NHRA: NHRA and Summit Racing Equipment extend sponsorship of NHRA Summit Racing Series

GLENDORA, Calif. (Nov. 7, 2011) — NHRA officials announced today that Summit Racing Equipment has signed a multi-year agreement to extend its title sponsorship of the popular NHRA Summit Racing Series.

“We can’t thank Summit Racing Equipment enough for its commitment to and support of the NHRA Summit Racing Series,” said Tom Compton, president, NHRA.  “Summit Racing Equipment’s contribution to helping support the racer community is immeasurable.”

The NHRA Summit Racing Series features a bracket racing format staged at NHRA Member Tracks nationwide that allows drivers in many types of vehicles, including dragsters, roadsters, sedans, and coupes to compete on an equal basis against each other.   In addition to the three categories of competition for cars, a motorcycle category also is featured.  Summit has sponsored the series since the 2000 season.

“The Summit Racing Series and division E.T. Finals were developed to promote and celebrate sportsman racing at local tracks, and provide a platform for those racers to compete for a national championship,” said Jim Greenleaf, motorsports and events manager, Summit Racing Equipment.  “We couldn’t be more excited about renewing this program and continuing our support of sportsman racing for years to come."

NHRA Summit Racing Series racers compete for points and cash awards at a number of qualifying events at 130 NHRA member tracks throughout North America.  Drivers who earn the most points are eligible to compete for individual and team honors at the NHRA Summit Racing Finals in each of NHRA’s seven divisions.  Individual winners receive a division champion trophy and purse along with travel expenses to attend the NHRA Summit Racing Series National Championship held each year at the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series season finale, the Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona (Calif.).  There, they compete for a national championship, $5,000, a national champion trophy, and bragging rights for the year.

Summit Racing Equipment is deeply rooted in NHRA at all levels of the sport.  In addition to the NHRA Summit Racing Series holds title rights  for the SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway in Commerce, Ga., and the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio.  

Summit Racing Equipment also serves as the primary sponsor of newly crowned NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series Pro Stock world champion, Jason Line, and his teammate, Greg Anderson, a four-time NHRA Pro Stock world champion. 

Summit Racing Equipment is the industry leader in the distribution of auto racing parts and equipment through catalogs and the Internet and is headquartered in Tallmadge, Ohio, a short distance from the Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio, the venue for the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals.

From NHRA

Inside Track TV - Limited Late Model racer Chris Mitchell

In this episode of Inside Track TV, host Spencer Lewis chats with Limited Late Model racer Chris Mitchell during the recent Autumn Colours Classic event at Peterborough Speedway. Mitchell went on to win the feature race on Sunday of Autumn Colours.

After watching that one, check out this 14-minute YouTube video... an interview with the tables turned on Spencer Lewis as he discusses his passion for racing.

Kawartha Speedway racer Andy Ford looks for a piece of The Rock

The year’s final checkered flag waved Friday, September 9th but Andy Ford – of Scarborough, Ontario – is about to embark on one of the biggest racing adventures of his career.  The driver of the Ford Brothers Racing #93 Chevrolet in Kawartha Speedway’s Better Carpet Thunder Car division will make a trip to Rockingham, North Carolina to compete in this year’s edition of the $5,000.00 to win Polar Bear 150.

The Saturday, November 26th Street Stock Nationals event at Rockingham Raceway Park is promoted by 9 time ARCA series champion Frank Kimmel and will feature more than 50 starters on the former NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racetrack.  Ford says running the event is like taking a step back in time when drivers barnstormed, travelling to as many different tracks as possible and racing whenever and wherever they could.

“A couple of years ago, we did some shows at Capital City Speedway in Ottawa,” said Ford.  “Last year, we gave-up the final points paying event at Kawartha to run the Kimmel race at Bristol Motor Speedway.  In 2011, we made appearances at Mosport, Sunset and Peterborough and we’ll wrap-up the year at Rockingham.  Going into this event, we’ll take the same goal as we had for Bristol in 2010.  If we can finish anywhere in the top 20 or better, it’ll be as good as a win. They’ll be trying to put as much action as they can into just 2 days and most of us will be in the same boat.  Just having the opportunity to tackle a track with as much history as Rockingham and run about 50 miles an hour faster than we’re used to is a little intimidating.” 

To prepare for the event, a new set of sheet metal is being put on the machine that found its way to Kawartha’s victory lane twice in 2011 and saw the driver finish 4th in track points.  Significant front and rear suspensions upgrades have been made and a full containment seat has been added.  They’re also outfitting the car with a larger fuel cell.  2006 Kawartha track champion Donny Beatty and multi-time race winner Mike Poulton have joined the team to get the car ready and will put in some hours at Dan Ford’s shop in Grafton.  The driver says they’ll be burning the midnight oil to get the car set for the race that’ll be 3 times longer than even the extra distance shows he’s used to running.

“Racing is a contact sport, so it’s pretty easy to get your stuff banged-up and a little rough looking from time to time,” said Ford.  “Our body panels were kind of long in the tooth and needed to be replaced anyway, so upgrading the car before the Rockingham show just seems to be the perfect time.  If everything goes according to plan, we will be able to still have the car in pristine shape once the new season begins at Kawartha.”

Knowing his trip to run the Polar Bear 150 will take a higher level of preparation than a typical Friday night in Fraserville, Andy Ford is thankful to have the backing and support of long-term sponsors MTV Live, J.P. Accounting, Advanced Hydraulics, Herco Lift, EX-LL Welding, Top Side Racing and Clarke Motorsports Communications in his corner.  The team hopes to have their updated ride ready for a Friday, November 18th test session at Kawartha.

Rockingham and Roll:  A freelance television video tape operator by trade, Andy Ford has worked on a variety of projects for CTV, The Comedy Network and MTV Live including Comedy Now, So You Think You Can Dance – Canada and the Winter Olympics.  He is also a former touring and studio guitarist who has played with ‘Nothing in Particular’ and ‘Lucky Stiff’...Fans can keep up with the Polar Bear 150 by visiting www.streetstocknationals.com and by following Andy Ford’s updates on Facebook.

Kawartha Speedway will hand-out 2011 awards at their annual banquet – Saturday, January 14th.  Fans will find the latest off-season news at www.kawarthaspeedway.com.

Photo attachment:  Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications

Andy Ford made it to victory lane twice during Kawartha Speedway’s 2011 season.  The Scarborough, Ontario racer will travel to North Carolina November 26th to compete in the Frank Kimmel Street Stock Nationals.

Prepared by:  Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications

Sports Car Club of BC - November Pit Pass Newsletter

Click on the link below to view the November edition of the Sports Car
Club of BC's Pit Pass E-Newsletter, courtesy of Pete Weedon. Thanks
Pete!
http://www.sccbc.net/pitpass/2011/Nov11pp.pdf

NASCAR Touring Series Most Popular Driver Balloting Remains Open

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Nov. 2, 2011) – While four of the six NASCAR regional touring series have crowned champions, fans still have a final say in who will win the Most Popular Driver Awards, as balloting remains open for all series through Nov. 20.

While balloting is still open for nearly three more weeks, Most Popular Driver voting has already received a record level of participation in 2011 with more than 109,000 votes cast since balloting opened in mid-July.

Fans still have plenty of opportunities to help their favorite driver extend their lead or help them catch up as they can vote once a day, every day through the deadline.

The tightest races are currently in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series and the NASCAR Mexico Series presented by Toyota. Jason White holds a slim lead on champion Scott Steckly and DJ Kennington in Canadian Tire Series balloting, while Ruben Rovelo is just ahead of Jorge Arteaga in the Mexico Series race.

Another race that is up for grabs is in the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour, where Jason Myers and L.W. Miller are neck-and-neck.

Justin Bonsignore has surged to a lead over veterans Mike Stefanik and Ted Christopher in NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour balloting. Christopher has garnered the fan vote in each of the three previous seasons.

The largest fan participation has been in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East where more than 60,000 votes have been cast and Chase Elliott, whose dad Bill won the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Most Popular Driver Award a record 16 times, holds a strong lead on Columbia native Julian Albarracin.

Moses Smith has the third-highest individual vote total among all the touring series and tops the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West ballot as he goes for a fourth straight award.

The balloting is hosted on www.nascarhometracks.com for each of NASCAR's developmental series – the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East (Twitter hashtag: #KNEast) and West (#KNWest), NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour (#NWMT), NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour (#NWSMT), NASCAR Canadian Tire Series (#NCATS) and NASCAR Mexico Series presented by Toyota (#NCSpxT).

All six Most Popular Driver Award winners will be recognized at the NASCAR Night of Champions Touring Awards Gala on Dec. 10 at the Charlotte (N.C.) Convention Center's Crown Ballroom in the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

From Jason Christley, NASCAR IMC

MICHAEL WALTRIP RACING HIRES MARK MARTIN EXTENDS AARON'S THROUGH 2013

FORT WORTH, TEX. – Michael Waltrip Racing announced today it has hired Mark Martin to share in driving duties of the No. 00 Toyota and extended its 30-race sponsorship with Aaron’s, Inc. through the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup season. 

Martin will drive in 25 Sprint Cup events each of the next two seasons, sharing the No. 00 Aaron’s Dream Machine with Michael Waltrip, who will drive five events with Aaron’s sponsorship. Martin will join Martin Truex Jr. and recently acquired Clint Bowyer in the MWR stable next season. 

“Aaron’s has been a part of Michael Waltrip Racing for more than a decade and I’m proud that we will be racing together into the future,” said Waltrip, co-owner of Michael Waltrip Racing with Rob Kauffman. “This is a big day for our organization, announcing a sponsorship extension and adding a future first-ballot Hall of Famer like Mark Martin. 

“It is very rare that a young organization gets an opportunity to hire a driver with Mark’s incredible talent, experience and insight into what it takes to be a winner. Mark will be competitive but also a great teammate to Clint, Martin and me. I’m thrilled he will be in our cars, but just as thrilled he will be in our meetings.” 

Martin said he’ll play a role in shaping the future of MWR.  

“Aaron’s and MWR have given me a chance to keep doing what I love with a competitive race car and a perfect schedule for the next two years. I have studied their program and, man, are they going in the right direction. I’m so impressed with what they are doing right now and I wanted to be a part of it. I want to help this organization. This is like a rebirth. I just can’t explain how excited I am to get to work.” 

Martin will begin his tenure with MWR at the 2012 Daytona 500. Waltrip will run the remaining restrictor plate races  plus the race in his home state of Kentucky. MWR plans to run a combination of drivers and sponsor partners to fill the remaining races when Martin and Waltrip are not behind the wheel.  

Waltrip and Martin, with nearly 1,600 combined Sprint Cup starts, are the only drivers to have won races in four different decades in the Sprint Cup, Nationwide or Camping World Truck Series. Waltrip said both he and Martin will play key roles in evaluating and selecting a full-time driver for the Aaron’s Dream Machine in 2014. 

“Pairing a future Hall of Fame driver in Mark Martin and two-time Daytona 500 champion Michael Waltrip really is a dream come true for Aaron’s,” said Ken Butler, Aaron’s chief operating officer. “We have a lot of plans for Mark that I’m sure Aaron’s customers will enjoy in the coming months. We welcome Mark to the Aaron’s family and can’t wait to see him behind the wheel of the No. 00 Aaron’s Dream Machine.” 

Aaron’s relationship with Michael Waltrip Racing began in 2000 when the Atlanta-based company sponsored six races for Waltrip’s Nationwide team. The relationship grew from a partial Nationwide program to one of the most recognizable Cup partnerships in the sport with aggressive activation and extensive usage of Waltrip and MWR in television and radio commercials.  

About Aaron’s, Inc.

Aaron's, Inc. (NYSE: AAN), the nation's leader in the sales and lease ownership and specialty retailing of residential furniture, consumer electronics, home appliances and accessories, has more than 1,900 Company-operated and franchised stores in 48 states and Canada. Founded in 1955 by entrepreneur R. Charles Loudermilk, Sr. and headquartered in Atlanta, Aaron's has been publicly traded since 1982. For more information, visit http://www.aarons.com /.

New Porsche 911 GT3 RSR

Stuttgart. The new Porsche 911 GT3 RSR is ready to race. The top model of Porsche Motorsport’s customer racing vehicles will head into the 2012 season with extensive modifications. Particularly striking at first glance are the changes to the body: the width of the new GT3 RSR has grown by 48 millimetres. Built to conform to the A.C.O. “LM” GTE regulations, the 911 represents the crowning pinnacle of a range of successful customer sport race cars that are based on the 997 type 911 GT3 RS street sports car.

Powering the new 911 GT3 RSR is a particularly efficient six-cylinder boxer engine with a four-litre capacity. With a mandatory air-restrictor, it generates 460 hp (338 kW) and drives the 310 millimetre wide rear wheels. The diameter of the front wheels has increased by 30 mm to now measure 680 millimetres. The Porsche sequential six-speed gearbox is operated via paddle shifts on the steering wheel.

The nose and rear panels are adapted to the flared front and rear wheel arches, as are the door sill and the wheel arch coverings. The aerodynamic concept is complemented by a new ducting of the intake air. Openings in the rear side sections, as known from the turbo variants of the Porsche 911, replace the air scoop on the engine hood, which is very similar to the 911 GT2 RS street sports car.

The new 911 GT3 RSR can be raced at the Le Mans 24 Hours, the FIA World Endurance Championship, the Le Mans Series, the American Le Mans Series as well as the International GT Open and in other series and races.

“Our customer teams can expect a technically mature, high performance race car with which they will be highly competitive at international long distance races,” assures Hartmut Kristen, Head of Porsche Motorsport. “Our test program on various international race tracks is currently running at full speed. We are very pleased with the car’s performance and driveability.”

The new Porsche 911 GT3 RSR will be delivered to customer squads around the world from January 2012.

The selling price is 498,000 Euro plus value added tax of the respective countries.

MERRITTVILLE SPEEDWAY: BRP chassis seminar & driving school dates announced

St. Catharines, Ontario (November 4, 2011) - Merrittville Speedway will once again play host to the Bicknell Racing Products Chassis Seminar and Pete Bicknell Driving School at the storied Thorold Ontario Canada facility – Saturday April 14th and Sunday April 15th, 2012.

“Although our focus leans towards Sportsmen and Modified Teams.” reveals BRP’s Randy Williamson, “each year … our classes are made up of drivers from all divisions looking to boost their confidence and knowledge.”

The day long sessions feature both classroom and on track sessions that will benefit any type of race car – from entry level Street Stocks and 4 Cylinders to Modified Lites to the Sportsmen and 358 or Big Block Modified type race cars.

Drivers and crew members alike will learn what it takes to stop the guess work when it comes to solving improper handling, how to adapt to changing track conditions, proper spring and shock selecting and how to interpret weight transfer, body roll and roll steer.

Each on track portion will provide drivers with proper driving techniques and will teach tire selection and overall car preparation.

Bicknell Racing Products – manufacturers of the Bicknell 2012X Chassis has a proven track record and in 2011as drivers in BRP cars won 732 feature events and more than 50 Track and Series Championships.

Pete Bicknell has made a name for himself on the track – winning numerous Track Championships and Series titles including his 21st Career Title at Merrittville Speedway this past season.

The on track sessions will allow drivers plenty of individual track time and drivers are reminded to bring their RACEceivers along for added one on one in car support with Bicknell and Williamson. Drivers should also bring their transponders as printed lap sheets will be provided throughout the afternoon.

Each of the three sessions will begin at 8:30 AM at the Merrittville Speedway with the Class Room session beginning at 9:00 AM Sharp in Dipper’s Turn 1 Bar located behind the Turn 1 Grandstands at the Thorold facility. Lunch which is included in the fee will be at 12 Noon followed by the On Track Session beginning at 1:00 PM.

All Inclusive Registration Fee for Drivers is $400 while the Crew Member Fee is $75.

Space for either day is limited and interested race teams are asked to reserve their spots as soon as possible by contacting Erica Bicknell at 905-685-7223 or via e mail at ebicknell@cogeco.net.

Merrittville Speedway – located in Thorold Ontario is a 3/8th mile DIRTcar Member Facility that celebrated it’s 60th Consecutive Season in 2011. You can also find Bicknell Racing Products at the following shows - Parts Peddler Auction and Trade Show, November 18th-20th, New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse NY, the Performance Racing Industry Show, Orlando, Florida, December 1st-3rd, IMS in Indianapolis, Indiana, December 8th-10th, the Bicknell Racing Products Open House - January 14th, 2012 in St. Catharines Ontario Canada and at Motorsports 2011 Presented by SEF near Philadelphia PA from January 20th-22nd, 2012.

For further information on Bicknell Racing Products – call either 905-685-7223 or 716-285-7502, or visit BRP on line at www.bicknellracingproducts.com or live at twitter.com/bicknellracing. The manufacturing department can be reached at 905-685-4291.

About Bicknell Racing Products: Bicknell Racing Products offers full in-house machining, welding and fabrication departments and stocks all racing products from front to rear with retail locations in St. Catharines Ontario and Western New York. BRP supports a dealer network that includes #1 Speed, A-1 Racing, Andy’s Speed Shop, Bandit Speed, Behrent’s Performance Warehouse, Big Daddy’s Speed, Blue Hen Speed and Performance, Bob Mullen Pro Speed, Budd Olsen Racing, Dewart Speed, Gibbs Speed and Auto North, Hoffman Speed, Ian Boettcher Raceparts, J&L Speed, Lake Erie Speed, Metal Fab, Mr. Radiator, P.O.P., Paine Motorsports Inc., Promotion Speed, SD Performance, Snookie’s Speed Parts, Tony Corcoran Speed, Total Race Supply, Trackside Products, Traps Speed Shop and Willy Decker Promotion Motorsports.

For Immediate Release from Randy Williamson / BRP

Joey Ladouceur 2011 Season in Review; Mr. DIRTcar Championship Highlights Fantastic Season for Joey Ladouceur

By Craig Revelle - Finish Line Web Design

When the 2011 racing season began, Joey Ladouceur and his team had set some pretty high goals. They wanted to repeat their championships at Cornwall Speedway, and the Mohawk Racing Parts Pro Stock Series, and capture the Mr. DIRTcar Pro Stock for the second time in his career. They wanted to win as many races as possible, and also battle for the elusive win at Syracuse during Super DIRT Week.

Joey got the season started off on the good note, winning on opening night at Cornwall Speedway. In the first month of the season, Joey had three wins at Cornwall, including a Mr. DIRTcar Pro Stock Series win and also posted a win at Mohawk Raceway. Through the month of June, Ladouceur set the pace early, building up a substantial lead in the track point standings.

As the summer heated up, Ladouceur continued his Pro Stock domination with three more wins at Cornwall in the month of July. He was also leading the Bailey Motor Company Pro Stock standings at Mohawk Raceway, and was at the top of the standings in the Mr. DIRTcar Pro Stock championship battle.

In August, Ladouceur had to battle through terrible weather, and didn’t even get on the track at all in Cornwall during the stretch drive of the championship. Ladouceur claimed the 2011 Cornwall Speedway track championship by 66 points. Ladouceur did win three times in August, posting wins at Mohawk Raceway, Autodrome Granby and Autodrome Drummond and stretched his lead in the Mohawk Racing Pro Stock Series standings. A second place finish later in the month at Mohawk also secured the Bailey Motor Company Pro Stock championship.

When the calendar turned to September, the team’s attention shifted to the Mr. DIRTcar Pro Stock series. Ladouceur had a substantial lead, and extended that with a win at Autodrome Drummond on September 9^th. The following week, Ladouceur broke while leading at Granby, and was the first DNF of the season at the most inopportune time. The following night, Ladouceur scored a top five finish at Mohawk to remain in contention for the title. The month ended at Cornwall Speedway with the final Mohawk Racing Parts Pro Stock Series race, and Ladouceur just had to start in order to clinch the title. Ladouceur ended the race with a fifth place finish.

Just two events remained on the schedule going into October. First it was Super DIRT Week, and then the season finale at Brockville. Ladouceur entered the month trailing the points leader by 41 points in the battle for Mr. DIRTcar Pro Stock. A fourth place finish at the New York State Fairgrounds, combined with some bad luck for the series leader gave Joey the points lead going into the final race. When Ladouceur arrived at Brockville to finish out the season, so did the rain, and shortly after the decision was made to cancel the last race, and Ladouceur was deemed Mr. DIRTcar Pro Stock for the second time in his career.

While the 2011 racing season is now over, Ladouceur will look ahead to the annual DIRTcar awards banquet on Saturday, November 19^th at the Turning Stone Casino in Vernon, New York. Ladouceur, and his team will be officially recognized for the 2011 accomplishments, including the Mr. DIRTcar championship, and Cornwall Speedway championship.

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.

Evoy Racing 2011 Season in Review; 14 Feature Wins and Mohawk Raceway Championship Makes 2011 Season a Success

By Craig Revelle - Finish Line Web Design

For the first four months of the 2011 racing season, Dylan Evoy, and the Evoy Racing Team were virtually unbeatable. Between Mohawk Raceway and Brockville Speedway they were winning races almost once a week, and during the month of August, the won every race except for one. At Mohawk, Evoy had an incredible run going winning five consecutive races at the track, giving him a large lead in the battle for the 2011 Sportsman championship at Mohawk Raceway. At Brockville, the battle was tough, but Evoy stayed in contention all season long, posting top five finishes almost every week.

Evoy started the 2011 season at Can Am for the first three weeks before the other tracks opened their doors, and posted three top five finishes, including a win back on May 6^th. After three weeks at Can Am, Evoy started racing at Mohawk Raceway and Brockville Speedway.

As the season progressed at Mohawk Raceway, Evoy kept getting better. While he suffered a DNF on opening night, the rest of the results were phenomenal. Evoy won the track championship by 120 points with the aide of nine feature wins, and also won the Frenchie’s Built Ford Tough Sportsman Series at MIR.

The racing at Evoy’s home track, Brockville Ontario Speedway is much more competitive, and the wins and top finishes are harder to come by, but the Evoy team stayed at or near the top of the standings all season long. He posted four wins at the track and fought all year for his second consecutive Brockville championship, but come up just one point short.

Overall, Evoy posted 14 wins, which topped the entire DIRTcar Sportsman division this season. He also posted 28 top five finishes, 31 top ten finishes in just 34 races this year.

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

Additional sponsorship opportunities are available with the Evoy Racing team for the 2012 season. To see how your company could benefit from sponsorship of a championship winning team, please contact Dylan Evoy at 613-345-3782, or email dylanevoy83@hotmail.com.

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

DRAGS: Fourth-place finish for Summit Racing Equipment Pro Mod Team

Canada's Kenny Lang Closes Season as One of Only Two Drivers to Qualify For Every GSA Pro Mod Event in 2011

Grande Pointe, Manitoba – In only his second season competing full time on the NHRA Pro Mod circuit, Kenny Lang and his Summit Racing Equipment team improved their championship points standing at season’s end to fourth overall, a marked improvement over the sixth place finish they took home in 2010.

The improved overall finish came on the strength of a semi-final showing at the opening event on the 2011 schedule, the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals in March, along with five top half qualifying efforts on the season. The Summit Racing Equipment Pro Mod team was one of only two teams to qualify for all ten events in 2011, equaling the record of series champion Khalid Balooshi who was the only other competitor to qualify for every event.

Although the season didn’t produce a victory on the NHRA Get Screened America Tour for the Summit Pro Mod team, they did experience some success within other noted series, including a win at the Canadian Nitro Nationals PMRA event at Toronto Motorsports Park in Ontario, Canada in July, as well as a number two qualifying effort at the final ADRL event of the season at the Texas Motorplex.

“We started the season off with that strong semi-final run at Gainesville and had some good qualifying efforts but we just seemed to be playing catch up all year with the car to get it to run consistently.” said Lang. “We’re happy to have improved our place in the championship this year, but definitely plan to look for more consistency in the tune up next season so that we can contend for race wins and ultimately the championship.”

Of course the team couldn’t perform at the level it does without the continued support of all its sponsors including Summit Racing Equipment, Wallace Automotive Group, VP Racing Fuels, Hoosier, Castrol, Miller Electric, Hussey Copper and NGK Spark Plugs.

For more information about Summit Racing Equipment visit www.summitracing.com

Photo: DragRaceCanada.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 once again showcased his teams competitiveness, finishing a strong fourth place overall in the NHRA GSA Pro Mod series championship standings.

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

From Jory Elliott

Team Penske To Return With Three-Car Lineup in 2012

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (November 3, 2011) – Team Penske will keep its three-car lineup in place next season as the most successful team in the history of North American open-wheel racing will return to the track to compete for the 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series championship. 

Helio Castroneves, Ryan Briscoe and Will Power will all return to Team Penske next season, keeping in place the same driver lineup that the team has fielded since 2009. Next season will mark the third consecutive year that Team Penske will compete with three full-season IndyCar entries. Since 2009, Team Penske has generated an impressive 21 wins and 28 poles in IZOD IndyCar Series competition between the three drivers.

 “We are excited to return with a three-car team in 2012,” said Tim Cindric, President of Penske Racing. “The combination of Helio, Ryan and Will has been a formidable one on the track and they work very well together as teammates. Our goal all along has been to continue running three cars and thanks to our terrific partners, we have been able to make everything work from the business side. Now, all of our focus will be on developing the new Chevrolet IndyCar and getting ready for a strong return to the track in 2012.” 

Team Penske expects to make several sponsorship announcements in the next few months it prepares for the 2012 season.

Penske Racing is one of the most successful teams in the history of professional sports. Competing in a variety of disciplines, cars owned and prepared by Penske Racing have produced 348 major race wins – including a record 15 Indianapolis 500 victories, 411 pole positions and 23 National Championships. For more information about Penske Racing, please visit www.penskeracing.com .

Ford Racing to Show Focus ST-R at L.A. Auto Show; Global Ford Motorsports Development Strategy Continues to Grow

•         All-new Ford Focus ST-R race car to appear at Los Angeles as Ford further grows its global motorsports development portfolio

•         Global Focus ST-based racer ready for action all around the world and available for purchase – technically based on Ford’s global Focus race car development program

•         Fast, agile and competitive, Focus ST-R is aimed at professionals, amateurs and track-day enthusiasts

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 3, 2011 – The new Ford Focus ST arrives on North American soil next year, and already Ford has a race-tweaked production-based Focus ST-R in the works for small car speedsters.

Closely resembling the Focus ST road car, the Focus ST-R is distinctive under the skin as it is purpose-built for the track by Ford Racing in North America as a fully prepared competition car. It features a powerful 2.0-litre EcoBoost® engine, FIA-regulation roll cage, uprated brakes and track-tuned suspension.

The Focus ST-R will be available to teams soon, beginning in North America, to race in a variety of series. It appears this month at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The all-new Focus ST-R has been crafted by engineers at Ford Racing – with technical support from Ford’s Global Performance Vehicles group – to allow it to compete in a huge variety of series, including Grand-Am ST, World Challenge TC and the Canadian Touring Car Series. Ford also hopes teams will race the car in key European motorsports series and major events such as the 24 Hours of Nürburgring.

Its linkage to the new Focus ST road car is not by accident.

“From the beginning, the Focus and new Focus ST were designed to be drivers’ cars,” said Jost Capito, director of Global Performance Vehicles and Motorsport Business Development. “The road-going Focus features best-in-class brakes, handling and powertrains, and the design and functionality of the various vehicle systems have helped us to develop a global technical specification for teams wanting to race the new Focus cost-effectively. Ford Racing in North America has taken this effort and developed the new Focus ST-R. It’s a perfect example of how a great production car inspires a competitive race car for enthusiasts.”

Focus ST-R will be available to order from Ford dealers in North America by hardcore professional drivers, amateur racers and track-day enthusiasts as well. Ford’s vision is to broaden availability to more regions in the future.

“We’re thrilled to be taking the Focus ST-R from concept to reality for motorsports enthusiasts initially in North America and potentially around the world,” said Jamie Allison, director, Ford Racing. “The previous turnkey race cars we developed for North American racing have been hugely successful, so we’re hopeful the ST-R will be the first such vehicle for global series and – as a direct result of the company’s global platform strategy and our technical support program – for motorsports applications of Focus and Fiesta models.”

Because the Focus ST-R is a production-based road race car, it features stock body panels and production parts where possible.

“People who buy one will get a fully prepared race car that will only need communications equipment and the customer’s decals to go racing,” added Allison. “We’ve already had significant interest in this vehicle from numerous established race teams.”

For North American customers, the Focus ST-R is the latest in a long line of turnkey race cars offered by Ford including the Mustang FR500C, Mustang FR500S, Mustang Cobra Jet, Boss 302R and Boss 302S.

Development work on the Focus ST-R also will result in a range of Ford Racing parts to be made available to racers and enthusiasts around the world.

Focus role in Ford’s global motorsports strategy

The Frankfurt Motor Show debut and this month’s Los Angeles appearance of the Focus ST-R is part of an aggressive motorsports presence for Ford as its strategy to support motorsports development across its core global vehicle platforms gains traction. Ford is applying engineering and development expertise for vehicles like Focus ST-R to spur success in competition similar to that being enjoyed by the Fiesta in RallyCross and X Games.

“Just as we are developing performance cars from our vehicle platforms with global customers in mind, we’re taking the same platform approach with motorsports,” said Capito. “The intent is to leverage our central motorsports engineering expertise to get competitive hardware in the hands of private teams and racers all around the world, and the Focus ST-R is the latest proof.”

The global Focus race car development – a major plank in Ford’s new global motorsports strategy – is based on international S2000 regulations. 

Ford launched its global motorsports development program last year. At its core is technical support for privateers who choose to compete with global Ford vehicles with access to affordable, globally competitive hardware. 

“We expect to see the ST-R competing for wins on a global scale, extending the rich racing and rallying heritage Focus has already gained both on tarmac and on dirt,” Capito added.

Luke Stewart 2011 Season in Review; Mid Season Change to 358 Modified Division Sets Optimism High for 2012

By Craig Revelle - Finish Line Web Design

Luke Stewart began the 2011 racing season in the Sportsman class, running weekly at the Brockville Ontario Speedway. After scoring just one top ten in the first three weeks of the season, Stewart made his debut in the 358 Modified division at Can Am Motorsports Park in Lafargeville. With a top ten finish in his maiden voyage in the 358 division, Stewart returned to the Sportsman ranks at Brockville with moderate results.

In July, Stewart once again dabbled in the 358 Modified division at Can Am, while running the Sportsman car weekly at Brockville. Another top ten finish at Can Am boosted the team’s confidence, and a switch full time to the 358 Modified division was on the horizon.

In early August, after a top five finish at Can Am, Luke Stewart decided they would make the jump full time to the bigger division. With three races under their belt, and able to run only three more to keep their rookie status for 2012 in tact, Stewart decided to finish out the season at Brockville.

In the three events that Stewart participated in at Brockville to wrap up the season, he finished in the top ten twice, and in the final race.

Luke will continue to run the 358 Modified division in 2012, running for Rookie of the Year. Where he will be racing is not yet determined. Stewart will have his car on display in late March for the annual Frontenac Mall Car Show

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

We wish everyone a very safe and prosperous off-season, and we look forward to seeing you at the track in 2012.

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

Matt Pritiko Wraps Up NASCAR Late Model Season Second in Championship

(London, ON) - Matt Pritiko wrapped up his second season of competition at Delaware Speedway in September, as he was able to develop consistency during the season, and drove his Global Warranty / Burwell Auto Body / NAPA Certified Body Shops / Hype Energy Chevrolet Impala to a silver medal performance at 'Canada's Finest Short Track'.  The FT Garage NASCAR Late Model division at the historic half-mile is one of the toughest in the country, and has become a hot bed for future Canadian Stock Car stars, and after his 2010 campaign Pritiko seems like he could be the next in line.

The first half of the season didn't go as planned, as Pritiko failed to finish a number of events, but he did run well in one of the highest profile Late Model events in the province on Victoria Day weekend in the Great Canadian 200.  After qualifying third, and running solidly in the top-five the entire day, Matt was able to bring his #21 machine home with a solid second-place finish.  Pritiko spoke about the day, "That was a really cool afternoon.  My teammate Jon Urlin and I raced for the lead for a lot of the day, and we were all set to finish third until Jon got a flat tire at the end.  The rest of the first half of the year was a struggle.  We kept coming home with a wrecked car every week.  A lot of times it was just a case of being in the wrong spot at the wrong time and getting caught up in someone else's mess."

Pritiko was able to post a couple of other top-fives in the first half of the season, as the championship battle saw Andrew Gresel well in front of a group that included Pritiko, Matt Robblee, Matt Box, and Shawn Thompson.  They closed the first half of the year at Canada Day for the Maple City Tire 100, and even though some additional tough competition was in town for the special event, Pritiko was able to only muster decent results, qualifying ninth before finishing eighth and fourth in the twin-bill.  But even those finishes weren't a true indication of what the team would unleash on the competition in the second half of the season.

NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers Kyle and Kurt Busch came to town on July 13th, and Pritiko qualified a pedestrian 13th.  He failed to qualify for the feature through his heat race and was forced to run the B-Main to make his way into the exclusive field.  He finished seventh, good enough for a 19th starting position in the main event.  Matt drove through the field of elite talent from his deep starting position in the 50-lap affair in front of a packed house, finishing second to Jesse Kennedy.

The following week netted another second-place finish, before he came home third and 11th in an August fifth pair of features.  After a sixth-place result, Pritiko found his way to victory lane on August 26th.  He kicked off the night with a second-place qualifying run, and picked up the bronze medal in the first feature.  In the second feature, Matt stalked and passed both Box and Thompson on his way to the front and his first feature win of the season.

On Labour Day weekend Matt qualified fourth, finishing third and fifth in the pair of features before closing the season out with a seventh-place result and another runner-up finish on championship night.  In the second half of the season no one scored more points than Pritiko, as he distanced himself from the rest of the battle for second in points, but couldn't overcome the huge lead that Gresel had in the standings.

Pritiko was very thrilled with his Delaware season, "It was a great year, and we were able to run well at the biggest events.  After winning at the tail end of last year, I thought we would've got a few more this year, after we overcame our slow start, we were in the hunt every night during the second half of the season."

The team would continue to race again after the Delaware schedule was over, competing at Sunset Speedway in late September.  Matt qualified sixth, and was running fourth at the half-time break.  In the second half of the event he fell back as far as eighth, but worked his way to just outside the top-five when the checkers flew.  Pritiko enjoyed his out of town experience, "We ran well, and it's such a really nice track to race at.  We also went to Sauble Speedway this year for the first time, and finished fourth.  It was nice to get to some other tracks this year, and run well when we were there."

For more information on Matt Pritiko and Matt Pritiko Motorsports, please visit www.mattpritiko.com, or e-mail matt@mattpritiko.com.

Release and photos prepared by Jamie Maudsley and www.maudsleymotorsports.com.

11 Canadian Karting League drivers to compete in Franczak FV1200 test this weekend at Mosport

TORONTO, ONTARIO - Eleven Canadian Karting League (CKL) drivers will be in the hot seat this weekend at Mosport as they will compete in the Franczak FV1200 Evaluation Day, with the winner receiving a fully funded FV1200 drive with Vallis Motor Sport courtesy of Franczak.

"This is only possible with the support of Franczak's Chris Bye," CKL's Russ Bond said. "To fund this kind of opportunity for one of our CKL arrive-and-drive competitors in 2012 is amazing. It's not just a test day, but a full year of competition representing Franczak and the CKL in a quality Vallis Motor Sport FV1200. We have 11very skilled drivers for Chris and Bill Vallis to choose from - it will be a tough decision."

The 11 drivers selected to compete on Saturday at Mosport are: Cole Saunders, Ryan Lochhead, Matt Garwood, Mike Foster, Cole Kennedy, Sam Gallucci, Justin Wilson, Ryan Shaughnessy, Greg Boots, Alex Kudzia and Tyler Wick.

Garwood, Saunders, Foster and Wick were part of the first Franczak FV1200 test day held last year, and they are back for a second year. "I am very excited to have been chosen to test an FV 1200 car at Mosport," Garwood said. "I would like to thank Franczak, Vallis Motor Sport, and the Canadian Karting League for giving me this opportunity to take my racing to the next level."

For Saunders, moving up to cars is a boyhood dream. "It is a special feeling to be able to drive a car. It is even more special when you are able to drive a car fast. Thanks Canadian Karting League for giving me the skills to do just that! This is an incredible gift by Franczak in taking a boyhood dream even farther, of driving a race car skillfully and fast. Thank you so much to all for the opportunity and I hope to make you proud!"

Franczak's Chris Bye is happy with this year's drivers selected to compete. "Franczak has been involved with the CKL for two years now, and they develop some incredibly talented youngsters through their program," Bye said. "Franczak, along with Vallis Motor Sport, is happy to be able to support one of the CKL drivers as they make their way up the racing ladder."

The driver of the fully sponsored 2012 Franczak FV1200 program with Vallis Motor Sport will be announced at the 2011 CKL awards banquet on November 19.

"We will have the car there at the banquet - covered," Russ Bond said. "When we take the cover off the car, if your name is on it...you're in!"

2012 Memberships are now available for the Canadian Karting League, please visit www.canadiankartingleague.com.

Franczak Enterprises Ltd. (FEL) www.franczakdrive.com: FEL is a learning and promotion company serving the North American automotive sector since 1986. FEL service solutions bring automotive products and the market into sharper focus for sales, press and consumer audiences. The FEL head office is located in St. Catharines, Ontario, with sales offices in Toronto and Detroit. FEL is the official operator of the Niagara Drive Centre (NDC) in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. E-mail enquiries: news@franczakdrive.com

Canadian Karting League (CKL) www.canadiankartingleague.com: The Canadian Karting League is an arrive-and-drive karting league with operations at Innisfil Indy in Innisfil Ontario and Centennial Park in Toronto, Ontario . The CKL provides everything needed to go karting on a budget. The CKL is ASN Canada FIA sanctioned in Ontario. For more information on the CKL, visit www.canadiankartingleague.com or contact Russ Bond at: r.bond@russbondagency.com or call 416-312-2900.

Las Vegas Motor Speedway to host free NASCAR Fanfest on Fremont Street Nov. 30

LAS VEGAS – Las Vegas Motor Speedway will kick off NASCAR Champion’s Week in Las Vegas with the NASCAR Fanfest at the Fremont Street Experience on Nov. 30. The event, free to the public, will be the first involving the 12 Chase drivers during this year’s celebration of the NASCAR Sprint Cup champion.

The highlight of the event will be a Newlywed Game-type show involving the 12 Chase drivers.

“We think this is going to be the best event of Champion’s Week,” said LVMS president Chris Powell. “It not only gives the fans a chance to get close to the 12 top drivers in NASCAR, but it also allows the fans to see them in a much more relaxed environment without their fire suits and helmets. This is one of the best fan events in NASCAR. We really appreciate the assistance of Boyd Gaming, Sprint and Coca-Cola for helping make this event happen.”

Bob Eubanks, the man who made The Newlywed Game famous and hosted variations of the show in six different decades, will be on hand to host the game show courtesy of event cosponsor Boyd Gaming..

“This is really going to be a lot of fun,” Eubanks said. “It may be the first time we have done the show where the couples aren’t actually married to each other, but some of these guys probably spend more time around each other than they do their own wives.”

The event, which will be held on the Third Street Stage on Fremont Street adjacent to the Fremont Hotel and Casino, will begin at 1:30 p.m. with a celebrity question-and-answer session. The drivers are expected to arrive at approximately 2:15 p.m. and will walk a red carpet through the crowd en route to the stage.

Six fans – each assigned to one pair of drivers – also could win big prizes if their “couple” wins the game show. The speedway will choose five through social networking and media promotions.  One lucky fan will be chosen on site to be matched up with a racing couple. The fan paired with the winning team will receive tickets to Friday’s Champion’s banquet at the Wynn Las Vegas as well as weekend suite passes for the March 9-11, 2012 NASCAR Weekend at LVMS.

Following the game show, Nashville recording artist Scotty Alexander will play for an hour as the Fanfest leads into the Downtown Hoedown. In addition, show cars of many of the Chase drivers will be on display, and the Sprint Experience will be open beginning at noon.

Eubanks will be available for autographs at the Fremont Hotel and Casino immediately following the show.

From LVMS

 

DOUBLE DUTY FOR DJ KENNINGTON AT PHOENIX

November 1, 2011. NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Champion DJ Kennington isn’t ready to conclude his racing season just yet. Kennington is once again teaming with two successful race teams for the upcoming NASCAR race weekend at Phoenix International Raceway.

DJ Kennington will join forces fellow Canadian Randy MacDonald to compete in the Nationwide Series race in the Northern Provincial Pipeline/Whitemud Mechanical/Mahindra Tractors Dodge and will also pilot a Bill McAnally entry for the K & N West Series event with the same sponsorship backing.

Over several seasons Kennington raced for Randy MacDonald in the NASCAR Nationwide series and had several strong runs at Phoenix. “In 2008 and 2009 we had pretty good races” said Kennington. “We gained a bunch of positions in each race and I know Randy will have a well prepared car again for us to race” he added.

At the All Star Showdown at Irwindale, California earlier this year Kennington had a sensational run for Bill McAnally. Kennington was competing in the event for the first time and finished second in the race. “The car was a little tight to make a push for the win but it was really strong. We had such a good race that we decided to run the spring race together at Phoenix and we finished top ten. I’m looking forward to working with Bill McAnally racing again” said Kennington.

A new wrinkle to the weekend action is the newly resurfaced Phoenix International Raceway. Over the summer the track was reconfigured during prior to the new asphalt going down and Kennington is looking forward to racing on the smooth surface. “I really enjoy racing at PIR” said the driver. “It’s a fun, fast track and the new pavement should make for some really good racing”.

This double header weekend is being made possible with support from several of Kennington’s long time sponsors. “Dwight Kennedy at Northern Provincial Pipeline has helped us out for many years, so have the folks at Mahindra Tractors” said Kenning ton. “It’s nice to have Whitemud Mechanical and Clark Construction joining us as well. This whole team appreciates everyone’s support and we’re going to work really hard to put on a good show for them” he stated.

Practice begins on Thursday for the Nationwide Series. Qualifying and both races will take place on Saturday November 12^th. Race fans will be able to watch the Nationwide race on TSN in Canada & ESPN in the US at 3PM Eastern time. SPEED will have coverage of the K & N Series race beginning at 5:30PM Eastern.

Race fans are encouraged to keep up to date with the latest team news in several ways. Race fans should bookmark the team website www.djkracing.ca and follow them on twitter, www.twitter.com/djkracing and look for the new DJK Racing Fan Page on Facebook.

Photo: DJ Kennington’s K & N ride at PIR earlier this year