CTCC Champions to be Crowned after Final Rounds this Weekend

Toronto, September 7th 2011 – With only two Rounds to go, the competition level will be at its highest during the Continental Sundown Enduro at Circuit ICAR on September 10-11. Actually, three battles will take place during this season's last event. Competitors of the Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship presented by Continental Tire (CTCC) will compete for Championship titles in Super Class and Touring Class and the manufacturers` titles will also be determined at the same time.

Going into these final Rounds, as for a fifth year in a row, a last look at the point Standings allows us to note that in each class, the winner has not yet been determined. In fact, it is in Touring Class that there is the largest point difference between the top three drivers. Tom Kwok with M&S Racing from Markham, Ontario leads in front with 1,470 points in his Honda Civic Si. The second position is held by Vaudreuil-Dorion, Québec driver Alain Lauzière with Octane Motorsport and he has earned 1,269 points so far in his MINI Cooper. His teammate, Michel Sallenbach from Roxton Pond, Québec has earned 1,197 points in his MINI Cooper for third position.

Not knowing what may happen during these final Rounds and what challenges may be encountered, the following drivers still have a chance to make it to the top three: In fourth position, P.J. Groenke from Toronto, Ontario has earned 1,123 points with his VW GTI from Pfaff Motorsport. In fifth position, Luc Lesage from Trois-Rivières, Québec has 1,059 points in his Scion tC from Media Racing Team, and the sixth position belongs to Gary Kwok from Markham, Ontario in his Honda Civic Si from M&S Racing with 1,055 points.

As for Super Class, the story is a little different and only the first four drivers could potentially finish in the top three positions. At this point, it is impossible to determine who could win Rounds Fourteen and Fifteen since points are quite tight. The battle will definitely take place on the track!

Etienne Borgeat from Montréal, Québec leads the Super Class Standings with 1,284 points in his Pontiac Solstice from GT Racing. In second position, Dean Fantin from Amherstburg, Ontario has earned 1,252 points in his BMW 328 from Amico Racing, and in third position, Richard Boake from King City, Ontario has earned 1,242 points so far in his Subaru STI. In fourth position is Bob Attrell from Brampton, Ontario. Attrell has earned 1,177 points with his Hyundai Genesis Coupe from G1 Racing.

Our passionate drivers are ready for on-track action and excitement; you will have to come and see for yourself how the 2011 CTCC season will end.

Who will win the Championship, and by how many points?

Rounds Fourteen and Fifteen will take place at Circuit ICAR during the Continental Sundown Enduro on September 10-11. Tickets to attend this event are sold at the gate only.

Fans can keep track of live CTCC competition with their smartphone or computer by connecting to www.livetiming.net/ctcc . CTCC live timing is available whenever and wherever the racecars are on the track. For more details about CTCC, visit www.touringcar.ca. You can also follow CTCC on Facebook and Twitter.

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!

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Andrew Ranger finishes fifth in ARCA race on dirt in Illinois

It’s probably no surprise given that Andrew Ranger has been successful in every type of racing vehicle he’s climbed into, but the latest example is his fifth-place ARCA finish on dirt at the DuQuoin (IL) State Fairgrounds… (GM)

 

DuQuoin, IL  — September 5, 2011 —Two-time NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Champion Andrew Ranger finished fifth, in his third career ARCA Racing Series start and first dirt surface start, while racing in the annual Southern Illinois 100 held at DuQuoin State Fairgrounds in DuQuoin, Illinois.

Ranger qualified the No. 53 Van Dyke Baler-Bollegraaf NDS Motorsports tenth out of the thirty-four competitors who attempted to qualify for the 100-lap, 100-mile race.  "We didn't get the qualifying position I would have liked," said Ranger, "we were fourth fastest in practice, so my expectations were set a little higher.  These ARCA cars on dirt are a blast to drive.  When the team first told me we were going to race on dirt, I immediately thought it was a joke.  I had no clue they still ran full bodied stock cars on dirt."  The DuQuoin State Fairgrounds have been hosting races since 1950 and annually since 1954.

The Roxton Pond, Quebec driver worked his way to runner up position which he was in for 30 laps until the last caution, with 17 laps to go, came out.  "We did not need that last caution.  We had a fast and great handling car, but as we got to the later stages it started to tighten up.  On the last restart we dropped back a few positions and it cost us a podium finish.  I am very pleased with the results and very happy with the work of my crew who provided me a very competitive car."

Ranger kept the No. 53 Van Dyke Baler-Bollegraaf NDS Motorsports ARCA car in the top-3 for 50 of the 104 laps.  In addition to being a full-fendered stock car Champion, Ranger has raced open-wheeled and has driven on a limited basis his father's dirt modified car.

Andrew Ranger will return behind the wheel of the NDS Motorsports race car on September 23rd, when the NASCAR K&N East Series will be racing the New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, NH.

Source : NDS Motorsports // Steve Hibbard / Marc Patrick Roy // Photo credit : ARCA Racing

CHAMPION TO BE CROWED AT SEASON FINALE DARTMOUTH DODGE 200

(Halifax, NS, September 7, 2011) After 11 events, five cities, over 40 competitors and 1,400 feature laps it all comes down to this – the Dartmouth Dodge 200. The Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour will make one final stop this summer at Scotia Speedworld on Saturday, September 10th for their season finale where a champion will emerge. Five of Canada’s finest stock car drivers remain within striking distance of the coveted championship as well as the $10,000.00 championship cheque. They will have to battle each other as well as 25 other talented teams from across the Maritimes before they can claim the coveted title. Qualifying for the Dartmouth Dodge 200 will begin at 4:00 p.m.; feature racing is expected to get underway at 6:00 p.m. Gates and Box Office open at 1:00 p.m.

Championship points will be the only thing on the minds of many teams participating in Saturday’s season finale. Only 13 points separate Wayne Smith (Timberlea, NS) who currently sits atop the standings, from current Tour champion Shawn Tucker (Fredericton, NB). Smith entered the penultimate CARQUEST 100 at Petty International with a single point lead. Smith gained his 13 point advantage by leading the most laps which garnered him 10 bonus points, Smith also finished one spot ahead of Tucker when the checkers flew for an additional 2 points. Tucker is coming off a big win last weekend at Speedway 660 and will be looking to carry that success into the finale. Both Drivers are former and multi-time Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour Champions and all in attendance can rest assured these two drivers will be leaving everything on the asphalt at the Dartmouth Dodge 200. 

Also in the hunt are veterans John Flemming (Halifax, NS) and Kent Vincent (Crapud, PE), both of whom have wins on the Tour this season. Flemming and Vincent enter Saturday’s Dartmouth Dodge 200 in third and fourth respectively with just 3 markers separating the two. Flemming is a three-time champion and remains the only back-to-back champion earning the title in 2002 and 2003. Flemming got his first win in over 4 years at the Air Show Atlantic 100 at Oyster Bed Speedway in July. Vincent is the Tour’s most recent winner, picking up the checkers at Petty International less than two weeks ago in the CARQUEST 100. Vincent has never won the title and has been competing on the Tour since its inception in 2000. Vincent is just 24 points behind Smith and has an opportunity to become the first Island champion in series history on Saturday night.

Hoping to upset the foursome of veterans is Darren MacKinnon, (Charlottetown, PE) who blasted his way onto the scene this season with 2 wins, 7 top fives, 9 top tens and now sits just 37 points behind Smith in fifth position.  MacKinnon picked up his first career victory this season in front of his hometown fans at Oyster Bed Speedway back in June. MacKinnon and his team have carried that momentum through the entire season with impressive finishes. MacKinnon suffered 2 DNF’s, one of which came at Scotia Speedworld in the season opener CARQUEST 100. The team will be looking to leave the season finale on an entirely different note – as the 2011 Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour Champion.

Advanced tickets are available at Ticket Atlantic outlets (Atlantic Superstores), by phone 902.451.1221 or www.ticketatlantic.com .  Tickets will also be available at the gate on race day (cash only). Admission for the Dartmouth Dodge 200 is $30.00 for adults, $5.00 for youth (8-15 years old); pit admission is $35.00. Admission for Friday evenings Weekly Racing Series Finale is $12.00 for adults; $2.00 for youth.  Adult weekend passes are also available for $35.00, weekend pit passes are $40.00.  Children 7 and under are admitted for free all weekend.  All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Must be 16 years or older for pit access.

Visit www.maritimeprostocktour.com   for all event information or call our event hotline at 902.873.CARS

Expected Entry List –  Dartmouth Dodge 200

#0 - Shawn Turple - Enfield, NS

#1 - Dave Heino - Barrington, NS

#02 – Mike MacKenzie – Dartmouth, NS

#5 – Jonathan Hicken – Brudenell, PE

#8 - Kent Vincent - Westmoreland, PE

#9 - Brad Brown – Halifax, NS

#11 - Marty Prevost – Fall River, NS

#13- Brad Eddy – Sackville, NS

#18 - Darren Mackinnon - Milton, PE

#21 - Shawn Pierce - Bridgewater, NS

#26 - Mike Stevens - Riverview, NB

#29 - Greg Proude - Springvale, PE

#35 – Brad Mann – Glen Livet, NB

#37 – Cy Harvey – Elmsdale, 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

#88 – George Koszkulics – New Glasgow, NS

#89 – Donald Chisholm – Antigonish, NS

#92 - Pete Miller - Kennetcook, NS

#97 - John Flemming - Halifax, NS

#98 - Jerome Kehoe – Sydney, NS

#99 - Craig Slaunwhite - Terence Bay, NS 

Entry list subject to change without notice 

Past Champions of the Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour

2001: Wayne Smith

2002: John Flemming

2003: John Flemming

2004: Shawn Tucker

2005: Rollie MacDonald

2006: John Flemming

2007: Shawn Tucker

2008: Wayne Smith

2009: Shawn Turple

2010: Shawn Tucker

2011: ?

About Dartmouth Dodge:

Dartmouth Dodge is truly “WHERE NOVA SCOTIA COMES TO SAVE” on both new and pre-owned vehicles. Conveniently located in central Dartmouth, this modern facility features metro’s only drive-thru quick lube, full service collision center, 18 service bays and 5 detail/accessory bays. Recently named Atlantic Canada’s #1 fleet dealer, Dartmouth Dodge is ready to meet all of your automotive needs, personal or commercial. Visit www.ddodge.com  or call 1 800 414 0213. 

About the Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour:

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

About Scotia Speedworld

Scotia Speedworld (SSW) is a 3/10-mile asphalt oval racing facility.  SSW is the only venue in Nova Scotia to host a weekly racing series, which runs May through September and features six different classes of racecars. SSW also hosts special events, including Monster Jam and the CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour. SSW is located at Exit 6 on Highway 102, across from the Halifax Stanfield International Airport. For more information please click on www.ScotiaSpeedworld.ca or call our Event Hotline at (902) 873-2277 or our office at (902) 481-2514.

Hindman wins, Kellett, Anderson Podium for BGR Team Grote!

Trent Hindman continued his impressive rookie season with 2 pole positions and the Sunday feature win at Mosport International Raceway to strengthen his points lead with 4 rounds remaining. Dalton Kellett continued his podium run on the Saturday and backed it up with a fine 4th place in a very tight finish with fellow rookie drivers Scott Anderson and Michael Adams. Anderson who finished 4th on the Saturday took the final podium spot in the feature event.  Kellett moves into 3rd in the championship despite missing the first two weekends.  

The Saturday event witnessed a great battle for the win between Hindman and Garett Grist as the two swapped the lead  lap after lap and wasn't settled until the flag waved with Trent coming up just a tenth of a second short and Kellet a mere six tenths out of first! Anderson making his debut in FF and the OFFC was just another second back for a superb 4th place in his first trip to the daunting Mosport circuit. 

The Sunday event  proved to be another epic battle for the win and as the cars were about to take to the track the skies opened up as they had done two weeks ago. The rain this time though subsided and the track would dry slowly throughout the race. The tricky conditions saw the lead duo of Hindman and Grist stretch a slight lead over the battle between Adams, Anderson, and Kellett.  With just a few laps to run Trent finally was able to relax as he had built a slight advantage over the pursuing Grist and captured his 6th OFFC victory of the year. The battle for the final podium spot came down to the last lap and the last corner as Anderson made his way past Adams in turn 8 and Kellett also got past in turn 10 as the 3 crossed the line all within a second of eachother, Adams securing the top B Class spot.   

"Wow what a weekend for our team, commented team principal Brian Graham. We had great performances from all our drivers and it was great to have Scott Anderson who is the current leader of the Skip Barber National Series come join the team. Dalton did an outstanding job and gets better everytime he gets in the car and will be looking for his first win before we are done this season. Scott did a great job as he had never been to Mosport or driven a FF before and by the end of the weekend was right there and his podium was well deserved. We hope to see him back for the rest of the schedule as he will also be a threat to win very soon. " 

With four rounds to go Hindman leads the Championship and the Rookie of the year standings as well, Kellett now sits 3rd, the team returns to action for the OFFC September 16 at the world renowned Mosport circuit.  

BGR Team Grote has put more drivers in the winners circle than any other team in OFFC history and continues to strive to provide the perfect environment for karters to make the transition to the open wheel ranks. The winners of the past 6 consecutive years of Rookie of the Year will be looking to continue that tradition this season. To   learn more about the team visit www.briangrahamracing.com   

 

Danny O’Brien Conquers 10th Career Brockville Speedway Championship

By Craig Revelle - Finish Line Web Design

Going into Saturday night’s races at Brockville Speedway, Danny O’Brien basically had to get through his qualifying heat race unscathed and start the 30 lap main event. Once the race had started, O’Brien clinched the Brockville Speedway championship for an unprecedented 10^th time in his illustrious career. In addition to the Brockville race, O’Brien also planned to race at Cornwall Speedway on Sunday night as the Mr. DIRTcar 358 Modified Series continued.

At Brockville on Saturday night, O’Brien began the evening with the usual qualifying heat races. O’Brien started the 10 lap qualifier from fourth place and moved up to third at the finish. With the heat race now in the books, all O’Brien had left to do was start the night’s 30 lap feature and he would be declared champion. O’Brien however was looking for more, as he wanted to end the 2011 regular season at Brockville with a win. O’Brien started the main event from outside of the sixth row in 12^th place. At the drop of the green, O’Brien moved up through the field. At lap seven, the yellow was out, and O’Brien was now up to sixth place, and just two laps later he was up to fourth. At halfway, O’Brien was up to second place and a classic battle ensued for the top three spots. At the checkered flag, O’Brien finished in second place.

“The car was really good, but we wanted to get the win to go along with the championship”, says O’Brien. “We are very excited about our 10^th Brockville track championship, but we still have some work to do to put ourselves in position to go after the DIRTcar 358 Modified title this season”.

The Mr. DIRTcar 358 Modified tour was set to resume on Sunday night at Cornwall Speedway. A forecast with an 80% chance of rain for the Cornwall area left many in doubt that there would be any races at all, but the rain held off all day long and it appeared that the racing action would go off without delay. Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other ideas, and just before qualifying heats, the skies opened up, forcing track officials to cancel the night’s program. At this time, a rain date has not been announced.

This coming weekend O’Brien will be back on the 358 Modified Mr. DIRTcar Series at Autodrome Drummond on Friday night. The series will continue the following Friday, September 16^th at Mohawk International Raceway.

Danny O’Brien and Kendrick Racing would like to thank 1000 Islands RV Centre, Pat’s Rad, Stover Bus Lines, BOB FM, Ponte Bros. Masonry, Morrison Racing Engines, Bicknell Racing Products, and Integra Racing Shocks for their support during the 2011 racing season.

For more information on Danny O’Brien and the 17D racing team, please visit our website, www.dannyobrien.ca

Evoy’s Quest For Second Consecutive Brockville Championship Comes Up Short; 14 Win Season Still Ranks Number One in Sportsman Division

By Craig Revelle - Finish Line Web Design

The 2011 racing season has been incredible for Dylan Evoy and the Evoy Racing team. Going into the final points weekend of the season they had 14 feature wins, and had already secured the Mohawk International Raceway Sportsman championship along with the Frenchie’s Built Ford Tough Sportsman crown. They also had a slim eight-point lead going into the final night at Brockville on Saturday night.

Mohawk Raceway opted to schedule a rare Thursday night event instead of their usual Friday night. It was the final points night of the regular season. Evoy already had the championship clinched at the track, but he was hoping to score his 15^th win of the year and 10^th MIR victory of 2011. The night didn’t go as planned for Evoy, as he was caught up in a lap four crash, and spent the rest of the race in and out of the pits. Evoy was credited with a 17^th place finish, his worst since opening night.

At Brockville on Saturday night, Evoy went in with an eight-point lead. With heat races being extremely important with such a tight battle, Evoy was looking to have a solid run. He started the eight-lap qualifier from eighth place and finished in fourth. Going into the 25 lap main event, Evoy now had just a five-point advantage after the heat race points had been calculated. For nearly the entire race Evoy stayed right where he needed to be, and battled into the top five. At lap 20, Evoy’s right rear tire clipped a car that was spinning in front him, damaging the right rear suspension and broke the right rear shock. Evoy still maintained his position and lined up fifth on the final restart of the race not knowing how the car would perform in the final laps with heavy right rear damage. Evoy drove hard the final laps, and even advanced his position to fourth place, but his closest points rival made a last lap, last corner pass to move into second, giving him just enough points to take the championship. Evoy missed out on the championship by just one single point.

“It’s a tough pill to swallow to be that close and lose it on the last lap”, says Evoy after the race. “The car was a handful the last few laps with the extensive damage that we had, and we did all we could to try and win it. That is how it is in racing sometimes, and we will move on. Congratulations to Chris Herbison and his team on the championship”.

Evoy Racing will be back in action on at Mohawk International Raceway on Friday night, September 16^th for a Mr. DIRTcar Sportsman Series event. On Sunday, October 16^th, Evoy will end his stellar 2011 racing season with another Mr. DIRTcar Series race at Brockville. Other events may be added to the schedule before the season ends, and will be posted on the team’s website.

Evoy Racing, and driver Dylan Evoy would like to thank all of their sponsors for the 2011 season which includes Ogilvie’s Auto & Fleet Service, 1000 Islands RV Centre, NAPA Auto Parts Fireball Performance Automatics, RONA, Charleston Lake Auto Service, Subway, Linde, Unity Savings, Canadian Tire, Pennzoil and NGK Spark Plugs.

Additional sponsorship opportunities are available. To see how your company could benefit from sponsorship of a championship winning team, please contact Dylan Evoy at 613-345-3782, or email dylanevoy83@hotmail.com.

To stay up to date with Dylan Evoy and Evoy Racing throughout the 2011 season, log on to the team’s website at www.evoyracing.com. The website is updated weekly and it also contains information on Evoy Racing and Dylan as well as direct links to our sponsor’s websites.

Belyea Wins Topless Late Model Event at Brighton; Scores Podium Finishes at Mohawk Raceway and Can Am

By Craig Revelle - Finish Line Web Design

It was a busy Labor Day Weekend for Greg Belyea and the Excel Tower Service Racing team. It all began Thursday night with their first ever appearance at Mohawk International Raceway in Hogansburg, New York. From there it was back to Can Am on Friday night to decide the 2011 Late Model Championship. On Sunday, Belyea and his fellow Late Model competitors had topless night at the track, running their Late Model cars without the customary roof.

Belyea arrived at Mohawk International Raceway early on Thursday and had a good look around the immaculate facility located on the Akwesasne Mohawk Territory in Hogansburg, New York. Belyea won his qualifying heat race and finished second in the 25 lap main event. With his second place run, Belyea locked in a qualifying spot for the $5000 to win Great Crate Race later this month at Brighton Speedway.

“This place is amazing. The facility, the lighting, the track itself is just phenomenal”, says Belyea. “We had a great night here and we look forward to coming back in the future”.

On Friday night, Belyea traveled to Chapman’s Can Am Motorsports Park for the final point race of the season. He entered the night 10 points behind Lee Gill for the 2011 Late Model championship. After finishing second in his preliminary qualifier, he was ready for the 20 lap main event. Belyea rolled off the starting grid from inside of the second row in third place. Belyea stayed in the top five for the entire race, and despite a valiant effort to get the lead on the final lap of the race, he crossed the line in third place, and finished the season second in track points.

“That last lap was pretty exciting as we tried to go for the lead”, says Belyea. “Congratulations to Lee Gill and his team for winning the championship. We had fun running with them all season long”.

Brighton Speedway hosted a special “Topless” night at the track on Sunday evening featuring the Late Models without their roof. Belyea finished second in his qualifying heat race and went on to win the 25 lap main event.

This coming weekend Belyea hopes to make it to Can Am on Friday night for the Go Nuclear Challenge Series race. On Saturday night, he will be back at Brighton Speedway looking to capture another win, and possibly clinch his first ever Track Championship.

Greg Belyea and Excel Tower Service along with the Brighton Speedway would like to remind everyone about the Great Crate Race taking place at the Brighton Speedway on September 17^th, 2011. The unprecedented $5000 to win Late Model event will see cars from all over Ontario, New York State, Pennsylvania and beyond battle for a purse of more then $20000. For more information, visit www.finishlinewebdesign/greatcraterace.

For more information on Greg Belyea and the Excel Tower Service racing team, please visit our website, www.exceltowerracing.com.

Sallows Gets Second Place Finish at MIR; Cornwall Rained Out Again

By Craig Revelle - Finish Line Web Design

It was a busy weekend for Dillon Sallows and the DKD Racing team with a rare Thursday night event at Mohawk Raceway, Chapman’s Can Am Motorsports Park on Friday night, and Cornwall Speedway on Sunday for their final event of the season. Sallows was looking to have a strong run to end the points season at both MIR and Cornwall and try and get into the top five in track points.

At Mohawk Raceway, Sallows has had some strong runs this season, and was looking to end the regular season on a good note. The night started out well for Sallows as he started up front and led every lap of his qualifying heat race. Sallows began the 20 lap Sportsman main event from the front row and lead the race through halfway before dropping to second. Sallows, not one to give up, fought for the top spot with just two laps remaining but couldn’t make the pass work, and settled for second.

“The car was really good tonight. I thought we had the 27 car there with a couple laps to go but just couldn’t make the pass”, says Sallows. I really have to thank Dad and the crew and all of our sponsors for their support this season, and hopefully we can get back to victory lane one more time before the season comes to an end”.

On Friday night, Sallows made a rare appearance at Chapman’s Can Am Motorsports Park. In his qualifying heat, Sallows started eighth and steadily moved his way up to fifth before the end of the race. The 20 lap Sportsman feature didn’t go as planned for Sallows as he fought an ill-handling race car for the entire race, but still managed a ninth place finish.

Rain has been the story of the final few weeks of the season at Cornwall, and rain again was in the forecast for Sunday’s season. With 80% chance of rain projected for most of the day, it appeared that Cornwall was going to lose yet another race, but despite the gloomy forecast, the rain held off all day long. Just as the first heat race took to the track, the skies opened up, and the track was forced to cancel once again. At this time a rain date has not been announced.

The plans for this coming weekend are not yet finalized, but Sallows does have some big events coming before the end of the 2011 season. On Friday, September 16^th, Sallows will be back at Mohawk International Raceway for one final time this season for their Mr. DIRTcar Sportsman Series race. The following Friday night, the Mr. DIRTcar Sportsman Series continues at Brighton Speedway. From there, the rest of the season is unclear until Super DIRT Week in October where Sallows will run the Sportsman Futures Race at the New York State Fairgrounds on Thursday, October 6^th, and then the Mr. DIRTcar Series event at the Fairgrounds on Saturday, October 8^th. The season will end at Brockville with the DIRTcar Series on October 15^th.

Sallows, who operates his race team with his parents, Dallas and Kim Sallows races under the banner on DKD Racing, the initials of each family member. In addition to the C & B Enterprises sponsorship for 2011, DKD Racing will also have an impressive list of sponsors that include Erin & Buggo, Shortall’s Sand & Gravel, Unity Savings, Pat Roger’s Towing, Alex McCoy Plumbing and Heating, The W.I.P.P. Restaurant, Hollingsworth Supply Services, Finish Line Web Design, Sign A Rama, and Megaly’s General Store.

For more information on Dillon Sallows and the DKD Racing team, please visit our website, www.dillonsallows.com.

Matt Billings Dominating Weekend Thwarted Only by Mother Nature

By Craig Revelle - Finish Line Web Design

It may have been the final weekend of points for Matt Billings and his Brockville, Ontario based Billings Motorsports team, but points were the furthest thing from the mind of the 18-year-old driver as he looked to get back to victory lane and build some momentum going into the season’s biggest events. Billings returned to Chapman’s Can Am Motorsports Park on Friday night before finishing out the regular season at Brockville Speedway on Friday night. The Mr. DIRTcar 358 Modified Series resumed at Cornwall Speedway on Sunday.

Returning to Can Am for the first time since mid-July, Billings was hoping to make a comeback and show that they have only gotten better in the past couple months. Billings began the evening by turning the third fastest speed overall in practice, and was even faster in his qualifying heat race, starting from fourth place and moving to the lead quickly. Billings cruised to the win, and made some minor changes to the car before the 25 lap main event.

“The car is really good, but we need to make a few changes to keep up with the changing track conditions”, says Billings. “The car is real fast, and I am very happy with it so far. Hopefully we can have a good run and get to victory lane”.

Billings lined up from the fifth position to start the feature. Again, he wasted little time getting to the front of the pack, by the end of lap one he was in second, and just two laps later he had the top spot. Billings went unchallenged for the remainder of the race and picked up his first Can Am win of the season and second win overall for the 2011 racing season.

“We had a lot of fun tonight. There was a good car count, and the track was in fantastic shape”, says Billings in victory lane. “I always enjoy racing here at Can Am, and you may just see us back here next week with a wing on top”, he adds, referring to the possibility of racing a Sprint Car next Saturday night when the Empire Super Sprints invade Can Am.

At Brockville, Billings struggled a little in his qualifying heat race, starting third and dropping to fourth at the checkered flag. Back in the pit area, the team discussed what changes to make to the car before the 30 lap feature, and soon went to work making improvements to the car’s handling. Billings rolled off the starting grid from the tenth position. The Modified division at Brockville is one of the toughest fields in all of DIRTcar racing, and Billings made his way through the field early, getting into the top five at lap five, and continued to make his way to the front of the field. By lap nine he had the lead, and held off late race challenges from future Hall of Fame drivers Danny O’Brien and Dale Planck to capture his second win of the weekend.

The dominating weekend continued into Sunday as Billings traveled to Cornwall Motor Speedway for the next round of the Mr. DIRTcar 358 Modified Series. Billings set fast time in his group during practice and backed that up with fast time in his time trial group that would have given him the pole position for his qualifying heat race. Mother Nature had other ideas, and heavy rain swept into Cornwall shortly after, ending the night early.

“We had probably our best chance ever here at Cornwall in one of these big races, and we lost out because of the weather”, says a disappointed Billings after hearing about the cancellation. “They have not made a decision yet as to what they are going to do about rescheduling. Hopefully they will run it in the next couple weeks”.

This coming weekend Billings will continue to follow the Mr. DIRTcar 358 Modified Series with a stop at Autodrome Drummond in Drummondville, Quebec. On Saturday, tentatively, Billings will make his second appearance with the Empire Super Sprints driving a car owned by Brian McDonald.

“I love the Sprint Cars, and hopefully someday we can be in one full time. I am really looking forward to racing this Saturday, and I can’t thank Brian and his team enough for the opportunity”, says Billings.

After this weekend, Billings will return to the Mr. DIRTcar 358 Modified Series at Mohawk Raceway on September 16^th, and then Super DIRT Week events at Cayuga County Fair Speedway on Wednesday, October 5^th, Rolling Wheels Raceway on Thursday, October 6^th, and the New York State Fairgrounds on Saturday, October 8^th. The Mr. DIRTcar 358 Modified Series will conclude at Brockville Speedway on October 15^th.

Matt Billings is a proud supporter of the Heart and Stroke Foundation, taking part in a fundraiser earlier this year. He also participated in a fundraiser for Alzheimer’s Society of Canada. For more information on the Heart and Stroke Foundation, please visit www.heartandstroke.ca or for the Alzheimer’s Society, please visit www.alzheimer.ca.

Billings Motorsports would like to thank all of their sponsors for their continued support. Billings Automotive, Carquest, Stealth Racewear, Pastime Motors, Hansler Smith Limited, Enders Racing Engines, Brockville Physiotherapy, Babe Design, Finish Line Web Design, and Enders Racing are an integral part of the team’s success, and we thank you all for your support this season.

Stop by the Billings Motorsports trailer at the track and pick up your Billings Motorsports t-shirts and hoodies. T-shirts are being sold for $20 and hoodies are on sale for $35.

For more information on Matt Billings and the Billings Racing Team, please visit our website, www.mattbillings74.com.

KARTING: Castrol Racing Sponsors WRKC Oktoberfest Grandprix

The Waterloo Regional Kart Club (WRKC) organizers of the Oktoberfest Grandprix are pleased to announce that Castrol Racing will be the title sponsor for this year’s race.

This marks the 29th annual running of what is the arguably the largest 4 stroke kart racing event in Canada.  The familiar red-white-and-green of the Castrol Racing logo has been supporting racing in Canada for more than 100 years, we look forward to working with them to make this year’s race the best single day kart race in Canada.

This year’s race will be held on Saturday October 8th at Flamboro Speedway, with a practice session being held on the 7th starting at 3 pm.  The race day will feature the following classes: Cadet, Novice, Jr. Lite, Jr. Heavy, Sr. Lite, Sr. Heavy, and Masters. The racing will be conducted based on the WRKC 2011 Rule Book.  With Exciting prizes and trophies available to the top 5 in each class this is a race you don’t want to miss.

For more information please visit our club website at website www.wrkc.on.ca. // From Brad Buckler 416-209-4058 // Email brad.buckler@emerson.com

MOSPORT SPEEDWAY: Race report and results September 3, 2011

BOWMANVILLE, ON - Mosport Speedway's three home divisions took to the track at the next-to-last race weekend of the 2011 season at Canada's fastest half-mile paved oval on September 3.  

Bob's Towing Sportsman

Continuing his late season surge, John Baker Jr. piloted his #63 Marksmen Club Monte Carlo to a pair of heat race victories, and was looking to make it a three-race sweep on the night. But Oshawa's Bob Kish had other ideas.

Launching past pole sitter Anthony DiBello at the drop of the green flag, Kish took control of the 20-lap contest, leading every lap on his way to his first Sportsman class feature race victory of the season.

Fending off repeated challenges from Baker and the #85 Five Points Mall Pontiac of Bill Northam, Kish led the three-car pack to the stripe, earning the win in a bumper-to-bumper sprint to the checkered flag.

"Man, that John Baker is hard to beat," exclaimed the driver of the #78 Professional Collision Clinic/ Rapid Racing Chevrolet from the Winner's Circle. "I had just enough to match him on the straight, but a couple of times I was right down to the pit wall to hold the low line. But that's short track racing; we did what we needed to do to win."

So frantic was the pace set by the race-leading trio, only six cars finished on the lead lap in the caution-free contest. Dale Wood (#10) crossed the stripe in a lonely fourth spot, with Shaw and Ken Huntington (#27X) rounding out the top, half-dozen finishers.

Late Model

It was a past champion's duel for Late Model class honour's on Saturday night, with Dwight Brown and Todd Delisle sharing in heat race victories, setting up the rubber match in the 25-lap feature dash.

With defending titleholder Jim 'the Professor' Rossiter holding the early race lead, the running order was scrambled following a Turn Four, lap two collision between Scott Harrison and Late Model newcomer Craig Perry resulting in the race's only caution.

Back again under green, Rossiter's #66 Roy Nichols Motors Impala immediately came under pressure from Brown's #12 Monte Carlo, Brown using the low groove through Turn One to snatch the lead away on lap six, dragging Delisle's #22 Ontario Motor Sales/ Metals Plus Impala along with him.

With an open track in front of them, Brown and Delisle set a frightening pace, the two leaders running in lockstep ad leaving the remainder of the field in their wake.

Taking the White Flag still locked in bumper-to-bumper fashion, Delisle saw his challenge fall a half-lap short as the #22 Impala coasted to a stop in Turn Three, a victim of a melted and destroyed coil, allowing Brown to coast on to his second, consecutive feature race victory.

"I kind of feel ripped off," laughed Brown from Victory Lane. "It was going to be a heck of a finish. But the only way Todd was going to get me on the inside was for him to go down pit lane."

Tyler Betts (#86 Pingles Farm Market/ TOREION Impala) scored his second podium result in two weeks, taking advantage of Delisle's misfortune to claim a career-high runner-up result. Rossiter held off a persistent Darren Kearnan (#55) for third place while Delisle was credited with a top five finish.

Pure Stock Invitational

Mosport Speedway hosted their third annual Pure Stock Invitational last Saturday, and it was an invader from the dirt track ranks who powered away with the Victor's Laurels.

Rob Flindall, a Peterborough High School Auto Shop teacher, followed in his father's footsteps and developed his race craft on Brighton Speedway's ¼-mile clay oval. But the lessons learned there have obviously transferred to the pavement wars.

Wrestling the lead away from Mosport Pure Stock points leader Kevin Hinds on lap four, Flindall opened up a healthy advantage over challengers Anthony DiBello (#16 DiBello Towing) and Hinds, holding the point until a lap 20 red flag. John Baker Jr., at the wheel of the #40 Honda CRX had climbed to fourth place from his tail end starting position, but on lap 20, the power plant screamed 'enough', expiring dramatically on the back straight, necessitating a massive cleanup.

On the restart, DiBello got the better launch to grab the lead, but Flindall would not be denied, reclaiming the point on lap 24 and running out the remaining 11 tours at the front of the back, and taking the feature race victory.

"I banged the wall on the restart and I thought I was done," admitted Flindall. "But once I knew everything was still straight, I put my head down and went for it. That was an amazing race, and gives us the first win for the Sidey NAPA/ State Farm Insurance team."

DiBello defended the home track's reputation with a well-deserved second place result, crossing the stripe just two car lengths behind Flindall, with Hinds piloting his #57 RadMan Grand Am to a top three finish. Duane Jeffery, making his Mosport return at the wheel of his recently-acquired #0 Pure Stock, took the checkered flag in fourth place, Henk Mulders (#99) rebounding from being a lap down to round out the top five.

Photo 1 - Bob Kish of Oshawa captured his first Bob's Towing Sportsman feature race win of 2011.

Photo 2 - Dwight Brown was the winner of the Late Model feature race.

Photo 3 - Pure Stock Invitational feature race winner Rob Findall (middle).  In second place was Ryan DiBello (left) and rounding out the top three was Pure Stock points leader Kevin Hinds.

From Ryan Chalmers / Mosport // Photo Credits - Peter Brand

NASCAR: Jeff Gordon takes 85th Sprint Cup victory.... alone in 3rd on all-time list

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Sept. 6, 2011) – Further cementing his legendary status, Jeff Gordon won the AdvoCare 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, his 85th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victory. With the historic milestone win, Gordon took sole possession of third on the all-time series wins list. Only Richard Petty (200 wins) and David Pearson (105) have more.

“I have always liked him as a driver,” said Pearson, next on Gordon’s march up the wins list. “He is smart, takes care of his equipment and when it is time to go, he gets right up there with them. Reminds me some of the way I drove. … He has been the ‘head honcho’ for a long time in NASCAR. He was good out of the box and has been very good ever since.”

Gordon also became the Modern Era (1972-Present) wins leader, breaking a tie with Darrell Waltrip. (Note: “Modern Era” refers to the period in NASCAR Sprint Cup history when NASCAR shortened the schedule from as many as 62 races in 1964 to the 31-race schedule of 1972. Race numbers fluctuated between 28 and 36 since 1972.)

To commemorate the milestone, NASCAR President Mike Helton presented Gordon with an “85” mosaic featuring images from each of the four-time champion’s victories. Additionally, special commemorative “85” hats were worn by Gordon and his No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports team in Victory Lane.

During a career that began on the final race of 1992, Gordon assembled a list of accomplishments fit for a future NASCAR Hall of Famer: Four NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championships, three Daytona 500 victories, four Brickyard 400 victories, most road-course wins all-time (nine) and most restrictor plate wins all-time (12).

Still only 40 years of age, the highlight reel can only grow.

Below is a timeline of Gordon’s notable victories on his way to 85:

1 – On May 29, 1994 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Gordon won his first race. It was in one of NASCAR’s biggest events – the Coca-Cola 600.

2 – Gordon won the inaugural NASCAR race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Aug. 6, 1994. He would go on to win three other IMS races, in 1998, 2001 and 2004.

8 – Won another “crown jewel” race, the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway, on Sept. 3, 1995.

19 – On Sept. 29, 1996, won his only race at North Wilkesboro Speedway, the final race at the North Carolina short track.

20 – At the time, became the youngest winner in Daytona 500 history at 25 years, six months, 12 days on Feb. 16, 1997. His record was later broken in 2011 by Trevor Bayne (20 years, one day). Gordon also won the Daytona 500 in 1999 and 2005. 

28 – On Aug. 31, 1997, won his second Southern 500, capturing a $1 million bonus in what was known as The Winston Million. The Winston Million was given to any driver to win three of the following four races: the Daytona 500, the Coca-Cola 600, the Southern 500 and the first Talladega race.

42 – In the season finale at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Nov. 8, 1998, won his 13th race of the season, tying a Modern Era record first set by Richard Petty in 1975.

74 – On June 25, 2006, won at Infineon Raceway, his record ninth victory at a road course.

76 – With a win at Phoenix International Raceway on April 21, 2007, Gordon tied Dale Earnhardt for sixth on the all-time wins list. Gordon memorably took a victory lap with a massive No. 3 flag waving out his driver-side window, a tribute to his long-time rival.

80 – On Oct. 7, 2007 at Talladega Superspeedway, Gordon captured his record 12th restrictor-plate victory.

85 – In a race delayed two days because of inclement weather, Gordon captures historic win No. 85 on Sept. 6, 2011 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

From Mike Forde, NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communications

Race Time Radio: Tonight.... Sept. 6 through Sept. 8 at 8 p.m.

Tonight on Race Time Radio at 8 p.m. ... Previews of Barrie's NASCAR
Canadian Tire Series race, Can-Am Midget 'Boss of the Beach' winner Todd
Cresswell... Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup Delaware winner Jay Doerr and much
more!
Visit www.racetimeradio.com for tuning info and show info.

Bosch's Second Generation ICON Wiper Blades Last 40 percent Longer Than Other Premium Blades

BROADVIEW, IL, September 6, 2011 – Bosch has launched the second generation of its premium ICON™ beam wiper blade, which now lasts 40 percent longer than other premium blades, and provides a customized, precision fit on both the driver and passenger sides of the windshield for clean, quiet wiping even in extreme weather. The new Bosch ICON’s exclusive internal tension spring arcing technology distributes uniform pressure along the entire blade to fit the curvature of the windshield and wipe the entire surface evenly.  Installation is quick and easy with the ICON weather shield connector and multi-clip flexible connector system for original equipment (OE) top- and side-lock applications.

“The correct blade recommended for a specific vehicle is based on a combination of the blade length and the curvature of the windshield,” said Makoto Takatsuka, Senior Product Manager, Wiping Systems, for Bosch.  “ICON’s exclusive multi-patented design creates a custom fit that’s contoured to the curvature of both the driver and passenger sides of the windshield of each vehicle,” he said. 

According to Takatsuka, “By eliminating external brackets, ICON’s beam-style design provides more uniform pressure over the entire blade, greatly reducing streaking and chatter, and cleanly wiping areas that conventional and hybrid blades might miss altogether.”

“The result is improved vision which promotes safer driving, and better overall wiping performance and durability,” he noted.

“Independent test data confirms that ICON’s long-lasting, flexible fx dual rubber wiping element resists heat and ozone deterioration better than any other wiper blade.  ICON maintains flexibility in all weather conditions, for the cleanest wipe over the longest performance life,” Takatsuka said. “The blade’s dual tension springs are housed in a flexible, asymmetrical aerodynamic spoiler, which significantly improves downforce on the blade to keep it hugging the windshield at highway speeds. With no external steel brackets, springs, or partitioned plastic spoilers used on hybrid blades, ICON doesn’t clog with ice and snow in winter.”

ICON is available for popular domestic, Asian and European vehicles.

Bosch is a proud supporter of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association’s Know Your Parts® education and awareness campaign. This initiative promotes the importance of quality brand name aftermarket parts backed by full service suppliers, and its impact on delivering reliable products to today’s motorists. For more information visit: www.AASAKnowYourParts.org .

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. In the areas of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology, some 285,000 associates generated sales of $62.7 billion ( 47.3 billion euros) in fiscal 2010. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 350 subsidiaries and regional companies in over 60 countries. If its sales and service partners are included, then Bosch is represented in roughly 150 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. Bosch spent approximately $5 billion (3.8 billion euros) for research and development in 2010, and applied for over 3,800 patents worldwide. With all its products and services, Bosch enhances the quality of life by providing solutions which are both innovative and beneficial. 

In the U.S., Canada and Mexico, the Bosch Group manufactures and markets automotive original equipment and aftermarket products, industrial drives and control technology, power tools, security and communication systems, packaging technology, thermotechnology, household appliances, solar energy, healthcare and software innovations. Having established a regional presence in North America in 1906, Bosch employs over 22,000 associates in more than 100 locations, with reported sales of $8.8 billion in fiscal 2010. 

In 2011, Bosch is celebrating its 125th anniversary as well as the 150th anniversary of the birth of its founder, Robert Bosch.

For more information, visit www.boschusa.com .

For more information on Bosch Automotive Products, visit www.boschautoparts.com.

For more information on Bosch Diagnostics, visit www.boschdiagnostics.com.

Find Bosch Auto Parts on Facebook, visit www.facebook.com/boschautoparts

Follow Bosch Auto Parts on Twitter, visit www.twitter.com/BoschAutoParts

BOURQUE HEADED FOR BARRIE IN AARON’S DREAM MACHINE

Ottawa, ON. (September 6, 2011) NASCAR driver Pierre Bourque returns to action in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series piloting the #00 Aaron’s Dream Machine Dodge this coming weekend at Barrie Speedway, a tricky 1/3 bullring track that will provide non-stop excitement for 300 laps of racing under the lights on Saturday September 10^th.

This will be the first visit to Barrie Speedway for Bourque in the #00 Aaron’s Dream Machine Dodge and he is excited about the opportunity to compete at this challenging short track. “Being a one third mile oval it’s obviously a very tight track” explained Bourque. “And with the banking it’s also a very fast track for the size and presents a real test to the driver’s skills” he added.

Bourque has shown plenty of racing speed in the #00 Aaron’s Dream Machine Dodge during previous events this year and is happy to be returning to action this weekend. “We had some very positive runs out west on the ovals and ran up front for a lot of laps” said Bourque. “We also had a good handling car at those races and that will also be important at Barrie” he stated.

All signs point to a thrilling weekend for the #00 Aaron’s Dream Machine Dodge team. “We’ll be racing in front of some of the most knowledgeable race fans, the car we’ve had this year from DJK Racing is stronger than ever and DJ’s done very well at Barrie so I know we’ll have a good set up on the car and I’m expecting we’ll be strong right from the start” said Bourque.

Action for Pierre Bourque and the #00 Aaron’s Dream Machine team at Barrie Speedway begins Saturday with practice at 1:30PM. Qualifying will be at 5:45PM and the green flag for 300 laps of racing for the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series teams waves at 8PM.

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 earlier this year in Toronto.

Photo Credit: Gary Grant www.thegarageblog.com

NASCAR Canadian Tire Series heading to Barrie Speedway on Saturday

BARRIE, ON - NASCAR racing has become one of the most popular spectator sports in North America, drawing millions of television viewers and hundreds of thousands of fans to single race events all over North America. On September 10th the Wild Wing 300 Presented by Independent Electric Supply, one of 12 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Races in 2011, will be hosted at Barrie Speedway.

“We are very pleased to be hosting the Wild Wing 300 presented by Independent Electric Supply on September 10th at Barrie Speedway. We would like to thank Wild Wing and Independent Electric Supply for their support and we encourage all of our drivers, crews and fans to support their businesses with your patronage whenever possible,” said Diane Cunningham of Barrie Speedway.

This marks the second straight year that Wild Wing will be the title sponsor.

“We are thrilled to be the title sponsor of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series race at Barrie Speedway,” said Rick Smiciklas of Wild Wing. “Our company and staff are excited to be part of such an exciting event. The Wild Wing brand is becoming well known and our customers are some of the most enthusiastic NASCAR fans in Canada and we’re looking forward to seeing them at the NASCAR race in Barrie,” added Mr. Smiciklas.

Independent Electric Supply has come on board as this year’s presenting sponsor and are excited to be part of the event.

“Independent Electric Supply is very excited and honoured to be a part of this event,” said Owner of Independent Electric Supply Bob Branscombe.  “We invite the community, our vendor partners and our customers to come out and enjoy a great day of racing and support a very worthwhile cause.” 

“The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series has been growing steadily over the past few years and is delivering an impressive national audience on TSN,” said Steve Hutcheon of Independent Electric Supply. “We are so excited about being the presenting sponsor for this event, and are very happy to help raise money for such a great cause like Easter Seals.”

This year Barrie Speedway will be donating part of the proceeds of all VIP tickets to Easter Seals, there will also be a silent auction with 100 percent of the proceeds going to Easter Seals which “Helps Kids with Physical Disabilities Succeed”.

If the success of last year's race is any indication, this year promises to be even better.  The Wild Wing 300 presented by Independent Electric Supply takes place at Barrie Speedway on Saturday, September 10th. Gates Open at 2 pm, racing starts at 3pm. and the Wild Wing 300 presented by Independent Electric starts at 8pm. VIP tickets are available for purchase at Independent Electric Supply in Barrie at 680 Huronia Road.

From Diane Cunningham – Barrie Speedway

ACT: Nick Sweet wins Bond Auto Labour Day Classic

BARRE, VT – Barre’s own Nick Sweet led the final 15 laps after getting around Joey Polewarczyk, Jr., to win the 33rd annual Bond Auto Labor Day Classic at Thunder Road International Speedbowl in Barre, VT on Sunday, September 4. The 2010 “King of the Road” piloted his St. J Auto Ford Fusion to the win after taking two right side tires late in the event and slicing through the field. It was Sweet’s second ACT Late Model Tour win of the season, both coming at Thunder Road, and his first career Labor Day Classic win.

Polewarczyk used a similar strategy as Sweet but pitted slightly earlier for his tires. He managed to hang on for second followed by Scott Payea. John Donahue led the first 168 laps but never hit pit road and faded late to fourth just in front of Austin Theriault in fifth. Cris Michaud, Jean-Paul Cyr, Brett Wheeler, Dave Pembroke and Wayne Helliwell, Jr. completed the top five.

Seven-time ACT Champion Brian Hoar was involved in a couple of incidents and had to settle for 16th minus much of the nose of his body.

The event was completed in one hour and forty-four minutes with a total of 13 cautions. Nineteen cars completed all 200 laps.

The Bond Auto Tiger Sportsmen saw Bobby Therrien of Hinesburg take the overall win in their two segment Monza event. Mike Ziter, Brendan Moodie, Dylan Payea and point leader Derrick O’Donnell completed the overall top five.

The Allen Lumber Street Stocks had point leader Greg Adams of Hardwick take his third win of the season in their Monza event. Nick Pilotte and Martin Ingram took top threes. Jason Woodard of Waterbury earned the Junkyard Warrior win, also in a Monza format.

The ACT Late Model Tour will head north of the border next week for a Canadian double-header. On Saturday, September 10 the top competitors from the ACT Tour and from the Série ACT Castrol will be at Autodrome Chaudiere in Valle-Jct., QC for the fourth annual Showdown at Chaudiere 200 All-Star event. Then on Sunday, September 11, thirty-six teams from the ACT Tour and the Série ACT Castrol will return to Circuit Riverside Speedway in Ste-Croix, QC for the previously postponed Can-Am 200.

Thunder Road International Speedbowl will close its gates until the 49th Annual People’s United Bank Milk Bowl. Saturday, October 1 will be Booth Bros./HP Hood qualifying day with Sunday, October 2 as the Milk Bowl. The Bond Auto Tiger Sportsmen, Allen Lumber Street Stocks and Junkyard Warriors will complete their 2011 championship battles that weekend.

Bond Auto Labor Day Classic Unofficial Results

Thunder Road – Sunday, September 4, 2011

ACT Late Model Tour

Pos. (Start) Driver, Hometown, Laps Completed

1. (7) Nick Sweet, Barre, VT, 200 Laps

2. (4) Joey Polewarczyk, Jr., Hudson, NH, 200 Laps

3. (19) Scott Payea, Milton, VT, 200 Laps

4. (1) John Donahue, Graniteville, VT, 200 Laps

5. (25) Austin Theriault, Fort Kent, ME, 200 Laps

6. (11) Cris Michaud, E. Montpelier, VT, 200 Laps

7. (12) Jean-Paul Cyr, Milton, VT, 200 Laps

8. (6) Brett Wheeler, Waterbury, VT, 200 Laps

9. (9) Dave Pembroke, Middlesex, VT, 200 Laps

10. (2) Wayne Helliwell, Jr., Dover, NH, 200 Laps

11. (14) Chip Grenier, Graniteville, VT, 200 Laps

12. (13) Ricky Rolfe, Albany Twp., ME, 200 Laps

13. (5) Joey Becker, Jeffersonville, VT, 200 Laps

14. (3) Brent Dragon, Milton, VT, 200 Laps

15. (20) Quinten Welch, Lancaster, NH, 200 Laps

16. (22) Brian Hoar, Williston, VT, 200 Laps

17. (8) Randy Potter, Groveton, NH, 200 Laps

18. (21) Jamie Fisher, Shelburne, VT, 200 Laps

19. (23) Joey Laquerre, E. Montpelier, VT, 200 Laps

20. (29) Jamie Aube, N. Ferrisburgh, VT, 199 Laps

21. (27) #Ben Ashline, Pittston, ME, 198 Laps

22. (30) #Dave Farrington, Jr., Jay, ME, 198 Laps

23. (16) #Jimmy Hebert, Williamstown, VT, 198 Laps

24. (10) Matt White, Northfield, VT, 182 Laps

25. (17) Brooks Clark, Fayston, VT, 144 Laps

26. (26) Luke Hinkley, Claremont, NH, 141 Laps

27. (15) Patrick Laperle, St-Denis-sur-Richelieu, QC, 110 Laps

28. (18) Todd Davis, Claremont, NH, 70 Laps

29. (24) Cody Blake, Barre, VT, 69 Laps

30. (28) Glen Luce, Turner, ME, 63 Laps

Time of Race: 1:44:16

Cautions: 13 (laps 50, 53, 59, 64, 70, 88, 100, 104, 104, 144, 171, 177, 184)

Leaders: John Donahue, 1-168; Joey Polewarczyk, Jr., 169-186; Nick Sweet, 187-200

From ACT

Last Ditch Racing heads North to Rallye Defi!

Bangor, Maine USA - Last Ditch Racing's Driver John Cassidy and Co-Driver Jennifer Daly will head to Canada to participate in Rallye Defi, round four of the 2011 Canadian Rally Championship.

Having completed an ambitious mid-summer schedule, including  Rallye Baie des Chaleurs, the Mt. Washington Hillclimb and New England Forest Rally, the team is hoping to carry momentum to their last event of the the season.

"Jennifer and and I have had an extremely busy and successful summer of racing and look forward to returning to Rallye Defi to compete with a talented field of competitors."  LDR has an extensive history of rallying in Canada, competing in their first Rallye Defi about 10 years ago.  "The level of competition is extremely high in Canada, and The team has faced an extensive repair schedule after the rough New England Forest Rally in July.  "We pushed hard at New England Forest, and the suspension was a bit too soft.  The car suffered a bit of damage, so we've made a lot of work for ourselves."   The team is also doing some further engine development work ahead of the event in hopes of being more competitive with the larger budget teams.

For Rallye Defi, the team will be partnering with Canadian firm X-Vision, pioneers in mobile immersion video technology.  One of only a handful of companies worldwide that has developed a 360 degree video system that puts the user, "inside," the video, allowing the end-user to manipulate their view of the view a full 360.  

Said Cassidy, "This will mark the first time this technology has been applied in a rally in North America, and we're honored that X-Vision has decided to partner with LDR.  We're really hoping to give the fans a show from inside the car!  They'll be able to pan andy tilt  their point of view anywhere in the car they'd like.  They'll have views of the stage even we don't have-I wonder how many fans we can fit in our rally car!?"

Cassidy and Daly would like to extend a special thanks to the LDR crew for their personal sacrifices and long hours in the shop throughout the 2011 season:  Drew Gladu, Duncan Matlack, Nathan Haskell, Bronson, Crothers, Cullen Gillis and Jon Bolduc.  

For more information about X-Vision, please see:   http://www.x-vision.ca/en/index.php

DTECH Motorsport, http://www.dtechmotorsport.com/

Mirraco, http://www.mirrabikeco.com/

VP Racing fuels,  http://www.vpracingfuels.com

Triple Caution, LLC, http://www.triplecaution.us

For more information on Last Ditch Racing: http://www.lastditchracing.com

Social Networking:  Search for us on Facebook and Myspace.

Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/lastditchracing

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/LastDitchRacing

To Purchase Last Ditch Racing Gear, please visit:

http://www.cafepress.com/lastditchracing

 

 

 

 

 

DIRTcar Star Chris Raabe to Make NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Debut This Weekend

Chris Raabe has won 99 open-wheel Modified events on dirt tracks, but he will step out of that comfort zone and on to the asphalt of Barrie (Ont.) Speedway to climb behind the wheel of a NASCAR Canadian Tire Series car for the first time in the Wild Wing 300 presented by Independent Electric.

The very accomplished 20-year-old out of Napanee, Ont., got his start in racing at the age of six in go-karts in which he compiled 231 victories and 23 championships in various levels and regions. Once he moved on to the dirt track, the success continued. At 14, he became the youngest feature winner in the DIRTcar Sportsman Modified division followed by a track championship at Brockville (Ont.) Speedway at the age of 15 – another division record. He was practically unbeatable in 2008 and 2009 as he collected back-to-back Mr. DIRTcar Sportsman Modified titles.

While it is not his first time in a full-bodied stock car on asphalt, the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series is a place he has been looking forward to in which to compete.

“I’ve been trying to get to this level for years,” he said. “So this is very exciting for me and to be able to ride alongside other drivers of this caliber is a great opportunity for me to learn and up my game.”

This opportunity comes from former NASCAR Canadian Tire Series champion and 2011 points leader Scott Steckly and the 22 Racing Team. Raabe appreciates the chance and recognizes the importance of developing young racing talent as he learns from Steckly and teammate Mark Dilley, also a series veteran.

“Development programs like this are the best way to grow young talent,” said Raabe. “I’m a lucky guy to be able to work with two great mentors and learn from their experience. The best thing for me to have the chance to get out there, learn and improve.”

When he climbs behind the wheel of his No. 01 Canadian Tire/MotoMaster/Sylvania Dodge at Barrie Speedway, Raabe will be ready to compete and is confident in the practice time he has spent in the car.

“It’s got four wheels and a steering wheel so I got comfortable quickly,” he said. “My goal is to run as many laps as I can and come out with the best time I can.”

Find out more about Chris Raabe by going to his website at www.chrisraabe.com

NASCAR: AdvoCare 500 rescheduled for Tuesday, September 6

HAMPTON, Ga. (Sept. 4, 2011) – The AdvoCare 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race has been postponed because of weather from Tropical Storm Lee. The race will be rescheduled for Tuesday, September 6 with a start time of 11:00 a.m.

Existing tickets and credentials will be honoured when the gates open at 8:30 a.m. The Atlanta Motor Speedway ticket office will open at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, September 5 for fans still wishing to purchase tickets for the rescheduled race. Fans can also purchase tickets at the gate the day of the event.

SPEEDWAY 660: Sommerville comes from behind to win Sportsman 150

FREDERICTON, NB - Starting on the pole, Lonnie Sommerville of Saint John would lead the first 75 laps of the Coastal Blending and Packaging Sportsman 150.

On lap 75 there would be the competition caution for cars to refuel and make any adjustments. At the halfway point Dave O’Blenis of Boundary Creek was in second, with Matt Maillet of Oromocto in third, John Rankin of St. Martin’s in fourth, and Colby Smith of Cape Sable Island, NS rounding out the top five.

In the second half of the main event Smith would make a push to the front, moving into fourth on lap 76 and up to second by lap 82.

Smith would catch Sommerville on lap 117 before both go together as Smith pushed the back end of Sommerville around, sending both to the back of the field.

O’Blenis would inherit the lead, with Maillet in second and Glyn Nott of Burton up to third.

After a handful of cautions the most important would come at lap 125. On lap 124 a caution had also come out, but having to go to the pits Sommerville would be placed to the back of the field behind the lap cars. On the lap 125 caution, which Sommerville was involved in he would move into the middle of the field at the back of the cars on the lead lap.

He moved up into the fourth spot on lap 134 as Nott and Smith go together, sending them to the back. Sommerville would break back into the top three on lap 137 and second on lap 139.

With only seven laps to go Sommerville took the lead on the outside from O’Blenis to capture the feature.

O’Blenis would settle for second, with Mike Power Jr. of Osborne Corner in third. Rankin and Myles Harris of Nasonworth rounded out the top five.

In the 4 Cylinder feature Eldon Campbell of Moncton picked up the win, with Jeremy Doran of Fredericton in second and Luc McLaughlin of Geary in third. For more information logon onto www.speedway660.com

From Angela Coffey // Speedway 660

DELAWARE SPEEDWAY: Event on as scheduled!

From Delaware Speedway PR: All events are ON AS SCHEDULED for today's running of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour.  Spectator gates open at 12:00 pm, racing starts at 2:00 pm.

Officials have reviewed the weather data and believe the track is in a good position to complete the historic event today.  Fans and drivers travel great distances to see these events and all possible steps will be taken to run the event as scheduled.

For more information contact: John Houghton (john@delawarespeedway.com) Delaware Speedway PR // (519) 652-5068 Ext 201

Luke Stewart Scores Another Top Ten Finish at Brockville After Jumping to 358 Modified Division; Season Comes to and End This Weekend

By Craig Revelle - Finish Line Web Design

When moving up to the 358 Modified division after nearly three seasons in the Sportsman division, Luke Stewart didn’t know what to expect. While still competing in Sportsman weekly at Brockville, Stewart ran three events at Can Am in the 358 Modified division earlier this season and felt comfortable right from the start, and after making his first appearance in the division a few weeks ago at Brockville and scoring an eighth place finish, Stewart and his family operated team decided to make the move full time to the 358 Modified class.

At Brockville Speedway last Saturday night, Stewart started the evening with preliminary qualifying and he started from the fifth position. After struggling a little with the handling of the car, Steward finished the race in sixth and reported to the pit area to make some changes to the car before the 30 lap main event.

“The car didn’t handle very well in the qualifier, so we are going to make some adjustment, and hopefully we can get it working better for the feature”, says Stewart before getting in the car for the feature. “Hopefully we can stay out of trouble, get some valuable experience and get another top ten finish”.

Stewart started the feature from deep in the field, lining up on the inside of row ten in the 19^th position. After taking evasive action to avoid a spin on lap four, Stewart had moved up to the 12^th position and just three laps later he was in the top ten, riding along in the ninth position. At the checkered flag, Luke finished in tenth place, posting his second consecutive top ten finish at Brockville.

“It was pretty good, we learned a lot and we accomplished or goal of being in the top ten”, says Stewart after the race. “It is a really tough field here at Brockville, so to finish in the top ten is pretty big”.

In the five events that Stewart has raced in the 358 Modified this season, he has yet to finish outside of the top ten. His best result came at Chapman’s Can Am Motorsports Park on August 5^th with a fifth place finish. He also posted finishes of ninth and tenth at Can Am to go along with his two top ten finishes at Brockville.

In order to keep his rookie status for the 2012 racing season, Stewart can only run a maximum of six races in the 358 Modified this season. The sixth race will be this Saturday night at Brockville Speedway. Stewart will be looking for another strong finish and end the season on a good note, and build some confidence going into next year.

“We are going to take the car apart after this weekend and go over it, and slowly start putting it back together for next year”, says Stewart. “We haven’t finalized all of our plans for next year yet, but we will be back in the 358 Modified somewhere”.

Luke would like to thank all of his sponsors for the 2011 racing season. They include Fort Glass, M.A. Barr Service Station Maintenance, Martin Electric, Wemp & Smith Construction, Southeastern Telecommunication Services, Number One Speed Equipment, Stewart Speed Supplies and Finish Line Web Design. Also a very special thanks goes out to Wayne and Donna for all of their support.

For more information on Luke Stewart and the Stewart Racing team, stay tuned to our website, www.lukestewartracing.com.