NASCAR LOCAL RACING.com: NASCAR Canadian Tire Series website to go live April 1

NASCAR has a website called NASCAR Local Racing.

On its mainpage, it discusses NASCAR Mexico and NASCAR Canada. At the end of the piece on NASCAR Canada, it says the NASCAR Canada website "are planned to go live on [Sunday] April 1." That is pretty much in line with the existing 'place holder' NASCAR Canadian Tire Series' website, which says "Site under construction. Launch March 2007".

The NASCAR Local Racing site doesn't include the much-anticipated NCATS schedule, but it does say that it is "... targeting events in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec." Hopefully, the exclusion of Nova Scotia (Riverside Speedway) is an oversight as that track is running the NCATS logo on its website and clearly expects to be hosting a race in mid-September.

Here is the portion on NASCAR Canada (at www.nascarlocalracing.com):

NASCAR Canada – Officially titled the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series

"The series was officially announced September 2006, following the acquisition of certain assets of the CASCAR Super Series by NASCAR. The series will stage events nationally with a schedule of 12 races throughout Canada from May to October. Many former CASCAR drivers and teams are anticipated to compete in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series.

Like NASCAR Mexico, NASCAR Canada also has a broadcast deal with The Sports Network (TSN) – Canada's sports leader. TSN has a multi-year agreement for exclusive broadcast rights to the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, and will televise all 12 one-hour broadcasts. Each broadcast will include race coverage, driver interviews and special features.

The new NASCAR Canadian Tire Series will bring together some of Canada’s best stock car drivers and teams, and NASCAR plans to build on Canada’s strong and rich motorsports heritage and position itself as one of the leading motorsports markets in the world.

The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series plans to stage races on both ovals and road courses, and as a companion event to other major in-market events, targeting events in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec.

Unlike providing basic information with respect to NASCAR Mexico, the NASCAR Canada website will provided in-depth news, driver stats, schedules and more – much like the coverage we offer for the other series covered on this NASCAR Local Racing.com.

Adding the new sites to our lineup is exciting, and we look forward to providing our viewers the best possible information regarding the series and, as always, in a timely manner. The sites are planned to go live April 1."

(h/t 'RACER' on canadianracingonline.com)

A1GP: Mexican Weekend Ends On Low Note For Canada

Mexico City, Sunday 25 March, 2007 - A disappointing weekend in Mexico City for A1 Team Canada concluded with a 15th place Feature race finish for James Hinchcliffe in Round 9 of the 2006-07 A1GP World Cup of Motorsport at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on Sunday. The 20-year-old from Toronto had earlier raced his way from 19th to 13th in the Sprint race but frustratingly failed to break into the points-paying top-ten in the later Feature event.

Sunday morning's 12-lap Sprint race saw James skillfully pick his way through the main-straight carnage following contact between local hero Salvador Duran, in the Mexican entry, and Champ Car racer Bruno Junqueira. With Junqueira's Brazilian car spearing sideways across the track, by the time the Canadian entry arrived on the scene a clear path through the carnage had just emerged. Up to 14th by the third lap, Hinchcliffe found himself at the tail end of a train of six cars headed by New Zealand's Jonny Reid.

Battling gear selection problems and over-steer, Hinchcliffe gained another spot to 13th following a puncture for Reid and remained there through to the checkered. Malaysia's Alex Yoong converted pole position into his third win of the season, beating Great Britain's Oliver Jarvis by two seconds with Australia's Ian Dyk enjoying a successful rookie debut wrapping up the podium celebrations.

Starting from Row 7 for the scheduled 45-lap Feature race, Canada dropped a spot on the opening lap and unfortunately for the team things failed to improve through what was a caution-free race at the 4.42km track. Opting to take their mandatory stop later in the allotted window, Canada climbed as high as first on track but dropped back to 16th on lap 19 following their trip down pit-lane. From there Hinchcliffe held position through to lap 36 when he climbed one place to 15th. The slower, lapped car of Pakistan, then hindered the Champ Car Atlantic racer's hopes of closing the gap to the Czech Republic and Hinchcliffe had to settle for 15th at the checkered.

A1 Team Great Britain capitalized on a flying start from Oliver Jarvis over Sprint race winner Alex Yoong in the Malaysian entry to dominate proceedings, the British racer taking his team's first ever A1GP victory in only his second start in the series. Jarvis led home Jonathan Summerton for the USA with Adrian Zaugg taking third for South Africa.

"We tried a slightly different strategy today but things just didn't go our way," reflected Hinchcliffe after the Feature. "It's been a frustrating weekend for the team, not least as we've all worked really hard to put something together that would get us further up the order. I was hoping to make more of an impact in the Feature and was catching a train of cars before the Pakistani entry really blocked me for the best part of a lap. After that I might have cooked the tires a little too much trying to make up for lost time. It would be a bit of a stretch to find some positives from the weekend at this stage."

SPEED will air all the action from Round 9 of the A1GP Series as a tape-delayed broadcast on Wednesday 28th March starting at 4pm EST - www.speedtv.com / Round 10 of the 2006-07 A1GP World Cup of Motorsport sees a return to China and the Shanghai International Circuit, Friday 13th - Sunday 15th April - www.a1gp.com

Top-Ten Standings after Round 9/11: 1st Germany (101), 2nd New Zealand (74), 3rd Great Britain (61), 4th France (57), 5th Malaysia (50), 6th Switzerland (45), 7th Netherlands (43), 8th Italy (36), 9th Mexico (35), 10th USA (35), *11th CANADA (28)

Photo Credit - 'A1 Team Canada's James Hinchcliffe racing in Mexico' - Jakob Ebrey Photography

A1 Team Canada Media Relations: Stuart Morrison - PR & Media Manager
Cell: +1 514 945 3253 / Email: stuart@a1teamcan.com

IHRA: San Antonio Race Report

SAN ANTONIO, Texas (March 25, 2007) – Over the years Bruce Litton has grown accustomed to the bridesmaid role, but he has never liked it. While Clay Millican was reeling off six consecutive Knoll Gas-Torco Racing Fuels Pro Nitro Top Fuel world championships Litton was always right there in his rear view mirror. The Indianapolis-native finished second three times (’02, ’03 and ’04) and third the three other years Millican was dominating the class.

Now he is ready for his time in the sun.

Litton knocked off T.J. Zizzo in the final round of the season-opening Amalie Oil Texas Nationals presented by NAPA Auto Parts to claim the early points lead and prove he is ready to go after the championship…a statement he made with the off-season hiring of tuner Nicky Boninfante. Boninfante was with Litton for most of his competitive Top Fuel seasons before leaving to pursue other opportunities while Litton slipped to fifth in the final 2006 championship points standings. Now, with Boninfante back, Litton is looking for big things this season.

“This team has really come together this year around Nicky Boninfante and (crew chief) Richard Hartman,” said Litton. “We’ve worked so hard over the years and especially over the winter. I’m looking forward to this season.”

After knocking off Scott Weis in the first round, Litton had to deal with No. 1 qualifier Doug Foley in the semifinals. Foley shook his tires hard at the hit of the throttle early and clicked it off, leaving Litton to wait to see who he would race for the Ironman. He did not have to wait long as Scotty Cannon could not answer the semifinal bell and Zizzo soloed into the final round.

Litton had lane choice in the final and selected the right lane. Two years ago Litton suffered a horrific crash in that same right lane at the Texas Nationals, but has since put those demons behind him.

“We try to run our own race every time,” added Litton. “I knew he ran well all weekend. He was No. 2 qualifier, we were three. I felt like I needed to be on my game and leave on time. And we had some pretty good power all day. It all worked out for us.“

Dale Creasy Jr., Beecher, Ill., began the defense of his 2006 Knoll Gas-Torco Racing Fuels Pro Nitro Funny Car world championship in grand style by knocking off the defending Texas Nationals champion, No. 1 qualifier Gary Densham. Creasy almost was not around to race Sunday as he needed the final qualifying shot Saturday night to bump into the field. He took advantage, knocking off Del Worsham in the first round and Jack Wyatt, who finished a mere five points behind him in the points chase last year, in the semifinals.

Creasy then carded a 3.407 in the final round against a lifting Densham.

“We had the new car and we were struggling with it,” said Creasy Jr. “I almost brought out the old car because I knew it could go down the race track. But we have so much invested in it, time and money, and if we want to step forward we have to have this car so we stuck with it and it worked.”

“This is my first win (in the U.S.), so I finally have a trophy that doesn’t need a passport to go home,” added Creasy.

Ed Hoover, Gilbert, S.C., had a successful return to San Antonio Raceway, the site of his 2005 victory over Shannon Jenkins at the Texas Nationals. Hoover finished outside the top ten in IHRA points standings last season, but an early win has him thinking things have turned around a bit. Hoover stopped Danny Rowe in the final with a 4.031 ET.

“This is great. We struggled all year last year, and now we’ve got a new car and this win is really big for us,” said Hoover. “We’re leaving here with a lot of momentum and we’re going to work real hard the rest of the season.

“This winter Al (Billes) spent 300 hours R&D and dyno time working on the car. He helped make the difference today. This is a professional class. If you’re not working, you’re not going to win.”
Robert Patrick, Fredericksburg, Va., drove his ’07 Shelby Cobra to the Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com Pro Stock Ironman defeating John Montecalvo, Center Moriches, N.Y., in the final round. Patrick, one of the preseason favorites to contend for the 2007 championship, proved to be worthy of such attention by carding a 4.156 at 173.29 mph to knock off Montecalvo’s 4.171 at 172.63 mph. Both drivers had identical 0.046 reaction times.

“The biggest thing I wanted to accomplish here was coming out with a win,” said Patrick. “Last year I qualified on the pole a number of times, had the fastest car in eliminations and got beat a few times on hole-shots and that kept me out of the championship chase. So I wanted to kind of redeem myself here.

“We got the win and I just couldn’t be happier for my team,” he added.

Terry Munroe, Beaver, Pa., finally broke through in Alcohol Funny Car, stopping defending world champion Mark Thomas, Louisville, Ohio, in the final round with a 3.893 ET to claim his first-ever Ironman. Munroe finished fourth in the points standings last year, but could not get a win at either of his two finals last season.

“We’ve been doing Funny Car racing for five years. This is my fifth final round and I finally won one,” said Munroe. “This year, we put it in our minds that we are going to be serious about this. We are still looking for sponsors…we could be dangerous with the right funding.”

The Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam™ will make its second stop of the season in Rockingham Dragway April 20-22 for the IHRA Spring Nationals presented by Advance Auto Parts and Castrol.

Continued at this link.

- From IHRA

INSIDE TRACK: News & Notes for Monday

OHSWEKEN SPEEDWAY
Ohsweken Speedway is set to host a 4-Wheeler Poker Run, on Saturday, March 31. The event starts at the track. Registration is from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The 4-5 hour trip starts at 11 a.m. (corrected).

There's a $25 entry fee to be eligible for the $500 prize. Or you can ride for fun (for free). Visit Ohsweken's site for information regarding this event and to purchase season tickets for the oval.



CAR OF TOMORROW REACTION
Yesterday's race at Bristol looked pretty much like every other race at Bristol, except for the shape of the cars. Therefore, NASCAR must be pretty happy with its first live racing test of the 'Car of Tomorrow.'


But you can't help but think they would rather a more friendly / corporate / politically correct person than Kyle Busch had won.


After taking the checkered flag (Jeff Burton apparently didn't get the memo that it's OK to spin the leader in NASCAR... see Montoya/Sharp), it didn't take long for Busch to emerge from the car and start slagging it.


He started off saying, "They suck." And then he got nasty.

He said NASCAR created the whole COT project because, "They just want the Michael Waltrips win races." Ouch. Kellogg's must be so proud to know they've spent millions to have such a fine young man representing their brand. Maybe they can launch a whole new cereal around him, called "Bitter Flakes" or something similarly distateful.


Stories about the reaction to the new cars can be found here, here and here.

PMRA: Wildgust to drive the Silbermann team entry

AJAX, ONTARIO (March 24, 2007) - One of the new PMRA teams is ready to make its mark on the Pro Modified Racing Association’s 2007 tour.

“All the testing is behind us,” said Pro Modified car owner Kirk Silbermann recently. “This will be our first full year with the car. We’ve only got two passes on it.”

The Silbermann car is the Ajax Engines/Mobil 1 1957 Chevy-bodied Pro Modified, running a 526-cid Brad Anderson Hemi, an SSI supercharger, and an ERD/Carl Spiering fuel system.

Last year the team, with Stratford’s Scott Wildgust at the wheel, made only a couple of runs getting the car sorted out. But this year the ’57 will be a familiar sight at the PMRA events. Wildgust, a former Alcohol Funny Car driver, will also be driving the Pro Modified this year when the team competes in two or three IHRA National events.

“We’re going to support the Pro Modified Racing Association series,” said Silbermann at his Ajax engine facility about the PMRA series. “We’re going back to having some good old fun.”

Silbermann mentioned he started racing himself in 1992, and by 1998 was running in the Top Sportsman and Pro Modified classes after purchasing a 1941 Willys-bodied car from fellow Canadian Gary Irving, one of Pro Modified’s early contenders.

As crew chief with the ’57 Chevy, Silbermann said he really has no desire to get back behind the wheel. “That’s over for now,” he said. “I enjoy the management part.”

Now in its third year of operation, The Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA), www.ProModifiedRacing.com, has enjoyed strong fan popularity and will present some of the best in Pro Modified racing for 2007.

The PMRA will travel to several drag strips in 2007, including two dates at Toronto Motorsports Park, Lancaster Raceway Park in New York State, Sanair in Quebec, and the Southwestern Ontario track of Grand Bend Motorplex.

In 2006, the tour was a great success, and during the past two seasons of the PMRA, each event finished with a different winner. Joe Boniferro and Kasey Janzen tied in points last year and were crowned co-champions over the other Ontario, Michigan, New York, and Pennsylvania teams. Wix Filtration Products, Valvoline, a division of Ashland Inc., Uni-Select, and Moen Incorporated will sponsor the PMRA points series in 2007.

For more information, contact Bruce F. Mehlenbacher: Mehlenbacher@ProModifiedRacing.com

From the PMRA

NHRA President Tom Compton statement on the passing of Eric Medlen

NHRA President Tom Compton statement on the passing of Eric Medlen

Words cannot describe how everyone at NHRA is feeling after the passing of one of our brightest young stars, Eric Medlen. He earned his way to the top through hard work and perseverance and, in doing so, gained the respect of his fellow competitors.

Eric was a great spokesperson not only for John Force Racing but the sport of NHRA POWERade Drag Racing and he will be forever remembered for his enthusiasm, uplifting personality and ever-present smile. He was destined to become a great champion in the sport and all of us at NHRA are grateful and fortunate to have shared in some of his glory.

Eric left this sport far too soon and his absence will be felt by everyone within the NHRA racing community. On behalf of everyone at NHRA, I want to send our sincere condolences to the Medlen family and John Force Racing.

INSIDE TRACK: News & Notes for Friday

It's 3 p.m. on Friday heading into what looks to be the first nice weekend of the year (in Toronto).

Here are a few tidbits before heading out....

RACEGOD:
Ontario short track enthusiast Brian McCullough sent me a nice note asking if I'd spread the word about his three websites. The first one is a forum which requires registration to access. The second and third are photo galleries from Brian's extensive libraries. The photo albums alone could keep you busy for days. Lots of great old stuff.

COOL DUDE KURT BUSCH ON THE COT:
WILL THE FANS NOTICE ANY DIFFERENCE WITH THE CARS OF TOMORROW?: “I think bottom line you’re still going to have the same Bristol atmosphere of the bumping, the banging, the long runs, the short runs, the pit strategy, just cars on top of each other, rookies making mistakes. You’ll see the same cats with the same results I hope.”

(From Ray Cooper / Clear!Blue)

RACELINE ADDS GRISDALE:
"We welcome Grisdale Racing Products as a brand new national broadcast partner. This is a radio show that deals with motorsport, and racing and speed equipment companies provide the gear needed to “Git ‘er done” on the track. It just makes so much sense. They tend to hook up with the show at the local affiliate level, like Pete’s Automotive St.Catharines and their renowned DIRT Modifieds and equipment we advertise on our Niagara Falls/Western NY affiliate 105.1 The RIVER. But Grisdale’s trying the national side out of their Dundas/Hamilton complex. It should help to broaden their customer base.

(From Erik Tomas / RACELINE.CA)

WANTED: A NEW CRYSTAL BALL
Racewoman's guess of Friday, March 23, 2007 at 1 p.m. for the release of the NCATS 2007 schedule has come and gone.


... and that should do it. Time for some "Potent Potables"....

NASCAR: Ricky and the Martins skip Bristol

This weekend, rather than racing at Bristol Motor Speedway, NASCAR Nextel Cup points leader Mark Martin will be coaching his son Matt and motocross star Ricky Carmichael at a short track race in Florida.

Martin has said all along that he's planning to only run a partial schedule this season, and he hasn't let his early-season success change his plans.

Does anyone know the last time (if ever) that the current NASCAR points leader wasn't in the field for a race?

Here is the release from Kevin Woods (PR):

Mooresville, N.C. (March 23, 2007) – Mark Martin may not be taking his Nextel Cup point lead to Bristol this weekend, but that does not mean he’s not going racing. In fact, Martin will spend his first weekend in 20 years not at a Nextel Cup race, but will be at a race track. Only this time instead of chasing the checkered flag on his own, Martin will be overseeing the stock car debut of Motocross legend and Ginn Racing development driver Ricky Carmichael, as well as his son Matt Martin.
For Martin, the chance to help develop Carmichael, who is widely regarded as the Michael Jordan of Motocross, is as exciting as any race he has taken part in.
“Not everyone that follows stock car racing realizes the kind of impact that Ricky Carmichael has had in his career and is a huge force in motorsports,” said Martin. “This is the first step in converting him from two wheels to four, and we're going to take it easy and not try to get in too deep at this first race. We’ll let him kind of find out what it's all about and then kind of ramp it up with each additional event. But this weekend is all about getting comfortable in the race car and getting comfortable with the other cars. It's going to be a lot of fun.”
Carmichael is equally excited about his transition and working with Martin.
“I’m really excited about this weekend,” said Carmichael who competed in his final Supercross event last weekend in Orlando. “I’m nervous, but it’s a good nervous. It’s a great feeling that I haven’t had in a long time, and all the talking is about to stop now, because it’s time to start here.
“For me it’s my first race, so I can drive the car now in a racing situation. I think it’s really a great time for me to learn more, as every time I get behind the car it seems like I learn more and more. Being out there with some of the other drivers is going to be tough, and to be honest, I don’t know what to expect. I just want to do my best and be in there. I’ll have a better guideline of what I think my potential is as a racer after this weekend.”
Carmichael will be glad to have the veteran Martin in his corner as he enters into the world of stock car racing.
“He’s been incredible for me,” said Carmichael. “It’s a pleasure to work with him, I have a lot of trust in him and I listen to every word he says. It’s just an honor. That’s what I told everybody when I heard he was coming to Ginn Racing. I could not believe it, and it’s simply been a pleasure. I’m blessed to have him in my corner, there’s no doubt about it."
Both Carmichael and Matt Martin will take place in the Super Late Model division Saturday at Columbia Motorsports Park in Lake City, Fla., with the feature being a 25-lapper. Columbia Motorsports Park is a half-mile semi-banked, asphalt track.

Project Track Champion set to expand

By Denny Snider, Concept Creator (Project Track Champion)

Due to the tremendous success of Project Track Champion, I am pleased to announce the addition of a second car to be added to the race team. Although the original car has many actual race car features and components, it still remains stock in many respects. The second car will be built and constructed with actual race car components from top to bottom, front to back. Setting this race car apart from its racing big brothers will be the features necessary to accommodate passengers with special needs, including wheelchair users.

Heading up the construction is 2006 CASCAR Sportsman Series Champion Shawn McGlynn #81. McGlynn Motorsports, 110 Trussler Road, Kitchener, is to be commended for their desire and dedication to raise the level of awareness, in respects to the lives and dreams of others. Although the first car (proto type) will be at numerous venues throughout 2007 (http://www.project-track-champion.com/ and click Upcoming Events), many are non race related venues.

The second car, due to its actual race car appeal will now make it possible to take the real race fan on a ride-a-long at speedways. I am not at liberty at this time to say whether or not this race car will be available this year, but certainly in 2008.

With its 2007 appearance kick-off at Performance World Car and Truck Show, Project Track Champion is prepared to put smiles on the faces of thousands of individuals.

Along with this news flash, there is another. Thanks to Tim Chapman and the staff at Cayuga Speedway Park, Project Track Champion will be marking a milestone in racing history on May 19 and 20 by offering free rides to the public, especially those with special needs. Project Track Champion will also be on static display at the same speedway May 26 for the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series opener. You will not want to miss either great attraction.

Project Track Champion will also be on display at the Canadian Motorsports Expo April 6-7-8 (Toronto), People in Motion June 1 and-2 (Queen Elizabeth Building, CNE, Toronto), the Grand Prix of Toronto (CNE), and another great ride-a-long date August 11 at Sauble Speedway.

The future of Project Track Champion is looking very bright and has no place to go but up. Without a doubt, it has proven to be a win-win situation for all who have been involved to date. There are literally hundreds to thank from Moncton N.B. to Fort Lauderdale, Florida who have made a dream become a reality. Project Track Champion tips its helmet to Jones Brown Motorsports Insurance Inc. and Q-Straint for their incredible support.

On behalf of all involved with this very worthy cause, and those for whom the project was created, I say a heart-felt thank you.

Yours truly,
Denny Snider, Concept Creator, Project Track Champion
www.project-track-champion.com // 519-369-6349

'79 French GP.... Villeneuve vs. Arnoux

It's just over a month until the 25th anniversary of Gilles Villeneuve's death. I was reading a magazine tonight and it had a nice piece on the great Canadian racer. It mentioned the classic late-race scrap for second between Villeneuve and Rene Arnoux in the '79 French GP at Dijon.

There are many YouTube videos of the race, ranging from a two-minute clip (set to music) to a 10-minute piece voiced by Murray Walker.

My favourite is this one (in German). It's almost 5 minutes long. You can hear the excitement and feel the cars and the French fans as they cheered for their countryman Arnoux.

This duel is considered by many to be possibly the best in the history of F1. I'm not enough of a historian to say if it is or isn't. But it sure is fun to watch.

SOS: Q&A with Warren Mahoney

From SOS Insider:

Q&A with Southern Ontario Sprints (SOS) racer Warren Mahoney

'Wile E' Warren Mahoney put his name into the SOS record books in 2006 by winning the series title. In doing so he became just the second driver (Keith Dempster being the first) to have won two championships. He also became just the second driver to win the title without scoring a win during the season. SOS Online's Peter Turford sat down with Warren for an SOS Q&A. He talks about his plans for 2007, his supporting family and the components that make him successful on the track.

Click here for the full interview....

OSS: DJ Kennington to race in some OSS events

ST. THOMAS, ON – Canadian stock car star DJ Kennington will be running a Dodge Charger in various races in the newly formed Ontario Sportsman Series, according to a press release issued on behalf of DJK Racing and the OSS.

“It looks like a great series – and a lot of fun to be apart of," said Kennington. "There are a lot of quick drivers who are going to be running in the series and it gives me a chance for more seat time during the year.

"I’m planning on running as many races as I can that don’t conflict with the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. I’m definitely focused on winning the NASCAR CTS championship, but I’m here to win races in anything that I drive and when I show up at an OSS race – I’m there to win.”

- From DJK / OSS

DALE JR: "I could have been an artist"

XM Radio issued an e-mail with quotes from Dale Earnhardt Jr. and what he could have been if he didn't become a racer.

Charlotte, N.C. -- Dale Earnhardt, Jr. said Tuesday that he was planning to enroll in art school before he became a NASCAR superstar.

The 32-year-old race car driver told a caller during his XM satellite radio show that, after graduating from high school, he was going to take art classes at a community college in Charlotte, N.C., but he ultimately decided that a racing career was the better path.

“We've never talked about this before,” Earnhardt said. “When I was in high school, I started taking art classes and I started drawing a lot. I’d draw at home and stuff like that, and I was always driving race cars and stuff. That was a big deal. I liked drawing crashes. I don't know why. Before I went and got a degree at Mitchell Community College in Statesville in Automotives, I had plans to enroll at Central Piedmont and take art classes. I was actually heading in that direction and I discovered that I was probably better suited to drive race cars."

Earnhardt took live phone calls from fans during a special edition of his weekly XM show on Tuesday, March 20. Highlights of the call-in show will air during the program’s regular time slot on Thursday, March 22, at 7:30 pm ET. “Dale Jr. Unrestricted” airs on the sport talk radio channel XM Sports Nation (XM channel 144).

***

Transcript of “Dale Jr. Unrestricted,” on XM Satellite Radio’s sports talk radio channel XM Sports Nation (XM Channel 144)
Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Dale Jr. on what he was planning to do with his life:
Caller - "I want to ask Dale about art."

Dale Jr. - "Well that's an interesting question and we've never talked about this before. When I was in high school, I started taking art classes and I started drawing a lot. I’d draw at home and stuff like that, and I was always driving race cars and stuff. That was a big deal. I liked drawing crashes. I don't know why. Before I went and got a degree at Mitchell Community College in Statesville in Automotives, I had plans to enroll at Central Piedmont and take art classes..."

Caller - "Oh, awesome."

Dale Jr. - "Yeah, so I was actually heading in that direction and I discovered that I was probably better suited to drive race cars."

From: Carrie Kreiswirth // Pyramid Public Relations

INSIDE TRACK: News & Notes for Wednesday

OHSWEKEN SPEEDWAY:
Ohsweken Speedway is getting an online facelift for 2007.

NASCAR CANADIAN TIRE SERIES:
Barrie Speedway has posted its 2007 schedule, including its two NASCAR Canadian Tire Series dates. Same for Cayuga Speedway. Riverside Speedway now has a NCATS logo on its site, but is still listing its mid-September 300-lap race as TBA.

So in reality, track websites have accounted for 11 of the 12 events that NASCAR has said it would put on in 2007. By all accounts, the NASCAR Busch Series race weekend in Montreal is the final domino to fall.

DELAWARE SPEEDWAY:
If you're in the London (ON) area this weekend, why not stop by the Delaware Speedway booth at the London Auto Expo and try your hand at the Pit Stop Tire Change Competition. Details on the show and the competition can be found here.

VARNEY MOTOR SPEEDWAY:
Varney Motor Speedway has done some work on the DRIVER PROFILES page of its website. Click here to check it out.

RACEPULSE:
If you like racing and have some time to poke around a Canadian racing site that features news, photos, schedules, etc.... then check out Derek Smith's RACEPULSE.COM. Derek works hard to always have something new on his site.

CSC RACING: 'Hello to Spring' Sale!

From Jennifer at CSC Racing Products Inc.:

Happy First Day of Spring!!
In honor of the day we (at CSC) thought we'd put a few more things on sale.

Click on the image at right for a full-size version.

The sale runs until Saturday, March 31, 2007.

Click here for contact info and directions to CSC.

WIN AN INSIDE TRACK T-SHIRT! QUESTION: When will the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series schedule be released?

Do you think you have a bit of Kreskin in you?

If so, you could win a brand spankin' new Inside Track T-Shirt!

All you have to do is be the closest with your guess for the date and time when the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series 2007 schedule will be officially released. We'll use the time on the release e-mail from NASCAR to determine the winner.

So that we don't have a 20-way tie by "Anonymous," only registered users can be eligible for prizes, although anyone is free to post their thoughts as "Anonymous." Just one vote per registered user, please.

Post your prediction as a comment on this thread, in this format:

Friday, March 23 at 3:00 p.m. // Posted by Greg MacPherson

Once we identify the winner, I'll send him/her a private message to arrange delivery. Good luck and thanks for stopping by!

DIRT HALL OF FAME: Heaslip to be inducted; Morin to be honoured

WEEDSPORT, NY - Canadian veteran Dave Heaslip, New Jersey standout Billy Osmun and transplanted New Yorker Dick May will be inducted into the DIRT Hall of Fame on Memorial Day Weekend ‘07. These three driving greats add their names to a growing list of Modified legends that was started in 1992 when the building was officially christened the DIRT MotorSports Hall of Fame and Classic Car Museum in Weedsport, N.Y.

The 2007 Induction Ceremonies will take place Sunday, May 27 at 2 p.m. in the Hall of Fame & Classic Car Museum. The evening race program at Cayuga County Fair Speedway will be highlighted by the Hall of Fame Classic, the third scheduled points event in the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRT Series for Big-Block Modifieds.

Still active today steering his signature no. 84 Modified machines, Smiths Falls, Ontario legend Heaslip continues to be competitive in his fifth decade of open-wheel racing. Beginning is driving career at the old Kingston (Ont.) Speedway in 1962, Heaslip has collected over 300 checkered flags behind the wheel, with 125 feature wins and nine track titles registered on the DIRTcar circuit. The “Slip” is the only driver to win at least one Small-Block main event every season since the first Mr. DIRT 358-Modified champion was crowned in 1983, today totaling 121 DIRT SB wins which rank him fifth all-time in the Northeast. Placing third in both the ‘83 & ’84 Mr. DIRT 358 title hunts, at the age of 62 Heaslip plans to follow a full schedule with weekly stops penciled in at Autodrome Edelweiss (Fri.), Frogtown Int’l Speedway (Sat.) and Cornwall Motor Speedway (Sun.) during his 2007 campaign.

Recognized behind the wheel of such acclaimed open-wheel entries as the Norcia #81, Statewide #3 and Ferraiuolo Bros. #73 during a stellar stock car racing career, Osmun scored his first career victory on home soil aboard his own #333 coupe in 1969 at East Windsor (NJ) Speedway. ‘Billy O’ made his debut at Flemington (NJ) Fair Speedway in the early 1960s and 10 years later was a dominating force at both Flemington and East Windsor. Osmun won the prestigious Eckerd 200 (then known as the Schaefer 100) for the Statewide Team in the first rain-shortened event held in 1974 and collected the first of three straight New York State Fair Labor Day Championships on the Syracuse Mile in 1978 driving the Ferraiuolo mount with teammate Gary Balough.

As the Pioneer Committee's selection for 2007, May spent 18 years racing in New York’s north country before moving down south where he spent another 15 seasons following the Grand National (today’s Nextel Cup) circuit. The popular Brownville, NY pilot debuted at the old Edgewood Speedway in Alexandria Bay in 1950 and collected his only track championship trophy at Watertown Speedway in 1962. A trucker by trade, May relocated to North Carolina at the end of the decade while his first NASCAR race was actually recorded in 1967 at the Permatex 300 in Daytona Beach, Florida. He continued in NASCAR's top series until 1986, posting eight career top-10 finishes and his best finish in the point standings was 15th in 1978. Because of the way he could handle the cars he became the top relief driver in Cup history during the '70s and early '80s. May's feat of driving five cars in one race ---the 1975 Mason Dixon 500 at Dover Downs Int’l Speedway--- will probably be in the history books for a long time.

Also receiving recognition during the induction ceremonies will be Ron Morin, Jeff Rudalavage and Mike Burdick, while the late Aaron Freshman will be honored posthumously on this special occasion.

Morin enters the Hall of Fame sharing with Freshman the Leonard J. Sammons, Jr. Award for Outstanding Contributions to Auto Racing. With Cornwall (Ont.) Motor Speedway facing closure at the time, former Mini Stock and Street Stock driver Ron Morin came to the rescue, leasing the facility for a couple years before securing the track deed in 1982. The following year Morin gained membership within the Weedsport, N.Y.-based DIRTcar organization with the Small-Block Modifieds taking center stage ever since. While Cornwall commemorated its 25th Anniversary in 1994, Morin celebrates his own ‘Silver Anniversary’ with the track as well as DIRT in 2007.

Known fondly as “Chief” on the DIRT of Central New York circuit, freshman was a familiar figure in the public relations office for DIRTcar from day one. A resident of the Syracuse suburb of Camillius, N.Y. for 40 years before his recent retirement, Freshman already held strong ties with group founder Glenn Donnelly when DIRT MotorSports was established in 1976. He was in the appliance retail business when K-Mart Stores first opened in the Salt City area and maintained a direct connection with Donnelly, himself an auditor for the General Electric Company at the time. As Donnelly’s DIRT empire grew, so did corporate sponsorship as Freshman landed many major accounts that included Wheels Discount Auto Supply Stores which evolved into today’s partnership with Big-Block Modified Series supporter Advance Auto Parts. Freshman passed away at age 84 on December 28, 2006 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

A respected driver/owner for nearly two decades, Gene DeWitt Outstanding Car Owner award recipient Rudalavage from Olyphant, Pennsylvania teamed up with veteran New Yorker Alan Johnson in 2005 and the combination clicked like no other the following season with an overall Hoosier Tire-Sunoco Race Fuels Mr. DIRT Championship the end result. In 2006 Rudalavage was responsible for keeping the wheels under ‘A.J. Slideways,’ who remains DIRTcar’s all-time Big-Block Modified feature winner with a division-high 15 scored last season to bring his career total to 344. Steering the no. 14J NativePoker.Com-Pine Line Auto Sales-Chiefs Tobacco&Gas Morrison-powered Bicknell entry, Johnson also captured ’06 season point titles at Brewerton, Cayuga County Fair and Fulton speedways, scoring another three feature wins in small-block competition. He is the only driver to win at least one Big-Block feature every year of DIRT’s existence.

Burdick will receive the Mechanic of the Year Award after spearheading the late-season resurgence of Modified superstar Danny Johnson on the DIRTcar NorthEast circuit in 2006. Johnson’s high-dollar win streak in Dave Thompson’s no. 27J Quality Concrete-King Ent.-Chiefs Tobacco & Gas/Troyer entry began with a $20,000 triumph in the Victoria 200 at Fulton Speedway in September. With Burdick turning the wrenches, the ‘Doctor’ completed a rare Super DIRT Week sweep with a $50,000 victory in the headline Eckerd 200 coming on the heels of another $20,000 win in the headline ITT Industries-Goulds Pumps 150-lap ‘Salute to the Troops’ Mr. DIRT 358-Modified Series showdown.

Co-recipients of the sixth annual "Outstanding Woman in Racing" award are former first lady of DIRT MotorSports, Annette Lutz, and Helen Martin, wife of the late Lernerville Speedway owner/promoter Don Martin.

National power DIRT MotorSports was initially created as DIRT of Central New York in 1976 and behind the scenes Lutz was the right-hand ‘woman’ serving alongside president and founder Glenn Donnelly. While Donnelly was busy on the road promoting the fledgling organization to fans and officials throughout the Northeast, Annette made sure the business functioned closer to home at the Weedsport, NY base as she stayed actively involved in the daily racing routine. A secretary when DIRT was launched, ‘Chickie’ eventually juggled sponsorship accounts, handled media affairs and on race day served as handicapper at founding member tracks Cayuga County Fair (Weedsport) and Canandaigua Speedway.

From a rather humble beginning in the fall of 1967, Lernerville evolved into one of the most revered weekly dirt tracks in the country under the care and guidance of the Martin family. Voted national "Promoter of the Year,” Don passed away in 1993 and Helen took over the reins continuing to promote the top three classes of cars recognized throughout the country ---Sprints, Late Models and Big-Block Modifieds--- on the Friday night card. After a decade of owning and leasing, in 2005 Helen sold Lernerville Speedway to DIRT MotorSports and today Gary Risch Jr. and Gary Risch Sr. guide the day-to-day track operations.

By Tom Skibinski, DIRTcar Racing PR Director

Canadian Motorsports Expo: Shane Jantzi to appear before heading to Indy

Courtice, ON – March 16, 2007: Meet Shane Jantzi at Canadian Motorsports Expo before Indy does. Shane and the Brian Stewart Racing Indy Pro Series car he will race at the brickyard will be at the Expo April 6, 7 and 8.
Shane, a multi-time Ontario Formula Ford Champion, will compete in the Indy Pro Series race the Friday before the Indianapolis 500. Driving for Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame inductee (and former Canadian Formula Ford Champion) Brian Stewart. Jantzi’s chance of lifetime spawned from the generosity and talent scouting ability of Stewart.

Brian Stewart sponsors the Ontario Formula Ford Championship. The ’06 champion received a test in Brian’s car at the Homestead Miami Speedway. Shane won the title, took the test and impressed. From that point on the two began talking further about competing and now Indy is a reality for Shane. A solid performance at Indy will likely mean two more planned races this year.

Also appearing at the show will be the Brian Stewart Racing Indy Pro Series car Shane will race. Set with the team transport as the backdrop, Brian Stewart is bringing his team right into the Expo. Fans will have the opportunity to take pictures beside the car and hauler.

Covering all aspects and disciplines, Canadian Motorsports Expo has something for everyone. It is a one-stop shopping experience. Parts, accessories, safety equipment, collectibles, free ‘how to’ seminars, racing history, fan forums, celebrity appearances, autograph sessions and more await all at Canadian Motorsports Expo.

Canadian Motorsports Expo runs April 6, 7 & 8 at the Toronto Congress Centre from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm Friday; 10:00 am to 9:00 pm Saturday; and 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Sunday. Admission is only $15. For Seniors and Youth (10 to 15 years old) $10 and free for Children under 10 years old. Three-day passes are also available. More information can be found by visiting the show website www.canadianmotorsportsexpo.com. For exhibit space enquiries, logon to the website or call the show office at (905) 721-1762. You can also send an email to info@canadianmotorsportsexpo.com

Media contact: Glenn Butt, President – Canadian Motorsports Expo
Tel: (905) 721-1762 or email: glenn@canadianmotorsportsexpo.com

AT&T sues NASCAR over team sponsorship

AP has the story of AT&T suing NASCAR.

"Telecommunications giant AT&T sued NASCAR after racing series officials would not let the company put its logo on Jeff Burton's race car.
Burton's No. 31 car is sponsored by cell phone service provider Cingular, but AT&T recently took full ownership of Cingular as part of its recent merger with BellSouth and intends to eliminate the brand name."

... continued at the link above.

CAN WE HAVE OUR OLD CAR BACK?

By Speedracer

Have you ever seen Vice Versa? You're lucky. Suffice it to say a movie with the combined acting pedigree of Judge Reinhold and Fred Savage is forgettable at best.

Well it looks like Super Aguri F1 and Honda F1 are re-enacting it this weekend at the Austrlian Grand Prix.

Wanna guess who's faster? Why it's Aguri of course. Seeing as they have the car that scored more points than any other team in the back half of the '06 F1 season. Unfortunately Honda decided to give the car to them this year.

Those sobs you hear are Jenson Button's.

Griddly Headz is back

At least the website is back.... NASCAR logo, on-site shots from last summer's CASCAR races and all. Hmmm.

The "About Us" page for the new "Griddly Games Inc." is especially entertaining.

"CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY - Griddly Games Inc. is built on a foundation of operating excellence by adhering to a strong set of corporate values, and by adopting and implementing a number of corporate responsibility policies and practices. Acting ethically and responsibly and supporting the needs of others helps us build lasting relationships."

and the kicker....

"PHILOSOPHY - Deal honestly, openly and fairly with all people all the time."

I would write more, but I seem to have thrown up all over my shoes.... Maybe I'll wipe it off with the bankruptcy papers I received from Wolrige Mahon Ltd. (Trustees in Bankruptcy, Receivers, Liquidators". The one that says Headz Gamez Enterprises Int'l Corp. stiffed companies and individuals for $5,769,198.32

The site makes a big deal about some cartoon character doing "a major house cleaning". I wonder how cute that will be to all of the people who were burned by Headz Gamez Enterprises Int'l Corp.?

Here is the link to the "Comments" page for anyone who is interested.

UPDATE (1 p.m.): Inside Track has just been contacted by an individual representing Griddly Games Inc., who said that the new company (Griddly Games Inc.) has nothing to do with the old company (Headz Gamez Enterprises Int'l Corp.). The individual said that the major shareholder of the new company was the largest creditor of the old company and is attempting to pick up the pieces. We hope to arrange an interview with this individual in the next few weeks to further clarify the situation.

No schedule, but still nice to see

I received my new 256-page Canadian Tire "2007 Spring & Summer" catalog this morning. Like a kid on Christmas morning, I tore it open to see how much racing stuff was inside.

While there is absolutely no NASCAR merchandise in the catalog, there is a full page (pg. 242) ad for the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series.

There is no schedule, but the ad says the series is "launching May 2007" and that "12 races are scheduled across Canada in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec." An asterisk points out "Locations subject to change". Everything I've heard indicates that Nova Scotia should be on that list of provinces, too, so for their sake, let's hope it does change.

The ad urges racing fans to "Look for racing schedule updates at your local Canadian Tire store."

Triple Crown’ Showcases Advance Auto Parts Super DIRT Series 200s

By Tom Skibinski, Advance Auto Parts Super DIRT Series PR Director

The Advance Auto Parts Super DIRT Series continues to be the premier traveling show for Big-Block Modifieds throughout the Northeast. The annual tour is highlighted by a trio of 200-lap events with the Eckerd 200 at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse on Oct. 7, Eastern States 200 at Orange County Fair Speedway on Oct. 21, and Coors National 200 at Lebanon Valley Speedway on Sept. 8 continuing to rank among the most prestigious races in the country.

In 2007, these three signature events on the Advance Auto Parts SDS formulate the first ‘Triple Crown’ in DIRTcar Racing for Big-Block Modifieds, with more monetary incentive and extra points on the line towards the overall Hoosier Tire-Sunoco Race Fuels Mr. DIRT Championship. In addition, the Eckerd 200 winner automatically earns seventh-place on the Eastern States 200 starting grid and the winner of the Coors National 200 at Lebanon Valley Speedway will start outside the fourth row.

“These three are among the most prominent races in the Northeast and certainly deserve to stand out on the Advance Auto Parts Series schedule,” said DIRTcar Racing Director of Competition & Track Sanctioning Cory Reed. “They hold the most tradition, offer the biggest payoffs and are what fans and racers plan their seasons around year after year. They are the only 200-lappers we run all season so it’s important to emphasize their significance and guarantee further success for many more.”

This unique ‘Triple Crown’ features the $50,000-to-win Eckerd 200 in the Salt City, $20,000-to-win Eastern States 200 in Middletown (NY) and $10,000-to-win Coors National 200 at the West Lebanon (NY) oval. These are the only Advance Auto Parts Series stops awarding fast timers with pole-position starts with the top-six locked into front three row starting positions while heats will be aligned in heads-up fashion. In these three races only the winners will receive 150 Series points with 50 points to start.

Beginning in 1962, the Eastern States 200 at Orange County remains the biggest and oldest consecutively-run championship race for dirt track Modifieds in the nation while the Valley’s National 200 was christened in 1965 and has run every year excluding 1976-79. New Jersey legend Frankie Schneider captured both first time events. The historic New York State Fairgrounds one-mile oval has played host to Super DIRT Week since 1972 and Floridian Emil “Buzzie” Reutimann captured the initial set of checkers in the Big-Block Modified main. Danny Johnson (Eckerd 200), Brett Hearn (Eastern States) and J.R. Heffner (LV 200) are the defending race winners.

For further questions about the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRT Series ‘Triple Crown’ or the 2007 race schedule, please contact Cory Reed in the DIRTcar Northeast Office (315/834-6606) during normal business hours or log into the DIRT homepage at www.dirtmotorsports.com to find out more about the entire circuit. Throughout the upcoming season Advance Auto Part Super DIRT Series news and notes, race results and point standings, driver and track information will be posted on the brand new site at http://www.superdirtcarseries.com.

Class for hybrid cars will debut at Targa Newfoundland 2007

Courtesy Ian Chaytor

ST. JOHN’S, NL (March 14, 2007) – The Targa Newfoundland international rally will break new ground in 2007 with the introduction of a competitive class for hybrid vehicles, Targa organizers have announced.

The new class will make Targa among the very first organized motorsports events in North America to offer a class for the increasingly popular vehicles powered by a mechanical alliance of a conventional internal combustion engine with one or more electric motors.

Nearly a dozen hybrid models are currently available in the Canadian market and more are expected.

The class will be for new models from existing manufacturers, and will be part of the Targa competition. The rules will be based on the existing Modern Division regulations for “Standard Specification” vehicles.

“This is just the first step in an important new direction for Targa,” said rally organizer Robert Giannou. “Creating a class for hybrids not only acknowledges the popularity and importance of these vehicles, it helps us as organizers build our expertise on environmental issues that will become more important in the future.”

In addition to the safety and other regulations that govern the Modern Division, the rules for the new hybrid class will restrict modifications that might otherwise compromise the vehicle’s fuel economy, Giannou said.

“Hybrid vehicles have always been welcome in the Grand Touring competition, but now we have expanded the invitation to include the Targa competition,” said Giannou. “In the future, we’re prepared to look at classes for conventional cars converted to hybrid operation, at alternate fuel vehicles and other technological evolutions. We see this as a great platform for manufacturers, for university engineering schools, or anyone interested in using Targa to explore new technologies.

“We don’t expect a flood of entries the first year, but we do expect this class to grow and be an important part of our appeal,” Giannou concluded.

Targa Newfoundland is one of three internationally recognized Targa motorsports events in the world and is listed on the Federation International de l’Automobile (FIA) international calendar.

The 6th annual Targa Newfoundland is set to run from September 8 –15, 2007. It will start and end in St. John’s and cover more than 2,000 kilometres of the challenging, twisty roads of the central and eastern portion of the island of Newfoundland over six days, including more than 400 kilometres of closed-road, flat-out Targa Stages.

Competitors have come from the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, Holland, the Bahamas and the U.K. for the first five editions of Targa Newfoundland. Entries continue to arrive daily for the 2007 event. Targa Newfoundland is owned and organized by Newfoundland International Motorsports.

Disturbed Motorsports team preparing for NHRA Gatornationals

Courtesy Bruce F. Mehlenbacher

MARIETTA, GEORGIA (March 14, 2007) – The Pro Modified drag racing team of Disturbed Motorsports is planning on a good showing at its inaugural 2007 NHRA event, the AMS Staff Leasing Pro Modified Challenge presented by Tindle Enterprises, this coming weekend.

“We’re looking forward to Gainesville,” said Disturbed Motorsports driver Eddie Ware, who will be piloting the Rupture Streetwear-sponsored 1967 Camaro at the ACDelco Gatornationals in northern Florida. “We enjoy running at Gainesville. There’s lots of good fans, and it’s a great track to race on.”

The team, headed by Eddie’s father Sam Ware, has already been competing this season, winning the Pro Street division at the recent US Street Nationals in Bradenton, FL. The team has also been spending time testing the newly-wrapped Camaro, courtesy of Baudier Vehicle Graphics, in Valdosta, Georgia. The team will be tweaking the Brad Anderson Hemi for the Gatornationals, although Ware mentioned they will use the set-up they finished with last year.

“We’ll be running the same tune-up with the car that we did for last year,” explained the 32-year old Ware. “The AMS will continue to allow us to use the same 4:56 gears as last year, so we’re sticking with the combination.”

Now entering the second year of AMS Staff Leasing Pro Modified Challenge NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) Pro Modified racing, Ware has raced in the Pro Modified class since 2003 in IHRA competition, capping off a successful 2006 season with a IHRA (International Hot Rod Association) Torco CompetitionPlus.com world record at Epping, NH with a 6.035-second, 235.89 mph winning pass.

Disturbed Motorsports, www.disturbedmotorsports.com, headed by Sam and Eddie Ware, is based in Marietta, GA. The team is campaigning a professional entry in the popular Pro Modified division of drag racing in selected National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Pro Modified events featuring the AMS Staff Leasing Pro Modified Challenge, International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) eMax Nitro Jam™ Drag Racing Series, and Street Car Super National competition for 2007. Sponsored by Rupture Streetwear, Baudier Vehicle Graphics, and Mickey Thompson Performance Tires, Disturbed Motorsports plans to run the full IHRA Pro Modified tour.

Canadian Karting Star Lorenzo Mandarino Signs with Northwest Autosport for 2007

Courtesy Eric McCombs

March 8, 2007. Portland, Oregon. Northwest Autosport announced that young Canadian driver Lorenzo Mandarino will join recently signed Northwest Autosport drivers Phil Fogg Jr. and Eric Freiberg for the 2007 Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear and will be behind the wheel of the #38 Northwest Autosport Pro Formula Mazda for Round One at Sebring International Raceway.

Mandarino, from Vancouver, British Columbia, has been impressive wherever he has competed winning his first championship at the age of 10 in WKA karting. He has gone on to capture additional karting championships in the United States and Canada and has also found success behind the wheel of formula cars, capturing the 2003 Jim Russell Racing School Graduate Run-Offs and finishing second in the 2004 Skip Barber Run-Offs behind eventual series champion Gerardo Bonilla.

“Lorenzo participated in a test with us at Buttonwillow Raceway Park recently and we were very impressed with his speed and technical feedback,” commented Northwest Autosport team manager Mike Hernandez, “We are very pleased that we’ve been able to work out a way to get him into the third seat for our championship efforts alongside Eric Freiberg and Phil Fogg Jr. Sebring should be a very exciting race weekend for us.”

In a limited number of races in the Skip Barber National Championship Mandarino captured four victories and two second place finishes against the likes of Gerardo Bonilla and Marco Andretti before finances cut his 2004 season short. Without the budget to continue his open-wheel efforts, he focused on karting in 2005 and became the first Canadian driver to capture the SKUSA Supernational crown at Las Vegas.

In 2006, Mandarino participated in the Discovery Channel Canada Star Racer driver search program for the next fastest Canadian driver. Despite placing first in all time-trials, heat races and the main event, the scholarship to participate in the 2007 Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear was awarded to another driver.

“Northwest Autosport has a history of putting fast cars onto the track and I’m excited to have the chance to test with them,” Mandarino said. “Hopefully the test will go well and I will continue to do all that I can to secure sponsorship to compete in the 2007 championship.”

Based in Milwaukie, Oregon, Northwest Autosport is one of the top teams participating in the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear, which will feature twelve races across the United States and Canada supporting the American Le Mans Series, ChampCar and the GrandAm series. The team is dedicated to developing young driving talent and will award the highest finishing driver on their team a test in an Indy Pro Series car prepared by Sam Schmidt Motorsports, which is currently running a car for Northwest Autosport alumni Ryan Justice. For more information please visit www.northwestautosport.com.

Northwest Autosport enters season confident after final pre-season test

Courtesy Eric McCombs

March 5, 2007. Portland, Oregon. With the opening round of the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear just a week away Northwest Autosport is excited at their prospects following a successful two day test at Buttonwillow Raceway Park that saw their young drivers Eric Freiberg and Lorenzo Mandarino, along with veterans Phil Fogg Jr. and Steve Cook, complete over 300 miles of testing and development.

“Entering this season with two rookies everyone at Northwest Autosport is looking forward to the start of the season based on their performances in testing,” Team Manager Michael Hernandez explained. “This was Lorenzo’s first time in the Pro Formula Mazda and only the second time that Eric had driven the car yet both drivers adjusted to the car and were up to speed quickly, posting the fastest times of the test. Given their raw talent and speed we were equally impressed with their ability to adapt to the changing conditions and their level of technical feedback and look forward to watching them at Sebring battling at the front of the field.”

With cold mornings and occasional showers during the test, the changing conditions were ideal for showing the drivers how the Pro Formula Mazda handles in different situations and both drivers adjusted quickly, setting fast laps in all sessions. “In addition to bringing the drivers up to speed we really wanted to help them understand the window the car likes to operate in and the weather played right into our hands,” commented team driving coach Ryan Justice, a Northwest Autosport alumni and current Indy Pro Series driver. “Lorenzo and Eric did a great job and were very impressive for their amount of experience. I have little doubt that both of these drivers will be at the front of the field.”

Freiberg and Mandarino were equally enthused by the test. “We had a great couple of days during the test and am looking forward to the start of the season,” commented the Homer Glen, Illinois native Freiberg. “I got the chance to feel the changes between the different tire compounds and log a lot of miles working with the team and my engineer. Now all I can think about is Sebring and what looks to be a great season.”

Mandarino, runner-up in the Discovery Channel Canada Star Racer driver search competition, echoed Freiberg’s thoughts. “For my first time in the car I was very pleased with my progression and getting up to speed and the team did a great job,” the Vancouver, Canada explained. “The car is really fast in some sections and I’m happy to be racing in the series. Now that I have some laps behind the wheel of this car I am excited about going to Sebring as I have some experience on that track from Skip Barber so it should be a fun weekend.”

The test was also a cause for celebration as veteran Northwest Autosport driver Steve Cook returned to the cockpit for the first time since July of 2005. It has been a long road back to the track for Cook, a professor in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Tulane Medical School in New Orleans, who lost everything when Hurricane Katrina swept through Louisiana and Mississippi in August of that year. Battling back from this tragedy and unexpected health issues, Cook was able to complete the two day test in preparations for participating in the 2007 championships.

Based in Milwaukie, Oregon, Northwest Autosport is one of the top teams participating in the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear, which will feature twelve races across the United States and Canada supporting the American Le Mans Series, ChampCar and the GrandAm series. For more information please visit www.northwestautosport.com.

Laperriere planning for a solid PMRA season

CourtesyBruce F. Mehlenbacher

OSHAWA, ONTARIO (March 8, 2007) - With new major sponsorship, Rob Laperriere is planning on making his mark in this year’s Pro Modified Racing Association tour.

Laperriere, who operates the Oshawa-centered Professional Hotrod Development custom drag racing chassis shop, has acquired the backing of Control Panel Systems Ontario Ltd. based in Whitby, Ontario.

“This is terrific,” said Laperriere, who runs an Alan Johnson-powered 1972 Vega-bodied Pro Modified. “Now we have some funds to compete the way we want.”

The Prohotrodz Team has run a limited schedule in PMRA competition the past two years, but will be stepping up for 2007, according to Laperriere, who has been in the sport since 1978.

Laperriere added he plans no major changes to the Vega’s powerplant, and that the team will concentrate on driveline problems that have plagued them.

“We plan to leave the motor alone,” he said. “We’ll be working on some clutch and transmission issues.”

The team’s new sponsor is a supplier of power tools, fastening systems, and integrated assembly stations for automakers such as General Motors, Ford, and Honda, along with over 100 others. Stark Multi Services, a commercial and industrial mechanical contractor, is also part of CPS.

Laperriere is confident that with this new backing he will be able to get some good laps with the car.

“We’re planning to do well,” he said. “Instead of placing seventh in the PMRA, we want to go to the top.”

In Other PMRA News custom embroidery and digitizing firm Needles At Work will be posting event awards at each Pro Modified Racing Association event for 2007.

“We are very excited to be involved with the PMRA series again this year,” said Kelly Edgar, owner of Needles At Work. “We will present a special award at each race of the series special events this year which will have the winning teams standout from the competition.”

Needles At Work provides custom embroidery and special digital transformations of logos and other artwork which can then be stitched into a variety of apparel from corporate to casual wear. Team and company logo transformations are a large part of John and Kelly Edgar’s business.

CDN. MOTORSPORTS EXPO: Invitation to launch your season and marketing campaigns

If you are looking for a place to show off your ride for the season look no further. Canadian Motorsports Expo has the Racer’s Corral especially for you.

Join us April 6, 7 & 8, 2007 at the Toronto Congress Centre for the hottest happening in motorsports promotion for your team. Place yourself in front of thousands of spectators, potential sponsors and media.

Marketing and promoting your race program is as, if not more, important than your results in competition. Representing your sponsors, promoting yourself and team requires more than just spending your budget on racing. You need to be seen and you need to do some PR.

The Racer’s Corral allows you the opportunity to be a part of this exciting new show. And by being a participant you will be able to take advantage of attending the seminars and forums.

Only a limited number of spots are available in the Racer’s Corral. If you want to be in the Expo, email us at info@canadianmotorsportsexpo.com or call the Canadian Motorsports Expo office (905) 721-1762 for further information and entry fee details.

Don’t miss the motorsports happening of the year!

Covering all aspects and disciplines, Canadian Motorsports Expo has something for everyone. It is a one-stop shopping experience. Parts and accessories, safety equipment, collectibles, free ‘how to’ seminars, racing history, fan forums, celebrity appearances, autograph sessions and more await all at Canadian Motorsports Expo.

Canadian Motorsports Expo runs April 6, 7 & 8 at the Toronto Congress Centre from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm Friday; 10:00 am to 9:00 pm Saturday; and 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Sunday. Admission is only $15. For Seniors and Youth (10 to 15 years old) $10 and free for Children under 10 years old. Three-day passes are also available. More information can be found by visiting the show website www.canadianmotorsportsexpo.com. For exhibit space enquiries, logon to the website or call the show office at (905) 721-1762. You can also send an email to info@canadianmotorsportsexpo.com

- From Glenn Butt / Canadian Motorsports Expo

Steelback Brewery Becomes New Title Sponsor for Grand Prix of Toronto

Here is the press release from the GP of Toronto....

TORONTO, ON - After 21 years, history was made today for Toronto's premier sporting event of the summer when the Grand Prix of Toronto announced that Steelback Brewery has signed a multi-year agreement to become the event's title sponsor. The 21-year old racing event will return July 6, 7 and 8th to Exhibition Place as the Steelback Grand Prix of Toronto.

This is a momentous occasion and we re proud to have Steelback Brewery as our new title sponsor, said Charlie Johnstone, President and CEO, Grand Prix Association of Toronto. In Steelback, we've secured a dedicated, enthusiastic title sponsor who shares our vision of what this event can be and who will work hand-in-hand with us to make the vision come to life.

The combination of a new title sponsor and some of the best on-track action to ever race on the streets of Toronto, will make this a truly great year to attend the Steelback Grand Prix of Toronto.

The Steelback Grand Prix of Toronto agreement will see Steelback implementing significant marketing support into this new partnership. Program elements include a large media buy during prime television programs such as Hockey Night In Canada and on-pack promotions on Steelback and other D'Angelo products at retail level that will offer consumers a chance to win 1 of 20,000 Steelback Grand Prix of Toronto Grounds Admission Tickets. There will also be a large bar and restaurant program in several hundred Southern Ontario locations.

This event is Ontario's largest annual sporting event of the summer and it was a natural fit for Steelback Brewery, says Frank D'Angelo, President and CEO, Steelback Brewery. D'Angelo brands joined the event last year as a sponsor. What we saw was a landmark Toronto event that delivers an amazing weekend for visitors while putting Toronto on the international sports stage. We want to work with the best and with a partner who is as ambitious and eager to do and try new things as we are. We feel we ve found that partner in the Grand Prix Association of Toronto.

... the release is continued at this link....

Ontario Sportsman Series launches website

The newly-formed Ontario Sportsman Series (OSS) recently unveiled its new website, featuring series news, schedules, classifieds and other info.

Castrol Announces Canadian Touring Car Championship Sponsorship

TORONTO, ON – March 10, 2007 – Officials from Wakefield Canada, Inc, marketers of the Castrol brand in Canada, and The Canadian Touring Car Championship announced today a title sponsorship agreement with Castrol through the end of 2009 season. The Championship will be re-packaged as the “Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship.”

Anthony Stadelman, Wakefield’s director of marketing sees this as a natural association for the brand. "Castrol has long supported Touring Car racing on a global scale, and a tradition of supporting Canadian Motorsports. With the quality of the people and the marques involved in the Canadian Touring Car Championships it made perfect sense to align our brand with this series and carry on that tradition."

As title sponsor, Castrol will receive prominent branding on all Championship cars and will be connecting with sportscar fans all summer long through an aggressive advertising, public relations and event marketing campaign.

“Castrol’s investment in The Canadian Touring Car Championship is the first, and most important step in helping the Championship realize its goal of becoming the premiere racing series in the country,” said Championship President John Bondar. “Castrol’s involvement adds a tremendous amount of value to the Championship and I am thrilled to announce today that they have agreed to partner with us for the next three seasons. That commitment goes a long way to enhancing our position in Canadian motorsports and will attract teams, sponsors and media attention from across the country.”

The Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship boasts some of Canada’s best drivers competing in today’s hottest sportscars. The Championship will consist of three classes of competition, over 8 weekends, with the marquee event being the recently announced addition of the Grand Prix of Toronto. Other races will be held at the famed Mosport International Raceway, the new Calabogie Motorsport Park & Shannonville Motorsport Park.

As part of the evolution of the Championship fans can expect to see large grids of some of the country’s hottest brands including Porsche, BMW, Saab, Lexus Acura, Mini, Nissan, Chevrolet, Volkswagen, Mercedes Benz, Mazda and Honda

The events will also become a more fan-friendly environment with greater access to teams and drivers through pre-event, local market showcar appearances and driver VIP parties. On-site there will be a vendor alley, product displays, autograph sessions and more interactive automotive and motorsport themed events adding to the enjoyment the sportscar lifestyle brings.

The calendar of events and venues are as follows:

May 12, 13 Mosport International Raceway
June 2,3 Shannonville Motorsport Park
July, 6,7,8 Grand Prix of Toronto
July 28,29 Calabogie Motorsport Park
August 11,12 Mosport International Raceway
September 1,2 Mosport International Raceway
September 15,16 Mosport International Raceway
September 29,30 Mosport International Raceway

For more information please contact:

Jason Sharpe: Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship.
416-838-0039 // jasons@teamsharperacing.com

John Morris: Marcovitch PR for Wakefield Canada
416-963-3222 // john@marcovitchpr.ca

T.O. STAR: Norris McDonald's interview with J.R. Fitzpatrick

Norris McDonald has a feature on J.R. Fitzpatrick in today's T.O. Star / Wheels section...

"Okay, so we know Juan Montoya won that NASCAR Busch Series race in Mexico last weekend. And that Scott Pruett was angry afterward. And that Mississauga's Ron Fellows finished 32nd and was rather unhappy since mechanical problems pushed his car back all day from a sixth place start. And then there was this young Canadian guy who finished right behind Fellows, in 33rd place, and he was just about spitting nails. ..."

cont'd at the link above.

Delaware Speedway Announces Operations Manager

DELAWARE, ON – The owners of Delaware Speedway are pleased to announce Jerry Wilcox to take the helm of Delaware Speedway as Operations Manager. Jerry will lead the speedway into 2007 managing top-of-the-hill operations and general speedway administration. Jerry will be working together with speedway sponsors and business partners.

“I enjoy a good challenge,” said Jerry. “I really look forward to working with everyone at Delaware Speedway and the business partners. Our business partners and fans are very important to us. My priority is to improve these operations by getting all parties working together at the speedway and food concession / speedway improvements. We need to move forward in 2007 with a fresh business program.”

Jerry lives by the motto; “a plan without action is a daydream and action without a plan is a nightmare.” He has already set to work forming an advisory committee with some of the speedway’s business partners to get their input on operations.

“The race program has been doing an absolutely fantastic job listening to its competitors for the last two years. Now the business side needs to do the same thing with its business partners. We need to work with everyone to make the whole business the absolute best it can be.”

Jerry brings a wealth of expertise to the position at the speedway with over 35 years of experience in the automotive and business sector. In late 1970s Jerry was a technical inspector for the Delaware Speedway Street Stock division. Later, in the early 80s, he worked with Tony Novotny as the first tech director of the CASCAR Super Series. Professionally, Jerry was sales manager with S.P.X. Corporation (Bear Automotive) for many years which helped develop and form his management skills. Jerry has worked on numerous Delaware racing vehicles over the years and has seen action as a competitor, employee and fan at Delaware.

Jerry will work hand and hand with race director Jeff Wilcox. As well, the speedway will also be working with racing industry experts who will be advising the facility on a consultant basis with the goal of improving operations.

The 2007 Delaware Speedway racing season will kickoff on April 28 with an APC Enduro 250.

By John Houghton / Delaware Speedway

Sad News: Larry Paine of TNT Tire Sales passed away on Tuesday

Teri 'Racewoman' forwarded this....

PAINE Larry Harold of Kitchener passed away on Tuesday, March 6, 2007 at Grand River-Freeport Health Centre in Kitchener. Born in Chatham 68 years ago son of the late Harold Paine and Edith Sample. Larry was a salesperson for CASCAR auto parts. Dear brother of Sharon Hills of Ridgetown, Lee-Anne and Ken Goodall of Haliburton, Cheryle and Allan Stewart of Kelowna, B.C., Dawn and Dan Muill of London, Darrel and Dianne Paine. Brent and Caroline Paine all of Blenheim. Also survived by several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by brother Kim.

Resting at the J.L. Ford Funeral Home in Blenheim for visitation on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. and where a funeral service will be held on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be in Mayhew-Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Thamesville. Memorials to the Lung Association would be appreciated.

Castrol signs on to sponsor Canadian Touring Car Championship

While the official announcement won't be until this Saturday at 2 p.m. from the Performance World Show in Toronto, Canadian Touring Car Championship officials have released an updated version of the series' logo, including Castrol as the title sponsor.

We'll post more information once we get it...

Bill Sharpless

By John Hopkins

TORONTO, ON -- Inside Track is saddened to report the death on Sunday of motorcycling icon Bill Sharpless at the age of 73.

A member of the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame, the Toronto-born Sharpless competed successfully in many forms of motorcycle sport over a 22-year career. Between 1958 and 1961 he was honoured as Canada’s top overall motorcycle racer, he was national enduro champion in 1955, ’66, ’67 and ’72, claimed the Canadian trials title in 1959 and was the national 500cc scrambles (motocross) champion in 1959 and 1960.

Although he never won a national road racing title he was acknowledged as a strong competitor in that discipline as well, and in 1961 he was sponsored by Triumph. A crash at Daytona in the spring of 1962, which left him with a badly broken leg, contributed to Sharpless’ decision to focus strictly on off-road competition.

Sharpless competed in the International Six Days Enduro on five occasions, the first in 1969. He won a Bronze Medal in 1970 and a Silver in 1971.

By 1974 arthritis in his hands had slowed Sharpless’ competition career, and he retired from racing in 1975.

A multi-talented individual who studied mechanical and aeronautical engineering at the University of Toronto and took pilot training in the RCAF, Sharpless also contributed to the Canadian motorcycle industry on the organizational level. He was a founding member of the Nortown Motorcycle Club and spearheaded the organization of over 100 motorcycle events. He refereed at road racing events and acted as a scorekeeper for enduros. He was also an owner of Sonic Motorcycles in Toronto.

Sharpless is survived by his children Toni, Blair and Todd, grandchildren Emma, Riley and Megan, and sister Linda.

A service and reception will be held from 1-4pm on Saturday, Mar. 17 at the Royal Canadian Legion, 1083 Pape Avenue, Toronto. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, 2100 Bloor Street W., Ste 6-126, Toronto, ON, M6S 5A5 or www.motorcycling.ca/cmhfm.html.

To the family and friends of Bill Sharpless, Inside Track extends its condolences.

Bugatti Veyron

Here is an article on the Veyron, it takes a few minutes to watch but is worth it. Imagine a car that will do 407 km/hr.

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x157l2_bugatti-veyron-at-top-speed



Greasemonkey.

Feeling glum? Could be worse. You could be the guy who crashed his Bugatti Veyron

The BBC has a few snaps of the poor sod who crashed his Bugatti Veyron (valued at more than £800,000) into a van and some trees.

The story is here. The photos are here.

OHSWEKEN: Perf. World Show first up on busy '07 schedule

March 9, 10 and 11, 2007 Ohsweken Speedway will make a return to the Annual Performance World Custom Car & Truck Show held at the International Centre, 6900 Airport Road, Toronto, ON.

Promoter, Glenn Styres will be on hand throughout the weekend to greet fans and answer questions regarding the most anticipated slate of events in the history of the speedway. Drop by the display and pick up your copy of the entire 2007 schedule of events along with information on the two largest Sprint Car shows in Ontario. While at the display in Toronto, be sure to enter your name on a ballot where two special prizes will be given away to a pair of lucky fans.

“Arrow Express” has stepped in as a major sponsor and will play a key role in presenting the Inaugural running of the “SIX NATIONS SHOWDOWN” featuring the World of Outlaw Sprint Car series. The much anticipated event will include all of the stars and cars of the premier Sprint Car series headquartered in the United States including Steve Kinser and Danny Lasoski.

The Wednesday, July 25th show will get underway with the usual 7:45 PM start and pay the winner a cool $10,000. Reserved seat tickets are slated to go on sale May 1st. Information on how to purchase advanced tickets will be posted on the Ohsweken Speedway website as soon as details are available.

“Arrow Express” will also return to host the 3rd Annual “CANADIAN SPRINT CAR NATIONALS” for the second time which will once again close out the season on September 14 & 15th. Over 70 of the finest 360 Sprints representing the Empire Super Sprints and ASCS Patriots from New York State, Southern Ontario Sprints, National Racing Alliance “Sprint Bandits” from Ohio, and the ASCS Sprints On Dirt based in Michigan will once again anchor the program.

$7,000 awaits the winner this year of the 30 lap main with $600 going to the 26th place finisher.

The Southern Ontario Sprints will open the season on May 18th along with a regular program of DIRT Sportsman; Thunder Stocks; and Mini Stocks. They also have return visits slated for June 8th, August 10th and September 7th when their Season Championship Invitational will be held.

The “Best Western Cairn Croft Hotel” will host the Empire Super Sprints as they share the headlines on June 22nd with the Sportsman portion of the “Lucas Oil Shootout”. The Sportsman will go 50 laps while the 358 Modified portion of the “Lucas Oil Shootout” will feature 35 laps of racing when they make their appearance at the 3/8 mile clay oval on August 3rd.

ASCS Patriots will take to the track July 6th while the ASCS Sprints On Dirt will make their annual appearance on August 24th. A regular program of Dirt Sportsman, Thunder Stocks and Mini Stocks will be on hand every Friday night to entertain the fans who will be greeted with reduced admission prices throughout the 2007 season.

Be sure to keep up on all the latest news from Ohsweken Speedway by logging on to the official website at www.ohswekenspeedway.com as the countdown continues toward the first green flag of the season for “Friday Night Thunder” on May 18th.

From Ken Pelkie, Ohsweken Speedway

Catch J.R. Fitzpatrick in his NASCAR Busch Series debut this Sunday on TSN

Watch Canadians J.R. Fitzpatrick and Ron Fellows as they participate in the NASCAR Busch Series race in Mexico City (Mexico) this Sunday on TSN.

Schedule: Sunday, March 4:

1:30 p.m. ET – NASCAR Busch Series Telcel Motorola Mexico 200 (TSN HD and TSN alternate digital feed)

11:30 p.m. ET – Encore: NASCAR Busch Series Telcel Motorola Mexico 200 (TSN and TSN HD)

Live coverage of the NASCAR Busch Series Telcel Motorola Mexico 200 is available on TSN HD and can be found on TSN’s alternate digital feed on Bell ExpressVu on channel 402, Rogers Digital (Ontario and New Brunswick) on channels 204, 401 and 490, Star Choice on channel 401, and Access on digital channel 264.

For other participating digital television providers, viewers can check their electronic program guides for channel listings in their area or visit www.TSN.ca.

Happy Birthday to you.....

Don't let all that grey hair fool you.... Joel Robinson is just 36 today. Joel (and his father Jim) put together the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series TV (formerly CASCAR) shows for TSN.

Joel shares his big day (March 2) with motorsports marketing guru Jason Sharpe (37 today) and Canadian stock car racer Scott Steckly (now 35).

Finally, Happy Birthday Jeem Robinson (Joel's dad), who 'celebrates' his birthday... everyday.