YOKOHAMA MOTORSPORTS LOOKS TO BUILD ON SUCCESSES IN 2006

FULLERTON, Calif. -- (Jan. 19, 2006) - After a successful 2005 racing season, which included a 24 Hours of LeMans Class victory, Yokohama Tire Corporation's long-running motorsports program will compete in six 2006 racing series.

Leading the '06 charge for Yokohama Motorsports will be its sports car effort in the multi- class American LeMans Series (ALMS). Yokohama will partner with two GT2 teams to participate in races such as the 12 Hours of Sebring.

Yokohama will be back in action for its 18th consecutive season in the Champ Car Atlantic Championship Presented by Yokohama (formerly Toyota Atlantic). Atlantics, a development series that has sent drivers to Formula One, Champ Car, IRL and sports car racing, uses Yokohama ADVAN A005.

Yokohama also competes in the precision driving of Formula Drift, as well as the off-road events of the SCORE International series and Ivan Stewart's Pro Truck Series.

* ALMS: In '05, Yokohama triumphed at the 24 Hours of LeMans and scored several podium finishes in GT2 with Porsche and the BAM! team, For '06, Yokohama will partner with the newly reorganized BAM! Team, now known as Farnbacher Loles Racing. In the same GT2 ranks, one of the most successful sports car partnerships is back on track as the BMW PTG team will compete with M3s on ADVAN racing slicks. BMWNA, absent in recent years from the series, was the winner of the first ALMS race, the 1999 12 Hours of Sebring, on Yokohama tires.

* Off-road racing: Yokohama's Geolandar line will compete again in the SCORE Trophy Truck class with driver Cameron Steele and Ivan "Iron Man" Stewart's Protruck Racing Organization, where all competitors use the same Geolandar MT+.

* Formula Drift: Tire choice is key in the growing sport of drifting, where competitors push their cars and tires to the limit while performing controlled slides and achieving required competition elements. Following its back-to-back Formula D championships, Yokohama will race with defending champ Rhys Millen (Pontiac GTO). Yokohama also competes in the D1 professional drift Grand Prix series.

* Champ Car Atlantic Championship Presented by Yokohama: This venerable begins its 32nd year of competition. Graham Rahal, son of 1986 Indy 500 winner Bobby Rahal, will enter the fray after winning a 2005 SCCA National Championship in Formula Atlantic on Yokohama tires. He will join a multitude of young drivers, including Katherine Legge, who captured three '05 Atlantic races, including a victory at Long Beach, to become the first woman to win a professional open wheel race in North America.

* SCCA Formula Russell Championship Presented by Yokohama: With all competitors driving equally prepared open wheel race cars shod with Yokohama slicks, this development series rewards the talent and skill of the driver. The 15-year Jim Russell Racing School-Yokohama partnership has helped advance many racing careers, including Scott Speed, who this season will become the first American in Formula One since Michael Andretti in 1992.

* International Automobile Federation (FIA): The sanctioning body has selected Yokohama to supply the official tire for the 2006 FIA World Touring Car Championship and the first FIA European Touring Car Cup. This series races in all corners of the world and in 2005 included two-time CART champion Alex Zanardi winning his first race after losing his legs in a 2001 race at Lausitzring, Germany.

"As the 2006 motorsports season approaches, we look to build on our successes we earned last season," said Robert Dole, Yokohama Product Promotion Manager. "We've worked diligently in the off-season to ensure continuation of our upward movement in all avenues of motorsports participation, whether it's with specialized race products or high performance consumer products. From pavement to dirt, whether it's a street course, Le Mans or the Baja Peninsula, Yokohama Motorsports will be there in 2006 competing for the top spot."

Yokohama Tire Corporation is the North American manufacturing and marketing arm of Tokyo, Japan-based Yokohama Rubber Company, a global producer and distributor of premium tires since 1917. Servicing a network of more than 4,500 points of sale in the U.S., Yokohama Tire Corporation offers a complete line of tires, including high-performance, light truck, passenger car, commercial truck and bus, as well as off-the-road mining and construction applications. For more information on Yokohama's extensive product line, visit www.yokohamatire.com.

Yokohama is a strong supporter of the tire care and safety guidelines established by the Rubber Manufacturers Association and the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration. Details can be found at the "Taking Care of Your Tires" section at www.yokohamatire.com.

Contact: Michael F. Hollander, PCGCampbell // mholland@pcgcampbell.com

Photo from Tracy / Busch Announcement at DIS

Credit: Doug Benc / Getty Images for NASCAR

Carpentier to race for A1GP Team Canada

Story and Photos by Paul Pedicelli

Montreal, QC – A1GP Team Canada representatives were on hand in Montreal on Jan. 19, 2006 to announce that Quebec-born driver Patrick Carpentier will race for the team in the upcoming North American rounds of the A1 Grand Prix of Nations, billed as the World Cup of Motorsport. Carpentier will represent Canada in Rounds 9 and 10 to be staged at Fundidora Park, Monterrey, Mexico (Feb. 24-26) and at Laguna Seca, CA (Mar. 10-12) respectively.

Present with him to make the announcement were current A1 Team Canada driver Sean McIntosh of Maple Ridge, BC and legendary motorcycle and F1 World Champion John Surtees. Surtees serves as a consultant for A1 Team Canada all the while heading the group leading Great Britain’s charge in the inaugural A1 Grand Prix Series. A1 Team Canada Franchise holder, Wade Cherwayko, was unable to attend but had previously expressed his pleasure in being able to secure the services of an experienced racer such as Carpentier for the series’ two stops on this side of the Atlantic.

Carpentier was a natural choice for the A1 Series’ Canadian entry as he already has previous experience on both of the North American circuits. “I’m really excited to be representing Canada in the A1 Grand Prix Series,” he stated. “I’ve raced at Fundidora Park a couple of times already and won my last race at Laguna Seca in 2004 driving Champ Cars – I love the track.” He also noted that several other former Champ Car drivers will be representing their respective countries at said events, notably Dario Franchitti, Tony Kanaan and Brian Herta. “It’s going to be a lot of fun!” he added.



It is this previous knowledge of the circuits that will be fundamental in A1 Team Canada’s pursuit of podium finishes. There is no testing prior to any of the events in the Series and minimal track time during race weekends leading to the main events. As such, Carpentier will have the advantage of not having to worry about learning the circuit as he dials in his A1 GP car.

Coupled with this will be McIntosh’s presence and ability to share his experience with the A1 chassis. “I can help Patrick with settings to quickly attain a proper setup for each circuit,” he said. “At the same time, Patrick’s immense racing experience can be helpful in providing feedback to me.”

This last statement is what the A1 Grand Prix Series is all about. As Surtees himself stated, “This Series is about working together as a team, not about the drivers themselves.” It is the team/car that scores points at the finish, not the driver. As such, national pride comes to the fore in a Series where all chassis are equal and the best team effort is rewarded.



A1 Team Canada is currently in 10th place overall after the first six rounds. McIntosh will continue representing Canada in rounds 7 and 8 at South Africa (Jan. 27-29) and Indonesia (Feb. 10-12), after which Carpentier will take over for North America’s two events. McIntosh will subsequently round out the season in the final race at Shanghai, China (Mar. 31-Apr. 2).

Last word goes to Carpentier. What are his expectations going into the two events? “I don’t know. I don’t have real expectations for results as I haven’t even driven the car yet. I’m happy to go back to Laguna Seca,” he continued, “but I hope at the very least to bring a positive experience and result back to the team.”

When prompted on a prediction as to who would end up on top between himself and Herta, he replied, “I don’t know who will win, but I do know it won’t be Herta!” Don’t have to read between the lines on that one… we wish him the best of luck.

For more information on the A1 Grand Prix of Nations or A1 Team Canada, log onto www.a1gp.com or www.a1teamcan.com.

CHAMP CAR TO NASCAR: PAUL TRACY INKS 5-RACE BUSCH SERIES DEAL

From Andrea Goldstein // TSN

Daytona Beach, Fla. (January 20, 2006) - After over a year of speculation as
to whether or not Paul Tracy would make his way into NASCAR, it is official.

He has inked a 5-race deal that will see him behind the wheel of a stock car
in the NASCAR Busch Series. Frank Cicci Racing with Jim Kelly will be
fielding the #34 Chevrolet Monte Carlo for Tracy's 5-race NASCAR debut.

Tracy will make his debut at Daytona and then follow up with appearances in
Mexico City on March 5th, Las Vegas on March 11th, Indianapolis on August
5th, and Fontana on September 2nd. Sport Clips (All*Star Haircuts for Men &
Boys) will be the primary sponsor at Daytona International Speedway,
Indianapolis Raceway Park, and California Speedway, with American Crew
(Quality Grooming Products for Men) taking over as a co-primary sponsor with
Sport Clips at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

American Crew will appear as an associate sponsor on all of Tracy's races. Frank Cicci's #34 car does not have a sponsor for Mexico City, but with former Mexico City Champ Car winner
Paul Tracy in the car, it should make the sponsorship search considerably
easier.

"I'm very excited about my first opportunity to race in NASCAR, especially
in the biggest race of the year at Daytona. Then moving on to race at Las
Vegas, which is my former home, and then on to Mexico City, where I am a
former winner in the Champ Car Series," Tracy said. "I am thankful to Sport
Clips and American Crew for believing in me and making this work. I also
want to thank Frank Cicci and Jim Kelly for putting me in quality equipment
and supporting me. I would especially like to thank Doug Barnette for
finding the sponsors and bringing the parties together and making this
happen."

Sport Clips CEO and Founder, Gordon Logan, was equally excited about the
relationship: "We are extremely pleased and excited about partnering with
Paul Tracy for his NASCAR debut in the Busch Series. Paul brings an
excitement and passion to the sport that will greatly expand the fan base
for the Busch Series, resulting in an increased awareness of Sport Clips in
all of our markets. Our sponsorship with Paul gives us great geographical
coverage with races in Daytona, Las Vegas, Indianapolis and Southern
California. Sport Clips is now in 28 states, with an almost-perfect overlay
with the NASCAR Busch Series races." He continued, "We are particularly
pleased that American Crew is coming on board with us on Paul's car. We have
a great relationship with American Crew, a leading edge product line
specifically formulated for men and boys - our clients!"

American Crew Vice-President of Sales, John Mulgrew, stated, "American Crew
is extremely excited to have the opportunity to work with an American
institution like NASCAR, combined with the ability to have a respected and
recognized driver like Paul Tracy at the helm of our car. This takes the
recognition of our brand and the recognition that Paul creates for us to an
exciting new level."

Sport Clips, Inc. is a Georgetown, TX-based enterprise that currently has
315 stores in 28 states. Targeting men and boys, Sport Clips provides
high-quality haircuts in a fun sports environment, complete with TVs at
every Stylist's station tuned to sports. Every Sport Clips has "guy smart"
Stylists who focus on providing the highest level of service to every
client. Sport Clips is the Official Haircutter of the Veterans of Foreign
Wars (VFW), whose logo will be prominently featured on Tracy's car. For a
location near you or for franchise information, please visit:
www.SportClips.com.

American Crew continues to lead the way in the men's grooming business. With
a passionate commitment to men's grooming, their purpose is to bring men
into salons, provide them with a great new experience and show them new ways
of incorporating style into their everyday lives. American Crew recognizes
the growing number of men that are concerned with their appearance and who
want to look their very best. This trend of image-conscious men spans all
ages and backgrounds. American Crew has all of their grooming interests in
mind. For more information on American Crew, please visit
http://www.americancrew.com/.

TRACY gets a Bush Ride

Paul Tracy is about to announce he'll be in five Busch races in 2006, starting at Daytona.

He will be sponsored by a hair-cutting chain.

Terry Bradshaw's team is sponsored by a hair-cutting chain.

Hmmm....

Mental note. If you want to get sponsored by a hair-cutting chain.... shave your head.

More to follow....

BRIGHTON SPEEDWAY PARK: LOOKING FOR COLD WEATHER

As part of Winterfest 2006 celebrations, Brighton Speedway Park has been watering down it’s 1/3 mile, traditionally clay oval, and looking for it to freeze, to better host the Annual Ice Races. This event, scheduled for January 28th, 2006 will provide amateur snowmobile and 4-wheeler drivers, both youth and adult, a day of friendly competition. Added to the line-up this year is a 50 lap Endurance Race for cars.

The only hindering factor may be Mother Nature and her friend Jack Frost. Crews are working around the clock to try and make ice despite the uncooperative weather. Putting to use the “water bus”, donated by Montgomery Transit and modified by Workman Auto Repair and Brighton Speedway, they are now capable of making ice in -20 degree weather without freezing. The bus was designed after numerous problems were incurred the past 2 years with the traditional water truck and our usual Canadian winter weather.

Mark Rinaldi, Brighton Speedway Operations Manager believes that “With a little cold we will have the conditions we need to provide a great day of family fun and entertainment. We are hoping that the weather will reach seasonal norms so everyone can bear witness to this great show.” Local sponsors, including Sam’s Auto Repair, Maestro’s Painting,Trenton Glass and Window, Workman’s Auto Repair, Cornerstone Builder, JC Fuels, Dan’s Suzuki, Stevenson Pumps and Centreton Farm and Sports Supplies, are hoping that spectators and snow sport enthusiasts will enjoy a spectacule of speed and sportsmanship.

The gates are scheduled to open at 8:00, practice at 9:30am. The greeen flag drops at 10:00am. Competitors are encouraged to preregister and can do so by contacting Brighton Speedway Park at (613)475-1102. To stay on top of track conditions be sure to visit the website at http://www.brightonspeedway.com/.

Raceline Radio Network: Newsletter

This week’s Raceline Radio Show officially signals our 14th “season” on the air, and proud to say we’re still Canada’s only nationally syndicated motor sport voice. 17 stations strong, with more growth around the bend.

14 years ago, while working on Raceline Motorsport TV, John Massingberd asked me what a motorsport magazine radio show would sound like if we produced one. I knew immediately. I had heard lots of local shows in the States. I thought too many of them were dull, slow and too colloquial. If we were going to handle major league motorsport, NASCAR, F-1, ChampCar, etc., I believed our show had to SOUND major league.

Alan Davis, program director at CJCL Radio Toronto liked the concept and the sport. More importantly, Alan agreed with our major league theory. In fact, he insisted that if Raceline Radio was going to work, it had to sound as big and pro as their Maple Leaf and Blue Jay broadcasts. We were on the same page.

Raceline Radio had to be fast-paced, like the sport. It had to be highly produced with good music, flow and pace, and it had to have the biggest stars as regular guests. Raceline Radio went on the air on CJCL shortly before it became The FAN. TV racing pioneer Ken Squier was our first guest, and never one to blow smoke, Ken said our concept was, “On the Nickel!” Over the 14 years, we’ve been fortunate enough to consistently win international broadcast awards against the best in North America. Our theory is sound.

Of course without our sponsors, affiliate stations, operators and fans who love this sport as much as we do, none of this would have fired up when we turned the key! It’s been a great ride, and we still have a full tank of gas!

Keep those E-Mails coming for The Raceline E-Mail Bag! erik@raceline.ca . And don't forget to sign up for our FREE weekly Newsletter!

Until next week, talk to ya on Raceline Radio! ET


COMING UP: SHOW 4

January 22, 2006: 2nd generation star Graham Rahal, Sean McIntosh and Patrick Carpentier on their new A-1 GP pairing, plus The Raceline E-Mail Bag.

PMRA: Mark Nielsen carefully prepares for 2006 PMRA season

BRANTFORD, ON – There is no question that Mark Nielsen's 2000 Chevrolet Camaro is certainly one of Canada's most high-tech Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA), www.ProModifiedRacing.com, drag race cars. The chassis, designed and built by Pro Modified standout Al Billes, is a chopped, narrowed, and stretched supercharged 2,600-pound machine.

“Our plan for 2006 is to run as many PMRA events as possible and some IHRA National events,” explained Mark Nielsen. “The car will be powered by a new personalized Brad Anderson HEMI built and dyno tested by Carl Spiering and his Jordan Station based business ERD (Engine Research and Development). G-Force Race Cars will be making updates to the car and we should be in real good shape for this season.”

The Nielsen Motorsports Camaro produces an estimated 2,400 horsepower. Nielsen's car utilizes a Kobelco Superman 14-71 Hi-Helix supercharger, an ERD fuel system, and a JBR carbon fiber injector, all coupled to a Lenco three-speed transmission and clutch.

Driver and team owner Mark Nielsen has been active on Eastern Canada's drag racing circuit for almost 20 years. He raced a 1968 Camaro in Super Pro, and a 1987 Corvette in Pro Comp and Outlaw Pro Stock. He first switched to blown door slammers in 1998 when he purchased the supercharged Chevrolet Lumina, formally campaigned by Bruce Boland, which he dubbed "Quick Fix" and moved into IHRA Top Sportsman and regional Pro Modified action. His first full pass produced a stunning 6.62 seconds at 213 mph in the Lumina. After acquiring the Camaro, Nielsen advanced into IHRA National Event Pro Modified and Super Chevy Nitro Coupe competition.

Career racing highlights include a runner-up finish in Top Sportsman Quick 8 Shootout competition during the IHRA National Event at Maryland International Raceway in 1999, and qualifying for Pro Modified competitions at numerous other National Events. He won honors for Best Reaction Time in Pro Competition at the 2004 Norwalk World Finals and has a number of event wins in Outlaw Pro Stock and Outlaw Pro Modified to his credit. Nielsen finished the 2005 Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA) in ninth place.

The PMRA has four events confirmed for the 2006 season, the KC Auto Parts Family Day Celebration at Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga, ON Saturday, June 24, and the Pro Modified Racing Association is pleased to be running inaugural events at St. Thomas Dragway in Sparta, ON August 5 and 6, the Eaton PMRA Challenge at Sanair near Montreal scheduled for Saturday, August 19 and at the Grand Bend Motorplex, over the Labor Day weekend.

PMRA officials are in negotiations with several tracks at present for 2006, both eighth and quarter-mile tracks in Michigan, New York, and Ohio with the plan of presenting a six -event drag racing series in 2006.

Started late in 2004 and entering its second year of operation, the PMRA ran five events in 2005 at four Ontario, Quebec, and New York locations, with a different winner at each track. The PMRA provides drag race fans the opportunity to see and hear popular Pro Modified racing in the class known as “the world’s fastest door slammers.”

The PMRA is a self-governing organization with its own set of technical and safety rules based on the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) Pro Modified division. Cars in the PMRA capture the true spirit of hot rodding, and the class offers a widely diverse group of racecars with different types of 2000-horsepower engines propelling the cars down the quarter-mile in the 6.20-second range at 230 mph.

From: Bruce F. Mehlenbacher mehlenbacher@ProModifiedRacing.com

Patrick Carpentier to race for A1 Team Canada

Montreal, Québec (January 19, 2006) – A1 Team Canada is delighted to announce today that open-wheel racing standout Patrick Carpentier will represent Canada in the A1 Grand Prix of Nations – ‘The World Cup of Motorsport’ in Round 9 of the inaugural series at Fundidora Park, Monterrey, Mexico (24-26 February) and again in Round 10 at Laguna Seca, California, USA (10-12 March).

Carpentier (34), from Joliette, Québec is undoubtedly one of Canada’s most accomplished active motorsport talents with a professional career spanning eight seasons in the Champ Car World Series, where he scored five victories from 22 podium finishes and the 1997 Jim Trueman ‘Rookie of the Year’ honors, and a full season in the Indy Racing League in 2005 where he finished on the podium twice and led the League in laps completed.

“I’m really excited to be representing Canada in the A1 Grand Prix Series,” stated Carpentier. “I’m grateful to Wade Cherwayko for the offer to join the Canadian team and to Mecachrome for allowing me to compete in Mexico and the USA. I won my last race at Laguna Seca in Champ Cars in 2004, I love the track and I know some of the other quick guys from the IRL are going to be representing their countries that weekend – it’s going to be a lot of fun!

“I’ve raced a couple of times at Fundidora Park in Mexico as well so again I know the track and can take the time to get used to the A1GP car. I have to say the A1 Team Canada car looks amazing and I can’t wait to start racing it next month.”

A1 Team Canada Franchise holder, Wade Cherwayko, is equally pleased to have Carpentier represent Canada when the A1 Grand Prix of Nations crosses the Atlantic for the first time next month.

“My objective from the very start for A1 Team Canada was to bring together both the present and the future of Canadian motorsport. Patrick represents the present and I’m delighted that he shares our vision for the team along with Sean McIntosh, one of Canada’s leading young talents,” said Cherwayko.

“Patrick brings an exceptional amount of talent and experience to our driver line-up, he’s a proven winner at the top level of open-wheel competition and more importantly he’s a great ambassador for Canada having competed internationally against some of the world’s finest drivers. Participating in the A1 Grand Prix of Nations gives Canada the opportunity to put its stamp firmly on the world motorsport map and to follow on from the reputation established by the likes of Gilles and Jacques Villeneuve in Formula One.


He continued, “Our involvement in the series also represents a major business opportunity for Canadian companies looking for a global vehicle to promote themselves. With 25 different nations competing and the series visiting five different continents during the season, Canadian businesses can actively promote themselves globally while utilizing the universal appeal of the first ever ‘World Cup of Motorsport.”

France currently leads the A1GP Nations Standings courtesy of nine wins, with Brazil and Switzerland the only other countries to have celebrated on the top step of the podium to-date. Other nations competing in the ‘World Cup of Motorsport’ include the USA, Mexico, Great Britain, Australia, South Africa, China, Japan, Germany and India.

A1 Team Canada currently sits tenth overall following the first six rounds of competition hosted in the United Kingdom, Germany, Portugal, Australia, Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates.

With Vancouver’s Sean McIntosh (20) driving for A1 Team Canada, the team has collected a total of seven top-ten starts and seven top-ten finishes, McIntosh’s podium finish in October’s second round Feature race a notable highlight along with a pair of top-six finishes from Round 6 in Dubai in December.

McIntosh will continue to represent Canada in Rounds 7 and 8 in South Africa (27-29 January) and Indonesia (10-12 February) respectively before the A1 Grand Prix of Nations crosses the Atlantic and Patrick Carpentier takes over behind the wheel of A1 Team Canada’s charger in Mexico and the United States.

ENDS – www.a1teamcan.com

Notes to Editors:

The A1 Grand Prix of Nations is the brainchild of Sheikh Maktoum Hasher Maktoum Al Maktoum, whose aim was to create a unique racing series combining the best elements of true world sporting events such as the Olympic Games with the technology and adrenaline charge of top-flight racing. The result is the A1GP ‘World Cup of Motorsport’, in which all 25 competing nations use identical open-wheel A1 Grand Prix cars to battle for pre-eminence.

The inaugural 11 round series, held between September 2005 and April 2006 on some of the world’s most challenging tracks, is being contested by the following nations: Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, China, Czech Republic, France, Great Britain, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Ireland, Japan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, Portugal, Russia, South Africa, Switzerland and the USA.

For additional information about the A1 Grand Prix of Nations please visit the media relations area of www.a1gp.com.

FROM: A1 Team Canada Media Relations: Stuart Morrison – PR Manager
Email: stuart@a1teamcan.com

Team Cobalt Aims for Championship in Sophomore Season

Five Cars Compete in Opening Grand-Am Cup Race at Daytona

Courtesy Dave Arnold

WARREN, Mich., Jan. 18, 2006 – Coming off a successful debut racing season where the Chevrolet Cobalt SS Supercharged entries challenged for the Manufacturer’s Championship, Team Cobalt returns for its sophomore season with a trophy firmly in sight as the 2006 Grand-Am Cup season opens at Daytona International Speedway on Jan. 27.

“The Cobalt SS Supercharged won three races and a pole positon in 2005, and we finished third in Manufacturer’s Championship points,” said Ken Wasmer, small car program engineering manager for the GM Performance Division, which provides engineering technical support for the Cobalt entrants.

“We’re pleased with our success, but for 2006, our sights are set much higher. This year we want to win the Manufacturer’s Championship,” Wasmer added.

The 200-mile Grand-Am Cup race on Daytona’s 3.56-mile combination infield road course and high-banked oval layout, will take the green flag on Friday, Jan. 27 at 2:15 p.m. EST. The Cobalts will compete in the newly re-named Sport Tuner class.

“Cars like the Cobalt SS Supercharged are very popular among today’s young ‘Tuner’ car enthusiasts,” added Wasmer. “We like the fact that Grand American is keeping up with the trends by re-naming the class.”

Three teams are bringing five Cobalts to Daytona. Mike Kuznicki’s Georgian Bay Motorsports team will have two, as will Californian Tom Lepper, and Powell Motorsport will have a single entry.

“The manufacturers we race against – nine of them last year – are very much the manufacturers we’re competing with in the marketplace,” added Wasmer. “The fact our cars performed so well in 2005 definitely helped sales.”

Jim Holtom of Carp, Ontario, Canada will drive the Georgian Bay team’s #01 car alongside Daniel Colembie, a Belgian now living in Malibu, Calif. Holtom’s son, Jamie, will share his #00 entry with a new co-driver, Grand-Am Cup veteran and two-time Rolex Sports Car Series driving champion Eric Curran of Chicopee, Mass.

Tom Lepper of Benecia, Calif. is paired for the second year with Bo Roach of Tulsa, Okla. in the #48 car, and Lepper’s son, Jeff, will drive #98 with V.J. Mirzayan of Fresno, Calif.

Devon Powell of Blackstock, Ontario, Canada, a Grand Am Cup driving titlist himself, has built a new Cobalt SS Supercharged (#06), which will be raced by veteran Ed Magner of Grand Blanc, Mich. and newcomer Phil Malgren of San Pablo, Calif.

The Holtom family made Grand American Road Racing Association history last June at Mosport Raceway when Jim and Jamie won the ST class race to become the sanctioning body’s first father-son winners – on Father’s Day weekend. To make it even better, Jamie, who was 17-years, 8-months, 19-days-old, also became Grand Am’s youngest winner.

Built on United Auto Workers assembly lines in Lordstown, Ohio, the Cobalt variants debuted in dealer showrooms in January 2005. The most powerful and most agile of the line, the SS Supercharged model with its 2.0 liter ECOTEC engine, was engineered by GM Performance Division.

GM Performance Division delivers compelling, low volume, high-performance production vehicles, and the Chevrolet Cobalt SS Supercharged is the third performance car developed by GM Performance Division engineers. Others include the 400 hp Cadillac CTS-V, 469 hp STS-V and 443 hp XLR-V; Chevy SSR and the 395 hp Trailblazer SS; and the 205 hp Saturn ION Red Line.

The racing versions of the Cobalt SS Supercharged, like its competitors, are built to Grand American’s rules, which specify what parts can be upgraded.

Chevy Cobalt SS Supercharged Powered Entrant/Driver Line-up:
00 Georgian Bay Motorsports – Jamie Holtom, Eric Curran
01 Georgian Bay Motorsports – Jim Holtom, Daniel Colembie
06 Powell Motorsport – Ed Magner, Phil Malgren
48 Team Cobalt California – Tom Lepper, Bo Roach
98 Team Cobalt California – Jeff Lepper, V. J. Mirzayan

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world’s largest automaker, has been the global industry sales leader since 1931. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 325,000 people around the world. It has manufacturing operations in 32 countries and its vehicles are sold in 200 countries. In 2004, GM sold nearly 9 million cars and trucks globally, up 4 percent and the second-highest total in the company’s history. GM’s global headquarters are at the GM Renaissance Center in Detroit. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.

AutoZone West Series Added to NASCAR Weekend at Infineon Raceway

SONOMA, Calif. (IMMEDIATE RELEASE) – The NASCAR Grand National Division, AutoZone West Series will return to Infineon Raceway for the first time in eight years during the 2006 Big O Tires Racing Season, raceway officials announced today.

The AutoZone West Series, which last visited a road course in 2001, will be the featured event on Saturday of the Dodge/Save Mart 350 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series weekend (June 23-25), replacing the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division Southwest Series. The race will be called the Blue Lizard Suncream 200 — this marks the series’ first visit to Infineon Raceway since 1998.

“Returning to the challenges of road-course racing at Infineon Raceway is a fantastic opportunity for the AutoZone West Series,” said NASCAR Director of Regional Racing Development Don Hawk. “The NASCAR Grand National Division, including the AutoZone West Series, is the training ground for the NASCAR stars of the future, and it’s important that these up-and-coming teams and drivers gain as much experience as they can – on all types of race tracks. For the fans, they will have an opportunity to witness a great race featuring the top regional racing stars on the West Coast.”

The West Series has a long history at Infineon Raceway, including annual visits from 1978-1989 — its first race in Sonoma came in 1978, with Jim Insolo taking the checkered flag. The West Series served as a support race to the NASCAR Cup Series from 1989-1997 in Sonoma, and ran alongside the Craftsman Truck Series from 1995-1998.

Current NASCAR NEXTEL Cup star Kevin Harvick won the last West Series event at Infineon Raceway en route to winning the 1998 series championship. Other current and former Cup drivers who have earned their stripes in the West Series include Brendan Gaughan, Ken Schrader, Ron Hornaday Jr. and Derrick Cope.

“The West Series has a long legacy at this track and has been a breeding ground for some of the top talent in our sport,” said Steve Page, president and general manager of Infineon Raceway. “This will be a terrific addition to the NASCAR weekend.”

The West Series enters its 53rd season in 2006, making it the West Coast’s oldest stock car racing circuit. The West Series historically competes in Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Utah and Arizona.

The race at Infineon Raceway will span 64 laps and feature drivers like two-time series champion Mike Duncan, 2005 championship runner-up Steve Portenga, Austin Cameron, Jim Inglebright, Mike David, and Peyton Sellers, who recently signed a development contract with Richard Childress Racing. It’s expected a number of NASCAR NEXTEL Cup regulars may compete in the race as the two cars (West and Cup) are very similar. The weekend is presented by Snap-on Tools.

Tickets are now available for the 2006 season at Infineon Raceway, including the Dodge/Save Mart 350. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 800-870-RACE or visit www.infineonraceway.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

NEWS: Tracy to NASCAR Busch Series for '06

On Friday, Jan. 20 at 9 a.m., Paul Tracy will announce the details on his recently inked deal to run in the NASCAR Busch Series for 2006. No particulars were released, and there's been no clue as to how many races the Forsythe Racing driver will compete in.

Considering he's confirmed his participation in Champ Car for '06, the Busch series deal most certainly will be a handful of races that his schedule allows.

Check back for more information!

Kurt Busch talks about his new situation

From Ray Cooper // Clear!Blue
Daytona Int'l Speedway // Pre-Season Testing

KURT BUSCH (No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge Charger)
HOW DOES IT FEEL BEING WITH A NEW TEAM? “I was at Atlanta last week, and that was the first time getting back on track. I felt a little rusty. Everybody looked at me funny. Yeah, it means two different things, getting back into the seat and of course wearing the Miller Lite suit. It’s been fun. Yesterday to see all the fans in the garage area, and fan walk and fan deck, everybody is waving and saying hello. I’m saying, ‘guys, it’s me, not Rusty.’ Then they come up to the window and say, ‘man, we’re happy you’re in the car.’ It’s been different already from that aspect of it. Answering questions to Roger (Penske), Roger calls me three or four times a week, and I have that relationship open up. There are so many new things, things that I look forward to. One comfortable thing I got done this offseason, I brought my spotter with me – Jeremy Brickhouse. He’s a nephew of Richard Brickhouse, the guy I think that won the first Talladega race. Having him in the spotter’s stand is a sense of comfort and gives me a familiar voice when we head out on the track. Everything on the track has been about the same, sitting in the cockpit and driving the car, but everything around has been different, so it’s been a good start to things.”

COMMENT ON SWITCHING FROM FORD TO DODGE “That’s been a unique element. I think the biggest difference obviously is the Dodge didn’t have the success it want to last year, whether it was the lack of rear downforce or too much front downforce, so going to Atlanta doing a tire test for Goodyear was very beneficial for our team. I went to Lakeland and tested our short track car, and the difference between the short track cars is more the difference between the car owners and how they build cars. I guess you could say the difference between Roush and Penske, and everything was positive there. Things were positive at Atlanta. I was cording the right rear tires. Normally you cord the right front tire and blow those tires out. The Dodge was a little looser. It was cording the right rear tire. We’ll make adjustments for that and do what we think we need to do for a full 500-mile race. At Daytona, I believe the Charger is going to be the car to beat when we show up for race time at Speedweeks. The Chevrolets might be fast in practice and they might sit on the front row, but I believe the Chargers, the way the Penske cars have been racing on the plate tracks, as well as Ganassi, it looks like Mears, the veteran guy over there for Chip Ganassi is going to be pretty tough as well.”

COMMENT ON YOUR BROTHER KYLE’S SUCCESS “To see Kyle come up through the ranks so quick and be able to jump from one series to the next and act as he’s belonged there all along… The ability to have that racecar feel, and I think he does a great job relaying the information back to the crew chief on how the car’s handling and what it was like in the pack. To see him come up through the Busch Series and have the success he had there, to jump into Nextel Cup, and I think he sat on the pole at California in his fifth attempt to get a pole and he got it. That showed right away that he was going to be a strong force in his rookie season. To win two races, I think they were given the right credit. He won the night race in California and he won at Phoenix. I think that was motivation that he felt family wise. That was a true testament with what he’s been able to do with racecars and his emotions. One thing Kyle and I always try to do is give good information back to the crew chief, and that stems from working with our father, Tom. We wanted to make his job easier when we were racing cars, so we told him everything the car was doing so we could work on it together. I knew from the beginning that he could be a strong racer and a force to be reckoned with and he’s getting more and more comfortable. I expect great things from him this year. I used to see him in my rearview mirror. Now I’m looking at him through my windshield. There’s a big difference, but it’s fun.”

YOU SEEM TO BE REALLY HAPPY. ARE THINGS THAT GOOD FOR YOU? “I am very happy. It’s obviously very new and things are so different. When things are new it’s easy to get caught up in the newness of it. You just bounce from one thing to the next whether it’s racecar setup or whether it’s different things with the sponsor. Going to Milwaukee so many times already, those guys have instilled some great qualities in me. You’re exactly right. It’s following the Penske MO of how the drivers are. It’s not any type of confidence. It’s not any type of I’ve got a chip on my shoulder. It’s fun to smile and walk around with a Miller Lite suit on knowing the guy in charge is Roger Penske. It goes back to the conversation I had with him during the offseason. I don’t want to do any appearances the morning of the Coca-Cola 600. He looked at me funny and was like ‘kid, what are you talking about?’ I go, “I want to go to Indy with you, dude.’ So I’m going to go to Indy this May and hang out for the beginning of the 500 and then fly back to Charlotte so I can do the race that night. Just opening up the door with him and having that rapport, it’s been great. I feel comfortable with it, but yet there’s so much to learn. People like Deb (Williams) and TR (Tom Roberts) have helped me understand you don’t have to be so up tight and loosen up.”

WHAT IMPACT HAS PENSKE HAD ON YOU WITH THE WAY YOU INTERACT WITH PUBLIC AND MEDIA? “The biggest difference I’ve noticed already, I’ve got a Nextel phone and I had probably 180 numbers saved in there and during this offseason that number has jumped up to 230 and it’s because people come up to me and it’s opened doors for relationships. Talking with Don Miller, we’re getting a couple of street rods put together, and I have to call him up to find out some of his parts suppliers. Ryan Newman, I called him up for some fishing tidbits because I was out on the shore of Virginia having some fun. The opportunity with Roger, he called me Christmas Day and said Merry Christmas. I was blown away. He says he needs me to go to the Super Bowl with him. ‘Can you make it?’ I said let me think about it – OK, we’re there. That’s opened another door to talk with both of his sons – Greg and Roger Jr. I’ve talked with them. I bought Eva a car through Greg. I think that was under Roger’s direction. He said talk to Greg about cars. Roger is great. Don Miller and working with Tim Cindric, the guy from the open wheel team. He’s now the General Manager at Penske Racing South. All the time I’m meeting the people and developing relationships with them whereas before it was just race the car, get in the car, make sure the sponsor is happy and go to the next race. Now I’m realizing there’s more to it than just going around in circles and going fast.”

COMMENT ON THE SOUTHWEST SERIES “I’ve got a great story that goes along with that. I’ll try not to make it too long. It’s tough to see the realignment of the regional Southwest tour cars, the Southwest Series. Late Models used to be a division where you could afford to race ‘em, slap on a set of fresh tires and race ‘em for a couple of weekends. Those days are long gone. The price has just elevated itself beyond a reasonable value of what you could race a Late Model for, but the Southwest Series was traveling around, going from Colorado to Northern California, Southern California, Arizona into Nevada. There were great racetracks that taught racers many different qualities. We would race on the speedway in Phoenix and the mile and a half in Vegas all the way to the road course in Sears Point. All those were Cup tracks. The Midwest Series wouldn’t race on those tracks or the Southeast Series, they might have a chance to get on Kentucky Speedway, so the Southwest Series was very versatile. Back when I used to run three or four races a year were on TV. Those were big TV races and everybody showed up for ‘em. The series just above that, the Grand National West Division, is now going to be pumped. I believe those cars are going to a composite body instead of a steel body. Because when you have a steel body car it takes too many crew guys to fix it every week and maintain. I think that’s the reasoning why. I don’t know for sure.

“The story I wanted to tell, Mike Wallace was racing Winston West and I was racing Southwest Tour. He won a race at Pikes Peak and now he’s racing at the same racetrack I’m racing on. I go up to Mike, he’s a big Nextel Cup guy and I want to go up and talk to him. I asked him how he won the race at Pikes Peak. His carburetor fell off or something. He came from two laps down and won the race. I just wanted to pat him on the back. He told me the whole story, and I told him that was cool. I told him I was a driver in the Southwest Series trying to move up. I asked him what he thought of the Winston West. I said, ‘do you think it’s a softer series?’ As soon as I said that I knew I’d just kicked him in the rear end. Telling him he did a great job winning at Pikes Peak and then told him the series was soft in my next sentence. He said. ‘who are you some arrogant punk? What number are you running tonight?’ I told him I was running the 4 car. He asked where I qualified, and I qualified third. I asked him where he qualified and he qualified 22nd, but he said, ‘I’m going to come and tear your door off.’ Early on I learned I was phrasing things the wrong way. I was trying to find out if the Grand National West Series was the next step I needed to take and try to find a ride in that series or if I should throw my life on the line and go for a truck series ride. After the race Mike came over to me and said ‘find yourself a truck series ride and we’ll see what you’ve got.’ At the end of that year is when I got called by Roush to race the truck at Daytona and I finished second to Mike Wallace in my first race. It was kinda fun.”

HOW HAS IT BEEN WORKING WITH RYAN AND HOW CLOSELY TO YOU EXPECT THE 2 AND 12 TO WORK THIS SEASON? “I think it will take some time, but already I’ve seen movement out of some of the meetings. Matt Borland actually scheduled a meeting with Roy McCauley and Ryan Newman and myself and two engineers. The six of us had a little pow wow. I stayed quiet the whole time. I just listened and tried to absorb what the problem was, which was obviously Newman is a new school guy and Rusty is an old school guy. The two just clashed a little bit. When Newman would have good information and new things found by his team, Rusty was available to that, but Rusty didn’t quite keep it in house, and I think that’s the main reason the two didn’t quite get along. Rusty has grown up in the Cup garage, and he’s got friends like Mark Martin. He’s got friends like Darrell Waltrip. He’s got friends all over the place where they would just chit chat about setup. That’s changed recently, and that’s where the two I thing were somewhat imbalanced. My new crew chief and his engineering frame of mind, it’s the new school way of doing things. Ryan and I have talked about that. It’ll take some time to develop, but I’ve already seen some of the actions take place. They came back from their test here at Daytona last week and told my crew chief what they learned, what they saw and what they didn’t get a chance to run. Here we are this week helping out with some of his setups and what he thought would work that they didn’t have time to get to. We’ll go to Vegas in a couple of weeks and just keep rolling from there. I don’t see Ryan as a problem at all to work with. It’s just a matter of blending into the program. Now with Penske restructuring and having an engineering-based group, I’ve got to step up to that program because I’m used to the old school with Jimmy Fennig, where he was the veteran and had things his way. It’s going to be a great challenge for me to step up, too. Overall I think it will be better for the program once the two of us run parallel with one another. I don’t see a problem at all.”

LAST YEAR, WERE YOU SURPRISED HOW UGLY EVERYTHING GOT? “I was very surprised that it got that personal. With the way everything came about, maybe I could have done it a different way, but I thought the best approach was to notify him early on so they could get their sponsors lined up and do the things they had to do. I was a bit disappointed that Mark Martin had to stick around for another year when he said he
was going to retire. I don’t know how that came about, but I thought Mark set a precedence to have his salute to you and what he had done for the fans over the years. I really thought it was a great way to go out and now he’s back. It just kinda gets weird over there every now and then. I just look forward to driving the Miller Lite Dodge. I’ve got a trip to Milwaukee next week to learn more things about the brewery and their direction. That’s where it will change over, and I’ll be known as the Penske guy and move on from there.”

COMMENT ON DENNY HAMLIN “With Denny Hamlin I was very surprised. He got a pole last year in the five or six starts he made. Just the maturity he showed, I didn’t know him all that well from the Busch Series. Then he jumps into Cup and runs as competitive as he was running. It’s a quality car, obviously, and it’s got great people around it, but the kid’s got to drive it and he did great. I would say going into this year that since my brother is not a rookie I’m bias toward Denny Hamlin for rookie of the year.”

HOW NEW SCHOOL ARE YOU? “I think I’m new school enough. I grew up with a Ninetendo. I’ve got one of those laying around. Having the background I’ve had with computers, I took a little typing course in the eighth grade. My mom is a secretary and she made me. I took a word processing class to help create my resume for college in the ninth grade. I think I know computers. The programs I’ve seen created to help racecars and technology I’ve kept up with. I’ve got ‘em downloaded on my laptop so that I can tinker with them and understand and try to throw in equations, but I am behind with the times with the way Penske operates. I’m always looking for challenges to expand my mind for one thing and to obviously get up to the level of Roy McCauley who has had success on the Busch Series level. Now it’s time to see what we can do on the Cup level. It’ll be a challenge. We’ll see what we can do.”

DID YOU TAKE IT PERSONALLY WHEN THEY CHANGED THE 97 TO THE 26? “I actually took it the opposite way. I thought it was an honor to have them retire that number or move it off to the side. I took it over from Chad Little. They kept asking me what number I wanted. I didn’t really know, so we kept the 97 and took it from a non-race winner to a contender and then to a winner and then on to a championship level. I always looked at that little banner that Jeff Gordon had when I was growing up watching races of his checklist with Ray Evernham -- an upstart to a contender to a winner to a championship to a dynasty. So the number got retired quickly after the championship so it’ll be a dynasty for a long time.”

TALK ABOUT WHAT IT’S GOING TO BE LIKE NOT HEARING JIMMY FENNIG ON THE RADIO “I’m trying to come up with a nickname for Roy because he’s switched on. That’s what we call him. He’s bouncing here. He’s bouncing there, but he’s got a direction. He has purpose to all of his calls. He is 180 degrees different from Jimmy Fennig. It’s cute. When I first got over to the Penske shops, everything is wide open. The shop is huge and everybody’s got their big desks and big glass windows. You could look in the windows and see what’s going on except Roy’s engineering room. I went in there and there were all kind of gadgets in there that looked like they belonged in NASA and the windows are frosted. I’m like, ‘what did you do Roy?’ He said, ‘Yeah, Roger was about to rip me for that..’ I’m like, ‘so he doesn’t like it?’ He said, ‘No.’ I said, ‘I’m going to call you frosty then.’ He’s kind of a big guy and he looks like a snowman a little bit and he’s frosting windows. He’s like a cannon ball really. He can bounce around and get things done pretty quick. He leaves a lot of damage behind but we learn a lot as we go. I think Roy is a great guy, and I look up to him and his experience level. With his voice on the radio already we’ve got a plan and things sound good. I just can’t have him stretching me on fuel and tires like he did in the Busch Series in the Cup Series. I have to help with some of the experience level I have to balance him out and make him a better all-around crew chief.”

DID YOU THINK YOU NEEDED TO MAKE A CHANGE TO BE PART OF A SMALLER ORGANIZATION? “I looked at the opportunity to drive for Roger in many different ways. The pros on his side and the pros on Roush’s side, the cons and the cons. The balance of everything came together when Roush decided to do this consolidation. What that means is I used to have a guy who worked his way up through the food chain to hang bodies on a racecar, to have his own surface plate. That means a lot when you spend 12-15 years of your life working your way up through the ranks of a race team. He was my plate guy. He’d build me speedway cars and short track cars. He would build everything for me and then they said they were going to consolidate everything. He said, ‘well, what am I in charge of?’ He’s in charge of right front fenders for all five cars. It takes away the identity of what that guy was trying to put forth into that team. My biggest lesson I learned from Jimmy was to be a team player. Even when I was on my way out over there I was helping Mark Martin. If you want to lead a lap, go ahead and grab your five points. I was trying to help them make their cars better because we were all in The Chase. It’d be great to see one of our cars win. A few things added up here and there and of course the relationships with the people could be different I thought, and they’re turning out to be. It’s definitely an eye opener to know you can have a relationship with the team as well as race competitively.”

Royal Distributing / Factory Recreation Pro Xtreme Team Demolishes at the Derby!

From Mark Fries // VP; Royal Distributing

EAGLE RIVER, WISCONSIN – The boys unloaded at the Eagle River Derby and were just plain FAST. Only a small mechanical problem usurped what would have been another perfect weekend for Team Royal!

In Friday Night Thunder at the Derby, Pro #93 Iain Hayden continued his winning ways, taking the checkered in both PRO OPEN and PRO 440. Iain dominated the finals and at times had lapped the field to fourth place. The press from winning at the Derby makes for lots of exposure! Semi Pro #202 Joey Sagan continued to impress by bumping to Pro for the evening and ran 4th in PRO 440 and 6th in PRO OPEN finals.

In the Sunday Snowcross finals, Joey went back to back to BACK in SEMI-PRO 600, and SEMI-PRO 440, and SEMI-PRO OPEN, taking all three final wins. Joey is now 9 for 9 in his last 9 SEMI-PRO finals south of border. Joey also bumped up to PRO OPEN and stood on the podium running a strong third against the pros.

Iain continued to dominate and easily won PRO 440 and had a comfortable lead in PRO OPEN, when a faulty rad-hose took away the win, Iain ended up in 5th place in PRO-OPEN. All in all, 6 of 7 final wins and a podium in the 7th. A very successful trip to the Eagle River Derby! This weekend is the CSRA season opener in Owen Sound! STAY TUNED!

Final placement PRO 440 (SEMI PRO ALLOWED) FRIDAY NIGHT
Bib # Last Name First Name City State Make
1 93 HAYDEN IAIN ESPANOLA ONT SKI-DOO
2 85 John Trevor Sheridan IL SKI-DOO
3 79 ZELINSKI JOSHUA EAST LANSING MI SKI-DOO
4 202 SAGAN JOEY ELMVALE ONT SKI-DOO
5 991 KAFKA CHRIS STRATFORD WI POLARIS
6 224 Barany Darren Ashland WI SKI-DOO
7 741 Tiede Ricky Hope MI POLARIS
8 923 Keckeisen Justin Three Lakes WI SKI-DOO
9 188 RYDEN CODY HAZELHURST WI ARCTIC
10 442 Kuhn Ryan Slinger WI SKI-DOO

Final placement PRO OPEN (SEMI PRO ALLOWED) Friday Night
Bib # Last Name First Name City State Make
1 93 HAYDEN IAIN ESPANOLA ONT SKI-DOO
2 79 ZELINSKI JOSHUA EAST LANSING MI SKI-DOO
3 991 KAFKA CHRIS STRATFORD WI POLARIS
4 85 John Trevor Sheridan IL SKI-DOO
5 254 Boussum Rob Crystal Falls WI ARCTIC CAT
6 202 SAGAN JOEY ELMVALE ONT SKI-DOO
7 112 Tinus Jason Oconomowoc WI SKI-DOO
8 99 STREGE JESSE LANCASTER MN YAMAHA BACKROW
9 125 Kilinski Korey Wausau WI SKI-DOO
10 522 Hemauer Dusty Hampton MN SKI-DOO BACKROW
11DNF 741 Tiede Ricky Hope MI POLARIS

2006 DERBY SUNDAY SNO-CROSS RESULTS
January 15
Final placement PRO 440 FINAL
Bib # First Name Last Name City State Make
1 93 IAIN HAYDEN ESPANOLA ONT SKI-DOO
2 85 Trevor John Sheridan IL SKI-DOO
3 79 JOSHUA ZELINSKI EAST LANSING MI SKI-DOO
4 991 CHRIS KAFKA STRATFORD WI POLARIS
5 224 Darren Barany Ashland WI SKI-DOO
6 141 Brett Hass Malone WI SKI-DOO
7 125 Korey Kilinski Wausau WI SKI-DOO
8 119 Tim Bock Cary IL ARCTIC CAT
9 DNF 112 Jason Tinus Oconomowoc WI SKI-DOO

Final placement SEMI PRO 440 FINAL
Bib # First Name Last Name City State Make
1 202 JOEY SAGAN ELMVALE ONT SKI-DOO
2 224 Darren Barany Ashland WI SKI-DOO
3 741 Ricky Tiede Hope MI POLARIS
4 183 Eric Koehler Wausau WI
5 292 Brad Richardson Ham Lake MN POLARIS
6 141 Brett Hass Malone WI
7 125 Korey Kilinski Wausau WI SKI-DOO
8 923 Justin Keckeisen Three Lakes WI SKI-DOO
9 815 Jordan Joswick Rhinelander WI ARCTIC CAT
10 dnf 442 Ryan Kuhn Slinger WI SKI-DOO
11 dnf 206 jared selsmeyer crandon WI ARCTIC CAT

Final placement SEMI PRO 600 FINAL
Bib # First Name Last Name City State Make
1 202 JOEY SAGAN ELMVALE ONT SKI-DOO
2 512 Bill Smith Stanley WI SKI-DOO
3 741 Ricky Tiede Hope MI POLARIS
4 815 Jordan Joswick Rhinelander WI ARCTIC CAT
5 442 Ryan Kuhn Slinger WI SKI-DOO
6 923 Justin Keckeisen Three Lakes WI SKI-DOO
7 141 Brett Hass Malone WI SKI-DOO
8 125 Korey Kilinski Wausau WI SKI-DOO
9 dnf 254 Rob Boussum Crystal Falls WI ARCTIC CAT
10dnf 183 ERIC KOEHLER WAUSAU WI ARCTIC CAT

Final placement SEMI PRO OPEN FINAL
Bib # First Name Last Name City State Make
1 202 JOEY SAGAN ELMVALE ONT SKI-DOO
2 741 Ricky Tiede Hope MI POLARIS
3 254 Rob Boussum Crystal Falls WI ARCTIC CAT
4 522 Dusty Hemauer Hampton MN SKI-DOO
5 125 Korey Kilinski Wausau WI SKI-DOO
6 815 Jordan Joswick Rhinelander WI ARCTIC CAT
7 188 CODY RYDEN HAZELHURST WI ARCTIC
8 616 Ryan Kniskern Marinette WI ARCTIC CAT
9 132 Mark VanRite DePere WI POLARIS
10 206 jared selsmeyer crandon WI ARCTIC CAT
DNS 785 Chris Rieschl Rice Lake WI SKI-DOO

Final placement PRO OPEN
Bib # Last Name First Name City State Make
1 85 John Trevor Cross Lake MN SKI-DOO
2 991 KAFKA CHRIS STRATFORD WI POLARIS
3 202 SAGAN JOEY ELMVALE ONT SKI-DOO
4 79 ZELINSKI JOSHUA EAST LANSING MI SKI-DOO
5 93 HAYDEN IAIN ESPANOLA ONT SKI-DOO
6 254 Boussum Rob Crystal Falls WI ARCTIC CAT
7 99 STREGE JESSE LANCASTER MN YAMAHA
DNS 112 Tinus Jason Oconomowoc WI SKI-DOO

SOS: Good news... Tim Phillips set to return

From the SOS Insider,

SOS competitors, officials and fans will be excited to see the #21 back on the track in 2006. Tim Phillips has been a regular with the SOS for many years but was unable to compete in 2005 as he battled prostate cancer.

For Tim it was a successful fight as he is ready to get back behind the wheel full time. A local Grand Island, NY newspaper along with several others in the area ran a story about Tim and his victory over cancer.

To read the story visit http://www.southernontariosprints.com

LUCAS OIL WWS: A year of change

By Josh Paxton, WWS

While the fundamentals remain undisturbed, ‘a year of change’ will best describe the upcoming sophomore season of Canada’s Weekend Warrior Series.

When we last left Canada’s first ever league of grassroots stock car racing, the inaugural Lucas Cup Champion was crowned at Peterborough Speedway. Tom Walters of Barrie, recognized in Ontario stock car racing circles as both “Stompin’ Tom” and “Mr. Saturday Night,” fought for six long months against top competition, including a ferocious battle with fellow Barrie driver and former CASCAR competitor John Gaunt, to climb the proverbial mountain and claim the first ever Canadian Grassroots Stock Car Racing title.

Walter’s Eastern Conference equivalent, David Elliott of Acton, used his open-wheel experience and determined grit to put top contender, former CASCAR driver Pete Vanderwyst of St. Thomas, behind him to claim the Conference title.

More than two hundred other Late Model race car drivers challenged for a spot in the top ranks of the Weekend Warrior Series. Now, three months later, the awards banquets of the participating speedways are a memory of the past, and a fresh page awaits the next chapter of WWS Canadian grassroots stock car racing history.

The WWS administration, Paxton Motorsports Marketing, has had no off-season. Immediately following the close of the competitive racing season it was time to retrieve feedback from all available parties: sponsors, competitors, promoters, and fans. The first year involved a lot of learning, and WWS co-founders Joshua and Gerry Paxton continue to nurture the ‘evolution’ of this grassroots stock car racing league.

One of the more major projects was the development of a new look for the WWS. Set to be unveiled in the week of January 23rd, the all-new http://www.weekendwarriorseries.com/ website is not just a move, but a leap to a more professional and entertaining window into the workings of the program, and the lives of those people involved. Said Joshua, “We are taking the image of Canadian grassroots stock car racing to a whole new level. We want to share our passion with the nation. There are amazing stories of competition, teamwork, rivalry, and family, that happen each weekend, right here in Ontario, that get overlooked for imported stories. We’re looking to bring attention to the Canadian product.”

The website will also be introducing a new logo for the WWS program. “We’ve kept the theme of a warrior’s shield, and the original colours, but we really wanted to emphasize the pride of being a Canadian brand.” Heading into ’06, the Weekend Warrior Series is proud to announce the return and continued support of Lucas Oil Products.

When asked, Paxton Motorsports responded that the WWS is in the midst of developing additional added-value partner programs to supplement the Lucas Oil support. “Absolutely we are working to add partners. We’re working on a couple of associates to promote the two Ontario conferences, as well as working to develop additional programs to meet the needs of interested parties.”

Unfortunately it appears that not everyone shares the ambitious vision of the WWS. Earlier this morning it was announced that Mosport Speedway of Bowmanville had been released from the stock car racing league. WWS Director of Operations Gerry Paxton stated that following a performance review, and several conversations with Mosport Race Director Brian Bassett, “it became apparent that this particular speedway was not living up to its obligations as a member of the WWS.” The Weekend Warrior Series will post a further release regarding the dismissal of Mosport Speedway on its new website, to address the reasons and reactions to this decision.

The WWS is very positive about the outlook for the 2006 Canadian Grass Roots Racing program. The WWS league moves forward with a roster of seven Ontario-based asphalt speedways, including markets in Peterborough, Barrie, Hamilton, and London, as well as a new headquarters in Toronto. The weekly grassroots stock car racing program surrounds the Golden Horseshoe, encompassing some 12 million people, all of which the Paxton's refer to as ‘closet race fans’.

The idea is that racing offers something for everybody. For the thrill seeker there’s the speed, close passes, and big time wrecks. For the coach, there’s the reinforcement of team work and community. For the desktop designer there are the flashy colours and bright designs of paint schemes and logo work. “Our job is to find out what it is about racing that gets a person excited, and then get them out to experience it live.”

There’s already a lot of excitement surrounding the upcoming WWS racing season. Competitors and fans alike await the release of the 2006 event schedule, slated for release in February. There’s a lot more to come from WWS in ’06, so stay tuned.

For more information, contact Paxton Motorsports Marketing, Josh Paxton via email jp@weekendwarriorseries.com or Gerry Paxton at gerry@weekendwarriorseries.com.

FOR SALE: Dave Franks' Hot Rod

Dave Franks is selling his hot rod. If you've been at an Ontario short track in the past few years, you've seen it.

FOR SALE: 1927 Ford "T"

• Good runner
• 33,000 miles
• 2300 cc four-cylinder engine
• C4 Transmission.
• New NASCAR tires with yellow lettering
• Fully upholstered
• AM / FM radio
• NASCAR-style fuel cell to enhance safety
• Asking $13,000.00 (US)

Those interested in the car should contact John at JB Street Rods.

Par For the Course for Ryan Litt

From Litt P.R. (January 11, 2006), by Tommy Goudge

Another race in Fort Wayne, another 6th place finish for Ryan Litt. The 18 year old racer from Lyons, Ontario was placed in 6th in last year’s Rumble in Fort Wayne event after being penalized. This year, however, he finished there without any controversy.

Brake issues slowed the Eddie Griffith owned Ford Focus USAC Midget on the first night. After a fine 7th place showing in time trials, the heat race was a total write off as the #41 was run into from behind on two separate occasions. Ryan bounced back in the B-Main with a fine drive, but fell short of a transfer spot, finishing in 3rd.

The second and final night proved to be more successful for Ryan as he time trialed 6th, took home the win in his heat after the two leaders tangled, and finished 6th in the feature.

“In the Feature we started 4th row inside beside Tony (Stewart),” said Ryan later. “The car was pretty good but the track was in such good shape that the big motors had an advantage, and I could never pull them coming off the corner. Last year the rubber peeled away and the big cars couldn’t use all their motor, but this year it was different. So I just tried as hard as I could and tried to pass and stay close to other cars, and most of all stay out of wrecks.”

Ryan would like to thank Eddie Griffith for another fun weekend racing indoors in his #41 Beast chassis Ford Focus powered USAC Midget, as well as the crew and his many sponsors: BRR Media, Kolors by Kropy, Velocity Wings, BOC Gases, and BS&B Radiator.

A big sponsorship announcement for the #07 Sprint Car is forthcoming in the next few weeks. Ryan will be piloting the family owned #07 Beast/Claxton sprinter in all Auto Value Super Sprints events this coming season and taking aim at the rookie of the year award. Follow his news and progress throughout the season on Ryan’s official website, www.RyanLitt.com.

MIS ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF POPULAR ‘RACE TO WIN’ CONTEST

FANS CAN VISIT WWW.MISPEEDWAY.COM TO INSTANTLY WIN DAILY PRIZES

BROOKLYN, Mich. – Due to its popularity with fans in 2004, Michigan International Speedway has announced that it will bring back the MIS ‘Race to Win’ Instant Win Game presented by AAA. Starting on Saturday, January 14, fans can visit www.MISpeedway.com to participate in the daily game, which is being announced in conjunction with tickets officially going on sale for both the June and August NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series races at MIS this summer.

‘Race to Win’ will give MIS fans a chance to instantly win daily prizes along with a daily entry towards the Grand Prize drawing of “Free Sunoco Gas for a Year.”

Fans can log on to www.MISpeedway.com and play Michigan International Speedway’s ‘Race To Win’ every day to instantly win prizes such as tickets to all 2006 events at MIS, including NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, NASCAR Busch Series, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, ARCA RE/MAX Series and IRL IndyCar® Series races. Additional prizes include free AAA memberships, GFS Marketplace gift cards, AutoWeek Magazine prize packages, Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Auto Parts Stores gift packages and Pepsi products, in addition to the Grand Prize. The MIS ‘Race to Win’ contest ends Friday, April 14.

“More and more fans continue to visit our website to view 3D seating maps and purchase tickets, merchandise and obtain information about MIS events,” said MIS Director of Ticketing John Moreland. “Along with our growing MIS Fan of the Month and Fan of the Year awards, this is just another way to thank the fans for visiting our website. Not only is the ‘Race to Win’ contest fun and interactive, but each day fans visit www.MISpeedway.com they could be an instant winner and earn entries towards this very exciting Grand Prize of Free Sunoco Gas for a Year.”

The ‘Race to Win’ promotion is once again being run by Farmington Hills, Mich. based company ePrize, the industry leader in interactive promotions. Clients of ePrize include large companies such as General Motors and Northwest Airlines. Other major clients include Federal Express, AT&T Wireless, Orbitz.com, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, and Domino’s Pizza. The company also has satellite offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and London.

“The MIS ‘Race to Win’ promotion is at the forefront of the interactive promotions industry,” said Bob Marsh, VP of Business Development for ePrize. “The world’s largest brands turn to us, and to again work with someone in our own backyard is very exciting. What’s unique about ‘Race to Win’ is the fact that it reaches people offline and brings them online to the MIS official website, www.MISpeedway.com. Plus, the fact that fans can come back every day to be an instant winner is highly compelling.”

MIS has worked with several key partners for this year’s ‘Race to Win’ contest, many of which have supplied great prizes. In addition to “Free Gas for a Year,” from Sunoco, other ‘Race to Win’ sponsors include: AAA Michigan, Auto Value/Bumper-to-Bumper Auto Parts Stores, AutoWeek Magazine, GFS Marketplace and Pepsi.

Tickets and camping for both NEXTEL Cup Series races at MIS, the June 18 Michigan 400 and the August 20 GFS Marketplace 400, will go on sale at 8:00 AM EST on Saturday, January 14 at MIS’ official website, www.MISpeedway.com, or by calling the MIS ticket hotline at 1-800-354-1010. Tickets will be available at www.MISpeedway.com 24 hours a day, seven days a week, starting January 14. Tickets to all other events, which include the IRL IndyCar Series, NASCAR Busch Series, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and ARCA/REMAX Series are also now available.

For tickets and information regarding events at MIS, log on to www.MISpeedway.com, or call the MIS ticket hotline at 1-800-354-1010.

Return To Eldora Highlights Solid 2006 Advance Auto Parts Modified Series

By DIRT MotorSports PR

WEEDSPORT, N.Y. (January 15) – Highlighted by a return trip to Eldora Speedway over the summer, the 2006 Advance Auto Parts Modified Super DIRT Series schedule boasts one of the most expansive efforts put forth by DIRT MotorSports NorthEast officials in the new millennium. The Advance Auto Parts SDS remains a major component of the overall Hoosier Tire-Sunoco Race Fuels Mr. DIRT Modified Championship, which continues to be recognized as one of the most prestigious titles a driver can hold in auto racing today.

"The addition of Eldora makes the Advance Auto Parts Series even more attractive and its already got our teams and race fans excited for the start of the season up north," said Tonya Moschell, DIRT MotorSports NorthEast General Manager. "We had great runs the last two times there and it's hard not to expect more of the same when our top touring stars make another visit in August."

With the 31st Mr. DIRT Championship at stake, the 2006 edition of the Advance Auto Parts Modified Super DIRT Series will now be contested at 19 tracks throughout New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and Ohio, along with the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec. Twenty-seven scheduled tour events will carry valuable points counting directly towards the coveted title, with the champion crowned after eight months of ground-pounding short-track activity.

"Track promoters have really stepped up to the plate this year to give teams more high-paying events to run and offer fans more chances to see their favorite drivers around
the entire circuit," Moschell added. "There's a good mix of new events combined with standard stops to entice even more fans in the Northeast to be part of our big show."

The tour opens for a second straight year with the Advance Auto Parts Florida Tour four-race mini-series at Volusia Speedway Park in February, with points awarded only towards the 35th Winter Nationals Championship. Farther north, Hagerstown is once again set to kick off the big-block points chase in late March. The traditional New York State lid-lifter is the 26th Annual DIRT Challenge Cup at Rolling Wheels in May while the DIRT Hall of Fame Classic fills out the festive Memorial Day Weekend card at DIRT NorthEast's hub in Cayuga County.

Making a return to the AAP Super DIRT Series line-up for the first time since Brett Hearn captured the 1998 special, Susquehanna is back on the schedule and paired with Lernerville in mid-June to comprise the initial tour doubleheader of the season in Pennsylvania. The first month of summer closes out in the Empire State with a second twin-bill hosted by Fulton in Central New York and Ransomville out west.

The Independence Day holiday leads off with the 37th Annual 'Firecracker 100' at Rolling Wheels followed on the Fourth of July by the big-block tour debut at Paul Kirkland's Brockville Ontario Speedway. The Canadian swing continues north of the border the second weekend in July with the popular Cornwall/Drummond double dip. Final Advance Auto Parts SDS events of the month run back-to-back at Grandview and Orange County, which will mark the 40th tour stop at the historic Middletown hard clay oval after a one-year layoff.

August action begins with a return engagement at the nationally acclaimed Eldora oval now owned by reigning Nextel Cup Champion Tony Stewart, who also owns one DIRT Modified victory at Lebanon Valley in the small-block ranks. Under the direction of legendary track owner Earl Baltes, Brett Hearn (2002) and Danny Johnson (2003) scored thrilling victories in the two Advance Auto Parts specials held at the highly regarded Western Ohio speedplant. Fast time trialer Hearn pitted prior to the halfway mark then charged back to overtake Bob McCreadie on lap 90 and cruise home for a dramatic victory in DIRT NorthEast's debut. The following season Johnson overtook rookie teammate Matt Sheppard with 14 laps left to triumph in the second Eldora Fall DIRT Big-Block 100.

Merrittville follows up Eldora with the first big-block event staged since 1992 as the Thorold, Ont. oval continues in celebration of its 55th successive season of operation. That same year Niagara Frontier favorite Ron Smoker pulled off a last turn-last lap pass of perennial power Hearn to win the dramatic Modified main event.

With Nextel Cup competitors in town at nearby Watkins Glen, Canandaigua hosts DIRT NorthEast's premier traveling tour the second Thursday in August. Consecutive mid-week appearances by AAP Super DIRT Series racers are slated for New Egypt in New Jersey and Brewerton back in New York to close out the final full month of summer.

Another traditional DIRT doubleheader arrives on the extended Labor Day Weekend with the 33rd Northeast 100 at Cayuga County piggy-backed by the 35th Petrocci Memorial at Rolling Wheels on Monday. The first post-regular season 200-lapper is scheduled at Lebanon Valley with double century grinds closing out the '06 open-wheel campaign at Rolling Wheels, Fulton, Syracuse and Orange County, where the champion will be declared during the 45th running of the Eastern States 200. Also in the autumn mix midway through September and October are 100-lappers at Canandaigua and Williams Grove.

Further additions to the big-block agenda are still pending at this time although the complete 2006 Advance Auto Parts Super DIRT Series is expected to be posted prior to the end of January.

Congratulations!

Over the weekend, I received this good news note from Peterborough Speedway photographer Don Meskis. Congratulations Don!

To each and everyone that Tanya and I call friends, Tanya gave birth to our first child, Sunday, January
16th at 6:00am, an eight pound seven ounce (for those this matters) boy, Eric Alexander Meskis. Photos will
follow sleep for all those involved.
Don

Brighton Speedway Park: Help Wanted

From Brighton Speedway Park: BSP is currently looking for mature individuals committed to working during ALL race events from April to October 2006. If you, or someone you know, is interested in joining the BSP Staff team, please contact Angie Rinaldi via email at info@brightonspeedway.com or by telephone Monday to Friday 10 am to 2pm at 613.475.1102. Only those selected for interviews will be contacted.