NASCAR Nationwide Montreal date announced for 2012

NASCAR just released its 2012 Nationwide Series schedule. The Montreal date at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is slated for Saturday, August 18, 2012.

J.R. Fitzpatrick and Go Canada Racing Part Ways

CAMBRIDGE, ON (September 1, 2011) – Effective immediately J.R. Fitzpatrick has announced today he is no longer driving for the Go Canada Racing Team.

The Cambridge, Ontario, Canada native will continue to compete in both the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series for Fitzpatrick Motorsports and will also be back behind the wheel in the NASCAR Nationwide Series before the season is over.

“First I want to thank all the guys at the shop in Nashville for all their hard work. It’s not easy being part of a Start-up operation and they were a passionate group and a lot of fun to be around. Second, I want all of my fans to be assured that I will be making some really cool announcements about the continued development of my NASCAR career and that I can’t wait to jump behind the wheel of a Nationwide car later this season.”

Fitzpatrick is fresh off a 5th place finish in the NAPA 200 in Montreal, his 3rd top ten finish in the Nationwide series in just a handful of starts.

“I think I played a large role in helping Go Canada develop their program. We started out with disappointment at Daytona and soldiered through some rough weekends with ill-handling cars at California and Dover and a DNF at Watkins Glen but they should be in a good place moving forward. Thanks to Steve Meehan for bringing me in at the beginning to do that.”

Up next for Fitzpatrick is the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Wild Wing 300 presented by Independent Electric, September 10 at Barrie Speedway.

From Jason Sharpe // Fitzpatrick Motorsports

Can NCATS get this guy to Saskatoon for Wednesday night?!

Pastor Joe Nelms put a Ricky Bobby-esque twist on the pre-race invocation at Nashville's Nationwide race on Saturday night. His church must rock on Sundays... before racetime, that is...

Inside Track TV - Episode 1.07 - Big Preview Show

In this episode, host Spencer Lewis previews upcoming Canadian racing across Canada, including Kawartha Speedway's Summer Sizzler, the OSCAAR Super Late Models at Sauble Speedway, the Honda Indy Toronto - featuring the IndyCars, NASCAR Canadian Tire Series and the Canadian Touring Car Championship.
He also spotlights weekend action in the Maritimes and several other big races around Ontario, including the big Wednesday, July 13 show at Delaware Speedway starring NASCAR Sprint Cup brothers Kyle and Kurt Busch.

Richard Childress discusses scrap with Kyle Busch

RICHARD CHILDRESS, OWNER OF RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING, met with members of the media at Pocono Raceway. Full transcript:

RICHARD CHILDRESS: “Here is the deal. I am going to make one statement on this deal. I appreciate everyone’s patience during the last week when I couldn’t talk to everyone. The main thing is I take all the responsibility for my actions last week. I am very passionate about this sport. I am passionate about my race teams, our fans and I let my emotions get…come in front of my passion. But that is behind us.

“I guess the next thing is the fine that was levied against me, I’m going to pay it personal. I agree that NASCAR should have done something with me. I don’t agree that they didn’t handle the situation that happened on the cool-down lap.

“With that said, we had a lot of fans to send in donations last week toward our fine, I am going to pay it personally. All that money that has been sent in, that is still coming in, we’re going to take and donate to the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma. At least in every bad situation, something good will come out of it.

“Hopefully Kyle (Busch) and myself will both end up learning something from this. Thank you all very much. Talk to you later. That’s it.”

From Chevrolet

"NASCAR Probation" .... Oh, the humanity.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (May 10, 2011) – NASCAR has penalized NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers Kyle Busch and Kevin Harvick as a result of rules infractions committed at last weekend’s event at Darlington Raceway.

Busch, driver of the No. 18 car, and Harvick, driver of the No. 29 car, have each been fined $25,000 and placed on NASCAR probation for the next four NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship points events until June 15 for violating Section 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing – involved in an altercation on pit road after the conclusion of the race).

“These penalties are a result of what occurred on pit road after the race was over,” said Kerry Tharp, senior director for communications, competition. “They are about maintaining a safe environment on pit road.” (From NASCAR).

Go Canada Racing... ready to roll

Today in Toronto, Canadian racer J.R. Fitzpatrick (l) and new team owner Steve Meehan (r) took the wraps off their new 'Go Canada Racing' NASCAR team. Meehan is the founder of the Investment Planning Counsel and now has his sights set on building a full-time NASCAR Sprint Cup team that Canadian fans can cheer for.

The team takes to the track this weekend for the NASCAR Nationwide Series stop in Nashville, TN. Go Canada Racing plans to take part in approximately 10 Nationwide Series races in 2011 and as many as three Sprint Cup races.

NASCAR LAS VEGAS: Fan access to Jimmie Johnson at Sam's Town Hotel

Sam’s Town Live! Kicks Off NASCAR Weekend with Special Appearance By Five-Time Champion Jimmie Johnson and Broadcast Veteran Chris Myers

LAS VEGAS – Boyd Gaming Corporation’s Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall is jumpstarting its much-anticipated 14th Annual Sam’s Town 300 NASCAR celebration with a weekend of unique action designed to appeal to racing fans everywhere.

On Thursday, March 3, the public is invited for an exclusive chance to see five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson in a one-hour Question and Answer session for fans, hosted by Emmy® Award-winning sportscaster Chris Myers. This free event, presented by Gatorade, will be held at Sam’s Town Live!; doors will open at 6:30 p.m.

Following the Sam’s Town 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race on Saturday, March 5, Sam’s Town Live! will also host the Official After-Race Concert, featuring chart-topping artist Uncle Kracker.

As the longest-running sponsor of one of the largest Nationwide Series races, Boyd Gaming is proud to continue its involvement in the Sam’s Town 300 in 2011. We offer inclusive packages at seven Las Vegas resorts – Sam’s Town, The Orleans, Gold Coast, Suncoast, California, Fremont and Main Street Station -- that include hotel accommodations, race tickets, and roundtrip hotel-to-track transportation. On race day, our guests enjoy some of the best seating available at the Sam’s Town 300, including seats in the exclusive Earnhardt and Petty Terraces. For more information, or to book accommodations, please visit www.boydgaming.com/nascar.

Tickets for the Official After-Race Concert featuring Uncle Kracker are already on sale, starting at $20 plus tax. Tickets may be purchased in person at any Coast Casinos box office, by visiting www.samstownlv.com/hotel-entertainment, or by calling (702) 365-7075.

From Clyde Hogan / JMPR Public Relations

NASCAR Truck Series racer 'Mad' Max Papis to appear Saturday at the Cdn. Motorsports Expo

(TORONTO, ON // January 19, 2011) The Canadian Motorsports Expo is proud to announce that international racing star ‘Mad’ Max Papis will be at Canada’s Ultimate Racing Show on Saturday, Jan. 22. In addition to participating in an on-stage Fan Q&A and Autograph Session – at 6 p.m. on the Keystone Light Stage – Papis will spend some time on Saturday in the Race Time Radio booth.

In 2011, Papis will be racing full-time in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. The week after the CME, he’ll be competing in a Daytona Prototype car in the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway.

The versatile Italian-born racer, who now resides in North Carolina, thrilled Canadian fans last summer at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve when he narrowly lost the NASCAR Nationwide Series race to his good friend, Boris Said, after a back-and-forth battle. Earlier in the season, he raced in his first Daytona 500, just weeks after being part of the overall runner-up team in the Rolex 24. His impressive racing resume also includes stints in Formula 1, NASCAR, Grand-Am, CART / IndyCar, IMSA, IROC and other series.

“I’m looking forward to coming to Toronto to participate in the Canadian Motorsports Expo on Saturday,” said the charismatic Papis. “We’ll be there promoting our MOMO Stockcar Steering Wheels, as well as speaking with the fans on Saturday afternoon and signing autographs. Look for us at the Race Time Radio booth (#1259). I’m racing at the Rolex 24 the following weekend and looking forward to a full season in the NASCAR Truck Series, so there will be lots to talk about.”

Discussing Papis’ appearance at the CME, show founder Glenn Butt said, “Max Papis is a classic racer, who excels in every racing machine he climbs into. His magnetic smile and accessible personality have made him a favourite with true racing fans. He’s won or competed in the biggest series and events in the world – including Le Mans, the Rolex 24, the Indy 500, the Daytona 500, the Sebring 12 Hour, F1, IndyCar, NASCAR and more. We’re extremely happy that he’s coming to the CME.”

ABOUT MAX PAPIS: Max Papis’ personal website is: www.maxpapis.com. His Tweets can be followed at @maxpapis.

ABOUT MAX PAPIS INC USA: MPI USA is a North Carolina Corporation. It was founded by Max Papis and his wife Tatiana Fittipaldi Papis in February 2009, with the intention of selling the MOMO Stockcar Steering Wheels and other products.

Max and his wife, Tatiana, have a long background in racing. Max has been a professional race car driver since he was 12 years old. Since then he has raced in Formula 1, Champ Cars, Indy Cars, IMSA, Grand-Am, IROC, (among others). For 2011, he will drive the GEICO-sponsored truck in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.

Tatiana was born into racing with parents Emerson and Maria Helena Fittipaldi. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Advertising and Psychology and a minor in Marketing, from the University of Miami. They recently moved to Mooresville, NC (from Miami, FL) to pursue Max's career in NASCAR. They have two sons, Marco and Matteo.

In 2008, Marc Phaneuf, president of MOMO Italy USA asked Max and Tatiana to be the exclusive worldwide distributors of MOMO Stockcar Steering Wheels. Both jumped at the opportunity, and thus began their adventure with MOMO. Due to Max's busy schedule with NASCAR, Tatiana runs the company most of the time. For more info on this young company, visit www.maxpapisinc.com.

ABOUT THE CME: The Canadian Motorsports Expo is a three-day celebration of Canadian racing that runs January 21, 22 and 23, 2011 at the International Centre (6900 Airport Road in Mississauga). The show is powered by Inside Track Motorsport News. In addition to booths and racing vehicles representing the entire spectrum of Canadian motorsports, the show is loaded with seminars and forums to entertain and inform racers and fans alike. Star drivers – including reigning IndyCar Series Champion and Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti, and rising NASCAR Sprint Cup star Brad Keselowski – will be at the CME to sign autographs and meet the fans. One of the special themes of this year’s CME is the Karting Reunion. Please check the show’s website for updates and changes.

For more information about the Canadian Motorsports Expo, visit www.canadianmotorsportsexpo.com. You can reach co-promoters Inside Track at (416) 962-7223 or email info@canadianmotorsportsexpo.com.

- 30 -

NASCAR Canadian Tire Series coming to the Canadian Motorsports Expo

(TORONTO, ON // January 19, 2011) This weekend in Toronto, the biggest name in the world of motorsports will have a presence at Canada’s top racing show. The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series will be on-site for all three days of the 5th Annual Canadian Motorsports Expo. The show runs Friday, Jan. 21 through Sunday, Jan. 23 at the International Centre, adjacent to Toronto’s Pearson Airport.

The main NASCAR display will feature the same massive hauler that is the hive of activity at every NASCAR Canadian Tire Series race. Series Director Brad Moran and more than two dozen race and technical officials will be on hand at the CME to give showgoers a behind-the-scenes look at what goes on in a real NASCAR ‘tech lane’ and working garage. A total of three Canadian Tire Series stock cars will also be part of the display.

“We’re very excited about participating in the Canadian Motorsports Expo, one of the top, if not the top, racing shows in Canada,” said Moran. “The show is a great showcase for Canadian racing and we’re looking forward to giving the fans a close look at what takes place, each race weekend, in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series’ ‘tech lane’ and garage. We’re going to be offering some limited tours through the series hauler on Saturday and Sunday, so the fans can experience something that can’t happen on raceday when everybody is busy getting ready for the event.”

The show will also prominently feature a strong contingent of NASCAR Canadian Tire Series racers, many of whom will be participating in the Canadian Tire Series Driver Autograph Session, live on the Keystone Light Stage, starting Saturday at 4:45 p.m. While signing autographs for the fans, the drivers will also be participating in a casual, Q&A session, talking about their individual racing programs. So far, reigning NASCAR Canadian Tire Series champ DJ Kennington, Don Thomson Jr., Mark Dilley, Jason Hathaway, Jason White, Robin Buck, Dexter Stacey and Caitlin Johnston are confirmed.

Later that evening, two of these NCATS drivers will also be receiving Inside Track Readers’ Choice Awards, live on the Keystone Light Stage. Be sure to be there Saturday at 7:15 p.m. to find out which two will receive these coveted awards, as voted by the readers of Inside Track Motorsport News.

Also on hand at the NASCAR display, throughout the weekend, will be Chris Davy, co-owner of Robert Yates Racing Engines. The company was recently announced as the new exclusive SPEC engine supplier to all of NASCAR’s touring series. Davy will there to talk with current and prospective NASCAR racers about the new SPEC engine program. Similarly, Moran and his team of race officials will be available to discuss general issues, rules and procedures pertaining to the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. They will also be prepared to provide paperwork for racers and teams to start the registration process for the upcoming season.

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series fans attending the CME will also be in for a special treat as Canadian Motor Speedway is presenting Jeff Gordon’s newly-unveiled #24 Drive To End Hunger Chevrolet Impala showcar. NASCAR Canada, another longtime supporter of the CME, is presenting Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s #88 AMP Energy Chevrolet Sprint Cup showcar.

Current NASCAR Nationwide Series champion Brad Keselowski will be on hand Sunday at the CME to participate in an on-stage Fan Q&A / Autograph Session. For 2011, he will be driving Roger Penske’s legendary #2 Miller Lite Dodge in Sprint Cup.

As well, popular racer ‘Mad’ Max Papis – who will be competing full-time in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in 2011 – will be at the CME on Saturday to meet the fans and sign autographs. Papis finished second to Boris Said in the thrilling NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve last August, and will be competing in the Rolex 24 at Daytona, one week after the CME.

“We really have to offer a huge thanks to Brad Moran and the people at NASCAR and NASCAR Canada for their support of the Canadian Motorsports Expo,” said the CME’s Greg MacPherson. “NASCAR is the pinnacle of the sport and to have them coming to the show to connect with the fans and racers – in such a big way – means a lot. We encourage everyone to take advantage of this unique opportunity.”

ABOUT THE CME: The Canadian Motorsports Expo is a three-day celebration of Canadian racing that runs January 21, 22 and 23, 2011 at the International Centre (6900 Airport Road in Mississauga). The show is powered by Inside Track Motorsport News. In addition to booths and racing vehicles representing the entire spectrum of Canadian motorsports, the show is loaded with seminars and forums to entertain and inform racers and fans alike. Star drivers, including reigning IndyCar Series Champion and Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti, rising NASCAR Sprint Cup star Brad Keselowski, Canadian racing champions Ron Fellows, Junior Hanley, DJ Kennington and many others, will be at the CME to sign autographs and meet the fans. Please check the show’s website regularly for updates and changes.

For more information about the Canadian Motorsports Expo, visit www.canadianmotorsportsexpo.com. You can reach co-promoters Glenn Butt at (905) 721-1762 or Inside Track at (416) 962-7223 or email info@canadianmotorsportsexpo.com.

CME: Official 2011 Show Program available as online flip-book

Click here or on the image below to see the Official Show Program of the 2011 Canadian Motorsports Expo, which takes place January 21-23 (Friday through Sunday) at the International Centre.

The program includes bios, maps and appearance and autograph times for everything that happens on the Keystone Light Stage, as well as all the seminars and awards presentations. Don't miss your chance to meet Dario Franchitti, Brad Keselowski, Ron Fellows, 'Mad' Max Papis, DJ Kennington, Junior Hanley, Steve Arpin and many more. See Jeff Gordon's new #24 Drive to End Hunger NASCAR Sprint Cup showcar, as well as Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s #88 AMP Energy Chevy showcar, the DragRaceCanada 'Quarter-Mile Corral' and much, much more.

BREAKING NEWS: NASCAR is coming in a big way...


Click to launch the full edition in a new window
Publisher Software from YUDU

For more show info and links to $10 off in Discount Admission Coupons throughout the weekend, visit www.CanadianMotorsportsExpo.com.

See you at the CME!

Race Time Rado to broadcast live from Homestead-Miami Speedway

Listen to SIRIUS on Saturday, November 20 from 10 a.m. to noon. Visit www.racetimeradio.com for more info.

Race Time Radio and NCATS racer Joey McColm announce marketing partnership for Montreal

I just received the following from Race Time Radio regarding their new marketing partnership with NASCAR Canadian Tire Series racer Joey McColm for this weekend's event at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Good luck to all involved this weekend! (GM)

FROM RTR....

August 25, 2010, AJAX, ON - Joey Mccolm's season just keeps getting better. The Ajax, Ontario, racer is riding a streak of solid finishes and career firsts, and his efforts were recently rewarded with an exciting sponsorship announcement.

McColm will add Race Time Radio, Shell Rotella, Sirius Satellite Radio, and The Score Satellite Radio as sponsors on his NASCAR Canadian Tire Series entry for the series' biggest race next weekend in Montreal - Circuit Gilles Villeneuve . The announcement coincidentally came the same week McColm cracked the top-10 in series points for the first time in his young career.

“It's hard to explain how happy I am with our progress this season,” said McColm. “This is the first time we've attempted to run the entire 13-race schedule, and my crew has been amazing.

“The western swing was hard on everybody, but we keep finding consistency on the race track. It's much easier to keep the car maintained when we make it to the finish.”

The marketing partnership was announced on the weekly Race Time Radio program, and it's a first for McColm.

“Getting media attention is the name of the game in motorsports,” said McColm. “It's necessary to keep the sponsors happy. The opportunity to have the media as a sponsor is rare. I'm excited to come to the series' premier event to represent some great partners. If we can score another top-10 finish it will be a successful outing.”

For more information on #50 Joey McColm NCATS Driver: www.joeymccolm.com // Follow Joey on Facebook 'Joey McColm' // To learn more about Race Time Radio: www.racetimeradio.com // To learn more about Shell Rotella: www.rotella.com To learn more about Sirius Satellite Radio: www.sirius.ca // To learn more about The Score: www.hardcoresportsradio.com // To learn more about: Circuit Gilles Villeneuve www.circuitgillesvilleneuve.ca // To learn more about NASCAR Canadian Tire Series: www.hometracks.nascar.com/series/canadian_tire_series

Prepared by Adam Ross

Inside Track and Canadian Motorsports Expo mentioned in NASCAR.com feature

In advance of this weekend's NASCAR Nationwide / Canadian Tire Series races at Montreal's Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, David Caraviello wrote a piece for NASCAR.com discussing the future of NASCAR in Canada.

Inside Track editor / Canadian Motorsports Expo co-promoter Greg MacPherson was interviewed for the story, along with NASCAR star Carl Edwards and Canadian Motor Speedway architect Paxton Waters.

Thanks to David and NASCAR.com for including us in the feature!

PHOTO GALLERY: Delaware Speedway Summer Showdown

PHOTOS: Delaware Summer Showdown featuring winner Kyle Busch

This is a photo gallery from Delaware Speedway on Wednesday, July 7, 2010 featuring the Delaware Summer Showdown and NASCAR stars Kyle Busch, David Reutimann and Jason Leffler. The event, which was won by Busch, drew a huge crowd to the London, ON-area half-mile oval. Congratulations to all involved and thanks to Dave Franks for sharing his work. You can see Dave's website here.

NASCAR pioneer Raymond Parks dead at 96

Raymond Parks, owner of NASCAR's first championship winning car and an integral part of the series' formation, has died. He was 96.

NASCAR said Parks passed away at his home Sunday morning in Atlanta. Parks, who was confined to a wheelchair, attended a reception May 20 for the induction of the inaugural Hall of Fame class and was warmly received throughout the industry that evening....

Click here for the full story.

PHOTO GALLERY: Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR Sprint Cup Race (5/30/2010) by DaveFranksPhotos.com

This is a photo gallery from Charlotte Motor Speedway's Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday, May 30, 2010. Thanks to Dave Franks for sharing his work. You can see Dave's website here.

PHOTOS: Charlotte Nationwide Series race (May 29, 2010) by DaveFranksPhotos.com

This is a photo gallery from the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Saturday, May 29, 2010. Thanks to Dave Franks for sharing his work. You can see Dave's website here.

PHOTO GALLERY: Delaware Speedway Opening Night: Friday, May 14th (Late Models, Super Stocks & Trucks)