Woodbridge, Ont. (February 11, 2011) — AIM Autosport will add Dinan-tuned BMW engines to its Daytona Prototype sports car package this year as it looks to return to race-winning form. The team is also happy to announce that Burt Frisselle and Mark Wilkins will be back to drive the car. Sponsorship is the last piece of AIM’s puzzle this year, but all should be in place shortly.
After being approached by BMW tuner, Dinan Engineering, last fall, AIM will use a 5.0-litre, V8 BMW motor this year. Over the course of seven years, Dinan has developed the engine to its current level of performance and success in Grand-Am competition.
With a well-established reputation for fielding superbly handling and competitive cars, AIM Autosport believes the BMW engine that won last year’s Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 and finished first and second in this year’s Rolex 24 at Daytona will be the tonic it needs to rejoin the ranks of race winners.
AIM is happy to have Burt and Mark back in the car this year as they will help the team hit the ground running when it joins the competition at round two in Miami. Unfortunately, the team was unable to participate in the Rolex 24 at Daytona, but Mark and Burt raced with other outfits, finishing eighth and ninth, respectively.
“We have our work cut out to catch up with the other teams who have been testing and racing already this year,” said AIM Autosport principal and Daytona Prototype chief engineer, Ian Willis. “Fortunately for us we will have consistency on our side as we will be returning with our team personnel from last year intact including our proven driver pairing of Burt and Mark. At least our drivers are up to speed having each just come off great runs at the Rolex 24 and that experience will be key in helping the team catch up.
“I would like to thank John Maddox from Roush Yates for the success we enjoyed together over the past three seasons,” he continued. “The decision to switch to Dinan BMW was difficult, but when we weighed the benefits and potential in both the short and long term we became confident that this decision will bring on track rewards.”
“Dinan has noticed the excellent performance of AIM,” said Dinan Engineering founder, Steve Dinan. “We feel the team has tremendous potential and we wanted to come on board and help them to grow into a championship winning effort.”
AIM Autosport will launch its 2011 season at the Grand Prix of Miami, March 4–5 at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Florida.
AIM Autosport
AIM Autosport is a professional motorsports team active in highly-competitive sports car and open-wheel racing series in North America. AIM has achieved success at every level through its operating efficiency, engineering skill, experience, dedication and stability of workforce. AIM’s top-tier program is a Daytona Prototype entry in the Grand Am Rolex Sports Car Series.
Since its launch in 1995, AIM has built a winning heritage by fielding competitive cars for talented young drivers in junior development categories. That continues with multi-car teams in the Road to Indy® professional driver development ladder where AIM is a perennial pacesetter in Star Mazda and USF2000. For more information about A IM Autosport, visit www.aimautosport.com.
Friday, February 11, 2011
ARMANDO’S PIZZA & AMHERST QUARRIES HELP EXPAND THE EXTREME 32 SERIES FOR 2011
The 2010 season was the first year for the Rudy Helds Performance Centre Extreme 32 Series presented by Armando’s Pizza and Amherst Quarries. The series is unique in design as it is based on the quickest 32 qualifiers who enter, regardless of vehicle type (Door cars, Dragsters, Altereds , Bikes, etc.) .
The series provides a race each day (Sat & Sun - 2 qualifiers followed by eliminations) so competitors can come for one day or make the most of their towing costs by racing both days. (Many competitors also enter another Thunder series class, providing 2 races per day or 4 for the weekend.)
While the program was not full last year, attendance grew at every event and we ended up averaging over 20 entries per race. This momentum will continue in 2011 as sponsors Ed Smith from Amherst Quarries and John Pizzo from Armando’s Pizza are both stepping up their involvement in the series for 2011 which will allow us to provide a bigger and better program.
The 2011 Extreme 32 series will have a minimum guaranteed winner’s purse of $1200 each race day. ( i.e. Full field purse is $4160 winners share $1664)The series will expand to 10 races in 2011 (from 8 last year) with the dates being May 21/22, June 11/12, June 25/26, July 30/31 and August 20/21 ( with July 2/3 being a rain date weekend for any of the first 3 races). Race entry fee will remain at $150 per race. The membership fee for 2011 will be $75 and the Year end Points fund has dramatically increased as the Series winner will now receive $1500 in Cash plus Rudy Held's Performance Centre Certificates, the Champion’s Trophy, Champion’s Jacket,
Banquet tickets & Contingency. The balance of the points fund is as follows: Runner up - $750*, 3rd place - $500*, 4th place - $250*, 5th place - $125*. (* positions 2 thru 5 also get Rudy Held Certificates and banquet tickets).
“We see this series as a great alternative/option for those teams who are not quick enough or can’t commit to the Napa Q32 series, but want a competitive program comprised of similarly quick vehicles” says Ed Smith. John Pizzo adds “ Being racers ourselves we like supporting the drag racing community and we see this program filling a void. That is why we supported it in 2010 and are expanding our involvement in 2011”.
Series information is available at the GBM website - grandbendmotorplex.com or call 519 238 RACE Grand Bend Motorplex is South Western Ontario’s premier racing facility and home to the MOPAR Nitro Jam Nationals July 15-17th - Eastern Canada’s Largest Drag racing Event.
The series provides a race each day (Sat & Sun - 2 qualifiers followed by eliminations) so competitors can come for one day or make the most of their towing costs by racing both days. (Many competitors also enter another Thunder series class, providing 2 races per day or 4 for the weekend.)
While the program was not full last year, attendance grew at every event and we ended up averaging over 20 entries per race. This momentum will continue in 2011 as sponsors Ed Smith from Amherst Quarries and John Pizzo from Armando’s Pizza are both stepping up their involvement in the series for 2011 which will allow us to provide a bigger and better program.
The 2011 Extreme 32 series will have a minimum guaranteed winner’s purse of $1200 each race day. ( i.e. Full field purse is $4160 winners share $1664)The series will expand to 10 races in 2011 (from 8 last year) with the dates being May 21/22, June 11/12, June 25/26, July 30/31 and August 20/21 ( with July 2/3 being a rain date weekend for any of the first 3 races). Race entry fee will remain at $150 per race. The membership fee for 2011 will be $75 and the Year end Points fund has dramatically increased as the Series winner will now receive $1500 in Cash plus Rudy Held's Performance Centre Certificates, the Champion’s Trophy, Champion’s Jacket,
Banquet tickets & Contingency. The balance of the points fund is as follows: Runner up - $750*, 3rd place - $500*, 4th place - $250*, 5th place - $125*. (* positions 2 thru 5 also get Rudy Held Certificates and banquet tickets).
“We see this series as a great alternative/option for those teams who are not quick enough or can’t commit to the Napa Q32 series, but want a competitive program comprised of similarly quick vehicles” says Ed Smith. John Pizzo adds “ Being racers ourselves we like supporting the drag racing community and we see this program filling a void. That is why we supported it in 2010 and are expanding our involvement in 2011”.
Series information is available at the GBM website - grandbendmotorplex.com or call 519 238 RACE Grand Bend Motorplex is South Western Ontario’s premier racing facility and home to the MOPAR Nitro Jam Nationals July 15-17th - Eastern Canada’s Largest Drag racing Event.
Multimatic unveils de Macross GT1
To paraphrase Ferris Bueller... several Inside Trackers got to 'see something good' yesterday. We attended the unveiling of the new de Macross GT1 supercar. The car was commissioned by designer Jahong Hur, who approached Canada's Multimatic about turning his vision into reality. They did it in a year.
Thank you to Multimatic and Mr. Hur for inviting us to see this neat new car.
In a nutshell:
- 800 + HP (5.4 L Supercharged Aluminum V8 supplied by Roush Yates Racing)
- 7,000+ redline
- 0-60 in 3.4 sec. (predicted)
- 1-100 in 7.5 sec.
- Top speed: 215+ mph
- Chassis / Body: Multimatic modular hybrid carbon fibre / aluminum composite tub. Aluminum body
- plus some very unique suspension components, as only Multimatic can provide
NASCAR expected to announce move to fuel injection in 2012
Fox Sports' Lee Spencer speculates... NASCAR expected to announce move to fuel injection in 2012 ... via F1's McLaren?
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Gumball Sti Racing: - 2011 Rally Season starts: Sno*Drift Update
Months of planning, preparation, and testing paid off as we laid down some blazing stage times....our rally car, named "Godzilla", is wicked fast and on ss1 (special stage 1) a nervous new co-driver accidentally called a turn early and we went off on the very first stage, at speed, turning under some marker tape and proceeding down a small access road....the time lost cost us a third place stage finish as we had to slow down, turn around, and head back to get on stage. Even with this scenic tour...we still managed a 5th place stage time out of 50 competitors and I laughed about it through the entire event. "Left 4+ under tape"....haha
I slowed down a touch on the next few stages allowing us to work together as a team, build trust, and get faster and faster......Soon we arrived at SS5 which was the hardest stage of the entire event...this grueling single track stage is simply called "The Ranch" and contained miles of skinny rock cuts, ravines, and accute turns literally around trees ...
We felt good and were now running in top form.....that positive feeling quickly disappeared in the middle of "the ranch" stage when our lights went out entirely and then would flash on for a moment only to go out again for what seemed an eternity. (Like a scene from Pitch Black)
With complete darkness broken by very brief moments of light...forced me to take a mental picture of the tight twisty sections, rocks, and so so many trees.....remaining relatively calm I somehow managed to stay flat on the go pedal in the darkness... while missing most hard objects... near the end of the stage we unfortunately came upon two slower cars which cost us precious time as we attempted to find a place to pass by ...
We finish The Ranch with a stage time within 30seconds of third place....
Our speeds continued to improve into the second day until a shattered suspension on ss15 left us on the side of the road with 13 miles of stage left. With some quick thinking, mechanical prowess, and POR (Press On Regardless) spirit...we removed all components and turned our rally car into a rear wheel drive snowmobile.
On the skidplate...we completed 22 miles, 2 stages, and 2 transits with speeds in excess of 65 mph to get back to the service area. As we were coming in...there was lot's of radio discussion as the RA officials had never seen anything like it.
Here's a video of us pulling Godzilla into service... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9p1eswBg_s&feature=player_embedded
Our amazing crew then jumped into action. After a brief thirty-eight minutes and a loud well deserved standing ovation from the crowd we rolled out of service.
The car felt great and Godzilla had an entirely new front-end. We proceeded to the second to last stage....en route our brakes failed (pedal was completely on the floor) and we ran the last two stages of the event with NO brakes....even managed to pass a few cars on those last stages.....we pulled in to the finish area and was glad to have completed all stages of our first Rally America event....unfortunately we were then DNF'd after finishing (bummer)....
We definitely made a first impression, and the top teams are now watching us, Godzilla is screaming fast....if she continues to perform...we should be able to secure some solid national Canadian/US finishing positions ...Our sights are set on trying to compete, earn top finish positions, and qualify for this year's X-Games competition.
Our team is a professional top-tier national entry with proven experience.....we continue to push forward and go for it!!!
The national events we compete in are major with lot's of opportunities for brand exposure and marketing.
The next national event is less than 3 weeks out.....prep prep prep....can't wait!!!!
Stay tuned and remember.... "Pin it to Win it!!!"
Richard Burton
North American Rally Athlete
http://www.gumballsti.com/
I slowed down a touch on the next few stages allowing us to work together as a team, build trust, and get faster and faster......Soon we arrived at SS5 which was the hardest stage of the entire event...this grueling single track stage is simply called "The Ranch" and contained miles of skinny rock cuts, ravines, and accute turns literally around trees ...
We felt good and were now running in top form.....that positive feeling quickly disappeared in the middle of "the ranch" stage when our lights went out entirely and then would flash on for a moment only to go out again for what seemed an eternity. (Like a scene from Pitch Black)
With complete darkness broken by very brief moments of light...forced me to take a mental picture of the tight twisty sections, rocks, and so so many trees.....remaining relatively calm I somehow managed to stay flat on the go pedal in the darkness... while missing most hard objects... near the end of the stage we unfortunately came upon two slower cars which cost us precious time as we attempted to find a place to pass by ...
We finish The Ranch with a stage time within 30seconds of third place....
Our speeds continued to improve into the second day until a shattered suspension on ss15 left us on the side of the road with 13 miles of stage left. With some quick thinking, mechanical prowess, and POR (Press On Regardless) spirit...we removed all components and turned our rally car into a rear wheel drive snowmobile.
On the skidplate...we completed 22 miles, 2 stages, and 2 transits with speeds in excess of 65 mph to get back to the service area. As we were coming in...there was lot's of radio discussion as the RA officials had never seen anything like it.
Here's a video of us pulling Godzilla into service... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9p1eswBg_s&feature=player_embedded
Our amazing crew then jumped into action. After a brief thirty-eight minutes and a loud well deserved standing ovation from the crowd we rolled out of service.
The car felt great and Godzilla had an entirely new front-end. We proceeded to the second to last stage....en route our brakes failed (pedal was completely on the floor) and we ran the last two stages of the event with NO brakes....even managed to pass a few cars on those last stages.....we pulled in to the finish area and was glad to have completed all stages of our first Rally America event....unfortunately we were then DNF'd after finishing (bummer)....
We definitely made a first impression, and the top teams are now watching us, Godzilla is screaming fast....if she continues to perform...we should be able to secure some solid national Canadian/US finishing positions ...Our sights are set on trying to compete, earn top finish positions, and qualify for this year's X-Games competition.
Our team is a professional top-tier national entry with proven experience.....we continue to push forward and go for it!!!
The national events we compete in are major with lot's of opportunities for brand exposure and marketing.
The next national event is less than 3 weeks out.....prep prep prep....can't wait!!!!
Stay tuned and remember.... "Pin it to Win it!!!"
Richard Burton
North American Rally Athlete
http://www.gumballsti.com/
Wednesday, February 09, 2011
Roland Bernard Parks Ride For All The Right Reasons
Greg Cybulski, WINNIPEG, MB (February 7, 2011) The Northern Lightning Sprint Association will crown a new champion in 2011. Two-time king of the hill, Roland Bernard will not lose his crown in a battle to the finish on the last race of the season. Bernard is parking his #2 Lightning Sprint this year to devote time and energy to his life as a married man with his new bride Janell.
The vacated crown will also mean a wide open battle royal for the 2011 Northern Lightning Sprint championship.
For the past two seasons, dirt track racing fans have been witness to one of the most competitive, dedicated and intelligent representatives of Winnipeg's racing scene. On race day, Bernard and his team were focused, prepared and brought their 'A' game every time they were at Red River Co-op Speedway. In the inaugural NLSA season of 2009, the #2 Sprinter made regular appearances in victory lane with dominating performances. From the first green flag of Spring to the final checkered flag of Autumn, nobody could consistently come close to his performance level.
In year two, Roland once again showed the way with strong performances, however, he would add a new weapon to his game. Mired near the back of the pack to start features, he fought his way to the front and found ways to win. This was not something that could be taught. This was the determination and confidence of a defending champion who realized what it would take to win. Seemingly unfazed by Amber Balcaen's close run for the 2010 championship, Bernard ran a near-perfect season to remain the NLSA's lone champion.
His life outside of racing will take top priority this year and for that Roland Bernard has his head on straight. For as exciting and attractive as racing is, coming home to those closest to you is the most important thing in life. At the end of the day, it's all that really matters.
While Bernard is just beginning this new chapter of his life, he is proving to be a winner both on and away from the track.
About the Northern Lightning Sprint Association:
Created in September of 2008, the Northern Lightning Sprint Association is a rapidly growing organization committed to the creation and maintenance of safe, fast, fun, and affordable open wheel racing. Many of the organization’s members are dedicated to helping charities such as the Children’s Hospital Foundation and Cancer Care of Manitoba. More information can be found at http://www.nlsprints.com
NASCAR LAS VEGAS: Fan access to Jimmie Johnson at Sam's Town Hotel
Sam’s Town Live! Kicks Off NASCAR Weekend with Special Appearance By Five-Time Champion Jimmie Johnson and Broadcast Veteran Chris MyersLAS VEGAS – Boyd Gaming Corporation’s Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall is jumpstarting its much-anticipated 14th Annual Sam’s Town 300 NASCAR celebration with a weekend of unique action designed to appeal to racing fans everywhere.
On Thursday, March 3, the public is invited for an exclusive chance to see five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson in a one-hour Question and Answer session for fans, hosted by Emmy® Award-winning sportscaster Chris Myers. This free event, presented by Gatorade, will be held at Sam’s Town Live!; doors will open at 6:30 p.m.
Following the Sam’s Town 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race on Saturday, March 5, Sam’s Town Live! will also host the Official After-Race Concert, featuring chart-topping artist Uncle Kracker.
As the longest-running sponsor of one of the largest Nationwide Series races, Boyd Gaming is proud to continue its involvement in the Sam’s Town 300 in 2011. We offer inclusive packages at seven Las Vegas resorts – Sam’s Town, The Orleans, Gold Coast, Suncoast, California, Fremont and Main Street Station -- that include hotel accommodations, race tickets, and roundtrip hotel-to-track transportation. On race day, our guests enjoy some of the best seating available at the Sam’s Town 300, including seats in the exclusive Earnhardt and Petty Terraces. For more information, or to book accommodations, please visit www.boydgaming.com/nascar.
Tickets for the Official After-Race Concert featuring Uncle Kracker are already on sale, starting at $20 plus tax. Tickets may be purchased in person at any Coast Casinos box office, by visiting www.samstownlv.com/hotel-entertainment, or by calling (702) 365-7075.
From Clyde Hogan / JMPR Public Relations
New Weiand Swing-Arm Blower Drive For 6-71 Superchargers
Bowling Green, KY - Weiand is proud to announce the release of its vintage “swing-arm” style blower drive for their 6-71 series supercharger system. This drive style gained notoriety as the standard choice for front engine dragsters, gassers, and altered of the 1960’s as well as on Mel Gibson’s Interceptor Coupe during the 1970’s cult classic movie Mad Max.
The drive is composed of cast aluminum and comes complete with matching pulleys to augment assembly. The drive kit (part # 7201WND) comes with cover, idler arm, idler pulley, and fasteners. Vintage ½-inch pitch pulleys in 33T, 34T, 36T, and 38T configurations can be ordered separately. The idler pulley (7203WND) and the drive gear cover (7204WND) can also be purchased separately for those who already have parts from a previous blower setup. Weiand currently offers 6-71 superchargers for small block Chevrolet, big block Chevrolet, and Chrysler 392 Hemi applications.
Complete supercharger kits featuring this vintage blower drive will be available in early 2011. Visit http://holley.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=03615fea1b45820abfcfeb59d&id=457cb8fca6&e=60353c5f26 for more information, or contact Holley at 1801 Russellville Road, Bowling Green, KY 42101, (270) 781-9741. For the nearest dealer: call 1-800-HOLLEY-1.
NISSAN EUROPE UNVEILS ITS SIGNATURE RACING MOVE
Rolle, February 9th 2011 – Nissan International SA announced today an exclusive two-year official partnership with Signature Racing, part of the France-based Signature Group. The agreement brings together Nissan and Signature on the race track in the new Intercontinental Le Mans Cup (ILMC), with Nissan providing the team its NISMO tuned VK45V8 engines for the LMP2 class.
Nissan's heritage of technical innovation and excellence finds a natural place in the arena of International Motorsports where the company has a rich history of competition spanning over 70 years and encompassing everything from International rallying to Touring Cars, Le Mans, the Daytona 24 hours and the FIA GT1 championship.
Announcing the new agreement, Vincent Wijnen, Nissan Vice-President, Strategy and Marketing, said “Nissan is very happy to announce our new partnership with Signature and we look forward to working with such a professional and well respected team. I know our customers, fans and dealers will be following our progress when we start racing in March and will of course be anticipating our return to the Le Mans 24 hours.”
Beginning with their first race under the banner of ‘ Signatech Nissan’ in the ILMC on March 19th in Sebring, USA, the Signature Racing team will be powered for the first time by Nissan’s engines.
Philippe Sinault, CEO of Signature Group, added “We are delighted to team-up with such an innovative car manufacturer. Nissan’s engine know how will be crucial to the overall performance of the car, and we are sure this partnership will be hugely successful.”
Although the official race car livery and full driver line-up for the new season will be announced over the coming weeks, F3 star Franck Mailleux has been confirmed for the ILMC and Le Mans24 Hours.
About Signature Since its founding in 1990, Signature has evolved into one of the Europe’s foremost motorsport teams and, with Nissan as partner, will be looking to build on their recent successes. Given this record on the track and Nissan’s desire to promote its engines to a much larger global audience, Nissan has set some high targets for the partnership’s inaugural season. The aim for Signatech Nissan is to both finish at Le Mans 24 Hours and secure a podium place at the end of the year-long global championship.
About Nissan in Motorsports Nissan’s commitment to design and deliver cars that embody passion for performance and the joy of driving is captured in the iconic Z-line of performance cars through the legendary Skyline and today’s giant-killing GT-R model.
Nissan currently participates in the FIA GT1 world championship, GT4 European Cup, Japan Formula 3 Championship, Super GT series, Formula Challenge Japan and China Touring Car Championship.For more information, please visit www.nissan-motorsports.com
Nissan's heritage of technical innovation and excellence finds a natural place in the arena of International Motorsports where the company has a rich history of competition spanning over 70 years and encompassing everything from International rallying to Touring Cars, Le Mans, the Daytona 24 hours and the FIA GT1 championship.
Announcing the new agreement, Vincent Wijnen, Nissan Vice-President, Strategy and Marketing, said “Nissan is very happy to announce our new partnership with Signature and we look forward to working with such a professional and well respected team. I know our customers, fans and dealers will be following our progress when we start racing in March and will of course be anticipating our return to the Le Mans 24 hours.”
Beginning with their first race under the banner of ‘ Signatech Nissan’ in the ILMC on March 19th in Sebring, USA, the Signature Racing team will be powered for the first time by Nissan’s engines.
Philippe Sinault, CEO of Signature Group, added “We are delighted to team-up with such an innovative car manufacturer. Nissan’s engine know how will be crucial to the overall performance of the car, and we are sure this partnership will be hugely successful.”
Although the official race car livery and full driver line-up for the new season will be announced over the coming weeks, F3 star Franck Mailleux has been confirmed for the ILMC and Le Mans24 Hours.
About Signature Since its founding in 1990, Signature has evolved into one of the Europe’s foremost motorsport teams and, with Nissan as partner, will be looking to build on their recent successes. Given this record on the track and Nissan’s desire to promote its engines to a much larger global audience, Nissan has set some high targets for the partnership’s inaugural season. The aim for Signatech Nissan is to both finish at Le Mans 24 Hours and secure a podium place at the end of the year-long global championship.
About Nissan in Motorsports Nissan’s commitment to design and deliver cars that embody passion for performance and the joy of driving is captured in the iconic Z-line of performance cars through the legendary Skyline and today’s giant-killing GT-R model.
Nissan currently participates in the FIA GT1 world championship, GT4 European Cup, Japan Formula 3 Championship, Super GT series, Formula Challenge Japan and China Touring Car Championship.For more information, please visit www.nissan-motorsports.com
Danica Patrick's 2011 NASCAR Schedule to include Montreal Nationwide race
MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Feb. 9, 2011) – Danica Patrick, the 28-year-old racer who transitioned into NASCAR Nationwide Series competition last year with JR Motorsports in the No. 7 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet, has finalized her 2011 Nationwide Series plans. JR Motorsports general manager Kelley Earnhardt, on behalf of the team and primary sponsor GoDaddy.com, announced those plans today.
Patrick’s tour will closely resemble her rookie campaign in that she will compete in a cluster of races on the front and back ends of the Nationwide Series schedule. She will appear in select races during the middle parts of the year while competing full time in the IZOD IndyCar Series. Patrick’s 2011 NASCAR plans feature 12 races across 10 NASCAR markets. Four of those markets will host Patrick for the first time in a stock car.
As announced last October, Patrick will compete in the first four Nationwide Series races – Daytona International Speedway (Feb. 19), Phoenix International Raceway (Feb. 26), Las Vegas Motor Speedway (March 5) and Bristol Motor Speedway (March 19).
Patrick will continue with races at Chicagoland Speedway (June 4), Daytona International Speedway (July 1), Circuit Gilles Villeneuve (Aug. 20), Richmond International Speedway (Sept. 9), and Kansas Speedway (Oct. 8). She will conclude her second NASCAR season with the final three races on the Nationwide Series schedule -- Texas Motor Speedway (Nov. 5), Phoenix International Raceway (Nov. 12) and Homestead-Miami Speedway (Nov. 19).
“This is going to be an exciting year in the No. 7 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet,” said Patrick, who scored a career-best fifth-place start and 19th-place finish in the 2010 finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. “I have a much different perspective heading into this season. I know a little more of what to expect, and I’m not as out of my element. I’ve had a year to work with my team, and there is a comfort level that comes with returning to some of these tracks. It’s obvious experience goes a long way in this sport. Thanks to everyone at Go Daddy and JR Motorsports that have been incredibly supportive throughout this process.”
Race tracks that were not on Patrick’s 2010 schedule but among her 2011 plans are Bristol, Richmond, Kansas and Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, which is located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Patrick has raced at Richmond and Kansas in the IZOD IndyCar Series. GoDaddy.com sponsors Patrick in both open-wheel and stock car racing.
"Danica is smart, she's beautiful and she's successfully competing in a male-dominated sport,” said Bob Parsons, the company’s CEO and founder. “To jump into a stock car and take on veteran NASCAR drivers is a testament to Danica's grit - our Go Daddy Girl is an undeniable inspiration for anyone who dreams big!"
From JR Motorsports
Edmonton Winner Hinchcliffe Excited By Revised Track Layout
Toronto, Canada (February 09, 2011) – James Hinchcliffe probably knows as much about racing at the Edmonton Airport City Centre Circuit as anyone, so the winner of last season’s Firestone Indy Lights race there was excited to view the revised 3.61-km track layout for the first time on Tuesday.
With two recent IndyCar tests with Newman/Haas Racing under his belt, the 24-year-old from Toronto is hoping that when the ‘Edmonton Indy’ rolls around in July he’ll be on the starting grid alongside the likes of reigning champion Dario Franchitti as well as former champion and 2010 Edmonton race winner Scott Dixon.
Having collected several podiums competing in Edmonton, with starts there in both the Atlantic Championship and the Firestone Indy Lights Series, where he finished series runner-up in 2010, ‘Hinch’ was upbeat about Tony Cotman’s re-working of the temporary road-course design.
“I was just so relieved that Edmonton was back on the schedule that I almost forgot they were changing the layout,” stated Hinchcliffe. “The new one looks really cool, with some great passing opportunities which the last configuration lacked a bit. Edmonton was always known for being the most physical race, and I enjoyed that, but these new straights will take away a little bit of the challenge and give us more of a break over the lap. All the drivers necks collectively thank the design team!
“I just really hope that I can solidify my place on the IndyCar grid this year and get to run there! Edmonton is such a cool city with incredible fans and I got my first win on home soil there last year so it really holds a special place in my career.”
James was also excited by the recent announcement that the IZOD IndyCar Series will be broadcast in HD on Sky Sports TV in the United Kingdom.
“It was great to hear about the Sky Sports deal for the UK,” he enthused. “I’ve worked with Sky through the A1GP Series and it was a terrific experience. Furthermore, half my family lives over in England because my father, better known as Papa Hinch, was born there! They’ve always struggled to keep track of my racing as most of it was never on TV in Europe. They’re all really excited that if I’m racing in IndyCar this season they’ll be able to follow along thanks to the new deal!
”James Hinchcliffe is a recipient of both the ‘Gilles Villeneuve Award’ and the ‘Greg Moore Legacy Award’ winning races in Formula BMW USA, the Star Mazda Series, the Atlantic Championship and in Firestone Indy Lights en route to the IndyCar Series.
The 2011 IZOD IndyCar Series kicks off on Sunday 27th March in St. Petersburg and later includes two stops in Canada with the ‘Honda Indy Toronto’, Sunday 10th July, and the ‘Edmonton Indy’, Sunday 24th July – www.indycar.com
ENDS – www.hinchtown.com
With two recent IndyCar tests with Newman/Haas Racing under his belt, the 24-year-old from Toronto is hoping that when the ‘Edmonton Indy’ rolls around in July he’ll be on the starting grid alongside the likes of reigning champion Dario Franchitti as well as former champion and 2010 Edmonton race winner Scott Dixon.
Having collected several podiums competing in Edmonton, with starts there in both the Atlantic Championship and the Firestone Indy Lights Series, where he finished series runner-up in 2010, ‘Hinch’ was upbeat about Tony Cotman’s re-working of the temporary road-course design.
“I was just so relieved that Edmonton was back on the schedule that I almost forgot they were changing the layout,” stated Hinchcliffe. “The new one looks really cool, with some great passing opportunities which the last configuration lacked a bit. Edmonton was always known for being the most physical race, and I enjoyed that, but these new straights will take away a little bit of the challenge and give us more of a break over the lap. All the drivers necks collectively thank the design team!
“I just really hope that I can solidify my place on the IndyCar grid this year and get to run there! Edmonton is such a cool city with incredible fans and I got my first win on home soil there last year so it really holds a special place in my career.”
James was also excited by the recent announcement that the IZOD IndyCar Series will be broadcast in HD on Sky Sports TV in the United Kingdom.
“It was great to hear about the Sky Sports deal for the UK,” he enthused. “I’ve worked with Sky through the A1GP Series and it was a terrific experience. Furthermore, half my family lives over in England because my father, better known as Papa Hinch, was born there! They’ve always struggled to keep track of my racing as most of it was never on TV in Europe. They’re all really excited that if I’m racing in IndyCar this season they’ll be able to follow along thanks to the new deal!
”James Hinchcliffe is a recipient of both the ‘Gilles Villeneuve Award’ and the ‘Greg Moore Legacy Award’ winning races in Formula BMW USA, the Star Mazda Series, the Atlantic Championship and in Firestone Indy Lights en route to the IndyCar Series.
The 2011 IZOD IndyCar Series kicks off on Sunday 27th March in St. Petersburg and later includes two stops in Canada with the ‘Honda Indy Toronto’, Sunday 10th July, and the ‘Edmonton Indy’, Sunday 24th July – www.indycar.com
ENDS – www.hinchtown.com
INDYCAR NEWS AND NOTES - Feb. 8, 2011
Today's IZOD IndyCar Series, Firestone Indy Lights and Mazda Road to Indy headlines:
1. New circuit, grandstands highlight changes at Edmonton Indy
2. Miller joins JDC for Star Mazda opener
1. New circuit, grandstands highlight changes at Edmonton Indy: A new 2.256-mile, 13-turn race course, a reduction in some prime ticket prices and grandstands that will be closer to the action on the track were details for the Edmonton Indy unveiled at a news conference Feb. 8 in Edmonton, Alberta, for the fourth annual event at City Centre Airport on July 22-24 that features the IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights.
A twist is the change in the circuit location at the downtown airport following the closure of one of the two runways two weeks after the 2010 event. But, according to Tony Cotman - president of NZR Consulting Inc. - the move was welcome.
The circuit, which incorporates the closed East runway, will present challenges to drivers and action all around for spectators. There's a 90-degree first turn, hairpin turns in the northwestern (Turn 5) and southwestern (Turn 13) corners and two long straights.
"The other (1.96-mile, 14-turn) course one was good and fast initially but it was too hard to pass on," Cotman said. "One of the big things we needed to focus on with this course was how to make the show better, and I think we've achieved that. There were restrictions relating to the airport but I think we can create a much better actual racetrack for racing on and obviously that's what people come to see. It will be better."
Francois Dumontier, president of Octane Motorsports Events Inc., the new promoter of the event, announced that there will be six grandstands spread around the track with three price categories -- $230, $150 and $125 for the three-day pass.
The general admission price structure also has been revised to include tickets on a three-day or daily basis. Race day general admission has been reduced from 2010, and youngsters 11 and under will be admitted free in general admission with a ticket-buying adult. Paddock passes and pit walk alley passes also will be available. Additionally, a limited number of RV trackside stalls will be available for rent.
"We wished to simplify and clarify our offer to all," Dumontier said. "That is why we are implementing a system most major motorsport events customers in Canada are familiar with: all grandstand seats are offered on a three-day basis and each grandstand seat has its single price. Fans can choose to attend themselves the three days or share their tickets with friends or relatives.
"I must add, as we will soon reveal, that our 2011 racing program will be much busier on Friday and Saturday, and with all seats being much closer to the track they will be coveted."
Tickets go on sale Feb. 11 at www.edmontonindy.com or by phone at 855-350-4639.
2. Miller joins JDC for Star Mazda opener: Chris Miller will return to JDC Racing for the 2011 Star Mazda Championship season-opener on the streets of St. Petersburg, Fla., as part of a limited campaign for the talented young American.
The 21-year-old native of Edina, Minn. rejoins the Minneapolis-based team after competing as full-time competitor in 2010. He chose to cut back on his racing schedule to focus on his education.
"I'm excited to be back with JDC to build on what we did last year," said Miller, who plans on attending law school after graduating from the University of Minnesota. "Although I'm not running the full season, I am confident we can achieve some good results. JDC is the premier team in the Star Mazda Championship and I am glad we could put something together."
Miller will join a planned multi-car effort by JDC Motorsports and hopes to build on a solid rookie campaign in the highly-competitive Mazda Road to Indy series.
The 2009 F2000 series titlist scored five top-10s en route to fifth in the rookie standings. JDC MotorSports earned a podium finish in the inaugural race on the streets of St. Petersburg, Fla., last season.
"We are very privileged to continue our long association with Chris Miller and the Miller Milling Company," said JDC MotorSports Team Principal John Church. "Chris is a class act and always brings a positive attitude. We look forward to building on Chris's rookie season and bringing him his first win in Star Mazda."
1. New circuit, grandstands highlight changes at Edmonton Indy
2. Miller joins JDC for Star Mazda opener
1. New circuit, grandstands highlight changes at Edmonton Indy: A new 2.256-mile, 13-turn race course, a reduction in some prime ticket prices and grandstands that will be closer to the action on the track were details for the Edmonton Indy unveiled at a news conference Feb. 8 in Edmonton, Alberta, for the fourth annual event at City Centre Airport on July 22-24 that features the IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights.
A twist is the change in the circuit location at the downtown airport following the closure of one of the two runways two weeks after the 2010 event. But, according to Tony Cotman - president of NZR Consulting Inc. - the move was welcome.
The circuit, which incorporates the closed East runway, will present challenges to drivers and action all around for spectators. There's a 90-degree first turn, hairpin turns in the northwestern (Turn 5) and southwestern (Turn 13) corners and two long straights.
"The other (1.96-mile, 14-turn) course one was good and fast initially but it was too hard to pass on," Cotman said. "One of the big things we needed to focus on with this course was how to make the show better, and I think we've achieved that. There were restrictions relating to the airport but I think we can create a much better actual racetrack for racing on and obviously that's what people come to see. It will be better."
Francois Dumontier, president of Octane Motorsports Events Inc., the new promoter of the event, announced that there will be six grandstands spread around the track with three price categories -- $230, $150 and $125 for the three-day pass.
The general admission price structure also has been revised to include tickets on a three-day or daily basis. Race day general admission has been reduced from 2010, and youngsters 11 and under will be admitted free in general admission with a ticket-buying adult. Paddock passes and pit walk alley passes also will be available. Additionally, a limited number of RV trackside stalls will be available for rent.
"We wished to simplify and clarify our offer to all," Dumontier said. "That is why we are implementing a system most major motorsport events customers in Canada are familiar with: all grandstand seats are offered on a three-day basis and each grandstand seat has its single price. Fans can choose to attend themselves the three days or share their tickets with friends or relatives.
"I must add, as we will soon reveal, that our 2011 racing program will be much busier on Friday and Saturday, and with all seats being much closer to the track they will be coveted."
Tickets go on sale Feb. 11 at www.edmontonindy.com or by phone at 855-350-4639.
2. Miller joins JDC for Star Mazda opener: Chris Miller will return to JDC Racing for the 2011 Star Mazda Championship season-opener on the streets of St. Petersburg, Fla., as part of a limited campaign for the talented young American.
The 21-year-old native of Edina, Minn. rejoins the Minneapolis-based team after competing as full-time competitor in 2010. He chose to cut back on his racing schedule to focus on his education.
"I'm excited to be back with JDC to build on what we did last year," said Miller, who plans on attending law school after graduating from the University of Minnesota. "Although I'm not running the full season, I am confident we can achieve some good results. JDC is the premier team in the Star Mazda Championship and I am glad we could put something together."
Miller will join a planned multi-car effort by JDC Motorsports and hopes to build on a solid rookie campaign in the highly-competitive Mazda Road to Indy series.
The 2009 F2000 series titlist scored five top-10s en route to fifth in the rookie standings. JDC MotorSports earned a podium finish in the inaugural race on the streets of St. Petersburg, Fla., last season.
"We are very privileged to continue our long association with Chris Miller and the Miller Milling Company," said JDC MotorSports Team Principal John Church. "Chris is a class act and always brings a positive attitude. We look forward to building on Chris's rookie season and bringing him his first win in Star Mazda."
Tuesday, February 08, 2011
Kumho Tire Drive App Will Get You Racing Online, for FREE
Another tire game rolls onto the iPhone. Get your engine revving with Kumho Tire Drive.
Kumho Tire USA is behind this free multicar racing game application for fans of speed. The Kumho Tire Drive game puts you behind the wheel of a supercar outfitted with Kumho tires. You take on curvy city streets, as well as famous tracks from around the world. And depending on the weather and track conditions, you can pick which Kumho tires will get you to the finish line first.
But it’s not all about how fast you can go. The game also comes with a garage feature that lets you trade in your points to upgrade your ride. You can turn your basic set of wheels into a classic muscle car or a luxury classic automobile. These points can also be used to modify your supercar with hood scoops, rear spoiler, custom paint and decals.
You can download the app for free from the Apple Store in January, and watch for it to come to Android phones in the near future.
Kumho Tire USA is behind this free multicar racing game application for fans of speed. The Kumho Tire Drive game puts you behind the wheel of a supercar outfitted with Kumho tires. You take on curvy city streets, as well as famous tracks from around the world. And depending on the weather and track conditions, you can pick which Kumho tires will get you to the finish line first.
But it’s not all about how fast you can go. The game also comes with a garage feature that lets you trade in your points to upgrade your ride. You can turn your basic set of wheels into a classic muscle car or a luxury classic automobile. These points can also be used to modify your supercar with hood scoops, rear spoiler, custom paint and decals.
You can download the app for free from the Apple Store in January, and watch for it to come to Android phones in the near future.
Monday, February 07, 2011
February edition of the SCCBC's Pit Pass Newsletter
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
Club of BC's Newsletter here:
http://www.sccbc.net/pitpass/2011/Feb11pp.pdf
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.
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