NCATS: Pierre Bourque Takes to the Streets in Edmonton This Weekend

CONCORD, NC (July 18, 2007) – One any given weekend, you might find Pierre Bourque racing in anything from a Dodge Charger to a Porsche, competing in anything from the NASCAR Busch East Series to Busch Series to Canadian Tire Series to the Koni Challenge Series, running a road course or an oval and doing it at any number of tracks in the United States or Canada.

This weekend, Bourque will be hitting the blacktop of Edmonton, Alberta on a 1.96-mile temporary road course at the city’s airport complex. The Edmonton Grand Prix will include a Saturday afternoon event for the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series and Bourque will be right in the middle of the action with his Whitlock Motorsports #29 Dodge.

Bourque is both excited about the race and his chances of success in it.

"I'm thrilled to be going back to Edmonton, it's a great venue and fans are extremely welcoming and addicted to motor racing.

"I fully expect that my #29 DRIVING.CA-CANADA.COM-CONSERVATIVE PARTY Whitlock Motorsports Dodge Charger will run strong at this venue. It is very much geared to this kind of track and I know that my crew chief, Steve Mifsud, will have left no stone unturned to ensure a very fast car for me."

This weekend, the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series is sharing a race weekend with the Champ Car World Series, one of the premier open-wheeled racing tours in the world. The Canadian Tire Series is also attracting plenty of its own attention in its inaugural season though.

"The NASCAR Canadian Tire series is really catching on with sports fans across the country. It's a great sign for NASCAR as it continues to grow in Canada,” said Bourque.
Race fans will now have a new tool to keep up with Bourque’s busy racing schedule. His new website, http://www.pierrebourque.net/ has been launched. The site features all kinds of news, results and background information on the Canadian race driver, as well as a number of multimedia goodies for race fans. Be sure to check Bourque’s new site out, as well as his primary sponsor’s website, Driving.ca.

“I am as passionate about motorsports as my primary sponsor Driving.ca is about motoring. Driving.ca is a fantastic website for people looking to research a new vehicle purchase, learn about the latest industry developments, or follow the very latest in racing. We're both all about passion, which makes Driving.ca and perfect match for me."

For more information on Pierre Bourque, please contact Mike Twist at (207) 590-1786 or (207) 499-2565 and be sure to check out the all-new http://www.pierrebourque.net/.

Hinchcliffe Aiming to Bounce Back in Edmonton

Toronto, Canada (July 18, 2007) - The final leg of the Cooper Tires Presents The Champ Car Atlantic Championship Powered by Mazda Canadian tour takes places this weekend, Friday 20th - Sunday 22nd July, with Toronto's James Hinchcliffe back in action in a double-header race meeting at Edmonton's City Centre Airport.

Following starts earlier this month at Circuit Mont-Tremblant in Quebec and on the streets of Toronto, Ontario, the Atlantic pack heads west to Alberta for Rounds 9 and 10 of the 12-race series on the 1.973-mile temporary course in Edmonton, the season later concluding with events in San Jose, California, Sunday 29th July and Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, Sunday 12th August.

Having been taken out of his hometown event last time out in Toronto, James Hinchcliffe is keen to put the frustrations of Round 8 firmly behind him and concentrate on making the most of this weekend's races behind the wheel of the #9 NOCO/ProWorks Sierra Sierra Enterprises Swift Mazda-Cosworth. Round 8's chaotic wet race two weeks ago saw 'Hinch' retire for the first time this season, ending a run of five straight top-six finishes, but an eleventh place classification brought some consolation to the 20-year-old in the form of 10 more championship points.

Despite this it wasn't enough to prevent the popular Canadian from surrendering second in the Driver Standings to France's Franck Perera, the GP2 Series veteran posting back-to-back wins at Mont-Tremblant and Toronto to sit 31 points adrift of season-long points leader, Brazil's Raphael Matos. Currently tied with fellow countryman Robert Wickens in third place on 178 points, James is hoping to avoid the bad luck which blighted his Toronto outing and aim for victory this weekend, the sophomore racer still searching for his first win of the season and first top-step since Portland last June.

"I'm looking forward to going back to Edmonton," said Hinchcliffe. "For a temporary track, the layout at the airport's pretty impressive. The organizers have done a really good job in making it feel like a proper road course rather than a temporary street circuit. It's extremely fast and extremely physical so the fact that we have a double-header meeting means it will be a serious test of driver and machine!"

He continued, "Obviously being punted out of the race in Toronto has really hurt my title chances. The gap to Rafa (Matos) is quite big so I'm going to be out there in attack mode racing for wins as I don't really have to protect my position. I'm confident I can pass Wickens and try and get back ahead of Perera, although he's on a roll right now but if Rafa was to strike some bad luck we could be sitting pretty to try and capitalize on that!"

Round 9 starts in Edmonton at 2:30pm EST on Saturday 21st July with Round 10 starting on Sunday 22nd July at 12:30pm EST. Both races will be broadcast on ESPN2 on Monday 23rd July at 5pm EST.

Top-Five Atlantic Drivers R8/12: 1st Matos (BRA) 228pts, 2nd Perera (FRA) 197pts, 3rd Wickens (CAN) 178pts, =3rd HINCHCLIFFE (CAN) 178pts, 5th Ricci (ITA) 125pts.

From Stuart Morrison Public Relations

DRAGS: LaFleur Races Ahead with Jiffy-tite in NHRA LODRS Events

Lancaster, NY (July 5, 2007)… Jiffy-tite’s Duane LaFleur is back on track for the 2007 race season, holding nothing back for his fans. After a crash in June of 2006 put HIM on the sidelines, LaFleur made his first appearance in his Jiffy-tite/Valvoline backed roadster at the NHRA LODRS event held at the Summit Raceway Park, taking home runner-up honors in the Super Gas Top 8 event.

The following weekend, LaFleur earned “Best Engineered Car” at the NHRA LODRS event held at the Maple Grove Raceway. LaFleur’s new car is a 1968 Chevrolet Camaro built by Race Tech Race Cars of Burlington, NC, sponsored by Jiffy-tite Motorsports and associate sponsored by Valvoline, K&N Filters and KD Kanopies.

This car features a chromoly tube frame and a full fiberglass body. A 540 ci Chevrolet big block built by Larry Sexton of White House, TN gives LaFleur a powerhouse that makes 900 hp. It is backed by a two-speed Powerglide transmission, a custom fabricated 9” with Moser Engineering 4.30 gear set at the rear and plumbed with a complement of Jiffy-tite Quick Connect fluid fasteners in both the product’s signature black and gold colors and the new all black stealth.

For more information, contact Jiffy-tite Motorsports at 888-605-7788 or visit http://www.jiffy-tite.com/ Jiffy-tite Motorsports is located at 4437 Walden Avenue, Lancaster, NY.

###
From Leslie Maxwell // Public Relations Director // Martin & Company Advertising

T-shirts... Get your T-shirts here.... Show your support for someone called "Jr."... T-Shirts....

Not sure which "Jr." the shirts are referring to.... Hanley? Thomson? Johnson? Griffey?... am I leaving someone out?

Anyway, if you're interested in demonstrating your support for anyone called "Jr." regardless of what number, colour or sponsor he has (wink, wink)... then click here.

ACT: Superstars Headed to ACTion Super Series 200 at Autodrome St-Eustache

ST-EUSTACHE, QC – The best short track stock car drivers from Canada and the northeastern United States are headed to the ACTion Super Series 200 at Autodrome St-Eustache outside Montreal on Saturday, July 28.

The superstars of the Série ACT Castrol will try to defend their home turf against the southern invaders of the ACT Late Model Tour, hoping to win the first of four Super Series events in 2007 and earn a whopping $6,000 (US). The ACTion Super Series 200 will award championship points toward both the Série ACT Castrol and the ACT Late Model Tour, and is expected to draw more than 40 teams racing for a total purse of more than $43,000.

Leading the way is Sylvain Lacombe, a five-time winner at Autodrome St-Eustache and a former Série ACT Castrol Champion. “The Terror of Terrebonne” has made his mark at the 4/10-mile oval in some of the biggest races ever held in Quebec, including the prestigious Cari-All 300, a race he has won a record four times.

“I’m excited for the race at St-Eustache,” said Lacombe. “I like racing with ACT, and it’s nice if you can win the big money races.”

Lacombe is tied for the lead in all-time Série ACT Castrol victories with 10, and has a victory in ACT Late Model Tour competition. He says he enjoys racing against the Americans.

“I like to race with drivers like Jean-Paul Cyr and Brian Hoar,” he said. “They are very competitive and make everyone work harder. There will be a lot of good American race teams, and some of them are not going to qualify, just like us Canadians. It’s very exciting, and it’s going to be a lot of fun.”

Lacombe is currently tied for fourth in Série ACT Castrol point standings with Patrick Laperle, but is only five points behind leader Karl Allard. Two-time winner Alexandre Gingras, Jean-François Déry, and veterans Claude Leclerc and Yvon Bédard will try to chase Lacombe’s familiar orange #3 Chevrolet down.

Scott Payea, third in ACT Late Model Tour points, is looking forward to the challenge of visiting a new race track. While the Série ACT Castrol has raced at Autodrome St-Eustache on nine previous occasions, the ACT Late Model Tour has never visited the facility.

“I spoke with Patrick Laperle about St-Eustache a while ago to learn a little about the setup for the car, and I think it will help us a lot,” Payea explained. “I always like racing at new places, and I hear that the facility is nice and that the track is very racy, so it should be a good time.”

Payea earned his first career ACT Late Model Tour victory at the Merchants Bank 150 at Barre, VT’s Thunder Road in May, and hopes he can take his second win in the ACTion Super Series 200.

“Typically, the Canadian teams do very well against us when they’re at home, but we’re confident that we can contend with guys like Donald Theetge and Lacombe and Laperle. Plus, I want to win that $6,000!”

Payea, six-time ACT Late Model Tour Champion Jean-Paul Cyr, five-time Champion Brian Hoar, Brent Dragon, and Randy Potter will be on hand to challenge the Série ACT Castrol regulars, along with Theetge, of Boischatel, QC. Theetge, the defending Série ACT Castrol Champion, is competing full-time on the ACT Late Model Tour in 2007 and is the only driver to have scored victories this season on both series.

The ACTion Super Series 200 is scheduled to take over Autodrome St-Eustache on Saturday, July 28. Green flag qualifying action begins at 5:30pm. Autodrome St-Eustache is located on Boulevard Arthur-Sauve in St-Eustache, QC, just outside of Montreal and Laval. More information, call (802) 244-6963 or visit www.acttour.com.

From ACT

Riverside Speedway: STELLAR FIELD EXPECTED FOR IWK 250

JAMES RIVER, NS - (July 17,2 007) - Riverside International Speedway will host some of the best short track racers in the Maritimes and New England this Saturday in the IWK 250 Presented by Steve Lewis Auto Body and DuPont Refinish. Twenty-eight teams are expected to enter the prestigious event, including champions, winners, veterans, rookie and stars.

Headling the entry list are NASCAR drivers Ricky Craven and Regan Smith. Craven, a native of Maine, has the distinction of being the man who captured the checkered flag in the race with the closest recorded finish in NASCAR history, winning by just 0.002-second over Kurt Busch in March 2003 in Darlington, South Carolina. Smith, from New York, shares the driving seat this year in NASCAR NEXTEL Cup competition with veteran Mark Martin, with each driver running a limited schedule. Just last week it was announced that rookie Smith will move to full-time Cup competition in 2008; Martin is behind Smith all the way.

"Regan's ready," said Martin last Saturday. "100% ready. Everybody is real proud of him and I have talked to other drivers who all think that he's doing a great job and think he's ready. We're excited about getting him going."

With Craven and Smith in the field, top regional racers will want to pick it up a notch in the Pro All Stars Series (PASS) North sanctioned event.

John Flemming, three-time CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour champion hailing from Halifax, is looking forward to racing the guys from racing's big league.

"It will be great racing against those guys," said Flemming. "I think it's awesome for the track to bring them in, both for the fans and for us racers to be able to test our talent against guys that have made it to NASCAR. I'm looking forward to rubbing fenders with them."

Frank Fraser, a veteran racer from Shubenacadie, has been rubbing fenders with NASCAR racers since the 70s and says he's never done much different when racing them.

"They've always be just another racer to me," said Fraser. "If you let yourself think they're better than you to start with, then your beat."

Besides Flemming and Fraser, other top Maritime Canadian racers expected to enter the IWK 250 include: Donald Chisholm (Antigonish), Chris Duncan (Saint John, NB), Cy Harvey (Elmsdale), Rollie MacDonald (Pictou), Dean MacInnis (Wycocomagh), Mike MacKenzie (Dartmouth), Robbie MacLean (Winslow, PE), Marty Prevost (Fall River), Wayne Smith (Halifax), Shawn Turple (Enfield), and Bobby White (Kennetcook).

Of the Canadian group, MacDonald and Smith are also former CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour champs, and MacDonald is a member of the Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame. Chisholm, Flemming, MacDonald, MacKenzie, Prevost, Smith, Turple and White are all race winners with the competitive CARQUEST Tour.

Representing the PASS series are champs Johnny Clark (Hallowell, Maine), Ben Rowe (Turner, Maine), and Mike Rowe (Turner, Maine). Also on the entry list from the U.S. are Maine's Gary Bellefleur, Steve Berry, Travis Benjamin, Cassius Clark, Richie Dearborn, Curtis Gerry, Bill Penfold and Trevor Sanborn. Derek Ramstron from Massachusetts and Adam Bates from New Hampshire are also expected to make the trek to Nova Scotia this weekend.

Besides the challenge of racing against NASCAR stars, regional racers will be fighting for their share of the event purse, which could top $70,000, if all 250 laps are sold prior to the race. The winner of the IWK 250 is guaranteed $7,500 U.S. A $100 bonus per lap led will be awarded the leader of each sponsored lap in the race for a potential $25,000 CDN bonus.

Besides pro stock competition, fans in attendance for the IWK 250 will see racing action from the Riverside Sportsman Super Series and the Atlantic Open Wheel series. Preliminary indications are for more than 25 sportsman cars and over 20 AOW cars.

Racing action starts at 5 p.m. Saturday with qualifying heats setting the starting grids for all three divisional feature races. The IWK 250 is expected to start by 9 p.m. An autograph session is scheduled during the event to allow fans the chance to meet the drivers.

Friday will see an open practice session between Noon and 5 p.m. then pre-race activities move to the Antigonish Mall. An evening Meet and Greet will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. where fans can see the cars and meet the stars that will race in the IWK 250 - and - get the chance to see Jeff Gordon's No. 24 DuPont Refinish NASCAR NEXTEL Cup showcar.

From Paul McLean / Riverside Speedway // Distributed by Joan Roue

NCATS SUN VALLEY: Steckly Dominant at Vernon, But Comes Up Short

VERNON, BC – The 22 Racing team headed out to Sun Valley Speedway in Vernon, BC for the first of two western races in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. Scott Steckly, driver of the Erb Group Dodge Charger was looking to turn around what has been a disappointing start to the season, with good showings at the race in Vernon this past weekend and Edmonton this week. The team was able to qualify up front like they have all season, this time starting in fourth.

The 300 lap event went on Sunday night. Steckly had the most dominant car of the race right from the get go. Starting in fourth, Scott was able to work his way into the lead by lap 60. The Erb Group Dodge would relinquish, when Steckly pitted under caution on lap 109. Scott then restarted the race in ninth place.

Again, Steckly started heading right back to the front. Steckly would go on to lead most of the laps, until the end. A green/ white checkered flag set up a two lap showdown between Scott and JR Fitzpatrick. Steckly’s car always took about three laps to get up to full speed. The two drivers raced door to door for two full laps.

Both cars where even entering the final turn of the final lap. As they approached the finish line, Fitzpatrick appeared to have edged Scott. Nobody in the crowd knew for sure who had won the race. As the cars slowed down to enter turn one, JR Fitzpatrick was declared the winner. He beat Steckly by the slim margin of .029 seconds. Steckly went on to lead 142 of the 300 laps in the race. During one stretch Scott opened a four second lead on his next closest competitor.

Following the race Scott was both encouraged by the strong run, but disappointed he could not bring home the victory in a race he clearly dominated. “My car was awesome tonight and felt really, really comfortable, but it took me about three laps to get it going,” said the disappointed Steckly. “And Fitzpatrick knew that from the previous restarts and took advantage of it.”

The next race in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series is Saturday, July 21 at the Edmonton Grand Prix.

The 22 Racing team is proudly sponsored by: Erb Group of Companies, AW Millwrights, International Dealers: Diamond International (Edmonton, AB), Sommers Motor Generator Sales, D.H. Jutzi Limited, Groeneveld, Thermo King of Eastern Canada, Twin City Graphics, Chris Root Precision Machine, Stratford Motor Products, Generation Filtration, Mr. Transmission (Guelph), Commercial Babcock, Classy Collectibles, Glasvan Great Dane, Motorsport Design, Milverton Garage.

Contact kyle_erb@sympatico.ca for more information or visit www.nascar.ca for the latest news on the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series.

NCATS SUN VALLEY: DJ KENNINGTON SCORES TOP-FIVE IN CASTROL DODGE

VERNON, BC – DJ Kennington and the Castrol Dodge Crew returned to Sun Valley Speedway just outside Vernon, BC looking to score another victory at the BC Dodge Dealers Dodge Avenger 300 as the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series began a swing through Western Canada. Kennington has been a winner at this beautiful ½ mile track in previous visits and scored other podium finishes as well. The weekend began with a solid qualifying effort putting the Castrol Dodge in the third starting position.

As the BC Dodge Dealers Dodge Avenger 300 began Kennington looked to find racing room and a comfortable pace for the long event. As other competitors jostled for position DJ and the Castrol Dodge did drop back several positions and caused concern for the crew and his fans. Kennington was quick to radio word to the team telling them “not to worry, we’ve got a fast race car”. DJ would demonstrate just how good the Castrol car was later on.

The Castrol Crew performed flawlessly during the first few pit stops of the grueling event getting tires, fuel and other service done in quick order to keep DJ running with the lead group of cars. A judgment ruling by NASCAR officials though would set the team back. During a pit stop Kennington was forced to maneuver around another competitor as he stopped for service. NASCAR penalized the team for being outside the pit box while service was completed. The Castrol Dodge team was forced also make another pit stop for loose lug nuts. The result, they were a lap down to the leaders.

Unfazed by the circumstances against them Kennington set out to keep the Castrol Dodge in contention. Slicing his way through the field with skill and precision, the fortunes of the team changed when a caution allowed the team to get their lap back. As the field returned to racing Kennington continued his aggressive passing and moving back into the top-ten. “We had a great race car all night, but it was some tough luck had got us down” he said afterwards.

Late race, take not prisoners racing as the finish neared had Kennington and the Castrol Dodge battling with the #9 Dodge. The two would make incidental contact, Kennington would continue, the other car crashed out. “It’s too bad for Mark (Dilley) said DJ afterwards who spoke with the driver after the race to explain his side of the circumstances. “We’ll never try to put people out deliberately, I feel bad his night ended early.

Kennington would continue his tenacious charge and claim a fifth place finish at the conclusion of the night. “From where we were in the middle of the race, I guess we’ll take it” he said.

After four races DJ Kennington and the Castrol Dodge team sit fourth in the overall point standings.

The NASCAR Canadian Tire series is back in action this coming Saturday, July 21st on the airport runways at Edmonton City Centre Airport as part of the Edmonton Grand Prix weekend. The twelve race schedule features events from coast to coast in Canada including stops at the best ovals in the Country along with temporary street circuits in Edmonton and Trois Rivieres. Look for more information all season at www.nascar.ca All twelve races of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series will also be broadcast on TSN.

This release prepared by TL Sports & Entertainment

NCATS SUN VALLEY: DON THOMSON JR SCORES TOP-TEN IN HOME HARDWARE CHEVY

VERNON, BC - Don Thomson Jr. and the Home Hardware team got off to a fast start as the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series (NCATS) season hit the ½ mile track at Sun Valley Speedway near Vernon, BC scoring the Bud Pole award. In scorching temperatures Thomson blazed to a time of 18.299 seconds or an average speed of 98.366 MPH claiming the number one starting spot for the 300 lap main event.

As the green flag waved for the race Thomson and the Home Hardware Chevy settled in behind his teammate on the first lap and looked to settle into a comfortable race pace. “I didn’t want to force anything early” said the driver “Especially with the warm temperatures this is such a long event there is no need to do anything too aggressive in the early going”. Other competitors would not follow that same plan.

With only a handful of laps completed the right front tire of Thomson’s Home Hardware Chevy was bumped by during a forceful move by another competitor. “That knocked the toe out on the car and we had our hands full for the rest of the night” shrugged Thomson afterwards. Thomson began to slip back several positions but remained in the top-ten.

Knowing there was still plenty of racing left, the Home Hardware team chose to make aggressive handling adjustments to try and compensate for the ill handling car. “The Home Hardware guys worked really hard to give me the best they could, but when you try and help that kind of problem you can only do so much before you start causing other issues and we just had to battle through”.

Thomson would use his years of experience to skillfully keep the Home Hardware Chevy toward the front of the field. Battling an ill handling car requires constant attention and Thomson would end a long hot night with a top-ten finish. “It’s certainly not the result we had hoped for but it’s not as bad as it could have been” he concluded afterwards.

Through four races Don Thomson Jr. and the Home Hardware team are currently sixth in the championship point standings.

The NASCAR Canadian Tire series will return to action with the second half of the Western Canada swing on the airport runways at the Grand Prix of Edmonton this Saturday, July 21st. The CATS run a twelve event schedule on ovals, road courses and temporary street circuits across Canada. Each of the twelve races will also be broadcast on TSN. For information about the NCATS including schedule, results and more, log onto www.nascar.ca

This release prepared by TL Sports & Entertainment

NCATS SUN VALLEY: DRAMATIC WIN FOR J.R. FITZPATRICK AND MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOLS CHEVY

VERNON, BC – John Ryan (J.R.) Fitzpatrick had a quick start to the weekend in the Milwaukee Electric Tools Chevrolet at Sun Valley Speedway near Vernon, BC scoring a front row starting spot. Fitzpatrick would also show a flair for the dramatic at the conclusion of the race.

It was a perfect start to the 300 lap event for J.R. Fitzpatrick and the Milwaukee Electric Tools Chevy as he moved into the race lead on the opening lap and maintained the position for the first 39 laps of the race. “I’ve said this every week, but this is a fast car,” said J.R. before the race, “I just want to get out there and give us a boost.”

Fitzpatrick would have no difficulty maintaining a solid position with the lead group of cars through much of the night. As pit stops cycled through, the Milwaukee Electric Tools team gave J.R. prompt efficient pit stops to keep him in the hunt. “At different points through the race it might take a little time to make your way through some of the traffic, but with it being such a long race I also wanted to be patient” said the driver.

As the race entered the closing stages, Fitzpatrick tried to nose his way on the outside after a restart from a caution period. J.R. would lead lap 252 but could not close the deal and fell back behind the leader. I thought the Milwaukee Electric Tools Chevy would be able to do it on the high side but I just couldn’t make it stick” he said. Fitzpatrick would get another opportunity on the final restart.

A late race caution set up a Green, white checker finish to the 300 lap event. Fitzpatrick on the outside of the front row trying to make the same move he’d been denied earlier. “I knew it had to be on the outside” said the driver. As the cars roared into corner one, the 18 year old hung onto the outside groove and the two top cars raced door to door to the conclusion. On the final lap, coming out of corner four, Fitzpatrick inched the Milwaukee Electric Tools Chevy ahead and claimed the victory by the margin of 0.029 seconds to the delight of thousands of fans and of course his team.

It was an emotional J.R. Fitzpatrick in victory lane afterwards jumping onto the roof of the car to celebrate with the fans, the Milwaukee Electric Tools crew showering him with water. Fitzpatrick dove into their arms to congratulate them on the success. “This is a great win for our team” he beamed afterwards. “I want to thank my whole team, Milwaukee Electric Tools. This one’s for my dad, and my mom, it’s a great win” in he exclaimed.

With the victory JR Fitzpatrick and the Milwaukee Electric Tools team now sit fifth in the championship standings after four events, just a single point back of fourth.

Riding the wave of momentum the Milwaukee Electric Tools team head to Edmonton for the next event of The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series this coming Saturday, July 21st as part of the Grand Prix of Edmonton weekend. More information on the series can be obtained by visiting www.nascar.ca All twelve races will also be shown on TSN.

This release prepared by TL Sports & Entertainment

NCATS SUN VALLEY: BRAD GRAHAM AND THE FULL THROTTLE TEAM

VERNON, BC – Brad Graham and the Full Throttle/Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts team returned to the sight of their first victory, Sun Valley Speedway near Vernon, BC this past weekend. Graham was hoping to find the same kind of success they’d enjoyed in previous visits.

The weekend started with frustration for Graham and the Full Throttle team as a tight race car allowed them only the 13th quickest qualifying time. “I just couldn’t get the car turned in the corners” said Brad. “We’re still learning some of the characteristics of this new race car, but I’m confident we can be better for the race”. Brad was correct.

As racing began in the BC Dodge Dealers Dodge Avenger 300 Graham began to ease the Full Throttle Dodge up through the field and was soon in the top ten. “The car was handling better to start the race and it continued to improve as things went on”. Brad continued to improve his position and was into the top five with a very good race car.

For the first pit stop the Full Throttle Dodge was running so well they decided not to change tires and only took on fuel. “We decided to wait on the tires because I didn’t have to push the car at all and we were gaining positions” he explained. Graham would continue to gain ground and take over the lead of the race just past halfway on lap 166. “The car was just perfect at that point of the race, I was pushing hard at all” said Brad.

As the race progressed and pit stops cycled through for the teams Graham and the Full Throttle Dodge would have little difficulty maintaining a top-five position. “Knowing the car we had I just wanted to take car of it and be ready for the late stages” said Brad.

Others did not run with the same approach. Between corners three and four Graham would be contacted by another competitor causing handling issues for the Full Throttle Dodge. “That hit really did some damage” said Graham afterwards. “I understand being aggressive sometimes by that kind of move doesn’t show any respect for other competitors”.

Graham would soldier on using all his skills to bring the Full Throttle Dodge home just missing a top-ten finish being scored eleventh. “I’m happy we managed to hang on for that kind of finish but really disappointed as well because we had a really good car tonight” he stated.

Brad Graham and the Full Throttle/Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Team return to action this coming weekend as the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series takes off for the airport runways as part of the Edmonton Grand Prix weekend on July 21st. For more information about the series log onto www.nascar.ca and for more news information about the team go to www.bradgraham.ca All 12 races this season will also be broadcast on TSN.

This release prepared by TL Sports & Entertainment

NCATS SUN VALLEY: MECHANICAL MISFORTUNE FOR BEAUCHAMP & TEAM MOPAR

VERNON, BC – Ron Beauchamp Jr. and the Mopar Parts Team began the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series swing through Western Canada at the ½ mile oval of Sun Valley Speedway near Vernon, BC with the BC Dodge Dealers Dodge Avenger 300. Unfortunately the team would be battling right from the start.

The Mopar Parts Dodge seemed to be quite comfortable during practice but Ron Beauchamp Jr. battled a seriously tight race car around the ½ mile during qualifying trying to keep it off the wall. Beauchamp would be forced to start the main event deep in the field at 19th. “Obviously we made some changes, and I’m sure we’ll be better in the race” said Beauchamp.

When the green flag waved for the BC Dodge Dealers Dodge Avenger 300 Beauchamp knew he would have to be sharp to stay out of trouble and begin gaining back positions he’d given up in qualifying. Ron Jr. used the high line around the track to move steadily through the field. “The car worked so well up high it surprised me a bit” said Beauchamp. “I was just riding around up high and gaining spots”.

The ride would get a little uncomfortable for Beauchamp as smoke began to collect inside the cockpit of the Mopar Parts Dodge. Crew Chief Chris Couvillion and the team made a pit stop to try and address the problem and also adjust the handling of the car to provide more help for later in the race.

The ride for Ron Beauchamp Jr. in the Mopar Parts Dodge became considerably more uncomfortable a short while later as the handling changed dramatically and Ron Jr. knew immediately something was seriously wrong. “The car was all over the place” said a frustrated Beauchamp. Forced to stop and diagnose the difficulty, Team Mopar found a broken hub in the right rear and made repairs as quickly as possible returning Ron Jr. to the track.

“The guys did good job to get me back out there to try and minimize the point’s damage” said Beauchamp. “The Mopar Parts Dodge was solid the rest of the way, we didn’t have a great finish at 16th but some other guys also took a hit too”.

With four of twelve races on the schedule complete, Ron Beauchamp Jr. sits seventh in the overall series championship point standings,

Competition resumes for Team Mopar in The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series on the airport runways at Edmonton’s City Centre Airport on July 21st as part of the Grand Prix of Edmonton weekend. The 12 race schedule will take the teams from coast to coast and will consist of ovals, road courses and temporary street circuits. For the complete schedule, results and other information log onto www.nascar.ca You will also be able to watch all twelve races this season on TSN.

This release prepared by TL Sports & Entertainment

OHSWEKEN Speedway Awaits the Arrival of the WORLD of OUTLAWS

In little more than one week, history will be made at Ohsweken Speedway when the World of Outlaws arrive to complete in the inaugural “Six Nations Showdown” presented by “ARROW EXPRESS July 25th.

Quickly becoming known as one of the smoothest and fastest 3/8 mile clay ovals in North America, the “Home of the Canadian Sprint Car Nationals” has received a major facelift in preparation for the event which will see the powerful 410 cubic inch sprint cars from the world’s premier series compete for the first time on Ontario soil.

All of the top drivers are expected to be on hand including Steve Kinser, Joey Saldana, Danny Lasoski, Craig Dollansky, Terry McCarl, and the defending Champion and recent winner of Eldora’s “Kings Royal”, Donny Schatz.

Approximately 600 tickets remain for sale with presales continuing until Thursday evening this week by phone only at (519-542-2116). Credit card payment in full is required at the time of purchase and tickets will then be available at a “Will Call Area” at the track on race day only. Adult price is $40 with children 12 and under at $25. Adult tickets may be upgraded on race day for $5.00 to include a Pit Pass.

Any remaining tickets unsold will be available race day when the Spectator Gates swing open at 4:00PM along with approx One Hundred ­ Thirty “obstructed view” seats located in the bottom rows in the turn four area. “When we installed the new stands in turn four we didn’t consider the height of the wall at the exit of the turn and it is difficult to see the track immediately in front of you” stated one of the principle owners, Glenn Styres.

“The rest of the track has good sight lines from these seats but we didn’t have enough time to fix the problem before this show so it was decided to offer these tickets for sale on race day only at a substantially reduced rate” he concluded. This block of tickets will be available at $20 per Adult and $5.00 for kids twelve and under however they will not be able to be upgraded for a Pit Pass like the regular priced seats.

NO TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE TRACK UNTIL RACE DAY. ALL SEATS ON THE SPECTATOR SIDE OF THE SPEEDWAY ARE RESERVED FOR THIS EVENT.

The Wednesday, July 25th show is a full point race for the series with racing scheduled to get underway with the usual 7:45 PM start. The winner will collect a cool $10,000. Pit Gates will open at 2:00 PM with spectator gates opening at 4:00. An autograph session is scheduled to begin at 4:30. Mini Stocks will also be on the program in a support role.

NO ONE UNDER 13 WILL BE ADMITTED INTO THE PITS.

Be sure to keep up on all the latest news from Ohsweken Speedway by logging
on to the official website at www.ohswekenspeedway.com.

For Immediate Release - Ken Pelkie for OHSWEKEN Speedway

NCATS: Micks takes top five in Vernon

“The BDI race car was good all night”

VERNON, BRITISH COLUMBIA (July 15, 2007) – In his Beyond Digital Imaging Ford Taurus, Kerry Micks placed fourth in Sunday’s British Columbia Dodge Dealers Dodge Avenger 300 on the half-mile tri-oval at Sunvalley Speedway in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Sirius Satellite Radio.

“It was an awesome race, we led a couple of times, and are pleased with a top-five finish,” said Micks, of Mount Albert, ON. “This finish should move us up in the points, the BDI race car was good all night.”

J.R. Fitzpatrick edged Scott Steckly by .029-seconds in the green-white-checkered finish, Peter Gibbons finished third, and D.J. Kennington finished fifth behind Micks to round out the top five.
“The extreme hot temperatures were tough on everyone, the BDI crew did great job battling the elements and I burned my leg in the car,” said Micks after the race. “But we’ll be good for Edmonton where we finished second last year.” The veteran stock car driver, who qualified fifth in the 23-car field at Vernon, competed in a race that saw 13 lead changes between seven drivers and 68 of the 300 laps under the caution flag.

“It’s very encouraging for the team to have BDI on board as a primary sponsor for the rest of the tour with associate sponsorship from Nur America,” said Micks.

The next NASCAR Canadian Tire Series event for Micks Motorsports will be race five in the 12-race series at the Rexall Grand Prix of Edmonton on the 3.154-kilometer (1.96 miles), 14-turn road course at the City Centre Airport in Edmonton, Alberta on July 20-21.

Beyond Digital Imaging Inc. (BDI), Canadian Detailing Services, Cathcart Trucking and APX Racing Gear and Incentives Inc. 3M, and Nur America are sponsors of Micks Motorsports.

From Bruce F. Mehlenbacher

NCATS: WHITLOCK FINISHES 6TH IN FIRST OF TWO WESTERN EVENTS

VERNON, BC - The Dodge Dealers Dodge Avenger 300 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series race at Vernon, BC's Sun Valley Speedway on Sunday saw Dave Whitlock post a season best 6th place finish.

Practice on Saturday went well with times consistently in the top ten. Twenty-three cars lined up for time trials at 7 p.m. and Whitlock timed seventeenth quickly. “I got into turn one a little to hot on the second lap and that ruined our efforts for a good qualifying spot,” stated Whitlock after qualifying.

Sunday dawned hot and sunny again as the teams prepared for the 300 lap event later in the day. The green flag dropped at 7 p.m. and Whitlock immediately started picking off cars in front of him.

During the mid point of the race Whitlock in the #39 Dickies/Hamilton-Tiger Cats/NMT Dodge Charger moved to the point to lead the field for several laps. Later in the race Whitlock had to take advantage of the Beneficiary rule after they lost a lap during a pit stop. The #39 Dodge Charger immediately started a charge back to the front again.

Over the final eighty laps Whitlock ran as high as third, which was nullified when the yellow flag flew and a full lap had not been completed since the pass. On the ensuing green, white, checkered restart, Whitlock was relegated to the fifth starting position and crossed the finish line in sixth.

“The car was really good all day which we expected,” stated a hot Whitlock after the race. “We didn’t qualify where we should have but knew that on the long green runs we would be okay,” he added. “If we could have re-started in third with two to go I think we had something for the front two cars.”

J.R. Fitzpatrick and Scott Steckly ran side by side for the final two laps with Fitzpatrick taking the checkered flag by inches. Third was the #1 of Peter Gibbons, fourth was #17 D. J. Kennington and the #02 of Kerry Micks rounded out the top five.

The team heads into Edmonton next for the Grand Prix of Edmonton starting on Thursday July 19th. A full field of NASCAR Canadian Tire Series cars are expected to be on hand including hometown favourite Kevin Dowler.

The Dickies/Hamilton Tiger-Cats/NMT race truck & trailer will be taking part in the Grand Prix of Edmonton Hauler Parade in downtown Edmonton on Wednesday July 18th. The parade begins at 12 noon from Airport road and travels East on 104 Ave, North on Jasper Ave and then West on 111th Ave and finally West on Kingsway to Airport Road and the Champ Car Paddock at 1 p.m.

Next up is the Edmonton Grand Prix where the teams move into the paddock on Thursday July 19th, practice and qualifying are on Friday with the main event taking place at 4:45 p.m. on Saturday.

Williamson-Dickie Canada Co. is a subsidiary of Williamson-Dickie Manufacturing Company of Fort Worth, Texas. Since its beginnings in Forth Worth, Texas in 1922, the Williamson-Dickie Manufacturing Company has grown from a humble manufacturer of bib overalls into a global brand powerhouse, with Dickies work pants, shirts, denim, outerwear, school uniforms, outdoor gear, medical and chefs apparel and an extensive licensing program offering sturdy head-to-toe clothing options for hardworking men and women of all ages, professions, regions and interests. Williamson-Dickie operates through subsidiaries in North America, Canada and Europe as well as exclusive distributorship around the world. Dickies products are available at select retailers across Canada and the Dickies Factory Outlet store in Hanover, Ont. For more information please visit http://www.dickiescanada.com/

For more information on the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series please visit http://www.nascar.ca/

Whitlock Motorsports is a professional racing business located in Wyoming, ON just outside of Sarnia. The 5,000 square foot dedicated motorsports facility houses up to eight race cars, a chassis dyno and all the necessary tools to field a competitive two car race team. Dave Whitlock boasts three National CASCAR Championships, 1991, 1997 and 1998 along with several top three National Championship finishes, while teammate Mark Dilley has one National CASCAR Championship to his credit in 1994. Both teams have consistently posted finishes in the Top Six in the National Point Standings since Dilley joined the Whitlock team in 1999. http://www.whitlockmotorsports.com/

For more information please contact: Linda Jones

NCTS: Pete Shepherd crashes at Kentucky

Kentucky Speedway/Sparta, Kentucky/July 14, 2007
Started 12th / Finished 32nd

ACCIDENT FOILS SHEPHERD'S RUN AT KENTUCKY
Peter Shepherd, No. 50 Northern Tool + Equipment Ford F-150

SPARTA, Kentucky (July 15, 2007) - Peter Shepherd headed to Kentucky Speedway full of optimism and excitement. He left with a very different feeling, wondering where things went wrong. An early wreck ruined Shepherd's chances of backing up his strong finish at Memphis, the last time the series raced.

Shepherd posted the 12th fastest time in qualifying on Saturday afternoon, recording his best career qualifying effort to date. From the drop of the green flag, the No. 50 Northern Tool + Equipment Ford began to drop back in the field. Shepherd reported that he was having brake problems, and that he was taking things easy until he could feel out the problem. Shepherd showed 17th at lap 17, but dropped back to the 20th position by lap 23. Finally free of traffic, he was able to settle in and get a better assessment of his truck's mechanical problems.

Shepherd reported to the crew that he was extremely loose on entry into the corners, and that his handling difficulties might have been the problem he was feeling earlier in the run. As the crew began to discuss pit strategy, an incident between the Nos. 59 and 91 trucks occurred right in front of the No. 50, an accident that proved unavoidable for Shepherd. The Northern Tool + Equipment Ford suffered heavy damage, ending his race prematurely.

"It was just a chain reaction," said Shepherd of the wreck. "I hate it for the guys on this Northern Tool + Equipment team. We thought we had a good truck; we unloaded and came of the hauler and practiced pretty good. In race trim, we couldn't get a handle on it. Unfortunately, the 59 (Terry Cook), was coming up on, I think it was the 91, and kind of crammed down a little bit. It was no body's fault and but it got the 59 a real loose and he had to check-up and when he checked-up we were right there and just happened to get in the back of him. It's a bad break for us and them and everybody involved. I hate it for everybody."

The Craftsman Truck Series next competes at O'Reilly Raceway Park on Friday night, July 27.

Contact: Rory Connellan, Roush Fenway Racing

NCATS: Fitzpatrick Edges Steckly in B.C. Dodge Dealers Dodge Avenger 300

VERNON, B.C. (July 15, 2007) – J.R. Fitzpatrick edged Scott Steckly by .029 seconds at the finish line to win the British Columbia Dodge Dealers Dodge Avenger 300 at Sunvalley Speedway in Vernon, B.C. He took advantage of a late caution which set up a green-white-checkered finish for the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Sirius Satellite Radio event.

Steckly had the best car in the race, but it took him about three laps for the car to handle properly. Fitzpatrick noticed this on previous restarts and knew that he had a chance on the three-lap dash to the finish. The two cars raced door to door for the entirety of the three laps before Fitzpatrick got the nose of his car across the line just slightly ahead of Steckly’s.

“It was so close that I didn’t even know that I won until I was into turn one,” said Fitzpatrick. “I was just digging as hard as I could. I knew that it took (Steckly) a few laps to get going.”

The race was slowed by eight caution periods covering 68 laps and had 13 lead changes among seven drivers.

Peter Gibbons, who raced among the leaders all evening long finished third. Kerry Micks and D.J. Kennington finished fourth and fifth, respectively.

Dave Whitlock, Jason Hathaway, John Gaunt, Andrew Ranger and Don Thomson Jr. rounded out the top 10.

In the championship point standings, Ranger took over sole possession of the top spot and now leads Gibbons by 12 points and Mark Dilley by 15 points.

The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Sirius Satellite Radio is in action next weekend for a date on the street course at the Rexall Grand Prix Edmonton.

NASCAR CANADIAN TIRE SERIES presented by SIRIUS SATELLITE RADIO-
UNOFFICIAL

British Columbia Dodge Dealers Dodge Avenger 300

Results: Sunday At Sunvalley Speedway
Vernon, British Columbia // Lap length: 0.5 miles
(Start position in parentheses)
1. (2) J.R. Fitzpatrick, Cambridge, Ontario, Chevrolet, 300 laps, 59.269 mph, $6,130.
2. (4) Scott Steckly, Milverton, Ontario, Dodge, 300, $6,100.
3. (7) Peter Gibbons, Stouffville, Ontario, Chevrolet, 300, $3,435.
4. (5) Kerry Micks, Mt. Albert, Ontario, Ford, 300, $2,380.
5. (3) D.J. Kennington, St. Thomas, Ontario, Dodge, 300, $3,365.
6. (17) Dave Whitlock, Petrolia, Ontario, Dodge, 300, $3,060.
7. (11) Jason Hathaway, Appin, Ontario, Dodge, 300, $2,510.
8. (14) John Gaunt, Barrie, Ontario, Dodge, 300, $2,205.
9. (9) Andrew Ranger, Roxton Pond, Quebec, Ford, 300, $1,905.
10. (1) Don Thomson, Ayr, Ontario, Chevrolet, 300, $3,350.
11. (13) Brad Graham, Glencoe, Ontario, Dodge, 300, $1,535.
12. (8) Jim White, Kamloops, British Columbia, Dodge, 300, $1,480.
13. (10) Doug Brown, Brantford, Ontario, Dodge, 298, $1,425.
14. (12) Jason White, Sun Peaks, British Columbia, Chevrolet, 294, $1,400.
15. (6) Mark Dilley, Barrie, Ontario, Dodge, 290, accident, $1,373.
16. (19) Ron Beauchamp, Windsor, Ontario, Dodge, 257, $1,347.
17. (16) Derek Lynch, Warksworth, Ontario, Dodge, 207, accident, $1,320.
18. (15) James Ward, Kelowna, British Columbia, Ford, 206, rear end, $1,295.
19. (18) Norm Hunger, Delta, British Columbia, Pontiac, 196, $1,270.
20. (20) Joey McColm, Ajax, Ontario, Dodge, 195, $1,215.
21. (23) Trent Guest, Medicine Hat, Alberta, Dodge, 194, $1,190.
22. (22) Brian McCoughan, Okotoks, Alberta, Dodge, 57, transmission, $1,160.
23. (21) Kent Nuhn, Williamsford, Ontario, Pontiac, 28, overheating, $1,135.

Race Statistics
Time of Race: 2 hours 31 minutes 51 seconds // Margin of Victory: .029 seconds // Fastest Qualifier: D.Thomson Jr. (No. 4 Home Hardware Chevrolet) (98.366 mph, 18.299 seconds)
Caution Flags: 8 for 68 laps. // Lead Changes: 13 among 7 drivers. // Lap Leaders: J.Fitzpatrick 1-39; K.Micks 40-59; S.Steckly 60-109; K.Micks 110-126;P.Gibbons 127-145; D.Whitlock 146-165; B.Graham 166-186; M.Dilley 187-205; S.Steckly 206-251; J.Fitzpatrick 252; S.Steckly 253-288; P.Gibbons 289; S.Steckly 290-299;J.Fitzpatrick 300.

Standings: 1. A.Ranger, 638; 2. P.Gibbons, 626; 3. M.Dilley, 623; 4. D.Kennington, 599; 5. J.Fitzpatrick, 598; 6. D.Thomson, 585; 7. R.Beauchamp, 570; 8. J.Gaunt, 570; 9. K.Micks, 564; 10. J.Hathaway, 540.

For more information, contact:
Shon Sbarra, NASCAR Public Relations, (253) 377-9128 or ssbarra@nascar.com
Jason Christley, NASCAR Public Relations, (386) 947-6788 or jchristley@nascar.com

NCATS: Repeats of MOPAR 300 from Barrie Speedway on TSN

Watch the MOPAR 300 in Hi-Definition on TSN

Repeat: Wednesday, July 18 @ 2pm (EST)

NCATS Sun Valley Speedway: 20 to go

Scott Steckly is leading tonight's NCATS race at Sun Valley Speedway with 20 laps to go. Peter Gibbons is next, ahead of JR Fitzpatrick, Kerry Micks and Dave Whitlock.

Thanks to Joel Robinson for the update.

Gentlemen.... START.... YOUR.... BLUFFING!!!!

TSN is running a story from AP saying that F1 won't be returning to Indy in 2008. These announcements seem to start about this time every year, and involve a handful venues who are either threatening or being threatened by F1 for various reasons.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Formula One's U.S. Grand Prix won't return to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway next year.
The race will not be held in 2008 after eight years at the track, spokesman Ron Green said Thursday. He declined to give other details, but said speedway CEO Tony George would speak later in the day. George had set Thursday as the deadline for reaching an agreement to extend the contract with F1. Last month, Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone talked about taking the race elsewhere if he couldn't work out a long term deal with the Speedway.

Continued at the link above...

RIVERSIDE SPEEDWAY: NASCAR's REGAN SMITH TO COMPETE IN IWK 250 .. 2nd NASCAR driver in the works

JAMES RIVER, NS (July 11, 2007) - NASCAR Nextel Cup driver Regan Smith will race in the July 21 IWK 250 at Riverside International Speedway. Smith's appearance was confirmed today for the event that is expected to be a highlight on the 2007 maritime stock car racing calendar.

Smith, who co-drives the No. 01 U.S. Army Chevrolet with NASCAR veteran Mark Martin for Ginn Racing, will arrive in Nova Scotia next Friday July 20 in time to participate in the afternoon practice session for the Pro All Stars Series (PASS) sanctioned event. Smith will drive a car out of the Nova Construction stable, which also fields cars for Antigonish's Donald Chisholm and New Glasgow's George Koszkulics.

Smith is literally experiencing a dream season this year as shares the drivers seat with Martin, his racing idol, who has strong words of praise for his 23-year-old protege.

"Regan and I are on the same page," said Martin this past February. "He's eager and wants to learn. But at the same time, he knows that patience is vital in enjoying future success. I am really looking forward to being his Army teammate and helping launch his career. This is an exciting time for the both of us."

His visit to Nova Scotia for the IWK 250 will be on the heels of this coming Saturday's NASCAR Busch Series race at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, IL. Between Nextel Cup rides, Smith
is competing on a limited schedule in NASCAR's Busch Series, sharing driving duties with Kraig Kinser.

Smith has been preparing for his rookie season in the NASCAR’s elite divisions since he was first strapped into a go-kart at the age of four in his hometown of Cato, N.Y., located 25 miles west of Syracuse.

Smith's rise to the Nextel Cup Series started to take shape well before he reached his teenage years by winning divisional, regional and state championships in a quarter-midget type car (a microd) in the Syracuse area and throughout New York State.

As a 12-year-old in 1995 Smith competed in the World Karting Association and once again enjoyed success by winning poles, races and championships in a variety of divisions.

He won the WKA Grand National championship in 1996 and the WKA Manufacturer Cup in 1997. He also captured the Canadian Grand National karting championship in 1998.

He later raced in the Allison Legacy Series and the USAR Hooters ProCup Series where he set a record four poles in the 2001 season.

Smith won the 2001 Allison Legacy Series championship along with taking Rookie of the Year honours in the same year.

From 2003-2005, he drove in a number of Craftsman Truck and Busch Series races before being selected to drive a full-time Busch schedule in 2006 for Team Rensi Motorsports.

The IWK 250 Presented by Steve Lewis Auto Body and DuPont Refinish is set for July 21 at Riverside International Speedway. The event is essentially a one-day show with qualifying and feature races for the pro stocks, sportsman and Atlantic Open Wheel competitors on Saturday starting at 5 p.m.. There will be a practice session at the track Friday afternoon and promotional events in the Antigonish area Friday evening.

Details are being finalized that should see a second NASCAR star compete in the IWK 250; watch for an announcement in the coming days.

Advance tickets for the IWK 250 are now available by contacting the track box office. A limited number of reserved seats remain as well as general admission seating. Credit card orders are welcome. Call 902.863.2410 or email the ticket order form available at this link - click here.

Riverside Speedway, 1/3-mile high banked asphalt oval, is located in James River, between New Glasgow and Antigonish, at exit 30 off Trans Canada Highway 104. Opened in 1969, the facility was totally rebuilt in 2006 to become a premiere motorsports site, comparable to the best short tracks in Canada and the U.S. The 2007 schedule sees three CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour events (June 9, August 4 and August 11), the Atlantic Dodge Dealers 300 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series event (September 15) and the IWK 250. For more information about Riverside Speedway, please visit www.riversidespeedway.ca or call 902.863.2410.

From Paul McLean (Riverside Speedway) // Distributed by Joan Roue

NASCAR BUSCH SERIES: Canadian John Graham to drive for Brewco in 10 events

Central City, KY (July 11, 2007) – Brewco Motorsports Inc. today announced a partnership with Fun Energy Foods Inc., a Canadian-based energy food manufacturer, which will serve as the primary sponsor for 10 NASCAR Busch Series races with Brewco during the 2007 season.

Fun Energy Foods will launch their North American NASCAR themed marketing campaign for Kickbutt Amped Energy Ballz in conjunction with the debut of the NASCAR Busch Series in Canada on Saturday, August 4, 2007 at the famed Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal.

Driving for Fun Energy Foods will be Canadian John Graham, who has an extensive background in sports car racing. With more than 170 professional starts in sports car competition, Graham has seven starts at the 24 Hours of Le Mans - including a class win in 2000 – nine starts at the 24 Hours of Daytona and 11 starts at the 12 Hours of Sebring. He has podium finishes at Le Mans, Daytona, Sebring, Petit Lemans, Sears Point, Mosport, Spa, Belgium, Fuji, Japan, and Adelaide, Australia. Graham also has stock car experience with four NASCAR Busch Series starts to his credit.

"It is a privilege to represent Fun Energy Foods and their Kickbutt brand, and to work with Brewco Motorsports,” Graham said. “I am looking forward to the challenges of the NASCAR Busch Series and thank the people who worked so hard to help me get here."

“We are excited to team with Brewco and John Graham for our entry into motorsports sponsorship,” said Paul Do, President of Fun Energy Foods, Inc. “We’re thrilled for the opportunity to introduce our products to race fans across the United States and to work with a championship organization like Brewco Motorsports, which has been successful in racing both on and off the track for many years.”

From Cathy Varga // Brewco Motorsports

NASCAR BUSCH SERIES: Carpentier to Compete in Two Races in Montreal

(ITMN NOTE: A little bird mentioned that Canadian NASCAR driver Pierre Bourque will also be racing in the Busch race in Montreal, in a second Fitz team car. Watch for confirmation of this news within weeks.)

MONTREAL - July 10, 2007 - Patrick Carpentier officially announced Tuesday at a press conference held in Montreal that he will compete in the inaugural NASCAR Series Busch race at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on August 4, 2007.

Sitting next to his new sponsors on the podium, the Quebec-born driver made public his plans to race in front of his home crowd in the two major events held the first weekend of August. The media conference was designed to update the Canadian media on the support of major companies such as Zellers, Komatsu, Dodge Quebec Dealer Advertising Association and Cinemas Guzzo in his new foray in NASCAR.

A regular driver in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series, Carpentier was already scheduled to race in round 11 of the 2007 Daytona Prototype schedule, which will be held in Montreal on Friday August 3rd.

At the press conference, the French Canadian driver also revealed that he will drive the Fitz Motorsports Dodge in the NAPA Auto Parts 200 - Presented by Dodge. Based in Mooresville, North Carolina and owned by Armando Fitz, the team has been competing in the Busch Series since 2001 and is considered one of the leading independent teams in the division.

Addressing the media, Carpentier thanked all the sponsors and the intervening parties who relentlessly worked to make this Montreal race program come to term.

"Prior to the press conference, I personally thanked all the sponsors and everyone that worked so hard to make this come through," said Carpentier. "I am very happy to have the support of Zellers, a major retail store chain with locations across Canada, Federal Equipment and the Komatsu group, the Dodge Quebec Dealer Advertising Association and Cinemas Guzzo, a Montreal chain of theatres. Without their support, my dream of running in the NASCAR Busch Series would have never happened."

"I think running in both series on the same weekend will be a plus for me, even though the racing lines will not be quite the same in several turns. However, this advantage shouldn't last forever as my opponents are all talented professionals and they won't take too much time to figure out the track. The competition will be tough, but I do believe that I will be competitive and that the team and I will quickly adjust the car to my liking," concluded Carpentier.

Also addressing the media during the press conference were the sponsors involved in Carpentier's venture into NASCAR. They all expressed how proud they were to be associated with him.

"As the retailer that carries the largest assortment of NASCAR product in Canada, we are especially proud to be a part of Patrick's team for the inaugural NASCAR Busch Series race held in Canada," said Serge Coursol, the Regional Vice President for Zellers on behalf of Debbie Edwards, Senior Vice President of Marketing for HBC. "NASCAR is one of the fastest growing sports in North America, and Patrick Carpentier is a world class Canadian athlete that deserves to have a leading Canadian brand like Zellers supporting him."

Alain Ouellette, President and CEO of Federal Equipment, and representing the Komatsu dealers in Canada - Coneco Equipment and Transwest Mining, also spoke about Carpentier during his brief intervention with the media.

"We are proud to announce the association of Federal Equipment and the Komatsu group with the Patrick Carpentier and the Fitz Motorsports team in promoting Patrick's participation in the very first NASCAR race in Montreal. We believe that this milestone event will launch Patrick's long career on the NASCAR scene."

Patrick Dandurand, President, Dodge Quebec Dealer Advertising Association sees the sponsorship as a perfect opportunity to support a local talent and promote the Dodge brand.

"Dodge dealers are really excited to have the opportunity to support Patrick and share his passion for race car driving," said Dandurand. "Partnering with him this way ties the excitement of the event into the showroom experience for our customers."

Even NASCAR Busch Series director Joe Balash sent a word to Patrick Carpentier prior to the start of the press conference to welcome him to the series. "With the addition of Patrick to the race, it continues to add that hometown feel to the event. It also rounds out what will be a star-studded international field and should make this one of the most exciting NASCAR Busch Series road course events."

As for COO and Chief Operating Officer Vincenzo Guzzo, he was all fired up with the association between Cinemas Guzzo and Patrick Carpentier.

The NAPA Auto Parts 200 Presented by Dodge will be held on Saturday August 4, 2007, at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. The weekend of activities begins on Friday with the Grand-Am Rolex Series, and will feature a race from the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series.

From Max d'Orsonnens

NCATS: Doug Brown western swing preview

BRANTFORD, ON - Doug Brown and Haldex-sponsored Dodge slipped two spots in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series points’ standings as the result of his 17th-place finish at Barrie on Canada Day and that doesn’t sit well with the fierce stock car racing competitor.

“That’s the worst start to a season ever”, the puzzled racing veteran stated with a sigh of disbelief in reviewing the results todate.

In each of his three starts this season, bad luck and mechanical gremlins have haunted his performances in runs that should have resulted in top-ten or better finishes.

On opening day at Cayuga Speedway on May 26th, a late race accident and an ensuing electrical malfunction foiled a top-five run and resulted in a 14th-place finish. Two weeks later at the rolling 2.5-mile Mosport road course an intermittent fuel starvation problem robbed him of a top-ten run and he had to settle for another 14th-place result.

And in his last outing at Barrie, the crew worked hard on the Haldex Dodge to correct some early handling problems that saw him struggle in the early going then work his way up sixth place until a flat tire took him out of contention in the closing laps.

Heading west this week to events at the BC Dodge Dealers Dodge Avenger 300 in Vernon, BC and at the Grand Prix Edmonton, the generally composed competitor is determined to end his bad luck streak.

“We’ve got a lot of ground to make up and hopefully this two-week road trip will give us a chance to regroup and demonstrate we’re far better than the results todate imply,” Brown stated emphatically. “The road courses are always a challenge but we’ve had some strong runs in the two oval track events even though the results don’t show it. Vernon’s half-mile oval is a great track and we’re looking forward to showing some muscle there,” he added.

Brown also needs a solid run on the flat 1.973-mile Edmonton City Centre street course, the site of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series’ fifth race on July21st.

With nine races left in the 12-race schedule as they head west, the second-generation driver knows it will require a solid performance in each of those events to secure a top-ten spot in the standings – a position he targeted before the season began.

Only a handful of his generally well manned crew will be heading west but he isn’t overly concerned that will affect his chances for some solid runs.

“Some of our team members couldn’t afford to take two weeks away from their jobs or families so we’ll be working with the crews of other teams in a similar situation to complete this trek,” Brown revealed in discussing how they will fare manpower-wise in a sport that requires a strong team effort. In past trips of this magnitude, Brown and fellow series’ competitor DJ Kennington have pooled their team resources and that is the game plan for this year’s programs.

The Ontario-based teams in NASCAR Canadian Tire Series return home following the July 21st Edmonton event but they’ll be back on the road after a brief respite and heading East for a key event as part of the inaugural NASCAR Busch Series race sponsored by NAPA at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal on August 4th.

HB Motorsports is pleased to have Haldex Limited as its Title Sponsor with NAPA Autopro supporting team programs through its role of Major Associate Sponsor role. Bicknell Racing Products; World of Graphics; HurryPrint Imaging Centre; WIX Filters; KWIC Internet; Gates Canada; BOC Gases; Brochures etc; Leitch Performance Engines; Strodes BBQ & Deli; and BrentZone Graphics are also valued members of our Associate Sponsorship Marketing team.

Prepared by: Ken Spencer // Marketing and Media Relations // HB Motorsports

NCATS: MOPAR 300 from Barrie Speedway on TSN

Watch the MOPAR 300 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series race from Barrie Speedway in Hi-Definition on TSN.

Premiere: Saturday, July 14 @ 1pm // Repeat 1: Monday, July 16 @ 00:00 (or Sunday at Midnight) // Repeat 2: Wednesday, July 18 @ 2pm

For those traveling out West please note that these times are in EASTERN STANDARD TIME.

EDWIN CONCERT TOPS THE LIST OF GREAT ENTERTAINMENT AT THE PARTS CANADA SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP AT MOSPORT

(BOWMANVILLE, ON – July 10, 2007) In addition to three days of Canada's finest motorcycle road racing, Mosport has an outstanding lineup of off-track attractions that will keep fans entertained all weekend long during the only Toronto-area stop of the series in the Parts Canada Superbike Championship Doubleheader Weekend, July 13, 14 & 15.

New for 2007 is the BMW Motorrad Summer Fest, a celebration of the two-wheeled lifestyle that will feature a live concert, stunt rider demonstrations, rider autograph sessions, motorcycle test rides and new product displays. Headlining Summer Fest is Canadian rock icon Edwin, formerly lead vocalist for the rock band I Mother Earth, who will be performing his greatest hits in a full-day concert series on Saturday July 14, along with special guests Duty Calls and Afternoon Zero.

Fans will have the opportunity to take in demonstrations of motorcycle mastery by the 2007 Freestyle World Champion stunt rider Christian Pfeiffer, who will be performing amazing tricks and maneuvers all weekend long. Pfeiffer and all of the BMW riders will also be available for 30 minute autograph sessions on Saturday and Sunday. Summer Fest will also feature a full display of 2007 BMW Motorcycles with opportunities for on and off-road test rides throughout the weekend.

For youngsters looking to learn how to ride in a safe and fun way, The Yamaha Riding Academy (YRA) will be on hand with a free riding clinic for kids aged 6 to 12. The YRA will teach participants the basic skills of off-road riding with a safe and fun approach to give kids the most positive experience out of each ride.


In the Manufacturers Demonstration Area, the latest and greatest bikes from Suzuki and Yamaha will be available for demonstration rides (a motorcycle license and full riding gear are required).

A three-day SuperTicket is just $50 until July 11 ($60 at the Gate) and each ticket includes parking, paddock admission, and entrance to Saturday Night Stock Car racing at Mosport Speedway. Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by a paid adult admission. Single day tickets are also available.

General and family camping areas are available, with full-service washrooms, showers and children's playgrounds. An advanced three-day weekend general camping pass is just $30 (for tents or pop-up trailers). RVs are $50 for the weekend.

For more information about Mosport ticket packages and camping, call the Mosport Hotline at 1-800-866-1072 (Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm ET) or visit online at http://www.mosport.com/. Tickets are also available at Ticketmaster.
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For Further Information: Lee Bailie, Mosport, 1-800-866-1072 or email lee@mosport.com

Pete Shepherd Kentucky NASCAR CTS and ARCA preview

Peter Shepherd returns to the seat of the No. 50 Northern Tool + Equipment Ford this weekend at Kentucky Speedway.

Shepherd will make his first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series start at Kentucky Speedway in Saturday night’s Built Ford Tough 225.

The No. 50 will once again carry the colors of Northern Tool + Equipment this weekend, in a reverse scheme of teammate Erik Darnell’s No. 99 Ford.

Shepherd will pull double duty this weekend, competing in both the ARCA RE/MAX Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races.

The No. 50 team is bringing chassis RK225-33 to Kentucky. This chassis last raced at Texas, where T.J. Bell started ninth and finished 23rd.

Shepherd recorded his best NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series finish at Memphis last week, coming home 15th.

PETER SHEPHERD ON KENTUCKY SPEEDWAY. . .
“I’ve never raced at Kentucky, but I’ve heard a lot of good things about it. Everyone seems to really like racing there. Getting to race in the ARCA RE/MAX Series race on Friday night should help our effort on Saturday night. We had a great race at Memphis last week, and we’d love to get another good finish at Kentucky.”

MATT PUCCIA ON KENTUCKY SPEEDWAY. . .
“Peter’s never raced at Kentucky before, but having him in both the truck and ARCA car this weekend will be great. Kentucky is a driver’s track, it’s got multiple grooves. We’ll do what we can to get Peter acclimated to the track as quickly as possible then see what we can do on Saturday night.”

From RoushFenway

NCATS: British Columbia Dodge Dealers Dodge Avenger 300 event preview

What: British Columbia Dodge Dealers Dodge Avenger 300 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Race #4.

Where: Sun Valley Speedway, Vernon, British Columbia.

When: 7:05 p.m., Sunday, July 15.

Track layout: 1/2-mile oval.

Distance: 300 Laps, 150 miles.

Posted Awards: $83,394 CAD

2006 winner: Inaugural event.

2006 polesitter: Inaugural event.

Records: To be established in inaugural event.

Pre-race schedule: Saturday – Practice, 1:30 p.m.-4:15 p.m. Qualifying, 7 p.m. Note: All times subject to change.

NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Top 10: 1. Andrew Ranger 500; 2. Mark Dilley 500; 3. Peter Gibbons 456; 4. Ron Beauchamp 455; 5. Don Thomson Jr. 451; 6. D.J. Kennington 444; 7. John Gaunt 428; 8. Derek Lynch 427; 9. J.R. Fitzpatrick 413; 10. Kerry Micks 399.

Track Contact: Bob Newcombe(250) 542-9090.DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 10, 2007) – Imagine packing for a two-week vacation that encompasses both water and snow skiing. It can be a wardrobe nightmare. In essence, that is what faces most NASCAR Canadian Tire Series teams. They not only have to prepare and pack for an oval race, but also a street course event.
Series teams will tackle the 1/2-mile tri-oval of Sun Valley Speedway near Vernon, British Columbia on one weekend and turn around the very next weekend to take on a 1.973 street course in Edmonton. Other than some teams based in western Canada, most competitors will be traveling well over 2,000 miles from the eastern provinces to participate in the two races.
The logistics of the two-race swing to western Canada can be a headache, but Dave Whitlock (No. 39 Dickies/Hamilton Tiger Cats/NMT Dodge) plans to enjoy the trip and get his season headed in the right direction despite the 2,400-mile trip from his home base near Hamilton, Ontario.
“It’s a little difficult to prepare two cars for two entirely different styles of racing,” said Whitlock. “But we’re optimistic about the trip.”
The Whitlock camp needs the positive attitude to produce positive results. The 2007 season thus far has not measured up to the anticipated results. The two oval races at Cayuga Speedway Park and Barrie Speedway showed finishes of 21st and 15th, respectively. The bright spot was an eighth-place showing on the road course of Mosport International Raceway, but even that finish should have been better.
“At Cayuga, we had a cam shaft failure early on that knocked us out of any contention and the Barrie race was simply a night to forget,” Whitlock said. “Finishing eighth at Mosport was pretty good, but I had a late spin that took us out of a top five.”
Whitlock intends to use the long journey as a new beginning for his season and use the strategy he never had the opportunity to employ at the last race in Barrie.
“Track position is the key at Sun Valley just as it is at any short track,” he said.
Track position starts with qualifying, an area in which Whitlock has not struggled this season. He has started all three races 10th or better.
“Qualifying is certainly important, but it is a 300-lap race, so just about anything can happen between the start and the finish,” Whitlock said.
The track at Sun Valley Speedway also has its own set of unique characteristics. The turns are not symmetrical. Corners one and two have less banking than those of three and four. Also factored in is the tri-oval configuration providing just one straightaway with which to work.
“Getting the car to turn at both ends of the track can be a little tricky,” Whitlock said. “The end with (turns) three and four seem to be a lot roomier. It gets a little tight in one and two.”
However, despite the long haul and the idiosyncrasies of the track, Whitlock is looking forward to his visit to British Columbia.
“It’s a great track in a beautiful part of the country and we’re going out there to win and get our season in gear,” Whitlock said.

NEWS & NOTES
Ø The race … This event is the fourth race for the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Sirius Satellite Radio in 2007. It is the third of eight oval-racing events for the series this season. It is the only visit by the series to the province of British Columbia this year. It is also the first NASCAR Canadian Tire Series debut in western Canada and the first event outside the province of Ontario.
Ø The track … Sun Valley Speedway is one of the finest short track racing facilities in not only Canada, but North America. The track is located just north of Vernon, British Columbia in beautiful Spallumcheen. It has a 1/2-mile banked tri-oval configuration with 11 degrees of banking in turns one and two, 14 degrees of banking in turns three and four along with a banking of seven degrees on the front and back stretches.
Ø The weekend … It will be a full weekend of racing action at Sun Valley Speedway. On Saturday in addition to NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Bud Pole qualifying, the local NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Street Stocks will also be in action. The 300-lap main event, the British Columbia Dodge Dealers Dodge Avenger 300, will take place on Sunday evening.
Ø Ticket information … Ticket information for the British Columbia Dodge Dealers Dodge Avenger 300 can be obtained by calling the speedway at (250) 542-9090 or by logging on to www.sunvalleyspeedway.com.
Ø Heading west … This event is part of a two-race western swing for the Canadian Tire Series. The following weekend, the series heads north to Edmonton for a Saturday street course race at the big Grand Prix Edmonton weekend.

From NASCAR

Husband of ISC President Killed in Plane Crash

The husband of International Speedway Corp. President Lesa Kennedy France was killed this morning when the plane he was piloting crashed shortly after takeoff in Sanford, Florida.

Complete story is available at NASCAR Online.

Bill Elliott bails on Riverside appearance

From Riverside Speedway's website:

Awesome Bill not so Awesome - Track Working Feverishly to Find Replacement
Official News Release

JAMES RIVER, NS (July 9, 2007) - Riverside International Speedway regrets to announce the cancellation of Bill Elliott's appearance at this year's heavily anticipated IWK 250 Pro All Stars Series (PASS) race, scheduled for Saturday, July 21 in Antigonish, Nova Scotia.
Riverside Speedway received in writing the cancellation notice from Mr. Elliott late Friday. In his statement he said, "There is no way I am going to Nova Scotia to race that weekend…I am too busy."
Mr. Elliott's last-minute cancellation notice comes after Riverside Speedway management secured the NASCAR Cup champion's appearance on April 27, 2007 with an extra-cost no-cancellation guarantee. We paid an expensive premium to guarantee his participation in the race," says Paul McLean, Riverside Speedway manager. "With the agreement in place, and with active cooperation from his management company, we felt comfortable promoting Mr. Elliott's appearance in print, TV and radio advertisements."
Riverside Speedway has been heavily advertising Mr. Elliott's appearance since April. The race is a fundraiser for the IWK Children's Hospital. Major sponsorships from DuPont Canada and Steve Lewis Auto Body have been secured for the marquee event. A large number of advance tickets have been sold to date.
Despite Mr. Elliott's cancellation, an article from the Halifax Daily News on May 16, 2007 confirming Mr. Elliott's appearance was still visible on http://www.billelliott.com/ (click here) at press time.
"Bill has always emphasized his enthusiasm for getting back to his roots by racing at local tracks to support the fans who've made him so popular," says John Chisholm, owner of Riverside Speedway. "I'm bewildered and saddened by Bill's change in commitment to his fans, some of whom are traveling great distances to see him here. We've been working hard to create an amazing event to benefit the IWK and he's let us all down."
The IWK 250 will proceed despite Mr. Elliott's decision to not participate. "We're working feverishly to find a suitable replacement," says McLean; however at press time we were unable to confirm please check our website for further details in the coming days.
Fans of Bill Elliott and ticket holders for the IWK 250 are encouraged to contact Mr. Elliott directly at http://www.billelliott.com/ or on online racing forums to express their concern and disappointment. Requests for comment on behalf of Bill Elliott can be made directly to Wood Brothers Management Company (21team@woodbrothersjtg.com).

ATLANTIC: Tough outing for Hinchcliffe in Toronto

Toronto, Canada (July 08, 2007) - James Hinchcliffe was collected from behind and eventually classified 11th as his hometown of Toronto hosted an incident-packed eighth round of the 2007 Cooper Tires Presents The Champ Car Atlantic Championship Powered by Mazda on Sunday morning on the 1.75-mile temporary street course at Exhibition Place.

The 20-year-old's first retirement, following an impressive run of four podium finishes in the last five starts, combined with France's Franck Perera's second straight victory has dropped the sophomore racer to fourth in the Driver Standings having held second to his Sierra Sierra Enterprises team-mate Raphael Matos since Round 5 in Portland last month.

While the weekend ultimately ended in disappointment for 'Hinch', the earlier forecast looked far more promising. Third fastest in Friday's qualifying session, James continued his impressive run of qualifying slots by claiming his seventh top-five start with fifth on the grid following Saturday's second session, his lap time a 1m05.982s (95.753mph) to the pole-winning effort of Matos, the Brazilian capturing his fourth pole of the season with a 1m05.621s lap (96.280mph).

The 23-car field started Sunday's race on slick tires, but a downpour unleashed on the opening lap soon prompted a change of heart and the race was red-flagged on lap three having run under yellows since early incidents brought out a full-course caution on the first tour.

Hinchcliffe darted to pit-lane in the #9 NOCO/ProWorks Swift Mazda-Cosworth for a set of wet tires and waited, along with his rivals, for Champ Car Atlantic officials to allow them back on-track. While track conditions remained treacherous, the field was eventually waived off once again with James holding fifth closing in on Matos ahead. His hopes of attacking his team-mate were quickly curtailed as a second full-course caution just three laps into proceedings froze the field.

The subsequent deployment of the safety car seemed to catch some drivers unaware and James was soon a helpless victim of contact from behind as fellow Canadian, Kevin Lacroix, speared into the back of him. Limping back to the pits, the Sierra Sierra crew began to work feverishly to see if they could repair the damage to James' car but eventually the call was made to retire from the race.

"Well we were running under caution and Kevin decided to come in a little hot," James reflected. "I was catching up to the pace car and all of a sudden I got nailed in the back and he bounced off me and took out Junior Strous too. It was a bit of a rookie mistake but that's racing - what can you do!"

Rounds 9 and 10 of the 2007 Champ Car Atlantic Championship will be hosted at the temporary street course at Edmonton's 1.973-mile City Centre Airport, Friday 20th - Sunday 22nd July: www.grandprixedmonton.comTop-Five Atlantic Drivers R8/12: 1st Matos (BRA) 228pts, 2nd Perera (FRA) 197pts, 3rd Wickens (CAN) 178pts, 4th HINCHCLIFFE (CAN) 178pts, 5th Ricci (ITA) 125pts.

Useful Websites: http://www.champcaratlantic.com/ / http://www.sierrasierra.com/
From Stuart Morrison Public Relations

IHRA EDMONTON: LARGEST SINGLE-DAY CROWD IN CASTROL RACEWAY HISTORY PACKS KNOLL-GAS NITRO JAM EVENT

Gilbertson Claims Top Nitro Funny Car Spot

EDMONTON, Alberta (July 7, 2007) – Bob Gilbertson, Charlotte, N.C., earned the Knoll Gas Torco Racing Fuels Pro Nitro Funny Car top qualifying honors before a standing-room only crowd at Castrol Raceway, the site of this weekend’s IHRA CARS RV & Marine & Motorsport Rocky Mountain Nationals presented by Torco Racing Fuels. As the last of the fans packed into the Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam™ event, after backing up traffic for miles in both directions all day long, Gilbertson used a track record-setting 4.831 elapsed time at 312.13 mph to jump to No. 1 and claim the Last Man Standing bonus points.

Other No. 1 qualifiers include Doug Foley (Top Fuel), Kenny Lang (Pro Modified), Rob Atchison (Alcohol Funny Car) and Pete Berner (Pro Stock).

Steven Macklyn sits second in the Nitro Funny Car class behind Gilbertson. Paul Lee is No. 3, followed by Terry Haddock and points leader Deal Creasy Jr. Edmonton’s Randy Bykowsky qualified No. 8, while Beaumont, Alberta’s Jason Duchene did not make the field.

Knoll Gas Torco Racing Fuels Pro Top Fuel No. 1 qualifier Foley, of Sewell, N.J., ran a 4.581, 324.90, which also earned him the Last Man Standing. He’s trailed by T.J. Zizzo, who ran a 4.609 Friday evening, Mike Strasburg and Scotty Cannon. Bobby Lagana Jr. sits on the bump spot with a 4.856 ET.

Grande Point, Manitoba’s Lang covered the quarter-mile in 6.102 seconds, resetting the Castrol Raceway Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com Pro Modified track record previously held by Scott Cannon Jr. Lang picked up No. 1 qualifier honors as well as Last Man Standing. Ontario-native Carl Spiering is second, followed by current points leader Cannon. Calgary’s Joe Delehay is No. 11 and Dewinton, Alberta’s Gary Mason No. 14.

London, Ontario’s Atchison maintained his No. 1 qualified Alcohol Funny Car spot from Friday with a 5.887, 241.97. Terry Munroe sits No. 2, followed by Calgary’s Roger Bateman, who also earned the Last Man Standing bonus. Defending world champion Mark Thomas is fourth. Trevor Lebsack, of Slave Lake, Alberta, and John Evanchuk, of Edmonton, round out the field seventh and eighth respectively.

Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com Pro Stock No. 1 qualifier Berner, of Crete, Ill., came into this race one point behind John Montecalvo for the championship standings lead. By taking the top spot with his 6.424, 217.11, as well as the Quarter-Max Pro Stock Challenge bonus, he enters Sunday’s elimination rounds with the lead. Robert Patrick holds the second spot, followed by two defending world champions, Steve Spiess and Brian Gahm.

Berner’s 6.424 elapsed time and Gahm’s 217.18 mph speed set the Castrol Raceway record.

Professional eliminations are scheduled for Sunday at 10:30 p.m., 12 noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. For more information, log onto http://www.ihra.com/. The CARS RV & Marine & Motorsport Rocky Mountain Nationals presented by Torco Racing Fuels is the fourth of eleven events on the $19.5 million 2007 Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series.

EDMONTON, Alb. -- First-round pairings for professional eliminations Sunday for the CARS RV & Marine & Motorsport Rocky Mountain Nationals presented by TORCO Racing Fuels at Castrol Raceway, the fourth of 11 events in the $19.5 million 2007 Knoll - Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series. Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday.

Top Fuel -- 1. Doug Foley, 4.581 seconds, 325.53 mph vs. 5. Bruce Litton, 4.719, 320.74; 2. T.J. Zizzo, 4.609, 326.16 vs. 6. Jeff O'Neill, 4.766, 304.53; 3. Mike Strasburg, 4.629, 266.69 vs. 7. Terry McMillen, 4.846, 261.67; 4. Scotty Cannon, 4.695, 318.32 vs. 8. Bobby Lagana Jr., 4.856, 291.95.

Nitro Funny Car -- 1. Bob Gilbertson, Dodge Stratus, 4.831, 312.13 vs. 5. Dale Creasy Jr., Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.065, 302.62; 2. Steven Macklyn, Pontiac Firebird, 5.041, 296.63 vs. 6. Jack Wyatt, Stratus, 5.374, 228.92; 3. Paul Lee, Monte Carlo, 5.049, 300.86 vs. 7. Andy Kelley, Firebird, 5.472, 205.22; 4. Terry Haddock, Stratus, 5.052, 297.68 vs. 8. Randy Bykowsky, Monte Carlo, 5.988, 237.30.

Pro Modified -- 1. Kenny Lang, Chevy Corvette, 6.102, 234.45 vs. 9. Quain Stott, Corvette, 6.209, 230.61; 2. Carl Spiering, Chevy Camaro, 6.103, 234.37 vs. 10. Danny Rowe, Corvette, 6.221, 229.55; 3. Scott Cannon, Pontiac Firebird, 6.128, 233.24 vs. 11. Joe Delehay, Dodge Viper, 6.222, 228.31; 4. Chip King, Dodge Daytona, 6.176, 233.64 vs. 12. Eddie Ware, Camaro, 6.225, 228.54; 5. Mike Castellana, Ford Mustang, 6.180, 228.31 vs. 13. Ed Hoover, Corvette, 6.242, 229.66; 6. Jim Halsey, Camaro, 6.181, 230.29 vs. 14. Gary Mason, Corvette, 6.260, 230.41; 7. Pat Stoken, Camaro, 6.184, 227.34 vs. 15. Harold Martin, Pontiac Grand Am, 6.276, 211.13; 8. Matt Hagan, Camaro, 6.187, 230.13 vs. 16. Kirk Kuhns, Willys, 6.277, 226.39.

Alcohol Funny Car -- 1. Rob Atchison, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.887, 241.97 vs. 5. Terry McMillen, Dodge Avenger, 5.965, 233.20; 2. Terry Munroe, Monte Carlo, 5.907, 238.13 vs. 6. Larry Dobbs, Chevy Corvette, 5.968, 237.21; 3. Roger Bateman, Chevy Camaro, 5.908, 236.38 vs. 7. Trevor Lebsack, Ford Mustang, 6.052, 230.61; 4. Mark Thomas, Monte Carlo, 5.931, 241.67 vs. 8. John Evanchuk, Pontiac Firebird, 6.072, 229.47.

Pro Stock -- 1. Pete Berner, Pontiac GTO, 6.424, 217.11 vs. 8. Bob Bertsch, Ford Mustang, 6.478, 214.79; 2. Robert Patrick, Shelby Cobra, 6.433, 216.48 vs. 9. Rob Mansfield, Chevy Cobalt, 6.482, 215.03; 3. Steve Spiess, Cobalt, 6.438, 215.89 vs. 10. Rickie Smith, Cobalt, 6.483, 215.07; 4. Brian Gahm, Mustang, 6.441, 217.18 vs. 11. Dean Goforth, GTO, 6.490, 215.00; 5. John Montecalvo, Cobalt, 6.441, 215.44 vs. 12. Cary Goforth, Cobalt, 6.490, 215.37; 6. Frank Gugliotta, Cobalt, 6.469, 216.10 vs. 13. John Nobile, Mustang, 6.491, 215.37; 7. Elijah Morton, Mustang, 6.476, 215.27 vs. 14. Ronnie Humphrey, Mustang, 6.607, 210.80.

From Travis Reynolds // IHRA

MOTO-ST: San Jose BMW team fastest in SunTrust MOTO-ST Series practice at Road America

ELKHART LAKE, WI – San Jose BMW team rider Brian Parriott showed the way during Saturday afternoon’s practice session for the fourth round of the SunTrust MOTO-ST Series at Road America. The Calistoga, CA resident powered his BMW R1200 around the 14-turn, four-mile road course in a time of 2:27.767 for an average speed of 97.451 mph. Parriott’s effort was 0.574 of a second better than that posted by the second-fastest team; Aprilia USA 2 on their Aprilia Tuono 1000R.

Following the session, Parriott was pleased with his team’s performance. “It went pretty good. The bike was working pretty well. The tire we chose worked pretty well and everybody is happy with the situation. We had a small mishap with the driveshaft but we can fix that up.”

Commenting on his fast lap, which came relatively late in the two-hour session, Parriott said, “We didn’t really make any adjustments, it was more a matter of me putting my head down and getting going.”

Third fastest in the SST division was the No. 32 Vallely Racing team on their Suzuki SV1000S.

Leading the way in the GST class was the No. 8 Richie Morris Racing Team Buell XB12, at the hands of rider Shawn Higbee. The Oconomonoc, WI resident set his fast time (2:35.998 / 92.309 mph) on just his fourth lap of the session, displaying his wealth of experience at the legendary road course. The No. 38 Touring Sport Ducati Team / Ducati Supersport 1000DS was more than two seconds back of Higbee (2:38.298 / 90.968). The No. 3 James Gang Racing Buell XB12 was next (2:39.275 / 90.41 mph).

Brian Kcraget of Danville, VA was the man to beat in terms of the ST class competitors during Saturday’s practice session. The No. 87 SpeedWerks.com Suzuki SV650 rider posted a time of 2:38.621 (90.782 mph) on his 38th and final lap of the session. The No. 9 Pair-A-Nines Kawasaki Ninja 650R was second on the ST time charts, clocking in at 2:39.640 (90.203 mph), followed by the No. 16 RightsForBikers.com Suzuki SV650 (2:42.512 / 88.609).

The SunTrust MOTO-ST competitors will be back in action at Road America on Sunday morning at 8 a.m. for a one-hour practice session. The three-hour SunTrust MOTO-ST 500K at Road America gets underway at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday afternoon.

Following this weekend’s race, the SunTrust MOTO-ST Series will head to Iowa for the Iowa Speedway 500k on July 12-13. The season concludes with the 8 Hours At Daytona Finale, October 19-20 at Daytona International Speedway.

MOTO-ST is organized and sanctioned by Professional Motorsports Productions (PMP) of Toronto, Ontario, Canada and the Grand American Road Racing Association, based in Daytona Beach, Fla., provides the series with administrative and commercial support. The MOTO-ST advisory board features some of the most respected individuals in the world of motorsports, including Hall of Fame members, respected motorcycle racing journalists and renowned officials from various forms of road racing. Learn more about MOTO-ST at www.moto-st.com.
Tickets to Round 4 of the SunTrust MOTO-ST Series may be purchased at the gate.

PHOTO: San Jose BMW team rider Brian Parriott was fastest during Saturday afternoon's practice session for the fourth round of the SunTrust MOTO-ST Series at Road America. (Credit: Rob O'Brien / MOTO-ST)

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Contacts:Adam Saal, Grand-Am Managing Director of Corporate Communications(386) 681-6204, asaal@grandamerican.com

Penny Nicolai, SunTrust MOTO-ST Series Public Relations (818) 881-6458, pennynicolai@aol.com