Have Bus Will Travel Eblast Feature Race

Courtesy Doug Andrews

New Hampshire Motor Speedway, June 27-30, 2008 - VIP Coach to be used on this Racing Tour! Our MotorSports SuperCoach will not be available until early August. But on this Racing Tour, since the majority of the travel is during daylight hours, we have decided to use one of our VIP Coaches at no additional cost to our Race Fans going to NHMS. But we only have a dozen seats left!

$600 per person (twin: 2 to a room)

Tour Includes Transportainment, two nights accommodation with breakfast, a ticket to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race, and the NASCAR Nationwide Series Race.
Fans Will Notice Improvements at NHMS

At first glance, fans attending the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 might not recognize New Hampshire Motor Speedway, but one look up and there is no doubt that they will know where they are.

New Hampshire Motor Speedway is undergoing a new and improved look. Fans who pass the speedway are sure to notice the obvious improvements to the signs facing Route 106. The Main, North and South entrances are now marked with bigger and brighter signs, including modern, electronic message boards on two of the signs. Branding of New Hampshire Motor Speedway is evident on elevator towers, along the face of the VIP Suites and the main entrance. In addition, a new design is featured on the infield tunnel entrance and exit.

Inside the property, upgrades continue. The grandstands will be identified with larger banners, making it easier for fans to find their seats. The bathrooms and concessions stands are now color-coded for easier identification. Additionally, 200 portable restrooms will be available during the event weekends.

Routes around the property have been paved and redefined for more efficient traffic flow, and to enable lanes for the new tram system. New directional signage has been erected to guide guests out of the property after the race.

"Our Chairman, Bruton Smith, is known for his vision and commitment to providing world-class facilities for our fans," said Jerry Gappens, executive vice president and general manager of the speedway. "We are in the very early stages of the first phase of improvements to our facility. As Bruton likes to say, 'We'll make enough changes, you're bound to like some of them!"

The cosmetic enhancements are impressive, but less obvious changes will also make for a more enjoyable experience. Upgrades have been made to the PA system and the television compound to improve the fan experience.

Besides being responsible to its guests, New Hampshire Motor Speedway also recognizes its need to be a good neighbor in the community. In an effort to be more ‘green', all of dumpsters on property have been replaced with a new sealed system that keeps waste contained and is eventually transported off property.

There is no doubt that New Hampshire Motor Speedway has transformed from the inside out. But no matter what it looks like, New Hampshire Motor Speedway's main focus still remains the same - to give the fans the best possible experience every time they come to visit.

Don't miss this opportunity! Call 1-888-HaveBus (428-3287) today!
Still don't have our Brochure? Call us or email us and we'll send you one.

Upcoming Racing Tours - details on http://www.havebus.com/

Chicagoland - July 10-13 2008 - Good seats available - Twin $700 pp

Indianapolis - July 24-28 2008 - Good seats available - Twin $650 pp

Ohsweken World of Outlaws Sprints - July 22 & 23 - Good seats available $75 pp

Don't forget about our Group Leaders Program. Get a group together and you could travel for free!Looking forward to taking you Racing!

NASCAR CANADIAN TIRE SERIES: Robin Buck to Race this Weekend at Mosport

TORONTO, ON, Friday June 13, 2007:  Robin Buck is pleased to announce today that he will be entered in this weekends Dickies 200 at Mosport International Raceway.  Buck will again be sporting the No. 88 on his Ford Fusion and in additional team news they are pleased to announce that they will be flying the Active Green & Ross colours for this event for Mike Cira owner of two locations just outside of Toronto.

“First off I am thrilled to be back at Mosport and while a second place finish is my best to date here, I hope to rectify that this weekend for new sponsor Active Green & Ross,” stated the driver of the #88 Ford Fusion Robin Buck. “I am really happy to partner with them for this event and we hope to put on a good show and work towards continuing a relationship with them for future events.”

Mike Cira, owner of two Active Green & Ross locations – one at 5868 Yonge St. in North York and the other at 2006 Hwy.7 in Concord will be in attendance with several guests as Robin attempts to take  the No.88 to the front of the pack.  “I have known Robin for many years dating back to his days in the GM Players Series and I am excited to promote our stores on his car this weekend,” stated Cira.  The Active Green & Ross Yonge St. location is primarily a Performance Tire & Auto Centre featuring specialized equipment to install high performance tires, while the Hwy. 7 location is a Truck & Auto Centre.

Active Green + Ross operate Southern Ontario's premier chain of Complete Tire & Auto Centres from Windsor to Ottawa and from Barrie to Toronto, with over 70 locations in Ontario to serve you. They offer our customers a complete line and selection of tires from the world's premier manufacturers.

In addition to the best selection and inventory of tires in the Metro Toronto Market, all Active Green + Ross locations offer complete general automotive service and repairs to most car and light truck models. Special emphasis is placed on Preventative Maintenance Area's such as brakes, suspension and front end repairs, wheel alignment, tire balancing and lube & oil changes.

Additionally, Ron’s Burner Service will continue their association in 2008 with Robin Buck as an associate sponsor.

The No. 88 team will also again this year promote the Jennifer Ashley Foundation. Since 1990, the Jennifer Ashley Foundation has been assisting seriously ill children and their families with special treatment needs, medical expenses and financial assistance in times of need.  They are proud to say they have assisted over 6000 children in Ontario since 1990.

"Improving the quality of life for seriously ill children and their families "when love is not enough".

The Mosport Road Course is located just an hour east of Toronto, outside of Bowmanville.  For more information on the event and tickets please visit www.mosport.com

For more information on the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series visit www.nascar.ca

From Linda Jones

DELAWARE SPEEDWAY BULLETIN: Tonight's Racing Cancelled

Attention Race Fans & Competitors: Due to the inclement weather occurring at and approaching the speedway tonight’s racing (Friday, June 13, 2008) has been cancelled.

Features Only Night WILL be rescheduled to a later date. Keep an eye on the website in the coming days for more information.

The Transmission Direct Enduro 250 is on as scheduled tomorrow (July 14, 2008).

Thank-you for your continued support of Delaware Speedway racing!

From: John Houghton // Announcer / PR // Delaware Speedway

NCATS: Fastline Motorsports to field two-car team at Mosport

HAMILTON, ONTARIO (June 12, 2008) – The Tim Hortons Fastline Motorsports racing team of Jeff and Jim Lapcevich is planning on a successful outing for the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series at Mosport International Raceway in Bowmanville, Ontario June 15-16.

The Lapcevich brothers, based in Hamilton, Ontario have been successful on the 4-kilometer road course in the past.

Jeff had a win there in 2004, followed by a second place finish in 2005 and 2006 in the CASCAR Super Series. Sunday’s race will be round three in the 2008 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series.

“Mosport has always been one of my favorite places to race,” said Jeff Lapcevich. “The track is a challenge, that’s what makes if fun for me. Most of the other teams either love it or hate it, as there doesn’t seem to be much in between.” The elder Lapcevich brother, who will run a limited schedule of selected events in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series in 2008, is an experienced road racer and in the past has dominated many of the road course events in the series.

Driving an identical Tim Hortons Chevrolet Monte Carlo prepared by Fastline will be Jim Lapcevich, who has had two top-five finishes in 2006 and 2005.

“The #25 Team has been plagued with some bad luck over the years at Mosport, but I love running there,” said Jim Lapcevich. “It’s exciting and if we get the set-up right we’ll be there at the end. There would be nothing better than standing on the podium with my brother Jeff on Father’s Day. It’s been a dream of ours for years.” Joe Lapcevich, father of Jeff and Jim, is the main force behind the team, and as a former racer he has watched the family tradition of racing carried down to his sons.

Mosport International Raceway is Canada's largest motorsports complex. The 750-acre, multi-track facility is located within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), north of Bowmanville, Ontario.

The Dickies 200 presented by Lucas Oil is part of the Sunoco Ultra 94 Father’s Day Doubleheader Weekend at Mosport is scheduled to start Sunday, June 15 at 1:30 p.m.

For information about Mosport tickets and camping, call Mosport International Raceway at (800) 866-1072 or visit online at www.mosport.com

Team Fastline, www.fastlinemotorsports.ca, is sponsored by Tim Hortons, Springer's Meats, Troy Cove Marine, Cathcart Trucking, Wix Filters and B & J Electric.

About Fastline Motorsports: The Fastline Motorsports team cars are based on the 2008 Chevrolet Monte Carlo body with a 107.5-inch wheelbase, which sits on top of a McColl Racing Enterprises chassis. The 355-cubic inch small-block Chevrolet engine from AP Racing Engines produces over 500 horsepower, and this power is transferred to the car's rear wheels by a four-speed transmission. Headed by father Joe Lapcevich, and with an experienced and devoted crew of 12 others, this two-car team demonstrates the professionalism, ability, and confidence to represent this exciting sport both on and off the track.

About Jeff Lapcevich: Jeff Lapcevich ran a limited schedule in the 2007 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series and finished with two top-ten finishes. Jeff Lapcevich began his career on road circuits, and the experience acquired in this form of motorsport has developed into a successful career on the CASCAR tour, as he has won six road course events in the past four years in CASCAR.

About Jim Lapcevich: In 2007, Jim Lapcevich captured seven top-ten finishes in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series and one top-five finish, narrowly missing the winner’s podium on several occasions. With a strong background in oval track events, Jim Lapcevich has progressed from the Saturday night "bull-rings" to become one of the top drivers in CASCAR, with several victories in this national series. With a strong competitive desire, Jim will always be in the hunt vying for that checkered flag.

About NASCAR: The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) has a broad reach with 1,300 racing events at 95 tracks in the United States, Canada, and Mexico in several racing series. Among major professional sports, NASCAR ranks number one in corporate involvement and per-event attendance, and number two in television viewership. This sanctioning body for stock car racing is headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in New York City (Corporate Marketing), Los Angeles (Broadcasting Media and Entertainment), Charlotte, North Carolina (Licensing and Aftermarket), Concord, North Carolina (Research and Development Center), Mexico City, and Toronto, Ontario.

The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series will be presented across Canada in a 13-race schedule for 2008.

From Bruce F. Mehlenbacher

C360R Look to Build on Lime Rock Momentum at Mosport

BOWMANVILLE, ON -- With two of their team cars placed solidly in second and third in the Driver's Championship standings following Grand Am's Memorial Day feature at Lime Rock Park, Connecticut, Compass360 Racing (C360R) is working hard to solidify (and improve) those positions during the KONI Challenge Father's Day event at Mosport this weekend.

Californian Christian Miller and North Carolina's Kevin York co-drive the team's #75 Acura TSX, sponsored by 034Motorsport and GoEnzo.com. Currently second in the Driver's Championship, this duo has managed two sixth-place spots in the first two KONI outings. "The car's been great, and the Compass360 guys have called great strategy," remarked Miller.

"Mosport is our home track, and we've got a lot of confidence here," said Team Manager and Crew Chief Ray Lee. "I think we've got a good chance to podium with any of our Acuras."

Indeed, the competition is intense in Grand Am's KONI Challenge, with less than a second or two covering first through 20th in early practice. With nearly 70 cars scheduled to take the green flag (31 Grand Sport and 37 Street Tuner, in which C360R competes), it promises to be an interesting race!

Last year's ST champions, Adam Burrows and Trevor Hopwood, driving the #74 Skunk2/Fischer Skis Acura TSX are no strangers to the podium, currently third in the Championship. Ironically, the duo was poised to take victory at Mosport last year, while driving in a BMW, when Karl Thomson's then-co-driver Billy Johnson staged a daring last-lap pass, giving Johnson and Thomson their third win of 2007. "Adam and Trevor were fast here last year, and they've made the transition to our front-wheel drive Acuras really well," noted Thomson. "Travis and I are going to have our work cut out keeping up in the RSX!"

Indeed, Thomson and 2008 co-driver Travis Walker have switched to the team's back-up car, an Acura RSX-S, after the untimely demise of their brand new Honda Civic Si at the Lime Rock round. "During the Lime Rock race, I got tagged going into Big Bend," explained Thomson. "The contact ended up throwing the Civic into a five-barrel-roll which saw the car finally land on it's lid. The car was a write-off." Thankfully, Thomson emerged unscathed, but the loss of points moved him and Walker from first (after Daytona) to twelfth. "We've got some work to do," exclaimed Walker, "but I love the RSX and Mosport is a track I'm really confident at, so we are hoping for a really good result."

Canadian racing legend Kenny Wilden will co-drive the #73 Pure Shampoo + Body Wash TSX with Oakville, Ontario's Jeremy Willard. Although contact with another car put them out of contention at Lime Rock, the two expect to do well at Mosport. "Kenny's got so many laps here he can probably run it blindfolded," laughed Thomson. The duo are new additions to the C360R team, but their initial performance at Lime Rock showed that they've got the pace to be at the front.

Mosport promises, as it always does, to be a truly amazing race! The KONI Challenge event starts at 1:00pm on Saturday, June 14th. For more information visit www.mosport.com.


Compass360 Racing (C360R) is the motorsports division of Compass360 Design + Advertising, a firm offering branding expertise to clients in diverse industries across North America. For details visit http://www.C360R.com or email karlt at compass360 dot com.

From: Karl Thomson // Photo credit: Wes Duenkel. Reproduction rights granted

NASCAR CANADIAN TIRE SERIES: Whitlock Set to Compete in Dickies 200 This Weekend

Wyoming, ON,  Thursday June 12, 2008:  Dave Whitlock driver of the No. 39 Dickies/NMT Dodge Avenger is set to compete in the Dickies 200 this weekend at the famed Mosport International Raceway.  Dickies Canada will again be the title sponsor of this Father’s Day event which is fast becoming a NASCAR tradition.

HPIM1510.JPGThe Dickies 200 presented by Lucas Oil, will take place Sunday June 15th at the world class, 4 kilometer, 10 turn, Mosport International Raceway road course.  This is the first of four road course events on the thirteen race NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Schedule in 2008.  The others being the Edmonton Indy, Montreal Nationwide race weekend and the Grand Prix de Trois Rivieres.

“We are definitely looking forward to this weekend,” stated team owner and driver Dave Whitlock.  “It is always a pleasure to come to Mosport as this facility is one of the best in the Country.  Racing in front of our sponsors and their guests is an added bonus and we hope we can  give them something to cheer about.  Last year we finished eighth here and we look to step that up a notch or two this year as we are bringing a new car.”

Dickies Canada recently launched their inaugural “Canadian Worker of the Year” contest.  Look for their display at Mosport this weekend and other venues across Canada where you can find out how to enter for a chance to win a 2009 Dodge Ram pick-up truck.  For more information on the contest please visit www.canadianworkeroftheyear.ca.  For more information on Dickies and their line of quality work wear please visit www.dickiescanada.com.

The weekend schedule kicks off with practice on Saturday morning starting at 10:35 a.m., followed by two qualifying sessions commencing at 3:45 p.m.   Sunday’s activities include an autograph session at 11:45 with driver introductions at 1 and the green flag drops for the Dickies 200 at 1:30.

For more information on the weekends events,  including schedule, ticket information and directions please visit www.mosport.com.

For more information on the No. 39 Dickies/NMT/Prostate Cancer Research Foundation of Canada Dodge Avenger please visit www.whitlockmotorsports.com.

From Linda Jones // Wide Open Motorsport Solutions

NASCAR Canadian Tire Series stories in the mainstream newspapers

The Guelph Mercury is running a Rick Matsumoto story (Toronto Star) interviewing Mark Dilley on the health of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. In it, Mark discusses the transition from CASCAR to NASCAR: "CASCAR had gotten to a point where it was too big to be small and too small to be big. It was caught in no-man's land." See the full story here.

newsdurhamregion.com has a piece on Dave Thorndyke and his goal of a top-10 finish at this weekend's Dickies 200 presented by Lucas Oil at Mosport International Raceway. Click here to see the story.

For more on this weekend's Father's Day Doubleheader Weekend at Mosport, visit the track's website here.

(h/t to Mike at MotorSportsNews.Net where I found the Dilley and Thorndyke pieces. And thanks to Mike for regularly including pieces from the Inside Track Motorsport News Breaking News site in his posts.)

ARCA: Ryan Fischer, No. 25 Venturini Motorsports Chevrolet Michigan Fast Facts

Ryan Fischer - No. 25 Venturini Motorsports,
Happy Father's Day Racing Chevrolet
Racing for Wildlife 200 - Fast Facts
Michigan International Speedway, Brooklyn, Michigan
Wednesday, June 11, 2008

* Ryan Fischer and the No. 25 Venturini Motorsports Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS team, are proud to be supporting Father's Day this weekend at Michigan International Speedway. To show their gratitude to father's everywhere, the team will have Happy Father's Day on the Hood and TV Panel, as well as Thanks Dad on the Rear quarter panels. Also be sure to look for the special Father's Day decal on the lower hood, as well as the B-Pillars, showing Crew Chief Billy Venturini's 3-month-old twin Boys, Luke and Maxim saying Love You Dad! Fischer as well as the whole Venturini Motorsports team would like to wish Father's everywhere a Happy Father's Fay, and would like to say thank you to father's everywhere.

* Fischer spent much of the last two weeks in the Venturini Motorsports race shop, helping to finish their car for the Racing for Wildlife 200. He also traveled with the team to Pocono Raceway, where he helped the team throughout the weekend. Crew Chief Billy Venturini also had Fischer pay attention to the racing action in order to pick up any racing knowledge possible.

* Michigan International Speedway (MIS) is a track which NASCAR Nationwide Series team CJM Racing development driver Ryan Fischer has never seen racing action. His ARCA RE/MAX Series team, Venturini Motorsports is well prepared for Michigan racing action however, they
have been racing at MIS since 1980 and have recorded a top finish of fourth.

* Friday evening's Racing for Wildlife 200 will mark Fischer's seventh appearance in the ARCA RE/MAX Series, his fifth of 2008.

* Fischer's last race was the Hantz Group 200 at Toledo Speedway, where a solid top-10 run was marred by a late race incident, taking him from contention. He will be trying to top his career best finish of third at Kentucky Speedway last month.

* The Venturini Motorsports, happy Father's Day Racing Chevrolet will be racing chassis #68 this week at Michigan International Speedway.

* The green flag for the Racing for Wildlife 200 is set to drop at 5:15 PM EST. Be sure to catch all of the Live racing action on SPEED TV.

FISCHER'S THOUGHTS ON RACING ACTION THIS WEEKEND

AT MICHIGAN INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY: "I am very excited to be racing at MIS for the first time. We have had great runs at mile and half's this year, and I a ready to back those up here at this 2 mile oval. My Venturini Motorsports team has prepared me another fast racecar, and they have worked hard to get me another amazing car. I would like to thank everyone at Venturini Motorsports and CJM Racing for supporting me, and all of my fans routing me on each and every week! I would also like to say thank you to my dad, who has helped me get to were I am today, and I would like to wish him and all of the father's everywhere a Happy Father's Day."

CREW CHIEF BILLY VENTURINI'S THOUGHTS GOING INTO MICHIGAN: "The
Venturini Motorsports crew has another strong car ready for this weekend, and we are excited to have Ryan Fischer back at the helm of the wheel. Fischer has shown so much promise this year, and I have the up most faith in him this weekend to get the job done. Michigan is another
step in the learning curve for Ryan's young ARCA career, and I believe it will be a positive step. I would also like to wish father's everywhere a Happy Father's Day!"

Please visit www.Ryanfischermotorsports.com for more information.

From Nic Moncher // Ryan Fischer Motorsports

NCATS: Mosport road circuit a favorite for Micks

Mosport road circuit a favorite for Micks... Teams hopes to continue momentum in NASCAR Canadian Tire Series

MT. ALBERT, ONTARIO (June 12, 2008) – Although he's primarily an oval track racer, Kerry Micks has proven himself a capable foe when it comes to driving on the road circuits.

And this Sunday Micks plans to be in the thick of things for the third event of the 2008 NASCAR – Canadian Tire Series, the Dickies 200 presented by Lucas Oil.

"I think everyone will see that the team is positioned to do well this year," said Micks, who won this event in 2006. "We've invested some upgrades and horsepower to both race engines while still maintaining excellent durability in our Beyond Digital Imaging Inc. Ford Fusion."

In this year's opening round at Cayuga Speedway, Micks started the 200-lap race in sixth. Working with a team strategy that saw the Mount Albert racer pit late in the race, Micks came back with fresh tires but out of the top ten, and drove a very strong final 30 laps to take second position.

"We are having a great start to the season with a second-place finish at Cayuga with a very strong car which in another three laps would have been in contention for the win," Micks added. "So now we sit in second in the points and we are going to one of my favorite tracks, the Mosport road course, where we have had success before in past races."

Micks also won two of the series' four road course events in 2007, and mechanical failure kept him away from the podium in the other two events.

Mosport International Raceway is Canada's largest motorsports complex. The 750-acre, multi-track facility is located within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), north of Bowmanville, Ontario.

The Dickies 200 presented by Lucas Oil is part of the Sunoco Ultra 94 Father's Day Doubleheader Weekend at Mosport is scheduled to start Sunday, June 15 at 1:30 p.m.

For information about Mosport tickets and camping, call Mosport International Raceway at (800) 866-1072 or visit online at www.mosport.com

Beyond Digital Imaging Inc. (BDI), Canadian Detailing Services, Crane Lake Resort, HP Canada, Ultraflex, Cathcart Trucking, Castrol and NGK Spark Plugs are sponsors of Micks Motorsports, www.micksmotorsports.com

About Kerry Micks: Kerry Micks, the 1993 CASCAR Super Series National Champion is the driver of the #02 Micks Motorsports 2008 Ford Fusion in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. Micks of Mount Albert, Ontario finished the 2007 season in seventh position in the championship point standings with three top-three podium finishes, and seven top-ten finishes including a win at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in downtown Montreal and the Grand-Prix de Trois-Rivières. Micks collected one pole in 2007 at Barrie Speedway and had a third place finishes at Mosport Speedway. Kerry has been driving Ford products since 1995 when Ford of Canada came on board with Micks Motorsports, and it continues to support Ford and retain close relationships with all involved.

About NASCAR: The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) has a broad reach with 1,300 racing events at 95 tracks in the United States, Canada, and Mexico in several racing series. Among major professional sports, NASCAR ranks number one in corporate involvement and per-event attendance, and number two in television viewership. This sanctioning body for stock car racing is headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in New York City (Corporate Marketing), Los Angeles (Broadcasting Media and Entertainment), Charlotte, North Carolina (Licensing and Aftermarket), Concord, North Carolina (Research and Development Center), Mexico City, and Toronto, Ontario.

From Bruce F. Mehlenbacher // Director of Public Relations

AIM Autosport - Watkins Glen Race Report

Wilkins and Frisselle take the heat... Exciting battle to the end gains championship positions for team

Woodbridge, Ontario (June 10, 2008): There would be a lot more than the heat to consider for the Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen, but with the Exchange Traded Gold No. 61 Ford Riley starting from the front row for the third time this season, everyone on the AIM Autosport team ignored the heat and focused on the task at hand. After a long battle that came down to the final few laps, Mark Wilkins brought the 61 car across the line P7 and brought the team enough points to move up two positions (P10 to P8) in the series championship.

From the beginning of practice on Friday, both Mark and Brian (Frisselle) felt the Ford Riley would be strong for the six hour event. AIM Autosport crew had spent the weeks since Laguna Seca getting the car prepped focusing on endurance as well as speed. Reliability is a key factor when dealing with ambient temperatures of 95F and a cockpit temperature in excess of 110F and the crew did a good job to build in that reliability factor. Brian would go out for qualifying and with a very quick first lap, immediately go to the front row. He was on pace to go even faster when an incident on track brought the session to a halt. The decision to go out early paid off for the team and they would now start the race from the front row.

From the first lap of the race, cautions would play a pivotal role and throughout the race both Brian and Mark would have the No. 61 Ford Riley sitting P1. In fact Brian would go P1 just four laps in when a full course caution saw many of the DP cars come in for their mandatory pit stop. Brian would remain in the lead until the twenty-three minute mark when the team elected to take its mandatory stop and take fuel only. The next stop would be interesting.

At one hour ten minutes in the rains came just as everyone hit the pits. The #61 would take on fuel, four Pirelli tires and driver as Mark took over the wheel. At that same time, the edge of a dark cloud passed over the front straight and pits bringing a heavy downpour. With the sun beaming just beyond the grandstands, the decision was to stay on slicks as the rest of the track was dry. Mark would re-enter the track P10 and was soon up to P6. Mark also set the fastest lap for the #61 to that point.

Mark would pit just ahead of the two hour point in the race. Fuel only and a quick check on the left front wheel. After the previous stop, the team found some marks on the inside of the wheel and wanted to check for problems. The car went up in the air and some debris that was dragging on the inside of the left front wheel was removed. Back on the ground, Mark slotted into P5. Fifty-nine laps on the books and Mark was P4, just ten seconds back of the leader. Another full course caution and Mark would take his turn at the front of the field as AIM Autosport's brain trust chose to stay with their original pit strategy. Good on fuel, it was now a matter of dealing with the heat. The next full course caution came at just the right time.

Mark held the lead from the last caution and under pressure from drivers on fresh tires late in the stint commented, "that was a lot of fun" as he described fending off challenges for the top spot. Fuel and tires for the #61 but the temperature is rising and Mark has his hands full, fighting his way through GT cars and DP back markers. After two hours and twenty minutes in the car, he hands the wheel back over to Brian and the #61 Ford Riley also takes on fuel.

At the end of four hours teams are cycling through pit stops under green and this has allowed Brian to move to P3 and is now in a very tight battle for second place. GT cars are getting into the mix but Brian is focused on the back of the number 10 car for position. Brian pits while sitting P2. This will be a full fuel and tires stop as well as a change of the bottle for the cool suit and the driver's drinks bottle. Brian will take an extended run with Mark resting to take over the final stint. The #61 cycled out of the pits P6.

With just over an hour left in the race, Brian brings the #61 in from P6 for a full service - fuel, tires, driver and a windshield tear-off. The stop goes quick and Mark will close out the race. The car is good to go to the end. The #61 cycled out of the pits P9 and the team knows that the cars in front will need to pit to make it to the end of the race.

In a close, four car battle to the end, Mark would bring the Exchange Traded Gold #61 Ford Riley home P7 after one hundred seventy nine laps. Fourth through seventh were covered by one second at the finish line and the last podium position was just a half second up the track. It was a tough battle with lots of defensive driving by those ahead - plus dealing with the GT traffic but the race ended with another top-ten finish for AIM Autosport.

The drivers had this to say after the race:

Mark Wilkins - "The heat was a big factor and this is a physical track but to be right in the thick of the battle for position with four cars after six hours was pretty exciting racing. I was happy with my driving overall but that long stint in the middle took something out of me. The car was great in my final stint with only the slightest hint of brake fade when you tried to go deep. With such a tight race though, everyone was in defensive mode and my one goal was to not make a mistake."

Brian Frisselle - "It was a good result but not the one Mark and I had hoped to bring home for the team. The car was great and even at the end the #61 Ford Riley had great balance and plenty of power. But track position is so important and it was a tough battle for Mark at the end."

AIM Autosport team principal Ian Willis commented, "The boys did as good job and it was definitely exciting and very close at the end. Positions three through seven were changing almost every lap there near the end and when you consider it was a six hour race in high heat, that is truly a testament to how competitive this series really is.”

Willis continued, "We’ll be trying hard once again at Mid-Ohio next weekend to get that elusive podium as we'd all like to see the Exchange Traded Gold No. 61 Ford Riley in victory lane."

With the seventh place result, AIM Autosport now sits eighth overall in the Rolex Grand Am Series presented by Cask No. 16 Championship with eight more races on the schedule.

The next race for the Exchange Traded Gold N0. 61 Ford Riley is the Emco Gears Classic at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, June 20 and 21.

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 Exchange Traded Gold #61 Ford-Riley Daytona Prototype in the Rolex Grand Am series with drivers Mark Wilkins and Brian Frisselle.

From Chris Jameson // Level Ten Communications

SPY PHOTOS: New Kart track taking shape at Polson Pier (formerly The Docks)

 

I don't know if it's going to be part of Toronto's Polson Pier complex (formerly The Docks) or if it's independent... but I went by the place today and they're building a karting track.

Predators ready for Mosport this weekend

Predators ready for Mosport this weekend
Pritiko and Boyer poised for home track success

TORONTO, ONTARIO - Predators Autosport is ready for action this weekend at Mosport International Raceway, site of round 3 of the Koni Challenge Series. This will be very much a home track race for the team and coming off a good weekend at Lime Rock the whole team is poised for success this weekend.

"I'm very excited about this weekend's race at Mosport," Predators' driver Matt Pritiko said. "It's my home track and we have always been fast there. We have numerous sponsors and family coming up to watch so I'm sure Robert and I will put on a great show".

Predators Autosport has been building momentum since the opening round at Daytona, and they expect their #53 turbocharged Chevrolet Cobalt SS to be at the front of the ST class all weekend.

"We tested here a few weeks ago and were very pleased of the result," Pritiko added. The whole Predators Autosport team is very anxious to get back on the track after our great run at lime rock."

Mosport has been good to both the team and drivers in the past. Robert Boyer was always a front runner in Honda Michelin at Mosport, while the Predators Autosport team enjoyed some success in the same series at Mosport. Pritiko won a karting GrandNational championship a few years back at the Mosport Karting Complex which is located on the outside of turn 8.

The Mosport Koni Challenge race will start at 1:00pm on Saturday.

Predators Autosports Fast Facts: Predators Autosports was formerly Kart Depot Predators. The Steve Morris owned team is based in Ottawa, Ontario. Originally a karting team, the team became Predators Autosports when the moved up to car competition in the Honda Michelin Challenge Series. For the past two seasons, Predators Autosports has been competing in the Koni Challenge Series.

Matt Pritiko Fast Facts: Matt Pritiko is one of Canada's up and coming stars of motorsport. He is from London Ontario. In 2007, Pritiko completed his rookie season in Koni Challenge, finishing 15th in the standings, with a top five and four top tens. Pritiko was a member of Sunoco's Team Ultra 94 and collected 1 win, 2 poles and five podiums in the Bridgestone F2000 Series. In 2002, Pritiko is was 2nd in F125/80cc in the Point Pelee Championships and took home the  2002 Most Sportsmanlike award.

Pritiko is supported by Burwell Auto Body.

Release prepared by Russ Bond Agency, Inc.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MAINLINE

NCATS: JACOMBS TEAM READY FOR RETURN TO MOSPORT

Hamilton, ON - Thursday June 12, 2008: The thought of Father's Day at the Mosport Road Course brings a smile to the face of team owner Dave Jacombs.  Last year with Andrew Ranger behind the wheel, in only his third stock car race, they went to Victory Lane, a place Jacombs Racing had not been in some time.  This was the start of their run for the 2007 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series National Championship.

Ranger, a newcomer to the stock car scene, after competing in open wheel cars, most recently Champ Car, adapted quickly to the heavier cars with a solid finish at the first oval event at Cayuga and a win at this second event of the '07 season. They would leave Mosport with the points lead, a lead they would not relinquish for the rest of the season.

After serving a penalty for jumping the green flag at the start HPIM1430.JPGof last years race, Ranger had to work hard to make his way back to the front.  Another rookie mistake would be made when he pitted to close to the pit wall and the jack-man had difficulty getting the car up for right side tires and it cost them valuable time on pit road.  Not to be deterred, the youngster again made a dash to the front where with less than 10 laps to go he passed the other young gun in the series J.R. Fitzpatrick to take the win. 

2008 sees the Jacombs Racing Team fielding a second full time team with another former Champ Car driver, Alex Tagliani.  Tagliani had car troubles in his first event with the Jacombs team at Cayuga Speedway where they fought a vibration and charging system problems all night.  Practice at St. Eustache, before the event was called due to rain, saw the No. 7 Wal-Mart/Ubisoft driver post the second quickest time on a track he was seeing for the first time.

"I am excited to bring to such good road racers here this weekend," stated team owner Dave Jacombs. "They are both great talents and I expect they will likely be battling each other as well as the other competitors on Sunday, hopefully for the win."

Mosport International Raceway is a 10 turn, 2.459 mile road course with multiple elevations and challenging off camber turns located less than one hour east of Toronto.  Event details, including schedule, ticket information and directions to the Bowmanville facility can be found on the Mosport International Raceway website www.mosport.com.

From Linda Jones

PHOTO GALLERY: June 6, 2008 at Kawartha Speedway... regular racing and OSCAAR... by Dave Franks

Thanks to Dave Franks for this photo gallery from Friday, June 6 at Kawartha Speedway featuring the track's regular divisions and the OSCAAR Super Late Models.

You can visit Dave's site at: http://www.davefranksphotos.com/

Sports Car Club of BC (SCCBC) June Newsletter now available.

You can download a PDF version of the new Sports Car Club of BC newsletter by clicking here.

Thanks to the club's Peter Weedon for letting us know it's out.

F1200: TLM at Shannonville

“TEAM GROTE” ROOKIES SHINE AT F1200 SEASON OPENER!

TLM Racing teammates Alex Ellis and Dylan Gibson vanquished any doubt of their driving abilities at the F1200 Shannonville Shoot Out season opener by capturing a plethora of podium finishes. 

During Friday's practice sessions, the performance capabilities of both the cars and drivers for TLM’s 3-car team was still unknown as track time up to the CRDA event had been too little to tell. The TLM team includes 2007 Vallis Cup winner, Greg Brenzil, and his two new teammates Ellis and Gibson. As the practice day progressed, it became evident that Brenzil’s car was suffering from power and handling issues, while the two rookies were posting remarkably fast lap times. By end of day both Ellis and Gibson had come close to equaling the fastest lap times set in 2007.

As the start of the first race of the season approached, thunderstorms and lightning caused a 30-minute lightening delay. Once the lightning had passed, race 1 got underway with Ellis, Gibson and Brenzil positioned in the grid in their qualifying positions of 4th, 5th and 10th.  Brenzil knew he had to make some moves early in the race to make up for his stating position and at the green flag Brenzil got a great start, weaving through traffic to be near the front pack with Ellis and Gibson, 2007 Champion Randy Smith, and 2007 Rookie of the Year Andrew McMurray.

Brenzil’s car, still suffering from power issues quickly dropped back in the pack as both Ellis and Gibson stayed up front broke away with pole sitter Iamundi and Smith.  Within 3 laps, Ellis had a commanding lead and continued to increase the gap over the rest of the field to take the win a full 18 seconds ahead of teammate Gibson. The 1 - 2 finish for the TLM teammates was a surprise to everyone, including 2007 Champion and the team’s driver coach Randy Smith.

“First event in the rain proved very exciting and conditions changed drastically throughout the race”, commented Smith. “The rookies, Alex Ellis and Dylan Gibson of TLM put on a driving clinic regarding car control in the wet ”.

Ellis, excited about winning his first ever F1200 race, was all smiles. ” "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”, said Ellis. “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”.  

Race two on Sunday morning was conducted in much better conditions as the wet weather system had moved on leaving the track dry under partly cloudy skies. With Ellis on the pole and Gibson beside him on the front row, the duo were clearly in the sights of the more seasoned drivers. As the green flag flew, both drivers immediately came under attack from Iamundi and last years Rookie of the Year, Andrew McMurray.  A classic F1200 driving display was enjoyed by the fans as Ellis and Gibson swapped positions with veteran drivers on numerous occasions through out each lap. In the end, it was Gibson crossing the line in 2nd place with Ellis just missing the podium in 4th.

In the third and final race of the weekend, the two TLM rookies once again found themselves near the front in the early stages of the race. Unfortunately, as the leaders entered turn 12, Ellis made a rookie mistake, braking late into the corner and spinning out. After losing at least a dozen positions, he returned to the track to rejoin the race, only to discover that the spin had caused a mechanical problem forcing him to retire from the race early.  Brenzil in the mean time was doing his best to make up ground on the leaders, getting caught up in mid pack and managing to set his best lap of the weekend in lap 8, just 4/10s of a second off pole sitter Randy Smith’s best time. At the checkered flag, it would be Gibson who would land on the podium for the third time in as many starts with another 2nd place finish.

“I would like to thank TLM Racing and my driving coach Randy Smith”, Gibson said.  “We had a fast car and clear strategy that produced consistent results all weekend”.

TLM Racing returns to the track on June 28 and 29 when the F1200 Championship battle resumes at Mosport International Raceway.

From TLM // Photo Credit: Arts International - Teresa Matkovich
Note: Picture of Dylan and Dave Matkovich, Dave is our "Director of Driver Development"

IHRA yanks Toronto Motorsports Park's IHRA event

"Non-completion mandatory repair work causes removal from 2008 national event slate...
Following the 2007 IHRA Canadian Nationals, IHRA provided Toronto Motorsports Park, a list of mandatory facility improvements needed to ensure IHRA’s return in 2008. After a recent facility inspection following the deadline for these upgrades/improvements, IHRA has decided not to contest the 2008 Canadian Nationals, originally scheduled for Sept. 19-21, at TMP...."

Read all about it here.

(h/t B.M.)

ARCA: Ontario's Terry Jones at Home at Cayuga; ARCA RE/MAX Series on the Way.....

Ontario’s Terry Jones at Home at Cayuga Motor Speedway; Cayuga ARCA RE/MAX 250 Coming June 28 & 29

NELLES CORNERS, ON (6-12-08) – For the last five years, Amherstburg, Ontario’s Terry Jones has been patiently passing over the border into the United States to race with the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA).

With the inaugural Cayuga ARCA RE/MAX 250 coming soon to Cayuga Motor Speedway, the tables have turned now, and it’s about time according to Jones.

“I don’t know why it’s taken so long,” said Jones regarding the ARCA RE/MAX Series racing in Canada. “The Nationwide Series has been racing in Mexico and Canada for a pretty long time. The Canadian border isn’t an issue, so it’s about time that ARCA has come our way.”

Jones, in his own no. 30 Jones Group Racing Dodge, has filed an entry for the Sunday afternoon, June 29th event, the first ARCA RE/MAX Series race in Canada since 1992.

“We’re excited to be racing in Canada,” added Jones, whose career-best finish was sixth at Winchester Speedway in 2007. “I’m sure we’ll have a lot of support from family and friends, so it would be huge for me to go there and do well. More than that, we want to win the race.

“We’ve got a new short-track car for Cayuga; we’re gunna test there next week.”

Jones, despite being a hometowner, so to speak, has never raced at Cayuga.

“We went and checked out the track last week – saw a late model race over there. They really pack ‘em in over there. I’m sure the Canadian fans will be very receptive to the ARCA RE/MAX Series racing at Cayuga. I really think it’ll be as big as the Nationwide Series coming to the area.

“The Canadian fans are very knowledgeable when it comes to stock car racing; and they’re very aware of ARCA. I’ve had a lot of people call me and tell me they’d rather watch an ARCA race over NASCAR. But they stop me all the time and tell me how much they enjoy the diversity in this series (ARCA) and all the action. If there’s one thing I always hear, it’s that an ARCA race is never boring. I think the fans, from both countries, are in for a real treat at Cayuga.”

The ARCA RE/MAX Series, in its 56th consecutive season, is renowned for its diversity regularly competing on a wide variety of tracks from short-tracks, on both dirt and pavement to superspeedways such as Daytona, Talladega, Michigan, and Pocono, to name a few. To add to the diversity element, the ARCA RE/MAX Series has added a road course event at New Jersey Motorsports Park later this year.

Jones, who has made 28 career series starts since 2003, all in his own equipment, is planning on running the entire schedule in 2008, mixing in 18-year-old rookie Jesse Smith as one of the drivers of his Jones Group Racing Dodge entries.

“Jesse’s running all the speedways, and I’m filling in on all the short-tracks. I think people can see that we’ve really stepped up our program this year. We bought several cars from Evernham Motorsports. We’ve always had a very solid short-track program, but our speedway program has lacked some. That’s no longer the case’ and I think people can see that.”

Smith, in Jones’s Dodge, finished an impressive third at Kansas Speedway and fifth at Iowa Speedway.

Jones and Smith are both entered in Jones Group Racing Dodges here at Michigan Int’l Speedway for this weekend’s ARCA RE/MAX Series Racing For Wildlife 200 Friday afternoon (June 13).

In addition to the ARCA RE/MAX Series racing at Cayuga, the ARCA Lincoln Welders Truck Series will join the racing card for an ARCA double-header weekend kicking off with the ARCA Lincoln Welders 50 Saturday afternoon, June 28th.

Jones is one of two Canadian drivers currently entered at Cayuga – the other being Surrey British Columbia’s Ryan Fischer, entered in a no. 25 Venturini Motorsports Chevrolet.

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

After eight events so far in 2008, Stenhouse is the only repeat winner. 2008 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 Pocono Raceway, and Matt Carter at Toledo Speedway.

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 28th 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 29th.

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

From ARCA Communications

World of Outlaws Late Model Series Makes First-Ever Visit To Ontario For 'Six Nations 50' On June 19

World of Outlaws Late Model Series Makes First-Ever Visit To Ontario For ‘Six Nations 50’ On June 19 At Ohsweken Speedway
 
OHSWEKEN, ONT – June 11, 2008 – Now it’s southern Ontario’s turn to get a taste of the World of Outlaws Late Model Series.
 
Following a blockbuster inaugural Canadian event last year in Quebec, the tour will increase its international footprint by racing in Ontario for the first time when it visits Ohsweken Speedway for the ‘Six Nations 50’ presented by Arrow Express on Thurs., June 19.
 
The $10,000-to-win event is not only the biggest dirt Late Model race ever run in the province of Ontario but also a unique addition to the schedule of the three-eighths-mile oval, an emerging track that headlines 360 Sprint Cars on a weekly basis. Several dirt Late Model shows have been contested at the facility since its birth in 1996, but none boasting the top-level talent that will arrive with the WoO LMS.
 
“We’re entering into uncharted territory here,” said Ohsweken Speedway track manager Ken Pelkie, highlighting the true special-event aura surrounding the Six Nations 50. “We’ve never attempted a dirt Late Model race of this magnitude, but we’re excited about the possibilities. People around here are already very familiar with the World of Outlaws Sprints, and we know that once they see the World of Outlaws Late Models they’ll love them too.”
 
A major event for the full-fender set is the latest sign of growth at Ohsweken, which gained notoriety in recent years for its fall 360 Sprint Car Nationals and became firmly established on the short-track map with a wildly successful first-ever Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series program last season.
 
The track is a bona fide Field of Dreams for its owner Glenn Styres, a 360 Sprint Car driver who literally built the facility in his backyard on the Six Nations Indian Reserve. Styres’s home sits just off the second turn of the oval, which he has steadily improved in each year of its existence. He’s in the process of adding more bleachers to bring the track’s seating capacity to over 8,000 and recently completed a project to install Musco lighting, illuminating the speedway in stellar fashion in time for the WoO LMS invasion and next month’s WoO Sprint Car doubleheader that will be taped for broadcast on the SPEED cable network.
 
“Glenn wants Ohsweken Speedway to be one of the best tracks in the U.S. and Canada,” said Pelkie. “He puts so much effort into making the track better and better, and he knows that bringing in big series like the World of Outlaws brings more attention.”
 
A star-studded group of American dirt Late Model stars is planning to cross the border for the WoO LMS debut at Ohsweken, which sits about 65 miles southwest of Toronto and 75 miles west of Niagara Falls.
 
The WoO LMS roster will be led by defending champion Steve Francis of Ashland, Ky., who enters the Six Nations 50 as the tour’s only driver with a victory in Canada under his belt. He won last year’s first-ever WoO LMS in Canada, triumphing at Autodrome Drummond in Drummondville, Que.
 
Francis will be joined by his barnstorming WoO LMS compatriots, including Darrell Lanigan of Union, Ky., who is currently tied for the points lead with Francis; 20-year-old sensation Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.Va.; Chub Frank of Bear Lake, Pa.; Shannon Babb of Moweaqua, Ill., who drives a car owned by NASCAR Sprint Cup star Clint Bowyer; Rick Eckert of York, Pa.; Shane Clanton of Locust Grove, Ga.; Clint Smith of Senoia, Ga.; 2007 Rookie of the Year Tim Fuller of Watertown, N.Y.; John Blankenship of Williamson, W.Va.; and 2008 Rookie of the Year contenders Vic Coffey of Leicester, N.Y., Danny Johnson of Phelps, N.Y., and Joe Isabell of Pennellville, N.Y.
 
The talented field will by buoyed by a host of other top drivers from across the region – including 2006 WoO LMS champion Tim McCreadie of Watertown, N.Y., Jeremy Miller of Gettysburg, Pa., Dan Stone of Thompson, Pa., Ricky Elliott of Seaford, Del., and Rick ‘Boom’ Briggs of Bear Lake, Pa. – and a strong contingent of home-province dirt Late Model racers.
 
The Six Nations 50 will draw participants from the Ontario Dirt Late Model Series championship by offering points toward the tour’s championship. In addition, perhaps a dozen or more dirt Late Model regulars at the UMP DIRTcar-sanctioned South Buxton (Ont.) Raceway are expected to compete, including Andrew Reaume of Blenheim, Ont., and Chris Ross of Wallaceburg, Ont., who has won at Ohsweken in Limited Late Model competition.
 
The winner of the Six Nations 50 will receive a unique trophy in addition to the 10-grand top prize: a stone carving of a turtle, which represents part of the tribe’s heritage.
 
In addition, Ohsweken’s management plans to provide the dirt Late Model teams a post-race meal in the pit area to show appreciation for their long hauls to take part in the event.
 
Hot laps are scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. on June 19, with race time set for 7:45 p.m.
 
General admission to the program, which also includes the track’s regular 360 Sprint Car class, is $20 and $10 for kids 12-and-under. Reserved seats are available for $30 and $20 for kids 12-and-under.
 
As an added bonus for fans attending the WoO LMS event, Ohsweken management has posted an attractive $5 admission price to the track’s Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints Series show on Friday night (June 20) for those presenting a Thursday-night ticket stub.
 
For more information on Ohsweken Speedway, visit www.ohswekenspeedway or call 888-720-7223/519-542-2116.
 
The Ohsweken stop is part of the seven-race WoO LMS ‘Great Northern Tour,’ which barnstorms across the Northeast through the end of the month. The swing begins at Port Royal (Pa.) Speedway on June 17 and also includes stops on June 21 at Quebec’s Autodrome Drummond; June 22 at Cornwall (Ont.) Motor Speedway; June 24 at Canandaigua (N.Y.) Speedway; June 25 at Big Diamond Raceway in Minersville, Pa.; and June 27-28 at Lernerville Speedway in Sarver, Pa. (the $40,000-to-win Firecracker 100).
 
More info on the WoO LMS is available by logging on to www.worldofoutlaws.com. 

 

From: World Racing Group // Kevin Kovac, World of Outlaws Late Model Series P.R. Director

Rick Young's 'Rick at the Races' June 6-8, 2008

Rick Young's 'Rick at the Races' for June 6-8, 2008

• 6 June Autodrome Edelweiss
• 7 June Fulton Speedway
• 8 June Cornwall Motor Speedway

PIC 1   Ryan Foley # 12 and partner at Edelweiss with his car
PIC  2   Eric Gauvreau # 22 and Jessica Zemken # 96Z in action at Edelweiss
PIC  3   Brian McDonald # 96M , winner of the first Edelweiss Mod Feature
PIC 4   Pierre Dagenais # 124 , winner of the second Edelweiss Mod Feature
PIC 5   Joel Doiron # 40 at Edelweiss
PIC 6   Claude Hutchings # 84Jr with his Dirt  Sportsman at Fulton
PIC 7  Billy Decker # 91 in action at Fulton
PIC 8  Dale Planck # 77X in action at Fulton
PIC 9  Matt Shepherd # 9s and Brett Hearn # 20 in action at Fulton.
PIC 10   First three in the Fulton SDS race LtoR , 3rd Dale Planck, 1st Billy Decker, 2nd Danny Johnson
PIC 11    Camping, racing and a cold beer... that's the life !
PIC 12    Gage Morin # 16 , Laurent Ladouceur # 23 and Brian McDonald in action at Cornwall
PIC 13   Mark Hitchcock # 95 and Stephane Lafrance # 115 in action at Cornwall
PIC 14   Mark Hitchcock in the Cornwall victory lane.
PIC 15   Giles Godard in the Cornwall Victory Lane.

I finished work early again on Friday , which once again allowed me to visit the Autodrome Edelweiss in the Val De Monts region of Quebec.

Just before heading up into the mountains, I called in at the 'Tim Hortons' in Chelsea for a coffee and donut where I bumped into Mario Shink , editor of SMAC magazine. ( a French language Auto Journal available in Quebec). I first met Mario a few years back, when we were both covering an ice racing event at Ste Genevieve De Batiscan, and we've connected at various events ever since. Most recently, last weekends ill fated rain out for the NASCAR CANADIAN TIRE SERIES race at St Eustache. He was also on his way to Edelweiss to do some interviews.

There were double features on hand due to the previous weeks rain out and we had three welcome additions to the Modified ranks. Jasmin Leveille # 4, Paul Pekkonen # 98 and Skip McKenzie # 12R,

The most noticeable car in the pits was that of Ryan Foley # 12. Ryan's partner is a school teacher in nearby Chelsea and the car had undergone a new look, courtesy of the kids . The car was taken to the school where they were 'let loose' to do the body work graphics.

The Modifed Feature winners were Brian McDonald # M96 ( rain delayed from 30 May) and Pierre Dagenais # 124, with the Pro Stock race going to Denis Gauvreau # 72.

I had a mid morning start for my Saturday night racing destination , and once again I joined Roger Aubin , my regular traveling companion for the 'long distance tracks' . We used his Ford Escape , for the three and a half hour drive to the Fulton Speedway, New York. My local Saturday tracks were running that night, but a staging of the ADVANCE AUTO PARTS SUPER DIRTCAR SERIES race for Big Block Modifieds tempted us to make the journey further south. It was a hot and humid weekend and we intended to camp at the track overnight.

On arrival we soon got chatting to the other camping race fans, which included Clay Benfield from Reading PA. Welcome to the RICK @ the RACES mailing list Clay .

On my pit 'walk about' I came across a couple of good friends of mine that I first met a few years back at ( what is believed to be ) the first ever Euro Style Rally Cross in North America , at the Glad Rag Speedway ( Corinth NY). I got to know , the father and son AMEC Ice Race team of Claude and Claude Jnr Hutchings who were racing their Saabs on that historic day.

Over the past couple of years, Claude Jnr has moved on to Dirt racing and has been beating all before him at the Brewerton Speedway , in the 4 cylinder division in yet another Saab. For 2008 the sixteen year old has graduated to the DIRT Sportsman ranks and is currently doing well in the Rookie division that runs at Fulton. Apparently, according to his 'Dad' , he's promised to have his hair cut when he gets his first win!

There were 44 Big Block Modifieds in attendance to contest the SDS race which included two Canadians, Pat O'Brien # 6 of Kingston (Ont) and Wallace Stacey # 66W of Kahnawake (Que).

During the front stretch pre-race presentations I chatted with Dale Planck # 77X. We discussed the heat and humidity of the night and the concerns of body fluids getting burned up during the 100 lapper which was about to get under way. He told me he'd been preparing for it.

After the pomp and ceremony , the race got underway where Billy Decker # 91 immediately shot into the lead. There were 96 green flag laps before the first and only only caution . Decker had dominated throughout but behind him, from second to sixth place , there was action a plenty. These places shuffled between Danny Johnson # 27j , Dale Planck # 77x , Brett Hearn # 20 , Matt Shepherd # 9s and Jimmy Phelps # 98h who were all in a fierce battle. The late caution, of course, closed the field , but once again it was Decker who showed his class , staying up front to take the checkers.

Following this round of the series, Planck and Decker share the top spot for points.

After the race I returned to the camping field, and after a few beers I retired for the night. Roger, made his bed up in the back of his Escape, while I was joined in my tent by a 'little thing' that became attracted to me during the course of the night !

That 'little thing' was a mosquito, and after it had eaten me alive for a few hours , I got up at the crack of dawn (4-30 am)  covered in bites, thinking to myself ,  I'm getting too old for sleeping in tents!

Now, my latest plan is to buy a small van and convert it into a camper. Hotels are OK once in a while, but you miss out on all the tail gate parties and fun that takes place at the track. For me camping is the way to go racing, and if I had the money, I'd be hauling a fifth wheel camper.

My tent was taken down and packed away before 5-00am, at about the same time Roger awoke in the truck. Before long we were heading back to Canada and were at the 730 TRUCKSTOP at Cardinal on HWY 401 soon after 8-00am for breakfast. I have to plug this excellent eatery, as they do so much good in sponsoring our local racers. Drop in there if you get the chance.

By 10-00am Sunday morning I was back home.

Sunday evening I was on duty at the Cornwall Motor Speedway for the regular nights racing program and it was still hot and humid when I set up my chair in the shade, behind the ambulance on the center green. While waiting for things to start , I had a good chat with Tammy Jalbert , who is one of the St Johns Ambulance crew. She's no stranger to racing and in fact , up until last year she and her husband Dan were Dirt Modified pilots. They have both been out of active racing, since their son Cory was involved in serious accident in the Bandit division at the Mohawk International Raceway ( FKA Frogtown Speedway) in 2007.

Tammy's car was passed on to Mark Therrien # 17 and Dan's went to Nicolas Vaillant # 72 . While Dan is putting his racing knowledge to use helping Vaillant , Tammy is giving her time to the St Johns. She told me all about the good work they do, and how it's all done voluntary. If your local race track has a collection for their funds, try to help out if you can as I really admire these people.

The Modified heats went to Mitch Jock # 14, Brian McDonald # 151 KB and Roy Delormier # 27.

The feature was a very exciting affair with an outcome uncertain right to the end. The four cars in contention were the # 14 of Jock, # 16 of Gage Morin, the # 96 of Kyle Dingwall and the # 95 of Mark Hitchcock.

When the checkers fell, it was Hitchcock at the front to claim his second feature of the year. Coincidentally it was Mark's car owner Jim's ( Primrose) Performance Plus that were the nights sponsors.

One novel idea idea in use that night was a two-way radio link between the announcer Dave Murphy and Modified driver Joel Doiron # 40. When there was a break in the action for a caution, Joel was able to talk to the race fans.

The feature for the Pro Stock division was once again taken by my buddy Giles Godard # 27.

Looking ahead, I must mention Cornwall Motor Speedway's 'BIG ONE' that's coming up on Sunday June 22.  THE TRIPLE CROWN , which is one of Canada's biggest Dirt racing events of the year takes place that day. The WORLD OF OUTLAWS Late Models will be in attendance along with the ESS Sprint Cars and DIRTCAR 358 Modifieds.

NASCAR Canadian Tire Series News and Notes - Mosport Int'l Raceway

From Shon Sbarra / NASCAR

- Dickies 200 Presented By Lucas Oil Notebook
- A Look Back: Ranger’s Road To The Championship
- Veteran Kerry Micks Uses Strategy For An Edge

Strategy More Than Intimidation Is Micks’ Style

Some say his style is to intimidate on the track. He says it is a desire to win and nothing more. Either way, Kerry Micks (No. 02 Beyond Digital Imaging Ford) is a hard-nosed racer whose experience tells him to use every tool at his disposal to achieve his goals.

“I don’t go out there with the thought of being an intimidator or anything like that,” said Micks. “I just want to win. It is as simple as that. That’s just me.”

Racing is the physical act of making the car go fast. However, just as veteran baseball pitchers discover the strategy and art of their business so, too, has the Mt. Albert, Ontario-based driver evolved the mental portion of his game.

“It’s a thinking game, too,” he said.

Case in point is the season opener at Cayuga Motor Speedway. Pit strategy is often talked about as a difference maker, but the equipment and the competition, more often than not, dictates that line of attack. So, when the caution flag waved at about the halfway point in the race, virtually every driver in the lead pack headed down pit road for tires because the cars needed grip, and seemingly because everyone else did. Micks didn’t, though. He stayed out an extra 20 laps. Therefore, when he got new rubber, he was able to more than make up.

“I did lose some ground, but I knew I would be able to work my way back to the front,” Micks said.

If not for the dominating performance by Scott Steckly (No. 22 Erb Group/Tow Truck in a Box Dodge), Micks’ plan may have resulted in a win, but a solid runner-up performance and jump start in the point standings was produced.

It’s easy to get the sense that Micks spent a good portion of the off season sitting in a quiet room, mulling his and his equipment’s performance race by race, considering every factor to gain an edge.

“There’s going to be a lot of that this year from me. I have spent some time thinking about it,” Micks said. “I know what the tires, motor and everything else is capable of. Our level of competition is so tight, it’s going to be the little things that make a difference. No doubt about it.”

Also making Micks a title contender is his ability to be strong on both road courses and ovals. Nearly a third of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series schedule is made up of road races meaning that success hangs in the balance.

He won two of the four road events in 2007, but mechanical problems unraveled his ability to contend in the other two.

“Last year at Mosport, we had a rear end gear problem. Once we got that sorted out, it was a difference of night and day,” he stated.

Last year, Andrew Ranger (No. 27 Wal-Mart/Tide Ford) won the Mosport road race and set the tone for his season, which culminated in a series championship.

Micks agrees that a quick start to the season is paramount to success come season’s end.

“There’s no doubt that doing well early is a huge factor,” he said. “Things are going to go wrong at some point. Everyone is going to have that, but if you can hold that off as long as possible, then, hopefully, there is enough cushion  to absorb it.”

Meanwhile, Micks will continue to race each and every competitor hard with no let-up, all the while sitting in that quiet room, contemplating the softer nuances of the sport, looking for the littlest of advantages he can use in his favor.

The Race: Dickies 200 presented by Lucas Oil
The Place: Mosport Int’l. Raceway, Bowmanville, Ont.
The Date: Sunday, June 15
The Time: 1:30 p.m. ET
TV Schedule: Noon, June 29 (delayed)
Track Layout: 2.459-mile road course
Race Purse: $68,511 CAD
2006 Winner: Andrew Ranger
2006 Pole: Andrew Ranger
Schedule: Saturday: Practice 10:35 a.m. - 12:15  p.m., Time Trials 3:45 p.m.
Track Contact: Lee Bailie
(905) 983-9141

Brown Looks To The Future With Son Behind The Wheel

With Father’s Day on the horizon, Doug Brown (No. 10 Haldex Dodge) can foresee the day, in the not too distant future, that his son, Mitchell, will climb into the seat of his NASCAR Canadian Tire Series ride.

At 15 years of age, Mitchell began his racing career last year. He won a mini-stock feature last month on the dirt track of Oshweken (Ont.) Speedway.

“I’m 44 and not getting any younger,” said Brown. “We’ve got a great sponsor in Haldex and to keep that going with my son in the car is definitely the way we’re leaning right now. He’s a bright kid and has really picked up on things in and out of the car.”

Brown, as a second generation racer, knows the game and the right time to make the transition.

“We’re going to test him at Cayuga tomorrow on asphalt in a sportsman-class car and see how that goes,” said the elder Brown. “They are running that class on the oval at Mosport when we are there this weekend. I don’t know if we’ll get him into that race, but if the test goes well, we might.”

Brown’s Canadian Tire Series program, racing out of Brantford, Ont., will look this weekend for a reversal of fortune. The 2007 season was full of bad luck and this season did not get started much better.

Just 10 laps into the season opener at Cayuga Motor Speedway, a panhard bar mount broke leading to behind-the-wall repairs and could only muster a 21st-place finish.

“It’s just been a bunch of things that we can’t control, but we’re still positive,” he said. “The Haldex folks have been great in helping us out. We’ll get it turned around.”

News & Notes

The Race: This event is the second of 13 races on the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Sirius Satellite Radio schedule. It is the second visit to the track for the Canadian Tire Series.

The Procedure: The starting field is 34 cars, including provisionals. The first 29 cars will qualify through NASCAR Road Race Style time trials. There will be two qualifying groups based on practice times. The remaining five spots will be awarded through the provisional process. The race will be 51 laps covering 200 kilometers (124.3 miles).

The Track: Mosport International Raceway is Canada's largest motorsports complex. The 750-acre, multi-track facility is located within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), north of Bowmanville, Ont. Mosport features a 4-kilometer road course; a .500-mile, paved oval (Mosport Speedway); a 2.4-kilometer advanced driver and race driver training facility. And a 1.4-kilometer kart track. The facility opened in 1961 and has hosted stock car, Formula 1 and IndyCar events over the years. The road-course track was resurfaced in 2000 and widened to 40 feet.

The Records: Andrew Ranger holds both the qualifying and race records for Mosport Int’l Raceway. Qualifying: June 16, 2007, 103.614 mph, 85.436 seconds; Race: June 17, 2007, 86.838 mph, 1 hour, 26 minutes, 39 seconds.

Weekend of Racing: The Dickies 200 presented by Lucas Oil is part of the Sunoco Ultra 94 Father’s Day Doubleheader Weekend at Mosport. In addition to the Canadian Tire Series, the Grand-Am KONI Challenge (GS and ST classes), Ford Racing Mustang Challenge, Castrol Canadian Touring Championship, Skip Barber BF Goodrich National and Ontario Formula Ford Challenge will be on the track offering racing of all types for the weekend extravaganza.

Autodrome St. Eustache Event Re-Scheduled

The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Sirius Satellite Radio event at Autodrome St. Eustache in Quebec has been re-scheduled to July 5.

Inclement weather 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 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 airdate for TSN’s coverage of this event is slated for noon ET on Saturday, July 12.

A Look Back: Ranger’s Road To The Championship Began At Mosport

With just a pair of stock car stock car races under his belt, Andrew Ranger (No. 27 Wal-Mart/Tide Ford) made his mark on NASCAR Canadian Tire Series history a year ago at Mosport International Raceway.

Although only 21 years old, the Roxton Pond, Que.,  driver had plenty of experience on twisting, turning road courses—just not in a stock car.

He demonstrated his prowess behind the wheel right out of the gate by grabbing the pole position during time trials, but that advantage was short lived.

Still not well-versed in NASCAR race procedures, the former Champ Car standout jumped the initial race start and was penalized by race officials with a pass-through penalty, which left him well behind race leader J.R. Fitzpatrick. Unfortunately, though, that was not the only rookie mistake he would have to overcome.

Laps later when making a pit stop, Ranger stopped his Ford Fusion too close to the pit wall, leaving the jack man very little room to hoist the right side of the car. The error virtually erased all of the ground he made up following the penalty.

Undeterred, Ranger went about the business of skillfully working his way through traffic, passing cars as if they were standing still. It was difficult to tell whether the car, which seemed to be on a rail, was that good or the driver possessed an ability rarely found, but much in demand. It was probably a combination of the two, further demonstrated in the other three road course events in which he was in contention to win right to the finish line. He finished second in all three, but it was that framework on which his title was built.

After suffering through the penalty and bad pit stop in the Mosport race, Ranger was able to track down and pass Fitzpatrick at the hair-pinned Turn 5 on Lap 42.

From there, it was a matter of not making any further mistakes, which he did not. He cruised to the victory nearly two seconds ahead of Fitzpatrick.

Former Toyota exec Andersson dies in rally

LONDON, June 11 (Reuters) - Former Toyota Formula One team principal Ove Andersson died in a car crash in South Africa on Wednesday while competing in a classic car rally, the Cologne-based Toyota team said.

The 70-year-old Swede, a former rally driver who led Toyota into Formula One in 2002, was driving a 1957 Volvo in the Milligan Vintage Trial when he was involved in a head-on collision on a blind corner.

"Everyone at Toyota is extremely shocked and truly saddened at this terrible news," said Toyota Motorsport chairman Tadashi Yamashina in a statement. "Ove was an inspiration to our team and to many in motorsport. His passion for motorsport was legendary and he is a great loss to our sport."

As a rally team boss, Andersson led Toyota to four drivers' and three manufacturers' titles in the world championship. He also guided them to second place in the Le Mans 24 Hours sportscar race in 1999 before taking the Japanese manufacturer into Formula One.

Andersson retired as team principal in 2003.

"Awesome" Night Coming Up At Ohsweken This Friday

By Tommy Goudge (June 10, 2008)

OHSWEKEN, ON - With 4 competitive rounds of Ohsweken Speedway Friday Night Thunder already in the record books, Round 5 is set for this Friday night, June 13 with more great racing expected.  Awesome Racewear presents the 4-division Friday Night Thunder action this week, once again featuring the Corr/Pak Merchandising Winged Sprints, ESSO Thunder Stocks, ESSO Mini-Stocks, and Fun Stocks.

Salamanca, NY resident Jared Zimbardi won his first Corr/Pak Sprint Car feature of the season last Friday, extending his season-long points lead over 3rd place finisher Keith Dempster of Alton, Ontario in the process.  Kevin Job of Campbellville finished 2nd to Zimbardi on Friday after leading much of the way, but his disappointment can be tempered with the knowledge that he jumped from 5th to 3rd in the points on Friday.  Ryan Hunsinger came home with a solid 6th place last Friday after taking his first career sprint car feature win in round 3.  Hunsinger, who recently moved to Brantford, now sits 4th in points ahead of Fred Cade of Niagara Falls, who dropped to 5th in the standings after a 7th place finish on Friday.  The Corr/Pak Sprints have provided more than their share of great racing already this season, with 4 different winners in 4 weeks, while the last 3 feature races have seen lead changes during the last 5 laps of the race.  With a competitive field of weekly competitors and possible surprise invaders, it’s anybody’s guess who will end up in victory lane every Friday.

Cody McPherson’s name has appeared in the win column in 3 of 4 ESSO Thunder Stock events held so far this season, including a win last Friday, but as Terry Osmond showed in Round 3, McPherson is not unbeatable.  Brian Pescetti actually led much of the event on Friday, but was freight-trained at the end and then made contact with the backstretch wall, but was still able to come home 5th.  Vince Fargnoli and Glen Leinen followed McPherson through the field and came home 2nd and 3rd respectively after a hard fought battle, however Fargnoli was disqualified after the race, moving Leinen up to 2nd, and also moving Leinen’s #9 into 2nd in the points standings.  Osmond followed up his round 3 feature win with a 6th place on Friday night and now sits 3rd in points, while the consistency of Ryan Dinning has him up to 4th in points after a 4th place finish on Friday night.  Defending ESSO Thunder Stock champ Brad Bacher is still hanging onto 5th in points despite a lost wheel which prevented him from finishing the feature on Friday night, which saw a season-high 19 cars take the green flag, including the new entries of Colin Court and Mike Ward, who took home an 8th place finish after starting 17th.

A new face visited ESSO Mini-Stock victory lane on Friday night as Chase Hess took his first ever feature win, but it is 5 veterans leading the way in the points standings.  Defending track champion Abel Castelein has picked up right where he left off last season with consistent finishes, including a 6th place on Friday night, and continues to lead the Mini-Stock standings.  Kevin Hilborn finished 4th for a 3rd time this season on Friday night and is now 2nd in points, followed by Mark Thorne, Jim Swing, and Rick Emberson, who all finished in the top 5 on Friday, with Emberson finishing 2nd after starting 14th.

In Fun Stock action, Chris Hils became the 4th different feature winner in 4 weeks, vaulting from 3rd to 1st in the points standings for the new division in the process. 

Awesome Racewear presents the Friday Night Thunder action this week at Ohsweken.  Specializing in custom race suits and sublimated crew shirts, Awesome Racewear also has a wide variety of other racing equipment and accessories available for purchase.  Visit www.AwesomeRacewear.com for more information. 

The first big event of the Ohsweken Speedway season is fast approaching.  Thursday, June 19 is the date of the first visit ever by the World of Outlaws Late Models to Ohsweken, and they will be joined for the night by the Ohsweken Speedway Corr/Pak Merchandising Winged Sprint Cars to create one of the must-see racing events in Ontario this season!  The Empire Super Sprints tour will visit Ohsweken the following evening and those who present their June 19 ticket stubs at the ESS event on June 20 will be admitted for just $5!  There is plenty of free camping area available adjacent to the Speedway for those who wish to attend both events.  Lots of advance reserved seat tickets for the Thursday, June 19 event remain available - Call 1-888-720-RACE to get yours today!

Friday Night Thunder at Ohsweken Speedway is affordable family entertainment just a short drive away from most mid-western Ontario locations.  Adult General Admission is $10, Seniors & Students 13 - 17 are $8, and Kids 12 and under are FREE!  Please visit www.OhswekenSpeedway.com for more information. Gates open at 6:00p.m. with the first race taking the green flag at 7:45p.m. this Friday, June 6!