Just got off the phone with Flamboro Speedway's John Casale who is looking forward to hosting Frost Fest at the Hamilton-area oval on Saturday afternoon (October 29). The Pit Gates for the event featuring the Mini Stocks and Thunder Cars open at noon, the grandstands open at 2 p.m. and racing starts at 3 p.m.
The weather looks chilly but dry as of now, although there is a raindate on Sunday (same times).
This is likely your last chance to see stock car racing this year, so take advantage of it while you can!
Have a great weekend everyone.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Matt Billings 2011 Season in Review; A Pair of Home Track Wins Tops Season Highlights and Finishes Third in BOS Point Standings
By Craig Revelle - Finish Line Web Design
Photo courtesy of Tyler Lambert
The sophomore season for Matt Billings in the 358 Modified division was a good one for the 18 year old Brockville, Ontario racer. Matt had a successful season with three feature wins, 20 top five finishes, 28 top ten finishes in 39 events this season. Two of those victories came at his home town track, Brockville Speedway, and the other was at Chapman’s Can Am Motorsports Park late in the season.
Billings started 2011 by graduating from the Race 101 Program in North Carolina in January. Matt was able to apply a lot of what he learned at the Race 101 program in marketing and communications, and soon bolstered the team’s sponsorship for 2011. He brought in companies like Carquest and Hansler Smith Limited to the team, and excitement was high going into the new season.
On the track, the season got started at Merrittville Speedway in late April. This was Matt’s first ever appearance at the track, and he scored a 15th place finish. More importantly, he gained some valuable experience, as he would be back there once again for a Mr. DIRTcar 358 Modified Series race. Billings raced the first month of the season at Chapman’s Can Am Motorsports Park, and posted three top ten finishes in the first four races, including a second place run.
In May, Billings continued to race at Can Am, and also raced at Brockville Ontario Speedway. At Brockville, Billings got off to a great start, posting top ten finishes throughout the first two months of the season. In fact, his worst finish through mid July was a sixth. In that stretch, Billings also posted his first win of the year at Brockville on July 9th. Billings had still been racing Can Am weekly up to mid July, but with a lack of cars in the pits, Billings and his team made the difficult decision to stop going to Can Am, and they decided to travel to Mohawk Raceway on Friday nights for the rest of the season.
Billings continued to run well at Brockville, and posted another win on the final points night of the season on September 3rd. He also won on a return visit to Can Am that same weekend. Later in the month, Billings ran a Sprint Car at Can Am with the Empire Super Sprint, and while he qualified into the show, a hard crash down the backstretch resulted in heavy damage to the sprint after a violent rollover.
At the end of September, the team’s focus shifted from the weekly short track, as the team prepared for Syracuse. Billings finished in the top 10 in 2010 in the 358 Modified Nationwide 150, coming off a win in 2009 while running in the Sportsman division. This year, Billings was able to improve on his 10th place finish from last year, and ended the race in 9th. He ended the 2011 season with an eighth place finish in the season finale at Brockville in the DIRTcar Northeast Fall Nationals Mr DIRTcar 358 Modified Series race.
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 support during the 2011 season. 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.
For more information on Matt Billings and the Billings Racing Team, please visit our website, www.mattbillings74.com.Photo courtesy of Tyler Lambert
Team Summit Trip to visit U.S. Troops in Germany
TALLMADGE, OHIO—Team Summit stars Greg Anderson (NHRA Pro Stock), Jason Line (NHRA Pro Stock), Rickie Jones (ADRL Pro Nitrous), and Dan Runte (Summit Racing/BIGFOOT Monster Truck) will be bringing a bit of home to American troops overseas as part of the Armed Forces Entertainment-sponsored trip to Germany this November.
Team Summit drivers Jason Line (far left), Dan Runte (blue shirt, kneeling), and Rickie Jones (Summit shirt, kneeling) visiting with Air Force personnel at Ramstein AFB, Germany, in 2010.
The trip marks the seventh consecutive year NHRA pro-class racers have visited troops overseas. This is the first visit for Greg Anderson; Jason Line, Rickie Jones, and Dan Runte made the trip in 2010.
Team Summit will be based at Ramstein Air Base, spending three days visiting with military personnel as well as wounded troops at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center and the Wounded Warrior Center. The 86th Services Squadron will host the drivers and provide transportation and logistics support during the visit. Major (retired) Dieter Protsch and Sfc (Retired) Wayne Reed of the Army Special Forces Association Chapter 64 (Carlisle, PA) will accompany the team as tour coordinators.
DHL Express USA has again donated their international express shipping service to deliver approximately five pallets’ worth of T-shirts, ball caps, banners, decals, Spike TV Powerblock DVDs, and other items to Ramstein, Germany. Team Summit racers will be handing out these goodies to service personnel during the trip. This marks the second year DHL Express has contributed to the cause.
“You Feel Like You’ve Done Something Good”
“I’m excited to be going back to Germany, and especially excited that Greg is going with us this year,” said Jason Line, driver of one of KB Racing’s Pontiac GXP Pro Stockers. “This will be my third time, and it’s just a great trip—you feel like you’ve done something good. Those people are doing good every day just doing their jobs, and if we’re able to bring them a little slice of home to show our appreciation for what they do, it is well worth the time. After all, they are the ones who allow us to have the freedoms we enjoy every day, so this is the very least we can do for them.”
Rickie Jones, who pilots a 1969 Camaro in ADRL Pro Nitrous and NHRA Pro Modified competition, echoed Line’s sentiments. “This will be my second year traveling overseas with Team Summit. It is truly an honor to meet and visit with the men and women that have sacrificed so much for our nation. The joy that we can bring by simply expressing our appreciation for their dedication and service is amazing. It is a true honor to be a part of this.”
“It’s Important to Go”
Four-time NHRA Pro Stock champion Greg Anderson heard all about the visits from teammate Jason Line and committed to go this year.
“Jason has gone the last couple years, and each time he returned from the trip he would tell me what a tremendous experience it was and what a great time he
had,” said Anderson. “I’m glad to have the chance to join him this year. These people sacrifice so much to allow us to enjoy our freedom. I think it’s important to go and spend some time with them and show our appreciation. It’s going to be a great deal for me personally, and I can’t wait to get over there.”
Summit Racing/BIGFOOT Monster Truck driver Dan Runte said, “Our troops spend so much time away from their families and friends protecting all of us at home. Anything we can do to show them that we appreciate their sacrifice is time and effort well spent. They’re a big reason why we enjoy our freedoms as Americans.”
Committed to Supporting Our Troops
“Summit Racing is honored to once again have the opportunity to be a part of this trip and show continued support of our troops,“ explained Jim Greenleaf, Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports and Events Manager. “It was an eye-opening experience to see the men and women of our military in action when we visited last year, and were touched by just how much they appreciated our visit. We are looking forward to returning to Ramstein AFB, and visiting additional bases this year. Thanks go to Armed Forces Entertainment, Army Special Forces Association Chapter 64, and Wayne and Dieter for allowing us the honor of visiting the troops.”
Team Summit racers will be blogging during the trip. The blogs and photos will be posted on www.SummitRacing.com and www.NHRA.com .
About Armed Forces Entertainment
As the official Department of Defense agency for providing entertainment to U.S. military personnel overseas, Armed Forces Entertainment and its performers have the honor of supporting soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines by bringing them the very best in American entertainment. Armed Forces Entertainment hosts more than 1,200 shows around the world each year, reaching more than 500,000 personnel at 270 military installations. From muddy makeshift stages to show-stopping extravaganzas, the performances bring a piece of home to those stationed far away from home. Learn more at www.armedforcesenterainment.com
About DHL Express USA
DHL is the global market leader in the logistics industry and “The Logistics Company for the World”. DHL commits its expertise in international express, air and ocean freight, road and rail transportation, contract logistics and international mail services to its customers. A global network composed of more than 220 countries and territories and about 275,000 employees worldwide offers customers superior service quality and local knowledge to satisfy their supply chain requirements. DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL. For more information go to www.dhl-usa.com
About Summit Racing Equipment
Established in 1968, Summit Racing Equipment is the leading high performance parts and accessories company. Summit Racing offers the largest selection, lowest prices, and best customer service in the high performance industry via catalogs, Internet, and Retail Super Stores. The company is headquartered in Tallmadge, Ohio with retail locations in Tallmadge, Ohio; Sparks, Nevada; and McDonough, Georgia.
Team Summit Racing-Armed Forces Entertainment
Germany Trip Itinerary
Ramstein Air Force Base
Ramstein is the largest U.S. Air Force base in Europe. Most of the units Team Summit will be visiting are located in and around the base.
Sunday, November 20
• Flight into Frankfurt, check-in at Kaiserslautern Military Community
The KMC is the largest U.S. military community outside of the United States,
housing over 50,000 military and civilian personnel supporting Ramstein AFB
and surrounding U.S. military facilities.
Monday, November 21
• Visit to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center
Landstuhl is where severely wounded troops from active theaters are evacuated
for treatment and preparation for transfer to hospitals in the United States.
• Visit/Autograph Session at the USO Wounded Warrior Center
This is a recreational center reserved for the wounded soldiers at Landstuhl.
• Visit to the Contingency Aero Medical Staging Facility (CASF)
CASF is the section of Ramstein AFB that receives wounded troops coming
from active theaters and readies them for flights back to the United States.
Tuesday, November 22
• Visit to Spangdahlem Air Force Base
Wednesday, November 23
• Visit/Autograph Session at 86th Services Squadron Auto Skills Center
Also known as the Auto Hobby Shop. Personnel can work on their personal
vehicles here, or have them serviced at the fully equipped repair shop.
• Visit to 21st Operational Weather Squadron, Sembach Annex
The 21st provides weather support for all US Air Force and Army forces in the
European Command. Commonly referred to as USAFE Operational
Weather Squadron.
• Autograph Session Kaiserslautern Military Community Center (KMCC) BX/PX
Located in the Kaiserslutern Military Community, the KMCC is the largest
U.S. military shopping center in Europe.
• Visit/Autograph Session at Ramstein PAX Terminal
The area where all personnel come into or leave Ramstein AFB
Thursday, October 27, 2011
SUMMIT RACING PRO MOD TEAM HEADS TO VEGAS FOR FINAL NHRA EVENT OF 2011 SEASON
Grande Pointe, Manitoba – What has been a whirlwind 2011 season for the Summit Racing Equipment Pro Mod team of Kenny Lang will come to a conclusion this weekend at the NHRA Big O Tires Nationals in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Currently sitting fourth in the Get Screened America Pro Mod Series standings, the Summit Racing Equipment team is looking for a strong showing to finish off the 2011 campaign. “We had a good outing last weekend at the ADRL event in Texas and we hope that we can carry those 1/8th mile numbers over to our quarter mile tune up for this weekend.” said Lang.
In fact, the team has had a lot of recent success, having won Best Engineered honors at the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals last month in Concord, North Carolina, along with their number two qualifying effort and semi-final finish at the LenMar Motorsports ADRL World Finals VII presented by Summit Racing Equipment in Ennis, Texas just one week ago.
With a strong showing this weekend the Summit Racing Equipment Pro Mod team can boost themselves as high as third place in the championship points standings and ensure a second straight season finishing in the top ten amongst points earners.
Kenny Lang Racing would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the fans and businesses that have supported them throughout the 2011 season.
For more information about Summit Racing Equipment visit www.summitracing.com
ABOUT KENNY LANG RACING
A two-time and back to back IHRA Pro Mod world champion in 2008 and 2009, as well as the winner of the first NHRA Get Screened America Pro Mod series event in 2010, Kenny Lang is one of the most respected and competitive drivers in the sport today.
Representing Summit Racing Equipment for the 2011 season, Lang has once again shown his teams competitiveness, currently holding the fourth place points position in the NHRA GSA Pro Mod series.
Kenny Lang Racing is proudly supported by Summit Racing Equipment, Wallace Automotive Group, VP Racing Fuels, Hoosier, Castrol, Miller Electric, Hussey Copper and NGK Spark Plugs.
For more information on the team visit www.kennylangracing.com
UPS Extends NASCAR Partnership; Shifts To Associate Sponsor With Roush Fenway Racing
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Oct. 27, 2011) – NASCAR and UPS have signed a multi-year agreement for UPS to remain the sport’s Official Logistics Partner, providing critical pick-up and delivery services for race teams, vendors and suppliers at every NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event throughout the season.
In addition to its official partnership, UPS will continue its relationship with Roush Fenway Racing as a full-season associate sponsor of Roush Fenway Racing’s No. 99 Ford, driven by Carl Edwards.
The decision to continue with NASCAR in an official capacity for a 13th season and Roush Fenway Racing as a sponsor for a fourth season was driven by the positive growth UPS has enjoyed through its direct involvement in the sport.
“We are pleased that UPS will continue as a partner in our sport at multiple levels,” said Jim O’Connell, NASCAR chief sales officer. “NASCAR works for business because our fans are among the most brand loyal in all of sports. UPS is a world-class company and one that we are proud to call our partner.”
“UPS has enjoyed a great relationship with NASCAR and our official status allows us to continue providing logistics solutions for other great NASCAR partners both at and away from the race track,” said Ron Rogowski, UPS vice president, sponsorships and events. “The shift in our program was a strategic business decision that allows us to focus on the elements that drive the best return on our investment, including continuing our relationship with Roush Fenway Racing.”
UPS also will continue its successful customer and employee hospitality activations at select events throughout the year in addition to serving as primary sponsor on the No. 99 Ford at Kentucky Speedway.
“We are always evaluating ways to refine and enhance all of our sponsorship programs to ensure they are aligned with our business strategy and objectives,” continued Rogowski. “While we’re making some changes to our racing program in 2012, we are confident UPS’s ongoing association with NASCAR and Roush Fenway Racing will continue to present new and meaningful opportunities for UPS, our customers and employees.”
The 2012 racing season will mark UPS’s 12th consecutive year of team sponsorship in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, the sport’s premier division. UPS’s first sponsored driver was racing legend Dale Jarrett, who retired in 2008 after 668 races. Since 2009, David Ragan of Unadilla, Ga., has piloted the No. 6 UPS Ford Fusion as part of the Roush Fenway Racing team.
“We are very pleased that UPS will continue to partner with Roush Fenway Racing,” said Roush Fenway President Steve Newmark. “UPS is one of the most recognized and respected brands in the world and we have enjoyed a strong relationship for many years. Although they are restructuring their commitment, it speaks volumes that an organization of UPS’s caliber has chosen to stay a part of our partnership roster and that they recognize that Roush Fenway will continue to deliver a great return on their marketing investment.”
About NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for one of North America's premier sports. NASCAR races are broadcast in more than 150 countries and in 20 languages. In the U.S., races are broadcast on FOX, TNT, ABC/ESPN/ESPN2, SPEED and SiriusXM Satellite Radio. NASCAR fans are among the most brand loyal in all of sports, and as a result more Fortune 100 companies participate in NASCAR than any other sport. NASCAR consists of three national series (the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series, and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series), four regional series, and one local grassroots series, as well as two international series. Also part of NASCAR is GRAND-AM Road Racing, known for its competition on road courses with multiple classes of cars. NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races at 100 tracks in more than 30 U.S. states, Canada and Mexico. Based in Daytona Beach, Fla., NASCAR has offices in eight cities across North America. The next NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, at Martinsville Speedway, is the seventh in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup and will air Oct. 30th on ESPN at 2:00 p.m. ET. For more information and a complete schedule, visit www.nascar.com. Follow NASCAR on www.facebook.com/NASCAR or on Twitter: @NASCAR.
About UPS
UPS (NYSE:UPS) is a global leader in logistics, offering a broad range of solutions including the transportation of packages and freight; the facilitation of international trade, and the deployment of advanced technology to more efficiently manage the world of business. Headquartered in Atlanta, UPS serves more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. The company can be found on the Web at UPS.com and its corporate blog can be found at blog.ups.com. To get UPS news direct, visit pressroom.ups.com/RSS. For more information about UPS Racing, go to www.ups.com/racing .
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
NASCAR: Reed Sorenson in the MacDonald Motorsports #82 for the rest of 2011
MOORESVILLE, NC - MacDonald Motorsports is proud to announce that Reed Sorenson will remain in the No. 82 Dodge Challenger for the final 3 races of the NASCAR Nationwide Series season. After leaving Turner Motorsports three weeks ago, Sorenson joined MacDonald Motorsports at Kansas and also the following week at Charlotte. The team however is seeking out more sponsorship to help finish off the season.
“I’m really happy to have Reed in the No. 82 for the final 3 races,” explained Randy MacDonald. “He’s a great racer and I want to try and help him finish the season out. If we can get some more sponsorship on the car for these last few races it would be a big help though.”
Following Reed’s arrival at MacDonald Motorsports 3 weeks ago, the media was buzzing in his garage stall. A top-5 driver in points changing teams with 5 races remaining in the season in virtually unheard of. MacDonald Motorsports jumped at the chance of having a top driver in their car and helping Reed finish of his season on the right foot.
Two weeks ago at NASCAR’s home track in Charlotte, NC, Sorenson drove the Crusader Staffing/THINK PINK No. 82 Dodge. The car was very quick in practice and he finished the final session 11th on the board out of 50 cars. Sorenson followed that up by earning the team their best starting position of the season with a 15th place qualifying result. He was strong in the race as well, running much of the time inside the top-15.
Reed has had a stellar season thus far with 1 win, 7 top-5’s, and 18 top-10s. He currently sits 5th in the 2011 NASCAR Nationwide Series standings. Over his 8 year career in NASCAR, Sorenson has racked up 5 Sprint Cup Series top-5’s, 4 Nationwide Series wins, and 38 Nationwide Series top-5 finishes.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available for Sorenson and the MacDonald Motorsports No. 82 for the final three races of the year. The next event takes place November 5th at Texas Motor Speedway while the following two take place in Phoenix, AZ and Homestead, FL. Interested parties can contact MacDonald Motorsports at any time for more information.
About MacDonald Motorsports: The MacDonald family name has been in the racing circles since owner, Randy MacDonald, started his own driving career in the 1980’s. The provisions made by Randy’s father, Merril “Doc” MacDonald, and mother Pat helped Randy start racing professionally and establish his own company. Randy’s father Doc helped him create business relationships and carry out other important functions of the team until finishing his own race in March of 2007. Despite his death, Doc’s impact on the team will not end, as MacDonald Motorsports continues on in his honor and memory.
CONTACT: Shawn Meekhof (616) 430-0537 // shawn.meekhof@gmail.com // www.mms81.com
AIM Autosport and FXDD Join Forces for GRAND-AM Rolex Series Campaign with 2010 Champions Emil Assentato and Jeff Segal in new Ferrari 458 Italia GT Grand Am
Woodbridge, Ont. (October 26, 2011) — Winning GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series team AIM Autosport has joined forces with FXDD and 2010 GT Champions Emil Assentato and Jeff Segal to form AIM Autosport Team FXDD for a season-long campaign in pursuit of the 2012 Rolex Series GT Championship in a new factory-built Ferrari 458 Italia GT Grand Am.
Assentato and Segal will co-drive the new Ferrari in their fifth full season as teammates but their first in a Ferrari and with AIM. The AIM Autosport Team FXDD collaboration brings together two multi-race winning GRAND-AM Rolex Series efforts—AIM in Daytona Prototype competition and FXDD in GT since 2008—as the first effort to officially announce a 2012 program in a new Ferrari 458 Italia GT Grand Am.
AIM Autosport Team FXDD will make its on-track debut in its new car at Fiorano, in Maranello, Italy—the official Ferrari test track—next Tuesday, November 1. Team personnel are presently in Italy at the Michelotto facility in Padua where the new AIM Autosport Team FXDD Ferrari 458 Italia is in its final stages of assembly and preparation.
AIM Autosport Team FXDD's official GRAND-AM Rolex Series debut is scheduled for December's final test of the year at Daytona International Speedway. The team will run its debut race in the 50th Anniversary Rolex 24 At Daytona, January 26–29, in addition to the entire 2012 season schedule. The full driver lineup for the Rolex 24 at Daytona will be announced shortly.
The new Ferrari program with AIM is the latest initiative by FXDD in what has been a successful international motorsports partnership program over the last several years. In addition to winning five career GT races to date and the 2010 GRAND-AM Rolex Series GT Driver and Team Championships with Assentato and Segal, FXDD has also been a partner of the two-time reigning World Champion Red Bull Racing Formula One Team. Additional AIM Autosport Team FXDD sponsor and technical partners will be announced in the coming weeks.
"FXDD is excited to announce our title sponsorship of AIM Autosport Team FXDD and our commitment to the Ferrari 458 Italia GT Grand Am racing program in the Rolex Sports Car Series," said John Corbett, FXDD Director of Marketing. "We are very proud to partner with a team that exemplifies the precision and dedication we provide to our clients every day."
The AIM team began as a successful collaboration between Andrew Bordin, Ian Willis and Keith Willis and made headlines in the 2008 GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series season when drivers Brian Frisselle and Mark Wilkins scored back-to-back Daytona Prototype race wins at Watkins Glen and Montreal. The Canadian victory remains the closest finish in GRAND-AM Daytona Prototype history.
"I'm invigorated by this program," said Bordin, AIM Autosport Sporting Director and Team Principal. "I have been a Ferrari fan since I was little and it's tremendously exciting to now be involved with a Ferrari racing program."
Ian Willis is among the team personnel currently working in Italy at Michelotto.
"I have been involved in racing all my life and one name personifies racing cars no like other: Ferrari," said Willis, AIM Autosport Race Engineer and Team Principal "As a boy growing up, I watched Ferrari Formula 1, Can-Am and sports cars at Mosport, so to be campaigning a Ferrari in the 50th anniversary of the Rolex 24, and chasing the 2012 Rolex Series GT championship, is like a dream come true. The Rolex Series GT championship is fiercely contested with many different teams and cars all capable of winning. I can't wait to get started!"
The 458 Italia GT Grand Am is the product of a two-year project to have Ferrari produce a race car specifically for the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series. The new 458 Italia was built in Italy by Ferrari and Michelotto specifically with GRAND-AM racing in mind.
"The big significance for this car is that it was conceived and produced by Ferrari and built specifically for the Rolex Series," said GRAND-AM Managing Director of Competition Mark Raffauf during the initial test run for a Ferrrari 458 Italia at Daytona this past summer. "This car comes here straight from Maranello, Italy, right from Ferrari, and it's also significant that this is really a GRAND-AM car."
photo: AIM Autosport Team FXDD's Ferrari 458 Italia GT Grand Am in final assembly at Ferrari's Michelotto facility.
http://www.aimautosport.com/news/stories/2011/images/20111026_Michelotto.jpg
FXDD (www.fxdd.com), a Foreign Exchange Dealer registered with the CFTC and a member of the National Futures Association, is headquartered in New York Cityʼs No. 7 World Trade Center. The company is a leader in online Forex trading dedicated to providing superior customer service, powerful trading technology, and reliable streaming liquidity. Providing services to individual and institutional traders, hedge funds, commercial entities, brokerage firms and money managers around the world, FXDD offers 24-hour Forex trading by way of its trading platforms, which include: MetaTrader, FXDDTrader, PowerTrader and FXDDAuto. Providing 50:1 leverage in the U.S., as well as competitive bid-to-ask spreads, FXDD's services currently provide competitive interbank pricing, no-interest accounts and fully-automated execution.
AIM Autosport
AIM Autosport is a professional motorsports team active in highly-competitive sports car and open-wheel racing series in North America. AIM has achieved success in every category it has entered through its operating efficiency, engineering skill, experience, dedication and stability of workforce. The team's top-tier program is a Ferrari 458 Italia GT Grand-Am driven by Jeff Segal and Emil Assentato. In 2012 this car is entered in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series including the 50th anniversary running of the Rolex 24 at Daytona.
Since its launch in 1995, AIM has built a winning heritage by fielding competitive cars for talented young drivers in junior development categories. That continues with multi-car teams in the Road to Indy® professional driver development ladder where AIM is a perennial pacesetter in the Star Mazda series. For more information, visit aimautosport.com or facebook.com/AIMautosport.
International Motorsports: Rémy Audette, Only Quebec Driver Crowned 2011 US Champion!
Mirabel (Qu̩bec), October 26, 2011.РAmong the multiple international motorsports series, only one saw a Quebec driver win the 2011 American title. R̩my Audette won the F2000 Championship Series after an impressive season including five victories, ten podiums, and six pole positions.
« It was a dream season; from the first to the last race we never stopped battling for the victory, and never had any issues » declares the Audette Racing driver, « my Dimensions Doors / Novatech Van Diemen car was competitive and reliable from one end of the season to the other. We haven’t had a single mechanical issues and I finished all fourteen of the season’s races in the Top 7. The consistency at the head of the pack was the key to our success » he adds.
Fourteen races held over seven weekends, made up the 2011 F2000 Championship Series, which was won by Rémy Audette just ten days ago. The season was kicked off in Virginia and ended at the Watkins Glen track in the state of New York. « We knew our objective and we always worked towards it. I’d like to particularly thank the Audette Racing Team, our engineer Andrew, our mechanics, and of course my father François, who has always been very involved in this racing program. It’s thanks to him that we got to where we are ».
Only once in this season’s seven doubleheaders Rémy Audette was not ale to finish on the podium. It marked the only real setback, as he explains in his 2011 season resume : « each race was enjoyable. The victory in Virginia started the season off well, followed by the podium at Road Atlanta, a circuit that I was just learning. The turning point of the season was at Watkins Glen at the beginning of June. It’s a track that I never really loved in the past but we won both races, which put me in the lead of the championship by a fairly significant margin ».
Rémy Audette and his team’s 2011 season continued in July : « at Mid-Ohio, I only got a “Top 5”. It’s the only event at which I was not on the podium in at least one of the two races. But this disappointment was quickly forgotten three weeks later with a victory in front of our fans at Mosport. It was the only race in Canada and it was at a great time of the season, even though I was hit during the start » explains Rémy, who adds : « at Lime Rock in mid-September, I dominated the entire weekend and it’s after that that the title really became within reach. Finally, the two new podiums at Watkins Glen allowed me to clinch that title ».
In the 14 races in 2011, Rémy Audette finished all of them, including 13 times in the “Top 5”. He earned 5 victories, 6 pole positions, and 10 podiums. Including the partial seasons contested prior to 2011, Rémy Audette has a total of 40 starts, 39 finishes, 35 “Top 5”, 37 "Top 10" and one abandon. He has not finishes outside of the “Top 10” in the F2000 Championship Series since 2009.
The 2012 Goals...
The Audette Racing Team will return to the F2000 Championship Series in 2012, but only for a few races. Rémy Audette plans to work towards a limited program with his brother Mathieu in the Grand-Am Series. « The goal is to progressively climb towards Grand-Am. We’d start with a few races in 2012 before aiming for a more complete schedule in 2013 or 2014 » he confides.
North American Formula 2000 was the Audette Racing Team’s primary goal for this year, with Rémy Audette behind the wheel. Mathieu Audette also contested select rounds of the Canadian Touring Car Championship during the summer with his Acura RSX Type-S, earning one victory and three podiums.
The Audette Racing Team benefits form the support of Dimensions Doors, Novatech, Acura Plus Blainville, Les Extrusions du Nord, Verre Select, Jeld Wen, OPM, Amusements Spectaculaire, Les Moulures PFJV, Gulf, Blueprint Racing, Mec-Inov and Omnitech.
DIRT RACERS GILBERT, GAYLORD & DEMARTINO SELECTED FOR TALENT SEARCH
SACRAMENTO, California - Star Racing Supply recently announced a sponsorship program to provide up to 18 young drivers $6,000 to $18,000 each for the 2012 racing season. Working in alliance with Ron Sutton's Winner's Circle, 40 talented young drivers from across the United States and Canada will be selected to participate in the extensive, three day driver try outs known as "The Shoot-Out."
Matt Gilbert, age 20, from Kansas, 16 year old Tripp Gaylord from Colorado and Derek Demartino, 20, from New Mexico are each talented dirt racers chosen to compete in this years RSWC talent search. Many successful Stock Car racers today, honed their skills driving dirt before moving to asphalt.
The Shoot-Out event, where drivers test in pavement USAC or NASCAR Race cars, is focused on finding top talented, young drivers to be developed towards Professional Stock Car careers with RSWC. Selected drivers joining the RSWC development program will be groomed, coached, trained and raced in USAC and NASCAR oval track series. Drivers, as young as 12 years of age, can start in the USAC Young Guns Midget series, featuring race cars as fast Late Model Stock cars. Older RSWC drivers race in higher level, faster cars in USAC and NASCAR sanctioned racing series.
Ron Sutton's Winner's Circle is known in racing circles as the largest, and most comprehensive, Driver Career Development Program focused on oval track racing. RSWC has coordinated a Talent Combine in North Carolina with four top RSWC drivers testing with Cup Teams, an individual RSWC driver testing and signing with an official Cup Development Team in ARCA and guided a female RSWC driver successfully into the fully funded NASCAR Drive for Diversity program and now into NASCAR's K&N Pro Series.
Derek Demartino stated, "I was very excited to hear that I had been selected for the shoot-out. All my experience has finally paid off. I'm really looking forward to this experience." Matt Gilbert, two-time Champion in the Midwest Outlaw Lightning Sprint series, said, "I must say I am incredibly excited about testing for RSWC."
Youngster Tripp Gaylord, who started racing dirt stock cars and modifieds at only 14, commented, "I am very happy and honored to be selected for the Shoot-Out. There are many young talented drivers that applied and I was selected. Thanks to everyone that has helped me, but most of all, thank you to RSWC."
Ron Sutton's Winner's Circle has developed many young racers to successfully make the transition from dirt track racing to winning pavement races in full size cars in USAC and NASCAR Oval Track series, including Daniel Adler, Jessica Clark, Austin Farley, Trevor Hunt, Nik Romano, Eli Schrock, Porter Smith, Keegan Walmer and more.
Ron Sutton said, "These young drivers have exhibited their racing talents in dirt racing which is one of the best ways for young drivers to learn car control. We are eager to see them ... and the other drivers in this year's Shoot-Out ... show us their driving talent, skills & coachability so we may assess their overall potential to be developed to professional Stock Car careers."
The RSWC program consists of 12 driver coaches, 26 classroom training topics, 30 On-Track-Training programs, well known trainers and six racing organizations fielding 30 race teams, all dedicated to develop talented drivers to professional Stock Car racing. The teams are a balance of Open Wheel, Stock Car and Road Racing to develop highly versatile and accomplished winning drivers.
Families of young, winning drivers, ages 11 to 20, are encouraged to get detailed information from the web-site and submit their resume before the newly extended November 15th, 2011 deadline. The web-site is www.Winners-Circle-Racing.com
NPP RACING MOTORSPORTS RELEASE (off-season).......
EDMONTON, AB - The month of October has not been kind for two Northern Provincial Pipelines Late Model Series competitors. Both Kevin Wheeler and Jason Beaulieu are nursing cracked and broken bones in separate off-season motocross incidents in their home provinces. Wheeler crashed hard at an Alberta Oldtimers Motocross Association event on the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend. Two weeks later Beaulieu went down at a motocross track near his Campbell River, British Columbia home. "My entire side is still bruised," says Wheeler from his home in Whitecourt, Alberta, "I also cracked a couple of ribs." After a second and third place finish in the first two races at the Antler Lake track near Sherwood Park, Alberta, Wheeler went down the third race of the day. The driver of the #3 KW Mechanical Dodge is known to have a pretty good sense of humor. Wheeler however was not laughing in the days following the crash. "It hurt to laugh, it hurt to sneeze. I'm still pretty sore right now. My hip is not as bad but my ribs still hurt." Wheeler joked about his future as a motocross racer. "You probably won't see me competing at any more motocross events...... but never say never."
WHEELER AND BEAULIEU ARE BATTERED AND BRUISED
Jason Beaulieu meanwhile shattered his left wrist in a wicked motocross crash on October 15th. "I just got back into riding (non-competitive) about 7 months ago to keep in shape," indicates the 2007 NPP Series Champion, "I gave it up 10 years ago after a bad crash. It was nasty. I broke my ankle, broke several ribs, tore my ACL and bruised my kidney." Beaulieu and his soon to be son-in-law (Colton Mclean) were riding at the Campbell River Motorcross track. "We basically were playing follow the leader. He led and I followed. I did keep pace with him for two laps," laughs Beaulieu, "but I quickly found out why he's a pro and I'm not." Beaulieu was tossed off his bike after a hard landing. Ironically this crash was exactly ten years to the day of his last big motocross crash. "I knew something broke. I got my helmet off, scraped the sand out of my eyes and all I saw were bones coming through my wrist." Beaulieu underwent surgery less than 24 hours after the crash. "I had pin's in my wrist and a cast up to my shoulder when I woke up." Beaulieu planned on racing his open wheel modified at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Duel In The Desert event next month. "The cast comes off in three weeks. I still plan on being at this race. If I don't feel up to it, the backup plan is my son Chris will race." The 14th annual Duel in The Desert features over 200 IMCA Modified competitors from all over North America.
Northern Provincial Pipelines Ltd., based in Edson, Alberta, is title sponsor of the NPP Late Model Series which brings big league racing to motorsports fans in Western Canada.
Inside Track TV - George Wilson OSCAAR at Autumn Colours Classic (Oct. 2011)
In this episode of Inside Track TV, OSCAAR Outlaw Super Late Model racer George Wilson talks with host Spencer Lewis about his season and the distances he hauls to race in southern Ontario. Wilson hails from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. This was filmed at the recent Autumn Colours Classic at Peterborough Speedway.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Danny O’Brien Season in Review; 10th Brockville Speedway Championship and Ten Feature Wins Highlight Stellar Season
By Craig Revelle - Finish Line Web Design
When the 2011 racing season got underway, Danny O’Brien set his goals to win a 10th Brockville Ontario Speedway track championship, and contend for the 2011 Mr. DIRTcar championship. O’Brien just came off a streak of four consecutive track titles, and after missing out in 2010, he was back looking to regain the title in 2011.
Danny O’Brien got the 2011 season off to a flying start, scoring top five finishes in his first four events of the season, including a win in a rare appearance at Merrittville Speedway back in April. The schedule in May was a little light due to the number of rainouts, but June was another good month as Danny posted wins at Cornwall and Brockville in his Kendrick Racing car, and also won a feature at Can Am in a car normally piloted by Mike Adderley car.
The month of July got off to a nearly perfect start as O’Brien won feature events at both Can Am and Brockville, and then nearly won a Mr. DIRTcar 358 race at Cornwall during the same weekend. He finished that race in second place, establishing himself as a contender for the Mr. DIRTcar championship. He went on to pick up two more victories at Brockville to end the month of July.
In August, O’Brien captured another win at Brockville, and two second place finishes to put him at the top of the standings going into the final night of points. O’Brien also posted a win at Mohawk Raceway. In September, O’Brien officially claimed the Brockville championship, and also battled for the top spot in the Mr. DIRTcar standings with finishes of 4th at Autodrome Drummond, and 13th at both Cornwall and Mohawk Raceway. At the end of September, O’Brien found himself at the top of the Mr. DIRTcar standings.
In October, while most other teams are gearing up for Super DIRT Week at the New York State Fairgrounds, O’Brien was looking for sponsorship to cover the additional funding that it takes to race at Syracuse and be competitive. With the Nationwide 150 event now being a points race, the championship wavered on whether O’Brien raced or not. In the end, he did not secure the funding that was necessary, and he came up just a few points short in his bid for his first ever Mr. DIRTcar championship.
O’Brien is currently seeking additional sponsorship for 2012, so if you are looking to be part of a successful race team, with the credentials that Danny and his team have to offer, contact Danny O’Brien at dannyobrien17@hotmail.com.
Danny O’Brien and Kendrick Racing would like to thank 1000 Islands RV Centre, Pat’s Rad, Stover Bus Lines, BOB FM, Ponte Bros. Masonry, Morrison Racing Engines, Bicknell Racing Products, and Integra Racing Shocks for their support during the 2011 racing season.
For more information on Danny O’Brien and the 17D racing team, please visit our website, www.dannyobrien.caLincoln Electric's New POWER MIG® 256
25 October 2011 - POWER MIG® 256 Joins Lincoln Electric's Line of Professional's Choice(SM) Wire Feeder / Welders - Cleveland – Lincoln Electric introduces the POWER MIG® 256 to its line of POWER MIG Professional's ChoiceSM welders, replacing the previous POWER MIG 255XT model. The updated model sets the standard for MIG (GMAW) and flux-cored (FCAW) welding in light industrial job shop fabrication, maintenance applications and repair work.
Features include:
· Lincoln Electric's patented Diamond Core Technology™ delivers a smooth arc
· Voltage output and wire-feed-speed displayed on digital meters
· New Magnum PRO 250L gun and 15 ft. cable
· Convenient Coil Claw™ system for workstation organization
The POWER MIG 256 is rated 250 amps/ 26 volts at 40 percent duty cycle. Its internal MAXTRAC® wire drive features a wire feed speed range of 50-700 ipm (1.3-17.7 m/min). The 208/230V input voltage model includes a 115V auxiliary receptacle for powering grinders, lights and other tools in the work area.
This new POWER MIG model is designed around Lincoln Electric's patented Diamond Core Technology, which delivers a forgiving arc with excellent out-of-position arc stability, low spatter and a wide voltage range at a given wire-feed-speed. During set-up, digital meters display pre-set voltage and wire feed speed. During welding, actual voltage is displayed.
Shipped with a new Magnum PRO 250L gun for mild steel, stainless steel or aluminum welding, this wire welder is spool gun-ready. Users can add a premium Magnum 250LX spool gun for enhanced aluminum feeding performance.
The POWER MIG 256 also comes with a Convenient Coil Claw Cable Management System and a top-mounted gun expendables parts tray to aid workstation organization.
This wire welder is capable of:
· MIG and flux-cored welding applications
· Driving and regulating wire-feed-speed with a MAXTRAC drive system
· Powering tools or lights with a 115V auxiliary receptacle
The welder's MAXTRAC cast aluminum industrial wire drive system features dual-driven rolls for positive traction and regulated wire-feed-speed control. Its patented 100 percent wire supporting split wire guide system ensures optimal wire alignment and brass-to-brass gun connections provide improved electrical contact.
For more information on Lincoln Electric's new POWER MIG 256, call (888) 355-3213 to obtain bulletin E7.55.
The Lincoln Electric Company, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, is the world leader in the design, development and manufacture of arc welding products, robotic arc welding systems, fume control systems, plasma and oxyfuel cutting equipment and has a leading global position in the brazing and soldering alloys market
Canada – Bruce Clark – bruce_clark@lincolnelectric.com - 905-565-5600
INDYCAR: Update on Team Penske Driver Will Power
Team Penske IZOD IndyCar Series driver Will Power underwent further testing in Indianapolis on Monday for a back injury suffered in a multi-car accident during the series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Sunday, Oct. 16.
After experiencing pain in his upper back following the tragic accident that ultimately claimed the life of driver Dan Wheldon, Power was evaluated and released from University Medical Center in Las Vegas on the evening of the crash with no evidence of significant injuries.
On Monday, however, it was determined by series orthopedic specialist Dr. Terry Trammell that Power suffered a compression fracture of his fourth thoracic vertebra in the accident. Dr. Trammell expects Power to recover from the injury with rest and rehabilitation.
Trammell will consult further with Power in the coming days to determine the next steps in his recovery. Power hopes to be able to continue testing the 2012 IndyCar in the coming weeks and he is expected to be fully healed and ready to compete for Verizon Team Penske in the 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series.
From Merrill Cain / Penske Racing
Monday, October 24, 2011
Race Time Radio: Tonight... October 24 through October 27, 2011
Luke Whitteker Season in Review; Race 101 Program Provides Wealth of Knowledge On and Off the Track
By Craig Revelle - Finish Line Web Design
At the end of 2010, Luke Whitteker won a scholarship for the Race 101 Program in North Carolina. During the first few months of 2011, Whitteker traveled once a month to the Charlotte, North Carolina area to attend classes, learning everything about the motorsports industry, from on track skills, chassis set up, shocks, springs and all things technical. He also learned the off track skills needed, such as marketing and communication. Throughout the year, Whitteker also participated in online seminars (webinars), learning even more about the motorsports industry, and all aspects of it.
On the track in 2011, Whitteker posted season high finishes at Cornwall Speedway on July 24th with a second place finish, and at Autodrome Granby on July 22nd with a third place finish. He began his first season at Granby driving for the Clement Henri team, but posted his best finishes after switching back to his own Whitteker Motorsports ride, and finished the season ninth overall at Granby, and was the track’s top rookie driver this year. At Cornwall, Whitteker finished the year sixth overall in track points, and with the last three events of the season falling to rain, Whitteker had lost any chance to make up more ground and move into the top five. Whitteker also started the year running the Mr. DIRTcar 358 Modified championship series, but decided to end their season in late September and opt out of the rest of the series, as Luke wanted to focus his attention on his first year studies at Carleton University, as well as the end of the Race 101 Program.
Over the course of the year, Whitteker Motorsports proudly supported the CHEO Foundation (Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario) in Ottawa, raising money through t-shirt and merchandise sales. Throughout the season, Whitteker donated nearly $1000 to the CHEO Foundation. The team still has t-shirts for sale, and the proceeds will go to the charity.
With the 2011 racing season now over locally, Whitteker will soon travel back to North Carolina to finish up the Race 101 program. During the first week of November, he will participate in class seminars, and will also get an opportunity to turn some laps in a Race 101 prepared pavement Late Model at the famed Hickory Motor Speedway in Hickory, North Carolina.
Currently, all Race 101 students are participating in a social networking contest. Luke is seeking help from everyone to go to the Whitteker Motorsports Facebook page and simply “like” the page. The more votes Luke gets, the better his chances are of winning the contest. At last glance, Luke is leading the contest, which ends very soon. Go to www.facebook.com/whittekermotorsports and click on the “like” button at the top.
Whitteker Motorsports would like to thank all of their sponsors for the support during the 2011 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, Cohen and Lord Insurance 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.
Fowl Mood Racing Year in Review; Canada Day Championship Win at Brighton Speedway Highlights Tumultuous 2011 Season
By Craig Revelle - Finish Line Web Design
It is no secret to anyone who has spent time with the Fowl Mood Racing team this season that it has been a difficult year for the team. There has been a few bright spots along the way, and the team has certainly worked hard, but bad luck has plagued the team on several occasions, more so in the first half of the season. Fowl Mood Racing driver Phil Potts battled back in the second half of the year, and ended the season with two feature wins at Brighton, and finished the year in fifth place in track points at Brighton and third at Can Am.
While many race teams in this area start there season in April, or even May, the Fowl Mood Racing team hit the road and traveled to Florida for some Late Model Racing at East Bay Speedway in February. While the team did not qualify for the events, the learned a great deal, and after getting back home, the found some issues with the car that certainly hurt there chances while racing down south.
Once April and May arrived, the Fowl Mood team was confident that the little bit of racing they did in February would pay off when the season opened at home. However, the team struggled to find their way early. While they did have some good runs in the first few weeks, they had a hard time finding consistency. The team spent hours in the shop trying to get the car dialed in, but the car just wouldn’t respond to the adjustments the team was making. On July 1st, Potts was caught up in crash during the feature at Can Am, completely destroying the front end of the car. The season seemed to turn around for the team after this incident, and after working all night in the shop, the team was able to get their backup car ready for Brighton Speedway, and they went out and won the main event.
“It had been a really tough season up to this point, so this really went a long way to help build up the team morale”, said Potts. “Stu (Archer) and all of the crew had worked hard all season long. I don’t think any other team had put more time in the shop then these guys have and their dedication is greatly appreciated”.
Potts backed up his win on Canada Day Weekend with another one just two weeks later. In fact, the win on July 2nd started a streak of 16 top ten finishes in a row in Crate Late Model competition, including eight top five finishes.
Potts also followed the Ontario Dirt Late Model Series this season. They had four events scheduled, but lost the event at Cornwall due to rain. The team had a top five run going in the series opener at Brighton, but fell victim to mechanical problems and didn’t finish. They finished eighth at South Buxton Speedway in the second round of the series, and improved to sixth at Brockville Speedway.
The 2011 season ends with two wins, 15 top five finishes, 32 top ten finishes in just 37 starts this season. The team fought week in and week out to find consistency, and certainly improved in the second half of the year. The 2012 season will come quickly, and the Fowl Mood Racing team is looking forward to getting back to on the track again.
“I really have to thank Stu and April (Archer) for the opportunity to drive their cars each week”, says Potts. “I also have to thank all the crew that have helped us out over the course of the year. It takes a dedicated crew to do this stuff, and we are very fortunate to have that”.
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.
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