Canadian Rally Championship: Rally of the Tall Pines

Toronto, Ontario, November 24th, 2011 – The 6th and last round of the Canadian Rally Championship will take place this weekend out of Bancroft, Ontario. The Rally of the Tall Pines has been running since 1971 and will host one of the largest fields ever with an entry list of 60 rally cars.

The Mitsubishi Brigade will have ten of these entries, with some of them among the best in North America. Before the event officially starts Saturday morning, Mitsubishi, its drivers and codrivers already have locked 17 titles or in various categories. Mitsubishi is also leading two other manufacturer’s standings that will be decided over the weekend.

Leading this group of champions with three titles (North America, Canada and open class) and four Tall Pines victories are Antoine L’Estage from St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC and codriver Nathalie Richard from Halifax, NS in their Mitsubishi Evolution. Next is the brother team of Jan and Jody Zedril from Winnipeg in the 2 Wheel Drive and Group 5 categories in their unbeatable Lancer. Those two teams are returning champions but for Jeffrey Dowell and Yavor Klostranec in a stock Lancer it will be a first in the Production Sport class. The icing on the cake may come from Nathalie Richard earning another Ladies championship.

Seven more teams will take to the icy back roads in different Lancer EVO configurations, from IV to IX: drivers Maxime and Simon Losier will drive two of the Synchro Racing machines while former Canadian champion Peter Thomson will come out of retirement, all in Lancer EVO VIII. Ian Crerar and Michelle Laframboise are also regular entries in the series. Finally, two Americans teams are visiting, with veteran drivers Demetrious Andreou in his Lancer EVO VII and Art Gruszka in his Lancer Evolution.

 “This is the time of the year where our teams can look back on their season and be very proud”, stated Mr. Kenji Toh, VP Sales/Marketing & Corporate Planning for Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada. “We thank them for their dedication and hope they will be successful for this final event in Ontario.”

Last round : Tall Pines Rally

The Tall Pines Rally is a one-day event that covers more than 500 kilometres of twisty back roads around Bancroft, a community one hour from Peterborough. The 60-car entry is the largest in Canada in years and a hard-fought dual is predictable between Rally America runner-up Antoine L’Estage and Rally America visiting champion, Brit David Higgins. They will dual over more than 200 kilometres of stages. Road conditions at this time of the year in that region are a mix of hard pack, mud, icy or snowy roads that rally fans love to watch. For more information, please visit the event web site at www.tallpinesrally.com

Antoine L'Estage and Nathalie Richard Eye A Victory to End Their 2011 Championship-Winning Season !

Montréal (Québec), November 24, 2011.- Antoine L'Estage (of St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC) and his co-driver Nathalie Richard (of Halifax, Nova Scotia) are set to contest this weekend’s Rally of the Tall Pines, in Bancroft (Ontario), the last round of the 2011 Canadian and North American Rally Championships.  For the Rockstar Royal Group duo, this event will be an opportunity to claim yet another victory and conclude their 2011 on a high note after already clinching the Canadian and North American titles earlier this year.

It’s at Tall Pines that I won my very first national rally, back in 2004.  It’s an interesting and challenging event that I’ve always enjoyed and this year, my main rival from the Rally America series, UK-based David Higgins, has decided to join us on the entry list.  With Higgins, Pat Richard, and Leo Urlichich, there will be four drivers viably fighting for the victory » explains the four-time North American and Canadian champion. « Our four consecutive victories this year in Canada and two victories in the US, enabled us to lock-up the North American title at Rallye Defi in September and then the Canadian title at the Pacific Forest Rally in October.  This relieves us of the pressure we’re normally faced with at Tall Pines for the driver’s championships» adds Antoine L'Estage.

The Rockstar Royal Group team Concerto can however not discount the fact that another title is up for grabs at this rally : the Manufacturers’ championship can be clinched for Mitsubishi with a Top 6 overall finish at Tall Pines. 

Undefeated in the Canadian Rally Championship from September 2010 to September 2011, in addition to top spot at the Rallye de Charlevoix regional event last month, the Rockstar Royal Group duo is heading into this rally with confidence.  Even with four Tall Pines victories under his belt, Antoine L'Estage does not take that record for granted :  it’s a very tough rally and often there’s a small layer of snow or ice covering the gravel forest roads but since we have yet to have a good snowfall, there are no snow banks to help keep the cars on the road. Co-driver Nathalie Richard adds : Mud can also be a factor at this rally – we bring more tires to this event than any other in the year. With Yokohama as a partner, the team is benefited by having the best tires available, regardless of all the possible the road conditions. 

The 2011 Rally of the Tall Pines will start on Saturday at 9am just outside of Bancroft, and will end the same day around 10pm. There are currently almost sixty teams registered for this event.

Antoine L’Estage holds four North American championship titles (2007, 2008, 2010 and 2011), four Canadian titles (2006, 2007, 2010 and 2011), one American title (2010), and thirty-one overall victories in Canada and the US. Nathalie Richard holds seven overall national championship titles (4 in Canada and 3 in the USA), as well as thirty-seven overall rally wins on both sides of the border. She is also a seven-time North American Champion (2004 – 2011, excluding 2006).

Antoine L’Estage and Nathalie Richard participate in the 2011 Rally America and Canadian Rally Championships with the support of Rockstar Energy Drink, Royal Group, Yokohama Tires, Mitsubishi Canada, Drenth Motorsport Gearboxes, Garrett Turbos, Énergie Cardio, Libra Racing, Driver's Edge Autosport (OMP), VP Racing Fuels,  Exe-Tc Suspensions, Seibon Carbon and Hawk Performance Brake Pads. For more information on the team or on rallying in general, visit antoinelestage.com.

NASCAR Canadian Tire Series 2012 Schedule Announced

(editor's note.... no Honda Indy Toronto!)

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Nov. 24, 2011) – NASCAR announced today the 2012 schedule for the sixth season of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, which includes many of the top racing facilities throughout Canada.

Next season’s schedule features 12 dates at 12 different tracks across six provinces. The slate includes tracks and events familiar to the series, with Edmonton returning to the schedule after a one-year hiatus.

“The 2012 schedule has a great mix of tracks that will deliver the exciting racing that our Canadian fans have become accustomed,” said George Silbermann, NASCAR vice president, regional and touring series. “Each year with the help from our friends at Canadian Tire, this series continues to grow and evolve. This upcoming season should be the best yet.”

For the first time in series history, on May 20, the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series opens its season at the 2.459-mile Mosport International Raceway road course near Bowmanville, Ont. 

For the sixth consecutive year, the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series will share Montreal’s legendary Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on IÎe Notre Dame with the NASCAR Nationwide Series on Saturday, Aug. 18.

Additionally, in a pairing with the IZOD IndyCar Series, the series returns to Edmonton on the new 2.256-mile Edmonton (Alberta) City Centre Airport course that debuted last year.

Joining the Edmonton event, the annual swing through Western Canada includes two other stops: At Motoplex Speedway in Vernon, B.C., and Auto Clearing Motor Speedway in Saskatoon, Sask.

In what has become a tradition, the season will close with a new champion crowned at Kawartha Speedway, the .375-mile oval near Peterborough, Ont., on Saturday, Sept. 22.

“Canadian Tire has been a proud sponsor of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series since 2006,” said Allan MacDonald, Senior Vice-President of Automotive for Canadian Tire. “It’s thrilling to see how the sport of racing has continued to grow over the years alongside the enthusiasm of Canadian racing fans. We’re looking forward to yet another exciting season on the track in 2012.”

Other 2012 highlights include:

•         The 2012 schedule includes races on seven ovals: Auto Clearing, Barrie Speedway, Delaware Speedway, Kawartha, Mosport Speedway, Motoplex and Riverside International Speedway; and five road courses: Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Circuit ICAR, Circuit de Trois-Rivieres, Edmonton, and Mosport.

•         On June 2-3, the series returns to Circuit ICAR in Mirabel, Que., for the second straight season.

•         June 16 will be the series’ sixth consecutive year of competing at Mosport Speedway.

•         June 23 will mark the fourth consecutive visit to Delaware (Ont.) Speedway.

•         The wildly popular Grand Prix de Trois-Rivieres in Quebec is on tap for Aug. 4-5.

•         The Barrie (Ont.) Speedway date is set for Saturday, Sept. 8. Each of the past five trips to Barrie on this weekend has resulted in overflow crowds.

•         Riverside International Speedway, in Antigonish, hosts the series on Sept. 15. Riverside, with its high-banked turns, is a .333-mile scale version of the legendary Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway.

2012 NASCAR CANADIAN TIRE SERIES SCHEDULE

Date    Track (Length) Location

May 20            Mosport Int'l Raceway (2.459-Mile road course)      Bowmanville, Ont.

June 3              Circuit ICAR (2.113-Mile road course)           Mirabel, Que.

June 16            Mosport Speedway (.5-Mile)  Bowmanville, Ont.

June 23            Delaware Speedway (.5-Mile)            Delaware, Ont.

July 14             Motoplex Speedway (.5-Mile)            Vernon, B. C.

July 22             Edmonton City Centre Airport (2.256-Mile road course)      Edmonton, Alberta

July 25             Auto Clearing Motor Speedway (.333-Mile)  Saskatoon, Sask.

Aug. 5              Circuit de Trois-Rivieres (1.53-Mile road course)      Trois-Rivieres, Que.

Aug. 18            Circuit Gilles Villeneuve (2.71-Mile road course)      Montreal, Que.

Sept. 8             Barrie Speedway (.333-Mile) Barrie, Ont.

Sept. 15           Riverside Int’l Speedway (.333-Mile) Antigonish, N. S.

Sept. 22           Kawartha Speedway (.375-Mile)        Fraserville, Ont.

Tentative - Subject to Change

From Shon  Sbarra, NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communications

ATL Racing Fuel Cells 2012 Catalog

ATL Racing Fuel Cells, the undisputed leader in safety fuel cell technology for circle track, road race, dirt track, off-road and marine markets, is proud to introduce its latest racing catalog.

The new catalog was designed with simplicity in mind and features a full breakdown of ATL's various fuel cell offerings. For the first time ever, a customer can now compare and contrast all of ATL's 8 standard bladder styles to help determine the best option for his/her application. Evaluation criteria includes such factors as fuel resistance, safety rating, performance enhancements and even price.

It is ATL's goal to make choosing a fuel cell simple and painless. If you don't see a standard size that will fit in your application, the new catalog will walk you step by step through ATL's custom fuel cell process.

In addition to fuel cells, the catalog also features refueling equipment, fuel delivery options and hundreds of accessory items that will transform your fuel cell into the ultimate performance fuel system.

You can order your 2012 ATL Racing Fuel Cell Catalog #DS-615 today by calling ATL, U.S.A. at 1-800-526-5330, or e-mailing them at atl@atlinc.com

EMCO TEAM EXCITED NASCAR RETURNS TO EDMONTON

November 23, 2011. Sherwood Park, Alberta’s Noel Dowler, driver of the#5 EMCO Dodge and the entire team are already looking forward to their second season in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. The team received another boost when it was confirmed this week that the 2012 schedule will include a return of the series to the Edmonton Indy weekend July 20-22 at Edmonton city Centre Airport.

Following a rookie season in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series that showed consistent improvement over the summer Dowler is looking forward to racing his #5 EMCO Dodge in front of his hometown fans. “I had such a great experience and learned so much last year” said Dowler. “As we get ready for the full season in 2012 it’s really exciting to know that we’ll have a race in front of the hometown fans and the home base for EMCO” he added.

Area Manager for EMCO Corporation Graham Faulder is equally pleased to have the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series return to the Edmonton Indy weekend. “We are very pleased that Octane Motorsports Events has reached an agreement to bring the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series back to Edmonton. We had successful events in Saskatoon & Vernon last season and we’re extremely pleased to now have our #5 EMCO Dodge with Noel Dowler racing here at our home base” he stated.

Though the racing competition won’t begin for many months the #5 EMCO Dodge team is already preparing for the 2012 campaign. “We have a lot of plans to finalize before we ever hit the track next spring” explained Noel Dowler. “There’s a lot of work to do preparing both the oval and road course cars and we’ll have a number of sponsor appearances to confirm once the rest of the racing schedule is officially announced” he added.

Dowler also expects to be busy racing during the winter months. “There’s a chance we might get a chance to do something during Speedweeks” he stated. “It’s not for sure yet but I’m ready to get into a race car anytime” said the enthusiastic Dowler.

Look for more news about the 2012 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series including the full schedule that will include the Edmonton Indy weekend in the coming days. For more information about Noel Dowler Jr. log onto www.apollomotorsports.ca

Attached Photo: Noel Dowler in the #5 EMCO Dodge at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal

Photo Credit: Joe Hamilton

MASON AND EVERSLEY TEAM WITH C360R FOR 2012 GRAND-AM STREET TUNER SEASON

(Toronto, Ontario, Canada) -- Ryan Eversley and Ray Mason will both return to Grand-Am competition in 2012 with Compass360 Racing (C360R). The duo will share one of the team's new 2012 Honda Civic Si coupes, starting with test days at the Roar Before the 24 at Daytona International Speedway in early January.

This will be C360R's seventh straight season representing a Honda brand in Grand-Am; the team and their partners at Honda Performance Development are hopeful of winning a fifth Manufacturer's title together.

This season also marks Eversley's third year with C360R. As runner-up in the 2011 Continental Sports Car Challenge championship he'll hope to do one better pairing with Mason, who is also no stranger to the team having raced one of their Hondas in World Challenge Touring Car last year. He finished fifth in that championship.

Mason has extensive experience in Grand-Am, having raced Mustangs and BMWs in the Continental Tire series as well as GT cars in the Rolex series. He's a fierce competitor and a veteran who proudly served two tours of duty in Vietnam.

"I'm really excited to announce Ray and Ryan as the first of our driver pairings for 2012," remarked Team Principal Karl Thomson. "We missed out on a third consecutive championship last year by just a few points and we're hungrier than ever to get the top spot back. Ray did a great job for us in World Challenge last year and I know he and Ryan will fight hard to bring Honda and HPD another Manufacturer's title with the new Civic Si."

Eversley was equally pleased. "We've been testing the new 2012 car a bunch and I really like it. The team's worked closely with the folks at Honda Performance Development to put together a package that should be really good out of the box. Ray has been quick in a lot of different kinds of cars and impressed me with his focus behind the wheel. I know he'll do a great job in the opening stint."

"I had a great time with this team in World Challenge and am glad to be in a position to go for a championship in Grand-Am," noted Mason. "This series is so competitive, but these guys have proven they know how to win!"

The duo's 2012 Honda Civic Si will feature new team livery and be anchored by sponsorship from Columbus Truck, a full-service dealership representing Mack, Volvo and Hino (http://columbus-truck.com). 

The team will also extend its relationship with the Children's Tumor Foundation and their Racing4Research fundraising initiatives by representing the charity at every Grand-Am race event in 2012. 

"Our 2011 Continental Sports Car Challenge partnership with Ryan Eversley and the Compass360 Racing team was wonderful," commented Jill Beck, Director of the Children's Tumor Foundation's Racing4Research program. "We not only raised awareness of the Foundation, we were able to bring the Racing4Research program to NF-affected families across the country. Racing4Research raised more than $600,000 in 2011 and we expect to raise $1 million in 2012. We are proud to continue our relationship with Ryan and C360R in 2012 as we work together to fuel the cure!" For details and to donate visit http://racing4research.org.

The Grand-Am season begins with Daytona test days January 6-8th. Fans are welcome at the test; tickets can be purchased at the Daytona International Speedway website: http://bit.ly/rEnQzs.

Compass360 Racing (C360R) is the motorsports division of Compass360 Branding Communications, a Toronto-based firm offering marketing expertise to clients in diverse industries across North America. The team, with support from Honda Performance Development (HPD), fields front-running Honda Civic Si's in Grand-Am's Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge, winning series Championships in 2010, 2009 and 2007. C360R also won the World Challenge Touring Car Championship in 2011 and the Canadian Touring Car Championship in 2010. For details visit http://C360R.com.

Tony Stewart's Canadian connection | Toronto Sun

Tony Stewart's Canadian connection | Motorsports | Sports | Toronto Sun

NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Returns to Edmonton Indy in 2012

Edmonton, November 22, 2011 - François Dumontier, President and CEO of Octane Motorsports Events and promoter of the Edmonton Indy, is pleased to announce that the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series will return to the 2012 event program, scheduled for July 20-22 at Edmonton's City Centre Airport racecourse. Octane also announces that the Star MAZDA Championship presented by Goodyear, one of the "Road to Indy" open-wheel ladder series, will also be part of the weekend schedule, giving its young drivers their first chance to demonstrate their talent in Alberta's Capital City.

"We are pleased to bring back a crowd favourite, the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, on our 2012 Edmonton Indy program. I know the fans on site greatly appreciated the series' presence in the years preceding the 2011 hiatus," stated today François Dumontier. "The good news is that Canada's best stock car drivers will once again have the opportunity to enter an exciting race in Edmonton, and discover our new race course." 

The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series was a feature race on the Edmonton Champ Car or IndyCar weekend from 2007 to 2010. Andrew Ranger earned pole position on three occasions and won the 2009 race, while J.R. Fitzpatrick was a winner in 2007 and 2010, the year he also earned the pole. Alex Tagliani won the 2008 event.

 "We, along with our partners at Canadian Tire, are pleased to be returning to the Edmonton event in 2012," said George Silbermann, NASCAR vice president, regional and touring series. "Racing on the new track configuration for the first time will provide the fans with great excitement as the top stock-car racing talent in the country tackles this new challenge."

At the 2012 Edmonton Indy, the NASCAR Canadian Tire drivers will challenge the 3.631 kilometres (2.256 miles) 13-turn course, each day of the event. The race will be held on Sunday. Among Canadian stock-car stars expected to be seen on track, are 2008 and 2011 Series champion Scott Steckly, 2010 champion, and 2011 runner-up D.J. Kennington, Kerry Micks, Fitzpatrick and others. Western Canadian drivers such as BC natives Jason White, James Van Domselaar and Trevor Seibert, Lethbridge's Nathan Weenk, Calgary's Jarrad Whissell and St. Albert's Carl and Daryl Harr, may also enter the race. We add to this list one excited young man, 18-year old Noel Dowler, from Sherwood Park, Alberta who as a rookie, entered ten of the twelve series races last summer.

"I am excited for sure. I have been racing karts in my hometown, but being on track at the Edmonton Indy in the number 5 EMCO Dodge, will be quite something", said Noel, whose father Kevin is the car owner and a former stock-car racer. "I am a student at NAIT main campus in Edmonton and every day, parking my car on the multi-level lot, I have a look at the new race course. It is quite technical, I will have plenty of time to check it out and study it before next summer arrives," added the driver who completed his Canadian Tire Series rookie season in 15th place.

Star Mazda Championship Open-Wheel Cars to Race for The First Time in Edmonton

Octane Motorsports Events Inc. also announced today that the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear will see a round of its 2012 championship disputed at the Edmonton Indy. This IndyCar second level ladder series - which is situated between the US F2000 and Indy Lights - features a California-built Star chassis powered by Mazda Renesis 1.3 liter Rotary engines generating 260 horsepower at 8,600 rpm. IZOD IndyCar Series drivers Marco Andretti, James Hinchcliffe, Raphael Matos and Graham Rahal are Star Mazda Championship alumni. One should note that the 2012 Edmonton Indy support races program will also include one round of the Firestone Indy Lights series and once again, a NASCC Eurasia Cup GT Invitational.

Tickets for the 2012 Edmonton Indy are currently on sale. Fans can contact the Edmonton Indy box office seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. MT, at 1 855 350-INDY (4639) or order online anytime at www.edmontonindy.com . First-class corporate packages and trackside suites are also available for both small and large companies and other groups who wish to attend the event. To make a reservation or obtain information on corporate packages, customers should contact Julie Rioux-Paquette at (1 855 350-4731, ext 238).

Promoter of the Edmonton Indy, Octane Motorsports Events Inc., is a Canadian corporation and a component of the Octane group of companies, based at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve in Montreal. By virtue of an agreement made with Formula One Administration Limited and Formula 1 World Championship Limited (together the holder of commercialization rights to F1), Octane Racing Group Inc. is the promoter of the FORMULA 1 CANADIAN GRAND PRIX, to be held June 8, 9, 10, 2012 in Montreal. Octane Management Inc. is the promoter of the NAPA Auto Parts 200, Presented by Dodge, the 22nd round of the NASCAR Nationwide Series, to be held August 17, 18, 2012 in Montreal.  

Yokohama tire line for cars and light trucks now available at Chrysler dealers

LANGLEY, B.C. (November 22, 2011) – Chrysler Canada dealers will have access to the complete line of Yokohama car and light truck tires for their service customers, the result of an agreement between Chrysler Group LLC and Yokohama Tire (Canada) Inc.  

The agreement will see tires to fit most of the line of cars, SUVs and cross-over vehicles, as well as Ram light trucks, available through the 435 Chrysler Canada dealers from coast to coast.  

The popular Chrysler and Dodge lines of cars and Ram truck products are among the most diverse in the market. A steady stream of new and updated vehicles, from the acclaimed new Fiat 500 to the revised Dodge Charger, have helped power Chrysler Canada market share and volume growth in the past year.  

The agreement enhances dealers’ ability to provide all-inclusive support to their customers with one-stop shopping that makes service easier and more convenient, said an executive of Yokohama Canada. “Providing convenient access to high quality tires in popular OE sizes helps dealers retain service customers,” explains Eric Dedoyard, president of Yokohama Canada. 

“Chrysler Canada dealers enjoy an excellent reputation for service, and their ability to meet their customers’ needs with the Yokohama line of premium tires enhances that reputation and helps dealers build on their important customer relationships,” Dedoyard adds. 

Chrysler Canada dealers will work with existing Yokohama dealers to manage product distribution as part of the Yokohama Canada national accounts program. The complete Yokohama line of premium passenger car, light truck, winter and high performance products will be available through the Chrysler Canada dealer network. 

Yokohama Tire (Canada) Inc. markets and distributes a full line of tires for high performance, passenger car, light truck, and commercial truck applications, as well as off-the-road tires for mining, forestry and construction applications. It maintains distribution centers across Canada to serve more than 700 independent tire dealers and more than 2,000 retail locations.

Porsche announces calendar for 2012 GT3 Cup Challenge Canada

TORONTO, November 22, 2011 –– Porsche Canada today announced the 2012 schedule for the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada series, North America’s fastest growing single-make racing series. The GT3 Cup Challenge Canada grows from six to nine races and adds two new venues.

The series, developed in conjunction with the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA), and Porsche Motorsport North America (PMNA) of Santa Ana, CA, was announced in March of this year and is designed to develop new drivers and prepare them for competition in the American Le Mans Series.

The five-event, nine-race Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada season kicks off at the annual Victoria Day SpeedFest at Mosport International Raceway in May. Drivers in the series’ Platinum and Gold Cup are then invited to join their American counterparts at the prestigious Formula One Canadian Grand Prix at Montreal Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, followed by a new venue for the series – the Summer Festival at historic Circuit Mont-Tremblant.

The Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada will once again compete alongside the U.S. GT3 series at Mosport International Raceway at the Mobil 1 Presents the Grand Prix of Mosport, part of the American Le Mans Series powered by Tequila Patrón season. The series will finish at the first venue the series visited in their inaugural season, Calabogie Motorsports Park.

“We are extremely proud of this year’s expanded schedule,” said Joe Lawrance, President and CEO of Porsche Canada. “It is a clear demonstration of Porsche’s commitment to the future of racing in Canada. When we launched the series last year, the fields were small, but the racing was highly competitive and professional. By the last weekend at Mosport, the fields had tripled and the racing was some of the best we’d seen. All in all, it was a great first year, but this year promises to be even better.”

“We are very pleased with the series’ progress,” added Jens Walther, President of Porsche Motorsport North America. “We see a tremendous amount of activity from our Canadian customers – buying cars, updating cars. Last season, we did not even know if we had a series until six weeks before the first green flag fell.

“In the less than eight months since the series was first announced, we have not only completed our inaugural season of races but are already introducing an expanded calendar of quality venues and year-end awards for the upcoming 2012 season,” said Steven Sewell, IMSA Director, Development Series. “The addition of Mont Tremblant in conjunction with inviting our full-season competitors to join in their own classification as part of the IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge during the Grand Prix du Canada is significant in the growth and popularity of the championship.”

First on the agenda for GT3 Cup Challenge Canada series participants is the IMSA Development Series Winter Test at Sebring February 6-7, 2012. They will be joined by the two other IMSA Development Series, the IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge by Yokohama and the Cooper Tires Prototype Lites Powered by Mazda.

The Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada features semi-professional drivers racing head to head in one of the world’s most successful race cars, the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car. The series is divided into three classes; the Platinum Cup, featuring the more powerful 2010 - 2012 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars, the Gold Cup, which includes 2005½ - 2009 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars and the Silver Cup class for 2002 – 2005½ 996 Porsches.

2012 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada Schedule

May 17 - 20 Mosport International Raceway Bowmanville, Ontario

June 8 -10 Circuit Gilles Villeneuve* Montréal, Quebec

July 5 – 8 Circuit Mont Tremblant Mont Tremblant, Quebec

July 19 – 22 Mosport International Raceway Bowmanville, Ontario

August 9 - 12 Calabogie Motorsports Park Calabogie, Ontario

* GT3 Cup Challenge Canada Platinum and Gold Cup drivers are invited to join American counterparts at Canadian Grand Prix weekend.

Additional information, including competitor regulations and entry forms, will be available shortly at www.imsaracing.net .

Autism Society's Targa Technical Centre

ST. JOHN’S (November 22, 2011) – The Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador will establish new technology centres designed to offer special education and training for individuals with autism spectrum disorder using computer technology paid for with funds raised through the annual Targa Newfoundland automobile rally. 

“The Society will create Targa Technical Centres in our regional offices in Clarenville, Corner Brook, Goose Bay, Grand Falls-Windsor and St. John’s, and equip each location with technology like laptop and tablet computers as teaching aids for programming that will begin early next year,” announced Wendy Skinner, Executive Director of ASNL. “Our hope is to be able to offer training, not just in areas where we have regional offices but in other locations throughout the province.” 

The program will also include training for staff in how to utilize the technology in specialized teaching situations that recognize the unique skills and challenges of people suffering from autism spectrum disorder, and assist them, their families and those that work with them.  

“The iPad, for example, is one of the few forms of technology that can make a difference for all age groups and all functioning levels, from high-functioning Asperger’s Disorder to those more severely challenged. The potential is tremendous,” said Debbie Howell, ASNL treasurer and the parent of a child with autism spectrum disorder.  “It can give a degree of independence that some individuals with autism would not otherwise have.  Technology can be the ideal teaching tool for many individuals.”  

“In addition to helping with speech, language and social skills, technology tailored to individuals with autism spectrum disorder can foster learning at the student’s own pace and provide immediate feedback that reinforces learning,” added Elaine Dobbin, patron of the ASNL and key liaison with Targa Newfoundland. “Computer-aided instruction is tailor-made for many students.” 

Targa Newfoundland raised $110,000 for the Society in 2011. Competitors that took part in the intramural Autism Challenge competition, a fundraising competition within Targa co-chaired by Julie and Ray Halleran, helped contribute to the total. A significant portion of the funds raised by Targa and its competitors will be devoted to the Targa Technical Centres. 

“The new Centres will be tangible examples of where funds raised for the Autism Society are put to work, and give real focus to the fundraising efforts of Targa Newfoundland and its extended family of communities and competitors,” said Targa organizer Robert Giannou. “So much of the Targa competition is about technology that it’s particularly appropriate that technology that can make a real difference in the lives of individuals with autism.” 

The Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador is the official charitable partner of Targa Newfoundland. 

Owned and operated by Newfoundland International Motorsports Limited, Targa Newfoundland is one of three internationally recognized Targa motorsports events in the world. The 2012 competition starts in St. John’s on September 8 and concludes back in the capital on September 15. The 11th annual rally will cover more than 2,000 kilometres of the challenging, twisty roads of the central and eastern portion of Newfoundland, including up to 450 kilometres of closed-road, flat-out Targa stages.

Race Time Radio: Tonight at 8 p.m.

Race Time Radio - Live Broadcast Tonight Nov. 21st 2011 at 8 p.m.
Tune into www.racetimeradio.com
Guests include Ron Fellows, Glenn Styres and more!

JASON WHITE VOTED MOST POPULAR DRIVER

November 21, 2011. Sun Peaks, British Columbia racer Jason White has been one of the most well liked participants since arriving in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series in 2008. There’s always a crowd looking for autographs from the #21 A & W Dodge driver during each race weekend. So it’s really not a huge surprise that Jason White to have been voted the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Most Popular Driver for 2011.

All summer race fans were encouraged to vote for their favourite driver in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series by logging onto the NASCAR Home Tracks website. Following the tabulation of the votes NASCAR informed the winners by tweeting congratulations to all of the Regional Series winners including Jason White, Most Popular Driver in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series.

This recognition is very special for Jason White and his #21 A & W Dodge team. “This is such an honour for me” said White. “To have thousands of race fans take the time to cast their votes for me means a lot. Without all the race fans from coast to coast we wouldn’t be able to do this” added White.

This past year White went out of his way to get closer and more involved with the Canadian race fans. “I always try to spend as much time with people at the race track and sponsor appearances as I can” explained White. “We made a real concerted effort this season to keep them updated on everything happening with the #21 A & W Dodge team through social media as well and we got some very positive feedback that the fans appreciated that” he stated.

Jason White will be presented with the Most Popular Driver Award for the 2011 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series as the NASCAR Night of Champions Touring Awards Gala taking place at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte on Saturday, December 10^th. “I’ll be very proud to be representing all the Canadian race fans that weekend in Charlotte and show how much enthusiasm there is for racing in Canada.

Race fans will be able to watch the Night of Champions Touring Awards gala as the event is streamed live on the NASCAR Home Tracks website.

For the latest off season news about Jason White and the #21 A & W team, check out the all new team website at www.jasonwhiteracing.com and be sure to follow Jason on twitter for the latest updates @racinjasonwhite The 2012 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series schedule is expected to be announced shortly. Get more information about the series at www.hometracks.nascar.com

Attached Photo: #21 A & W Dodge driver Jason White signing autographs for fans

Photo Credit: Mathew Murnaghan/NASCAR

DRAGS: Night of Champions held for PMRA, Quick 32 Sportsman Series, and PBSS

BURLINGTON, ONTARIO (November 20, 2011) – The Pro Modified Racing Association, the Quick 32 Sportsman Series, and the Pro Bike & Sled Series held their annual Night of Champions at the Burlington Hotel & Conference Center in Burlington, Ontario last night.

The event marked the seventh Night of Champions for the PMRA, the third such night for the Quick 32 Sportsman Series, and the first night for the PBSS.

Along with presentations for the top five competitors in each of the three drag race series, rookie, achievement, and sportsmanship awards for all series were presented, along with the John Massingberd Memorial Award.

With over 300 in attendance, series announcer Larry Satchell presided as Master of Ceremonies for the evening.

Before the top five in each series were presented with their awards, there were several other categories which were announced.

Bill Mehlenbacher of Bill Mehlenbacher Photography presented the Pro Bike & Sled Series Sportsmanship Award to Harvey Silverthorn, the Quick 32 Sportsman Series Rookie of the Year Award to Billy White, and the Pro Modified Racing Association Sportsmanship Award to Jay Santos.

DragRaceCanada.com and Bruce Biegler presented the PBSS Achievement Award, given to Bill Anderson, the Quick 32 Sportsman Series Sportsmanship Award to Spencer Hyde, and the PMRA Achievement Award to Eric Latino. 

Dave Erauw of Dave Erauw Photography was on hand to present the PBSS Rookie of the Year Award to Dave Vandereyken, the Quick 32 Sportsman Series Achievement Award to Jeff Moser, and the PMRA Rookie of the Year Award to Rob Atchison.

Top Dragster drivers Katie Ward and Sydnie Hyde presented the Official of the Year award to Davey Robertson, who is the Director of Competition and Official Starter for all three of the series.

One of the highlights of the evening was the announcement by David Lange of Ideal Supply and NAPA Auto Parts to continue as the title sponsor for the Quick 32 Sportsman Series for another two seasons.

Another highlight of the night was the presentation of the John Massingberd Memorial Award to Bob Slack and the Slack Family for their commitment and dedication to auto racing in Canada.

Receiving the award was Bob Slack, a Caledonia-based businessman who purchased Cayuga Speedway in the late 1960s and for the next 25 years presented the best in oval track shows to Canadians.

“I have known Bruce since he was a young man,” noted Slack, who was referring to Director of Operations Bruce Mehlenbacher, who worked with the Slacks at Cayuga.

“This is a tough sport,” he continued. “And he has been very successful with it. I want to thank you for this award, and wish you all well in the future.”

The top five in the Pro Bike & Sled Series, Presented by Wiseco Performance Products, were Champion Randy Hope, followed by Dan Cryderman, Bill Anderson, James Miller, and John Orfanidis.

Presented by NAPA Auto Parts and Ideal Supply, the top five in the Quick 32 Sportsman Series were Champion Phil Sampson, followed by Jamie Bridge, Jeff Moser, Darrin Grubb, and Billy White.

For the PMRA Marydel Homes Champions Awards presented by Magnum Auto Parts, Patio Passport, and Global Emissions Systems Inc, the top five were Champion Vito Montesano, followed by Bruce Boland, Eric Latino, Jeff Roth, and Mark Nielsen.

PMRA, Quick 32 Sportsman Series and PBSS Director of Operations Bruce Mehlenbacher thanked all the teams and the race venues. He also thanked the sponsors of the series, emphasizing everyone’s importance in the Series.

The 2012 schedule for the PMRA, the Quick 32 Sportsman Series, and the PBSS has been posted, and the first event for all three series will be the Victoria Day Challenge May 18-20 on the Cayuga Dragway of Toronto Motorsports Park.

From PMRA / Photos by Mike Goodwin ~ www.MGdigital.ca