From ‘Pit Pass’ Pete Weedon…
"Well, I know what you must be thinking... where the heck is it? ... what’s the hold up?
It was a number of little things all added together, but we finally made it ! Here we go... the December 2011 edition of the SCCBC Pit Pass Newsletter. Season’s Greeting to you all, and be careful out there!
Click here to view the issue: www.sccbc.net/pitpass/2011/Dec11pp.pdf
Signed,
Pit Pass Pete"
As an early Christmas gift, CSC Racing in Newmarket, Ontario announces it has HANS devices available, starting at $645.
From CSC: “The HANS system is the best head and neck restraint system on the market. It was the first to be SFI certified and is now FIA certified, as well. CSC Racing keeps them in stock in a variety of sizes and styles. At CSC Racing, our objective is to get you into the safest and most comfortable device possible.
We do the installation on your helmet while you wait, at no cost. We have been a factory trained dealer for over five years and have installed 100s of HANS. We know what we are doing and we know it is the best device available.
Devices start at $645. If you have one of the over 50 vouchers that we distributed this season, this would be a good time to use it, the vouchers expire on December 23, 2011.”
For more info, visit www.cscracing.com or call (905) 954-0520.
Thorold, Ontario (December 8) – A continued tradition will return to Merrittville Speedway as J&S Heating and Air Conditioning as Divisional Sponsors of the Modified Lite Division for the 2012 Season.
“Bruce, Marg and Kellie and all the staff at J&S have quite a passion for racing,” remarked (Merrittville Speedway GM) Erica Bicknell-Jones, “we are enthused that they are able to support the Modified Lites the way they do … for our Saturday Night Regulars and in the annual International that attracts racers from across North America.”
Developing from their support of the International Modified Lite weekend in recent years, J&S Heating and Air Conditioning took on the addition of the Modified Lite Division as title sponsors. The ownership of J & S has always been proud to be a part of the Merrittville Family, and is looking forward to a continued successful relationship representing Modified Lite racing.
Customer satisfaction has been the key to 55 years of continued tradition for J&S Heating and Air Conditioning. A locally owned and operated Factory Authorized Carrier Dealer – J&S was founded in 1956 and is proud to serve the Niagara Region.
J&S is a company dedicated to the proper service, maintenance and installation of heating, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment with systems for both residential and commercial customers. With a full staff of highly skilled mechanics and technicians who are specialists in their field, J&S has built its reputation on providing quality service and value to customers.
Let J&S Heating and Air Conditioning make sure your heating system is in top working order BEFORE the cold weather hits.
“We've recently had a taste of what winter has in store for us,” warns (J&S President) Bruce Mason, “don't get left out in the cold … book your pre-season heating system clean & check today!
If you are in need of a new furnace or air conditioner?
Give J&S a call and take advantage of government rebates and their LOW financing rates. For the latest coupons and specials, click on http://www.jandsheatingandair.ca/en/specials.html. For other information, call (905) 682-9287, or visit their newly designed website at www.jandsheatingandair.ca
The J&S Heating and Air Conditioning Modified Lite Division began as a test at Merrittville Speedway several years ago. Recently the newer Modified Lite versions that resemble today’s Sportsmen and 358 Modified styles replaced the Classic Coupe and Coach bodied styles.
The J&S Heating Modified Lites are one of 5 divisions that make up Merrittville Speedway’s Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series lineup that also includes the Bobcat of Hamilton DIRTcar 358 Modifieds, Original Pizza Logs DIRTcar Sportsman, Hoosier Stocks and the Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinders.
To reach Merrittville Speedway during the off season – call the Winter Office at 905-685-7223. For all the news on Merrittville Speedway’s 61st Consecutive Season in 2012 including the J&S Heating and Air Conditioning Modified Lite Division – visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com. Race fans and Race teams alike can follow Merrittville on Face Book (Facebook.com/Merrittville Speedway) and Twitter (Twitter.com/Merrittville).
From Jim Irvine / Merrittville Speedway Public Relations
(Toronto, Ontario, Canada) -- Compass360 Racing (C360R) today released details of the driving duo that will pilot one of the team's brand-new 2012 Honda Civic Si for the coming Grand-Am Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge season.
Andrew Novich will return to the team for his second full-season in CTSCC, having impressed in his first year. "Andrew did a tremendous job with us last year," remarked Team Principal Karl Thomson. "Having spent a season learning the tracks we race at and the nuances of driving one of our Hondas, he's ready to go for a championship in a new 2012 car."
Sharing driving duties with Novich is 2007 CTSCC Champion Adam Burrows, who drove to second place in the Driver's championship with C360R in 2008. He comes back to the team after two seasons in the factory Kia program that won the championship last year. "It's a bit of deja-vu, because in 2008 we signed Adam (and then co-driver Trevor Hopwood) after they beat Billy Johnson and me to the championship the year before," laughed Thomson. "And now we're doing it again, snagging Adam from the championship-winning Kia squad."
Burrows and Novich will drive the #74 Dr. Kimberly Henry Plastic Surgery / Speed Secrets / Honda Performance Development (HPD) Civic Si, one of two new 2012 Hondas that Compass360 Racing will debut at Daytona Test Days on January 6th.
"I'm excited to start off the season with Adam in a month's time," enthused Novich, fresh off a very successful run at the 25 Hours of Thunderhill. "I know the team has been testing and doing a lot of development work with HPD in California on the new cars during the off-season."
Burrows was similarly pleased. "It's going to be great to be back with (Technical Director) Ray Lee, Karl and the C360R team. It feels a bit like coming home, and I know with Andrew we're going to have a real shot at a championship this year."
The duo will join Ray Mason and Ryan Eversley, who will share the #75 Columbus Truck / Racing4Research / HPD Honda Civic Si. The team expects to announce driver line-ups for an additional two cars in the coming weeks.
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.
INDIANAPOLIS (Dec. 8, 2011) - INDYCAR announced today that the IZOD IndyCar Series will not race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in 2012.
The series was scheduled to close its 2012 season at the speedway on Oct. 14, but INDYCAR and speedway officials said considerable testing with the new car is needed prior to returning to the facility.
"We feel we need to give our technical team ample time to conduct thorough testing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, once we complete our ongoing investigation into the 15-car accident during the Oct. 16 race at the track," said Randy Bernard, CEO, INDYCAR.
The 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series season opens March 25 with the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. The complete schedule will be announced in the coming weeks.
From Amy Konrath, INDYCAR
December 8, 2011. Sun Peaks, British Columbia racer Jason White and the #21 A & W Dodge team had a season to remember in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. This year White forged a bold new partnership with Derek Lynch and the Kawartha Speedway Group and obtained powerful Dodge horsepower from DJK Racing and the results were all positive.
White made the changes to focus on his on track performance while allowing Lynch to lead the team as Crew Chief. And with the addition of more powerful motors White felt they would be a stronger team in 2011. “By defining roles and allowing me to concentrate on the driving I knew we’d be better and the results were there right away” said White.
In the second race of the season White scored a top ten finish at the new Circuit ICAR in the #21 A & W Dodge and backed it up with another top ten at Delaware Speedway. “For us to get our first top ten at a new circuit was great” said the driver. “And then to back it up at Delaware, a track I’ve never finished higher than fifteenth at was a good sign early on” he added.
At the very challenging Mosport International Raceway road course White would score his best career finish with a spectacular sixth place result in the #21 A & W Dodge. “I couldn’t believe it” said White. “The car was running great, we’d come together really well as a team and it was really satisfying to get that kind of finish on this track” he concluded.
In the middle of the season the #21 A & W Dodge team would some struggles. Mechanical difficulties and some tough racing luck wouldn’t allow Jason to claim the finishes they were capable of. “After the western swing where we had some tough races Derek really stepped up” explained White. “He told me that he needed more feedback about the car so that he could make changes to improve it and unless that happened we were going to struggle” he stated.
At round eight of the 2011 series the #21 A & W Dodge team was back on their game under the toughest possible conditions. At the Grand Prix of Trois Rivieres for the first time ever a series race took the green flag in the rain. White used all of his skills to navigate through the extreme conditions and other competitors to score another top ten result.
The #21 A & W Dodge driver would receive a jolt of reality at round number ten in Barrie. White was clipped by another driver and crashed hard into the wall. “That was a big hit” said White. “I found out after the other driver had a mechanical failure and just sent me into the wall. A hard hit but I was okay”
Once again the #21 A & W Dodge team would have to dig deep to bounce back. Forced into a back-up car for the final race of the year White would again show his mettle and drive to a top ten finishing position, a strong effort to close out the season.
The result was a season of firsts for Jason White and the #21 A & W Dodge team. Five top ten finishes in a year, a sixth place result at Mosport for his best career finish in the series and an eighth place finish in the overall championship standings. “We definitely met all of our goals for the season” said White. “Now we have even higher goals for 2012. We know there were a few races where we can improve and better” he added.
Though the season has been over for only a month White is already anxious to get moving on next year. “I’m still so pumped up from our year and how this partnership came together I can’t wait to get going” said an enthusiastic White. “We have such a great partnership with A & W Canada, I’m proud to represent them and help promote Cruising for a Cause and I’m really excited about the future” he stated.
It was recently announced Jason White was voted the Most Popular Driver in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. White will be in Charlotte, NC to accept the award at the Night of Champions Awards Gala on Saturday evening.
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 is expected to be announced shortly. Get more information about the series at www.hometracks.nascar.com
Attached Photo: Jason White in the #21 A & W Dodge
First, thanks to all that showed up at the 2nd annual banquet...good time was had by all. Thanks to Ron Fellows, Chris Bye, and Bill Vallis for all their support. Also thanks to Honda Canada for their support and to all the staff that helped out.
Congrats are in order to Matt Garwood, who was the winner of the Franczak FV1200 drive for 2012 with Vallis Motor Sport.
Merry Christmas to all, and some of you are probably still scratching your head as to what to get for presents this year. Might I suggest a 2012 CKL Membership. We have gift certificates available so you have something to put under the tree....(we also have a few lease karts left, but at last count, I think 21 have signed up so far.)
Looking forward to 2012, we have renewed contracts with both tracks and will be racing arrive and drive at both, and Pro Series at Innisfil Indy.
Pro Series Update
Cadets:
Cadets will be able to run a Honda 5.5 GX160 or a Honda 6.5 GX200. The difference will be the weights, but you will all run together. The weights are: 5.5 is 230lbs, and the 6.5 will be 272lbs (kart and driver) each hp is pushing along 41.81lbs.
All classes:
We have decided to allow a header exhaust that can be fitted to all Pro Series karts. Innisfil Indy will have the headers available, and it is optional to use -- use it if you like. The idea is that some of the junior and senior drivers have issues with the placement of the stock muffler, and this header will solve that. The header is louder than the stock muffler -- it also gets hotter (Elias!).
Suits
We will have Pro Series suits available to anyone that would like a new suit. We are just about to place a 'test' order as it is a new supplier. If you would like one of the first ones, send me your suit size.
BIG NEWS FOR CENTENNIAL PARK
There is new management at Centennial Park, and they have invited us back for 2012, and there will be paving done in the spring to smooth out the track. This is great news, but they tell us it won't be finished until probably early May.
Also, the times have changed for Centennial Park, we will race on Saturday Mornings -- we have to be done by noon for concession karts to begin. Also we will race either Monday or Wednesday night.
Hope you all have a great holidays, and look forward to seeing you all next year.
Cornwall, Ont – Thursday, December 8, 2011 – Martin Bélanger – Something special will occur at the Cornwall Motor Speedway in 2012! Promoter Ron Morin was able to conclude a deal with the World Racing Group and the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars will make their first ever visit to Cornwall on Sunday, July 29, 2012. It will be a night to remember as all the biggest stars on DIRT will be in the pits.
Part of a 4-night visit in Canada which includes Autodrome Granby, Autodrome Drummond, Cornwall and then Oshweken Speedway, will attract all the big names of the World of Outlaws Tour. Legends such as Steve Kinser, Joey Saldana will be joined by defending WOO champion, Jason Meyers, former champ, Donny Schatz, Paul McMahan, Craig Dollansky, Jason Sides, Lucas Wolfe, Chad Kemenah and many others.
With perfect track conditions the track record could be shattered as Jared Zimbardi holds the record with 10.9 seconds with a 360 powered engine sprint. We might see a 9 second lap around the ¼ mile bullring.
Along with the World of Outlaws, the Lightning Sprint Group will be back for a second try in 2012, their initial trip was cancelled due to weather conditions. We can expect a field of 30 cars as several drivers of that tour are really pumped about racing at Cornwall. A support class will also be added to this memorable evening in Eastern Ontario.
Morin and his team are currently working in finalizing the 2012 schedule that will include the visit of the Super DIRTcar Big-Block Series, the return of the popular Canadian Nationals and other exciting evenings.
Be sure to visit the Cornwall speedway website at www.cornwallspeedway.com for all the details about the upcoming season.
Every racer looks for an edge. The certain elements that will help them get the most out of their abilities and equipment. No matter how many changes you make to the chassis, spring rate, suspension components or tire pressures, there is little that will help their overall performance as much as experience. Even though he’d been active at the controls of sportsman, super late model, OSCAAR, Flex-Mor Series and OSLR equipment since 1987, Earl Ireland faced a steep learning curve when he returned to the driver’s seat to start the 2010 season at Kawartha Speedway. The Peterborough, Ontario auto dealer may have struggled through his inaugural year in the NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Model division, but he found his niche and earned a 7th place finish in the final 2011 standings.
“I didn’t forget how to drive, but there were times that first year back that I certainly felt like a rookie out there,” said Ireland. “The cars were faster and the level of competition was much higher than I remembered. I needed to adjust my driving style to be able to keep up. Once I got things sorted out, my confidence level increased and I feel like a main event win is just around the corner.”
As the second half of the season came to a close, the 47 year-old made-up for lost time by recording a solid string of top 10 and top 5 finishes. Some hard work behind the scenes by Chris Mitchell, Bernie Reynolds, Stephen Lillico, Mike Rusher and his wife Stacey helped erase the hard luck from earlier in the year as the Earl Ireland Auto Sales/Dent Dynamics/Klotz Racing Fuels/Benson Auto Parts/Kawartha Consulting #43 McColl chassis Cadillac CTS bodied late model made its mark in the Fraserville oval’s headline division.
“We skipped a couple of nights in 2010 and probably didn’t take things as seriously as we should have,” said Ireland. “Running a track like Kawartha – where you’re competing against some of the best in business – you really need to do your homework and make sure your equipment is the best it can be every week. We stepped-up our program this year and I think it showed in the results we were able to accomplish.”
Even after stepping away from the driver’s seat in 2002 to spend more time at his business, Ireland never lost interest in the sport. He says he enjoys the schedule, camaraderie and level of competition at Kawartha. More than just a racer, he has also added sponsorship to the track by lending his name to the 2011 edition of the team challenge. Future plans include chasing the dream of a main event win and eventually introducing his son Kooper into the driving ranks when he’s ready. Even with its highs and lows, Ireland says he’s seldom discouraged when it comes to racing.
“I’ve met some amazing people and made some great friends over the years. I can see racing as a part of my life for many years to come.”
Fans can learn more by visiting www.earlireland.ca or www.hegottrucks.ca .
Be sure to visit www.kawarthaspeedway.com for details on the on-line voting for most improved and most sportsmanlike drivers in each of the 3 regular divisions. Winners will be announced at the annual awards banquet Saturday, January 14th. The 2012 season kicks-off Sunday, February 5th with the 3rd edition of the Long John 200 Endurance event. Kawartha Speedway will also be part of the Canadian Motorsports Expo – presented by Inside Track Motorsports News – February 10th, 11th and 12th at the International Centre in Toronto. See www.canadianmotorsportsexpo.com for the full schedule.
Track management and officials would like to thank everyone – all drivers, crew members, families, friends and fans – for an exciting year in 2011and extend their best wishes for a happy and safe festive season.
Thanks to Linda Jones for sending us a shot of the #22 Canadian Tire Dodge, on display at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, North Carolina. Steckly is the two-time and reigning NASCAR Canadian Tire Series champion and he's in Charlotte to take part in the NASCAR Touring Series' year-end celebrations.
Photo courtesy Wide Open Motorsports Solutions
Weekly And Touring Series Champions Battle On Track
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Dec. 8, 2011) – Max Gresham added another trophy to his mantle on Wednesday after winning the Fourth Annual NASCAR Touring & Weekly Series Champions/Media Karting Challenge as Champions Week got into full swing.
Gresham, the reigning NASCAR K&N Pro Series East champion, started dead last in the 14-kart field and took the lead with just under two minutes remaining in the 15-minute contest at Charlotte’s Victory Lane Indoor Karting that pitted the seven NASCAR champions in town for the week against members of the local media.
“It was a lot of fun,” said Gresham, the 18-year-old out of Griffin, Ga. “It was cool to race against the champions from the other series and it was even more cool to beat them.”
George Brunnhoelzl III, champion of the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour, finished second and was the race leader at a competition caution with five minutes remaining in the race.
“If we didn’t have that competition caution, then I might have been able to hold Gresham off because I had a bit of a lead,” said Brunnhoelzl. “After that, he was just too fast.”
The NASCAR Mexico Series presented by Toyota champion Germán Quiroga finished third after a spirited battle with Brunnhoelzl down the stretch.
After a one-hour practice session to get used to the karts and track, everyone got lined up for the main event. The championship race was a timed event. The seven fastest media members started up front, followed by the NASCAR champions, inverted from slowest to fastest based on their best times during practice.
The event is part of a weeklong series of special activities in the Charlotte area for drivers and track representatives leading up to the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Awards Banquet on Friday, Dec. 9, and the NASCAR Night of Champions Touring Awards Gala on Saturday, Dec. 10. Both ceremonies along with a Red Carpet pre-show will be streamed live on www.nascarhometracks.com in English, French and Spanish. Coverage will get underway at 5 p.m. ET each evening.
Among the champions Philip Morris, the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series national champion finished fourth followed by Greg Pursley (NASCAR K&N Pro Series West), Ron Silk (NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour) and Scott Steckly (NASCAR Canadian Tire Series). Jeff Wackerlin of the Motor Racing Network finished fourth overall and was the top-finishing media member.
“Getting to the front wasn’t too bad,” Gresham said. “I was really concerned with getting around (Quiroga). He was hitting every line that he needed to, but I eventually got by.”
Gresham joins Brian Loftin (2009), Ryan Truex (2010) and Bobby Santos (2011) as winners of the Karting Challenge.
Later Wednesday evening, the series champions will be honored at a special dinner affair in The Great Hall within the NASCAR Hall of Fame complex.
From Jason Christley, NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communications
LAVAL, QC (Dec 07, 2011) – Michelin Canada will continue its partnership with International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) and Porsche Cars Canada (PCL) for the next three years with the PORSCHE GT3 CUP CHALLENGE CANADA BY MICHELIN. The series is the fastest-growing, single-make, auto-racing competition in North America.
The tires that will be used in the series are a testament to Michelin's innovative technology. Michelin engineers worked closely with Porsche experts in designing these tires to ensure they met the demanding standards that Porsche expects.
"As Porsche's global technology partner, Michelin is proud to be the official tire sponsor of the series," said Tony Mougios, Director of Marketing, Michelin Canada. He added that the initiative is an integral part of Michelin's presence in Canada. "Our involvement with the PORSCHE GT3 CUP CHALLENGE CANADA BY MICHELIN underlines our commitment to grassroots racing in Canada."
Michelin is committed to competitive racing. It is not only a matter of pride, but it also plays an important role in advancing tire technology. As Mougios puts it, "We race to win, but we also race to learn. For instance, the knowledge we'll gain on Canadian race tracks during this series in 2012 will contribute to the innovative technology that goes into making Michelin consumer tires. When you race, you optimize without compromise, and that's also our philosophy in making tires that Canadians use every day."
PORSCHE GT3 CUP CHALLENGE CANADA BY MICHELIN 2012 will have nine races over five events at such fabled Canadian race tracks as Mosport International Raceway and Circuit Mont Tremblant.
In 2012 the series will feature a significantly enhanced prize structure. Michelin will continue with the podium awards of a set of MICHELIN Pilot Super Sport tires (retail value approximately $2000), a Porsche watch (retail value approximately $1000) and a $500 American Express card. In addition, there will be a $50,000 cash year-end fund to reward to the top finishers in each class.
About Michelin
Michelin places all its know-how and innovative skills at the service of the mobility of goods and people throughout the world. Michelin develops, manufactures and sells tires for all types of vehicles: planes, automobiles, bicycles, farm equipment, heavy-duty trucks and motorbikes. Michelin also publishes travel guides, maps and atlases for countries throughout Europe, Asia, Africa and North America. Michelin North America (Canada) Inc. (www.michelin.ca), headquartered in Laval, Quebec, employs more than 3,700 people and operates three plants.
While most racers from Northeast have put the 2011 season to rest long ago, and are waiting out a long cold winter before getting back on the track in 2012, Luke Whitteker has stretched his season right through to the end of the 2011 calendar year. His involvement in the Race 101 program has opened plenty of doors of opportunity for the talented 18-year-old Iroquois, Ontario racer this year with several trips to North Carolina to attend classes, plus weekly online seminars that were also part of the curriculum for Race 101. One of the highlights from the program for Luke was getting the opportunity to run laps at the famous Hickory Motor Speedway in Hickory, North Carolina.
Aside from the on track portion of the Race 101 program, and the wealth of knowledge that he learned over the course of the year, Whitteker has also enjoyed meeting new people, and making several connections that will last a lifetime with prominent people in the racing community.
As a group, some of the Race 101 staff, and several of this year students attended the annual P.R.I. (Performance Racing Industry) Trade Show that was held in Orlando, Florida this past weekend. The objective of attending this show was to learn, and also to interact with other people from the racing community,
The P.R.I. Trade show hosts over 1000 racing related vendors, and takes in sellers from all over the United States, Canada and many other countries. The opportunity to interact with people from other forms of racing at a large trade show such as this is phenomenal.
“The PRI show was well worth the time”, says Whitteker. “I would recommend any racer that is looking to get a jump start for the upcoming season or learn more about new and up and coming products to check out similar expos. I made a lot of great new connections and learned a lot about products available to the dirt racing market”.
Whitteker also had other exciting events in November, as he was able to take to the track in the Race 101 house car at the famed Hickory Motor Speedway. This was the first time Luke ever raced a car on pavement, and posted very consistent lap times that were comparable to other students with pavement experience. The Race 101 premiere driver will be chosen in January when the class returns to North Carolina for their graduation.
“We had an awesome practice session with Tony Blanchard from Race 101”, says Whitteker. “Asphalt racing is a lot of fun, it is very comparable to the go-kart racing that we did earlier in my career, and we enjoyed a lot of success with that”.
Whitteker also attended the annual Parts Peddler trade show in Syracuse during the month of November. The show is similar in nature to the P.R.I. Trade Show, only more scaled down, and typically more specific to the Northeast region.
Also this past weekend the Whitteker Motorsports team participated in the annual Christmas Parade along the streets of Morrisburg, Ontario just outside of Iroquois. The Whitteker team prepared a float that included the racecar, as well as a Christmas tree, and several Christmas decorations.
“I'd like to thank everyone that helped put the float together and represent Whitteker Motorsports in Morrisburg's annual Christmas parade”, says Whitteker. “I hope every one appreciates the hard work that was put into the float as much as I do”.
With 2011 coming to a close, and the end of a very busy and exciting season is near, Luke Whitteker and the Whitteker Motorsports team would like to thank all of their sponsors for the support during the 2011 season. Their Sponsors include Rust Check, Coldwell Banker, Steve Summers Coburn Realty, Jim’s Performance Plus, Parcoll Products/Napa Auto Parts, Quaker State, Toy Storage, Wells and Son Construction, 730 Truck Stop, Lloyd McMillan Equipment Ltd., ERD Engine Research and Development, Cohen and Lord Insurance, Thompson Tim-Br Mart and Finish Line Web Design.
Plans for 2012 have yet to be finalized for the Whitteker Motorsports team, although we do plan on attending the Gater Racing News Motorsports Expo in Syracuse, New York with our car on display in the Finish Line Web Design booth. The Expo takes place on March 11th and 12th at the New York State Fairgrounds.
Luke Whitteker and the Whitteker Motorsports team are currently looking for sponsors for the 2012 racing season. For more information, please contact Luke Whitteker at lukewhitt@ripnet.com.
To stay up to date on Luke Whitteker and the Whitteker Motorsports team, please visit our website, www.lukewhitteker.com or follow us through Facebook at www.facebook.com/whittekermotorsports or through Twitter at www.twitter.com/lukewhitteker.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Dec. 6, 2011) – The NASCAR Touring and Weekly Series champions from the 2011 season are convening in one of the sport's hubs -- Charlotte, N.C. -- to celebrate their accomplishments from the just completed season as part of Champions Week.
Max Gresham (Twitter: @MaxGresham / NASCAR K&N Pro Series East), Greg Pursley (@GregPursley / NASCAR K&N Pro Series West), Scott Steckly (@ScottSteckly22 / NASCAR Canadian Tire Series), Germán Quiroga (@GerSpeed1 / NASCAR Mexico Series presented by Toyota), Ron Silk (NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour), George Brunnhoelzl III (NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour) and Philip Morris (NASCAR Whelen All-American Series) earned the right to represent themselves along with their sponsors, teams and series by being the best over the course of their respective series.
Fans can follow all week on Twitter @NASCARHomeTrack and hashtag #NASCARChampions
The week of festivities culminates in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Awards Banquet on Friday, Dec. 9 and the NASCAR Night of Champions Touring Awards Gala on Saturday, Dec. 10.
The events will be held in the Charlotte Convention Center’s Crown Ballroom at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
Additionally, both ceremonies along with a Red Carpet pre-show will be streamed live on www.nascarhometracks.com in English, French and Spanish. Coverage will get underway at 5 p.m. ET each evening.
• Matt Kentfield (@MattKentfield) of Speed51.com and SPEED TV’s Bob Dillner (@BobDillner) will anchor the English broadcast. Kentfield and Dillner served as the lead announcers for Speed51 Productions’ live audio broadcasts of NASCAR touring series events in 2011.
• ESPN Specialist Alex Pombo will host the Spanish-language broadcast. Pombo serves as an analyst for motorsports on ESPN Deportes, providing coverage of NASCAR and IndyCar Series. In addition, Pombo is co-host of RPM Weekly, program chain dedicated to the world of motorsports.
• Dominic Fugere (@sportengueule) will announce the French-language coverage of the NASCAR Touring Series Awards Gala. Fugere is the host and analyst for NASCAR coverage on ESPN’s French-Canadian affiliate RDS.
The first order of business for the champion drivers will be to determine bragging rights on the track in the Fourth Annual NASCAR Champions/Media Karting Challenge on Wednesday, Dec. 7 at Victory Lane Indoor Karting in Charlotte. The six regional touring series champions and the Whelen All-American Series national champion will battle each other along with several media members. Past winners of the event are Brian Loftin (2008), Ryan Truex (2009) and Bobby Santos (2010).
Many special functions are scheduled throughout the week including the prestigious NASCAR Whelen All-American Series State/Province Champions Dinner to be held on Thursday, Dec. 8 at Hendrick Motorsports. Winning drivers from across the United States and Canada will be honored at the exclusive event. The Touring Series champions will be honored the evening before on Wednesday in the The Great Hall within the NASCAR Hall of Fame complex.
From Jason Christley, NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communications
VP Racing Fuels becomes the Official Fuel of the Rally America National Championship for 2012 and 2013
Williston, VT (December 6, 2011) Officials with Rally America, the premier sanctioning body for performance Rally competition in the United States, announced today a multi-year agreement with VP Racing Fuels of San Antonio, Texas wherein the world-renowned racing fuel manufacturer will serve as the Official Fuel of the Rally America National Championship with VP's Rally Max, VP100 and MS109E racing fuels designated as "spec fuels" for Rally America's Open Class for 2012 and 2013.
"We're both pleased and proud to make this announcement", stated Bill Fogg Sr., Owner of Rally America, Inc., "VP Racing Fuels is recognized around the world as a leader in the manufacture and distribution of competition blended fuels. Having this top-level fuel as well as VP's technical assistance available to Rally America competitors at each of our National Championship events for the next two years is a tremendous step forward for the sport of Rally and it will provide a great amount of convenience and support for the teams as well – something we're all very excited about."
The relationship between Rally America and VP Racing Fuels began in January 2011 with VP's presence at each Rally America National event. VP recognized the viability of the Rally racing market and both organizations opened a conversation with various teams to discuss the addition of spec fuel classes at the Rally America National Championship level for the 2012 season and beyond. VP will also be providing technical assistance to teams and engine builders who compete in the Rally America National Championship:
January 27-28 - Sno*Drift Rally Atlanta, Lewiston & Hillman, MI
February 24-25 - Rally of the 100 Acre Wood - Salem, MO
May 4-6 - Oregon Trail Rally - Portland & Dufur, OR
June 1-2 - Susquehannock Trail Rally - Wellsboro, PA
July 13-14 - New England Forest Rally - Newry, Maine & Errol, NH
September 22-23 - Olympus Rally - Seattle, WA
"The sport of Stage Rally in North America has continued to grow and we're excited to be a part of it. We have a strong presence in Rally racing in most other parts of the world, fueling many of the teams in the IRC championship in Europe and fueling the Proton Malaysia team to wins in the FIA Asian Pacific Rally Championship this year," said Jim Kelly, VP's Corporate Director-Sales. "In 2011, we gained valuable insight consulting with US and Canadian Rally teams regarding their fuel needs and tuning and were particularly pleased to see David Higgins win the Rally America championship using VP's RallyMax racing fuel. Working with Vermont SportsCar, Antoine L'Estage and John Buffum as well as other Rally America teams has really meant a lot to us. Going forward, we're confident Rally America competitors will appreciate the increased power and torque offered not only by RallyMax, but MS109E and VP100 as well."
Both Regional and National Rally teams have the option to either pre-order VP Rally Max, MS109E or VP 100 Racing Fuel from VP's regional distributors in advance of each of the six Rally America National Championship events or purchase the same fuel from the VP Racing Fuels truck which will also be at all National Championship events. The advantage of Rally teams ordering the fuel in advance is that it will be delivered to the event for them.
To place pre-event fuel orders or for questions regarding fuel service for Rally America events, teams can contact the appropriate VP Regional Distribution Center:
Sno-Drift Rally; Rally in the 100 Acre Wood
VP-Midwest
812-466-1175
vpmidwest@vpracingfuels.com
Oregon Trail Rally & Olympus Rally
VP-West
951-696-5100
vppacific@vpracingfuels.com
Susquehannock Trail Rally & New England Forest Rally
VP-East
302-368-1500
vpatlantic@vpracingfuels.com
Technical questions about fuel can be directed to VP's Tech Support staff at 302-521-1767 or fturza@vpracingfuels.com.
About Rally America:
Based in Williston, VT, Rally America, Inc. sanctions the premier performance Rally series in the United States, the Rally America National Championship Series. In 2012, Rally America will be conducting six National Championship events at venues across the country, from Seattle, Washington to Newry, Maine. Rally America competitors reach speeds of well over 100 mph in modified street cars on natural-terrain courses consisting of gravel, dirt or snow. More information about the Rally America National Championship Series and the sport of Rally can be found at www.rally-america.com and videos can viewed at www.youtube.com/rallyamericaseries or by contacting Ananda Siverts, Rally America Marketing Director, at (802) 861-3206 or via E-mail at ananda@rally-america.com.
About VP Racing Fuels:VP Racing Fuels' success in rally racing is well-established. In addition to David Higgins' 2011 Rally America title, VP's RallyMax was Travis Pastrana's fuel of choice before his departure for NASCAR as well as the power behind Antoine L'Estage, Nathalie Richard and John Buffum in winning the Rally America, North America Rally Cup and Canadian Rally Championship titles in 2010.
In addition to Rally America, VP is the Official Racing Fuel of Best in the Desert and the Baja Pro Truck Off Road Race Series as well as a contingency sponsor of SCORE International Off Road Racing, SNORE (Southern Nevada Off-Road Enthusiasts) and MORE (Mojave Off Road Racing), among nearly 60 VP-sponsored series.
VP's product line also includes SEF Small Engine Fuel, formulated specifically for portable 2-cycle and 4-cycle gas-powered equipment, and PowerMaster hobby fuels for R/C racing. More information is available online at VPRacingFuels.com, SEFfuels.com and PowerMasterFuels.com.
Toronto, Canada (December 06, 2011) – Robert Wickens was presented with the British Racing Drivers Club 'Bruce McLaren Award' in a ceremony on Monday, 5th December, with the Canadian being recognized for his championship success this season in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series.
The 22-year-old from Toronto – a reserve driver in Formula One this year for Marussia Virgin Racing, was presented with the trophy, awarded to the best performance of the year for a non-British driver from the Commonwealth, by motorsport legend, Sir Stirling Moss.
Previous recipients of the award, named after the late Bruce McLaren – founder of the McLaren Formula One team, include the likes of Formula One's Mark Webber, and IndyCar Series racers, Scott Dixon and Will Power.
"I'm tremendously honoured to have won this award," reflected Wickens. "It's been a fantastic season for me winning the Formula Renault 3.5 Series and making my debut in Formula One being a reserve driver for Marussia Virgin Racing. I enjoy being a BRDC Rising Star and a full club member but to collect the 'Bruce McLaren Award' is truly something special, especially when it's presented by Sir Stirling Moss!
"The award also gave me an opportunity to publicly thank the people who have supported my career over the past couple of years, including Marussia Motors owners Andrey Cheglakov and Nikolai Fomenko, the Marussia Virgin Racing team, my FR3.5 team in 2011 Carlin, and Teddy Yip and his co-owners at Status Grand Prix, with whom I enjoyed success in the GP3 Series last year."
Wickens, who set the fastest lap times for both Lotus Renault GP and Marussia Virgin Racing in last month's Formula One Young Driver Test in Abu Dhabi, ensured he made the most of his trip to London. He attended Sunday's prestigious Autosport Awards, hosted annually at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London, before Monday's BRDC lunch ceremony.
Following this he competed in the Dan Wheldon Memorial Kart Race in Milton Keynes on Monday evening, joining an impressive list of driving talent celebrating the life of the two-time Indy 500 winner and 2005 IndyCar Series Champion who was tragically killed in a racing accident in Las Vegas in October.
Lining up alongside the likes of 2009 Formula One World Champion Jenson Button and four-time IndyCar Series Champion Dario Franchitti, Wickens enjoyed the opportunity to return to his motorsport roots.
"We had a blast at the Dan Wheldon Memorial Kart Race," enthused Robert. "The spirit of the event was amazing, as was the line-up of drivers racing together with the public. It was certainly a fitting tribute to Dan and I have to say great job to Johnny Mowlem whose idea it was to host the event."
After a few more days in Europe, Wickens will return to Canada mid-December where he looks forward to finalizing some exciting plans for 2012.
www.robertwickens.com / Twitter: @robertwickens
IndyCar 'Rookie of the Year' Enjoying Busy Off-Season
Toronto, Ontario (December 06, 2011) – James Hinchcliffe's off-season has been far from quiet as the 2011 IndyCar Series 'Sunoco Rookie of the Year' is fulfilling a packed diary of engagements. The Canadian, who celebrated his 25th birthday on Monday, sat down to review a busy few days that included the news of Newman/Haas Racing, who James raced for in 2011, closing its IndyCar operation:
Q: You received the news about Newman/Haas Racing closing its IndyCar team just as you were getting ready to fly to England on Thursday – what was your immediate reaction?
James Hinchcliffe (JH): "Immediate reaction was shock, for sure. I obviously was somewhat aware of the fact that the team had recently received some bad news about potential sponsors, but it's Newman/Haas. You just sort of always assume that they will find a way to make it work. The cars had been ordered and the engineers were into their preparation. So for sure it was a shock."
Q: Were you surprised given how competitive you and Oriol Servia were throughout the 2011 season?
JH: "I was surprised for a lot of reasons! You always like to think that good results will make the sponsor search easier, and I am sure it does, but this is such a multi-faceted sport and business that it takes more than that and if all the pieces don't fit then these things can happen."
Q: You ultimately claimed Newman/Haas Racing's final title in IndyCar competition, winning this season's 'Rookie of the Year' mantle. How much pride do you take in that accomplishment?
JH: "It meant a huge amount to me before, but it probably means even more now. To do that having missed the first race and coming back from a huge deficit after Indy was a tremendous accomplishment for the team. Now knowing that it will be their last title - and this team has won a lot of them - makes it a little extra special. I am just so grateful for the opportunity that Sprott and Newman/Haas gave me this year to be in IndyCar and to give me the tools needed to accomplish that. That was our goal from the outset and it's a big point of pride that we pulled it off."
Q: How does the news affect your plans for the 2012 season?
JH: "Well after a season like the one we had, there was certainly some interest from around the paddock. It was a very flattering thing, really. For sure initially continuing with Newman/Haas was the likely option, but it was only one option. There were others and now with that one off the table we will begin to explore some of the others."
Q: Sunday night saw you attend the prestigious Autosport Awards in London, England for the first time in your career. Was it as good as you hoped having been nominated in the category of 'Rookie of the Year'?
JH: "Absolutely! That event is something that I have read about for years and I have heard tons of stories from people who have been about what a great night it is. The nomination alone was, again, a very flattering thing and something that I was very proud of. We were in some pretty good company and it's nice when people you respect in the sport recognize something you've done. I had an absolute blast, it was a riot of an evening - I got to meet some people, catch up with some people - just a great night."
Q: What was the highlight of the night for you and did you get a chance to catch up with anyone else from the IndyCar community attending?
JH: "Honestly the whole night was a highlight! There is such a feeling of camaraderie in the room and everyone is there to have a good time. The back-and-forth going on up on stage was hilarious! I did get to catch up with Dario. His table was bread-throwing distance from mine, so you had to have your guard up at all times!"
Q: Your schedule then took you to Milton Keynes yesterday for the Dan Wheldon Memorial Kart Race. The entry list read like a who's who of the world of motorsport! How much fun was it?
JH: "The Kart race was awesome! Huge credit to Johnny Mowlem for organizing it, because it turned out better than anyone thought and was such a blast. It was freezing cold and the track was so slick, but everyone was there to have fun, no one took it too seriously, it really is exactly the kind of event Dan would have loved. It was truly an honour to be a part of it and bang wheels with some great drivers in a completely stress free environment!"
Q: You're wrapping up a busy few days by flying to Brazil today for the Granja Viana 500 kart race – how did that opportunity come about?
JH: "Ya, I don't exactly know what people mean by off season! It's been pretty flat out since the season ended. The offer to do Granja came from (Indy Lights driver) Victor Carbone who has an associating with one of the teams. He hadn't even finished asking the question and I told him that I would go because, again, this is one of those events that I have read about for years, looked like a ton of fun, and I have always wanted to take part in.
"I really have just been so fortunate the last little while to get these opportunities. So I'm looking forward to getting down there, getting back into a more serious kart race for the first time in a while and on top of that, a few days in Brazil is a nice break from surviving December weather back home!"
ENDS – www.hinchtown.com / @hinchtown
Tonight on Race Time Radio, at 8 p.m.: RAIN-X Clear Vision interview with Joey Coulter, the 2011 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series' Top Rookie... An update from Tracy Hoskins a fan who enjoyed the Snowball Derby at Pensacola Florida... Bob Dillner of Speed 51 will join us... Canadian Steve Arpin is Testing Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s NASCAR Sprint Cup car... Scott Steckly the 2011 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Champion and more. Tune in tonight at 8 p.m. at: Tune into www.racetimeradio.com
MOORESVILLE, N.C. (December 5, 2011) – Penske Racing announced today that it has reached a mutual agreement with driver Kurt Busch to end its driver/race team relationship, effective immediately.
The team will evaluate its options for the driver of the No. 22 Sprint Cup Series car in the future while Busch will seek new opportunities with another race team.
"I appreciate the victories that Kurt has brought Penske Racing and our sponsors over the past six years," said Roger Penske. "While I am disappointed that Kurt will not be racing for our team in the future, both Kurt and I felt that separating at this time was best for all parties, including our team and sponsors. I wish Kurt the best in his future racing endeavors."
“I am grateful to Penske Racing for six very productive years,” said Busch. “Together we won a lot of races -16 in all. Leaving a great organization and a lucrative contract is not easy, but it’s an important step for me and allows me to take a deep breath to work on things that can make me a better driver and a better person. I want to personally thank Roger Penske for the opportunity that he has given me.”
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 350 major race wins, 412 pole positions and 23 National Championships. For more information about Penske Racing, please visit www.penskeracing.com.
From Merrill Cain / Penske Racing and Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix Director of Communications
New drivers, great racing, and another NHRA Pro Stock championship. That sums up Team Summit’s 2011 racing season. Let’s take a look at the highlights.
Jason Line: 2011 NHRA Pro Stock Champion
The KB Racing championship run continued with Jason Line’s second Pro Stock title. It was the second consecutive championship for KB Racing—teammate Greg Anderson won it in 2010.
Despite back surgery in the off-season, Line climbed into his Summit Racing Pontiac GXP and won the first two events, the Kragen O’Reilly Winternationals and the Tire Kingdom Gatornationals. Line and teammate Greg Anderson also battled for first place during the early part the season.
Line’s next win was a big one—the Summit Racing Equipment Southern Nationals in May. The win gave Line a commanding lead over Anderson in the points standings, a position he did not relinquish until dropping to second place after the Mopar Performance Mile-High Nationals in July.
Line earned a spot in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs with a semi-final round finish at the Fram Autolite Nationals. Line regained the points lead after winning the next race, the O’Reilly Auto Parts Northwest Nationals.
Anderson’s victory at the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals in August bumped Line to second place; another win over Line in the final round of the U.S. Nationals further widened his points lead.
But the Countdown to the Championship changed everything. Line regained the points lead after a runner-up finish at the O’Reilly Auto Parts Nationals in September and never looked back. He won the next two races (Texas AAA Fall Nationals and Auto Plus Nationals) and won the championship outright at the second-to-last race of the season, the Nevada Nationals in late October.
Greg Anderson Finishes Third in Countdown to the Championship
While Greg Anderson did not repeat his 2010 Pro Stock championship drive, he did turn in a fine performance. Anderson started 2011 with two runner-up finishes to Jason Line (the Gatornationals in March and the Summit Racing Southern Nationals in May) and a win at the VisitMyrtleBeach.com 4-Wide Nationals in April. Anderson also won his fourth K&N Horsepower Challenge at the Summit Racing Equipment Nationals in June, the most wins of any driver in NHRA history.
But those wins didn’t translate into points, with Anderson sitting as low as fifth place by mid-season. A pivotal victory at the O’Reilly Auto Parts Route 66 Nationals moved Anderson back up into second place in the points for a time. His next win, the Fram Autolite Nationals in late July, earned Anderson a spot in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs.
Consecutive victories at the Lucas Oil Nationals and U.S. Nationals gave Anderson the points lead over Jason Line heading into the Countdown to the Championship. However, Line took over the points lead with a runner-up finish at O’Reilly Auto Parts Nationals and never looked back. Anderson finished the season with five event wins and a third-place finish in the points—a fine effort.
Humphrey, Lang Join Team Summit
Team Summit welcomed two new racers in 2011. Ronnie Humphrey joined the Pro Stock ranks as the driver of the Genuine Hotrod Hardware Pontiac GXP. In his first full season as a Pro Stock racer, he scored one runner-up finish (the Auto-Plus Nationals), one semi-final finish (the Kragen-O’Reilly Auto Parts Winternationals), and one Number One qualifier (the O’Reilly Auto Parts Springnationals). Humphrey finished the season 11th in the points standings.
Kenny Lang debuted the Summit Racing 1969 Camaro in Get Screened America Pro Modified competition. Lang acquitted himself well in the 10-race series, reaching the semi-finals at the Gatornationals and placing fourth in the points standings.
Team Summit All-Stars: Pro Stock
Warren Johnson finished 2011 with a 15th place finish in the points standings. Kurt Johnson finished 13th in the points, earning one event win (O’Reilly Auto Parts Nationals) and two runner-up finishes (Texas AAA Nationals, Auto Club Finals). Larry Morgan finished 12th in the points with one runner-up finish (Summit Racing Equipment Nationals).
Team Summit All-Stars: Top Fuel
Brandon Bernstein finished 2011 with a sixth place finish in the points standings, with one runner-up finish (SummitRacing.com Nationals) and a Number One qualifier (Thunder Valley Nationals) to his credit.
Team Summit All-Stars: Funny Car
Tim Wilkerson finished 10th in the points standings for 2011, earning one event win, a Number One qualifier (both at the O’Reilly Auto Parts Northwest Nationals) and two runner-up finishes (VisitMyrtleBeach.com 4-Wide Nationals, Fram Autolite Nationals).
Dan Wilkerson, Tim’s son, made several appearances in Funny Car (including the U.S. Nationals) behind the wheel of a Shelby GT 500 flying the Summit Racing colors.
Team Summit All-Stars: ADRL
Pete Berner delivered the goods in Extreme Pro Stock, finishing third in the points standings and recording one event win, the Safety-Kleen Spring Drags II in April.
Rickie Jones had a busy 2011. He competed in the ADRL Pro Nitrous class, finishing eighth in the points. Jones also joined Team Summit driver Kenny Lang in Get Screened America NHRA Pro Modified competition. Jones competed in three of the last four races, making one semi-final round appearance (the Summit Racing Equipment Nationals).
Congratulations on a terrific 2011 racing season to Team Summit and the Team Summit All-Stars!
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