KAWARTHA: Cole McFadden is Chasing a Big Time Racing Dream

Don’t ask to see his driver’s licence, because he’s too young to have one.  Woodville, Ontario’s Cole McFadden celebrated his 14th birthday in September (of 2011), but he already has more than a full season of competition in Kawartha Speedway’s Hasiuk Trailer and Container Rental Mini Stock division under his belt.  The 9th grade student at Fenelon Falls Secondary School did well enough in the 2011 season to finish 10th in points at the Fraserville, Ontario 3/8th miler and also picked-up a feature win just up highway 28 at Peterborough Speedway.  Considering he made his first career start at the age of 12 in a Honda Civic that carried a sticker reading “small boy, big dreams” on its back bumper, the future is very bright.

“I’m just another driver on the track,” said the young racer with the ever-present smile.  “My Dad and I both love the speed, the competition and the chance to make some new friends.  It’s great to run in a pack with some of the more experienced drivers.  There’s always so much to learn and when you catch a break at the right time and can make it to the front, nothing feels better.”

With 4 years of karting already on his resume, making the transition to a mini stock was just a natural step up the ladder.  Backed by Thompson Auto and RV, Thermo Seal Kawartha Lakes, Pro-Roc Drywall and Northern Force Hydrovac Service, McFadden isn’t just another young racer.  He’s already turning heads and getting noticed for what many consider a natural ability at the controls of his 2004 Pontiac Sunfire in Kawartha’s entry level division.  With his parents Andrew and Kim McFadden, along with sister Karli never far away, the driver who has become known as “On the Pole Cole” is enjoying the attention his racing endeavours have garnered.

“It’s a pretty big thrill when we get to the track and some of the other (older) drivers there know who I am,” admitted McFadden.  “The first time I was asked for a photo or an autograph at the end of the night was really neat.  A lot of the people I’ve met along the way are even younger than me, so it’s great to have so many of them cheering for me.  I’d like to make a career out of racing and this is a great way to start.”

Even though he’s achieved a certain level of success very early in his development as a racer, Cole McFadden is still keenly aware that there will always be those who will doubt his abilities.  His parents have helped him maintain an easy going, friendly attitude to make sure the high moments never get too high and the lower moments are never too low.  What their son might lack in experience, he can always make up for with a combination of drive and desire.

“My Mom and Dad have already taught me that laying back and taking things easy is as important as – and sometimes even better than – trying to charge to the front.  Some drivers will race almost their entire career without being able to figure out that part.”

Kawartha Speedway will hand-out 2011 awards at their annual banquet – Saturday, January 14th.  Fans can always find the latest off-season news and updates on the 2012 schedule by visiting www.kawarthaspeedway.com.

Photo attachment:  Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications

Cole McFadden battles track champion ‘Too’ Moroney in Hasiuk Trailer and Container Rental Mini Stock action at Kawartha Speedway.  The youngster finished 10th in the track’s 2011 point standings.

Prepared by Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications

Mosport announces 2012 major event schedule

Mosport International Raceway announced its 2012 major event schedule today.  The six-event line-up will once again feature the only Canadian stop for North America's premiere sports car championship – the American Le Mans Series as well as two rounds for both the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series including a move to Mosport's Victoria Day SpeedFest Weekend for their season opening round.

The Victoria Day SpeedFest will get Mosport's 2011 season underway, May 18-20, with the thundering stock cars of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series.  Also in action for the unofficial kick-off to summer are fan favourites, the SCCA Pro Racing Trans Am Series, Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship, Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada and new to Mosport, the F1000 Pro Series.

"The Victoria Day SpeedFest Weekend has been a long standing tradition at Mosport as we get our racing season underway with one of the biggest camping weekends of the year," said Myles Brandt, President and General Manager of Mosport International Raceway.  

"It will give all new and returning Mosport customers their first look at the facility improvements that the new ownership group, consisting of Carlo Fidani, Al Boughton and Ron Fellows, have undertaken since the end of the 2011 season. Once again, we will provide our fans with top notch racing all at a great value."

Other events on new dates include the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series making their second appearance, this time at Canada's fastest half-mile paved oval, Mosport Speedway, on Father's Day Weekend (June 16) and the Pirelli World Challenge Series (GT, GTS, Touring and B Spec) will headline Mosport's Sports Car Doubleheader Weekend on June 22-24.

The American Le Mans Series will headline the Mobil 1 presents the Grand Prix of Mosport (July 19-22) for the 13th straight season.  The top sports car drivers in the world will be joined by other top series' such as the Cooper Tire Prototype Lites, Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada, IMSA GT3 Challenge and the Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship.

"Next season, we will once again have the best variety of top road racing in the country," said Brandt.  "We also look forward to showcasing Canada's top race programs such as the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada, Canadian Superbike Championship and the Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship.  

All major race events at Mosport include these value-added benefits with paid admission:

• kids 12 and under admitted free  (with a paid adult admission)

• free access to the Race Team Paddock

• free access to the Mosport Motorsports Expo and Marketplace

• free access to the Saturday Night Stock Car Racing at Mosport Speedway

• free parking

Camping has always been a popular part of the Mosport experience with general camping and RV camping available for all of Mosport's major event weekends, starting with the unofficial kick-off to summer on the Victoria Day long weekend.

For more information or to purchase tickets and holiday gift certificates, call the Mosport Hotline at 1-800-866-1072 (Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm ET), visit online at www.mosport.com, or email info@mosport.com.

2012 Mosport Major Event Schedule

May 18-20        Victoria Day SpeedFest Weekend

NASCAR Canadian Tire Series; SCCA Pro Racing Trans-Am; Castrol Touring Car Championship; Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada; F1000 Pro Series        

June 15-17        33rd Annual Int'l Vintage Racing Festival

This year's featured marque is Corvette.  Regular classes include Historic & Vintage Production; Sports Racers; Group 70+; Open Wheel

June 16        Mosport Speedway 200 (at Mosport Speedway)

NASCAR Canadian Tire Series returns for second date, this time at Canada's fastest half-mile paved oval

June 22-24        Mosport Sports Car Doubleheader Weekend

Pirelli World Challenge (GT, GTS, Touring, B Spec); Porsche 944 Cup

July 19-22        Mobil 1 Presents The Grand Prix of Mosport

American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón; Cooper Tires Prototype Lites; Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada; IMSA GT3 Challenge; Castrol Touring Car Championship

August 24-26    Mosport Superbike Doubleheader Weekend

Pro Superbike; Pro Sport Bike; Amateur Superbike; Harley-Davidson XR1200; Honda CBR250R Challenge; BMW Motorrad SummerFest

From Mosport

ACT ANNOUNCES 2012 SCHEDULE

Waterbury, VT – The American Canadian US Tour (ACT) 2012 schedule will feature ten (10) point-counting events at nine different tracks. In addition, there will be four ‘special’ non-point counting events that most ACT teams will put on their 2012 calendars.

Lee USA Speedway in Lee, New Hampshire will continue the tradition of opening the ACT Late Model race season with the New Hampshire Governor’s Cup 150 on Sunday, April 15, 2012. 

Thunder Road Int’l Speedbowl in Barre, VT will host the 14th annual Merchants Bank 150 lap event to open the 53rd season at the “Nation’s Site of Excitement” on Sunday, April 29, 2012. Thunder Road will present a second event over Labor Day weekend with the 34th Bond Auto Labor Day Classic 200 scheduled for Sunday, September 02, 2012.

Devil’s Bowl Speedway, under the new management team of Mike and Alayne Bruno in West Haven, VT will open their season with the historic Spring Green 112 lap championship race on Sunday, May 06, 2012. The freshly paved wide half mile has become a favorite of the ACT teams over the past two years, since the conversion from dirt to asphalt.

White Mountain Motorsports Park was a charter member of the ACT Late Model touring program. Saturday, June 23, 2011 will be the 15th consecutive year that a Tour event will be held at the scenic facility in the heart of the White Mountains.

The Pine Tree State will host two events in 2012. Oxford Plains Speedway will open their season featuring a solid challenge by the very competitive weekly Late Model teams when the Tour arrives for a Sunday, May 20th 150 lap battle. Local racer, Jeff White from Winthrop, ME, stunned the ACT regular teams with a dominant win during the opening event in 2011. He went on to win the Oxford Plains Speedway Championship. The Beech Ridge Motor Speedway near the Portland seacoast will once again host a mid-summer 150 lap race on Saturday, July 28, 2012.

The Tour will head north of the border during August. A return to the SANAIR Super Speedway has teams from both the Castrol Series and the US excited for the 2012 season. The very fast tri-oval design was opened by ACT in the early mid-eighties and hosted numerous events over the decades of the 80’s and 90’s. The 100-mile combination event (also an ACT Castrol Series point race) is scheduled for Saturday, August 11, 2012. The return of the $40,000 Can-Am 200 to the 5/8th mile Circuit Riverside Speedway along the St. Lawrence River across from Quebec City will be presented on Saturday, August 25, 2012.

The final point-counting event in 2012 will again be the Fall Foliage 200 at the fabulous and very competitive half mile Airborne Park Speedway in Plattsburgh, NY. The season finale will be held on Saturday, October 06, 2012.

Teams from the ACT Late Model ranks in both the US and Canada will once again have some non-point must participate events in 2012. The TD Bank Oxford 250 will have the best Late Model teams in the region competing for the 2012 bragging rights in what has been billed as the nation’s richest one day short track event. Qualifying begins at high noon on Sunday, July 22, 2012.

The $40,000.00 5th annual Showdown at Chaudière will once again challenge the best of the ACT Castrol teams against the best of the ACT US teams. A favorite event for the season’s best competitors will take place on Saturday, September 8, 2012.

New Hampshire Motor Speedway will host NASCAR Cup Chase weekend over September 21-23, 2012. The 4th ACT Invitational will provide both weekly and ACT Tour teams with the opportunity to compete at the ‘Magic Mile’ during NASCAR Cup weekend again in 2012.

The 50th People’s United Bank Milk Bowl will take place at Thunder Road on Saturday and Sunday, September 29-30, 2012. Plans for a very special 50th Milk Bowl are already in the works, including a Late Model ‘mini-milk bowl’ for non-qualified teams.

2012 ACT US SCHEDULE

EVENT     DATE        DAY       TRACK                                             LAPS     NOTE

   1        APR 15    SUN     LEE USA SPEEDWAY                    150      

    2        APR 29    SUN     THUNDER ROAD                          150

    3        MAY 06   SUN     DEVIL’S BOWL                            112

    4        MAY 20   SUN     OXFORD PLAINS                         150

    5        JUN 23    SAT      WHITE MOUNTAIN                       150

             JUL   22        SUN         OXFORD PLAINS SPEEDWAY 250                                         250

    6        JUL 28     SAT      BEECHRIDGE MOTOR SPDWY         150

    7        AUG 11   SAT      SANAIR SUPER SPEEDWAY           100    [combo]

    8        AUG 25   SAT      CIRCUIT RIVERSIDE SPDWY          200    [combo]

    9        SEP 02    SUN     THUNDER ROAD                          200

             SEP 08          SAT          AUTODROME CHAUDIÈRE SHOWDOWN                        200      [combo]             

             SEP 22         SAT          NEW HAMPSHIRE MOTOR SPDWY INVITATIONAL      50            

              SEP 29-30     SA/SU      THUNDER ROAD MILK BOWL                                               150  

   10       OCT 06    SAT      AIRBORNE SPEEDWAY                 200

Schedule Subject to Change

For additional information contact the ACT office at 802.244.6963, www.acttour.com, or media@acttour.com.

 

                                          -30-

 

DRAGS: PMRA, Quick 32 Sportsman Series, and PBSS announce 2012 race dates

Six events on tap for Pro Modified Racing Association, and five events scheduled for Quick 32 Sportsman Series and Pro Bike & Sled Series

CAYUGA, ONTARIO (December 1, 2011) – Three of the top drag racing series in North America have announced their 2012 schedules.

The Pro Modified Racing Association, The Quick 32 Sportsman Series, and the Pro Bike & Sled Series will take to the strips next season starting with the Victoria Day Weekend Challenge May 18-20.

This traditional opener is held on the Cayuga Dragway of Toronto Motorsports Park. The race will mark the start of the eighth season for the PMRA, the fourth season for the Quick 32 Sportsman Series, and the second year for the PBSS.

A new event will take place in 2012, as all three series head to Martin, Michigan June 8-9 to compete at US131 Motorsports Park for an inaugural race at the IHRA facility.

The racers return to Cayuga June 22-24 to take part in the popular Canadian Nitro Nationals, and then the PMRA will compete at the IHRA MOPAR Nitro Jam Nationals at the Grand Bend Motorplex July 20-22. This will be for the PMRA Pro Modifieds only.

All three series return to Grand Bend August 10-12 for the annual Stratford Spectacular Hot August Nationals presented by Ideal Supply & NAPA Auto Parts, an event which usually attracts a record number of competitors.

Then it’s back to Grand Bend August 31 – September 2 for the annual Thunder by the Beach Labor Day race.

“We have a well-rounded set of races at great venues set up for next year,” said Bruce Mehlenbacher, Director of Operations for all three series. “And the event at US 131 Motorsports Park in Martin is a first for us. We are looking forward to racing at a Michigan track for the first time in our history.

“While we have six races scheduled for the PMRA,” he continued, “we are planning on adding another event to both the Quick 32 Sportsman Series and PBSS to bring their compliment of races up to six as well for next year.”

The 2012 schedule is as follows:

May 18-20:

Victoria Day Weekend Challenge

Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA), Quick 32 Sportsman Series

and Pro Bike & Sled Series (PBSS)

Toronto Motorsports Park – Cayuga, Ontario

June 8-9:

Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA), Quick 32 Sportsman Series

and Pro Bike & Sled Series (PBSS)

US 131 Motorsports Park – Martin, Michigan

Rain Date: Sunday, June 10

June 22-24:

Canadian Nitro Nationals

Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA), Quick 32 Sportsman Series

and Pro Bike & Sled Series (PBSS)

Toronto Motorsports Park – Cayuga, Ontario

July 20 – 22:

IHRA MOPAR Nitro Jam Nationals

PMRA Pro Modifieds only

Grand Bend Motorplex, Grand Bend, Ontario

August 10-12:

Stratford Spectacular Hot August Nationals

presented by Ideal Supply & NAPA Auto Parts

Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA), Quick 32 Sportsman Series

and Pro Bike & Sled Series (PBSS)

Grand Bend Motorplex – Grand Bend, Ontario

August 31 – September 2:

“Thunder by the Beach” Weekend

Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA), Quick 32 Sportsman Series

& Pro Bike & Sled Series (PBSS)

Grand Bend Motorplex – Grand Bend, Ontario

Rain Date: Monday, September 3

For more information contact Bruce F. Mehlenbacher at Bruce@PMRA.ca

Photo Credit: Dave Erauw Photography ~ www.erauw-photo.com and Mike Goodwin ~ www.MGdigital.ca

From Bruce F. Mehlenbacher / Director of Operations

PHOTO GALLERY: Concord Speedway Mason-Dixon Meltdown 2011 (PASS South Super Late Models)

IndyCar announces organizational changes

INDIANAPOLIS (Nov. 30, 2011) - INDYCAR CEO Randy Bernard announced today organizational changes in the commercial and operations/competition divisions of the sanctioning body of the IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights effective Jan. 1.

Terry Angstadt has resigned as Commercial Division President and will be succeeded by Marc Koretzky, who joined INDYCAR in May as Director of Corporate Business Development. Angstadt will assist with the transition.

Also, because of increasing demands on the Competition and Operation division, INDYCAR will split the responsibilities of President of Operations and Race Director into separate positions. Brian Barnhart will remain President of Operations, overseeing the operational and logistical areas, while INDYCAR is reviewing candidates to fill the position of Race Director.

"I'm confident that Brian and Marc will lead our company into a bigger and brighter future in these new roles," Bernard said.

As president of the commercial division, Koretzky will oversee sales, business planning and development, marketing, public relations and organizational operation.

Koretzky, 35, has utilized his MBA in Executive Strategic Management most recently in management of all non-racing events surrounding the IZOD INDYCAR World Championships presented by Honda in Las Vegas in October. Tapping into his experience with the NFL, NCAA and other sports properties, he produced and coordinated the weeklong activities that created global awareness, including an unprecedented night closing of Las Vegas Boulevard for a 34-car parade.

"INDYCAR has made tremendous strides under Terry's leadership and its future is indeed bright," Koretzky said. "I look forward to working with INDYCAR's current commercial partners and helping to develop additional strategic relationships."

Previously, the New Orleans native worked in conjunction with the NFL as Director of Operations for multiple Super Bowl Committees and was an independent lead consultant to the Atlanta Local Organizing Committee for the NCAA Men & Women's Final Four Basketball Championships.

"Marc's demonstrated abilities with big events will be a great asset to INDYCAR as it continues to grow and prosper," Bernard said. "With the new car and engine manufacturer competition coming for the 2012 season, along with exciting news regarding new commercial partners on the horizon, INDYCAR is poised for an exciting future. Marc comes highly regarded and brings a unique perspective with his experience with major sports properties as with the NFL Super bowls and NCAA tournaments. "

Angstadt, who joined INDYCAR inafter serving as vice president of marketing for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway since 2001, was named commercial divisionpresident in 2007. He was instrumental in forging long-term commercial partnerships with series title sponsor IZOD; Apex-Brazil, the official Brazilian trade and investment promotion agency; and secured strategically important events in Sao Paulo, Brazil and Qingdao, China.

"Terry has been an integral member of the INDYCAR executive team since 2007, and has been instrumental in orchestrating successful inaugural events Baltimore and Brazil, managing the demands of promoter relations and serving as a key liaison between our teams, venues and partners while overseeing the business development of our company," Bernard said. "We wish Terry the best of luck as he moves on to the next chapter in his career. He will be missed by the entire INDYCAR team."

A president of operations, Barnhart is responsible for officials, technical specifications, safety development and implementation, medical and event logistics. The Race Director is the senior official in Race Control, who oversees all on-track activity.

"As our sport continues to grow and we prepare for our first new car in almost a decade, we feel that splitting these roles will help fully service our teams and venues as we prepare for the demands of 2012 season," Barnhart said.

Barnhart is an IZOD IndyCar Series representative on the board of directors of ACCUS and the U.S. representative to the FIA. An Indianapolis native, Barnhart has been with INDYCAR and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway since 1994, when he joined IMS as track superintendent. He served in various roles for Indy car teams from 1982-94.

From Amy Konrath, INDYCAR

Inside Track At PRI

Come by and see us at Booth #1355 at #PRI

NASCAR: Simplified Points System To Be Instituted In NASCAR Regional Touring Series Including NCATS

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Nov. 29, 2011) – NASCAR announced today that the points system all NASCAR national series began using this year will be instituted in the regional touring level for 2012.

The points system was simplified to make it easier for fans, competitors and the industry to understand.

Beginning in 2012, the system will be integrated into the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, NASCAR K&N Pro Series West, NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour, NASCAR Canadian Tire Series and NASCAR Mexico Series.

The new structure awards points in one-point increments. As an example, race winners earn 43 points, plus three bonus points for the win. Drivers also can earn an extra point for leading a lap and leading the most laps, bringing the race-winning total to a possible maximum of 48 points.

All other drivers in a finishing order are separated by one-point increments. A second-place finisher earns 42 points, a third-place driver 41 points, and so on.

“Implementing the simplified points system at the regional touring level will make the points structure consistent with the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series,” said George Silbermann, NASCAR vice president, regional and touring series. “The change at the national level was welcomed in the industry this year and has provided a points system that is much easier for everyone to understand.”

This year’s Chase for the Sprint Cup ™ demonstrated that use of the new points structure is viable with a shorter schedule, such as with each touring series.

“Considering the tight competition in NASCAR’s touring series, we anticipate that with the new points system in place we will see close championship battles similar to the ones this year in all NASCAR national series,” Silbermann said.

The move to bring the simplified points system from NASCAR’s national series to the regional touring level is part of an effort to integrate uniform race formats and procedures throughout the NASCAR ranks. Earlier this year, two race procedures were changed to bring the touring series in line with the national series. One of those procedures stipulated that if a green-white-checkered finish is necessary, a maximum of three attempts will be made. The other change directed that on all restarts, passing will not be permitted until the car reached the start-finish line.

In some cases, race procedures developed at the touring level have been adopted at the national level. In 2009, the double-file restarts that had come about in the regional series, became a part of the national series race procedures.

From NASCAR IMC

Delaware Speedway: Under New Ownership

Effective December 1, 2011, Delaware Speedway will be operated by a new ownership group.  The members of this group are the de Melo family and the Spivak family.

The de Melo family has been involved in Delaware racing for quite some time.  Having them join in this new ownership group is a great asset to fans and drivers at Delaware.  Their valued input in decisions will help tie the new ownership in with many aspects of the racing community.

The Spivak family has owned the land that Delaware Speedway is on for many years and has seen the track through many changes in that time.  Although for the past years they have only been involved as the land owners, they now join as part of the new ownership group and will be actively involved in working with the de Melo family.

Arlen Scherba has announced he will not be returning to Delaware Speedway.  The ownership group would like to thank the Scherba family for their countless contributions over the past ten years.  Arlen and his team have made many positive changes to Delaware Speedway and have put many hours of hard work and persistence into making Delaware Speedway the track it is today.  “I’ve had a lot of fun with this track, and can’t thank everyone enough for all your support and I wish the new ownership group success” Arlen states. The de Melo and Spivak Families wish the Scherba family the best in their future endeavours and many years of health and happiness.

The race track will be in full operation for the 2012 season.  The speedway has already secured some major race dates including the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series and ISMA Super Modifieds.  The track is currently working on the official release of the full-season schedule.

“We would like to thank all the drivers, partners, and fans for their patience as we sort through the opportunities and challenges ahead of us as the new ownership group,” the de Melo and Spivak families said in a statement.  “We are very eager to move forward and can’t wait to work with everyone to continue to improve Delaware Speedway, the iconic track it is.”

The new team is aware there is a great deal of interest from the racing community and many questions about the ownership.  There will be a general meeting scheduled in December to discuss these changes and the opportunities that are ahead.  Drivers are encouraged to keep an eye to the speedway website for more information.

About Delaware Speedway: Delaware Speedway is a half-mile paved oval stock-car track located just west of London, Ontario, Canada. Since 1952, Delaware Speedway has been the home to some of the best stock car racing in Canada. Its unique natural amphitheatre-like setting allows a family or group of friends to enjoy exciting, comfortable and affordable evening or afternoon of action at the track.

From John Houghton / Delaware Speedway PR

Lincoln Electric Helps Attract Next Generation of Welders

AWS Virtual Welding Trailer Features Lincoln's Innovative VRTEX® 360 Virtual Reality Arc Welders

Cleveland– The Lincoln Electric Company has partnered with the American Welding Society (AWS) to provide an exciting, hands-on welding experience to attract new people to the profession. As part of this partnership, Lincoln Electric recently provided VRTEX® 360 Virtual Reality Arc Welders for AWS's new Careers in Welding Trailer that debuted at FABTECH 2011, North America's largest metal forming, fabricating, finishing and welding event. 

The 53-foot expandable trailer, with 650-square feet of exhibit space, includes five VRTEX® systems - one stationed outside the trailer and four inside. The AWS mobile exhibit was designed to inspire prospective students about careers in welding, especially young people just starting out, as well as people seeking a new career, by allowing them to try a safe, hands-on experience with a variety of welding processes. 

The virtual reality weld training simulators allow users to get first-hand experience of the following:

• SMAW (stick), GMAW (MIG) and FCAW (flux-cored) welding processes

• Multiple weld joint configurations and welding positions

• A variety of real world welding environments, including a welding school booth, construction site and process piping location, among others.

Lincoln Electric developed the virtual reality weld training solution to enable schools to engage and train new skilled welders more efficiently with lower costs, and to allow shops to easily integrate high-tech training tools into their in-house curricula.  

"Welders can learn more quickly when virtual reality arc welders are part of the curricula. It allows the student the opportunity to receive real-time feedback as they weld and reinforces the correction of improper technique. It also provides the student the opportunity to try many more welds without the impact or cost of materials and scrap in a real welding training lab," said Deanna Postlethwaite, Marketing Manager, Lincoln Electric Automation Division. "We're pleased to have AWS use our technology not only to showcase careers in welding but also to show the industry the many benefits of virtual reality training." 

AWS plans to take its mobile welding exhibit on the road for 18 - 24 weeks a year at key industry shows and events geared to future welders and career changers. 

Lincoln Electric also has been taking its VRTEX® 360 system on the road. Later this year, it will be on display at the PRI: Performance Racing Industry show, Dec. 1-4, in Orlando, Fla., and at the Power-GEN International show, Dec. 13-15, in Las Vegas. 

For more information on the VRTEX® 360 or to request a demonstration, call (216) 383-2667 or visit www.VRTEX360.com. You can also see photos on the VRTEX 360 Facebook® page. 

The Lincoln Electric Company, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, is the world leader in the design, development and manufacture of arc welding products, robotic arc welding systems, fume control systems, plasma and oxyfuel cutting equipment and has a leading global position in the brazing and soldering alloys market. 

About AWS

The American Welding Society (AWS) was founded in 1919 as a multifaceted, nonprofit organization with a mission to advance the science, technology and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, and led by a volunteer organization of officers and directors, AWS serves more than 68,000 members worldwide and is composed of 22 Districts with 250 Sections and student chapters. For more information, visit the society's website at http://www.aws.org and click on "Pressroom." 

About AWS Foundation

The AWS Foundation was established by the American Welding Society on September 13, 1989, to support programs that ensure the growth and development of the welding industry through strengthening research and educational opportunities in welding and related industries.   Led by a volunteer Board of Trustees, the Foundation is organized as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Administration, including program development, fundraising, public relations, marketing and financial management, is provided by a small development staff of the American Welding Society. Its operations are conducted from the Society's offices in Miami, Florida. For more information, visit http://www.aws.org/foundation.

RALLY OF THE TALL PINES: "Crazy Leo' wins first national rally at Tall Pines

BANCROFT, ONTARIO, November 26, 2011 – “Crazy” Leo Urlichich (Thornhill, ON) and co-driver Martin Brady (Meath, Ireland) beat a record breaking number of entries at the 2011 Rally of the Tall Pines, their first win at a Canadian Rally Championship event. Competition was extremely strong, with main CRC rivals Pat Richard (Squamish, BC) and Antoine L'Estage (St Jean Sur Richelieu, QC) as well as 2011 Rally America champions David Higgins (Trefeglwys, Wales) and co-driver Craig Drew (Gloucestershire, England), on hand for their first ever Rally of the Tall Pines.

“Wow, this is incredible,” said Urlichich, who literally jumped around on the podium in excitement. “All season the whole team has been working hard to get to this point, and so this win really proves how much the team has put into the effort.”

With the Canadian Rally Championship already decided in favour of L'Estage and co-driver Nathalie Richard (Halifax), no teams had to hold back for the sake of strategy, and right from the first stage, each team was attacking.

L'Estage won the first four stages, taking control of the event, until disaster struck at the end of SS5. The transmission in their car shattered with large pieces of the casing falling off.

“Well, it's too bad. We were leading the rally, and had a good lead, but it's ok,” said L'Estage. “The important thing is we are Canadian Rally Champions.”

Pat Richard and Alan Ockwell (Toronto) of Subaru Rally Team Canada took over the lead, with David Higgins and Craig Drew (Gloucestershire, England) taking over second place. Both teams would go on to suffer punctures, dropping down the order and handing Urlichich the lead.  Richard and Ockwell would later suffer transmission failures and retire from the event.  

“This was a really tough event, probably the hardest I've done in my entire career,” said Higgins, who went on to finish second. “Primarily, we came here to test the car, but when you're a competitive person, you want to push for the win.”

Third place went to Bruno Carre (Laval, QC) and Yvan Joyal (Terrebonne, QC). The two were deperately trying to hang on to their podium position, with an overheating car threatening to end their event. With a large margin over fourth placed Ugo Desgreniers (Orford, QC) and Erik Kirby (Sherbrooke, QC), Carre was able to make his car last to the finish.

“The car started overheating with about five stages left,” said Carre. “We had to stop at lakes to get water to fill up the rad. It's been a difficult end to the rally, so we're very happy and lucky to be on the podium.”

In two wheel drive, the entry was equally impressive. Series regulars Jan and Jody Zedril (Winnipeg) faced off against local talent Peter Kocandrle (Kitchener-Waterloo, ON) and co-driver Alex Kihurani (Philadelphia, PA), as well as Simon Dube (Jonquière, QC) and Pat Lavigne (Montreal). 2011 Rally American 2WD Champions Wyatt Knox (Franconia, NH) and co-driver Ole Holter (Long Beach, CA) entered in a Ford Fiesta R2, while 2009 RA 2WD Champ Dillon Van Way (Baton Rouge, LA) and co-driver Jake Blattner (Salem, OR) were also on hand in a Fiesta.

Just as it did in all wheel drive, attrition took a toll on the 2WD cars as well. Kocandrle set fast stage times but struggled with half shaft problems that eventually ended his rally. The Zedrils also retired from the event, and Van Way retired with a broken half shaft, the rough conditions especially hard on the 2WD cars.

Dube and Knox traded stage times and the class lead, and heading into the final stage, Dube and Lavigne had a lead of just over one minute, 30 seconds. However, on the final stage, Egan Creek, Dube had an electrical fault that cut the engine, costing the team six minutes and handing the lead to Knox and Holter.

“This was my first time at this rally, and my first time driving the R2,” said Knox. “It was a really hard event. In the US, we do the same distance, but split over two days, so this really was a marathon. We had a great battle with Dube, and it worked out for us, but we'll see what happens next time.”

“It's been an incredible event,” said organiser Ian Wright. “The record entry isn't just about volume, but of quality, with some really talented teams competing. Everything went really well, and we're happy to introduce Canadian rally to all the first time teams and fans who came out in person or watched at home.”

Production company TV2Go offered fans a home a unique opportunity with a precedent setting high definition live stream to web. Three live shows covered the ceremonial start and first stage, a mid day service and the podium finish. Those who wish to watch the shows on demand can do so on Flatovercrest.com.

The 2012 Canadian Rally Championship season is only a few short months away. Kicking off with the Rallye Perce Neige in Maniwaki, QC teams will take on the classic winter rally February 4-5, 2012. Massive snowbanks offer both help in staying on the road, and a threat in their ability to pull a car off the road. Icy conditions require a special talent as studded tires are not permitted. The Rallye Perce Neige is perhaps Canada's most remote rally with very long and challenging stages.       

The Canadian Rally Championship is comprised of six events held nationwide in a season tha extends from February to November. The series is presented by Subaru Canada, supported by Yokohama Tire Canada and features contingency programs from Subaru Canada and Mitsubishi Canada. The Canadian Association of Rallysport (CARS) is the official sanctioning body for rallying in Canada.

Rally is often described simply as “real cars, real roads, real fast.” The all-season motorsport sees drivers and their co-drivers take modified road cars to the limit as they achieve blistering speeds over closed-road courses that typically cover more than 150 kilometers of gravel, dirt or snow-covered roads. Fans can get up close to the cars in the service areas and catch all the action from specially designated spectator points located at the best spots on the route.

Full coverage of the championship will air on RDS and TSN. Check local listings.

For more information: www.carsrally.ca or www.tallpinesrally.com // You can also follow the series on Twitter @CRCRally or at facebook.com/CRCRally

Rally of the Tall Pines Final Results

Leo Urlichich – Martin Brady – One hour, 59 minutes, 4.8 seconds

David Higgins – Craig Drew – 1:59:36.7

Bruno Carre – Yvan Joyal – 2:07:51.7

Ugo Desgrenniers – Erik Kirby – 2:12:25.7

Steeve Hobbs – Jean-Mathieu Tremblay – 2:13:19.7

Simon Losier – Brian Maxwell – 2:16:24.0

Nick Mathew – Kelly Matthew – 2:17:59.1

Michelle Laframboise – Dean Hopkins – 2:20:04.8

Wyatt Knox – Ole Holter – 2:20:19.7

Ryan Huber – John Vanos – 2:21:16.1