Merrittville Speedway: Leslie wins on Semenuk's Esso Autograph Night

THOROLD, ON – If you met Adam Leslie during Merrittville Speedway’s Autograph Night presented by Semenuks Esso – it certainly went up in value. Especially after winning his first career Original Pizza Logs Sportsman Feature at Merrittville Speedway in the Semenuk’s Esso Autograph Night Saturday June 4th.

Aaron Wiley took control of the Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinder Feature around the halfway point and cruised to a 10 car advantage on the field. Post race however Wiley refused to report for Technical Inspection and was disqualified. Wiley will receive no points or payout.

Former three time Champion Rob Murray won his first Hoosier Stock Feature since returning to the full fendered class in 2011.

Josh Sliter won the J&S Heating and Air Conditioning Modified Lite Feature – his second straight of the season.

Chad  Chevalier took control of the Bobcat of Hamilton 358 Modified Feature just past the halfway point and drove away to win the 35 lap Feature.

Full report to follow.

ORIGINAL PIZZA LOGS DIRTcar SPORTSMAN FEATURE (25 laps): Adam Leslie, BJ Willard, Brad Rouse, Cody McPherson, Paul Gaboury, Greg Panunte, Nick Cupolo, Rob Knapp, Dave Flannigan Jr., Gary Lindberg, James Mercer, Robert Baker, Jason Farraway, Paul Williamson, Jason Moore, Bill Podwinski, Steve Robins, Ray hockridge, Jim Johnstone, Ron Kingsbury.

TURN 4 COLLISION 4 CYLINDER FEATURE (15 laps): Aaron Wiley, Tony Kelly, Garnet Wilson, Rocco Conte, Rob Goulding, Dave Bailey, Kameron Kocarik, Mike Taylor, Dillan Sliter, Greg Wilson, Rob Overholt, Kyle Pelrine, Tim Gilby, Mike Giberson, Brandon Boychuck, Jeff Larmet, Jocelyn Wiley, Terry Larmet, Kevin Clow, Abel Castelein, Jeff Hill, Jason Coutu, Katie Cosc o.

HOOSIER STOCK FEATURE (20 laps): Rob Murray, Brent Begolo, Billy Bleich, Vince Fargnoli, Dave Small, Joe Middlemiss, Larry Czinege, Chris Crawford, Kevin Kocarik, Jeff Dayman, Barry Blanchard, Austin Wood, Ken Sargent, Kevin Knapp, Ron MacAulay, James Thompson, Pete Reid, Jim Lampman, Brian Schmidt, Terry Ronning, Chris Schneider, Jason Fontaine, Ed Mcnamara, Doug Crawford.

J&S HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING MODIFIED LITE FEATURE (20 laps): Josh SLiter, Derek Wagner, Randy Hollingshead, Jeffrey May, Blair Young, Jared Turnbull, Dan Kviring, Ray Sliter, Jr., Jason Corless, Rick Brubacher, Scott Billing, Drek Reeman, Derek Moore, Kory howe, Derek Bredin, bob Bredin.

BOBCAT OF HAMILTON DIRTcar 358 MODIFIED FEATURE (35 laps): Chad Chevalier, James Friesen, Tommy Flannigan, Chad Brachmann, Mat Williamson, Todd Gordon, Rob Pietz, Boyd MacTavish, Mike Bowman, Rick Richner, Mark D’Ilario, Ryan Susice, Bill Bleich, Pete Bicknell, Larry Lampman, Tim Jones, Bradon Easey, Shawn Sliter, Scott Wood, Shayne Pierce, Pete Cosco, Travis Braun, Fred Carleton, Jamie Gilbert.

From Jim Irvine / Merrittville Speedway Public Relations / 905-892-8266 (Office), jimirvine@cogeco.net or www.twitter.com/merrittville

PARTS FOR TRUCKS MARITIME PRO STOCK TOUR: Smith gets historic win at Petty

MONCTON, NB – Jonathan Hicken of Brudenell, PE took the first checkered flag in over a decade at the new Petty International Raceway on Saturday Evening. Hicken led 90 laps of the Lucas Oil 100 in his Chapman Brothers Construction Chevy Impala before failing post race tech inspection.

Halifax’s Wayne Smith, who was the last driver to win at Petty (September 23, 2000) took home second place in his #44 Jetco Contracting Impala. Donald Chisholm of Antigonish, NS battled 2010 rookie of the year, Jerome Kehoe of Sydney, NS for a few intense laps to take home third. Kehoe and Marty Prevost of Fall River, NS rounded out the top five. Due to Hicken’s DQ all drivers will see themselves move up one position.

A capacity crowd was on hand to see the track opener Lucas Oil 100 at Petty International, which saw 7 cautions and took just over an hour to complete. Darren MacKinnon of Charlottetown, PE sat on the pole after winning the Fast Eddie Dash for Cash and held the position for the first 10 laps. Hicken and MacKinnon were the only two drivers to lead a lap. Mike Stevens (Riverview, NB) won Atlantic Tiltload Time Trials with a blistering speed of 13.437.  Marty Prevost and Greg Proude of Springvale, PE both won their respective heat races.

Opening the Lucas Oil 100 was the Atlantic Open Wheel Tour and 4-cylinders. Top three AOW finishers were, Jamie Brown in third, Mike Raeburn took second and Paul Costain won the 20 lap feature. Mike Weagle won the 4-cylinder feature, Jorden Smith crossed the finish line in second and Bob Hallihan finished on the podium in third.

The next event for the Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour is the Ron MacGillivray Chev Buick GMC 100 at Riverside International Speedway in Antigonish, NS. Last season Greg Proude took home the trophy at this event at the track known as the “rollercoaster”. Proude will have beat 25 of the Maritime’s best drivers in order to be a back to back winner of the Ron MacGillivray Chev Buick GMC 100.  Complete event information can be found at www.MaritimeProStockTour.com.  Advance general admission tickets are on sale now at Ticket Atlantic and participating Atlantic Superstores, phone 1.877.451.1221 or visit www.ticketatlantic.com.  Reserved and general admission seating is also available at the Riverside Box Office, phone 1.902.863.2410 or visit www.riversidespeedway.ca

From Tara Foster / MPST

Série ACT Castrol St-Eustache 100 Unofficial Results - Saturday, June 4, 2011

Série ACT Castrol Unofficial Results

St-Eustache 100 – Saturday, June 4, 2011

Autodrome St-Eustache

Fin. (Start) Driver, Hometown, Laps Completed

1. (3) Daniel Descoste, St-Joseph-du-Lac, QC, 100 Laps

2. (15) Patrick Hamel, St-Edouard, QC, 100 Laps

3. (7) Karl Allard, Quebec, QC, 100 Laps

4. (9) Jonathan Bouvrette, Blainville, QC, 100 Laps

5. (12) Patrick Laperle, St-Denis-sur-Richelieu, QC, 100 Laps

6. (10) Donald Theetge, Boischatel, QC, 100 Laps

7. (4) Dany Trepanier, St-Edouard, QC, 100 Laps

8. (14) Alex Labbe, Saint-Albert, QC, 100 Laps

9. (2) Claude Leclerc, Lanoraie, QC, 100 Laps

10. (19) Marc-Andre Cliche, Vallee-Jonction, QC, 100 Laps

11. (16) Jimmy Cormier, Princeville, QC, 99 Laps

12. (11) Stephane Descoste, Oka, QC, 99 Laps

13. (18) Gaetan Lauzier, St-Pacome, QC, 99 Laps

14. (8) Patrick Cliche, St-Jean-Chrysostome, QC, 98 Laps

15. (17) Valerie Chiasson, Le Gardeur, QC, 98 Laps

16. (21) #Yannick Tremblay, Chicoutimi, QC, 95 Laps

17. (13) David Michaud, Ste-Anne-des-Plaines, QC, 67 Laps

18. (20) Brandon White, Kahnawake, QC, 67 Laps

19. (6) Martin Lacombe, Terrebonne, QC, 44 Laps

20. (22) Gaetan Gaudreault, Quebec, QC, 42 Laps

21. (23) Parpal Thierry, Ronpentimy, QC, 39 Laps

22. (5) Marco Savoie, St-Lambert, QC, 38 Laps

DSQ (1) Jean-Francois Dery, Quebec, QC

Time of Race: 1:04:37                                     Margin of Victory: 0.839 seconds                             

Cautions: 7 (Laps 0, 39, 43, 44, 59, 67, 87)                                                                              

Leaders: Jean-Francois Dery, 1-36; Karl Allard, 37-65; Daniel Descoste, 66-100.

NOTE: Jean-François Déry was disqualified for intentionally spinning Patrick Laperle after trying to turn him into the wall.

CCTCC: Grand Prix Mirabel First Day Report

MIRABEL, QC - A new track was waiting for the competitors this morning at Circuit ICAR. The first practice session was quite an experience since none had raced on the new track before. The track was dusty because of the recent modifications done to it and strong winds. The new circuit gave several drivers a hard time. One of them, a new driver on the GT Racing team, Philip Fayer spun twice in his Pontiac Solstice during the session.

In qualifying Fayer really found his way around the track and set the fastest lap in Super Class, followed .02 seconds behind by his teammate Etienne Borgeat, also in a Pontiac Solstice. Sasha Anis followed both men by .4 seconds for third in his Hyundai Genesis Coupe.

In Touring Class, the Minis really got the best of the field. The Octane Motorsport Mini teammates, Alain Lauzière had the best lap with 1: 44.514, with Michel Sallenbach just 0.2 second behind him. Tom Kwok in his Honda Civic Si was third.

Two cars had serious mechanical problems and had to be towed out of the track. In Touring Class Jacques Deshaies, Mazda 3 Sport and in Super Class, Eric Hochgeschurz in his BMW 328i.

From CCTCC

OHSWEKEN SPEEDWAY: Moffit dominates opening night

OHSWEKEN, ON - The weatherman finally cooperated, allowing Ohsweken Speedway to kick off its 2011 season with round one of Friday Night Thunder on June 3. Full fields were the order of the evening, as the Corr/Pak Merchandising Sprint Cars, Lighthouse Tattoos Thunder Stocks, HRW Automotive Mini Stocks, and Pierced Parts Bombers all began their championship chases. The Vintage Cars were also on the card for their first of five appearances this season.

Kyle Moffit dominated the Corr/Pak Merchandising Sprint Car feature by lapping all but second place Ryan Grubaugh, who finished half a lap behind. Dain Naida, Kyle Patrick, and Jim Huppunen rounded out the top 5.

The Light House Tattoos Thunder Stock feature saw plenty of action, but it was youngster Larry Czinege Jr. who cruised to the win in his #33 Camaro. Mike Miller, Ryan Dinning, Jim Lampman, and Brad Herron came home in the top 5.

The HRW Automotive Mini Stocks division saw a major upset, as two-time Bomber division champ Karl Sault won both his heat race and the feature in his Mini Stock debut. Mike Taylor was in contention for the win, but cut a tire in the closing laps. Mike Evers, Jake Brown, Jeremy Hughes, and Steve Hess filled out the top 5.

A large number of drivers moved on from the Pierced Parts Bombers division into Mini Stocks and Thunder Stocks this year, but plenty of racers remain in the entry-level division. Rodney Rutherford was originally planning to race a Thunder Stock this year, but instead brought his Bomber car and took the opening night win. Dave Patton gave him a good run, but ended up second, followed by Craig Dowd, Jeremy May, and Trevor Roszell.

The Vintage Car feature was a shocker, as Doug Fralick led every lap but the most important one. Fralick's right rear tire went flat on the last lap, handing the win to Dave Charczuk. Daryl Bray was "best in class", Sportsman class honours in the combined feature.

NEXT WEEK AT OHSWEKEN: BS&B Radiator presents "Youth Uniform Night" next Friday, June 10.

Corr/Pak Merchandising Sprints, Lighthouse Tattoos Thunder Stocks, HRW Automotive Mini Stocks, and Pierced Parts Bombers are all part of round 2 of Friday Night Thunder, along with the first appearance of 2011 for the Mod-Lite Stars Championship Tour North. Gates open at 6:00 with racing starting at 7:45!

By Tommy Goudge

 

NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Qualifying Results - Tagliani Takes Inaugural ICAR Pole

MIRABEL, Que. (June 4, 2011) — Less than a week from starting on the pole in the Indianapolis 500, Alex Tagliani won the Keystone Light Pole Award for the inaugural NASCAR Canadian Tire Series event at Circuit ICAR in qualifying Saturday afternoon.

Tagliani, from Lachenaie, Que., laid down a fast lap of 96.499 seconds (78.828 mph) in qualifying for Sunday’s Grand Prix ICAR on the 15-turn, 2.113-mile road course. He took time out from his full-time job of racing in the IZOD IndyCar Series to return to his home province to compete in this first series event at Circuit ICAR in his No. 12 Hot Wheels Dodge. Sunday will mark his 14th start in the series and this was his third career pole having accomplished the feat at Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve and Circuit de Trois-Rivieres (Que.), both in 2009.

“The car feels great and I like our chances tomorrow,” he said. “Most of the best racers in Canada are here, so it won’t be easy.”

Tagliani will be joined in the front row on Sunday afternoon by Scott Steckly, who logged a time of 97.420 seconds (78.083 mph). The second row will consist of defending series champion DJ Kennington (97.457/78.053) and Kerry Micks (97.532/77.993).

Steckly leads the point standings after posting the win in last weekend’s season opener at Mosport Speedway in Bowmanville, Ont.

The rest of the top 10 qualifiers were JR Fitzpatrick, Peter Klutt, Robin Buck, Don Thomson Jr., L.P. Dumoulin and Jason Hathaway.

Andrew Ranger, a two-time series champion and winner of 12 Canadian Tire Series events including nine on road courses, will start from the back of the field. He is at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Ill., for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards event. He is expected to arrive at Circuit ICAR in his native Quebec early Sunday afternoon. His car owner and former CASCAR competitor Dave Jacombs practiced and qualified the No. 27 PNH Solutions/Lou’s BBQ Dodge. Series rules mandate a move to the rear of the field in the event of a driver change prior to the start of the race.

The inaugural Grand Prix ICAR is set to take the green flag Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET.

 

Qualifying Results

NASCAR CANADIAN TIRE SERIES - Grand Prix ICAR Lineup

Race Sunday; Qualifying Saturday at Circuit ICAR

Mirabel, Que. / Lap Length: 2.113 miles

1. (12) Alex Tagliani, Lachenaie, Que., Dodge, 78.828

2. (22) Scott Steckly, Milverton, Ont., Dodge, 78.083

3. (17) DJ Kennington, St. Thomas, Ont., Dodge, 78.053

4. (02) Kerry Micks, Mt. Albert, Ont., Ford, 77.993

5. (84) JR Fitzpatrick, Cambridge, Ont., Chevrolet, 77.736

6. (42) Peter Klutt, Halton Hills, Ont., Chevrolet, 77.578

7. (66) Robin Buck, Campbellville, Ont., Dodge, 77.495

8. (8) Don Thomson, Jr., Hamilton, Ont., Dodge, 77.352

9. (47) L.P. Dumoulin, Trois-Rivieres, Que., Dodge, 76.853

10. (3) Jason Hathaway, Appin, Ont., Dodge, 76.685

11. (04) J.F. Dumoulin, Trois-Rivieres, Que., Dodge, 76.610

12. (03) Elie Arseneau, Laval, Que., Chevrolet, 76.440

13. (9) Mark Dilley, Barrie, Ont., Dodge, 76.416

14. (71) Patrice Brisebois, West Mount, Que., Chevrolet, 76.290

15. (59) John Farano, Toronto, Ont., Chevrolet, 76.120

16. (99) Derek White, Kahnawake, Que., Chevrolet, 76.039

17. (21) Jason White, Sun Peaks, B.C., Dodge, 75.941

18. (90) Martin Roy, Napierville, Que., Dodge, 75.702

19. (60) Ron Beauchamp, Jr., Windsor, Ont., Dodge, 75.253

20. (5) Noel Dowler, Sherwood Park, Alta., Dodge, 75.245

21. (15) Steven Mathews, New Liskeard, Ont., Ford, 75.025

22. (07) Isabelle Tremblay, St. Hippolyte, Que., Ford, 74.579

23. (94) Dave Coursol, St. Jerome, Que., Chevrolet, 74.567

24. (55) Dexter Stacey, Kahnawake, Que., Dodge, 74.262

25. (85) Michel Pilon, Blainville, Que., Chevrolet, 73.246

26. (27) Dave Jacombs, York, Ont., Dodge, 57.667

27. (23) Jeff Lapcevich, Grimsby, Ont., Dodge, No speed

For additional information, contact Shon Sbarra, NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communications, (704) 309-5493 or ssbarra@nascar.com

Sarah Cornett-Ching struggles in Thunder Mountain debut

Last weekend, Sarah Cornett-Ching left her Summerland, British Columbia home after a full day at work, and made the long eight hour trek across the province to Williams Lake, BC for her first ever appearance at Thunder Mountain Speedway for the Heartland Toyota 100 lap ARCA West Series event.

After arriving at the track early on Saturday morning, Cornett-Ching walked the tricky, 3/8th mile looking for the fastest way around the track that is known for its distinctive 50 feet wide corners that are banked 12 degrees with 3.5 degree banking on the straights and is shaped to provide a longer straight away between turns three and four than turns one and two.

With no experience at the track at all, Sarah Cornett-Ching had a tough time finding the fast lane around the track in the first practice session especially in turn three and four.  The more laps she turned in the first practice the car felt faster, but the lap times were still showing that she was a full second off the fastest time as she turned a lap of 16.9.  In the second session, with new tires on the car, she was able to shave 3 tenths of a second off her time.

“Just before qualifying, I was able to talk to Korbin Thomas, who is a three time series champion, and offered up some great advice on how to drive the track”, says Cornett-Ching.  “He was able to help by guiding me to what line to run on the track”.

As she lined up for qualifying, Cornett-Ching was anxious to put her advice from Korbin Thomas to the test.  Although the car was loose in the corners due to low air pressures, she still managed to shave nearly four tenths of a second off her lap times by running a 16.217, and was now just three tenths of a second off the fast time.

Despite the track having no top groove at all, Cornett-Ching was able to move up through her 15 lap qualifying heat, and at the checkered flag, she had moved up to fifth place.

“It was a pretty tough race with no top lane at all.  I pretty much had to wait for someone to make a mistake and slide up the track, or move them out of the way”, comments Cornett-Ching after the qualifier.

Up next was the Heartland Toyota 100 ARCA West Series main event, and for Cornett-Ching, she was looking to gain some valuable experience at the track, and bring the car home in one piece.  Unfortunately, trouble started early as a slower car virtually come to a stop right in the middle of the groove and she got in the back of the car, the race stayed green, but only for a few moments later, when another car made contact with her, causing him to get a right front flat, lose control and hit the front straightaway wall.  Cornett-Ching was sideways in the grass, but managed to gather the car back up after the contact was made.  Without a completed lap yet, they restarted the race, but the troubles continued, as another car came down across the nose of her car forcing her to the bottom of the track.  As this happened, the car hit the bumps on the inside of the corner and the back end came around and she was tagged in the left front, again in the right front and right side door.  The crash ended her day early.

“We broke the left front tie rod on the first hit, and tore up the rest of the front end with the hit to the right front”, says a disappointed Cornett-Ching.  “We have a lot of work to do before the next race”.

After a lot of hard work in the race shop, Sarah Cornett-Ching will be back at the track this coming Saturday, June 4th, as she makes her ASA Racing debut at the Motoplex in Vernon, BC.

Sarah Cornett-Ching began racing at the age of 12 at Penticton Speedway in British Columbia.   She was first introduced to the sport while crewing for her Dad's sportsman car at 10 years old.  She got her first racecar, (a 1989 Cavalier) which she raced for 3 years at Penticton Speedway winning two championships.

Sarah was then offered sponsorship by Aaron’s to run in the NASCAR Whelen All American Street Stock Series in Vernon, B.C. After running her first year, Sarah was given an opportunity to drive the Finish Line Race Products house car for the 2009 West Coast Sportsman Series season, she finished 6th overall in the series and won Rookie of the Year.  By 2010 Sarah had been running a Street Stock and Sportsman car every race night. 

This season, Sarah Cornett-Ching is planning to run the full ARCA West Regional traveling series in British Columbia as well as trying to find sponsorship to run in the NASCAR Canadian Tire series events in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and Vernon, BC later this year.

Since 2005, Cornett-Ching has racked up a pile of awards, including Most Aspiring driver as well as Champion in her division that year.  Two years later, after moving up a class, she claimed the championship again.  In 2008 she claimed her first ever top five finish in the NASCAR Whelen All American Series, and the following year she finished third overall in the series points standings.  In addition to here third place in points, she also claimed awards for Most Improved driver, Most Dedicated to the Sport and West Coast Sportsman Rookie of the Year Award.  Last season she claimed fifth place in points in both the Okanagen Street Stock Series and the West Coast Sportsman Series.  She was also named Most Improved Driver and Most Dedicated Driver of the West Coast Sportsman Series.

For more information on Sarah Cornett-Ching and to follow her racing accomplishments, please visit her website, www.sccracing.com or visit her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sccracing.

Sarah Cornett-Ching, of Summerland, BC is hoping to secure sponsorship to run the two NASCAR Canadian Tire Series events later this year in Western Canada.  (SCCRacing Photos).

From Craig Revelle – Finish Line Web Design

NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Race #1 winner Scott Steckly makes the June edition of the Hunter Index

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (June 3, 2011) — Philip Morris’ trophy case is overflowing. And that’s just from 2011. The three-time NASCAR Whelen All-American Series national champion has rattled off an impressive nine straight Late Model victories at South Boston (Va.) Speedway. Morris, 46, from Ruckersville, Va., has been so dominant that the track has offered a reward to any driver that can beat him.

Morris’ five wins in seven starts at South Boston and Motor Mile Speedway in Radford, Va., over the last month also earned him another honor. He was voted to the top spot for June in the Hunter Index, as determined by a panel of auto racing writers and NASCAR representatives.

“What Philip Morris is able to do week in and week out is amazing,” said David Smith of DavidSmithMotorsports.com. “Virginia does not produce many slouches when it comes to Late Model Stock Car racing. Morris having this kind of consistent success for as long as he has can only mean that he is in a class by himself.”

Morris’ recent run allowed him to edge past defending national champion Keith Rocco for the top spot in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series national standings.

It also pushed Morris past Rocco in the voting, despite an equally strong month by the Wallingford, Conn., driver. Rocco had five wins, seven top fives and nine top 10s in 10 races in the asphalt Modified divisions at three Connecticut tracks – Thompson International Speedway, Stafford Motor Speedway, and Waterford Speedbowl.

Morris edged Rocco, 174-168. Morris had four first-place votes to Rocco’s two.

Drivers are ranked on their performance over the previous month. The rankings are compiled by a panel of auto racing writers and NASCAR representatives. This season, the panel was expanded to 12 media members from across North American with experience covering NASCAR’s touring and weekly series, along with two voters from NASCAR.

Panelists rank their top 15, with first place receiving 15 points, second 14, third 13 and so on.

NASCAR K&N Pro Series East points leader Brett Moffitt collected three first-place votes to take third place with 165 points. The Grimes, Iowa, driver led a race-high 138 points en route to winning the NASCAR K&N Pro Series combination event at Iowa Speedway.

Ron Silk of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and Late Model driver Lee Pulliam rounded out the top five. Pulliam beat Morris twice at Motor Mile.

The Hunter Index, which was launched in 2010 on NASCARHomeTracks.com, is a monthly power poll designed to highlight the standout performances in the NASCAR developmental series. This year, the monthly winners will be presented with a trophy designed by Jostens.

Silk, who led every lap in winning at Stafford, earned a first-place vote, as did Greg Pursley (NASCAR K&N Pro Series West), Zach Hausler and Duane Howard of the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series.

Pursley was fourth overall at Iowa, but was credited with a win as the top finishing NASCAR K&N Pro Series West driver. It was his third win in five races this season and fifth in the last seven dating back to last year.

Hausler became the first NASCAR Whelen All-American Series driver to reach 10 wins and three wins and a third in four starts at Houston Motorsports Park and Thunderhill Raceway in Kyle, Texas, during the most recent voting period. And Howard, who finished third in the national standings last year, had a win and a second in two starts at Grandview Speedway in Bechtelsville, Penn.

“How tough is Grandview competition?,” said Len Sammons, editor of Area Auto Racing news. “During both nights in May, 18 modifieds failed to make the 24-car feature event. That’s more than most tracks in the country draw for a headline division. When Howard won the event on May 21, he started 16th in the feature event thanks to the track's tough handicapping system.

“On May 28 he had to run the consolation to qualify for the main event. He then started the 21st in the 30-lap feature event and finished a close second. All this passing on a very tight third-mile dirt track.”

Pursley was sixth in the overall voting, followed by Max Gresham (NASCAR K&N Pro Series East), Hausler, Scott Steckly (NASCAR Canadian Tire Series) and Howard.

The Hunter Index is named for the late Jim Hunter, NASCAR’s vice president of corporate communications and a longtime supporter of the weekly and touring series that make up the NASCAR Developmental Series.

The Index was designed as an opportunity to compare the top drivers from the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series all the way up to the NASCAR K&N Pro Series. It will also encompass drivers from the NASCAR Mexico Series, NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour.

The Hunter Index is released the first week of each month from April through November.

The panel also included media members: J.A. Ackley, Dick Berggren’s Speedway Illustrated; Shawn Courchesne, Hartford (Conn.) Courant; Bob Dillner, SPEED; Tim Haddock, haddockinthepaddock.blogspot.com; Keith Lair, Los Angeles Newspaper Group; Spencer Lewis, Inside Track Motorsports News; Jorge Mondaca, FOXSports.com; Pat Patterson, SIRIUS NASCAR Ch. 128/ESPN Radio; Len Sammons, Area Auto Racing News; David Smith, DavidSmithMotorsports.com; and Elgin Traylor, Speed51.com. They are joined by Brett Bodine, who is the chairman of the NASCAR Résumé Committee and represents the NASCAR competition side on the panel, and Jason Christley, a NASCAR public relations representative.

HUNTER INDEX – JUNE

1. PHILIP MORRIS - NASCAR Whelen All-American Series

Why he’s here: The Ruckersville, Va., driver is on the fast track to a fourth national title. Nine straight wins at South Boston, including five this past month, edged him past Rocco in the standings in what’s shaping up as a phenomenal race.

2. KEITH ROCCO - NASCAR Whelen All-American Series

Why He’s Here: Defending national champion slipped to second in the points standings, but not because he’s slowed down. Five wins and seven top fives in nine starts gives him win in nearly half (7 of 15) of his starts this season.

3. BRETT MOFFITT - NASCAR K&N Pro Series East

Why He’s Here: Grimes, Iowa, driver won at his home track with combination race victory at Iowa. Also allowed him to take the points lead by one over Darrell Wallace Jr. heading into this weekend at Bowman Gray.

4. RON SILK - NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour

Why He’s Here: Norwalk, Conn., driver had the field covered in the TSI Harley Davidson 125, leading all 125 from the pole for his fifth career victory. Moved to second in points with the victory.

5. LEE PULLIAM - NASCAR Whelen All-American Series

Why He’s Here: Only driver to beat Morris, he did it twice at Motor Mile – the track where Morris won seven titles. The Semora, N.C., had three wins at Motor Mile and three seconds to Morris at South Boston.

6. GREG PURSLEY - NASCAR K&N Pro Series West

Why He’s Here: Fourth at Iowa and top West finisher meant the Newhall, Calif., continued to pad his points lead. Three wins in five races already in 2011.

7. MAX GRESHAM - NASCAR K&N Pro Series East

Why He’s Here: Just missed picking up his second straight win in the combination race at Iowa, coming from 23rd starting spot for a runner-up finish.

8. ZACH HAUSLER - NASCAR Whelen All-American Series

Why He’s Here: The 16-year-old Tomball, Texas, driver is making a name for himself. Four more wins this past month at Houston and Thunderhill, and he is undefeated overall at Houston.

9. SCOTT STECKLY - NASCAR Canadian Tire Series

Why He’s Here: The Milverton, Ontario, driver began his quest for a second NASCAR Canadian Tire Series title by leading a race-high 112 laps in winning the opener at Mosport.

10. DUANE HOWARD - NASCAR Whelen All-American Series

Why He’s Here: Has three wins and two seconds in five starts at Grandview, and the Olney, Penn., has to do it the hard way thanks to the track’s handicapping system starts the fast cars in the back.

HONORABLE MENTION: Joe Williams (Devil’s Bowl and Albany-Saratoga/NASCAR Whelen All-American Series), Jorge Goeters (NASCAR Mexico Series), Rowan Pennink (NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour), Greg Edwards (Langley Speedway/NASCAR Whelen All-American Series), and Ted Christopher (Thompson and Stafford/NASCAR Whelen All-American Series, and NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour).

Photo courtesy James Price // For additional information, contact: Jason Christley, Integrated Marketing Communications, (386) 310-6094 or jchristley@nascar.com

South Buxton Raceway: June 4 Preview

As a result of last week’s feature races being cancelled by rain, South Buxton Raceway will run extra laps for additional earnings in all four classes this Saturday night.

The Schinkels Gourmet Meats UMP Modifieds, Windride Transportation UMP Late Models and Dover Sanitation Sport Stocks will all run 30-lap feature races, an extra 10 laps for each class. The Tirecraft Comp 4s will go 23 laps in their feature instead of 15.

The feature payouts will be expanded to 150% for drivers who were in attendance last week.

The Modifieds will compete for the annual Brian Outhouse Memorial trophy in their feature, named in honour of the former track worker who passed away in 2004.

Prior to the first green flag at 7 p.m., the Best Appearing Car awards, as voted upon by the fans two weeks ago, will be presented. The threat of rain last week postponed the presentation to this Saturday.

Three points separate the top two drivers in both the Late Model and Modified division standings.

Ridgetown’s Dale Glassford leads the Late Models with 210 points, three up on Chatham’s Kirk Hooker. The two drivers have combined to win seven of the eight Late Model races through the first three weeks, including a feature win each.

Leamington’s Joel Dick leads the Modifieds with 217 points, three up on Shrewsbury’s Jim Dale Jr.

Dick won four of his first five races in the first two weeks of the season, including a three-for-three night on May 21. Dale Jr. has three checkereds, including the May 14 feature.

Steve Shaw’s heat and crack-the-whip wins last week moved him from fourth to the lead in the Dover Sanitation Sport Stocks standings.

Shaw has 135 points, nine up on Chatham’s Tyler Lozon and 10 ahead of last week’s points leader Ken Morrison, also from Chatham.

Cottam’s Denis DeSerrano also started the season with four checkered flags in his first five races in the Tirecraft Comp 4s, including two feature wins.

DeSerrano takes an eight-point lead over defending series champion Shawn Jones of Blenheim in Saturday’s action.

The Comp 4s will compete in the third annual Cory Schives Memorial race on June 11, in honour of the Blenheim native who died after a lifelong battle with cancer on June 8, 2009, three days after his 17th birthday. The Schives family have donated a bicycle to the Junior Fan Club for the memorial race night.

In case of inclement weather on Saturday, fans are encouraged to check the track's website for the status of the race program at www.southbuxtonraceway.com. For more info, please contact Mike Bennett 519-351-4765.

PNH expands NASCAR Canada involvement; Large format digital printing company supporting impressive French connection of Ranger, Tagliani, and Tremblay

June 1, TORONTO, ON – PNH Innovations is excited to announce a partnership with Dave Jacombs racing featuring a trio of standout drivers in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. The large format digital printing company has an agreement to work with Andrew Ranger, Alex Tagliani, and Isabelle Tremblay for various events in 2011.
“There’s no better team to work with than Dave Jacombs Racing,” says PNH Vice-President, Business Development, Court Armstrong. “It’s key for us to partner with a team that represents our commitment to excellence, and we’re working with two of Canada’s hottest drivers.”
Tagliani made headlines worldwide with his pole position at last month’s Indianapolis 500. He was the first Canadian in the event’s 100-year history to lead the Indy field to the green flag.
Fellow Quebecois Ranger is Canada’s hottest NASCAR driver. The two-time NASCAR Canadian Tire Series champion seems to shine in the biggest events. The popular racer claimed victories in two of the series’ most exciting finishes ever – in Trois Rivieres atop rival Kerry Micks’ car, and in Montreal with a daring last-lap pass. He also won on the streets of Toronto in NASCAR’s inaugural event there.
“Andrew Ranger and Alex Tagliani are proven winners, and Isabelle Tremblay will do a great job helping to promote our brand. We can’t wait to introduce the fans to our product at this weekend’s Grand Prix ICAR near Montreal.”
This weekend’s Grand Prix ICAR will feature Ranger driving a Dodge Challenger with primary sponsorship from PNH. PNH will also be the primary partner on Ranger’s Toronto effort for the second year. Tagliani and Tremblay’s entries will both be wrapped by PNH, and there’s a great chance one of Jacomb’s cars could win this weekend’s inaugural race
“We feel confident that one of our wrapped cars could win in Mirabel,” says Armstrong. “Our head office is located very near Circuit ICAR. It will be great for our marketing efforts to see our three drivers represent us.”
PNH branding will appear on Tremblay’s car for 10 events this season. Ranger will compete at the Grand Prix ICAR as well as on the streets of Toronto in July where he will attempt to defend his 2010 win. Tagliani will race the Grand Prix ICAR and on Montreal’s famed Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in August.
PNH is the exclusive supplier to Dave Jacombs Racing of tents, flags, and wraps. PNH promotes exacting quality of execution and very quick turnaround times. Ranger exudes those qualities. Specifically PNH will promote its vehicle wrap print production and installation services.
PNH serves its growing market with locations in Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, and New York. For more information on PNH Innovations visit www.pnh.ca.
- 30 -

Wickens Appointed to Marussia Virgin Racing's Reserve Driver Roster - Formula One Role Awarded to Rising Canadian Racer

Toronto, Canada (June 03, 2011) – It was announced today that Canada’s Robert Wickens has been appointed to the Reserve Driver Roster for Marussia Virgin Racing, competing in the 2011 FIA Formula One World Championship.   

The 22-year-old from Toronto, currently competing in the 2011 Formula Renault 3.5 Series in Europe, will subsequently be attending next weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix, Friday 10th – Sunday 12th June, with the Marussia Virgin Racing team – supporting race drivers Timo Glock and Jerome D’Ambrosio. 

Having arrived back in Canada this week, Robert took time out to reflect on his Formula One appointment – in doing so, becoming the first Canadian race car driver to be officially associated with a competing Formula One team since former World Champion Jacques Villeneuve left Formula One in 2006. 

Q:  Congratulations on your appointment with Marussia Virgin Racing!  You moved to Europe to compete full-time back in 2008, with a view to graduating to Formula One, what does today’s announcement mean to you? 

Robert Wickens (RW):  “Well I’m grateful to Marussia Virgin Racing for the opportunity to join them as one of their official reserve drivers.  It’s a fantastic privilege to be able to play any role within a Formula One team but for me, it’s another step on the road to hopefully realizing my goal of becoming a Formula One race driver.” 

Q:  Can you please explain to us what exactly your role as ‘Reserve Driver’ means and just how close it brings you to the Marussia Virgin Racing outfit? 

RW:  “A team can have a number of reserve drivers, effectively on stand-by to select should they require someone to fill in for one of the regular drivers.  Ultimately for me, the opportunity to attend Grand Prix events as part of the team, and be around the team’s drivers, will be a fantastic education.   

“You want to soak in as much information as you can, speaking with the likes of the engineers and the drivers.  It goes without saying I’m hungry for the opportunity to physically drive a Formula One car but until that time comes, I’ll use this experience to become a valuable member of Marussia Virgin Racing.” 

Q:  You enjoying backing from Marussia Motors in your 2011 Formula Renault 3.5 Series campaign, sporting the same team colours on your Carlin entry as the Marussia Virgin Racing cars.  How instrumental were they in your appointment? 

RW:  “I represent Marussia Motors competing in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series with Carlin and since they increased their investment in the Formula One operation I was naturally hoping there might be some way for me to be involved there too.  I’m very grateful for the support of Marussia Motors’ leaders Nikolay Fomenko and Andrey Cheglakov as they’re allowing me to do what I love and pushing my career forward.”  

Q:  How many Formula One races do you now expect to attend this season? 

RW:  “I’ll be attending the events that don’t clash with my existing race commitments. I raced to a podium finish in FR3.5 in front of the Marussia hierarchy at the Monaco Grand Prix last month, which was gratifying, and I’m looking forward to next weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix.”  

Q:  Do you feel this role, combined with your on-going successes in the European open-wheel categories, will further increase your chances of landing a full-time Formula One race seat? 

RW:  “I’d like to think so.  In Formula One it’s all about momentum and you need it on your side, both on and off track!  This is a great opportunity for me to forge closer links with a Formula One team and to hopefully become more of a regular face around the paddock.   

“I’m happy with how my FR3.5 season’s shaping up but it’s a long season and I know it’ll be a tough fight for the championship despite leading it in the early stages.  I moved my race efforts to Europe a few seasons back with a view to reaching Formula One.  This is where you need to compete to be noticed by Formula One teams.  I feel I’ve continued to take the right steps towards realizing my goal and moving into the Formula One paddock is a great step and it’s down to me to make the most of it.” 

Q:  You’ll be attending the Canadian Grand Prix, at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, with Marussia Virgin Racing next week.  How exciting is it to be attending this event as part of Formula One and as the first Canadian in an official driver role since Jacques Villeneuve? 

RW:  “It’ll be fun to be back and have an official role in the paddock rather than simply stopping by to say hi to a few people!  The Canadian race fans are truly amazing so you can’t but help get a buzz off the atmosphere that they create there.  I know I’ll be kept pretty busy in Montreal with the team so it should be a fun weekend.  I’ve always enjoyed racing at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve and I’d love the chance to race it in a Formula One car sometime in the near future and give the Canadian fans another ‘home’ racer to support.” 

www.robertwickens.com / Twitter: @robertwickens

A&W contest winner announced

This spring A&W has been running a major contest involving a Grand Prize of a Harley-Davidson Fat Boy motorcycle. There are also an Early Bird prize and many secondary prizes. The Grand Prize will be awarded, along with the secondary prizes in early June. But the Early Bird portion is now closed, and John Catena of Mississauga, ON is the excited winner of a trip for two to the A&W 300 Canadian Tire Series NASCAR race in Vernon, BC on July 23.

One of the highlights of the weekend will be a chance to spend some time with the driver of the A&W car, #21 Jason White, and his crew. John and his wife Tara are looking forward to travelling across the country to participate in the race weekend. They will have the thrill of being honourary race team members for the day of the race. And they'll receive VIP treatment and a variety of A&W racing wearables. See www.motoplexspeedway.com for event details.

"I'm very excited about winning this contest," the winner said. "My wife and I are looking forward to the trip out to Kelowna and plan on enjoying all that the area has to offer in addition to seeing the NASCAR race. Go Jason White!"

The A&W Cruisin the Dub Harley contest is now closed and the Grand Prize winner will be announced soon. One lucky person will take home a Harley Fat Boy bike, a great legacy ride with all the history of Harley-Davidson. MSRP of the prize bike is $18,119.

Watch your e-mail box...the winner could be you!

IndyCar series switches to road course at Motegi

INDIANAPOLIS (Friday, June 3, 2011) - The IZOD IndyCar Series announced today that it will run the 2.98-mile, natural-terrain road course during its final visit to the Twin Ring Motegi motorsports facility in Japan on Sept. 18.

The race was scheduled for the 1.5-mile, egg-shaped oval, but it sustained damage during the March earthquakes. Raised ridges to the track surface prevent the IZOD IndyCar Series cars from competing on the oval.

"In conjunction with Mobilityland, we have made the decision to move forward with our race in Motegi after closely monitoring the on-going situation in Japan for several months," said Randy Bernard, CEO, INDYCAR.  "After weighing a variety of options, we felt it was best to move the race to the road course. We understand that Japan is steadily moving forward with reconstruction and we look forward to entertaining our strong fan base at Motegi with our inaugural run on the road course."

"We have decided to change the racing track for the Indy Japan 300 this year to the road course," said Hiroshi Oshima, president of Mobilityland Corp. "We had examined the option of restoration work to the oval, but considering the large scale public works impact on society in this circumstance and the cost entailed, we felt it was best to move the race to the road course.  Though we have been forced to change what we have been doing by the earthquake disaster, we will make sure our fans experience another exciting race."

Earlier this year the IZOD IndyCar Series announced that the Sept. 18 race will be its final race at the facility. Twin Ring Motegi, which is owned by Mobilityland Corp., opened in 1997 and has played host to open-wheel events since 1998.

From Amy Konrath, INDYCAR

BGR Team Grote tackles Le Circuit

It was weekend of "Oh so close" for the BGR Team Grote squad this past weekend at the opening rounds of the 2011 Formula Tour 1600 Series. While weather played a major role in the weekends proceedings the action on track was fast and furious. New Zealand racer Chris Vlok took very little time to get up to speed at the beautiful Mont Tremblant track and with a talented field on hand  qualified his BGR prepped VanDieman 5th for round 1. He ran in that position for much of the race but on the 8th lap of the 12 lap race he had contact with another racer that left him on the sidelines for the remainder of the race. 

Rebounding nicely though, Chris continued to impress as he put in another excellent qualifying performance and lined up P3 for the Sunday feature. Learning the tricks of rolling starts for the first time this past weekend he ran 3rd for the first stint of the race holding onto the 2 lead cars and building a slight advantage over 4th. A full course yellow would wipe-out his gap to 4th and the restart saw him drop a couple of spots. He quickly regained his position and once again started to build an advantage over 4th. A second full course caution had a similar result, however with the last lap starting and Chris fighting for a potential 4th place he was hit from behind on the final corner and put into a spin. He recovered quickly but the damage was done as he crossed the line in 12th position.  

"Not the results we wanted or deserved but  we know we have a very competitive driver for the remainder of the season. Without the yellows we would have had a likely podium but we are still proud of Chris and the job he did this weekend. He has a tough road ahead of him to continue to learn new tracks and build his knowledge but we are very confident he is up to the task." commented team principal Brian Graham. 

Chris and the rest of BGR Team Grote return to action for the Canadian Grand Prix FF support race June 10-12.  To learn more about BGR Team Grote visit the team website at www.briangrahamracing.com

 

 

BFGoodrich team prepares for Driftmania Canadian Championship season

Laval, Quebec, June 2, 2011– Ready, set, drift! Screeching and smoking tires and the roar of high-powered engines will fill the air, along with cheers from an electrified crowd, as the first round of the 2011 Driftmania Canadian Championship (DMCC) season gets underway June 4 at the Montmagny Speedway. For the fourth year running, the BFGoodrich drift team will be in the heat of the action.

"Drift is an auto sport that involves controlled skidding. It demands that drivers have complete command of their vehicles. Needless to say, you can't have total control if you don't have tires capable of biting into asphalt while handling turns at full speed," affirms Robert Haggart, sponsorships and events manager for the BFGoodrich drift team. "That's why BFGoodrich is returning again this year. Our driver is experienced, and the official team tires, the BFGoodrich® g-Force T/ATM KDW, offer the best control, handling and traction out there."

Carl Nadeau ready to rumble: "Through the smoke billowing from my tires, I can clearly see a place for me on the podium! This season, my car is more powerful and reliable than ever, and my team and I have every intention of putting on quite a show for the crowd," states BFGoodrich driver Carl Nadeau, who's gearing up for his third season with the team.

Drawing on his years of driving experience and his penchant for thrills, the media host, instructor and seasoned driver will wow spectators at the track with his distinctive style, vehicle control and daring feats. "I fully intend to push myself to the limit again this year, and I can't wait until the season begins," Nadeau adds.                          

Steering towards the Web!: The BFGoodrich team's link to its fans will not be limited to the track. As of today, fans can check out the team profile, race schedules and much more online at www.facebook.com/BFGoodrichCanada. Isabelle Desjardins and Tim Deegan, television hosts and extreme sport enthusiasts will be back again this season as the official Web reporters for the team. They will cheer on the drivers at the races, add text and spectacular video updates to the Facebook page, and ensure that fans have all the latest team results.

Burning up the track

Carl Nadeau will once again be at the wheel of his BMW M3, this year powered by a GM LS3 V8 engine delivering over 500 horsepower. In the 2011 season, his car, dubbed The Phoenix, will be lighter by more than 400 pounds, which will only add fuel to his aggressive driving style!

About BFGoodrich Tires: Using motorsports as a proving ground for more than 30 years, BFGoodrich® Tires is involved in every type of racing, including oval, sports car, drifting, drag, desert, dirt, rally and extreme rock-crawling. BFGoodrich Tires combines technological expertise with vast motorsports experience, delivering a high-performance tire for every type of vehicle. Visit BFGoodrich Tires online at www.bfgoodrichtires.ca.

From Stéphanie Babin / HKDP Communications and public affairs

OHSWEKEN SPEEDWAY: Season finally set to start, on Friday

Southern Ontario finally has some sunny weather, and Ohsweken Speedway is ready to go this Friday, June 3! Engler Machine & Tool will be joined by Grisdale Racing Products in presenting “Bring a Neighbour” 2-for-1 admission night at Ohsweken. 

Friday will mark the first round of the season-long point championship chase for the Corr/Pak Merchandising Sprint Cars, Lighthouse Tattoos Thunder Stocks, HRW Automotive Mini Stocks, and Pierced Parts Bombers. Vintage Cars will also make the first of 5 scheduled appearances this season, and the Sprint Car feature will be an extra-distance 25 lap affair.

TICKETS PLEASE!: Advanced reserved seat tickets for “Tony Stewart at Ohsweken” July 26, World of Outlaws Sprint Cars “Six Nations Showdown” July 27, and Canadian Sprint Car Nationals September 15, 16, and 17 at Ohsweken are on sale now! Please visit www.OhswekenSpeedway.com and call 1-888-720-RACE to order yours today!

Friday Night Thunder at Ohsweken offers affordable exciting family entertainment just a short drive away from most Mid-Western Ontario locations.. Friday Night Thunder Adult General Admission is just $10, while Seniors and Students are $8, and Kids age twelve and under are FREE! Spectator gates open @ 6:00p.m., with the first race taking the green flag at 7:45p.m. this Friday, June 3rd! Visit www.OhswekenSpeedway.com and Feel The Excitement!

By Tommy Goudge

Lucas Oil ESS: Series heads north of the border this weekend

SYRACUSE, NY – In one of the most look forward to trips on the schedule, it’s the first of two weekends to the French speaking province of Quebec, Canada.  This Friday and Saturday the stars and cars from the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints (ESS) visits Autodrome’s Granby and Drummond.

It will be stops four and five of the 20 race full point events.  Not only will these events carry points for the overall Lucas Oil title but will also the Northwood 2 Construction/LaSalle Motorsports Canadian Sprint Series and the Fondations 4 Saisons Quebec Super-Star Series.

The man known as the “Cobra” Chuck Hebing heads north as the point leader by a very slim margin over Cory Sparks, Shawn Donath, Justin Barger and opening night winner and Canadian Series point leader in Alain Bergeron.  Rounding out the top ten in points are defending champion Steve Poirier, last years rookie of the year Kevin Ward Jr., Lance Yonge, Matt Tanner and Jeff Cook.  All these stars are expected to be in the pits looking to add to their strong early season starts.

Fans will also see Michael Parent, Mike Stelter, Tyler Rand, Dylan Swiernik, Anthony Cain, Brian McDonald, Paul Pekkonen, Devin Caron, Lee Ladouceur and Chris Jones.  Looking to make their first ESS starts of 2011 will be Rick and April Wilson, Jim Porter, Dale Gosselin, Daniel Lampron, Normand Beaudreault, Jake Langlois, Curtis Bradshaw, Francois Bernier and more.

Granby and Drummond have now become traditional stops on the ESS trail every year since 1994 with the tracks holding 34 and 32 events respectively.   Fans packed the grandstands each time the winged warriors invade and it has turned into a friendly rivalry between the teams from the United States and native Canada. 

With the added tow money, they are also very lucrative with the 25 lap A-main paying $1,800 to win and $450 just to take the green.  If you do not qualify for the A-Main you will receive at least $225 on each night.

The 28th Anniversary Season is off to a fast start with Granby and Drummond adding to the excitement…  It will be excitement guaranteed French-Canadian style!!

For more information: www.autodrome-granby.com // www.autodrome-drummond.com // www.empiresupersprints.com

From Dean Reynolds - DeanR@empiresupersprints.com – (315) 458-1714

NCATS: Steve Mathews ready to go road course racing at ICAR

The 2011 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series got under way this past weekend with Mathews showing great speed.  Only a week after the opening event at Mosport Speedway, the series head to the Montreal area to run Circuit ICAR, a road course at the Mirabel Airport, where Steve will make his anticipated road course debut. 

 

Mathews, still a rookie in the series, is excited and ready to try his hand at road course racing.  The 20 year old is no stranger to road courses as he has strong go-karting roots, and is confident he can apply his skill set to the three thousand pound stock cars. 

 

During the offseason Mathews Motorsports was busy getting a new road course car built by McColl Racing Enterprises in London, Ontario.  The new car still boasts a Ford Fusion body and the same paint scheme as the oval car. 

 

After some pre-season testing and working out the bugs in the new car, Mathews became very comfortable and cannot wait to get a road course race under his belt.  “The road course races attract many cars and some big name road course specialists, and at Mathews Motorsports we feel confident that we will be up to speed and competing in no time. Road course racing is new to the team, but with some good help, and great crew, and some experience we feel top five finishes are not out of reach.”

 

With five of the twelve scheduled races being on road courses, it is important to be successful and have a good road course program. 

 

Steve Mathews and Mathews Motorsports are excited to officially announce they will be competing in the 2011 road course races in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series schedule and cannot wait to hit the track this weekend for the Grand Prix ICAR, the first series race at the new circuit.

 

For more information or marketing opportunities visit www.stevemathews.ca. Keep up to date with Mathews Motorsports through the internet and your mobile phone: www.stevemathews.ca // Facebook: Mathews Motorsports // Twitter: @15Mathews // Youtube: MathewsMotorsports .

Inside Track TV (Episode 1.05 - June 2, 2011)

In this episode of Inside Track TV, Spencer Lewis previews the upcoming race weekend, including the OSCAAR race at Kawartha Speedway, the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series' inaugural visit to Mirabel's Circuit ICAR and much more.

Visit www.InsideTrackNews.com for more info. Thanks to Spencer.

CFS kicks off 2011 season on June 5 with Maritime Super Series for Sportsman 100

(Shediac, N.B.)  -- The Centre for Speed, Atlantic Canada's Super Speedway and "Metro Moncton's Playground of Power", is set to kick off its 16th stock car racing and motorsports season with a reconfigured, longer and tighter racing surface as well as other significant upgrades, including a newly paved entrance road to the speedway, all designed to provide spectators with enhanced

entertainment value.

This Sunday's season opening event will feature drivers from throughout New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island battling it out in the first of three Maritime Super Series for Sportsman 100 races to be held at CFS during the summer, as well as weekly points championship racing in Shediac Sportsman, Mini Stock and Four Fun divisions., Sunday's program will be the first of 20 motorsports and musical events to be presented at the CFS during 2011.

It will also be the first 'Community Day' event of the season at CFS whereby families from throughout Nova Scotia will be admitted FREE of charge upon presentation of a valid driver's license. Each week, families from different parts of the Maritimes will be offered FREE admission to specific events, details of which are outlined on the CFS website (www.centreforspeed.com )

All regular season stock car racing events for 2011 at CFS will be held on Sunday afternoons at 2:00 p.m.

Apart from its weekly points championship stock car racing events, the CENTRE will also host four Atlantic Open Wheel Modified series events, two Monster Truck and Four Wheel Jamboree events as well as the season-ending Atlantic Stock Car Speed Weeks during three weekends in October.

CFS will also be home to two concerts during the summer with the 'Back to the 50's Rock and Roll extravaganza on July 6 and Pic Bois et Amies on July 23.

The 2011 season gets underway this Sunday, June 5th at 2:00 p.m. with the Maritime Super Series for Sportsman Season Opener. Front gates and grandstand will open at 12:30 p.m.

Admission

Adults (16 and over) =      $15

Youth (9 to 15) =                $5

Children (8 and under) = FREE

Family Pass (Two adults and up to 4 youth) = $35

The speedway urges everyone to check the CFS web site or call the speedway's info line to check the status of the event before travelling as a rain date will be announced in the event of poor weather conditions.

The CENTRE for Speed (CFS) is a 128-acre motor

sports park which includes Atlantic Canada's largest and fastest 3/8 of a mile stock car oval as its centerpiece along with several other racing facilities. The CENTRE overlooks the Northumberland Strait and is located 5 kilometers east of Shediac's Parlee Beach on Route #133 in the village of Grand Barachois, New Brunswick.

Full schedule details are available at www.centreforspeed.com

Yokohama teams triumph at muddy, snowy Rocky rally

CALGARY (May 28, 2011) – A pair of Yokohama team mates triumphed over what veteran rally observers called the most difficult conditions in a decade to score a one-two finish at the dramatic Rocky Mountain Rally here. 

Reigning Canadian, North American and Rally America rally champions Antoine L’Estage and co-driver Nathalie Richard edged ahead of team mates and series rivals Pat Richard and co-driver Leanne Junnila in the final three stages of the snowy, muddy, weather-shortened second round of the Canadian Rally Championship to post a slim 5.3-second victory. 

A changing mix of heavy snow, gravel and mud put a premium on tire performance. Both L’Estage/Richard and Richard/Junnila relied on Yokohama A031 competition tires to cope with the treacherous conditions. 

Pat Richard’s Subaru WRX STi led for most of the event, which was delayed by a major snowfall that kept event workers from making to the stage roads in Kananaskis Country. When the rally finally began, the Squamish, B.C.-based Subaru Rally Team Canada jumped into the lead from the first competitive stage over roads that were alternately snow-covered and muddy, and headed L’Estage’s Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X by nine seconds by the first service halt.  

Battling back with one stage to go, L’Estage, of St. Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, and Nathalie Richard, of Halifax, pulled ahead of Pat Richard (Squamish, B.C.) and Junnila (Calgary) by a mere 1.7 seconds. The final stage was an epic Mitsubishi/Subaru battle, with L’Estage taking the win by the smallest margin in a Canadian event in recent memory. 

Leo Urlichich (Toronto) and Martin Brady (Ireland) finished third in a Subaru. 

With wins in the first two series rounds, the L’Estage/Richard duo sits atop the Canadian Rally Championship standings. Richard/Junnila are second. 

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.

MOSPORT SOLD: Ron Fellows part of Canadian ownership group

TORONTO, June 1, 2011 /CNW/ - Canadian Motorsport Ventures Ltd., established by famed Canadian racer Ron Fellows, transportation industry leader, Alan Boughton, and real-estate developer Carlo Fidani, today announced the company's purchase of Mosport International Raceway. Taking over from the Panoz Motor Sports Group, the new owners will build on Mosport's storied history and respected reputation to create new and exciting opportunities for race fans, corporate partners and drivers on an international scale.

Recognized as Canada's Home of Motorsports, Mosport is the country's largest automotive performance and racing facility, and has hosted almost every class of road racing on its famed 3.96 km circuit, including Formula 1, IndyCar, sports cars, stock cars, endurance racing, motorcycles, motocross, showroom stock, historic vintage racers, "Big Rig" trucks and karts. Under the new leadership, Myles Brandt will continue to serve in his role as President and General Manager at the facility.

"We want to thank the Panoz Motor Sports Group for making Mosport what it is today - a world class racing venue that hosts some of North America's best road racing series and a place of inspiration for generations of racers in Canada," said Alan Boughton, Managing Partner, Canadian Motorsport Ventures, Ltd. "We are excited to pour our racing passion and business expertise into Mosport and look forward to working together with local government and tourism authorities to take this historic race facility to the next level in delivering the best excitement and entertainment motor racing has to offer."

The new leadership team brings a renewed focus, fresh thinking, and a strong vision on how to maximize the potential of Mosport. Over the next 18 months, they will look at all aspects of improving the facility to deliver the high calibre racing experience that fans, sponsors, teams and drivers want, including the construction of a new events and meeting facility. The new owners will utilize their unique areas of strength and knowledge to guide Mosport into the future:

Ron Fellows - Canadian racing legend with a distinguished racing record and a deep relationship with Mosport, which started at the age of eleven where he attended his first race. Mosport is also where Ron won his first Drivers Championship, first Trans AM Series victory, first prototype sports cars win, three straight class victories in the American Le Mans Series, and most recently in 2010, a series victory in SCCA World Challenge in Mosport's 50th anniversary year.

Alan Boughton - President and Managing Partner of Trailcon Leasing and a long-time classic car enthusiast and restorer with a passion for racing.

Carlo Fidani - Chairman and CEO of Orlando Corporation and an accomplished businessman who brings a wealth of development insight and experience to Mosport.

"Myles and his staff have done an extraordinary job with Mosport," said Don Panoz, founder of the Panoz Motor Sports Group.  "There is no deeper racing tradition or racing history in Canada than what exists here.  I am personally very gratified that we have been able to help this crown jewel grow and improve for both racers and fans and I am very happy to now turn it over to a group that loves this place as much as I do.  And I want to say a special thank you to Ron Fellows, who has always been a true gentleman, champion and the greatest representative of Canadian racing that I have known. The fact that he is now one of the owners of Mosport is a dream come true for both of us."

Panoz also owns the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón, which returns to Mosport for their only north-of-the-border stop, July 21-24, as part of the Mobil 1 presents The Grand Prix of Mosport - Canada's biggest sports car race of the year.

"We could not be more pleased to be returning Mosport back to Canadian ownership and stewardship," said Scott Atherton, president and CEO of Panoz Motor Sports Group. "The new owners represent the best possible combination of top quality business professionals, enthusiasts and resources. Canadian race fans have a lot of very positive things to look forward to at Mosport.  And we will look forward to bringing the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón back to Mosport for many years to come."

About Mosport International Raceway: As Canada's largest automotive performance and racing facility, Mosport International Raceway has been Canada's Home of Motorsports since 1961. Less than an hour east of Toronto, the 750-acre, multi-purpose complex plays host to more than 400 event days a year including major race event weekends, weekly stock car racing, karting, racing schools and advanced driver training programs. It's the only  permanent facility of its kind in Canada, with a  world-renowned 4-kilometre road course, a 2.4 kilometre driver development centre with skid pad, a 1.4 km pro kart circuit and a half-mile paved oval. Visit www.mosport.com for more information.

About Canadian Motorsport Ventures, Ltd.: Established in 2011, Canadian Motorsport Ventures, Ltd., is the owner and operator of Mosport International Raceway, Canada's home of motorsports. Founded by Canadian racing legend, Ron Fellows and Trailcon Leasing President and Managing Partner, Al Boughton, the company is dedicated to bringing new and exciting racing experiences to drivers, auto enthusiasts, and racing fans.

About Panoz Motor Sports Group: The Panoz Motor Sports Group, one of the world's most comprehensive and vertically integrated motorsport entities - is comprised of the varied motorsports holdings of Dr. Don Panoz.  With its worldwide headquarters just outside Atlanta in Braselton, GA, the diverse Panoz Motor Sports Group holdings include the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón, the International Motor Sports Association, Sebring International Raceway, Road Atlanta and Elan Technologies, a multi-faceted race car and engine building entity.

Riverside Speedway - Driving Experience Coming To The High Banks

Looking for that special gift or a treat for yourself check this out

What a unique Father’s  Day Gift this year also birthdays graduations anniversaries etc. Five hot laps around the High Banks of Riverside Speedway in a 650hp Sprint Cup car July 21, 22, 24. The space will be limited so book now don’t miss out. This all takes place during The IWK Super Race weekend. Visit http://www.drivepetty.com/can-tour to book your seat now they will not last long.

Richard Petty Driving Experience Announces Canada Tour

May 31, 2011 (Toronto, ON) – Richard Petty Driving Experience (RPDE), the North-Carolina-based worldwide leader in NASCAR stock car ride and drive entertainment, announced today that it is coming north with a series of dates in July, marking the first-time motorsports enthusiasts will have the opportunity to drive one of "The King's" cars on a Canadian racetrack.

Richard Petty Driving Experience - named for the 7-Time NASCAR Cup Champion and 2010 Hall of Fame Inductee – will visit three tracks in Ontario and one in Nova Scotia during its inaugural "Canadian Summer Tour"; Kawartha Downs & Speedway (Fraserville, ON), Delaware Speedway (Delaware, ON), Sunset International Speedway (Innisfil, ON) and

Riverside International Speedway (Antigonish, NS).

"We're real excited to bring the Driving Experience to Canada this summer" said Petty, who was on hand for today's announcement in Toronto. "I know, first-hand, that some of the greatest fans in the world are right here. I loved coming here to race back in the day and I know they're going to love getting in our race cars."

It was a fitting setting for the announcement, as Petty's first-ever NASCAR-race took place at Toronto's CNE stadium in 1958.

"We've had thousands of Canadians travel to Las Vegas, Orlando and many other tracks at which we run for the opportunity to drive a Petty race car", said Mike Bartelli, Chief Marketing Officer of Petty Holdings, LLC and Richard Petty Driving Experience. "We look forward to seeing some of them again, on their home tracks, as well as introducing many more to our unique brand of motorsports entertainment."

The "Richard Petty Driving Experience Canadian Summer Tour" will kick off on July 9th at Kawartha and includes eleven days on the aforementioned tracks over a nearly three week period, wrapping up at Riverside on July 24th. RPDE will offer the "Rookie Experience," its signature driving program, and a "High-Speed Ride-Along", which simulates a NASCAR qualifying run, in scheduled sessions during the tour.

"Having Richard and his guys come here is a big deal," said Mark Dilley, NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Driver and Sunset International Speedway General Manager. "I'm thrilled as a racer, for Canadian race fans, for Sunset Speedway and for my fellow track promoters. This is going to be special"

Reservations for both driving experiences and Ride-Along's are required and can be made by calling 1-800-237-3889. For complete details, visit www.drivepetty.com/CAN-tour.

Art Rotondo Partners with the Grand Prix of Canada (01-26)

Montréal, June 1, 2011 - Arturo Rotondo, a young and vibrant Montreal artist, whose reputation has already crossed the Québec and Canadian borders notably because of his passion for automobile racing, will be at the heart of the activities going on at the Grand Prix of Canada on June 10-12. At the request of the promoter of the most important summer event in Montreal, fans will be able to view customized works of art around the Gilles-Villeneuve circuit, and, when purchasing a copy of the official souvenir program, receive as a bonus, a limited edition poster exclusively produced by the artist only for this program.

Born with tremendous artistic talent, Arturo combined his gift with his racing passion handed down by his late father. This is the inspiration that drives the Art Rotondo artistic expression. Each brush stroke applied to his work is made with the pure exhilaration of a true racing fan living his artistic dream through his paintings. The Montreal native has revolutionized the world of Motorsport art by developing a unique method to capture the speed and the thrill of racing in his work.

Currently working with many racers in Formula 1, IndyCar, NASCAR and DTM, Art Rotondo, has quickly become the reference in this prestigious sport. Arturo makes it his duty to continue thriving so that the Art Rotondo brand becomes a household name in the fascinating world of racing. Having been part of numerous art exhibitions around the world, this summer, fans will have a chance to meet Art in person as he showcases his talents to his public.

For the Grand Prix of Canada, Arturo has produced striking portraits of all 24 of the F1 drivers competing in Montreal. They can be seen on banners placed at the Cosmos Bridge and also above each F1 driver's team garage. Fans will have the chance to view and purchase his entire Art Lithograph product line which will be available in two official ArtRotondo.com vending stands located throughout the Gilles-Villeneuve Circuit on the much anticipated weekend of June 10, 11 and 12th. His stands will also include a full array of his custom painted racing helmets for fans to admire.

To find out more about Art Rotondo's canvas works, helmet works and more, please visit www.artrotondo.com, or his Facebook Fan Page and Twitter Page, you can also write to info@artrotondo.com or contact Mauro Rotondo, President, on Direct Line (514) 516-2876

Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour - LUCAS OIL 100 SET TO OPEN NEW PETTY INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY

(Halifax, NS. May 31, 2011) The Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour will rechristen Petty International Raceway this Saturday, June 4th with the Lucas Oil 100.  The ¼ mile oval located in River Glade NB, just outside of Moncton will once again see cheering fans in the grandstands and racecars on the asphalt for the first time since 2000. The LUCAS OIL 100 will open the season at the newly refurbished Petty International Raceway, round 2 of twelve for the Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour. Racing action starts at 6:00 pm, with Atlantic Tiltload Time Trials set to begin at 5:10 pm.  Box office and grandstands open at 3:00 pm.

Petty Raceway was first opened in October 1983, the track was owned an operated by Jerry Campbell and saw weekly racing along with several special events including MASCAR.  The track, then know as Petty Raceway, saw its last event run on September 23, 2000 – a race which was ironically won by future owner and multi-time Pro Stock Tour champion Wayne Smith.

Fans and drivers alike will see a totally renovated facility at Saturday’s Lucas Oil 100. In the fall of 2010 Brett Benoit, Craig McFetridge, and Wayne Smith purchased the facility and quickly got underway with major renovations on and off the track. Fans can expect ample seating, parking and a very fast oval! This will be a historic event that no Maritime stock car racing fan should miss.

Opening the Lucas Oil 100 is the Atlantic Open Wheel Tour and 4-cylinders.  Weather permitting; fans will also be treated to an on track autograph session featuring the stars of the Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour. 

Admission for the Lucas Oil 100 is $25.00 for adults; $10.00 for youth aged 8-15; children 7 and under are admitted free. All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Pit admission is $30.00 and restricted to those 16 and older.  Tickets are available at the gate on race day (cash only) or in advance at Ticket Atlantic outlets (Atlantic Superstores), by phone 1.877.451.1221 or www.ticketatlantic.com.  Advanced tickets are available for grandstand adult and youth admission; advance ticket holders will have a special entrance to expedite entry.

Visit www.maritimeprostocktour.com for more information.

Expected Entry List – LUCAS OIL 100

 

# 0 - Shawn Turple - Enfield, NS

#01 – Robbie MacLean – Winsloe, PEI

# 1 - Dave Heino - Barrington, NS

# 02 -Mike Mackenzie - Dartmouth, NS

# 5 -Jonathan Hicken - Brudenell, PEI

# 8 - Kent Vincent - Westmoreland, PEI

# 9 - Brad Brown – Halifax, NS

#11 – Marty Prevost – Fall River, NS

#13 – Rollie MacDonald – Pictou, NS

#14 – Terry Dougay – Albany, PEI

#18 - Darren Mackinnon - Milton, PEI

#21 - Shawn Pierce - Bridgewater, NS

#26 - Mike Stevens - Riverview, NB

#29 - Greg Proude - Springvale, PEI

#32 - Chris Hughes - Brackley Beach, PEI

#35 – Brad Mann – Glen Levit, NB

#39 – Sandy Livingston – Springhill, NS

#42 – Steven Ross – Waverly, NS

#44 - Wayne Smith - Timberlea, NS

#45 - Leonard Boutilier – Dutch Settlement, NS

#52 - Shawn Tucker - Fredericton, NB

#66 - Daryl Mahar - Hubley, NS

#71 - Dan Mackay – Halifax, NS

#80 - Roger Miller - Kennetcook, NS

#88 – George Koszkulics – New Glasgow, NS

#89 – Donald Chisholm – Antigonish NS

#97 - John Flemming - Halifax, NS

#98 - Jerome Kehoe – Sydney, NS

#99 - Craig Slaunwhite - Terence Bay, NS 

 

Entry list subject to change without notice

About Lucas Oil:

Lucas Oil is one of the fastest growing additive lines in the consumer automotive industry, carrying a premium line of oils, greases and problem solving additives as well as a heavy duty line of products for the industrial and agricultural markets. Lucas Oil has long been directly involved in the racing industry, and seeing a need for better lubricants in this industry, Lucas Oil developed a line of high performance engine oils and gear oils that are second-to-none in the racing industry. Lucas racing products, including high performance engine oils and gear oils have proven themselves on NASCAR, NHRA, IHRA, USHRA and ATPA tracks across the country.

About the Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour:

The Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour (PFTPST) is the highest level of stock car racing in Canada. The Tour is recognized in the industry as one of the healthiest stock car racing series in North America. PFTPST visits five tracks throughout the Maritimes during its May through September season. The Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour is owned and operated by Maritime Pro Stock Tour Limited. For more information, call our administration office at 902.481.2531 or click www.maritimeprostocktour.com

About Petty International Raceway:

Petty International Raceway is located on Highway 106, just 40 km west of Moncton, New Brunswick. To learn more about Petty International Raceway, its location, admission, policies, history, and more, please visit www.pettyraceway.com. To get current updates delivered to you directly please follow us on Twitter.