Pit Pass Pete Weedon has posted the February edition of the Sports Car
Club of BC's Newsletter here:
http://www.sccbc.net/pitpass/2011/Feb11pp.pdf
Monday, February 07, 2011
ACT veteran champs will be challenged at New Smyrna Speedway
Waterbury, VT –Veterans of the American Canadian Tour (ACT) will find plenty of eager young and veteran talent to challenge them at the inaugural Goodyear Speedweeks Cup event to be held at the New Smyrna Speedway during the upcoming World Series of Asphalt Stock Car racing this month.
Past American Canadian Tour Champions, Brian Hoar from Williston, VT, Karl Allard, Ste Felicien, QC, Donald Theetge, Quebec City, QC and Patrick Laperle from Ste-Denis sur Richeleau, west of Montreal, have all won multiple championships during their successful careers.
Hoar is a seven time and defending ACT Champion. He has been winning races at all levels of competition for nearly 20 years. After winning five ACT Late Model championships between 1993 and 2000, he moved over to the former NASCAR Busch East division. He became a top competitor, won Rookie of the year in 2001, a Busch East race at Thunder Road Speedbowl in '03, and the yearly track championship at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway in 2006.
"The New Smyrna events are going to be great for our team. First we want to have some fun. We also want to try and get some momentum heading into the coming season. I think this will be the ultimate 'neutral track' for all our teams. I guess Joey (Polewarczyk), Patrick (Laperle) and Eric Chase are the only guys to have been there. I might have to follow Joey around for a few laps, but we are kind of tired of finishing behind him after his great run last September. Hopefully we can turn that around in a few days," said Hoar.
Theetge and Allard are two of the most successful short track 'long track' (tracks ½ mile or longer) stars in the ACT organization. Laperle is the only driver to win both the ACT US title and the ACT Serie Castrol title. Laperle has also competed, won, and nearly won the overall title in the crate division at New Smyrna Speedway's 10 days of short track racing two years ago.
Joey Pole, from Hudson, NH is currently the leader of the pack among ACT's 21 year-old and under group of talent. He won five races in the last half of the 2010 season, with two career highlights: in September, the ACT Invitational at New Hampshire Motor Speedway and the 48th annual Milk Bowl at Thunder Road in Barre, VT. Among others, Pole will be joined by Série Castrol Rookie of the Year Alex Labbe from Ste-Albert, QC, and U.S. Rookie-of-the-Year runner-up Austin Theriault from Fort Kent, ME.
Long-time ACT followers will be surprised to see Mike Bruno from Rutland, VT returning to ACT after a number of years off racing on the former Busch East Series, the Dirt Modifieds in New York and Vermont, and more recently Dirt Asphalt Modifieds.
2010 Lee USA Speedway track champion, Wayne Helliwell, Jr. and Twin State Speedway, Claremont, NH champ Aaron Fellows have joined the field for the Goodyear Speedweeks Cup.
Twenty-eight teams from New England, New York, Quebec and Ontario will head south for the unique ACT twin 100-lap format event. Sunday, February 13th and Monday February 14th will start the 2011 stock car season for those teams. Northern style qualifying and double file restarts will be in effect. On Monday the best will have to come from the rear following results from Sunday.
The traditional New Smyrna Speedway World Series opens Friday, February 11 and continues until Saturday, February 19, 2011. The ACT events, February 13 and 14 will post at 7:30 each night.
For additional information contact the ACT office at 802.244.6963, www.acttour.com, or media@acttour.com.
Kia Sportage wins 2011 Car of the Year from Motoring TV
- 2011 Sportage and 2011 Forte5-Door win respective categories from Motoring 2011
- 2011 Sportage wins overall Car of the Year from Motoring 2011 marking 5th Canadian Award since July 2011 launch
Mississauga, ON, February 7, 2011 – Kia Motors all-new 2011 Sportage Compact Utility Vehicle (CUV) has been awarded the 2011 Car of the Year from Motoring TV, finishing ahead of eleven other category winners that qualified for the overall accolade. The 2011 Sportage also finished ahead of the Hyundai Tucson and Mitsubishi RVR to win the ‘Best SUV / CUV under $40,000’. Kia had another category winner as well, with the Forte5-Door winning the ‘Best Small Car over $20,000’ category.
“The 2011 Sportage is a world-class vehicle that includes exceptional design, technology and safety elements that have made it a Car of the Year winner,” said Robert Staffieri, Director of Marketing Kia Canada Inc. “Both the Car of the Year win along with the category further supports our brand value which is resonating with Canadians. It has also been validated by some of the top automotive journalists in Canada from Motoring TV”.
Since its launch in July 2010, the 2011 Kia Sportage has also been awarded “Best SUV” by Le Guide de l’ Auto, “Compact Utility of the Year” by Auto123.com, “Compact CUV / Crossover under $40,000” by the 2011 World of Wheels Editors’ Choice Award. Additionally, the Canadian Automotive Jury awarded the 2011 Sportage as a “Best of the Best” Finalist for 2011.
2011 Kia Sportage
Starting at $21,995, the all-new Sportage marks a dramatic shift in design direction for Kia’s CUV. Longer, lower and wider than the previous generation model, the new Sportage is easily identifiable by its ‘family’ grille, a major design cornerstone from Kia’s Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer. “I want to give Kia global appeal, and I want that appeal to be about design above all else”, said Schreyer. “The new Sportage is a major step towards achieving that goal. With its athletic and muscular design the Sportage fits its name perfectly.”
Equipped with a long list of standard safety features and impeccable performance in front, side, rear and rollover crash testing, the Sportage is an honourable recipient of the “2011 Top Safety Pick” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. All trims of the Sportage come outfitted with driver and passenger advanced front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags and side curtain airbags. The Sportage also showcases front active headrests, four-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control (TC), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Hill Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Brake Control (DBC), Roll Over Prevention (ROP) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM).
The 2011 Sportage is the first Kia vehicle to feature a Dynamax All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system with similar systems typically found on vehicles in the luxury segment. Dynamax AWD functions by continuously monitoring driving conditions to provide the perfect amount of torque needed for any driving situation, providing optimized traction at all times. With 176 horsepower being derived from a 2.4-litre DOHC four-cylinder engine, the Sportage offers stunning fuel efficiency, using as little as 6.3 liters per 100 kilometers on the highway and 9.5 litres per 100 kilometers in city driving conditions. Kia has also recently announced the Sportage SX trim, which will house the all-new flagship engine, a 2.0-litre Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI), producing 260 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque.
2011 Forte5-Door
The Forte family consisting of the 4-door sedan and 2-door Koup was extended with the addition of the Forte5-Door. This hatchback carries forward all of the Forte line-up characteristics and adds a cavernous cargo area and convenient access through a rear hatch, making it a practical, yet modern iteration.
The sporty hatchback is priced from $16,695 and exudes styling of European tastes and enhanced practicality. The wedge like character of the side profile displays a sense of speed while signifying luxury in the compact segment. Available with an efficient 2.0-liter engine or a sporty 2.4-liter engine both featuring a six-speed manual transmission or an available six-speed automatic transmission.
Safety comes naturally to the Kia Forte5-Door, with the standard protection of six airbags, dual advance front, dual side seat mounted and dual full length curtain airbags. Complemented by the sure-footed stopping power of four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes and a rigid body structure that helps channel crash energy away from the driver and passengers. Other safety features include anti-whiplash active front headrests, electronic stability control, traction control, panic brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, impact sensing door unlock, front seat belt pretensioners and rear child safety door locks.
The Forte5-Door provides Canadian’s a vehicle that is fun, stylish, and practical with a touch of attitude. The hatchback is both exciting and fuel efficient, with its ECO-Minder technology it gives the driver the ability to travel farther between fill-ups. When the ECO indicator illuminates green, there is no second guessing about travelling with the best fuel efficiency. With available paddle shifters, push-button start ignition and voice recognition navigation, the Forte5-Door offers all the technology one would need to have a safe and comfortable ride.
About TSN Motoring TV
Motoring is a weekly national half hour magazine style television program produced by Bradford Productions and is now in its 21st season on TSN, The Sports Network. It is TSN and Bradford’s longest running program and has been selected North America’s top automotive broadcast several times since its premier in 1987.
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 171 dealers nationwide. Kia Canada Inc. employs 141 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.
- 2011 Sportage wins overall Car of the Year from Motoring 2011 marking 5th Canadian Award since July 2011 launch
Mississauga, ON, February 7, 2011 – Kia Motors all-new 2011 Sportage Compact Utility Vehicle (CUV) has been awarded the 2011 Car of the Year from Motoring TV, finishing ahead of eleven other category winners that qualified for the overall accolade. The 2011 Sportage also finished ahead of the Hyundai Tucson and Mitsubishi RVR to win the ‘Best SUV / CUV under $40,000’. Kia had another category winner as well, with the Forte5-Door winning the ‘Best Small Car over $20,000’ category.
“The 2011 Sportage is a world-class vehicle that includes exceptional design, technology and safety elements that have made it a Car of the Year winner,” said Robert Staffieri, Director of Marketing Kia Canada Inc. “Both the Car of the Year win along with the category further supports our brand value which is resonating with Canadians. It has also been validated by some of the top automotive journalists in Canada from Motoring TV”.
Since its launch in July 2010, the 2011 Kia Sportage has also been awarded “Best SUV” by Le Guide de l’ Auto, “Compact Utility of the Year” by Auto123.com, “Compact CUV / Crossover under $40,000” by the 2011 World of Wheels Editors’ Choice Award. Additionally, the Canadian Automotive Jury awarded the 2011 Sportage as a “Best of the Best” Finalist for 2011.
2011 Kia Sportage
Starting at $21,995, the all-new Sportage marks a dramatic shift in design direction for Kia’s CUV. Longer, lower and wider than the previous generation model, the new Sportage is easily identifiable by its ‘family’ grille, a major design cornerstone from Kia’s Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer. “I want to give Kia global appeal, and I want that appeal to be about design above all else”, said Schreyer. “The new Sportage is a major step towards achieving that goal. With its athletic and muscular design the Sportage fits its name perfectly.”
Equipped with a long list of standard safety features and impeccable performance in front, side, rear and rollover crash testing, the Sportage is an honourable recipient of the “2011 Top Safety Pick” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. All trims of the Sportage come outfitted with driver and passenger advanced front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags and side curtain airbags. The Sportage also showcases front active headrests, four-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control (TC), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Hill Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Brake Control (DBC), Roll Over Prevention (ROP) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM).
The 2011 Sportage is the first Kia vehicle to feature a Dynamax All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system with similar systems typically found on vehicles in the luxury segment. Dynamax AWD functions by continuously monitoring driving conditions to provide the perfect amount of torque needed for any driving situation, providing optimized traction at all times. With 176 horsepower being derived from a 2.4-litre DOHC four-cylinder engine, the Sportage offers stunning fuel efficiency, using as little as 6.3 liters per 100 kilometers on the highway and 9.5 litres per 100 kilometers in city driving conditions. Kia has also recently announced the Sportage SX trim, which will house the all-new flagship engine, a 2.0-litre Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI), producing 260 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque.
2011 Forte5-Door
The Forte family consisting of the 4-door sedan and 2-door Koup was extended with the addition of the Forte5-Door. This hatchback carries forward all of the Forte line-up characteristics and adds a cavernous cargo area and convenient access through a rear hatch, making it a practical, yet modern iteration.
The sporty hatchback is priced from $16,695 and exudes styling of European tastes and enhanced practicality. The wedge like character of the side profile displays a sense of speed while signifying luxury in the compact segment. Available with an efficient 2.0-liter engine or a sporty 2.4-liter engine both featuring a six-speed manual transmission or an available six-speed automatic transmission.
Safety comes naturally to the Kia Forte5-Door, with the standard protection of six airbags, dual advance front, dual side seat mounted and dual full length curtain airbags. Complemented by the sure-footed stopping power of four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes and a rigid body structure that helps channel crash energy away from the driver and passengers. Other safety features include anti-whiplash active front headrests, electronic stability control, traction control, panic brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, impact sensing door unlock, front seat belt pretensioners and rear child safety door locks.
The Forte5-Door provides Canadian’s a vehicle that is fun, stylish, and practical with a touch of attitude. The hatchback is both exciting and fuel efficient, with its ECO-Minder technology it gives the driver the ability to travel farther between fill-ups. When the ECO indicator illuminates green, there is no second guessing about travelling with the best fuel efficiency. With available paddle shifters, push-button start ignition and voice recognition navigation, the Forte5-Door offers all the technology one would need to have a safe and comfortable ride.
About TSN Motoring TV
Motoring is a weekly national half hour magazine style television program produced by Bradford Productions and is now in its 21st season on TSN, The Sports Network. It is TSN and Bradford’s longest running program and has been selected North America’s top automotive broadcast several times since its premier in 1987.
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 171 dealers nationwide. Kia Canada Inc. employs 141 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.
First points for Yokohama’s L’Estage/Richard in slippery Rally Perce Neige
MANIWAKI, Quebec (February 5, 2011) – Reigning Canadian rally champions Antoine L’Estage and co-driver Nathalie Richard kicked off the 2011 motorsport season from the top step of the podium as the Yokohama team thoroughly dominated the Rally Perce Neige, first round of the Canadian Rally Championship.
L’Estage, of St. Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, and Richard, of Halifax, triumphed over the icy conditions with a nearly perfect drive and a six minute advantage after 200 kilometres of slippery forestry roads. L’Estage relied on Yokohama Ice Guard IG20 winter tires to deliver his fourth Perce Neige victory in challenging conditions.
L’Estage, Richard and their Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X started the new season the way they wrapped up 2010. Last year, the pair collected the triple crown of rally motorsport: The Canadian Rally Championship, the Rally America Championship in the U.S. and the North American Rally Cup.
Second place went to the Subaru team of Bruno Carre and Yvan Joyal of Laval, Quebec, followed by the impressive new team of Ugo Desgreniers (Orford, QC) and Erik Kirby (Sherbrooke, QC), also in a Subaru.
“The conditions were very tricky – treacherous – with snow over an ice base,” explained co-driver Nathalie. “We were on IG20s all day. We drove smart, we made no mistakes, we had no flats – it was our day.”
Yokohama team mates Pat Richard, of Squamish, B.C., and new co-driver Leanne Junnila of Calgary, set the early pace in their Subaru Impreza STi until a road penalty and, later, a broken wheel dropped them to an eventual fourth place.
In addition to sponsoring both L’Estage and Pat Richard, Yokohama Tire (Canada) Inc. is a supporting sponsor of the Canadian Rally Championship for 2011.
“Year after year, the Canadian Rally Championship has proven to be more than just a great competition and a terrific television spectacle,” said Jonathon Karelse, Business Unit Director for consumer products for Yokohama Canada. “As this weekend shows, it’s also a real-world demonstration of our dedication to advancing tire technology. Particularly for winter tires, where our wining teams compete on the same tires you can buy for your car on the street, we can draw a direct line between success in competition and benefit for the consumer.”
The six-event Canadian championship has been televised nationally on TSN and RDS since 1993, and is made available on multiple media platforms, including TSN 2, as downloads from iTunes, on-line on Flat Over Crest (www.flatovercrest.com) and to 80 million homes in Europe on MotorsTV.
Yokohama Tire (Canada) Inc. markets and distributes a full line of tires for high performance, passenger car, light truck, and commercial truck applications, as well as off-the-road tires for mining, forestry and construction applications. It maintains distribution centers across Canada to serve more than 700 independent tire dealers and more than 2,000 retail locations.
L’Estage, of St. Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, and Richard, of Halifax, triumphed over the icy conditions with a nearly perfect drive and a six minute advantage after 200 kilometres of slippery forestry roads. L’Estage relied on Yokohama Ice Guard IG20 winter tires to deliver his fourth Perce Neige victory in challenging conditions.
L’Estage, Richard and their Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X started the new season the way they wrapped up 2010. Last year, the pair collected the triple crown of rally motorsport: The Canadian Rally Championship, the Rally America Championship in the U.S. and the North American Rally Cup.
Second place went to the Subaru team of Bruno Carre and Yvan Joyal of Laval, Quebec, followed by the impressive new team of Ugo Desgreniers (Orford, QC) and Erik Kirby (Sherbrooke, QC), also in a Subaru.
“The conditions were very tricky – treacherous – with snow over an ice base,” explained co-driver Nathalie. “We were on IG20s all day. We drove smart, we made no mistakes, we had no flats – it was our day.”
Yokohama team mates Pat Richard, of Squamish, B.C., and new co-driver Leanne Junnila of Calgary, set the early pace in their Subaru Impreza STi until a road penalty and, later, a broken wheel dropped them to an eventual fourth place.
In addition to sponsoring both L’Estage and Pat Richard, Yokohama Tire (Canada) Inc. is a supporting sponsor of the Canadian Rally Championship for 2011.
“Year after year, the Canadian Rally Championship has proven to be more than just a great competition and a terrific television spectacle,” said Jonathon Karelse, Business Unit Director for consumer products for Yokohama Canada. “As this weekend shows, it’s also a real-world demonstration of our dedication to advancing tire technology. Particularly for winter tires, where our wining teams compete on the same tires you can buy for your car on the street, we can draw a direct line between success in competition and benefit for the consumer.”
The six-event Canadian championship has been televised nationally on TSN and RDS since 1993, and is made available on multiple media platforms, including TSN 2, as downloads from iTunes, on-line on Flat Over Crest (www.flatovercrest.com) and to 80 million homes in Europe on MotorsTV.
Yokohama Tire (Canada) Inc. markets and distributes a full line of tires for high performance, passenger car, light truck, and commercial truck applications, as well as off-the-road tires for mining, forestry and construction applications. It maintains distribution centers across Canada to serve more than 700 independent tire dealers and more than 2,000 retail locations.
Inside Track Pit Board Forum Fantasy NASCAR Pool... last day to sign up
Today is the last day to enter and submit your picks for the 2011 edition of the Inside Track Pit Board Forum Fantasy NASCAR Pool.It's free and easy. To participate, you need to join the forum using your FULL, REAL, FIRST AND LAST NAMES. Bogus names and anonymous IDs will be rejected.
After you're signed up, submit your picks. Thanks to Tasha Thompson and Kyle Seden for administering the pool this year, and a big thanks to Bill Johnson for his efforts to date!
We'll announce some neat prizes shortly...
Click here to get started.
Everybody into the pooooooooool!
Antoine L’Estage and Nathalie Richard Kick Off the Canadian Season with a Victory
Maniwaki (Québec), February 7, 2011.- Quebec driver Antoine L’Estage, of St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, and his co-driver Nathalie Richard (of Halifax, NS) won this weekend’s Rallye Perce-Neige, the first round of the 2011 Canadian Rally Championship. Winners of the Canadian, North American and Rally America championships last year, the Rockstar Royal Group duo kicked off this Canadian season with a textbook rally and now lead the hunt for the championship title.
This weekend’s victory marked Antoine L’Estage’s fourth at the Rallye Perce-Neige and the team’s fourth Canadian victory in as many rallies. The challenging rally, held in Maniwaki, Quebec, is known for its tricky roads and conditions. It would not have been possible to script a better rally for us at this event! indicated the Rockstar Royal Group driver, I told myself before the start of the rally that I was not going to take unnecessary risks early on. I wanted to be cautious because of the many tricky spots on these roads, but I didn’t want to be too conservative either. We finished the first two stages with extremely close results to those of our main competitor but when he incurred a one-minute penalty, the pressure for a tight battle was lifted. It nevertheless took a lot of experience and strategy to keep our lead without making any errors. We slowly increased our lead throughout the day and eventually won the rally by more than six minutes over second place he added.
This victory is a fantastic start to the season and confirms the power, preparation, and reliability of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X :we did not incur even the slightest mechanical problem from start to finish and the Yokohama IG20 ice tires that I used throughout the entire competition were a key component to our win,explained Antoine L'Estage.
Nathalie Richard was also very pleased with the result : it’s the best way we could’ve started our Canadian season! We had a flawless rally with no mistakes, no flat tires, no mechanical issues, nothing. Antoine did a great job of managing our lead without going too fast but also without losing his concentration. I know it’s not easy for drivers slow down, especially on these tough conditions, but he was able to do just that confided the co-driver.
Even with lessened pressure, Antoine L'Estage and Nathalie Richard won seven of the fourteen competitive stages that made up the 2011 Rallye Perce-Neige, in which forty-two teams were registered. This victory gives the team the top spot in the Canadian championship standings and tie them for the lead of the North American Rally Cup.
The Rockstar Royal Group will return to competition at the end of the month for Missouri’s Rally in the 100 Acre Wood, the Round 2 of the Rally America series. The team now also starts the longest break in the Canadian rally calendar, which will take them all the way until the end of May when they head to Calgary for the Rocky Mountain Rally.
Antoine L’Estage holds three North American championship titles (2007, 2008, 2010), three Canadian titles (2006, 2007, 2010), one American title (2010), and twenty-six overall victories in Canada and the US. Nathalie Richard holds six overall national championship titles (3 in Canada and 3 in the USA), as well as thirty-two overall rally wins on both sides of the border. She is also a six-time North American Co-Driving Champion (2004 – 2010, excluding 2006).
Antoine L’Estage and Nathalie Richard participate in the 2011 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 antoinelestage.com.
This weekend’s victory marked Antoine L’Estage’s fourth at the Rallye Perce-Neige and the team’s fourth Canadian victory in as many rallies. The challenging rally, held in Maniwaki, Quebec, is known for its tricky roads and conditions. It would not have been possible to script a better rally for us at this event! indicated the Rockstar Royal Group driver, I told myself before the start of the rally that I was not going to take unnecessary risks early on. I wanted to be cautious because of the many tricky spots on these roads, but I didn’t want to be too conservative either. We finished the first two stages with extremely close results to those of our main competitor but when he incurred a one-minute penalty, the pressure for a tight battle was lifted. It nevertheless took a lot of experience and strategy to keep our lead without making any errors. We slowly increased our lead throughout the day and eventually won the rally by more than six minutes over second place he added.
This victory is a fantastic start to the season and confirms the power, preparation, and reliability of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X :we did not incur even the slightest mechanical problem from start to finish and the Yokohama IG20 ice tires that I used throughout the entire competition were a key component to our win,explained Antoine L'Estage.
Nathalie Richard was also very pleased with the result : it’s the best way we could’ve started our Canadian season! We had a flawless rally with no mistakes, no flat tires, no mechanical issues, nothing. Antoine did a great job of managing our lead without going too fast but also without losing his concentration. I know it’s not easy for drivers slow down, especially on these tough conditions, but he was able to do just that confided the co-driver.
Even with lessened pressure, Antoine L'Estage and Nathalie Richard won seven of the fourteen competitive stages that made up the 2011 Rallye Perce-Neige, in which forty-two teams were registered. This victory gives the team the top spot in the Canadian championship standings and tie them for the lead of the North American Rally Cup.
The Rockstar Royal Group will return to competition at the end of the month for Missouri’s Rally in the 100 Acre Wood, the Round 2 of the Rally America series. The team now also starts the longest break in the Canadian rally calendar, which will take them all the way until the end of May when they head to Calgary for the Rocky Mountain Rally.
Antoine L’Estage holds three North American championship titles (2007, 2008, 2010), three Canadian titles (2006, 2007, 2010), one American title (2010), and twenty-six overall victories in Canada and the US. Nathalie Richard holds six overall national championship titles (3 in Canada and 3 in the USA), as well as thirty-two overall rally wins on both sides of the border. She is also a six-time North American Co-Driving Champion (2004 – 2010, excluding 2006).
Antoine L’Estage and Nathalie Richard participate in the 2011 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 antoinelestage.com.
Sunday, February 06, 2011
Daytona 500 Party at the Newmarket Royal Canadian Legion
The Newmarket (ON) Royal Canadian Legion (Branch 426) is hosting a Daytona 500 Party / Fundraising Event on Sunday, February 20.The race will be projected in high definition on a 10' x 10' screen. There will be auctions, driver pools, door prizes and raffles. Doors will open at 11 a.m. with the green flag at 1 p.m.
Tickets are $10.00. Snacks and a meal of beef on a bun with fries are included with the price of admission. The event is being held in support of Sunnybrook Cancer and Newmarket Hospice.
Tickets are available at the Newmarket Legion. Click on the poster image above for contact info and details.
Saturday, February 05, 2011
OHSWEKEN SPEEDWAY: Tony Stewart to race at the Big O on July 26
OHSWEKEN, ON - The 'TBD' appearing on the 2011 Ohsweken Speedway schedule became a little clearer today when NASCAR star Tony Stewart confirmed he would be appearing at the “Big O” to challenge the CORR/Pak Sprint regulars. Thanks to the efforts of John Brush (CORR/Pak Merchandising), Jessica Zemken and Glenn Styres, July 26, 2011 will stand out in the history books of Canada’s premier Sprint Car Dirt Track.
The evening preludes the annual visit of the World of Outlaws competing in the 4th Annual “Six Nations Showdown”. With the addition of the 360 action now confirmed featuring Stewart in one of his favourite types of race car, fans will be sure to witness two nights of the most action packed racing in the area in 2011. Watch the official website of Ohsweken Speedway at www.ohswekenspeedway.com for more details on the evening as they will be release soon.
From Ken Pelkie
Friday, February 04, 2011
Mitsubishi Motors Announces RVR Will Be Built in Normal, Illinois Plant
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) today announced that production of the RVR Compact Crossover Utility vehicle will begin in mid-2012 at the Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) plant in Normal, Illinois.
An announcement ceremony at the plant this morning was attended by dignitaries including MMNA President Shinichi Kurihara, Illinois Governor Patrick Quinn, and UAW International President Bob King. Prior to the media announcement, a separate event for all MMNA employees was held on the factory floor with the same dignitaries in attendance.
The RVR went on sale in Canada in November of 2010. RVR is a very well-equipped entry-level crossover that offers desirable features such as standard Bluetooth and available all-wheel drive. Outside of the Canada, the RVR is also badged as Outlander Sport and ASX, and represents Mitsubishi Motors' latest offering to the globe's fastest growing automotive segment, entry-level crossover. The vehicle is built upon the same highly flexible vehicle platform that underpins the Lancer compact car and Outlander SUV which are sold globally. Mitsubishi Motors North America anticipates adding production of RVR by mid-2012. Kurihara added "With the new model, the plant will have better utilization, and, of course we will see improved efficiency when we eventually consolidate to one model with higher production volume. I fully expect this plant will strongly improve its performance further down the road".
President Kurihara noted that bringing production of the RVR, currently built in Japan, to the Normal plant reinforces MMC's commitment to the North American market. "Mitsubishi Motors remains fully committed to producing vehicles in Normal. We will build vehicles here not just for the United States, but for many nations around the world." Kurihara estimated that about half of the product produced will be exported.
Kurihara also expressed appreciation to the State of Illinois for approximately $29 million in EDGE Grant support over the next ten years. Governor Quinn expressed his pleasure at the ceremony. "Mitsubishi's decision to produce a new generation of automobile here in Illinois is a strong testament to the strength of our workforce and the state's appealing business climate," said Governor Quinn. "By working to stabilize our economy and investing in companies that are investing in Illinois, we're helping to keep thousands of jobs in Illinois, helping reinvigorate our automobile industry and continuing our economic recovery."
An announcement ceremony at the plant this morning was attended by dignitaries including MMNA President Shinichi Kurihara, Illinois Governor Patrick Quinn, and UAW International President Bob King. Prior to the media announcement, a separate event for all MMNA employees was held on the factory floor with the same dignitaries in attendance.
The RVR went on sale in Canada in November of 2010. RVR is a very well-equipped entry-level crossover that offers desirable features such as standard Bluetooth and available all-wheel drive. Outside of the Canada, the RVR is also badged as Outlander Sport and ASX, and represents Mitsubishi Motors' latest offering to the globe's fastest growing automotive segment, entry-level crossover. The vehicle is built upon the same highly flexible vehicle platform that underpins the Lancer compact car and Outlander SUV which are sold globally. Mitsubishi Motors North America anticipates adding production of RVR by mid-2012. Kurihara added "With the new model, the plant will have better utilization, and, of course we will see improved efficiency when we eventually consolidate to one model with higher production volume. I fully expect this plant will strongly improve its performance further down the road".
President Kurihara noted that bringing production of the RVR, currently built in Japan, to the Normal plant reinforces MMC's commitment to the North American market. "Mitsubishi Motors remains fully committed to producing vehicles in Normal. We will build vehicles here not just for the United States, but for many nations around the world." Kurihara estimated that about half of the product produced will be exported.
Kurihara also expressed appreciation to the State of Illinois for approximately $29 million in EDGE Grant support over the next ten years. Governor Quinn expressed his pleasure at the ceremony. "Mitsubishi's decision to produce a new generation of automobile here in Illinois is a strong testament to the strength of our workforce and the state's appealing business climate," said Governor Quinn. "By working to stabilize our economy and investing in companies that are investing in Illinois, we're helping to keep thousands of jobs in Illinois, helping reinvigorate our automobile industry and continuing our economic recovery."
3M™ Gripping Material Gives a Handle on Performance
St. Paul, MINN. – February 7, 2011 – 3M Gripping Material can mean performance advantage for athletes, workers and do-it-yourselfers. The thin material consists of thousands of gripping fingers on one side, and 3M high-performance adhesive on the other. It sticks on contact to handles, shafts, clean new gloves and other products and equipment and stays put to increase friction and decrease slippage, even in wet or oily conditions.
“3M Gripping Material means a less-fatiguing, lighter grip for better productivity and performance in sports and work,” said Tanya Richert, global marketing development manager with 3M. Trial bags of the material are now available on Shop 3M, at http://tinyurl.com/6876j8z, in two rolls of adhesive- backed 1” x 15’ material, or in six sheets of plain-baked 6” x 7” material.
Possible applications for 3M Gripping Material include:
Adhesive-backed formulation:
· Tool handles and levers
· Steering wheels
· Handrails
· Sporting goods handles, such as on bats, ski poles, rackets, bikes, fishing poles and golf clubs
· Power and garden tool handles
· Lawn care equipment and snow blowers
· Medical equipment such as walkers and wheelchairs
· New, clean gloves
Plain-backed formulation:
· For sewing onto gloves, such as for work, batting, golf, biking, ski, racquetball, racing, etc.
According to 3M’s Richert, “3M Gripping Material resists abrasion and punctures and can stand up to the demands of athletes and industrial applications, even in wet, oily conditions. It has been tested to perform across a broad temperature range from -40 to 160° F (-40 to 71° C) indoors and out.”
Ideally, the gripping material is applied in an A/B system, where it is used both on a handle and a glove, for instance. “3M sponsored a study comparing the effects of gloves and grips on athletic performance. The study’s authors found that baseball players using batting gloves made with gripping material, along with a gripping material grip, had a 4.4 percent increase in bat speed compared to leather gloves and leather bat wraps,” said Richert. “This translates into a fly ball traveling 16.6 feet farther simply through the use of the gripping material system.”
For more information about 3M Gripping Material and the new trial bags, please visit Shop 3M at http://tinyurl.com/6876j8z or call 800-362-3550.
About 3M
3M captures the spark of new ideas and transforms them into thousands of ingenious products. Our culture of creative collaboration inspires a never-ending stream of powerful technologies that make life better. 3M is the innovation company that never stops inventing. With $27 billion in sales, 3M employs about 80,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 65 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com or follow @3MNews on Twitter.
3M is a trademark of 3M Company.
“3M Gripping Material means a less-fatiguing, lighter grip for better productivity and performance in sports and work,” said Tanya Richert, global marketing development manager with 3M. Trial bags of the material are now available on Shop 3M, at http://tinyurl.com/6876j8z, in two rolls of adhesive- backed 1” x 15’ material, or in six sheets of plain-baked 6” x 7” material.
Possible applications for 3M Gripping Material include:
Adhesive-backed formulation:
· Tool handles and levers
· Steering wheels
· Handrails
· Sporting goods handles, such as on bats, ski poles, rackets, bikes, fishing poles and golf clubs
· Power and garden tool handles
· Lawn care equipment and snow blowers
· Medical equipment such as walkers and wheelchairs
· New, clean gloves
Plain-backed formulation:
· For sewing onto gloves, such as for work, batting, golf, biking, ski, racquetball, racing, etc.
According to 3M’s Richert, “3M Gripping Material resists abrasion and punctures and can stand up to the demands of athletes and industrial applications, even in wet, oily conditions. It has been tested to perform across a broad temperature range from -40 to 160° F (-40 to 71° C) indoors and out.”
Ideally, the gripping material is applied in an A/B system, where it is used both on a handle and a glove, for instance. “3M sponsored a study comparing the effects of gloves and grips on athletic performance. The study’s authors found that baseball players using batting gloves made with gripping material, along with a gripping material grip, had a 4.4 percent increase in bat speed compared to leather gloves and leather bat wraps,” said Richert. “This translates into a fly ball traveling 16.6 feet farther simply through the use of the gripping material system.”
For more information about 3M Gripping Material and the new trial bags, please visit Shop 3M at http://tinyurl.com/6876j8z or call 800-362-3550.
About 3M
3M captures the spark of new ideas and transforms them into thousands of ingenious products. Our culture of creative collaboration inspires a never-ending stream of powerful technologies that make life better. 3M is the innovation company that never stops inventing. With $27 billion in sales, 3M employs about 80,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 65 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com or follow @3MNews on Twitter.
3M is a trademark of 3M Company.
Thursday, February 03, 2011
Antoine L’Estage and Nathalie Richard Ready to Defend Their Canadian Title
Montréal (Québec), February 3rd, 2011. – The 2010 Canadian, American, and North American Rally Champions, Antoine L’Estage of St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Qc and Nathalie Richard of Halifax, NS will return to competition this weekend to contest Maniwaki’s Rallye Perce-Neige, the first round of the 2011 Canadian Rally Championship.
L’Estage, the Rockstar Royal Group team driver, is looking for his fourth victory at the Rallye Perce-Neige after winning this challenging winter event three times in the past five years. The Rallye Perce-Neige is an event that I always enjoy and the time I’ve had in my Mitsubishi Evo X in the past two weeks has left me really excited to contest this rally indicates Antoine L’Estage, who adds : even with a such a fantastic season last year, Perce-Neige was the only rally that we didn’t score points at. I want to redeem myself this year and come away with top points. Winning is obviously a main objective but the priority, as always, remains our need for important championship points.
The Perce-Neige rally is known for its tricky snow and ice-covered roads, something that does not stress Antoine L’Estage, who relies on his Yokohama tires : having this lineup of Yokohama tires available to us is key, including the best intermediate winter tire for performace rallying he indicates.
At the wheel of his Rockstar Royal Group Evo X, Antoine L’Estage knows that repeating his record-breaking 2010 season will be difficult, but anything’s possible : winning the “Triple Crown” (Canadian, American, and North American titles) does not come by easily. I’d like to do it again but my priority is the Canadian championship. My entire team is geared up and highly looking forward to the Perce-Neige rally, he explains.
Last weekend in the United States…
The Rockstar Royal Group team took part in last weekend’s Sno*Drift Rally in Michigan, Round 1 of the 2011 Rally America season, the premier American series that was won last year by the L’Estage/Richard duo. After winning the first three competitive stages of the rally and building up a 20 second lead, the team’s rally was ended early in a small snowbank. The contact resulted in a damaged radiator, causing the motor to overheat once the team got going again. It was a very positive start to the rally because we were able to show our speed but we couldn’t risk continuing after the car started overheating,shared the Quebec driver. L’Estage’s main rival in the Rally America series also retired early from the rally, denying either team a points advantage in their hunt for the title. Antoine and Nathalie return to the American season at the end of February for Missouri’s Rally in the 100 Acre Wood.
Antoine L’Estage holds three North American championship titles (2007, 2008, 2010), three Canadian titles (2006, 2007, 2010), one American title (2010), and twenty-five overall victories in Canada and the US. Nathalie Richard holds six overall national championship titles (3 in Canada and 3 in the USA), as well as thirty-one overall rally wins on both sides of the border. She is also a six-time North American Co-Driving Champion (2004 – 2010, excluding 2006).
Antoine L’Estage and Nathalie Richard participate in the 2011 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 antoinelestage.com.
L’Estage, the Rockstar Royal Group team driver, is looking for his fourth victory at the Rallye Perce-Neige after winning this challenging winter event three times in the past five years. The Rallye Perce-Neige is an event that I always enjoy and the time I’ve had in my Mitsubishi Evo X in the past two weeks has left me really excited to contest this rally indicates Antoine L’Estage, who adds : even with a such a fantastic season last year, Perce-Neige was the only rally that we didn’t score points at. I want to redeem myself this year and come away with top points. Winning is obviously a main objective but the priority, as always, remains our need for important championship points.
The Perce-Neige rally is known for its tricky snow and ice-covered roads, something that does not stress Antoine L’Estage, who relies on his Yokohama tires : having this lineup of Yokohama tires available to us is key, including the best intermediate winter tire for performace rallying he indicates.
At the wheel of his Rockstar Royal Group Evo X, Antoine L’Estage knows that repeating his record-breaking 2010 season will be difficult, but anything’s possible : winning the “Triple Crown” (Canadian, American, and North American titles) does not come by easily. I’d like to do it again but my priority is the Canadian championship. My entire team is geared up and highly looking forward to the Perce-Neige rally, he explains.
Last weekend in the United States…
The Rockstar Royal Group team took part in last weekend’s Sno*Drift Rally in Michigan, Round 1 of the 2011 Rally America season, the premier American series that was won last year by the L’Estage/Richard duo. After winning the first three competitive stages of the rally and building up a 20 second lead, the team’s rally was ended early in a small snowbank. The contact resulted in a damaged radiator, causing the motor to overheat once the team got going again. It was a very positive start to the rally because we were able to show our speed but we couldn’t risk continuing after the car started overheating,shared the Quebec driver. L’Estage’s main rival in the Rally America series also retired early from the rally, denying either team a points advantage in their hunt for the title. Antoine and Nathalie return to the American season at the end of February for Missouri’s Rally in the 100 Acre Wood.
Antoine L’Estage holds three North American championship titles (2007, 2008, 2010), three Canadian titles (2006, 2007, 2010), one American title (2010), and twenty-five overall victories in Canada and the US. Nathalie Richard holds six overall national championship titles (3 in Canada and 3 in the USA), as well as thirty-one overall rally wins on both sides of the border. She is also a six-time North American Co-Driving Champion (2004 – 2010, excluding 2006).
Antoine L’Estage and Nathalie Richard participate in the 2011 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 antoinelestage.com.
Race Time Radio: New Smyrna Mod & Super LM Races to be on Sirius 98 on Feb 15
CONCORD, NC (February 2, 2011) – Florida Speedweeks is a time for racers and racing fans around North America to get out of the snow and frigid temperatures and kick off the racing season at places such as New Smyrna Speedway. Today it is being announced that Speed 51 Radio and Race Time Radio will broadcast a 2-hour radio show on “The Score,” Sirius 98, from the 45th annual “World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing” at New Smyrna Speedway on Tuesday, February 15th. The show, which will be hosted by SPEED’s Bob Dillner and RTR’s Joe Chisholm, will be live from 7-9pm that Tuesday.
“We are trying to put Modified and Super Late Model racers that are at New Smyrna Speedway for Speedweeks ‘on the map’ in terms of coverage,” said Bob Dillner, who also owns Speed51.com, the nation’s largest pavement short track racing website. “Being on the internet with our broadcast is always cool, but adding the exposure of being on Sirius 98 for that show will be beneficial to all.”
Race Time Radio broadcasts twice a week, but during Florida Speedweeks, it will expand its coverage to both New Smyrna Speedway and Daytona International Speedway. Check out RaceTimeRadio.com for its air schedule.
"I’m excited for the show and to get out of the snow here in Canada," said Joe Chisholm, host of Race Time Radio. “We’ll feature some of the winners from the US and here in Canada, plus those who get wrecked trying to go to victory lane. Race fans all over North America keep track of all the action at New Smyrna Speedway every year.”
“The Score,” Sirius 98, features “Uncensored sports talk from experts & analysts that talk the same language as hardcore sports fans everywhere.” Race Time Radio is presented by Shell Rotella while Speed 51 Radio is presented by JEGS during Florida Speedweeks.
The 2-hour radio show at New Smyrna Speedway will feature interviews with racers participating in the 9-nights of racing action at the track. Bob Dillner and Joe Chisholm will host the show, while Matt “Duke” Kentfield will serve as the show’s pit-road reporter.
The Speed 51 Radio / RTR show will air live from New Smyrna Speedway on Tuesday, February 15th from 7-9pm.
In addition to this show, Speed51.com, presented by JEGS.com, is “The Official Site of Smyrna Speedweeks” and all the action from New Smyrna Speedway from February 10-19.
For more information on Speed51.com, Speed51 Radio and its partners such as Race Time Radio, contact Matt Kentfield at 51 Sports at (704) 785-4013.
Last Ditch Racing to tackle snowy Rallye Perce Neige 2011
Maine's Last Ditch Racing will bring their Subaru WRX STi into the remote snowy stages of Northern Quebec this weekend for the Rallye Perce Neige. Headquartered in the town of Maniwaki, Rallye Perce Neige is the first round of the 2011 Canadian Rally Championship.
An extremely strong field of 42 crews have entered the event, ensuring that there will be competition throughout the field.
Although Perce Neige will be the team's only full-on snow/ice event of 2011, Driver John Cassidy and Co-Driver Dave Getchell are up for the challenge. Said Cassidy, "Snow and ice require patience and finesse. Combine those requirements with the demands of the technical stages of Perce Neige, and we have an extremely long day ahead of us on Saturday!" The team will also get to run the famous 32.95km Kitigan Zibi stage twice, once likely in the dark. "Other than some of the older stages run years ago at the Maine Forest Rally, Kitigan Zibi is likely the longest stage we'll run all season-it's one of the few stages we've done that I've actually asked Dave, "how much further!?"
The teams plans to stay quick and tidy and avoid deploying any snow removal equipment during the event. "Once the shovel is out of the car, you're bleeding enormous time that's very hard to pull back. We're not snow/ice experts, but then again, it's not our first rodeo(or snowball fight) either!" said Cassidy. The team has competed many times at Perce Neige, but only once when their current Subaru STi had been freshly built. "The car was suffering significant mechanical issues on that event and the results reflected it. She's had significant development since that time and all Dave and I need to do is try and keep up with her!"
The team is looking forward to a busy 2011 season, which will include all Eastern Canadian Rally Championship events as well as the New England Forest Rally. "We're going to push hard this season, focusing on Canada. We love the organization, the fans and especially the competition-we're very excited to be back!"
Last Ditch Racing would like to thank their 2010 Partners for their continued support:
VP Racing fuels, http://www.vpracingfuels.com
Triple Caution, LLC, http://www.triplecaution.us
For more information on Rallye Defi, please visit: http://www.rallyeperceneige.com/
For more information on Last Ditch Racing: http://www.lastditchracing.com
Social Networking:
Search for us on Facebook and Myspace.
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/lastditchracing Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/LastDitchRacing
To Purchase Last Ditch Racing Gear, please visit: http://www.cafepress.com/lastditchracing
An extremely strong field of 42 crews have entered the event, ensuring that there will be competition throughout the field.
Although Perce Neige will be the team's only full-on snow/ice event of 2011, Driver John Cassidy and Co-Driver Dave Getchell are up for the challenge. Said Cassidy, "Snow and ice require patience and finesse. Combine those requirements with the demands of the technical stages of Perce Neige, and we have an extremely long day ahead of us on Saturday!" The team will also get to run the famous 32.95km Kitigan Zibi stage twice, once likely in the dark. "Other than some of the older stages run years ago at the Maine Forest Rally, Kitigan Zibi is likely the longest stage we'll run all season-it's one of the few stages we've done that I've actually asked Dave, "how much further!?"
The teams plans to stay quick and tidy and avoid deploying any snow removal equipment during the event. "Once the shovel is out of the car, you're bleeding enormous time that's very hard to pull back. We're not snow/ice experts, but then again, it's not our first rodeo(or snowball fight) either!" said Cassidy. The team has competed many times at Perce Neige, but only once when their current Subaru STi had been freshly built. "The car was suffering significant mechanical issues on that event and the results reflected it. She's had significant development since that time and all Dave and I need to do is try and keep up with her!"
The team is looking forward to a busy 2011 season, which will include all Eastern Canadian Rally Championship events as well as the New England Forest Rally. "We're going to push hard this season, focusing on Canada. We love the organization, the fans and especially the competition-we're very excited to be back!"
Last Ditch Racing would like to thank their 2010 Partners for their continued support:
VP Racing fuels, http://www.vpracingfuels.com
Triple Caution, LLC, http://www.triplecaution.us
For more information on Rallye Defi, please visit: http://www.rallyeperceneige.com/
For more information on Last Ditch Racing: http://www.lastditchracing.com
Social Networking:
Search for us on Facebook and Myspace.
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/lastditchracing Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/LastDitchRacing
To Purchase Last Ditch Racing Gear, please visit: http://www.cafepress.com/lastditchracing
10 Mitsubishi teams start on a fresh page
Toronto, Ontario (February 2nd, 2011) – The first round of the Canadian Rally Championship will be run this weekend out of Maniwaki, Quebec, capital city of the Upper Ottawa Valley. Three award-winning and champion crews will head a 10-car Mitsubishi Brigade among the 42 starters. Triple Crown winners Antoine L’Estage and co-driver Nathalie Richard from St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, in their Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution will be first on the road. L’Estage and Richard spent the last months attending banquets and events where their Canadian, North American and Rally America titles put them among the best motorsports teams in America. The brother pair of Jan and Jody Zedril from Winnipeg, Canadian 2WD champions for years, will now enter their Lancer in class 5 while driver Jeffrey Dowell partnered with Yavor Klostranec will vie for another Production Sport class title.
Five more teams will enter open-class EVO rallycars and compete for a place in the Top 5. Synchro Racing will have the Losier family in a trio of EVO. 2008 Mitsubishi Cup winner Simon Losier with veteran Brian Maxwell, second year Martin with Patrick Losier and finally Maxime with codriver Philippe Poirier. Out of retirement come former 2005 Canadian champions Peter Thomson and Rod Hendricksen. Ian Crerar and Doug Draper round up this group of five.
Now a regular fixture on the national scene, the only female crew of Michelle Laframboise and Élise Racette will start their Evo 4 from 25th place. Finally, the Mitsubishi Brigade welcomes the novice team of Peter Guagenti and James Drake on board their EVO IX.
“2010 was an exceptional year for our teams with the best results in the three years of our rally program,” said Kogi Soga, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada Inc. “We wish all of them the very best for the new season. We trust they will put all their efforts in achieving new goals.”
Rallye Perce-Neige : The 46th Edition of Rallye Perce-Neige, first round of the season, will start Saturday morning in downtown Maniwaki at 9:30 AM with car number 1 L’Estage and Richard heading for 13 hours of an ice and snow festival on logging roads. They will tackle 440 kilometres encompassing 14 speed sections totalling 202 kilometres, the longest and one of the hardest event on the calendar. Friday will have the competitors travel the stages for the regulatory reccie before the new shakedown at night where drivers will welcome guest riders for a charity fundraiser. More information is available at www.rallyeperceneige.com.
Five more teams will enter open-class EVO rallycars and compete for a place in the Top 5. Synchro Racing will have the Losier family in a trio of EVO. 2008 Mitsubishi Cup winner Simon Losier with veteran Brian Maxwell, second year Martin with Patrick Losier and finally Maxime with codriver Philippe Poirier. Out of retirement come former 2005 Canadian champions Peter Thomson and Rod Hendricksen. Ian Crerar and Doug Draper round up this group of five.
Now a regular fixture on the national scene, the only female crew of Michelle Laframboise and Élise Racette will start their Evo 4 from 25th place. Finally, the Mitsubishi Brigade welcomes the novice team of Peter Guagenti and James Drake on board their EVO IX.
“2010 was an exceptional year for our teams with the best results in the three years of our rally program,” said Kogi Soga, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada Inc. “We wish all of them the very best for the new season. We trust they will put all their efforts in achieving new goals.”
Rallye Perce-Neige : The 46th Edition of Rallye Perce-Neige, first round of the season, will start Saturday morning in downtown Maniwaki at 9:30 AM with car number 1 L’Estage and Richard heading for 13 hours of an ice and snow festival on logging roads. They will tackle 440 kilometres encompassing 14 speed sections totalling 202 kilometres, the longest and one of the hardest event on the calendar. Friday will have the competitors travel the stages for the regulatory reccie before the new shakedown at night where drivers will welcome guest riders for a charity fundraiser. More information is available at www.rallyeperceneige.com.
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
Merrittville Speedway: Racing Season Set to Begin for Several M-ville Modified Lite Drivers
Thorold, Ontario (February 2) – If the recent snowstorm has got you stuck at home – you can take the time to relax and enjoy the start of the racing season in the comfort of your own computer room. While the countdown to Merrittville Speedway’s 60th Anniversary Season is down to under 3 months away – for several J&S Heating and Air Conditioning Modified Lite Drivers … their first green flag of 2011 is down to just hours away.
Defending Champion Josh Sliter is hoping to get a jump on the competition in making the trip to the East Bay Raceway Park in Tampa Florida for the 35th Annual Winternationals.
“I am just hoping to qualify and to represent Merrittville and the NYDCA well,” relayed the first time champion in 2010 just prior to leaving for the Sunshine State.
One of the last times Sliter raced in 2010 was during the International Modified Lite Championship that annually anchors Merrittville’s final weekend. Many of the drivers that annually make the trip to Thorold for the 2 day showcase will also be kicking off their new seasons in this event but Sliter will not be on his own.
Travelling and racing with him will be his uncle and former champion Shawn Sliter who will be behind the wheel of his brother Ray’s # 27 before he rejoins the 358 Modified Division for his sophomore season.
Also joining the Sliters is another former Champion who like the elder Sliter last season is gearing up for his rookie season in the 358’s.
Paul Klager will be racing a Five Star Racing Products Car for Adam Murphy who will also be in his familiar #28 for the trip south. Murphy’s trailer carried a third car as Jason Corless is making his inaugural to East Bay.
“It’s been two years since I last raced there,” revealed Murphy while putting the final touches to the three cars, “we have struggled there in the past but with all we have learned over the years … I really think that we have got something to compete with … we’re all excited to get it started!”
For Corless - who spent much of last season recovering from an injury – the Bolton resident is looking forward to returning to competition after a couple of races to close last season.
“It was last year that Murphy and I watched East Bay on their web cast,” remembered Corless, “I’ve heard a lot about East Bay and figured it was something I had to do.”
To watch the Modified Lite portion of the Winternationals and for further options on viewing the other events live – click on http://modfury.com/ppv/
Team Merrittville will also be represented by Chris Steele. His engine will be between the frame rails of Dean Pronovost’s Pro Chassis Car while Pronovost will take over the controls of the #00 that Steele drove the final night of the Championship back in the fall. Steele will be using the trip to prepare for a return to regular weekly competition Saturday Nights in 2011.
For Klager, Sliter, Pronovost and Murphy – the racing will begin tonight as the All Star Challenge is part of Wednesday’s lineup.
Usually for the Modified Lites - the Winternationals at East Bay take place after the Daytona 500 and the DIRTcar Nationals by UNOH at the Volusia Speedway Park, however this season it takes place before racing to the east begins.
Racing at the track and on line at modfury.com is scheduled for Thursday, Friday and Saturday Nights. For all the news leading up to Merrittville Speedway’s 60th Consecutive Season visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com or join Merrittville Speedway on Face Book or follow on Twitter.
Join us this season on a Saturday Night for a 60th Anniversary LUCAS OIL WEEKLY RACING SERIES EVENT featuring FIVE Divisions with local heroes and up and coming new stars. Make your plans … call your friends and maybe even get a carpool together and enjoy a staycation at the speedway with plenty of free parking and camping spots – a night at the races is so much fun and so close to home!
Your Local Dirt Track is where it’s at!!! Merrittville Speedway ‘The Best Family Entertainment in Niagara.”
MERRITTVILLE SPEEDWAY SPONSORS: The 2011 Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series for Merrittville Speedway’s 5 Divisions was brought to race fans and racers by division sponsors – Original Pizza Logs, J&S Heating and Air Conditioning, Hoosier Tire Canada and Turn 4 Collision in addition to contingency sponsors Bicknell Racing Products, Bilstein Shock Absorbers, Brodix Cylinder Heads, Hoosier Tire, Lucas Oil Products, Inside Track Motorsport News, Intercomp, ISC Racer’s Tape, Jaz Products, Kirkey Racing Fabrication, Motorsports Safety Systems, Outerwears, Port City Racing, R.J.S. Racing Equipment, Racing Optics, Schroeder Torsion Bars, Schoenfeld Headers, Ultra Shield Race Products, Wrisco Industries and XRP, Inc.
Lucas Oil Products is one the fastest growing additive lines in the consumer automotive industry featuring a premium line of oils, greases and problem solving additives. Through innovative product research and development along with aggressive marketing programs, Lucas Oil Products has established itself as the top selling additive in the industry. Look for Lucas Oil Products at their favorite automotive retailer or maintenance centre including Drummond Home Hardware, KC Auto Parts, RCM Racing Equipment and Tim Phillips Garage.
For Immediate Release from Jim Irvine Merrittville Speedway Public Relations - 905-685-7223 (Winter Office), jimirvine@cogeco.net or www.twitter.com/merrittville
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
Tonight: Tues., Feb. 1 - RACE TIME RADIO Presented By Shell ROTELLA
Click here for streams and details: www.racetimeradio.com
GoPro LCD BacPac - Available Now
The LCD BacPac is a detachable LCD screen for your 1080p HD HERO camera. As a removable accessory, the LCD BacPac keeps your camera as small and light as possible, yet provides the convenience of an LCD screen when attached.
Enhanced Convenience:
- Use your HD HERO as an everyday camera
- Frame complex scenes, see what you shoot
- Playback footage instantly on your HD HERO
- Simple one button design for easy control
- Integrated speaker with volume control
What's included:
- 1 LCD BacPac screen
- 1 Waterproof backdoor for HD HERO housing
- 1 Waterproof backdoor for HD Wrist housing
- 1 Non-waterproof Skeleton backdoor for HD HERO housing
- 1 Non-waterproof Skeleton backdoor for HD Wrist housing
- 1 Year Warranty
To learn more, visit: gopro.com
Kia Canada Inc. posts record January while extending industry-best streak of 25 consecutive months of year-over-year sales growth
-Kia Canada begins 2011 with record January in 11 year history
-January sales volume exceeds 3000 sales for the first time
-January 2011 sales increase 26.2 per cent
-All Kia Canada Regions in Canada experience record January
-Sales growth momentum continues at industry leading 25 months
Mississauga, ON, February 1, 2011 – Kia Canada Inc. recorded its best-ever sales in January and a quick start to 2011 with 3049 sales and a 26.2 per cent increase versus 2010. This was the first time in Kia Canada’s eleven year history that sales volume surpassed 3000 units in January. Record January sales were evident throughout the country with all four Regions – Western, Central, Eastern and Atlantic reporting a best-ever month to start the New Year. Additionally, the industry-best two year sales growth momentum was also extended to 25 months.
“It is imperative that Kia Canada and its dealer network start out the year with aggressive sales momentum, which is indicative to our quest for another record year in 2011” said Maria Soklis, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) Kia Canada Inc. “With the launch of the all-new 2011 Kia Optima mid-size sedan in March coupled with other key launches in 2011, Kia Canada along with our dealer network are provisioned for an exceptional year”.
January sales volume was led by the red-hot Kia Sorento Compact Utility Vehicle (CUV) with a best-ever January reporting 939 vehicles sold along with the Kia Soul, Urban Utility Vehicle reporting 558 units or a 5.9 per cent increase versus previous year. “These vehicles and our entire product portfolio have consistently been our staple to success in Canada since their inception which began over 24 months ago with the Soul” said Robert Staffieri, Director of Marketing Kia Canada Inc. “We also expect the all-new 2011 Kia Sportage CUV to become a volume leader with production increasing for Canada in 2011 as sales increased in January by 41 per cent versus previous year.”
The month of January also debuted the launch of the “KV7” concept vehicle at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit which has been conceived as a modern-day “activity van”. The 2011 Montreal Auto Show provided the Canadian debut for the all-new 2011 Sportage SX which features the all-new flagship 2.0L Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine producing power of a V6, while achieving outstanding fuel economy of a four-cylinder. In addition, the all-new 2011 Optima EX luxury mid-size sedan made a surprise Canadian debut for the last three days of the Montreal Show exciting attendees. In advance of its Canadian launch this spring, the 2011 Optima has already achieved best-in-class fuel efficiency and a “Top Safety Pick” by the award by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) which achieves the highest possible crash safety rating in all four tests conducted by the organization.
In early January, the all-new 2011 Kia Sportage CUV was awarded “Best SUV / Crossover under $40,000” by the World of Wheels Editors’ Choice Awards. This is the third Canadian award attained by the Sportage since its launch in July 2010. Momentum continued at the 2011 North American International Autoshow in Detroit, where the 2011 Kia Sportage was presented “International Truck of the Year” in the United States by the ICOTY jury.
Both the 2011 Kia Sportage and 2011 Optima were also recently awarded the “iF Design Award” recognizing design quality, and other criteria, including workmanship, innovation, eco-friendliness, ergonomics and safety.
February Incentives
Kia Canada continues its retail incentive program for February “The Kia New Year’s Revolution” allowing a cash purchase of the 2011 Rio for $9995 (plus delivery, destination, applicable taxes and other fees) when combining all incentive offers. Incentive offers for February 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 along with the recent addition of 0% financing over a 60 month term for the 2011 Kia Soul. In addition, other low rate financing for other 2011 vehicles will be available along with the offer of “Don’t Pay until Spring”. These options make it easier to acquire a new Kia vehicle. Cash buyers can also select up to seven vehicles from Kia Canada’s line-up for under $20,000.
-January sales volume exceeds 3000 sales for the first time
-January 2011 sales increase 26.2 per cent
-All Kia Canada Regions in Canada experience record January
-Sales growth momentum continues at industry leading 25 months
Mississauga, ON, February 1, 2011 – Kia Canada Inc. recorded its best-ever sales in January and a quick start to 2011 with 3049 sales and a 26.2 per cent increase versus 2010. This was the first time in Kia Canada’s eleven year history that sales volume surpassed 3000 units in January. Record January sales were evident throughout the country with all four Regions – Western, Central, Eastern and Atlantic reporting a best-ever month to start the New Year. Additionally, the industry-best two year sales growth momentum was also extended to 25 months.
“It is imperative that Kia Canada and its dealer network start out the year with aggressive sales momentum, which is indicative to our quest for another record year in 2011” said Maria Soklis, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) Kia Canada Inc. “With the launch of the all-new 2011 Kia Optima mid-size sedan in March coupled with other key launches in 2011, Kia Canada along with our dealer network are provisioned for an exceptional year”.
January sales volume was led by the red-hot Kia Sorento Compact Utility Vehicle (CUV) with a best-ever January reporting 939 vehicles sold along with the Kia Soul, Urban Utility Vehicle reporting 558 units or a 5.9 per cent increase versus previous year. “These vehicles and our entire product portfolio have consistently been our staple to success in Canada since their inception which began over 24 months ago with the Soul” said Robert Staffieri, Director of Marketing Kia Canada Inc. “We also expect the all-new 2011 Kia Sportage CUV to become a volume leader with production increasing for Canada in 2011 as sales increased in January by 41 per cent versus previous year.”
The month of January also debuted the launch of the “KV7” concept vehicle at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit which has been conceived as a modern-day “activity van”. The 2011 Montreal Auto Show provided the Canadian debut for the all-new 2011 Sportage SX which features the all-new flagship 2.0L Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine producing power of a V6, while achieving outstanding fuel economy of a four-cylinder. In addition, the all-new 2011 Optima EX luxury mid-size sedan made a surprise Canadian debut for the last three days of the Montreal Show exciting attendees. In advance of its Canadian launch this spring, the 2011 Optima has already achieved best-in-class fuel efficiency and a “Top Safety Pick” by the award by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) which achieves the highest possible crash safety rating in all four tests conducted by the organization.
In early January, the all-new 2011 Kia Sportage CUV was awarded “Best SUV / Crossover under $40,000” by the World of Wheels Editors’ Choice Awards. This is the third Canadian award attained by the Sportage since its launch in July 2010. Momentum continued at the 2011 North American International Autoshow in Detroit, where the 2011 Kia Sportage was presented “International Truck of the Year” in the United States by the ICOTY jury.
Both the 2011 Kia Sportage and 2011 Optima were also recently awarded the “iF Design Award” recognizing design quality, and other criteria, including workmanship, innovation, eco-friendliness, ergonomics and safety.
February Incentives
Kia Canada continues its retail incentive program for February “The Kia New Year’s Revolution” allowing a cash purchase of the 2011 Rio for $9995 (plus delivery, destination, applicable taxes and other fees) when combining all incentive offers. Incentive offers for February 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 along with the recent addition of 0% financing over a 60 month term for the 2011 Kia Soul. In addition, other low rate financing for other 2011 vehicles will be available along with the offer of “Don’t Pay until Spring”. These options make it easier to acquire a new Kia vehicle. Cash buyers can also select up to seven vehicles from Kia Canada’s line-up for under $20,000.
Max Papis and Action Express Racing: Rolex 24 At Daytona Race Recap
DAYTONA BEACH, FL -- Action Express Racing went into the 49th running of the Rolex 24 At Daytona looking to recreate the excitement of its upset win in the prestigious race one year earlier. After a long and hard-fought 24 hours, the No. 9 Porsche/Riley found itself once again in the middle of a historic finish, but this time had to settle for a third-place podium finish.
With just eight minutes remaining in the race, the caution flag flew for debris from a blown tire on the No. 90 Spirit of Daytona Chevrolet, bunching up the four remaining cars on the lead lap for a one lap sprint for the win. Lining up third behind the No. 01 and No. 02 for Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sababtes -- and ahead of the No. 23 United Autosports Ford -- driver Joao Barbosa made a last ditch effort to claim the second position, falling just short.
“I thought on the last lap I could have pushed a little bit for second place, but I had to defend third place at the same time, so I couldn’t push too hard,” said Barbosa, who piloted the winning car one year ago. “I’m extremely pleased with the outcome.”
Added team owner Bob Johnson: “It was exciting, you have to give it that. You don’t see those types of finishes in this series too much. At first I wasn’t going to watch at all, but then it started to become possible to move forward and we were all jumping up and down.”
The first race for Action Express with its two-car lineup went well. Neither team had the mechanical problems that plague most teams over a 24-hour race – a great sign of things to come for 2011 – and in the end, both teams finished with top 10s.
“That’s a huge accomplishment. Just to finish this race is a big win,” Johnson said. “This team worked extremely hard. They’re a hard-working group of guys and I had no doubt that we would finish. We finished well so I certainly have to be happy with that.”
It was a near perfect day for both the No. 5 and No. 9. The only slip-up came in the race’s 18th hour when David Donohue looped the No. 5 Porsche/Riley in the chicane and did not have a clutch pedal to get the car refired. It took the team three laps to get the car towed and back on track and the team eventually finished 9th, four laps down.
“I went under the No. 59 in the chicane and it just didn’t really slow down much. I got into the dirt and around it went,” said Donohue of the spin. “It’s frustrating. We would’ve only lost a little bit of track position if we would’ve had a clutch. These guys do such a great job and it was an on-track error that cost us a podium.”
Still, with a podium and a pair of top 10s, Action Express opens the season once again with momentum coming out of Daytona. They will look to make the podium for a second time when the series returns to Homestead-Miami Speedway on March 4-5 for the Grand-Prix of Miami.
ACTION EXPRESS DRIVER QUOTES FROM THE THIRD-PLACE FINISHING NO. 9 PORSCHE/RILEY:
JOAO BARBOSA:
“It was a very difficult race for us. We didn’t have the outright speed for the Ganassi guys, but all the drivers and the team did such a great job. We were on the lead lap the whole time. I thought on the last lap I could have pushed a little bit for second place, but I had to defend my third place also so I couldn’t push too hard. I’m really pleased with the outcome."
TERRY BORCHELLER:
"What an amazing race. I couldn’t be happier to be able to finish third and be on the podium for the second year. This is such a great driver lineup, it’s been a blast. This is really awesome."
CHRISTIAN FITTIPALDI:
“Obviously it feels good to be on the podium, but we were aiming to win and that’s what we all expected. But with all of this competition, just to finish the 24-hour race, I’m happy. I think we lacked a little bit of speed, and that was it. Apart from that it was a great team effort. We didn’t make any mistakes and the team did an immaculate job in the pits. We’ll hope for the best when we come back next year.”
MAX PAPIS:
“I’m extremely proud of the whole team. This was definitely an effort by everybody. The drivers did an unbelievable job and the crew did a perfect job in the pits. Today we proved that we are here, and on the last lap we were fighting for the win. That’s what you want. You can’t ask for anything better.”
For more information about Max Papis, please visit www.maxpapis.com
You can also follow Max Papis on Twitter at www.twitter.com/maxpapis
With just eight minutes remaining in the race, the caution flag flew for debris from a blown tire on the No. 90 Spirit of Daytona Chevrolet, bunching up the four remaining cars on the lead lap for a one lap sprint for the win. Lining up third behind the No. 01 and No. 02 for Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sababtes -- and ahead of the No. 23 United Autosports Ford -- driver Joao Barbosa made a last ditch effort to claim the second position, falling just short.
“I thought on the last lap I could have pushed a little bit for second place, but I had to defend third place at the same time, so I couldn’t push too hard,” said Barbosa, who piloted the winning car one year ago. “I’m extremely pleased with the outcome.”
Added team owner Bob Johnson: “It was exciting, you have to give it that. You don’t see those types of finishes in this series too much. At first I wasn’t going to watch at all, but then it started to become possible to move forward and we were all jumping up and down.”
The first race for Action Express with its two-car lineup went well. Neither team had the mechanical problems that plague most teams over a 24-hour race – a great sign of things to come for 2011 – and in the end, both teams finished with top 10s.
“That’s a huge accomplishment. Just to finish this race is a big win,” Johnson said. “This team worked extremely hard. They’re a hard-working group of guys and I had no doubt that we would finish. We finished well so I certainly have to be happy with that.”
It was a near perfect day for both the No. 5 and No. 9. The only slip-up came in the race’s 18th hour when David Donohue looped the No. 5 Porsche/Riley in the chicane and did not have a clutch pedal to get the car refired. It took the team three laps to get the car towed and back on track and the team eventually finished 9th, four laps down.
“I went under the No. 59 in the chicane and it just didn’t really slow down much. I got into the dirt and around it went,” said Donohue of the spin. “It’s frustrating. We would’ve only lost a little bit of track position if we would’ve had a clutch. These guys do such a great job and it was an on-track error that cost us a podium.”
Still, with a podium and a pair of top 10s, Action Express opens the season once again with momentum coming out of Daytona. They will look to make the podium for a second time when the series returns to Homestead-Miami Speedway on March 4-5 for the Grand-Prix of Miami.
ACTION EXPRESS DRIVER QUOTES FROM THE THIRD-PLACE FINISHING NO. 9 PORSCHE/RILEY:
JOAO BARBOSA:
“It was a very difficult race for us. We didn’t have the outright speed for the Ganassi guys, but all the drivers and the team did such a great job. We were on the lead lap the whole time. I thought on the last lap I could have pushed a little bit for second place, but I had to defend my third place also so I couldn’t push too hard. I’m really pleased with the outcome."
TERRY BORCHELLER:
"What an amazing race. I couldn’t be happier to be able to finish third and be on the podium for the second year. This is such a great driver lineup, it’s been a blast. This is really awesome."
CHRISTIAN FITTIPALDI:
“Obviously it feels good to be on the podium, but we were aiming to win and that’s what we all expected. But with all of this competition, just to finish the 24-hour race, I’m happy. I think we lacked a little bit of speed, and that was it. Apart from that it was a great team effort. We didn’t make any mistakes and the team did an immaculate job in the pits. We’ll hope for the best when we come back next year.”
MAX PAPIS:
“I’m extremely proud of the whole team. This was definitely an effort by everybody. The drivers did an unbelievable job and the crew did a perfect job in the pits. Today we proved that we are here, and on the last lap we were fighting for the win. That’s what you want. You can’t ask for anything better.”
For more information about Max Papis, please visit www.maxpapis.com
You can also follow Max Papis on Twitter at www.twitter.com/maxpapis
MICHELIN ANNOUNCES 2011 AMERICAN LE MANS SERIES GT CLASS TECHNICAL PARTNER TEAMS
GREENVILLE, S.C. (Jan. 31, 2011) - Michelin today announced its 2011 lineup of GT category technical partner teams for the American Le Mans Series, adding a pair of Ford GTs from Robertson Racing and an exotic new Panoz Abruzzi. Continuing their long relationship with Michelin are the Flying Lizard Motorsports Porsche, Risi Competizione Ferrari and Corvette Racing teams. Also continuing with Michelin after a highly successful inaugural season in 2010 is the Extreme Speed Motorsports Ferrari team headed by former ALMS prototype champion Scott Sharp. Each is a leader for their respective factory efforts in ALMS.
“The ALMS GT category is considered to be the most competitive category in international motorsports today,” said Silvia Mammone, Michelin Motorsports manager. “We are pleased to have all of our 2010 ALMS technical partner teams continue with Michelin and we look forward to working with the Robertson and Panoz teams and welcoming their fans and friends to the Michelin ALMS family.”
Based in Sonoma, Calif., the Flying Lizard Porsche team is a two-time ALMS GT class champion. The team claimed four wins in 2010 ALMS competition as drivers Joerg Bergmeister and Patrick Long claimed their second consecutive ALMS driver championships. The Flying Lizard team also claimed the MICHELIN® GREEN X® Challenge season championship for the second consecutive year.
Risi Competizione Ferrari scored three ALMS race wins in 2010, including the Twelve Hours of Sebring. The Houston-based squad has two wins each at Sebring, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Road Atlanta’s Petit Le Mans in the past three seasons. The team will debut the new Ferrari F458 in 2011.
An eight-time GT1 class champion in ALMS and six-time winner at Le Mans, the New Hudson, Michigan-based Corvette Racing team competed its first full season in the GT class in 2010, taking the victory in the season ending Petit Le Mans.
Building on a successful inaugural GT season in 2010 is the Stuart, Florida-based Extreme Speed Motorsports Ferrari team headed by former ALMS prototype champion Scott Sharp. Extreme Speed posted a pair of front-row starts and a second place finish at Petit Le Mans in its first GT season.
“Michelin places a tire engineer with each of our technical partner race teams,” said Karl Koenigstein, Michelin ALMS technical team leader. “We do that to provide a constant source of fresh data, insights and understanding of the performance of our tires in the extremes of competition and provide our partners with exceptional levels of feedback and support.”
“Our long and highly successful connections with Porsche, Ferrari and Corvette help us understand the different needs of rear-, mid-, and front-engine cars all running in the same class. Now, by adding diverse cars like the Robertson Racing Ford GTs and the Panoz Abruzzi we can capture an even broader range of data and experience to help us develop future tires for the street as well as race tires,” said Koenigstein.
“Everyone at Robertson Racing is delighted to be working with Michelin during the upcoming ALMS season,” said Andrew ‘H’ Smith, Team Manager of the Braselton, GA-based Robertson Racing. “Their continued success in motorsport around the world, particularly in the GT and sportscar arena, ensures that we could not be working with a more accomplished tire technical partner for the unique rigours and challenges presented by endurance racing. I am certain that it won’t be long before we start seeing the mutual benefits of this exciting new partnership as we step up our program in 2011, which includes a potential Le Mans 24 Hours entry. Naturally we cannot wait to begin developing this exciting collaboration, one which will see the iconic Ford GT race on MICHELIN tires for the first time in American Le Mans Series history.”
Michelin has 105 wins in GT class competition, including 17 of 19 over the past two ALMS seasons. In addition, Michelin has won the ALMS GT Tire Championship for 11 consecutive years.
Michelin is expected to announce its ALMS prototype technical partner teams and Le Mans Prototype Challenge entries next week. Michelin and its technical partner teams will begin the 2011 American Le Mans Series season at the Twelve Hours of Sebring on March 19.
Dedicated to the improvement of sustainable mobility, Michelin (www.michelin.com) designs, manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy duty trucks, motorcycles and the space shuttle. The company also publishes travel guides, maps and atlases covering Europe, Asia, Africa and North America. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America employs approximately 20,900 and operates 18 major manufacturing plants in 16 locations.
“The ALMS GT category is considered to be the most competitive category in international motorsports today,” said Silvia Mammone, Michelin Motorsports manager. “We are pleased to have all of our 2010 ALMS technical partner teams continue with Michelin and we look forward to working with the Robertson and Panoz teams and welcoming their fans and friends to the Michelin ALMS family.”
Based in Sonoma, Calif., the Flying Lizard Porsche team is a two-time ALMS GT class champion. The team claimed four wins in 2010 ALMS competition as drivers Joerg Bergmeister and Patrick Long claimed their second consecutive ALMS driver championships. The Flying Lizard team also claimed the MICHELIN® GREEN X® Challenge season championship for the second consecutive year.
Risi Competizione Ferrari scored three ALMS race wins in 2010, including the Twelve Hours of Sebring. The Houston-based squad has two wins each at Sebring, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Road Atlanta’s Petit Le Mans in the past three seasons. The team will debut the new Ferrari F458 in 2011.
An eight-time GT1 class champion in ALMS and six-time winner at Le Mans, the New Hudson, Michigan-based Corvette Racing team competed its first full season in the GT class in 2010, taking the victory in the season ending Petit Le Mans.
Building on a successful inaugural GT season in 2010 is the Stuart, Florida-based Extreme Speed Motorsports Ferrari team headed by former ALMS prototype champion Scott Sharp. Extreme Speed posted a pair of front-row starts and a second place finish at Petit Le Mans in its first GT season.
“Michelin places a tire engineer with each of our technical partner race teams,” said Karl Koenigstein, Michelin ALMS technical team leader. “We do that to provide a constant source of fresh data, insights and understanding of the performance of our tires in the extremes of competition and provide our partners with exceptional levels of feedback and support.”
“Our long and highly successful connections with Porsche, Ferrari and Corvette help us understand the different needs of rear-, mid-, and front-engine cars all running in the same class. Now, by adding diverse cars like the Robertson Racing Ford GTs and the Panoz Abruzzi we can capture an even broader range of data and experience to help us develop future tires for the street as well as race tires,” said Koenigstein.
“Everyone at Robertson Racing is delighted to be working with Michelin during the upcoming ALMS season,” said Andrew ‘H’ Smith, Team Manager of the Braselton, GA-based Robertson Racing. “Their continued success in motorsport around the world, particularly in the GT and sportscar arena, ensures that we could not be working with a more accomplished tire technical partner for the unique rigours and challenges presented by endurance racing. I am certain that it won’t be long before we start seeing the mutual benefits of this exciting new partnership as we step up our program in 2011, which includes a potential Le Mans 24 Hours entry. Naturally we cannot wait to begin developing this exciting collaboration, one which will see the iconic Ford GT race on MICHELIN tires for the first time in American Le Mans Series history.”
Michelin has 105 wins in GT class competition, including 17 of 19 over the past two ALMS seasons. In addition, Michelin has won the ALMS GT Tire Championship for 11 consecutive years.
Michelin is expected to announce its ALMS prototype technical partner teams and Le Mans Prototype Challenge entries next week. Michelin and its technical partner teams will begin the 2011 American Le Mans Series season at the Twelve Hours of Sebring on March 19.
Dedicated to the improvement of sustainable mobility, Michelin (www.michelin.com) designs, manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy duty trucks, motorcycles and the space shuttle. The company also publishes travel guides, maps and atlases covering Europe, Asia, Africa and North America. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America employs approximately 20,900 and operates 18 major manufacturing plants in 16 locations.
STAR MAZDA ALUMNI SHINE IN THE ROLEX 24
January 30, 2011 / Daytona, FL – With two dozen alumni of the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear among the competitors in the 49th annual Rolex 24 at Daytona, it's little wonder that when the smoke of battle cleared, the victors added another layer of luster to the gleaming reputation of Star Mazda as one of the premier driver training series in the world today – and a 'gateway' series to many forms of motorsports.
1999 Star Mazda champion Joey Hand and Graham Rahal, a graduate of the Star Mazda class of 2005, co-drove (along with Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas) the race winning the #01 Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates. In winning the 1999 championship Hand got a test with Team PTG in their ALMS sports car, which turned into a full-time ride with the factory team and sent him down the path of building a career at the top levels of endurance racing.
Star Mazda veteran Terry Borcheller, who co-drove the #9 Action Express Racing Riley DP to victory in 2010 finished 3rd this year. Ricky Taylor (Star Mazda class of '06) co-drove the #10 SunTrust Racing Dallara to a 5th-place finish.
Bryan Sellers, also an alumni of the 2005 Star Mazda series, co-drove the #48 Paul Miller Racing entry to a 2nd-place finish in the GT class. The #70 SpeedSource Mazda RX-8 co-driven by a trio of Star Mazda graduates - including Jonathan Bomarito, 2009 series champion Adam Christodoulou and 2008 series champion John Edwards -- finished 6th in class. Bomarito, a veteran of the 2005 Star Mazda Championship season, co-drove this same car to the GT class victory in 2010.
The #41 Dempsey Racing / Seattle Children's Hospital Mazda RX-8 GT, co-driven by 2007 Star Mazda champion Dane Cameron (who will run the full 2011 Grand-Am season in the car) and 2002 series alumni James Gue, finished 10th in the GT class. The #40 Dempsey Racing team RX-8 was the highest-placing Mazda in the race, scoring a 3rd-place podium finish.
About Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear.
For 2011, the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear will feature a 10-weekend, 11-race schedule, all on major race weekends and most with IndyCar. Two weekends are with the American Le Mans series, and one is a double-header with Indy Lights. Rising stars from around the world will be watched by more than a million fans as they compete for prizes valued at $1.5 million. Drivers 16 and older are welcome to compete and the Star Mazda Championship also features the Expert Series for drivers 30 and older. The Star Mazda Championship features standing starts, wheel-to-wheel racing at 160 mph and budgets a fraction of other top open-wheel ladder series.
The 2011 Star Mazda Championship season begins with sharing the track with IZOD IndyCars and Firestone Indy Lights during INDYCAR 'Spring Training,' March 14-16 at Barber Motorsports Park. The 2011 Star Mazda season-opener takes places at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg IndyCar weekend, March 25-27. As a part of the 2011 Mazda Road to Indy, drivers in the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear are competing for a prize fund valued in excess of $1.5 million – including a scholarship to help the series champion move up to the 2012 Firestone Indy Lights series.
For more information on the Star Mazda Championship and its drivers, as well as the Mazda Motorsports ladder system, please visit www.starmazda.com and www.mazdausa.com.
1999 Star Mazda champion Joey Hand and Graham Rahal, a graduate of the Star Mazda class of 2005, co-drove (along with Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas) the race winning the #01 Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates. In winning the 1999 championship Hand got a test with Team PTG in their ALMS sports car, which turned into a full-time ride with the factory team and sent him down the path of building a career at the top levels of endurance racing.
Star Mazda veteran Terry Borcheller, who co-drove the #9 Action Express Racing Riley DP to victory in 2010 finished 3rd this year. Ricky Taylor (Star Mazda class of '06) co-drove the #10 SunTrust Racing Dallara to a 5th-place finish.
Bryan Sellers, also an alumni of the 2005 Star Mazda series, co-drove the #48 Paul Miller Racing entry to a 2nd-place finish in the GT class. The #70 SpeedSource Mazda RX-8 co-driven by a trio of Star Mazda graduates - including Jonathan Bomarito, 2009 series champion Adam Christodoulou and 2008 series champion John Edwards -- finished 6th in class. Bomarito, a veteran of the 2005 Star Mazda Championship season, co-drove this same car to the GT class victory in 2010.
The #41 Dempsey Racing / Seattle Children's Hospital Mazda RX-8 GT, co-driven by 2007 Star Mazda champion Dane Cameron (who will run the full 2011 Grand-Am season in the car) and 2002 series alumni James Gue, finished 10th in the GT class. The #40 Dempsey Racing team RX-8 was the highest-placing Mazda in the race, scoring a 3rd-place podium finish.
About Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear.
For 2011, the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear will feature a 10-weekend, 11-race schedule, all on major race weekends and most with IndyCar. Two weekends are with the American Le Mans series, and one is a double-header with Indy Lights. Rising stars from around the world will be watched by more than a million fans as they compete for prizes valued at $1.5 million. Drivers 16 and older are welcome to compete and the Star Mazda Championship also features the Expert Series for drivers 30 and older. The Star Mazda Championship features standing starts, wheel-to-wheel racing at 160 mph and budgets a fraction of other top open-wheel ladder series.
The 2011 Star Mazda Championship season begins with sharing the track with IZOD IndyCars and Firestone Indy Lights during INDYCAR 'Spring Training,' March 14-16 at Barber Motorsports Park. The 2011 Star Mazda season-opener takes places at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg IndyCar weekend, March 25-27. As a part of the 2011 Mazda Road to Indy, drivers in the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear are competing for a prize fund valued in excess of $1.5 million – including a scholarship to help the series champion move up to the 2012 Firestone Indy Lights series.
For more information on the Star Mazda Championship and its drivers, as well as the Mazda Motorsports ladder system, please visit www.starmazda.com and www.mazdausa.com.
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