ISMA HEADS FOR NEW VENUE ALBANY/SARATOGA SPEEDWAY FOR SEASON’S OPENER SUNDAY MAY 2

Oswego, NY – On May 2nd ISMA will break new ground so to speak when it hits the famed Albany-Saratoga 4/10th’s mile in Malta, NY, which has experienced an asphalt rebirth. Albany-Saratoga Speedway has a long history in the Capital District area of New York. The track is known as “The Great Race Place” and features some of the most competitive short track racing in the Northeast. Albany-Saratoga Speedway was built by Joe Lesik in 1965, and ran as an asphalt track from 1965 until 1976, when it was purchased by CVRA founder C.J. Richards, who switched to a clay surface for the 1977 season.

During its asphalt heyday, Albany-Saratoga Speedway drew the top NASCAR modified and sportsman competitors from throughout the Northeast, including Richie Evans, Jerry Cook, Freddy DeSarro, Eddie Flemke and Geoff Bodine. Bill Greco won the first race ever held at the speedway, on July 16, 1965, and Cook won the last asphalt race on Sept. 5, 1975.

This latest transformation actually began as an experiment, when Albany-Saratoga Speedway promoter Bruce Richards decided to remove the clay in September 2009 and run some shows on the original asphalt surface, which has remained under the clay for more than 30 years. At that time, he also booked dates with three asphalt touring groups (American Canadian Tour late models, ISMA supermodifieds and Modified Racing Series/ROC asphalt modifieds) for races in the spring, and the plan was to put the clay back down in May 2010.

But after discussions with his business partners, sponsors and race teams, the decision was made to make a complete change to asphalt. “2009 was really tough,” Richards said. “I can't tell you the time and effort that was put into track preparation, just to have it rain at 5 or 6 p.m. on a Friday night. We're opening up a new world of opportunities in regard to fans, race teams and sponsorship. By going asphalt, we're also going to be unique. There are a lot of dirt tracks in this area, but we will have the only show on asphalt, and we're going to be able to do some things the other tracks can't do.”

ISMA competitors are anxious to get their season started and even more excited about having it start at a brand new venue – to them at least. One ISMA competitor, Lou Cicconi, will be jumping the gun so to speak as he intends to compete in the April ATQMRA event at the new-old famed asphalt oval.

Six-time ISMA champion Chris Perley, who has announced he would not be running a full ISMA schedule this season in the Vic Miller 11, will definitely be on hand for the Albany-Saratoga inaugural season opener as will his new teammate Mike Ordway Sr. Said Perley recently, “I’m excited about going to Albany-Saratoga. I’ve been told that it’s ‘my kind of track’. I’ve never seen it but I’m always looking forward to competing at a new track. You never know what to expect. That’s what’s fun. You just go out and play and learn.”

Many other ISMA drivers and owners expect to make the trek to the Malta oval, including Vern Romanoski, the Lane Racing team of Eddie Witkum Jr. and Danny Lane, Brandon Bellinger, Ben Seitz, Bobby Bond, multi-time ISMA champ Russ Wood and his car owner Jeff Holbrook, Bob Magner, in another Holbrook mount, Bobby Haynes Jr., Dave Shullick Jr., Mark Sammut, Mike Lichty, Jeff Locke, Justin Belfiore, Oswego champ Otto Sitterly and many more. With the track located close to New England and not that far from Canada and Ohio, fans can expect a full pit of competitive cars.

Sunday, May 2nd is the date of the opener with a 1 pm start to the racing. The pit gates open at 10 a.m. and the grandstand at 11 a.m. Practice starts at 11 a.m. For more information go to www.cvra.com.

From ISMASupers.com

PHOTO GALLERY : Toledo Speedway Glass Breaker 2010 (ASA Late Models + ARCA Gold Cup Super Late Models)

First Overall Victory for Joël Levac, Stéphanie Lewis and the Compact Autosport Team

Montreal (Quebec), April 19, 2010.– Driving a Mini Cooper S for the Compact Autosport team, Joël Levac of Rivière-Beaudette, co-driven by Stéphanie Lewis, earned the team’s first ever overall victory at this weekend’s round of the Québec Rally Championship, the Rallye Sanair presented by Pole-Position Magazine and Subaru. It also marks the first North American Rally overall competition win for a Mini since 2002.

Registered in the Jon Nichols Cup for modified two-wheel drive vehicles, the duo of Joël Levac/Stéphanie Lewis maintained a "Top 3" standing throughout the first half of the event before scoring the fastest time on the last three stages of the rally. I had so much fun in this event! Compact Autosport’s Mini Cooper S is so agile, reliable, and powerful - a true Mini ! explains Joël Levac, we didn’t encounter even the slightest mechanical problem all day, which allowed us to really attack on the afternoon stages and enabled us to come away with not only our class win but to beat out the four-wheel drive cars for the overall win as well. That was our initial goal and we attained it! he adds.

As for Stéphanie Lewis, Joël’s girlfriend, it was her very first rally. To win the first rally I’ve ever entered is really such a great feeling. I want to pursue performance rallying by entering other regional rallies this year before I take part in some national events she indicated.

Joël Levac and Stéphanie Lewis participated in the 25th Rallye de Sanair with the support of Compact Autosport, Mini Original Parts, Mini Mont Royal dealership, Pirelli and Pneus Touchette, Gulf Oil and ATPAC International. A special thank you goes to Octane Motorsports and Alain Lauzière, the Mini-driving 2009 Canadian Touring Car champion.

Compact Autosport will next compete at the Rallye Saguenay on June 19th, for the second round of the Québec Rallye Championship. In early July, Joël Levac will return to his Subaru Impreza WRX for the Rallye Baie-des-Chaleurs, as part of the Canadian and North American Rally Championships.

See Ron Beauchamp Jr's new 2010 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Car at Unique Chrysler - April 24

www.uniquechrysler.com

NASCAR Canadian Tire Series: Steckly returns with Canadian Tire while Dilley to fly PartSource colours

Toronto, ON (April 16, 2010) – Canadian racing fans have something to look forward to this racing season as Canadian Tire, the country’s leading retailer of automotive parts and products, today announced that it has re-signed Scott Steckly for the 2010 racing season, and has signed an agreement with Mark Dilley to race on behalf of PartSource.

“We are thrilled to field such an outstanding racing team for the 2010 season,” said Allan MacDonald, Senior Vice-President of Automotive for Canadian Tire. “Scott and Mark are passionate racers and excellent ambassadors for our automotive business, and fans can look forward to meeting them at local store and track events throughout the summer.”

The 2010 racing season marks Steckly’s second appearance driving for Canadian Tire. “I am thrilled to be entering into my second year with Canadian Tire sponsorship,” said Scott. “They are a terrific company to represent and our team goal is to win races and bring Canadian Tire the 2010 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series championship.”

This season also marks PartSource’s first foray into Canadian racing, as the automotive parts specialty chain signed a contract with driver Mark Dilley. “We are very pumped about bringing PartSource to the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series with our team and partnering with Scott Steckly this year,” said Dilley. “2010 is going to be an exciting season and we look forward to bringing PartSource to the front of the racing pack.”

The 2010 racing season kicks off Saturday, June 5 at Delaware Speedway in London, Ontario, and includes 13 scheduled races across Canada. Starting May 25, fans of Canadian Tire racing can follow the teams on Twitter at @CT_Racing.

About Canadian Tire: Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited (TSX: CTC.a, CTC), Canadian Tire is one of Canada’s most shopped general retailers with 479 stores across the country. Our core retail and automotive operation is strengthened by PartSource, an automotive parts speciality chain; Canadian Tire Petroleum, one of the country’s largest independent retailers of gasoline; Mark’s “Clothes That Work” is a leading retailer of men’s, women’s and work apparel; and, Canadian Tire Financial Services, which has issued over five million Canadian Tire MasterCard credit cards. More than 58,000 Canadians work across Canadian Tire’s organization from coast-to-coast in the enterprise’s retail, financial services and petroleum businesses.

From Canadian Tire

Danny Johnson wins CCFS 2010 DIRTcar Modified opener‏

WEEDSPORT, NY _ Coming into last Sunday night's 2010 lidlifter for the Cayuga County Fair Speedway, DIRTcar Modified superstar Danny Johnson had won the season opener at the DIRTcar Northeast flagship facility on six different occasions. Johnson, of Rochester, NY, did it again for the seventh time when the checkered flag flew to open the 56th season of the historic facility once.

Cayuga County was able to get the show in despite heavy rains throughout the previous night, which stopped late Sunday morning. Track crews then got onto the track and did a great job in preparing the half-mile oval. Cool temperatures greeted competitors and race fans when the gates opened Sunday afternoon, but it didn't sway the fact that the drivers put on a great show for the fans, who left the track happy after a two-and-a-half hour program. SUNY Canton was the presenting sponsor of the night's activities.

Johnson passed Billy Dunn of Watertown, NY on lap 23 of the scheduled 35 lap DIRTcar Modified feature and kept the youngster at bay as both drivers had to endure heavy lapped traffic for the last half of the race. Johnson ran closely behind Dunn for several laps before making his winning move. It was certainly an exciting way to start the 2010 season as both drivers put on an amazing show.

Dunn had led the race from the drop of the green. Dave Rauscher of Waterloo, NY held on for second in the early stages of the event before Danny slipped by for second on lap four. For the next few laps, Dunn was able to keep a two second lead on Johnson. On lap 13, Johnson was able to drop the defecit to less than a second as lapped traffic reared it's ugly head for both drivers.

With Danny putting heavy pressure on Dunn, Danny went into turn one on lap 23 and slipped by Dunn to take the lead for good. On lap 30, Johnson didn't have a lot of room on Dunn but did have a lapped car in between themselves to help Johnson go on for the victory.

The victory was the first for Danny Johnson and car owner Mike Payne.

While Dunn held on for second, third place went to Steve Paine of Waterloo. Fourth was Rauchser followed by Dale Planck of Cortland, NY in fifth. Rounding out the top ten was Jimmy Phelps of Baldwinsville, NY; Matt Sheppard of Waterloo; Rob Bellinger, Larry Wight and Alan Johnson.

Heat winners were Dunn, Rauscher and Johnson. The consi was won by Austrailian Pete Britten.
Steve Gray led all 25 laps in going on to win the DIRTcar Sportsman feature.

Gray had an early challenge from Jeremy Pitcher at the start of the main. Justin Wright also looked good in the early stages and got up as high as third before coming to a stop just short of the turn one pit entrance on lap eleven bringing out the yellow for the second time in the event.

Tim Sears Jr was now second and holding off the advances of Pitcher as the green reappeared. While Sears was able to keep Gray within his grasp, he really didn't get the opportunity for a pass.

In the final five laps, Gray would stretch the lead a bit as Sears and Pitcher would cross the finish line behind Gray. Fourth was Tom Juhl and fifth was Greg Mrzywka. John Juhl, Adam Hilton, Jim Spano, Ricky Newton and Dave Marcuccilli rounded out the top ten.

Heat winners in the DIRTcar Sportsman division were Gray, Pitcher and Hilton.

In the 20 lap DIRTcar Stock Car (formerly Street Stocks) feature, Mike Welch took the win.

Welch took the lead on lap 15 when then-leader Frank Burnell got caught behind a slower moving car up on the high groove, allowing Welch to move ahead for good.

Burnell held on for second followed by Andy Fisk in third. Nate Peckham was fourth followed by Ron Hawker. Rounding out the top ten was Chris Fisher, Mike Schulz, Mike Rasback, Russ Marsdan and Dan Hoffman Sr.

Heat winners were Burnell and Hawker.

In the 20 lap DIRTcar Battlekarz feature, "Nitro" Nick Werner picked up the victory. Bill Werner made it a family affair when he took second place at the finish. Third went to Matt Dawson followed by Chris Bonoffski and James Werner in fifth. Rounding out the top ten was Dave Nagledinger, Terry Royce, Karl Werner, Keith Butler Jr and Charles Selten.

Heat winners were Bill Werner and Nick Werner.

A total of 82 cars slipped into the Cayuga County Fair Speedway pit area.

This Sunday (April 25th), it's Weedsport Community Night. All Weedsport residents will get into the speedway free of charge with proof of residency. A regular program of DIRTcar Modifieds, DIRTcar Sportsman, DIRTcar Stock Cars and DIRTcar BattleKarz. Race time is set for 5pm. Pit gates will open at 2pm with grandstands opening at 3pm.

For more information, please call the DIRTcar Northeast office at 315-834-6606 or go online at cayugacountyfairspeedway.com.

CAYUGA COUNTY FAIR SPEEDWAY FEATURE RUNDOWN-APRIL 18, 2010

DIRTCAR MODIFIED FEATURE (35 LAPS) DANNY JOHNSON, Billy Dunn, Steve Paine, Dave Rauscher, Dale Planck, Jimmy Phelps, Matt Sheppard, Rob Bellinger, Larry Wight, Alan Johnson, Tom Sears Jr, Mike Bowman, Derrick Podsiadlo, Ryan Phelps, Chad Phelps, Tim Currier, Jeff Brownell Jr, Kevin Bates, Chad Homan, Pete Britten, Eric Fisher, Boyd MacTavish, Paul Habeck, Lance Willix II.

DIRTCAR SPORTSMAN FEATURE (25 LAPS) STEVE GRAY, Tim Sears Jr, Jeremy Pitcher, Tom Juhl, Greg Mrzywka, John Juhl, Adam Hilton, Jim Spano, Ricky Newton, Dave Marcuccilli, Robert Humphreys, Dave Emmons, Joe Cook, Earl Rudy, Ben Wheeler, Loren Lincoln, Tim Downs, Tim Snyder, Justin Wright, Bill Anderson Jr, Fran Hilton, Matt Hitchcock, Christine Martin, Marcus Dinkins.

DIRTCAR STOCK CARS FEATURE (20 LAPS) MIKE WELCH, Frank Burnell, Andy Fisk, Nate Peckham, Ron Hawker, Chris Fisher, Mike Schultz, Mike Rasback, Russ Marsdan, Dan Hoffman Jr, Jack Terrell, Dan Hoffman Sr, Mike Vaughan.

DIRTCAR BATTLEKARZ (20 LAPS) NICK WERNER, Bill Werner, Matt Dawson, Chris Bonoffski, James Werner, Dave Nageldinger, Terry Royce, Karl Werner, Keith Butler Jr, Charles Selten, Andrew Failmezger, Tim Dunn.

Contact: Dave Roberts
DIRTcar NorthEast PR
droberts@dirtcar.com
(315)834-6606

Canadian Paul Tracy, Geico, KV Racing Tech team up for Indy 500 assault

LONG BEACH, Calif.- Paul Tracy, 2002 Indianapolis 500 runner-up, will return to the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway next month for KV Racing Technology, driving the No. 15 GEICO – KV Racing Technology Honda/Dallara/Firestone entry in the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race set for Sunday, May 30, 2010.

Tracy, the 2003 Champ Car World Series champion, is one of the most successful drivers in the history of open-wheel racing with 31 career victories. The Canadian native will be sponsored by GEICO Insurance for the second consecutive year.

“It is exciting to have Paul Tracy and GEICO Insurance back together with KV Racing Technology for this year’s Indianapolis 500,” said KVRT co-owner Kevin Kalkhoven. “Paul is one of the greatest and most exciting drivers in the sport’s history, while GEICO Insurance is a leader in its industry. I feel confident that Paul, with the support of GEICO Insurance, will provide KVRT with a very competitive entry in this year’s Indy 500.”

Tracy’s entry will be the fourth for KVRT in this year’s Indianapolis 500. Tracy will team rookie Takuma Sato in the No. 5 Lotus - KVRT Honda/Dallara/Firestone car, E.J. Viso in the No. 8 PSVDA – KVRT Honda/Dallara/Firestone car and Mario Moraes in No. 5 KV Racing Technology Honda/Dallara/Firestone machine. The 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race will be in 2011.

“We are excited to bring Paul Tracy back to the world’s best auto race, the Indianapolis 500,” expressed Ted Ward, GEICO’s vice president of marketing. “We have a great combination with a legendary driver in Paul and a world class organization in KV Racing Technology. This alliance allows us to spread our message of safety on a much broader scale.”

Tracy, a fan favorite for nearly 20 years, has competed in six Indy 500 races including his second place finish to Helio Castroneves in the controversial 2002 event. Last year, Tracy drove the No. 15 GEICO – KVRT Honda/Dallara/Firestone entry to ninth. In addition to the Indy 500, he drove the Honda of Canada KVRT car at Toronto and Edmonton last year.

“It is great to go back to the Indianapolis 500 with GEICO and KV Racing Technology,” Tracy said. I want to thank Kevin Kalkhoven and Jimmy Vasser of KVRT and GEICO for the opportunity to return the world’s biggest auto race. I have won races and championships at the top level during my racing career, but what I am missing is a win at Indy. I feel I have some unfinished business at the Brickyard and, with the support of GEICO and an outstanding team like KV Racing Technology, I feel good about our chances at this year’s 500.”

Tracy has competed in 270 Indy car-type events during his career and has established himself as one of the top drivers in open-wheel racing. The resident of Las Vegas, Nev., is among the top-10 in almost every Champ Car career statistical category including wins, 31 (sixth all-time), poles, 25 (eighth all-time), and laps led, 4,231 (sixth all-time).

“It is tremendous to bring Paul back to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway again this year in the No. 15 GEICO - KVRT car,” said KVRT co-team owner Jimmy Vasser. “I also want to thank GEICO for supporting our efforts with Paul Paul was very competitive last year in the GEICO machine in his first Indy 500 in seven years. After last year’s return to the Speedway, we, at KVRT, believe Paul will be a contender for the win.”

About GEICO Insurance:
GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is the third-largest private passenger auto insurer in the United States based on the latest 12 months written premium. It provides auto insurance coverage for 9 million policyholders and insures more than 15 million vehicles. In addition to auto insurance, GEICO offers customers insurance products for their motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATV's), boats, homes, apartments and mobile homes. Commercial auto insurance and personal umbrella protection and life insurance are also available. As a member of the Berkshire Hathaway group of companies, GEICO is rated A++ for financial strength by A.M. Best Company and ranks at the top of several national customer satisfaction surveys. For more information, please visit www.geico.com. For more information about the GEICO Racing program, please visit: www.geicogarage.com.

About KV Racing Technology:
KV Racing Technology was established in 2003. The Indianapolis-based team is contesting its eighth open-wheel season and third in the IndyCar Series in 2010. KVRT is owned by successful venture capitalist Kevin Kalkhoven and 1996 Series Champion, Jimmy Vasser. Veteran motorsports manager Mark Johnson is the team's General Manager. KVRT has earned two victories the first by Cristiano da Matta in Portland in 2005 and the second by Will Power in Long Beach in 2009. KV Racing Technology will be making its third appearance at the Indianapolis 500. The team qualified three cars last year with Townsend Bell placing fourth, Tracy ninth and Mario Moraes 33rd. For more information about KV Racing Technology visit: www.kvracingtechnology.com.

Release Prepared by Doug Barnette
Player Management International, Inc.
www.pmifirm.com

PHOTOS: Cornwall Motor Speedway mall show shots courtesy of www.rickattheraces.com

Photos from the recent Cornwall Motor Speedway mall show, courtesy of Rick Young. You can see more of his work at www.rickattheraces.com

Large Number of Rookies Get Up to Speed in Merrittville Test and Tune Night

BARON ROOFING AND SIDING TRIPLE 50 EVENT NEXT TEST

Thorold, Ontario– Race fans have been driving past Merrittville Speedway and seeing all the track prep that has been taking place in anticipation of the start of the 2010 Racing Season.

Race teams have been hard at work on their machines all winter in anticipation of the same thing.

One of the largest Test and Tune fields April 17th set the tone for next week’s Baron Roofing and Siding’s Spring Sizzler and the balance of the season. Diehard fans that braved the cold temperatures surely weren’t disappointed in the more than 3 hour tune up that featured a large number of rookies mixed in with veteran returning drivers.

“Through all the Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series Divisions,” boasted (Merrittville GM) Erica Bicknell, “we have new drivers joining in … others taking on new challenges in a new division … former drivers coming back as well … it’s shaping up to be quite a year!”

Last weekend, rookies that took part in the annual Bicknell Racing Products Chassis Seminar and Pete Bicknell Driving School got the jump start on the season.

Rob Murray – the Thorold Track three time Hoosier Stock Champion was one of the attendees preparing for his first ever season not in a full fendered race car. The St. Catharines driver has moved on to the Original Pizza Logs Sportsman Division.

“He was probably a little nervous last week,” revealed Murray’s wife Kellie, “tonight … he’s shown some real improvement.” “We found some problems with the car last week,” added the overwhelmed rookie driver Murray, “I know what I have to do out there … a few times I missed my marks … but it’s been a couple good weeks!”

One of the newest second generation drivers making his own start this season also took part in the school is living a dream after growing up cheering on his dad and his uncle.

The brothers-in-law and L. St. Amand Enterprises Wall of Famers – none other than Davey Moore and Harvey Hainer Jr.

“I actually liked it better this week with other cars out there with me,” exclaimed Jason Moore – son of the 5 time Merrittville Champion Davey Moore, “seat time is what I need most now … such a better car this week after we made some changes.”

Another rookie liking running in the pack better than the single car runs through most of last week was former J&S Heating and Air Conditioning Modified Lite Point Champion Shawn Sliter. “Some of the Sportsman style is coming back,” revealed Sliter, “I’ve found though I can learn more following someone or trying to catch them.”

Many of the field of 20 358 Modifieds that took practice were chasing him though as the Port Colborne driver’s Modern Corporation #71 was among the Top 5 in lap times throughout the night. While the elder Sliter has left the Modified Lite Division – the family name could still be heard a lot this season.

Josh Sliter – his nephew – has improved each season but is 2010 his break through year?

“I can’t believe it,” prided Sliter, “I set fastest time in not only my car … but my dad’s too.”

While the World of Outlaws Late Models would later have too many of the front-runners slow off the pace victims of flat tires in the Commonwealth 100 at the West Virginia Motor Speedway – the Stan Miskin-owned Super Late Model may not have had any tire wear at all.

Former Street Stock Champion Jeff Dayman had his #7D Rocket Chassis up on just two wheels at times – circling the d-shaped oval in impressive style. “Really … there is so much body roll in these types of cars,” informed Dayman, “while it may look pretty spectacular from the stands … from my vantage point … you don’t really know just how many tires are making contact with the track.”

Hoosier Stock veteran Kevin Knapp came off the final session really positive about his season, “the Aaron’s Dream Machine … was just awesome!” Former Point Champion Mike Dooley is returning this season – sharing driving duties of the Hoosier Stock with Kevin Kocarik, “it’s good to be back in race car.”

Another driver looking at two huge learning curves in 2010 is former Modified Lite veteran Adam Leslie who has also made the move to the Sportsman Division.

“Our first few sessions … the car wouldn’t steer,” admitted the former karter, “the two cars are so different … we made some changes … I think the last run was the best.”

During the off season, Leslie has travelled to North Carolina several times to attend RACE 101 – a trip that he will make several times throughout the summer. In fact - the next visit to the renowned racing school will find him on track … in an asphalt late model.

Merrittville’s Sportsman Division will see a new champion as 2009 Champ Chad Chevalier has moved up to the premier L. St. Amand Enterprises 358 Modified Division. “Definitely some learning ahead for me,” said Chevalier after the final session, “although the two divisions look so much alike … it’s so much faster now … and so different.”

Another rookie that took in the school before the open practice summed it up on his Face Book page last week … What a rush!

“Moving from the Hoosier Stocks to the 358s,” boasted rookie Shayne Pierce, “definitely the coolest thing I’ve ever done!”

For awhile it looked like he had reverted to his Kart Racing days in running laps around the Tuesday Night infield track – the crew would later discovered a kinked fuel line, “ it would just shut right off in the turns … better to find it now than during a race night!”

The next text for the 2010 Rookies and veterans alike is the Baron Roofing & Siding Spring Sizzler – Saturday April 24th that will feature Triple 50s for the L. St. Amand Enterprises 358 Modifieds, Original Pizza Logs Sportsman and Hoosier Stocks plus practice time once again for the J&S Heating and Air Conditioning Modified Lites and Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinders.

Bobby Herrington – a regular from the Brockville Speedway was in attendance shaking down his new Twenty 10 BRP Race Car powered by local engine shop ERD in preparation for the May 24th Super DIRTcar Series 100 lap Main Event presented by Zavitz Financial Strategies and Employee Benefits.

April 24th’s 358 Modified 50 lap Event will pay the winner $2500 courtesy of purse additions provided by Baron Roofing’s Terry Keagan. Could there be others in the pits looking to get some track time before the big early season event?

Baron Roofing has also added to the Sportsman and Hoosier Stock pay envelopes. For one the event opens the 2nd annual King of the Crates Series powered by Niagara Motors and for the other – it kicks off the Duel on the Dirt Big 6 Series against the Brighton Speedway Pro Stocks.

Gates open at 4 PM – Show time is at 5:30. For further information call the Speedway Office at 905-892-8266 or visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com. Race fans can also Merrittville on Face Book and Twitter.

Inside Track Motorsport News Pit Notes

J&S Heating and Air Conditioning Modified Lite veterans Paul Klager and Chris Steele left early with problems as did third generation Hoosier Stock veteran Brent Begolo. Merrittville Co-announcer Mikey Kruchka was shaking down his Big Moose Racing Sprint Car. Former Pro Stock Champion and Pace Car Driver Steve Devos is looking at a couple new things in 2010. Moving to a new position in the infield and getting behind the wheel of the Rick Baker-owned Late Model. Devos ran a number of sessions in the #78 that he will race May 22nd when the BRP Can Am Late Models visit.

Release Prepared By Jim Irvine
Merrittville Public Relations
(905)892-8266
jimirvine@cogeco.net

Tough Day for Tagliani at Long Beach

FAZZT Race Team driver Alex Tagliani was forced to retire from Sunday's Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach following a contact on lap 65 of the 85-lap event. Starting from the fourth row, Tagliani and Marco Andretti made contact on the opening lap, but both continued.

Tagliani held steady in 8th place throughout the first stint and made his first stop on lap 29. During his stop, there was a fuel flow issue. Still running eighth, the team pitted a second time on lap 49. Tagliani returned to the track in 20th place, hoping for a full course yellow in order to make their final pit stop. The yellow came on lap 60 and the team decided to make its final stop. On the restart on lap 65, the Canadian driver had a contact, damaging his front suspension.

"We just had a tough day today and it's just a shame for the team," said Tagliani. "We had contact on the first lap with Marco Andretti in the hairpin but we recovered and stayed up front, running with the leaders. Unfortunately, on our first stop, we had an issue with our refueling. I think the butterfly was stuck, and we didn't get enough fuel into the car."

"From that point on we realized we were in trouble. We had to make a second stop that we hoped we wouldn't have to make, and then when we came in on the last yellow to get fuel and they put us in the back of the pack," he said. "On the restart, I was trying to make my way up and I got tangled up, and damaged the front suspension. The team is doing well though and we have the speed in qualifying so this little glitch was unfortunate today and we're going to try and fix it and make sure we don't put ourselves in a trouble situation again."

Hunter-Reay Wins Long Beach

Ryan Hunter-Reay ended Team Penske's three-race win streak with a win in Sunday's Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. The Andretti Autosport driver led the final 55 of the 85-lap race to cross the finish line ahead of Justin Wilson. His win ended a streak of 29 races without a win for Michael Andretti's team. Will power, winner of the first two races of the season and winner of the pole in Long Beach, finished third. The Team Penske driver led the first 30 laps before a driver mistake that saw both Hunter-Reay and Wilson go by him on lap 31. Scott Dixon finished fourth ahead of Tony Kanaan. Fifteen of the 25 starters finished on the lead lap.

Tagliani Third in the Warm-Up

In the morning race warm-up Tagliani was third quickest with a lap time of 1:10.9262, only three tenths behind session leader Scott Dixon (Ganassi Racing). Second fastest was Brazilian Helio Castroneves of Team Penske. Dario Franchitti and Ryan Hunter-Reay rounded up the Top-5.

Team Manager Rob Edwards on the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach

"It's very disappointing. We had a good weekend up to the race and a good first stint. Alex did a super job of running good fuel mileage and good lap times in the first segment but unfortunately we had a problem on the first pit stop and didn't get all the fuel we needed in the car. Therefore, we didn't have enough to get to the end on one more stop. We gambled to try and do that and went as long as we could with the fuel we had on board and we were trying to go to the end. On the yellow, based on how many yellows there were in the early part of the race, we decided to come in, take a splash of fuel and put red tires on and let Alex get racy for the last 20 laps and unfortunately on the restart we had contact and that was the end of our day. But overall, it was a good weekend, good qualifying and now we're going to look forward to the ovals at Kansas and Indianapolis."

Power Still Leads The Point's Race

In the driver standings, Will Power maintains first place with 172 points, 42 more than his Penske teammate Helio Castroneves. Following his Long Beach win, Hunter-Reay jumps from seventh to third place with 129 points, only one behind Castroneves. Justin Wilson stays in fourth with a total of 125 points. Tagliani is 14th overall with 72 points. Round 5 of the 2010 IZOD IndyCar Series season will be held Saturday, May 1 with the ARoadRunner Turbo Indy 300 from the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City.

To learn more FAZZT Race Team, log on at www.fazztraceteam.com

GRAND PRIX OF LONG BEACH RESULTS
TAGLIANI STARTING POSITION: 7th
TAGLIANI POSITION AT FINISH: 21st, contact


Media contact: Jana Watt
FAZZT Race Team
(317) 709-3855
janaw@fazztraceteam.com

Max d'Orsonnens
For FAZZT Race Team
(514) 990-4988
maxdo@videotron.ca

Hinchcliffe Claims Maiden Win at Long Beach

Toronto, Ontario (April 18, 2010) – James Hinchcliffe converted his second pole position of the season into his first ever Firestone Indy Lights Series victory as he dominated Round 3 of the championship around the streets of Long Beach, California on Sunday.

The 23-year-old from Toronto, who races the #2 Team Moore Racing Firestone-Dallara entry, jumped up to third overall in the Driver Standings courtesy of his maiden Indy Lights Series win. After the disappointment of being taken out of the first race of the season in St Petersburg, where he also captured the pole, James has steered himself straight back into title contention with a fifth place score last weekend in Alabama and with this weekend’s popular victory in Long Beach.

The 1.9-mile temporary street course has always proved favorable to Hinchcliffe, with a third place podium finish recorded there in 2009 – his rookie season in Indy Lights competition. He wasted little time in proving himself to be one of the favorites this weekend, topping the time-sheets in second practice before going on to snare the pole position in yesterday’s qualifying run.

Joined on the front-row for Sunday’s 45-lap race by France’s J.K. Vernay, winner of the opening two rounds, it was Hinchcliffe who got the jump on his rival heading into the first turn at Long Beach. From there James’ focus was simply to slip into a comfortable race pace and control from the front.

His efforts as the race unwound were hampered somewhat by several yellow flag incidents but regardless, James maintained the lead through each of the re-starts and raced his way to the checkered flag for the win. He was joined on the podium by American racer, Charlie Kimball in second and Vernay in third.

“Getting my first win out of the way is certainly a great feeling,” reflected Hinchcliffe post-race. “I have to say a huge thank you to Mark Moore and Tom Wood for the opportunity to compete for Team Moore Racing. Similarly I have to thank all the guys on the crew as well as Lee Dykstra and Alex Figge.

“It really means a lot to me to win here in Long Beach. The history of this event is just incredible and to add my name to a list of winners at such an awesome venue feels fantastic, not least as it was also my first Indy Lights victory. I had a great car today, we knew we had a strong street-course set-up, but finally we were able to just lead from the front and take it all the way to the checkered!”

2010 Top-5 Driver Standings (R3/13): 1st Vernay (FRA) – 140pts, 2nd Kimball (USA) – 112pts, 3rd HINCHCLIFFE (CAN) – 99pts, 4th Plowman (GBR) – 96, 5th Saavedra (COL) – 85pts

Round 4 of the 2010 Firestone Indy Lights Series takes place next month at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Friday 28th May – www.indycar.com

www.hinchtown.com

Release Prepared by SM-PR:
Tel: +1 514 684 2621
Cell: +1 514 945 3253
Email: stuart@sm-pr.com

ARCA: Arpin Wins at Texas; Canadian Driver Wins Back-To-Back ARCA Events; Claims Point Lead

FORT WORTH, TX (4-16-10) - Steve Arpin, in the Mike's Hard Lemonade Toyota, earned his second consecutive ARCA Racing Series victory Friday night, winning the Rattlesnake 150 at Texas Motor Speedway.

Arpin, who earned his first career win last Sunday at the half-mile Salem Speedway in Indiana, clinched his second win in less than a week's time after powering by Grant Enfinger off the second turn on a lap 91 restart. Arpin paced the field from there, leading the final 14 circuits around the 1.5-mile Texas tri-oval.

In the end, Arpin outran Craig Goess in a green-white-checkered overtime finish, winning by a mere .326 seconds, taking sole possession of the series championship point lead in the process.

"This is a great, great racetrack," Arpin exclaimed. "We had a really good car all night, and Hoosier gave us a super good tire. What a great way to debut our new sponsor, Mike's Hard Lemonade."

Arpin was also involved in a lap 12, four-car incident between turns three and four, where he spun with Patrick Sheltra, Joey Coulter and teammate Mikey Kile. Aprin's left front fender was slightly damaged, but his Venturini Motorsports team came through for him.

"(Car owner) Billy Venturini and the guys did an awesome job tonite," Arpin explained in victory lane. "We got ourselves in a touchy spot, spun, and the damage affected our aero a bit," Arpin continued. "The team did a great job repairing the car, and giving me a chance."

Arpin, who started 22nd, survived the mishap, and moved into the top-10 by lap 25, where he found himself for most of the night. The Canadian native took the lead on lap 92 and was unchallenged until the last lap when Goess mounted an unsuccessful bid for the top spot.

Goess finished in the runner-up position for the second straight week, and his emotions were both high and low.

"It's great to run good, to run up front, but it's disappointing to be this close and not win," Goess disclosed. "We had a little miscue in the pits, but I don't know whether we could have beat Steve tonight anyway."

Goess led 28 laps during the race before coming to pit road for his second and final pitstop for fresh Hoosier Tires 30 laps from the finish. Goess, in the Greenville Toyota of NC Toyota, came off pitroad in fifth, used the remainder of the race working his way back up to the front. On the final lap, Goess got to the back of Arpin but could not pass, settling for second.

Grant Enfinger, in the BeasleyAllen.com-Stanley Industries Ford, finished third after leading 22 circuits late in the race.

"I think we pretty much made all the right decisions today," Enfinger commented. "I pushed the car a little hard with forty to go, and I think we might have run out of tires. We were running sixth and I felt like it was time to get up there and I really didn't anticipate many guys coming back with tires. Just unfortunate that we were unable to seal the deal again, but we got some good runs in. To come home third without a scratch on the car, and we have done that all four times we have run this car at all the 1.5-mile tracks."

Justin Marks, in the Construct Corps Toyota, finished fourth after leading the first 39 laps, earning the Aaron's Lap Leader award.

"We were having engine trouble, and at the same time, the car was very, very loose," stated Nate Theisse, co-owner of Marks's Win-Tron Racing Toyota. "We over adjusted on the pitstop at halfway, got the car too tight. To finish fourth, despite all that, is a pretty good night."

Robb Brent, in the Orchard Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep Dodge, rounded out the top-five.

"We had a great day today," said Brent. "Our car was awesome; it was really fast. We had a little trouble - we thought an engine was going down, but it was a plug wire on our cylinder. We came in and had to restart 20th halfway throughout. We passed a lot of guys. I got Frank Kimmel and the 29 on the last restart there to get fifth, so we are really pumped. It was a good bounce back from last week."

The field for the Rattlesnake 150 was set by 2009 owner's points when Menards Pole Qualifying presented by Ansell was rained out Thursday afternoon.

Goess earned the Messina Wildlife Halfway Challenge award, with his crew chief Johnny Allen claiming both the Cometic Crew Chief and Klotz Engine Mechaic awards. Arpin claimed the CGS Imaging Hard Charger award, advancing 21 positions. Dakoda Armstrong earned RE/MAX Rookie of the Race honors.

The event was slowed by caution eight times for 43 laps. The most serious looking incident occurred on lap 38 when Tom Berte made hard contact with the inside safer barriers off turn two in a single car spin. Berte was uninjured in the incident.

The ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards heads to Talladega Superspeedway next for the Talladega ARCA 250 Friday, April 23, live on SPEED at 5:00 PM ET. The race will also be carried in live streaming audio at ARCAracing.com.

FULL RESULTS

From ARCARacing.com

IndyCar Series Champion & Indy 500 Winner Dario Franchitti Announced as TW Steel Brand Ambassador

Amsterdam, The Netherlands (16 April, 2010) – TW Steel, the Dutch brand specializing in oversized watches, announced Friday that reigning IZOD IndyCar Series Champion, Dario Franchitti, is to become a Global Brand Ambassador.

Franchitti, IndyCar Series Champion in 2007 and 2009, was announced as TW Steel’s latest ambassador as he began preparations to defend his ‘Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach’ race title with this year’s event once again taking place on the streets of Long Beach, California, Friday 16th – Sunday 18th April.

TW Steel is delighted to announce that in addition to the 36-year-old Scottish racer becoming an ambassador for the brand, he will also be involved in the design and subsequent promotion of the ‘TW Steel Dario Franchitti’ edition – the first watch to sport the 2007 Indy 500 Winner’s name and official logo.

“I think it’s tremendously exciting to have someone with Dario’s record of success associated with TW Steel,” stated Stewart Bain, TW Steel’s Chief Commercial Officer. “The Franchitti name has come to represent excellence in the world of motorsport with Dario renowned amongst his peers, fans and the media for being a sportsman, and gentleman, of significant stature.

“He is also, and critically, extremely knowledgeable about watches so we were delighted with Dario’s reaction to ‘The Watch in Steel’ and we look forward to working with him further on the Franchitti edition. North America is undoubtedly one of the most important territories for the continued growth of TW Steel. We’re naturally relishing the opportunity to partner our brand voice with Dario’s substantial popularity to reach out and continue to engage our consumers.

”Franchitti, who currently drives for Target Chip Ganassi Racing in the IZOD IndyCar Series, is equally excited by the new partnership.

“Anyone who knows me will tell you that if I had a passion away from racing, other than my love of cars, it would be for watches,” stated the Scot.

“I’ve always appreciated a fine timepiece and when I was first introduced to TW Steel I was certainly impressed with their commitment to designing something unique but very appealing. As I compete all over the world I’m delighted to be working with them as a brand ambassador here in North America and internationally as well.

”He continued; “The opportunity to work with TW Steel to come up with a ‘Dario Franchitti’ edition was particularly exciting to me. If something’s going to bear your name you have to have complete faith that it’s a true representation of what you stand for. In TW Steel I’ve found the perfect partner. We’re both driven by a pursuit of excellence and a true passion for watch design. I have a new found appreciation for what goes into producing these watches and I’m excited to be unveiling my own edition later next month!

”Details of the ‘TW Steel Dario Franchitti’ execution will be announced next month along with an exclusive ‘Launch Party’ in Indianapolis on Saturday 22nd May.

TW Steel is available in America through leading retail partners including London Jewelers in New York, Reis Nichols in Indianapolis, Hyde Park Jewelers in Denver and Las Vegas, Swiss Fine Timing in Chicago and David Orgell on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.TW Steel, celebrating its fifth anniversary in 2010, continues to develop and lead the oversized watch market. A family-owned company, headed by 27-year-old Chief Executive Officer and co-owner, Jordy Cobelens, ‘The Watch in Steel’, has emerged as an innovative, bold lifestyle brand – now available in over 50 countries worldwide.

www.twsteel.com

Fastline Motorsports and Tim Hortons together again

Jeff Lapcevich will represent Tim Hortons again in Canada’s premier racing series. The Grimsby, Ontario, racer’s NASCAR Canadian Tire Series entry will sport Tim Hortons’ logo in one of motorsports’ longest lasting marketing partnerships.
“We’re excited about 2010,” says Lapcevich. “We’ve made some changes to our race team, and we expect great results this year.
“Our relationship with Tim Hortons is something we’re quite proud of. This year marks more than 20 years with them, and that’s quite an accomplishment.”
Tim Hortons first sponsored Lapcevich’s family-owned Fastline Motorsports in 1990 when it competed in the popular Players GM Series of production cars. Canada’s coffee giant maintained the relationship when Fastline switched to the CASCAR Super Series which NASCAR later bought.
Lapcevich’s season opens on June 6th when the series visits Delaware Speedway near London, Ontario. The team will then make nine additional stops on the series including the Honda Indy Toronto in July and Montreal’s NASCAR event in August.
“Delaware Speedway is a great place to start our season,” says Lapcevich. “I’ve always run well at Delaware, and it’s a place we can build momentum. Starting the season strong will be a big boost for the team.
“The road courses also give us a place to showcase our talent. I believe we’ll have a competitive package for Toronto and Montreal.”
Tim Hortons will also appear on Fastline’s quarter midget race cars driven by Jeff’s sons - third generation racers Cayden and Treyten Lapcevich. While five-year-old Treyten is starting just his second competitive season Cayden has many years under his belt at 10 years old.
Cayden has won the sport’s biggest races, and Treyten appears ready to challenge for titles of his own. The team travels throughout North America competing in the most prestigious quarter midget events anywhere.
“The boys are the future of Fastline Motorsports,” says Jeff. “We put a great deal of focus on our quarter midget program. It’s about learning and having fun. Both boys are doing great.”
For more information on Fastline Motorsports visit www.FastlineMotorsports.com.

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Contact: Adam Ross
Fastline Motorsports Public Relations
519-212-8632
adamrossenterprises@gmail.com

Seibert shines in Motoplex Speedway Test Day

April 13, 2010, WILLIAMS LAKE, BC - Ryley Seibert hit the ground running on Sunday turning his first laps behind the wheel of a race car since 2009. The Williams Lake teenager tested both his street stock and an ARCA West Coast Sportsman race car at Motoplex Speedway in Vernon, BC (formerly Sun Valley Speedway).
The charismatic racer showed no signs of rust setting the day’s fastest laps in his street stock. The laps he turned in the ARCA race car were Seibert’s first ever in the faster race machine, and the speed wasn’t the only difference between the ARCA car and Seibert’s street stock.
“The ARCA car was weird to drive at first because in those cars there is alot less visibility then in a street stock,” said Seibert. “I got used to the high speeds and low visibility, and after about 15 laps I felt confident."
The track’s timing system confirmed Seibert’s comfort level. His speeds were among the fastest of anybody as he turned laps just tenths of a second slower than the fastest car.
“My dad was at the track, and he was my spotter talking to me on the radio and helping me with my racing line. It really keeps me calm when he is on the radio. I always race better when I can hear his voice in my helmet.”
Seibert finished fourth in the season point standings at Sun Valley Speedway in 2009, and he hopes to improve on that performance when he challenges for the championship this year.
His plans in the Thomas family ARCA car include Motoplex Speedway on May 1st, and Williams Lake Speedway on May 29th. Beyond those two dates Seibert’s ARCA plans are undecided.
The off-season has been busy for Seibert. He is the student council president at Columneetza Secondary School where he is an honour student. He has also traveled extensively throughout the winter attending a motorsports education program RACE 101. He earned a scholarship to attend the program aimed at helping aspiring racers learn the skills necessary to succeed in motorsports.
While the immediate future includes time in his family-owned street stock and the ARCA car Seibert eventually plans to make a living in the racing industry in one of NASCAR’s premier series in the United States.

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Contact:
Adam Ross
Public Relations for Ryley Seibert
519-212-8632
Adamrossenterprises@gmail.com

Ram Trucks to Offer Factory-Installed Spray-On Bedliners

• New spray-on bedliner option opens for dealer ordering today
  
• Bedliner offered with 3-year, 60,000 Km factory warranty
  
• New spray-on bedliner saves weight versus drop-in liner

Windsor, Ont. , Apr 15, 2010 - The Ram Truck Brand today announced that it would begin offering customers a spray-on bedliner option for its 2010 model year 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks. Dealers will be able to order the factory-installed upgrade beginning immediately. The spray-on bedliner option will be available on all Ram Truck trim levels (ST, SXT, SLT, TRX/TRX4® Off-Road , Sport, Sport R/T, Power Wagon® and Laramie), all cab sizes (Regular, Quad, Crew and Mega) and all bed lengths 1.7 m (5’ 7”); 1.9 m (6’4”) and 2.4 m (8’). Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price is $450 CDN.

"We’ve listened to our customers, how they are using their trucks and what new features they’d like to see and we expect the spray-on bedliner to become one of our most popular Ram Truck options," said Ed Broadbear, Vice President, Marketing, Chrysler Canada Inc. “With this factory-installed, factory-warranteed option we've taken our new lineup of award-winning Ram Trucks and made them even better."

The new Ram Truck factory-installed spray-on bedliners come with a 3-year, 60,000 Km warranty. They offer owners a number of benefits including a 4.5 kg (10 lbs.) weight savings over drop-in bedliners; a reduction in noise, vibration and harshness (NVH); chemical and abrasion resistance; improved in-bed traction and an improvement in perceived value.
Chrysler Group has extensively tested its spray-on bedliners for UV stability and surface adhesion. The protective material is sprayed to a standard thickness of 3mm on horizontal surfaces -- including the tailgate -- and 2mm on vertical surfaces.

About the Ram Truck Brand
With a work-hard, play-hard attitude, the Ram Truck brand offers the boldest, most powerful and capable pickup truck lineup on the planet.

The Ram Truck brand will add to its award-winning truck lineup with the introduction of it all-new 2010 Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty trucks, Motor Trend's Truck of the Year. The new heavy-duty trucks provide customers with first-time innovations and features along with new standards of strength, utility and driveability, building on the Ram's leadership in the heavy-duty pickup segment.

Introduced in 2008, the Ram 1500 is a game changer in terms of its ability to "outsmart" and "out-tough" the competition with its bold exterior design, crafted and refined interior, engineering excellence, superb innovation and best-in-class features and amenities. The Ram 1500 also ranks at the top of Strategic Vision Inc.’s (SVI) 2009 Total Quality Index™ (TQI) in the full-size truck segment. According to the survey, the Ram 1500 leads the way with the highest Total Quality score of any truck in the 15-year history of the study. Customers specifically noted that the Ram has the best added storage capability along with the best truck interior ever rated by customers.

The Ram Truck brand will further enhance its commercial vehicle presence with the introduction of a "new crew" of commercial-grade work trucks: the new 2011 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs. Led by an all-new crew cab, the new 2011 Ram Chassis Cabs are built on a proven frame and chassis, and engineered for maximum uptime, optimum performance and enhanced commercial capability.

LUTZ AND EVERSLEY REACH THE PODIUM, THILENIUS AND ASCHENBACH FOURTH

(Leeds, AL) -- Compass360 Racing team-mates Zach Lutz and Ryan Eversley bounced back from disappointment at Miami in March with a strong result at the beautiful Barber Motorsports Park on the outskirts of Birmingham, Alabama. The pair built on Lutz's fifth-place qualifying and stayed close to the leaders throughout the race, bringing the #75 JC Concrete Honda Civic Si home in third place, just ahead of the team's #74 Skunk2/Honda HPD car in fourth. The result marks the pair's best result in the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge.

"I'm so happy. It's just unbelievable," enthused Lutz. "The team gave us a great car and we had an amazing pit stop. (Technical Director) Ray called the strategy perfectly. After the blow-up in Florida, this is amazing and just what we needed. Now we're back in the championship hunt!"
Meanwhile, current championship leaders David Thilenius and Lawson Aschenbach managed to extend their lead by two points, to ten ahead of the #80 Bimmerworld BMW. "This is about the best we could hope for," explained Aschenbach. "We just didn't have the pace of the little Mazda today, and it seemed like the 75 was working a bit better at the end of the race, so we'll take fourth and hope to be back on the box at VIR."

Jesse Combs and Greg Liefooghe brought their #77 Coolgas/Exclusive Management Civic across the line in 14th, keeping that car in the top-five in points. Marv Weidner, making his series debut with the team, was in a good position to hand his #76 Honda to team-mate and fellow rookie Alex Kirby when he was tagged from behind by a lapped car. Thankfully unhurt, Weidner was nonetheless disappointed. "The guys were just great and helped me get up to speed quickly. The car was so much fun to drive and I know Alex would have done a great job. It's tough when someone who is a bunch of laps down wrecks your race, but I'll be back in an orange Honda soon!"

The team's returned to its Toronto base to repair and set the cars up for the next race on April 24th at Virginia International Raceway. "There's not a lot of time between these races, so I know we'll be busy repairing the damage and making some new improvements," reflected Team Principal Karl Thomson. "But as always, we'll be ready."

The Barber race will be broadcast on April 17th at 3:00pm on SPEED.

Compass360 Racing (C360R) is the motorsports division of Compass360 Branding Communications, a firm offering marketing expertise to clients in diverse industries across North America. The Championship-winning race team, with support from Honda of America, fields four front-running Honda Civic Si's in Grand-Am's KONI Challenge, as well as cars in Canadian Touring Car. For details visit http://c360r.com/.

OFFC CAN AM CUP: New sposors, awards and format

The Ontario Formula Ford Championship is pleased to announce new series sponsors, awards, and an exciting new format and date of the 2010 Can Am Cup.

Starting up front is critical in all racing and the coveted pole position is something every driver strives for. New for 2010 is the MG Homes Pole Position award. MG Homes will present to the driver of the most overall pole positions a watch valued at over $500.

Joining the OFFC is also Rod Ends Mechanical. The supplier of Aurora rod ends, will award the B Class Champion a $250 gift certificate and the C Class Champion a $100 gift certificate redeemable with Rod End Mechanical.

MK Technologies is one of North America's most recognized names in race support equipment with a full spectrum of products from car stands to alignment platforms and overhead cranes. MK Technologies will award a product prize at each OFFC double header to "The driver of the event". The criteria will be unveiled prior to the first event.

The 2010 Can Am Cup has moved from it's traditional fall date to the Nascar Canadian Tire weekend June 11-13. It will also feature a new format for awarding the Cup. Rounds 5 and 6 of the 2010 OFFC will be run during the weekend and the driver who accumulates the most points over the two rounds will be the Can Am Cup winner. A tie breaking system will be in place to ensure one winner. With the assistance of Steve Beeler (who co organized the 40th anniversary of Formula Ford at Road America last July), the OFFC has been working at hosting a group of SCCA drivers at the event. BGR Sports and Entertainment will host a Saturday evening get together for some bench racing and general good fun.

Work on developing relationships with series supporters continues and more announcements will be coming.

"We are thrilled to welcome our new partners and are proud to showcase their products and services through the OFFC" says OFFC steering committee member Brian Graham. "The Can Am Cup looks to be a great event and the new date and format will hopefully entice some of our American friends who now should not have to worry about possible snow! The most inexpensive entry fee of the year for our highest profile event is always a good draw. Drivers interested in attending can find out more info at our website or by talking to any of our steering committee members."

http://www.offcseries.com/

PHOTO GALLERY: Thompson Int'l Speedway - 2010 Icebreaker Weekend (NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour)

NPP Late Model Series Schedule Finalized

EDMONTON, AB. (April 13) – The Northern Provincial Pipelines Late Model Series has finalized its schedule for the 2010 season. Two race dates that were on hold for Southern Alberta on the September long weekend have now been removed.

NPP Series announcer Gord Craig says the current economic climate in Western Canada has a lot to do with how the schedule was drawn up this year.

“The economy is still in recovery mode here in Alberta. The NPP Series has adjusted its schedule to help out our teams by cutting back on travel and the number of race dates,” Craig said.

Less is more in 2010. The NPP Series has 14 race dates on its schedule this season and only two road trips.

“In past seasons we’ve had as many as 22 race dates on the schedule with half of those dates away from the home track (Castrol Raceway) in Edmonton,” he said.

The NPP Late Model Series travels to Bridge County Raceway in Lethbridge on the May long weekend. The only other road trip is a one-day show in June at Central Alberta Raceways in Rimbey.

The remainder of the race events will be campaigned at Castrol Raceway in Edmonton. “Many of our teams have young families,” adds Craig. “I’m sure they won’t mind having a few extra weekends off this year.”

The 10th season of the Northern Provincial Pipelines Late Model Series and the Chase for the Championship starts May 8th at Edmonton’s Castrol Raceway.

2010 NPP LATE MODEL SERIES SCHEDULE

Saturday, May 1^st Castrol Raceway test ‘n‘ tune

Saturday, May 8^th Castrol Raceway - Edmonton

Saturday, May 15^th Castrol Raceway - Edmonton

Saturday, May 22^nd Bridge County Raceway - Lethbridge

Sunday, May 23^rd Bridge County Raceway - Lethbridge

Saturday, June 5^th Castrol Raceway - Edmonton

Saturday, June 12^th Central Alberta Raceways - Rimbey

Saturday, July 10^th Castrol Raceway - Edmonton

Friday, July 16^th Castrol Raceway - Edmonton

Saturday, July 17^th Castrol Raceway - Edmonton

Saturday, July 24^th Castrol Raceway - Edmonton

Friday, August 20^th Castrol Raceway - Edmonton

Saturday, August 21^st Castrol Raceway - Edmonton

Saturday, Sept. 11^th Castrol Raceway - Edmonton

Saturday, Sept. 18^th Castrol Raceway - Edmonton

Northern Provincial Pipelines Ltd., based in Edson, Alberta, is title sponsor of the NPP Late Model Series, which brings big league racing to Western Canadian race fans. NPP is also proud to be involved with the #81 Dodge in the NASCAR Nationwide Series.