NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Ready For Summer Stretch

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (June 30, 2011) – As the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series season hits its stride, competitors in the series are beginning to as well, both at home and at other NASCAR-sanctioned events across North America.

With four of the 12 events on the 2011 slate in the books drivers and teams have worked out the kinks and are ready for the summer stretch that has five races covering four Canadian provinces – British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and Saskatchewan – from July 9 to August 20.

The early portion of the schedule has seen Milverton, Ontario’s Scott Steckly jump out to the early lead in the championship point standings, but J.R. Fitzpatrick, D.J. Kennington and Don Thomson Jr. are in hot pursuit.

The stage is now set for the Streets of Toronto 100 on July 9 at Toronto’s Exhibition Place as part of the Honda Indy Toronto event. Over 30 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series cars are expected to be on hand. Rivals Fitzpatrick and Andrew Ranger, who won last season’s Toronto race, once again square off, but they must not lose sight of Steckly, Kennington and Jason Bowles. Bowles, the 2009 NASCAR K&N Pro Series West champion and winner of the 2011 NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown, battled Ranger for the win last year at Montreal.

“The (Honda Indy Toronto) is definitely a big event for all of us,” said Fitzpatrick. “It’s a big stage and everyone wants to put on a great show for the fans.”

The 23-year-old Fitzpatrick, out of Ayr, Ont., has yet to find his way to Victory Lane in 2011, but he has led laps in all four races and has posted a pair of top-five and four top-10 finishes. The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series is just part of Fitzpatrick’s racing duties this season. He is the driver of the new No. 67 Go Canada Racing Ford in the NASCAR Nationwide Series.

The day before he finished as runner-up to Kennington at Mosport International Raceway in Bowmanville, Ont., on June 26, he posted a 10th-place finish in the NASCAR Nationwide Series event at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisc.

The June 25 event at Road America proved to be a landmark day for north-of-the-border drivers. Canadian racing legends Ron Fellows and Jacques Villeneuve finished second and third, respectively, while two-time NASCAR Canadian Tire Series champion Andrew Ranger finished sixth followed by Fitzpatrick in 10th. It was best showing in one of NASCAR’s top-three series since three Canadians placed in the top 10 at Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in August 2009.

After Toronto, the series heads to Western Canada for events at Motoplex Speedway and Event Park in Vernon, B.C., and Auto Clearing Motor Speedway in Saskatoon, Sask. The two oval-track events have been held in front of capacity crowds for the past two seasons.

Then the teams travel to Quebec for the final two road-course events of the season – August 7 at Circuit de Trois-Rivieres for the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivieres and August 20 at Montreal’s legendary Circuit Gilles Villeneuve at which they will share the date with the NASCAR Nationwide Series for the fifth straight season. Each of these events features tremendous crowds and spectacular racing. Ranger has wins in Montreal in 2008 and 2010 separated by a Fitzpatrick victory in 2009. Ranger also looks to continue his mastery at Trois-Rivieres where he has won three straight seasons.

“The opportunity to share the track in Montreal with the (NASCAR Nationwide Series) is always a lot of fun,” said defending NASCAR Canadian Series champion Kennington. “And Trois-Rivieres always has a great crowd. Race fans in Quebec may be the best of anywhere.”

So far this season, Steckly has logged top-five finishes in each of the four events, so far, including a win in the season opener on May 28 at Mosport Speedway in Bowmanville, Ont. Thomson earned the win on June 11 at Delaware (Ont.) Speedway. Kennington collected his 10th series career win on June 26 at Mosport International Raceway, which will be a memorable one for the driver out of St. Thomas, Ont. It was his first series win on a road course and done in dramatic fashion as he went from third to first in the final two laps of the race.

The remaining win went to road-course ace Robin Buck at the series’ inaugural visit to Circuit ICAR, a 2.113-mile road course on the grounds of the Mirabel (Que.) Airport.

By the time the summer stretch is complete, the already tight championship battle surely will have closed up even more, as the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series will crown its fifth champion on Sept. 24 at Kawartha Speedway in Fraserville, Ont.

From Shon Sbarra, NASCAR IMC

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Drift Camera Canada Partners with CTCC

Toronto, June 30th 2011 – The Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship presented by Continental Tire (CTCC) is proud to announce that Drift Camera Canada will partner with CTCC for the 2011 season.

Drift Cameras are high definition action cameras which can film in 1080p HD and feature an LCD playback screen and remote control. They also have a rotating lens so that it can be mounted at any angle to get the best shot possible. CTCC will be using Drift Cameras for in-car filming in its popular Webisodes throughout the season.

"The Drift Cameras are very impressive", stated John Bondar, President of CTCC. "The HD quality and ease of use will make them valuable to competitors and CTCC."

Drift Camera Canada is a wearable Point of View Camera product company offering consumers wide-angle recording capabilities to capture all their adventures and activities. Designed with smart real life use features, it is highly recommended by the specialists in outdoor sports, motorsports, and snow sports. Drift captures the action from the every individual's point of view and offers easy ways to share and re-live the experience with friends and family. To learn more about Drift Camera Canada, you may visit their Website at www.DriftCameraCanada.com  or contact Dennis Bainbridge at 1-888-658-4419.

About CTCC

The Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship presented by Continental Tire is Canada's only professional road racing series. Now in its fifth year, CTCC showcases race cars based on their stock street version. In 2011, CTCC will be featured at Circuit ICAR, Mosport International Raceway, Honda Indy Toronto, Circuit Gilles Villeneuve and Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières.

Experience the rush of touring car racing!

Merrittville Speedway: Racing, Fireworks and $1 Piller's Hot Dogs on Saturday Night!

Thorold, Ontario (July 1) – When it comes to Boltworks Night at Merrittville Speedway this Saturday July 2nd – you can only think two things. Be there … and be hungry!

Boltworks will present $1.00 Pillers Hot Dogs all night long in the grandstand while on the track - racing action will feature all 5 Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series Divisions plus Round Two of the Grantham Lions Ironman Enduro Qualifiers accelerated by Niagara College.

A Firemaster Productions Fireworks Display will also provide lots of excitement above the track.

“What a display Sean and his staff put together last season,” remembers (Merrittville GM) Erica Bicknell-Jones, “our fans probably still have all the sights and sounds clearly in their heads!”

The Enduro winner will become the second driver to qualify for a potential $500 Bonus from Niagara College if he or she can win the September 11th 100 lap Enduro.  2010 100 lap winner Glen Hils won the first qualifier in the May 23rd Monday Night Madness Event presented by Zavitz Financial Strategies & Employee Benefits that was delayed a few days until May 28th’s CAA Niagara Night.

Victory in the 100 could be even more lucrative for the winner with a guaranteed starting spot in the $10,000 US to win Enduro that closes Black Rock Speedway’s season.

“We’re happy to celebrate both the Canadian and the US Birthdays with the mid season Fan Appreciation Special,” adds Bicknell, “6 divisions of racing … $1.00 Hot Dogs all night and FIREWORKS … there’s definitely something on the menu for everyone.”

Merrittville Speedway invites race fans to enjoy the great taste of Pillers anytime – look for Pillers at your favorite grocery store in Niagara or visit pillers.com.

Boltworks have been long time supporters of Merrittville Speedway. Owners Sandy Howe and Ross Trout of Boltworks each have more than 20 years of experience each in the fastener industry with vast product knowledge that you won’t find just anywhere.

Sandy and Ross know the nuts and bolts of nuts and bolts and their Eastchester Avenue East location has a complete supply of industrial fasteners – bolts, screws, nuts, washers, threaded rod, rivets, pins, drills, bits, taps, driver bits, hex keys, tools, industrial sprays and more.

Race fans and race teams can visit Boltworks on line at www.boltworks.ca..

Enduro Racing at Merrittville Speedway is enjoying a resurgence over the last couple seasons – all leading to the season-ending Smash-o-Rama Event that will feature the Grantham Lions Ironman Enduro Series Finale 100 lap event accelerated by Niagara College.

Enduro Racing is something that just about anyone can get on track with. Just find yourself a car and with some safety modifications – you’re in the show. Depending on the outcome of each qualifier, a driver could run the same car through-out the summer and then again in the Fall Main Event.

“Our Enduros attract all kinds,” relates (GM) Erica Bicknell, “ drivers with no experience … some that have run this type of event before and even some of our regular Saturday Night competitors … but in the end it’s more survival than experience that counts.”

For Enduro Rules and Specifications – visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com. Rules are also available from the Speedway Office during the season and the Novelty Trailer on race nights.

“Once again we’re thrilled that the Grantham Lions are quite involved in the sport this season,” added Bicknell, “it’s a great organization … heavily involved in the community … and we share the same anniversary!”

The Grantham Lions Club was formed in 1952 and is heavily involved in minor sports organizations and like other Lions Clubs worldwide – has Lions Eye Care as a major project.

For information on how you can become a member of the club – visit www.granthamlionsclub.com or visit Hoosier Stock competitor and Lion Ron MacAulay and club members at the track this summer.

Events that race fans should make note of are their Fish Frys the first Friday of every month. For information on Hall Rentals for your next event – call 905-935-8434.

Individuals considering re-training for a new career are encouraged to take a serious look at the many programs and opportunities available at Niagara College.

For further information on technology, apprenticeship and skills training visit niagaracollege.ca and accelerate your career.

For further information on the 60th Season call the Speedway Office at 905-892- 8266 or visit the award winning merrittvillespeedway.com. Race fans and Race teams alike can follow Merrittville on Face Book (Facebook.com/Merrittville Speedway) and Twitter (Twitter.com/Merrittville). 

Join us this season on a Saturday Night for a 60th Anniversary LUCAS OIL WEEKLY RACING SERIES EVENT featuring FIVE Divisions with local heroes and up and coming new stars.

Make your plans … call your friends and maybe even get a carpool together and enjoy a staycation at the speedway with plenty of free parking and camping spots – a night at the races is so much fun and so close to home!

Your Local Dirt Track is where it’s at!!! Merrittville Speedway ‘The Best Family Entertainment in Niagara.”

Tickets are now available for Monday August 1st’s 2nd Annual Bob St. Amand Sr. Memorial that will feature the remainder both the 358 Modified and Big Block Super DIRTcar Series Events and Hoosier Stocks – a must see event since 1972.

Crazy Offer! Race fans – check your 2011 Ticket Stubs for a Crazy Offer from

Little Caesars Pizza – located at 572 Niagara Street in Welland. With the purchase of a HOT-N-READY Pizza and Crazy Bread – receive a Free Crazy Bread!

MERRITTVILLE SPEEDWAY SPONSORS: The 2011 60th Anniversary Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series for Merrittville Speedway’s 5 Divisions is brought to race fans and racers by division sponsors – Bobcat of Hamilton, Original Pizza Logs, J&S Heating and Air Conditioning, Hoosier Tire Canada and Turn 4 Collision in addition to many marketing partners Visit them at . http://www.merrittvillespeedway.com/sponsors.htm and visit them when you require their products and/or services.

Lucas Oil Products is one the fastest growing additive lines in the consumer automotive industry featuring a premium line of oils, greases and problem solving additives. Through innovative product research and development along with aggressive marketing programs, Lucas Oil Products has established itself as the top selling additive in the industry.

Look for Lucas Oil Products at their favorite automotive retailer or maintenance centre including the PartSource locations in Welland and St. Catharines, Drummond Home Hardware, KC Auto Parts, RCM Racing Equipment and Tim Phillips Garage

OSCAAR Outlaws: Sunset Speedway Preview

Celebrate the Nation’s Colours 50 at Sunset Speedway

By Clayton Johns

Saturday’s race marks the beginning of the second quarter of the season and many drivers have enjoyed success to this point, while others have been the unfortunate recipients of some plain old bad luck.

The Series’ points leader and defending champion Glenn Watson has enjoyed unprecedented success sweeping the first quarter of the season with wins at Sunset, Kawartha, and Mosport. Barring mechanical difficulties, the #22 will be a strong contender as he looks to duplicate his opening day win at Sunset.

Brandon Watson has had strong finishes in both of his appearances this season. In his first outing, here at Sunset, Watson led the first 35 laps of the race before surrendering the lead to fix a tire. Look for Watson to have another strong top-five run this evening.

Currently sitting second in the points, Wayne Isaacs has had a successful start to the season after three consecutive top-five finishes. Isaacs battled hard with Lloyd Ritchie for nearly twenty laps at Mosport two weeks ago to ensure a solid finish. Look for more of the same out of the #00 this evening.

Dave Taylor’s return to OSCAAR is in full swing and the past champion currently sits third in the points. Taylor finished his first two events in the top-five before a sixth place finish at Mosport. Taylor has been a model for consistency thus far in this young season, so look for him to battle for his first victory of 2011 this season.

Lloyd Ritchie has enjoyed success this season after getting his bad luck out of the way in the first event at Sunset. The ‘Orange Blossom Special’ had a second place finish at Kawartha and finished fifth two weeks ago at Mosport after being unable to start the season opener at Sunset due to engine troubles. Look for Ritchie to continue his success and finish on the podium at one of his better tracks.

Jeff Dunford looks to right his ship after some bad luck to start the season. Dunford lost his breaks ten laps in to the Sunset feature, was involved in an unfortunate crash at Kawartha, and had radiator difficulties at Mosport. Dunford finished seventh at Mosport and is hungry for a top-five. Keep an eye for a hard charging #7T come feature time.

Todd Campbell and Tyler Hawn look to continue successful rookie seasons. Campbell currently sits fourth in the points after two top-fives and a top-ten finish. Look for Campbell to put his #07 Chevrolet on the podium Saturday evening. Hawn currently sits sixth in the series standings and is chasing his first top-five finish which is surely the team’s goal at Sunset tonight after mechanical difficulties caused him to finish eleventh at Mosport.

Gary Passer will look to crack the top-ten once again after mechanical difficulties forced him to retire early on lap 6 at Mosport and finish in the fifteenth position. Passer finished his first two events of the season in the top-ten, eighth and seventh respectively.

Charlie Gallant deserves a helping hand from lady luck after bad luck in each of his three starts to begin his 2011 campaign. Gallant was forced to end his night early at Sunset on May 22 with mechanical difficulties. On June 3 at Kawartha, Gallant was involved in an incident after Dave Taylor cut a tire that caused substantial front and rear damage, at least cosmetically. After the rear end broke two weeks ago at Mosport on lap 26, Gallant could certainly use a hand to boost him up the standings from his current tenth position. As it was at Mosport, Gallant’s goal is surely to “finish the race” for the first time this season. A top-five finish would be a bonus for the #40P team.

Saturday’s event at Sunset International Speedway surely will not disappoint.  In this same event one year ago, a lap two crash in turn one took out half of the field, leaving only nine cars to finish the race. The remaining nine put on an amazing show with the lead swapping multiple times and a little extra ‘rubbin’s racing’ attitude. More of the same racing appears to be in store this evening after a hard fought first quarter to the season.

Saturday OSCAAR joins the Ontario Pro Challenge and Canadian Vintage Modified touring series’ as it begins the second quarter of the season. With three races down many questions remain. Can anybody solve Glenn Watson? When will Dave Taylor put his Impala back in Victory Lane? Can a rookie steal the show and win? With so many uncertainties, good, hard racing is a guarantee with the Outlaws. OSCAAR will run in the third set of heats this evening. The first green flag of the evening is set to fly at 5:30pm.

Schedule of Events – Celebrate the Nations Colours 50 (July 2 – Sunset International Speedway)

Pit Gates open at   12:30 pm

OSCAAR Tech  12:45pm- 4:30pm

OSCAAR practice 2:00pm- 2:30pm

OSCAAR practice 3:30pm- 3:45pm

OSCAAR practice 4:20pm-4:40pm

Spectator Gates open at 4:30pm

Mandatory driver / crew chief meeting 5:15pm

Racing starts at 5:30pm.

Order of the night is Ontario Pro Challenge, Canadian Vintage Modifieds, OSCAAR

Maritime Pro Stocks set to do battle at Scotia Speedworld

HALIFAX, NS - The Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour returns to Halifax this Saturday, July 2nd, for the Lockhart Truck Center 100.  Scotia Speedworld, the 3/10 mile oval located just outside of Halifax, will host the regional touring series. Last season 2009 Tour champion, Shawn Turple (Enfeild, NS) dominated this event, leading every circuit of the 100 lap feature.

The Lockhart Truck Center 100 is the fourth event of 12 for the Pro Stock Tour. Grandstands and box office open at 3:00 pm for the Lockhart Truck Center 100; Atlantic Tiltload Time Trials will run at 5:10 pm with racing set to start at 6:00 pm. 

Wayne Smith (Timberlea, NS) currently sits atop the championship points standings with a tally of 805, Donald Chisholm (Antigonish, NS) continues to impress this season and holds steady this week in second, just 17 points behind Smith with 788 points. Kent Vincent (Crapaud, PE) and Shawn Tucker (Fredericton, NB) maintain a close eye on the leaders with 782 and 768 points respectively. First time Tour winner, Darren Mackinnon (Charlottetown, PE) jumps to fifth, a career high, after his popular victory last weekend at the Parts for Trucks 100.

Opening the Lockhart Truck Center 100 is the Maritime League of Legends Tour will kick off the evenings racing schedule with a 50 lap feature.

Admission for the Lockhart Truck Center 100 is $25.00 for adults; $5.00 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 for the Lockhart Truck Center 100 are on sale now at Ticket Atlantic and participating Atlantic Superstores, phone 1.877.451.1221 or visit www.ticketatlantic.com.  Tickets will also be available at the gate on race day.  Complete event information can be found at www.MaritimeProStockTour.com

From Tara Foster / media@maritimeprostocktour.com

MOSPORT SPEEDWAY: Race recap June 25, 2011

BOWMANVILLE, ON - For the third weekend in June, Mother Nature did her best to disrupt the proceedings at Mosport Speedway. But with the guests of corporate night sponsor Rental City in attendance, along with the visiting Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup and Canadian Vintage Modifieds series, the Speedway defiantly pressed forward and a full race card was completed.

With the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series running the Vortex Brake Pads 200 on Mosport's road course on Sunday, some of the driver's which included Jason Hathaway, Steven Matthews and Don Thomson Jr. along with the vice president of Vortex Brake Pads, Bryan Watts, took to the Speedway for an E-Bike race.  Matthews was the winner and the bikes were supplied by Daymak Ajax.

As part of Rental City's night, one lucky fan won a 40" flat screen television in a raffle where all proceeds were donated to the local food bank.

The Bob's Towing Sportsman

Although they may take exception to being called 'grizzled veterans', the win in Saturday's Bob's Towing Sportsman feature came down to a wheel-to-wheel battle between a pair of Mosport's most experienced competitors, past series champions John Baker Jr. and Bill Northam.

Taking the green flag side by side from Row Three, it only took the two drivers five laps to work to the front of the field, with Northam in his #85 Five Points Mall Pontiac the first to clear the pack. With Northam stretching his advantage due to the clear track in front of him, Baker put his recently acquired #63 Monte Carlo into full pursuit mode, edging ever closer to the distant race leader.

By lap 18 (of 25), 'Big John' had closed to Northam's back bumper, the leading duo running nose to tail until two-to-go. Racing side by side for an entire lap, Baker snatched the low line as the pair entered Turn Three, and powered through to take the point.

Refusing to give up the chase, Northam stayed close but was unable to regain the position, trailing Baker to the checkered flag by two car lengths.

"I wrote off my old car a couple of weeks ago but I was able to buy this one from Amanda Connelly," explained Baker. "The crew spent the last week thrashing to make a car that would fit Amanda, fit me.  And Hot Dawg, this thing is quick."

The on-track dices were not limited to the front either, as pole sitter Dale Wood (#10) held off a determined Bob Kish (#78), the winner in one of the evening's heat races, for the final podium position.

The Pure Stocks

It would be unfair to simply say that Kyle Hope went flag-to-flag to claim the win in the Pure Stock feature, for the driver of the #03 PS Auto/ Standard Auto Wreckers car survived race long pressure from past champion Jeff Scott and Kevin Hinds to secure his first career feature victory.

Snagging the race lead on the opening circuit, Hope immediately came under pressure from the hard charging trio of Scott (#96), Hinds (#57) and Duane Jeffery (#26). While positions were swapped behind him, Hope never lost focus or put a wheel wrong as he led the four car procession. A mad scramble in Turn Two when the lead pack encountered lapped traffic resulted in a spin by Jeffery, bringing out the yellow flag and allowing the leaders to finally take a breath.

Back under green, Hope reasserted his dominance, holding off Hinds and Scott in the final six lap sprint to the checkers.

On the final lap, a tangle between Scott and Ryan DiBello resulted in them both being disqualified.  

Jeffery, who had been relegated to the tailend of the 15 car field for his incident, charged back through the pack to claim the third spot, edging defending series champion Kevin Pickford (#19) on the last lap for the position.

The Lucas Oil Canadian Vintage Modifieds

For 24 laps, the #6, 1933 Chevrolet of Adrian Donkers led the strong, 17 car Canadian Vintage Modifieds field in the evening's feature contest. Unfortunately, the Elora (ON)-based driver was not able to take the checkered flag, as last lap contact with 2010 CVM champion Jason Keen on the Mosport front straight sent Donker's mount to the pits behind the wrecker.

With Donker's damaged car in the pits and Keen relegated to the tailend of the field, the Green/ White/ Checkered dash to stripe was played out between Chris Milwain (#21), Mike Podd (#5- 1934 Ford) and Ben Charbonneau (#2- 1931 Chevy). In two attempts at the G/W/C finish (the first was waved off due to a serious front straight crash between Gary Elliott and Jeff Shaw), the front three positions remained static with Milwain holding off Podd by a bumper's width for the victory.

The Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup

Shawn McGlynn dominated the early laps of the Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup feature event, but it was left to local driver Kelly Balson to waltz away with the Victor's Laurels in the 100 lap evening finale.

By the luck of the draw, (qualifying was rained out), McGlynn (#81) led the 14 car Sportsman field to the green flag from the pole position, turning his front row advantage into the race lead. For 60 laps McGlynn led the pursuing multi-car train until a caution period regrouped the field. On the restart, McGlynn slid high in Turn Two, allowing the #10 Pontiac of Balson to duck low and power through onto the point. In clear air, Balson eased away, eventually stretching his advantage over challenger Jay Doerr to nearly a quarter track.

On the white flag lap, McGlynn and Josh Woods (#66) tangled in Turn Two, and with the clock now well past midnight, Balson was the recipient of both the yellow and checkered flags.

"When I came around and saw both flags, I said that's enough, I'm glad we're done," admitted Balson.

It was the Bowmanville resident's second consecutive series victory at Mosport. Doerr, the defending Lucas Oil Sportsman Champion, was credited with the runner-up position.    

From Ryan Chalmers, Mosport

Photo Credit: Peter Brand

Photo 1 - The Bob's Towing feature race winner and current points leader, John Baker Jr.

Photo 2 - The winner of the Pure Stock feature Kyle Hope, the first of his career.

Photo 3 - Chris Milwain, winner of the Lucas Oil Canadian Vintage Modifeds feature race.

Photo 4- Bowmanville native Kelly Balson was the winner of the 100-lap Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup feature race.

Pfaff Castrol VW GTI Dominates the Castrol Canadian Touring Car Series' Round 5 and 6

TORONTO, ON – June 28, 2011 – The Pfaff Castrol Motorsport team is thrilled to announce two first-place wins in the Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship. P.J. Groenke raced the VW GTI -- sponsored by Pfaff, Castrol and Verax.ca -- to victory in Round Five and Round Six of the Touring Car Series this past weekend.

“We are thrilled about Groenke’s race results and are confident the team can continue this momentum throughout the season,” said Christopher Pfaff, president and CEO of Pfaff Automotive Partners.

In Round Five, Groenke made a remarkable jump from 10th position to first place during a hectic start to the race. While several cars were damaged in both series, Groenke showcased his driving skills by avoiding a crash to move ahead of his competition and maintain the lead to the finish line.

In Round Six, Groenke held on to a first-place position from start to finish moving him up significantly on the series’ points ladder. After Round Four, Groenke was in fifth position of the Touring Class standings and has now moved into third position.

“This was a perfect race weekend! The Pfaff, Castrol VW GTI, presented by Verax.ca performed perfectly thanks to my crew chief Sean Asselin,” said Groenke. “I am very proud to race and work for Pfaff and look forward to the rest of the season.”

The Championship’s Round Seven and Eight will take place on July 8 to 10 at Honda Indy Toronto. To get the complete results of Round Five and Round Six, visit www.touringcar.ca

About Pfaff Automotive Partners

Pfaff Automotive Partners, a leading Ontario automotive retailer, was founded in 1964 by H.J. Pfaff as a Porsche, Audi and Volkswagen dealership in Newmarket, Ontario. The company has experienced considerable growth over the years, adding McLaren and Toyota to its select brand offering, and today is one of the largest dealer groups in the Canadian automotive market. The company also operates Pfaff Tuning, Pfaff Leasing, Pfaff Autoworks and Pfaff Outlet to provide a comprehensive service portfolio to its customers. For more information, please visit www.pfaffauto.com

About P.J. Groenke

Groenke started racing in 1994. Since then, racing has been the passion of his life. Groenke entered the professional racing scene in 1999 with victories in the 47th Indian Summer Trophy Races and the Ontario GT Touring Car Championship. He later appeared on Star Racer, a reality TV show which aired on Discovery Channel Canada, and made it to the semi-final elimination. Since 2008, P.J. has been racing in the Canadian Touring Car Championship (CTCC) races, finishing fifth in 2008 and 2010. He returns to the CTCC this year in the Pfaff, Castrol VW GTI presented by www.Verax.ca

P.J. Groenke is sponsored by Pfaff Automotive Partners, Castrol, Verax.ca, Clairhaven Ltd., TPL Lighting, Tundra Technical Solutions, and Unitronic Chipped.  For more information, please visit www.pjgroenkeracing.com

 

 

Petty Raceway: Expect fireworks on Canada Day

RIVER GLADE, NB (June 29, 2011) – Petty International Raceway will celebrate Canada Day 2011 with a spectacular show virtually guaranteed to thrill fans of all ages. Besides stock car racing in three divisions the facility will host "Man the Daredevil" – one of Canada's longest running – and most thrilling motorized stunt shows.

"It's been more than 15 years since we've been in the Moncton area," said Toby Thibodeau, a stunt performer of more than 30 years and wife of show founder Tony Riddell. "We're really excited. We've added so much to the show since the last time we were in the area. There will be crashing, smashing, explosions, and fireworks. There is never a dull moment."

As part of the Petty show Thibodeau plans to be the first woman to ever perform a stunt called "Steel Wall" – there will also be professional motorcycle stunts, junk cars will be smashed, and professional drivers will have the audience holding their breath as they perform stunts, stunts, and more stunts.

As if that's not enough, the stage is set for "fireworks" during the stock car racing segment of the show.

With $1,000 on the line for the winner of the sportsman race – and 28 of the Maritimes top teams on the expected entry list – competition should be fierce during all 50 laps of the sportsman feature and in the qualifying heat races. There will also be heats and a feature for a 4-cylinder division, and for the first time ever Petty International Raceway will host Bandolero Car races.

The Bandolero Car is a turnkey, spec-series racer designed for drivers as young as eight years old and the young-at-heart at any age. At approximately 550 lbs. and with approximately 30 hp the Bandolero Car as grown to become perhaps the most popular entry-level race car in North America.

Dave O'Blenis, from Salisbury, was at Petty last weekend to practice not one, not two, but three cars, in preparation for the Canada Day show. O'Blenis will enter the sportsman race and his two daughters, Alexandra, 14, and Courtney, 12, will drive Bandoleros.

"It will make for a hectic day," said Dave O'Blenis, who raced in the MASCAR division at Petty in 1999 and 2000. "But we're really looking forward to racing so close to home. The new owners at Petty have done a phenomenal job at refurbishing the facility and it's good to see them so passionate about making every show unforgettable for the fans and the racers."

What is the chance of an O'Blenis hat trick on Friday?

"My car was decent when we practiced last weekend," said Dave O'Blenis. "Alexandra said her car felt good, too. Courtney said hers was off a bit; we found the problem and fixed it, so she should be fine."

The Canada Day show starts Friday at 7 p.m. Admission is just $15 for adults, $10 for youth aged 8 to 15, and children seven and under get in free (when accompanied by an adult). Tickets are available at the box office starting at 5 p.m. when the grandstand opens. The pits open at 2 p.m.; pit admission is $20 and restricted to those 16 and older.

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 receive current updates please follow us on Twitter (@pettyraceway_nb).

More Info: Joan Roué, for Petty Int'l Raceway | 902.444.0703

FLAMBORO SPEEDWAY: Fitzpatrick and Showler to compete in Canada Day Race of Champions

AYR, ON - June 29, 2011 - J.R. Motorsports is pleased to announce they will be contesting the Canada Day Race of Champions in celebration of Flamboro's 50th Anniversary this Friday, July 1st. The event features most of Ontario's finest Super Stock driver's in a shootout with NASCAR stars Ken Schrader, Jimmy Spencer and Ernie Irvan. 

Fitzpatrick, fresh off a 10th place finish in the Road America Nationwide series race and a 2nd in the Mosport Canadian Tire series event a day later, will be driving the #14 Camaro with sponsorship from Racetime Radio. He will be partnered up with longtime friend Jeff Showler in the #44 Camaro with support from Dynamic Fluids.

"I have been looking forward to this race all year," said Fitzpatrick. "I love the Super Stock class and Flamboro is my home track so I am really glad I was able to come here and support them in their 50th Anniversary celebration. It's also a huge thrill for me and the other drivers to be able to go wheel to wheel with some of our heroes in the sport. It's going to be a great show."

"I am really excited to be in this event Friday," stated Showler. "Flamboro has created a great event and I can't wait to get out there and race with the NASCAR stars. I think my biggest competition will be my teammate though so it should be a pretty thrilling race for all of the great fans there," he added.

The Canada Day Race of Champions starts Friday, July 1st at 1pm with an autograph session with all of the NASCAR stars followed by racing at 2pm. 

For more information on the event click on Flamboro Speedway's site: http://www.flamborospeedway.itgo.com/

J.R. Motorsports is proudly supported by Dynamic Fluid Products, Inc., http://www.dynamicfluid.com/ and Racetime Radio :http://www.racetimeradio.com/ 

For more information on J.R. Fitzpatrick log onto http://www.gocanadaracing.com or follow him on twitter: @J_R_Fitzpatrick

From Jason Sharpe

 

Antoine L'Estage and Nathalie Richard Set Their Sights on a Sixth Consecutive Canadian Victory

Montréal (Québec), June 29th, 2011.- Quebec driver Antoine L’Estage (of St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC) and his co-driver Nathalie Richard (of Halifax, NS) will contest this weekend’s Rallye Baie-des-Chaleurs, Round 3 of the Canadian Rally Championship and Round 8 of the North American Rally Cup.  Winners of the last five national rallies in Canada, the 2010 triple-championship winning duo is looking towards this very popular rally in New Richmond, Quebec to claim their sixth in a row and increase their lead in the championship standings.

The Rallye Baie-des-Chaleurs is one of the most popular in North America but it’s also one of the most difficult. « We are definitely on a roll and we hope that our entire Rockstar Royal Group team can continue to ride the wave this weekend in Gaspésie » shares Antoine L'Estage, who currently holds a fifteen point lead in the Canadian drivers’ championship. Baie-des-Chaleurs is one of my favourite rallies and I would like to win this rally for a third time.  I go into every rally wanting to win but I won’t lose sight of the main goal, which is maintaining a good lead in the hunt for the title.  he adds.

As is often the case, the weather conditions could play a big role in the outcome of the event but it’s not something that concerns Antoine L’Estage :  I’m not worried about that – we have great Yokohama tires for the gravel rally roads whether it’s going to be dry and dusty or wet and muddy declares L'Estage.

Winner of last month’s Rocky Mountain Rally in Alberta, Antoine L'Estage climbs to fourth spot overall in the total number of lifetime Canadian national rally victories.  He is only topped by rally legends John Buffum, Frank Sprongl and Taisto Heinonen, drivers who were Antoine’s idols prior to and in the early stages of his rally career. « It’s a very special feeling to have reached this level in overall victories.  When I was a kid and I watched John and Taisto compete, and then later on, Frank. Never did I think that I would be at the top of the statistics with the three of them » confides the Rockstar Royal Group driver, who is the top ranked Quebecois in the history of the sport.

Second place in Pennsylvania...

Less than a week after claiming victory at the Rocky Mountain Rally, the team contested the STPR rally in Pennsylvania, the penultimate round of the 2011 Rally America series. Antoine L'Estage and Nathalie Richard were once again brilliant, leading the majority of the rally while suffering from an underpowered engine.  The duo finished second in the standings by a mere 1.3 seconds, the closest finish in North American rally history since 2005.  These points allow the team to continue their fight for the Rally America title in two weeks’ time in the states of Maine and New Hampshire and it increases the team’s lead in the North American Rally Cup. 

Antoine L’Estage holds three North American championship titles (2007, 2008 and 2010), three Canadian titles (2006, 2007 and 2010), one American title (2010), and twenty-eight overall victories in Canada and the US. Nathalie Richard holds six overall national championship titles (3 in Canada and 3 in the USA), as well as thirty-four overall rally wins on both sides of the border. She is also a six-time North American Co-Driving Champion (2004 – 2010, excluding 2006).

Antoine L’Estage and Nathalie Richard participate in the 2011 Rally America and Canadian Rally Championships with the support of Rockstar Energy Drink, Royal Group, Yokohama Tires, Mitsubishi Canada, Drenth Motorsport Gearboxes, Garrett Turbos, Énergie Cardio, Libra Racing, Driver's Edge Autosport (OMP), VP Racing Fuels,  Exe-Tc Suspensions and Hawk Performance Brake Pads. For more information on the team or on rallying in general, visit antoinelestage.com.

 

Nationwide: Andrew Ranger sixth at Road America

ELKHART LAKE, WI — June 25, 2011 —Two-time NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Champion Andrew Ranger finished sixth, while competing in the NASCAR Nationwide Bucyrus 200 held at Road American in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.

Ranger, in his first NASCAR Nationwide start this year, qualified the No. 53 Waste Management Recycling Corporation NDS Motorsports twenty-first out of the forty-two competitors who attempted to qualify for the 50-lap, 202.4-mile race. "We didn't get the qualifying position I would have liked" said Ranger, "I had a car capable of a much better qualifying time.  We clocked the 6th fastest time in the second practice which is more indicative of how fast we were.  We ended up 21st.  There was no way we could overcome the handicap of going out first, right after the sports car race" he added.

When all other drivers rolled for first practice, all Ranger could do, was watch as the NASCAR Officials inspect the brand new car the team took to Road America. "The inspection process was long.  Because we had a new car, they took much longer and they didn't get done until after the first practice was over" said Ranger.  Since the order in which cars would go out for qualifying was determined based on the first practice times and Andrew did not register any time, he was the first car out on the track for qualifying.

In the race, the Roxton Pond, Quebec driver registered the third fastest lap time of the race.   "Considering the car was new, we never got a chance to shake it down before the event, that not a spring or a shock was changed, the car was fast and handled great right off the truck.  It’s a true testament to how strong and hard working the whole NDS Motorsports team is" said Ranger.

Ranger wheeled his car as high as fourth place and seemed en route to a great finish.  A penalty for speeding on pit road and later a 30 seconds green flag pit stop were very costly, relegating Ranger to 18th place after everything had cycled. 

It was decided before the event to use the regular over-the-wall crew which normally services the No. 53 Waste Management Recycling NDS Motorsports race car in the K&N Series for the Nationwide Series race.  "I expected a longer pit stop going in.  In the K&N Series, we are limited in what we can do in a single stop.  To do a four-tire change and gas, as we did during the race, means three visits down pit road.  Before the race I explained to every one of the crew members that doing the work slower was in fact going to be faster and keep us in the game.  We should not take any chances.  And that's what we did" said team manager Steve Hibbard.

The race needed three green-white-checkered-flag attempts to determine a winner.  It was just what Ranger needed to improve his finish. "We got ourselves a bit behind with the penalty and the long pit stop.  The late restarts bunched the cars back up, some wrecked and I was able to drive around them without being involved, not once, but three times.  For once, luck worked in our favor and we get a result which is in line with our performance and expectations" declared Ranger.  The No. 53 Waste Management Recycling NDS Motorsports crossed the stripe in the sixth position.

Andrew Ranger will return behind the wheel of the No. 35  Waste Management Recycling race car on July 15, when the NASCAR K&N East Series will be racing at the 1.058 miles New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, New Hampshire.

From NDS Motorsports // Steve Hibbard / Marc Patrick Roy

McColm 10th in 2011 NASCAR debut; Ajax racer exceeds expectations with great run in Race Time Radio Dodge

In attached photo courtesy of Gary Grant - TheGarageBlog.com - Joey McColm leads Steven Mathews around Mosport International Raceway.

June 27, 2011, AJAX, ON – Joey McColm showed no signs of rust scoring a 10th place finish on the famed Mosport International Raceway in Sunday’s NASCAR Canadian Tire Series race. The Ajax native made his season debut after electing to skip the first three events.
Steady misting rain on Saturday limited practice time, and NASCAR cancelled qualifying due to wet conditions. The race was lined up according to points, and since McColm hadn’t raced yet this year he started 24th in the 26-car field.
“I wasn’t sure what to expect when the race started,” said McColm. “I hadn’t turned a competitive lap since last September, but the car was amazing.
“The longer the race went the better the car felt. We never took tires, but I still had a lot of speed towards the end.”
McColm elected to pit fairly early during one of the race’s six caution periods. By taking fuel only McColm took advantage of good track position to keep his Dodge clear of most of the mishaps.
“We knew from the start we weren’t going to take on any tires during the race,” said McColm. “Our budget for this race didn’t allow for new tires, and to be honest I’m not sure it cost us much speed with the number of caution laps we ran.
“I’m very excited at how well the car is running since our next race is on the streets of Toronto. It’s a big deal to be part of the Toronto Indy. Hopefully we can have another good run and attract some marketing partners to race more this season.”
McColm is committed to running Toronto, and then he plans to race in Montreal at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, followed by two oval track events at Barrie Speedway and Kawartha Speedway. The Ryerson University civil engineering graduate has focused as much attention on his off-track activities as he has with his competitive program.
“We’re striving to become NASCAR’s first sustainable organization,” said McColm. “I have a great opportunity to use my race team to help educate the community as well as other race teams. It’s been an exciting season.”
McColm is involved in Earth Day Canada, and he is helping spread the message about environmental responsibility. To learn more about ways you can become more environmentally friendly, or to learn more about Joey McColm and his race team, e-mail jmccolm@cm2c.ca .



- 30 -

Lapcevich earns season-best 4th place finish in Mosport NASCAR event Sunday; Late cautions hinder Grimsby racer’s podium run

In photo above by Sue Chisholm - RaceTimeRadio.com - Jeff Lapcevich executes turn 8 at Mosport International Raceway en route to his fourth place finish.

In photo above by Sue Chisholm - RaceTimeRadio.com - Jeff Lapcevich poses for a photo during the autograph session while youngest son Ryden entertains a new fan.
June 27, 2011, GRIMSBY, ON – Jeff Lapcevich drove the Tim Hortons Dodge to a fourth place finish in the Vortex Brake Pads 200 at Mosport International Raceway on Sunday. The result was a season best for the Grimsby NASCAR Canadian Tire Series racer, but he feels a podium finish was in the works without late-race cautions slowing the race.
“We didn’t need those cautions at the end,” said Lapcevich. “I had to give back at least five spots during the race because of yellow flags. I’m happy with the finish, but I think we could have done even better.”
The reason Lapcevich had to relinquish spots is that NASCAR touring series revert to the last completed lap when lining up the field for a restart. Lapcevich made numerous passes, but the laps weren’t officially scored because of caution periods.
Lapcevich was part of a torrid battle among the top 10 drivers where fans were treated to plenty of passing, rubbing, bumping, and action. The Tim Hortons Dodge finished the race with no signs of contact.
“It was pretty physical out there,” said Lapcevich. “I felt like my car was so good that I really didn’t want to get involved in any of the rough stuff.
“Tim Ellas (crew chief) and the crew did an amazing job getting this car ready. It was fairly busted up after the Grand Prix ICAR, but it felt like a brand new car this week.”
Lapcevich was fast from the start this weekend. He held the top speed during practice until Scott Steckly turned a lap even quicker. Second fastest in practice was rewarding for the crew after basically rebuilding the car since the last road course event.
Although there’s no NASCAR series race this weekend Jeff will still go racing. Lapcevich trades his driving uniform for a crew chief hat on off-weekends to go racing with his boys in quarter midgets. The brothers will compete at Oaklane’s quarter midget racing facility in Pennsylvania.
Sons Cayden and Treyten are accomplished racers in their respective divisions, and later this summer the third Lapcevich boy Ryden will get behind the wheel for his racing debut at four years old.
For more information on the Lapcevich racing family visit www.LapcevichRacing.com .

Double Podiums for Amico Racing at Mosport (press release)

Dean Fantin and the Labourers Union BMW 330i stood on the podium twice this past weekend during the Vortex Brakes 200 at Mosport International Raceway northeast of Toronto. Having qualified 2nd for Saturday’s race Dean took the lead before the second corner and hung on to it for the first 20 min of racing. The Subaru of Richard Boake was never far behind and made a late race pass for the lead, both drivers swapped the lead between them a few more times before the checker flag dropped with Dean on the rear bumper of the Subaru. For Sunday’s race the starting positions were decided from Saturday’s finishing order, the Labourers Union BMW 330i took the green flag alongside Boake’s Subaru but on the outside of the first corner. Dean slid back behind the Subaru and started a hot pursuit that would last for the next 30 minutes of intense green flag racing. At the end of it all Dean Fantin and the Amico team had posted the fastest laps of the race but it hadn’t been enough to get by the well driven Subaru of Richard Boake.  

The Amico Racing team heads into the Toronto Indy second place in the Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship with a 10 point deficit. Success or failure on the rough streets of Toronto will be dependent on the preparation and hard work that’s put in by the teams over the next week.

Amico Racing is supported by the Labourers Union, Empire Roofing Corporation, Riverview Drywall, Hot Bits Sport Suspensions, Gunk, 8MM Design, Permatex, Anglestar Graphics and many more. For Info go to www.amicoracing.com

PHOTO GALLERY: Kawartha Speedway June 17th & 24th

BEST CAREER NASCAR FINISH FOR ISABELLE TREMBLAY AT MOSPORT

Isabelle Tremblay from St. Hippolyte, Quebec took an enormous step in her development during round four of the NASCAR Canadian Tire series at Mosport International Raceway near Bowmanville, Ontario. With only a handful of practice laps and the qualifying session cancelled due to rain. Tremblay put all those distractions aside to score her best ever finish in the series, her first top-ten finish, as she claimed an eighth place result in the #07 ADF Diesel/Group Beton Brunet Ford.

Tremblay and the Dave Jacombs team worked hard to prepare the #07 ADF Diesel/Group Beton Brunet Ford despite the limited track time this past weekend. Even with the difficult circumstances Tremblay was determined to show progress at this event. “I said to the team, this is the weekend I’m going to show I can race” said Tremblay. “I have learned so much in the first few events of the season that I wanted to show the team and everyone that I am learning and give us a sense of what we can accomplish” she added.

With qualifying rained out Tremblay would start the 200km feature vent from the fifteenth position. “The #07 ADF Diesel/Group Beton Brunet Ford felt very good right from the beginning of the race” said the driver. “I was feeling comfortable in the car right away and I could race and pass other cars” she added.

The Jacombs team had planned a strategy for the race that worked extremely well. Following an early stop for race fuel the team would later make a second stop to put fresh tires on the #07 ADF Diesel/Group Beton Brunet Ford. With the way the race played out the strategy worked very well for Tremblay and the team.

As the race progressed Tremblay passed many cars and continued to push the #07 ADF Diesel/Group Beton Brunet Ford toward the front of the field. Tremblay also had to take a few lumps in the process and would lose a few positions at times, but was always able to battle back. “I had a little problem with another car and I just kept working hard all day” said Tremblay. “It was very good the driver came and apologized afterwards that he made a mistake and I understood. We all do sometimes” she stated.

By the late stages of the race Tremblay had moved the 07 ADF Diesel/Group Beton Brunet Ford into the top-ten. “As the race kept going I just kept working hard to get the best finish I could” said Tremblay. When the checkered flag waved Tremblay would claim an eighth place overall finish.

Tremblay sees this accomplishment as a significant step forward in her development and growth with the team and in the NASCAR Canadian Tire series. “I’m so happy of what we did today” she stated. “I have to thank everyone who worked so hard at Dave Jacombs racing and all of my sponsors who support us in this racing program. We’re very happy with how well we did today, and it’s made us even more determined to keep doing better as the year goes on” she concluded.

Isabelle Tremblay will be back racing again soon. Tremblay will compete next in the ANCA Sportsman Series at the Autodrome St. Eustache on Saturday July 2^nd. Her next event in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series will be during the Toronto Indy weekend July 8 & 9 on the streets at Exhibition Place Toronto.

During the 2011 racing season Isabelle Tremblay will compete in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, the ANCA Sportsman Series at the Autodrome St. Eustache and the F1600 Series. This kind of large-scale racing program schedule would not be possible without the impressive support of many partners for which Isabelle is extremely grateful. Isabelle Tremblay’s ANCA Sportsman Series efforts are backed by Insulation Ippersiel, Canadian Tire St. Jerome, La Pizzeria Etc and DB Imaging. The NASCAR Canadian Tire series program is made possible with support from Group Beton Brunet and ADF Diesel. Her Formula 1600 Tour receives backing from Furniture World Salotti.

More information about Isabelle Tremblay and her 2011 racing program can be found by going to her website, www.isaracingteam.com

Team Information: info@isaracingteam.com

Photo Included: Isabelle Tremblay on track at Mosport Raceway

Photo Credit: Gary Grant www.thegarageblog.com

CALGARY’S JARRAD WHISSELL RUNS STRONG AT MOSPORT

Calgary, Alberta’s Jarrad Whissell and the #44 SMS Equipment/Komatsu Ford team battled through some curve balls with the weather along with a few mechanical issues and put in a strong showing at their first event of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series at Mosport international Raceway near Bowmanville, Ontario this past weekend. Whissell scored his best ever series finish at the difficult road course with a twelfth place result.

Rain dampened the track through the first practice session on Saturday; drier conditions prevailed during the second practice. During practice the #44 SMS Equipment/Komatsu Ford team also worked to diagnose an engine miss. “One of the fuel lines to the carburetor wasn’t hooked up properly” explained Whissell. “We expected to be better in qualifying but never got the opportunity to try things out” he added.

Rain forced the cancellations of the qualifying session and the field was lined up according to the NASCAR rule book which meant Whissell would start the 200 km main event from the 23^rd starting position.

As the race began Whissell was looking to improve his position but detected there was a problem with the #44 SMS Equipment/Komatsu Ford. “The car had a pretty bad vibration right from the start of the race” said the driver. “We made a couple of pit stops and the team figured out it was a wheel bearing. Unfortunately we lost a lap while they made repairs” he stated.

Undeterred by the setback Whissell set out to accomplish all he could in the #44 SMS Equipment/Komatsu Ford. “The car was a handful to drive throughout the race. The power steering would come and go as the wheel was turned and post race we found a loose tie rod end. The problems however didn’t prevent Whissell from beginning to gain positions.

Luck then began to change for the #44 SMS Equipment/Komatsu Ford team. A caution allowed Whissell to take the free pass and get back on the lead lap, another quick caution got the field bunched up and he was once again able to race for position. “We were running good lap times and as we got near the end of the race I was in tenth spot” said the driver.

In the closing laps Whissell appeared to have an opportunity to move up further but a battle with the #56 car would prevent the #44 SMS Equipment/Komatsu Ford from improving further. “I got a run on him and was looking to make the pass up the inside but he kind of pushed me onto the grass” explained the driver. “Instead spinning him out I gave way. When I tried again on the final lap he came across the nose of my car and to avoid him I spun and couple of cars got by me so we wound up finishing twelfth”.

It’s by far Whissell’s best career finish in the #44 SMS Equipment/Komatsu Ford at this challenging track but he’s still a little disappointed. “With all the little issues we had this week twelfth would seem like a pretty good finish, but when you’re running tenth and fighting for another spot or two it’s a bit frustrating too” he explained.

This season Jarrad Whissell will participate in four NASCAR Canadian Tire Series road course events at Mosport Raceway, the Toronto Indy, Grand Prix of Trois Rivieres and the Montreal Nationwide weekend. In addition he will also take part in the two western Canada stops at Motoplex Speedway near Vernon, BC & Auto Clearing Speedway in Saskatoon, SK. Follow the progress of the team and help support the Children’s Miracle Network through the team website www.jarradwhissell.com and race fans are invited to follow him on twitter, @jarradwhissell You can watch all of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series races again this year on TSN.

Attached Photo: The #44 SMS Equipment/Komatsu Ford at Mosport Raceway

Photo Credit: Gary Grant www.thegarageblog.com

STRONG SHOWING FOR NOEL DOWLER AT MOSPORT

In just his second NASCAR Canadian Tire Series race behind the wheel of the #5 EMCO Dodge at Mosport International Raceway, Noel Dowler Jr. of Sherwood Park, Alberta faced plenty of adversity and put in a strong showing and demonstrated plenty of poise and maturity.

Dowler’s first event in the #5 EMCO Dodge ended early with contact. Knowing that getting as much time in the seat was essential the team hoped to use both practice sessions and qualifying to allow the young man to get as comfortable as possible in his first trip to the challenging course near Bowmanville, Ontario.

Rain sprinkles hampered the first practice session on Saturday afternoon and during the second round of practice Dowler made a mistake that countless drivers before him have also made. “I got a little bit wide in corner two and got the wheels onto the grass” explained Dowler. The result because of the wet grass was that the car slid into the tire barrier and caused significant right side damage to the #5 EMCO Dodge. “I hate it for the team because there’s a lot of repair work to be done” he added.

With Dowler himself helping wherever possible the #5 EMCO Dodge team stayed very late Saturday to complete repairs. Further rain showers cancelled the qualifying session and Dowler would have lined up 13^th for the race, but due to the nature of the repairs Dowler would forfeit his starting spot and move to the tail end of the field.

Prior to the start of the race Dowler listened to some very good advice from his Crew Chief. “He told me to try and just complete laps” said the driver. “If I just finish the race that would be like a win. It’s hard to drive that way, it goes against your natural instincts but I understood the point he was making” said Dowler.

Knowing he still has plenty to learn in his jump up to full size stock cars Dowler heeded the advice and drove the #5 EMCO Dodge cautiously from the start. “It really felt good to finally spend some time on the track trying to improve with each lap” said Dowler.

Dowler would continue to work hard throughout the afternoon and his lap times in the #5 EMCO Dodge continued to improve. So did his position during the race. “After a while we were inside the top twenty and things were going pretty well” said Dowler.

The #5 EMCO Dodge team and Dowler’s progress continued to improve for the rest of the afternoon along with his position and Dowler accepted the checkered flag and was scored a satisfying sixteenth place result. “We finished the race which was the first goal, we were on the lead lap, and I just found out my last lap was my quickest of the day” said Dowler. “I can’t thank all the guys enough for all their hard work to get the car repaired. We definitely took a step forward today and that was important for everyone” he added.

The next event of the 2011 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series schedule for Noel Dowler on Saturday July 9^th as the feature race of the day during the Toronto Indy Weekend. Dowler will participate in a total of five road and street course events, along with the two oval track races at Motoplex Speedway in Vernon, BC and Auto Clearing Speedway in Saskatoon for a total of seven races. All of the 2011 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series races will be broadcast on TSN. Check local listings for times in your area. For more information about Noel Dowler Jr. log onto www.apollomotorsports.ca

Attached Photo: The #5 EMCO Dodge at Mosport International Raceway

Photo Credit: Gary Grant www.thegarageblog.com

FLAMBORO SPEEDWAY: Reduced Ticket Pricing for Friday's Race of Champions

HAMILTON, ON - Flamboro Speedway is thrilled to announce that sponsor partner London Recreational, an industry leader in Concrete Pool and Spa Construction, has decided to offer race fans a Canada Day promotion in celebration of the July 1st, Canada Day Race of Champions event.

The Grandstand Gate ticket price on July 1st will be reduced by $5 courtesy of London Recreational Racing.  The new price for an Adult ticket will be $35 at the gate, down from the originally posted $40 admission.  Said London Recreational representative Mike Schmidt, "We are very excited to be a part of this historic event, and look forward to seeing NASCAR star Kenny Schrader behind the wheel of our #13K Chevelle.  We hope all race fans can make it out for what promises to be an incredible show."

The Canada Day Race of Champions will be the first time that NASCAR stars from the top level will compete in Hamilton's asphalt arena.  The Millgrove area speedway will host three NASCAR legends, including Ken Schrader, 'Mr. Excitement' Jimmy Spencer and newly announced 'Swervin' Ernie Irvan, the 1991 Daytona 500 Champion.  These drivers will be joined by top grassroots talent from all across Ontario, competing in 8-cylinder stock cars from the Freedom Village Thunder Car division.

This event is also the first time Flamboro Speedway has offered advanced tickets, and a great response of support for the event has triggered an additional special offer.

Advanced Ticket holders will be offered priority status in the lineup for the NASCAR Autograph session at 1pm, in thanks for their early support of the special event.

Join us for the Race of Champions!  NASCAR STARS vs. Hometown Heroes

Starring NASCAR Legends Kenny Schrader, Mr. Excitement Jimmy Spencer, and

---

newly announced Swervin' Ernie Irvan!

CANADA DAY - Friday July 1st

Flamboro Speedway, Hamilton, ON

VIP Chalet opens 11am

Media Event  11:30am

Public Autographs  1pm

Racing Starts at 2pm

www.flamborospeedway.ca // http://www.flamborospeedway.itgo.com/raceofchampions.htm