NCATS: Whitlock Denied Good Finish When Race Called Due to Rain

Wyoming, ON, Wednesday Oct. 1, 2008:  Saturday’s running of the Dodge Dealers of Ontario Dodge Ram 250 at Kawartha Speedway was called after 174 of the scheduled 250 laps due to rain.  Whitlock and his No. 39 Dickies/NMT/PRCRFC Dodge Avenger team played the pit strategy card and lost as they were one of only a handful of teams who pitted early.

The final event of the 2008 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series season took the green flag under cloudy skies with a light mist of rain falling.  Whitlock started from the tenth position and was able to run in the top ten even as high as sixth before the crew made the call to pit early on lap 103.  The strategy was to have them in position that when the remainder of the lead lap cars pitted later, they would all return to the track behind the No. 39 Dodge of Whitlock. 

However the rain started to get heavier and after running over 20 caution laps the cars were brought down pit road under red flag conditions.  Much to the disappointment of the No. 39 Dickies team, NASCAR made the decision to call the race official after only 174 laps of the schedule 250 laps.  “This was definitely not the way we  wanted to finish the season,” stated Whitlock after the race.  “The car was decent and the guys made an adjustment when I came in for tires and fuel and we were running great.    Only two or three cars ahead of us had pitted yet, so when the other ten came in we would have been running in the top three.”   Whitlock was officially scored as twelfth at the conclusion of the race event.

The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series crowned Scott Steckly driving the No. 22 Dodge as the 2008 Champion on Saturday night. Dodge won the Manufacturers Cup for the second year in a row and congratulations go out to all the competing Dodge teams who helped make that possible.

The Dodge Dealers of Ontario Dodge Ram 250 from Kawartha Speedway will air on TSN on Sat. Oct. 11 at 11 a.m. EST

For more information on Whitlock Motorsports please visit www.whitlockmotorsports.com

From Linda Jones // Wide Open Motorsport Solutions

 
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Ricky Carmichael Q&A on racing at Talladega

RICKY CARMICHAEL Q & A
TALLADEGA SUPERSPEEDWAY
October 3, 2008

Ricky Carmichael, No. 33 Kevin Harvick, Inc. Chevrolet, will make his first start in the ARCA RE/MAX 250 at Talladega Superspeedway. He qualified ninth (9th) for Friday’s race.

Carmichael has retired as one most successful motorcycle racers in history.  His stellar career included: five (5) AMA Supercross championships; 10 AMA National outdoor championships; 150 professional race victories; Multiple titles in the worldwide Motocross-of-Nations event; X Games Gold Medals - Moto X racing and step-up   competition and first rider to record an undefeated season in the AMA National Outdoor Championships, winning 24 motos without a defeat in the 250cc category in 2002 and again in 2004.

Carmichael is currently seventh (7th) in the NASCAR Camping World East Series point standings in his rookie season. With one race remaining, Carmichael has three (3) top-five and seven (7) top-10 finishes with one (1) pole position driving for Ken Schrader Racing.

TALK ABOUT YOUR QUALIFYING EFFORT: “It was fast, fast. Enjoyed it though. It is a start. Get her up to speed and go.”

HOW DID THIS DEAL WITH KEVIN HARVICK, INC. COME TOGETHER? “Kevin Harvick contacted me, probably now it has been two months ago. In order to do trucks next year, we need to get qualified at a superspeedway to race Daytona next year. In order to that, we had to race here in an ARCA car. So, Kevin got an ARCA car and put me in it to try to gear up.”

DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOU HAVE LEARNED A LOT THIS YEAR IN THE CAMPING WORLD SERIES? “You know, I have really learned a lot this year. I feel like now I am driving the car better, as good as it needs to be driven. Like anything, I am so new at it; it is obviously going to take some learning time.  I feel that I can do it and obviously KHI has great equipment, that is a foot in the right direction right there.”

HAS IT BEEN MORE OR LESS DIFFICULT THAN YOU EXPECTED TO MAKE THE TRANSISTION FROM MOTORCYCLES TO CARS? “It has been tough, just the way I thought it would be. We are racing against a bunch of great drivers. It is going to be tough. These guys have been doing it for a long time. I have missed out on a lot of seat time. But at the same time, I have done a lot of racing my whole life basically. It has been tough; to answer your question, but it is what I expected.”

WHAT WERE YOUR FEELINGS WHEN YOU GOT THE CALL FROM KEVIN HARVICK? “It felt good. I would like to think he saw some talent in me and believes in my abilities. For me, that makes me feel really good because everything was good with Ginn Racing, then that deal went sour. I am just happy to be in the position that I am in now. With all the stuff that happened, I feel pretty fortunate. I can make this thing happen, trust me; I will do everything I can to keep it going. I am just very thankful that he has trust and faith in me that I can make this happen.”

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE IN THE SEAT OF THE PANTS FEEL BETWEEN A MOTORCYCLE AND A STOCK CAR? “You are on the seat of your pants in these things to, that’s the thing. What I like about this is it is something that can give me the opportunity to get that competitive feel that I like so much. It is something that I feel like I can do for a long time. I kinda of get my fix. Like I said, it is very hard. I am racing against a bunch of guys that have done it since they were five years old, like I started riding motorcycles when I was five. So, it is the same feeling.”

WHEN YOU RACE AT THE DAYTONA IN STOCK CARS, WILL YOU HAVE THE URGE TO GO IN THE INFIELD (REFERRING TO DAYTONA SUPERCROSS)? “(LAUGHS) Well, no. But when I go to Daytona, when I drive underneath that tunnel, I get this special feeling. I think that is why I always did good there on a motorcycle. I would love to race a car there, that would be my dream. I just get a great feeling when I come up from underneath that tunnel; it is like ‘Man, I love this place.’

“But yea. I wish we could put a motorcycle track in the infield there or in the tri-oval area there and get all these guys from the cars and do a little race (LAUGHS). We would be on an even playing field then.”

IN THE CAMPING WORLD SERIES, DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOU HAVE BEEN ON AN EVEN PLAYING FIELD? “I am racing guys that have much more experience than me and much more seat time. I feel I have adapted quick to it. I have gotten a pole. I never even came close to that in the little amount of late model racing that I did. To be honest with you, I have exceeded my goals and have had some great finishes. I have surprised myself. I am where I need to be. With that Ginn thing happening, it have obviously taken my learning rate and progressed it a lot faster that I wanted it go be but, you know what, it is what it is. It is something you have no control of; you have to deal with what you were given.”

WHAT HAVE YOU FOUND THE MOST DIFFICULT? “The hardest that I have noticed is how close everybody is and how hard it is to find a tenth. Trying to learn what I can do to make up that extra tenth, whether it is car, a lot of it is probably me at times.  You can’t blame it on the car all the time. I think we have great equipment at (Ken) Schrader’s. It is tough to find where they are making up the time. The line to me seems pretty easy; it is just getting to the throttle quick and learning how to setup your car to go fast.”

WHAT ARE YOU HOPING TO GAIN OUT OF TOMORROW’S RACE? “I want to obviously get the best finish we can get, but learn the draft. That is what we are here to do-finish the race, finish as good as we can and learn the dos and the don’ts about being in the draft. Learn what the car works like, that is what we are here for.”

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST THOUGHT WHEN YOU WERE IN THE MIDDLE OF YOUR FIRST DRAFTING PRACTICE? “I didn’t think ‘Whoa, what am I doing here’, but I couldn’t believe how much you move around in the draft, I really couldn’t. That blew me away. We are just all over the place. That is what amazed me the most. It is a pretty neat feeling. You know, I have seen it on TV, to actually be in it, I look forward in it with a lot more guys. I think the feeling will be even more of an experience.”

WERE YOU SURPRISED HOW CLOSE THE CARS ARE OUT THERE? “Yea, yea, well the thing about motorcycles is they are so much smaller so if someone makes a mistake, it is easier to get away from it especially if you are side-by-side. Now if you are behind someone on a motorcycle, it is hurt more than likely.  You know what, either one can be bad when you are racing side-by-side like that. I don’t think there is any escape from that.”

IF YOU RUN THIS RACE TOMORROW, DO YOU KNOW IF YOU ARE ELIGIBLE TO RUN TRUCKS FULL TIME NEXT YEAR? “I am not sure.  I know we are racing this to get experience for Daytona and I think it may make me eligible, from what I have been told, but I am not sure.  I would love to race some truck stuff if that is what I have to do to get qualified for next year’s Daytona.”

DO YOU THINK YOUR MOTORCYCLE FANS WILL FOLLOW YOU TO STOCK CARS? “Yes, they will. It has really been cool to see the people say ‘I have never really watched NASCAR but now that you are going there, we’re going to be following it’. The neat thing is, the people who have been to see me race, how much they like it. Every motorsports fan, especially NASCAR, I would say 70% of them have seen a motorcycle race and like it. That is the cool thing about motorsports fan is they love all forms of racing.”

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest automaker, has been the annual global industry sales leader for 77 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 266,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 35 countries. In 2007, nearly 9.37 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.

From GM

STAR MAZDA: Lafarge backed Marcelli to start on row two at Petite LeMans

Barrie, Ontario (October 2nd 2008) - Rising Canadian talent Kyle Marcelli continues to impress on the international stage as he qualified on row two of the Star Mazda championship race at Petite LeMans making it an all AIM Autosport second row with his teamate John Edwards starting alongside.

This is Marcelli’s first time behind the wheel in the Star Mazda Championship this season and its all thanks to the support of Lafarge a world wide leader in building materials.

"The first thing was getting used to the car which is quite different in terms of power, handling and downforce to what I have run this year (F2000)," commented Marcelli. The entire AIM Autosport crew has been terrific in helping me get comfortable with the car and they have been very supportive of my efforts. This year the Star Mazda Championship is a very deep field in terms of talent and experience. I am very happy to have qualified on row two along side of my teamate John Edwards for my first race this season. I am very fortunate to have Lafarge support me for this weekend and a lot of our success is deserved to them. Says Marcelli

"Lafarge is very proud to be one of Kyle's sponsors this year. It is important for us as a large multi national organization not to forget that our local customers and communities are what make us successful. Being able to give back to Kyle and to the community of Barrie Ontario is something in which we take great pride.

The keys to success at Lafarge, like with Kyle behind the wheel, are teamwork, innovation, speed, and precision. We value these keys and also our customers which are the foundation of our success.

In sharing this Star Mazda race with Kyle we hope that it can be a launching pad for him and for our relationship together.” - David Beaupré Sales and Marketing Director Lafarge

Marcelli and the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear take to the track tomorrow with the drop of the green flag at 4:30pm.

For more info visit www.kylemarcelli.com 

From Marcelli Motorsports Inc.

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Quebec Rally Championship: 2009 calendar, Charlevoix Rally is back!

Montreal, October 3, 2008. – Rallye Sport Québec has the pleasure to announce today the 2009 Quebec Rally Championship calendar. Five rounds from the 2008 season have already been confirmed to return next year, in addition to the highly anticipated return of an event that has had a profound impact on the history of rallying in Quebec. 

The 2008 Rally Sport Quebec season was extremely successful and an even healthier season is expected next year with an increased number of competitors and the return of the famous Rallye de Charlevoix. On February 7th the 2009 season will be launched with Maniwaki’s Rallye Val Gatinois in Haute-Gatineau. The Rallye de Falardeau, in Saguenay, will follow two weeks later as the second of two snow and ice winter events.

The Quebec Rally Championship, the only one in North America boasting events on three different surface types, will return to Sanair in the region of Montérégie on April 19th for the only 100% asphalt rally on the continent.

Round four in the calendar, the Rallye de Saguenay, takes place on June 21st, followed on August 15th by Mauricie’s Rallye Lac-aux-Sables.  Ending the season will mark the return of the Rallye de Charlevoix on October 24th.

Roads used in the Quebec Rally Championship have great national and international reputations with the Rallye Val Gatinois, the Rallye Saguenay, and the Rallye de Charlevoix but it is the infamous stage roads in the Rallye Lac-aux-Sables that were part of the World Rally Championship’s Criterium du Quebec during the late 1970’s.

The Quebec Rally Championship is a series with a very unique concept. It allows for the introduction to rallying and development within the sport at high levels of competition and limited costs. Registered teams are required to use two-wheel drive compact cars with normally aspirated 2-litre engines. All rounds follow the same format with registration at the end of the day Friday and a one-pass route reconnaissance Saturday morning. Competition stages are held on Saturday afternoon and vary between a total of 100 and 150 kilometers.

 
One single road surface type (ice, asphalt or gravel) and one centralized service area per event enable the teams to compete in the sport with minimal resources. Participating in the Quebec Rally Championship generally requires a budget ranging from $9,000 to $12,000 per season for car maintenance, registration, accommodations, and transportation. Depending on competitors’ place of residence, only two to four vacation days may be necessary to compete in the entire championship. It is not a rarity to find teams made up of family members, couples, etc.  Amongst them are lawyers, doctors, business owners, sales representatives, mechanics and students that all compete head-to-head in a thrilling and fun environment.

For all information on the Quebec Rally Championship, visit the official series website: www.couperallye.com. Pole-Position magazine’s 2008 year-in-review in photos issue is available in newsstands starting next week.

2009 Quebec Rally Championship Calendar:

Date               Event                                     Coordonnator                       Club                Contact tel.   

February 7     Rallye Val Gatinois              Denyse Moisan                    CASLL           450 621-5253

February 21 Rallye de Falardeau              Matthieu Laberge-Gagné    CRS               418 590-5811

April 19          Rallye de Sanair                   Éric Tremblay                       RSQ               418 834-1023

June 21          Rallye de Saguenay             Éric Tremblay                       RSQ               418 834-1023

August 15      Rallye de Lac-aux-Sables   François Morin & Mélanie Chagnon                RSQ               418 365-2229  

October 24    Rallye de Charlevoix            Émilie Fortin                         RSQ               418 439-2400   

From Éric Tremblay // Quebec Rally Championship

FW: Rite Aid 200 Field Stacked With Growing Super DIRT Week Entry List!

Weedsport, NY – October 2, 2008 – By Tom Skibinski, DIRTcar Racing NorthEast PR Director

Just a few more days remain before the world's richest DIRTcar Racing NorthEast event arrives in Central New York! Super DIRT Week XXXVII at the New York State Fairgrounds is scheduled for Oct. 7-12 and registration forms continue to file in to DIRTcar Racing NE headquarters from around the region.

“This year we looked to re-organize the infield pits and have teams reserve parking spots, and the final one was filled just last week,” said Cory Reed, DIRTcar Racing NorthEast Director of Competition & Track Sanctioning. “With nearly 80 lanes already full on the back side a couple weeks in advance, its just another sign our biggest event of the year will be loaded when it comes to both quality and quantity.”

A great mix of past champions, experienced veterans looking for their own claim to fame, and a talented group of newcomers and rising stars head this year’s legendary list of Rite Aid 200 entries. Each harboring hopes of putting their name in the record book on the Syracuse Mile in 2008. The current Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Big-Block Modified roster includes nine drivers that account for a grand total of 21 Rite Aid Championships in the past quarter-century dating back to 1983.

Led by two-time winner and defending champion Vic Coffey, open-wheel all-stars Brett Hearn (5 wins), Billy Decker (4), Alan Johnson (3), Jimmy Horton (2), Danny Johnson (2) Jack Johnson (2), Tim Fuller and Kenny Tremont help make up the nationally recognized roster. Advance Auto Parts Series speedsters Steve Paine, Jimmy Phelps, Gary Tomkins, Matt Sheppard, Dale Planck, Justin Haers, Frankie Caprara, Ryan Phelps, Billy Dunn and 15 year-old charger Larry Wight fill the slate along with Empire State veterans Ron Smoker and Mitch Gibbs.

Pat Ward, Roy Bresnahan, Ryan Phelps, Wight and Advance Series record-setter Decker will all be stationed under the Team Gypsum infield tent throughout the week creating one of the biggest spectacles even before the first green flag flies.

Orange County Fair Speedway fans will be able to cheer on their weekly favorites Chris Shultz, Bob McGannon and Ric Hill while Eddie Marshall, Wayne Jelley, Keith Flach, Hector Stratton and Andy Bachetti, who is guaranteed to start no worse than 7th, will be representing the high banks of Lebanon Valley Speedway. Holding high hopes on the Moody Mile are Fonda faithfuls Bobby Varin back in the Gable Motorsports no. 1 and second-generation pilot Ronnie Johnson.

Rick Laubach and Duane Howard pace the Pennsylvanian posse that also includes Brian Swartzlander, who at the age of 49 will be making his first attempt to qualify for the Rite Aid 200. Recently crowned Lernerville Speedway points champion Swartzlander is also registered for the Big-Block ‘Futures’ event to gain valuable track time on Thursday. New Jersey invaders ready to attack the Moody Mile are Ryan Godown and Mark Forte Jr. while Canadian standouts Pete Bicknell and Larry Lampman Jr. from Ontario and David Hebert from Quebec prepare to make their annual trip into the states for the Salt City showdown.

Asphalt racer and ’08 Airborne Speedway Champion Patrick Dupree is signed up in the Big-Block ranks along with his track promoter Mike Perrotte, a past performer in both Big-Block and Small-Block events during Super DIRT Week. Looking to improve upon his stellar 9th-place Rite Aid run from a year ago, returning to the DIRTcar ranks is winged sprinter Jason Barney. The Constantia, New York chauffeur is once again scheduled to steer ISMA car owner Jeff Holbrook’s #35 Big-Block entry in a rare appearance at the New York State Fairgrounds in October.

Super DIRT Week XXXVII activity kicks off Tuesday, October 7 with ‘early-bird’ Modified ---Futures included--- car inspection, continues with a ‘Happy Hour’ on track Wednesday before Big-Block Modified and 358-Modified racers attempt qualify under the clocks on Thursday. Race action highlights the Friday and Saturday shows while the Advance Auto Parts Big-Block Modifieds take center stage for the big 200-lap Rite Aid finale on Sunday afternoon on the way to crowning the overall Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar Champion for 2008.

Headquartered in Roanoke, Va., Advance Auto Parts, a leading automotive aftermarket retailer of parts, accessories, batteries, and maintenance items in the United States, serves both the do-it-yourself and professional installer markets As of April 19, 2008, the Company operated 3,291 stores in 40 states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Additional information about the Company, employment opportunities, customer services, and on-line shopping for parts and accessories can be found on the Company's web site at www.advanceautoparts.com .

The Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series for Big-Block Modifieds is brought to fans across the Northeast by several sponsors and partners, including series sponsors Advance Auto Parts, Hoosier Racing Tire and Sunoco Race Fuels. Promotional partners include AMB i.t., Rite Aid Corporation and the University of Northwestern Ohio and the contingency sponsors are Bert Transmission, Bicknell Racing Products, Bilstein Shocks, Brodix Cylinder Heads, Crane Cams, Integra Shocks, MSD Ignitions, Motorsports Safety Systems, Penske Shocks and Wrisco Industries.

Let's see him tap dance his way out of this one...

Helio Castroneves has been indicted in the U.S. on tax-evasion charges.

The ESPN.com story goes:

MIAMI -- Helio Castroneves and his sister were indicted Thursday in Miami on charges of conspiring to defraud the United States of income taxes, prosecutors said.
The two-time Indianapolis 500 winner and his sister, Katiucia Castroneves, were also charged with six counts of income tax evasion for the years 1999 through 2004.
The indictment alleged they used a Panamanian shell corporation to fraudulently conceal from the Internal Revenue Service income received from Penske Racing and another company.

Click here for the full story

NASCAR Canadian Tire Series on TSN: Riverside Int'l Speedway

Watch the Atlantic Dodge Dealers 300 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series race from Riverside International Speedway on Saturday October 4th on TSN – TSNHD – TSN2!

The race is Round #12 of 13 to decide the 2008 Championship

PREMIER: Saturday, October 4th @11:00 AM EST

REPLAYS:

Tuesday October 7th @ 1:00 AM EST (Monday night @ 1:00AM)

Tuesday October 7th @1:00 PM EST

NASCAR Canadian Tire Series: White claims rookie title

The 13th and final stop of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series was held at Peterborough Ontario’s Kawartha Speedway on Saturday night. 26 teams showed up for one last run at the checker flag in Canada’s elite stock car racing series. Most of the teams have been battling through the very gruelling schedule that starts in May and leaves very few weekends off through out the summer. Many battles came down to the final race including the overall title and the top rookie honours. 

 
Sun Peaks ,  British Columbia based driver Jason White and his A&W “Cruisin the Dub” team entered the night just four points ahead of Barrie Ontario’s Anthony Simone for the first ever “Rookie Of The Year Title”. In 2007 all drivers were considered rookies by NASCAR in the series inaugural season, so 2008 would be the first for title contention.

 
As rain threatened the on track activity throughout the day , teams stayed patient and got in a practice session as well as qualifying for the 250 lap race. White was the first to qualify after the rain had soaked the track , and it was quite a ride. 

 
“We picked first out of the hat unfortunately , but someone had to be the unlucky one”, mused White. “ I just went out and laid down two laps that I am not proud of but to tell you the truth I was happy I brought the car back in one piece, it was like an ice rink out there”. As the cars continued to qualify the track heated up and the lap times got substantially faster. After the session was over White would start the race 24th in the 26 car field.

 
When the green flag dropped for the final time of the season , White wasted no time moving towards the front. At lap 25 he had moved all the way up to the 15th position and the car was looking like a top ten or even a top five contender. “I just could not believe how well the car was handling”, stated White. “My crew tried a new set up in the car and it really took to the track well”. 

 
By lap 100 White got the call from crew chief Brian Uptigrove that fellow rookie contender Anthony Simone had parked his ride for the night due to an on track altercation with another car. This meant Jason would take home the coveted freshmen honours, but there was still a race to be decided. “I really had to curb my emotions after hearing we had locked up the trophy “, remarked White. “My goal switched to getting a top five finish for my A&W team, and we had the cards in our hand to do it.” 

 
At lap 140 Jason had cruised into the top ten and had his sights set on his best finish ever, he even had thoughts of winning. “For the first time ever I actually thought we had potential to win a race”, white said. “We definitely were not the fastest car out there but in this series a lot happens with the front runners and they had been dropping out very quickly, I was just running as hard as I could."

 
When lap 150 came up the caution flag flew for a wreck and Brian Uptigrove brought the A&W Monte Carlo in for fuel and tires. Unfortunately the crew had some problems with the jack and the Jason would drop from 9th to 14th for the restart. Then just before NASCAR restarted the race, the skies started to open up and the race was called due to the track being deemed unsafe to race on. So the teamed settled for 14th , but the big prize was in the bag. “ I think we finished off well for the season”, said Uptigrove. “ We have proved if the team can put a well set up car underneath Jason, he can race with the best in the business."

 
So after 13 races from coast to coast, and a Rookie Title , the A&W team will enjoy some time off then start planning for next season, and the quest for a NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Championship!!

In a sport where more sponsor dollars equals more speed, the RZ Racing Team is thankful for all of their marketing partners throughout this years NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. Special thanks go out to: A&W, Diamond lils trucking, Zimmer Wheaton GMC, Powder Ventures Excavations, Douglas Lake Equipment, T.A Lubes (Sunoco), KAL TIRE, Praxair, Re/Max (Paul Toporowski), Peaks Media Inc., RTR Performance, Zimmer Autosport, Sleemans Brewery, Mackdaddys Nightclub,Canada boat trader, L'Cat Autographics and Thompson Valley Sand and Gravel.

 
Race dates and results are posted on www.NASCAR.ca

KONI: Predators ready for season finale

OTTAWA, ONTARIO - Predators Autosports is coming off a top five finish at the most recent round in Utah, and now they are in for their toughest challenge of the year.

"The season finale at Virginia International Raceway will be a tough challenge," Predators Autosports owner Steve Morris said. "The length alone - its six hours - makes it a very difficult race."

For the drivers Matt Pritiko and Robert Boyer, the challenge is mostly the same except for a few differences. "The key here is to stay out of trouble, and try to conserve the brakes as much as possible," Pritiko said.

"The second half of the year has been very strong for us so far and it would be great to end the season on a high note with a solid finish in the finale," Pritiko added.

Also helping the team this weekend is that the races are split. The ST class race that the Predators Autosports Cobalt SS will contest will run on Saturday at 2:00 pm.

"There's going to be a strong field here, with some teams looking at the championship, and some looking at winning. We're in this one for the win," Pritiko added.

KONI CHALLENGE SERIES WEEKEND SCHEDULE (ALL TIMES EASTERN)

- Friday: KONI Challenge GS Practice (10-11 a.m.); KONI Challenge ST Practice (11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.); KONI Challenge GS Practice (2-3 p.m.); KONI Challenge ST Practice (3:15-4:15 p.m.); KONI Challenge GS Practice (4:30-5:30 p.m.); KONI Challenge ST Practice (6:30-8 p.m.)

- Saturday: KONI Challenge ST Practice (9-9:30 a.m.); KONI Challenge GS Practice (9:45-10:15 a.m.); KONI Challenge ST Qualifying (10:30-10:45 a.m.); KONI Challenge GS Qualifying (11-11:15 a.m.); KONI Challenge ST Race (2 p.m.; six-hour time limit)

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 LondonOntario. 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.

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Rick Young's 'Rick at the Races' for Sept. 26/27 2008

- 26 Sept Capital City Speedway
- 27 Sept Brighton Speedway

PICTURES:
PIC 1  Mini Stock driver Matt Mould in the CCs Victory Lane
PIC 2    Legend driver Kevin Foisey in the CCS VICTORY LANE
PIC 3   Brighton promoter Mark Rinaldi conducts a drivers meeting
PIC 4   A Canadian/INCA Modified at Brighton
PIC 5  The 358 Mod of Pete Bicknell at Brighton
PIC 6  Jason Riddell # 9 is chased by the O'Brien ( Danny # 96 Tim #8) brothers at Brighton
PIC 7 Pete Bicknell is interviewed by Steve Young at Brighton
PIC 8  Pete Bicknell in the Brighton Victory Lane

I was back at work on Tuesday (Sept 23) after my UK trip and then had my regular day off on Wednesday. This was used to catch up on jobs that needed doing for my forthcoming house move, then I was back to work again on Thursday. I didn't feel too good when I set off for work that day, and by the time I came home that night I was full of cold and flu symptoms. I felt much the same when I woke on Friday morning, so took the day off in an attempt to recover.

Even though I was very much 'under the weather' I decided I would still go to the races at Capital City Speedway (Ottawa) that night. It was the final night of the year and there were people I had to see. I spent most of the night in the warmth of the Control Tower only venturing down to take Victory Lane photos when needed.

The racing was good and I enjoyed my more relaxed style of evening.

The Winners were:
Bob Williams 4 for FUN
Matt Mould in the Mini Stocks
Ken Fisher in the Thunder Cars
Kevin Foisey in the Legends

It was announced that Foisey will be heading off to the Elko Speedway in Minnesota for the big Legend 'Special' taking place this weekend ( 4 Oct)

The next day, Saturday (27 Sept) I was still not 100% fit, but my plans were to attend the annual AppleFest at the Brighton Speedway, as it's show I always enjoy. Lucky for me the Cornwall Motor Speedway were running a coach trip and there was room on the bus for me. This worked out well, it meant I could take it easy, sit back and snooze for the three hours-plus of the journey.

We left Cornwall in the rain and it was like that for most of the drive down, with it only getting better as we neared Brighton. There were over twenty 358 Dirt Mods in attendance for the LUCAS OILS sponsored event with representatives from eastern and western Ontario as well as Quebec. Sharing the program, were the 4 and 8 cylinder stock cars plus the Canadian/IMCA type Modifieds.

Following the three 358 Modified heats a special “dash' race took place which was taken by Pete Bicknell.

The 50 Lap featured was reduced to 32 laps when light drizzle caused the early checkers. Once again it was Bicknell who occupied Victory Lane.

Strangely enough, as we all thought the racing was over, the drizzle stopped and the remaining Feature for the Canadian / IMCA Mods took to the track. After several laps of track drying, it was deemed OK to race and the action commenced. The race actually reached completion, but as the Victory Lane shots were being taken the rain returned.

It was all over by 10-00pm and the bus had me back in Cornwall by 1-30am.

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Red Beards Sports New Barrie Location!

You’ve seen us at the track... now come and see us at our NEW Barrie location, at the Kozlov Shopping Centre. Six thousand square feet of all your favourite NASCAR merchandise and other major league sports products available with our usual friendly service. NASCAR Diecast, Hats, Jackets, T-Shirts, Souvenirs, and much more! If you can’t come and see us, we will ship Canada wide! Call us at 1-877-812-0319 or email redbeards@hotmail.com

PHOTO GALLERY: AMERICAN CANADIAN TOUR - Thunder Road Speedbowl - Sept. 28, 2008

This is a 492-photo gallery from Thunder Road Speedbowl, Barre, VT (USA), on Sunday, September 28, 2008, featuring the American-Canadian Tour (ACT) final race. This special Monza style race is composed of 3 segments of inverted 50 laps. By winning the race St-Denis, QC driver Patrick Laperle also captured the 2008 ACT Champinoship. His first US Championship after winning last year the ACT CASTROL Series Quebec/Ontario based Championship. Thanks to M.P. Roy for the photos. You can see M.P.'s website here.

Hornet Class popular at Saratoga Speedway as season winds down.

This season the Hornet class has become the new entry class at Saratoga Speedway. On Saturday night there were 30 cars on hand, the highest car count of any class at the Black Creek oval in nearly twenty years. Along with the Hornets, the 3rd last race of the 08 season sponsored by Little Caesars Pizza featured the Crash to Pass cars as well as the Figure 8’s and Road Runners.

The Hornet class is open to four cylinder cars with minimum safety requirements. This allows someone interested in getting into racing to enter the sport with very little cost. With a non contact rule in place for the class there is very little maintenance on the cars. These cars are so easy to build that many of them have been built in one night, and is one of the main reasons that the car count has gone beyond expectations and why it keeps growing.

Saturday night the car count was aided by 11 Hornet cars from Victoria with 10 impressively coming into the speedway on a car hauler. In qualifying Phil Lagan, the 08 Western Speedway point champion set a new track record three different times with his fastest lap being a 18.956. He then went on to win the 35 lap main event ahead of fellow Victoria racers Phil Calnan and Jean Luc Lagan. With such a big car count the Hornets ran three heat races won by Andrew Buchanan, Victoria’s Tyler Woods and Calnan while Campbell River’s Darren Werebowy took the win in the B main.

In Crash to Pass racing Campbell River’s Travis Stevenson went a long way to claiming the season points championship by taking wins in the heat race then the win in the 25 lap main event ahead of Ryan Monks and Tom Dunns to boast his lead to over 200 points ahead of Monks with one race remaining.

A good field of Road Runners were on hand and put together two highly competitive races with point leader Kermit Dahl padding his point lead with the heat race win then a 2nd place finish in the 25 lap main event right on the bumper of race winner Riley Carter and ahead of Hanns Baan.

The increased car count in the Hornet class has seen a decrease in the Figure 8 car count as a number of racers decided to join in the non contact full track racing Hornets. This has left the Figure 8’s low on cars but still good racing as point leader Brandon Steen held of a determined Walker Welsh for the 15 lap main event win while Welsh held the hot hand in the heat race by taking the win.

The 2nd last race of the season with double points up for grabs goes this Saturday night with three championships to be decided in the Stock car, IMCA Modifides and the Dwarf cars and they will be joined by the Bomber and Hornet cars along with the last race for the Motorcycles whose point champion for 08 will be Dean Thompson.

In the Stock car class four drivers are still in the hunt with Victoria’s Kerry Steen holding the upper hand with a 74 point lead on Mike Dionne followed by Martin Beaulieu, who is 182 points back and Don Hallgarth who is 192 back.

In IMCA racing Victoria’s Tony Johnson holds a slim 1 point advantage on 06 and 07 point champion, Oyster River’s Chris Beaulieu, followed by Kevin Noble only 21 points back. Pat Brown is 24 back and Rob Ryan is 107 points away leaving all four a chance at the 08 championship.

The 2nd last Bomber race as they finish their season October 11th has Port Albernie’s Rob Gaudrealt leading the points race 48 points up on Campbell River’s Stewart Lee followed by Kyle Harrison at 117 back, Andy Meyers 285 back and the 5th and last driver still with a chance at the championship, Justin Beaulieu 315 points back.

The Hornet cars will also end their season October 11th making Saturday night their 2nd last race of the 2008 season. They have four drivers still with championship hopes and they are Dave Hargrave who sits in first ahead of Doug McLean followed by Lyle Bowlen and Joceyln Popwich with a outside shot.

Racing action this Saturday night have gates open at 5.30 followed by qualifying at 6 and racing at 7pm. Next Saturday night will be the season’s final race that will feature along with the Bomber cars, Crash to Pass, Hornets, Figure 8’s and the Road Runners, the great pumpkin race and a season ending fireworks display which is always a sight to see and remember.

An error from the last speedway report had the season ending banquet on October 17th when it is actually on November 15th at the Best Western Hotel with tickets available at the Speedway or for more info call 250-923-2982.

Kyle Marcelli Goes Star Mazda

Barrie, Ontario (September 29th 2008) - Young Canadian race car driver Kyle Marcelli recently signed a deal with fellow Canadian team AIM Autosport and sponsor Lafarge to race in round eleven of the Star Mazda Championship at the inaugural Petite LeMans weekend at the Road Atlanta race course in Brasselton, Georgia this coming weekend.

Upon the completion of Marcelli’s rookie season in the very competitive pro F2000 Championship Series where he scored third in the standings after a come from behind season with eight podium finishes including a win at Road America. Marcelli is now looking forward to taking another step forward in the evolution of his career this time behind the wheel of a Star Mazda race car.

The eighteen year old Canadian native will be supported by Lafarge throughout this weekends events. Lafarge is a building material company successfully operating in over 85 countries worldwide. Recently introducing a new “TURBO” theory to market the following products Agilia, Extensia, Chronolia and Artevia. The company has teamed up with Marcelli putting together a great program to market at speed.

“I am very pleased and honoured to be representing Lafarge on an international stage of Motorsports. We are working to put together a successful program in which I am very excited about. I’m really looking forward to this weekend’s event at Road Atlanta; it’s a great facility and a world class race track. AIM is a very well established, successful race team and I hope to bring them more success this weekend. ” Says Marcelli.

Marcelli would like to thank his year long sponsors Simcoe Block, Lafarge, Barrie Trim and Mouldings, GP Masonry and Landscaping Supplies, Trudel Roofing, PFAFF, Alpinestars, The Robert Simpson Brewery, Brown Windows, MG Homes, Mullins Pub, MMG Trading, Simcoe Building Center, RE/MAX Barrie, Stif Creative Works and Canadian Tire Barrie South

For more info on Kyle visit him at www.kylemarcelli.com
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Kawartha Speedway Race For Charity

 
Collin Welsh, Director of Operations for Discount Car and Truck Rentals in Oshawa, Ontario collected funds for the fight against Cerebral Palsy with his race winning run in a Kawartha Speedway Driving Experience mini stock.  The race was held prior to the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Dodge Dealers of Ontario - Dodge Ram 250 Saturday, September 27th at Kawartha Speedway.  (Words and Photos by Jim Clarke)

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NCATS: Home Hardware Chevy Finishes Top-Five at Kawartha

Don Thomson Jr. and the Home Hardware Chevrolet team did it again during the final round of the 2008 NASCAR Canadian Tire series (NCATS) series at Kawartha Speedway this past weekend.  Thomson for the seventh time this season would post the quickest qualifying time and start the 250 lap race from the pole position.  It was exactly the start the team wanted as they looked to continue their charge and attempt to grab the overall championship. 

The Home Hardware Chevrolet crew was as usual well prepared and gave their driver a fast race car and Thomson clicked off the quickest qualifying time at 18.190 seconds for an average speed of 74.217 MPH.  This was exactly what the team needed to keep their title hopes alive.

Thomson would accept the green flag to start the race and then proceed to hold that position for the first 42 laps of the race.  Without warning however a miss in the motor would be the first of several hurdles the Home Hardware team would face.  “Coming out of turn two it just started missing again, we lost a spark plug wire” said a frustrated driver who takes great pride in performing much of the work on the car himself.  “That won’t happen next year, we’re going to change our distributor system” he added.

The Home Hardware crew went to work making a series of stops to correct the problem under the hood and has been the case all season; they were calm and cool under pressure knowing there was still plenty of racing to be done.  “The Home Hardware car was good to that point. I was just pacing myself and saving the brakes a little bit which you have to do here.  Once the Home crew made the repairs the car was just as good as before” said the driver.

Adjusting their race strategy while making repairs, the Home Hardware Chevy team also performed the necessary routine service taking on fresh tires and fuel to go the balance of the race distance.  It was their chance to have the race come back to them and capitalize should the #22 car have difficulties.  They were not out of the championship hunt yet. 

Misfortune would strike their competition and the #22 would fall deep into the field.  Thomson meanwhile had the bit between his teeth and pushed the Home Hardware Chevy into the top-five, every position gained brought them closer to a possible title.  Also working in their favour was the fact that the four cars in front of Thomson still needed to make pit stops for fuel and tires.  The Home Hardware team was in great position.  However there was one more element to this story that had yet to play out; the weather.

Light sprinkles were becoming more persistent and making for a very tricky race track.   NASCAR officials chose to throw the red flag stopping the race after 174 laps.  Shortly after the decision was made by NASCAR to call the race complete.  It was disappointing for a team that had worked so hard all season and especially in this race not to have the chance to finish the entire event.  “We were in a really good position going to the end” said Thomson afterwards.  “All of the cars in front of me had to pit, I would have inherited the lead and I really think we had a strong enough car to hold everybody off, especially when the outside groove really went away”.  

Don Thomson Jr. and the Home Hardware Chevrolet team would finish the season second in the overall championship standings, just twenty three points behind the winner.  “Obviously I’ve got thank the whole Home Hardware team, John Fitzpatrick and all the effort that they put in for us.  It’s a little disappointing not to be able to run those last laps but we’ll be back to go get ‘em next year”. 

Next up for the NCATS teams is the annual awards banquet on October 25th.  You can watch all thirteen races this season on TSN.  For information about the NCATS including schedule, results and more, log onto www.nascar.ca

Photos:  Home Hardware Chevy heading out for qualifying at Kawartha Speedway.  
Photo Credit:   Todd Lewis 
This release prepared by TL Sports & Entertainment

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NCATS: Full Throttle Team Fourth at Kawartha

Driver Brad Graham and the Full Throttle Blue Demon/Logel’s Auto Parts/ Challenger Motor Freight Dodge team have been on a charge in the late stages of the 2008 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series racing season.  With every increasing momentum the team scored yet another top-five finish to close out the final round of the season with a fourth place finish at the Dodge Dealers of Ontario Ram 250 at Kawartha Speedway.

It was a tough start to the day for the Full Throttle Blue Demon/Logel’s Auto Parts/ Challenger Motor Freight team.  Lap times during practice were impressive but the story was different during qualifying.  “Our Goodyear tires have been great all year” said Brad Graham, “but for some reason we had a set that grew a little funny during time trails and we just didn’t get the performance we were expecting” he added.

Graham would start the 250 lap feature event deep in the field at fifteenth spot.  The Full Throttle Blue Demon/Logel’s Auto Parts/ Challenger Motor Freight Dodge would not be there for long.  With track conditions noticeably different from qualifying that were much better suited to the cars set up Graham took off toward the front of the field.  “We just started picking off positions one at a time and next thing you know we’re inside the top-ten and heading for the front” he stated.

Graham would continue the push forward with his smooth handling Full Throttle Blue Demon/Logel’s Auto Parts/ Challenger Motor Freight race car and continue to gain more positions as the laps ticked away.  “We just kept our nose clean and stayed out of trouble and got ourselves into the top-five” summarized Graham. 

Knowing he had a race car that could run up front Graham began to look ahead to how the final third of the race would play out.  “We were up there battling with third and fourth place runners trying to set ourselves up to be in a good spot for the finish” said the driver.  It was at this point Mother Nature would exert her forces on the field.

The race was halted on lap 174 of the scheduled 250 due to persistent showers.  Graham would have to accept a fourth place finish but couldn’t help but wonder what might have been if the final laps had been run.  “We weren’t trying to be too aggressive with that many laps to go” he said.  “The Full Throttle Blue Demon/Logel’s Auto Parts/ Challenger Motor Freight Dodge was pretty good.  It’s a real bummer that NASCAR chose to end it early.  I think we had a good enough car certainly to finish on the podium and maybe for the win”.   

Brad Graham and the Full Throttle/Logel’s Auto Parts/ Challenger Motor Freight Dodge team finished the season tenth in the overall points standings.   

The Full Throttle Team will celebrate the 2008 season at the annual awards banquet on October 25th.  This season teams raced from coast to coast in Canada on challenging oval tracks, temporary street circuits and road courses. For more information about the series log onto www.nascar.ca and for more news information about the team go to www.bradgraham.ca All races this season are also be broadcast on TSN.

Attached Photo:  Full Throttle Dodge 
Photo Credit:    Todd Lewis
This release prepared by TL Sports & Entertainment

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NCATS: Castrol Dodge Finishes Season Strong

A week ago DJ Kennington wasn’t sure how well the Castrol Dodge would be able to perform in the season finale of the 2008 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, the Ontario Dodge Dealers Ram 250 at Kawartha Speedway.  Though both Kennington and the Castrol Dodge Avenger were bruised from a hard hit, they showed how tough and competitive they can be with a second place finish this past Saturday.

As practice began Kennington and the Castrol Crew were anxious to see how the many hours of work necessary would pay off.  They would find out quickly as Kennington put up solid practice laps.  “It was a lot of work to get this car ready, but by the end of the night we knew that we got had it fixed right” said the driver.  “It’s probably the best we’ve been all year” he added. 

Kennington would take a cautious approach with the Castrol Dodge on a slick race track during qualifying and begin the Ontario Dodge Dealers Ram 250 from the eleventh spot  “Conditions were pretty tricky and I didn’t want to take any chances, we felt the car was good” said the driver afterwards.

Right from the start of the race Kennington was moving the Castrol Dodge forward in the field and very quickly into the top-ten and approaching the top-five.  “We had the set up right in the first part of the race and that helped us get the Castrol Dodge up into contention pretty quickly” said DJ.

Kennington continued to maneuver his race car forward and on lap 62 the team was rewarded for all their hard work as the Castrol Dodge took over the lead of the race.  Kennington would continue to hold the point until 105 when a dampening race track also played play a significant role.  Looking to find the best racing line for his car in the worsening conditions Kennington moved up higher on the track and the decision cost him.  With his skill DJ was able to bring the Castrol Dodge under control but had surrendered the lead.  “I was a bit loose in the corner and I thought moving up would tighten the car up a little, and I just hand my hands full gathering it up and that’s when the #3 car got by me”.

Kennington would set out to hunt down the leader but the weather began to worsen and after 174 laps the race was halted.  The Castrol Dodge team would have to settle for a second place finish.  “I just made a mistake and it cost us a win tonight” said the disappointed driver.  “I really figured I could get him back, but then it rained harder and NASCAR stopped it.  I’m just disappointed in myself, and I’m frustrated.

While there is obvious disappointment in not winning the race, there is tremendous pride in a season full of accomplishment.  The Castrol Dodge team scored an incredible nine top-five finishes and eleven top-tens in thirteen events.

DJ Kennington would wind up the season third in the overall championship standings.  Kennington will now concentrate full-time on his Nationwide series ride with MacDonald Motorsports

The NASCAR Canadian Tire series will honor competitors this year at the annual awards banquet on October 25th.   The 2008 NASCAR Canadian Tire series consisted of thirteen events on ovals, road courses and temporary street circuits from coast to coast.  Each broadcast on TSN.  More information can be found by logging onto www.djkennington.com and www.nascar.ca

Attached photo:  1. The Castrol Dodge ready to qualify at Kawartha.  2.  DJ Kennington (left) on the podium at Kawartha Speedway.

Photo Credit:  Todd Lewis  // This release prepared by TL Sports & Entertainment

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NCATS: Back to Back Podium Finishes for Team Mopar

The Mopar Parts Dodge with Ron Beauchamp Jr. at the wheel has turned heads over final third of the 2008 NASCAR Canadian Tire series schedule.  Those heads are usually turning to watch the Mopar Parts Dodge Avengers blazing past them.  At the final round of the championship, the Ontario Dodge Dealers Ram 250 at Kawartha Speedway Ron Beauchamp Jr. was showing the Dodge power with a third place finish that helped clinch the Manufacturers title for Dodge.

One of the keys to success for Team Mopar has been having a strong car right off the trailer for the last few events in particular.  “During practice the car was just a little tight, but we made a few adjustments and it was bang on for qualifying” said Ron Beauchamp Jr.  “We had another good qualifying run and started up near the front” he added.

Beauchamp would begin the Ontario Dodge Dealers Ram 250 on the outside of row two on a damp and misty Saturday night.  “The car was a little tight on the outside, but I knew right after qualifying I had a good car for the race” he stated. 

As the laps ticked away the Mopar Parts Dodge was ever present near the front of the field.  “I just tried to be really careful” said Beauchamp.  “You could tell it was the last race of the season and some guys were pretty feisty.  The thing is it cost most of them positions in the end.  We took our time and stayed up front and had ourselves in a very good position for the final stages of the race.  Outside forces would also play a significant role in the outcome.

The Ontario Dodge Dealers Ram 250 would actually only complete 174 laps due to persistent showers.  The Mopar Parts Dodge though would claim a third place podium position.  “We’ve just been on such a role here lately I’m kind of sorry to see the season come to an end, the way we’ve been going you want to get right back out there” said Beauchamp.

With back to back podium finishes to close out the season Ron Beauchamp Jr. and Team Mopar are anxious to begin preparations for what will no doubt be a very successful 2009 season.  “We’re going to get working on our program right away” said the driver.  “We’ll be building new race cars right in our shop and they’ll be race ready right from the start of the season”.        

The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series 2008 season awards, including the Manufacturers Cup that goes to Dodge will be presented at the series annual banquet on Saturday October 25th.  This years racing schedule consisted of thirteen races on oval tracks, temporary street circuits and road courses.  All races once again broadcast on TSN.  You can read more about Team Mopar and Ron Beauchamp Jr. at www.beauchampmotorsports.com and www.nascar.ca  

 
Attached Photo: 1.  Mopar Parts Dodge ready for qualifying.  2.  Ron Beauchamp Jr. (right) on the podium at Kawartha Speedway

Photo Credit:   Todd Lewis
This release prepared by TL Sports & Entertainment

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NCATS: Not Enough Horses for Fitzpatrick

September 28, 2008.  After a very successful test session at Iowa Speedway with TRG Motorsports NASCAR Truck program, John Ryan (J.R.) Fitzpatrick was hoping to wrap up the 2008 NASCAR Canadian Tire series season with a strong showing.  Unfortunately his #84 Fitzpatrick Motorsports Chevrolet was a little lacking in horsepower hampering his overall finishing position.

It was a cloudy and damp day at Kawartha Speedway this past weekend as teams began the afternoon practice session.  To no one surprise the #84 Fitzpatrick Motorsports Chevy was consistently quick.  “We learned a lot of things at the test session at Iowa that we immediately applied to our car here” said the 20 year old driver.  “And we could see improvements right away” he added.

Fitzpatrick would qualify the #84 machine fourth overall and begin the 250 lap feature event on the outside of row two.  “Our plan was the same as usual, try and run up front, maybe lead a lap and then settle into a good pace and save our stuff for the end” said the driver.  For several reasons going the 250 lap distance would prove to be a challenge.

With the start of the race the #84 Chevrolet was decent but not performing to the expectations of the driver.  “The car just seemed to be flattening out” said Fitzpatrick who provided good information to the team.  “We decided to make a pit stop and make some adjustments, switched ignition boxes.  We thought we were playing it smart to come in early and make changes”.  The problems for the Fitzpatrick Motorsports team were just beginning.

After the changes the #84 Chevy still was not performing at peak level.  “The guys in the back of the field were just out powering me” said a frustrated driver.  “We knew there must be some kind of problem deep inside the motor.  It seemed to be hurt pretty bad”. 

Despite the underpowered race car Fitzpatrick maneuvered the #84 Chevrolet surprisingly well, especially in the damp conditions.  “We figured that we were running on only six cylinders” said the driver.  “I tried to drift it out a bit and I said to the guys, if we had some power it would be a lot of fun to run out here sliding around”.

The #84 Fitzpatrick Motorsports team soldiered on as best they could until damp conditions forced NASCAR officials to conclude the event on lap 174.  “I’m actually kind of glad we finished it early” said J.R.  “It wasn’t a lot of fun being down on power and running around out there”.

The #84 Fitzpatrick Motorsports Chevy would be classified nineteenth at the conclusion of the race.

Despite the disappointing finish in the final event, J.R. Fitzpatrick finished the season seventh in the overall championship standings.

OF NOTE:  J.R. Fitzpatrick will now focus his efforts on competing in select events on the NASCAR Truck series with TRG Motorsports.  The first event on the schedule is at Martinsville on October

The 2008 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series season will cap off with the annual awards banquet on Saturday, October 25th  All NASCAR Canadian Tire Series races are broadcast on TSN.  More information on the series can be obtained by visiting www.nascar.ca

Attached Photo Caption: #84 Fitzpatrick Motorsports Chevy set for qualifying at Kawartha Speedway.
Photo Credit:  Todd Lewis

This release prepared by TL Sports & Entertainment
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NCATS: HB Motorsports Press Release September 28, 2008

Doug Brown was determined to end the season on a high and that determination was evident at Kawartha Speedway on Saturday as the veteran driver recorded third quickest time in pre-race qualifying then went on to a strong sixth-place finish in the final race on the 2008 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series schedule.

The race marked the fifth top-ten finish of the year for the Haldex-sponsored team that ran just ten events in the thirteen-race schedule.

Following the mid-afternoon practice sessions that saw the Haldex Dodge in the middle range of lap speeds among the field of 27teams on hand for the season finale, the crew made some calculated set-up changes hoping to gain added speed on the fast 3/8 mile paved oval located in Fraserville, Ontario.

That move paid huge dividends allowing the veteran competitor -the last of the drivers to take time trials- to start the scheduled 250-lap race inside on the second row.

After a strong early race run, and changing track conditions, the car developed some handling problems causing the Brantford driver to drop to thirteenth place by lap 50 and losing contact with the lead pack.

Despite the problems, the team elected to keep the car and driver on the track during the third caution break of the night but when the caution flag came out again for the 4th time on lap 110 the team made a quick two-tire change and further chassis adjustments getting the car back into the action in 20th place.

When the race went green again Doug wasted little time in moving back into contention and had moved to 10th-place by lap 125 with his sights clearly focussed on the leaders.  By the time the race was slowed again on lap 143 by a fine mist that enveloped the track, Doug had moved into sixth-place in the running order and had closed to within a few car lengths of the fifth and fourth place runners.

But with the track conditions worsening, series officials elected to run the race under caution for 32 laps before throwing the red flag ending the race on lap 174.

“I felt I still had some pop left in the Haldex Dodge if the race had continued and might have gained a few more spots but we’ll take this sixth-place finish along with last week’s eighth place run in Antigonish and build upon for next year,” the satisfied driver commented following the event.

Scott Steckly of Milverton, Ontario survived a mid race accident and ensuing steering problems to finish in 17th-place, one lap down to winner Jason Hathaway of Appin, Ontario but salvaged enough points to edge out Don Thomson, Jr. of Ayr for the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Championship. Steckly went into the final race with a 67- point margin over Thomson but with Thomson’s 5th-place finish that margin had shrunk to just 24.

DJ Kennington of St. Thomas, finished the year with a second place run followed by Ron Beauchamp Jr. of Windsor with Brad Graham of Glencoe taking fourth-place honours.

Prepared by Ken Spencer  // HB Motorsports

South Buxton Raceway Shootout Report Sept. 27, 2008

Words by Mike Bennett / Pictures by James MacDonald Apex One Photo for contributed photos

Wallaceburg's Chris Ross is presented his $6,000 cheque and trophy after winning the Castrol Canadian UMP Late Model Shootout at South Buxton Raceway on Saturday night by the 'Castrol Girls.'

Chris Ross pumps his fist as he crosses the finish line.

Brian Ruhlman of Clarklake, Mich., receives his $2,500 pay check from the Castrol Girls after winning the inaugural Advantage Warehouse UMP Modified Fall Blowout.

Tim Richardson (5x) of Tilbury rides the low line in a three-wide battle during the Advantage Warehouse UMP Modified Fall Blowout 'A' Main.

SOUTH BUXTON – Running with the Americans helped Wallaceburg’s Chris Ross make Canadian history.

Ross started on the pole and led all 40 laps to win the fourth annual Castrol Canadian UMP Late Model Shootout in front of a capacity crowd at South Buxton Raceway on Saturday night.

His victory was the first by a Canadian driver in the four-year history of what has become the track’s signature event. Ross finished second in 2005.

“Definitely, it’s the biggest win of my career,” the 27-year-old Ross said, as he pocketed $6,000 (US) with his victory.

Ross, the 2003 Late Model season champion at South Buxton, has been racing on the Ohio dirt-track circuit the past two summers.

Saturday’s victory was his second in two appearances at South Buxton this year, as he won a feature race on May 24.

“This is my roots,” he said of winning at South Buxton. “I’ve moved on to other avenues, but I still like driving 45 minutes to my home track, so there’s a lot of sentiment here.”

Although his success has been limited in Ohio, Ross feels competing against the more experienced Americans the last two summers is paying dividends.  “We’ve really stepped up our program,” he said.  “I think we proved that tonight.”

Ross proved to be the driver to beat right out of the chute as he laid down the fastest qualifying lap of 15.059 seconds and ran away with the victory in the heat race to earn the pole for the ‘A’ Main.

Ross’s only scare came on a restart with 10 laps to go when Kevin Reeve of Hanover, Mich., pulled even coming out of turn four, but a caution flag negated the lap.

“I screwed up real bad and Reeve got by me, but I learned a little bit from that,” Ross said. “After cautions, it usually took me a lap or two to get going, so on that next restart, I scrubbed the tires to keep the heat in.”

Jon Henry of Ada, Ohio, passed Reeve with seven laps to go but had nothing for Ross.
 
“The last caution hurt us, because I thought I was making up some ground, but by the time I was able to get a run again, it was over,” said Henry, who settled for his second runner-up finish of the night.

Earlier, Henry finished second to Brian Ruhlman in the inaugural Advantage Warehouse UMP Modified Fall Blowout.
 
They traded places in the Late Model Shootout as Ruhlman finished one spot behind Henry in third, as American drivers took six of the top 10 positions.

Defending Shootout winner Rusty Schlenk, who needed a champion’s provisional to start the race, finished fourth, while Reeve slipped back to a fifth-place finish after chasing Ross for almost 30 laps.

Adam Ferri of Port Colborne was the second-highest Canadian as he was seventh, while Blenheim’s Andrew Reaume was ninth and Jeff Dayman of Welland was 10th.

Reaume, the two-time South Buxton Late Model champion, had high hopes for his best Shootout showing but walked away disappointed again.

After posting the second-fastest qualifying time, Reaume broke a part in the drive shaft before taking the green in his heat, but rebounded to win the ‘B’ Main and the Dash.

However, he was forced to start at the back of the 23-car ‘A’ Main field after a review of his starting position in the ‘B’ Main.

A flat tire with 10 laps to go forced Reaume to come back through the field a second time as he rebounded to finish ninth.

Andrew’s father Brett Reaume was 11th, while Jim Jones of Chatham was 13th and Jim Dale Jr. of Blenheim 14th.

Three other local drivers finished the race in the pits as Chatham’s John Pinsonneault Jr. was 19th,  Chatham’s Joe Field 21st and Thamesville’s Dale Glassford 22nd.

Former Shootout winners Curtis Roberts of Coleman, Mich., and Jamie Zidar of Greenfield, Wisc., were 17th and 20th respectively. 

Thirty-eight Late Models were in the field, 17 of those from across the border.
 
The first Advantage Warehouse UMP Modified Fall Blowout drew 30 cars, including 14 from the United States.  Ruhlman took the lead on lap six of the 35-lap Modified ‘A’ main after Mark Fowler, from Billings, Mont., spun out after leading the first five circuits.

Once in front, Ruhlman put his Modified on a rail and held off Henry for the final 24 laps for his first South Buxton win since 2004 when he won an American Late Model Series race.  “I won the first time I ever saw the place but haven’t been able to get back there (to Victory Lane) since,” said Ruhlman, who has twice been the runnerup in the Shootout.  This car has been tight all year, we’ve been struggling to get it freed up, but tonight we finally got it to turn,” he said.  “I didn’t know how quick we were, but once we got into clean traffic, we could drive away.”

Ruhlman also won his heat and dash while posting the second fastest qualifying lap.

Henry wasn’t disappointed in the least being the bridesmaid twice in one night.

“My thinking is, two seconds equals one win,” he smiled.  “I thought could get a run on him, but then we had all those cautions, so second’s not too bad,” he said of his battle with Ruhlman.

Rich Robinson Jr. of Mt. Pleasant, Mich. was third, followed by a pair of Muskegon racers, Mike Wilbern and Troy Marciniak.

Tim Richardson of Tilbury, a two-time former track champion at South Buxton, returned to his home track for a sixth-place finish.

Clayton Smith of Woodslee was the highest finishing South Buxton regular as he was eighth.  Joey Brosseau of Merlin was 11th, leading a pack of nine local drivers who finished 11th through 19th.  Chatham’s C.J. Field was 12th, followed by Dale Jr., Merlin’s Brad McLeod, Wheatley’s Aaron Wiebe, Leamington’s Justin Coulter, Chatham’s Todd Wellman, Wyoming’s Brian Speelman and Leamington’s Curtis Coulter.

Leamington’s Paul DeGoey received one of the biggest ovations of the night as the 24-year-old returned to South Buxton for the first time since his career-ending crash on Aug. 30.  DeGoey visited Victory Lane after the Modified dash where he received his Schinkels Gourmet Meats UMP Modified points championship trophy. He also presented the dahs winner Ruhlman with a $100 bonus prize, which he donated as a thank-you to South Buxton fans for their support in his recovery.

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