ALDO Racing Division participates in the upcoming 2012 DAKAR Rally

December 5, 2011, Montreal, Quebec: The ALDO Racing team, driver and President of ALDO Global Retail and Product Services, David Bensadoun, along with Navigator, Patrick Beaule and Crew Chief Yves Turcotte, will be competing in the 2012 DAKAR Rally. In preparation for DAKAR, David Bensadoun announced that the team will be devoting their race to the finish line- to the fight against AIDS, with a set goal of raising $500,000 for CANFAR, The Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research.“Racing at DAKAR is something I've been dreaming of since I was a teenager. Now that the moment is finally here, it felt strange not to use it for a higher purpose. I chose to devote my race to ALDO Fights AIDS because it's a cause that's important to our company and it's a cause that needs to be talked about. While we‘ve made notable advancements in prevention and medication, the fact remains that there is still no cure for AIDS. CANFAR is an amazing organization and they are well deserving of our support. They were the first AIDS organization we gave money to in 1987 and so with this we continue our support. It could be said that symbolically we hope to finish the rally as much as we hope for an end to AIDS” - David BensadounBy competing in the rally for a cause, David brings to life what has come to be known as the “DAKAR Spirit”. After six years of racing and training in Canada, the United States and Morocco, the team is now ready to face the treacherous terrain of DAKAR. Starting off in Argentina and ending in Peru, DAKAR is 14 days long, 9,000 km and a race which few complete. The DAKAR Rally is not just difficult to finish, it is equally difficult to enter. Each year, 150 car entrants are accepted and of those, only forty percent will be capable of finishing the race. Since the start of DAKAR in 1977, just seven Canadian teams have participated and none to date have been able to finish in the car category of the rally.Participating in the DAKAR Rally is an enduring challenge and an adventure of a lifetime on par with climbing Mount Everest. David Bensadoun, along with his team, anxiously await their challenge that is set to begin January 1st, 2012.Bensadoun has already raised $200, 000 and is quickly moving towards his goal of $500, 000. The funds raised will be given to The Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research. CANFAR is Canada's only independent charitable foundation dedicated to eliminating AIDS through research.

“CANFAR is honoured to be the beneficiary of the ALDO Racing team’s DAKAR Rally Race, and we thank David Bensadoun and his team as they embark on this great adventure,” said CANFAR President & CEO, Christopher Bunting. “The money raised by ALDO and David will support new research as we continue our quest to develop the vaccine and find the cure that will finally eradicate AIDS from our planet.”

Bryan Watts Looks to 'Brake' Away From the Pack

Take a few moments to wander through the pit area at your favourite weekly racetrack and one thing is very evident.  The racers look younger year after year.  Drivers have more opportunities to develop their skills, gain experience and sharpen their talents in go karts and the track’s entry level divisions before taking a turn at the headline class.  Kawartha Speedway isn’t much different...except for one possible exception.  50 year-old Uxbridge, Ontario racer Bryan Watts says he’s looking to show everyone at the 3/8th mile Fraserville oval that ‘old guys rule’.  The Vice President of OE Quality Friction, makers of VORTEX Brake Pads could’ve started slowly like everyone else, but instead chose to get his feet wet running with the NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Models.

“I really didn’t have any prior racing experience, unless you count the daily commute on the ‘407’,” said Watts with a chuckle.  “I did a few shows in 2010, but the 2011 campaign at Kawartha was the first time I’ve run a full season anywhere.  At the start of the year, my goals were simple.  I was looking to get as much seat time as possible and wanted to learn how to be a competent racer and good competitor.  Looking ahead to 2012, I think its best to stick with that plan...and if things go well, try to pass the 10 cars that finished ahead of me in points this year.”

Not just a driver, but also a corporate and team sponsor Bryan Watts has come-up ‘speed’ very quickly where the business side of the sport is concerned.  He says he’s amazed by the passion and willingness of people who make the sacrifices in their personal lives and volunteer their time to get their equipment to the track.  His #61 McColl Racing, VORTEX Brake Pads/Fast Eddie Racewear/Choko Motorsports/D & L Associates/Kurtz Trucking Chevrolet is maintained in the shop and at the track by Jason Hathaway, Owen Wells, Josh Arnold, Phil Arnold, Mike McLennan and Dave Hathaway.  Even wife Ronann Watts helps turn a wrench from time-to-time.  Watts has been able to contribute to the sport by developing Canadian made brake components – with the feedback his company gets from local racers – and supports as many programs as possible.  

“At this level, most of the teams involved do so as a hobby and on a limited budget,” said Watts.  “We’ve learn so much through our association with EHR and their NASCAR Canadian Tire Series team. If we can help with a donation of product as part of a contingency program, I’m all for it.  A team puts a decal or 2 on their car and the driver wears a VORTEX Brake Pad hat in victory lane when their pictures are taken.  It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved.  I’m looking forward to the day when it’ll be my smiling face in the winner’s circle.”

Even though he’s relatively new to the game, Watts says he’d like to see a way for the tracks to find a unified set of rules that would allow drivers to run a variety of different tracks on a regular basis.  He can recognise the benefit for the racetrack to draw a different crowd when it comes to on-track competition – as well as the chance for drivers to gain experience running against some different drivers.  Car counts are hard to get and more common rules would make it easier for drivers to pick-up a few extra races here and there without a lot of work and money. Watts says he wishes he’d been exposed to the sport of stockcar racing at an earlier age.

“I look at some of the other drivers involved and wish I could have their track time and perspective,” Watts admits.  “My wife Ronann was around tracks and even worked as a crew member before we met.  She raced with Lambert and Corey Yake at Sunset Speedway and has been a long time stockcar racing fan.  If I’d been smarter and started hanging around the racetracks back then, who knows when we might have met?”

To learn more about OE Quality Friction and VORTEX Brake Pads, visit www.vortexbrakes.com .

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.

Photo attachment:  Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications

Bryan Watts battles with Mike Wallace during NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Model action at Kawartha Speedway.

CTCC Unveils its New B-Spec Class

Toronto, December 15, 2011 – With the ambition of providing a complete and integrated Championship, the Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship presented by Continental Tire (CTCC) reveals today its new and more accessible race category: the B-Spec Class.

The concept of B-Spec was first developed through collaboration between Honda Performance Development and Mazdaspeed Motorsports Development with the goal of creating a common set of rules that could be adopted by different racing series or sanctioning organizations. Over the past year, CTCC worked with SCCA and Grand-Am to solidify a set of rules that would respect both the B-Spec concept and goals of the different series. B-Spec is designed to be an entry level and affordable category, and highlights one of the fastest-growing segments of the automobile business. Both Honda and Mazda revealed their new prototypes in December of 2010. Since then the Honda Fit and Mazda2 have been joined by the Ford Fiesta and Fiat 500 at various test sessions. Other eligible cars include the Chevrolet Sonic, Kia Rio, Mini Cooper, Nissan Versa and Toyota Yaris.

Like CTCC's Super and Touring Classes, the new B-Spec Class will have its own set of requirements and will feature showroom stock racing cars utilizing stock engines and chassis, fitted with a competition roll cage, racing seat and other safety equipment along with the approved Continental ExtremeContact race tires and Sunoco race fuel. Weight equalization will be used to balance performance among competing manufacturers.

"This is an exciting new development for CTCC which will provide an entry-level into professional racing in Canada," stated John Bondar, CTCC President. "I can't wait to see all of the new competitors on some of the most challenging tracks in Canada. I am proud to confirm that B-Spec will be included in all Rounds of the 2012 CTCC season."

About CTCC

The Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship presented by Continental Tire is the only truly Canadian professional road racing series and it showcases race cars based on their stock street version. The entry-level B-Spec Class introduces a compact car category with stock engine; the Touring Class features cars with minimal modifications, while Super Class machines have powerful and heavily modified engines and advanced aerodynamics. All three classes compete at the same time on the track and challenge for supremacy in their class.

Experience the rush of touring car racing!

VP's Popular 5-Gallon Pails Undergo Makeover

SAN ANTONIO, TX (December 14, 2011) Customers familiar with the blue 5-gallon pails distributed by VP Racing Fuels for more than 20 years will soon see their orders filled with a newly designed pail that has undergone a significant makeover. "Our traditional 5-gallon pails served us well with a quality and look driven by functionality," said Steve Scheidker, VP 's Director of Marketing. "They came to be synonymous with VP's no nonsense approach to quality. However, we concluded it was time to upgrade the pails' look to support our current brand positioning and better complement the advanced performance characteristics of the fuels they contain."

"First, the new pails incorporate VP's current tagline, 'MAKIN' POWER!' and have an unconventional, edgy look in keeping with VP's position on the leading edge of race fuel technology and our unbridled passion to stay there," Scheidker added. "This attitude will carry over into our national rollout of VP-branded retail gas stations and C-stores where dealers and customers will be reminded that unlike traditional refiners, VP is not a conservative 'oil company,' but rather an unconstrained 'performance company' willing to push the edge of the envelope."

"In addition, the new pail design includes images representative of the wide variety of motorsports VP supports with the best quality performance fuels. This will serve to remind customers of VP's broad experience in race fuel technology and how adept VP is in transferring technology from one segment to another to yield ever-improving performance across all racing applications." 

"Given that these pails are sold into every segment of motorsports and can be found in pits and garages throughout North America and around the world, they actually serve as 'billboards' for our brand," Scheidker continued. "It only makes sense to leverage that exposure to convey our key branding messages." 

"We've received nothing but positive reactions from our dealers who have seen the new pails and anticipate it will only enhance their ability to market VP's products," Scheidker concluded. "Importantly, the new pail design will have no impact on the price of our fuels and, of course, the quality of the pails' contents will remain unsurpassed. We're confident all our customers will embrace the new design and see it as the perfect container for their fuel of choice."

VP Racing Fuels is the leader in race fuel technology, with a well-earned reputation for superior power and performance. VP is the Official Fuel of National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Championship Drag Racing, American Le Mans, World of Outlaws, AMA Supercross and Rally America among nearly 60 VP-sponsored racing series.

In addition to racing fuels, VP's product line includes SEF Small Engine Fuels for 2- and 4-cycle portable gas-powered tools and PowerMaster hobby fuels for R/C racing. More information is available online at VPRacingFuels.com, SEFfuels.com or PowerMasterFuels.com.

Canadian Tire driver Scott Steckly honoured alongside NASCAR's best

CHARLOTTE, NC (December 13, 2011) – On Saturday evening at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, North Carolina, Canadian Tire Series champion Scott Steckly was honoured as Canada’s national stock car champion during NASCAR’s Night of Champions Touring Awards Gala. It was the second time in the last four years that the Canadian Tire-sponsored racer has earned that distinction.

Steckly, from Milverton, Ontario, was joined at the awards celebration by fellow title winners from the ranks of the NASCAR Mexico, K&N Pro Series (East and West) and the Whelen Modified and Whelen Southern Modified divisions. In recognition of his 2011 Canadian Tire Series title, Steckly was presented with his championship ring by NASCAR president Mike Helton, during a program hosted by media legends Mike Joy and Dr. Dick Berggren.

Saturday’s gala banquet was the main event in a memorable week filled with public appearances by Steckly.

After delivering his championship-winning No. 22 Canadian Tire / MotoMaster Dodge to the NASCAR Hall of Fame for display last Tuesday morning, Steckly and his racing counterparts were whisked away for a photo shoot in downtown Charlotte. Wednesday was Media Day where Scott joined legendary NASCAR crew member turned radio host ‘Chocolate’ Myers in the Sirius Radio studios. He followed up that experience by participating in the annual ‘Karting Race of Champions.’

Describing the kart event, Steckly laughed, “They took all the [NASCAR Touring] Series winners and put them in racing go-karts. Max Gresham, from the K&N Series, eventually won the race. I might have had something for him, but I was black-flagged for rough driving.”

Celebratory dinners – on Thursday and Friday with the various series’ sponsors and track owners – set the stage for the highly-anticipated Champion’s Gala in Saturday evening.

“NASCAR always does things first class, all the way,” observed Steckly. “It was very special to have my wife Penny, my parents, my crew and a couple of my sponsors in Charlotte to help share in this accomplishment. It was a pretty busy week, but it was a lot of fun.”

In addition to his championship ring, jacket and custom-painted helmet, Steckly also returned home with the Keystone Light Award (Most Pole Positions) and the Dodge Mopar Award as the highest finishing Dodge driver in the final point standings.

“Everyone at the NASCAR head office talks very highly about the Canadian Tire Series and how much it has grown,” concluded Steckly. “While we’re down south, we plan to snoop around a little and see what secrets we can bring back that will let us go for a third title in 2012.”

In other Canadian Tire Series news from Charlotte, Louis-Philippe Dumoulin received the Rookie of the Year award, while Jason White was presented with the fan-voted Most Popular Driver award.

For more information on the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series please visit www.nascarlocalracing.com.

ABOUT SCOTT STECKLY: In 2011, Milverton (ON)’s Scott Steckly claimed his second NASCAR Canadian Tire Series championship crown, repeated his winning effort from 2008. At the wheel of the No. 22 Canadian Tire / Motomaster / Exide / Erb / Mark’s Work Wearhouse / AW Millwrights / Castrol/ Dodge Challenger, 39 year-old Steckly earned three race victories this year (at Mosport, Motoplex and Riverside Speedways), claimed nine, top five finishes and secured three pole positions on his way to the championship title.

In addition to preparing his own mount, Steckly also fielded the #9 PartSource/ Rheem Dodge for past Canadian National Champion, Mark Dilley.

ABOUT THE NASCAR CANADIAN TIRE SERIES: Having just completed its fifth season of operation, the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series is Canada’s only professional stock car racing division.

The series competes from coast to coast in Canada, with events extending from Motoplex Speedway in Vernon (BC) to Riverside Speedway in Antigonish in Nova Scotia.

In 2011, the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series ran 12 races with the schedule split between seven oval track and five road course venues, and appeared at such high profile events as the Honda Indy Toronto and the NASCAR Nationwide NAPA 200 in Montreal.

Past series’ champions include Andrew Ranger (2007 & 2009), Scott Steckly (2008 & 2011) and DJ Kennington (2010).

For more information on Scott Steckly and 22 Racing please contact: Linda Jones // Wide Open Motorsport Solutions // (705) 730-4044

Email: ljones@wideopensolutions.ca

For more information on Canadian Tire please contact: David Gollom // Manager, Communications, Canadian Tire // 416-480-8450

Email: david.gollom@cantire.com

Prepared by JWN / Inside Track Communications

Race Time Radio - Inside CSRA: Tonight at 7 p.m.!

Race Time Radio Inside CSRA - Tonight: Tues. Dec. 13th 2011 at 7 p.m. (ET)
Listen Live at www.racetimeradio.com/live-csra.htm

Kawartha Speedway Fans Race to the Ballot Box

With a federal election in May and a provincial campaign making headlines in October, 2011 may already be considered the year of the vote.  Now, Kawartha Speedway’s fans, friends, drivers and crew members will get a chance to cast a ballot for their favourites.  The track will host an on-line vote for the most improved and most sportsmanlike drivers in the Hasiuk Trailer and Container Rental Mini Stock, Better Carpet Thunder Car and NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Model divisions.  Winners will be announced at the annual awards banquet Saturday, January 14th.  General Manager and Promoter Derek Lynch says it’s a great way to get the fans involved.

“No matter what class, everyone has a favourite driver – someone they cheer for every Friday night – and this is the time to show that support,” said Lynch.  “Winning either award is something to be very proud of and the hardware that comes with the honour can be an excellent addition to the driver’s personal wall of fame.”

The on-line balloting combined with input from speedway officials and results from throughout the recently completed season will determine the award winners in each regular division.  To cast a vote, visit www.kawarthaspeedway.com or register at the track’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/#!/groups/2232895579/ or Twitter account www.twitter.com/#!/KDSpeedway .  There is no limit to the number of times you can vote, but the deadline for each category is coming-up fast.

Kawartha Speedway’s 2012 season gets underway Sunday, February 5th with the 3rd annual edition of the Long John 200 Endurance Event.  The track 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.

From Jim Clarke / Kawartha Speedway

Race Time Radio: Tonight - December 12, 2011

Race Time Radio: 8 p.m. - DIS President Joie Chitwood III, Sr. Director
of Communications for Grand-Am Road Racing Herb Branham and more. Tune
into www.racetimeradio.com to listen.

Canadian Motorsports Expo returns with a new date and a bigger venue

Almost 80 percent of the available exhibitor space has already been filled!

TORONTO, ON // December 12, 2011 – The 6th Annual Canadian Motorsports Expo, Powered by Inside Track Motorsport News takes place February 10, 11 & 12, 2012 at the International Centre, adjacent to Toronto’s Pearson International Airport. New for 2012, the CME will be held on a new date, in a bigger hall.

Responding to exhibitor and attendee feedback, the show has been moved back in the calendar – by several weeks – to be closer to the start of the racing season. The CME’s new date is two weeks prior to NASCAR’s Daytona 500, at a time when Canadian racers and fans are making their plans and purchasing decisions for the upcoming racing season.

The Canadian Motorsports Expo will once again take place at the International Centre, but it’s moving to the bigger Hall 6, which offers considerably more space (80,000 square feet). Hall 6 is also more wide-open than the show’s former space, which means the CME will be better able to accommodate more exhibitors, tracks, series, vendors and racing vehicles.

Also new for 2012, the CME is the only Winter / Spring show at the International Centre permitted to offer more than 10% racing content, so there is no question about where the real racers, fans and industry members will be in February!

“We’re just inside of two months to go until show-time and the response to the 6th Annual Canadian Motorsports Expo has been fantastic,” said the CME’s Greg MacPherson. “So far, almost 80 percent of the available exhibitor space has already been sold. The racing industry is really getting behind the CME and has responded positively to the new February date and the move to Hall 6. We have some great new partners and features to announce in the coming weeks.”

On the opening day of the CME (Friday, February 10), highlights will include the presentation of the Inside Track Readers’ Choice Awards and Spencer Lewis’ Ontario Asphalt Power Rankings Top 10 Awards. Saturday’s schedule (February 11) will feature the celebrity racer Q&A and autograph sessions, the Meet the Media Fan Forum and several other interesting and informative presentations. On Sunday (February 12), CASCAR founder Tony Novotny and several well-known racing personalities will take a trip down memory lane during the CASCAR Reunion.

“For this year’s show, we’ve introduced an online, interactive floor plan that lets exhibitors and sponsors see what space and properties are still available, on a real-time basis,” said the CME’s Mike Galipeau. “We encourage anyone who thinks their business could benefit from being part of the show to check out the ‘Exhibitor Info’ page at www.CanadianMotorsportsExpo.com and then contact us at (416) 962-7223 or info@canadianmotorsportsexpo.com.”

Offering interesting and informative forums and seminars, celebrity racer autograph sessions, NASCAR Sprint Cup stock cars, racing vehicles from across the motorsports spectrum, reunion events, awards presentations and equipment suppliers and collectible vendors, the CME has something for every racer and fan. The show is an ideal venue for businesses looking to jumpstart their sales, marketing and promotional campaigns in front of their most motivated customers.

Throughout its existence, the Canadian Motorsports Expo has become known for its presentation of celebrity racers from Canada and around the world. Stars like Ron Fellows, Jacques Villeneuve, Matt Kenseth, Paul Tracy, Brad Keselowski, Dario Franchitti, Max Papis, Derek Daly, Miguel & Yvon Duhamel and many more have graced the CME stage for fan Q&A and autograph sessions.

The CME has also featured world-famous racing machines, including the NASCAR Cup cars of Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jeff Gordon, as well as F1 and IndyCar vehicles. Watch for updates to find out which star racers and machines will be appearing at the 6th Annual Canadian Motorsports Expo.

ABOUT THE CME: The Canadian Motorsports Expo Powered by Inside Track Motorsport News is a three-day celebration of Canadian racing that runs February 10, 11 & 12, 2012 at the International Centre (6900 Airport Road in Mississauga, Ontario (Canada)). In addition to booths and racing vehicles representing the entire spectrum of Canadian motorsports, the show is loaded with seminars and forums to entertain and inform racers and fans alike. Celebrity drivers will be at the CME to sign autographs and meet the fans. One of the special themes of this year’s CME is the CASCAR Reunion. Please check the show’s website (www.CanadianMotorsportsExpo.com) for news, updates, schedule information and more.

OSCAAR announces new Open-Wheel Modified racing division

OSCAAR OUTLAW MODIFIEDS... On December 5, OSCAAR (Ontario Stock Car Association of Asphalt Racers) president Dave Gainforth confirmed the creation of a touring, open-wheeled Modified racing division, one that will be sanctioned by the Southern Ontario-based governing body most widely recognized for its long running Super Late Model series.

Responding to inquiries for assistance from various Modified racers, while at the same time looking to develop a support and ‘feeder’ division for their Super Late Model programme, Gainforth feels that the newly-founded OSCAAR Outlaw Modified Series will offer a “perfect fit” for not only his organization, but also for the drivers, the hosting tracks and the race-going public.

“The open-wheeled Modifieds are popular with the fans and compliment any track’s schedule,” says Gainforth. “If we can back up an OSCAAR Super Late Model race with a 30 or 35 lap Modified feature, that would be a pretty full night of racing entertainment for any Ontario short track.”

Although still in the early planning stages, Gainforth has already secured six race dates at three venues (Peterborough, Sunset and Barrie Speedways) and is hoping to expand his 2012 schedule to “nine or 10 events”. To date, four of the confirmed races for the OSCAAR Outlaw Modifieds will be run in conjunction with the Super Late Models.

“Ultimately, we’d like to have about 90% of the races combined events. That would create an OSCAAR ‘super package’ for the host tracks, while saving our competitors some traveling expenses, as costs could be shared,” continues Gainforth.

Mark Dilley, promoter of Stroud (ON)’s Sunset Speedway, is excited about hosting the new OSCAAR Outlaw Modifieds in their debut season.     

“I like the Mods and I think a lot of other people do, as well. This will be something new for our fans; we haven’t run the Modifieds here before. And it will be a great opportunity for the drives to test themselves on a variety of tracks.”

Concurs Diane Cunningham, from Barrie Speedway, “We’re excited about the Modifieds coming to Barrie. The fans get a bonus show, and we get another attraction on our calendar. Any new series that can develop and grow can only be better for racing in general and we hope that we can be part of that growth.”

One of the biggest challenges faced by Gainforth and the OSCAAR Technical Team is to develop a rulebook that would balance performance within the field. The three Southern Ontario tracks that regularly feature open-wheeled Modified racing divisions, (Mosport, Varney and Delaware Speedways), have widely diverse regulation packages. 

“We need to make every car competitive at every track, so that there is no ‘home track’ advantage. We’re working hard with (car-builders) John Fletcher and Jeff Hanley to come up with a rulebook that would keep the playing field level, without costing the drivers a lot of time and money,” explains Gainforth.

With the technical regulations and scheduling quickly coming into place, the next challenge for the OSCAAR Outlaw Modifieds is to recruit potential competitors. Fortunately, the interest has been strong in support of the new series.

“I’ve got five cars in my shop alone, that we’re prepared to run,” states Chris Burrows, a regular at Varney Speedway. “And I’ve been speaking with the McLeans, they’ve got another three cars, and I think they’re interested in the programme as well. This is what the Modified drivers have needed, and I think that this is going to be a great season for us, and for OSCAAR.” 

“My goal is to field between 16 and 18 Modifieds at each event, and I personally don’t think I’ll have a problem reaching that mark,” says Gainforth. “The interest is high, and I expect to hear from more and more drivers as this news gets out. There are a lot of competitive Modifieds sitting in shops out there, it’s just a matter of getting them fired up and out to the tracks.”

The OSCAAR Outlaw Modified Series will make its public debut at the Canadian Motorsports Expo, held in Toronto, February 10-12, 2012, with a final schedule to be released at that time.

Further information on the OSCAAR Outlaw Modifieds Series can be found on the OSCAAR website www.oscaar.ca, or by contacting club president Dave Gainforth- oscaargainforth@gmail.com.

Prepared by JWN / Inside Track Communications for OSCAAR

Lucas Oil returns as Sportsman Cup title sponsor for 2012

Lucas Oil Products has renewed its sponsorship with the National Stock Car Association as title sponsor for the Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup Series for 2012. This marks the 4th season that they have stamped their brand on the Ontario wide touring series.

“We are excited to extend our relationship with Lucas Oil for another season,” stated Series Director Dave Alexander. “Lucas Oil is a huge supporter of motorsports at all levels and their continued support is a strong testament to the quality and professionalism of our series.”

Lucas Oil remains committed to producing only the highest quality premium automotive, heavy duty, industrial and specialty oil products. For more information visit www.lucasoil.ca.

From Dave Alexander / Series Director - National Stock Car Association / www.lucasoilsportsmancup.com

NASCAR Champions honoured at awards gala in Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Dec. 10, 2011) – Past, present and future were celebrated Saturday night at the NASCAR Hall of Fame as the six champions from NASCAR’s developmental series were honored in the Night of Champions Touring Awards Gala.

The festivities featured the champions and top drivers from all of NASCAR’s North American regional touring series, who gathered for the special year-end celebration.

The 2011 champions included Max Gresham (NASCAR K&N Pro Series East), Greg Pursley (NASCAR K&N Pro Series West), Scott Steckly (NASCAR Canadian Tire Series), Germán Quiroga (NASCAR Mexico Series), Ron Silk (NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour) and George Brunnhoelzl III (NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour).

"These six series represent the future of our sport," said George Silbermann, NASCAR vice president, regional and touring series. "There is some remarkable talent on hand tonight that provided close, exciting competition all season long."

• Gresham, of Griffin, Ga., earned the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East championship in just his second full season of competition.

• Pursley of Newhall, Calif., captured his first NASCAR K&N Pro Series West title in dominating fashion with six victories in the season’s first eight races.

• Steckly of Milverton, Ontario, Canada, picked up his second NASCAR Canadian Tire Series championship after winning his first in 2008.

• Quiroga of Mexico City, Mexico, picked up his third consecutive NASCAR Mexico Series championship and is the only driver in series history with multiple titles.

• Silk of Norwalk, Conn., won his first NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour title in a thrilling points battle that went down to the closing laps of the season.

• Brunnhoelzl of West Babylon, N.Y., collected his second NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour championship following up his 2009 title.

Enrique Contreras III (NASCAR Mexico Series) and Louis-Philippe Dumoulin (NASCAR Canadian Tire Series collected Rookie of the Year honors while Sunoco Rookie of the Year Awards were presented to Austin Pack (NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour), Patrick Emerling (NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour), Alex Bowman (NASCAR K&N Pro Series East) and Dylan Kwasniewski (NASCAR K&N Pro Series West).

Additionally, the Most Popular Driver Awards for each series were also presented during the ceremony. The six drivers honored with the prestigious award – voted on by fans online at NASCAR.com – were Justin Bonsignore in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, Jason Myers of the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour, Jorge Arteaga in the NASCAR Mexico Series, Jason White in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, Moses Smith of the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West and Chase Elliott from the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East.

The top 10 drivers and car owners from each of NASCAR’s developmental series also were recognized during the gala event – which featured Mike Joy and Dr. Dick Berggren of NASCAR on FOX and SPEED as co-hosts. The awards banquet was streamed live online in three languages – English French and Spanish – at www.nascarhometracks.com, the official online home of NASCAR’s developmental series.

Special award and year-end contingency award winners were honored Saturday morning at the Grand Champions Breakfast.

The awards celebration capped a week of festivities in the Charlotte area aimed at providing the top drivers and track operators in NASCAR’s weekly and touring series an up close and personal look at the hub of stock-car racing. The NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Awards Banquet on Friday honored champions from across North America in the series that is NASCAR’s grassroots foundation.

From Jason Christley, NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communications