Saturday, September 20, 2008
NASCAR Canadian Tire Series: Riverside Photos
NCATS: Thomson wins at Riverside
ANTIGONISH, NS - Don Thomson won the wild Atlantic Dodge Dealers 300 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series race at Riverside Int'l Speedway on Saturday night.
Thomson gained the lead with a few laps to go when Peter Gibbons was black flagged for spinning Andrew Ranger from the lead as they battled for top spot.
With Ranger and Gbbons out of the mix, Thomson led his teamate JR Fitzpatrick across the line. MOPAR-sponsored Ron Beauchamp Jr. Was third.
Points leader Scott Steckly did not finish as he endured more late-season engine trouble. The NCATS season finale is next weekend at Kawartha Speedway. Don Thomson likely has the best shot at keeping Steckly from winning the title.
NCATS... Riverside update
Lap 275... Ranger leads Gibbons, Dilley and Thomson. Steckly down to 7 cylinders and sounding terrible. Might n'ot make it to the end.
NASCAR Canadian Tire Series: JR Fitzpatrick wins pole at Riverside
ANTIGONISH, NS - JR Fitzpatrick won the pole for tonight's Atlantic Dodge Dealers 300 at Riverside Int'l Raceway. It marked the first time that time trials have been held for an oval race in '08 that the best time wasn't set by JR's Fitzpatrick Motorsports teammate Don Thomson. Thomson has six oval poles in '08. Fitzpatrick now has one. The starting lineup at the Mosport Speedway event in August was set by the point standings (Scott Steckly started out front) as qualifying was rained out.
In all, 23 drivers took part in time trials at Riverside. MOPAR driver Ron Beauchamp Jr. will start second, ahead of Thomson, last year's race winner Mark Dilley, Peter Gibbons, Jeff Lapcevich, DJ Kennington, hometown hero Donald Chisholm and Brad Graham.
Friday, September 19, 2008
A first place for TwoFast Racing and an overall 2008 Championship second position!
Montréal, September 16th, 2008 – TwoFast Racing won the Saturday race during the last round of the Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship held at the Mosport International Raceway September 13th and 14th in Ontario and finished the season with an overall second place.
Thanks to both the additional financial assistance provided by the Québec Mazda Dealers Association and the team strategy, the driver Christian Raymond was able to participate to this last event’s qualifications and races, with the MAZDA# 40, usually driven by his partner Éric Leblanc. Officially third after the qualifications, Raymond had quite a departure and managed to get in the lead position in two turns. He stayed at the head of pack during the entire race, with the exception of one lap, happily crossing the finish line and getting that very first victory for TwoFast Racing. “It was quite a fight, but what a great ending! When we realized a few weeks ago that the first place of the Championship was almost unattainable, we reviewed our season’s objectives: winning a race and finishing in the overall second position for the 2008 Championship. So today, there was no such thing as conservative driving to gain points, it was the victory or nothing. Our first objective is achieved, and the points we accumulated contribute to consolidating our Championship second position… it looks like we are going to achieve our second goal as well!”, said Raymond after the Saturday race.
Raymond was first for the Sunday 30-minutes race departure, which made him both confident and nervous. The race went well, although he could not maintain this position. Alain Lauzière with his Mini Cooper passed TwoFast Racing’s MAZDA after two laps. Raymond eventually had to slow down, when he realized his tires were slowly deteriorating, and that was just enough to allow Kyle Marcelli and his SAAB to pass him at the end of the race. “My rank was not at stake, so I decided to take it easy and finish this last 2008 event on the podium, in the third place.” Looking back at the season, Raymond is smiling: “WOW, what a season… 12 podiums in 16 races, including a victory in Mosport and the pole in Trois-Rivières! There were so many great fights on the track, and let’s not forget that second overall position for the 2008 Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship, with 1595 points, only 48 less than Andre Rapone, who I would like to congratulate. I am quite satisfied with our results: TwoFast Racing’s team members really went out of there way, with limited resources, and stayed focused and confident until the end. My partner Éric Leblanc even sacrificed the end of his season to lend me his car, while mine was undergoing major repairs. Honestly, I could not have imagined being part of a more competent and supporting team”.
Although the official season is over, TwoFast Racing will be on the Mont-Tremblant raceway September 20-21 for a few last laps in 2008, which will please their fans. Éric Leblanc will be back behind the wheel of his MAZDA # 40 and Yves Bédard will be driving Christian Raymond’s almost-new MAZDA # 04, a way to thank the crew chief for all the great work done during the season. We hope Yves will enjoy a pressure-free ride during this event that is not part of the Championship calendar…
Éric Leblanc and Christian Raymond sincerely want to thank, once again, their team: Yves Bédard, chief mechanic, as well as Alexandre Boiteau, Benoît Brazeau, and Mathieu Ouellette. They are grateful for the ongoing support of their families, their driver François Ouellette, their communication advisor Véronick Raymond, and their precious sponsors, the Québec Mazda Dealers Association, Rythme Urbain, Rack’N’Roll, Lettrage ProVan, International AllStars and Mazdaspeed.
Visit TwoFast Racing at http://www.twofast.ca/.
Information on the Championship is available at http://www.touringcar.ca/.
Contact : Véronick Raymond Communications – vraymond@sympatico.ca – 514-269-7698
Thanks to both the additional financial assistance provided by the Québec Mazda Dealers Association and the team strategy, the driver Christian Raymond was able to participate to this last event’s qualifications and races, with the MAZDA# 40, usually driven by his partner Éric Leblanc. Officially third after the qualifications, Raymond had quite a departure and managed to get in the lead position in two turns. He stayed at the head of pack during the entire race, with the exception of one lap, happily crossing the finish line and getting that very first victory for TwoFast Racing. “It was quite a fight, but what a great ending! When we realized a few weeks ago that the first place of the Championship was almost unattainable, we reviewed our season’s objectives: winning a race and finishing in the overall second position for the 2008 Championship. So today, there was no such thing as conservative driving to gain points, it was the victory or nothing. Our first objective is achieved, and the points we accumulated contribute to consolidating our Championship second position… it looks like we are going to achieve our second goal as well!”, said Raymond after the Saturday race.
Raymond was first for the Sunday 30-minutes race departure, which made him both confident and nervous. The race went well, although he could not maintain this position. Alain Lauzière with his Mini Cooper passed TwoFast Racing’s MAZDA after two laps. Raymond eventually had to slow down, when he realized his tires were slowly deteriorating, and that was just enough to allow Kyle Marcelli and his SAAB to pass him at the end of the race. “My rank was not at stake, so I decided to take it easy and finish this last 2008 event on the podium, in the third place.” Looking back at the season, Raymond is smiling: “WOW, what a season… 12 podiums in 16 races, including a victory in Mosport and the pole in Trois-Rivières! There were so many great fights on the track, and let’s not forget that second overall position for the 2008 Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship, with 1595 points, only 48 less than Andre Rapone, who I would like to congratulate. I am quite satisfied with our results: TwoFast Racing’s team members really went out of there way, with limited resources, and stayed focused and confident until the end. My partner Éric Leblanc even sacrificed the end of his season to lend me his car, while mine was undergoing major repairs. Honestly, I could not have imagined being part of a more competent and supporting team”.
Although the official season is over, TwoFast Racing will be on the Mont-Tremblant raceway September 20-21 for a few last laps in 2008, which will please their fans. Éric Leblanc will be back behind the wheel of his MAZDA # 40 and Yves Bédard will be driving Christian Raymond’s almost-new MAZDA # 04, a way to thank the crew chief for all the great work done during the season. We hope Yves will enjoy a pressure-free ride during this event that is not part of the Championship calendar…
Éric Leblanc and Christian Raymond sincerely want to thank, once again, their team: Yves Bédard, chief mechanic, as well as Alexandre Boiteau, Benoît Brazeau, and Mathieu Ouellette. They are grateful for the ongoing support of their families, their driver François Ouellette, their communication advisor Véronick Raymond, and their precious sponsors, the Québec Mazda Dealers Association, Rythme Urbain, Rack’N’Roll, Lettrage ProVan, International AllStars and Mazdaspeed.
Visit TwoFast Racing at http://www.twofast.ca/.
Information on the Championship is available at http://www.touringcar.ca/.
Contact : Véronick Raymond Communications – vraymond@sympatico.ca – 514-269-7698
COMPASS360 RACING AIM FOR MORE WINS AND PODIUMS IN UTAH
What a year 2008 has been so far for the Compass360 crew. Coming into the season we were the second-place team, with more wins than any other, and having finished runner-up by a handful of points to the first place guys.
Those first-place guys, Adam Burrows and Trevor Hopwood, took top honors over Billy Johnson and the team was really excited to have inked a deal to have the duo join the team, having battled so hard against the them in '07.
This year, Adam and Trevor have taken two wins in KONI Challenge so far, a feat they'd not managed before. That's right, despite winning the championship in 2007, they'd never won a race. Now, at the helm of Compass360's #76 Skunk2 / K&N / Sunday Group Management Acura TSX, they've taken wins at Watkins Glen and Trois-Rivieres, two tracks that are so remarkably different, it's a testament to their great driving and the solid car that team Technical Director Ray Lee and his hard-working crew have given them.
But this year the competition is so tight that despite winning more races than anyone save Georgian Bay's Jamie Holtom (who has three), they're sitting seventh in the Driver's Championship with two races to go. Yes, the spread between third and seventh is a scant 18 points, and long-time pros like Peter Cunningham, Chuck Hemmingson, Christian Skavnes and young hot-shoe Kuno Wittmer are in that group just ahead. But the highs of two wins have been matched by the lows of a 29th place at Mid-Ohio when a rear hub failed, and a 17th at Iowa, the result of a broken half-shaft.
Worse, Trevor's been caught out twice this year on restarts when a car ahead has checked up and he has moved to the side to avoid hitting them. First at Daytona, then more recently at New Jersey, Trevor's been called to do a drive-through while being in certain position for a podium. In a points race this tight, losing out on a certain podium and finishing 7th (NJ) or 9th (Daytona), that loss of points is devastating. But that's racing and they duo are aiming for another win, this time at Miller Motorsport Park in Toole, Utah, to keep them in contention for the driver's championship.
The team's three other cars are also in contention for solid finishes amongst the mountains near Salt Lake City:
Jeremy Willard and coach Kenny Wilden have a season-best podium finish (at Iowa) under their belt, and will be shooting for another this weekend in the #75 Pure Hair Care and Body Wash Acura TSX that they've shared all year.
Christian Miller is in 9th place in the championship, within striking distance of the top three. Christian's done a great job this year and has been the model of consistency, finishing in sixth place an amazing five times! The team would dearly like to see him on the podium at least once this year (he was third at Laguna last season), and have signed Robb Holland (who currently drives in Speed World Challenge) to drive with him for the Miller race in their #74 C360R / Skunk2 / 034 Motosport Honda Civic Si.
And Kevin York, a Speed Secrets coach who first drove with the team in its debut season back in 2004, has performed admirably in his first full KONI Challenge year, garnering two sixth-place finishes thus far. He'll be teamed with Montana's James Rowan, who brings good local track knowledge and the promise of another top finish for the team in the #73 C360R / GoEnzo.com Acura RSX-S.
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.compass360.com/racing or email karlt at compass360 dot com.- 30 -PR inquiries about the Compass360 Racing team should be directed to Team Principal Karl Thomson at (416) 465-2299 x21 or email karlt at compass360 dot com
Photo credit: Wes Duenkel. Reproduction rights granted.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Targa Newfoundland: Thursday Story
Experience Dominates Targa Newfoundland
September 18, 2008 (Marystown, NL) - It is the second last day of the week-long Targa Newfoundland and it is not surprising to see that a large majority of the leaders are returning Targa competitors. Eight of the top 10 have several years of Targa experience under their hoods. In fact, two of the top 10 are previous winners.
Newfoundland’s Tom Collingwood Jr. and his cousin and navigator, Chris Collingwood Jr., started the day in 10th position overall, their best showing ever. However, a mechanical issue just before lunch will have their service crew working through the night.
Although Andrew Comrie Picard is no stranger to Targa Newfoundland, as you’ve likely seen him as host of the event’s TV productions, this is his first competition effort. Driving a 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR, along with navigator Jen Horsey, Andrew Comrie Picard is relying on his experience as a top North American rally driver. He finished the day 5th overall.
Frank Sprongl and Rick Hendricksen, driving a 1983 Audi Quattro Coupe AWD, are Targa Newfoundland rookies, however, they bring numerous North American rally victories. Sprongl is regarded as one of the top drivers in North America in the last two decades. The team are currently 10th going into the last day of competition.
While the Targa division sees a high percentage of returning teams, the Grand Touring division is usually a completely new field each year. Grand Touring is about precision driving and allows competitors to gain an understanding of the overall event. These competitors usually return to participate in the Targa division in the future. John Vandemierden and Stu Lehmann from Ontario, driving a 2008 Lotus, have been leading Grand Touring the last two days.
Targa Newfoundland organizer, Robert Giannou, said “Every year we see attrition in the event and 2008 is no exception. At this point seven competition crews will not complete the event and receive their finisher medallion at the Keg on Friday.”
Harold Seagle, a 4th time competitor, says, “This is an endurance event. The main goal is to finish and anything else is a bonus.”
Owned and operated by Newfoundland International Motorsports Limited, Targa Newfoundland is one of three internationally recognized Targa motorsports events in the world. The 7thannual Targa Newfoundland will start and end in St. John's and will cover more than 2,000 kilometres of the challenging, twisty roads of the central and eastern portion of the island of Newfoundland over six days, including up to 400 kilometres of closed-road, flat-out Targa stages. Competitors have come from the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, Holland, the Bahamas and the U.K. for the first six editions of Targa Newfoundland and international interest continues to build with competitors registering daily from places such as Germany and the Turks & Caicos.
Please visit the Targa Website for daily photos: (http://www.targanewfoundland.com/multimedia/photos ).
From Lesley Sparkes
Chrysler Design Chief takes on Canada’s toughest Motor Sport Challenge…. with a Little Help from Dodge and Mopar®
St. John’s, NL. – Chrysler LLC Design Vice President, Ralph Gilles will drive a 2009 specially-prepared Dodge Challenger SRT8, alongside co-driver Karen Wagner, in Canada’s toughest and longest motor sports event: the third running of the Targa Newfoundland.Nicknamed “Samantha” this customized Challenger will be gleaming in a one-off Super Sublime Green’ custom paint finish and looks set to attract the attention of motor sports fans throughout the world.
In addition to the special paint, “Samantha” has also been fitted with a selection of Mopar® Performance parts and Authentic accessories, all designed to help this special vehicle complete this arduous and demanding event. Mopar® is Chrysler LLC’s original equipment parts manufacturer and distributor and each of the parts fitted to this SRT8 Challenger ‘Samantha’ are available through the Mopar® distribution network via Chrysler, Jeep Dodge Retailers.
“With fully independent suspension, world class brakes and the most powerful rendition of a street legal HEMI® yet, our team hopes to repeat the success of their 2006 class win in a Dodge Caliber SRT4, but more importantly show the world how truly capable the Challenger is”, said Gilles.
Under the hood, the Targa Challenger has a 540-horsepower Mopar ® 392 Hemi® crate motor with 490 lb.-ft. of torque. It also features Mopar’s®: T/A hood, gauges, Holley throttle body and manual throttle cable, custom calibration for the programmable EMS (including launch/traction control) and custom Corsa exhaust.
“With fully independent suspension, world class brakes and the most powerful rendition of a street legal HEMI® yet, our team hopes to repeat the success of their 2006 class win in a Dodge Caliber SRT4, but more importantly show the world how truly capable the Challenger is”, said Gilles.
Under the hood, the Targa Challenger has a 540-horsepower Mopar ® 392 Hemi® crate motor with 490 lb.-ft. of torque. It also features Mopar’s®: T/A hood, gauges, Holley throttle body and manual throttle cable, custom calibration for the programmable EMS (including launch/traction control) and custom Corsa exhaust.
Its effort from Chrysler LLC certainly draws from the grass-roots spirit that Targa Newfoundland evokes. Team Mopar® Underground is a collaborative effort of volunteers from the Product Design Office, Street Racing Technology (SRT®), Mopar®, UAW fabricators and mechanics.
“The team squeezed this project in-between their day jobs,” notes Ralph Gilles. “It was fueled purely by passion and a deep admiration that the Challenger evokes,” added Gilles, who leads this group of enthusiasts that create niche concept vehicles for the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show and other specialty shows.
For the second consecutive time, Gilles is accompanied by co-driver Karen Wagner who is an active co-driver in the U.S. and currently leads her class in the popular Rally America national championship. Gilles and Wagner will participate in the ‘Targa Open Division’ which allows for cars from 1961 to present to compete with most modifications allowed. In previous years, Chrysler has had a history competing in this class with a Dodge Caliber SRT4, Jeep® Grand Cherokee SRT8, Chrysler 300C SRT8 and Charger SRT8.
Targa Newfoundland is one of three internationally recognized Targa motor sports events in the world. The 7th Annual Targa Newfoundland will start and end in St. John’s and will cover more than 2,000 kilometers over the challenging and twisting roads of the central and eastern portion of the island of Newfoundland over six days. The race includes 400 kilometers of closed-road, flat out Targa stages.
Sponsorships: Two other partnerships were formed for this rendition in 2008. The Newfoundland Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge Retailers are the key sponsors in this event for the second straight appearance providing not only funds but also technical assistance to the team. “ For the first year, Sirius Canada has also partnered with Dodge and Mopar® Underground. SIRIUS Satellite Radio is available as a factory installed option on most Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles and standard on most high trim lines. SIRIUS Satellite Radio includes 12 months bundled service on all Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles. SIRIUS Canada is also sponsor of the SIRIUS Satellite Radio President’s Challenge for OEM entries at Targa Newfoundland.
About Street and Racing Technology (SRT): Street and Racing Technology (SRT) is Chrysler’s in-house performance engineering organization that focuses on five pillars for every SRT vehicle: bold exterior design that resonates with the brand image, a race-inspired interior, world-class ride and handling across a dynamic range, a standout powertrain and benchmark braking.
About the Dodge Brand: Dodge is Chrysler Canada’s best-selling brand and the fourth largest nameplate in the Canadian automotive market and has sold 105,345 units in Canada in 2008 through August. In 2007, Dodge sold more than 1.3 million vehicles in the global market. The Dodge brand’s first crossover vehicle — the all-new 2009 Dodge Journey — is currently the number one selling crossover in Canada. Chrysler Canada retailers across the country are now taking orders for the 2009 Dodge Challenger, which will arrive this fall. Four models are available in Canada: Dodge Challenger SE, Dodge Challenger SXT, Dodge Challenger R/T and Dodge Challenger SRT8®. Pricing starts at $24,995 and the Dodge Challenger SE achieves 12.2 L/100 km / 23 (mpg) in the city and 8.1 L/100km 35 (mpg) on the highway.
This fall, Dodge will be launching the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram with game-changing exterior and interior design, innovations, best-in-class features and craftsmanship starting at $25,995.
“The team squeezed this project in-between their day jobs,” notes Ralph Gilles. “It was fueled purely by passion and a deep admiration that the Challenger evokes,” added Gilles, who leads this group of enthusiasts that create niche concept vehicles for the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show and other specialty shows.
For the second consecutive time, Gilles is accompanied by co-driver Karen Wagner who is an active co-driver in the U.S. and currently leads her class in the popular Rally America national championship. Gilles and Wagner will participate in the ‘Targa Open Division’ which allows for cars from 1961 to present to compete with most modifications allowed. In previous years, Chrysler has had a history competing in this class with a Dodge Caliber SRT4, Jeep® Grand Cherokee SRT8, Chrysler 300C SRT8 and Charger SRT8.
Targa Newfoundland is one of three internationally recognized Targa motor sports events in the world. The 7th Annual Targa Newfoundland will start and end in St. John’s and will cover more than 2,000 kilometers over the challenging and twisting roads of the central and eastern portion of the island of Newfoundland over six days. The race includes 400 kilometers of closed-road, flat out Targa stages.
Sponsorships: Two other partnerships were formed for this rendition in 2008. The Newfoundland Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge Retailers are the key sponsors in this event for the second straight appearance providing not only funds but also technical assistance to the team. “ For the first year, Sirius Canada has also partnered with Dodge and Mopar® Underground. SIRIUS Satellite Radio is available as a factory installed option on most Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles and standard on most high trim lines. SIRIUS Satellite Radio includes 12 months bundled service on all Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles. SIRIUS Canada is also sponsor of the SIRIUS Satellite Radio President’s Challenge for OEM entries at Targa Newfoundland.
About Street and Racing Technology (SRT): Street and Racing Technology (SRT) is Chrysler’s in-house performance engineering organization that focuses on five pillars for every SRT vehicle: bold exterior design that resonates with the brand image, a race-inspired interior, world-class ride and handling across a dynamic range, a standout powertrain and benchmark braking.
About the Dodge Brand: Dodge is Chrysler Canada’s best-selling brand and the fourth largest nameplate in the Canadian automotive market and has sold 105,345 units in Canada in 2008 through August. In 2007, Dodge sold more than 1.3 million vehicles in the global market. The Dodge brand’s first crossover vehicle — the all-new 2009 Dodge Journey — is currently the number one selling crossover in Canada. Chrysler Canada retailers across the country are now taking orders for the 2009 Dodge Challenger, which will arrive this fall. Four models are available in Canada: Dodge Challenger SE, Dodge Challenger SXT, Dodge Challenger R/T and Dodge Challenger SRT8®. Pricing starts at $24,995 and the Dodge Challenger SE achieves 12.2 L/100 km / 23 (mpg) in the city and 8.1 L/100km 35 (mpg) on the highway.
This fall, Dodge will be launching the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram with game-changing exterior and interior design, innovations, best-in-class features and craftsmanship starting at $25,995.
From Jack G. Sulymka // Chrysler Canada Inc. // Regional Communications Manager
NASCAR Canadian Tire Series: Peter Gibbons announces his retirement from racing
For the last thirty years Peter Gibbons has been a very successful race car driver winning events from coast to coast in Canada. Among Gibbons career highlights are National Championships in 1998 and 1999 in the CASCAR Super Series.
After a proud career in stock car racing, it is with both sadness and excitement that at the end of the 2008 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series season, Peter Gibbons announces that will climb from the driver’s seat of the Canadian Tire/Mobil Super Chevrolet for the final time.
Stepping away from the competition has been something Gibbons has pondered for quite sometime but feels now it is the right time to make the move. “I guess it started a couple of years ago” said Gibbons. “After considering it and taking a look at what was happening with the beginning of the NASCAR Canadian Tire series I made the choice to stay. Last winter after some discussions with Canadian Tire we agreed that this was going to be my last year in the car.”
It has been a wonderful partnership between Gibbons Motorsports and Canadian Tire for many years and it weighed heavily in the decision making process.
“I just can’t say enough about what a wonderful relationship our group has had with Canadian Tire over the years and how good they’ve been to me,” said Gibbons. “They were a big reason why I stayed involved over the last couple of years and we had some discussions about 2009 but I just feel this is the right time for me to get out of the car. I’ve always been a big supporter of the Canadian racing program and Canadian Tire has done a fantastic job helping to elevate the series in Canada. I have a real respect for all the hard work the people at Canadian Tire have put into this program.”
While making the announcement now to make fans aware, the immediate focus for Peter Gibbons and the Canadian Tire/Mobil Super Team is the final two events on this years NASCAR Canadian Tire Series schedule at Riverside Speedway and Kawartha Speedway.
“Our car has run really well at both of those tracks and we’re looking to finish with a flurry and put on a real show for all the fans that have supported us over the years and we’re going to celebrate all we’ve achieved.” said the driver.
When the straps are unfastened and the helmet comes off for the final time at Kawartha Speedway then the reality will sink in. It will be big change for Gibbons and many others.
“I know I’ll miss it and it will be a big adjustment for everybody” said Gibbons. “And none of our success would have been possible without the incredible support of our family. And I include all of our Canadian Tire crew members in that group and so many of our sponsors who’ve been with us for so long this great ride. But I feel really good about the decision. I’m looking forward to spending a lot more time with my wife Denise and boys Petey and Jake. Racing has been the biggest influence on all our lives for a long time and we’re all looking forward to lots of quality time and new adventures outside of the racing life too.”
This release prepared by, TL Sports & Entertainment
ANDRETTI GREEN TORONTO SIGNS HONDA CANADA TO MULTI-YEAR AGREEMENT FOR EVENT NAMING RIGHTS
Honda Indy Toronto Set for July 12, 2009; Marks New Era for IndyCar Series Racing in Toronto
TORONTO, Ontario, Canada (September 18, 2009) – Andretti Green Toronto (AGT) announced today it has signed a multi-year agreement with Honda Canada for the title sponsorship rights to the company’s Toronto-based IndyCar Series event. The announcement was delivered at a media conference held today at the Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place in Toronto.
Scheduled for July 10-12, 2009, the Honda Indy Toronto will be part of next year’s 18-race IndyCar Series schedule and will also feature the Firestone Indy Lights Series as part of the weekend’s diverse activities.
The Honda Indy Toronto is the most-recent addition to Andretti Green’s event promotions business unit. The company began operating the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg in 2005 on the downtown streets of St. Petersburg, Fla. That event recently received the distinction of being named as the 2009 IndyCar Series season-opener.
Honda employs more than 22,000 Canadians, buys $1.1 billion of goods and materials annually from Canadian-based suppliers, and manufactures about 390,000 vehicles per year. Honda Canada began operations in 1969, selling motorcycles and power equipment. Four years later the Civic was the first car to be sold by Honda in Canada. Today Honda Canada sells more than 170,000 cars and trucks annually, led by the Civic which has been the best-selling car in Canada the past 10 years.
As part of today’s announcement, Andretti Green also announced the launch of a new event website, which can be accessed at www.hondaindytoronto.com.
Tickets for the 2009 Honda Indy Toronto will go on sale in early 2009. Fans interested in receiving information about tickets can visit the website or contact Andretti Green Toronto at (416) 588-7223 or at hondaindytorontotickets@andrettigreen.com.
About Honda Canada: Honda is the world's preeminent maker of engines for automobiles, motorcycles and power equipment. With 135 manufacturing facilities in 28 countries worldwide, Honda now attracts 23 million customers annually. Honda Canada manufactures the Honda Ridgeline and Civic sedan and coupe, and the Acura CSX and MDX at its two plants in Alliston, Ontario. A new engine plant in Alliston, with the capacity to produce 200,000 fuel-efficient, 4-cylinder vehicle engines annually, begins production next week.
About Andretti Green Toronto: Andretti Green Toronto, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Andretti Green Canada, operates the Honda Indy Toronto – an IndyCar Series event scheduled to be run July 10-12, 2009 on a temporary downtown street circuit in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Andretti Green Canada is owned and operated by partners Michael Andretti, Kim Green and Kevin Savoree. Founded in 2002, Andretti Green’s family of companies includes Andretti Green Racing, which competes in the IndyCar Series, Firestone Indy Lights Series and the American Le Mans Series. It also includes Andretti Green Promotions, which operates the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg – an annual IndyCar Series event held on a temporary downtown street circuit in St. Petersburg, Fla.
Jerry Chenkin, executive vice president, Honda Canada Inc.: “We are very pleased to be sponsoring this exciting event which has been one of the top attractions in Ontario since it first roared to life in 1986. We salute Andretti Green for its commitment to bring the IndyCar Series back to the streets of Toronto as a premier open wheel race series, powered by Honda.”
Michael Andretti, co-owner and chairman, Andretti Green: “This is a great day for everyone that is a fan of IndyCar racing in Toronto. Honda has been a great partner of ours for years and this will take that partnership deeper into the future. Andretti Green and Honda plan to do great things with this event and everyone associated with the event is very excited for July 2009 to get here.”
Kevin Savoree, co-owner and president, Andretti Green Toronto and Andretti Green Promotions; co-owner, president and chief operating officer, Andretti Green: “The Honda brand is very powerful and is one of the true driving forces behind the growth and success of the IndyCar Series. Andretti Green and Honda have a long legacy of successful partnership and the Honda Indy Toronto will benefit immeasurably from the strength of our relationship. Not only has Honda Canada lent its name and mark to this event, but they also plan to engage our fans in a big way. The next several months promise to be a very exciting time for IndyCar Series fans in Toronto and Ontario.”
From AGT
PHOTO GALLERY: KARTING: Waterloo Regional Kart Club - Sept. 6, 2008 by Randy Collins
This is a 499-photo gallery from the Waterloo Regional Kart Club action at Flamboro Speedway on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008. Thanks to Randy Collins for taking the photos on behalf of Dave Franks Photos. You can see Dave's website here.
ATLANTIC: Hinchcliffe Moving on Heading to Miller
Toronto, Ontario (September 18, 2008) – The penultimate round of the 2008 Cooper Tires Presents The Atlantic Championship Powered by Mazda also marks the second straight race at a track new to the series as Utah’s Miller Motorsports Park hosts Round 10 this weekend, Friday 19th – Sunday 21st September. For Canada
The 21-year-old
The Canadian, in addition to fighting a loose car at the start of the race, had pushed wide on the dust kicked off from Junior Strous’ car ahead which promptly pitched Hinchcliffe into a spin on the gravel and into the path of Dane Cameron. Nursing a damaged front-wing, James returned to the pits for a replacement before returning to the race, albeit two laps down. The real damage was in the points chase however as Hinchcliffe’s 16th place finish dropped him from third to sixth in the Driver Standings and quickly eradicated any hope of a late season title-push.
“Well obviously last weekend’s race in
“Moving on though, we’re racing at another track new to the series here in
Friday 19th September hosts Qualifying 1 at
Top-6 Atlantic Drivers – R9/11: 1st Bomarito (USA) 204pts, 2nd Summerton (USA) 188pts, 3rd Niemela (FIN) 182pts, 4th Strous (NED) 166pts, 5th Skerlong (USA) 165pts, 6th HINCHCLIFFE (CAN) 160pts – www.atlantic-championship.com
ENDS – www.hinchtown.com
Photo Credit – “James Hinchcliffe pilots the #3 INDECK/TireRack.com Swift-Mazda Cosworth” – TNT Images
For further information or interview requests please contact Stuart Morrison Public Relations:
Tel: +1 514 684 2621 / Cell: +1 514 945 3253 / Email:
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Kawartha Speedway 2008 - Making a Point
By Jim Clarke, Kawartha Speedway PR/Clarke Motorsports Communications
Heading into the final night of the season – Friday, September 19th – there are point’s battles to be decided in each of Kawartha Speedway’s 4 weekly classes. In some cases, the season title may already be decided – but drivers could still move-up a spot or 2 in their respective division’s standings.
In the late model class, Dan McHattie has a slim 2 point margin over 2007 titlist Larry Jackson. Elsewhere in the top 10, 6th place Ryan Kimball is 5 points ahead of Linc Brown in 7th. Brown meanwhile, is only 11 points up on Norm Mayhew.
With last year’s champion Kyle Donaldson not returning to defend his limited late model crown, that division’s point battle has turned into a season-long tug-of-war between veterans Vic Parsons and Stompin’ Tom Walters. With 509 points, Parsons is just 7 ahead of his closest competition. 3rd place Dwight Brown has a 5 point advantage over Todd Delisle. Brian Bassett and John Bryan could end-up swapping spots just inside the top 10. Bassett is currently 9th, but is just 4 points ahead of Bryan.
Willie Reyns has enjoyed a great season in Kawartha’s thunder car division – starting with his opening night win. He is 37 points ahead of last year’s champ, Steve Mayhew. Things get really ‘busy’ deeper in the thunder car standings. 5th place John Roberts is 6 points ahead of Dave Landles – while Landles is only a single point up on Andy Ford. Derek Van Neste and Martin Martin are deadlocked for 9th with 383 points and that pair is only 10 points ahead of Ross Evans, who currently resides just outside the top 10.
On the mini stock side of the ledger, Moroney Racing drivers Jason Juriga, Mike Wallace and Too Moroney occupy the top 3 spots. Just 13 points out of 3rd is the #00 of Glenn Dee, while Shanna Moroney, last season’s rookie of the year is just 11 markers ahead of 6th place Pete Monig.
With so much still to be decided, drivers in each of Kawartha’s weekly classes can be expected to be on their ‘A’ game as the track drops the green flag on the final night of action – Friday, September 19th. A 100 lap late model feature and a 50 lap main event for the OSCAAR Outlaw Super Late models will highlight a full regular show. Gates open at 2:00, with racing an hour earlier than usual – at 6:PM.
For full details, see www.kawarthaspeedway.com and ‘make a point’ to be there.
Photo tag line: John Roberts (#99) and Dave Landles (#53) are locked in a rear dog-fight for 5th place in Kawartha Speedway’s final Thunder Car point standings. (Jim Clarke photo)
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NCATS: Trip to Nova-Scotia for Andrew Ranger and Peter Shepherd
Montreal, September 17th, 2008: Saturday September 20th, the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series will travel out East for this season's only trip to the Maritimes. The Nova Scotia NASCAR fans, who have been waiting patiently to see their favorite series since May, will welcome them when the Riverside International Speedway in Antigonish hosts the second-to-last round of the championship.
With only two events left before the end of the season, anything can happen and the battle for top honours on the short 3/8th mile oval track with 140 banked turns will be hard fought. While Scott Steckly, current leader has a comfortable margin on his closest competitors, the second and third place in the championship is far from being solidly locked-in with such a small point's difference. Currently holding second place, Don Thomson Jr has a minute three point lead on Andrew Ranger in third place.
Third in the championship after the race at Barrie on September 6th, Andrew Ranger, aboard his #27 Tide / Wal-Mart car, is heading into the second-to-last event with mixed emotions. Leading the 2007 championship and comfortably holding down sixth place during the race, Andrew had his only DNF of the season with a blown engine 34 laps before the checkered flag. While his position is decidedly different, the stakes are just as important this year with the top three positions in the title hunt still very much accessible. "Every race is important to me and I want to win them all. There are two races left. If I can qualify well and if I have no problems in the race then I could be in the runner-up position going into the last event."
Absent from the series until the end of the season, Alex Tagliani will once again be replaced by the young Ontarian, Peter Shepherd at the wheel of the #7 Ubisoft / Wal-Mart car. Impressing in the two races in which he took part, finishing 16th at Cayuga and 8th at Barrie, Peter knows full well the amazing opportunity that is offered to him; to race alongside the reigning champion and to battle it out with the series' best drivers. "I am truly living a dream. I have learned a great deal during my first two races and I know I have two more events in which I can show everyone what I can do. I want to thank the team and all the partners once again for this incredible opportunity."
Do not miss, on September 20th, another exciting round of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series: the Atlantic Dodge Dealer 300 in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. And, to experience NASCAR to the fullest, the day prior to the race, we suggest a stop at the Antigonish Wal-Mart store located at 50 Market Street. Andrew will be on hand to sign autographs for the fans between
The Victory Lap Charity Program
The Victory Lap Charity Program, affiliated to Opération Enfant Soleil in Quebec and to Children's Miracle Network in the rest of Canada, aims to raise funds to help sick children across the country. Since the program's inception in 2003, over $700,000 have been raised for 14 children's hospitals in Canada.
In 2008, the Victory Lap takes an even bigger leap forward and plans to break the $1,000,000 mark in donations since 2003. To do so, the program counts on the support of 95 Wal-Mart stores in Canada, the participation of prestigious brands and on the generous input from Andrew Ranger and Alex Tagliani as program ambassadors.
Source: Professional Sports Management
Information: Audrey Choquette: achoquette@prosportsmanagement.ca /
ACMS: Preview - Fall Harvest Border Challenge 150
SASKATOON, SK - This weekend’s stock car race will be exciting. Some 30 of Canada’s fastest stock cars will be in “Toon Town” for the Mac’s ARCA West Super Late Model racing.
Our local drivers have won the last three NEWALTA/ARCA races at Auto Clearing Motor Speedway. Greg Vangool, local driver and Rookie leader with the Mac’s ARCA West, is looking forward to racing in front of his hometown crowd.
Greg sits third in points after 6 ARCA West races. Other serious local contenders include, two time champion #70 Trent Seidel, #55 Jim Gaunt, #5 Jeff Reimer and of course the 2007 Champion at Auto Clearing Motor Speedway, #14 Glen Hertzke. They are all looking to win the Fall Harvest Border Challenge 150.
Tickets available at all Mac’s Stores in Saskatoon and Prince Albert
From: Contact Auto Clearing Motor Speedway // Herm Hordal // www.autoclearingmotorspeedway.ca
Dodge Motorsports Teleconference Transcript - Mike Delahanty and Robbie Loomis
Dodge Transcript
Mike Delahanty, Sr. Manager – Dodge Motorsports
Robbie Loomis, Executive VP of Racing Operations – Petty Enterprises
Weekly Dodge Motorsports Teleconference Transcript
Sept. 16, 2008
From Scott Sebastian / Clear!Blue
Q: IN SPITE OF RECENT PUBLISHED REPORTS, CAN YOU PROVIDE AN UPDATE ON DODGE’S DIRECTION IN MOTORSPORTS – IN PARTICULAR NASCAR AND GILLETT EVERNHAM MOTORSPORTS?
Mike Delahanty: I just want to respond to these recent reports regarding Gillett Evernham Motorsports – specifically regarding Bill Davis Racing and speculation that GEM would leave Dodge. It’s nothing but pure speculation. Dodge and Gillett Evernham have a long history that dates to our return to Sprint Cup racing (2001). Dodge and GEM have a long-term contract in place. We plan to continue as partners in NASCAR. We’re aware and have had discussion about GEM’s interest in adding a fourth car, but there’s never been discussion about running anything but a Dodge. Anything beyond that, we classify as pure speculation. We’re pleased to see the turnabout in the competition side at GEM and absolutely look forward to many more Victory Lane celebrations together.”
Q: WHAT ABOUT DODGE’S COMMITMENT TO MOTORSPORTS…HAS IT CHANGED?
MD: I don’t know how many times we have to keep saying it, but we are committed….we have long-term contracts in place…not only with Gillett Evernham, but with Penske Racing…with Petty (Enterprises) and with Chip Ganassi Racing. We’re committed to the sport. We’re committed to these guys…I don’t know how many times we have to repeat it.
Q: CAN YOU TALK ABOUT THE CHALLENGES THAT DOVER PRESENTS RACES TEAMS THIS WEEKEND?
Robbie Loomis: Dover is usually a racetrack – due to the banking and especially with the COT – that provides pretty good racing. It can be a treacherous track. Things happen really, really quick. At the same time, it’s a tough place to get a handle on. You’ll see a lot of times that the difference in a set of tires makes a big difference in the handling of the car. Sometimes being off a half-a-pound on air pressure can get you lapped on a fuel run. Dover is a challenging place. It’s pretty demanding. At the same time, I like the confidence we have in Bobby Labonte and Kyle (Petty) being a past winner there also.
Q: BOBBY LABONTE HAS SAID THAT THE PERFORMANCE SEEMS TO BE MUCH IMPROVED OVER THE LAST SEVERAL RACES; CAN YOU TALK ABOUT YOUR RECENT SUCCESS?
RL: Jeff Meendering (#43 crew chief) and Bobby Labonte have been doing a great job – everyone on the 43 car and at Petty Enterprises have been testing a lot. With the start of this season, we were behind the eight ball because we didn’t spend the money doing the necessary stuff to come out of the box like we needed to at the beginning of the year. Unfortunately, our drivers – Bobby and Kyle – had to pay the price when we hadn’t done that. The last few weeks, we’ve kind of settled down a bit on our front-end stuff. We had a great practice in Richmond. We felt the race was fair. When we went to Loudon, we felt like we had the best weekend for all of our practices. We were in the top-five in all the practices and really good in the rankings in the average of lap times. We felt good about the progress that we made (in Loudon). Thirteenth (place finish) isn’t what we want. We’re not going to quit until we find Victory Lane.
Q: WHAT PLANS DO YOU HAVE IN PLACE FOR THE SECOND PETTY CAR FOR NEXT YEAR?
RL: There’s no secret that we’ve been working our way through it since we took on our new partners with Boston Ventures and David Zucker – the new CEO. We’re still navigating our way through our direction. It’s obvious that we want to bring in a young guy with Bobby Labonte’s experience and try to build from there. We’re excited about this past weekend. We’re working a lot with Chad McCumbee and will probably take some looks at Chad this season for sure in another five races. We’re excited about where we’re going in the future with that…also excited about having the experience of Bobby Labonte on our side.
Q: WILL KYLE (PETTY) BE IN THE CAR NEXT YEAR?
RL: Oh yeah. Kyle’s going to be back in (the 45 car) this weekend in Dover and some other races lined up for him during the end of the year. We’ll see Kyle and I’m sure you’ll see Kyle out there next year. As everyone knows, with all the sponsorship dependent on how you put all these programs together, we’re trying to work our way through it right now.
Q: ALL THE CHASE DRIVERS COME FROM THREE- OR FOUR-CAR OPEARTIONS. CAN PETTY ENTERPRISES CONTINUE TO RACE ALONE? DOES IT MAKE SENSE TO CREATE A FOUR-CAR OPERATION? WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO DO TO MOVE UP TO THE CHASE-LEVEL TEAM?
RL: I think when NASCAR said a few years ago that four teams was the limit, that pretty much drew a line in the sand that said, “You better get there (to a four-car team) quick.” I know David Zucker – our CEO – is definitely looking at a lot of different avenues on the quickest way for growth. Right now, I’m not going to go out here and promise that we’re going to be any more than two teams because that’s what we are focused on right now. But I do think that we have to look at every avenue out there with these race teams and figure out how do we get stronger? Especially with our own manufacturers – with Dodge – that might make sense – for someone to work a lot closer and have that alliance. We’ve been fortunate because we lean on our support from our engine supplier – Gillett Evernham – so that’s helped us a lot. But at the same time, it’s not the full benefit of having four cars in the shop and four crew-chiefs sitting in a meeting and four drivers to draw from every week.
Q: MUCH HAS BEEN TALKED ABOUT DALE JR.’s COMMUNICAITON OVER THE RADIO AT LOUDON AND HOW RICK HENDRICK HANDLED IT. HOW HARD IS IT FOR CREW CHIEFS TO CHANGE A DRIVER’S COMMUNICATION DURING A RACE TO GET BETTER INFORMATION VERSUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE CAR?
RL: It’s extremely tough for a crew chief. You can watch the lap times of a driver in the race – it’s almost like watching a heart monitor. When their hear rate gets up and they start telling you the thing (car) is messed up – cussing, ranting and raving – their lap times get slower and slower and slower. As soon as they settle down a little bit in the car, they’ll come back. They might not get all the way back to where the car was right (performed best), but it doesn’t surprise me at all. I always get on the bandwagon that the success of these organizations starts from the top with these team owners. I think the whole world got to see this past weekend what I got to live with for six years having Rick Hendrick as a car owner – just that touch he has. I think that should serve as a wake-up call to Dale (Earnhardt Jr.) to approach things a little bit different. I’m sure he (Dale Jr.) probably wouldn’t want to admit it, but it’s probably a big part of the reason that Dale went there (to Hendrick Motorsports) was his respect for Mr. Hendrick. When (Mr. Hendrick) speaks, everyone takes notice.
Q: IS IT TOO LATE FOR A DRIVER TO CHANGE HIS PERSONALITY INSIDE THE CAR AT THIS POINT?
RL: It’s not easy to change, especially a situation where a crew chief is trying to get him to change. But the unique part about the situation with Mr. Hendrick – we’ve seen it in the past with other successful car owners - if they’re doing it all the time, people don’t pay attention to it. But this has been the first couple of times that Rick (Hendrick) has really come out and had a talk with him. And the good part is that Rick followed up…I’m sure… this week with him the right way. They’re all after the same thing and I think that’s the important thing. Nobody wants that (Chase) championship worse than Dale Jr. and nobody wants it more for Dale Jr. than Rick Hendrick. So yes, (Dale Jr.) can change now. Is it going to come all the way to the person that maybe I would like to see or Rick would want to see? Probably not. But if (Dale Jr.) just gets 10 percent better, that might be the difference in getting that three points that they need to get a championship.
Q: HOW WOULD YOU EVALUATE THE COT?
RL: I can only look at what our organization has done with it. I can see benefits coming down the road if we don’t keep jumping around with the rules. This winter is going to be a lot different if we’re not all cutting our bodies off and having our fabricators turned upside down. Usually the tradition is we go to Daytona and test and come back and cut all our bodies off and return to Daytona two weeks later. There’s going to be some real benefits in that area. I think we still have some challenges in front of us as far as working with NASCAR and the teams. There are certain racetracks that I think provide great racing. There are other racetracks that we really have to take a look at and see if there is a little something that we can do to work with the car to make it better. I think that it’s got to be the crew chiefs – the Chad Knaus’, Steve Latarte’s, Tony Eury Jr’s and Bob Osborne’s of the world, the Kenny Francis’, those are the guys that we have to listen to because they could really give us the feedback to help make it (COT) better for everyone in the sport.
Q: WHAT IS THE TOUCH THAT RICK HENDRICK BRINGS AS AN OWNER TO HELP COMMUNICATION WITHIN HIS TEAM DURING A RACE? HAVE YOU SEEN HIM DO THAT BEFORE?
RL: I clearly give the win – a large part of the credit for the win in 2001 at the Brickyard to Mr. Hendrick. We were sitting back there in dirty air running about 35th and the car was handling terrible. All of a sudden he got on the radio and said (to Jeff Gordon), “Look champ, I’ve seen you do this before. You can overcome this deal.” It kind of brought calmness in and we ended up winning the race that day. He just has that touch. Mr. Hendrick is not a removed car owner. He is very close to his crew chiefs. He is very close with Doug Duchardt (VP of Development) and Ken Howes (VP of Competition). He knows every piece of his organization. He knows the psyche of his drivers. He knows the crew chiefs. He’s very good at letting things go and knowing how far to let it go to try to get a hold of it before it goes too far. I think Tony Eury Jr. has done a great, great job with Junior over the years. It’s very, very tough – especially when you’re running for the Chase (for the Championship). The pressure and stress that is there is high on everybody….but ultimately those guys want the same thing and they all realize that.
Q: IS THERE EVER A TIME WHEN IT’S NOT COUNTER-PRODUCTIVE WHEN A DRIVER GETS FRUSTRATED ON THE RADIO?
RL: When a driver loses control and is trying to describe what the car is doing, it’s like trying to be a mind reader as a crew chief on how to make the next adjustment. It’s probably the most difficult thing. You just can’t read the mind of that car. The greatest driver’s and those who win championships are the ones who stay within their emotions all day and give the best feedback all day.
Q: IS ONE OPTION NEXT YEAR FOR PETTY ENTERPRISES THREE CARS, ONE WITH A LIMITED SCHEDULE WITH KYLE DRIVING IT?
RL: It definitely is. We’ve had a lot of discussion on that in staff meetings each week. Dave Zucker – our CEO – is trying to put a lot of things together on the sponsorship front and that’s one of the avenues that we’ve talked about. If we could run a third car on a limited schedule – even if it is a minimum of five to seven races – it does help us prepare and get a little bit of information in our circle and also prepare an easier transition when we go to three cars in 2010 when everyone gets this economy rolling again.
Q: AND A THIRD CAR IS CONTINGENT ON SPONSORSHIP?
RL: Yes sir. 100%.
Q: WHAT IS IT LIKE TO BE AN ORGANIZATION THAT IS NOT PART OF THE CHASE AND NOT RUNNING FOR A CHAMPIONSHP WHEN ALL THE ATTENTION IS ON THE TEAMS WHO ARE?
RL: That’s one thing that I think we could work on to help our sport and sponsors for all the teams. Besides the 12 guys who are running for the Chase each week, let’s pick three guys each week randomly and cover those guys throughout the field and target them as much as the guys in the Chase. For me personally, the job is the same. We’re trying to improve the product for the 43 and 45 cars and get the Petty Enterprise cars to Victory Lane. I measure our success each week – it doesn’t matter if it’s a Chase race or an All-Star race on Saturday night. I look at what lap time is #1 and how far we are off to that lap time. It doesn’t matter who’s up there or what organization they’re from – we’ve got to get to that lap time and that’s what should be #1 (priority).
Q: SINCE THE NEW OWNERSHIP GROUP HAS COME IN, WHAT HAS SPECIFICALLY CHANGED AT PETTY ENTERPRISES?
RL: From the office door out to the shop, they really haven’t felt a lot of the change. Probably the biggest place that has seen the change has been in the front office. They’ve really buttoned us up and are looking at things from a business standpoint and professional level. We’re trying to keep the same culture we’ve always had at Petty Enterprises. There’s no secret what great people the Pettys are. It really starts with the business side and trying to take that to another level. They’re holding a lot of accountability from me to the drivers and all the way through (the organization). They definitely want to take this thing to new heights. We’re putting the pieces in place to do that. Right now, we’re on a hard plan over the next 30 days to lay out an action plan for the 2009 season.
Q: AS FAR AS NEW EQUIPMENT – IS THERE MORE INFRASTUCTURE?
RL: When we closed this deal (with Boston Ventures), we had a big wish list. We’re working off that (list) one at a time. We’re trying to be smarter and prioritize it. I’ve expressed to everybody that this sport is so competitive. The Hendricks of the world have been at it so hard - so long – if you brought all the money in the world and set it on a table – you just can’t get there overnight. It takes a while to put the right people in the right places to be able to develop the engineers, the technology and the pit crews. It’s a piece-by piece-effort. If we could get the 20 guys ahead of us in points on vacation for the next 10 races, we could close the gap pretty good, but they’re peddling and working just as hard as we are right now.
Q: HOW HAS THE PHYSICAL MOVE TO THE CHARLOTTE AREA GONE FOR PETTY ENTERPRISES?
RL: The physical move – the hardest part was probably the first part of the season with the adjustment into the new shop. It’s been hard on everyone because we went through some transition with employees as we moved down to this area. We’re pretty fortunate. We still have a lot of employees that were part of Petty Enterprises up there. That’s been the biggest transition. Probably just the mix of cultures as we came down to the Charlotte area - we hired some other people from other race teams and for so long, we had so many people that had only been there and worked on the cars one way – with one approach. All of a sudden being in the Charlotte area, we mixed a lot of different approaches working on the cars while still trying to keep the ‘Petty feeling” throughout it all. That’s been our biggest challenge. Around July, things really started to settle in and we started hitting our stride. I think it will start to show in our performance the last eight or 10 races in terms of having a little calmness with having the move behind us now.
Q: HAS THE MIXING OF OTHER CULUTRES BEEN A PLUS TOO?
RL: Yeah. We talked about it a lot. While it’s harder to manage in the beginning, it’s definitely a plus because everybody brings a little bit different mindset to it – so it definitely helps.
Sunset Speedway: Sept. 13 2008 Report
By Spencer Lewis // Photo by Al McLean
Alright race fans - stop me if you've heard this one before; On Saturday night (August 13th), under threatening skies, Sunset Speedway went ahead with their scheduled program before being stopped abruptly by Mother Nature. However, there was a silver lining amongst all the rain, as one sophomore driver picked up his first win of the season and fans were treated to intense side-by-side racing in every qualifying heat.
With most of the afternoon free of rain, practice went ahead as scheduled for every division, before the Fox's Bakery Four Funs & Four Cylinder Road Runners took to the track for their qualifying rounds.
Unfortunately for the HF Smith Home Hardware Late Models and Dominos Pizza Thunder Cars, the skies opened up shortly after, washing the grip off the track and postponing their qualifying efforts.
After a brief rain delay, the call was made to go ahead with the Fox's Bakery Four Fun division's 20-lap feature race. Starting on the pole was a driver who had yet to find a feature win in 2008, Trevor Martin (No. 69 Suzuki Swift); On the rain-dampened track, many of the perennial seemed to be combating handling issues. The battle for the points lead heated up with each passing lap, as contenders Marshall Pender (No. 9 Deckers Electric/New Tech Automotive/#9 Auto Wreckers Mazda) and Nicole Podewils (No. 79 Fox's Bakery/Central Appliance & Repair Ford) swapped positions all over the track, with both cars unable to find the grip needed to make a charge to the front.
Meanwhile, Martin had no problem with the less than favorable track conditions, pulling away from the rest of the pack with each passing lap. Podewils managed a late race surge, picking up 3 positions in 2 laps, putting her Mustang on the back bumper of the leader; However time was not on her side, and the checkers dropped for the top-3 of Martin, Podewils and 'Boxcar' Mark Kehoe (No. 4 Tammy's Ferrier Service/Signarama of Newmarket Volkswagen).
In victory lane, Martin was all smiles "The track was definitely slicker than normal, but we stayed patient and consistent.and here we are. Next year we're looking at moving up [to the Four Cylinder Road Runner division]. Maybe get ourselves a bigger motor and see what happens. I just want to thank Doug Butler and his father [Rick] for everything they've done for me, we just put the roll cage in this week."
As the rain tapered off, the Four Funs exited the track and the green light was given to go ahead with qualifying efforts for the HF Smith Home Hardware Late Models, Dominos Pizza Thunder Cars and the visiting Ontario Pro Challenge Series.
The HF Smith Home Hardware Late Models saw a terrific 5-lap battle between 'The Professional' Rob Poole (No. 45 R.A Electrical/Alliston Auto Sales/Poison Paintworks Chevrolet) and Ron Quesnelle (No. 57 M&S Automotive/Wyebridge Machine Chevrolet). 'The Professional' had led the first 5 laps, until Quesnelle came from mid-pack, to pull up to his door handle and begin the side-by-side duel; Culminating in Quesnelle snatching the lead, and subsequently the win, out from under Poole only inches from the finish line.
In Dominos Pizza Thunder Car action, the pits were abuzz with Steve Slaughter Jr (No. 45 Carquest/Ontario Steel Sales/mariodesign.ca Chevrolet)'s return to regular racing at Sunset Speedway. 'The Straight Shooter' had taken hiatus from the track, returning 1 week ago for the $1000 to win Late Summer Classic; And Slaughter did not disappoint, setting a blistering pace for the rest of the division, picking up his heat win by a full straightaway.
The main note in the Fox's Bakery Four Cylinder Road Runner division was that of second week rookie phenom Ethan Courneyea (No. 71 Innisfil Garden Supply Honda). Courneyea made the jump from the Four Fun division just 7 days prior, and found himself taking home his first and second career victory in a Road Runner on August 13th. With two weeks remaining in 2008, Courneyea has established himself as a certified threat for 2009, as he will still be eligible for Rookie of the Year come springtime.
Unfortunately for the racers and fans alike, just as the Ontario Pro Challenge division rolled onto the track for their first round of qualifying heats, Mother Nature had had enough racing for one night. A combination of rain and dampness in the air, made it impossible to regain the track condition, forcing a halt to the night's program. The show will be resumed on Saturday August 20th, in addition to the regular racing already scheduled.
This means, fans will be treated to 1 qualifying round for the HF Smith Home Hardware Late Models & Dominos Pizza Thunder Cars + their features as well as the Fox's Bakery Four Cylinder Road Runner 20-lap feature and the Ontario Pro Challenge's 2 qualifying rounds + their 20-lap feature; In addition to the racing already scheduled for August 20th, which includes a 40-lap Thunder Car end of season championship feature.
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Cayden Lapcevich Update
From Jeff Lapcevich / Fastline Motorsports
Cayden Lapcevich Wraps Up Point Titles in Three Classes
With one event remaining in the Region 4 Championship Series, quarter midget racer Cayden Lapcevich has secured the top spot in the nine race series thanks to a summer long string of top three finishes. With three Jr. Honda A-Main wins, seven Jr. Stock A-Main wins, and four Light Mod A-Main wins Cayden can rest easy as the competition battles for the number two spot at the Columbus closer the first weekend of October.
Along with the wins, Cayden’s worst finish all year was third place twice in Jr. Honda. His consistency and ability to recover after a setback kept him on top of the standings all season long.
The series counts the top eight finishes of the nine race schedule towards the points total and rain outs can not be used as a drop. Cayden was optimistic going into round 8 at his home track in Waterford, MI September 13 after a successful test. He hoped to finish strong enough in each class to claim the Championships before the final event of the year. Starting the A-Main in Jr. Stock and Light Mod would be enough to claim those titles however the Jr. Honda battle was closer with just a five point margin over second place Parker Smith of Lansing, MI. Smith’s hopes were dashed as relentless rains fell and the racing was cancelled leaving only one race to make up the deficit which would not be enough to overcome the strong season by Lapcevich.
Although it was not the ideal way to clinch a title, it must be noted that Cayden’s performance over the first seven races put him in position to take advantage of such an occasion.
Reflecting on his season which also included four Grands Titles, three State Race victories, and several track records the fourth grader from Caistor Central School was excited to have won his final races as a Jr. and looks forward to competing next year in Sr. Stock, Light Mod, and Light B divisions.
He is also excited to see his younger brother, four year old Treyten make his debut next month in the Novice Class during the Columbus, OH event.
Cayden is thankful for his support from Fastline Motorsports, B&J Electric, and Tim Hortons.
NASCAR Canadian Tire Series: Barrie Speedway Pizza Pizza 300 TSN TV Times
Watch the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Pizza Pizza 300 from Barrie Speedway this Thursday and Saturday on TSN/TSN HD and TSN2
REPLAYS: THURSDAY Sept. 18th @3:30PM and SATURDAY Sept. 21st (NIGHT) @ 1:00AM EST/10:00PM PST
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PHOTOS: J.R. Fitzpatrick NASCAR Truck Series seat fitting at TRG
J.R. Fitzpatrick was in Mooresville, NC yesterday, at TRG, for a seat fitting in advance of his upcoming NASCAR Truck Series test. Thanks to Jason Sharpe for sending them along.
F1200: BEMC Indian Summer - Vallis Cup Release
BEMC – Indian Summer – Mosport
ELLIS WINS VALLIS CUP BY ONE POINT AS ELLIS AND IAMUNDI CONTINUE THEIR EPIC SERIES BATTLE
Ali vs. Frazer, Habs vs. Leafs, Yankees vs. everybody else, and now Ellis vs. Iamundi can be added to that list of epic sports battles. The F1200 rookie and the veteran have slugged it out head to head, side by side, nose to tail, lap after lap during the last half of this season’s F1200 Championship Series.
During the Ted Powell weekend at Calabogie, Iamundi wins the first two races edging out Ellis by a nose each time, then, Ellis beats Iamundi at the wire for the trophy by a mere .003 seconds. BARC at Mosport mid August, Iamundi wins the first two races edging out Ellis at the line, then, Ellis beats Iamundi by a nose for the trophy race. BEMC Indian Summer-Vallis Cup, Ellis wins first two races by a nose to Iamundi, then in the final trophy race, Iamundi edges out TLM’s Greg Brenzil by .09 second with Ellis in tow for P3. This gave Ellis the Vallis cup over Iamundi by a single point.
You know something special is happening when the track marshals and officials, who see it all, week in and week out, come back to the F1200 paddocks pumping racers hands and exclaiming how thrilling the F1200 races had been all weekend.
There was much more to the show than just Iamundi and Ellis. Second year veteran Rob Tronchi has to be awarded the rising star for his performances at the BEMC weekend. Tronchi won the pole for the final trophy race and in each and every race all weekend, stepped into the fray with the front-runners, landing two 3rd place podiums during the weekend’s events. Tronchi will now be called only “Roberto” as he has both earned it and every series needs a great Italian guy! Eric Barrett, 2006 Rookie of the Year, also stepped it up, lead the trophy race at one point, showing a renewed competitive fire and desire to run at the front. Phil Wang, another second year driver, finally got his car sorted and was in the hunt in all 3-race events, showing great form and tenacity.
The second pack battles were as exciting as the front, as all weekend the series was literally split into two races with two separate consolidated packs at all times. Veterans Eugene Cartini and Dave Aird had their hands full with rookie Sam Ashtiani, who after 4 series events is coming up to speed very quickly. Aird and Cartini were all smiles as Cartini had been away first 3 events of the season, but now back, he and Aird resumed their ongoing, friendly but competitive weekend battles. Rookie Kyle Kosir entered into his very first F1200 race at BEMC and it was noted that he ran well and was coming up to speed with the second pack as the weekend’s events progressed.
2007 Rookie of the Year Andrew McMurray was barely able to hang on to a 4th place, first race, as he suffered from mechanical issues, then after running the second race pulled out of competition to save his engine.
Team Grote/TLM Racing’s Greg Brenzil won the hard charger award after hitting the wall early Sunday morning during practice, missing race two, then starting in last position and literally hard charging his way to the front, leading various laps of the trophy race and missing the win by just .09 seconds to Iamundi at the wire.
Meanwhile, Team Grote/TLM pilot Dylan Gibson was involved in a solo crash during practice in turn 9. Gibson, the tough hard charging up and comer, after being checked out at Oshawa General, arrived back at the TLM paddocks later that afternoon and the entire F1200 Series was relieved to see him ok and smiling.
Although it is 99.99% confirmed that Alex Ellis will win the 2008 Rookie of the Year, he will now miss the final race weekend of the season, as he will be heading back to Valencia Spain for the final round of the Formula BMW scholarship run offs. Mathematically it does look like Iamundi will take the Championship, but, both Ellis and Iamundi would have preferred to have the title come right down to the wire as both drivers are very much equal and have enjoyed the intense competition between them during the season
The F1200 series appears for its final event of the season at CASC Celebration Sept 27th & 28th
Photo Credit: Teresa Matkovich - Photo Arts International // Finish line shot is (left to right) Michael Iamundi, Alex Ellis, Greg Brenzil, Rob Tronchi // Duo shot is Ellis in the lead with Iamundi
From Gerry Merz
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