PHOTOS: Ohsweken Speedway from Sept. 16, 2011 by Peter Anderson

Some shots from Ohsweken Speedway on Friday, September 16, 2011... the
Night Before the Nationals and the Dave MacLeod Memorial.
Thanks to Peter Anderson for the shots. Visit www.OhswekenSpeedway.com
for info about Saturday's Canadian Sprint Car Nationals.

INDYCAR: Dixon wins pole for Japan finale

MOTEGI, Japan -- Scott Dixon can claim he's the pole winner on both the Twin Ring Motegi oval and road course. He'd like to add Sept. 17 that he's the only winner on the oval and road course.

Dixon, driving the No. 9 Target Chip Ganassi Racing car, posted a best lap of 1 minute, 38.3918 seconds on the 2.983-mile, 14-turn circuit to claim the PEAK Performance Pole Award presented by AutoZone for the Indy Japan.

"To be honest, I was up on my quick lap from Q1 by two- or three-tenths of a second, but then I kept losing it in the last section here in Turns 12, 13 and 14," said Dixon, who won the 2009 race on the 1.5-mile Twin Ring Motegi oval from the pole in 2009. "It was a bit frustrating but we just got it. We're on the pole and that's what counts. It feels very special to be on the pole for the last race here at Motegi."

It was the 17th pole of Dixon's Indy car career, tying Emerson Fittipaldi for 18th on the all-time list. He'll contend with Will Power -- and, of course, 24 other entrants -- in the 63-lap race (11:30 p.m. ET on VERSUS). Power was tracking for the pole on his final lap of the 10-minute Firestone Fast Six session until the final two turns (a tricky left-right combination) and wound up 0.0276 of a second behind in the No. 12 Verizon Team Penske car.

The point for the earned pole would have been nice to have in his pocket as Power trails IZOD IndyCar Series championship front-runner Dario Franchitti by five points entering the 15th of 17 races. But his disappointment might be somewhat tempered by Franchitti starting a season low-tying ninth.

"Dario starting ninth is good for us, although a lot can happen in a race," said Power, who will make his ninth front-row start of the season. "We always try to put ourselves in the position to stay out of trouble and give us the best chance of winning. For me, it was pretty good through every single sector and just made a mistake.

"I'm sure Scott was the same. We're all pushing for the quickest lap and at the end it was really close so front row is pretty good."

Franchitti, who had started and finished fourth in each of the past two races (Infineon and Baltimore) in the No. 10 Target Chip Ganassi Racing car, trails Power by 14 points in the Mario Andretti Road Trophy chase that will be decided on this road course.

"I couldn't put a lap together and left it until the last one and made a mistake in Turn 3," he said. "Then (James) Jakes went off in Turn 9 in front of me, covering the track in dirt. It was a combination of those two things we missed the tenth and a half we were needing."

Graham Rahal and Ryan Briscoe will share Row 2 and James Hinchcliffe and Helio Castroneves will occupy Row 3.

Charlie Kimball (seventh) and James Jakes (eighth) posted season-high starting positions.

DAY 2 NOTEBOOK:

Former Sunoco Rookie of Year Kosuke Matsuura is at the circuit this weekend as a commentator for Japanese network Gaora's coverage of Indy Japan: The Final. Matsuura, who last drove in the IZOD IndyCar Series at Twin Ring Motegi in 2009, took some time to visit some of his many friends in the paddock before today's practice session.

One friend invited Matsuura to play golf with a group on Monday, but he had to decline, citing a prior commitment at a racing school at Suzuka Circuit, the sister track to Twin Ring Motegi.

"I'm trying to resurrect my career. I'm a very good student," said Matsuura, who is actually an instructor at the track's racing school.

From Amy Konrath, INDYCAR

OHSWEKEN SPEEDWAY: Shane Stewart speeds to another win

OHSWEKEN, ON - Shane Stewart opened the 2011 edition of the Canadian Sprint Car Nationals at Ohsweken Speedway just as he ended the last two - standing in the Engine Pro Racing Winner's Circle. Stewart started from the pole position and was never seriously challenged in the 20 lap Corr/Pak Merchandising Sprint Car feature. Ohsweken's stock car divisions finished up their season on Thursday night with Billy Bleich, Jr. taking Lighthouse Tattoos Thunder Stock honours, Karl Sault again topping the HRW Automotive Mini Stocks, and Jesse McDonald winning the Pierced Parts Bombers race.

CORR/PAK MERCHANDISING SPRINT CARS

Two pre-race favourites started on the front row for the Sprint Car feature, with Shane Stewart on the pole and Jamie Collard on his outside. Stewart took the early lead, but the race was quickly halted when Tim Kelly went for a wild ride in turn three. Kelly climbed out under his own power, but did go to the hospital for further observation. He was later released, but will not race on Friday.

Stewart took the lead again when the race restarted, while Collard fended off challenges from Jim Huppunen and Jamie Turner, and Kyle Sauder began to move up after starting in row four. The race was slowed on lap five when Wayne Johnson stopped in turn four. The 2008 Nationals champ went to the work area and returned to restart at the tail, and Stewart took off again at the front when the green flag flew.

Stewart was approaching slower traffic when Bryan Howland rolled to a stop in turn three to bring out another caution flag, and opened his lead again with a clear track ahead on the restart. Stewart cruised to his fourth feature win in six career starts at Ohsweken, while Kyle Sauder ran out of laps and settled for second in his Ohsweken debut. Collard, Huppunen, and row six starter Randy Hannagan rounded out the top five. Sixth through tenth were Keith Dempster, Jessica Zemken, Dustin Daggett from the tail of the field, Patrick Vigneault, and Dain Naida.

"There's a lot of guys that came on board with the #3g this year, and it's been a pleasure driving for them," said Stewart after the race. "They put me in this car and expect me to win, and that's a little pressure, but anytime you have a good car underneath you like I did tonight, it's fun to drive. You know, Joe (Gaerte) lost his Dad not too long ago, and hopefully we can pull off a big win for him on Saturday."

Heat races for the 52 car field were claimed by Scott Kreutter, Justin Barger, Jessica Zemken, Keith Dempster, and Shane Stewart, while B-Mains went to Kyle Patrick and Gregg Dalman.

LIGHTHOUSE TATTOOS THUNDER STOCKS

The season championship was decided last week, but Thursday's Thunder Stock feature was for bragging rights. Robbie General and Gord Bates started on the front row, but neither was able to finish the race. 2011 champ Mike Thorne was on a mission to get a feature win before the season ended, and looked poised to do it before he and Jim Lampman made contact exiting turn four. Thorne spun and kept going, and then the yellow flag flew for Dave Small in turn one. Lampman was sent to the rear of the field for rough driving.

Billy Bleich, Jr. made a rare appearance at Ohsweken this season pay off by taking the feature win over Devin Habiuk, Thorne, Jake Brown in his Thunder Stock debut from row seven, and Lee Winger.

"I've been waiting for this time all year to get the chance to come back up here," Bleich said afterwards. "I was here a couple of weeks ago, started twenty-third and got second. I miss running here. It's crazy - you can just hit the corners wide open, and you know you're going to stick."

Heat races for the 17 car field went to Mike Thorne and Lee Winger.

HRW AUTOMOTIVE MINI STOCKS

The Mini Stocks got one lap in the books, but had trouble getting to lap number two as Kevin Ross got upside down in turn four to bring out a red flag, followed by another for Ethan Martin upside down on the backstretch after the restart. Both drivers walked away, but did not restart.

Jeremy Hughes got the lead when the race got going, and led until the white flag, when mechanical problems surfaced again for the unlucky driver. Dale Cooke briefly held the lead after Hughes' misfortune, but couldn't hold off Karl Sault, who ended his championship season with another feature win. Cooke settled for second, followed by Jason Lungaro, Glen Hils, and Steve Hess.

"It's been a good year," said Karl after the race. "That was a hard race coming around there. I thought Jeremy had the win. He's had some bad luck through the season. I saw Dale (Cooke) slow up behind him, and I just managed to drag race Dale coming out of (turn) four, and I guess I got him!"

Heat races for the 23 car field went to Hughes, Ross, and Sault.

PIERCED PARTS BOMBERS

Jesse McDonald got the lead early in the Bomber feature, and outdistanced 2011 champ Rodney Rutherford and the rest of the field for his fifth feature win of the season. The race was red flagged for a fire in Jeremy May's car, but fortunately he was unhurt. Rutherford couldn't catch McDonald after the restart, and took the runner-up spot, followed by Dusty DeBoer, moonlighting Thunder Stock racer Ryan Dinning, and fourteenth starter Sarah Rutherford.

"It was awesome racing with Rodney (this year)," said McDonald after the race. "He's nice and clean, and we race good with each other. The points were so tight this year, it was awesome. I just never thought I would get second. I was just happy with that."

Heat races for the 15 car field went to McDonald and Rutherford.

NEXT UP AT OHSWEKEN

The "Night Before the Nationals" is ready to go on Friday, September 16. The second night of the 7th annual Canadian Sprint Car Nationals weekend will include Twin 15 lap features for the Sprint Cars, plus the Ohsweken Shootout, Dave McLeod Memorial Mr. Sprint Car Challenge, and Vintage Cars. Spectator gates open at 5:00 with racing starting at 7:45!

By Tommy Goudge / Ohsweken Speedway

INDYCAR: Power tops opening practice in Japan

MOTEGI, Japan (Friday, Sept. 16, 2011) - Will Power topped the time chart with a lap of 1 minute, 39.4745 seconds on the 2.983-mile, 14-turn Twin Ring Motegi road course in the initial practice session for the Indy Japan.

Power, seeking to wrap up his second consecutive Mario Andretti Road Trophy, was among the three Team Penske drivers in the top five. Helio Castroneves (1:39.5965) was second and Ryan Briscoe (1:40.1887) was fourth.

Rookie James Hinchcliffe placed third in the No. 06 Sprott Newman/Haas Racing car, while Marco Andretti was fifth in the No. 26 Team Venom Energy entry for Andretti Autosport. The top 10 were separated by less than a second. Local favorite Takuma Sato was 10th in the No. 5 KV Racing Technology-Lotus car.

"It's a very, very nice circuit," said Power, who enters the 63-lap race Sept. 18 five points behind front-runner Dario Franchitti in the IZOD IndyCar Series championship chase and leads Franchitti by 14 points in the Mario Andretti Road Trophy duel. "It's smooth, flowing.  It's one of the nicest circuits we've been to all year.  I think it is going to be tough to pass. I think (the best opportunity is) Turn 11, after the long backstraight. Maybe down in Turn 3, too."

It's the first time the IZOD IndyCar Series, which has competed at Twin Ring Motegi since 2003, has utilized the road course. Damage to the 1.5-mile oval from the March 11 earthquake prompted the switch to the road course.

DAY 1 NOTEBOOK: The IZOD IndyCar Series will compete in the Indy Japan The Final, a 63-lap race on the 14-turn, 2.983-mile road course at 1 p.m. (JST) on Sunday. The race broadcast will air live in the United States beginning at 11:30 p.m. (EDT) on Saturday.

***

Live timing and scoring reports from the Indy Japan The Final are available on the Internet at www.indycar.com. The live timing and scoring module provides statistical information, including track segment speeds, lap information and much more. Feature stories, reports, driver quotes and notes, and photos will be posted on the site each day. More detailed information, including media advisories and VNF coordinates, is available at media.indycar.com. Real-time information is available via the IZOD IndyCar Series PR's twitter account at www.twitter.com/indycarpr.

From IndyCar

Grand Bend : The $20,000 Octoberfast Weekend scheduled for this weekend has been rescheduled to next weekend Sept 30th- Oct2nd

Grand Bend Motorplex will close out its drag racing season next weekend with the very popular OCTOBERFAST BIG $$ event. Like last year, All Thunder series classes (Top/Mod/Bike/Street) will be $125/weekend including T&T, $115 for Sat & Sun, $55 Sat only, $65 Sun only.

Juniors will have one bracket class each day, cost is $70 for the weekend with T&T, $60 Sat & Sun, $30 Sat only, $35 Sun only. Payouts for all Thunder classes on Sat will be based on the regular Mod/Top program. (Junior Bracket program for Juniors) We also have the Can AM Stock/Super Stock program joining us on Saturday. Sunday's Big $$ Program is a total payout of $5200 in both Top & Mod (2000-1000-500-200-50) based on a minimum of 60 entries in the class, (otherwise it is a 100% payout based on entries x $55).

For the Bike/Sled and Street classes a total payout of $1500 (600-300-150-75) in each based on a minimum of 20 entries in the class, (otherwise a 100% payout based on entries x $55).

Junior payout is $385 (150-75-40-20) We don't expect this to be an issue as we were way above these base numbers last year. Crew fee is $30 wkd. Kids 6-12 $6 wkd The Free Sat Night Racer Appreciation Pasta dinner is open to all who attend the event. This is the last event of the year and with $20,000 up for grabs at a price cheaper than a regular weekend entry plus a free dinner ! It is one event you don't want to miss!

For more info, visit: http://www.grandbendmotorplex.com/drag/

Whitteker Gaining Lots of Experience With Mr. DIRTcar Series Events

By Craig Revelle - Finish Line Web Design

With the regular 2011 season now over, the attention of the Whitteker Motorsports team is now on the Mr. DIRTcar 358 Modified Series. Going into last weekend Whitteker was well into the top ten in Series points, and hoped to climb even higher as the series kicks into high gear.

Whitteker traveled to Autodrome Drummond for their annual Race Mania weekend event. Friday night was the 358 Modified DIRTcar Series, while Saturday night as the Big Block Modified Super DIRTcar Series. Whitteker had his focus on the 358 Series, but also hoped to run well against the Big Blocks the following night.

Whitteker started Friday night’s 75 lap main event from deep in the field, in the 25^th position. With just ten laps up on the scoreboard, Whitteker had moved up to 20^th. He maintained that spot through most of the first half. In the second half, Whitteker was able to move up just a couple more spots to finish the race in 18^th place. Whitteker remains in the top ten in series points, sitting in eighth place.

On Saturday night, Whitteker was looking to run his 358 Modified against the more powerful Big Blocks. Whitteker qualified for the event through the consolation race and had to start from 22^nd place in the 100 lap Super DIRTcar Series main event. Whitteker maintained that position for much of the race, and finished in 18^th place.

This coming weekend, Whitteker will have a similar weekend schedule, this time at Mohawk International Raceway, in Hogansburg, New York. Friday night will be the Mr. DIRTcar 358 Modified race, and currently the team has plans to run on Saturday night against the Big Blocks. The following week, Whitteker will close out the 2011 season at Cornwall as they host the rescheduled Mr. DIRTcar race on Sunday, September 25^th. Whitteker will then get prepare for Super DIRT Week, racing at Cayuga County Fair Speedway on October 5^th, Rolling Wheels Raceway on October 6^th, and the New York State Fairgrounds on October 8^th. The 2011 season will conclude with another weekend double-header as Brockville Speedway hosts the 358 Modifieds on October 15^th, and the Big Block Modifieds on October 16^th.

Once the DIRTcar racing season is over, Whitteker will finish out the year with the Race 101 program. He will travel to North Carolina in November to test a pavement Late Model car at Hickory Speedway, and graduate from the Race 101 program at the end of 2011.

Whitteker Motorsports have recently had t-shirts and can cozies made, and they can be purchased at the team trailer at the track. The t-shirts are $25 and the cozies are just $3. The proceeds of the merchandise sales are being donated to the CHEO Foundation in Ottawa for sick kids, and to date, Whitteker has donated $850 to the organization.

Whitteker Motorsports would like to thank all of their sponsors for the support as they go into a brand new season. Their Sponsors include Rust Check, Coldwell Banker, Steve Summers Coburn Realty, Jim’s Performance Plus, Parcoll Products/Napa Auto Parts, Quaker State, Riverside Pontiac, Toy Storage, Wells and Son Construction, 730 Truck Stop, Lloyd McMillan Equipment Ltd., ERD Engine Research and Development, and Finish Line Web Design.

To stay up to date on Luke Whitteker and the Whitteker Motorsports team, please visit our website, www.lukewhitteker.com or follow us through Facebook at www.facebook.com/whittekermotorsports or through Twitter at www.twitter.com/lukewhitteker.

Rzadzinski Wins at Autobahn!

Edmonton, AB. September 15, 2011 -Rzadzinski had a successful penultimate weekend in the Skip Barber Summer Series bringing home a win and 3rd position finish on the tricky Autobahn Country Club South Course in Joliet, IL.

Friday practice brought a mixture of conditions as Rzadzinski's sessions were a mix of rain and dry on the 2.1 mile road course. However, Stefan built up confidence and speed throughout the day and was eagerly anticipating qualifying on Saturday morning.

Unfortunately, Rzadzinski had a disappointing qualifying session where he could only manage to put the car in 8th spot on the grid. To make up for his qualifying, he had a sensational start in Race 1, where he went from 8th to 3rd by corner one and had already moved up to 2nd later that lap. In the end, Rzadzinski was classified 3rd, bringing home another podium finish for the 18-year-old Canadian driver.

On Sunday, everyone was running on the BFGoodrich R1 Slick tire rather than the treads which had been on the cars all weekend due to looming rain. Without any practice time, drivers were sent out on track for Race 2 of the weekend. With another strong start, Stefan moved into 2nd place by corner one and took the overall lead on lap two. Once in front, Rzadzinski never looked back as he put in a solid drive to finish over 5 seconds up on the second place finisher.

"I couldn't do it without the help from all of my supporters, especially those back home in Edmonton." said Rzadzinski. "With Northgate Industries, SuperTint, CSP Engineering, Shelemey Financial, West Edmonton Mall, Grant MacEwan University, BGR-Team Grote, The ABL Group, Diamond Truck International, and Invesco backing my efforts this year, I really owe it all to them."

Rzadzinski will finish off the year in the Skip Barber Summer Series at Lime Rock Park on October 6-8, 2011. Stefan is also currently working hard at moving up the open wheel ladder with aspirations to be on the Road to Indy for 2012.

Sponsorship or Driver Inquiries:

Brian Marks, TopSpeed Management LLC

brian@topspeedmanagement.com

C: 513-262-0692

OHSWEKEN SPEEDWAY: Canadian Sprint Car Nationals set to go!

Ohsweken, Ontario - September 14, 2011 - The long wait is over, and it’s time for Ohsweken Speedway’s signature event - the Canadian Sprint Car Nationals. The big weekend officially begins on Thursday, and finishes Saturday night with the $11,000-to-win feature event.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

The Nationals activities get underway Thursday night at Ohsweken when ESSO Speedway Variety presents Fan Appreciation Night featuring the Corr/Pak Merchandising Sprint Cars, Lighthouse Tattoos Thunder Stocks, HRW Automotive Mini Stocks, and Pierced Parts Bombers.

All four divisions crowned new champions last Friday night including Jim Huppunen in the Corr/Pak Merchandising Sprint Cars, Mike Thorne in the Lighthouse Tattoos Thunder Stocks, Karl Sault in HRW Automotive Mini Stocks, and Rodney Rutherford in the Pierced Parts Bombers.

The Sprint Car portion of Thursday’s event figures to have a large car count, as drivers and teams prepare for Friday and Saturday’s events, while it’s the last chance for Ohsweken’s regular stock car divisions to compete in 2011.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

The Night Before the Nationals at Ohsweken has a busy slate including twin fifteen lap features for the Sprint Cars, plus the Ohsweken Shootout, and Dave MacLeod Memorial Mr. Sprint Car Challenge.

The winner of each fifteen lap feature will receive a guaranteed starting spot in Saturday night’s Canadian Sprint Car Nationals feature race, as Glenn Styres and Dustin Daggett did last year.

The Ohsweken Shootout will feature sixteen drivers in a ten lap dash for cash on Friday night. Top drivers from selected ASCS Sprints on Dirt, Patriot Sprint Tour, Empire Super Sprints, Corr/Pak Merchandising Sprint Car division, Southern Ontario Sprints, and National Racing Alliance events will make up the Shootout field.

The Dave MacLeod Memorial Mr. Sprint Car Challenge is back again this year with one-on-one match races for the top drivers in points from each affiliate sanction, plus some “Wild Card” entries.

A good field of Vintage Cars is also expected to be on hand to compete as the support division on Friday night.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

Saturday features the seventh annual Arrow Express Canadian Sprint Car Nationals, with well over seventy of the best Sprint Car drivers from all over North America expected in competition, including former winners Shane Stewart of Brownsburg, Indiana, Wayne Johnson of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Steve Poirier of Saint-Mathieu-de-Beloeil, Quebec.

The successful affiliate sanctioning program is again in place this year, with teams slated to participate from Ohsweken’s weekly Corr/Pak Merchandising Sprint Car division, the Empire Super Sprints and Patriot Sprint Tour based in New York, Michigan-based ASCS Sprints on Dirt, the National Racing Alliance from Ohio, and the Southern Ontario Sprints club.

This year’s edition of the Nationals again features a purse increase, with the winner now set to take home eleven thousand dollars, and every feature starter guaranteed at least eight hundred dollars. The feature race length remains at thirty-five laps, and the starting field at thirty cars.

Time trials will be utilized, with the same format as last year. The field will be split into six groups which will run time trials and heat races together. The fastest driver from each group will draw to determine the inversion for the start of his or her heat race. The fastest driver overall in time trials will receive the Lane Automotive Fast Time award, while the fastest Canadian driver will receive the Bicknell Racing Products Fastest Canadian award.

The top three finishers in each heat race will qualify for the feature, and each heat race winner will participate in an “Outlaw style” redraw for feature starting positions. Three B-Mains and the Non-Qualifiers Little Feature will fill out the remainder of the Canadian Sprint Car Nationals feature field.

Sicard RV has joined the growing list of Nationals supporters by posting a one thousand dollar payday to the winner of the Little Feature, and the highest finishing Canadian driver in the A-Feature on Saturday night will again be rewarded this year by Inside Track Motorsport News with a healthy bonus.

The Mod-Lite Stars Championship Tour North will also make its final appearance at Ohsweken for 2011 on Saturday night. Shawn Sliter has claimed three feature wins for the Mod-Lites at Ohsweken this season, but Paul Klager is the most recent winner as he visited the Engine Pro Racing Winner’s Circle on August 26.

CAMPING

Plenty of un-serviced camping space is once again available at the Speedway all weekend for a nominal one-time fee of ten dollars. The pit area washrooms and concession stand will also be open twenty-four hours a day during the Nationals, and the concession will feature breakfast and lunch menus.

THIS WEEK AT OHSWEKEN

ESSO Speedway Variety presents Fan Appreciation Night on Thursday, September 15 featuring the Corr/Pak Merchandising Sprint Cars, Lighthouse Tattoos Thunder Stocks, HRW Automotive Mini Stocks, and Pierced Parts Bombers. Spectator Gates open at 5:00 p.m., with the first race taking the green flag at 7:45p.m.

The Night Before the Nationals on Friday, September 16 features Twin 15’s for the Sprint Cars, the Ohsweken Shootout, and Dave MacLeod Memorial Mr. Sprint Car Challenge, plus Vintage Cars. Spectator Gates open at 5:00 p.m., with the first race taking the green flag at 7:45p.m.

Arrow Express presents the seventh annual Canadian Sprint Car Nationals this Saturday, September 17, plus the Mod-Lite Stars Championship Tour North. Time trials begin at 6:30p.m., with the first race getting underway at 7:45p.m.

Ohsweken Speedway offers affordable, exciting, family entertainment just a short drive from many Mid-Western Ontario locations. Please visit www.OhswekenSpeedway.com and Feel The Excitement!

From Tommy Goudge // media@ohswekenspeedway.com

NASCAR Canadian Tire Series drivers and crew medmbers penalized for rules violations at Barrie

You knew this was coming... (GM)

FROM NASCAR: DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Sept. 14, 2011) – NASCAR announced today that two NASCAR Canadian Tire Series drivers and three crew members have been penalized as a result of rules violations committed Saturday, Sept. 10, at Barrie (Ont.) Speedway.

J.R. Fitzpatrick, driver of the No. 84 car, was found to be in violation of Section 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock-car racing – aggressive driving and excessive speed on pit road after the race – stopping in another competitor’s pit box) of the 2011 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series rule book. Fitzpatrick has been placed on NASCAR probation for the next two NASCAR Canadian Tire Series events and remains on NASCAR probation until Sept. 28, 2011.

Kerry Micks, driver of the No. 02 car, was found to be in violation of Section 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock-car racing – aggressive driving and excessive speed on pit road after the race) of the 2011 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series rule book. Micks has been placed on NASCAR probation for the next two NASCAR Canadian Tire Series events and remains on NASCAR probation until Sept. 28, 2011.

Matt Vanderwal, crew chief of the No. 8 car of Don Thomson Jr., was found to be in violation of Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock-car racing – involved in an altercation (fighting) in another competitor’s pit area) and 9-4 (the crew chief assumes responsibility for the actions of his team members) of the 2011 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series rule book. The violations occurred during the event on Sept. 10. Vanderwal has been fined $500, suspended from the next two NASCAR Canadian Tire Series events, suspended from NASCAR until Sept. 28, 2011 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31, 2011.

Josh Arnold, crew member of the No. 3 car of Jason Hathaway, was found to be in violation of Section 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock-car racing – involved in an altercation (fighting) in another competitor’s pit area) of the 2011 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series rule book. The violation occurred during the event on Sept. 10. Arnold has been fined $500, suspended from the next two NASCAR Canadian Tire Series events, suspended from NASCAR until Sept. 28, 2011 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31, 2011.

Chad Turner, crew member of the No. 8 car of Don Thomson Jr., was found to be in violation of Section 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock-car racing – involved in an altercation (fighting) in another competitor’s pit area) of the 2011 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series rule book. The violation occurred during the event on Sept. 10. Arnold has been fined $500, suspended from the next two NASCAR Canadian Tire Series events, suspended from NASCAR until Sept. 28, 2011 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31, 2011.

From Jason Christley, NASCAR IMC

Matt Billings Has Weekend to Forget With DIRTcar Series and Empire Super Sprint Events Both Ending Earlier Then Expected

By Craig Revelle - Finish Line Web Design

It was only a couple weeks ago that Matt Billings and his Billings Motorsports team posted a pair of victories and were on top of the local racing world. Things change fast in this sport, and after having one his best weekends in racing, Billings luck turned for the worse, having a weekend to forget. Billings weekend consisted of a 358 Modified DIRTcar Series race at Autodrome Drummond, and then Chapman’s Can Am Motorsports Park to run a Brian McDonald backup car with the Empire Super Sprints on Saturday.

At Autodrome Drummond, Billings started the 75 lap main event from the rear of the field, and the race didn’t last very long for Billings as contact from another car caused some heavy damage early in the race, forcing him to the pit area for the remainder of the race. Billings was credited with a 27^th place finish, and now sits eighth in DIRTcar 358 Modified points.

On Saturday night, Billings worked out a deal with veteran Sprint Car racer Brian McDonald to drive his backup car at Can Am. Billings only had one other previous start in a Sprint Car, and that came at Utica Rome Speedway two years ago. Billings looked strong in his debut, qualifying for the A-main event, but he was involved in a spectacular crash in the opening laps, flipping the sprint car. Billings was uninjured in accident, but the car was heavily damaged.

This coming weekend, Billings will be back in the 358 Modified at Mohawk International Raceway as the Mr. DIRTcar Series continues. The following week, the series will be at Cornwall Speedway for their rescheduled Mr. DIRTcar Series event on Sunday, September 25^th. Billings will then have two weeks to prepare for Super DIRT Week. This year they will have two cars for Syracuse, one will be for the New York State Fairgrounds, and the other will be the car they have used all season. They will race that car at Cayuga County Fair Speedway on Wednesday, October 5^th, Rolling Wheels Raceway on Thursday, October 6^th and will be at the Fairgrounds with the other car on Saturday, October 8^th. The 2011 season will conclude on Saturday, October 15^th back home at Brockville Speedway.

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.

Risok Motorsport will not race for the BARC September 17-18th weekend

Kyle Kosir decided the Risok Motorsport team will not take part in the BARC Mosport races this September 17th weekend. After competing last weekend at the BARC Labour Day races, and capturing 3rd overall, driver Marek Petruczynik left for Germany. He will be back in the seat for the final race of the season. There is still a lot of work that needs to be done to the car before the final race of the season.

Kyle stated, “After the hood came off during Labour Day weekend. A new hood and hood clamps need to be installed as well as shaving off more weight. The engine needs to be refreshed and tuned for the final race weekend It is not worth it, to bring a car that is not ready to compete again in GT Sprints.”

The team plan on staying on schedule to compete in the final race of the season, Celebration Mosport. There are rumours that the car could get a complete cosmetic change for next season. But that is still yet to be confirmed.

From Risok Motosport // www.risokmotorsport.weebly.com

NASCAR CANADIAN TIRE SERIES: Riverside set to host series this Saturday

JAMES RIVER, NS (September 14, 2011) – The NASCAR Canadian Tires Series (NCATS) makes its only stop east of Quebec this Saturday to tackle the high banks of Riverside International Speedway for the Komatsu 300 presented by Wilson Equipment. With this being the fifth visit for the series to the most storied race track in the Maritimes and round 11 of 12 in the series hunt for the 2011 championship - Riverside and NASCAR fans expected to gather by the thousands will have plenty of storylines to keep them entertained, including...

Chisholm Looks to Improve on Fifth: Antigonish's Donald Chisholm will look to improve upon his best finish of fifth (2009) in four NCATS starts at Riverside. Chisholm finished 16th in 2007, 14th in 2008, and 16th in 2010 at his home track. He has also made NCATS starts at Delaware Speedway and Kawartha Speedway.

Flemming Will Make NASCAR Debut: Three-time Maritime Pro Stock Tour champion John Flemming, from Halifax, will make his NASCAR debut at Riverside Saturday – driving a car rented from Chisholm's Nova Racing. Flemming counts the event as something on his "bucket list" and is cautiously optimistic after making relatively quick practice laps during a test session in the NASCAR race car at Riverside last week. Flemming will be the 14th driver to make a debut in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series in 2011.

Isabelle Tremblay Hopes Riverside Helps Her Make History: Quebec's Isabelle Tremblay trails Louis-Philippe Dumoulin (also from Quebec) by just two points in the NCATS Rookie of the Year battle and looks to change that Saturday at Riverside. "We're in a good position to win the ROTY title – with a little luck," said the thirty-something mother of one. If she wins the title Tremblay will become the first female ROTY in any of NASCAR's national touring series. Tremblay will be the first female to compete at a Riverside premier event in more than 25 years.

The Big Picture:  This event is the sixth of seven races this season on oval tracks. This is the middle set of a three-week stretch to close the season. The starting field is 24 cars, including provisionals. The first 21 cars will qualify through two-lap time trials. The remaining three spots will be awarded through the provisional process. The race will be 300 laps covering 99.99 miles.

Event History: In the previous four NASCAR Canadian Tire Series events at Riverside there has been four different winners with all three car manufacturers involved in the series represented. The inaugural event in 2007 was won by Mark Dilley in a Dodge while Don Thomson Jr. in a Chevrolet emerged victorious in 2008. A trend has started in the last two races. Andrew Ranger's Ford claimed the win in 2009 and the Dodge of D.J. Kennington took the checkered flag a year ago. Both Ranger and Kennington went on to claim the series championship the next week at Kawartha Speedway.

Title Scenarios: Scott Steckly brings a 69-point advantage over D.J. Kennington in the championship standings into the Komatsu 300 presented by Wilson Equipment. With a full field of 24 cars that obviously produce the greatest differential in points from first to last, there is no mathematical possibility for Steckly to clinch the championship even by winning the race and leading the most laps to collect the bonus points. The best-case scenario for Steckly is to leave Nova Scotia with a 168-point lead; in order to clinch he would need a 191-point lead.

14 & Counting: A Dodge has won the last 14 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series events dating back to Don Thomson Jr. winning in a Chevrolet at Mosport Speedway in Bowmanville, Ont., on Aug. 21, 2010.

NASCAR Canadian Tire Series at Riverside – Records...

•         1-Lap Qualifying: Scott Steckly, 14.484 seconds, 82.767 mph, Sept. 18, 2010

•         300-Lap Race: Andrew Ranger, 1 hour, 30 minutes, 40 seconds, 66.110 mph, Sept. 20, 2009

•         Series Race Winners at Riverside: Mark Dilley; DJ Kennington; Andrew RangeR; Don Thomson Jr.

•         Series Pole Winners at Riverside: J.R. Fitzpatrick; Peter Gibbons; D.J. Kennington; Scott Steckly

•         Manufacturer Wins at Riverside: Dodge - 2; Chevrolet - 1; Ford - 1

•         Lap Leaders at Riverside: Peter Gibbons - 250; D.J. Kennington -194; Scott Steckly - 182

NASCAR Canadian Tire Series at RIVERSIDE, etc...

•         The track is a .333-mile scale version of the legendary Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway.

•         The Komatsu 300 will premiere on TSN at 2:30 p.m. ET on Sat. Sept. 24.

•         There has been an average of 6.5 caution periods for an average of 52.5 laps in the four prior races in Antigonish, with the earliest coming on Lap 1 in 2007 and the latest at Lap 289 in 2008.

•         The lead has changed hands an average of 11.0 times in Riverside races with a high of 15 in last season's race.

•         The average starting position of the winner is 3.25; the polesitter has an average finish of 9.75.

Komatsu 300 Fast Facts

Date: September 24, 2011

Start Time: 4:30 p.m. AT

Race Length: 300 laps, 99.9 miles (track is .333 miles)

Event Schedule: Click here

Expected Entry List: Click here

Tickets: Advance admission tickets are available until Friday at the track office in the Antigonish Mall, or by phone (902.863.2410). Ticket prices, box office hours, and seating charts, can be found online at www.riversidespeedway.ca.

Riverside International Speedway is a 1/3-mile high banked asphalt oval, located in James River between New Glasgow and Antigonish, at exit 30 off Trans Canada Highway 104. Opened in 1969, the facility was completely rebuilt in 2006 to become a premiere motorsports site, comparable to the best short tracks in Canada and the U.S. For more information about Riverside International Speedway, please visit www.riversidespeedway.ca or call 902.863.2410.

From Joan Roué, on behalf of Riverside Int'l Speedway

OSCA Championship Finals (Sept 17-18)

 

BGR-Team Grote - Volk WINS at ICAR

Following up his recent podiums at Mont Tremblant and Trois Rivieres, New Zealander Chris Vlok captured the win at the ICAR circuit located in Mirabel Quebec.  From his 4th starting spot Chris quickly moved forward and within a few laps was running a solid second place behind recently named Team Canada Scholarship driver Xavier Coupal.  When Coupal ran into mechanical problems Chris grabbed the lead and held off the hard charging Olivier Bonnet and Nathan Blok. The win propelled Chris to 5th in the points and closing fast on the 3rd and 4th drivers in the standings.  The team was making its first visit to the circuit and was learning more each session what Chris and his car needed to improve.

With the win under their belt, the team was anxious to get to qualifying for the Sunday event.  Chris put the car on the outside pole just 7/100 of a second off the flying Coupal.  The race was much like the Saturday version with Coupal being too strong for everyone and Chris leading the pursuit with a train of cars all fighting for position. Chris held second until the final laps when he was forced wide in turn one. While trying to counter and get the spot back, he lost momentum and was passed by the next couple of cars, dropping back to 5th in the blink of an eye. Refusing to give up he quickly attacked and retook a spot and then another as the field raced past the stopped car of leader Coupal, who had a second straight race win disappear only corners from the flag. Crossing the line in 3rd place, Chris moved into 4th in the standings and leads the Rookie points with just two rounds remaining.

"We had high expectations for Chris this weekend as he improves every time he gets in the car and we were not disappointed", commented team principal Brian Graham. "It was our team’s first visit to ICAR so we knew we would be under pressure to figure out the track quickly so we could give Chris the car he needed to perform to his best. The car was flawless and our engineer made all the right adjustments and the results proved it.  We are very excited about the final event at Mont Tremblant and are now focusing on getting the Rookie of the Year locked up and going for a top 3 position in the Championship."

While BGR Team Grote has put more drivers in the winner’s circle than any other team in OFFC history, this is the first full season for the team to compete in the Formula Tour 1600. The team has now won with two different drivers this season, Trent Hindman who won the support event at the F1 weekend and now Chris Vlok with his win at ICAR.  BGR Team Grote currently leads the Rookie points in both the OFFC and the Formula Tour 1600 series. While striving to be the best environment for Karters looking to make the transition to the open wheel ranks, BGR Team Grote encourages interested drivers to contact the team through the team website at www.briangrahamracing.com to learn more.

Fowl Mood Racing Gets Runner Up Finish at Brighton; Looking Ahead to Brighton’s Great Crate Race

By Craig Revelle - Finish Line Web Design

As the 2011 racing season begins to wind down, Phil Potts and the Fowl Mood Racing team are looking to finish the season with some strong performances and build some momentum going into next year. Going into last weekend, there was just three more races remaining at Brighton Speedway.

After winning his qualifying event at Brighton, Potts was looking to take home the win in the Late Model 25 lap main event. Potts battled side-by-side lap after lap, and came home second.

”That was fun racing Charlie (Sandercock) like that”, says Potts. “We had a real good clean race, and as a driver that is very exciting. We ended up second, but it was a great battle, and I am sure the fans really enjoyed it”.

Ron Wadforth drove a second Fowl Mood Racing car in preparation for the $5000 to win Great Crate Race this coming weekend. He finished the race in seventh place.

This coming weekend is the biggest event of the season for the Late Model division in this area as Brighton Speedway hosts the first annual Great Crate Race. The 65 lap race will pay and unprecedented $5000 to win, and has a total combined purse of over $20000.

“This is the biggest race they have ever had here at Brighton Speedway, and it would be great to come out here and take the win”, says Potts. “There will be a lot of tough competition out there, and we are looking forward to it”.

Fowl Mood Racing would not be possible without the support of our sponsors. We would like to thank Hutchinson Fuels, Indewey Excavating, Vanderlaan Building Supplies, Bill’s Johns and Lange & Fetter for all their support, and we look forward to a very exciting 2011 season.

For more information on Phil Potts and the Fowl Mood Racing team, please visit our website, www.fowlmoodracing.com.

Wickens Looks to Solidfy Championship Lead

Toronto, Canada (September 14, 2011) – Circuit Paul Ricard in the south of France plays host to Round 8 of the 2011 Formula Renault 3.5 Series this weekend, Saturday 17th – Sunday 18th September, with Canada's Robert Wickens leading the title chase heading into the penultimate race meeting. 

The 22-year-old reclaimed the series lead following a showcase weekend at Silverstone in England last month.  Wickens successfully converted two pole positions into two dominant race wins to take his victory tally to four on the season, but more importantly his performance put him 34 points clear of title rival, Jean-Eric Vergne, at the head of the Driver Standings heading to the Frenchman's home track this weekend. 

Robert's Silverstone successes helped seal the Team Championship for Carlin and took his podium count to eight from thirteen race starts in his Marussia Motors-backed entry this season. 

In addition to his outstanding track record, Robert heads into this weekend's meeting at Circuit Paul Ricard, the first time the series has hosted a round at the former home of the French Grand Prix, buoyed by a positive pre-season test outing at the track.  In March he led the field in two days of testing at the Castellet-based facility. 

On the opening day he bested Spain's Albert Costa by a tenth of a second with a fastest lap of 1m50.843s.  Wickens, now a Formula One reserve driver for Marussia Virgin Racing, followed that up on the next becoming the only driver to dip below the 50's with a flying lap of 1m49.901s to top the timesheets. 

"I'm obviously looking forward to racing this weekend," enthused Wickens – Runner Up in last season's GP3 Series.  "We had a great run at Silverstone last time out and we know we have a very competitive package going into each event.  I'm confident we can keep our momentum going at Paul Ricard.  I like the track and was fast there in pre-season testing. 

"It's exciting battling for the championship.  I'm taking nothing for granted but equally, I'm confident we can get the job done based on our previous performances.  Carlin have given me a great car all season long.  I want to finish the season well and winning at Paul Ricard will certainly go a long way to securing the title!" 

Round 8 of the Formula Renault 3.5 Series starts with Race 1 held at 8am EST / 2pm CET on Saturday, followed by Race 2, also at 8am EST / 2pm CET, on Sunday 18th September. 

Wickens heads to France following his first taste of Marussia Virgin Racing's MVR-02 Formula One car yesterday, Tuesday 13th September, having driven the car in straight-line aerodynamic testing at Vairano in Italy. 

2011 FR3.5 Series Top-5 Driver Standings (R7/9): 1st – WICKENS (CAN) 198pts, 2nd – Vergne (FRA) 164pts, 3rd – Ricciardo (AUS) 125pts, 4th – Costa (ESP) 120pts, 5th – Korjus (EST) 118pts - www.worldseriesbyrenault.com  

www.robertwickens.com  / Twitter: @robertwickens 

About Robert Wickens: 

Robert Wickens (22) is recognized as one of the brightest Canadian driving talents to have emerged in recent years with a track record of success forged on both sides of the Atlantic leading him well placed on the path to Formula One.  A multiple karting champion in North America, Wickens won the 2006 Formula BMW USA title before graduating, and winning races in the Formula Atlantic Series the following year.  Chasing his F1 dream, Robert moved to Europe in 2008 winning races in both the World Series by Renault and the F3 Euro Series.   

He raced his way to the runner-up spot in the FIA F2 Championship in 2009, again a multiple race-winner, before tackling the 2010 GP3 Series.  Another strong title-challenging campaign saw Robert claim the runner-up position but more importantly, his 2010 efforts attracted the backing of Marussia Motors – Russia's first supercar manufacturer and an owner in the Marussia Virgin Racing F1 team.  Robert was confirmed as one of Marussia Virgin Racing's official reserve drivers in June 2011 – he will attend all remaining Grand Prix events that don't conflict with his Formula Renault 3.5 Series commitments. 

About Marussia Motors: 

Founded in 2007 by former racing driver Nikolay Fomenko, renowned brand strategist Efim Ostrovsky and award-winning technology entrepreneur Andrey Cheglakov, the creation of Russia's first high-performance car company is a remarkable story of vision, focus, innovation and ambition.  The dramatic mid-engined B1 design, was first unveiled in Moscow in 2008, followed by the launch of the Marussia B2 in the autumn of 2009 – with these designs, the Russian supercar had arrived.  In 2010 the company partnered with Virgin Racing and at the end of the season Marussia Motors acquired a majority stake in the team – now called Marussia Virgin Racing – www.marussiamotors.ru  / www.virginracing.com  

About Formula Renault 3.5 Series: 

The Formula Renault 3.5 Series has been successful in launching several drivers directly into Formula One with the notable stand-outs including 2010 Formula One World Champion Sebastian Vettel, as well as Grand Prix winner Robert Kubica.  Both Vettel and Kubica made their F1 starts graduating straight from successful seasons competing in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series – part of the 'World Series by Renault' package.  In 2011 the series sees 26 cars competing in 17 races across 9 of Europe's leading circuits including the likes of Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium), Monza (Italy), Silverstone (UK) and Monaco – www.worldseriesbyrenault.com

Press release issued on behalf of Robert Wickens by SM-PR:

Tel: +1 514 684 2621 / Cell: +1 514 945 3253 / Email: stuart@sm-pr.com

Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints to Invade the Canadian Sprint Car Nationals

SYRACUSE, NY – The 2011 version marks the 7th annual Canadian Sprint Car Nationals at the Ohsweken Speedway, Canada’s sprint car capital.  The Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints (ESS) is proud to be a part of each edition at Glenn Styres’ gem of a dirt track on the Six Nations Reserve.

The Saturday night finale will pay a record $11,000 to win from the over $56,000 posted purse and in like years past the faithful from ESS will be looking to take home the lion's share of the money being offered. 

In the past six years ESS regulars have an unprecedented finishing record by placing seventh or higher in each of the events highlighted by Steve Poirier’s wins in 2006 and 2007.  Other top ESS finishers were Jeff VanDusen and Lance Yonge, second and third in 2005, Jason Barney finishing second to both of Poirier’s victories with Chuck Hebing taking second on the last two events behind winner Shane Stewart.

The list of ESS invaders will be a who’s who in the 360 sprint car ranks.  Hebing comes in as the ESS point leader for 2011 with Poirier close behind in point’s race and they will lead the brigade.  Barney will have his familiar #87 in field as will Yonge with his famed #17J.

Other ESS teams that will be in the field over the weekend will be Shawn Donath, Kevin Ward Jr., Cory Sparks, Jeff Cook, Michael Parent, Alain Bergeron, Mike Stelter, Tyler Rand, Patrick Vigneault and Devin Caron. 

The action does kick off on Thursday night with fan appreciation night with the track’s regular CorrPak Sprints putting on a show their always exciting show. 

On Friday, many of the teams from all other sanctions will be on hand for the “Night before the Nationals” which features twin 15 lap, $500 to win A-Mains.  The Ohsweken Shootout and the 5th Annual Dave MacLeod Mr. Sprint Car Challenge.

Then on Saturday, time trials, heats, B-Main’s and the “Little Feature” will fill out the field for the 30 lap, $11,000 to win, $800 to start A-Main where another Nationals champions will be crowned.

For more information on the crown jewel for the 360 sprint cars please log on to www.ohswekenspeedway.com  

Past Canadian Sprint Car Nationals.

2005 – 1. Kenny Jacobs, 2. Jeff VanDusen, 3. Lance Yonge

2006 – 1. Steve Poirier, 2. Jason Barney, 3. Ryan Grubaugh

2007 – 1. Steve Poirier 2. Jason Barney, 3. Kevin Job

2008 – 1. Wayne Johnson, 2. Dustin Daggett, 3. Bryan Howland

2009 – 1. Shane Stewart, 2. Chuck Hebing, 3. Wayne Johnson

2010 – 1. Shane Stewart, 2. Chuck Hebing, 3. Steve Poirier

The Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints are brought to you by: Lucas Oil, Northwood 2 Construction/LaSalle Motorsports, SUNY Canton, 730 Truck Stop, Hoosier Racing Tires, Les Constructions Ultra, Westward Painting Corporation, Fondations 4 Saisons, Car Mate Trailers, The National Parts Peddler Newspaper, WestFront Construction, Cobra Coaches, The Ohsweken Speedway, Mohawk Racing Parts, Engine Research, Brodix Cylinder Heads, Riverside Bar and Grill, Coffrage Daniel Lampron, Jasmin Peloquin Sport,  FX Chevy  and many, many associate sponsors.

From Dean Reynolds

Blok regains championship lead at ICAR

PEMBROKE, ONTARIO – Nathan Blok, a 17-year old racing driver from the Pembroke area, has regained the lead in the Formula 1600 Championship. Blok drove his #5 Boston Pizza Van Dieman F-1600 to double podium finishes on this twin-race weekend at the technically challenging ICAR circuit north of Montréal. On Saturday, Blok qualified his car fifth out of a field of 25 competitors, not the result that he was hoping for.

The first feature race of the weekend saw Blok gaining a position on the 2nd lap and for the next five laps he ran with Chris Vlok, Olivier Bonnet tailpipe to tailpipe. When race leader Xavier Coupal retired on lap 7, Blok inherited 3rd place on the track while Vlok and Bonnet fought for the lead. Blok got past Bonnet but locked up his wheels under braking when trying to get past Vlok for the lead with just two laps to go. Blok re-entered the race in 4th place but managed a last lap pass to finish on the podium in 3rd place.

“The crew did an awesome job of preparing the car. My tires didn't overheat and I was able to challenge Chris (Vlok) all race,” said Blok post-race. “Unfortunately, I spun trying to pass for 1st, and lost 2 positions, but I was able to pass Didier (Schraenen) for 3rd place to minimize the lead Olivier (Bonnet) had in the championship.”

On Sunday, Blok qualified his car fourth out of a field of 24 competitors, a mere 0.3 seconds off the pole position.

The second feature race of the weekend saw Blok make gains as soon as the green flag dropped by passing Charles Leclerc for 3rd spot. A battle soon developed between Chris Vlok, Leclerc and Blok with their cars racing side by side. But Blok would soon get caught up in the traffic of slower cars.

Blok persevered and caught up to the lead pack, running behind Luc Theroux, by lap 16 and on the next lap took advantage of a lapped car, passing on the inside while Theroux went to the outside and spun moving Blok up to 2nd place. Mechanical bad luck would strike Coupal once again and he dropped out of the race on the last lap leaving the checkered flag victory for Blok.

“It was very intense all race long fighting for 2nd, but I didn't take any unnecessary risks keeping the championship in mind.  With 2 corners left, I saw that Xavier (Coupal) had stopped due to mechanical problems, and I was able to take the win,” said Blok after the podium presentations.

After the Continental Sundown Grand Prix at ICAR double race weekend, Nathan Blok has unofficially regained his lead in the Formula Tour 1600 Championship by a mere 2 points over Olivier Bonnet. Blok is now preparing for the final Formula Tour 1600 event when he races once again at the Circuit Mont-Tremblant in the Fall Classic, on September 24 & 25.

“I'm very pleased with the car, and the Britain West team did an awesome job all weekend in helping me get 2 podiums.  I am quite happy with what we accomplished this weekend as it brings me closer to my ultimate goal of winning the championship.  I would like to thank Boston Pizza, Mr. Lube, NAPA, Great Slave Helicopters, Discovery Air and all my sponsors for helping make the weekend happen.”

For information and sponsorship info, contact Steve Blok at (613) 582-3867

Photo cutline: Nathan Blok leads the F-1600 championship. Photo by Michel Flageole - Flagworld

Nathan Blok Quick Facts: Nathan Blok is a 17-year old racer from Beachburg, Ontario and he is the currently preparing to compete in his second season in the Formula Tour 1600 Series. Blok has been racing for 11 years beginning in karting and earned his first victory in cars in 2010 with a 1st place finish in the Ontario Formula Ford Challenge race at Calabogie, Ontario.

Away from the track, Blok enjoys playing the piano and holds a 1st Degree Black Belt in Karate, and he attends Fellowes High School, (Pembroke, Ontario). For more information on Nathan Blok, visit www.nathanblok.com

Sponsors of Nathan Blok Racing: Nathan would like to thank his sponsors for their continuing support – Boston Pizza (www.bostonpizza.com ), Mr. Lube (www.mrlube.com , Discovery Air (http://www.discoveryair.com ), Great Slave Helicopters (www.greatslaveheli.com ), NAPA Auto Parts (www.napacanada.com ),  Sun Sign Graphics (www.sunsigngraphics.com ), Mursatt Chemicals (www.mursattchemicals.com ), Arch Chemicals (www.archchemicals.com ), Donley Pool Service, Beach-West Pharmacy, Lad's Auto Recyclers, Engine Research (www.engineresearchinc.com ), Stream Function (www.streamfunction.ca ), SRB Technologies (www.betalight.com/index_can.htm ), Sandra's Embroidery Works,  Woody's Motor Vehicle Repair, Red Weasel Racing Ottawa Powder Coating, TD Products (http://www.tdproducts.com ), Lions Club, Kings Sports and his many personal sponsors.

Release prepared by Jim Leggett (j.leggett@russbondagency.com)

Belyea Looking to Clinch 2011 Brighton Late Model Championship; Great Crate Race Coming up This Weekend

By Craig Revelle - Finish Line Web Design

Greg Belyea and the Excel Tower Service race team had a pair of events on the schedule this past weekend, beginning with a Go Nuclear Late Model Challenge Series race at Can Am on Friday night, then back to their home track, Brighton Speedway on Saturday. While Can Am had their weekly track points finished the previous week, Belyea is still entrenched in spirited battle for the 2011 Brighton Late Model Championship.

Belyea started the weekend at Can Am for the Go Nuclear Late Model Challenge Series. He started his qualifying heat from the front row, but the car was not handling, and he slid back through the field and finished eighth. In the 25 lap main event, he started from outside of the seventh row in 14^th position. While the car was better then it was earlier, Belyea still had to deal with handling issues, but moved up slowly during the course of the race. By lap 10 he was in 11^th place, and was up to ninth with just ten laps remaining. Belyea ended the race with an eighth place finish.

At Brighton Speedway, Belyea is locked in a battle for the track championship. He started the night with the preliminary qualifying heats, and Belyea finished third after moving up at the green flag from his seventh place starting position. In the 25 lap feature, Belyea had started 11^th, and began to move up, but on lap five, he had to make an evasive move and to the infield and knocked a tire onto the track. Belyea would have to start from the rear of the 18 car field, and began to march his way back to the front of the pack. At the checkered flag, he had climbed back up to third place

“We are pretty happy with that, considering we had to come from the back”, says Belyea. “We leave here with a pretty good points lead, and we look forward to the final two events of the season”.

Belyea will be back at Chapman’s Can Am Motorsports Park one last time in 2011 on Friday night, before going back to Brighton Speedway for the much anticipated Great Crate Race at Brighton Speedway on Saturday. 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.

Topsy turvy top-five for Lapcevich in Barrie NASCAR race; Grimsby veteran survives multiple mishaps to finish strong

September 12, 2011, GRIMSBY, ON – At first glance Jeff Lapcevich’s Tim Hortons-sponsored Dodge looked more like a crash victim than a top-five finisher Saturday night, but the Grimsby racer survived numerous skirmishes to finish fifth at Barrie Speedway Saturday.
The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Wild Wing 300 lived up to its name. The smallest speedway on the schedule often features beating and banging, and this year’s race was no exception.
“This was a typical Barrie Speedway race,” said Lapcevich. “The biggest difference is we survived to have a solid finish. It seems like we’re often in the wrong place when the wrecks happen.”
Lapcevich’s night started with a top-10 qualifying effort. He raced solidly in the top 10 throughout the first half of the race, and by staying out of trouble the team was able to execute its strategy.
“It makes a huge difference when we can choose how we run our pit strategy,” said Lapcevich. “If you get in trouble early you have to adjust the rest of your race. Things went well until the big wreck on the back stretch.”
Lapcevich lined up for a mid-race restart behind competitor Ron Beauchamp of Windsor. When Beauchamp’s car broke coming to the green flag everyone stacked up behind him including Lapcevich.
The pack fanned out three wide still trying to find room to get around Beauchamp coming off turn two, and the heavy contact began.
“I was sure that would be the end of our night,” said Lapcevich. “Somehow we got through, but the car was beat up fairly bad. My crew did a great job keeping us on the lead lap, and getting the car competitive enough that I could still run with the leaders.”
The sparks continued to fly with the race winding down, and Lapcevich avoided a last-lap crash to manoeuvre into the fifth spot.
“I’d say we’re pleased with the night,” said Lapcevich. “You can have the best car at Barrie and not finish. We had a strong car, and it brought us to a strong finish. I’m pretty happy with that.”
With the fifth place result Lapcevich climbs to 10th in the points standings even though he chose to skip the two-race western swing. The team will pass on this weekend’s event at Riverside Speedway near Antigonish, Nova Scotia, as well.
“We’ve been seeking sponsorship for a little while to make the trip to Nova Scotia,” said Lapcevich. “We just weren’t able to put anything together. We’ll be back for the season finale at Kawartha.
For more information on the Lapcevich race team Fastline Motorsports visit LapcevichRacing.com. For sponsorship inquiries phone 905-545-1500, and ask for Jeff.

Ladouceur Wins Mr. DIRTcar Pro Stock Event at Autodrome Drummond; Series Kicks Into High Gear With Weekend Double Header

By Craig Revelle - Finish Line Web Design

With the regular season now over, all that is left in the 2011 season for Joey Ladouceur are big events. So far this season, Ladouceur has shined when the stakes get higher, as he has swept all the races in the Mohawk Racing Parts Series so far, and has won the lone Mr. DIRTcar Pro Stock Series race earlier this season at Cornwall. Ladouceur was hoping to keep that streak alive with the second round of the Mr. DIRTcar Pro Stock Series this past weekend at Autodrome Drummond.

Ladouceur started the 50 lap main event from ninth place, and steadily worked his way forward. By lap ten he was up to sixth. As the race progressed, Ladouceur kept moving up through the field, making the top five at lap 13. He continued to move forward, reaching second place by lap 19. By this time the race leader had built up a commanding lead, but Ladouceur continued to battle, and was catching the leader rapidly with every passing lap. As the race approached halfway, and caution-free, Ladouceur was right on the back bumper. He made the pass on lap 27, just before the first caution of the night. On the ensuing restart, Ladouceur continued to lead and went on to win his second Mr. DIRTcar Pro Stock Series event of the season.

“I really like (Autodrome) Drummond, its just too bad they built Montreal between here and Alexandria,” joked Ladouceur in the winner’s circle enjoying his second win in as many tries at Drummond. “This is probably the best car I have drove in my career.”

This coming weekend Ladouceur will continue with the Mr. DIRTcar Series with a pair of events. First up is the rescheduled race at Autodrome Granby on Friday night, before traveling back to Mohawk International Raceway on Saturday to complete the busy weekend. The following weekend is the rescheduled Mohawk Racing Parts Series race at Cornwall Speedway on September 25^th. After two weeks off to prepare for Super DIRT Week, Ladouceur will be at the New York State Fairgrounds on Sunday, October 9^th and will then finish out the 2011 season with the Mr. DIRTcar Pro Stock finale at Brockville Speedway on Friday, October 14^th.

Ladouceur and the team also have t-shirts for sale. Stop by the team hauler at the track and pick up yours today. T-shirt prices are just $20, and are available in size small to 2XL. Shirts are available in white and black, and can also be purchased by emailing Joey at ladouceur32@hotmail.com.

Joey Ladouceur would like to thank all of the sponsors that have come on board for the 2011-racing season. Coffrage 20-20/Pompage 20-20, Fence Depot, Minimax Express, Glengarry Truck Centre, Au Vieux Duluth, Stinger X Chassis and Finish Line Web Design are all an integral part of the Ladouceur team and they look forward to sharing their success with all of you.

For more information on Joey Ladouceur, please check out our website, www.joey92.com.

Raabe Scores Top Ten Finish in NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Debut

By Craig Revelle - Finish Line Web Design

Going into last weekend’s NASCAR Canadian Tire Series debut at Barrie Speedway, Chris Raabe and the 01 team didn’t know what to expect. The Canadian Tire Series is filled with long time stars of the sport at the highest level of stock car racing in the Country, and Raabe was fulfilling a dream to be able to compete in the series, after two years of trying to put a program together. With the help of Canadian Tire, MotoMaster and Sylvania, along with a group of local sponsors, Raabe had a very impressive debut.

The first on track action of the day was a one hour practice session, and Raabe was eager to get behind the wheel and get a feel for his car. He turned the 17^th fastest time out of the 22 cars entered, and the team made several adjustments to the car before time trials began. In the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, teams are not able to make major adjustments to the car after time trials are complete, so it was important for Raabe and the team to make adjustments that would not only make it better for qualifying, but also taking into consideration of how the car would handle during the course of the race.

“We were very tight in practice, but the guys are making several adjustment to the car to make it better before we go out and run time trials”, says Raabe. “We are the first car out for qualifying, so that should make it interesting”.

By virtue of a draw, Raabe was the first car on the track for time trials. He put down a solid lap, and despite the disadvantage of being the first car on the track, he improved his position from practice and posted the 15^th fastest time, which is where he would start in the Wild Wing 300.

“Our goal for the race is to go out and learn as much as we can and run all the laps”, says Raabe. “Barrie is a tough race track, and a lot can happen here, so if we can just finish the race with the car in one piece it will give everyone something to build on for the next race”.

As the race began to unfold, Raabe became more and more comfortable in the car. “The car is pretty good”, he says to his crew over the radio. “It is just really hard to pass”.

By lap 80, Raabe made his way into the top ten for the first time, and advised the crew that the car was still really good, but just a little loose off the exit of the corner. Just a few laps later Raabe made his first NASCAR pit stop under yellow as the team added some fuel to the car to get them through the remainder of the race. He continued to move forward, and by lap 100 he was in eighth position. For the next 20 laps Raabe did a great job maintaining eighth place, but contact from another car pushed him up out of the preferred bottom groove and he lost several spots. The caution came out shortly after, and the 01 crew went to work, changing left side tires. After a solid pit stop, Raabe returned to the track, on the lead lap in 13^th. For the next several laps, and through several caution periods Raabe maintained his position, and made what they had hoped to be their final pit stop on lap 172. They entered the pits running in 13^th and after a lightning quick stop by the 01 crew, Raabe was back on the track running in ninth place. Shortly after, Raabe was involved in a minor incident after contract from another car, and had to restart the race from 13^th as the last car on the lead lap.

Raabe began to move up once again though, and at lap 204 he described how the car was handling to the crew. “We are just a little to tight on the top”, but other then that, the car is pretty good”.

Just two laps later Raabe was caught up in a wreck on the backstretch and came out with a left rear flat tire. After a lengthy delay to clean up the wreck, Raabe made a pit stop under caution and lost a lap on pit road as they tried to get the tire changed. At lap 232 the caution was out again, and Raabe was able to get back on the lead lap as the “Lucky Dog”, which goes to the first car on every caution that is a lap down to the leaders. Raabe was now back on the lead lap and restarted the race from the tail of the field in 13^th place. Raabe had a fast car though, and began to move up, and when the next caution was displayed on lap 245, Raabe was back into the top ten.

"We get better the more laps we go”, says Raabe. “We need a long green run here and we will be in real good shape".

The long green flag run didn’t happen though, but Raabe still began to move up, and when the next yellow came out on lap 263, Raabe was closing in on the top five. Through the next several laps Chris was battling for seventh, and with just two laps to go, contact from behind sent his car spinning, bringing out the final caution of the race. Raabe lost a lap to the leaders in the process, but still was running in tenth place at the finish.

“It was a little disappointing that the last couple laps went the way it did, but overall we are really happy with our performance”, says Raabe, who was named top rookie of the event. “I am really looking forward to the next race now that we have the first one under our belt”.

The next race that Raabe is referring to is this coming weekend at Riverside International Speedway in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. The following weekend is the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series finale on September 24^th at Kawartha Speedway, located in Fraserville, Ontario.

Chris Raabe and the 01 team would like to thank Canadian Tire, MotoMaster, Sylvania and our local sponsors that include Hughson Barriers, Len Corcoran Excavating, Krown Undercoatings, McColman Media Inc., Kingston Landscaping Depot, Canadian Tire Cataraqui, Scott Industrial Services, Kids for Kids and Kingston RV Centre.

For more information on Chris Raabe and the 01 team, and for up to date news and schedule information, please visit our website, www.chrisraabe.com.