This weekend, Flamboro Speedway hosts its annual Oktoberfest Classic Weekend (Oct. 1 & 2).
Friday, September 30, 2011
Flamboro Speedway's Oktoberfest Classic... starts Saturday!
This weekend, Flamboro Speedway hosts its annual Oktoberfest Classic Weekend (Oct. 1 & 2).
CTCC Webisode 8 Features Michel Sallenbach
Toronto, September 30th 2011 - Going into the close of our 2011 season, Michel Sallenbach, driver of the #46 Octane Motorsport MINI Cooper is sitting third in the Championship standings. Roughly 70 points behind his teammate Alain Lauzière and about the same spread separating the fourth place driver, Sallenbach is ready to hunt anyone placed in front of him.
"Michel is very very fast and you have to be very very careful because you know if you're not on the edge, he's going to beat you and show you how you're suppose to drive", admits his teammate Lauzière.
Can Sallenbach move up in the standings or can he win the final two Rounds of the season?
To find out more about this story, log on to the CTCC Youtube Channel or visit our Web Site at www.touringcar.ca .
Follow this link for the YouTube Channel:
http://www.youtube.com/user/canadiantouringcar
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!
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Doiron Battles to a 16th Place Finish in Mr. DIRTcar 358 Series Event at Cornwall
By Craig Revelle -Finish Line Web Design
When Joel Doiron last visited Cornwall back at the beginning of the month, he has set fast time in his time trial group, and was to start on the front row for his heat race before Mother Nature stepped in and the event was rescheduled. On Sunday afternoon the event picked up where they had left off, and Doiron started up front in his qualifying heat, and was able to grab the win in the eight lap qualifier, giving him a spot in the redraw for one of the top 12 starting spots in the 125 lap Mr. DIRTcar Series/Canadian Nationals Series main event.
The redraw took place in front of a packed grandstand at Cornwall during driver introductions. Doiron drew the 11th position, placing him inside of the sixth row for the feature. First the first 50 laps, Doiron stayed just inside the top ten and as they closed in on the 10 minute break at lap 75, he had advanced even higher climbing to seventh place. Doiron’s crew went to work on the car during the ten minute break, which took place on the track. They were able to change tires and refuel the car and make minor adjustments to the car under the ten minute clock. When the race resumed, the handling on the car quickly went away, and Doiron fell back through the field in the final 50 laps and finished in 16th place.
“The car was handling really well in the first segment of the race, but after that ten minute break the handling went away”, explains Doiron. “We went with the wrong tire compound and we just went backwards from that point on”.
With the 2011 season now over at Cornwall, Doiron has just one more race remaining this season. He and his team will travel to Brockville Speedway on Saturday, October 15th for the final round of the Mr. DIRTcar 358 Modified Series.
“We always look forward to coming to Brockville. We have had some fun there over the years, and enjoy racing there at the track and have some fond memories of the place over the years”, says Doiron, referring mostly to the “Dream Weekend” that his father won at Brockville back in 1994.
Our 2011 racing season would not be possible without the assistance of our great sponsors. Mike Sauvé Construction, Doiron Auto Inc., W.H. MacSweyn Inc., Gauvreau Top Soil, Walker Climate Care/Go Geo, Falcon Environmental Services, Mister Sew and Sew Custom Embroidery, Garage Le Specialiste Dicaire, Herbs Travel Plaza & Towing, Group Express, Glengarry Kitchen Cabinets, Richard Ranger Carpet, Au Vieux Duluth, Boutique Lafleur, Quechem, Garry McDougall Electric, Gouttieres SD Eavesthroughs, Marc Rouette Maintenance, Les Fondations Deguire and Bicknell Racing Products have all been an integral part of the success that this team has had this season.
“I certainly have to thank all of our sponsors, our crew that helps work on this car, and of course all the fans that come out and watch us race each week”, says Doiron. “We would not be able to do what we do if it wasn’t for the support of every I just mentioned”.
For more information on Joel Doiron and the team, please check out our website, www.joeldoiron.com.Kyle Kosir Q&A: The car is already being worked on for 2012
We caught up with Risok Motorsport owner Kyle Kosir, and asked him about next season. So far Marek is still racing next year, as well the team home to be regular podium contenders in GT Sprints. New Sponsors are coming in, as well as new Partnerships with a big company. So far little has been said…
Q: Kyle so far how has the season shaped up for you and your team?
Kyle Kosir: The season has defiantly had its up’s and downs. First of we have learned a lot about the RM01 Rabbit. We did not expect anything coming into this season. The guys have done an amazing job to the car.
Q: Are you satisfied so far?
KK: Very, like I said we were not expecting anything coming into this season, but learning and working on the car.
Q: What was the biggest thing you learned this season?
KK: Never to expect too much, and take things one at a time. We did just that. When we did our first event at the Vintage Festival early in June, our very first lap time was a 2:28.271, which is pretty laughable. Our last event we raced at, Marek brought the time down to a 1:46.033, so the team has worked very hard to achieve this.
Q: What was going through your mind when Marek was on the podium, after getting 3rd during GT Sprints at BARC Labour Day races?
KK: I was speechless (laughs). I didn’t know what to think. All and all I was very happy at how well Marek did. Not only that, but the team has done an amazing job as well learning the car. Again, going back to Vintage festival we worked that Friday night from 3pm to 4am just to get the car on track.
Q: When is the team going to work on the car for next season? And any changes in place?
KK: Well first I would like to say that the car is already being prepared for next season. There are many changes being in place. I can’t say too much at this point, but what I will say is the car will have a cosmetic make over. We found some rules that was used in the 1980’s so we will see from there.
Q: Any driver changes for next season?
KK: Nothing yet, we are talking to another driver for next season, but I can’t say to much. I can tell you that Marek will be onboard for another season with the team.
Q: Has Marek satisfied you as a driver, overall this season?
KK: Absolutely, He has helped developed the RM01 car to make it much better. I was not expecting anything big like that podium finish, but he has proved already we can fight for the championship next year.
Q: And finally, are what series are you competing in for next season?
KK: We are going to be competing in GT Sprints and GT Challenge for next season. We are working hard to turn the car into a GT4 car. As well we are still deciding whether to keep the car eligible for Vintage racing as well.
Vlok captures Rookie of the Year for BGR Team Grote
New Zealander Chris Vlok is the Formula Tour 1600 Series rookie of the year driving his BGR Team Grote Van Diemen. He finished fourth overall in the points narrowly missing 3rd with his 5th podium of the year at the final round at the Le Circuit Mont Tremblant. Entering the final weekend the rookie driver was still in contention for a top 3 placing in the Championship but a tough race on Saturday which saw him spin but recover to finish 10th meant it was a long shot to overtake 3rd in the points.
The Sunday race was run under perfect fall conditions with temperatures in the high 70's, Chris made his best start of the year and vaulted to 3rd from his 5th starting spot. He then was in a fight for third the entire race and held on to once again make the trip to the podium.
"Our weekend didn't start the way we wanted with a disappointing finish on the Saturday but we rebounded well and it is always nice to finish on a high note, commented team principal Brian Graham. Chris has progressed throughout the season and became a regular podium finisher and threat to win as we closed the season. It has been a great year for us in Quebec and the team really enjoyed it. I would like to thank the Formula Tour Series and all the officials, they were always fair and run a great show. This being our rookie year in the series, we are proud to come away with the Top Rookie award and having put two drivers in victory lane. We hope to be back with a full team next year and go for the Championship. "
The team has little time to rest as it heads to Mosport for the final Ontario Formula Ford Championship rounds with Trent Hindman and Dalton Kellett. Trent is currently leading the championship with Dalton in 3rd. They hope to lock up the title and also claim the rookie of the year as well to make it two for two in that category.
BGR Team Grote has put more drivers in the winner's circle than any other team in OFFC history. With alumni drivers now competing in some of the world's most elite series including ALMS (Kyle Marcelli), GP3 and Indy Lights (Conor Daly and Josef Newgarden) as well as others who continue their trek to the top. Striving to provide karter's as well as seasoned racers a strong platform to develop their skills as they push towards their goals, BGR Team Grote continues to look for up and coming drivers looking to make the jump from karting to open wheel racing.
To learn more about BGR Team Grote please visit www.briangrahamracing.com
Sarah Cornett-Ching Ends 2011 Season With Another Podium Finish in West Coast Sportsman Series Finale at Motoplex Speedway
By Craig Revelle - Finish Line Web Design
PENTICTON, BRITISH COLUMBIA – The 2011 racing season has been one filled with exciting opportunities and challenges for 20-year-old Sarah Cornett-Ching, of Summerland, BC. It all began with the Race 101 program in North Carolina back in January and has taken her through the full season in the OK Tire ARCA West Series, and her first career win in the West Coast Sportsman Series. The productive season produced 4 top five finishes and 9 top ten finishes in just 12 races, including two podium finishes and a victory at Motoplex Speedway on August 13th. Cornett-Ching competed at five new race tracks this season, and adapted quickly at each of them.
The final race of the season took place at Motoplex Speedway last weekend in the OK Tire ARCA Series, and Cornett-Ching had the dominant car early in the race. At one point in the race, she had built up a full straightaway lead, but a series of restarts with Cornett-Ching on the outside lane caused her to burn up her right rear tire and she settled for a third place finish.
“Our car started out very fast and I wasn’t pushing it very hard to stay up front”, says Cornett-Ching. “I was thinking we would save the car and pick it up towards the end of the race. Unfortunately, a competitor blew their motor, and the track was covered in speedy-dry. We had three restarts in a row where we were stuck in the outside groove and I burned up the right rear tire trying to keep up. After that we had to battle just to stay in the top three”.
With the 2011 season now over, Cornett-Ching looks forward to returning to North Carolina to complete the Race 101 program where the class will clip and set up the front end of a Howe Chassis. Cornett-Ching will also get an opportunity to drive a Race 101 prepared Late Model at the famed Hickory Motor Speedway in Hickory, North Carolina.
Cornett-Ching has big plans for the 2012 season, and wherever she races, she hopes to continue to win over the fans.
“We had a lot of fun this season and have met some great people in this sport along the way”, says Cornett-Ching. “Whether we are back in the ARCA Series full time, or move on to something else, I am very thankful for our sponsors, family, friends and fans that have been along for the ride this season”.
The team is currently looking for marketing partners for her race team, and hopes to secure funding for a full time ride in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series next year. To contact Sarah, send her an email at sarah.cornett-ching@hotmail.com.
Since 2005, Sarah Cornett-Ching has racked up a pile of awards, including Most Aspiring driver as well as Champion in her division that year. Two years later, after moving up a class, she claimed the championship again. In 2008 she claimed her first ever top five finish in the NASCAR Whelen All American Series, and the following year she finished third overall in the series points standings. In addition to her third place in points, she also claimed awards for Most Improved driver, Most Dedicated to the Sport and West Coast Sportsman Rookie of the Year Award. Last season she claimed fifth place in points in both the Okanagen Street Stock Series and the West Coast Sportsman Series. She was also named Most Improved Driver and Most Dedicated Driver of the West Coast Sportsman Series. She plans to run the full ARCA West Regional traveling Series this season.
For more information on Sarah Cornett-Ching and to follow her racing accomplishments, please visit her newly revamped website, www.sccracing.com or visit her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sccracing.
Ladouceur Claims Mohawk Racing Parts Pro Stock Series Championship With Fifth Place Finish at Cornwall; Mr. DIRTcar Pro Stock Chase Heats Up
By Craig Revelle - Finish Line Web Design
It was a long wait for the inevitable for Joey Ladouceur this week, as all he needed to do was just start the 50 lap Mohawk Racing Parts Pro Stock Series main event on Sunday afternoon to get his third consecutive series title. Ladouceur however had hoped to end the series in style with yet another feature win on the final night of the season at Cornwall Speedway.
Sunday’s race, which was originally scheduled for Labor Day Weekend began with qualifying heats, and Ladouceur started the race from third place and advance to second in the eight lap event. In the 50 lap main event, Ladouceur started fourth and battled in the top five early, but had to come into the pits for a flat tire. He returned to the field and fought his way back into the top five and claimed the 2011 Mohawk Racing Parts Championship.
“We have had a great season, and I have to thank all of our sponsors, the crew, my wife Josée and all the fans that come out to the track each week”, says Ladouceur. “I would also like to thank Gilbert Lazore for sponsoring this great series and hopefully we can come back and win it again next year”.
Ladouceur’s attention now shifts to the Mr. DIRTcar Pro Stock Series with events coming up at the New York State Fairgrounds on October 9th, and the season finale at Brockville on October 14th.
“We have some work to do in the Mr. DIRTcar Pro Stock Series to get back to the top of the points there”, says Ladouceur. “We broke while leading at Granby, and finished fifth at Mohawk Raceway, so we are behind a little in points. Hopefully we can make that up in the final two races”.
Ladouceur is currently second in the Mr. DIRTcar Pro Stock series point standings and trails fellow competitor Corey Wheeler by 41 points with two events remaining this season.
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.
Fowl Mood Racing Gets top Five Finish in Brighton Speedway Season Finale; Finishes Fifth in Brighton Point Standings
By Craig Revelle - Finish Line Web Design
Going into the final night of racing at Brighton Speedway for the 2011 season, Phil Potts and the Fowl Mood Racing team knew they were going to finish fifth in points, they could not advance their position, nor could they fall any further back. With that in mind, they wanted nothing more then to end the season with a strong performance to get them through the upcoming off-season.
After not finishing his qualifying heat, Potts had to start the 25 lap feature from the rear of the field. It didn’t take long to realize he had a fast car, as he steadily maneuvered his way through the field. At the checkered flag, Potts finished in fifth place.
“It was a great run for us coming from the back of the pack”, says Potts after the race. “I really have to thanks Stu and April (Archer) for giving me this opportunity to drive their cars, all of our sponsors, and I cant forget the crew for all the help this season. We have four guys that are dedicated to helping us all year long and we couldn’t do this with out them. I have to thank all of our wives for putting up with the endless amount of hours that we put in at the shop each week”.
As of now, the Fowl Mood Racing team has reached the end of their 2011 season schedule. There is a possibility that an area track is looking to add the late models to an upcoming event, and the team will race there if that happens. If not, the 2011 season is over, and we look forward to the 2012 season.
“We got off to a real slow start this year, but the second half of the year has been much better. We all enjoyed traveling to new race tracks and meeting some great people and we look forward to coming back next year”, says Potts. “Right now the plan is to possibly update one of the cars. We will be back here at Brighton for sure, but we are not sure about Can Am. We would like to run some more open races next year as well”.
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.
Whitteker Closes Out 2011 Season With Mid-Race Crash at Cornwall; Opts out of Super DIRT Week to Focus on 2012 Season
By Craig Revelle - Finish Line Web Design
Luke Whitteker and his Iroquois, Ontario based Whitteker Motorsports team made their final start of the season at Cornwall Motor Speedway this past Sunday afternoon for the rescheduled Mr. DIRTcar 358 Modified/Canadian Nationals Series event held over from Labor Day Weekend.
Before the rain came back on September 4th, Whitteker had posted the third fastest speed in him time trial group and was set to start his heat race from the third position. Racing continued on Sunday afternoon and picked up where it had left off earlier and Whitteker started from third place. He needed to maintain that position to lock himself into the redraw for a top 12 starting position, and he was able to do that. The redraw took place during driver introductions, and he picked the fifth spot, placing him inside of row three to start the 125 lap main event. Through the first 30 laps of the race, Whitteker had slid back to 12th place, but disaster struck soon after a Whitteker was caught in a wild crash on lap 35. He managed to drive the car back to the pit area to the attention of the Whitteker Motorsports crew, but the damage was severe enough to end their night.
“We have quite a bit of damage to the rear of the car, a bent axle tube and possibly more damage”, says a disappointed Whitteker after the race. “This certainly isn’t how we wanted to end our season”.
With the costs associated with running Syracuse, and the time off from school for Whitteker, the team has decided not to attend Super DIRT Week this year. At this time, we don’t plan to race anymore this season. It is possible that the team may decide to run the Fall Nationals at Brockville, but a final decision has not been made.
Whitteker will travel back to North Carolina next month for the Race 101 program, and will drive a Race 101 prepared Late Model at the famed Hickory Motor Speedway for some practice laps. Whitteker will graduate from the program at the end of year.
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.
Luke Whitteker and the Whitteker Motorsports team are currently looking for sponsors for the 2012 racing season. For more information, please contact Luke Whitteker at lukewhitt@ripnet.com.
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.
Atlantic Stock Car Championships kick off at CFS this Saturday
September 29, 2010 - Shediac (N.B.) – Drivers from throughout the Atlantic region will converge on the Centre for Speed (CFS), Atlantic Canada’s Super Speedway and Metro Moncton’s ‘Playground of Power’, for this weekend’s 12th Annual Atlantic Stock Car Championships, which will feature drivers in four divisions, Sportsman, Mini Stock, Four Fun and for the first time at CFS, Bandoleros. This Saturday’s event is weekend two of three of the CFS Atlantic SpeedWeeks, the final events of the 2011 stock car racing season in Atlantic Canada.
A number of current and former track, tour and defending Atlantic Champions, will be competing in Saturday’s stock car racing event, which begins with qualifying heats at 12:30 p.m. and feature races at approximately 2:30 p.m. Teams from throughout the Atlantic region will attempt to qualify for the 25 starting positions in the Vance Hanes Auto Parts Sportsman 100 Atlantic Championship feature. Saturday’s event will also include Atlantic Championship feature races for Mini Stock (50 lap feature), Four Fun (50 lap feature), and Bandolero (20 lap feature) drivers from the three Maritime provinces, who will be competing for the 4-cylinder and Bandolero bragging rights.
Sportsman drivers that are expected to compete for this year’s Atlantic Sportsman Championship include defending champ Calvin Rankin of Saint John, N.B., this year’s Nova Scotia / New Brunswick Sportsman Series Champ Colby Smith, CFS track Champion Luc Bourgeois of Memramcook, N.B. as well as the 2010, 2009 and 2008 Atlantic Champions and many other top drivers from Nova Scotia and New Brunswick stock car tracks. The Atlantic Championship Sportsman 100 event will also include one of the best up-and-coming young drivers in our region, 15-year old Ryan Mackintosh from Amherst, N.S, who will be piloting the Dave O’Blenis Racing #48 Sportsman racecar. Mackintosh competes full time in the Allison Legacy Touring Series in the Southern U.S. This series has produced such recent NASCAR Cup drivers as Joey Lagano and 2011 Daytona 500 winner, Trevor Bayne.
"Saturday’s Atlantic Championship Sportsman 100 will provide Ryan with a chance to get some Late Model driving experience and race at home in Canada," indicates Mackintosh's team co-owner in the U.S., Chris Woods. “I'm looking forward to racing at home against some of Atlantic Canada's best drivers and getting some valuable seat time in my first Late Model outing,” says Mackintosh. For additional information on Ryan’s racing career, visit his website at www.ryanmackintoshracing.com
Admission prices, advance tickets and a full event schedule are available at www.centreforspeed.com
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
BROCKVILLE: Fall Nationals will crown 3 DIRTcar champs!
BROCKVILLE, ON - All roads in the DIRTcar world lead to Brockville Ontario Speedway. The annual Northeast Fall Nationals will once again crown 3 DIRTcar touring series champions on October 14, 15th and 16th in Thousand Islands region.
The October stretch run is in full swing with Super DIRT Week in Syracuse, just a week away and all three crowns still up for grabs. 10 time Brockville track champ Danny O Brien, for the umpteenth straight year, is in the midst of the 358 Modified championship chase. Heading for central NY next week, the Pocket Rocket finds himself 2nd in the points standings, after falling behind Carey Terrance for the first time last weekend. Two other Brockville regulars are in the top 10 with Stephane LaFrance coming off the biggest win of his career at Cornwall on Sunday, 7th and Brockville's Matt Billings just behind in 8th overall. The small blocks will wrap up their season on 360 Saturday on October 15th.
Tim Sears Jr., is looking for history to repeat itself in the Sportsman division as he tries to defend his crown despite a good challenge from Watertown's Tim Van Brocklin. Brockville Saturday night fixtures Shane Pecore and Jessica Power find themselves 6th and 9th respectively after last week’s rainout at Brighton Speedway. The Sportsman event is part of Big Block Sunday on October 16th teamed with the third to last event in the Big Block Modified Super DIRT Series tour in 2011.
The Pro Stocks will also conclude their series as part of Full Fender Friday on October 14th at Brockville. Camping spots in the Thousand Islands Turn 4 RV area with brand new access with the help of Tackaberry Construction are still available as well as special ticket packages and reserved seating. Lap sponsorships are also available. The Fall Nationals are presented by CKWS Television, BOB and JR fm, the Brockville Recorder and Times and Thousand Islands RV. More information is by calling the track office at 613-345-6324.
From Steve Young / BOS
Rick Young's 'Rick at the Races' September 24-25, 2011
www.RickAtTheRaces.com …. Thanks Rick!
24 Sept Kawartha Speedway, Ontario
24 Sept Brighton Speedway, Ont
25 Sept Cornwall Motor Speedway, Ont
This past weekend was a busy one for me, where I attended three events in two days. It should of been four events in three days, but Mother Nature decided otherwise. My original plan was to head straight from work on Friday night for the Brighton Speedway for day one of their weekend 'Applefest' races.
Once a year, Brighton opens it's doors to the DIRT style Modifieds and it's an event I don't like to miss. The Modifieds always headline the Saturday night show, while the DIRT Sportsman do their thing on Friday. This years Sportsman race was a 'Series' event so I especially wanted to be there.
Regular readers will be aware, that Friday night races arn't usually compatible with my 'day job' and so my chances of getting there were slim.
I'd decided that, because it was a two day show, I'd drive down to Brighton on Friday night, what ever time I finished work. Even if I got there late and missed most of the show, I could 'party' with friends that were camping over night. I'm a truck driver and I'm employed by a company with a dedicated contract to 'the worlds biggest retailer' where I'm based out of their large Cornwall (Ont) distribution depot. It turned out to be a typical Friday at work, involving a busy day of driving around the Montreal area.
It looked possible that I might get finished by about 7-00pm, so in theory , I could get to Brighton before 10-30 pm. At this point, I decided to give www.rickattheraces.com web master Craig Revelle a call, (who was at the track) and asked him to text me with updates, before I got there. It was then that I heard the bad news, that rain had caused the show to be cancelled. There was no point in going to Brighton, when I could sleep in my own bed ! , so went straight home after finishing work.
My plan for Saturday, was to attend the qualifying for the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series at the Kawartha Speedway , near Peterborough (Ont) , during the day , before going back to Brighton for the 50 lap Modified race in the evening. I'd arranged to meet up with my buddy Jim Clarke, (Mosport announcer and Kawartha PR man) at Belleville, and travel to Kawartha together. After having breakfast at the Ten Acres Truck Stop on Hwy401 , we arrived at the track around 11-00pm.
The first person we bumped into at the 'sign in' gate was Adam Ross, who is the NCTS announcer and the owner of www.dirttrackdigest.com . I've known Adam, through our media connections for quite a few years, so we chatted for some time. By the time we'd finished talking, the mid day hot lap sessions had got under way so Jim and I watched these from the pit parking lot, before venturing on the center.
The NCTS is considered to be the top paved oval racing series in Canada, and I try to attend at least one round each year. I had three friends racing that day , so made a B line for them, once we'd reached the infield .
Chris Raabe who recently dominated DIRT Sportsman racing, and has just completed his first successful year in 358 DIRT Mods made his NCTS debut this month. He is driving for the Canadian Tire backed team of Scott Steckly and had his first race at the Barrie Speedway on Sept 10 and then the Riverside Speedway , in Nova Scotia on Sept 17.
Further along pit row I found another friend of mine from the DIRT racing world, Dexter Stacey. Dexter from Kahnawake , Quebec , is also a regular entrant in the SUPER DIRT SERIES events.
One of the big news stories of 2011 was the NCTS debut of another Quebecer , Isabelle Tremblay. I met Isabelle earlier in the year at her local Autodrome St Eustache for a chat and photo session for an article I was planning. She's a very determined and ambitious lady and had set her goal on becoming the NCTS 'Rookie of the year' . The Kawartha race was the last round in the series and before the race , there was only one point separating her from Louis- Phillipe Dumoulin , the other contender. She'd impressed me by winning at St Eustache, and we've kept in touch since then.
Another friend, we bumped into was, race driver/ car owner /and Kawartha promoter Derek Lynch , who introduced us to his driver, Jason White from British Columbia.
Whilst in pit row I also met , Nova Scotia driver Donald Chisholm who like, Dexter , Isabelle and Derek, added a www.rickattheraces decal to their car.
After the Qualifying had taken place, an on track autograph session got under way for the fans, before the start of the big race. While this was taking place. Jim and I made our departure. With the 'APPLEFEST' 50 lapper for Dirt Mods beckoning us at the Brighton Speedway , about 45 minutes away, we had to get on our way, and would have to miss the NCTS race ( You can't be in two places at once ! ) In our absence DJ Kennington won at Kawartha , so Craig Revelle who remained there to see the race sent me a Victory Lane shot. Unfortunately , a rear end failure put a finish to Isabelle's quest to become 'Rookie of the year'. It must have been very disappointing for her, because I know how much effort she put's into her racing. 'That's racing' I guess, and she now has to focus on next year.
We arrived at Brighton at about 5-45 pm and from the parking lot , we could hear the Modifieds out on the track. Start time had been brought forward to 6-00 pm and the hot laps were taking place. Following the previous nights rain , the track was now back in great condition and the Sportsman cars, who'd missed out on Friday were allowed to join the Mods. The Vintage Mods, that had also been scheduled for Friday had been slotted into the Saturday program too . There were a lot of races to get in , and I made up my mind , from the start, that I'd have to head back home after the Modified 50 lapper.
The Canadian Modifieds ( similar to IMCA Mods) were the first to Feature , followed by the Mod Lites and then the 'Applefest' 50 lapper for 358 Mods .
This turned out to be a fantastic race, and probably the best I've seen, anywhere this year. There were only a few cautions and for most of the 50 laps there were four to five cars battling at the front for the lead. Eventual winner was Tim O'Brien, with his brother Danny in second and Mike Bowman in third.
With another busy day ahead on Sunday , I was out of the gate and driving back up Hwy 401 towards Cornwall. I was home soon after 1-00 am by which time I was in need of some serious 'shut eye' before the next big event.
On the Labor Day Weekend rain caused the Cornwall Motor Speedway to cancel the end of season Finale , which included the 358 Modified SUPER DIRT SERIES /CANADIAN NATIONALS and the rescheduled date was slated for this Sunday, starting at 1-30 pm in the afternoon.
After Friday's disappointing wet weather at Brighton, Saturday and Sunday turned into two glorious warm and sunny days and it was a perfect afternoon to watch racing in Cornwall. The grandstands were packed with fans who basked in the sun as the show got under way.
For the many visiting photographers present, it was like paradise, as they were able to take pictures in bright and sunny conditions. I took over 400 shots that day and managed to capture a spectacular flip by my friend Kayle Robidoux as he rolled over the hood of Danny 'the Doctor' Johnson . It looked scary and it was a relief to see Kayle walk back to the pits .
This occurred in the 125 lap Modified Feature which was the headline event and included a 'half way' mandatory , ten minute, pit stop on the front stretch. It's great for the fans to watch as the pit crews go into action, right in front of their eyes.
Stephane Lafrance dominated the race and was there at the end to take the checkers ( and his first ever SUPER DIRT series race) with the Twin Leaf Team of Carey Terrance and Dale Planck taking second and third.
Other Feature winners included Shane Pecore (Sportsman) Ryan Stabler (Pro Stock) Nico Leblanc (Semi Pro) Ernie Cree ( Ministock)
NASCAR Announces 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Schedule
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Sept. 28, 2011) – NASCAR announced today the 2012 schedule for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, with a line-up featuring a number of adjustments from the 2011 edition.
“We believe the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule will once again provide fans with what they’ve come to expect every season – the world’s most exciting and competitive form of motorsports,” said Brian France, NASCAR chairman and CEO. “Next year’s schedule has a few adjustments that we think will be good for the fans and good for the overall flow of the season. One thing will remain constant, however, and that’s the intense competition we see week in and week out from our drivers and race teams.”
One of those adjustments takes place during NASCAR’s playoffs – the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup – and could affect the strategy during the championship run. Talladega Superspeedway’s Chase event moves up two weeks to Oct. 7, becoming the fourth race in the Chase. Often labeled as the wild-card track in the Chase, Talladega’s gruelling test is now staged during the first half of the Chase.
Talladega swaps its Chase date with Kansas Speedway (Oct. 21) to accommodate Kansas’ repave, scheduled for after the track’s spring event. As such, Kansas’ spring date has also been moved. Kansas now will be the eighth race of the season on April 22. Talladega’s spring event moves to May 6, and Dover International Speedway’s spring event returns to its traditional spot on June 3.
As previously announced, the season-opening Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway will start one week later with the running of the preseason “non-points” Shootout at Daytona on Feb. 18. The 54th annual Daytona 500 will run on Feb. 26.
The race dates for Phoenix International Raceway and Las Vegas Motor Speedway have likewise been moved a week later, to March 4 and March 11, respectively.
Two other featured adjustments to the 2012 schedule:
• Texas Motor Speedway’s spring date will be moved to April 14, to accommodate the traditional open week for the Easter holiday.
• Daytona’s summer event and Kentucky Speedway’s race will swap weekends in 2012, as the July 4th holiday falls mid-week next year. Kentucky’s race will be June 30; Daytona will run on July 7.
As in past years, FOX will broadcast the first 13 races of next year’s schedule. TNT will follow, broadcasting the next six. ESPN/ABC will broadcast the final 17 events. Race start times will be announced at a later date.
NASCAR will also release the 2012 schedules for the NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series at a later date.
2012 NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES SCHEDULE
Date Site Network
2/18 Daytona International Speedway (Shootout) FOX
2/19 Daytona International Speedway (Daytona 500 Qualifying) FOX
2/23 Daytona International Speedway (Duel) SPEED
2/26 Daytona 500 FOX
3/4 Phoenix International Raceway FOX
3/11 Las Vegas Motor Speedway FOX
3/18 Bristol Motor Speedway FOX
3/25 Auto Club Speedway FOX
4/1 Martinsville Speedway FOX
4/14 Texas Motor Speedway FOX
4/22 Kansas Speedway FOX
4/28 Richmond International Raceway FOX
5/6 Talladega Superspeedway FOX
5/12 Darlington Raceway FOX
5/19 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race (Charlotte Motor Speedway) SPEED
5/27 Charlotte Motor Speedway FOX
6/3 Dover International Speedway FOX
6/10 Pocono Raceway TNT
6/17 Michigan International Speedway TNT
6/24 Infineon Raceway TNT
6/30 Kentucky Speedway TNT
7/7 Daytona International Speedway TNT
7/15 New Hampshire Motor Speedway TNT
7/29 Indianapolis Motor Speedway ESPN
8/5 Pocono Raceway ESPN
8/12 Watkins Glen International ESPN
8/19 Michigan International Speedway ESPN
8/25 Bristol Motor Speedway ABC
9/2 Atlanta Motor Speedway ESPN
9/8 Richmond International Raceway ABC
9/16 Chicagoland Speedway ESPN
9/23 New Hampshire Motor Speedway ESPN
9/30 Dover International Speedway ESPN
10/7 Talladega Superspeedway ESPN
10/13 Charlotte Motor Speedway ABC
10/21 Kansas Speedway ESPN
10/28 Martinsville Speedway ESPN
11/4 Texas Motor Speedway ESPN
11/11 Phoenix International Raceway ESPN
11/18 Homestead-Miami Speedway ESPN
From Kerry Tharp, NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communications
Antoine L'Estage and Nathalie Richard in British Columbia to claim the 2011 Canadian Title
Montréal (Québec), September 28, 2011.- Recent winner of the Norh American Rally Cup for the fourth time in his career, Québec driver Antoine L’Estage (of St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC) is set to contest the second last round of the Canadian Rally Championship this weekend with his longtime co-driver Nathalie Richard (of Halifax, NS). With a 41 point lead over their closest title rivals, the duo’s objective is to clinch the 2011 Canadian Rally Championship at this event. In their Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X, the team has won every single Canadian Rally Championship event since September 2010, including all of the events already held this year. Although scoring a perfect season in Canada is very tempting, their primary focus this weekend will be to secure the title, the second of the year after clinching the North American Rally championship earlier this month at the Rallye Défi.
Since the 2006 season when Antoine won his first Canadian championship and the year that he and Nathalie began competing as a team, Antoine L'Estage has been victorious at twenty-one of the thirty-four events in the Canadian series, giving him an impressive winning score of 62%. Unbeatable in Canada since the 2010 Rallye Défi, the Rockstar Royal Group team does not need to finish higher than tenth place at the Pacific Forest Rally to once again have their names engraved on the Canadian Rally Championship trophy for 2011. « Many of our fans are encouraging us to continue our winning streak and go for the victory at the Pacific Forest Rally this weekend. But, sometimes we have to make choices and this time, our priority is to get enough points to secure another Canadian title » explains Antoine L'Estage, who adds : « naturally, if circumstances play in our favour and present the opportunity to win this rally, it’ll be hard to just sit back and not go for it.
Weather conditions often play a big role in this event, located in and around the town of Merritt, British Columbia, a few hours northeast of Vancouver. « It is not rare for us to compete on gravel roads in the flatter areas and then find ourselves in a foot of snow in the higher altitude competitive stages » confides Antoine. « It has already happened in the past but our team has always been prepared for this and with our Yokohama tires, we didn’t have any problems.
The Rockstar Royal Group team has been driving a Mitsubishi in the Canadian, North American, and Rally America championships since 2009. Each season, Antoine L'Estage and Nathalie Richard contest between ten and twelve performance rally events on both sides of the border and each time, they are one of the favoured to win.
Antoine L’Estage holds four North American championship titles (2007, 2008, 2010 and 2011), three Canadian titles (2006, 2007 and 2010), one American title (2010), and thirty-one overall victories in Canada and the US. Nathalie Richard holds six overall national championship titles (3 in Canada and 3 in the USA), as well as thirty-seven overall rally wins on both sides of the border. She is also a seven-time North American Co-Driving Champion (2004 – 2011, excluding 2006).
Antoine L’Estage and Nathalie Richard participate in the 2011 Rally America and Canadian Rally Championships with the support of Rockstar Energy Drink, Royal Group, Yokohama Tires, Mitsubishi Canada, Drenth Motorsport Gearboxes, Garrett Turbos, Énergie Cardio, Libra Racing, Driver's Edge Autosport (OMP), VP Racing Fuels, Exe-Tc Suspensions, Seibon Carbon and Hawk Performance Brake Pads. For more information on the team or on rallying in general, visit www.antoinelestage.com .
Source : Coyote Rallye Media Services, (514) 825 - 4332
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