BOURQUE’S BUSY SUMMER GETS UNDERWAY

Canadian NASCAR driver Pierre Bourque will begin his summer racing schedule with backing again this season from long time partners Aaron’s, Telus and Mahindra Tractors. Bourque will again drive a DJK Racing prepared race car in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series at some of the largest racing events in Canada.

First up is this weekend’s NASCAR race on the streets of Toronto at Exhibition Place, where Bourque will pilot the #00 Aaron’s Dream Machine Dodge Avenger in the Saturday afternoon feature race of the Toronto Indy weekend. The

Bourque is excited to be back competing again this season in the premiere stock car racing series in Canada. “It’s just amazing how the NASCAR series has grown in Canada and we’re just entering the fifth season” said Bourque. “The competition is fantastic, the drivers are all very good racers, and the crowds keep getting bigger and bigger” he added.

Pierre Bourque is also proud to have such strong and loyal backing from all of his partners. “Aaron’s has supported us for many years and we’ll be driving the #00 Aaron’s Dream Machine Dodge at four races this year starting with Toronto this weekend, followed by the two races in western Canada and Barrie later in the year.

Last season it was wonderful to have Mahindra Tractors as the primary backer for the Grand Prix of Trois Rivieres, it’s a race that’s very important to them. And of course our relationship with Telus continues for another season as well. It’s good to have everyone back for another season” stated Bourque.

While this is the first race NASCAR Canadian Tire Series race Bourque will compete in this season he has been busy at several race tracks. “I got my first laps in the #00 Aaron’s Dream Machine Dodge at the annual Mopar test day at Kawartha Speedway several weeks ago” said Bourque.

“I’ve also had a couple of really good ARCA testing session with Eddie Sharp Racing at Chicagoland Speedway and Michigan Speedway. That was after I raced in the ARCA Series event at Talladega where we had a really strong run” he added.

The team is approaching the Toronto event with some unresolved business from last year. “We had some ignition problems during qualifying last year and it put us at the back of the field to start” explained Bourque. “I learned an awful lot during the race watching and following the top competitors that I’ll be able to use in the race this weekend. The whole DJK Racing team has been working really hard to prepare the #00 Aaron’s Dream Machine Dodge and we’re all really excited and expecting a good showing” said the driver.

Practice and qualifying for the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series race at Exhibition Place in Toronto takes place on Friday July 8^th and the race is Saturday July 9^th. Admission to the event on Friday is free to the public.

About Aaron's, Inc.: Aaron's, Inc. (NYSE: AAN and AAN.A), the nation's leader in the sales and lease ownership, specialty retailing and rental of residential and office furniture, consumer electronics and home appliances and accessories has more than 1,575 Company-operated and franchised stores in 48 states and Canada. Founded in 1955 by entrepreneur R. Charles Loudermilk, Sr. and headquartered in Atlanta, Aaron's has been publicly traded since 1982. For more information, visit www.shopaarons.com.

About Telus Mobility: Telus is unique in the Canadian market because we now operate three distinct wireless networks: 3G+, 3G (CDMA) and Mike (iDEN). When you choose Telus, you get clear and simple pricing, the latest and greatest devices, an exceptional client experience plus Canada's fastest 3G+ network. More information: http://www.telusmobility.com

About Mahindra USA Farm Equipment Sector

Houston, Texas-based Mahindra USA Farm Equipment Sector is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mahindra & Mahindra LTD, and part of Mahindra & Mahindra's Farm Equipment Sector (FES) - the largest tractor company in the world by volume. Mahindra's professional-grade tractors are built with heavy-duty components that allow them to outperform other tractors in their class and are designed to provide consumers with the ability to push more, pull more and lift more, so they can do more, in less time.

For more information on Pierre Bourque, go to http://www.pierrebourque.com and http://www.twitter.com/pierrebourque

Attached Photo: Pierre Bourque in the #00 Aaron’s Dream Machine Dodge

Photo Credit: Sue Chisholm www.racetimeradio.com

Mosport counts down to Canada's biggest sports car race of the year

BOWMANVILLE, ON – July 7, 2011 - The top sports car racing teams and an international field of drivers from 15 countries will arrive at Mosport International Raceway in two weeks' time for the Mobil 1 presents The Grand Prix of Mosport featuring the American Le Mans Series, July 21-24.

The highlight of the Mobil 1 presents the Grand Prix of Mosport will be the prestigious American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patron, making their only stop north of the border in 2011.  It will be the fourth of nine rounds, as the Series continues its summer stretch following the long layoff for the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The world leader in green racing boasts more top manufacturers than Formula 1, NASCAR and IndyCar combined.  The elite marques that run in the series include Aston Martin, BMW, Corvette, Ferrari, Ford, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Mazda, Panoz and Porsche.  

2011 marks the third year for the MICHELIN® Green X® Challenge, a revolutionary competition that rewards Series teams (one prototype and one GT) for their overall performance and environmental impact at each event.  The Michelin Green X Challenge is also a season long point's championship for both race teams and manufacturers.  The formula is simple, Clean + Fast + Efficient = MICHELIN® Green X® Challenge.  

Toronto's own Tony Burgess will be looking to make some noise at his home track in the Autocon Motorsports Lola, in the top-level LMP1 class.  This will be the Toronto native's first race of the season and he will be hoping to duplicate his podium finish from a year ago.  Kyle Marcelli of Barrie returns to the LMPC class again this year and he will co-pilot the #89 Intersport Racing Oreca FLM09.  Mosport veteran Ken Wilden of Oakville will join the Jaguar RSR team in the highly competitive GT class.  The last time Wilden took to Mosport's historic track, was in the SCCA Pro Racing Trans-Am Series in 2010 where he set the track qualifying and race fast lap records.  

In addition to the American Le Mans Series, six popular series, the IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge, Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada, Cooper Tires Prototype Lites, Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship, Star Mazda Championship and the F2000 Championship will also take to the 3.957 km Mosport circuit.

The IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge comes back to Mosport after a one year absence. The Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars will feature a pair of Torontonians; Marco Cirone and Randy Oswald.  Joining their American counterparts, the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada will make its Mosport debut.  The inaugural championship will be decided during the doubleheader weekend.  Kanata's Perry Bortolotti is poised to win the Platinum Cup championship after a successful first four rounds.

Cooper Tires Prototype Lites, the developmental sports car championship, that runs a three-class format race, will have a strong Canadian contingent.  6th Gear Racing and its trio of Ontario drivers – Amherstberg's Max De Angelis, Toronto's Robert Sabato and Windsor's Michal Chlumecky are prepared to give the local fans a good show.  The Cooper Tires Prototype Lites will run a doubleheader at Mosport.

The country's top sedan road-racing series, the Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship, will make its third and final stop of 2011 at Mosport, boasting a field of more than 30 cars, competing in two distinct classes, Touring and Super Touring. This will be a doubleheader weekend for the Championship.  In the Super Touring class, Richard Boake of King City, ON has won all four races at Mosport this year but holds just a 10-point lead over Amherstburg's Dean Fantin.  Markham native Tom Kwok holds a 17 point advantage in the Touring class championship standings over his nearest competitor.

The Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear continues their season with round Six of 13.  Series rookie Jérimy Daniel of Montreal will be the lone Canadian running this weekend.

The U.S. based F2000 Championship Series returns to Mosport and will feature Quebec native and current point's leader Remy Audette.  

Mobil 1 presents The Grand Prix of Mosport features a wide-array of fun things away from the track for fans to see and do, such as Tech Talks, Driver Chats and autograph session with American Le Mans Series and other series' drivers.  There will also be vendors selling authentic race-related merchandise.  The American Le Mans Series will also feature its famous Open Grid Walk on race day, giving fans an up-close, interactive experience with the teams and drivers on track just minutes prior to the drop of the green flag.  

The action kicks-off on Thursday (July 21) with a full-day of testing for all series' except the American Le Mans Series.  Friday (July 22) will see practice sessions for all supporting series' and the American Le Mans Series will hold their testing.  Saturday's (July 23) schedule starts with both practice and qualifying, followed by races for F2000, IMSA GT3 Cup, Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada, Cooper Tires Lites and the Castrol Touring Car Championship.  Sunday (July 24) morning opens with more qualifying and then races in Star Mazda, Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada, Cooper Prototype Lites, Castrol Touring, IMSA GT3 Cup and the two-hour, 45 minute feature American Le Mans Series race to close out the weekend.

A four-day SuperTicket is just $70 until July 20 ($80 at the Gate).  Each ticket includes parking, access to the race team paddock, Mosport Expo and Marketplace and admission to Mosport Speedway's Saturday Night Stock Car racing, located on the grounds.  As with all Mosport events, children 12 and under are admitted for free when accompanied by a paid adult admission.  Single day tickets are also available.

Family and general camping areas are available.  An advanced general camping pass is just $45 for the weekend when purchased before July 20 (tents or pop-up trailers).  Advance RV passes are $65.  There are full-service washrooms and located on the Mosport grounds.

For the spectators that like to get closer to the action, the Grand Prix Club offers a VIP hospitality package which includes a fully catered BBQ lunch, beverages and bar service (beer and wine) on Sunday.  The GP Club Chalet tent is located trackside overlooking the start/finish straight and corner one.  Passes are just $200 and are also good for admission to the event on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

For more information and to purchase tickets call the Mosport Hotline at 1-800-866-1072 (Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm ET), visit online at www.mosport.com, or email info@mosport.com

From Ryan Chalmers, Mosport

OSCAAR: Sauble Speedway South Shore Services 50 Preview

By Clayton Johns – The OSCAAR Outlaw Super Late Models are back in action for the second straight week this time at the Sauble Speedway just outside of Owen Sound, Ontario. OSCAAR has decided to test a new format for this weekend’s event that will include time trials, heat races, and the exciting fifty lap feature to end the night. South Shore Services from Pefferlaw, Ontario is the title sponsor for this weekend’s event and will increase the overall purse by $1200, which will be spread amongst the top ten drivers.

The heat races and feature starting positions will all be determined by time trials. Beginning at 6:15pm, each Outlaw will have two laps to lay down their best time with the better of their two laps standing as the official lap. The top two qualifiers will be guaranteed to start on the front row in their respective positions and will each be awarded $150.00 as the night’s top qualifiers. There will also be two separate prizes of $100.00 distributed to two random drivers throughout the field. These positions will be decided once the final car count is known.

Two 12 lap heat races will follow for the Super Late Models with the odd qualifiers (1,3,5, etc.) making up the first heat, and the even qualifiers (2,4,6, etc.) making up the second heat. The finishing order of the heat races will determine the starting order for the feature with the first heat making up the inside row (positions 1,3,5, etc.) and the second heat making up the outside row (positions 2,4,6, etc.).

The time trials offer drivers a chance to ensure a good starting position for the fifty lap feature with the top two qualifiers guaranteed to start on the front row. In most other OSCAAR events drivers have to race heat races and finish in the top half of the field in order to qualify for the invert draw that sets the starting positions for the feature event. Many drivers are welcoming a new format and are excited to try something new and different.

“Loose is fast. I’ll see if I can loosen it up just a little bit for time trials” explained Lloyd Ritchie.

“I think what you’re going to find is that a lot of guys will throw on a new set of tires for time trialing. It’s only a couple of laps so they’ll just scuff them in basically. It’s going to be a different format. I like it, I’m looking forward to it. I’ve never done it before so we’ll just see how we do,” explained Jeff Dunford who currently sits fifth in the championship standings.

Other drivers, including points leader Glenn Watson, prefer racing for starting positions, but are challenged equally with trying to win the pole position.

“I really don’t care for time trials, I never really have, but we’ll give it what we can and see if we can get it on the pole” explained Watson.

Perhaps it is a good omen for the rest of the field who is looking to oust Watson from Knightworks Design Victory Lane after he has won all four feature events to start the season, bettering his total from last season of two feature wins.

Todd Campbell will look to continue his early success after posting four straight top-ten finishes to start the season. He leads Tyler Hawn by just 25 points in the Inside Track Rookie of the Year standings and remains fourth in the overall points. Hawn, who is currently seventh in the championship standings, just 111 points back of Campbell, remains fixated on capturing the Rookie-of-the-Year title.

“That’s pretty much the goal for the whole year. A top ten in points would be good, but I’d rather go for rookie of the year,” explained Hawn at Sunset Speedway.

Other rookie of the year contenders Chris Burrows and Shane Gowan had their best finishes of the season at Sunset Speedway one week ago at eighth and thirteenth respectively. Burrows struggled with mechanical difficulties that kept him from his first two feature events. Gowan destroyed the front end of his car when he hit the wall at Sunset in the year’s first event, just nine laps in to the first heat race. Both drivers will look to transfer their recent success to Sauble Speedway.

Wayne Isaacs has finished all four events in the top-five this season, with his best, a third place finish, coming last week at Sunset. Isaacs has challenged for the top spot every week, but has been just shy of catching Glenn Watson. Isaacs may have his best chance, via the time trial format, to put his #00 ahead of Watson and perhaps in victory lane.  Isaacs acknowledges that it is no easy task.

“That’s a tough one. I think it will take (Glenn Watson) to have some bad luck and me to have some good luck,” said Isaacs.

Jesse Kennedy makes his debut in an OSCAAR Super Late Model on Saturday night. Kennedy, who will drive the #10, has a vast amount of experience with time trials after competing in the former CASCAR series and through Delaware Speedway’s weekly program that often holds time trials.

There is no doubt that a competitive field of cars will be in attendance at Sauble. Given a new format and a new way to qualify for the feature, drivers will surely be battling as hard as possible to start at the front for the fifty lap A-main. OSCAAR joins Sauble’s Junior Late Model, thunder car, and four-cylinder divisions. OSCAAR time trials begin at 6:15 pm, with the first green flag of the evening set to wave at 7:00pm.

Schedule of Events for the South Shore Services 50 at Sauble Speedway (July 9)

SCHEDULE - Saturday, July 9:

Pit gates open:                        3:00 pm

Tech opens:                 3:30pm

Practice:                      3:45pm - 5:45pm (Rotating all divisions)

Tech closes:                 5:30pm

Drivers meeting:        5:55pm

Time Trials:                 6:15pm

Green Flag:                 7:00pm

www.oscaar.ca

NASCAR Nationwide Points Leader to Compete in Montreal (01)

Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve is still an enigma for Reed Sorenson, only a few weeks away from his first NAPA Auto Parts 200 Presented by Dodge

Montréal, July 7, 2011 - Caught in a battle to the finish with Elliott Sadler for the 2011 NASCAR Nationwide Series Driver title, Reed Sorenson from Georgia is intrigued by Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve where, at the NAPA Auto Parts 200 Presented by Dodge, he will be challenged for the first time by the famed road course. During the August 19-20 event, the eight-year series veteran will be discovering the Montréal track at the wheel of his Turner Racing #32 Chevrolet.

"Since I've never been to Montreal, I am quite intrigued by what I am going to discover," Sorensen said. "The only track time I have experienced at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve was when I played the Formula 1 game on my Playstation. That is all I know even though in NASCAR, it will be a different game. After talking to a few drivers, I realized half the field likes the track and the other half has a hard time figuring it out."

"I recently had the pleasure to speak with Reed and I know he is quite enthused at the idea of racing in Montréal," explained François Dumontier, delegated promoter of the event, and President of Octane Management. "At the time of our event,, the Nationwide series will be at the three-quarter mark of its schedule, and by the looks of what is currently happening, no one seems to be running away with the championship. Reed Sorenson and Elliott Sadler will probably still be going at it. It will be a fantastic opportunity for the fans to see these two NASCAR veterans going head to head for the first time in Montréal."

Following the July 1st Daytona race, twenty-five year-old Sorenson had competed 148 NASCAR Nationwide races since 2005. His record shows four wins, 38 top-5, and 79 top-10 finishes including two poles. The Georgia resident had also competed 161 NASCAR Sprint Cup races. Following this year's first 17 events, he recorded a win at Road America in June, eight top-5 and 12 top-10 finishes. The standings showed Sorenson in first with a nine-point lead over Sadler. Ricky Stenhouse Jr was third, 22 points back of Sadler.

"I was Jacques Villeneuve's spotter last year at Watkins Glen when he drove the #32 Toyota he also entered in Montreal. I know he has always done very well at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve," remarked Sorenson who will be driving a Chevrolet instead of a Toyota, as Todd Braun sold his team to Steve Turner, who switched car manufacturer for this year. "I will have a talk with Jacques. I am sure he will share some of his secrets. Earlier this year, I took my first start at Road America and I won. I hope the same thing happens to me in Montreal."

Tickets for the 2011 Montreal NAPA Auto Parts 200, presented by Dodge are currently on sale. To order the best grandstands tickets available and see Reed Sorenson, Elliott Sadler and all the other Nationwide stars take on the likes of Patrick Carpentier, Andrew Ranger, Alex Tagliani and Jacques Villeneuve on Friday, August 19 and Saturday, August 20, fans must call now 514 397-0007 or order online anytime at www.circuitgillesvilleneuve.ca .

Mandated by Stock-Car Montréal, a wholly-owned subsidiary of International Speedway Corporation (ISC) based in Daytona Beach, Florida, Octane Management is, since 2009, the delegated promoter of the NAPA Auto Parts 200, Presented by Dodge. ISC is the leading promoter of motorsports in North America, hosting over 100 major racing events each year.

MODERN NIGHT AT MERRITTVILLE TO FEATURE TRUCK SHOW 'N SHINE - BIG BLOCK GRAND MARSHAL CONTEST SEARCH CONTINUES

THOROLD, Ontario (July 7) – If you love trucks – you will love Merrittville Speedway July 9th!  Modern Corporation’s Annual Truck Show ‘N Shine Night at the Thorold DIRTcar sanctioned oval will fill the grandstand area with trucks of all kinds before they take to the track for the annual Show and Shine Competition that is voted on by the fans.

You’ve got to have a favorite make or model or maybe it’s the paint and the chrome … or just a cool horn!

“It always makes for an awesome night,” relates (Merrittville GM) Erica Bicknell-Jones, “you’ll see some of the finest looking trucks around … you’ve got to salute them - the trucks work during the week in some of the worst conditions … but they take pride in their trucks to keep them looking so good … especially when they come to the track.”

Modern Corporation’s Night will also find Entry forms for the Monday August 1st Big Block Grand Marshall Search available once again when you purchase your grandstand tickets.

Since 1964, the Modern Corporation has worked to enhance the quality of the environment and well being of our communities by providing recycling, commercial and residential waste removal, landfill, industrial cleaning, sanitation and environmental services to commercial, industrial and municipal customers. Modern Corporation is committed to the safe handling, effective reclamation and environmentally friendly disposal of a wide variety of waste products, and uses state-of-the-art technology to achieve its goals.

Modern Corporation believes that preserving the environment should be a priority for every home and business and through it’s involvement at Merrittville Speedway – invites everyone to join the race to reduce, reuse and recycle.

How can you make a difference? How can you help the environment?

With Modern’s new state of the art Single Stream Recycling Facility that can handle up to 25 tons of recycling an hour – that’s 400 tons every day!

If everyone recycled just 1/10th of their newspapers … we would save 25 million trees a year. Recycled materials are used in everything from egg cartons … to plastic lumber … car parts and just about everything in between.

To watch a video hosted by Mike Weber of the Buffalo Sabres  on Modern’s Single Stream Recycling click on  http://moderncorporation.com/video.php

For further information on the services that Modern can provide in Southern Ontartio and Western New York – visit www.moderncorporation.com  or call 905-262-6000 or (716) 754-8226.

Modern Corporation’s Night July 10th will feature all 5 Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series Divisions – the Bobcat of Hamilton 358 Modifieds, the Original Pizza Logs Sportsman, Hoosier Stocks, the J&S Heating and Air Conditioning Modified Lites and the Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinder Divisions.

When the gates open at 5:30 – All Truckers with an AZ Licence are eligible for a $2 discount on Grandstand Admission. Showtime is at 7 PM.

For further information on how to display your truck - call the Speedway Office at 905-892-8266 or visit the award winning www.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

 

 

 

Inside Track TV - Episode 1.07 - Big Preview Show

In this episode, host Spencer Lewis previews upcoming Canadian racing across Canada, including Kawartha Speedway's Summer Sizzler, the OSCAAR Super Late Models at Sauble Speedway, the Honda Indy Toronto - featuring the IndyCars, NASCAR Canadian Tire Series and the Canadian Touring Car Championship.
He also spotlights weekend action in the Maritimes and several other big races around Ontario, including the big Wednesday, July 13 show at Delaware Speedway starring NASCAR Sprint Cup brothers Kyle and Kurt Busch.

Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour Making Only Visit to 660 this Season on Saturday!

(Halifax, NS. July 6, 2011) The Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour returns to Speedway 660 this weekend for the Parts for Trucks 100. This will be the only visit to the 1/3 mile oval located just outside of Fredericton in Geary, NB. The Parts for Trucks 100 will mark the halfway point of the season for the regional touring series; race six of 12 on the 2011 schedule. Action on the track is heating up, not unlike the weather, so don’t miss the Parts for Trucks 100 this Saturday at Speedway 600. Please note that racing action starts at 7:00 pm, with Atlantic Tiltload Time Trials set to begin at 6:10 pm.  Box office and grandstands open at 5:00 pm.

With the halfway point of the season upon us, every position a team can earn is paramount to the championship standings. Fans can expect fierce action on the track as Canada’s best stock car drivers battle for each and every position to gain maximum points and position their team one step closer to the prestigious title of Champion.  Following the Lockhart Truck Center 100 last weekend at Scotia Speedworld; Wayne Smith (Timerblea, NS) sits in the top spot, just 25 markers ahead of both Donald Chisholm (Antigonish, NS) and Shawn Tucker (Fredericton, NB) who are currently tied for second. Kent Vincent (Crapaud, PE) and Shawn Turple (Enfield, NS) round out the top five respectively.

Tickets for Parts for Trucks 100 at Speedway 660 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

Expected Entry List – Parts for Trucks 100 

# 0 - Shawn Turple - Enfield, NS

# 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

#18 - Darren Mackinnon - Milton, PEI

#21 - Shawn Pierce - Bridgewater, NS

#26 - Mike Stevens - Riverview, NB

#29 - Greg Proude - Springvale, PEI

#35 – Brad Mann – Glen Levit, NB

#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

#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 Speedway 660:

Speedway 660 is WicKID Family Fun. The 1/3 of a mile high-banked paved oval features three classes of racing on a weekly basis: Coastal Blending & Packaging Pro Stocks, Martin's Home Heating Sportsman, and Leisure Family RV Centers Street Stocks. Speedway 660 is located off Highway 7 on Route 660 in Geary, NB, and is within minutes of Saint John and Fredericton. To learn more about Speedway 660 please visit www.speedway660.com

About Parts for Trucks:

Parts for Trucks is the largest distributor of heavy duty truck and trailer parts in Atlantic Canada.   They offer a wide variety of truck and trailer parts and accessories for vehicles ranging from 4x4’s to Class 8’s as well as buses and motor homes.  Parts for Trucks has locations in all four Atlantic Provinces and are proud to state that since their beginning they have always been Atlantic Canadian owned and operated.  In 2011 they celebrate 92 years in business.  Visit www.partsfortrucks.com  to find a location near you.

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

VICTORY IN ITALY FOR MARCELLI

(Imola, Italy) July 5th 2011 – Making his debut into Europe, Race Driver Kyle Marcelli, the 21-year old Canadian emerged victorious from this past weekends Le Mans Series/ Intercontinental Le Mans Cup race at Imola.

While in the middle of a break in the American Le Mans Series schedule, Marcelli was recruited to drive alongside American Chapman Ducote and Frenchman Nicolas Marroc in the #99 JMB Racing/Merchant Services Ltd. Le Mans Series Imola entry. For Marcelli this would mark his first experience racing Europe.

As this was a new circuit for Marcelli, he along with teammates Ducote and Marroc took advantage of a track walk with the team engineers. Official practiced allowed Marcelli and teammates to become familiar with the race circuit at speed and begin to develop the race cars set-up.

Following a successful qualifying performance by Frenchman Nicolas Marroc who placed the car 2nd in class on the grid. The JBM racing team selected Marcelli as the lead and starting driver of the 6-hour race. Kyle got off to a clean start and immediately began placing pressure on the race leader. Kyle then made a late brake overtaking maneuver into turn one for the race lead. From there Marcelli continued to push the #99 Merchant Services Ltd. race car setting the fastest lap of the race.

After Marcelli’s initial 2-hour stint, it was a pit-stop for fuel an tires where he then passed with wheel off to American driver Chapman Ducote. Ducote executed his stint just as planned, keeping the car clean, running consistent laps and working through lap traffic.  Following Ducote, was Frenchman Nicolas Marroc that took the wheel. Nicolas did a nice job running a competitive pace throughout his long stint. With just under one hour to go in the race, it was during the final pit-stop that the team opted to get Marcelli back into the drivers seat to go after the win.

The young Canadian raced out of the pits in second position about 22 seconds behind the race leader. Having selected to spend some extra time in the pits for new tires, Marcelli was on a tear for the last hour. With emotions flying, about 12 minutes to go Marcelli took the race lead a never looked back crossing the stripe to win the European Le Mans Series 6-hours of Imola.

With little time to rest, Race Driver Marcelli will now prepare himself for the next American Le Mans Series round in Lakeville, Connecticut at Lime Rock Park July 8th -10th where he will resume his full time position with Intersport Racing in the #89 LMPC entry.

Kyle Marcelli would personally like to thank his corporate partners: Lafarge (Turbo), DynaPep Energy (7/11), Barrie Trim & Mouldings, Simcoe Building Centre, Thermo Seal Insulation Systems, Braille Battery, Merchant Services Ltd, Sailun Tire, Spherion Staffing Solutions, 104.1 The Dock, Leaf Racewear and Intersport Racing.

About Kyle Marcelli:

(Kyle Marcelli, Born February 23rd 1990 in Ontario, Canada) At just 21 years of age, Canada’s Kyle Marcelli – Professional Race Car Driver, has already established himself as a successful auto racer and has proven to be one of Canada’s stars in professional auto racing across the globe. Kyle made his rookie debut into sports car racings “big show” in 2010 driving for Intersport Racing in the American Le Mans Series where he earned two 2nd place finishes along with four front row qualifying performances. Currently Marcelli drives full time for Intersport Racing, competing in the LMPC class of the American Le Mans Series. Kyle has the capabilities of making history in 2011 as the youngest American Le Mans Series champion.

While Kyle’s second home is the podium, his more permanent residence is Barrie, Ontario. Following his career aspirations of professional auto racing; he’s a consummate professional both on and off the track.  Kyle represents his passion, sport, sponsors, supporters and fans proudly and effectively.  He’s winning, engaging and always visible.

For more information please visit: www.kylemarcelliracing.com

 

Centric Parts Announces New Products for 2012 Models

Los Angeles, Calif. – Centric Parts (www.centricparts.com), which includes the StopTech (www.stoptech.com ) and Power Slot (www.powerslot.com ) brands, has announced the availability of new applications in its award-winning line of aftermarket brake components for most popular late model foreign and domestic vehicles. Centric’s newest late model applications include:

Brake Pads/Shoes

2009-2012 Acura TL

                Front 105.11020

                Rear 105.11030

                PB Shoe 111.08570

2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet

                Front 116.33006 (TRW / Girling Brakes)

                Rear 104.13860

2011 BMW X1 28i  Gas

                Front 104.09180

                Rear 104.11700

2011 BMW X1 20d  Diesel

                Front 104.12600

                Rear 104.12670

2012 Dodge RAM 1500 Pickup

                Front 106.10840

                Rear 106.08980

                PB Shoe 111.09470

2012 Dodge RAM 3500 Pickup

                Front 106.13990

                Rear 106.14000

                PB Shoe 111.08540

2012 Ford Mustang with Brembo Kit

                Front 104.10010

2011 Hyundai Equus

                Front 105.13960

                Rear 105.12840

                PB Shoe 111.09630

2012 Hyundai Genesis Sedan

                Front 105.13960

                PB Shoe 111.09630

2012 Infiniti M37, M56 Hybrid

                Front 105.08880

                Rear 105.09050

Discs/Drums

2009-2012 Acura TL

                Front 120.40075

                Rear 120.40074

2011 BMW X1 28i  Gas

                Front 120.34093

                Rear 120.34080

2011 BMW X1 20d  Diesel

                Front 120.34108

                Rear 120.34091

2012 Dodge RAM 1500 Pickup

                Front 120.67053

2012 Dodge RAM 3500 Pickup

                Front 120.67072

                Rear 120.67073

2012 Fiat 500

                Front 121.04002

                Rear 121.04001

2012 Ford Mustang with Brembo Kit

                Front 120.61089

                Rear 120.61087

2011 Hyundai Equus

                Front 120.51042

2012 Hyundai Genesis Sedan

                Front 120.51042 (except V6)

                Rear 120.51031

2012 Infiniti M37, M56 Hybrid

                Front 120.42080

                Rear 120.42078

These parts are available today. The complete list of Centric Parts offerings is available at www.centricparts.com

About Centric Parts

Centric Parts, which includes the PosiQuiet, StopTech and Power Slot brands, is a leading manufacturer and supplier of aftermarket brake components and systems for everyday cars, performance duty vehicles and ultra performance vehicles. Centric continually innovates significant improvements to brake technology for the street and track, having earned five patents along the way. Founded in 2000, this Southern California company operates multiple warehouse and manufacturing facilities totaling over half-a-million square feet and employees more than 500 workers.

2012 Honda Civic Si Takes On New Role As IZOD IndyCar Series Safety Car

TORRANCE, Calif. (July 6, 2011) – The all-new, ninth-generation 2012 Honda Civic Si Coupe will take on new duties as a Safety Car for the IZOD IndyCar Series, beginning on the weekend of the Honda Indy Toronto, July 8-10.

Already a hit with race fans through the Civic Racing Style Sweepstakes, the 201-horsepower Honda Civic Si Coupe was recently transformed by Honda Performance Development (HPD), Honda’s racing subsidiary north of Los Angeles, into an official IZOD IndyCar Series Safety Car.

Modifications to the already high-performance stock Civic Si include Sparco seats and four-point racing harnesses; an HPD high-performance brake system, with four-piston calipers, competition rotors, racing pads, and stainless brake lines; a Honda Genuine Accessory aerodynamic body kit, consisting of front, side and rear under spoilers; and Firestone Firehawk 225/40 R18 tires mounted on Enkei alloy wheels.

An exclusive graphics theme completes the conversion from a showroom Civic Si Coupe to an IZOD IndyCar Series Safety Car. The Safety Car will be driven during IZOD IndyCar Series events by three-time Indianapolis 500 champion Johnny Rutherford.

“The high-performance new Honda Civic Si is the perfect match for the IndyCar Safety Car fleet,” said John Mendel, American Honda executive vice president, auto sales. “With its larger and more powerful 2.4-liter engine and enhancements provided by HPD, it is ready to lead the IZOD IndyCar Series field at the Honda Indy Toronto and beyond.”

Unveiled in April at the New York International Auto Show, the 2012 Honda Civic features more streamlined and expressive “mono-form” exterior styling, wrapped around a spacious cabin with more style and convenience. Available new technology features include an intelligent, Multi- Information Display (i-MID), USB audio interface, Bluetooth® HandsFree Link® and a satellite-linked Navigation System with voice recognition and FM traffic.

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., was founded in 1959 as the U.S. sales and marketing subsidiary of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Honda currently produces automobiles, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, lawn mowers and engines at its nine major U.S. manufacturing operations, using domestic and globally sourced parts.

Honda Performance Development (HPD) is the Honda racing company within North America. Founded in 1993, and located in Santa Clarita, Calif., HPD is the technical operations center for high-performance Honda racing cars and engines. HPD is the single engine supplier to the IndyCar Series and competes in prototype sports-car racing under the HPD banner in the American Le Mans and European Le Mans Series. In addition to its grassroots motorsports support programs, HPD offers race engine products from karting to pinnacle.
From Honda / HPD

OHSWEKEN SPEEDWAY: Tight title chases highlight Mid-Season Championship on Friday

By Tommy Goudge (July 5, 2011) – Although it seems like the season just got started, this week’s edition of Friday Night Thunder at Ohsweken Speedway will mark “Mid-Season Championship” night at the Styres-owned facility. Wiseco Piston presents extra-distance features this week for the Corr/Pak Merchandising Sprint Cars, Lighthouse Tattoos Thunder Stocks, and Pierced Parts Bombers, while Evers Financial presents the HRW Automotive Mini Stock portion of Friday’s program.

CORR/PAK MERCHANDISING SPRINT CARS: Derek Jonathan of Lewiston, NY scored a popular win last Friday night at Ohsweken, but Tilbury’s Kyle Patrick continues to lead the championship chase. Patrick entered the night 1 point ahead of Fenwick driver Jim Huppunen, and finished the night 2 points ahead after both drivers scored top 5 finishes in the feature. Jonathan is third in the standings, followed by Brantford sophomore Mitch Brown, and Grimsby driver Travis Cunningham. New York drivers have won each feature so far this year, including Kyle Moffit, Jared Zimbardi, Bryan Howland, and Jonathan.

LIGHTHOUSE TATTOOS THUNDER STOCKS: Larry Czinege, Jr. of Ridgeway, and Caledonia driver Mike Thorne moved past Port Robinson’s Devin Habiuk and into a tie for first place in the Thunder Stock standings by finishing 1-2 last Friday night. Habiuk, who has a feature win this season, is still well within striking distance, just 4 points behind. Brad Herron of Brantford has had a consistent season and sits fourth, while Caledonia's Ryan Dinning rounds out the top 5.

HRW AUTOMOTIVE MINI STOCKS: Dundas driver Karl Sault was able to salvage a decent feature finish in a borrowed car last Friday night in Mini Stock action, but saw his points lead dwindle to just 5 markers over Jake Brown of Brantford.

Caledonia veteran Mike Evers is just 6 points out of the lead in third, and looking to win the race he's sponsoring this Friday. Abel Castelein of Cayuga won Friday's feature, and is up to fourth in the standings, while Burlington driver Mike Taylor rounds out the top 5.

PIERCED PARTS BOMBERS: Waterdown's Rodney Rutherford and Rockton's Dave Patton both overtook Waterdown driver Trevor Roszell by finishing second and fourth respectively last Friday night. Rutherford leads Patton by a single point heading into Friday's race, with Roszell third, Hamilton's Max Chechalk fourth, and Dundas driver Sarah Rutherford fifth.

NEW THIS WEEK: The top five drivers in points in a selected Friday Night Thunder division will be featured in a fan-friendly meet and greet interview session beginning this week at intermission. This week’s featured division is the Lighthouse Tattoos Thunder Stocks. Fans are encouraged to gather under the flag stand to mingle with the drivers. Cameras are welcome!

COMING SOON: “Christmas in July” is approaching quickly, and that event will also feature the only autograph night of the season.. Santa Claus will visit Ohsweken on Friday, July 22, and kick off a busy week of action at the track which includes “Tony Stewart Night” on July 26, the World of Outlaws Sprint Car series on July 27, and another round of Friday Night Thunder on July 29. Make sure to visit www.OhswekenSpeedway.com for all the information on these special events.

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!

RIDE WITH THE PROS: Ohsweken Speedway has two custom-built two-seater Sprint Cars available each race night for rides during intermission and after the races. Please visit www.OhswekenSpeedway.com to learn how you can take the ride of your life with one of the stars of the Corr/Pak Merchandising Sprint Cars!

RIDE WITH “SMOKE”!: Ohsweken Speedway will be giving away 2-seater rides with NASCAR champion Tony Stewart during each of the next three rounds of Friday Night Thunder. Tickets will be sold for $2 each, or three for $5 beginning around 8:00p.m. on July 8th, 15th, and 22nd. A new draw will be held each week, with the previous week’s tickets ineligible.

Watch the official Ohsweken Speedway website at www.OhswekenSpeedway.com in the next few days for news and details on how to get involved in a special “Meet and Greet” session with Tony Stewart. “Smoke” will take on Ohsweken’s hometown Corr/Pak Sprint Car racers on Tuesday, July 26, while stars of the World of Outlaws Sprint Car series will invade Ohsweken the following night - Wednesday, July 27.

THIS WEEK AT OHSWEKEN: Ohsweken Speedway’s Friday Night Thunder continues this Friday, July 8 when Wiseco Piston and Evers Financial present “Mid-Season Championship Night”. The Corr/Pak Merchandising Sprint Cars, Lighthouse Tattoos Thunder Stocks, HRW Automotive Mini Stocks, and Pierced Parts Bombers will all be contesting extra-distance feature races during the fifth round of Friday Night Thunder this week.

Friday Night Thunder at Ohsweken offers affordable, exciting, family entertainment just a short drive from many Mid-Western Ontario locations. Friday Night Thunder Adult General Admission is just $10, while Seniors and Students are $8, and Kids age 12 and under are FREE!

Spectator gates open @ 6:00p.m., with the first race taking the green flag at 7:45p.m. this Friday, July 8! Visit www.OhswekenSpeedway.com and Feel The Excitement!

Race Time Radio: Live coverage July 9 & 10 from the Toronto Indy

 

Race Time Radio (RTR) is broadcasting live from the Toronto Indy on July 9 and 10 from 10 a.m. to noon on both days.

The shows are presented by Shell Rotella. Listen on Sirius Channel 158 or on TheScore at: http://radio.thescore.com/live

For more info, visit www.racetimeradio.com.

OSCAAR: Jesse Kennedy to make OSCAAR debut Saturday at Sauble Speedway

AJAX, Ontario – OSCAAR is pleased to announce that Jesse Kennedy will be making his first appearance in an OSCAAR Super Late Model this Saturday, July 9 at Sauble Speedway in Owen Sound, Ontario. Kennedy has a long history of racing, primarily at the Delaware Speedway outside London, Ontario.

This season marks Kennedy’s 27th season in stock car racing which began at the Delaware in a street stock at the age of fifteen. Kennedy spent time in the street stock division before one year in Delaware’s truck division and then moving on to the then CASCAR Sportsman Series and participating in some CASCAR Super Series events. Jesse began racing a late model at Delaware Speedway full time in 2006 and one year later he won the track championship. Jesse and his team have won two APC 300 races at Delaware Speedway with each paying out $10,000 to the winner. Even through his tenure at Delaware Speedway, Kennedy has raced at multiple short tracks in Ontario, including Sauble Speedway.

Kennedy, from Oneida Nation, Ontario, will be driving the #10 Karrys Brothers Wholesalers/Cameron Crane and Riggers Ltd. Cadillac STS on Saturday. Kennedy has always wanted to be a part of OSCAAR and Super Late Model racing.

“I grew up watching the likes of Jr. Hanley and Don Biederman plus several others. I guess I never really thought I would be in a situation to be part of this series as a young kid. So I am glad I am fortunate enough to do so.”

The tough competition presented by OSCAAR also attracted Kennedy to the series. Kennedy acknowledged that his crew would only benefit from the challenge of a transition and of the highly competitive series because of the hard work and dedication they have demonstrated since partnering with Jesse in 2006.

“Good competition brings your own team up. They know their jobs and do it well, so in short their routines and engagement involved in racing will only change for the better. You need to be at your best in the shop and on the track. If you take for granted the competition, you become slack and then you’re behind.”

OSCAAR regular Lloyd Ritchie has stated on numerous occasions that tires can make the difference in a Super Late Model race as OSCAAR only allows teams to have one new set of tires every race. However, Kennedy is used to conserving his tires. Delaware Speedway only allows its weekly drivers one new tire per week.

“Because of my history in long races, I have learned to manage my tires well” explained Kennedy.

Kennedy is excited not only for the upcoming Sauble race, but for several upcoming events, including OSCAAR’s return to his home track at Delaware.

“I love Sauble. I had fun there last time out for a Late Model invitational. Delaware of course because of how many laps I have had around there. I’m also excited to run Kawartha again. It has been since CASCAR racing that I’ve been there.”

For any rookie or newcomer there are transitional challenges and Kennedy will face those same challenges. While Kennedy will compete this season, it will be a learning curve for his first full season in 2012, which will be his rookie season, much the same way Tyler Hawn competed in select events last season prior to joining the tour full time in 2011. One of the challenges for Kennedy lies in converting his 2007 McColl Racing built late model in to an Outlaw Super Late Model. Switching to a new series also poses a certain road block. Racing in a weekly series allows drivers to familiarize themselves with one another and learn each other's tendencies, but Kennedy is faced with learning an entirely new set of drivers.

“I think learning the other driver’s habits and driving techniques (will be the biggest challenge). There will be some challenging set up stuff as we slowly convert our car to a full blown Outlaw. I need some time to organize and prepare for my rookie campaign next season” said Kennedy.

OSCAAR is Ontario’s top touring series and is excited to add another strong competitor to one of the most competitive fields of cars in Canada. This Saturday, July 9 at Sauble Speedway promises a show you won’t want to miss as Jesse Kennedy makes his OSCAAR debut. The field of Outlaws will try to oust Glenn Watson from Knightworks Design victory lane after he has won the first four feature events to start the season. Racing begins at 7:00pm.

By Clayton Johns / www.OSCAAR.ca

PMRA: Kenny Lang wins at Canadian Nitro Nationals

CAYUGA, ONTARIO (July 5, 2011) – He only came to test out some new equipment, but Pro Modified racer Kenny Lang ended up winning the Pro Modified Racing Association race during the Canadian Nitro Nationals at the Cayuga Dragway of Toronto Motorsports Park.

The event was the third in the 2011 PMRA schedule.

And the win was not only Lang’s first in PMRA competition, it was his first in the Pro Modified series.

“We had a good day,” Lang said after his win. “We just came here to test a new converter, started picking away, and stayed with our game plan.”

Lang, from Grand Pointe, Manitoba, is a regular competitor in the Get Screened America Pro Modified Series which competes at NHRA National events. Earlier this year Lang acquired major sponsorship from Summit Racing Equipment, a marketer of high-performance parts and accessories. Lang made history in 2010 at the NHRA Gatornationals in Florida as the first competitor to win an NHRA Pro Modified event and be awarded the coveted “Wally” trophy.

Lang qualified his 1969 Camaro-bodied, Tim McAmis car in fourth spot over the weekend. The team installed a new convertor in the Al Billes-powered car, was going to use the weekend testing, but felt the car was good enough to enter the event.

Lang eliminated Derek Hawker of Corbyville, Ontario in the final with a 6.035-second, 239.57-mph pass. Hawker, who had not qualified for the race, was in the show as first alternate with his Corvette, and won his early rounds to meet up with Lang in the final. Hawker tried to get Lang on the start of the final, but red-lit in the process, giving the win to Lang.

Once again, Vito Montesano set the pace in qualifying for a PMRA race. Montesano, of Maple, Ontario, ran his 1969 Corvette to a 5.907-second, 245.54 posting to take the number one qualifying spot. His run also recorded the meet’s low ET and top speed.

Lang eliminated number five qualifier Jeff Roth of Kitchener, Ontario in the first round, and then Montesano in the semi-final to meet up with Hawker in the final. Hawker, who replaced number seven qualifier Rob Atchison of London, Ontario, took out number two qualifier Eric Latino of Whitby, Ontario, and then former PMRA champion and number six qualifier Bruce Boland of Hamilton, Ontario before meeting up with Lang.

Others who qualified for the field included John Russo of Middletown, Massachusetts, who started third, and Mark Nielsen of Brantford, Ontario, who started eighth. Both were eliminated in first-round action.

While the Lang team was without crew chief Rob Poirier for the race, the team was in the capable hands of Al Billes, the former driver who is now one of the top engine builders and tuners in the sport.

Billes said after the win he was pleased with how the weekend went down.

“We came here just to test a new converter,” he noted. “We went from nothing to a 6.03.”

Billes added the team will be racing at the Get Screened America Pro Mod events, but would like to return to the PMRA, which may happen at the next event on the 2011 schedule, the Stratford Spectacular Hot August Nationals presented by Ideal Supply & NAPA Auto Parts August 5-7 at the Grand Bend Motorplex.

“It’s a good series,” he said. “Hopefully we can come back.”

After some struggling earlier in the weekend, Jack Grainy of Tonawanda, New York was able to find the combination to win the PMRA Non-Qualifiers event. The Grainy Brothers Racing 1969 Camaro bested Gary Irving of Toronto, Ontario in the Al Hinds 2004 Corvette.

Winning his first Quick 32 Sportsman Series presented by NAPA Auto Parts event was Bob Bauer Jr of Elma, New York. The Top Sportsman driver, who competes in his big-block powered 2007 Pontiac GTO, won in the final over Billy White of Gadshill, Ontario in his RE/MAX White & Wild Top Dragster entry. This series is comprised of 16 Top Sportsman cars and 16 Top Dragster cars, which compete in their respective divisions, and the top eliminator in each division goes into the final to determine an event champion.

In the PBSS presented by Wiseco Performance Products, Pro Bike racer Mike Konopacki rode his Kawasaki to a PBSS win over the Yamaha Pro Sled of James Miller of Orillia, Ontario. Konopacki, of Hampton, Ontario, qualified fifth in the Pro Bike field and Miller qualified fifth as well on the Pro Sled side. Konopacki ran an 8.547-second, 144.49-mph final for his win.

The Quick 32 Sportsman Series and the PBSS will join the PMRA for the next event, the Stratford Spectacular Hot August Nationals presented by Ideal Supply & NAPA Auto Parts to be held August 5-7 at the Grand Bend Motorplex.

Presently leading the Pro Modified Racing Association Championship Point Award Series presented by Magnum Auto Parts and Patio Passport is Montesano with 817 points. Second is Boland with 811 points, and third is Latino with 788 points. Roth is fourth in points with 778, and fifth is Russo with 775 points. Following the top five are Nielsen, Irving, Hawker, Jay Dos Santos of Halton Hills, Ontario, and Sal Cammisuli of Markham, Ontario.

From PMRA // Photo Credit: Dave Erauw Photography ~ www.erauw-photo.com and Mike Goodwin ~ www.mgdigital.ca

NASCAR CANADIAN TIRE SERIES: Dumoulin Competition set to take to the Streets of Toronto

Trois-Rivières, QC – Drivers and professional race instructors Jean-François and Louis-Philippe Dumoulin have high hopes to come back strongly in the streets of Toronto as they compete in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series this Saturday, July 9th, as part of the celebrations surrounding the Honda Indy in Toronto.

The qualifying sessions will take place on Friday, at 4:10 PM, while the green flag of the Streets of Toronto 100 is expected at 2:35 PM on Saturday.

It will be a first participation in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series for Jean-François Dumoulin on board of the No. 04 Dodge Bellemare in Toronto. The Trois-Rivières native has a strong experience on the track however. In 2000, he came back from the last spot, overtaking more than 50 cars in the process, to win the event with Team New Tech Motorsports.

“I am very enthusiastic for the race in Toronto. It’s a track that I enjoy a lot, despite the fact that it has been a while since I last raced here. In Mosport, everything was going well. Moreover, we changed the engine of my car since then. I think we will be even stronger this weekend and it should be very interesting”, said Jean-François Dumoulin.

Louis-Philippe Dumoulin, who finished in fourth position – first Quebecker – at Grand Prix ICAR in Mirabel on June 5th, was on his way to a second top-five in a row at the Vortex Brake Pads 200 in Mosport two weeks ago when an incident forced him to retire with only 14 laps to go in the race. The youngest of the Dumoulin brothers won the Indy of Toronto in 2002, the year where he won the Canadian Formula Ford Championship’s title.

“I am very confident. In Mosport, my No. 47 Maskimo/Somavrac car was extremely competitive and we could have finished in the top-five had everything gone our way. This year, since we are doing five races with both cars, with a successful team. We are more and more ready every race that goes by”, insisted Louis-Philippe Dumoulin.

Team Dumoulin Competition, in partnership with the Grand Prix of Trois-Rivières, Manac, PubliDesign and Super 8 (Downtown Toronto), participates in every road course event of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series in 2011.

PHOTO GALLERY: Peterborough Speedway Chase For The Colours 2011

SIMON PAGENAUD TO CO-DRIVE WITH COMPASS360'S RYAN EVERSLEY

(Monterey, CA) -- Compass360 Racing will welcome another top driver to their ranks this coming weekend at Laguna Seca, announcing today that ALMS LMP1 Prototype Champion Simon Pagenaud will co-drive the team's #75 Skunk2/HPD/Racing4Research Honda Civic Si with championship contender Ryan Eversley.

"We're really thrilled to add another great shoe to our driver roster," enthused Team Principal Karl Thomson. "Simon's a Honda Factory pilot and we know he'll be a great asset as we work to win a third straight Grand-Am championship. We owe a lot of thanks to Lee Niffenegger, Marc Sours all the folks at HPD for helping to make this happen."

Simon comes to the team with an impressive history in road racing, having won the ALMS top-class LMP1 championship with Highcroft Racing in 2009. He's been a member of Peugeot's LMP1 program as well in recent years, as well as being the current "Super-sub" in Indycar. In 2006 he was Formula Atlantic Champion, and was a member of the Honda Performance Development line-up for the 25 Hours of Thunderhill last season in a Honda Fit.

"There were a few races that we knew my regular co-driver, Keith Carrol, wouldn't be able to make," explained Eversley. "We've pulled out some good results with my subs so far (Thomson and Eversley finished first at Virginia International Raceway, while Bob Beede and Ryan were third at Lime Rock Park) so I'm hoping we can claw back some ground on the Kia." The Kia Racing #10 car currently leads Ryan's #75 by 15 points in the standings. 

California-based David Thilenius and regular co-driver Zach Lutz will share the #74 Skunk2/HPD/JC Concrete Honda, hoping to land on the podium after a challenging season. "We've really struggled with the restrictor Grand-Am gave us before the season-opener at Daytona, and now that it's finally been removed, I think we'll see 74 back where it belongs," noted Thilenius.

After a strong run at Watkins Glen with co-driver John Kuitwaard, Alaskan Dan Rogers will share the team's #76 Skunk2/HPD/Racers Drive Civic with local shoe and coach Michael Browning. "We're looking forward to welcoming Mike to the team, as he brings a lot of local track knowledge to the Laguna event," said Crew Chief Steve Wheeler.

The team's #77 car will not take part in the California race, with repairs still being completed after a substantial shunt at Road America which injured team driver Andrew Novich. "Andrew's recovering well after breaking a few ribs at Elkhart Lake," explained Thomson. "But Andrew and 77 will be back and ready for action with Kuitwaard in New Jersey."

The team will be part of a big event for the Children's Tumor Foundation and their Racing4Research fundraising initiative at Laguna. All of the team's cars have proudly displayed the CTF logo on their flanks this season, and the iconic puzzle pieces make up the primary livery on the #75 car. "We're looking forward to entertaining a large number of CTF kids, their families and local sponsors at Laguna," exclaimed Eversley. "We're expecting great media response and welcome the opportunity to raise awareness about Neurofibromatosis. We've raised over $1.5 million so far this year and we're aiming high for the California race."

The Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge is part of a great day of racing at Laguna Seca, with the 2.5 hour race scheduled for 10:45am on Saturday, just prior to the Rolex race in the early afternoon. The race will be televised, tape-delayed on SPEED July 17th at 1:00pm.

Mathieu Audette Launches his 2011 Season this Weekend at the Toronto GP

Blainville (Québec), July 5 2011.– Quebec driver Mathieu Audette will make his return to the Canadian Touring Car Championship this weekend by contesting the Toronto Indy Grand Prix at the wheel of his Dimensions Doors / Novatech Acura RSX Type-S. Audette, a former Touring and F1600 champion, did not contest the first half of the series’ 2011 season. Toronto is the first of the team’s three scheduled Touring Car events, followed by Trois-Rivières and Montréal, at all of which he looks forward to climbing onto the podium.

The technical rule changes at the beginning of the year prevented us from taking part in the series but recent modifications to those rules now allow us to make a return. However, it’s too late for us to run a full program so we chose three popular events; the Toronto Indy Grand Prix this weekend, followed in August by the GP de Trois-Rivières and then the NASCAR weekend in Montreal where the Canadian Touring Car Championship will be in the line-up for the first time » indicates Mathieu.

The Touring Car side of the Audette Racing Team is eagerly awaiting this first race on the streets of Toronto : : «I like this event and it’s a very interesting circuit but we’ve almost always been unlucky with mechanical problems at the track. It was again the case last year while we were among the fastest teams. I want this time to be different and I plan to battle for the victory ! » confides Mathieu. The entire team is confident with the capabilities of their Acura RSX Type-S, a car that Mathieu Audette knows well and successfully tested in late May during the Circuit Mont-Tremblant’s Spring Classic. « Everything went really well at Tremblant and I know we’ll be competitive in Toronto » adds the Québec driver.

Around forty Canadian Touring Car Championship drivers are expected on the urban track at this year’s edition of the Toronto Indy Grand Prix.  Practice starts at 8:30 on Friday morning followed by qualification later that evening (5:30 – 6:00 pm)

On Saturday, the drivers will take to the track only once from 3:50pm to 4:20pm for the first of the two races.  The second Canadian Touring Car Championship round of the weekend will take place beginning at 9:30 in the morning as an IndyCar series support race. « It’s a classic schedule for the Toronto Indy Grand Prix. It means that we will have to deal with significant variations in weather and grip because we will be on the track either early in the morning or in the evening. It doesn’t bother me, I know the circuit well and I know that I can quickly get into a good rhythm » concludes Mathieu Audette.

In addition to the Canadian Touring Car Championship, the Audette Racing Team has committed Mathieu’s younger brother, Rémy Audette, to the F2000 Series. He is currently leading the championship, which is right now at the mid-point of its season. 

The Audette Racing Team benefits form the support of Dimensions Doors, Novatech, Acura Plus Blainville, Les Extrusions du Nord, Verre Select, Jeld Wen, OPM, Amusements Spectaculaire, Les Moulures PFJV, Gulf, Mec-Inov and Omnitech.

PHOTO GALLERY: Ohsweken Speedway July 1st, 2011

Past Hurricane Midgets Club President Jack Swanston passes

From Charles Priestly, President, Hurricane Midgets:

It is with regret that the Hurricane Midgets Racing Club announces that Jack Swanston, former Club President and long-time Driver, passed away on the evening of Sunday, July 3rd.

Our heartfelt thoughts go to Nancy Dingman, his long time partner & best friend, who has been at Jack's side for as long as we all can remember.

Rest in Peace Jack. May you find freedom from your pain on that great paved oval in the sky....

On Behalf of All The Hurricane Midgets,

Charles Priestley, President & Jackie Francis, Secretary/Treasurer

PHOTO GALLERY: Flamboro Speedway July 1st, 2011 Race of Champions Thunder Car Event

Race Time Radio: Tonight on RTR.... NASCAR stars at Flamboro and more

Race Time Radio - Live Broadcast Tonight July 4th 2011 at 8 p.m. ET
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See-saw battle tips in favour of L'Estage/Richard at Rallye Baie-des-Chaleurs

NEW RICHMOND, Quebec – A two-day, see-saw battle for the lead between Yokohama teammates finally tipped in favour of the defending Canadian rally champions, giving Antoine L’Estage and Nathalie Richard a narrow victory in the annual Rallye Baie-des-Chaleurs. 

The win was the third in three events in the 2011 Canadian Rally Championship for L’Estage/Richard and the sixth consecutive win in the series for the pair.  

The Mitsubishi of driver L’Estage, of St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, with co-driver Richard, of Halifax, and the Subaru of driver Pat Richard (Squamish, B.C.) and co-driver Leanne Junnila (Calgary) swapped the lead of the rally in a back-and-forth battle that featured mechanical problems that very nearly sidelined both teams. Pat Richard ended the first day with a 9 second lead over L’Estage. 

Both teams would suffer mechanical problems in an event-filled second day that saw the Subaru team’s lead disappear on the second stage when a suspension piece failed. While that gave L’Estage/Nathalie Richard a commanding lead, the margin evaporated before the last stage when the Mitsubishi suffered transmission problems.  

The outcome of the rally had to wait for the completion of the final competitive stage before L’Estage/Nathalie Richard were declared winners with a 20-second gap over second-place Pat Richard/Junnila. Third went to the Subaru of Leo Urlichich of Thornhill, Ontario, and Martin Brady of Ireland. 

The victory gives the L’Estage/Nathalie Richard team 66 series points and a formidable lead in the Canadian Rally Championship over second-place Pat Richard/Junnila (30 points) when the championship resumes at the Rallye Defi on September 9, 2011. Both teams use specialized Yokohama competition tires for summer events like Baie-des-Chaleurs but adopt Yokohama’s popular Ice Guard IG 20 consumer winter tires for ice and snow events. 

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.

ISABELLE TREMBLAY EARNS POLE AT AUTODROME ST. EUSTACHE

Isabelle Tremblay from St. Hippolyte, Quebec continues to take the turn heads and get plenty of attention from racing fans and media as she continues her season in several racing series. This past weekend at the ANCA Sportsman Series event at the Autodrome St. Eustache Tremblay took her first checkered flag in a qualifying heat race and scored the pole position for the feature event.

Tremblay would lead the approximately 30 laps before surrendering the lead when the handling of her car went away. “We made a pit stop and some changes and then another green flag stop to try and correct the problem but we believe a broken part caused the problem and that couldn’t be fixed quickly” explained Tremblay. “However that doesn’t matter” she stated. “The Isa Racing team led by Crew Chief Patrick Chouinard did an amazing job and the car is now working better than it has been all season” she stated.

Fans will be able to watch how the day at the Autodrome St. Eustache unfolded as Tremblay was the focus of the television program HP and the episode will air on October 9th on Channel V. “It was a marvelous time we had with the host Martin and we can’t wait to see the program” she stated.

It will be another busy week on the summer schedule for Tremblay beginning July 4^th when she is the special invited guest of the Autodrome Granby for their All Star Spring 410 event. “It was very nice of them to invite me and I’m very excited to watch the sprint cars race” said Tremblay.

Isabelle Tremblay will be back racing this coming weekend in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series during the Toronto Indy weekend. Practice and qualifying are Friday July 8^th and the race is Saturday July 9^th through the streets at Exhibition Place in Toronto. “We had our best ever finish at the last NASCR event and the whole Dave Jacombs team is very excited to head to Toronto this week” she stated.

The NASCAR schedule will keep Tremblay out of the ANCA Sportsman Series for the next two events so her car will be driven by Gerry Bergeron in the next two races. “This was the plan all along” said Tremblay. “Gerry won competition we held earlier this year and his prize is to fill in for me while I’m at other races” she added.

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: Isabelle Tremblay circles the Autodrome St. Eustache with the checkered flag

Photo Credit: S. Lauwers