Courtesy Sauble Speedway
Sauble is holding a driver meeting Sunday November 27th, 2005 at the Sauble Beach Community Centre. The event starts at 1:00pm and ends at 3:00pm.
Topics include the new-for-2006 4 Cylinder class at the beach! Rules are now available and can be viewed at http://www.saublespeedway.com/Sauble_Speedwa/4_Cylinder_Rul.html
Register early – Save your money!
What – Drivers Meeting
When – Sunday November 27th, 2005
Where – The Sauble Beach Community Centre
When – 1:00 till 3:00
Keep up to speed at www.saublespeedway.com or www.alstarseries.com
Friday, September 30, 2005
TIME TO BE SEEKING SPONSORSHIP FOR 2006, SPONSORSHIP KIT AVAILABLE 15% OF EACH PURCHASE GOES TO SALVATION ARMY HURRICANE FUND
Courtesy Ernie Saxton
LANGHORNE, PA September 30, 2005 – For those wanting to be successful in their efforts to secure marketing partners for their auto racing efforts, Ernie Saxton Communications, Inc., publisher of the monthly newsletter on sponsorship marketing titled Motorsports Sponsorship Marketing News, has come up with a special offer for one of their most popular sponsorship marketing kits.
”This is a package that can help a racer secure sponsorship. Racers should be working on securing serious sponsorship support for 2006 by now,” said Ernie Saxton. “And those who purchase the kit now will see 15% of their purchase go to the Salvation Army Hurricane Relief Fund.”
The kit includes a video of a sponsorship seminar that Ernie Saxton presented recently. The two hour video covers much of the information that racers need to know in order to be successful in securing sponsorship/marketing partners. In the video Saxton is also found answering many questions from seminar attendees.
There is also a generic proposal that has been created by Saxton to give sponsorship seekers some idea of what a potential sponsor is looking for when a proposal is presented. It is loaded with ideas that will help get the attention of potential sponsors.
WINNING SPONSORSHIPS, a great book on sponsorship marketing, written by Andrew Waite is also part of the kit as is a one year subscription to Saxton’s Motorsports Sponsorship Marketing News. The monthly newsletter, now approaching its 22nd year of publication, has helped many with their sponsorship efforts and continues to provide tips, helps, contacts, latest sponsorship news and much more.
If purchased separately the package would cost close to $350. For a short time, at a time when race teams have completed their seasons and should anxious to get started on the 2006 season and are looking to secure sponsorship support, the package is being offered at a very special price of $199.95 plus $12.00 for postage and handling.
Those taking advantage of this special offer will have 15% of the purchase price donated to the Salvation Army Hurricane Relief Fund.
“This is our way of trying to help those in need, the Hurricane victims, and help racers secure sponsorship,” said Saxton.
More information may be found at WWW.SAXTONSPONSORMARKET.COM.
The Ultimate Sponsorship Kit, a more in-depth package of sponsorship marketing materials along with telephone consultation, is also available and is described at the website.
An ESC, Inc. brochure of services and self help materials is available upon request.
The sponsorship marketing kit may be ordered by telephoning Saxton at 215.752.7797 or 215.752.2392. Email Esaxton144@aol.com. All major credit cards are accepted.
Saxton is also available to present a sponsorship seminar for your speedway, organization or race team that can be used as a fund raiser.
Ernie Saxton Communications, Inc., located in Langhorne, PA, offers more than 35 years of motorsports marketing experience. His firm offers a variety of marketing services for racer teams and event organizers seeking sponsorship and media relations. Saxton also offers his expertise as a consultant to businesses looking to benefit from marketing through motorsports.
LANGHORNE, PA September 30, 2005 – For those wanting to be successful in their efforts to secure marketing partners for their auto racing efforts, Ernie Saxton Communications, Inc., publisher of the monthly newsletter on sponsorship marketing titled Motorsports Sponsorship Marketing News, has come up with a special offer for one of their most popular sponsorship marketing kits.
”This is a package that can help a racer secure sponsorship. Racers should be working on securing serious sponsorship support for 2006 by now,” said Ernie Saxton. “And those who purchase the kit now will see 15% of their purchase go to the Salvation Army Hurricane Relief Fund.”
The kit includes a video of a sponsorship seminar that Ernie Saxton presented recently. The two hour video covers much of the information that racers need to know in order to be successful in securing sponsorship/marketing partners. In the video Saxton is also found answering many questions from seminar attendees.
There is also a generic proposal that has been created by Saxton to give sponsorship seekers some idea of what a potential sponsor is looking for when a proposal is presented. It is loaded with ideas that will help get the attention of potential sponsors.
WINNING SPONSORSHIPS, a great book on sponsorship marketing, written by Andrew Waite is also part of the kit as is a one year subscription to Saxton’s Motorsports Sponsorship Marketing News. The monthly newsletter, now approaching its 22nd year of publication, has helped many with their sponsorship efforts and continues to provide tips, helps, contacts, latest sponsorship news and much more.
If purchased separately the package would cost close to $350. For a short time, at a time when race teams have completed their seasons and should anxious to get started on the 2006 season and are looking to secure sponsorship support, the package is being offered at a very special price of $199.95 plus $12.00 for postage and handling.
Those taking advantage of this special offer will have 15% of the purchase price donated to the Salvation Army Hurricane Relief Fund.
“This is our way of trying to help those in need, the Hurricane victims, and help racers secure sponsorship,” said Saxton.
More information may be found at WWW.SAXTONSPONSORMARKET.COM.
The Ultimate Sponsorship Kit, a more in-depth package of sponsorship marketing materials along with telephone consultation, is also available and is described at the website.
An ESC, Inc. brochure of services and self help materials is available upon request.
The sponsorship marketing kit may be ordered by telephoning Saxton at 215.752.7797 or 215.752.2392. Email Esaxton144@aol.com. All major credit cards are accepted.
Saxton is also available to present a sponsorship seminar for your speedway, organization or race team that can be used as a fund raiser.
Ernie Saxton Communications, Inc., located in Langhorne, PA, offers more than 35 years of motorsports marketing experience. His firm offers a variety of marketing services for racer teams and event organizers seeking sponsorship and media relations. Saxton also offers his expertise as a consultant to businesses looking to benefit from marketing through motorsports.
Thursday, September 29, 2005
UNGAR TO LEAVE IRL AT SEASON’S CONCLUSION
Courtesy John Griffin, IRL
INDIANAPOLIS, Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2005 The Indy Racing League announced that Senior Vice President of Business Affairs Ken Ungar has decided to leave the League’s front office after the 2005 IRL IndyCar® Series season. Ungar joined the League in 2001 as its Vice President of Business Affairs, after serving as the first Chief of Staff at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for five years.
“After many years in the sport of IndyCar racing, it is time to consider new challenges,” Ungar said. “In order to openly consider several unique opportunities, while ensuring a seamless transition for the League, I wanted to publicly announce my intention to leave my current position.”
“For the past nine years, Ken has been an integral part of my executive team,” said Tony George, IMS and IRL CEO. “We will miss his contribution to our sport.”
Ungar’s responsibilities as IMS chief of staff included supervision of the Executive Office, the Human Resources department and general policy issues facing the Speedway. He led IMS’ participation in the Motorsports Alliance LLC, a partnership with International Speedway Corporation of Daytona Beach, Fla., to establish Chicagoland Speedway, a 1.5-mile oval in Joliet, Ill.
Ungar was also instrumental in the development of “Hulman Memorial Way,” a $3.2-million roadway beautification project in Speedway, Ind., honoring the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and its founders.
During his tenure as the League’s business leader, Ungar helped negotiate the League’s current long term broadcast agreement with ABC Sports and ESPN, built the Public Relations, Sales, Marketing, and Broadcast Relations staffs, put together the League’s initiative to convert its fuel to ethanol, and initiated grassroots fan-building programs like the award-winning IndyCar Series Fan Experience and DownForce, the League’s official fan club.
“We are proud of Ken’s contribution to the League’s growth, including improvement in event attendance and television viewership,” said Brian Barnhart, IRL President & COO. “His work lays a strong foundation for future success.”
Ungar also serves on the boards of the United States Auto Club, the National Motorsports Council, and Raceway Associates, LLC (Chicagoland Speedway).
INDIANAPOLIS, Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2005 The Indy Racing League announced that Senior Vice President of Business Affairs Ken Ungar has decided to leave the League’s front office after the 2005 IRL IndyCar® Series season. Ungar joined the League in 2001 as its Vice President of Business Affairs, after serving as the first Chief of Staff at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for five years.
“After many years in the sport of IndyCar racing, it is time to consider new challenges,” Ungar said. “In order to openly consider several unique opportunities, while ensuring a seamless transition for the League, I wanted to publicly announce my intention to leave my current position.”
“For the past nine years, Ken has been an integral part of my executive team,” said Tony George, IMS and IRL CEO. “We will miss his contribution to our sport.”
Ungar’s responsibilities as IMS chief of staff included supervision of the Executive Office, the Human Resources department and general policy issues facing the Speedway. He led IMS’ participation in the Motorsports Alliance LLC, a partnership with International Speedway Corporation of Daytona Beach, Fla., to establish Chicagoland Speedway, a 1.5-mile oval in Joliet, Ill.
Ungar was also instrumental in the development of “Hulman Memorial Way,” a $3.2-million roadway beautification project in Speedway, Ind., honoring the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and its founders.
During his tenure as the League’s business leader, Ungar helped negotiate the League’s current long term broadcast agreement with ABC Sports and ESPN, built the Public Relations, Sales, Marketing, and Broadcast Relations staffs, put together the League’s initiative to convert its fuel to ethanol, and initiated grassroots fan-building programs like the award-winning IndyCar Series Fan Experience and DownForce, the League’s official fan club.
“We are proud of Ken’s contribution to the League’s growth, including improvement in event attendance and television viewership,” said Brian Barnhart, IRL President & COO. “His work lays a strong foundation for future success.”
Ungar also serves on the boards of the United States Auto Club, the National Motorsports Council, and Raceway Associates, LLC (Chicagoland Speedway).
McIntosh to test for Red Bull Junior Team
Courtesy Stuart Morrison Public Relations
Vancouver, Canada (September 27, 2005) – Following on from a stellar season in the 2005 Formula Renault UK Championship and Sunday’s top-ten debut as the driver of Team Canada’s A1 Grand Prix entry at Brands Hatch, Canada’s Sean McIntosh has now received an invitation to test for the renowned Red Bull Junior Team.
The test, scheduled to take place next Monday and Tuesday, 3rd-4th October, at the Portuguese circuit of Estoril, will see the 20-year-old from Vancouver put through his paces behind the wheel of Formula Renault and Formula Three race cars. Sean’s performances will be closely monitored with all drivers at the test being evaluated on their speed and consistency as well as their ability to adapt throughout the two-day test.
The Red Bull Junior Team has a pedigree of success unrivalled by any other driver development program. In 2004 alone the scheme’s drivers delivered 5 championships and a total of 51 victories and 53 pole positions while this year’s success haul stands at 23 wins and 25 poles. The 2005 team boasts 16 drivers from 12 different countries competing in the likes of the GP2 Series, World Series by Renault and the F3 Euroseries; all recognized pathways to Formula One.
Commenting ahead of his Red Bull test as well as his Formula Renault UK Championship title-deciding weekend, Sean said:
“Red Bull’s passion for motorsport and developing talent is without question so I consider it to be a real privilege to be invited to test for the Red Bull Junior Team. I had a meeting with Red Bull Canada earlier this year and I was able to get a real feel for how they work with their chosen athletes and support them all the way. It’s great to be the first Canadian driver to try-out for the Junior Team and I look forward to the opportunity to prove myself next week.”
“I fly to Portugal straight after my last Formula Renault UK races at Brands Hatch on Sunday so I’ll certainly be race fresh heading into the test. I’ll be doing all I can to win the championship and it’s encouraging to know that Red Bull have been following my performances and want to see me firsthand.”
Sean McIntosh heads into this weekend’s Formula Renault UK Championship title showdown at Brands Hatch, 1st-2nd October, in second place, just 16 points behind Britain’s Oliver Jarvis and with a season-high tally of five victories.
For further information on the Red Bull Junior Team please log on to: www.redbull-juniorteam.com
For more info contact www.seanmcintosh.com.
Vancouver, Canada (September 27, 2005) – Following on from a stellar season in the 2005 Formula Renault UK Championship and Sunday’s top-ten debut as the driver of Team Canada’s A1 Grand Prix entry at Brands Hatch, Canada’s Sean McIntosh has now received an invitation to test for the renowned Red Bull Junior Team.
The test, scheduled to take place next Monday and Tuesday, 3rd-4th October, at the Portuguese circuit of Estoril, will see the 20-year-old from Vancouver put through his paces behind the wheel of Formula Renault and Formula Three race cars. Sean’s performances will be closely monitored with all drivers at the test being evaluated on their speed and consistency as well as their ability to adapt throughout the two-day test.
The Red Bull Junior Team has a pedigree of success unrivalled by any other driver development program. In 2004 alone the scheme’s drivers delivered 5 championships and a total of 51 victories and 53 pole positions while this year’s success haul stands at 23 wins and 25 poles. The 2005 team boasts 16 drivers from 12 different countries competing in the likes of the GP2 Series, World Series by Renault and the F3 Euroseries; all recognized pathways to Formula One.
Commenting ahead of his Red Bull test as well as his Formula Renault UK Championship title-deciding weekend, Sean said:
“Red Bull’s passion for motorsport and developing talent is without question so I consider it to be a real privilege to be invited to test for the Red Bull Junior Team. I had a meeting with Red Bull Canada earlier this year and I was able to get a real feel for how they work with their chosen athletes and support them all the way. It’s great to be the first Canadian driver to try-out for the Junior Team and I look forward to the opportunity to prove myself next week.”
“I fly to Portugal straight after my last Formula Renault UK races at Brands Hatch on Sunday so I’ll certainly be race fresh heading into the test. I’ll be doing all I can to win the championship and it’s encouraging to know that Red Bull have been following my performances and want to see me firsthand.”
Sean McIntosh heads into this weekend’s Formula Renault UK Championship title showdown at Brands Hatch, 1st-2nd October, in second place, just 16 points behind Britain’s Oliver Jarvis and with a season-high tally of five victories.
For further information on the Red Bull Junior Team please log on to: www.redbull-juniorteam.com
For more info contact www.seanmcintosh.com.
Rule Book Thrown Out the Window!!! NBIS Gets Ready for Final Weekend: Outlaw Race Highlights Weekend
Courtesy Gord Curran
September 29th, 2005, Fredericton, NB – NBIS management have really lost their minds. No doubt about it. No rules? Almost ready to close the book on the 2005 season, New Brunswick International Speedway has thrown out the rule book and unshackled the drivers for this weekend. NBIS will host its first ever Outlaw Race on Saturday, October 1st at 2pm. The event will allow drivers to make almost any modification they wish to their cars except for a handful of rules and feature a 50-lap street stock Outlaw Race and a 100-lap pro stock and sportsman combined Outlaw Race. The season will officially conclude the following day when NBIS hosts its final Enduro 200 of the season on Sunday, October 2nd at 2pm.
The Outlaw concept has been around for many years, but it is new to NBIS. “We wanted to have a fun, interesting race at the end of the season and this was a different approach for us,” said NBIS co-owner Chris Johnston. “Basically, except for a few basic performance rules and all of the safety rules, drivers can get creative and basically do whatever they want to make their car faster.”
NBIS also decided to put on two Outlaw Races, giving the street stock their own 50-lap race while combining the pro stock and sportsman into a single 100-lap race. The performance abilities between street stock and pro stock are substantially different, making the combination of those two divisions difficult. There are differences between sportsman and pro stock, but they are not as pronounced as the street stocks. So, do the sportsman drivers have a chance? Well, it could be interesting. The sportsman cars have gotten faster in the past few years and many claim that they are almost as fast as a few pro stocks. This is a good chance to see how accurate that claim is.
While seeing a sportsman go up against a pro stock may be attractive to some, the real point of interest will be the creativity of teams. “We’ll have everything from souped up engines to totally modified bodies, including huge spoilers,” said Johnston. “There will be some wild stuff.”
NBIS has put up $2000 to win the combined pro stock and sportsman race and $300 to win for the street stock. As an added incentive for the sportsman, there will be a $250 bonus for the highest finishing sportsman.
The Outlaw Race is not the only thing on tap for the weekend. On Sunday, October 2nd, at 2pm NBIS will end the season with their final Enduro 200 of the season. The event was originally scheduled to take place in May, but rain forced its postponement to this coming weekend. The four event series will crown their champion following the event. Co-drivers Dale Hathaway and Benji Ruff in the #8 car currently hold a slim lead over Pat Sharpe in the #51 car with past champion Ed Vallis within striking distance in third. Nathan Gallant and Trent Noble are also contenders going into the event.
Once the event ends on Sunday, NBIS will officially close the books on 2005 and look forward to 2006. Season passes will go on sale in mid-November and then the banquet will be at the end of January. Next season is actually not that far off.
Please contact Gord Curran at New Brunswick International Speedway (direct 506-455-3181, page 506-462-8116 or gord.curran@nbisonline.com ) if you have any other questions.
Saturday, October 1st, 2005 Event:
Outlaw Race
Pit gates open at 10am
Grandstands open at noon
Racing starts at 2pm
50-lap Street Stock Outlaw Race PLUS 100-lap Combined Pro Stock and Sportsman Outlaw Race
Ticket Prices:
Adults (16 and over) $16
Youth (ages 9-15) $13
Children (ages 8 and under) FREE
Family Pass: Two adults, Two youth plus 4 pop and 4 fries for $55.
Sunday, October 2nd, 2005 Event:
Enduro 200
Pit gates open at 11am
Grandstands open at noon
Racing starts at 2pm
Ticket Prices:
Adults (16 and over) $8
Youth (ages 9-15) $5
Children (ages 8 and under) FREE
New Brunswick International Speedway: New Brunswick International Speedway is Canada’s Fastest Short Track. The 1/3 of a mile high-banked paved oval features three classes of racing on a weekly basis: CARQUEST Pro Stocks, Martin’s Home Heating, and Coast Tire Street Stocks. Over 60,000 people are expected to attend over 25 events during the 2005 season. NBIS is located off Highway 7 on Route 660 in Geary, NB, and is within minutes of Saint John and Fredericton. NBIS can be found online at www.nbisonline.com.
September 29th, 2005, Fredericton, NB – NBIS management have really lost their minds. No doubt about it. No rules? Almost ready to close the book on the 2005 season, New Brunswick International Speedway has thrown out the rule book and unshackled the drivers for this weekend. NBIS will host its first ever Outlaw Race on Saturday, October 1st at 2pm. The event will allow drivers to make almost any modification they wish to their cars except for a handful of rules and feature a 50-lap street stock Outlaw Race and a 100-lap pro stock and sportsman combined Outlaw Race. The season will officially conclude the following day when NBIS hosts its final Enduro 200 of the season on Sunday, October 2nd at 2pm.
The Outlaw concept has been around for many years, but it is new to NBIS. “We wanted to have a fun, interesting race at the end of the season and this was a different approach for us,” said NBIS co-owner Chris Johnston. “Basically, except for a few basic performance rules and all of the safety rules, drivers can get creative and basically do whatever they want to make their car faster.”
NBIS also decided to put on two Outlaw Races, giving the street stock their own 50-lap race while combining the pro stock and sportsman into a single 100-lap race. The performance abilities between street stock and pro stock are substantially different, making the combination of those two divisions difficult. There are differences between sportsman and pro stock, but they are not as pronounced as the street stocks. So, do the sportsman drivers have a chance? Well, it could be interesting. The sportsman cars have gotten faster in the past few years and many claim that they are almost as fast as a few pro stocks. This is a good chance to see how accurate that claim is.
While seeing a sportsman go up against a pro stock may be attractive to some, the real point of interest will be the creativity of teams. “We’ll have everything from souped up engines to totally modified bodies, including huge spoilers,” said Johnston. “There will be some wild stuff.”
NBIS has put up $2000 to win the combined pro stock and sportsman race and $300 to win for the street stock. As an added incentive for the sportsman, there will be a $250 bonus for the highest finishing sportsman.
The Outlaw Race is not the only thing on tap for the weekend. On Sunday, October 2nd, at 2pm NBIS will end the season with their final Enduro 200 of the season. The event was originally scheduled to take place in May, but rain forced its postponement to this coming weekend. The four event series will crown their champion following the event. Co-drivers Dale Hathaway and Benji Ruff in the #8 car currently hold a slim lead over Pat Sharpe in the #51 car with past champion Ed Vallis within striking distance in third. Nathan Gallant and Trent Noble are also contenders going into the event.
Once the event ends on Sunday, NBIS will officially close the books on 2005 and look forward to 2006. Season passes will go on sale in mid-November and then the banquet will be at the end of January. Next season is actually not that far off.
Please contact Gord Curran at New Brunswick International Speedway (direct 506-455-3181, page 506-462-8116 or gord.curran@nbisonline.com ) if you have any other questions.
Saturday, October 1st, 2005 Event:
Outlaw Race
Pit gates open at 10am
Grandstands open at noon
Racing starts at 2pm
50-lap Street Stock Outlaw Race PLUS 100-lap Combined Pro Stock and Sportsman Outlaw Race
Ticket Prices:
Adults (16 and over) $16
Youth (ages 9-15) $13
Children (ages 8 and under) FREE
Family Pass: Two adults, Two youth plus 4 pop and 4 fries for $55.
Sunday, October 2nd, 2005 Event:
Enduro 200
Pit gates open at 11am
Grandstands open at noon
Racing starts at 2pm
Ticket Prices:
Adults (16 and over) $8
Youth (ages 9-15) $5
Children (ages 8 and under) FREE
New Brunswick International Speedway: New Brunswick International Speedway is Canada’s Fastest Short Track. The 1/3 of a mile high-banked paved oval features three classes of racing on a weekly basis: CARQUEST Pro Stocks, Martin’s Home Heating, and Coast Tire Street Stocks. Over 60,000 people are expected to attend over 25 events during the 2005 season. NBIS is located off Highway 7 on Route 660 in Geary, NB, and is within minutes of Saint John and Fredericton. NBIS can be found online at www.nbisonline.com.
Back To Ohio for Ryan Litt
By Tommy Goudge, Litt PR
September 28, 2005 - After a string of bad luck, mechanical problems, and DNF’s on Ryan Litt’s record lately, the 18 year old from Lyons, Ontario, Canada got back on track with a fine 10th place run in the AVSS season finale at Michigan’s Dixie Motor Speedway on September 9th. Next up on the schedule for the #07 BRR Media, Velocity Wings, BS&B Beast/Claxton Sprint Car and its driver and crew is the HOSS season finale at the Mansfield Motorsports Speedway in Ohio this Sunday, October 2nd.
Ryan and the team have competed twice before at the immaculate central Ohio speedway, once with the wing, and once without. Ryan garnered a heat win and 10th place feature finish in his only other start with the HOSS group during the event at Mansfield this season on July 3rd, and an 18th place feature finish without the wing in the USAC National Sprint Car event held July 9th. If you’re superstitious, or believe statistics at all, Ryan could be in for a good run this weekend, as some of his best runs this season have taken place in the state of Ohio, both at Mansfield, and at the Toledo Speedway as well.
If you’re wondering why the team seems to be having a slow and sporadic finish to the season, it’s because two events the team had planned on competing in at the Lake Erie Speedway in Northeastern Pennsylvania have both been cancelled. One was a USAC National Sprint Car event slated for September 17, and the other was the upcoming Lake Erie Bowl, a huge 3 day event which would have taken place over the weekend of October 7, 8 and 9 featuring among a bunch of other divisions, the HOSS Sprinters, but the event was cancelled by the track due to financial and fuel concerns. The last event of the “regular season” for Ryan and the team will be either this weekend’s HOSS event at Mansfield, or the rescheduled USAC National Sprint Car Series event at the Winchester Speedway in Indiana which is slated for October 16th.
The HOSS event at Mansfield is part of the track’s big Cavalcade weekend, a 2 day affair which will also feature a rescheduled ISMA Supermodified event which was rained out back in August, 305 Sprints, the MSA Supermodifieds, and 5 other divisions. The HOSS event will take place on Sunday, October 2nd along with the MSA event, while the ISMA event will take place on Saturday. It will be a great weekend of racing at one of the best short tracks on the continent. For more information visit www.hossracing.com or www.mansfield-speedway.com, as well as the official Ryan Litt racing site at www.RyanLitt.com.
September 28, 2005 - After a string of bad luck, mechanical problems, and DNF’s on Ryan Litt’s record lately, the 18 year old from Lyons, Ontario, Canada got back on track with a fine 10th place run in the AVSS season finale at Michigan’s Dixie Motor Speedway on September 9th. Next up on the schedule for the #07 BRR Media, Velocity Wings, BS&B Beast/Claxton Sprint Car and its driver and crew is the HOSS season finale at the Mansfield Motorsports Speedway in Ohio this Sunday, October 2nd.
Ryan and the team have competed twice before at the immaculate central Ohio speedway, once with the wing, and once without. Ryan garnered a heat win and 10th place feature finish in his only other start with the HOSS group during the event at Mansfield this season on July 3rd, and an 18th place feature finish without the wing in the USAC National Sprint Car event held July 9th. If you’re superstitious, or believe statistics at all, Ryan could be in for a good run this weekend, as some of his best runs this season have taken place in the state of Ohio, both at Mansfield, and at the Toledo Speedway as well.
If you’re wondering why the team seems to be having a slow and sporadic finish to the season, it’s because two events the team had planned on competing in at the Lake Erie Speedway in Northeastern Pennsylvania have both been cancelled. One was a USAC National Sprint Car event slated for September 17, and the other was the upcoming Lake Erie Bowl, a huge 3 day event which would have taken place over the weekend of October 7, 8 and 9 featuring among a bunch of other divisions, the HOSS Sprinters, but the event was cancelled by the track due to financial and fuel concerns. The last event of the “regular season” for Ryan and the team will be either this weekend’s HOSS event at Mansfield, or the rescheduled USAC National Sprint Car Series event at the Winchester Speedway in Indiana which is slated for October 16th.
The HOSS event at Mansfield is part of the track’s big Cavalcade weekend, a 2 day affair which will also feature a rescheduled ISMA Supermodified event which was rained out back in August, 305 Sprints, the MSA Supermodifieds, and 5 other divisions. The HOSS event will take place on Sunday, October 2nd along with the MSA event, while the ISMA event will take place on Saturday. It will be a great weekend of racing at one of the best short tracks on the continent. For more information visit www.hossracing.com or www.mansfield-speedway.com, as well as the official Ryan Litt racing site at www.RyanLitt.com.
FOUR RACES, TWO FINALS, TWO RECORDS!
Courtesy Jeff Burk
Jim Oddy and his Summit Racing Equipment-backed Pro Mod teams have had some great accomplishments over the years including IHRA and NHRA World Championships and many, many record setting performances. But what his current team of driver Steve Bareman, co-crew chiefs Dave and Dan Oddy, and car chief Billy Leverentz has accomplished in just four races together is nothing short of amazing.
In the four race span since Mike and Steve Bareman offered the team the use of their '53 'Vette and became the team's second driver this season, the team has re-set the IHRA Pro Modified records for both elapsed time and speed. They raised the speed record they already owned from 236.22 to 236.46 at Epping, NH and at the next race at Maryland International Raceway lowered the ET mark from 6.10 to 6.050! They also managed to get to the final round at two races and have accumulated enough points in just two events to break into the top 20 in the points chase. (At two events they DNQ'd but came in as alternates so they got no points for those races.)
"I can't tell you how hard Billy Leverentz, the Bareman bothers, my sons and everybody on the team has worked to get the car and this team where it is in just four races," said Oddy. "When we put this new team together to finish the season I would have been happy just to make the rest of the races, now thanks to my team and the support of my sponsors we've been lucky enough to make two final-rounds and are a threat to win at every race."
The Summit Racing Equipment team's last race of the 2005 season will be Oct. 7-9 at the IHRA World Finals at Steve Earwood's Rockingham Dragway in North Carolina. Major sponsorship for Oddy's Racing team comes from Summit Racing Equipment; major associates include Isky Racing Cams, Blower Drive Service, Red Line Oil, NGK and MSD.
Jim Oddy and his Summit Racing Equipment-backed Pro Mod teams have had some great accomplishments over the years including IHRA and NHRA World Championships and many, many record setting performances. But what his current team of driver Steve Bareman, co-crew chiefs Dave and Dan Oddy, and car chief Billy Leverentz has accomplished in just four races together is nothing short of amazing.
In the four race span since Mike and Steve Bareman offered the team the use of their '53 'Vette and became the team's second driver this season, the team has re-set the IHRA Pro Modified records for both elapsed time and speed. They raised the speed record they already owned from 236.22 to 236.46 at Epping, NH and at the next race at Maryland International Raceway lowered the ET mark from 6.10 to 6.050! They also managed to get to the final round at two races and have accumulated enough points in just two events to break into the top 20 in the points chase. (At two events they DNQ'd but came in as alternates so they got no points for those races.)
"I can't tell you how hard Billy Leverentz, the Bareman bothers, my sons and everybody on the team has worked to get the car and this team where it is in just four races," said Oddy. "When we put this new team together to finish the season I would have been happy just to make the rest of the races, now thanks to my team and the support of my sponsors we've been lucky enough to make two final-rounds and are a threat to win at every race."
The Summit Racing Equipment team's last race of the 2005 season will be Oct. 7-9 at the IHRA World Finals at Steve Earwood's Rockingham Dragway in North Carolina. Major sponsorship for Oddy's Racing team comes from Summit Racing Equipment; major associates include Isky Racing Cams, Blower Drive Service, Red Line Oil, NGK and MSD.
MOPAR PRIMARY COLORS TO MAKE RETURN TO NASCAR NEXTEL CUP WITH KAHNE, EVERNHAM MOTORSPORTS
Courtesy Misha Geisert, J.R. Thompson Company
Center Line, Mich. - Kasey Kahne had the most dominant car in the race when the No. 9 Evernham Motorsports Dodge Charger last carried the distinctive blue, black and silver Mopar paint scheme in the Fall 2004 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup event at Lowe's Motor Speedway.
Kahne is hoping for that same Charlotte magic October 15 when he once again sports the Mopar colors in the primary position on his Dodge Charger.
"The last time that I ran the Mopar paint scheme at Charlotte, it was the best car I had in my life," Kahne said. "It's cool to run a completely different paint scheme, especially under the lights. We were dominant last year, leading over 200 laps. Hopefully, this year we can come back as a tough competitor."
The Mopar "bling-bling" paint scheme that Kahne will carry was designed by Competition Graphics of Farmington Hills, Mich. Featuring the Mopar "M" logo, as well as the barbed wire paint scheme utilized by Team Mopar throughout the 2005 season, Kahne's car will carry on the brand's unique and authentic motorsports influence.
"We are proud to have Kasey Kahne carry the Mopar logo for the UAW-GM 500 at Lowe's Motor Speedway," said Kevin Miller, Senior Brand, Performance Parts Portfolio and Brand Strategy for Mopar. "The race drivers who compete under the Mopar banner are among the best in the business, and Kasey Kahne is indicative of what the Mopar brand stands for. Having the Mopar logo showcased in a premier event such as the fall NASCAR race at Lowe's Motor Speedway represents what Mopar's racing endeavors encompass - the longevity and staying power of the sport."
Mopar is also the sponsor of the Mopar Sprint Car Nationals, which is slated to take place at the Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway on October 12. The event will feature the stars of the USAC National Sprint Car Series and the Dixie Thunder Late Model Series.
Center Line, Mich. - Kasey Kahne had the most dominant car in the race when the No. 9 Evernham Motorsports Dodge Charger last carried the distinctive blue, black and silver Mopar paint scheme in the Fall 2004 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup event at Lowe's Motor Speedway.
Kahne is hoping for that same Charlotte magic October 15 when he once again sports the Mopar colors in the primary position on his Dodge Charger.
"The last time that I ran the Mopar paint scheme at Charlotte, it was the best car I had in my life," Kahne said. "It's cool to run a completely different paint scheme, especially under the lights. We were dominant last year, leading over 200 laps. Hopefully, this year we can come back as a tough competitor."
The Mopar "bling-bling" paint scheme that Kahne will carry was designed by Competition Graphics of Farmington Hills, Mich. Featuring the Mopar "M" logo, as well as the barbed wire paint scheme utilized by Team Mopar throughout the 2005 season, Kahne's car will carry on the brand's unique and authentic motorsports influence.
"We are proud to have Kasey Kahne carry the Mopar logo for the UAW-GM 500 at Lowe's Motor Speedway," said Kevin Miller, Senior Brand, Performance Parts Portfolio and Brand Strategy for Mopar. "The race drivers who compete under the Mopar banner are among the best in the business, and Kasey Kahne is indicative of what the Mopar brand stands for. Having the Mopar logo showcased in a premier event such as the fall NASCAR race at Lowe's Motor Speedway represents what Mopar's racing endeavors encompass - the longevity and staying power of the sport."
Mopar is also the sponsor of the Mopar Sprint Car Nationals, which is slated to take place at the Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway on October 12. The event will feature the stars of the USAC National Sprint Car Series and the Dixie Thunder Late Model Series.
LAST RACE OF THE SEASON FOR ONTARIO REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS
Courtesy Glenn Butt, Mosport
Bowmanville, ON (September 27, 2005) - The final rounds of the Honda/Michelin Challenge Series and Canadian Automobile Sport Clubs (CASC) Ontario Region classes run at Mosport International Raceway this weekend (October 1 & 2) in the Panoz Motor Sports/CASC Celebration 2005.
Celebration 2005 is the culmination of a season-long championship for all Ontario Region classes, ranging from single-seat formula cars to Grand Touring (GT) full-bodied sedans. Vintage historic open and closed wheel cars are among the favourite for automotive enthusiasts to watch. The wide variety of racing and cars will satisfy most road racing fans.
For the second year in a row, the Celebration weekend will see the national champion of the Honda/Michelin Challenge Series crowned at Mosport. Only three points separate championship contenders Kuno Wittmer and Steven Laporte. A spec series for Honda Civic sedans, this championship prides itself on close competition, thanks to a rules package that allows teams and drivers to compete on equal footing. This results in exciting and entertaining races for fans to watch.
The drivers competing in all of this weekend's races may not be household names like Tracy or Fellows, but the level of competition that they perform at is just as intense.
A weekend ticket to Celebration 2005 is only $15.00. Children 12 and under are admitted free with a paid adult. Complimentary camping is available with hot and cold running showers. Mosport has two playgrounds for the kids too.
For further information about the Panoz Motor Sports/CASC Celebration 2005, logon to www.mosport.com or call our information line at 1-800-866-1072. Tickets are available at the Mosport office located in the Castrol Tower. Our office hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday to Friday. You may also purchase tickets at Entrance #3 beginning Friday September 30th.
Bowmanville, ON (September 27, 2005) - The final rounds of the Honda/Michelin Challenge Series and Canadian Automobile Sport Clubs (CASC) Ontario Region classes run at Mosport International Raceway this weekend (October 1 & 2) in the Panoz Motor Sports/CASC Celebration 2005.
Celebration 2005 is the culmination of a season-long championship for all Ontario Region classes, ranging from single-seat formula cars to Grand Touring (GT) full-bodied sedans. Vintage historic open and closed wheel cars are among the favourite for automotive enthusiasts to watch. The wide variety of racing and cars will satisfy most road racing fans.
For the second year in a row, the Celebration weekend will see the national champion of the Honda/Michelin Challenge Series crowned at Mosport. Only three points separate championship contenders Kuno Wittmer and Steven Laporte. A spec series for Honda Civic sedans, this championship prides itself on close competition, thanks to a rules package that allows teams and drivers to compete on equal footing. This results in exciting and entertaining races for fans to watch.
The drivers competing in all of this weekend's races may not be household names like Tracy or Fellows, but the level of competition that they perform at is just as intense.
A weekend ticket to Celebration 2005 is only $15.00. Children 12 and under are admitted free with a paid adult. Complimentary camping is available with hot and cold running showers. Mosport has two playgrounds for the kids too.
For further information about the Panoz Motor Sports/CASC Celebration 2005, logon to www.mosport.com or call our information line at 1-800-866-1072. Tickets are available at the Mosport office located in the Castrol Tower. Our office hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday to Friday. You may also purchase tickets at Entrance #3 beginning Friday September 30th.
Super DIRT Week Keeps In Line with Canadian Currency
By DIRT MotorSports PR
WEEDSPORT, N.Y. (September 27) – DIRT MotorSports, Inc. continues to acknowledge the legions of Canadian race fans that support Super DIRT Week annually as the exchange rate for currency carried from north of the border has been set.
While the standard exchange rate continues to fluctuate, DIRT MotorSports track officials have been instructed to accept Canadian money at 85% over U.S. Currency throughout the Oct. 4-9 extravaganza. Rolling Wheels Raceway general manager Bruno DiMatteo will follow suit during his own Super DIRT Week specials Oct. 7-8.
With many teams representing Ontario and Quebec in their quest for DIRT's top jewel, another big contingent is expected to travel from Canada when the October event arrives. Pre-race ticket sales continue to support this notion.
Already planning to make his annual trek to the Salt City is popular Frenchman David Hebert, the 2004 DIRT Modified points champion at Autodrome Drummond. Last year Hebert finished 30th after qualifying 13th in the 44-car Eckerd 200 starting field, while fellow Quebecois pilot Martin Roy (27th) and fourth-fastest time trialer Steve Poirier (35th) also reached the starting grid.
DIRT MotorSports NorthEast's winningest small-block driver Pete Bicknell, from St. Catharines, Ont., has won a race record five Syracuse 358-Modified title events, including three straight from 1998-2000. A 6th-place finish in 1995 remains his best in eight previous Eckerd 200 attempts. Last year Bicknell (22nd) and Brian McDonald (38th) were the only drivers from the province of Ontario to take the green flag.
Class of 2003 DIRT Hall of Famer Davey Moore (9th) was the first Canadian to crack the top-ten when the sixth annual event was postponed due to rain until April, 1978. Brian Stevens from St. Catharines, Ont. grabbed fifth-place when the race was lengthened to 188 laps in 1987 and Joe Plazek finished sixth in 1990. Plazek also ended up 8th in 1993 and Bicknell placed eighth in 2001.
WEEDSPORT, N.Y. (September 27) – DIRT MotorSports, Inc. continues to acknowledge the legions of Canadian race fans that support Super DIRT Week annually as the exchange rate for currency carried from north of the border has been set.
While the standard exchange rate continues to fluctuate, DIRT MotorSports track officials have been instructed to accept Canadian money at 85% over U.S. Currency throughout the Oct. 4-9 extravaganza. Rolling Wheels Raceway general manager Bruno DiMatteo will follow suit during his own Super DIRT Week specials Oct. 7-8.
With many teams representing Ontario and Quebec in their quest for DIRT's top jewel, another big contingent is expected to travel from Canada when the October event arrives. Pre-race ticket sales continue to support this notion.
Already planning to make his annual trek to the Salt City is popular Frenchman David Hebert, the 2004 DIRT Modified points champion at Autodrome Drummond. Last year Hebert finished 30th after qualifying 13th in the 44-car Eckerd 200 starting field, while fellow Quebecois pilot Martin Roy (27th) and fourth-fastest time trialer Steve Poirier (35th) also reached the starting grid.
DIRT MotorSports NorthEast's winningest small-block driver Pete Bicknell, from St. Catharines, Ont., has won a race record five Syracuse 358-Modified title events, including three straight from 1998-2000. A 6th-place finish in 1995 remains his best in eight previous Eckerd 200 attempts. Last year Bicknell (22nd) and Brian McDonald (38th) were the only drivers from the province of Ontario to take the green flag.
Class of 2003 DIRT Hall of Famer Davey Moore (9th) was the first Canadian to crack the top-ten when the sixth annual event was postponed due to rain until April, 1978. Brian Stevens from St. Catharines, Ont. grabbed fifth-place when the race was lengthened to 188 laps in 1987 and Joe Plazek finished sixth in 1990. Plazek also ended up 8th in 1993 and Bicknell placed eighth in 2001.
New Website for Prairie Dirt…
Courtesy Greg Cybulski
Greg Cybulski, originator and webmaster of Prairie Dirt, is pleased to announce that the Prairie Dirt website has a new home on the World Wide Web at Yahoo.com. The Winnipeg, Manitoba-based dirt track racing website which began as a modest race fan's hobby in 2003, has grown into a site which encompasses not only dirt track racing at the local level, but across Canada and the Northern and Upper Midwest United States. To reflect the new home of Prairie Dirt, the title of the website has changed to Prairie Dirt (2005).
The centerpiece of the new Prairie Dirt (2005) website is the Prairie Dirt Forum which provides race fans with up-to-date news, racing columns and general discussion.
Prairie Dirt remains committed to bringing its internet viewers the kind of racing coverage it has come to know. There will be continued growth of the website as we enter the off-season and leading into the 2006 racing season.
The new URL for Prairie Dirt (2005) is:
http://ca.geocities.com/prairiedirt/home.html
Greg Cybulski, originator and webmaster of Prairie Dirt, is pleased to announce that the Prairie Dirt website has a new home on the World Wide Web at Yahoo.com. The Winnipeg, Manitoba-based dirt track racing website which began as a modest race fan's hobby in 2003, has grown into a site which encompasses not only dirt track racing at the local level, but across Canada and the Northern and Upper Midwest United States. To reflect the new home of Prairie Dirt, the title of the website has changed to Prairie Dirt (2005).
The centerpiece of the new Prairie Dirt (2005) website is the Prairie Dirt Forum which provides race fans with up-to-date news, racing columns and general discussion.
Prairie Dirt remains committed to bringing its internet viewers the kind of racing coverage it has come to know. There will be continued growth of the website as we enter the off-season and leading into the 2006 racing season.
The new URL for Prairie Dirt (2005) is:
http://ca.geocities.com/prairiedirt/home.html
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
IHRA Iron Man Classic
Courtesy Dave MathersThe popular IHRA Iron Man Classic returns Saturday and Sunday, October 8 & 9. Saturday will feature a non-points bracket race for the Ultimate Garage Top, Performance Parts Plus Mod, Essential Speed Street and Lightning Power Sports Bike/Sled classes as well as one qualifying session for the Pro Comp class that will be run on Sunday only.
Following the bracket races a special ‘Racer’s Appreciation’ supper will be sponsored by Jamie Tupper of J&S Collision in Tillsonburg. All racers buying a tech card for Saturday will be given a free ticket for the meal. Additional tickets will be available for $5 each for all others.
Sunday will see the winners of Pro Comp (running 1/4 mile), Top, Mod and Bike/Sled run off for $1,000 and an Iron Man trophy. In addition, the winners of the Nostalgia Hot Rod, Nostalgia Super Stock and Nostalgia Gasser classes will run off for an Iron Man Trophy as well.
Two match races will also take place Sunday. ‘The Battle of the Bros’ will feature the Bilyk brothers in their 1940 Willys coupes doing battle. Dan Bilyk will be running the ‘Chilly Willy’ small block car while brother Nelson will be running his Hemi-powered ‘Gone Berserk’ Street Legal car. In the battle of the ‘Falcon’s’, Ev Rowse driving the legendary Rankin Ford ‘Wild Child’ 1965 427 SOHC A/FX Falcon will face his son Steve in his 1966 small block Falcon. As well a special ‘Pocket Bike’ race will be featured Sunday.
Gates open Saturday at 10 A.M., time trials at 11, eliminations at 2 and Pro Comp qualifying round one at 4. Saturday night will feature ‘Run What Ya Brung’ with gates opening at 6 and racing 6.30 to 10. It is no charge for all racers buying two-day tech cards. Sunday the gates open at 11 A.M., time trials at 1, Pro Comp qualifying at 1.30 and 2.30 and eliminations to follow along with the two match races. General admission Saturday is $10, Saturday night $10 and Sunday $15 or all three events ticket at $25. Children 12 and under are no charge.
For further information, contact the track at 519-775-2263 or visit the website at www.stthomasdragway.com.
McIntosh scores top-ten finish for Team Canada
Courtesy Stuart Morrison Public Relations
Brands Hatch, England (September 25, 2005) Sean McIntosh successffully steered Team Canada to a top-ten finish in the main feature race in today’s inaugural A1 Grand Prix Series (A1GP) event at Brands Hatch, England.
The 20-year-old Vancouver native, who drove the Team Canada car for the very first time just six days ago, crossed the checkered flag in ninth place to score Canada’s maiden points in the all-new “World Cup of Motorsport”.
McIntosh, who made his Team Canada debut before a sold-out and enthusiastic Brands Hatch crowd, lined up on the grid this afternoon alongside 24 competing nations ready for the first of the day’s races the ssprint race.
Having made some changes to the set-up of his 520bhp Lola-Zytek, following a disappointing qualifying session where he placed 21st overall, McIntosh headed into the race prepared to tackle his first rolling-start since competing in the US Formula Ford 2000 Series back in 2002.
Despite gaining track position at the start of the race, Sean was forced to wrestle with an ill-handling car while ensuring he kept it on track and out of trouble. A 19th place finish at the flag would mean he would start 19th for the afternoon’s main feature with just thirty minuutes down time between the two A1GP races.
While the sprint race kicked off with a rolling start, the 38-lap feature race commenced with a traditional standing start and Sean capitalized on his Formula Renault UK Championship experiences to get a lightning getaway. As he raced off the line, the stalled car of Team India ahead forced McIntosh to take avoiding action but this failed to stop the Canadian from picking up track position and bypassing some of the carnage at the first turn.
Firmly on a charge and happy with the handling of his car Sean ran as high as sixth following the first ten laps charging round the legendary 1.92km Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit. The feature race’s mandatory pit-stop and tire change then saw dart Sean into the pits and the Team Canada crew into action for the first time.
A stuck wheel nut on the right-rear tire halted McIntosh’s progress momentarily but a safety car period immediately following his return to the track did the real damage to Sean’s charge as it allowed his rivals to pit under caution without losing time.
When racing resumed Sean’s second set of rubber allowed him to pick up the pace and he was comfortably posting top-six lap times as the stunning red and white, maple-lead bearing Team Canada car reeled off the closing laps at Brands Hatch.
Team Brazil won the feature race with Nelson Piquet Jr. behind the wheel, the South American’s second triumph of the day having captured victory in the earlier sprint race. Sean brought Team Canada home in the points in a respectable ninth place, the last of the drivers on the lead lap!
Looking back on a historic day representing Team Canada Sean said:
”This weekend was always going to be a learning experience, especially heading into Friday’s practice sessions with just one shakedown test behind us. That said we finished both races and picked up Team Canada’s first A1GP points with a top ten finish.”
”The team did a great job all weekend and we now have a platform to work from. We know there’s work to be done, not least in exploiting the one-lap qualifying format, but for a first attempt and with our lack of testing we can pleased with our performance here at Brands. It was a great experience and the atmosphere was electric, the grandstands were packed! There were loads of Canadians here as well which was really cool; the support for the series was awesome!“
The A1 Grand Prix Series heads to the EuroSpeedway, Lausitz in Germany for Round 2, 7th-9th October.
Sean returns to Brands Hatch next weekend, 1st-2nd October, for the final two rounds of the 2005 Formula Renault UK Championship. The reigning “Graduate Cup” Champion and a five-time winner already this season, Sean trails Britain’s Oliver Jarvis for the series lead by just 16-points with a maximum of 68 on offer through Rounds 19 and 20.
Results - A1GP R1 Brands Hatch
Team Canada, Sprint Race Started: 21st / Finished 19th (18 Laps)
Team Canada, Main Race Started: 19th / Finished 9th (38 Laps)
For more info visit www.seanmcintosh.com / www.a1gp.com
Brands Hatch, England (September 25, 2005) Sean McIntosh successffully steered Team Canada to a top-ten finish in the main feature race in today’s inaugural A1 Grand Prix Series (A1GP) event at Brands Hatch, England.
The 20-year-old Vancouver native, who drove the Team Canada car for the very first time just six days ago, crossed the checkered flag in ninth place to score Canada’s maiden points in the all-new “World Cup of Motorsport”.
McIntosh, who made his Team Canada debut before a sold-out and enthusiastic Brands Hatch crowd, lined up on the grid this afternoon alongside 24 competing nations ready for the first of the day’s races the ssprint race.
Having made some changes to the set-up of his 520bhp Lola-Zytek, following a disappointing qualifying session where he placed 21st overall, McIntosh headed into the race prepared to tackle his first rolling-start since competing in the US Formula Ford 2000 Series back in 2002.
Despite gaining track position at the start of the race, Sean was forced to wrestle with an ill-handling car while ensuring he kept it on track and out of trouble. A 19th place finish at the flag would mean he would start 19th for the afternoon’s main feature with just thirty minuutes down time between the two A1GP races.
While the sprint race kicked off with a rolling start, the 38-lap feature race commenced with a traditional standing start and Sean capitalized on his Formula Renault UK Championship experiences to get a lightning getaway. As he raced off the line, the stalled car of Team India ahead forced McIntosh to take avoiding action but this failed to stop the Canadian from picking up track position and bypassing some of the carnage at the first turn.
Firmly on a charge and happy with the handling of his car Sean ran as high as sixth following the first ten laps charging round the legendary 1.92km Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit. The feature race’s mandatory pit-stop and tire change then saw dart Sean into the pits and the Team Canada crew into action for the first time.
A stuck wheel nut on the right-rear tire halted McIntosh’s progress momentarily but a safety car period immediately following his return to the track did the real damage to Sean’s charge as it allowed his rivals to pit under caution without losing time.
When racing resumed Sean’s second set of rubber allowed him to pick up the pace and he was comfortably posting top-six lap times as the stunning red and white, maple-lead bearing Team Canada car reeled off the closing laps at Brands Hatch.
Team Brazil won the feature race with Nelson Piquet Jr. behind the wheel, the South American’s second triumph of the day having captured victory in the earlier sprint race. Sean brought Team Canada home in the points in a respectable ninth place, the last of the drivers on the lead lap!
Looking back on a historic day representing Team Canada Sean said:
”This weekend was always going to be a learning experience, especially heading into Friday’s practice sessions with just one shakedown test behind us. That said we finished both races and picked up Team Canada’s first A1GP points with a top ten finish.”
”The team did a great job all weekend and we now have a platform to work from. We know there’s work to be done, not least in exploiting the one-lap qualifying format, but for a first attempt and with our lack of testing we can pleased with our performance here at Brands. It was a great experience and the atmosphere was electric, the grandstands were packed! There were loads of Canadians here as well which was really cool; the support for the series was awesome!“
The A1 Grand Prix Series heads to the EuroSpeedway, Lausitz in Germany for Round 2, 7th-9th October.
Sean returns to Brands Hatch next weekend, 1st-2nd October, for the final two rounds of the 2005 Formula Renault UK Championship. The reigning “Graduate Cup” Champion and a five-time winner already this season, Sean trails Britain’s Oliver Jarvis for the series lead by just 16-points with a maximum of 68 on offer through Rounds 19 and 20.
Results - A1GP R1 Brands Hatch
Team Canada, Sprint Race Started: 21st / Finished 19th (18 Laps)
Team Canada, Main Race Started: 19th / Finished 9th (38 Laps)
For more info visit www.seanmcintosh.com / www.a1gp.com
Sunoco Ron Fellows Karting Championship presented by Toronto Star Wheels wrap up Sunday classes
Release prepared by Russ Bond Agency ( www.russbondagency.com)
INNISFIL, ONTARIO Sunday’s action saw more drivers walking the track at lunchtime than had been on the track during qualifying. Rain had come and gone and the decision was what tires to go on. Thankfully it dried up and the Sunoco Ron Fellows Karting Championship crowned the final four class champions. In Formula Senior, Robert Wickens is the champion, Adriano Bilotta won World Formula Senior, Marco Di Leo took Rotax Max Senior, and Michael Di Meo won Canada Junior Heavy.
Eleven drivers were also selected for the Sunoco Ron Fellows Evaluation Day this year, which will be held on October 7 at the Bridgestone Racing Academy. The 11 drivers are; Daniel Morad, Adriano Bilotta, Kyle Marcelli, Corey Usher, Pearce Herder, Justin Holtom, Eric Gerrits, Wilson Tessari Neto, Devin Cunningham, Darryl Timmers and Richard Boake.
Formula Senior
Cameron Motorsports CRG driver Robert Wickens got a much needed Pfaff Fast Qualifier award, which helped get within 10 points of championship leader, firstkart.com driver Daniel Morad going into the final round. At the start, on a drying track, the top drivers opted for dry tires, and for the first few laps, it was a skating rink. Daniel Morad took this opportunity to build a sizeable lead. Wickens was second, but being hounded by CMP’s Frank Launi, who started last, but was up to third in four laps. As the track dried, Wickens was free of Launi, who broke a radiator, and he charged forward to catch Morad on lap 22, where he made the pass. Wickens went on to win, followed by Morad and SH Karting’s Andrew Hall was third.
Fomula Senior Champion Robert Wickens
World Formula Senior
CMP’s Paul Carvahlo took the Pfaff Fast Qualifier award on a wet track. Carvahlo led early, and built a lead by halfway over Wilson Tessari Neto. Neto lost a clutch and had to retire. That moved Ryan Dennahower up to second and Zach Boam to third. Boam passed Dennahower in the dying laps to move up to second and demote Dennnahower to third.
World Formula Champion Adriano Bilotta
RotaxMax Senior
SH Karting’s Devin Cunningham took the Pfaff Fast Qualifier award. Firstkart.com’s Eric Gerrits took the lad from that start ahead of Cunningham. Cameron Motorsports CRG driver Marco Di Leo was third, then he moved up to second when he passed Cunningham. Both second and third moved up when Gerrits kart lost a chain with just a few laps to go, moving up Di Leo, who took the win, and Cunningham second with Firstkart.com’s Mike Rogers third.
Rotax Max Senior Champion Marco Di Leo
Canada Junior Heavy
Firstkart.com’s Kevin Monteith the Pfaff Fast Qualifier award. Monteith led from the start to take the win ahead of Michael Di Meo and Justin Holtom.
Canada Junior Heavy Champion Michael Di Meo
The GM Winners Circle award for outstanding skills and sportsmanship went to the Kevin Monteith for a flag to flag win in Canada Junior Heavy. The Pratt&Miller award for team spirit went to Race Ready Motorsports and Joshua Gilbert.
The objective of the SRFKC is to help foster a professional environment for kart drivers; help create a positive attitude towards appearance, conduct and discipline; help foster the employment of the best practices for the safe and fair running of competitions; and help kart drivers to move up the racing ladder to automobile racing.
INNISFIL, ONTARIO Sunday’s action saw more drivers walking the track at lunchtime than had been on the track during qualifying. Rain had come and gone and the decision was what tires to go on. Thankfully it dried up and the Sunoco Ron Fellows Karting Championship crowned the final four class champions. In Formula Senior, Robert Wickens is the champion, Adriano Bilotta won World Formula Senior, Marco Di Leo took Rotax Max Senior, and Michael Di Meo won Canada Junior Heavy.
Eleven drivers were also selected for the Sunoco Ron Fellows Evaluation Day this year, which will be held on October 7 at the Bridgestone Racing Academy. The 11 drivers are; Daniel Morad, Adriano Bilotta, Kyle Marcelli, Corey Usher, Pearce Herder, Justin Holtom, Eric Gerrits, Wilson Tessari Neto, Devin Cunningham, Darryl Timmers and Richard Boake.
Formula Senior
Cameron Motorsports CRG driver Robert Wickens got a much needed Pfaff Fast Qualifier award, which helped get within 10 points of championship leader, firstkart.com driver Daniel Morad going into the final round. At the start, on a drying track, the top drivers opted for dry tires, and for the first few laps, it was a skating rink. Daniel Morad took this opportunity to build a sizeable lead. Wickens was second, but being hounded by CMP’s Frank Launi, who started last, but was up to third in four laps. As the track dried, Wickens was free of Launi, who broke a radiator, and he charged forward to catch Morad on lap 22, where he made the pass. Wickens went on to win, followed by Morad and SH Karting’s Andrew Hall was third.
Fomula Senior Champion Robert Wickens
World Formula Senior
CMP’s Paul Carvahlo took the Pfaff Fast Qualifier award on a wet track. Carvahlo led early, and built a lead by halfway over Wilson Tessari Neto. Neto lost a clutch and had to retire. That moved Ryan Dennahower up to second and Zach Boam to third. Boam passed Dennahower in the dying laps to move up to second and demote Dennnahower to third.
World Formula Champion Adriano Bilotta
RotaxMax Senior
SH Karting’s Devin Cunningham took the Pfaff Fast Qualifier award. Firstkart.com’s Eric Gerrits took the lad from that start ahead of Cunningham. Cameron Motorsports CRG driver Marco Di Leo was third, then he moved up to second when he passed Cunningham. Both second and third moved up when Gerrits kart lost a chain with just a few laps to go, moving up Di Leo, who took the win, and Cunningham second with Firstkart.com’s Mike Rogers third.
Rotax Max Senior Champion Marco Di Leo
Canada Junior Heavy
Firstkart.com’s Kevin Monteith the Pfaff Fast Qualifier award. Monteith led from the start to take the win ahead of Michael Di Meo and Justin Holtom.
Canada Junior Heavy Champion Michael Di Meo
The GM Winners Circle award for outstanding skills and sportsmanship went to the Kevin Monteith for a flag to flag win in Canada Junior Heavy. The Pratt&Miller award for team spirit went to Race Ready Motorsports and Joshua Gilbert.
The objective of the SRFKC is to help foster a professional environment for kart drivers; help create a positive attitude towards appearance, conduct and discipline; help foster the employment of the best practices for the safe and fair running of competitions; and help kart drivers to move up the racing ladder to automobile racing.
MACDONALD FINISHES THIRD AT BEECH RIDGE PASS EVENT
SCARBOROUGH, MAINE (2005 September 25) - 2005 CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour champion Rollie MacDonald "settled" for third today in the Pullen Heavy Industries 300 at Beech Ridge Motor Speedway. MacDonald (Pictou, NS) had led 75 laps earlier in the race and had an "awesome" racecar, so third was not where he hoped he would finish - but he was none the less very pleased with his showing.
"We started 16th and raced to the front on the outside," said the 61-year-old racer. "We just drove around Ben Rowe in second then Mike Rowe for the lead. We'd have stayed there if we hadn't had to pit for fuel and tires. We came back out almost at the back then worked our way back to third. The second set of tires wasn't as good as the first and the car was tighter in the second half - but it was a great day for us."
The event was the crown jewel on the 2005 PASS schedule, paying $15,000 (usd) to winner Ben Rowe and $7000 to second place finisher Mike Rowe. MacDonald collected $4,000 for third plus an additional $50 per lap led.
46 of the best short track racers in New England entered the event and 34 started the feature race. The only other Maritime racer in the Pullen 300 field was John Flemming (Halifax, NS) who finished 16th.
MacDonald will be officially crowned 2005 CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour champion at the 2005 series Awards Banquet on October 29. Team hotel and ticket reservation deadline is September 29; availability will be based on supply after that date. For more banquet information please call 902-481-2531.
By Joan Roué
"We started 16th and raced to the front on the outside," said the 61-year-old racer. "We just drove around Ben Rowe in second then Mike Rowe for the lead. We'd have stayed there if we hadn't had to pit for fuel and tires. We came back out almost at the back then worked our way back to third. The second set of tires wasn't as good as the first and the car was tighter in the second half - but it was a great day for us."
The event was the crown jewel on the 2005 PASS schedule, paying $15,000 (usd) to winner Ben Rowe and $7000 to second place finisher Mike Rowe. MacDonald collected $4,000 for third plus an additional $50 per lap led.
46 of the best short track racers in New England entered the event and 34 started the feature race. The only other Maritime racer in the Pullen 300 field was John Flemming (Halifax, NS) who finished 16th.
MacDonald will be officially crowned 2005 CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour champion at the 2005 series Awards Banquet on October 29. Team hotel and ticket reservation deadline is September 29; availability will be based on supply after that date. For more banquet information please call 902-481-2531.
By Joan Roué
McIntosh to test for Red Bull Junior Team
Vancouver, Canada (September 27, 2005) – Following on from a stellar season in the 2005 Formula Renault UK Championship and Sunday’s top-ten debut as the driver of Team Canada’s A1 Grand Prix entry at Brands Hatch, Canada’s Sean McIntosh has now received an invitation to test for the renowned Red Bull Junior Team.
The test, scheduled to take place next Monday and Tuesday, 3rd-4th October, at the Portuguese circuit of Estoril, will see the 20-year-old from Vancouver put through his paces behind the wheel of Formula Renault and Formula Three race cars. Sean’s performances will be closely monitored with all drivers at the test being evaluated on their speed and consistency as well as their ability to adapt throughout the two-day test.
The Red Bull Junior Team has a pedigree of success unrivalled by any other driver development program. In 2004 alone the scheme’s drivers delivered 5 championships and a total of 51 victories and 53 pole positions while this year’s success haul stands at 23 wins and 25 poles. The 2005 team boasts 16 drivers from 12 different countries competing in the likes of the GP2 Series, World Series by Renault and the F3 Euroseries – all recognized pathways to Formula One.
Commenting ahead of his Red Bull test as well as his Formula Renault UK Championship title-deciding weekend, Sean said:
“Red Bull’s passion for motorsport and developing talent is without question so I consider it to be a real privilege to be invited to test for the Red Bull Junior Team. I had a meeting with Red Bull Canada earlier this year and I was able to get a real feel for how they work with their chosen athletes and support them all the way. It’s great to be the first Canadian driver to try-out for the Junior Team and I look forward to the opportunity to prove myself next week.
“I fly to Portugal straight after my last Formula Renault UK races at Brands Hatch on Sunday so I’ll certainly be race fresh heading into the test. I’ll be doing all I can to win the championship and it’s encouraging to know that Red Bull have been following my performances and want to see me firsthand.”
Sean McIntosh heads into this weekend’s Formula Renault UK Championship title showdown at Brands Hatch, 1st-2nd October, in second place, just 16 points behind Britain’s Oliver Jarvis and with a season-high tally of five victories.
For further information on the Red Bull Junior Team please log on to: www.redbull-juniorteam.com
The test, scheduled to take place next Monday and Tuesday, 3rd-4th October, at the Portuguese circuit of Estoril, will see the 20-year-old from Vancouver put through his paces behind the wheel of Formula Renault and Formula Three race cars. Sean’s performances will be closely monitored with all drivers at the test being evaluated on their speed and consistency as well as their ability to adapt throughout the two-day test.
The Red Bull Junior Team has a pedigree of success unrivalled by any other driver development program. In 2004 alone the scheme’s drivers delivered 5 championships and a total of 51 victories and 53 pole positions while this year’s success haul stands at 23 wins and 25 poles. The 2005 team boasts 16 drivers from 12 different countries competing in the likes of the GP2 Series, World Series by Renault and the F3 Euroseries – all recognized pathways to Formula One.
Commenting ahead of his Red Bull test as well as his Formula Renault UK Championship title-deciding weekend, Sean said:
“Red Bull’s passion for motorsport and developing talent is without question so I consider it to be a real privilege to be invited to test for the Red Bull Junior Team. I had a meeting with Red Bull Canada earlier this year and I was able to get a real feel for how they work with their chosen athletes and support them all the way. It’s great to be the first Canadian driver to try-out for the Junior Team and I look forward to the opportunity to prove myself next week.
“I fly to Portugal straight after my last Formula Renault UK races at Brands Hatch on Sunday so I’ll certainly be race fresh heading into the test. I’ll be doing all I can to win the championship and it’s encouraging to know that Red Bull have been following my performances and want to see me firsthand.”
Sean McIntosh heads into this weekend’s Formula Renault UK Championship title showdown at Brands Hatch, 1st-2nd October, in second place, just 16 points behind Britain’s Oliver Jarvis and with a season-high tally of five victories.
For further information on the Red Bull Junior Team please log on to: www.redbull-juniorteam.com
2005 DIRT MotorSports NorthEast Track Point Champions Announced
By DIRT MotorSports PR
WEEDSPORT, N.Y. (September 26) – The regular season around the DIRT MotorSports NorthEast circuit is over and the weekly track point champions have been declared. All track champions in DIRT NorthEast's four major touring divisions will be presented their first-place trophy during the 30th annual DIRT MotorSports NorthEast Banquet, November 19, at the Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, New York.
In the big-block Modified division the following drivers have been declared DIRT track champions: Bobby Varin (Albany-Saratoga), Alan Johnson (Brewerton), Pat O'Brien (Can-Am), Steve Paine (Canandaigua), Tim Fuller (Cayuga County, Fulton), Brett Hearn (Lebanon Valley), Dave Murdick (Lernerville), Gary Tomkins (Rolling Wheels), Frankie Caprara (Thunder Alley) and Del Rougeux, Jr. (Tri-City).
In the 358‑Modified division the following drivers are recognized as DIRT track champions: Richie Pratt, Jr. (Bridgeport), Pat O'Brien (Brockville), Todd Henderson (Canandaigua), Dale Planck (Cornwall), Martin Roy (Drummond), Pierre Dagenais (Edelweiss), Alan Jacobs (Frogtown), Alan Johnson (Fulton), Steve Poirier (Granby) and Pete Bicknell (Merrittville, Ransomville).
In the Sportsman division those honored as DIRT track champions are: Marcel Pecore (Brockville), Scott Schrader (Canandaigua), Kevin Bates (Cayuga County, Fulton), Brian Sage (Genesee), Rob Ledingham (Humberstone), Wayne Conn, Jr. (Merrittville), Jay Mallory (Ohsweken), Kevin Wills (Ransomville) and Russ Hefti (Rolling Wheels).
In the full-fender Pro Stock division the DIRT track champions are: Jipp Ortiz (Canandaigua), Clayton Benedict (Cornwall), Stephane LeBrun (Edelweiss), P.J. Peters (Frogtown), T.J. Fitzgibbons (Fulton), Beamer Guzzardi (Genesee), Rob Yetman (Lebanon Valley) and Pete Stefanski (Ransomville).
Honorable mentions are also extended to '05 DIRT Street Stock track champions Mike Welch (Canandaigua), Adam DePuy (Cayuga County, Rolling Wheels) and Jeff Burke (Ohsweken), along with recently crowned New Egypt SS Sprint Car titlist Art Liedl.
WEEDSPORT, N.Y. (September 26) – The regular season around the DIRT MotorSports NorthEast circuit is over and the weekly track point champions have been declared. All track champions in DIRT NorthEast's four major touring divisions will be presented their first-place trophy during the 30th annual DIRT MotorSports NorthEast Banquet, November 19, at the Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, New York.
In the big-block Modified division the following drivers have been declared DIRT track champions: Bobby Varin (Albany-Saratoga), Alan Johnson (Brewerton), Pat O'Brien (Can-Am), Steve Paine (Canandaigua), Tim Fuller (Cayuga County, Fulton), Brett Hearn (Lebanon Valley), Dave Murdick (Lernerville), Gary Tomkins (Rolling Wheels), Frankie Caprara (Thunder Alley) and Del Rougeux, Jr. (Tri-City).
In the 358‑Modified division the following drivers are recognized as DIRT track champions: Richie Pratt, Jr. (Bridgeport), Pat O'Brien (Brockville), Todd Henderson (Canandaigua), Dale Planck (Cornwall), Martin Roy (Drummond), Pierre Dagenais (Edelweiss), Alan Jacobs (Frogtown), Alan Johnson (Fulton), Steve Poirier (Granby) and Pete Bicknell (Merrittville, Ransomville).
In the Sportsman division those honored as DIRT track champions are: Marcel Pecore (Brockville), Scott Schrader (Canandaigua), Kevin Bates (Cayuga County, Fulton), Brian Sage (Genesee), Rob Ledingham (Humberstone), Wayne Conn, Jr. (Merrittville), Jay Mallory (Ohsweken), Kevin Wills (Ransomville) and Russ Hefti (Rolling Wheels).
In the full-fender Pro Stock division the DIRT track champions are: Jipp Ortiz (Canandaigua), Clayton Benedict (Cornwall), Stephane LeBrun (Edelweiss), P.J. Peters (Frogtown), T.J. Fitzgibbons (Fulton), Beamer Guzzardi (Genesee), Rob Yetman (Lebanon Valley) and Pete Stefanski (Ransomville).
Honorable mentions are also extended to '05 DIRT Street Stock track champions Mike Welch (Canandaigua), Adam DePuy (Cayuga County, Rolling Wheels) and Jeff Burke (Ohsweken), along with recently crowned New Egypt SS Sprint Car titlist Art Liedl.
CASCAR on TV
Watch the CROWN JEWEL 200 from CAYUGA SPEEDWAY on Saturday October 1st on SPORTSNET!
EAST Saturday Oct 1st @ 2:30PM EST
ONTARIO @ 3:00PM EST
Wednesday 5th @ 1:00PM EST
WEST Saturday 1st @ 1:00PM MST
Sunday 9th @ 11:00PM MST
PACIFIC Saturday 1st @ 12:00PM PST
Tuesday 11th@ 1:00PM PST
This race featured the most passing ever seen at a CASCAR event!!!
(From Joel Robinson / JRA)
EAST Saturday Oct 1st @ 2:30PM EST
ONTARIO @ 3:00PM EST
Wednesday 5th @ 1:00PM EST
WEST Saturday 1st @ 1:00PM MST
Sunday 9th @ 11:00PM MST
PACIFIC Saturday 1st @ 12:00PM PST
Tuesday 11th@ 1:00PM PST
This race featured the most passing ever seen at a CASCAR event!!!
(From Joel Robinson / JRA)
Monday, September 26, 2005
Kyle Dingwall Wins First Applefest Shootout At Brighton Speedway
A total of 18 358 Dirt Modifieds were on hand Saturday night at the Brighton Speedway for the first annual ImageFactor.ca Applefest 358 Dirt Modified Shootout.
Brian McDonald, Rob Pietz and Chris Jones captured the heat wins in front of a full crowd. All three drivers qualified for the ImageFactor.ca 'Apple Dash' along with the Sponsors Choice Wild Card driver Mark Hitchcock. Rob Pietz would find the fast way around for the 4 lap dash win.
The 40 lap feature brought the fans to their feet as Small Block Dirt Modifieds returned to the 1/3 mile clay oval for the first time in 22 years. Bill Mullin led the field to the green but it was outside pole sitter Kyle Dingwall who would steal the show. Dingwall quickly found his way to the front and stretched out to a sizeable lead. Rob Pietz was one of the fastest cars in the feature but spun early to bring out a caution. Dingwall meanwhile would continue to stretch his lead on restarts and easily pick his way through lapped traffic. A late race caution would bunch the field and bring second place runner Chris Jones to the back bumper of the leader. When the green flag flew however Dingwall easily pulled away and cruised the victory. Jones came home with a solid second on his home track while Lee Ladeceur finished third. Rob Pietz recovered from the earlier spin to finish fourth and Mark Hitchcock rounded out the top five.
An excited Dingwall was greeted in Victory Lane by friends and family as well as a fresh serving of Brighton grown apples and a jug of the areas finest cider. The ImageFactor.ca Applefest 358 Dirt Modified Shootout was a great success and should only grow in the years to come. The Brighton Speedway and ImageFactor.ca would like to thank all of the teams, staff and fans who helped make this such a great event.
ImageFactor.ca Applefest 358 Dirt Modified Shootout Results (40 laps): 1. #66 Kyle Dingwall, 2. #11 Chris Jones, 3. #12 Lee Ladeceur, 4. #69 Rob Pietz, 5. #95 Mark Hitchcock, 6. #72 Eric Gauvreau, 7. #3 Bill Mullin, 8. #115 Stephane Lafrance, 9. #1 Peter Mantha, 10. #98 Paul Pekkonen, 11. #96m Brian McDonald, 12. #20 Steve Bilow, 13. #35 Adam Moore, 14. #82 Doug Haldane, 15. #21 Jeff Ciglich, 16. #69x Harm Vanderweide, 17. #31x Andy Lloyd, 18. #84 Dave Heaslip (DNS) // Heat Wins: #96m Brian McDonald, #69 Rob Pietz, #11 Chris Jones // ImageFactor.ca 'Apple Dash': 1. #69 Rob Pietz, 2. #96m Brian McDonald, 3. #11 Chris Jones, 4. #95 Mark Hitchcock
ImageFactor.ca
Motorsports Promotions and Marketing
http://www.imagefactor.ca
sales@imagefactor.ca
Brian McDonald, Rob Pietz and Chris Jones captured the heat wins in front of a full crowd. All three drivers qualified for the ImageFactor.ca 'Apple Dash' along with the Sponsors Choice Wild Card driver Mark Hitchcock. Rob Pietz would find the fast way around for the 4 lap dash win.
The 40 lap feature brought the fans to their feet as Small Block Dirt Modifieds returned to the 1/3 mile clay oval for the first time in 22 years. Bill Mullin led the field to the green but it was outside pole sitter Kyle Dingwall who would steal the show. Dingwall quickly found his way to the front and stretched out to a sizeable lead. Rob Pietz was one of the fastest cars in the feature but spun early to bring out a caution. Dingwall meanwhile would continue to stretch his lead on restarts and easily pick his way through lapped traffic. A late race caution would bunch the field and bring second place runner Chris Jones to the back bumper of the leader. When the green flag flew however Dingwall easily pulled away and cruised the victory. Jones came home with a solid second on his home track while Lee Ladeceur finished third. Rob Pietz recovered from the earlier spin to finish fourth and Mark Hitchcock rounded out the top five.
An excited Dingwall was greeted in Victory Lane by friends and family as well as a fresh serving of Brighton grown apples and a jug of the areas finest cider. The ImageFactor.ca Applefest 358 Dirt Modified Shootout was a great success and should only grow in the years to come. The Brighton Speedway and ImageFactor.ca would like to thank all of the teams, staff and fans who helped make this such a great event.
ImageFactor.ca Applefest 358 Dirt Modified Shootout Results (40 laps): 1. #66 Kyle Dingwall, 2. #11 Chris Jones, 3. #12 Lee Ladeceur, 4. #69 Rob Pietz, 5. #95 Mark Hitchcock, 6. #72 Eric Gauvreau, 7. #3 Bill Mullin, 8. #115 Stephane Lafrance, 9. #1 Peter Mantha, 10. #98 Paul Pekkonen, 11. #96m Brian McDonald, 12. #20 Steve Bilow, 13. #35 Adam Moore, 14. #82 Doug Haldane, 15. #21 Jeff Ciglich, 16. #69x Harm Vanderweide, 17. #31x Andy Lloyd, 18. #84 Dave Heaslip (DNS) // Heat Wins: #96m Brian McDonald, #69 Rob Pietz, #11 Chris Jones // ImageFactor.ca 'Apple Dash': 1. #69 Rob Pietz, 2. #96m Brian McDonald, 3. #11 Chris Jones, 4. #95 Mark Hitchcock
ImageFactor.ca
Motorsports Promotions and Marketing
http://www.imagefactor.ca
sales@imagefactor.ca
Saturday, September 24, 2005
BARRIE SPEEDWAY: Havoline presents Mario Andretti at Barrie Speedway
Meet Mario Andretti at Barrie Speedway September 24th 5:15pm – 6:00 p.m. track sideToronto, Ontario – Racing legend Mario Andretti will greet fans and sign autographs Saturday, September 24th from 5:15 pm until 6:00 pm track side at Barrie Speedway located on the 8th Line of Oro-Medonte between Barrie and Orillia just off of Highway 11.
Andretti, a longtime spokesman of the Havoline brand, will be in town to not only promote Havoline’s high quality automotive products, but will be on hand at Barrie Speedway for grassroots racing at its best.
Mario Andretti is one of the most celebrated drivers in racing history and his name is synonymous with winning. He took the checkered flag 111 times during his career – a career that stretched five decades. He was named Driver of the Year in three different decades (the 60s, 70s, 80s), Driver of the Quarter Century (in the 90s) and he was named Driver of the Century by the Associated Press and RACER magazine in January, 2000. A four-time Champ Car national champion, Mario Andretti is the only driver to win the Daytona 500, Indianapolis 500 and Formula One World Championship.
Don’t miss this once in a life time opportunity to meet the living legend. Tickets are available through Barrie Speedway at the gate on race day.
# # #
CONTACTS:
Lauren Breaw
Chevron Global Lubricants
905-670-6470
breawlj@chevron.com
Brad Moran
Barrie Speedway
705-487-0279
Friday, September 23, 2005
Sunoco Ron Fellows Karting Championship presented by Toronto Star Wheels heads into final weekend
Release prepared by Russ Bond Agency ( www.russbondagency.com)September 22, 2005, INNISFIL, ONTARIO – For the second consecutive season, Innisfil Indy will host the final round of the Sunoco Ron Fellows Karting Championship presented by Toronto Star Wheels. Of the nine classes this year, only one has been decided heading into the final round.
In the headline Formula Senior class, Daniel Morad holds a slim lead over long time rival Robert Wickens. These are the only two in the championship hunt in this class.Marco Di Leo has a 94 point lead (with a possible 105 points up for grabs) over Eric Gerrits in Rotax Max. This should be enough unless Di Leo has a terrible weekend. Gerrits however will have to keep an eye on Devin Cunningham, as he is only 25 points behind Gerrits.
In World Formula, Adriano Billota who is at his home track this weekend has a good lead over Corey Usher and Wilson Tessari Neto, while in Canada Senior, Aaron de Heus leads Pearce Herder and Darryl Timmers.
One of the closest battles is in Formula Junior, where Kyle Marcelli has a two point lead over teammate Maxime Pelletier. Kenny Riedmann is third, some 51 points behind Marcelli.
In Rotax Junior, Michael Vincec leads Kevin Monteith by 160 points, which makes him the only driver to seal a championship before this weekend. Monteith will battle it out win Maxime Pelletier and Brad Forbes for second.
In World Formula Jr. Jeff May leads Joshua Korenyi and Wes Calaguiro. Only 72 points separates the top three. Michael Di Meo, Greg Rempel and Justin Holtom will do battle for top spot in Canada Junior Heavy. Only 48 points separate the top three. In Canada Junior light, Reid Arnold is in much the same position as Di Meo. He holds a slim lead over Jonathon Tredwell and Andrew Waring going into Innisfil.
There is also the subject of the Evaluation Day, which will be held on October 7. Drivers will all be looking for a good weekend to convince officials to give them a shot at a coveted Team Ultra 94 drive in 2006.
The objective of the SRFKC is to help foster a professional environment for kart drivers; help create a positive attitude towards appearance, conduct and discipline; help foster the employment of the best practices for the safe and fair running of competitions; and help kart drivers to move up the racing ladder to automobile racing.
For more information, please contact Russ Bond, 905-852-2900 r.bond@russbondagency.com
Brad Brown, k.andb.brown@sympatico.ca (416)-233-8727, Paul Cooke, ASN Canada FIA 905-403-9000.
Steve Kinser, 19- time World of Outlaws SprintCar “King” to join the Pettys newly created National SprintCar League in 2006.
PRESS RELEASE - SEPTEMBER 23, 2005
From http://www.nationalsprintcarleague.com
Richard Petty Driving Experience, a leader in providing high quality motorsports entertainment, announced the formation of the National SprintCar League. Steve Kinser, 19 - time World of Outlaws series champion, and 11 other current World of Outlaws drivers and teams have joined the newly formed NSL beginning in 2006.
The NSL has signed the following twelve current World of Outlaws series drivers and teams to 3-year agreements beginning with the 2006 season: Steve Kinser, Jason Meyers, Kraig Kinser, Danny “The Dude” Lasoski, Tim Shaffer, Paul McMahan, Joey Saldana, Jason Sides, Brian Paulus, Brandon Wimmer, Shane Stewart and Jason Solwold. The series has also received commitments from 3 - time World of Outlaws series champion Sammy Swindell, 16 - time World of Outlaws championship car owner Karl Kinser and long time team owner Dennis Roth to run in 2006.
“We looked at acquiring this series a couple of years ago,” said Kyle Petty, CEO of Petty Enterprises. “The foundation of drivers, owners, tracks, sponsors and fans combined with the Petty family of partners and resources is the primary reason for our desire to create this series. We are especially excited that Nextel Cup points leader Tony Stewart has joined our series as a team owner and track promoter. Obviously, Tony, as well as, fellow Nascar friends, Kenny Schrader, Dave Blaney and Kasey Kahne have their roots in sprint car racing. It's really a natural extension for RPDE in the motorsports entertainment arena. The Richard Petty Driving Experience is a huge part of our family business and it will provide an incredible infrastructure for this business. We fully intend to leverage our brand, assets and resources by increasing the exposure and awareness of the series through promotion, partnership integration and marketing activation. Our ultimate goal is to provide the highest quality sprint car racing in the world.”
“I am very excited to join the Pettys in this new series,” said 19 - time World of Outlaws sprint car champion, Steve Kinser. “The Pettys have been in the racing business for over 50 years and they understand what it takes to promote a successful motorsports series. To have them as series owners is an opportunity of a lifetime. I can hardly wait for next season.”
The NSL is making significant progress in organizing the 2006 championship schedule and is in discussions with several corporate partners regarding series sponsorship. In addition, the group is in the process of securing a comprehensive television package for the series.
“We plan on bringing our show to many of the famed sprint car tracks such as Eldora Speedway, Williams Grove Speedway and Knoxville Raceway,” said 7-time NASCAR champion, Richard Petty. “The initial response within the industry has been phenomenal. Our primary goal is to deliver a series that will benefit everyone involved; drivers, owners, tracks, sponsors and most importantly, the race fans,” said Petty. “This stuff reminds me of how racing was when I began to race 50 years ago, I love it,” exclaimed the King.
Richard Petty Driving Experience is a leading provider of motorsports entertainment and is headquartered in Concord , N.C. RPDE will operate more than 1,100 track days at 24 locations nationwide in 2005, including permanent locations at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Atlanta Motor Speedway, Walt Disney World Speedway â , Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte , Gateway International Raceway in St. Louis and Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet , IL . In 2004, RPDE ran over 1.5 million miles and provided over 100,000 driving and riding experiences to the public. RPDE currently manages several mobile marketing display programs for corporate clients such as General Mills, Dodge, Army and Ferguson Enterprises. RPDE also manages manufacturer ride and drive programs for the automobile industry and is currently operating a training and education program for Mercedes-Benz USA .
For information on the National SprintCar League or for partnership opportunities, please send an email inquiry to NSL@1800BePetty.com or call 704.454.6222.
From http://www.nationalsprintcarleague.com
Richard Petty Driving Experience, a leader in providing high quality motorsports entertainment, announced the formation of the National SprintCar League. Steve Kinser, 19 - time World of Outlaws series champion, and 11 other current World of Outlaws drivers and teams have joined the newly formed NSL beginning in 2006.
The NSL has signed the following twelve current World of Outlaws series drivers and teams to 3-year agreements beginning with the 2006 season: Steve Kinser, Jason Meyers, Kraig Kinser, Danny “The Dude” Lasoski, Tim Shaffer, Paul McMahan, Joey Saldana, Jason Sides, Brian Paulus, Brandon Wimmer, Shane Stewart and Jason Solwold. The series has also received commitments from 3 - time World of Outlaws series champion Sammy Swindell, 16 - time World of Outlaws championship car owner Karl Kinser and long time team owner Dennis Roth to run in 2006.
“We looked at acquiring this series a couple of years ago,” said Kyle Petty, CEO of Petty Enterprises. “The foundation of drivers, owners, tracks, sponsors and fans combined with the Petty family of partners and resources is the primary reason for our desire to create this series. We are especially excited that Nextel Cup points leader Tony Stewart has joined our series as a team owner and track promoter. Obviously, Tony, as well as, fellow Nascar friends, Kenny Schrader, Dave Blaney and Kasey Kahne have their roots in sprint car racing. It's really a natural extension for RPDE in the motorsports entertainment arena. The Richard Petty Driving Experience is a huge part of our family business and it will provide an incredible infrastructure for this business. We fully intend to leverage our brand, assets and resources by increasing the exposure and awareness of the series through promotion, partnership integration and marketing activation. Our ultimate goal is to provide the highest quality sprint car racing in the world.”
“I am very excited to join the Pettys in this new series,” said 19 - time World of Outlaws sprint car champion, Steve Kinser. “The Pettys have been in the racing business for over 50 years and they understand what it takes to promote a successful motorsports series. To have them as series owners is an opportunity of a lifetime. I can hardly wait for next season.”
The NSL is making significant progress in organizing the 2006 championship schedule and is in discussions with several corporate partners regarding series sponsorship. In addition, the group is in the process of securing a comprehensive television package for the series.
“We plan on bringing our show to many of the famed sprint car tracks such as Eldora Speedway, Williams Grove Speedway and Knoxville Raceway,” said 7-time NASCAR champion, Richard Petty. “The initial response within the industry has been phenomenal. Our primary goal is to deliver a series that will benefit everyone involved; drivers, owners, tracks, sponsors and most importantly, the race fans,” said Petty. “This stuff reminds me of how racing was when I began to race 50 years ago, I love it,” exclaimed the King.
Richard Petty Driving Experience is a leading provider of motorsports entertainment and is headquartered in Concord , N.C. RPDE will operate more than 1,100 track days at 24 locations nationwide in 2005, including permanent locations at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Atlanta Motor Speedway, Walt Disney World Speedway â , Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte , Gateway International Raceway in St. Louis and Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet , IL . In 2004, RPDE ran over 1.5 million miles and provided over 100,000 driving and riding experiences to the public. RPDE currently manages several mobile marketing display programs for corporate clients such as General Mills, Dodge, Army and Ferguson Enterprises. RPDE also manages manufacturer ride and drive programs for the automobile industry and is currently operating a training and education program for Mercedes-Benz USA .
For information on the National SprintCar League or for partnership opportunities, please send an email inquiry to NSL@1800BePetty.com or call 704.454.6222.
JOHNNY B: Taps Radio and DriveLine roll the dice and broadcast live from Casino Niagara!
Niagara Falls, ON. September 23, 2005 – Two of the most comprehensive and definitive radio programs of their kind, TAPS Radio and DriveLine, have found a new home in one of Canada’s premier gaming and entertainment facilities, Casino Niagara. Beginning Saturday September 24th at 1pm and every Saturday from there on, both these programs heard on NewsTalk 610 CKTB AM will broadcast live from a brand new state of the art studio located right in the heart of Casino Niagara’s gaming, restaurant, bar and entertainment area.
“This fits us like a surgical glove!” exclaims a jubilant John Bordignon “Johnny B” Host and Executive Producer of both TAPS Radio (Saturday 1-3pm EST) and DriveLine (Saturday 3-4pm EST). “TAPS Radio will benefit significantly from being at the center of a multi-venue entertainment facility. TAPS is the first radio program of its kind in Canada; so it’s only fitting we be the first to broadcast live from a casino each week. We’ll have access to world-class guests, fabulous restaurants and a cool sports bar and pub. This is what TAPS Radio was designed to focus on; it’s a perfect fit!
Johnny B is just as pumped about DriveLine. “Ever since I started up the premise for an automotive radio program 4 years ago I knew we were on to something. I keep telling people there’s no other radio program like this in the country. We cover inside industry news, racing, new and pre-owned vehicles and automotive repair.” Continues Johnny whose ego tends to get the best of him. “No one does it better than Rob and I, period!”
Bill Perrie, Co-Host of TAPS Radio and author of “Canada’s Best Pubs” and “The Pub Lover's Guide to Ontario" says, “being in the casino takes the show to greater heights, its an exciting time for TAPS radio and this premier location will help us grow like a fine single malt.” Aptly put by “Canada’s Pub Guy”. “I think the listeners are in for a treat as the caliber of guests and content will be top notch to reflect our surroundings.”
Rob Forte, Co-Host of DriveLine and an expert automotive technician and instructor says, “I thought Johnny was kidding when he first told me about the change, but it quickly became apparent that it was no joke. Broadcasting from Casino Niagara will further fuel the energy that we put into every show. Our show is about everything you drive and people will drive just about anything to get to a Casino so the fit is perfect.” Rob has been with DriveLine since it’s inception. “We're also closer to the border and that means a more variety of callers and topics...it's all good."
TAPS Radio (1-3pm EST) and DriveLine (3-4pm EST) heard exclusively every Saturday on NewsTalk 610 CKTB AM and now broadcasting live from Casino Niagara.
For further information contact:
John Bordignon
“Johnny B”
www.drivelineradio.com
“This fits us like a surgical glove!” exclaims a jubilant John Bordignon “Johnny B” Host and Executive Producer of both TAPS Radio (Saturday 1-3pm EST) and DriveLine (Saturday 3-4pm EST). “TAPS Radio will benefit significantly from being at the center of a multi-venue entertainment facility. TAPS is the first radio program of its kind in Canada; so it’s only fitting we be the first to broadcast live from a casino each week. We’ll have access to world-class guests, fabulous restaurants and a cool sports bar and pub. This is what TAPS Radio was designed to focus on; it’s a perfect fit!
Johnny B is just as pumped about DriveLine. “Ever since I started up the premise for an automotive radio program 4 years ago I knew we were on to something. I keep telling people there’s no other radio program like this in the country. We cover inside industry news, racing, new and pre-owned vehicles and automotive repair.” Continues Johnny whose ego tends to get the best of him. “No one does it better than Rob and I, period!”
Bill Perrie, Co-Host of TAPS Radio and author of “Canada’s Best Pubs” and “The Pub Lover's Guide to Ontario" says, “being in the casino takes the show to greater heights, its an exciting time for TAPS radio and this premier location will help us grow like a fine single malt.” Aptly put by “Canada’s Pub Guy”. “I think the listeners are in for a treat as the caliber of guests and content will be top notch to reflect our surroundings.”
Rob Forte, Co-Host of DriveLine and an expert automotive technician and instructor says, “I thought Johnny was kidding when he first told me about the change, but it quickly became apparent that it was no joke. Broadcasting from Casino Niagara will further fuel the energy that we put into every show. Our show is about everything you drive and people will drive just about anything to get to a Casino so the fit is perfect.” Rob has been with DriveLine since it’s inception. “We're also closer to the border and that means a more variety of callers and topics...it's all good."
TAPS Radio (1-3pm EST) and DriveLine (3-4pm EST) heard exclusively every Saturday on NewsTalk 610 CKTB AM and now broadcasting live from Casino Niagara.
For further information contact:
John Bordignon
“Johnny B”
www.drivelineradio.com
SCOOPED!... Waltrip takes NAPA and fox trots over to Bill Davis Racing
HIGH POINT, NC (Sept. 23, 2005) -- NASCAR driver Michael Waltrip and NAPA AUTO PARTS announced today they have entered into a partnership with Bill Davis Racing (BDR) for the 2006 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series season.
Nine victories and eight poles are shared between the parties including three Daytona 500 rings and a Southern 500 victory. Bill Davis Racing’s achievements lured Waltrip to their High Point, N.C. race shop.
“I like the way Bill does business and he has created a strong organization,” Waltrip explained. “NAPA and I look forward to continuing our winning ways at Bill Davis Racing on the track, as well as extending our successful marketing efforts off the track.”
Waltrip and NAPA were teamed up by the late Dale Earnhardt in 2001 when their initial race together put them in victory lane at the Daytona 500. Since then, the pair has taken advantage of their union to create one of the strongest partnerships in the sport.
“Teaming with Dale Earnhardt, Inc. and Dale [Earnhardt] Jr. for the past five years has been the highlight of my NASCAR NEXTEL Cup career to date,” continued Waltrip. “I look toward my future with NAPA and BDR with gratitude to DEI for the memories and friendships I have formed.”
“It is no secret that our association with Michael has been a key ingredient of our marketing efforts,” said Bob Susor, president of NAPA AUTO PARTS. “Race fans associate NAPA AUTO PARTS with Michael Waltrip and vice versa. Michael has promoted our brand in his own unique style. Moving forward, we are pleased to announce our continued support of Michael Waltrip and a new partnership with Bill Davis Racing. This begins a new chapter in NASCAR team sponsorship for NAPA. We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation for the many successes NAPA has enjoyed during our tenure with DEI such as two NASCAR Truck Series Championships and two Daytona 500 victories. We will value our DEI association and wish them nothing but the best in their future efforts.”
Next year will be Bill Davis Racing’s 14th year of competition on the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series level, the team’s 19th year in NASCAR competition. As a NASCAR team owner, Davis has worked with some of the sport’s top drivers achieving wins in all three premier divisions of NASCAR, totaling 18 victories, 100 top-five finishes and 250 top-10 finishes.
Davis currently fields one full-time NEXTEL Cup Series team with Scott Wimmer driving the No. 22 Caterpillar Dodge Charger. In 2004, Davis expanded his operations to house three full-time truck teams in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. The teams include Mike Skinner in the No. 5 Toyota Tundra, Bill Lester in the No. 22 Toyota Tundra, and Johnny Benson in the No. 23 Toyota Tundra.
“NAPA and Michael Waltrip are the perfect combination to re-establish our two-car Cup team in 2006,” said Davis. “NAPA and Michael are held in high regard in our sport and have been successful in each Series they have competed. We plan to build on their success and create a very competitive team next year and beyond.”
From: Spencer Andrews // NAPA Racing / Wasserman Media Group
Nine victories and eight poles are shared between the parties including three Daytona 500 rings and a Southern 500 victory. Bill Davis Racing’s achievements lured Waltrip to their High Point, N.C. race shop.
“I like the way Bill does business and he has created a strong organization,” Waltrip explained. “NAPA and I look forward to continuing our winning ways at Bill Davis Racing on the track, as well as extending our successful marketing efforts off the track.”
Waltrip and NAPA were teamed up by the late Dale Earnhardt in 2001 when their initial race together put them in victory lane at the Daytona 500. Since then, the pair has taken advantage of their union to create one of the strongest partnerships in the sport.
“Teaming with Dale Earnhardt, Inc. and Dale [Earnhardt] Jr. for the past five years has been the highlight of my NASCAR NEXTEL Cup career to date,” continued Waltrip. “I look toward my future with NAPA and BDR with gratitude to DEI for the memories and friendships I have formed.”
“It is no secret that our association with Michael has been a key ingredient of our marketing efforts,” said Bob Susor, president of NAPA AUTO PARTS. “Race fans associate NAPA AUTO PARTS with Michael Waltrip and vice versa. Michael has promoted our brand in his own unique style. Moving forward, we are pleased to announce our continued support of Michael Waltrip and a new partnership with Bill Davis Racing. This begins a new chapter in NASCAR team sponsorship for NAPA. We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation for the many successes NAPA has enjoyed during our tenure with DEI such as two NASCAR Truck Series Championships and two Daytona 500 victories. We will value our DEI association and wish them nothing but the best in their future efforts.”
Next year will be Bill Davis Racing’s 14th year of competition on the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series level, the team’s 19th year in NASCAR competition. As a NASCAR team owner, Davis has worked with some of the sport’s top drivers achieving wins in all three premier divisions of NASCAR, totaling 18 victories, 100 top-five finishes and 250 top-10 finishes.
Davis currently fields one full-time NEXTEL Cup Series team with Scott Wimmer driving the No. 22 Caterpillar Dodge Charger. In 2004, Davis expanded his operations to house three full-time truck teams in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. The teams include Mike Skinner in the No. 5 Toyota Tundra, Bill Lester in the No. 22 Toyota Tundra, and Johnny Benson in the No. 23 Toyota Tundra.
“NAPA and Michael Waltrip are the perfect combination to re-establish our two-car Cup team in 2006,” said Davis. “NAPA and Michael are held in high regard in our sport and have been successful in each Series they have competed. We plan to build on their success and create a very competitive team next year and beyond.”
From: Spencer Andrews // NAPA Racing / Wasserman Media Group
CELEBRATION OF MOTORSPORT: Ontario Road Racing Season Wraps Up October 1-2 At Mosport With CASC-OR Celebration Of Motorsport
The final road racing event of the season, the CASC Ontario Region Celebration of Motorsport takes place at Mosport the weekend of October 1-2.
CASC-OR's complimentary ticket program, supported by Inside Track, continues through this final event, with tickets available online through the CASC Ontario Region website at www.casc.on.ca or by calling the office at 416-667-9500.
This event will be the deciding round in a number of road racing championships.
There are only three points difference between the three leading drivers in the Honda Michelin Challenge Series going into this weekend's penultimate round at Mont Tremblant so Mosport will certainly decide the title.
In the Ontario Challenge Cup to decides the road racing champion of Ontario, Bob Armstrong of North Gower leads but Greg Beresford of Conestogo and Rob Microys of Gloucester are both only one good finish out of first place.
In the Touring GT Championship, Ontario's premier road racing series for modified production cars, Barrie's Scott Nicol leads the overall championship and the Touring class while Andrew Wojteczo of Caledon East leads Super GT and Alan Jones Jr. of Mississauga leads the GT category.
In the Isseco F1200 Championship Pickering's Frank Steinhausen leads but one poor finish on his part in the three weekend races will put Chris Hart of Bowmanville into first, and Michael Raekelboom of Caledon East still has a chance if the first two have significant problems.
In addition to the road racing activity, the 2005 Solo Ontario Top Gun Shootout will be taking place on Sunday October 2 at the Mosport Driver Development Track (adjacent to the main track). This is a special "best of the best" event where the top 70 competitors in CASC Ontario Region Solo 1 and 2 competition will compete on the same circuit to go into the final shootout. The Top Gun Shootout pits the best drivers from each class against the course in the same car (supplied courtesy of Mazda Canada). This competition will be a pure test of driver skill and will crown the overall Ontario Solo 1 & 2 Champion.
The whole Mosport facility will of course be open for this event, camping is free for the brave of heart and warm of blood, and this is always one of the best events every year - so come out and get your last taste of road racing for the 2005 season in Ontario.
- 30 -
Scott Ellsworth
Vice President
CASC-OR
vicepres@casc.on.ca
CASC-OR's complimentary ticket program, supported by Inside Track, continues through this final event, with tickets available online through the CASC Ontario Region website at www.casc.on.ca or by calling the office at 416-667-9500.
This event will be the deciding round in a number of road racing championships.
There are only three points difference between the three leading drivers in the Honda Michelin Challenge Series going into this weekend's penultimate round at Mont Tremblant so Mosport will certainly decide the title.
In the Ontario Challenge Cup to decides the road racing champion of Ontario, Bob Armstrong of North Gower leads but Greg Beresford of Conestogo and Rob Microys of Gloucester are both only one good finish out of first place.
In the Touring GT Championship, Ontario's premier road racing series for modified production cars, Barrie's Scott Nicol leads the overall championship and the Touring class while Andrew Wojteczo of Caledon East leads Super GT and Alan Jones Jr. of Mississauga leads the GT category.
In the Isseco F1200 Championship Pickering's Frank Steinhausen leads but one poor finish on his part in the three weekend races will put Chris Hart of Bowmanville into first, and Michael Raekelboom of Caledon East still has a chance if the first two have significant problems.
In addition to the road racing activity, the 2005 Solo Ontario Top Gun Shootout will be taking place on Sunday October 2 at the Mosport Driver Development Track (adjacent to the main track). This is a special "best of the best" event where the top 70 competitors in CASC Ontario Region Solo 1 and 2 competition will compete on the same circuit to go into the final shootout. The Top Gun Shootout pits the best drivers from each class against the course in the same car (supplied courtesy of Mazda Canada). This competition will be a pure test of driver skill and will crown the overall Ontario Solo 1 & 2 Champion.
The whole Mosport facility will of course be open for this event, camping is free for the brave of heart and warm of blood, and this is always one of the best events every year - so come out and get your last taste of road racing for the 2005 season in Ontario.
- 30 -
Scott Ellsworth
Vice President
CASC-OR
vicepres@casc.on.ca
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Brighton Speedway Park – Racing saturday sept 24th- 2005
Courtesy Brighton Speedway Park
The regular classes at bsp are being brought back for a post season race, and visitors are expected to join our ranks in this fun, "for purse only" racing.
Meet and greet the champions before the green flag flies. Get an autograph, snap a photo. Confirmed to attend are: ronnie wadforth (#40) brighton automotive pro stock; andrew hennessy (#02) mister signz novice & jason mccrory (#49) bill's johns comp 4. Tim bradley (#31) bainer's rad canadian modified champion will not be there in person, but his car, members of his pit crew and supporters will be on hand to celebrate with the others.
Headlining for the night are the 358 modifieds.. And there are quite a few considering coming to race on dirt.... As it should be. Image factor put together a list of 'expected' and 'possible' drivers attendings. 32 in total but around the 20 mark might be reasonable to expect.
Expected:
#3 bill mullin
#5 dan jalbert
#9 ken cosgrove
#11 chris jones
#12 harm vanderweide
#14 greg wilson
#20 steve bilow
#21 jeff ciglich
#31x andy lloyd
#35 adam moore
#61 bryan rogers
#69 rob pietz
#m70 billy cook
#66t cole dingwall
#66 kyle dingwall
#82 doug haldane
#95 mark hitchthingy
#98 paul pekkonen
#102 chris raabe
#115 stephane lafrance
#?? Jeff mckeown
Possible:
#1b bill gill
#12 lee ladeceur
#14 kyle wilson
#23 laurent ladeceur
#31 tom jock jr.
#44 brian stevens (anyone able to help tow him from merrittville??)
#63 sandy roberts
#84 dave heaslip
#96 fred carleton
#99 tammy jalbert
#124 pierre dagenais
It should be fast, it will be pedal to the metal, non stop dirt track action...for more information on the applefest 358 modified shootout visit the image factor website at: www.imagefactor.ca/applefestshootout
Racing in the enduro on sat oct 1st??? Want to have a practice and see what your car can do??? All you have to do is pay pit admission on saturday night and following the "show" - practice will take place.....
Racing starts at 7pm~gates open at 6pm
Racing on dirt... As it should be!!
The regular classes at bsp are being brought back for a post season race, and visitors are expected to join our ranks in this fun, "for purse only" racing.
Meet and greet the champions before the green flag flies. Get an autograph, snap a photo. Confirmed to attend are: ronnie wadforth (#40) brighton automotive pro stock; andrew hennessy (#02) mister signz novice & jason mccrory (#49) bill's johns comp 4. Tim bradley (#31) bainer's rad canadian modified champion will not be there in person, but his car, members of his pit crew and supporters will be on hand to celebrate with the others.
Headlining for the night are the 358 modifieds.. And there are quite a few considering coming to race on dirt.... As it should be. Image factor put together a list of 'expected' and 'possible' drivers attendings. 32 in total but around the 20 mark might be reasonable to expect.
Expected:
#3 bill mullin
#5 dan jalbert
#9 ken cosgrove
#11 chris jones
#12 harm vanderweide
#14 greg wilson
#20 steve bilow
#21 jeff ciglich
#31x andy lloyd
#35 adam moore
#61 bryan rogers
#69 rob pietz
#m70 billy cook
#66t cole dingwall
#66 kyle dingwall
#82 doug haldane
#95 mark hitchthingy
#98 paul pekkonen
#102 chris raabe
#115 stephane lafrance
#?? Jeff mckeown
Possible:
#1b bill gill
#12 lee ladeceur
#14 kyle wilson
#23 laurent ladeceur
#31 tom jock jr.
#44 brian stevens (anyone able to help tow him from merrittville??)
#63 sandy roberts
#84 dave heaslip
#96 fred carleton
#99 tammy jalbert
#124 pierre dagenais
It should be fast, it will be pedal to the metal, non stop dirt track action...for more information on the applefest 358 modified shootout visit the image factor website at: www.imagefactor.ca/applefestshootout
Racing in the enduro on sat oct 1st??? Want to have a practice and see what your car can do??? All you have to do is pay pit admission on saturday night and following the "show" - practice will take place.....
Racing starts at 7pm~gates open at 6pm
Racing on dirt... As it should be!!
Team Fastline finishes CASCAR Super Series in Tim Hortons - EMCEA Transport entries at Kawartha Speedway
By Bruce F. Mehlenbacher, JAJ EntertainmentSeptember 21, 2005, Peterborough, ON – Driving the Tim Hortons - EMCEA Transport Chevrolet Monte Carlos, team drivers Jeff and Jim Lapcevich finished in 17th and 26th position at Kawartha Speedway in Sunday’s CASCAR Super Series Dodge Ram Tough 250 presented by the Dodge Dealers of Ontario.
"It just wasn't our day,” stated Jeff Lapcevich. “We charged from the back after starting there due to an engine problem in qualifying only to have our run end short when we were spun by a rookie after the caution came out. We started at the back with the Tim Hortons - EMCEA Transport Chevy again and were into the top ten when the right front tire let go after contact with another rookie. It just went from bad to worse from there,” added Lapcevich. “On the positive side, we finished the season very competitively with a pair of top fives in the final three races. We're going to work hard to put a full program together for next year so we can race for the championship."
D.J. Kennington won the Dodge Ram Tough 250 presented by the Dodge Dealers of Ontario followed by Dave Whitlock and Peter Gibbons. Don Thomson Jr. of Hamilton, Ontario driving the Home Hardware Chevy clinched his fifth consecutive CASCAR Super Series National point championship.
“The EMCEA Transport - Tim Hortons 25 team was running second when we encounter motor problems,” explained Jim Lapcevich. “Our Chevy was running with the leader DJ (Kennington) before that happened. I was really hoping for a good finish to end our season.”
CASCAR ON TV: Watch CASCAR on SPORTSNET, for information regarding initial airings and replays of Super Series races on SPORTSNET, check your local listings or visit www.cascar.ca/schedule/tv_schedule.html.
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Championship Sunday: NBIS Points Races Conclude this Weekend
Courtesy Gord Curran
September 21st, 2005, Fredericton, NB – The NFL has Super Bowl Sunday. New Brunswick International Speedway has Championship Sunday with three Championships up for grabs. NBIS will be wrap up the season long points races in the CARQUEST Pro Stocks, Martin’s Home Heating Sportsman, and Coast Tire Street Stocks on Sunday, September 25th with the Kwik Kopy Printing Presents Final Points Racing and Fan Appreciation Day. Aside from some outstanding racing on the track, the day will feature an on-track autograph session prior to the event and door prizes. Autograph session starts at 1pm, racing at 2pm.
CARQUEST PRO STOCKS:
In the CARQUEST Pro Stock division, Glen Rasmussen is vying for his third CARQUEST Pro Stock championship, having previously won in 2000 and 2003. Just before Labour Day, the New Denmark resident staked a ten point lead over defending champion Dave O’Blenis, the largest points margin that any pro stock leader has posted in over a month. For most of the season, the division leader has never held more than a 10-point lead on the second place driver including one week in mid-August where the top four drivers had no less than three points separating them.
As solid as the lead appears, Rasmussen knows that it can all change in a heartbeat. Two years ago, he went into the final event in third place, 10 points behind leader Brad Mann. In a remarkable performance he won his heat, dash, feature to take home the championship by one point. Rasmussen knows its not over until the final lap especially with a posse of drivers trying to track him down, including three drivers tied for fourth. Second place car O’Blenis and Hal O’Neal in third have the best chances at Rasmussen although Leon Christie, Paul Gahan, and Darren Sherwood who are tied for fourth all have an outside chance. Sherwood should be back after a spectacular flying wreck totalled his car during the Irving Oil 250.
SPORTSMAN:
In the Martin’s Home Heating Sportsman division, Bradley Logan has held led since June 19th, holding off several challengers who rose to second only to fall back when their luck changed. In his quest for a third championship (sportsman 1997, 2000), Logan has been the model of consistency this season. In the nine points races this season, the Harvey Station resident has finished out of the top-5 only twice (6th place on August 20th and 10th place on August 7th).
Despite all the strong finishes, Logan is still looking for his shoulder as Michael Banks is nine points away out of first. The young Lake George driver finished third in the O’Leary Pontiac Excitement 150 on Labour Day Weekend and is working towards his first championship. Logan should also be wary of the third place driver, Brian Gillespie, as his good off-track friend and on-track rival is currently on a hot streak and 23 points out of first. The five-time champion (street stock 1994 & 1995, sportsman 1998, 2002, & 2003) and has won two of the last three sportsman events, including the O’Leary Pontiac Excitement 150 (Banks won the other race). Gillespie also has a history of final race heroics. In 2003 he went into the final event tied for fifth place 25 points out of first and regarded as a longshot contender at best. However, once the dust had cleared and points tabulated, the Nackawic wheelman had captured his fifth championship, surprising everyone including himself and crew. On the flip side, Logan as been here before and seems to enjoy the pressure.
STREET:
Saint John’s Rick Cashol almost has the Coast Tire Street Championship all wrapped up. Cashol has led the points since the beginning of the season, taking the lead after the first race and never looking back. He’s run very consistently since then and despite a strong effort by the second place driver, Joe Albert, over the last month, the Port City driver continues to lead the way with a 43 point lead.
The rookie race may be the most entertaining battle of the division as it’s a three car race featuring St.Stephen’s Shawn Hyslop, Geary’s Matt Matheson, and Oromocto’s John Feltmate who have been running neck and neck for most of the season. Hyslop has opened up a 19 point lead over Matheson while Feltmate remains in the distance, 42 points behind. Although the three drivers have performed well over the season, they have all suffered setbacks of one kind or another at various points, so this battle may get very interesting very quickly.
EVENTS:
Off the track, NBIS will host one of its more popular events of the season. The annual Fan Appreciation Day will feature an on-track, pre-race autograph session from 1pm to 1:50 where fans will get the chance to meet their favourite drivers and get their autograph. NBIS will also be giving away door prizes donated by local businesses all day long.
The points racing may be drawing to a close this weekend, but NBIS will be back for one final weekend of racing with a couple of fun events - their first ever Outlaw Race on Saturday, October 1st at 2pm and the final Enduro 200 event of the season on Sunday, October 2nd at 2pm. The Outlaw Race will consist of two races – a 100 lap race featuring sportsman and pro stocks together and a 50 lap Street Stock race. Outlaw Races feature minimal body and engine rules – basically competitors can run almost any competitive enhancements they want with a few exceptions. Safety rules remain in place. Details will be released soon. The Enduro 200 is a re-scheduled event from a May rainout.
Please contact Gord Curran at New Brunswick International Speedway (direct 506-455-3181, page 506-462-8116 or gord.curran@nbisonline.com ) if you have any other questions.
September 25th Event:
Kwik Kopy Printing Presents Final Points Racing & Fan Appreciation Day
Pit gates open at 9am
Grandstands open at noon
Pre-event Autograph Session starts at 1pm
Racing starts at 2pm
Points racing in the CARQUEST Pro Stocks (40 lap feature), Martin’s Home Heating Sportsman (30 lap feature), and Coast Tire Street Stock (20 lap feature) Divisions
Ticket Prices:
Adults (16 and over) $12
Youth (ages 9-15) $9
Children (ages 8 and under) FREE
Family Pass: Two adults, Two youth plus 4 pop and 4 fries for $35
New Brunswick International Speedway is Canada’s Fastest Short Track. The 1/3 of a mile high-banked paved oval features three classes of racing on a weekly basis: CARQUEST Pro Stocks, Martin’s Home Heating, and Coast Tire Street Stocks.
Over 60,000 people are expected to attend over 25 events during the 2005 season. NBIS is located off Highway 7 on Route 660 in Geary, NB, and is within minutes of Saint John and Fredericton. NBIS can be found online at www.nbisonline.com.
September 21st, 2005, Fredericton, NB – The NFL has Super Bowl Sunday. New Brunswick International Speedway has Championship Sunday with three Championships up for grabs. NBIS will be wrap up the season long points races in the CARQUEST Pro Stocks, Martin’s Home Heating Sportsman, and Coast Tire Street Stocks on Sunday, September 25th with the Kwik Kopy Printing Presents Final Points Racing and Fan Appreciation Day. Aside from some outstanding racing on the track, the day will feature an on-track autograph session prior to the event and door prizes. Autograph session starts at 1pm, racing at 2pm.
CARQUEST PRO STOCKS:
In the CARQUEST Pro Stock division, Glen Rasmussen is vying for his third CARQUEST Pro Stock championship, having previously won in 2000 and 2003. Just before Labour Day, the New Denmark resident staked a ten point lead over defending champion Dave O’Blenis, the largest points margin that any pro stock leader has posted in over a month. For most of the season, the division leader has never held more than a 10-point lead on the second place driver including one week in mid-August where the top four drivers had no less than three points separating them.
As solid as the lead appears, Rasmussen knows that it can all change in a heartbeat. Two years ago, he went into the final event in third place, 10 points behind leader Brad Mann. In a remarkable performance he won his heat, dash, feature to take home the championship by one point. Rasmussen knows its not over until the final lap especially with a posse of drivers trying to track him down, including three drivers tied for fourth. Second place car O’Blenis and Hal O’Neal in third have the best chances at Rasmussen although Leon Christie, Paul Gahan, and Darren Sherwood who are tied for fourth all have an outside chance. Sherwood should be back after a spectacular flying wreck totalled his car during the Irving Oil 250.
SPORTSMAN:
In the Martin’s Home Heating Sportsman division, Bradley Logan has held led since June 19th, holding off several challengers who rose to second only to fall back when their luck changed. In his quest for a third championship (sportsman 1997, 2000), Logan has been the model of consistency this season. In the nine points races this season, the Harvey Station resident has finished out of the top-5 only twice (6th place on August 20th and 10th place on August 7th).
Despite all the strong finishes, Logan is still looking for his shoulder as Michael Banks is nine points away out of first. The young Lake George driver finished third in the O’Leary Pontiac Excitement 150 on Labour Day Weekend and is working towards his first championship. Logan should also be wary of the third place driver, Brian Gillespie, as his good off-track friend and on-track rival is currently on a hot streak and 23 points out of first. The five-time champion (street stock 1994 & 1995, sportsman 1998, 2002, & 2003) and has won two of the last three sportsman events, including the O’Leary Pontiac Excitement 150 (Banks won the other race). Gillespie also has a history of final race heroics. In 2003 he went into the final event tied for fifth place 25 points out of first and regarded as a longshot contender at best. However, once the dust had cleared and points tabulated, the Nackawic wheelman had captured his fifth championship, surprising everyone including himself and crew. On the flip side, Logan as been here before and seems to enjoy the pressure.
STREET:
Saint John’s Rick Cashol almost has the Coast Tire Street Championship all wrapped up. Cashol has led the points since the beginning of the season, taking the lead after the first race and never looking back. He’s run very consistently since then and despite a strong effort by the second place driver, Joe Albert, over the last month, the Port City driver continues to lead the way with a 43 point lead.
The rookie race may be the most entertaining battle of the division as it’s a three car race featuring St.Stephen’s Shawn Hyslop, Geary’s Matt Matheson, and Oromocto’s John Feltmate who have been running neck and neck for most of the season. Hyslop has opened up a 19 point lead over Matheson while Feltmate remains in the distance, 42 points behind. Although the three drivers have performed well over the season, they have all suffered setbacks of one kind or another at various points, so this battle may get very interesting very quickly.
EVENTS:
Off the track, NBIS will host one of its more popular events of the season. The annual Fan Appreciation Day will feature an on-track, pre-race autograph session from 1pm to 1:50 where fans will get the chance to meet their favourite drivers and get their autograph. NBIS will also be giving away door prizes donated by local businesses all day long.
The points racing may be drawing to a close this weekend, but NBIS will be back for one final weekend of racing with a couple of fun events - their first ever Outlaw Race on Saturday, October 1st at 2pm and the final Enduro 200 event of the season on Sunday, October 2nd at 2pm. The Outlaw Race will consist of two races – a 100 lap race featuring sportsman and pro stocks together and a 50 lap Street Stock race. Outlaw Races feature minimal body and engine rules – basically competitors can run almost any competitive enhancements they want with a few exceptions. Safety rules remain in place. Details will be released soon. The Enduro 200 is a re-scheduled event from a May rainout.
Please contact Gord Curran at New Brunswick International Speedway (direct 506-455-3181, page 506-462-8116 or gord.curran@nbisonline.com ) if you have any other questions.
September 25th Event:
Kwik Kopy Printing Presents Final Points Racing & Fan Appreciation Day
Pit gates open at 9am
Grandstands open at noon
Pre-event Autograph Session starts at 1pm
Racing starts at 2pm
Points racing in the CARQUEST Pro Stocks (40 lap feature), Martin’s Home Heating Sportsman (30 lap feature), and Coast Tire Street Stock (20 lap feature) Divisions
Ticket Prices:
Adults (16 and over) $12
Youth (ages 9-15) $9
Children (ages 8 and under) FREE
Family Pass: Two adults, Two youth plus 4 pop and 4 fries for $35
New Brunswick International Speedway is Canada’s Fastest Short Track. The 1/3 of a mile high-banked paved oval features three classes of racing on a weekly basis: CARQUEST Pro Stocks, Martin’s Home Heating, and Coast Tire Street Stocks.
Over 60,000 people are expected to attend over 25 events during the 2005 season. NBIS is located off Highway 7 on Route 660 in Geary, NB, and is within minutes of Saint John and Fredericton. NBIS can be found online at www.nbisonline.com.
Tara MacLeod and Central Merchant Services Team finish 13th at Kawartha Speedway
Courtesy Bruce F. Mehlenbacher, JAJ EntertainmentSeptember 20, 2005, Peterborough, ON – MacLeod Racing team driver Tara MacLeod, in the Central Merchant Services entry, placed 13th at the season ending Dodge Ram Tough 250 presented by the Dodge Dealers of Ontario Sunday at Kawartha Speedway in the CASCAR Super Series.
“The Central Merchant Services Team set two goals at the start of the season,” said Tara MacLeod. “We were fortunate and accomplished both, winning the PowerWater CASCAR Super Series Rookie of the year championship and finishing in the top 15 in the points. Everyone worked really hard and I’m very proud of our accomplishments for our sponsor Central Merchant Services and the team.”
D.J. Kennington won the Dodge Ram Tough 250 presented by the Dodge Dealers of Ontario followed by Dave Whitlock and Peter Gibbons. Don Thomson Jr. of Hamilton, Ontario driving the Home Hardware Chevy clinched his fifth consecutive CASCAR Super Series National point championship.
MacLeod won the PowerWater CASCAR Super Series Rookie of the year championship, and finished 14th in the 2005 CASCAR Super Series Point Championship.
CASCAR ON TV: Watch CASCAR on SPORTSNET, for information regarding initial airings and replays of Super Series races on SPORTSNET, check your local listings or visit www.cascar.ca/schedule/tv_schedule.html.
VMS Team Spirit Survives Soggy Finale
Courtesy Jim Van Domselaar
September 19, 2005, Vernon, BC – CASCAR Western Series teams were forced to contend with dreary weather conditions at last weekend’s LORDCO 200. A forecast of persistent rain caused the series finale to be postponed, and the return of the rains on Sunday, September 11th significantly affected the outcome of the 200 lap event.
CASCAR officials made the call early to postpone the race to Sunday, and so teams were able to use part of Saturday to make any last minute adjustments to the cars before the rain began in earnest Saturday afternoon. Teams returned to the track Saturday night for what would have been the post-event wind up party, held in the skybox area above the Sun Valley Speedway main grandstand. The #14 crew made it an early night, anticipating that the wake-up call for Sunday’s compressed race schedule would come early.
Sunday morning’s weather was only slightly more promising, with overcast skies. Crew members got out their brooms and worked together to sweep away Saturday’s puddles. Teams practiced under the threat of rain, but the downpour held off. The VMS team members worked to contain their frustration during the two practice sessions. Numerous changes were made to the car’s setup, but just like at the previous event in Wetaskiwin, it seemed that nothing would make all four tires stick to the pavement. When the time came for qualifying, the #14 machine logged the 12th quickest time. Dissatisfied with the qualifying result, the # 14 team decided to pull the car out of the impound field and make further adjustments. This meant that Jr. would start the feature event at the back of the pack, in 16th spot.
The changes that were made after qualifying helped improve the car’s handling, and by Lap 26 Jr. and the SouthFort Chevrolet Monte Carlo were in 11th position overall. By Lap 29 the first caution was called and Jr. came in for another quick adjustment and a fuel top-up. The green flag came out again on Lap 40 and by Lap 50 Jr. had worked his way back up to 11th spot.
Another caution flag was flown at Lap 77 and the #14 machine returned to pit road for yet another chassis adjustment and some extra fuel. The SouthFort entry now had more than enough fuel to make it to the end of the 200 laps, but would still need to come in for a tire change. On Lap 122 the third caution flag was flown, due to what appeared to be a blown engine in the #76 car, so Jr. entered the pits one more time to take a right rear tire. The caution came out one more time when a wheel dislodged from the #21 machine and bounced around Turn 2 and the back straight, and so the VMS team came in for one final chassis adjustment. By this time the #14 had been lapped, but the team decided to enter pit road early, and paid the penalty of being sent to the end of the longest line for the next restart. But the SouthFort machine was now handling well, and Jr. was eager to work his way up through traffic.
While circling the track under yellow the rain that had threatened all day began to fall. On Lap 187 the teams were stopped on the track under red flag conditions. In short order the cars were directed back into the infield, and drivers were allowed out of their cars for what seemed would be an extended rain delay. This delay created problems for some teams’ crew members, who had planes to catch or who faced lengthy overnight road trips home. Ultimately, four of the seven VMS team members departed during the rain delay, leaving a barebones team of James Jr., James Sr., and Pit Crew member Herma to finish out the event.
After a ninety-minute delay drivers were called back to their cars and were sent out to help dry the track for twenty-five laps. Track conditions were still questionable when the green flag was thrown, and rain had started to fall once again. Jr. was shown in 7th position on the single-file re-start. After only five more laps another caution was thrown for debris on the track. The last re-start occurred on Lap 194 and on the white flag lap the #30 and #26 cars got together and crashed into the outside retaining wall. Track conditions remained green however, and the #14 was counted 6th across the finish line.
Looking back over 2005 the VMS team has run a solid season with several top-10 and some top-5 finishes. While the #14 team didn’t make a podium appearance this year, the crew solidified its position as a regular top-flight contender in the CASCAR Western Series. James Jr. would like to thank all the members of the #14 team for their ongoing dedication: “Without the effort of the whole team, and especially the countless hours of work by Jim Sr. and Herma, we would not be as competitive and professional as we are."
The driver and crew of the #14 SouthFort Chevrolet Monte Carlo sends their congratulations to the #35 team of Kevin Dowler who won their 5th CASCAR Western Series Championship. Congratulations also go out to the #21 team of Jason White who achieved the title of Rookie of the Year. The #14 team considers it a pleasure and a privilege to compete with these and all the other talented and hard-working teams of the CASCAR Western Series.
The VMS team would also like to thank Canadian motorsports fans for their enthusiastic support both on and off the track. Heartfelt thanks also go out to the team’s dedicated sponsors, without whom racing at this elite level would not be possible: SouthFort Chevrolet (Fort Saskatchewan, AB); Dewar Western, Inc. (Edmonton, AB); Boston Pizza (Fort Saskatchewan, AB); Advantage Signs (Fort Saskatchewan, AB); Quality Group (Edmonton, AB); General Auto & Ag Supply (Lamont, AB); Hydro-Scotford (Fort Saskatchewan, AB); Fort Welding & Mechanical Contracting (Fort Saskatchewan, AB); RCS Sheet Metal (Fort Saskatchewan, AB); TriStar Collision (Edmonton, AB); Camtec Inc. (Edmonton, AB); Sears Appliance Outlet (Fort Saskatchewan, AB); MacMillan Photography (Fort Saskatchewan, AB); L & W Automotive (Fort Saskatchewan, AB); Aldon Auto Salvage (Lamont, AB); Ellis-Govenlock Accounting (Edmonton, AB); Daytona Composites (Fort Saskatchewan, AB); CanTorque, Inc. (Edmonton, AB); Remax – Zucht Realty Team (Fort Saskatchewan, AB); Deciding Factor Investigations (Edmonton, AB), Noyen Construction (Fort Saskatchewan, AB) and H.E.D. Liner Power Boats (Sherwood Park, AB).
For more information on the VMS racecar and team, please access their website at: www.vandomselaarmotorsport.com.
September 19, 2005, Vernon, BC – CASCAR Western Series teams were forced to contend with dreary weather conditions at last weekend’s LORDCO 200. A forecast of persistent rain caused the series finale to be postponed, and the return of the rains on Sunday, September 11th significantly affected the outcome of the 200 lap event.
CASCAR officials made the call early to postpone the race to Sunday, and so teams were able to use part of Saturday to make any last minute adjustments to the cars before the rain began in earnest Saturday afternoon. Teams returned to the track Saturday night for what would have been the post-event wind up party, held in the skybox area above the Sun Valley Speedway main grandstand. The #14 crew made it an early night, anticipating that the wake-up call for Sunday’s compressed race schedule would come early.
Sunday morning’s weather was only slightly more promising, with overcast skies. Crew members got out their brooms and worked together to sweep away Saturday’s puddles. Teams practiced under the threat of rain, but the downpour held off. The VMS team members worked to contain their frustration during the two practice sessions. Numerous changes were made to the car’s setup, but just like at the previous event in Wetaskiwin, it seemed that nothing would make all four tires stick to the pavement. When the time came for qualifying, the #14 machine logged the 12th quickest time. Dissatisfied with the qualifying result, the # 14 team decided to pull the car out of the impound field and make further adjustments. This meant that Jr. would start the feature event at the back of the pack, in 16th spot.
The changes that were made after qualifying helped improve the car’s handling, and by Lap 26 Jr. and the SouthFort Chevrolet Monte Carlo were in 11th position overall. By Lap 29 the first caution was called and Jr. came in for another quick adjustment and a fuel top-up. The green flag came out again on Lap 40 and by Lap 50 Jr. had worked his way back up to 11th spot.
Another caution flag was flown at Lap 77 and the #14 machine returned to pit road for yet another chassis adjustment and some extra fuel. The SouthFort entry now had more than enough fuel to make it to the end of the 200 laps, but would still need to come in for a tire change. On Lap 122 the third caution flag was flown, due to what appeared to be a blown engine in the #76 car, so Jr. entered the pits one more time to take a right rear tire. The caution came out one more time when a wheel dislodged from the #21 machine and bounced around Turn 2 and the back straight, and so the VMS team came in for one final chassis adjustment. By this time the #14 had been lapped, but the team decided to enter pit road early, and paid the penalty of being sent to the end of the longest line for the next restart. But the SouthFort machine was now handling well, and Jr. was eager to work his way up through traffic.
While circling the track under yellow the rain that had threatened all day began to fall. On Lap 187 the teams were stopped on the track under red flag conditions. In short order the cars were directed back into the infield, and drivers were allowed out of their cars for what seemed would be an extended rain delay. This delay created problems for some teams’ crew members, who had planes to catch or who faced lengthy overnight road trips home. Ultimately, four of the seven VMS team members departed during the rain delay, leaving a barebones team of James Jr., James Sr., and Pit Crew member Herma to finish out the event.
After a ninety-minute delay drivers were called back to their cars and were sent out to help dry the track for twenty-five laps. Track conditions were still questionable when the green flag was thrown, and rain had started to fall once again. Jr. was shown in 7th position on the single-file re-start. After only five more laps another caution was thrown for debris on the track. The last re-start occurred on Lap 194 and on the white flag lap the #30 and #26 cars got together and crashed into the outside retaining wall. Track conditions remained green however, and the #14 was counted 6th across the finish line.
Looking back over 2005 the VMS team has run a solid season with several top-10 and some top-5 finishes. While the #14 team didn’t make a podium appearance this year, the crew solidified its position as a regular top-flight contender in the CASCAR Western Series. James Jr. would like to thank all the members of the #14 team for their ongoing dedication: “Without the effort of the whole team, and especially the countless hours of work by Jim Sr. and Herma, we would not be as competitive and professional as we are."
The driver and crew of the #14 SouthFort Chevrolet Monte Carlo sends their congratulations to the #35 team of Kevin Dowler who won their 5th CASCAR Western Series Championship. Congratulations also go out to the #21 team of Jason White who achieved the title of Rookie of the Year. The #14 team considers it a pleasure and a privilege to compete with these and all the other talented and hard-working teams of the CASCAR Western Series.
The VMS team would also like to thank Canadian motorsports fans for their enthusiastic support both on and off the track. Heartfelt thanks also go out to the team’s dedicated sponsors, without whom racing at this elite level would not be possible: SouthFort Chevrolet (Fort Saskatchewan, AB); Dewar Western, Inc. (Edmonton, AB); Boston Pizza (Fort Saskatchewan, AB); Advantage Signs (Fort Saskatchewan, AB); Quality Group (Edmonton, AB); General Auto & Ag Supply (Lamont, AB); Hydro-Scotford (Fort Saskatchewan, AB); Fort Welding & Mechanical Contracting (Fort Saskatchewan, AB); RCS Sheet Metal (Fort Saskatchewan, AB); TriStar Collision (Edmonton, AB); Camtec Inc. (Edmonton, AB); Sears Appliance Outlet (Fort Saskatchewan, AB); MacMillan Photography (Fort Saskatchewan, AB); L & W Automotive (Fort Saskatchewan, AB); Aldon Auto Salvage (Lamont, AB); Ellis-Govenlock Accounting (Edmonton, AB); Daytona Composites (Fort Saskatchewan, AB); CanTorque, Inc. (Edmonton, AB); Remax – Zucht Realty Team (Fort Saskatchewan, AB); Deciding Factor Investigations (Edmonton, AB), Noyen Construction (Fort Saskatchewan, AB) and H.E.D. Liner Power Boats (Sherwood Park, AB).
For more information on the VMS racecar and team, please access their website at: www.vandomselaarmotorsport.com.
Hankook Championship : a finale to look forward to
Courtesy Championnat Hankook du Quebec
Montréal, September 21, 2005 – The Federation Auto-Québec Hankook Championship season finale is set to be a barnburner in Mont-Tremblant this weekend. Four class champions still need to be confirmed, and in the only class out of contention, drivers won’t shy away from strong performances to score a coveted win on this legendary track.
“We can’t ask for a better place at a better time to end our season, comments series promoter Dominic St-Jean. Our drivers will tackle Tremblant, a circuit where F1 and Can-Am also raced, along with many larger than life champions. It’s in this gorgeous décor, specially now during the Fall Colours Festival, that we’ll pick the winners from the rest. We urge race fans not to miss this event. Tickets will be available at the entrance, and the landscape is breathtaking.”
Touring Hankook
No less than five drivers still have mathematical chances of winning the Championship in Touring Hankook. The current leader, doctor Jocelyn Hébert (Acura Integra), will have to fend off attacks by Yves Bédard (VW Golf GTI), Bobby Hamel (BMW 328i), Jacques Gravel (Hyundai Tiburon) and Valérie Limoges (Acura RSX Type S).
“We’re proud to show up at the legendary Tremblant circuit ahead in the standings, explains Hébert. We’re hoping we won’t experience the same bad luck as last year, when we showed up first and left second in the Championship. We’re up to the challenge and we really want to win to thank our sponsors and mechanics for their efforts and support. It’s going to be a close fight, but that’s what makes this Championship so interesting. Nothing is truly earned until the very end.”
The struggle to be rookie of the year will also be hotly pursued, with current leader Stéphane Carrier (VW Jetta GLX) having to keep Vincent Basile (Honda Civic) and Babu (Hyundai Tiburon) at bay. Musique Plus host Babu is having a rookie season above all expectations, and will be one to watch this weekend. Can he add sporting success to his already long list of accomplishments? We’ll certainly see many of his fans around track.
Excellence Chrysler Formula 1600 Cup
Olivier Bonnet enters the last straight of the season firmly in front, but Franc Roiron and Philippe Gélinas are far from beaten. Philippe will want to redeem the silly technical mistake, which earned him disqualification in Sanair, and Franc has the potential to run in front. “I’m really happy to come back to Tremblant this year since it’s an amazing track I really like, says Olivier Bonnet. Although we enjoy a comfortable lead in the standings, we have to stay alert and give our maximum to finish the season with a bang. The team is pumped up, and we really believe we can go win this one.”
GTO/GTU/GT
The GT classes will again race simultaneously, and Tremblant will bring its share of prestigious drivers from all over, as well as the exotic cars they drive. Now that the GTO title is in the bag for Malcolm Strachan (Chevrolet Corvette Z06), he’ll only need to worry about adding a win on the prestigious Tremblant circuit to his impressive mantle. “This should be a fun weekend for the Konica-Minolta Mobil-1 Corvette team. With the championship secured, we can push for a win without having to worry about points.” This win will be aggressively fought over, with three more Porsches (Jacques Villeneuve, Jules Roy and Jacques Rivard) and one Ferrari (Laurence Stroll) joining the fray.
In GTU class, the title fight boils down to a mano a mano fight between Normand Robert (Mazda RX7) and George Moutafis (BMW M3). The quick Fernando Scattolin (Porsche 911) won’t want to be left out and could get between the two title-fighters.
Finally, the GT title is almost beyond the reach of anybody else but Fernand Leblanc (Porsche 911 RSR), but it almost collapsed at the last minute. After being involved in an incident in Sanair, Leblanc had to rely on a little help from his friends. “After Sanair, we couldn’t make the repairs to our car in time. Fortunately, my good friend Paul Dufresne came to my rescue and let me borrow his 911 RSR, so I’ll proudly run his car under the Dufresne Buses banner. It will really be special if we can put this win in the bag amongst friends, and I’ll be very proud to do it in such a great place.”
Montréal, September 21, 2005 – The Federation Auto-Québec Hankook Championship season finale is set to be a barnburner in Mont-Tremblant this weekend. Four class champions still need to be confirmed, and in the only class out of contention, drivers won’t shy away from strong performances to score a coveted win on this legendary track.
“We can’t ask for a better place at a better time to end our season, comments series promoter Dominic St-Jean. Our drivers will tackle Tremblant, a circuit where F1 and Can-Am also raced, along with many larger than life champions. It’s in this gorgeous décor, specially now during the Fall Colours Festival, that we’ll pick the winners from the rest. We urge race fans not to miss this event. Tickets will be available at the entrance, and the landscape is breathtaking.”
Touring Hankook
No less than five drivers still have mathematical chances of winning the Championship in Touring Hankook. The current leader, doctor Jocelyn Hébert (Acura Integra), will have to fend off attacks by Yves Bédard (VW Golf GTI), Bobby Hamel (BMW 328i), Jacques Gravel (Hyundai Tiburon) and Valérie Limoges (Acura RSX Type S).
“We’re proud to show up at the legendary Tremblant circuit ahead in the standings, explains Hébert. We’re hoping we won’t experience the same bad luck as last year, when we showed up first and left second in the Championship. We’re up to the challenge and we really want to win to thank our sponsors and mechanics for their efforts and support. It’s going to be a close fight, but that’s what makes this Championship so interesting. Nothing is truly earned until the very end.”
The struggle to be rookie of the year will also be hotly pursued, with current leader Stéphane Carrier (VW Jetta GLX) having to keep Vincent Basile (Honda Civic) and Babu (Hyundai Tiburon) at bay. Musique Plus host Babu is having a rookie season above all expectations, and will be one to watch this weekend. Can he add sporting success to his already long list of accomplishments? We’ll certainly see many of his fans around track.
Excellence Chrysler Formula 1600 Cup
Olivier Bonnet enters the last straight of the season firmly in front, but Franc Roiron and Philippe Gélinas are far from beaten. Philippe will want to redeem the silly technical mistake, which earned him disqualification in Sanair, and Franc has the potential to run in front. “I’m really happy to come back to Tremblant this year since it’s an amazing track I really like, says Olivier Bonnet. Although we enjoy a comfortable lead in the standings, we have to stay alert and give our maximum to finish the season with a bang. The team is pumped up, and we really believe we can go win this one.”
GTO/GTU/GT
The GT classes will again race simultaneously, and Tremblant will bring its share of prestigious drivers from all over, as well as the exotic cars they drive. Now that the GTO title is in the bag for Malcolm Strachan (Chevrolet Corvette Z06), he’ll only need to worry about adding a win on the prestigious Tremblant circuit to his impressive mantle. “This should be a fun weekend for the Konica-Minolta Mobil-1 Corvette team. With the championship secured, we can push for a win without having to worry about points.” This win will be aggressively fought over, with three more Porsches (Jacques Villeneuve, Jules Roy and Jacques Rivard) and one Ferrari (Laurence Stroll) joining the fray.
In GTU class, the title fight boils down to a mano a mano fight between Normand Robert (Mazda RX7) and George Moutafis (BMW M3). The quick Fernando Scattolin (Porsche 911) won’t want to be left out and could get between the two title-fighters.
Finally, the GT title is almost beyond the reach of anybody else but Fernand Leblanc (Porsche 911 RSR), but it almost collapsed at the last minute. After being involved in an incident in Sanair, Leblanc had to rely on a little help from his friends. “After Sanair, we couldn’t make the repairs to our car in time. Fortunately, my good friend Paul Dufresne came to my rescue and let me borrow his 911 RSR, so I’ll proudly run his car under the Dufresne Buses banner. It will really be special if we can put this win in the bag amongst friends, and I’ll be very proud to do it in such a great place.”
Steckly Ends the Season with Ninth Place Run at Kawartha
Courtesy Kyle ErbScott Steckly driver of the Erb Group/ International Truck and Engine Pontiac Grand Prix was looking to finish this 2005 CASCAR Super Series season off with a good run this past weekend at Kawartha Speedway. The Erb Group team had to use their backup engine after blowing their primary motor last weekend at Cayuga. Steckly qualified the car in 20th out of 29 cars for the season finale.
The race was held on Sunday, September 18th under sunny skies just outside of Peterborough. Early on in the race the lack of power was evident as Scott struggled just to hang on to his 20th place standing. The biggest story of the race was the driving by #17 DJ Kennington, who at one point in the race was close to lapping the entire field after a long green flag run. The #22 Erb Group car pitted under caution on lap 97 to change a left rear tire and add fuel to the car. As the race went on Steckly continued to move up positions. Although he was 2 laps down to the leader Scott was in 12th place by lap 150 of 250. On the race teams second pit stop they changed the right rear tire on the car. Scott was continuing his was to the front and by the 210th lap he was up into 8th place, ahead of Dave Jacombs and rookie #75 Kenny Habul. It was an exciting finish as veterans Steckly and Jacombs tried to avoid holding up the lead lap cars and still race hard for position. However, rookie Habul was bouncing off everyone fighting for positions but eventually faded back to 10th place.
After the race Scott said “it was great to end the season with a top- ten finish. This year we’ve had great equipment and then something breaks and we get a poor finish. Today, we had an underpowered race car, but with good calls in the pits by crew chief Ken Gropp Jr. we were able to get the most out of the car. I’m really proud of the job the crew did on the car this weekend”. He also said “I would like to thank all of our sponsors for this year; we really appreciated all of their help in making this CASCAR Super Series season a success for 22 Racing”.
Don Thomson Jr. went on to his unprecedented 5th consecutive CASCAR Super Series championship last weekend at Kawartha.
Scott Steckly and the entire 22 Racing team are proudly sponsored by: The Erb Group of Companies, International Truck and Engine Dealers: ALTRUCK, Lewis and Metro; Thermo King of Eastern Canada, CPL Systems, AW Millwrights, Chris Root Precision Machine, D.H. Jutzi Limited, Commercial Babcock, Classy Collectibles, Twin City Graphics, Filtakleen, Duplicolor, Mr. Transmission (Guelph), and Stratford Motor Products, Holiday Inn Express (Calgary and Toronto Airport Area).
Brockville Ontario Speedway home of Saturday night racing, new point fund for 2006
By Steve YoungBROCKVILLE, ON – When Brockville Ontario Speedway swung open its gates for the first time back in 1969, it did so on a Saturday night. In the continuing effort to return to its racing roots the Speedway will again race on Saturday evenings with a DIRT Motorsports Inc sanctioned program for the 2006 season.
"The reality is that many race fans and teams consider Saturday night, race night," said Brockville Ontario Speedway promoter Paul Kirkland. "We've been busy the last couple of months talking to fans, race teams and sponsors alike and for many of them Saturday night seems to work the best."
Kirkland consulted with all sectors of the motorsports community prior to making the change. The track received the blessing of DIRT Motorsports Inc last week before moving forward with the 2006 plan.
"Some people are going to look at this as new competition for other tracks," added Kirkland. "Actually its the beginning of a new era of cooperation with the tracks in eastern ontario and western Quebec. Now there will be three different tracks on three different nights to enjoy."
To encourage just that a new City A-1 Radiator point fund is being introduced. Long time supporter of grass roots racing Bryan Pittman has pledged substantial dollars for the 358 Modified class in 2006. To qualify for this special bonus point fund from the Brockville based business teams must run the BOS on Saturday night and their choice of Autodrome Edelweiss or Cornwall Motor Speedway. The top five points finishers based on results from Brockville and the companion track will be able to tap into the City A-1 point fund cash for 2006.
"Our DIRT Sportsman class will not be overlooked either,"said Kirkland. "The class has grown by leaps and bounds the last year or so and they are an integral part of program for both today and the future. We are working on some special things for them that we hope to announce in the near future."
4th Annual "500 Finale" this weekend at Barrie Speedway
By Scott FletcherMilton, On: Team JNE Consulting return to action Sunday September 25 at Barrie Speedway after two weekends off. John and his team are chomping at the bit to get back into it and the team will race the next three consecutive weeks to close out the 2005 OSCAAR Outlaw Super Late Model Series. Team JNE Consulting is trailing Rob Clarke by 131 points and with three races left, it is a tall task to chip away at this lead.
“We are confident we can close in on that 49 car over the next couple of weeks, our guys have worked hard to get things prepared for the rest of the year, it may come down to 10 points again like last year. We know we can be on the right side this year”. John, referring to the tight point’s battle of 2004: This week’s action will be a Sunday afternoon event.
Saturdays action at the speedway is also the finally to the Barrie Speedway Late Model Division points night. With some of John’s customers and clients battling it out for the title. Best of luck to the 47 of Tom Walters and the 25 of John Gaunt, Waters has a 23-point lead over John and the pair have a win each. Tim Watson in third place and fifth place in points with 2 wins on the year Robin Jongen.
DRIVE FOR RELIEF PARTICIPANTS RAISE OVER $20,000 FOR HURRICANE KATRINA RELIEF EFFORT
Courtesy Bill Janitz, MIS Director of Public Relations
BROOKLYN, Mich. – Participants in the September 12-16 “Drive for Relief” at Michigan International Speedway gave the general public a rare chance to take their personal vehicles around the historic 2-mile oval. The event was held in conjunction with the American Red Cross in response to Talladega Superspeedway’s call to action to all sister tracks throughout International Speedway Corporation (ISC) in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
The week-long event raised over $20,000 for the American Red Cross Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. Hundreds of cars made their way to MIS for a lap on the track from Michigan, Ohio, and as far away as Ontario, Canada and Southern Indiana.
“The Drive for Relief proved how giving the Midwest is,” said MIS President Brett Shelton. “Everyone who participated should be commended for stepping up and donating generously to others in need. Our staff at MIS was honored to be able be a part of a fantastic week of giving to the American Red Cross and those affected by Hurricane Katrina.”
Beginning at Richmond International Raceway and its Chevy Rock & Roll 400 weekend earlier this month, ISC-owned tracks began facilitating the collection of monetary donations from race fans to the Red Cross in support of the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.
Remaining ISC event weekends where fans can donate to the relief fund at track include:
Talladedga Superspeedway: Oct. 1st weekend
Kansas Speedway: Oct. 7th weekend
Martinsville Speedway: Oct. 21st weekend
Phoenix: Nov. 11th weekend
Homestead-Miami: Nov. 18th weekend
For those race fans not attending any of these events, donations can be made to the Hurricane Katrina disaster relief efforts and supporting Talladega’s call to action by visiting, www.racefanshelp.com.
ISC’s corporate office located in Daytona Beach, Fla., committed $1 million in funding and services to jump start the initiative. Funding and services include monetary donations and clothing from ISC’s merchandising subsidiary Americrown.
BROOKLYN, Mich. – Participants in the September 12-16 “Drive for Relief” at Michigan International Speedway gave the general public a rare chance to take their personal vehicles around the historic 2-mile oval. The event was held in conjunction with the American Red Cross in response to Talladega Superspeedway’s call to action to all sister tracks throughout International Speedway Corporation (ISC) in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
The week-long event raised over $20,000 for the American Red Cross Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. Hundreds of cars made their way to MIS for a lap on the track from Michigan, Ohio, and as far away as Ontario, Canada and Southern Indiana.
“The Drive for Relief proved how giving the Midwest is,” said MIS President Brett Shelton. “Everyone who participated should be commended for stepping up and donating generously to others in need. Our staff at MIS was honored to be able be a part of a fantastic week of giving to the American Red Cross and those affected by Hurricane Katrina.”
Beginning at Richmond International Raceway and its Chevy Rock & Roll 400 weekend earlier this month, ISC-owned tracks began facilitating the collection of monetary donations from race fans to the Red Cross in support of the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.
Remaining ISC event weekends where fans can donate to the relief fund at track include:
Talladedga Superspeedway: Oct. 1st weekend
Kansas Speedway: Oct. 7th weekend
Martinsville Speedway: Oct. 21st weekend
Phoenix: Nov. 11th weekend
Homestead-Miami: Nov. 18th weekend
For those race fans not attending any of these events, donations can be made to the Hurricane Katrina disaster relief efforts and supporting Talladega’s call to action by visiting, www.racefanshelp.com.
ISC’s corporate office located in Daytona Beach, Fla., committed $1 million in funding and services to jump start the initiative. Funding and services include monetary donations and clothing from ISC’s merchandising subsidiary Americrown.
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Mechanical problems stop Micks and PowerWater Ford in CASCAR final
Courtesy Bruce F. MehlenbacherSeptember 19, 2005, Peterborough, ON – PowerWater driver Kerry Micks placed a disappointing 27th position in Sunday’s CASCAR Super Series final event of the season at Kawartha Speedway with mechanical problems.
“I’m really happy with our season, there’s not too many drivers that can say they had three wins like we did in the PowerWater Ford,” explained Kerry Micks. “It was one of those years with highs and lows. It’s like we did really great or really bad, there seemed to be no in between.”
D.J. Kennington won the Dodge Ram Tough 250 presented by the Dodge Dealers of Ontario followed by Dave Whitlock and Peter Gibbons. Don Thomson Jr. of Hamilton, Ontario driving the Home Hardware Chevy clinched his fifth consecutive CASCAR Super Series National point championship.
“We had a great team this year and everyone worked really hard,” added Micks. “The PowerWater Micks Motorsports Team’s goal is to win races and contend for the CASCAR championship and we’ll be back next year you can count on that.”
Micks, with three wins this season in the PowerWater Micks Motorsports Ford, finished in seventh position in the 2005 CASCAR Super Series Points Championship.
CASCAR ON TV: Watch CASCAR on SPORTSNET, for information regarding initial airings and replays of Super Series races on SPORTSNET, check your local listings or www.cascar.ca/schedule/tv_schedule.html.
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