing Acura/ELS Surround 440-watt premium audio system, Acura Navigation System and rear-view camera parking aid – features that were sacrificed to make way for the custom-made roll cage designed to protect the team in the case of an incident.
With 305 horsepower, upgraded brakes and stabilizer bars, and Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires on Motegi Rally rims, the Soldier On Acura is expected to be a capable competitor in the Modern Division of the Targa competition.
The 9th annual Targa Newfoundland will start in St. John’s on Sunday, September 12, 2010, and end back in the capital on Saturday, September 18. The competition will cover more than 2,000 kilometres of the challenging, twisty roads of the central and eastern portion of Newfoundland, including up to 450 kilometres of closed-road, flat-out Targa stages.
Acura is the luxury-performance division of Honda Canada Inc. Seven distinct vehicles (CSX, TSX, TL, RL, RDX, MDX and ZDX) are marketed under the Acura brand. The Acura ZDX, MDX and CSX are built at the Honda of Canada Mfg. assembly facility in Alliston, Ontario.
Blog: www.AcuraSoldierOnatTarga.blogspot.com // Facebook: Acura Soldier On at Targa Newfoundland
For more information, contact: Honda Canada Inc. // Richard Jacobs // Manager, Public Relations // Ph: 905.888.4102 // Email: richard_jacobs@ch.honda.com
NCATS RIVERSIDE: Wayne Smith to make NASCAR debut in the Komatsu 300
JAMES RIVER, NS (August 24, 2010) – After 30 years in racing it isn't often Wayne Smith has a new first time experience – but that will be the case at Riverside International Speedway September 18 when he makes his NASCAR debut in the Komatsu 300, a Canadian Tire Series national event.
Smith, from Halifax, has put together a deal with Riverside International Speedway and Antigonish's Nova Racing to run as a teammate to Donald Chisholm, a part-time competitor on the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series and the only "Maritimer" to compete in Riverside's NASCAR event since its inception in 2007.
"This came together pretty fast over the past couple of weeks," said Smith. "It is exciting and I am looking forward to being a part of Riverside's NASCAR show. I've gone to watch the event since they started, but really didn't imagine the day would come that I would be in one of them."
The day has come as a result of Riverside's search to see another local racer compete against the best NASCAR has to offer in its Canadian national series.
"We've always wanted to see more local talent in the NASCAR race," said Paul McLean, general manager of Riverside International Speedway. "But we also understand it is a huge financial commitment to buy a car, hire a pit crew that can do pit stops, invest in the NASCAR licensing, and pass the NASCAR scrutiny that every driver who applies for a NASCAR license goes through. "
"When Nova (Racing) got a second NASCAR race car earlier this year it presented a more feasible opportunity for a local racer to enter the Komatsu 300," continued McLean. "We're thrilled to have Wayne in the car."
And Smith is thrilled to be there.
"I really want to thank John Chisholm (Nova and Riverside owner), Donald Chisholm and Paul McLean for putting this together," said Smith. "They are giving me the chance to fulfill a lifelong dream in racing with NASCAR."
While Smith has multiple wins at Riverside in his pro stock race car, he is unsure what to expect when he climbs behind the wheel to practice his NASCAR entry at some point in the near future.
"I've talked to Donald quite a bit about that," said Smith, a five-time Maritime touring series champion. "He tells me the cars are fun to drive but noticeably different than the pro stocks. Even though they have a little more horsepower they are 300 lbs heavier – so you basically lose what you gain. We're going to give it our best shot."
Smith is in the throes of completing the NASCAR paperwork to submit for his competitor license with an approval process that would be the same if he was applying for a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series license. He will also need to put together a pit crew that can make green flag pit stops – another anomaly for Smith, who plans to use some of his pro stock crew along with some of Nova's more experienced guys.
"We've not run green flag stops on the local scene for many years," said Smith, "and while my guys are the best at what we do every week on the pro stock tour, we'll need a little more diversity, and practice, so a slow pit stop doesn't ruin our day."
Smith's NASCAR will bear No. 98 and NASCAR's mandatory decal package, but not much else at this point, as he looks for corporate support to help his costs for the nationally televised event that has traditionally attracted more than 5,000 fans annually.
In the meantime he and Chisholm will continue their rivalry as competitors on the Maritime Pro Stock Tour where they are currently separated by just three points with Smith third overall and Chisholm fourth – and both with realistic shots at the 2010 title. Both drivers have a win on the series this year where, after nine of 11 events, Chisholm has an average finish of 5.55 and Smith an average finish of 5.66. The 2010 Pro Stock Tour concludes September 11 in Halifax.
The next weekend, on September 18, Smith and Chisholm and a host of NASCAR Canadian Tire Series regulars will compete in the Komatsu 300 at Riverside International Speedway. New for 2010, the Komatsu 300 boasts a 4:30 p.m. green flag start time, preceded by qualifying time trials at 2:30 p.m. and an on-track autograph session at 3:15 p.m. The Napa Sportsman Superseries will see its 2010 season finale and championship race at Riverside on Friday September 17, starting at 7 p.m.
Advance tickets for the Komatsu 300 are now available; adult ticket prices range from $45 to $55 for a weekend pass, and from $35 to $45 for Saturday only adult tickets. For more information please call 902.863.2410 or visit www.riversidespeedway.ca.
Sponsorship inquiries for Wayne Smith's NASCAR entry should be directed to Paul McLean at 902.863.9614.
Riverside International Speedway is a 1/3-mile high banked asphalt oval, is located in James River, between New Glasgow and Antigonish, at exit 30 off Trans Canada Highway 104. Opened in 1969, the facility was completely rebuilt in 2006 to become a premiere motorsports site, comparable to the best short tracks in Canada and the U.S. For more information about Riverside International Speedway, please visit www.riversidespeedway.ca or call 902.863.2410.
By Joan Roué, for Riverside International Speedway
Ranger scores dramatic victory in Montreal NASCAR Canadian Tire Series race;Quebec driver puts ‘wrap’ on stellar season with PNH Innovations
– Storybook finishes are nothing new for PNH Innovations-sponsored driver Andrew Ranger on his home soil in Quebec. The Roxton Pond, Quebec, racer wowed the home crowd on the final lap of the NAPA Autopro 100 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series race on Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve Sunday taking a dramatic victory.
Ranger was on point for a green-white-checker finish with Ontario, California, competitor Jason Bowles along side. Bowles failed on a couple of previous restarts to challenge Ranger for the top spot, but the aggressive Californian drew close enough to make his move just three corners from the end.
Trailing as the leaders slowed into the Dodge Hairpin corner, Bowles tagged Ranger in the back forcing Ranger up the track. Bowles drove past the hometown hero, but Ranger stayed close enough to make one last charge.
When Bowles slowed for the final chicane Ranger returned the favour driving into the back end of his competitor to retake the lead as the crowd went wild. Ranger led the final few hundred yards to secure the victory while Bowles failed to regain control and crashed into the retaining wall.
“He hit me on the back, and I didn’t think that was fair,” said Ranger after the race. “We came to the chicane, and I hit him back, and I took the lead.”
The win puts a huge exclamation mark on his Canadian NASCAR schedule securing his third win in five races for new marketing partners PNH Innovations and the Dodge Dealers of Quebec.
“We wanted to make an impact with our venture into motorsports,” said PNH vice president of business development Court Armstrong. “With our corporate headquarters in Quebec it made perfect sense to partner with Andrew.
“We knew he would represent us well, but even we couldn’t have expected how well he would do. We’re incredibly proud to be associated with Andrew Ranger. We’d also like to thank Dave Jacombs for providing perfectly prepared race cars. Racing is entirely a team sport, and Dave Jacombs Racing provides a car to match Andrew’s talent.”
The pairing of PNH with NASCAR Canada’s biggest name makes sense. PNH promotes exacting quality of execution and very quick turnaround times. Ranger exudes those qualities. Specifically PNH will promote its vehicle wrap print production and installation services. PNH serves its growing market with locations in Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, and New York. For more information on PNH Innovations visit www.pnh.ca.
-30-
Photo courtesy of Race Time Radio
Snowmobiles: S.C.M. announces 2011 Eastern Pro Tour Race Schedule
2011 EASTERN PRO TOUR
(Preliminary) SCHEDULE (September 1st, 2010)
January 1 - 2 2011
January 7 - 9 2011 (Open for Eagle River WI Vintage week-end)
January 13 - 16 2011 (Open for Eagle River WI World Champ week-end)
January 22 - 23 2011 MANITOWANING, Ont. (South of Espanola, to be confirmed)
January 29 - 30 2011 BOONVILLE, N.Y.
February 5 - 6 2011 BANCROFT, Ont.
February 12 - 13 2011 (To be confirmed)
February 18 - 20 2011 VALCOURT, Qc
February 26 - 27 2011 EGANVILLE, Ont.
March 5 - 6 2011 Open for Beausejour, Man.
March 12 - 13 2011 ROBERVAL, Qc
From Marcel Fontaine Tel.: 450 794-2298 // S.C.M. Pres. Fax: 450 794-2450 // E-mail: mfontaine@cablemonteregie.com
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