DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Dec. 22, 2010) – Fresh off a championship season, Bill McAnally Racing has announced a special lineup of 2010 NASCAR champions who will compete under the BMR banner in next month’s NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown.
The three recently crowned NASCAR Touring Series champions will be competing for BMR in the eighth running of the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown on Jan. 28-29 at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale (Calif.). The event, which brings together the top racers from across North America, will be highlighted by the 225-lap NASCAR K&N Pro Series all-star race.
BMR’s Eric Holmes – who scored his third championship this season in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West – will be joined for the event by DJ Kennington, the 2010 champion in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Mobil 1, and German Quiroga, the 2010 champion in the NASCAR Mexico Series. As 2010 NASCAR developmental series champions, all three have secured starting spots for the all-star event.
“We are very excited about this opportunity for BMR to field entries for three NASCAR champions in the biggest event of the year,” said BMR President Bill McAnally. “These drivers represent NASCAR racing in three countries and the Showdown provides them a chance to showcase their talent on a major stage together.”
Holmes of Escalon, Calif., is no stranger to the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown. The 36-year-old driver won the Elite portion of the event as a competitor in the former NASCAR Southwest Tour in 2004. In NASCAR K&N Pro Series action, he has two top-10 finishes in four starts at the all-star event.
“It’s pretty cool having three champions on our team,” Holmes said. “I’m really looking forward to it. We ran really, really well the last three years at the showdown. We’ve just had some bad luck. Hopefully, we can overcome that. I know we’re taking a new car there this year. I think we have a shot at winning.”
Kennington, meanwhile, will be making his first appearance in the prestigious postseason event.
“I’ve watched it on TV for a lot of years,” said the 33-year-old driver from St. Thomas, Ontario. “I always thought it would be pretty cool to be there and to actually get the opportunity to go is another part of this whole ‘dream come true’ season for me.”
Although it will be his first start in a BMR entry, not all the crew members on the team are strangers to him. Kennington previously worked with Matt Goslant, who is now the crew chief for Holmes.
“Matt was my crew chief in the (NASCAR) Nationwide Series,” Kennington said. “So, its’ going to be kind of cool to be there to hang out with my friends again and most importantly, try to go there and see if we can have a decent run.”
Quiroga, who won back-to-back championships in the NASCAR Mexico Series in 2009 and 2010, will also be appearing for the first time at the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown.
“For me it is a great opportunity,” Quiroga said. “We’ve been trying to do this for many years. I think it’s a first step and we’re looking to do well in the race and to see what we can achieve in 2011.”
Quiroga said he looks forward to representing his series in the all-star event.
“For me, it’s an honor,” said the 30-year-old driver from Mexico City. “I’ve been champion for two years in a row. For me, to represent all the drivers that compete in the NASCAR series in Mexico, it’s great to have this opportunity and I’m going to do my best.”
In addition to the three champions, also mounting the charge for BMR at the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown will be the team’s two other full-time drivers, Paulie Harraka and Moses Smith.
“We were already excited at BMR to be bringing three of this year’s top four drivers in the series to the showdown,” McAnally said. “We want to build on BMR’s success this season with a strong performance in the all-star race. We are confident in the talent and fortunate that we have just added some great cars to the inventory, which were obtained from Rusty Wallace Incorporate and Michael Waltrip Racing.”
In addition to the secured starting spots for the 2010 champions of NASCAR’s developmental series, the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown also provides secured spots for race winners of the NASCAR K&N Pro Series from the 2010 season. The 225-lap main event is broken up into three sections – two 100-lap segments preceding a 25-lap dash to the finish.
The schedule also includes a 75-lap NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Super Late Model race and a 50-lap NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Late Model race. The top five NASCAR state champions in attendance will have secured starting spots in the Late Model race. New to this year, the 25-car fields for each of those races will be set by a pair of heat races – 25 laps for the Super Late Models and 20 laps for the Late Models.
Both nights of racing will air live on SPEED.
From Kevin W. Green, NASCAR Public Relations
Thursday, December 23, 2010
NCATS champ DJ Kennington to drive for BMR in NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
TORONTO STAR / WHEELS: Norris McDonald on the CME
Norris McDonald did a nice piece on the Canadian Motorsports Expo on the Toronto Star / Wheels.ca blog this morning. Thank you Norris!
"If having IZOD IndyCar Champion — and two-time winner of the Molson/Honda Indy Toronto — Dario Franchitti at next month’s Canadian Motorsports Expo wasn’t enough, the news today is that NASCAR Nationwide Series champ Brad Keselowski is coming too.
Fans will be able to meet, greet and get an autograph from Keselowski — who’s a pretty good NASCAR Sprint Cup Series star as well — on Sun, Jan. 23, at the International Centre out by Toronto Pearson.
Franchitti will be the headliner at the Expo the day before. The show opens on the Friday evening with a special Ontario stock car racing show built around a late model car belonging to the late — and legendary — “Daytona” Don Biederman and a panel featuring Junior Hanley.
From humble beginnings five years ago, the Canadian Motorsports Expo has become a must-attend event. Held in the dead of winter, the Expo features special guests like Franchitti and Keselowski, manufacturer and speedway displays, panel discussions (translation: arguments) and other attractions that always help to get the juices flowing...."
Click here for the full piece...Tuesday, December 21, 2010
NASCAR star Brad Keselowski is coming to the Canadian Motorsports Expo
TORONTO, ON - Canadian racing fans will have an opportunity to meet – and get an autograph from – one of NASCAR’s top young stars when Brad Keselowski appears at the Canadian Motorsports Expo on Sunday, January 23, 2011. The show takes place Jan. 21-23 at Toronto’s International Centre.
This past summer, Keselowski won the NASCAR Nationwide Series championship, driving for respected team owner Roger Penske. In 2011, the Michigan native will pilot Penske’s legendary ‘Blue Deuce’ #2 Miller Lite Dodge in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
The second-generation racer won a Sprint Cup race at Talladega in 2009 and has a total of 12 Nationwide Series victories to his credit, in addition to his championship in that series. Keselowski – who has also raced for Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s JR Motorsports – made headlines in 2010 with his intense, head-to-head battle with Carl Edwards. The 26-year-old is a talented, popular and somewhat controversial driver whose star is clearly on the rise.
Immediately prior to appearing at the Canadian Motorsports Expo, Keselowski will take part in pre-season testing at the newly-resurfaced Daytona International Speedway, in advance of Speedweeks 2011 and the Daytona 500. Keselowski is no stranger to appearing in Canada, having raced in the NASCAR Nationwide Series events at Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in recent years.
“I’m looking forward to coming to Toronto and meeting the fans at the Canadian Motorsports Expo on Sunday, January 23,” said Brad Keselowski. “Michigan is obviously very close to Canada and we have a lot of great fans up there. The Q&A and Autograph Session should be a lot of fun.”
Speaking about Keselowski’s appearance, on behalf of the Canadian Motorsports Expo, David Weber said, “We’re very excited to be able to have Brad Keselowski appear at the 5th Annual CME. With testing at Daytona the same weekend as the show, it took a lot of work to make this happen. I’d especially like to thank Jesse Dickerson of Gaylord Sports Management, as well as Brad Keselowski’s ‘Checkered Flag Foundation’ (www.checkeredflagfoundation.org) for their efforts on this.” The CFF is a charitable organization that strives to support individuals who have sacrificed greatly, including military members, veterans, first-responders and their families, among others.
Keselowski will be the headline NASCAR component of the 5th Annual CME, which will also feature Jeff Gordon’s new-look #24 AARP ‘Drive To End Hunger’ Sprint Cup car, Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s #88 AMP Energy Chevrolet Sprint Cup car, NASCAR Canadian Tire Series champion DJ Kennington and his #17 Castrol Dodge, and much more.
Throughout its existence, the Canadian Motorsports Expo has been a showcase for celebrity racer appearances, from Canada and around the world. Stars like Ron Fellows, Jacques Villeneuve, Matt Kenseth, Paul Tracy, Derek Daly, Miguel & Yvon Duhamel and many, many more have graced the CME stage for fan Q&A and autograph sessions.
Visit the CME website (www.CanadianMotorsportsExpo.com) for more details about Brad Keselowski’s appearance at the CME, including times for the Fan Q&A and Autograph Sessions.
ABOUT THE CME: The Canadian Motorsports Expo is a three-day celebration of Canadian racing that runs January 21, 22 and 23, 2011 at the International Centre (6900 Airport Road in Mississauga). The show is powered by Inside Track Motorsport News. In addition to booths and racing vehicles representing the entire spectrum of Canadian motorsports, the show is loaded with seminars and forums to entertain and inform racers and fans alike. Star drivers – including reigning IndyCar Series Champion and Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti, and rising NASCAR Sprint Cup star Brad Keselowski – will be at the CME to sign autographs and meet the fans. One of the special themes of this year’s CME is the Karting Reunion. Please check the show’s website for updates and changes.
For more information about the Canadian Motorsports Expo, visit www.canadianmotorsportsexpo.com. You can reach co-promoters Inside Track at (416) 962-7223 or email info@canadianmotorsportsexpo.com. Photo courtesy of Penske Racing.
Kawartha Speedway 2011 - From the Drawing Board to the Blacktop
Saturday night may be alright for fighting, but Central Ontario’s Friday night place to race is Kawartha Speedway. With a highly successful 10th Anniversary campaign as their template, officials at the Fraserville, Ontario 3/8th mile oval recently put the finishing touches on the 2011 schedule. Based on the growth and level of success achieved in 2010, General Manager and Promoter Derek Lynch firmly believes the 10 race schedule is the best recipe for the track to follow.
“Even though some people had their doubts at first, we had one of most successful seasons in years,” said Lynch. “The car counts were amazing, with more than 102 different drivers scoring points for starting at least 1 race in our NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Model, Better Carpet Thunder Car and Hasiuk Trailer and Container Rentals Mini Stock divisions. The mini stocks have a number of very talented young drivers with the potential to move-up through our different divisions. That’s something any track promoter can be proud to say.”
Another point in Kawartha Speedway’s favour is the success its drivers have enjoyed at other tracks. During the most recent running of Peterborough Speedway’s Autumn Colours weekend, Mike Nelson and Daryl Fice each earned top 5 finishes in the mini stock main event, while late model pilots Bryan Mercer and Ryan Kimball finished 2nd and 3rd respectively against some very tough competition. Late model graduate Brandon Watson earned the checkered flag in the OSCAAR main event. Lynch also gives a ‘tip of the hat’ to Kawartha’s latest track champions.
“Chris Morrow had a strong, very consistent season but still only managed to capture the late model crown by 31 points over Dan McHattie. Willie Reyns claimed a second thunder car title, just 30 markers ahead of Chad Strawn. Mini stock champ Mike Nelson rose to the top of the heap only 29 points ahead of ‘Too’ Moroney. Each battle came down to the final night of the year,” said Lynch. “In itself, that’s an amazing statistic and makes drivers eager to race here because they know they’re running against some of the best short trackers around.”
The first on track activity for the 2011 regular season is a test session Friday, May 27th for Kawartha’s 3 weekly divisions and drivers from any other track interested in shaking-down their new equipment. The opening night for track points is Friday, June 3rd as the OSCAAR Outlaw Super Late Models join the action. The annual 150 lap late model Summer Sizzler is on the agenda for Friday, July 8th. Things wrap-up with the annual NASCAR Canadian Tire Series 250 Saturday, September 24th. The full schedule will be available soon at www.kawarthaspeedway.com.
By Jim Clarke, Kawartha Speedway PR/Clarke Motorsports Communications
Monday, December 20, 2010
Ohsweken Speedway: Releases Rules for 2011
Ohsweken Speedway has compiled and released the competition rules for the four regular classes competing at the speedway in 2011. The rules in their entirety have been posted on the official Ohsweken Speedway website at www.ohswekenspeedway.com.
The 2011 racing schedule has also been completed and will be released early this week.
Ohsweken Speedway will also be participating in several off season shows including the Canadian Motorsports Expo, January 21, 22, & 23 and Performance World, March 11, 12, &13 in Toronto at the International Centre. The New Speed and Custom Car Show, March 25, 26, & 27 in London at the Western Fair Grounds combining the former CPT Racing Experience with the annual London Autorama is also on the schedule plus a return visit to the Brantford Lynden Park Mall on April 13 to 16.
Be sure to visit the website often for all of the latest news on these and other happenings as work continues toward a pair of practice sessions May 6 & 13 with opening day on May 20th.
Meanwhile, the following ticket options remain available by emailing pelkiekj@ebtech.net or calling Cheryl Pelkie at 1-888-720-7223 for assistance.
Season Passes for the 2011 Season provide General Admission to any of our Friday Night Thunder Events. (Not valid for the World of Outlaws July 27, or the Canadian Nationals Sept. 17.)
Adult Pass cost $175 (a $45 saving);
Seniors & Students (13 to 17) cost $130 (a $32 saving);
Pit Passes for non-Members cost $455 (a $115 saving);
Pit Memberships are also available at a cost of $35 ($20 admission costs are required weekly with a Membership Card)
Reserved Seat Tickets for the World of Outlaw Sprints Wednesday, July 27th and the 7th Annual Canadian Sprint Car Nationals September 17th.
No Tickets or Passes are currently available at the Speedway store.
Fans holding tickets for last year’s reserved seating have until December 31 to repurchase the same seats for 2011. After January
4, those remaining unclaimed will be added to the seats available for purchase by the general public on a first come, first serve basis.
Any questions should be directed to Ken Pelkie at (1-888) 720-7223 or email to pelkiekj@ebtech.net.
From Ken Pelkie / Ohsweken Speedway
Kumho Tire USA Introduces Brand New, Revolutionary, FREE Multi-Car Racing Game App for Apple Products
Developed by Retired Astronauts Collective, best known for creating addictive interactive apps for iPhones, "Kumho Tire Drive" lets the gamer become a Kumho sponsored driver and race for points and worldwide recognition. Being a Kumho Tire Racer just went from a far-fetched dream to absolute reality as drivers get in, buckle up, and put the pedal to the metal for the ride of their lives. Gamers will feel the adrenaline pumping through their veins as they experience unbelievable speed and ultra high performance in their Kumho Tire equipped supercar.
Throughout the multiple levels of the game, Kumho racers can earn valuable points by successfully completing each world class track such as curvy city streets and a world famous proving ground in Germany.
The unique garage feature lets racers use their accumulated points to upgrade from an entry level import tuner to the raw power of a classic muscle car to the limitless torque of an exotic dream car where the gamers' true racing skills will be put to the ultimate test. The customization features of "Kumho Tire Drive" let the racer create a unique game experience that other games can't offer.
The points can also be used to get the latest in vehicle modifications such as hood scoops and rear spoilers and also lets the racer choose custom paint and decals for their one-of-a-kind vehicle. The most unique feature of the game is the "Tire Selector" option in the Garage where racers can choose the perfect Kumho tires to match the track surface and the weather conditions. "Kumho Tire Drive" is not only about extreme racing, it's about racing with style – Kumho style.
Future Kumho sponsored drivers can download the full version of "Kumho Tire Drive" for free from the Apple Store. The app will be available in the first week of January 2011, and will be available shortly thereafter for all phones on the Android OS system.
"We're very excited about the launch of this new, exciting, revolutionary app. Whether you're a casual gamer or a true game enthusiast, "Kumho Tire Drive" will definitely grab your interest and allow you to immerse yourself in the various driving environments. The gamer will also learn that having the right Kumho tires for the right conditions will be very important to progress in the game. Best of all "Kumho Tire Drive" perfectly fits Kumho brand DNA of high performance, quality, and fun," commented Rick Brennan, Kumho's VP of Marketing.
Additional information on "Kumho Tire Drive" can be found on:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duVWR7aMXvE
http://www.facebook.com/KumhoTireDrive
Posts
