CNN: Michelin CEO killed in accident

Edouard Michelin was killed in a boating accident in Lille de Sein in Brittany in western France.

NEW YORK (CNN) - Michelin CEO Edouard Michelin was killed Friday in a boating accident in Lille de Sein in Brittany in western France, the company said.
The French tire maker said an investigation has been launched into the accident and that managing partner Michel Rollier has assumed leadership of the company.
Edouard Michelin graduated with an engineering degree from the Ecole Centrale de Paris, before joining his family's company in 1985, according to Reuters.
He had a stint in France's navy from 1987 to 1988 before going back to the Michelin group where he held various posts in areas such as production and sales before succeeding his father Francois as head of the company in 1999.

... more at the link above...

NASCAR: Hawk resigns

According to my NASCAR reporter, Stan Creekmore (who is in the media room at Lowe's Motor Speedway) NASCAR has confirmed to him that Don Hawk, NASCAR's Director of Regional Racing Development (NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series), tendered his resignation on Wednesday.

Weather watchers....

Jeff Wilcox at Delaware Speedway just told me that their track is dry and they're still a go for tonight, but one good downpour would most likely be the end of their show for this evening. He suggests keeping an eye on the Delaware website for the most current updates.

Just had a look at the Ohsweken Speedway site and they were to make a call about their Friday night show at 2 p.m. UPDATE (2:40 P.M.: OHSWEKEN JUST CANCELLED THEIR SHOW FOR THIS EVENING!

We welcome any track or series to send us updates so we can help spread the word about shows going ahead or being cancelled.

Good luck everyone! Is there such a thing as an anti-Rain Dance? Here is the weathermap for the region. Here is another.

OSCAAR's First Race of 2006 Set for Friday, June 2 at Kawartha Speedway

By Don McLeod and Sandy Macfarlane / May 26, 2006

The weather created a change in plans which put the first OSCAAR race of 2006 at Kawartha Speedway. There was a mixed bag of reactions Sunday afternoon when the Flamboro race had to be called. Weather set the tone for the day in typical unpredictable spring-like fashion.


But there were several drivers waiting at the gate and fans on the way, all anxious to get racing. Unfortunately all had to turn around and go home. Everyone is now looking ahead to the famous Kawartha Speedway.

The high-banked, 2-3 lanes of racing, 3/8 mile oval has become legendary for great stock car racing. Many OSCAAR Outlaw drivers count Kawartha among their favourite tracks.While last seasons witnessed only one visit to Kawartha, this year there are two stops, June 2 and August 11. The June 3rd race of 2005 saw one of the biggest crowds and car counts of the year.

With Kawartha's opening night on June 2, there should be plenty of fans in attendance and a full field of Outlaw drivers ready for action. John Fletcher and the #61 team had one of their best nights of 2005 while winning the season opener at Kawartha. It was a great evening of racing with fantastic weather and a big crowd.

John will go for a repeat winning performance but will have to fend off a pack of hungry contenders. Everyone realizes that there is a clean slate for 2006 and will work hard to achieve a strong opening night performance.If you made plans for something else on next Friday night - change them! There is simply no better place to be than at Kawartha Speedway on opening night. See you there! Let's go racing!!!

Pierre Bourque: The Newest Addition To Racing

“New Diversity Driver Already Turning Heads”

OTTAWA, Ont (May 26th, 2006) - - At a time where driver diversity is at a high peak, the newest newcomer to the program, Pierre Bourque storms onto the racing circuit with goals as strong as any veteran driver, victory. The Ottawa, Ontario (Canada) driver has got a jump start to his racing career by taking an early stab at the ARCA RE/MAX Series.

The ARCA RE/MAX Series is well-known to be a circuit where up and coming competitors get their feet wet into the fierce competition of stock car racing. Thus far, Bourque has made an impression.

Latching himself with 1995 ARCA champion Andy Hillenburg has already started to pay off for the successful businessman. Under the guidance of Hillenburg, the duo headed to the treacherous and fast short track of Winchester Speedway in Winchester, Indiana earlier this month for his “stock car debut”.

The goal for Bourque in practice was feel the track and get comfortable with his Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Goals were easily met in practice after turning a lap good enough for 27th best (17.356 seconds, 103.711 mph). Without the proper security to guarantee the credentials for the starting grid, Bourque would have to race his way into the lineup by qualifying on time.

During his two-lap session, Bourque turned a lap of 16.974 seconds or 106.045 mph quick enough for 24th on the starting grid. It was a competitive lap for the rookie, allowing him to further learn about the cars, series and his team.

Short tracks usually bring out a brawl and that race was no exception. Throughout the course of the 202-lap event, Bourque raced hard and clean. While many used the race as a chance to aim towards a championship, Bourque used it as a rookie session. By the time the checkered flag flew, the No. 11 Full Metals Minerals Chevrolet was 13th. Many teams lost their cars to the rollback, but not this rookie. He performed brilliantly leaving the team with confidence and Bourque satisfied.

“Winchester was a grueling race, but I am very happy with the way that weekend went,” recalled Bourque. “We made the show, raced well and the car was in one piece, I don’t think we could have asked for anything more.”

With a clean finish under his belt, Bourque recently headed to the open test session at Michigan International Speedway with Andy Hillenburg and his crew in toe preparing for Bourque’s first Superspeedway attempt in the ARCA RE/MAX Series later this year.

22 teams endured an eight hour test with Bourque turning in the 16th fastest time of 42.290 seconds equaling a fast speed of 170.253 mph. While it wasn’t the fastest time on the board, the AHR (Andy Hillenburg Racing) was exceptionally pleased with their efforts.

“The Michigan test went very well,” continued Bourque. “Tuesday’s test marked the first ever time I drove on a Speedway and it was exciting. We did exactly what we wanted to do, gather seat time and post some respectable laps. We surpassed the team’s expectations for the event, so no one on this team is feeling off the pace.”

The remainder of the 2006 racing season will be a very busy one for Bourque and Andy Hillenburg Racing. In addition to selected starts in the ARCA RE/MAX Series, the group will run the full NASCAR Busch East Schedule beginning in a few weeks aiming for the championship and Rookie-of-the-Year honors.

Thursday (May 25th, 2006) marked the second testing session of the week for the team leaping from Superspeedway to the short track at Greensville-Pickens Speedway. Greensville-Pickens is the first race on the NBE tour and the team wants to get a jump-start on the rest of the competition.

Drivers in any form of auto racing deal with the heat. Thursday, Bourque experienced that first hand as sizzling temperatures in the mid 90s greeted the team. Before climbing into his car for the first time at the demanding short track, the team had an open mind.

Bourque kept a solid pace all day long turning competitive times and just a half-second off of the fastest car at the track driven by Sean Cassie under the direction of former NASCAR Busch East champion Andy Santerre.

“The test was a learning curve,” remarked Bourque. “I’ve never experienced the heat before like that in a racecar and it was a good experience, it prepares me for the future. Overall, the test went exceptionally well and I know that we’ll be in good shape when we come back for the race.”

With testing complete and the start of the 2006 NBE (NASCAR Busch East) Series drawing near, Bourque feels that he is ready for this new endeavor.

“We are ready to make a difference and I want everyone to know that we are not going in to run last,” explained Bourque. “I am very comfortable with my driving abilities and I feel having the guidance and coaching of Andy Hillenburg has already made me feel in the winner’s circle.”

The 2006 NASCAR BSE schedules consist of 11 races beginning with the Busch Series East 150 at Greensville-Pickens Speedway on June 10th, 2006. Bourque will pilot the No. 10 Full Metals Minerals entry all season.

“While the goal is to win, I want to finish the races this season in the Busch East schedule. We’ve set a couple goals for ourselves for the rest of the year and I think we can achieve them. The goal is to use the remainder of the year as a “test session” preparing for 2007 which we plan to run the full ARCA RE/MAX Series schedule. I know that Andy Hillenburg and his staff will provide me with the equipment allowing me to be very competitive off the truck, I’m really looking forward to the future.”

In the coming weeks, Bourque will unveil a new racing website.

Prepared by Chris Knight for Bourque Newswatch/Andy Hillenburg Racing

Weatherman makes a huge mistake!

It's raining AGAIN in southern Ontario ... and it's not even officially the weekend yet.

Someone's gonna get their hand slapped... sigh.

No wonder he didn't get elected..... OR ... Introducing the next Chairman of Augusta National Golf Course....

TSN has a story quoting Richard Petty saying that women don't belong in racecars.

''I just don't think it's a sport for women,''

''When I shook hands with Richard Petty I thought I'd get frostbite,'' [Janet] Guthrie wrote. ''Later, he [Petty] would be quoted as saying of me: 'She's no lady. If she was she'd be at home. There's a lot of differences in being a lady and being a woman.' ''

... more at the link above...

Brighton Speedway Announces the "Lucas Oil Clash for Cash"

For Immediate Release - May 25th, 2006

BRIGHTON, ON - Brighton Speedway and Lucas Oil are once again teaming up to provide some of the best racing in Ontario. On Saturday September 23rd, the same night of the CARQUEST Applefest 358 Dirt Modified Shootout presented by ImageFactor.ca, Lucas Oil will pit the best of the East against the best of the West in a 15 lap “Clash for Cash”.

Qualifiers for this event will comprise of the top three drivers from the Lucas Oil Canadian Series and the top three drivers from the Lucas Oil Shootout 358 series presented by DirtTrackDigest.com as well as the winner of each qualifying heat on the night of the 23rd.

This 15 lap race will pay the winner $1,500.00 with a total purse of $5,000.00 above and beyond the scheduled 40 lap event. This means that the ten drivers who qualify for the “Lucas Oil Clash for Cash” will be guaranteed to take home no less than $600.00. If one of those ten drivers can put together a win in both the 15 lap Clash and the 40 lap main event then that driver will leave the Brighton Speedway with $3,200.00 in his/her pocket.

The Lucas Oil Canadian Series is a five race series made up of two Eastern Ontario and three Quebec tracks. Now in its 4th season the Lucas Oil Canadian Series hosts events at Autodrome Granby, Autodrome Drummond, Autodrome Edelweiss, Brockville Ontario Speedway and Cornwall Motor Speedway throughout the months of June and July.

The Lucas Oil Shootout presented by DirtTrackDigest.com is a separate five race series that takes place in Western Ontario and Western New York State. Its inaugural season will see the series hold events at Ransomville Speedway, Genesee Speedway, Merrittville Speedway, Humberstone Speedway and Ohsweken Speedway.

“Seeing the top drivers from these two great series compete at Brighton Speedway in the “Lucas Oil Clash for Cash” will be one of my 2006 highlights” claims Brighton Speedway Promoter Mark Rinaldi. “There has been a lot of cooperation between promoters to make all these series and events happen but Lucas Oil is a big part of making this all happen with their support of dirt racing!”

Lucas Oil Products is one of the fastest growing additive lines in the consumer automotive industry featuring a premium line of oils, greases and problem-solving additives.

Through innovative product research and development, along with aggressive marketing programs, Lucas Oil Products has established itself as the top selling additive in the industry. Lucas Oil Products was established by Forrest Lucas in 1989 in the United States and wasn’t introduced in Canada until 1997.

Since 1999, DirtTrackDigest.com has been one of the few racing news web sites to have a professional feel, easy navigation, fast loading and high content – DTD presents a unique experience for users. DirtTrackDigest.com features all the news on DIRT Northeast. In addition to breaking news and features by some of the top internet columnists, Dirt TrackDigest.com also features Photos, Classifieds, Links, Contests and more.

For more info on the CARQUEST 358 DIRT Modified Shootout presented by Imagefactor.ca or the “Lucas Oil Clash for Cash” visit www.imagefactor.ca/applefestshootout or www.brightonspeedway.com

~30~

LONDON FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS BACK A1 GRAND PRIX

Courtesy A1GP Team Cananda

Montreal, Québec (25 May 2006) – Attracted by the success of A1 Grand Prix’s (A1GP) first racing season, major London investors have committed to providing full funding for the Series, assuring a strong future for the first ever World Cup of Motorsport.

A1GP has engaged Nomura to raise an institutionally targeted debt financing prior to an Initial Public Offering (IPO), to support the growth of the Series over the coming years. RAB Capital plc, a leading investment manager listed in London, acting as lead investor along with other financial institutions, has committed sufficient capital through equity investments and convertible stock to complement the debt financing arranged by Nomura with the intention that A1 Holdings Ltd will IPO in the forthcoming months.

Through this financing, A1 Grand Prix is able to commit to a long term future with sponsors, suppliers, promoters and national A1 teams.

Commenting on the new financing, A1GP Deputy Chairman and Co-Founder, Tony Teixeira said: ‘Since the launch of A1GP in March 2004, the company has gone from strength to strength. I am delighted that after a strong first season, A1 Grand Prix has attracted the support of high profile investors committed to progressing the Series to the next level. In A1 Grand Prix, we have a unique and innovative product, a fact which has been recognized by RAB Capital plc and Nomura. I would like to thank all parties involved and look forward to a bright future for A1 Grand Prix, supported by these established City institutions.’

A1 Grand Prix is now finalizing the race calendar for the 2006/07 season ahead of an announcement to be made shortly. Demonstrating the popularity of the Series, grandstand tickets for the first race of the season at Circuit Park Zandvoort in the Netherlands on 1 October 2006, sold out in just five days.

A1 Team Canada finished 10th in the inaugural season of the A1 Grand Prix of Nations with the highlight of the year undoubtedly Sean McIntosh’s last-to-first victory in Round 8’s Feature race in Indonesia in February.

Prime Minister pledges to tackle street racing

Vancouver, B.C. - Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced today that the government will introduce legislation this spring to crack down on street racing. “Let’s be clear, street racing isn’t about kids having fun. It's reckless, dangerous, and all too often it kills." said the Prime Minister. “That is why our government will introduce legislation to tackle this serious problem head on.”

The effect of the legislation will be twofold. First, the legislation will create a new Criminal Code offence for street racing, one which will result in stiffer sentences for street racers. Second, the legislation will introduce driving prohibitions for those who are convicted.There have already been a number of street racing deaths this year.

In January, a Toronto cab driver was killed instantly when his car was hit by an alleged street racer. Less than a week later, four young men were killed as a result of a street racing accident in Vancouver. Today’s announcement marks the latest step in the government’s effort to crack down on crime.

Earlier this month, Justice Minister Vic Toews introduced legislation to put an end to condition sentences for serious offences and establish mandatory minimum sentences for gun crimes. The Prime Minister pledged to continue moving forward on the government’s agenda of making Canadian communities safer.

- From the PMO

Merrittville Speedway: June 10 event preview

FINANCIAL CARE GROUP NIAGARA LIONS NIGHT TO FEATURE ROLSTON SPORTSMEN DASH AND AUTOGRAPHS BY SHARPIE IN KIDS CLUB SIGN UP AT MERRITTVILLE

THOROLD, ONTARIO … While the Sportsmen will be in the spotlight Saturday June 10th in a Dash for Cash sponsored by Glen Rolston in on track action, much of the focus will be in the grandstand area with Merrittville Speedway’s 2006 Kids Club Registrations taking place in the Financial Care Group Event.

Meridian Credit Union returns as sponsors of the all new Kids Club which this season will feature quite a number of new things to entertain the younger race fans Saturday Nights.

“ We’re really looking forward to this year’s Club,” relates (GM) Erica Bicknell, adding, “ when the kids arrive on the 10th – they’ll see new ideas joining favorites that will challenge them all season … and what can we say about Glen and the Niagara Lions – they love their racing and like to help where they can.” …

Glen is a big supporter of Dirt Racing … from Scott Wood’s #38 Modified and Mike Dooley’s 310C Hoosier Stock … and the growing Little Knapp Motorsports entries of the Knapp Brothers – Rob’s 2K Sportsmen and Kevin’s 4K Hoosier Stock and it’s newest addition – the # 24 Novice Kart of 2006 Rookie Driver Greg Kohut

All of the vehicles will be on display when the gates open as the Financial Care Group makes their first visit to Merrittville also as presenters of the night’s action.

The Meridian Credit Union Kids Club Registration will take place in the Kids Club area located behind the main grandstand – opposite the Archer Truck Services Billboard.

Located at 209 Hwy 20 East in Fonthill, Financial Care Group is a truly independent financial planning organization that thrives on developing new and better ways to help their clients … right here in the heart of Niagara!

They specialize in cash flow planning, tax planning, investment planning and estate planning utilizing their exclusive Plan4Life and Portfolio Maximi$er programs.

To learn more about the Financial Care Group call Customer Service at 905-892-1631 or visit www.financialcaregroup.com.

Race fans can look forward to a rare break in the action with the first of two 2006 Autograph Sessions presented by Sharpie to be a featured part of the night.

“Our race teams look forward to meeting our fans,” relates Bicknell, “ drivers will have autograph cards of all kinds and their Sharpies … you’ll be able to see them and their cars up close on the front-stretch.”

Sharpie is marking 40 years and with it’s Autographs for Education program - plans to collect one million autographs this year, resulting in a donation of $1 million in school supplies and funding.

For further information on Sharpie products and to participate in the Autographs for Education program visit www.sanford.com.

In addition to the Rolston Dash, the Original Pizza Logs Sportsmen Division will join their Dirt Weekly Racing Series Divisions – the L. St. Amand Enterprises 358 Modifieds, Hoosier Stocks, Premier/Mademoiselle Fitness Centers Classic/Mod Lites and the Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinders in an action-packed night of racing.

Gates will open at 5:30 with Showtime set for 7:15.

For further information on Merrittville Speedway’s 55th Consecutive Season – call 905-892-8266 or visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com.

FORZA MOTORSPORT 2, XBOX 360 RIDE WITH RISI FERRARI

Forza Motorsport 2 and XBox 360 sponsoring Risi Competizione's Ferrari F430GT in the ALMS

Courtesy Ryan Smith

Microsoft and Turn 10 Studios have announced their involvement and sponsorship of Risi Competizione's Ferrari 430GT for the American Le Mans Series. As the official racing simulator during the entire race season, the Ferrari's paint scheme will display Forza Motorsport 2 and Xbox 360® on the hood of the car.

The new look 430GT debuted during the inaugural Lone Star Grand Prix in Houston where Risi drivers Mika Salo took third place and teammate Jaime Melo posted the fastest lap time of the race at 1:11.383.

American Le Mans Series fans will also get an in-depth look at life in the fast lane when the Forza Motorsport 2 team gets its hands dirty from inside the Risi racing pits. Racing fans and gamers can visit http://www.forzamotorsport.net.net for behind the scenes look at all the competitive action.

Forza Motorsport 2, the sequel to Microsoft's award-winning, fully-customizable driving simulator Forza Motorsport, speeds its way onto the Xbox 360 this Holiday. With authentic simulation physics, bone-jarring damage and photo-realistic graphics as well as licensed tuning and customization options the franchise improves on the unprecedented features gamers enjoyed in its debut installment. Loaded with more than 300 of the world's hottest cars to collect, personalize and race; Forza Motorsport 2 gives you the complete racing experience.

"The addition of Forza Motorsport to the Risi Competizione team is a landmark for me personally," stated Risi Competizione Managing Director Giuseppe Risi. "This type of opportunity is very rare in our sport and came about as the result of a lot of hard work, over a period of almost three years, by members of both teams. It's a new world, both on and off the track."

The 2006 debut of the Ferrari 430GT has served the Risi Competizione race team well thus far with third-place finishes at the 12 Hours of Sebring and the Lone Star Grand Prix. Risi is one of the most consistent race teams in the Series. To date, the team has won two championships, achieved 29 podium finishes and has a race completion ratio of 84 percent along with a podium place ratio of 64 percent. More information is available at http://www.risicompetizione.comcom.

"During the development of (the original) Forza Motorsport, our relationship with racing teams including Risi Competizione was vital to achieving a real and challenging racing experience for our fans," said Alan Hartman, Turn 10 Studio Manager. "Taking our partnership with Risi to the next level will enable us to engage the drivers as well as a world class support team to push Forza Motorsport 2 on the Xbox 360 to a whole new level of realism. Plus, the Ferrari 430GT is HOT!"

The next round of the 2006 American Le Mans Series is the New England Grand Prix, set for July 1 at Lime Rock Park. The race is scheduled for a 3 p.m. EDT start. CBS Sports will televise the event from 4 to 6 p.m. EDT on July 2. Live coverage will be available at www.americanlemans.com with American Le Mans Radio and IMSA Live Timing & Scoring.

Grueling start for Team Fastline Motorsports at Barrie

Courtesy Bruce F. Mehlenbacher

BARRIE, ON (May 22, 2006) – It was not a good day for Fastline Motorsports team drivers Jeff and Jim Lapcevich, as the team finished 14th and 16th respectively in Monday’s CASCAR Super Series GO-RACING.CA 300 at Barrie Speedway.

“I managed to get into problems on the very first lap of the race and that pretty much ended my chances for a good finish,” said team driver Jim Lapcevich. “We had a good car but it was just too little too late after getting down a couple of laps at the start,” added Lapcevich, who placed 16th after starting 22nd. “I can’t say enough about the EMCEA Transport / Tim Hortons Team. They put in a strong effort all weekend under some very extreme conditions all weekend long.”

Scott Steckly won the GO-RACING.CA 300 followed closely by Don Thomson Jr. in second and J.R. Fitzpatrick in third.

“There is no question we had a top-ten car in Barrie until we got caught up in some lapped traffic that got us down some laps,” explained Jeff Lapcevich, who finished 14th after starting 12th. “The day got even more complicated when we lost a cylinder and you’re not going to pass Donnie (Thomson) on seven cylinders. We had no choice but to put the Tim Hortons / EMCEA Transport Chevrolet Monte Carlo on cruise and try to stay out of trouble.”

Based in Hamilton, Ontario, Fastline Motorsports is a two-car race team that has become one of Canada's most prominent racing enterprises in both oval track and road course competition.

The next CASCAR Super Series race of the season will take place Saturday, June 10 at Autodrome St-Eustache located west of Montreal, Quebec on the 4/10ths-mile flat asphalt oval.

For information about Autodrome St-Eustache tickets and camping, call the Autodrome Hotline at 450.472.6222 or visit online at www.autodrome-st-eustache.com

Team Fastline, www.LapcevichRacing.ca, is sponsored by Tim Hortons, EMCEA Transport, Gates Canada, Mr. Lube, Springer's Meats, Troy Cove Marine and B & J Electric to compete for the 2006 CASCAR Super Series Racing Championship.

Ontario Formula Ford Challenge Update

Go to http://www.casc.on.ca/documents/eventdocs/schedsas06.pdf for an up to date schedule for our opening weekend.

Thanks,
David P. Hilton
V.P. BARC
Ontario Formula Ford Challenge Marketing and Promotion Manager

Ryan Litt Ready for Little 500

Courtesy Tommy Goudge, Litt Racing P.R

The Little 500 is not your average sprint car race. In fact, it’s not even your average auto race. With 33 traditional sprint cars - each pushing out upwards of 850 horsepower - taking the green flag 3-abreast to begin 500 gruelling laps on a high banked ¼ mile oval, complete with pit stops in cars that were never designed for pit stops, the Little 500 is not your average anything.

The historic Anderson Speedway in Anderson Speedway is the venue, and the 58th Annual Pay-Less Little 500 is the event. The Little 500 purposely shares many similarities with the Indianapolis 500, including the format for time trials, and how the starting grid lines up. To even qualify for the event – which is the world’s richest pavement sprint car event - in the unique 4 lap time trial format is an accomplishment in and of itself.

In his Little 500 debut last May, Lyons, Ontario, Canada’s own Ryan Litt managed to come home with a 7th place finish – pretty good for a rookie with a hastily assembled pit crew and very little experience in a full size sprint car. This season, with more sprint car racing experience under his belt, a better prepared pit crew, and a new sponsor in OTC/SPX Tools on board, the 19 year old has his sights set squarely on a top 5 finish or better. It may be a lofty goal, but given last year’s result, definitely not an unattainable one.

Before the Little 500, teams will have a chance to tune up for the race on Wednesday night, May 24th in a USAC National Sprint Car event featuring a 50 lap feature – just one tenth of the distance the drivers will face on Saturday night, May 27th. On Thursday May 25th it will be time for first round qualifying for the big show. Friday May 26th features second and final round qualifying for the big race, and Saturday is the big day.

Ryan and the team would like to thank all their sponsors for their continued support during Ryan and the #07 Beast/Claxton Sprinter’s full time campaign on the AVSS tour this season, as well as in these special events, including OTC/SPX Tools, BS&B Radiator, Velocity Wings, BRR Media, BOC Gases, and Leaf Racewear.

For more information on Ryan, the car, and the team, including schedules, photos, merchandise, and contact information, please visit Ryan’s official website at www.RyanLitt.com .

CASCAR: TIGHT TRACK BITES BEAUCHAMP & TEAM MOPAR IN SEASON OPENER

Ron Beauchamp Jr. and the Mopar Parts team were among the quickest cars all weekend at the first CASCAR Super Series race at Barrie Speedway, however tight competition often results in contact, and in this case it caused the Mopar Dodge all kinds of trouble.

During practice and qualifying on Saturday the Mopar Dodge performed pretty much as expected. “We had the kind of car we expected” said Ron Beauchamp Jr. “Earlier in the month we were here and ran a few laps to see how the car handled and it was pretty much the same. When we have room to race, we’re fast”. Beauchamp and Team Mopar had no trouble posting quick laps and were among the top runners during the 50 lap qualifying races. Beauchamp would start the 250 lap main event in seventh.

After a one day delay due to weather, the Mopar Dodge took the green flag on Monday afternoon and once again had the speed and handling necessary to have a successful day. “Things were good for the first half of the race” said the driver. “Our lap times were consistent and we just wanted to have something for the end of the race”.

Following routine scheduled service for tires and fuel Beauchamp was back on track but in heavy traffic. “The car was just as we expected it to be, however there was some pretty aggressive driving going on. We wound up getting bumped and pushed into the back of another car and that pushed the hood up making it difficult to see. I was managing okay, but CASCAR made the call that we had to come in and that took away any chance of a top finish”.

The Mopar Dodge pit crew removed the hood to allow better visibility and Beauchamp was back on track to try and make up as many positions and collect as many championship points as possible. Beauchamp would wind up 13th at the end of day.

“It’s unfortunate how things worked out, and we’ve got plenty of work to do on the car now” said Beauchamp. “But we’re headed to St Eustache for the next race and we’ve won at that track before so we’re pretty motivated”.

The CASCAR Super Series is the only National Stock Car Racing series with events scheduled this year at great oval tracks including Kawartha Speedway and & Cayuga Speedway along with road courses and temporary street circuits like the Grand Prix of Edmonton & Trois Rivieres. You can keep up with the latest news on the CASCAR Super Series and check out the complete 2006 racing schedule by logging onto the website at www.cascar.ca. And be sure to watch the CASCAR Super Series races on Rogers Sportsnet all year long.

Prepared by TL Sports & Entertainment

CANADIAN MOTORSPORT HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES OFFICIAL GRAND OPENING AT NEW LOCATION

Museum to celebrate the Golden Era of Racing

May 2006 (Halton Hills) – On June 10, 2006, the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame (CMHF) welcomes everyone to the Official Grand Opening at its new location in Halton Hills. The all-day event has lots in-store for race fans including a display of some of the museum’s unique collection of race vehicles from all disciplines along with exhibits of memorabilia and archival information.

Highlighting the day will be a celebration for “The Golden Era of Racing in Toronto” to honor Pinecrest Speedway, which has been closed 30 years, and the CNE Speedway, which has been closed 40 years. Both tracks were hosts to some of the most exciting races of their time for stock car fans.

Period-era race cars will be on display at the CMHF’s new home located at Legendary Motorcar at 8242 Fifth Line in Halton Hills. Admission is $5 per car and includes access to the “Golden Era of Racing in Toronto” festivities as well as the Museum itself. Food and refreshments will be available.

The Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame was forced to leave its former home at Exhibition Place in January of this year to make room for the construction of the new soccer stadium. The CMHF operates as a not-for-profit, charitable institution. Its aim is to honor and recognize those who have made significant contributions to motorsports in Canada.

Lucky you....

My wife's watching the American Idol final (blech!) so I'm going to post some of the press releases and news that people have been nice enough to send our way...... here goes.

CASCAR: CHALLENGER MOTOR FREIGHT/LOGEL’S AUTO PARTS DODGE TEAM OPEN 2006 WITH TOP TEN FINISH

Brad Graham and the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Charger Dodge team hit the track at Barrie Speedway over the weekend for round number one of the 2006 CASCAR Super Series. While the results placed the team with a solid top ten finish, everyone felt a little disappointed with the final placing.

Photo by G. MacPherson / Inside Track

The Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Charger Dodge was quick right from the first practice session and driver Brad Graham was able to not only run quick time trial laps, but also completed his 50 lap heat race with third place podium finish. Not only did this secure the sixth starting spot for the 250 lap main event, but the heat races award full race championship points toward the final standings. “Our car was fast all weekend” stated Graham after the event. “It’s easy to forget about the points in these heat races because you get so focused on starting position, I’m glad we were able to get a good finish”.

The 250 feature race was delayed until Monday afternoon due to inclement weather however the cold temperatures throughout the weekend didn’t slow down the car or the pit crew. “The first 100 or laps or so everyone was doing pretty good staying out of trouble, but then things got kind of heated later in the race” said the driver. “We were doing our thing, running up front in the top five or six all afternoon long and then we decided to make our pit stop for tires and fuel. I thought the guys did an awesome job to get our service and get us back on track before the pace car came around, but CASCAR saw it differently.”

Brad was ruled not to have made it out of the pits before the pace car and was scored one lap down. “That deflated us, no question about it” said a dejected Graham. “There seemed to be some confusion on a couple of issues during the race and that’s frustrating. We had the car to run up front all day but that judgment sure worked against us”.

Still among the fastest runners all afternoon Brad Graham and the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Charger Dodge did score an 8th place finish in the main event. “While initially we were a bit disappointed we’ll move on and get ready for St. Eustache in a couple of weeks. It’s a track we ran well at last year and we’ll be prepared to do that again” said the driver.

The CASCAR Super Series is Canada’s only sanctioned National touring stock car racing series competing from coast to coast. CASCAR stages events at the most famous oval tracks in Canada and will also compete at the Grand Prix of Edmonton and the Grand Prix of Trois Rivieres. You can see the Challenger Motor Freight Recruitment Coaches at most CASCAR Super Series events.”

For more information regarding Brad Graham and the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Dodge check out the newly renovated website at http://www.bradgraham.ca/ You can follow the CASCAR Super Series all season on Rogers Sportsnet. The first race of the season airs Saturday June 10th at 2:30PM.


CONTACT INFORMATION
Brad Graham, Driver, Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Dodge
(519) 671-4095

John Logel, Owner/Operator Logel’s Auto Parts
1-800-818-9118 Ext 221

Lynn Couch, Spokesperson Challenger Motor Freight
1-800-265-6358

Prepared by TL Sports & Entertainment

CASCAR: Top-ten finish for Kerry Micks at Barrie Speedway

BARRIE, ON (May 22, 2006) – Kerry Micks drove the Two-Tyme Recycling & Disposal 2006 Micks Motorsports Ford to a sixth place finish at the GO-RACING.CA 300 CASCAR Super Series race on Monday at Barrie Speedway.


“A top-ten finish coupled with a win in the Saturday qualifier is a great way to start the CASCAR Super Series season,” said veteran Kerry Micks 45, from Mt. Albert. “I’m really proud of my team for all of their hard work and for sticking with our team.”

Scott Steckly won the GO-RACING.CA 300 followed closely by Don Thomson Jr. in second and J.R. Fitzpatrick in third.

“It was no surprise that lapped traffic was a little difficult to deal with,” added Micks. “The support from Two-Tyme Recycling & Disposal at Barrie and our finishes on the weekend was a very positive start to the season.”

Micks finished the 2005 season in seventh position with four top-three podium finishes, including a win at the Molson Indy in Toronto and at Autodrome St-Eustache in St-Eustache, QC.

TTR – Two-Tyme Recycling & Disposal, a commercial and industrial waste and recycling collection Services Company based in Oro-Medonte, Ontario.The next CASCAR Super Series race of the season will take place Saturday, June 10 at Autodrome St-Eustache located west of Montreal, Quebec on the 4/10ths-mile flat asphalt oval.

For information about Autodrome St-Eustache tickets and camping, call the Autodrome Hotline at 450.472.6222 or visit online at www.autodrome-st-eustache.com

Micks Motorsports is sponsored by APX Racing Gear and Incentives Inc., Cathcart Trucking and Two-Tyme Recycling & Disposal for the 2006 CASCAR Super Series Racing Championship.

CASCAR ON TV: Catch the GO-RACING.CA 300 CASCAR Super Series season opener from Barrie Speedway on June 10 on SPORTSNET. For information regarding initial airings and replays of Super Series races, please check your local listings or visit http://www.cascar.ca/schedule/tv_schedule.html.

About Kerry Micks:A long established and popular competitor, Kerry Micks, the 1993 CASCAR Super Series National Champion is the driver of the #02 Micks Motorsports 2006 Ford Taurus in the CASCAR Super Series.

Micks 45, of Mount Albert, Ontario finished the 2005 season in seventh position with four top-three podium finishes from a total of 12 CASCAR Super Series races, including a win at the Molson Indy in Toronto and at Autodrome St-Eustache in St-Eustache, QC. Micks collected two poles in 2005 at Barrie Speedway and Peterborough Speedway.

About Micks Motorsports:Established in 1993, as a Canadian Motorsports marketing company Micks Motorsports is owned and operated by Kerry and Susan Micks from Mt. Albert, Ontario and operates a top CASCAR Super Series team with Kerry Micks as the driver.

Kerry Micks has been driving Ford products since 1995 when Ford of Canada came on board with Micks Motorsports, and it continues to support Ford and retain close relationships with all involved.

For more information, contact Bruce F. Mehlenbacher bruce@jajentertainment.com