Phelps & McCreadie World Finals Winners, Sheppard Captures Mr. DIRTcar Championship!

 
 
'Super Matt' nips Jimmy Phelps In Super DIRTcar Series points finale-
 
Concord, NC – November 6, 2010 – The 2010 Super DIRTcar Series scheduled 22 point races spread over nine months. And that's exactly the number of events that were needed to crown Matt Sheppard as the overall Hoosier Tire-VP Racing Fuels Mr. DIRTcar Champion for the first time in his Big-Block career.
 
With The Dirt Track at Charlotte providing the backdrop for the 4th Annual Lowes Foods World Finals Presented By Bimbo Bakeries and Tom's Snacks, the mighty Big-Block Modifieds took center stage with 'Super Matt' showcasing his talents in front of a national viewing audience on SPEED TV.
 
Buckled in behind the wheel of the JB Motorsports no. 9s Xtreme Lubricants-Integra Shocks-Bert Transmission/Bicknell machine, Sheppard closed out the final weekend of racing on the DIRTcar Northeast circuit posting 14th- and 2nd-place finishes to capture the coveted Mr. DIRTcar title worth $50,000. Jimmy Phelps closed to within 22 points after winning the 30-lap opener Saturday afternoon, yet faded to 10th in the 40-lap nightcap won by Tim McCreadie with a pass of Sheppard in the closing stages.
 
"It was a long day and a tough day in the first feature," remarked a relieved Sheppard, 28, after posting his series-high 15th Top-5 finish of the season to clinch the elusive championship, one he had led since overtaking Billy Decker in mid-July during the 'Great Canadian Tour' of Quebec. "After that second one it was such a relief to get it done with."
 
"Just feels good to bring home that championship. We've been working since February to get to this point so to be here now really feels great," said Sheppard (3,122), after outscoring Phelps (3,063) by 59 points in the final Mr. DIRTcar standings. Brett Hearn (2,924) placed third ahead of Billy Decker (2,862) with Danny Johnson (2,794), Dale Planck (2,634), Billy Dunn (2,505), Ryan Phelps (2,432), Tom Sears Jr. (2,317) and Larry Wight (2,303) completing the Top-10 on the final points chart. 2010 DIRTcar Big-Block Modified Motorsports Safety Systems Rookie of the Year Lance Willix II finished 16th in the cumulative standings with 1,822 markers.
 
Each Modified main event paid out $6,000 to the winners, yet more importantly offered enough points for near season-long leader Sheppard to outlast Phelps as the curtain dropped on DIRTcar Racing Northeast's 35th consecutive year of open-wheel competition.
 
With sun and wind beating down on the ultra-smooth 4/10-miler during the opening feature that was postponed from Friday due to rain, abrasive track conditions led to no less than 26 flat tires that resulted in 14 caution periods slowing the 30-lapper. Sheppard was the last to force out a yellow flag, holding down second with just three laps to before flattening out a right rear shoe.
 
"In the first race I wasn't as much surprised with getting the flat as I was with it happening so close to the end," Sheppard noted. "Everybody was getting flats so I guess it wasn't unexpected. I took it easy and still got one. I was really amazed how fast the car was running it so easy and still staying up front. After what happened the first time I just didn't want to get another flat the second time out."
 
Phelps was well aware of the tire situation in the opening feature and while his closest competitors waited until their soft Hoosiers lost air before turning pitside, Phelps ducked into the pits with the yellow flag out and 18 laps flashing on the scoreboard.
 
"At first we thought there was a chance the track could've gone that way (abrasive), then we went out and watched the C and B mains and it just didn't appear that it was going there," figured Phelps, 35, who like Sheppard was in search of his first-ever Mr. DIRTcar Big-Block title entering the 2010 finale and now has placed among the front-four in points that last four years. "We ended up putting on the wrong tires but knew it early enough to get off the track and make the change."
 
"I saw a lot of smoke off the cars in front of me, knew what we had on for rubber and also knew we wouldn't make it. And the car wasn't very good with the tire combination anyway. So we just gambled coming into the pits and it paid off, the car was really good after that," said Phelps, after parkingthe HBR Motorsports no. 98h Wave Energy Drink-Mohawk Northeast/Troyer entry in victory lane surrounded by more than 14,000 fans that filled the sold-out stands.
 
Sheppard's Xtreme Lubricants teammate Jeff Brownell Jr. shot out to the early lead in the opener followed by former Charlotte winner Brett Hearn, Bobby Varin, Sheppard and McCreadie. Just five laps in the first yellow flag fell for Hearn, not for a flat tire but just for the all-time Super DIRTcar Series race winner slipping high exiting turn one.
 
"That early miscue was actually a blessing," said Hearn, 52, after charging to the front for a second time and crossing the line fourth behind Phelps, Danny Johnson and Gary Tomkins. "It forced me to race hard from the rear and I got my flat tire earlier than a lot of the other guys. The track was just not what any of the teams was expecting, a lot of sun with a lot of rubber laid down made for a tough surface."
 
Charging from seventh starting position steering the Smith Bros. Concrete Foundations no. 74 Hudson Valley Concrete Pumping/TEO, Tim Fuller grabbed the top spot from Brownell on a lap 10 restart and maintained a comfortable advantage most of the way. Despite almost all the opposition in the 28-car starting field suffering at least one flat tire during the feature, Fuller looked like an exception as he held the point with just two laps to go. Yet rounding turn three the Edwards, N.Y. pilot had a right rear tread go down and before runner-up Danny Johnson could gain control, Phelps nosed ahead up high to forge the third and final lead change as Fuller coasted out of harms way.
 
"Definitely didn't prepare for that type of track condition early on," divulged Phelps, after scoring his fourth series win of the season with a dramatic two-car pass for the lead as he took chief starter Dave Farney's white flag that signalled one lap to go. "Fortunately, we were one of the first in line to make a change and put fresh rubber on. After that, just tried to get through the pack as fast as I could, knew some of the guys up front were starting to struggle and I could see their tires going bald and I wanted to take advantage of it."
 
"I also knew Danny had enough rubber to make it to the end as I could see his tires, felt we were probably as good as he was in regards to how our cars were working. I thought with about five to go there was a good chance it was going to be him and me racing for the lead. Then it looked like Fuller was going to make it but things got all crazy on the last lap," Phelps said.
 
When the final checkered flag flew it was Phelps by .0147 sec. over Johnson, followed by last-place starter and Bert Hard Charger Gary Tomkins, Hearn, who had a flat of his own on lap 24, and Pennsylvania native Kyle Strickler, now living in nearby Mooresville, N.C., who qualified through the B-Main.
 
"I can't believe I finished second, the car was so loose out there today," noted Johnson, who rejoined the field after a right rear went flat on lap 22 to relegate him to the pits for a quick tire change. "But I guess the way guys were dropping out with flats we kind of fell into it. This is definitely a fun place to race, it was good today especially having more than one groove to get around if you were hooked up."
 
Added Tomkins, who rallied from dead-last to find the show position driving Ray Tuit's proven Mike Sparta Trucking no. 673 Pro Stock Automotive-Behrent's Performance Warehouse/Bicknell entry. "It was a long way up through the pack, I just tried to save the car as best I could and keep it as straight as possible getting around. Starting so far back we made a lot of changes having nothing to lose. Knew the track would rubber up so we planned the best we could and ended up with a good finish," said Tomkins, who joined Strickler and 8th-place finisher Billy Dunn as the only drivers not to experience a flat tire during the course of the show.
 
Track conditions were literally like night and day for the 40-lap finale that began under the lights with the sun setting well beyond  the horizon. With the five heat race winners once again redrawing to establish the Top-5 starting positions, pole-sitter Bobby Varin and Sheppard filled the top slots riding ahead of Billy Decker, Dale Planck and McCreadie.
 
"I could tell the track was starting to get into the tires a little in the second race," said Sheppard, who jumped ahead of front row partner Varin at the out set before relinquishing the point to McCreadie with just laps to go. "All I really wanted to do was finish so I think (McCreadie) knew my situation, knew I wouldn't race him hard when the time came."
 
"Once I built a big lead I just backed it down and tried to keep the car as straight as I could. Timmy made a heck of a move and got by me on the outside that last restart and I was gonna just let him go and focus on finishing. My car was good but staying around for the checkers was more important than any win," Sheppard recognized.
 
Also starting fifth in the first feature race, McCreadie retired for good in the opener after a second flat tire sent the Four Star Motorsports no. 4* Keizer Aluminum Wheels-Kruger-Kosakowski Plumbing & Heating/TEO machine pitside for good with five laps to go. The second-generation driver hovered among the Top-5 three-quarters of the second race before taking advantage of the smoking car of runner-up Billy Decker and the ensuing lap 31 restart to grab his first lead of the night.
 
"The car was so bad in the beginning but then the tires caught on and just locked to the track," described McCreadie, 36, after scoring his 19th Super DIRTcar Series triumph --- his last coming at Autodrome Drummond in 2004. "Not sure if we had the best car out there tonight, but I'm confident we definitely had the best tires."
 
In the first race you could've slapped on an Extra-Hard Right Rear tire, yet according to McCreadie no teams ever thought they would need that compound. A regular Hoosier hard compound was utilized on the right-rear in the final 40-lapper and nearly every car made it to the finish with plenty of tread to spare.
 
Following McCreadie and Sheppard across the stripe was Danny Johnson, the only driver to claim both front-five finishes, while Fuller and Brownell held on in the Top-5.
 
"I really like this track, its nothing like anything we race on the circuit up north," said Johnson, 50, a four-time Mr. DIRTcar Big-Block champion, yet his first title in the new millennium remains on hold for another season. "It's a fun place to run being smooth, and it was really good today getting so wide with more than one grove. If you're good there's plenty of room to make it to the front. At the same time, if you're junk don't expect to stay around the front too long."
 
With the Lowes Foods World Finals now officially in the record book, all eyes turn to the 35th annual DIRTcar Racing NorthEast 'Night of Champions' on Saturday, November 20 at the Turning Stone Resort in Verona, New York where nearly $300,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded to the top teams in competition. The banquet will honor the 2010 champions in the Super DIRTcar Series Modified (Sheppard), 358-Modified (Danny Johnson), Sportsman Modified (Tim Sears Jr.) and Pro Stock (Louie Jackson).
 
Super DIRTcar Series Races #21 & #22 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte, November 6, 2010 '4th Annual Lowes Foods World Finals Presented By Bimbo Bakeries and Tom's Snacks' Big-Block Modified Event Summary
Feature #1 (Postponed from Friday, Nov. 5)
FIN   STR    CAR#     DRIVER
1          9          98h      Jimmy Phelps/Baldwinsville,NY ($6,000)
2          11        27j       Danny Johnson/Rochester,NY
3          28        673     Gary Tomkins/Clifton Springs,NY
4          1          20        Brett Hearn/Sussex,NJ
5          23        10k      Kyle Strickler/Mooresville,NC
6          4          10v      Bobby Varin/Sharon Springs,NY
7          25        99L     Larry Wight/Phoenix,NY
8          27        49        Billy Dunn/Watertown,NY
9          6          7          Rick Laubach/Quakertown,PA
10        10        8          Rich Scagliotta/Bound Brook,NJ
11        14        91        Billy Decker/Unadilla,NY
12        21        77x      Dale Planck/Cortland,NY
13        16        34        Andy Bachetti/Sheffield,MA
14        3          9s        Matt Sheppard/Waterloo,NY
15        8          1          Billy Pauch/Frenchtown,NJ
16        12        3d        Matt DeLorenzo/Cropseyville,NY
17        18        1f         Stewart Friesen/Niagara-o-t-Lake,ONT
18        13        99        Ryan Phelps/Fulton,NY
19        20        21k      Randy Chrysler/Lewiston,NY
20        7          74        Tim Fuller/Edwards,NY
21        26        115     Kenny Tremont/West Sand Lake,NY
22        5          4*        Tim McCreadie/Watertown,NY
23        24        42p     Pat Ward/Genoa,NY
24        22        56        Vince Vitale/Phoenix,NY
25        2          29        Jeff Brownell Jr./Waterloo,NY
26        19        65        Rex King/Bristolville,OH
27        15        14        Jimmy Horton/Neshanic Station,NJ
28        17        62s      Tom Sears Jr./Clay,NY
GATER RACING NEWS LAP LEADERS:   Brownell (1-9), Fuller (10-28), J.Phelps (29-30).           
CAUTIONS:    14 (lap 5, lap 10, lap 19, lap 21, lap 22-4, lap 23, lap 24, lap 26-2, lap 27, lap 29).                           
HEAT WINNERS:   Sheppard, Hearn, McCreadie, Brownell, B.Varin.                                     
B-MAIN WINNERS:   Planck, Vitale.                                  
C-MAIN WINNER:   Pauch Jr.                                 
 
Feature #2
FIN   STR    CAR#     DRIVER
1          5          4*        Tim McCreadie/Watertown,NY ($6,000)
2          2          9s        Matt Sheppard/Waterloo,NY
3          11        27j       Danny Johnson/Rochester,NY
4          12        74        Tim Fuller/Edwards,NY
5          9          29        Jeff Brownell Jr./Waterloo,NY
6          1          10v      Bobby Varin/Sharon Springs,NY
7          28        673     Gary Tomkins/Clifton Springs,NY
8          19        49        Billy Dunn/Watertown,NY
9          7          20        Brett Hearn/Sussex,NJ
10        14        98h      Jimmy Phelps/Baldwinsville,NY
11        3          77x      Dale Planck/Cortland,NY
12        24        62s      Tom Sears Jr./Clay,NY
13        6          7          Rick Laubach/Quakertown,PA
14        21        42p     Pat Ward/Genoa,NY
15        23        99        Ryan Phelps/Fulton,NY
16        27        99L     Larry Wight/Phoenix,NY
17        20        8          Rich Scagliotta/Bound Brook,NJ
18        25        88c      Billy Pauch Jr./Frenchtown,NJ
19        17        3d        Matt DeLorenzo/Cropseyville,NY
20        10        14        Jimmy Horton/Neshanic Station,NJ
21        13        44        Frank Cozze/Wind Gap,PA
22        15        10        Danny Varin/Sharon Springs,NY
23        26        48too  Dave Rauscher/Waterloo,NY
24        18        1          Billy Pauch/Frenchtown,NJ
25        22        71        David VanHorn Jr./Phillipsburg,NJ
26        16        56        Vince Vitale/Phoenix,NY
27        4          91        Billy Decker/Unadilla,NY
28        8          1f         Stewart Friesen/Niagara-o-t-Lake,ONT
GATER RACING NEWS LAP LEADERS:   Sheppard (1-30), McCreadie (31-40).               
CAUTIONS:   3 (lap 13, lap 22, lap 31).                            
HEAT WINNERS:   Sheppard, Planck, McCreadie, Decker, B.Varin.                                      
B-MAIN WINNERS:   Ward, VanHorn.                               
C-MAIN WINNER:   Kerr.                            

From: Tom Skibinski- DIRTcar PR                                               

AMICO Racing hits the track at TMP

This past weekend the Amico Race team spent a day testing at Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga. This was the first time at the track for some of the guys and everyone was impressed with the technical nature of the track. Despite near freezing temperatures Dean Fantin put in some respectable times while struggling for grip, even showing his rear bumper to a new Audi R8 V10 which has several hundred more horsepower than our BMW 330i. Once Dean was comfortable with the car he turned it over to young gun Corey Cacciavillani, Corey immediately impressed the team with his smoothness and respect for the equipment. After he settled into a rhythm with the help of engineer Simon Payne, Corey set some consistent fast laps in the Labourers Union/KML Building Solutions BMW.

Amico Racing is now focused on their 2011 Castrol Canadian Touring Car campaign which kicks off at Mosport in May. Although this sounds like a long ways away there is a massive amount of work that must take place between now and then. Every single component of the car must be removed and inspected, the main and back up engines must be rebuilt and Dyno’d. The team will start going over all the data from 2010 trying to find more speed, not only on the race track but also in the way the team functions each weekend. See you at the track in 2011!

Amico Racing is participating in the Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship for their second year in 2010, last year they finished 9th in the Championship. Amico Racing is supported by the Labourers Union, KML Building Solutions, Aon Insurance and many more. Check them out at http://www.amicoracing.com/

TW Steel Unveils Emerson Fittipaldi Signature Edition

Amsterdam, The Netherlands (05 November, 2010) – TW Steel, the international watch brand ‘Big in Oversized Watches’, fittingly unveiled its tribute to motor racing legend and two-time Formula One World Champion, Emerson Fittipaldi, as the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend started in Sao Paulo on Friday.

The TW Steel Emerson Fittipaldi timepiece, available in a 45mm (TW609) and 48mm (TW610) edition, has been designed in conjunction with Fittipaldi, who is celebrating the 40th Anniversary of his, and Brazil’s first Formula One victory.

The new TW Steel Emerson Fittipaldi edition is based on the sought-after TECH style collection featuring high-grade 316L steel and a Chrono movement that measures time to 1/20th of a second. Both the 45mm and 48mm editions are waterproof to 10 ATM.

Incorporating the yellow from Brazil’s national flag, this vibrant colour features boldly on the design of this watch. The Emerson Fittipaldi name appears in yellow on the tachymeter ring while the design also features vivid yellow hands and yellow pillars on the side of the black PVD coated case.

The symbolic black and white chequered flag features on the watch dial and case back in further recognition of Emerson’s racing career, one which included 14 Formula One victories and 22 IndyCar wins. Fittipaldi’s signature and title successes are also commemorated on the case back.

“I wanted this watch to be truly something special,” commented Emerson Fittipaldi. “I wanted to have a design that would be appealing to all consumers and not just either my fans or race fans in general.”

He continued; “It was important to me to incorporate a little piece of Brazil into this edition so we chose the yellow from the flag to really add a touch of flare onto the watch. I’m very pleased with the final design and am happy to have worked so closely with TW Steel in producing this exceptional watch.”

“We enjoyed a lot of direct input from Emerson with regards to this special edition,” stated Ton Cobelens, TW Steel’s Chief Design Officer. “He wanted a strong look that incorporated both his proud Brazilian nationality as well as his racing heritage.

“It was a pleasure to work with Emerson on this design and as with our other ‘signature’ editions, I truly believe we’ve delivered a timepiece showcasing the best of TW Steel and our brand ambassador, Emerson Fittipaldi.”

Emerson Fittipaldi was named as a global brand ambassador for ‘The Watch in Steel’ back in March when he was present at the Bahrain International Circuit to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Formula One World Championship.

A stellar career quickly followed for Emerson Fittipaldi following that first Formula One victory in 1970 at the US Grand Prix at Watkins Glen – his maiden season in Grand Prix competition.

He went on to capture two Formula One Drivers World Championships in 1972 and 1974, for Lotus and McLaren respectively, before enjoying additional successes Stateside winning the ‘Indy 500’ twice, in 1989 and 1993, as well as the 1989 CART Championship.

TW Steel, celebrating its fifth anniversary in 2010, continues to develop and lead the oversized watch market.

A family-owned company, headed by 28-year-old Chief Executive Officer, Jordy Cobelens, the proudly Dutch company has emerged as an innovative, bold lifestyle brand – now available in over 80 countries worldwide.

In addition to enjoying brand ambassador relationships with international motor racing stand-outs such as Emerson Fittipaldi, Dario Franchitti, David Coulthard and Lucas di Grassi, TW Steel is also the ‘Official Timing Partner’ to the Renault F1 Team in a partnership running from 2010 to 2012.

F2000: Series Announces 2011 Schedule

 
F2000 Championship Series Announces 2011 Schedule
 
Sharon, CT – The F2000 Championship Series today announced its 2011, 14-race, seven-weekend tentative schedule.

The largest open wheel series in North America, featuring multiple chassis manufacturers and the best road courses in North America will open its sixth season of competition at VIRginia International Raceway in early April. Following VIR, the F2000 Series visits Road Atlanta, Watkins Glen International, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Mosport, Lime Rock Park and concludes the season with a second date at Watkins Glen in mid-October.
 
Joining F2000 at VIR, both Watkins Glen weekends, Mid-Ohio and Lime Rock will be the inaugural season of the 10-round F1600 Formula F Championship Series, recently launched to run alongside the highly successful F2000 Series.
 
The 14-race F2000 schedule features double race weekends at each track, and has a good balance of high-profile events and low-profile weekends. Featuring over three hours of track time [not including test sessions where available] in single class races, F2000 enters its sixth season with new cars, drivers and teams joining for 2011.
 
VIR will kick off the season, pairing both Series with the Vintage Drivers Club of America. After that, F2000 hooks up with the Formula Drift tour at Road Atlanta, May 6-7, as it has done a handful of times. Watkins Glen is next with the Grand-Am Series, June 3-5. The Series opens the month of July at Mid-Ohio, June 30-July 2, before a big event with ALMS at Mosport, July 22-24. In September, it's Lime Rock with the NASCAR Modifieds, September 16-17, and the season concludes at the highly popular Watkins Glen, October 14-16.
"The end of season survey of our customers showed conclusively that one track is at or near the top of everyone's list, and that is Watkins Glen International. With the Grand Am six-hour spectator weekend in June and the October date with Vintage Racers Group in the Finger Lakes spectacular fall season, we have it covered," commented Series Managing Director Michael Rand.
 
2011 F2000 Championship Series Schedule
 
April 8-10 VIRginia International Raceway (April 7 test day)
 
May 6-7 Road Atlanta (May 5 test day)
 
June 3-5 Watkins Glen International (June 2 test day)
 
June 30-July 2 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course
 
July 22-24 Mosport (July 21 test day)
 
September 16-17 Lime Rock Park
 
October 14-16 Watkins Glen International

 

Inside Track Movember Update

For all those looking to see how Movember is going here in the office here's how day 4 looks.

To help raise funds for Prostate Cancer Canada, you can choose an Inside Track Communications employee of your choice (or donate to the team as a whole) by clicking on the following links:

Mark Hoffberg
Art Director
http://ca.movember.com/mospace/633490/

Jeff Morgan
Editor – Inside MotoX & Off Road
http://ca.movember.com/mospace/702834/

Derek Rockel
Sales – Inside MotoX & Off Road / Inside Motorcycles
http://ca.movember.com/mospace/703090/

Mike Galipeau
Sales – Inside Track Motorsport News
http://ca.movember.com/mospace/703404/

James Neilson
Editor – Inside Track Motorsport News
http://ca.movember.com/mospace/881228/

For more info, check out the original post:
http://insidetracknews.blogspot.com/2010/11/inside-track-mo-torsport-news-takes-on.html

VEYANCE TECHNOLOGIES CANADA: Hot Rod Grill Winner

BARBEQUING MADE EASY BY PURCHASING GOODYEAR ENGINEERED PRODUCTS

Mississauga, Ontario – Veyance Technologies Canada, Inc. is pleased to announce the most recent winner in its Program 2010 Installer Incentive Program. Leo Vaillancourt of True Centre Muffler & Brakes, North Bay, Ontario is the most recent recipient of a Hot Rod Grill, a barbeque that is a full-size replica of a high performance V8 engine. 

Mr. Vaillancourt participated in Veyance’s Program 2010 draw by purchasing qualified products through the PartSource store in North Bay. All entries also qualify for a Grand Prize travel voucher or trip for two to a NASCAR race. Two more Hot Rod Grills remain to be won in 2010.

Veyance Technologies, Inc. is the exclusive manufacturer of Goodyear Engineered Products worldwide. The GOODYEAR® trademark is used by Veyance Technologies under license from The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. For more information go to www.goodyearep.com.

Photo: (l to r) Mike O'Brien (PartSource Commercial Manager), Leo Vaillancourt (True Centre Muffler & Brakes) and Drew Andress (PartSource Store Manager)

Media inquiries: Marc Therrien, Veyance Technologies Canada, Inc. (905) 366-2017

2011 FORD MUSTANG SHELBY GT500 EXHAUST SYSTEM ADDED TO CORSA PERFORMANCE EXHAUSTS LINEUP

BEREA, Ohio - CORSA Performance Exhausts has expanded its Mustang product lineup to include a new axle-back exhaust system for the 2011 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500.

The CORSA Mustang Shelby GT500 Exhaust (part #14320) is a dual rear exit system that is manufactured in the United States from premium stainless steel and features double wall, 4-inch Pro-Series tips etched with the CORSA logo. Engineered using CORSA's patented Reflective Sound Cancellation(tm) (RSC(tm)) technology, the exhaust system is designed specifically for Mustang owners to provide a bold exterior sound without unwanted interior drone.

"Our latest Mustang exhaust system is available in CORSA's Sport sound level, which delivers a wide-open, muscle car tone that enthusiasts desire," said Craig R. Kohrs, VP and general manager, TMG Performance Products. "Combined with our existing options for the 2011 Mustang V8 5.0L and Mustang V6 3.7L cars, the GT500 exhaust system allows us to offer a full selection of product to the Mustang community."

CORSA's Mustang Shelby GT500 exhaust system has a straight-through, nonrestrictive design that delivers an increase of 14 rear wheel horsepower and 16 lb.-ft. of torque.

Complete installation hardware and instructions are included with the 2011 Mustang exhaust systems and a Limited Lifetime Warranty protects the exhaust for the entire life of the vehicle. Contact CORSA or your local performance retailer for details.

CORSA Performance Exhausts, a TMG Performance Products, LLC company headquartered in Berea, Ohio, is a leading manufacturer of premium performance exhaust systems for cars, trucks, SUVs and marine applications. Through its patented Reflective Sound Cancellation (RSC(tm)) technology, CORSA Performance Exhausts provides the industry's only guaranteed drone-free driving experience backed by premium performance and superior customer service. For more information, call 800.486.0999 or visit http://www.corsaperformance.com/

OCTANE: "No Edmonton Indy in 2011"

Statement from François Dumontier, President of Octane Motorsports Events Inc.

Montréal, November 3, 2010 - "We are extremely sad to confirm today that our group will not be able to offer the Western Canada fans an Indy racing event in Edmonton, in 2011.

We set a deadline for a final answer from the City of Edmonton, concerning the status of the eastern runway and its surroundings grounds at the City Center airport, where we had been asked late in the summer, to move the event as of 2011. Until the last minute, we hoped that the City would agree with our legitimate request to provide us with a site equivalent to the one the previous promoters have worked with and this, without having our group (the tenant) investing in ground works.

The City's final decision has made impossible for us - as professional and experienced motorsports promoters - to offer an event complying with our high quality standards, and able to satisfy the fans and the sanctioning organizations while maintaining the quality of the spectacle.

The October 29 deadline was justified by the fact that the City's decision to have the race relocated and the following negotiations delayed our marketing plan for the 2011 event and already compromised its success. This delay was also conflicting with our July public promise to the fans to be at work in Edmonton, in September 2010.

We have built a good relationship with Indy Racing League and in the next few weeks, we will explore ways to have the 2011 race relocated at another venue, if possible to the benefit of Western Canadian fans. However, Edmonton has been our only scenario until the circumstances explained above lead us to today's announcement.

Our group entered the process of becoming the new Edmonton Indy promoter in good faith. We returned from the last July race with enthusiasm and confidence and until last Friday, had all intentions to promote a spectacular Edmonton Indy for 2011 and many years to come.

We wish to thank all the Western Canadian racing fans and the Edmontonians who warmly welcomed us and offered their support in the last few months."

From Octane Motorsports Events Inc.

Sportscar Boutique releases NEW Alpinestars SP Series Race shoes

Alpinestars has released new items this season: SP-SHOES (retail CAD $ 249.00) are new to the program.

Alpinestars SP Shoe is designed to deliver the best combination of fit, feel and comfort both in and out of the car. The F1 derived sole uses an exclusive rubber compound to enhance both tactile feel and grip of the pedals.

Complies with the following homologation standards:

• FIA 8856‐2000
• SFI 3.3/5

Construction:
Constructed from a blend of quality suede leathers for optimum comfort.
The sharp, sleek profile is derived from Formula One to provide the best possible pedal interaction.

Comfort and performance details:

• Ultra‐lightweight, soft feel design with perforated tongue and lateral panels to maximize breathability.
• Soft, thin liner on the tongue and lateral panels offer improved comfort.
• F1‐style sole uses Alpinestars’ exclusive rubber compound for improved pedal feel and grip in race conditions.
• Lace closure system.

Sportscar Boutique

85 Glen Cameron
Thornhill, ON L3T 1N8
Canada
Tel. (905) 731-0700
info@sportscarboutique.com
www.sportscarboutique.com

Sportscar Boutique releases all NEW Alpinestars SP Series Race Suits

Alpinestars has released new items this season: THE SP-SERIES.SP-SUIT (retail CAD $ 699.00)

Alpinestars’ SP is a performance suit designed for all forms of auto racing. The flat seam construction and pre‐curved sleeves and legs combine to offer exceptional comfort and fit when in the cockpit.

Complies with the following homologation standards:
•FIA 8856‐2000
•SFI 3.2 A/5
Construction :

• Two‐layer fireproof construction.
• 380g/sqmt.
• Outer shell constructed from Nomex® maximum heat transfer protection.
  Inner lining made of plush aramidic fiber.
• Pre‐curved sleeve and leg construction for superior fit in the driving position.
  Comfort
• Shoulder epaulettes with clean, single panel design.
• Adjustable collar with Velcro® fastener.
• Elasticized lower back for enhanced freedom of movement.
• Waist belt closure allows a customized fit.
• Ribbed wrist and ankles cuffs.
• Dual storage pockets for added convenience when you’re out of the cockpit.

For more information, please contact:

Sportscar Boutique

85 Glen Cameron
Thornhill, ON L3T 1N8
Canada
Tel. (905) 731-0700
info@sportscarboutique.com
http://www.sportscarboutique.com/

Sports Car Club of BC November 'Pit Pass' Newsletter

Click here to see the November edition of the SCCBC's Pit Pass Club Newsletter. Thanks to 'Pit Pass Pete' Weedon for sending it along.

TORONTO SUN: Dean McNulty is reporting that the Edmonton Indy is dead

According to Dean, the death of the Edmonton Indy will be confirmed on Wednesday... click here for his story.

FORD RACING OFFERS RALLY PACKAGE FOR FIESTA, ANNOUNCES FIESTA CLASS FOR RALLY AMERICA SERIES

las vegas, Nov. 2, 2010 – For rally fans looking to imitate what successful Ford rally drivers Mikko Hirvonen, Jari-Matti Latlava and Ken Block have accomplished, a new Fiesta R2 rally package is the place to start.

Currently available throughout Europe, Ford Racing Performance Group is bringing the competition-ready package stateside to let enthusiasts turn their five-door Fiesta into a Fiesta R2 that’s ready to compete on the roads of RallyCar’s Rally America National Championship. The package is now available for order through Team O’Neil Motorsports, a division of Team O’Neil Rally School in New Hampshire (info@teamoneil.com).

“The spirit of One Ford is making it possible for us to bring the best of European rally racing to competitors in the U.S.,” said Jamie Allison, director, Ford North America Motorsport. “The Fiesta R2 has already proven itself in Europe as a great platform for aspiring rally drivers.”

The winner of the 2011 U.S. Fiesta Sport Trophy Championship will also have the opportunity to compete in the R2 class during next year’s Wales Rally GB.

Developed by M-Sport, Ford’s WRC partner since 1997, the kit will convert a production Fiesta to rally specification. Included in the package are engine parts that will increase the performance of the 1.6-liter Ti-VCT four-cylinder engine: pistons, conrods, camshafts, valve springs, injectors, airbox, air filter and a sump baffle kit. The performance enhancements deliver 168 horsepower and 134 lb.-ft. of torque, a 40 percent increase in horsepower over the production Fiesta.

Other upgrades include:
Five-speed Sadev sequential gearbox with flat shift gear cut
Reiger adjustable dampers with Eibach springs
Ventilated disc brakes with AP four-piston competition calipers
T45 steel multipoint roll cage
Team O’Neil Motorsports is the official reseller and authorized installer for the R2 kits. Only cars prepared by Team O’Neil will be eligible for the U.S. Fiesta Sport Trophy Championship.

“The R2 kit provides a fantastic performance and dynamic upgrade for the already strong and light Fiesta platform, transforming it into an instantly competitive and durable rally car,” said Tim O’Neil, founder and president. “We’re really excited to be able to offer this to North American rally drivers.”

In addition to the full R2 kit, Ford Racing will also offer a Stage 1 kit based on the R2 package.

The Stage 1 kit will include parts designed for the rigors of rallying, including a roll cage, ball joints, engine performance upgrades, dampers and a limited-slip differential. The package will offer competitors a lower-cost entry point to take a Fiesta rallying.

New Fiesta Sport Trophy classEnthusiasts who add the R2 package to their Fiesta will have the ability to compete in the Fiesta Sport Trophy Championship in RallyCar’s Rally America National Championship 2WD class in 2011. The winner of the Fiesta Sport Trophy Championship will be awarded a ride in the R2 class in a Fiesta at Wales Rally GB. Additionally, the winner from the class will have the opportunity to compete in the Fiesta SportTrophy International Shootout in Great Britain for a chance to win a year’s residential placement at M-Sport, working with the BP Ford World Rally team.

“Over the last two years, Ford Racing and the Fiesta have made a significant impact in the AWD Open class of RallyCar’s Rally America, at X Games and in the debut of RallyCross,” said JB Niday, managing director of RallyCar. “To see that emphasis expand into the 2WD class with an opportunity like the Fiesta Sport Trophy Championship is a tremendous indicator of the value placed on the Fiesta program and the commitment to growing Fiesta through rally by Ford.”

The rally kit also is the perfect way for enthusiasts to appreciate all that the Fiesta offers.

“Not only are we offering rally enthusiasts a way to experience the full capabilities of Fiesta, but we’re also giving them an amazing opportunity to test their skills in Europe on their way to perhaps realizing a dream of competing in the WRC,” said Allison.

18% CAR SALES INCREASE HELP DRIVE FORD TO #1 IN CANADA; BEST OCTOBER SINCE 1999

Overall sales up 20% year-to-date

October Highlights:
Overall vehicle sales increased 8%
Total car sales were up 18%
Total truck sales rose 5%
Total CUV sales increased 18%
Ford Focus sales were up 8%
Ford Mustang sales rose 8%
Ford Taurus sales increased 45%
Ford Transit Connect sales were up 127%
Ford Edge sales rose 40%
Ford F-Series increased 4%
Total Lincoln sales were up 64%
Lincoln MKX sales jumped 142%
Lincoln MKT sales increased 135%

OAKVILLE, Ontario, November 2, 2010 – Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited saw sales increase 8 per cent compared to last October and continues to lead the market for 2010. Products across the entire lineup showed positive results including car sales, which increased 18 per cent, while CUV sales and truck sales rose 18 per cent and 5 per cent respectively. Year-to-date, Ford Canada sales are up 20 per cent.

"We're focused on delivering more cars and crossovers with the best fuel economy in the industry, creating great value for Canadian consumers," said David Mondragon, president and CEO, Ford of Canada. "This approach is attracting new customers to Ford, especially car buyers, and that momentum will continue next year with more new products like the 2012 Ford Focus."
Cars continue to be in the spotlight as Lincoln’s first-ever hybrid – the 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid – has had its first sale at Donway Ford Lincoln in Scarborough. Also recently announced, the 2011 Ford Fiesta won the category of 'Best New Small Car under $21,000' at the annual Automobile Journalists Association of Canada's (AJAC) Car of the Year TestFest.

Helping to boost overall crossover sales, the newly redesigned, Canadian-built Ford Edge saw sales increase 40 per cent while Lincoln MKX sales jumped 142 per cent. In addition to Fiesta's award, the 2011 Ford Edge won AJAC's 'Best New CUV ($35,000 - $50,000)' during TestFest.
Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited

Kia Canada Inc. sales streak continues at 22 months of consecutive sales increase while surpassing year-to-date total sales in 2009

- Best October on record for Kia Canada
- Sales growth streak continues at 22 months
- October year-to-date sales surpass 2009 total sales
- October 2010 sales increase 24.6 per cent
- 2010 year-to-date sales increase 17.0 per cent
- Kia Canada continues to out-pace industry sales in 2010

Mississauga, ON, November 2, 2010 -- Kia Canada Inc. continues to break best-ever sales months through 2010 while extending the industry-leading sales streak at 22 months sales growth. Kia’s design-led transformation continues to be the winning formula that is propelling growth in Canada. A record October was achieved in Canada with 4488 vehicles sold, up 24.6 per cent versus October 2009. Kia Canada continues to out-pace the industry in 2010 with a 17 per cent increase in 2010. A total of 46,821 vehicles have been sold through October 2010.

An aggressive, design-led product offensive that commenced 21 months ago has provided Kia the formula for demand with Canadians. “Kia’s current product line-up combined with exceptional value continues to provide Canadians a mix of fuel efficient vehicles and world-class quality” said Maria Soklis, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) Kia Canada Inc. “We are on-track to achieve a first time 50,000 plus sales in Canada for 2010 and surpassing our 2009 total sales mark in October is exciting news for our Company”.

Kia Canada’s product offering was further strengthened in late October with the launch of the all-new 2011 Kia Forte5-Door compact vehicle. “The Forte5-Door is another key ingredient to the design-led transformation that Kia Motors is currently in the midst of” said Maria Soklis, Chief Operating Officer (COO) Kia Canada Inc. “The Forte5-Door provides Canadians with the practicality and utility from our best-selling line-up in Canada”.

October Highlights
Kia Canada Inc. experienced the best October on record in its eleven year history in Canada:
-The all-new Kia Sorento CUV that arrived in Canadian showrooms earlier in 2010, achieved 1168 total sales in Canada marking its best month on record
-The Kia Forte model lineup, Kia Canada’s best-selling vehicles for the month and year-to-date recorded 1126 total sales in October 2010
-The Kia Soul, urban crossover continues to be a volume favorite with Canadians with 788 vehicles sold in the month of October
-The all-new 2011 Kia Sportage launched in late July 2010 sustained a 33.4% increase versus October 2009

November Incentives
Kia Canada is providing Canadians with the “Kia WINterFEST Event” allowing all purchasers to win up to $10,000 over and above all existing incentive offers. Incentive offers for November are up to $6000. A unique offering of 0% financing over an 84 month term will be available on all 2011Kia Rio sub-compact vehicles. In addition, other low rate financing for other 2010 and 2011 will be available along with the offer of “Don’t Pay until Spring 2011”. These options make it easier to acquire a new Kia vehicle. Cash buyers can also select up to eight vehicles from Kia Canada’s line-up for under $20,000.

Kia Canada Inc. (www.kia.ca) -- a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart -- is a subsidiary of Kia Motors Corporation (KMC) in Korea was founded in 1999 and sells and services high quality class leading vehicles like the Soul, Forte and Sorento through a network of 168 dealers nationwide. Kia Canada Inc. employs 140 people in its Mississauga, Ontario headquarters and four regional offices across Canada. Kia Motors Corporation continues to showcase the company's global commitment to surpassing customer expectations through continuous automotive innovation.

Inside Track Mo-torsport News takes on Movember

This Movember, the month formerly known as November, Inside Track Communications employees have decided to donate their faces to raising awareness about prostate cancer. Their donation and commitment is the growth of a moustache for the entire month of Movember, to generate conversation, controversy and laughter.

Inside Track Communications employees will be updating their exploits online for all to see.

4,400 men die of prostate cancer in Canada each year and one in six men will be diagnosed during his lifetime. Donations go to Prostate Cancer Canada.

To help, you can choose an Inside Track Communications employee of your choice (or donate to the team as a whole) by clicking on the following links:

Mark Hoffberg
Art Director
http://ca.movember.com/mospace/633490/

Jeff Morgan
Editor – Inside MotoX & Off Road
http://ca.movember.com/mospace/702834/

Derek Rockel
Sales – Inside MotoX & Off Road / Inside Motorcycles
http://ca.movember.com/mospace/703090/

Mike Galipeau
Sales – Inside Track Motorsport News
http://ca.movember.com/mospace/703404/

James Neilson
Editor – Inside Track Motorsport News
http://ca.movember.com/mospace/881228/

All donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.

For more details on how the funds raised from previous campaigns have been used and the impact Movember is having please visit: http://ca.movemberfoundation.com/research-and-programs.

Thank you in advance for helping us to support men’s health.