KARTS: Kawartha Durham Kart Club Spring Meeting & Open House

The Kawartha Durham Kart Club will hold their annual spring meeting on Sunday March 27 at Kawartha Downs and Speedway, Fraserville ON. Doors open at 10:30 am.

As usual our spring meeting is to get all the members (and potential members) together to outline and discuss our 2011 racing season. Topics covered will be schedules, facilities, classes, sponsorship, new championship points system and tires. Registrations will be accepted before and after the meeting, print off forms from the website and be sure to have your medicals if required.

After the meeting there will be a free BBQ and the classroom part of our rookie training. All first year racers must attend this training as well as the first on-track session Saturday April 30th. For new or potential members this is a perfect opportunity to meet club members and ask questions. It is also recommended that all new members bring their karts and racing gear with them to the spring meeting for a safety inspection. This will give you a head start before the on-track session to get everything in tip-top shape. Scales will also be available for everyone’s use to help get your weights right before the season starts.

Agenda:

11:00 am – Spring Meeting begins.

12:30 pm - BBQ – hot dogs, hamburgers and pop.

1:00 pm – Rookie training and kart inspections. Scales available. The spring meeting is held under the grandstand at Kawartha Speedway. Karts should be brought in the north entrance. No oil or gas drips please.

Please be on time (even early) so that we can start promptly at 11.

Visit www.kawarthadurhamkartclub.com for more information.

From Paul Evans

2011 KIA OPTIMA EARNS FIVE-STAR CRASH SAFETY RATING FROM U.S. GOVERNMENT

Highest Possible Ratings for All-New Kia Midsize Sedan in Frontal, Side and
Rollover Impact Crash Tests

· All-new Optima is first Korean-built vehicle to achieve the highest rating under new, more stringent government guidelines by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

· High level of standard safety features contribute to Optima’s overall performance and high scores in all four categories

IRVINE, Calif., March 4, 2011 – The all-new 2011 Kia Optima midsize sedan has achieved an overall five-star crash safety rating – the highest possible score – after attaining five stars in each of the overall ratings categories in the latest crash tests conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s NHTSA. Already a recipient of a “Top Safety Pick” award by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), Optima offers consumers exceptional levels of standard safety equipment and technologies.

“As the most recent addition to Kia’s lineup, the 2011 Optima incorporates some of Kia’s most advanced safety technologies with head-turning style, performance and comfort to provide consumers with high value and peace-of-mind,” said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of Kia Motors America (KMA) and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG). “As the first Korean-built vehicle to be awarded a five-star crash safety rating under NHTSA’s new, stricter guidelines, Optima creates a new benchmark in the segment and underscores Kia’s commitment to offering consumers the highest levels of quality and safety in all of our vehicles.”

In all, 24 passenger cars, 20 sport utility vehicles, two vans, and nine 2011 model year pickups were rated under the new system that not only includes tougher crash tests, but, for the first time, provides consumers with a single overall safety score per vehicle. The new testing program also provides consumers with information about new advanced crash avoidance technologies, such as lane departure and forward collision warning systems.

About the 2011 Kia Optima
Like the rest of Kia line-up, the 2011 Optima comes equipped with a high level of standard safety features, including: six airbags[1] (dual advanced front and front-seat mounted side as well as full-length side curtain), anti-whiplash front active headrests, side-impact door beams, height-adjustable front seatbelts with pre-tensioners, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH), four-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a Traction Control System (TCS), a Brake Assist System (BAS) and Hill Assist Control (HAC).

Available in three trims, LX, EX and SX, the 2011 Optima offers a wide array of convenience and luxury as well as impressive technology features like an AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system with SIRIUS® Satellite Radio capabilities and three months complimentary service[2], auxiliary and USB audio input jacks and standard Bluetooth®[3] wireless technology connectivity with steering wheel-mounted voice activation controls to enable hands-free operation for compatible mobile phones. Available with three all-new and fuel-efficient engines, a 2.4-litre GDI four-cylinder, a 2.0-litre GDI turbo or a 2.4-litre hybrid (available later this year), pricing for the stylish and performance-oriented midsize sedan begins at $21,995.

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.
[1] For maximum protection, always wear your seat belt.
[2] 2 SIRIUS, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of SIRIUS XM Radio Inc. and its subsidiaries. SIRIUS Radio requires a subscription, sold separately after 3-month trial subscription included with vehicle purchase. Prices and programming are provided by SIRIUS and are subject to change. Subscriptions governed by SIRIUS Terms & Conditions available at sirius.com. SIRIUS Radio U.S. service available only to those at least 18 years of age in the 48 contiguous United States, D.C. and Puerto Rico (with coverage limitations).
[3] The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Kia is under license. Other trademarks and tradenames are those of their respective owners.

Toyo Tires® Announces 2011 Contingency Programs for Motorsports

CYPRESS, CALIFORNIA – True to the heritage of Toyo Tires®, the company announced today it will support motorsports competitors across the country through contingency programs. Amateur racers in a variety of disciplines such as autocross, Time Attack, road racing and desert off-road racing have the opportunity to win cash and prizes while running on race-proven Toyo tires.

In SCCA®, racers can win cash contingency from Toyo Tires for their successes. Contingency payouts include the Solo National Event Tours, Solo Divisional Championships, Solo National Championships, the ProSolo® National Series and National Spec Miata road racing. In 2010, racers won several championships while competing in the Street Touring® classes on Toyo Proxes® R1R™ extreme performance tires.

NASA road racers can earn Toyo Bucks for podium finishes while relying on the winning consistency of Toyo® Proxes® RA1™ R-compound tires. NASA spec classes using these tires include: American Iron, Camaro-Mustang Challenge, Factory Five Challenge, Honda Challenge, Spec 3/Spec e30 (BMW), Spec Miata, and 944-spec. Also competing on road courses across the country, Redline Time Attack! racers can earn Toyo Bucks contingency payouts for their podium wins. Many Time Attack drivers choose the Toyo® Proxes® R888™, street legal R-compound tire.

SCORE-International desert racers can win contingency payouts for running products such as the championship-winning Toyo® Open Country M/T® tires in classes including Trophy Truck, Class-1/2 1600, Class 8, Class 7, Class 7S and Class Stock Full. In addition, competitors in the Best in the Desert off-road series can also win cash contingencies for earning podiums on Open Country M/T tires.

“Toyo Tires is proud to continue our extensive contingency support of amateur race drivers across the U.S.,” said Stan Chen, manager of events and motorsports, Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. “Whether racing on our Proxes UHP and R-compound tires on the pavement, or with our Open Country products in the desert, we offer a tire that will deliver a winning advantage.”

To learn more about Toyo Tires’ contingency programs, log onto http://toyotires.com/tire-motorsports/contingency-programs. To learn more about the full line of tires from Toyo Tires®, log on to www.toyotires.com. Toyo Tires manufactures and distributes a complete line of replacement tires for high performance cars, luxury vehicles, light trucks and SUVs as well as tires for commercial trucks, buses and off-road and construction applications.

INDYCAR: Firestone to exit series after 2011 season

INDIANAPOLIS (March 4, 2011) - Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC (BATO) and INDYCAR will allow the Firestone brand sponsorship and supply contract with the IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights to expire at the end of the 2011 season.

"It's unfortunate to lose a great partner and ambassador for the sport like Firestone," said Randy Bernard, CEO, INDYCAR. "We are actively engaged in discussions with other tire manufacturers on opportunities to get involved in our sport as we prepare to debut our new car in 2012. As the fastest, most versatile racing series in the world, INDYCAR provides an ideal platform for companies looking to showcase both performance and brand on the track. In fact, Firestone credits its association with our sport in doubling the sales of its street tires in the U.S. during our first five years of partnership."

"It has truly been a pleasure to have Firestone as a tire manufacturer since the inception of the IZOD IndyCar Series and we greatly appreciate what they have contributed over the last 15 years and more," said Brian Barnhart, president of competition and operations, INDYCAR. "Firestone has been a great partner and has brought incredible performance and reliability to our sport with their product and for that, we are very grateful. We look forward to a great season with them in 2011 and want to wish everyone associated with the Firestone brand all the best in the future."

Firestone has supplied tires to the IZOD IndyCar Series since 1996. It currently serves as the title sponsor and tire supplier for Firestone Indy Lights, the developmental series for drivers and teams striving to reach the top-level of open wheel racing in North America.

From Amy Konrath, INDYCAR

FLAMBORO SPEEDWAY: Spencer, Schrader and Marlin to race in Hamilton on Canada Day

HAMILTON, ON - This Canada Day, the city of Hamilton will host an unprecedented motorsport event when stars of NASCAR lace-up their boots and jump behind the wheel to compete in the first-ever Race of Champions at Flamboro Speedway.

The historic asphalt arena will celebrate its 50th anniversary this summer, with competitive seasons spanning six decades of stock car racing.  As part of this great milestone the third-mile asphalt oval based in the Flamborough township will host yet another great event in Canadian racing history.

On a day when our nation will be in celebration, Flamboro Speedway will open its gates to three of the most recognized stars of NASCAR, the worlds leading stock car racing organization.  Jimmy Spencer, Ken Schrader and Sterling Marlin will join a field of local competitors on July 1st to compete in a main event feature race.

Speedway co-owners and promoters John and Frank Casale are truly excited to make this event available to the racing fans of south western Ontario.  Said John, “It’s a big year for us and we have special events throughout the season to recognize this anniversary.  We really wanted to give something back to the fans and teams who have supported us through the years.  We are thrilled that these great [NASCAR] drivers are excited to be a part of this event, and we know it’s an incredible opportunity for both our drivers and fans.”

The Flamboro Speedway and Stadium first opened in 1962, and in its illustrious career has been a proving ground for Canadian racers of all ages.  The most prominent names of years passed include Canadian racing legends Junior Hanley and ‘Daytona’ Don Biederman.  In this past decade top talents include J-R Fitzpatrick and Petey Shepherd, both of whom have graduated to compete in NASCAR tours.  This will be the first time in the speedway’s history that a non-Canadian NASCAR driver from the sanction’s elite level, now recognized as the Sprint Cup Series, will compete in Hamilton’s asphalt arena.

To mark the occasion further, this will be the first time that the NASCAR stars compete in the Freedom Village Thunder Car class in Ontario, the intermediate division known for its full-contact driving style and ultra competitive roster.  The afternoon event will be a special race format, including heat-race qualifying and a B-feature race that will advance only the top 15 finishers to join the NASCAR stars in a main event, 25-lap shootout.  The roster will also be limited by invitation and application only.  The final field will be a mix of top performing Flamboro Speedway regulars and those drivers whose credentials earn them one of the 20 spots available in the invitational qualifiers.  Of the drivers on the speedway’s guest list some recognizable names include Fitzpatrick and Shepherd, multi-time speedway champion Scott Lyons, Canadian “Iron Man” Gary Elliott, and the first ever Canadian Grassroots Racing Champion Stompin’ Tom Walters.

Said Event Director Gerry Paxton, “This is a fun event, away from points and championships.  The chance to compete in a field with Spencer, Schrader and Marlin is a once in a lifetime opportunity.  It’s like getting to play pick-up hockey with Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier and Mario Lemieux.  Those race teams that make the final 15 will remember this race day forever.”

All three NASCAR stars are recognized for their great racing achievements through the 1990’s and early 2000’s when the elite division ran under the Winston Cup banner, including Sterling Marlin’s impressive back to back Daytona 500 victories in 1994 and 1995.  With credentials reaching beyond on-track theatrics, race fans will also know Jimmy Spencer and Ken Schrader as hosts on the SPEED network, featured on programs like NASCAR Race Day and NASCAR Victory Lane.

In addition to the on-track excitement, race fans will be treated to a special Canada Day autograph session with the NASCAR stars prior to the racing program.  Tentatively scheduled for 1pm, the autograph session behind the main grandstand will lead into the 2pm green flag that will kick-off the qualifying races.

If Saturday night Thunder Car racing is any indication, then this Canada Day Race of Champions is sure to be a thrilling event with even more fireworks on the track than Ottawa will have in the skies.  And it’s only the start of the weekend.  The following night, Saturday July 2nd, the province’s premier racing class the Late Models will suit up for the second round of the Grisdale Triple Crown tournament.  Complete event details, schedule and race format information for both days will be available online, at www.FlamboroSpeedway.ca.

From Joshua Paxton / Flamboro Speedway

New VDO Viewline Gauge Series Offers True Performance and Styling Choices for Enthusiasts

Allentown, PA (March 2011) – Continental Commercial Vehicles & Aftermarket, manufacturer and supplier of VDO OE-engineered instrumentation and replacement parts for the custom vehicle market has introduced the newest instrument series in the legendary VDO line of performance- proven instrumentation. This new generation of gauges offers custom vehicle enthusiasts a wide choice of styles and sizes, easy installation, unprecedented performance capabilities, and most importantly, rugged VDO reliability.

VDO Viewline is available in a choice of three dial faces: Onyx, Ivory and Sterling. It features fully sealed dual lenses, reverse polarity protection, anti-corrosion materials, and excellent shock and water resistance. The speedometer incorporates OEM style turn signals, high beam and brake warning lights, LED illumination, and a multifunction LCD display that includes a digital clock. Viewline can also be mounted from the front of a panel, with interchangeable bezels or from behind so it is flush with the dash panel. VDO OEM plug-n-play connectors make installation quick and easy.

The Viewline series also features programmable speedometers with an integrated auto-calibrating capability that does not require a 'black box'. The line also includes tachometers, gauges for voltage, fluid temperature, outside temperature, pyrometer, oil pressure, turbo boost, fuel level and a traditional quartz clock. All of the gauges are available as single instruments and offered in complete 5 or 6 gauge kits.

According to Jeffery Ross, Instrumentation Product Manager at Continental Corporation, VDO Viewline provides a very unique offering for the custom vehicle market. "We're giving today's street rodder and truck enthusiast an unbelievable combination of instrument technology and styling options. We offer practically everything they'll need to set up and personalize their vehicles' instrumentation. During our R&D work, we focused on maintaining our reputation for pioneering technology as well as developing stylish, original design possibilities for the street rodder," notes Ross.

VDO instruments deliver world-class quality and innovation and are legendary for their superb fit, finish and appearance, as well as rock-solid reliability. Continental builds every VDO gauge with the same precision and quality as the OE instrumentation it delivers to OEMs worldwide.
For more information, please visit: http://blast.bs-mc.com/link.php?M=22113&N=545&L=24&F=H or contact: salessupport-us@vdo.com

FREE: Subscribe to the Inside Track E-Newsletter

Sign up for your free subscription to the Inside Track Motorsport News E-Newsletter. Published in conjunction with each new issue, E-Newsletter subscribers receive news, information and special offers. Membership is free and we respect our subscribers' privacy.

Fill in the fields below, put a check mark in the box at the bottom and start your free subscription today!

Email:
First Name:
Last Name:
	ITMN Newsletter

CHILDREN'S TUMOR FOUNDATION PARTNERS WITH COMPASS360 RACING FOR 2011 SEASON

(New York, NY) -- The Children's Tumor Foundation today announced their season-long partnership with Compass360 Racing, using the nine remaining Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge races to raise awareness and donations for the charity.

The CTF is the leading non-governmental funding source for neurofibromatosis (NF) research in the world. NF causes tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body, including the brain and spinal cord. It can lead to blindness, deafness, chronic pain, bone abnormalities, cancer, and a wide range of additional complications.

After a successful fundraising effort at the 2011 Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona, highlighted by a top-ten finish for the Racing4Research.org #4 Porsche driven by, amongst others, Kenny Wallace and Ryan Eversley, CTF elected to expand their annual event to a season-long effort.

"Our fundraising program exceeded all expectations at Daytona and we wanted to build on that momentum," said Jill Beck, Program Director for the Foundation's Racing4Research program. "Joining forces with a top, championship-winning team like Compass360 was an easy choice." Starting with the next Continental Tire race at Homestead later this week, local NF Heroes and their families will be honored guests of the team. Drivers Eversley and team-mate Keith Carroll will give a talk about the race series and invite guests to sit in the bright orange #75 Honda Civic Si they share. The car will feature CTF logos prominently on the hood and roof, and the other three team cars will also carry the iconic puzzle-piece logo.

"Ryan introduced the CTF folks to us at Daytona, and I was so impressed with the enthusiasm of all their guests," remarked Team Principal Karl Thomson. "They're just a great group of people working on such a worthy cause. We're really excited to start a long, successful relationship that will raise money for NF research each and every weekend.""I'm extremely excited to continue my relationship with CTF and Racing4Research," explained Eversley. "Karl saw how much fun we had with the kids at the Rolex and when I asked him about putting CTF on the Hondas he said absolutely! Keith and I are thrilled to help raise awareness and funds for the Foundation and can't wait to debut this partnership at Miami!"

Neurofibromatosis affects more than one in every 3,000 children born, more than cystic fibrosis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and Huntington’s disease combined. Racing4Research raises money to benefit NF research through corporate sponsorship, personal donations, and individual fundraising by their NF Heroes. Donations can be made at http://racing4research.org.

The Grand-Am Homestead 200 will take place at 4:15pm on March the 5th and will be broadcast, tape-delayed on SPEED Channel on March 19th at 2:00pm. Tickets for the race can be purchased from the Homestead-Miami Speedway: http://tinyurl.com/6fw9gac

Compass360 Racing (C360R) is the motorsports division of Compass360 Branding Communications, a firm offering marketing expertise to clients in diverse industries across North America. The team, with support from Honda Performance Development (HPD), fields four front-running Honda Civic Si's in Grand-Am's Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge, and won series Championships in 2010, 2009 and 2007. The team also won the 2010 Canadian Touring Car Championship, with support from Durabond. For details visit http://C360R.com.