ACT Late Model Tour: Canadian Laperle Looking to Get Even, Set Record at Waterford Speedbowl

WATERFORD, CT - Canadian Late Model stock car driver Patrick Laperle has a lot on his mind entering Saturday's (June 7) Nutmeg State 100 at Waterford Speedbowl. The Montréal racer was just three laps away from victory the last time the American-Canadian Tour visited the historic Connecticut oval before disaster struck.

"I was racing hard for the win with Jean-Paul Cyr and we touched," Laperle remembered of the 2004 event. "He spun out and I got a flat tire. I was so close to winning that race."

Laperle has won quite a bit since that day four years ago, including a pair of Chittenden Milk Bowls at Vermont's Thunder Road, last year's Série ACT Castrol championship in his native Canada, and the Castrol season opener at his home track, Autodrome St-Eustache, three weeks ago. In fact, a look at the 2008 ACT Late Model Tour schedule will find seven tracks that the 32 year-old auto body technician has won at.

In that same look, one track stands out as the lone stop Laperle hasn't carried a checkered flag at:
Waterford Speedbowl.

"I want to win at Waterford bad," Laperle said. "It's been a good year, my worst finish is eighth, but I still haven't won a Tour race, and I've never won at Waterford. I'm ready." Should he win, Laperle will be the only driver to have at least one victory at all eight tracks on the ACT Late Model Tour schedule.

He will have plenty of challengers, including 2004 Waterford rival Cyr, the seven-time and defending ACT Champion from Milton, VT. The pair will be joined by point leader Scott Payea, 2003 Waterford winner Brent Dragon, New Hampshire's Randy Potter, Maine's Ron Henry, Donald Theetge of Québec City, and Waterford Speedbowl Track Champions Bruce Thomas, Jr. and Timmy Jordan.

Green flag qualifying action for the Nutmeg State 100 at Waterford Speedbowl begins at 5:00pm on Saturday, June 7. Waterford Speedbowl is located on 1080 Hartford Road in Waterford, CT. For more information, call ACT at (802) 244-6963 or visit www.acttour.com, or visit the official Waterford Speedbowl website at www.speedbowl.com.

From Justin St. Louis / ACT Tour
ATTACHED PHOTOS (credit Dave Heath):
1. Patrick Laperle (#91) of Montréal wants to settle a score from 2004 at Waterford Speedbowl 2. Laperle headshot

ARCA West Mac's Series race in Regina called due to inclement weather

From Craig Ball of the ARCA West Mac's Series....

"Due to inclement weather, the June 7th ARCA West Mac's Series event in Regina has been canceled."

World of Outlaws Late Models - Thursday June 19th

"Six Nations 50" sponsored by Arrow Express Full point show toward national championship See Rick Eckert, Steve Francis, Tim Fuller and the rest of the stars of the Outlaws battle South Buxton favourites including Jim Dale Jr, Andrew Reaume. Also on the program – Corr/Pak 360 Sprints.

Adult Reserved Seats are $30 with Kids 12 and under $20. Advanced tickets available at 1-888-720-7223.

General admission available race day for Adults at $20 with Kids 12 and under at $10.
Pits open at 2:00PM; Spectator gates at 4:00PM; - Racing at 7:45.
PLUS - Friday, June 20th

Empire Super Sprints plus a complete regular program of Stock Cars Gates open at 5:30PM Admission only $5 with presentation of a Thursday Night WOO Late Model Reserved Seat ticket stub.

Regular Friday admission prices are – Adult - $10; Kids 12 and under – Free; Seniors and Students - $8.

Ohsweken Speedway is located at 1987 Chiefswood Road in Ohsweken Ontario.
For more information see the official website at http://www.ohswekenspeedway.com/

For Ticket info go to - http://www.ohswekenspeedway.com/AdvancedReservedProcedure.htm

FW: DELAWARE SPEEDWAY PR: Litt Ready To Light Up Delaware with the Sprints!

By: John Houghton

 

The Auto Value Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints are set to hit the pavement this Friday at Delaware Speedway for a very special night of racing.  The event will see the homecoming of local favourite Ryan Litt and is also the only Canadian stop for the sprints in the 2008 season!  With anticipation for the event high amongst fans and drivers, local driver Ryan Litt took some time out of his busy schedule to discuss his upcoming visit.

 

“An Auto value Super Sprint is a 1600 lb open-wheel car with a 410 cubic inch all-aluminium small bock motor,” said Litt.  “They have mechanical fuel injection, and are billed as the fastest short track cars in the world.”Delaware Speedway fans are used to the APC Late Models being the fastest car on the track, but AVSS cars certainly give the regular Delaware divisions a run for their money.

 

“The cars are quite a bit different from a Late Model,” said Litt.  “When they go by you’ll know they’re quite a bit faster and noisier then a Late Model.  With the wing, it’s different looking and has big tires on the right rear.  A sprint car is quite a bit different then the average race car.”

 

Delaware Speedway is a race track that will provide some of the fastest speeds on the AVSS circuit this year.

 

“Delaware has long straights, and the corners are a bit tight.  On a long straight we’ll be doing 135-140 mph (225 KPH).  Our fastest speeds at Winchester Speedway are around 165 mph (265 KPH).”

 

Litt himself had a very busy 2007 racing season, but has decided on a new focus in 2008.

 

“Last year we decided to not focus on points racing.  We did a bit of USAC, which is the same car without the wings.  We also did a few Auto Value shows and ISMA shows.  The two highlights that stand out for me were our win at Cayuga, and finishing second at Delaware last year with the ISMA guys.  This year we’re doing the full Auto-Value deal for points.  It lets you get in the swing and find a rhythm instead of moving into a bunch of different cars all the time.”

 

Racing at Delaware is very special to Litt, who considers Delaware Speedway to be his home track.

 

“I grew up around Delaware and raced there when I was younger.  It’s great to see all my friends who I haven’t seen.  My friends and family also get to come out and see the race.  I’ve done a lot of laps around Delaware, it’s familiar so you get to relax and have some fun.”

 

“Over the winter we did a lot of changes to the car.  My crew is my grandfather, Alex Litt, and my dad Wade Litt.  We put our heads together and made some changes to help it with the wing on the car.  It seems to be helping quite a bit so far, there was a noticeable difference.  With BS&B radiator, OTC Tools are back on board we’re shooting for the AVSS championship this year, and working on consistent top 5 finishes, along with some wins of course.  We’ve been fast one week and then miss the setup next week.  This year, we want to perform consistently across all kinds of tracks.” Litt also plans to compete with the ISMA Super Modifieds at Delaware on September 26.

 

“I’ll be back again this year in the Super Modified, so hopefully I can get two top fives or even two wins!  It’s great to have the hometown fans see me in action, I hope it goes well.”

 

Litt also encourages fans to come on down to his trailer after the event to collect and autograph and even pick up the new 2008 Litt Racing t-shirt.

 

So far the Auto-Value Super Sprints have one race under their belts in 2008.  Tom Hartsell, series director for the AVSS took a few minutes to talk about their previous event and to look forward to the only Canadian stop of the year for the AVSS.

 

“Our opener went fairly well.  We were bit light on cars, with fifteen showing up, but many guys were waiting on motor parts and getting things back together,” said Hartsell.  “We’ve gained at least 3-4 cars since then.  We’re thinking there will be around nineteen cars at the Delaware event or even twenty or more.  I’m really excited about this weekend.”

 

The series had an early event at Auto City Speedway but has had a bit of downtime before the Delaware event.  Following Delaware Speedway the series begins a multi-week tour.

 

“We’re rippin’ and rearing to go!” said Hartsell.  “It all kicks off at Delaware.  The Canadian hospitality is great!  Even though there is an imaginary line that separates our two countries, you guys are so welcoming to us it’s just amazing.  We enjoy competing with each other in front of different fans, and just look forward to coming over.  It can be a hassle at the border, but the men and women there are doing a great job.  With the right credentials we do okay - - it’s a bit of an expense but if you love the sport it’s part of the highs and lows in racing!”

 

“The great thing about Delaware is the steps they’re taking in making plans to smooth the surface and take the bumps out of it.  They’re taking good small steps and using good meticulous planning.  In the coming years they’ll be very successful in what they do.”

 

Another local driver, Mike Ling is also rumoured to be part of the action this Friday.  Ling is thought to be driving for Jim Brown.  The AVSS confirmed that Brown has ordered tires for the event.  Also expected to compete is Scott O’Connor, of Delaware Speedway Challenger Motorfreight Truck fame.

 

The Peterbilt of Ontario Super Stocks and POWERADE Open Wheel Modifieds will be competing Friday as well as the sprints.  It’s going to be a full night of exciting Delaware Speedway action!  Gates open at 6:00 PM, Auto Value Super Sprint time trials are at 7:30, and racing starts at 8:00 PM.  You won’t see racing this intense on television - - don’t miss a lap!

Jacques Villeneuve: "NASCAR remains my priority"

He says so here in this SPEED TV story.

(h/t J.R.)

It's Canadian Grand Prix time... and that means we need more hookers

The Canadian Grand Prix creates big business for several 'industries' in Montreal. Hotels, restarants, taxis.... and prostitution, according to a CP report on CTV.ca.

In fact, the increased demand for young, friendly, willing ladies is so great during the GP weekend that they have to import some, er, 'workers', from outside to satisfy the demand.

"The Canadian Grand Prix weekend means big business for Montreal's sex trade as partying race fans roar into the city on their annual pilgrimage.
Experts say major international sporting events, such as the World Cup and the Olympics, up the demands for young, female prostitutes.
Montreal's annual high-octane extravaganza is no exception, but many of the sex workers who are used to fill the commercial void are unwilling participants, human rights activists say. Sharon DiFruscia, who's part of a Montreal coalition against human trafficking, said most of the women are exploited as sex slaves.
"Not only in Montreal, but for large sporting events, it's a well-known fact that many women are brought in to the city," said DiFruscia, adding it's difficult to estimate just how many.
"Some of these women are from other countries, but some of them are from our own country.""

CTV has the full story here.

p.s. - And you told your wife you were going for the race.....

p.p.s. - Does anyone know if they charge extra to turn the trick while sporting a Nazi costume? I believe it's called a 'Mad Max'.

TSN Alert: Canadian Grand Prix, Live this Weekend on TSN

Sophomore sensation Lewis Hamilton leads the biggest names in open wheel racing into Montreal this weekend for Formula 1's Canadian Grand Prix.  TSN has all the live action   beginning Saturday, June 7 at 1 p.m. ET with qualifying on the TSN alternate feed, followed by the race on Sunday, June 8 at 12:30 p.m. ET on TSN.  This marks the 30^th   anniversary of the race being held at the famous circuit Gilles-Villeneuve.

 

TSN will produce a live 30-minute pre-race show on race day (Sunday at 12:30 p.m. ET) with host Todd Lewis from the TSN studio and analyst Gerald Donaldson who will be trackside  in Montreal.  SportsCentre's John Lu will file reports leading up to and following Sunday's race.

 

Coming off of his victory at last month's Monaco Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton looks to continue his winning ways in his McLaren-Mercedes as he returns to defend his title at the   Canadian Grand Prix.  Hamilton enters this weekend's race atop the standings with 38 points, followed closely by Ferrari drivers Kimi Räikkönen (35) and Felipe Massa (34).  BMW   Sauber's Robert Kubica, who survived a horrifying crash at last year's Canadian Grand Prix, will be back looking to join Hamilton, Räikkönen and Massa as the only drivers to register a  win so far this season.

 

TSN's Canadian Grand Prix broadcast schedule is as follows:

Saturday, June 7

Qualifying – live at 1 p.m. ET on TSN alternate feed (encore June 8 at 1 a.m. ET on TSN)

Sunday, June 8

Canadian Grand Prix Race – live at 1 p.m. ET on TSN (pre-race at 12:30 p.m. ET)

 

TSN, a division of CTVglobemedia, is Canada's Sports Leader.  Setting the Canadian sports broadcasting standard, TSN was voted the No. 1 source for sports coverage and news by sports fans across the country.*  TSN's comprehensive broadcast schedule features SportsCentre, the NHL and first three rounds of the Stanley Cup Playoffs; International Hockey including the IIHF World Junior Championship; the Olympic Games through 2012; CFL including Friday Night Football; NFL including Sunday and Monday Night Football; PGA TOUR and all four golf Majors; Blue Jays baseball; Raptors basketball and the NBA Finals; Season of Champions Curling; Auto Racing including NASCAR, Formula One and IRL; Tennis and all four Grand Slam events; EURO 2008 and UEFA Champions League Soccer; and HBO World Championship boxing.  TSN HD offers more sports coverage, more hours and more events in High Definition than any other network in Canada.  TSN is available in 9 million households. TSN's programming and news content is also available online at TSN.ca.

*2007/2008 Roper Reports Canada 

 

From TSN

ARCA Returns to Canada; Cayuga Motor Speedway to Host June 28, 29

ARCA RE/MAX Series Returns to Canada; Cayuga Motor Speedway to Host ARCA Double-Header June 28 & 29

 

NELLES CORNERS, ON (6-4-08) – For the first time since 1992, the ARCA RE/MAX Series is headed north of the border.

Cayuga Motor Speedway, a .625-mile paved short-track in Nelles Corners, Ontario, will host the 56-year-old tour with the Cayuga ARCA RE/MAX 250 Sunday afternoon, June 29^th.  In addition, the ARCA Lincoln Welders Truck Series will join the ARCA RE/MAX Series for an ARCA double-header weekend kicking off with the ARCA Lincoln Welders 50 Saturday afternoon, June 28^th.

Expected entries for the Cayuga ARCA RE/MAX 250 include Roush Fenway Racing development driver Ricky Stenhouse, Jr., Formula 1 veteran Scott Speed in the Red Bull Toyota, three-time series winner Justin Allgaier, Denver, North Carolina’s Matt Carter and Cherry Hill, New Jersey’s Tom Hessert III.

After seven events so far in 2008, there have been no repeat winners. Series victors include Michael Annett at Daytona Int’l Speedway, Justin Allgaier at Salem Speedway, Matt Hawkins at Iowa Speedway, Scott Speed at Kansas Speedway, Joey Logano at Rockingham Speedway, Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. at Kentucky Speedway and Matt Carter at Toledo Speedway.

The ARCA RE/MAX Series has been long regarded as one of the most versatile touring series in the world regularly competing on superspeedways, short-tracks, on both dirt and pavement, and road courses.

The race will mark the eighth appearance of the ARCA RE/MAX Series in Canada since 1967. The ARCA RE/MAX Series first traveled into Canada in July of 1967 to Capital City Speedway in Ottawa, Ontario where Bill Clemens earned the victory in the 100-lap main event.

After a 20-year hiatus, the series return to Canada on May 22, 1987 at Delaware Speedway in Delaware, Ontario where Bill Venturini won the 125-lap race. The next five ARCA RE/MAX Series appearances in Canada were all at Delaware where winners included Tracy Leslie (August 12, 1988), Bob Keselowski (August 11, 1989, July 7, 1991 & July 11, 1992) and Bob Strait (September 29, 1990).

 The ARCA Lincoln Welders Truck Series is building its own presence in Canada having already competed at Delaware on three occasions and at Sauble Speedway twice. ALWTS winners in Canada include Brett Rowe (Delaware 2005), Paul Hahn (Delaware 2006 and Sauble 2006 & 2007) and Nick Gullatta (Delaware 2007).

Cayuga Motor Speedway, just over a half-mile in length, is wide with relatively flat and sweeping corners, ideal for close, competitive short-track racing – the kind that puts much of the outcome back into the driver’s hands.

Set on nearly 300 acres, Cayuga offers fans a full range of amenities including 1,500 campsites, refreshment and souvenir booths and free supervised parking. There is also a covered pavilion, which often serves as a gathering spot to enjoy all the festivities. 

Practice for the ARCA RE/MAX Series is scheduled for Saturday, June 28^th from 12:30-2:00 PM followed by SIM Factory Pole Qualifying at 3:30. The ARCA Lincoln Welders Truck Series race follows ARCA RE/MAX Series qualifying Saturday afternoon. The Cayuga ARCA RE/MAX 250 is set for 1:30 PM Sunday afternoon, June 29^th.

For ticket and general information, visit http://www.cayugamotorspeedway.com.

 From ARCA

NCATS: Cayuga Motor Speedway 'Crown Jewel 200' TSN TV Times

Due to the fact that the Basketball game on Friday May 30th went late on TSN the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series race - The Crown Jewel 200 from Cayuga Motor Speedway - will be replayed on : SUNDAY JUNE 15th @12:00PM EST

Replays: Monday June 16th @1:00PM and Sunday June 22nd @12:30AM

F1200 report from the Shannonville Shootout

From Gerry Merz / TLM Racing

CRDA - Shannonville Shootout

2008 F1200 SEASON OPENS IN HARD CHARGING STYLE!

Judging by the results of the recent Shannonville Shootout event, the driver who will be crowned the 2008 F1200 Champion will be anyone's guess. The season opener saw 3 different race winners, 2 fast paced rookies, and a batch of veterans all looking like they have an equal shot at this year's title.

2007 Champion Randy Smith, 2007 Rookie of the Year Andrew McMurray, and 2006 Champion Guy Bellingham, along with the hard charging 2007 rookie Michael Iamundi were likely very surprised to be amidst, if not behind, two unknown rookies as the weekend progressed; team mates Alex Ellis and Dylan Gibson.

Stormy skies and lightning caused a 30-minute rain delay for race one. The race was finally underway in very wet and miserable conditions when the green flag finally dropped but this didn't hinder the drivers from putting on a show for the fans the usual F1200 hard charging and exciting style!

Pole sitter Mike Iamundi managed to hold his lead for the first lap, only to slip back to 5th by mid race. The surprise of the day was rookie Alex Ellis. Ellis, after qualifying 4th, completely dominated the race after gaining the lead by lap 2 and driving away with a win by a margin of 18 seconds. Rookie Dylan Gibson, Andrew McMurray, Michael Iamundi, and Randy Smith, all of who traded positions on numerous occasions, pursued Ellis to the finish line but were never close enough to challenge.

The mid pack battles were very close and comprised of Bellingham, Rob Tronchi, and Phil Wang, with Greg Brenzil and Mike Rogers, a minute behind, and the balance of the field up to 2 minutes behind the hard charging Ellis who took the checkered on his inaugural F1200 race.

All bets were off for race two on Saturday morning as the tire killing track was dry and everyone knew that the series veterans were going to put pressure to rookies Ellis and Gibson on the front row. Veterans Smith and McMurray very quickly pulled out front but were unable to shake Ellis and Gibson. On lap 3 McMurray took the lead as Smith and Gibson swapped positions and Ellis began to drop back slightly while battling with Bellingham, who worked his way all through the field after going off track early in the race to create a two car mid pack battle that had the fans attention.

As the race progressed McMurray held ground and fended off attacks by not only the reigning 2007 Champ, but also the young Gibson. It looked as if McMurray was going to post his first win when coming into the last lap the very seasoned and crafty Smith pulled out in front, followed
closely by Gibson. At the flag it was Smith taking the win followed right behind by Gibson and McMurray, and Ellis overtaking Bellingham in a breathtaking move just two corners from the checkered flag. Rounding out the top 8 were Rogers, Eric Barrett, and Greg Brenzil.

The trophy race started at a frantic pace with Smith, McMurray, and the rookies Gibson and Ellis edging away from the mid pack on the back straight on lap 1. Ellis made a driving error into turn 15 on the first lap, spinning out after braking too deep into the corner. Ellis's spin allowed McMurray, Smith and Gibson to break away to put some distance between them and the rest of the field.

By mid race, McMurray's car had hooked up and in lap 7, challenged for the lead going into turn two, successfully overtaking both Smith and Gibson. Gibson would fight back and retake the lead into turn 7, only to lose his lead again to McMurray on corner 12. McMurray would drive a tidy race to the end, retaining the lead for the last laps of the race for his first ever F1200 win.

The hard charger award would go to Mike Iamundi who, after starting from the back of the grid would race his way to challenge for 4th place, setting the fastest lap of the weekend in the process.

Andrew McMurray - Winner Trophy Race
"I'm so happy to get my first ever win in the trophy race following up on our 2007 Rookie of the Year performance", said McMurray. "As a team we've improved in all areas and this win would not be possible without my father Tom McMurray and brother Jason McMurray making sure the car was in top condition. It's a great way to introduce our new sponsors for the 2008 season Hiker Enterprises and Warbo Thermal Products. Their equipment and support are already paying off."

Randy Smith - Winner Race 2
"For our first weekend out of the 2008 Season, the Head To Hoof Equine Supplement, Chemsynergy RTJ exceeded our expectations. We were running with a brand new aerodynamic body this year so we had been planning to work out some bugs. First event in the rain proved very exciting and conditions changed drastically throughout the race. The rookies, Alex Ellis and Dylan Gibson of TLM put on a driving clinic regarding car control in the wet. Race two proved to be a far more successful for the more patient amongst us. Andrew McMurray drove superb but seemed to loose grip in the later stages of the race which afforded me to take advantage and pull off my first win of 2008"

"Rookie" Alex Ellis - Winner Race 1
"It was a great weekend, I got my first win in my first open wheel race and that's more than I could ever have hoped for. The wet conditions in which I took the win were terrible, but I felt I stayed calm and composed in bringing the car around for the win. I know there were some unfortunate problems and mistakes in races 2 and 3, but I was still able to manage a 4th and that's more than enough for my rookie race. A big thanks to TLM Racing, my driving coach Randy Smith, and my tech Devan Matkovich for helping put a great car under me and to understand what I needed to do for my first F1200 race, as well as Ellis Engineering, Art Craft Kitchens, and Grote in guiding me into my maiden win."

"Rookie" Dylan Gibson - (3)- 2nd place finishes
"I would like to thank TLM Racing and my driving coach Randy Smith for a fast car, and clear strategy that produced consistent results all weekend. A special thanks to my tech Aaron Lang who helped me all the way through to the end and set up a podium car. A big thanks to Fasada Home Renovations, The Door Dude, and Grote for their contributions towards my 2008 season.

The F1200 series appears next at Mosport International Raceway on June 28 - 29.

PHOTOS COURTESY: Photo Arts International - Teresa Matkovich

Empringham joins Zogaib and Dalziel at SAMAX Motorsport

Empringham joins Zogaib and Dalziel at SAMAX Motorsport

Daytona Prototype’s first-ever winner joins the newest names on DP win list

(Pompano Beach, FL) 4 June 2008--Already packing the hottest 1-2 punch in Rolex Sports Car Series competition with the series’ newest race winners Henri Zogaib and Ryan Dalziel, SAMAX Motorsport announced on Wednesday another powerful addition to the combination as David Empringham has been signed to join the squad for this weekend’s Sahlen’s Six Hours at the Glen.

The Indy Lights and two-time Atlantics Champion is no stranger to Daytona Prototype competition, having inscribed his name in the history books as the first-ever winner in the category.  This weekend will see him join up with the two newest additions to that list with Zogaib and Dalziel in the No. 2 SAMAX Motorsports Dinan-BMW Riley combination as the duo look to take their Laguna Seca-winning momentum to Upstate New York this weekend.

“This is a great opportunity for me and I’m really excited to get back into Daytona Prototype competition with SAMAX,” said Empringham, who scored fifth in the 2007 Rolex 24 at Daytona in his last DP start. “Obviously this team is really clicking with Henri and Ryan taking the win at Laguna, and I’m happy to be a part of such a competitive situation. I’ve been working with the team the last few races and I’m just looking forward to getting going this weekend at the Glen.”

Based in Toronto, Empringham brings a lot to the team from both inside and out of the cockpit.

“I couldn’t be more pleased to have David on board as one of my co-drivers,” said Zogaib, who will look to put his previous racing experience to good use on the 3.4-mile  Watkins Glen circuit this weekend. “He has been a fantastic coach and I know that he will do an excellent job in the car this weekend as well.  The team has been doing an amazing job and we have a lot of momentum from the last two races, so we just want to keep that level of performance up again this weekend at the Glen.”

The addition marks another step forward for the Pompano Beach, Florida-based team, which has rapidly grown strength during the 2008 season. After a challenging start to the year in the Rolex 24, SAMAX team owner Peter Baron made the move to Dinan-BMW power as he teamed Ryan Dalziel with Henri Zogaib, and the combination has proven effective, taking three top tens in four races including second place at VIR and then a thrilling race victory at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

“We are excited to have David (Empringham) get in the car for us this weekend at the Glen,” said Baron. “I raced against him in Atlantics and have followed him ever since.  David  worked with Phil (LePan) when he won the Lights Championship and he was key as our spotter at Laguna.  He already knows most of the guys on the team so it’s a great fit.  He also brings a lot to the team as a coach, so we are happy to be able to bring him on board and are looking forward to getting off to a good start here at the Glen.”

The Sahlen’s Six Hour event weekend is a Friday-Saturday schedule, with practice and qualifying slated for Friday as Saturday will open with an 11:15 AM race start.

David Empringham Fast Facts:

Atlantic Champion (1993+1994, Runner-up 1995)
Firestone Indy Lights Champion+Rookie of the Year (1996)
KONI Challenge Champion (2005, 2002)

For additional information: www.samaxmotorsport.com

 From Sunday Group Management.com/HZ

Mosley wins vote to stay on

From TSN

The FIA has voted to keep Max Mosley, but some of the major federations are threatening to "freeze all world federation activities in protest" of the result, which reportedly came about thanks to the support (for Mosley) of several "smaller clubs."

More at the link above.

Shaw Motorsports: Weekend Update

From Ken Spira for Shaw Motorsports

Dark clouds and rain gave way to sunshine and warm temperatures as the Shaw crew made their way south to Flamboro Speedway. Only 13 late models made the trip as some teams headed north to Sauble Speedway for the Margarita Ice Strawberry 150 or were still repairing their cars from damage inflicted the previous weekend.
The first practice produced a good handling car, thanks to the work the crew put into testing during the week, and after the crew put on two new tires to scuff during the second practice, the lap times picked up even more as a result. The only adjustment made by chassis expert, Dave Meades was a small adjustment to the anti-roll bar for a small push that was felt by the driver.
Jason lined up the #82 Georgetown Printing Ford on the outside pole for the heat race beside the #52 who had the pole position. On the first lap, the #52 got sideways in turn 2 bringing out the caution, allowing Jason to try maintaining the lead for the shortened 8 lap heat race. Jason restarted beside the #3 and after running side by side for two laps, the #82 pulled into the lead where Jason was able to take the win by a commanding 4 car length lead.
The smaller than normal field lined up in front of the somewhat sparse crowd as they readied for the feature. The #82 Del Metals Ford was lined up 8th for the 20 lap feature beside the #42 and on the first lap, the #3 would exit turn two and hit the backstretch wall, breaking the rear end housing in the process. Shortly after the #3 made contact, the field checked up after registering the first lap, sending Jason back two positions before the caution came out when the #3 came to a stop in turn one. Jason was now at the back of the pack in 10th were he would restart beside the #42. On lap 6, Jason made the move forward by getting past the #42 into 9th and then past the #99 into 8th, two laps later. At the half way mark, the leaders pulled away as the rest of the pack remained in a tight group where they slugged it out for position. Despite the large amount of stay-dry on the high side of the track from the thunder car feature, Jason ventured up and passed the #52 and #3x just prior to the caution that came out for the #8 who lost a wheel on the backstretch. Thankfully the wheel got caught up in the safety fence in turn 3/4 as it cleared the wall threatening the safety of the fans including most of the Shaw crew who were standing in the area. Under the following caution, Jason found himself now in the 5th position behind the #37, #34, #86 and #27. Two laps later it was the #27 that would bring out the caution by spinning into the infield with a little help by the 3x. Jason picked up a spot as a result and was running in 4th when the caution came out again with just two laps to go for the #42 who spun out in turn 2. The #37 lead the field to the green for the final restart and despite Jason getting a good run on the outside of the #86 to challenge for the third position, the #37 of David Elliot would hang on for the win and Jason would not be able to get past the #86 to take the checkered flag in 4th.
In other racing news, the #88 Spira Racing mini-stock continued their struggle to get back into the top 10 as driver, Dave Hagedorn after an eventful night of contact throughout the qualifying and main event, would finish 11th after a 12th place start in the 25 lap feature.
Next up for the Shaw team is a return trip to Flamboro Speedway for the first of three Grisdale Triple Crown events. The 50 lap special is to run on Saturday June 7th were the pit gates are to open at 3:00pm, the main gates at 5:00 and racing is scheduled to begin at 6:00.

NASCAR Canadian Tire Series - Autodrome St. Eustache Make-Up Date Announced... July 5

AUTODROME ST. EUSTACHE MAKE-UP DATE ANNOUNCED

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (June 3, 2008) – The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Sirius Satellite Radio event at Autodrome St. Eustache in Quebec has been re-scheduled to July 5.

Weekend rains in the Montreal area on Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1 allowed drivers only an abbreviated practice session on Sunday morning. The July 5 event will include the full schedule of events with a practice session and time trials prior to the running of the National Kodak 250.

The race slots in one week after the Canadian Tire Series visits Barrie (Ont.) Speedway and two weeks prior to the two-race western swing to SunValley Speedway in Vernon, B.C., and the Rexall Edmonton Indy, slated for July 19 and 26, respectively.

The legendary 2.459-mile road course at Mosport International Raceway scheduled for June 15 is the next event for the Canadian Tire Series.

 

For more information contact:

Shon Sbarra, NASCAR Public Relations, (704) 309-5493 or ssbarra@nascar.com

South Buxton Raceway: May 31 Report

From  Mike Bennett // South Buxton Raceway Public Relations

 

SOUTH BUXTON – Three turned out to be the lucky number for the No. 3 car on Saturday night at South Buxton Raceway. Louis Clements started in the third position, took the lead on the third lap and became the third different Lube Tech Sport Stock driver in three weeks in Victory Lane.

 

And more importantly, Clements was finally able to exorcize the demons which haunted his Chevrolet Monte Carlo the first two race nights of the season.

 

"Definitely, it's a nice way to turn things around, to not only finish my first feature (of the year), but to win it … that's great," Clements said, after winning Sun Parlour Trailers feature race.

 

Clements suffered engine failure two laps into the feature race on opening night and finished 16th. Last week, Clements broke a rear-end gear in the feature and finished 13th.

 

"I was hearing every little noise … worried what was going to break this time," Clements said with a smile, as he recounted the waning laps of Saturday's 25-lap feature.

 

Clements traded the lead with Essex's Gerald Martin in the early going but never trailed after making the pass on the low side coming out of turn two on the third lap. 

 

 Joel Dick, of Leamington, finished second, followed by Martin, Windsor's Jamie Parker and Merlin's Eren Vanderiviere.

 

The previous two feature winners were knocked out of the race early.

 

Chatham's Todd Wellman, last week's feature winner, was involved in a head-on crash on the fifth lap. Chatham's Rick Balasin got turned around on the straightaway and was drilled by Wellman, who had no where to go and no time to hit the binders.

 

A few laps later, Merlin's Steve Shaw went to the pits with smoke pouring from the back of his car, ending the opening night feature winner's bid for a second victory.

 

The night did produce the season's first two-time feature winners ‑ Jim Dale Jr. in the Schinkel's Gourmet Meats UMP Modifieds and Nate McNally of Charing Cross in the Garage Restaurant Comp 4s.

 

Dale Jr. started at the back of the 11-car Modified field and took the lead on the ninth lap of the 20-lap feature.

 

"That's the most gratifying way to win, starting from the back," said Dale Jr., who won last week's Campbell Toyota feature.

 

"And we get to start at the back next week, so we get to do it all over again," he added.

 

In last week's feature, Dale Jr. used the high line to make his passes, but track conditions on Saturday forced the Blenheim driver to drop to the low side.

 

"I prefer the high groove, but the way the track was tonight, I had to go low because that's where the car had bite."

 

Rutherford's Chris Van De Wiele pressured Dale Jr. with a last-lap surge but rode the fence coming out of turn four. He wound up losing two positions and finished fourth as Paul DeGoey of Leamington and Clayton Smith of Woodslee gained two spots.

 

McNally led from the drop of the green to the wave of the checkered for his second Comp 4 feature win.

 

The third-year driver saw a half-track lead disappear when the caution flew on the eighth-lap of the 15-lap race.

 

Leamington's Shawn Windsor and Kingsville's Denis DeSerrano took turns at challenging McNally but neither driver had anything for the leader. DeSerrano finished second for the third straight week, while Windsor was third and Cottam's Rob Quick, last week's feature winner, was fourth.

 

Blenheim's Andrew Reaume led all 25 laps of the Castrol UMP Late Model feature, a race that saw just three of the 13 starters finish on the lead lap.

 

Reaume's only challenge came on a restart with five laps to go when Brad Authier dove to the inside between turns one and two but couldn't complete the pass.

 

"I let him have the bottom, because I knew what the track was like down there," said Reaume.  "I just concentrated on keeping my line, staying smooth and avoiding the bumps."

 

Strong winds in the afternoon played havoc with pre-race track preparation and made for a rough surface.

 

Reaume, however, said the conditions didn't affect his car's handling.

 

"The track actually came back in the feature," he said. "It was pretty hard in the heat and dash, but the car was hooking up by the end of the night."

 

Authier finished second while Brett Reaume – Andrew's father – was able to make a tire change under caution and stayed on the lead lap to finish third. Justin Coulter, the first of the lap-down cars, finished fourth.

 

Dale Jr. was running second when he had to make a green-flag tire change and went two laps down. He finished seventh.

 

PIT NOTES –The first feature win for the defending series champion capped a perfect night as Andrew Reaume posted the fastest qualifying time, won his heat as well as the Heuvelmans/Blenheim Chevrolet Dash For Cash. Reaume also moved into the lead in the point standings … Reaume will be at Eldora Speedway for Saturday's $100,000 Dirt Late Model Dream … Shaw, Dale and DeSerrano all maintained their division points leads … Clements gained five spots to fifth in the Sport Stocks. "The way we started the year, we're just concentrating on winning as many features and races as we can and just let the points fall where they fall," he said … This Saturday will be SM Freight Night while June 14 will be the first Kids' Night.

Mark's 20% Off Celebrate Dad Event!

Celebrate Dad and Prostate Cancer Fundraiser Event on June 12 from 5 PM to close. In one night we are looking to raise $250,000 to fight Prostate Cancer and will be offering 20% off everything in store (with the exception of gift cards). Happy shopping!

ATL’s new “DRYCELL” fuel stabilizer protects your race gas and maintains top engine power!

ATL Racing Fuel Cells, Ramsey, NJ, May 30, 2008: Most unleaded racing fuels contain “ethanol” as an antiknock, but ethanol settles out if moisture gets into your fuel cell. To maintain a uniform fuel blend, “DRYCELL” mounts in your vent hose and blocks humidity from reaching your fuel load. Gasoline and ethanol stay uniformly blended with each other for steady octane level and optimum engine performance. Don’t fuel around; install a light, proven, “DRYCELL” on your race car today!

For further information Contact Craig Mitchell at 1-800-526-5330 or atl@atlinc.com.

Grand Bend Motorplex, Grand Bend, Ontario

Thunder Series, Windsor Spring Shootout Results – Saturday May 31 - Sunday June 1

TOP
Champion – John Carter #3283, Arva, ON – 67 Pontiac Acadian
RT .026, ET 9.649, MPH 139.75, D/I 9.61
R/U – Rick Foster #640, Sarnia, ON – 1990 Ford Mustang
RT .016, ET 10.538, MPH 126.61, D/I 10.47

FOOTBRAKE
Champion – Mark Gubinski #3X72, Essex, ON – 72 Gran Torino
RT .020, ET 10.470, MPH 127.40, D/I 10.45
R/U – Chris Gubinski #4X72, Essex, ON – 72 Gran Torino
RT .010, ET 11.523, MPH 119.07, D/I 11.48

STREET
Champion – Rob Orr #3X09, Crediton, ON
RT .132, ET 15.526, MPH 87.34, D/I 15.45
R/U – Tony Hunter #444, Ingersoll, ON – 72 Camaro
RT -.021, ET 13.085 MPH 104.94, D/I 13.11

MOD
Champion – Geoff Pitts #3X67, Shelby Twp, MI – 67 Camaro
RT .067 ET 9.228, MPH 143.74, D/I 9.22
R/U – Dave Moon #WX30, Sarnia, ON – 70 Olds
RT .060, ET 11.552, MPH 117.46, D/I 11.52

SUPER BIKE/SLED
Champion – Richard Donohue #5X25, London, ON – 83 Suzuki
RT .129, ET 9.362, MPH 125.40 D/I 9.25
R/U – Morris Kenton #130
RT .121, ET 11.767, MPH 115.41, D/I 11.55

JR. 7.90
Champion – Nick Atkinson #3775, Wyoming, ON – 2008 Racer Pops
RT .172, ET 7.923, MPH 82.88, D/I 7.90
R/U – Elizabeth Quesnelle #3833, Harrison Twp., MI – 2008 Gage Chassis
RT .182, ET 7.931, MPH 82.71, D/I 7.90

JR. 8-12
Champion – Meighan Bonnett #1996, Windosr, ON – 02 KCS
RT .056, ET 8.979, MPH 72.90, D/I 8.94
R/U – Ryan Atkinson #3779, Wyoming, ON – 2008 Racer Pops
RT .165, ET 7.964, MPH 82.13, D/I 7.94

JR. 13-17
Champion – Ryan Stack #099, Wingham, ON – 05 RMR Bracket
RT .059, ET 8.433, MPH 78.75, D/I 8.39
R/U – Danielle Quesnelle #3822, Harrison Twp, MI - 08 Gage Chassis
RT -.027, ET 7.947, MPH 82.57, D/I 7.94

JR CONS
Champion – Keegan Diehl #802, Stratford, ON – 2004 Mike Bos Jr
RT .114, ET 8.315, MPH 77.94, D/I 8.26

WINDSOR BRACKET 1
Champion – Doug Cahill #CT22, Lasalle, ON – 83 Mustang
RT .031, ET 10.932, MPH 121.88, D/I 10.91
R/U – Joe Piper #GX73
RT .006, ET 11.920, MPH 109.36, D/I 11.93

WINDSOR BRACKET 2
Champion – Dan Rocheleau #420, Tecumseh, ON – 87 GR National
RT .274, ET 13.245, MPH 102.56, D/I 13.22
R/U – Dwayne Shepley #0015, Amherstburg, ON – 69 Nova
RT .113, ET 12.997, MPH 96.12, D/I 13.00

OPEN COMP
Champion – Doug McKellar #GX66, Forest, ON
RT .058, ET 13.091, MPH 99.05, D/I 13.09
R/U – Malcolm Brown #422, Tecumseh, ON – 80 Camaro
RT .177, ET 10.076, MPH 134.34, D/I 10.09


Saturday May 31/08

TOP ET
Champion – Doug Portiss #3042, Wyoming, ON
RT .024, ET 10.569, MPH 124.01, D/I 10.55
R/U – Jamie Feenstra #JX88, Wyoming, ON - 73 Vega
RT -.026, ET 9.168, MPH 143.17, D/I 9.14

FOOTBRAKE
Champion – Mark Gubinski #3X72, Essex, ON – 72 Gran Torino
RT .041, ET 10.692, MPH 111.80, D/I 10.55
R/U – Dwayne Shepley #0015, Amherstburg, ON – 69 Nova
RT .489, ET 13.027, MPH 101.06, D/I 13.04

STREET ET
Champion – Rob Orr #3X09, Crediton, ON
RT .095, ET 15.617, MPH 86.59, D/I 15.63
R/U – Bob Orr #LX6B, Bayfield, ON
RT -.001, ET 13.017, MPH 97.25, D/I 12.99

MOD ET
Champion – Steve Doornbosch #XXXX, Forest, ON – 1968 Firebird
RT .023, ET 10.654, MPH 117.63, D/I 10.55
R/U – Fred Holden #6014, RR3 Lakeside, ON – 80 Camaro
RT .149, ET 11.138, MPH 118.14, D/I 11.13

BIKE/SLED
Champion – Josie Brooks #315, Melbourne, ON – 85 Suzuki GS1150
RT .105, ET 8.833, MPH 139.42, D/I 8.74
R/U – Ian Washington #3, Sarnia, ON – 2001 Hayabusa
RT .142, ET 10.395, MPH 133.59, D/I 10.50

JR 7.90
Champion – Nick Atkinson #3775, Wyoming, ON – 2008 Racer Pops
RT .095, ET 8.012, MPH 79.39, D/I 7.90
R/U – Spencer Hyde #727, Stratford, ON – 05 BOS
RT .204, ET 7.966, MPH 82.54, D/I 7.90

JR 8-12
Champion – Ryan Paquette #5555, Strathroy, ON – LJ Chassis
RT .127, ET 8.352, MPH 74.29, D/I 9.76
R/U – Sam Nafziger #111, Milverton, ON – 2003 KCS
RT .774, ET 9.841, MPH 66.46, D/I 8.26

JR 13-17
Champion – Harry Goossens #3710, London, ON
RT .086, ET 7.934, MPH 82.88, D/I 7.91
R/U – Nick Atkinson #3775, Wyoming, ON – 2008 Racer Pops
RT .078, ET 7.953, MPH 81.72, D/I 7.96

WINDSOR BRACKET 1
Champion – Mark Gubinski #3X72, Essex, ON – 72 Ford Torino
RT .035, ET 10.655, MPH 115.54
R/U – Jim Mackie #0002, Tecumseh, ON – 68 Camaro
RT .204, ET 11.878, MPH 106.15

WINDSOR BRACKET 2
Champion – Dwayne Shepley #0015, Amherstburg, ON – 69 Nova
RT .144, ET 13.044, MPH 98.85
R/U – Dan Racheleau #420, Tecumseh, ON – 87 Gr National
RT .366, ET 13.352, MPH 102.81

JR CONS
Champion – Nicole Blowes #15, Milverton, ON – 01 Bos
RT .089, ET 8.260, MPH 82.01
R/U – Danielle Quesnelle #3822, Harrison Twp, MI
RT.150, ET 7.886, MPH 82.39

AIM Autosport-Star Mazda: John Edwards on track for rest of '08

Woodbridge, Ontario (June 2, 2008): With the next race in the Star Mazda Series presented by Goodyear on tap this weekend at Watkins Glen, AIM Autosport (AIM) is happy to announce they have reached an agreement with John Edwards for the remainder of the championship season. 
 

An earlier agreement between AIM and Edwards dealt with individual race events but following his dominant win at Miller Motorsport Park in Utah last month, Edwards made the decision to run the rest of the series and take a shot at the championship.

 

"We came into the series having missed one race so we wanted to gauge our chances at Miller" John commented. "Keith (Willis) and AIM showed up at Miller with a great car and we really clicked as a team to take that win. That really helped me make the decision to open discussions with AIM to take a serious run at the championship."

 

AIM Autosport's Star Mazda team manager Keith Willis is very pleased with the opportunity to have a championship contender in the No. 7 Formula Mazda.

 

"John proved at Miller that he has the talent to put us out front and we saw this as our chance to have a very successful season in the series. We started negotiations immediately after the race at Miller and began to prepare the car for the next race at Watkins Glen June 6 and 7." He continued, "This is a good fit for both John and AIM and we have established a good rapport between driver and crew that will prove itself on the track."

 

Practice and qualifying for this weekend at Watkins Glen take place on Friday, June 6 with the race starting at 9:05 a.m. (ET) on Saturday (7th). This race will be broadcast (tape delay) on SPEED TV, June 21 at 11:00 a.m (ET). The team will then have just over a month off before the double-header in Portland, Oregon July 26 and 27.

 

AIM Autosport Facts:  Established in 1995, AIM Autosport  has a mandate to identify, train and manage emerging motorsport talent. AIM has provided many young drivers with a solid foundation on which to build a career in professional racing. The success of the AIM driver development programs has been achieved through the dedication of our employees and the ongoing support of our commercial and technical partners. Away from the track, AIM Autosport serves the needs of the racing community with a purpose-built preparation shop situated in the Toronto suburb of Woodbridge, Ontario. AIM also fields the #61 Exchange Traded Gold Ford-Riley Daytona Prototype in the Rolex Grand Am series with drivers Mark Wilkins and Brian Frisselle.

 

 Associated web sites:  www.aimautosport.com  // www.johnmichaeledwards.com  // www.starmazda.com

 

From Chris Jameson / Level Ten Comm.

Kawartha Speedway: Someone Left the Track Out in the Rain...

Kawartha Speedway 2008: Someone Left the Track Out in the Rain
By Jim Clarke, Kawartha Speedway PR/Clarke Motorsports Communications

 

Sooner or later, it was bound to happen.  Everyone knew it was just a matter of time.  Perhaps they’d just been tempting fate?  After 2 complete seasons without a cancellation, Kawartha Speedway (Fraserville, Ontario) was forced to pull the plug before their 2008 season opener.  With a major storm front approaching from the west, bringing with it the possibility of heavy rains and thunderstorms, the call went out just after noon.

 

Kawartha’s General Manager and Promoter Derek Lynch says cancelling so early was a difficult call to make, but after checking the radar, Environment Canada forecasts and other available sources, he

 

decided to bite the bullet.  “A number of our drivers come from a fair distance away.  With the OSCAAR Outlaw Super Late Models on the program, we made the call early and then worked to get the word out to as any of the affected teams and fans as possible”, said Lynch.  “With the high cost of fuel theses days, the last thing we wanted was for the teams and spectators to make the effort to get to the track on a night we weren’t going to race”.

 

The cancellation delayed the Late Model debut of Cole Powell.  The 15 year-old from the London, Ontario area was looking forward to his first laps at Kawartha Speedway.  After running in the quarter-scale truck division at a variety of tracks and the Challenger Motor Freight large truck class at Delaware, Powell was anxious to get behind the wheel of his new ride – and run some laps somewhere other than the driveway of his family’s home.  Powell and his family-owned team will run in Kawartha’s headline division every Friday night, joining another youngster Brandon Watson of Stayner, Ontario.  Watson was recently named Up and Coming Canadian Stock Driver of the year by Inside Track Motorsports News.

 

With the rainout, Kawartha Speedway’s 2008 season opener will now take place Friday, June 6th.  The Ontario Pro Challenge cars will join the track’s 4 regular classes of Mini Stock, Thunder Car, Limited Late Model and Late Model action.  Gates open at 3:00, with on-track practise of all divisions set to begin at 5:00.  For more details on the complete schedule see www.kawarthaspeedway.com.

Mrs. Georgette Coupal-Villeneuve died Saturday, May 31st 2008

To snowmobile oval racing enthusiasts,

 

I would like to express my sincere sympathy to a friend and active member of the snowmobile racing community, Jacques Villeneuve.

 

Jacques' mother, Mrs Georgette Coupal-Villeneuve, died Saturday afternoon at the Joliette Hospital.

 

Tuesday, June 3rd 2008, the Villeneuve's family will be in attendance from 1.00 p.m. to 3.00 p.m., at

 

Coopérative Funéraire d'Autray

530 rue Frontenac

Berthierville, Qc

J0K 1A0

 

In the name of the EASTERN PRO TOUR racing family, our sincere condolences to Jacques,

 

 From Marcel Fontaine  // S.C.M. Pres.

NCATS: Team Mopar Rained out at St Eustache

TEAM MOPAR RAINED OUT AT ST EUSTACHE

 

June 1, 2008.  The 2008 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series racing season was scheduled to resume for Ron Beauchamp Jr. and Team Mopar this past Saturday at St. Eustache, Quebec.  However the weather forced an initial postponement until Sunday and eventually NASCAR officials were forced to reschedule the event for later in the summer with a date to be confirmed soon.

 

For round three the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series will feature the first road course event of the season on the famed Mosport Road Course on Fathers Day weekend. This years schedule will consist of thirteen races on oval tracks, temporary street circuits and road courses.  All races will once again be broadcast on TSN.  You can read more about Team Mopar and Ron Beauchamp Jr. at www.beauchampmotorsports.com and www.nascar.ca

 

This release prepared by, TL Sports & Entertainment

NCATS: Home Hardware Team Rained out in Quebec

HOME HARDWARE TEAM CAN’T BEAT THE RAIN

June 1, 2008. Don Thomson Jr. and the Home Hardware Chevrolet team traveled to St. Eustache, Quebec for round number two of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series (NCATS) this past weekend. Originally scheduled to run Saturday evening, the race was first postponed until Sunday afternoon, however inclement weather has forced the rescheduling of the event for later in the summer.

The 2008 NCATS schedule has expanded to thirteen events this year run on ovals, road courses and temporary street circuits across Canada. The next scheduled event will be on the very difficult Mosport Road Course on the Fathers Day Weekend. You can watch all thirteen races this season on TSN. For information about the NCATS including schedule, results and more, log onto http://www.nascar.ca/

This release prepared by TL Sports & Entertainment

Humbestone Speedway photos - June 1, 2008 by Rick Wellman

Humberstone Speedway feature winners from Sunday, June 1, 2008 from Rick Wellman.

To see more of Rick's work, visit: www.rickwellmanphotography.com