MOSPORT TO REV-UP THE EXCITEMENT FOR NASCAR CANADIAN TIRE SERIES RACE WITH DRIVERS PARTY AT HOOTERS WHITBY ON FRIDAY, AUG. 7

(BOWMANVILLE, ON – July 31, 2009) The Mosport Speedway 200, featuring the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, rolls into Canada’s fastest half-mile oval next Saturday night, but you can get revved up for the race on Friday, August 7 with the Mosport Drivers Party at Hooters Whitby (1608 Dundas St., E. at Thickson Rd.) from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

The party will feature NASCAR Canadian Tire Series drivers Mark Dilley, Cale Gale, Scott Steckly, Dave Thorndyke and Dave Whitlock, who will be available for autographs and pictures. All five drivers will also have their NASCAR Series cars on display and fans are invited to bring along their cameras.

The Dickies Canadian Worker of the Year display will be on hand to allow guests to nominate candidates for the Canadian Worker of the Year contest and for a chance to win some great prizes including a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 full-size pick-up truck.

Advance tickets for the Mosport Speedway 200 are just $25 until August 5 ($30 at the Gate) and parking is free. Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by a paid adult admission.

For more information about tickets, call the Mosport Hotline at 1-800-866-1072 (Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm ET) or visit online at www.mosport.com. Tickets are also available at Ticketmaster.

From Lee Bailie, Mosport

Merrittville Speedway: 17th Trevor Wilkens Memorial at Merrittville Speedway in just 3 days - will Phelps score a hat trick?

THOROLD, Ontario (July 31) – It’s been a tradition at Merrittville Speedway since 1972 – make it yours in 2009 and follow the Big Block Super DIRTcar Series to the Thorold d-shaped oval for the 17th annual Trevor Wilkens Memorial 100 presented by Hingston Metal Fabricators and Toolneeds – Monday August 3rd in just 3 days!

The last time the Big Block Super DIRTcar Series was in action in mid July at the Cayuga County Fairgrounds in Weedsport NY in the inaugural All Star 100 Weekend.

Capturing his first career Super DIRTcar Series victory just 24 earlier at the storied 3/8-miler in the ‘All-Star 50’ preliminary event, Ryan Phelps proved it was no fluke by overtaking pole-sitter Matt Sheppard past the halfway point then holding off a late-race rally by Tim Fuller to post a dramatic win in front of a capacity crowd on this landmark occasion.

“This is great, just unbelievable,” remarked Phelps, 25, as he struggled to find the words to describe easily the biggest triumph of his budding career steering the Big Red Towing no. 99 Dave Miller Auto Body/Bicknell entry in DIRTcar Racing Northeast’s premier tour for Big-Blocks in the nation. “I’m really speechless.”

“Didn’t even think I’d ever win a series race let alone two in one weekend, and then one for 20-grand plus back-to-back. I just can’t thank everybody that helped out enough. We’ve really come a long way the last couple years,” beamed Phelps, an 11th grade history teacher at Newark (NY) High School.

Will he score a hat trick on the 3rd or will his cousin Jimmy Phelps defend his Wilkens win from last season?

“Last year was only our third race at Merrittville but we’ve always been pretty fast there,” remarked Phelps, who lasted only one lap in the 2006 edition after suffering a broken rear-end, then finished sixth the following summer. “I kinda grew up at Brewerton which is tight like Merrittville, so I feel like I’m a little better there than at some of the other tracks on tour.”

Will defending Merrittville Champion Chad Brachmann pull off a Ron Smoker-esque strategy and beat the Big Blocks with his Mighty Taco # 3 and break into the win column for the first time of the season?

Current Point leader Larry Lampman has won two big events so far in 2009 – the 358 Modified Super DIRTcar Series Event and the recent Jerry Winger Memorial.

Will he score a third August 3rd for car owners Dan and Veronica Miller in his Hingston Metal Fabricators #22?

All these questions and many others will be answered this Monday August 3rd! 

Commemorating the 17th running of Merrittville Speedway’s biggest event - the days leading up to the event honors the memory of the up and coming driver of the Pete Cosco Haulage 17c 358 Modified – Trevor Wilkens - who passed away far too young from cancer in the summer of 1993.

From the first event in 1972 through to this year’s edition – a who’s who of DIRTcar Modified Racing converge annually on the Canadian showplace to take on Merrittville’s own talented field in the Civic Holiday Classic.

Almost gaining as much in tradition as the race itself is the pre-race Pasta Dinner served up by Merrittville’s Annual Banquet Hosts – Club Castropignano. For race fans and race teams alike – it’s the best deal in DIRTcar Dining.

Feast on fresh pasta and meatballs, garden salad, dinner roll and a can of Pepsi for $10 in advance.

“It just adds to much to the event,” relates (Merrittville GM) Erica Bicknell, “Thorold has a rich Italian Heritage and we’re proud to showcase the Club with an awesome dinner … race fans and race teams alike should come to the event hungry … I know I do … no one goes away hungry.”

Get your tickets at the track … via e mail – ebicknell@cogeco.net or from the Speedway Office at 905-892-8266.

Race Fans and teams alike should get their Pasta Tickets in advance as on Race Day – Tickets are $12.

Merrittville Speedway’s Trevor Wilkens Memorial 100 lap Big Block Modified Super DIRTcar Series Event Monday August 3rd – it’s unparalleled … unrivalled and unsurpassed and it’s a must see event.

The heart-pounding, high-powered, pedal-mashing entertainment includes a 25 lap Duel on the Dirt Home Track Event as Merrittville’s full fendered Hoosier Stocks continue the drive for five against the Brighton Speedway Pro Stocks and a 25 lap Stars North Mod Lite Tour Event for the Modern Corporation Open Wheel Lites.

Gates open Monday August 3rd and the Club Castropignano Pasta Dinner begins at 4 PM and runs until 6.

Adult Grandstand Tickets are $25, Students and Seniors - $20, Juniors from 8 to 12 are $10 and Children under 8 are free.

Merrittville Speedway is located in Thorold Ontario Canada – just a short drive from the International Bridges. For further information call 905-892-8266 or visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com.

From Tom Skibinski / DIRTcar

Brian Graham Racing/ TLM Racing with Grote win at Calabogie

The BGR/TLM Racing squad arrived Thursday afternoon (July 23) to an upgraded Calabogie Motorsports Park. Friday testing showed great promise for drivers Stefan Rzadzinski in his BGR VanDiemen supported by Supertint, The ABL Group, Amsoil, and Synthetic Lubricants.ca  as well as MIkhail Goikhberg in his BGR/Amsoil VanDiemen. Stefan held 2nd quick time and Mikhail 3rd at the end of the day.

Saturday's practice saw the same order and in qualifying it was Stefan 2nd and Mikhail 4th. At the green Stefan got away well and entered the first turn off line on the dirty part of the track and simply couldn't get any grip, the car left the track and contacted heavily nose first in the turn one tire wall, a dissapointed Stefan climbed out unhurt.

Mikhail was also caught out by the lack of grip on the right hand side of the track in turn one and slid off but managed to rejoin the track, he lost some momentum but recovered well. He quickly made up the lost ground and held on for 3rd  after a good battle with Andrew Mason who finished 4th overall and won the B class. It was Mikhail's first podium of the season.

After a late night to repair Stefan's car the team once again was 2nd and 3rd in practice and then solidified that again in qualifying with Stefan once again on the front row. Eager to make up for saturday's dnf, Stefan got the jump on the polesitter and took the lead into turn one, with Mikhail slotted into 3rd, at the entry to turn one the next lap Matt White who started on pole drafted by and Stefan also found his teamate Mikhail slipping by. Mikahail was on a charge and drafted by White but unfortunetly the two came together in the next braking zone and were both out on the spot.

Stefan regained the lead and finished the lap ahead of Olivier Bonnet and rookie Nathan Block. With a lenthy yellow to pick up the cars of Mikhail and White and with lightning looming the cars were greeted with the checkered flag after a few laps behing the pace car to secure Stefan's first win.

"The team is thrilled for Stefan and his supporter's, he works very hard at this and has had his share of bad luck this season. The crash saturday was a real shame, the race shortly before ours had 50 GT cars and the dirty side of the track had virtually no grip and simply caught him out so it was the perfect way to rebound. We are equally pleased for Mikhail and his solid podium saturday and to have both our cars lead on sunday was encouraging. They both are getting faster every weekend and we are looking forward to the next event where Fabio Urbano will be back as well."

Stefan sits 2nd in the championship with Fabio 6th and Mikahil 8th.

"We really have to thank CMP for a great event and MCO for an outstanding job running the show.

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DRAGS: Stratford Spectacular event continues at the Grand Bend Motorplex

GRAND BEND, ONTARIO (July 30, 2009) – The tradition continues at the Grand Bend Motorplex August 8-9. Since 1996, the drag racing community of Southwestern Ontario has teamed up with the business community in presenting some of the best in local racing, and this year’s Stratford Spectacular Hot August Nationals presented by Ideal Supply & NAPA Auto Parts at the Grand Bend Motorplex promises to be a memorable show.

“The concept this year is the same as other years,” said Sam Blowes, one of the event’s organizers. “But this year it will be a bigger show.”

Started in 1996 at St. Thomas Dragway, a group of racers joined up with local businesses, providing free tickets through the businesses for a day of racing. The concept has proven very popular over the years, as merchants get behind the event in promoting the sport.

“We had no trouble in selling it,” Blowes said about the event. “With free tickets from the merchants and sponsors, the tracks went for the idea, as it brought a lot of people into the stands.”

He added that the race, which has been held at the Grand Bend Motorplex for the past 12 years, is something that everyone looks forward to, and aside from the racing, there are other auto-related activities such as car shows and cruise nights which have enhanced the weekend.

“We’re going to see (race) cars at the Grand Bend Motorplex for this show that only come out once a year,” he continued. “We’ll get upwards of 500 cars. It will be the biggest show at the track behind the IHRA Canadian Nationals. People, both racers and fans, look forward to the weekend.”

Blowes said the business community has been behind the event 100 percent providing sponsorship and free ticket packages.

Sam Blowes, who himself races a 1951 Mercury truck in Top Sportsman, said that the intent of the show will remain as it was when it started, and that is to give recognition to all drag racers.

“Racers all have the same blood,” he said, “whether they race an 18-second car or a six-second car.”

And he was appreciative of all the help that goes into an event of this magnitude.

“There’s a lot of effort that goes into this, and it couldn’t be done without the local sponsors.”

And for 2009, the show will the biggest in the event’s history.

To be held at the Grand Bend Motorplex August 8-9, the Stratford Spectacular Hot August Nationals, the eighth-mile racing event will feature the Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA), www.PMRA.ca, a four car Alcohol Funny Car Match Race, a Jet Truck, a Supercharged V8 Drag Bike, the Quick 32 Sportsman Series presented by NAPA Auto Parts, www.Quick32.ca, the Grand Bend Motorplex Top Dragster and Top Sportsman Series, plus great racing action in the Thunder series and Junior Dragster programs.

Other auto-related activities such as car shows and cruise nights will also be held, along with a fireworks display.

Complimentary spectator event tickets are available at Ideal Supply & NAPA Auto Parts locations across Ontario, at businesses in Stratford, or by contacting the Quick 32 Sportsman Series or the Pro Modified Racing Association.

General parking is $20 per car load, and weekend camping is available.

For information about the Stratford Spectacular Hot August National presented by Ideal Supply & NAPA Auto Parts at the Grand Bend Motorplex, call (519) 238-7223 or visit www.grandbendmotorplex.com.

From Bruce F. Mehlenbacher

ACT Tour Twin State 100 postponed to Sunday

Claremont, NH – The American Canadian Tour Twin State 100 at Twin State Speedway in Claremont, NH has been postponed until Sunday, August 2. The gates will open at 11am and post time is set for 5pm. The Twin State 100 is the ninth event on the ACT Tour's 13 race schedule.

Brian Hoar of Williston, VT will attempt to close the gap between him and current point leader Scott Payea. The margin currently stands at 22 points and time is running out with only five races remaining. Joey Polewarczyk, Jr., Randy Potter and Brent Dragon are all in the top five and can't be counted out of the title hunt.

The Twin State 100 will be the seventeenth qualifying race for the ACT Invitational at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on September, 19. Thirteen drivers have already qualified and a possible fourteenth will be named after tomorrow's, August 1, Série ACT Castrol Montmagny 250 in Montmagny, QC.

From ACT

KENNINGTON PUTS CASTROL/MAHINDRA TRACTOR DODGE ON THE PODIUM

July 30, 2009. Following some disappointment in Edmonton DJ Kennington and the #17 Castrol/Mahindra Tractor Dodge team looked to bounce back during round number seven of the NASCAR Canadian Tire series at Auto Clearing Speedway and wrap up the western swing with some momentum. With a solid team effort Kennington claimed a third place finish and helped tighten up the championship points standings.

Once again Kennington had the Castrol/Mahindra Tractor Dodge among the front runners during afternoon practice and posted an impressive run during qualifying and would start the 250 lap feature third. “I could have been a little better I think” said Kennington. “There was a bit of speedy dry on the back straight that I hit and it upset the car just enough or we might have been right up front” he added.

As the race began Kennington took his usual approach of feeling out the car and the competition while running comfortably up front. “The Casrol/Mahindra car was pretty good at the beginning” said Kennington. “We’re trying a whole bunch of things right now trying to get better, we know what to do to be fast, but we want to make sure we can be fast for the whole race” he added.

Kennington continued to work to maintain a position near the front of the field through the midway point of the race. Just past halfway during a caution period the #17 Castrol/Mahindra Tractor team made their scheduled pit stop and elected to take on fuel and put four tires on the car. “We kind of got snookered at Vernon and I didn’t want to get caught without fresh tires” said the driver.

With fresh rubber the handling was much improved and Kennington would take the #17 Castrol/Mahindra Dodge to the front of the field on lap 184. Though eventually he would be passed by two other cars Kennington was able to maintain a quick pace and bring the car home with a third place podium finish. His fifth top-five finish of the season. “We’ll take it” said Kennington. “It was a good points day we did make a few gains and I’m pleased about that”.

While Kennington thought he had a car capable of winning after his scheduled service for tires and fuel there were some minor adjustments that could have made the difference. ”We’ve still got some work to do, but we’re getting there. We lead a few laps and now we’re going to take these notes that we’ve got and work on some things for the next race. It’s such a fine line with these cars, everybody is so even and we just need to make that little bit of improvement and we’ll be there”.

After seven races Kennington sits fourth in the overall championship standings.

The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series returns to Ontario for round number eight on the Mosport oval track, Saturday August 8th. This years schedule includes events at Trois Riveres and at the NASCAR weekend in Montreal. All thirteen races will again be broadcast on TSN. To cast your vote for DJ Kennington as the mot popular NASCAR Canadian Tire Series driver click here and for more on DJ Kennington log onto http://www.djkennington.com/

Photo: DJ Kennington taking the Castrol/Mahindra Tractors Dodge on it’s qualifying run

Photo Credit: Todd Lewis

BEAUCHAMP PICKS UP TOP-TEN IN MOPAR PARTS DODGE

July 30, 2009. Ron Beauchamp Jr. and the #60 Mopar Parts Dodge Avenger team were looking to continue their strong season as the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series wrapped up its three race western swing with a stop at Auto Clearing Speedway in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. While Beauchamp did show how strong the car can be during qualifying and practice, it proved to be a handful during the 250 lap race.

The #60 Mopar Parts Dodge performed flawlessly during practice and Beauchamp would post the fourth quickest qualifying time and earn a starting position on the outside of row number two. “We were a little bit free but I think everybody was” said Ron Jr. after qualifying but I was pretty happy with the car and thought we’d be okay for the race” he added.

When the green flag dropped on the main event Beauchamp knew immediately he had his hands full with a difficult race car. “I’m not really sure what happened, but the car was really loose at the start of the race” said Beauchamp. “I was doing my best to stay up with the front group but I got a bit high through corners three and four and went back a few spots. We knew that we’d have to make changes” he added.

At the first opportunity during a caution period Beauchamp brought the #60 Mopar Parts Dodge to pit road and the team made handling adjustments. A second stop would get the car much more to the liking of the driver. “I just told Chris Couvillion what the car was doing and the guys did a good job making the changes, and we were much better” said the driver.

During a scheduled pit stop later for tires and fuel the tight pit road at Auto Clearing Speedway proved difficult to handle and a number of cars including the #60 Mopar Parts Dodge went a lap down. But that didn’t deter Ron Beauchamp Jr. He set about racing his way back to the front and taking as many positions as possible in the last part of the race. “I was trying to do it the old fashioned way” smiled the driver, it’s too bad that a bunch of guys got caught on pit road, I thought we were okay and I really had to stand on the brakes to stop when I was instructed to but the car was much better late in the race and I was able to run down some guys”

Beauchamp would complete the race and record a seventh place finish. Quite an accomplishment after the way things started. We missed the set up a little bit I guess” said the driver. “But everybody worked hard to make the changes we needed and get a top-ten finish, this was a real team effort” he added.

After seven races Ron Beauchamp Jr. remains third in the overall championship standings.

The 2009 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series comes back to Ontario for round number eight on Saturday August 8th on the Mosport Oval. Team Mopar will participate in all thirteen events that take place on ovals, road courses and temporary street circuits. You can follow the action all year long with the television broadcasts on TSN. For more information about Team Mopar and Ron Beauchamp Jr. at http://www.beauchampmotorsports.com/ and don’t forget to vote for Ron Jr. as the series most popular driver. Click here to cast your vote.

Photo caption: Ron Beauchamp Jr. in the Mopar Parts Dodge takes off on his qualifying lap at Auto Clearing Speedway.

Photo Credit: Todd Lewis

NASCAR CANADIAN TIRE SERIES: Mosport Speedway Preview

(BOWMANVILLE, ON – July 30, 2009)  The cars and stars of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series will make their second appearance of the season at Mosport, this time at the Speedway, when our nation’s premiere stock car championship takes on Canada's fastest half-mile oval in the Mosport Speedway 200 on Saturday, August 8.

The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series features many of Canada's best stock car drivers, including current points leader and 2007 Series titlist Andrew Ranger, (winner of the 2009 Dickies 200 at Mosport International Raceway) defending series champion Scott Steckly and NASCAR Nationwide competitor , D.J. Kennington. Among the other veteran racers who will be on the starting grid is five-time Mosport Speedway champion Don Thomson, Jr. and previous Speedway winners, Dave Whitlock and Kerry Micks, last year’s race winner.

Kevin Harvick Inc. development driver Cale Gale, a 24-year old Mobile, Alabama native, will make his NASCAR Canadian Tire Series debut in The Mosport Speedway 200 behind the wheel of the No. 13 Rheem Chevrolet for Farwell Racing Inc. Gale – who tested at Mosport Speedway last week - has competed in the NASCAR Nationwide Series for a team co-owned by NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Kevin Harvick, and is scheduled to drive in four additional NASCAR Canadian Tire Series races after Mosport.

In addition to exciting racing action, the Speedway has lined up some great off-track attractions. The Canadian Tire Fast Track Tour will be on hand to entertain and educate race fans. You can test your NASCAR/ Canadian Tire knowledge and learn more about Canada's rich racing history, and see if you've got what it takes on the PlayStation simulator.

Dickies Canada will also be back at the Speedway with its Canadian Worker of the Year display. Be sure to stop by the Dickies Canada trailer to nominate yourself or a friend for the Canadian Worker of the Year contest for a chance to win some great prizes including a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 full-size pick-up truck. Entries can also be submitted online at www.canadianworkeroftheyear.ca.  

The gates open at 1:30 p.m. and time trials are set for 5:00 p.m. Fans will also want to make sure to bring their Sharpies and cameras for the driver autograph session that will get underway at 5:45 p.m. on the front straight. The Mosport Speedway 200, a 200 lap, 100 mile race, gets underway at 7:00 p.m.

Advance tickets are just $25 until August 5 ($30 at the Gate), youths 13-16 are $15, children 12 and under are free when accompanied by a paid adult admission and parking is free.

For more information about tickets, call the Mosport Hotline at 1-800-866-1072 (Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm ET) or visit online at www.mosport.com. Tickets are also available at Ticketmaster.

Photo: Chris Coughlin/NASCAR // For Further Information: Lee Bailie, Mosport, (905) 995-8313 (cell.) or email lee@mosport.com

HANSSEN FIGHTS TO THE FINISH IN PRIME CHAMP DODGE

July 30, 2009. Driver of the Prime Champ Dodge Joey Hanssen has experienced the highs and lows of being a rookie driver in the NASCAR Canadian Tire series. Round number seven at Auto Clearing Speedway in Saskatoon would be one of the tougher nights for the eighteen year old driver.

During practice Hanssen set about learning another brand new race track and for the first time experienced an oval with high banking which is very different from earlier events. “It’s tough going to a new track every week but that’s part of the learning process” said the driver. “I was driving it too soft into the corners at first instead of attacking the way you should on a track like this”.

Hanssen would start the Prime Champ Dodge from the fifteenth position in the 250 lap feature event and immediately look to gain positions “The start was really good” said Hanssen. “We climbed up into the top-ten I think and I was running really good, I was faster than the gusy around me so I was climbing up” he added.

Not afraid to mix it up with stock car veterans Hanssen continue to nose the Prime Champ Dodge forward and is often the case on a one third mile oval track there was some contact with another competitor.
“It’s too bad, we got a little bump from the #69 car and bent the toe and cut the right front tire, when the tire blew I hit the wall a bit so I had to pit” said the disappointed Prime Champ Dodge pilot.

The Prime Champ team quickly made the change and sent Hanssen back into the battle however the problems for the #40 car were more severe. After only a few more laps the right front tire was down again forcing Hanssen once again to pit lane. “Turns out when we bent the toe that the tire was rubbing on sway bar” said the driver.

Once again the Prime Champ Dodge team changed tires and also made quick repairs to prevent the tire from blowing but left the driver with a difficult car to drive. “The guys fixed the problem and the car was tough to drive. I could handle it” said the driver “but it wasn’t ideal” he concluded.

Hanssen would bring the Prime Champ Dodge home nineteenth but was disappointed with how events played out. “I could still pass some cars, if we hadn’t gone down a couple laps earlier we could have been a top-ten car for sure” said the driver.

The 2009 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series returns to Ontario for round number eight on Saturday August 8th as they challenge the Mosport Oval track that night. This years schedule will consist of thirteen races on ovals, road courses and temporary street circuits from coast to coast in Canada. All thirteen races will be seen on TSN. By clicking the link here you can cast your vote for Joey Hanssen as the NASCAR Canadian Tire series most popular driver.

Photo caption: Joey Hanssen in the Prime Champ Dodge prepares for qualifying at Auto Clearing Speedway.

Photo Credit: Todd Lewis

About Prime Champ: Prime Champ is one of Europe’s largest environmentally friendly producers of all natural mushrooms with no pesticides used at any stage of the production process. Prime Champ supplies large retailers, discounters and industrial food services in the UK, Germany and Netherlands.

'Double Down' Jason Sides Doubles Up at Ohsweken

The second night of World of Outlaws competition at Ohsweken Speedway produced a familiar face in victory lane. Jason Sides piloted his #7s to the win in the 30 lap A-Main on Wednesday evening. The win was the second in three starts at the 'Big O' as Sides was the inaugural winner of the event in July of 2007.

Full details and results available at http://www.ohswekenspeedway.com

NASCAR Canadian Tire Series: Steckly battles adversity to win in Saskatoon

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (Wednesday July 29, 2009):  Scott Steckly and his No. 22 Racing Team experienced the highs and the lows in Saskatoon at the Velocity Prairie Thunder presented by Bayer Crop Science 250.  He started off by putting his Canadian Tire/Tow Truck in a Box Dodge Avenger up near the top of the practice charts only to blow the motor at the end of the session.  His Canadian Tire team quickly went to work and by the time driver introductions started the Steckly crew had the car ready to race.

Due to missing the qualifying and autograph session, Steckly was immediately sent to the back of the field to start the race.  This resulted in the 18th starting position out of 19 in attendance.  When the green flag flew Steckly immediately started his march to the front of the pack.  By lap 50 258-1.jpghe was up to seventh and by lap 100 he was on the back bumper of leader Don Thomson Jr.  Slightly after the half way flag, he would make a great move to get by Thomson only to have him return the favour a few laps later.

The two would battle for several laps and eventually Steckly would drop back to fifth when he pitted for tires and fuel.  But they were not to be denied and on lap 213 of the 250 lap race he passed Thomson for the final time.  “I have to thank everyone for their hard work today, my crew did a great job of getting the motor changed and D.J. Kennington for helping us out with the motor,” said a smiling Steckly after the race.  “I also want to thank Canadian Tire and Tow Truck in a Box who were in attendance tonight as well as all of our other sponsors.”  When asked how he did it he was quick to reply, “great teamwork, great racetrack, great sponsors and a terrific handling car.”

Don Thomson Jr. finished second after leading the most laps with D. J. Kennington,  Jason Hathaway and Anthony Simone rounding out the top five. The Velocity Prairie Thunder 250 will be broadcast on TSN on Saturday August 22 at midnight E.S.T.

Steckly and his team now head home to Milverton, Ontario after the three race Western swing in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, where they will prepare for Mosport Speedway on Saturday August 8th.  For more information on this event visit www.mosport.com. For more information on the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series please visit www.nascar.ca.

Visit NASCAR Home Tracks at http://www.nascar.com/news/features/mpd.poll.canadian.tire.series/index.html to vote for your favourite NASCAR Canadian Tire Series driver. You can vote once a day from now until the season ends on September 26, 2009.

About 22 Racing: Scott Steckly and the No. 22 Racing Team are supported by a large group of sponsors including:  Canadian Tire, Tow Truck in a Box, Motomaster, Exide, Erb Transport, Mobil Super, AW Millwrights, Marks Work Warehouse, Reefer Sales and Twin City Graphics.

Scott Steckly and his 22 Racing Team are a familiar face in top level stock car racing in Canada. Steckly in his second season with the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series in 2008 went on to win 4 events, place 2nd in four more and overall post 9 top five finishes on their way to claiming the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Championship.  The team is based out of the small town of Milverton, ON just outside of Stratford, ON. 

About Canadian Tire: Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited (TSX: CTC.a, CTC) operates more than 1,200 general merchandise and apparel retail stores, gas bars and car washes in an inter-related network of businesses engaged in retail, financial services and petroleum. More than 57,000 Canadians work across the Canadian Tire organization from coast-to-coast. Canadian Tire Retail and its Associate Dealers together form one of Canada's best-known and most successful retailers with 475 stores in communities nationwide. Canadian Tire stores offer a unique mix of products and services through the leadership of three specialty stores under one roof - Automotive, Sports and Leisure, and Home Products.

From Linda Jones / Wide Open Motorsports Solutions

NASCAR Canadian Tire Series: Simone fifth in Velocity Prairie Thunder 250

Saskatoon, SK, Wednesday July 29, 2009:  Anthony Simone driving the No. 95 Crown Modular, United Lumber Monte Carlo finished the Velocity Prairie Thunder 250 in fifth place.  This was event number seven in the 2009 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series tour of thirteen.  With the three race Western Canada swing now wrapped up Simone posted sixth, tenth and fifth place finishes.

Simone who races out of Bradford, Ontario was in the top ten during practice and a little slip in time trials put them back to eleventh quickest for the start of the 250 lap event. 

The handling on the Simone entry was off early in the race and he fell back a few positions before the caution came out and he was able to head to pit road for adjustments.  After the team made the changes Simone steadily worked his way back to the lead front.  After the midway point in the race the No. 95 Crown Modular, United Lumber driver came back down pit road for tires and when all stops had been completed only six cars were being scored on the lead lap with Simone being shown in second.  While the car was handling better it was no match for the front three of Steckly, Thomson and Kennington. ``The car started out lose but we came in for an adjustment early and that helped a lot,`` said Simone after the race.  ``My crew did a great job on our stops and I really like the track and hope we come back again next year.``

Finish 1. Scott Steckly  2.  Don Thomson Jr.  3. D. J. Kennington  4.  Jason Hathaway

The Simone Autosport Team are unofficially being shown in fifth in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series points with six of the 13 races remaining. The Canadian Tire 100 will be broadcast on TSN on Saturday August 22 at midnight EST.

Next up for Anthony and his team is at Mosport Speedway on Saturday August 8th.  For more information on tickets, schedule an directions please visit www.mosport.com. Simone Autosport would like to thank all of their sponsors including:  Bell, Sign-A-Rama of Newmarket, Grisdale Racing Products, Avery Graphics, Wix Filters and Castrol.

For more information on Anthony Simone please visit www.simone-autosport.com.

From Linda Jones / Wide Open Motorsport Solutions

Mr. DIRTcar Title Contenders Heat Up On Championship Trails... kicks off at Merrittville

Hot August Nights Set Stage For Mr. DIRTcar Championship Series

Weedsport, NY – July 30, 2009 – By Tom Skibinski, DIRTcar Racing Northeast PR Director

The 2009 Mr. DIRTcar Championship Series begins its stretch run for teams contending for the elusive overall Hoosier Tire-VP Racing Fuels titles in Big-Block Modified, 358-Modified, Sportsman and Pro Stock classes.

A half-dozen shows highlight the month of August for Big-Block Super DIRTcar Series point chasers on both sides of the border, with Pro Stockers getting back on track in the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec. 358-Modified and Sportsman Series travelers have the month open to prepare for their upcoming autumn assault.

Merrittville (Ont.) Speedway leads off the agenda with the 17th Trevor Wilkens Memorial on Monday, August 3 before returning stateside for back-to-back Super Series shootouts at Brewerton Speedway and Canandaigua Speedway, Aug. 7-8.

Can-Am Motorsports Park hosts the premier Big-Block tour in the Northeast on Friday, August 21 before Cornwall Motor Speedway runs Aug. 23 (rescheduled from July 12) and Lebanon Valley Speedway stages its second Series special of the season on Aug. 27 in the final 100-lapper of the month.

The region’s top Pro Stock chauffeurs make their second annual appearance at Autodrome Drummond on Saturday, August 22 before joining their open-wheel counterparts at Cornwall on Aug. 23 to complete the big DIRTcar doubleheader.

Overall Hoosier Tire-VP Racing Fuels Mr. DIRTcar Champions will be determined by tabulating points earned in the Super DIRTcar Series for Big-Block Modifieds and the Mr. DIRTcar Championship Series for 358-Modified, Sportsman and Pro Stock teams along with bonuses collected in each divisional DIRTcar Regional Racing Series.

To gain access to DIRTcar Racing Series headline stories during the upcoming season, log into http://www.dirtcar.com and select ‘Series’ at the top then choose Mr. DIRTcar Series (#7) and hit ‘GO’ on right. Specific information about the Big-Block Super DIRTcar Series can be found at www.superdirtcarseries.com. Bookmark each selection for quick review at a later time.

Mr. DIRTcar Championship Series Schedule of Events: AUGUST

DAY-DATE    TRACK/LOCATION                                                 CLASS

Mon-Aug 3    Merrittville Speedway/Thorold,ONT                      MOD

Fri-Aug 7       Brewerton Speedway/Brewerton,NY                   MOD

Sat-Aug 8      Canandaigua Speedway/Canandaigua,NY      MOD

Fri-Aug 21     Can-Am Motorsports Park/LaFargeville,NY        MOD

Sat-Aug 22    Autdrome Drummond/Drummondville,QUE      PRO

Sun-Aug 23  Cornwall Motor Speedway/Cornwall,ONT          MOD,PRO

Thr-Aug 27    Lebanon Valley Speedway/West Lebanon,NY  MOD

NASCAR Canadian Tire Series - Steckly wins in Saskatoon

Steckly Overcomes Adversity In Saskatoon... Wins Inaugural Velocity Prairie Thunder

SASKATOON, Sask. – Scott Steckly charged from the rear of the field and won the Velocity Prairie Thunder presented by Bayer Crop Science on Wednesday night at Auto Clearing Motor Speedway in NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Mobil 1 action.

Racing out of Milverton, Ont., Steckly lost a engine in practice and was not able to make repairs prior to qualifying forcing him to start in the 18th position. However, on Lap 128 he was able to move past Don Thomson Jr. to take the race lead.

Waging a spirited battle all race long, Steckly led the final 37 laps beat Thomson to the line by 3.311 seconds.

Kennington finished third followed by Jason Hathaway, who finished a season-best fourth. Anthony Simone continues a strong sophomore season with a fifth-place finish.

Dave Whitlock, Ron Beauchamp Jr., Andrew Ranger, Jason White and Kerry Micks rounded out the top 10.

It was a historic night as the track hosted the first NASCAR-sanctioned event in the province of Saskatchewan as the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series made its debut at the .333-mile oval.

The race was slowed five times by caution for a total of 40 laps. There were 12 lead changes involving four drivers.

With six races remaining in the season, unofficially in the championship point standings, Ranger is in first place, but his lead over Steckly is just 31 points. Beauchamp holds down the third-place spot.

Earlier in the evening, Thomson won his first pole of the 2009 season. He is the series’ all-time leader in pole awards with 10.

The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Mobil 1 is in action next on Aug. 8 at Mosport Speedway in Bowmanville, Ont., for the Mosport 200.


UNOFFICIAL
NASCAR CANADIAN TIRE SERIES presented by MOBIL 1-Velocity Prairie Thunder presented by Bayer Crop Science Results
Wednesday At Auto Clearing Motor Speedway
Saskatoon, Sask. // Lap length: 0.333 miles
(Start position in parentheses)

1. (18) Scott Steckly, Milverton, Ont., Dodge, 250 laps, 63.108 mph, $10,000.
2. (1) Don Thomson, Jr., Hamilton, Ont., Chevrolet, 250, $5,500.
3. (3) DJ Kennington, St. Thomas, Ont., Dodge, 250, $5,100.
4. (6) Jason Hathaway, Appin, Ont., Dodge, 250, $4,000.
5. (11) Anthony Simone, Holland Landing, Ont., Chevrolet, 250, $3,000.
6. (13) Dave Whitlock, Petrolia, Ont., Dodge, 249, $2,400.
7. (4) Ron Beauchamp, Jr., Windsor, Ont., Dodge, 249, $2,300.
8. (5) Andrew Ranger, Roxton Pond, Que., Ford, 249, $2,200.
9. (8) Jason White, Sun Peaks, B.C., Chevrolet, 249, $2,100.
10. (9) Kerry Micks, Mt. Albert, Ont., Ford, 249, $2,000.
11. (2) John Gaunt, Barrie, Ont., Dodge, 249, $1,900.
12. (7) Mark Dilley, Barrie, Ont., Dodge, 248, $1,800.
13. (10) Nathan Weenk, Lethbridge, Alberta, Chevrolet, 248, $1,700.
14. (14) Trevor Seibert, Williams Lake, B.C., Ford, 248, $1,650.
15. (12) Pierre Bourque, Ottawa, Ont., Dodge, 245, $1,600.
16. (16) Kent Nuhn, Williamsford, Ont., Chevrolet, 242, $1,500.
17. (17) Dexter Stacey, Kahnawake, Que., Pontiac, 242, $1,450.
18. (19) Todd Nichol, St. Albert, Alb., Chevrolet, 239, $1,400.
19. (15) Joey Hanssen, Venray, Holland, Dodge, 227, $1,350.

Race Statistics
Time of Race: 1 hour 19 minutes 9 seconds
Margin of Victory: 3.311 seconds
Fastest Qualifier: D.Thomson, Jr. (80.193 mph, 14.949 seconds)
Caution Flags: 5 for 40 laps.
Lead Changes: 12 among 4 drivers.
Lap Leaders: D. Thomson,Jr. 1-127; S. Steckly 128; D. Thomson,Jr. 129; S. Steckly 130; D. Thomson,Jr. 131-133; S. Steckly 134-137; D. Thomson,Jr. 138-143; S. Steckly 144; J. Gaunt 145-153; S. Steckly 154-183; D. Kennington 184-188; D. Thomson,Jr. 189-212; S. Steckly 213-250.

Standings: 1. A. Ranger, 1179; 2. S. Steckly, 1148; 3. R. Beauchamp,Jr., 1098; 4. D. Kennington, 1090; 5. A. Simone, 1021; 6. D. Whitlock, 1005; 7. K. Micks, 1000; 8. J. Hathaway, 982; 9. D. Thomson,Jr., 964; 10. M. Dilley, 916.

From Shon Sbarra, NASCAR PR

NCATS Saskatoon: Practice

Top 5 from practice at Auto Clearing Motor Speedway .. Scott Steckly, Ron Beauchamp Jr., Don Thomson Jr., John Gaunt and Mark Dilley.

Near the end of the session, Steckly blew his motor. It was his last 'built' engine and he's faced with racing a brand new car with a spec motor in it. No word on what the reigning champ will do.

Thanks to Joel Robinson for the updates from Saskatoon... I'm off to Ohsweken for the World of Outlaws race but will update here when possible.

NASCAR: J.R. Fitzpatrick Nashville Superspeedway Advance

J.R. Fitzpatrick
No. 4 Chevrolet Silverado Team Race Preview
NASCAR Truck Series Race 14 of 25 – Nashville (Tenn.) Superspeedway

NASHVILLE DEBUT: J. R. Fitzpatrick will be making his third career start for Kevin Harvick Inc. (KHI) and the No. 4 team at Nashville (Tenn.) Superspeedway.  In his previous two attempts for KHI, Fitzpatrick finished 11th at Dover (Del.) International Speedway in May and was involved in a crash at Michigan International Speedway in June resulting in a 21st-place finish.

Fitzpatrick’s career best Truck Series finish came earlier in 2009 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway while competing for TRG Motorsports. He led 17 laps and finished fourth. 

ROAD COURSE RINGER: Last week Fitzpatrick joined KHI team co-owner Kevin Harvick at Virginia International Raceway (VIR) for a test session to prepare for the Nationwide Series events at Watkins Glen International on August 8 and Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on August 30. Fitzpatrick learned quite a bit from the boss who was quickest of the two at the session.

CANADIAN SUCCESS: The majority of Fitzpatrick’s racing success has come from the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series (NCTS).  Fitzpatrick a Canada native has a total of 26 career NCTS starts accumulating three wins, 10 top-five and 14 top-10 finishes over three years of competition. Fitzpatrick’s KHI teammate Cale Gale will compete in a handful of NCTS races in 2009 for Farwell Racing. 

BEFORE THE RACE: QUOTES WITH DRIVER J.R. FITZPATRICK:

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT RACING ON A CONCRETE SURFACE?
“I am excited.  I have actually raced on a concrete surface before and really enjoyed it.  I will study hard prior to leaving for Nashville and lean on the experience of my team and teammate Ron Hornaday.”

COMING FROM A SHORT-TRACK BACKGROUND, HOW DO YOU APPROACH THE 1.333-MILE OF NASHVILLE SUPERSPEEDWAY?
“To be honest, I really enjoy the bigger tracks.  I think the hardest thing is trying to get used to the trucks and their reactions to changes.  I’m used to racing cars, so it’s a bit of a transition. It’s also hard because I’m not in the truck every week.  I’m learning to lean on my team to quickly adapt to the track and give the proper feedback.”

SINCE YOU HAVE BEEN APART OF THE KHI FAMILY, WHO DO YOU LOOK TO FOR ADVICE?
“I always keep my ears open when it comes to taking advice. Ron (Hornaday) and Kevin (Harvick) have been awesome in helping make me fast every week.  I just have to be smart and patient when I approach these races because I do have limited experience.”

CHASSIS HISTORY: The No. 4 KHI team will unload truck chassis No. 023 at Nashville Superspeedway.  Chassis 023 last competed at Texas Motor Speedway with Ricky Carmichael behind the wheel.  Carmichael drove the chassis to an 11th-place finish.

PREVIOUS RACE RECAP: Last week at O’Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis, Ricky Carmichael was behind the wheel of the No. 4 KHI Monster Energy entry. Carmichael was poised to record his career-best finish, running in the sixth position with 11 laps to go in the race.  However, Carmichael was hit by the No. 14 of Rick Crawford in turn three sending Carmichael’s truck into the outside wall.  He would go one lap down to the leaders finishing in the 19th position.  


QUICK NOTES
August 1, 2009
Nashville (Tenn.) Superspeedway
Toyota Tundra 200
Race length: 150 Laps/ 200 Miles
Banking/Turns: 14-degrees in turns, 9-degree front straight-a-way; 6-degree back straight-a-way
Track layout: 1.333-mile // Shape: D-shaped oval

Pre-Race Schedule
Friday:
Practice: 5:00 p.m. - 6:15 p.m., EST
Final Practice: 6:45 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., EST

Saturday:
Qualifying: 3:15 p.m., EST

TV: The Toyota Tundra 200 can be seen on SPEED at 7:30 p.m., EST
Radio: The Motor Racing Network (MRN) will broadcast live at 7:30 p.m., EST

2009 J.R. Fitzpatrick Truck Series Stats:
Starts: 6
Top 5’s: 1
Top 10’s: 1
Avg. Start: 12.8
Avg. Finish: 16.8
Laps Led: 17 (Daytona)

###

Jessica Stroupe| Kevin Harvick Inc. | 703 Park Lawn Court | Kernersville, NC 27284
Phone: 336.992.2998 | Mobile: 336-345-8078| Fax: 336.992.2943 // www.kevinharvickinc.com

ONLINE MEDIA KITS: Media members can now access KHI media kits online at KevinHarvickInc.com. Included on the site are driver bios, driver and team images, KHI history and statistics, team profiles and schedules. Please contact Jessica Stroupe (JStroupe@kevinharvickinc.com) or Alicia Deal (ADeal@kevinharvickinc.com) at KHI for access to the new site.

About Kevin Harvick Inc.: Kevin Harvick Inc. (KHI), established in 2001, is a 70,000 sq. ft. facility located in Kernersville, N.C. KHI houses two full-time Truck Series teams, including the 2007 series champions.  The No. 33 team is led by three-time Truck Series champion Ron Hornaday and the No. 4 KHI All-Stars team is comprised of Ricky Carmichael, the most successful motocross racer in American history, J.R. Fitzpatrick and a variety of NASCAR Sprint Cup stars. KHI is also home to the No. 33 Nationwide Series team competing full-time with drivers Kevin Harvick (a two-time Nationwide Series champion), 2008 Daytona 500 champion Ryan Newman, Ron Hornaday, Cale Gale and Kelly Bires. The 2009 season marks KHI’s sixth year of full-time competition in NASCAR’s elite divisions. Visit www.kevinharvickinc.com for more information.

ISMA Delaware Preview

TWO-DAYS OF ISMA SUPER MODIFIED ACTION COMING UP AT DELAWARE SPEEDWAY; CORR/PAK ADDS "TAMMY-10" MONEY BONUS TO SUPER PURSE

By John Houghton, Delaware Speedway PR

The arrival of the ISMA Supermodified at Delaware Speedway is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year. This year promises to be twice as exciting as the ISMA cars invade Delaware Speedway for two days of speed, action, and great racing memories presented by Sloan Insulation of Windsor and Patco Transportation and an added $4,000 on the line for the ISMA drivers put up by Corr / Pak Merchandising. 2009 marks the fourth year in a row the coveted series has graced the Delaware half-mile after a previous twenty-year absence.

The cars in the American-based ISMA (International Supermodified Association) are the most powerful cars to visit Delaware Speedway each year. The majority of the vehicles are home built by the race teams themselves. The light weight of the cars combined with the over 850-horse power the cars generate create a recipe for quick times around the speedways the series visits. The cars also have large wings mounted on top of the car mounted on air shocks, which change the aerodynamic characteristics of the vehicle to create extra down force in the turns and reduce drag on the straights. The cars are also directly driven off the engine, which means the cars require a push start and have no starter and no battery with the aim of further reducing the weight of the cars.

The ISMA Supermodifieds will be racing on Friday, August 7 running their heat races and a 30-lap feature sponsored by Sloan Insulations of Windsor. On Saturday, August 8 the action heats up with heat races and a 50-lap feature for the ISMA cars sponsored by Patco Transportation.

The ISMA Supermodified drivers will have an added incentive to attend the two-day event. Corr / Pak Merchandising is putting up a special prize bonus program the “Tammy 10-Thousand Dollars”, named after the legendary Supermodified race car piloted by Harvey Lennox at Delaware Speedway. The company is making an additional $4,000 available as a bonus to a driver who is able to win both races. If a driver is able to win both events, the $4,000 combined with the ISMA purse money they would earn them a total of $10,000. If different drivers win each race, the $4,000 will be divided up among the top-5 drivers in each race over the two days.

Along with the ISMA cars, Delaware Speedway’s NASCAR Whelen All-American Series classes will be taking to the track. Friday evening features the APC Late Models, Demar Aggregates Trucks and the popular Throne King’s of the Hill Spectator’s race. Saturday night highlights the Delaware Speedway Super Stocks and POWERADE Modifieds. Spectator gates on both days open at 6:00 pm with racing starting at 8:00 pm. Saturday night also features a special autograph session for the ISMA Supermodifieds.

The early bird discount for ISMA Super Modified tickets ends this upcoming Friday, July 31. Fans who purchase their tickets early through the website will receive a discounted admission. Tickets will continue to be available through the website after the early bird pricing ends and will also be available at the gate.

The weekend also features free un-serviced camping with admission. The campground is located behind the back straight and is accessible on a first come-first-served basis.

Go to www.delawarespeedway.com for ongoing information updates and ticket info.

Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship: Calabogie Report

Canadian Touring Car Series Thrill at the Ted Powell Memorial Races

Calabogie, Ontario - 35 of Canada’s best drivers racing today’s hottest touring cars proved to the fans they had what it takes this past Saturday & Sunday during the Ted Powell Memorial Races hosted by the Motorsports Club of Ottawa this past weekend. Canada’s largest racing series, the Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship presented by Toyo Tires, thrilled the fans during Round Six of the series for a fantastic double header set of races.

For Saturday afternoon’s 20-minute heat race, GT Racing’s Etienne Borgeat, Greg Pootmans & Paul Dalla Lana held a clinic for the rest of the Super Touring Class field after second place driver Andrew Wojteczko’s Lexus IS300 engine failed on lap 5. Pootmans, currently the Championship points leader in Super Touring class was ecstatic with another strong performance for the entire Northwest Value Partner’s BMW squad.

The battle in Touring class was intense as Durabond Racing’s Anthony Rapone, who was defending his position atop the Touring Class championship points battle. BMW Mini driver Alain Lauziere and Nigel Heron in his borrowed Honda Civic were using every bit of their race craft to contend with Rapone’s teammate Scot Nicol during the entire battle.

Heron was able to get the lead for a brief 3 laps before Rapone took it back on lap 4. Nicol then took to battling back and forth with Heron and swapped the second place position a few times before the checkered flag came out on lap 9 of the race. MINI Cooper driver Alain Lauziere struggled for most of the session unable to find the much needed grip that he was looking for to keep up with the top 3 in the class.

Sunday’s 40-minute feature began with Saturday’s heat race winner Etienne Borgeat and his GT Racing teammate Greg Pootmans leading the pack to the green flag. As the tightly packed field made their way into turn one and through to turn three Pootmans took the lead and never looked back. Lombardi Honda’s Nick Wittmer made a charge to the front in turn one that would be short lived as he had a tire go down on lap 3 forcing him to make a pit stop to replace it.

Auto Analyser sponsored driver Andrew Wojteczko came back stronger than ever with the team’s second Lexus IS300 usually piloted by his dad Andy. Starting from his 29th grid position, Wojteczko gained 13 spots in the first lap alone. He then climbed the position ladder quickly and chased down rival Richard Boake in his Subaru WRX STi for 10 laps before securing third spot on the podium at race end.

Series rookie Alex Healy was the star of the race. Healy made an incredible set of passes from his 6th place starting position and made his way to third place on lap one. Healy fought  GT Racing’s Borgeat for 6 laps when Borgeat’s transmission failed allowing Healy to take over second place. This was an ecstatic Healy’s first podium of the year.

Nigel Heron led the Touring class briefly for two laps until Durabond Racing’s Anthony Rapone drove his Honda Civic back around him to retake the lead and never look back. Heron & Nicol battled the rest of the 18 laps to round out the podium. Another Honda Civic Si driver Tom Kwok spent the entire race battling with Octane Promotions driver Alain Lauziere to finish fourth.

The championship now is on a three week break as the teams prepare to do it all again in Round 7 at Grand Prix de Trois-Rivieres - August 14-16, 2009

For up-to-date championship information and a complete schedule, please visit www.touringcar.ca.

Saturday's Race results:
Super Touring Class
1st Place    Etienne Borgeat    BMW
2nd Place     Greg Pootmans    BMW
3rd Place    Paul Dalla Lana    BMW
4th Place    Nick Wittmer    Honda
5th Place    Arek Wojciehowski    BMW

Touring Class Results
1st Place    Anthony Rapone    Honda
2nd Place    Scott Nicol    Honda
3rd Place    Nigel Heron    Honda
4th Place    Alain Lauziere    MINI Cooper
5th Place    Tom Kwok    Honda

Sunday's Race results:
Super Touring Class
1st Place    Greg Pootmans    BMW
2nd Place     Alex Healy    Acura RSX
3rd Place    Andrew Wojteczko    Lexus
4th Place    Richard Boake    Subaru
5th Place    Paul Dalla Lana    BMW

Touring Class Results
1st Place    Anthony Rapone    Honda
2nd Place    Nigel Heron    Honda
3rd Place    Scott Nicol    Honda
4th Place    Tom Kwok    Honda
5th Place    Alain Lauziere    MINI Cooper

From Perry Iannuzzi // Communications Director // Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship Presented By Toyo Tires
Canada's Best Racers Driving Today's Hottest Touring Cars
www.touringcar.ca

Ont. Formula Ford Challenge: Stefan Rzadzinski Calabogie Report

Stefan Rzadzinski left his hometown of Edmonton on "Indy" weekend on route to a new challenge at the Calabogie Motorsports Park on July 24-26 to compete in the Ontario Formula Ford Challenge instead.

Arriving at the circuit under rainy conditions, Friday brought a mix of challenges for the 16 year old. Rzadzinski was quickly up to speed and acquainting himself to the 5.05km, 20 turn circuit throughout the practice sessions.

On Saturday, Rzadzinski immediately showed his speed placing himself 2nd in both morning practice and qualifying. Unfortunately after having a great launch into the first corner, Rzadzinski lost grip and slid into the tire wall ending his race.

After the damage, the Brian Graham Racing / TLM Racing showed their expertise and experience giving Rzadzinski a car which was fastest in the Sunday morning practice session. Stefan then once again put the #2 RF00 Van Diemen car on the outside of the front row in qualifying.

As the race commenced,under threatening skies,  Rzadzinski immediately manoeuvred into the lead. Stefan was later passed into the first corner losing momentum, allowing two cars to slide past and dropping him to 3rd. However, only a few corners later an incident between the cars in front handed the lead back to Rzadzinski. The safety car was then brought out to clean up the wreckage, and the race was eventually cut short due to lightning in vicinity of the circuit. This gave Rzadzinski his first ever victory since making the step out of karts and into formula cars. The win also marked the first victory for Brian Graham Racing / TLM Racing in 2009.

“It was such a wild weekend! I knew we had the pace from the beginning of the weekend, and I really enjoyed the circuit from the start. Unfortunately on Saturday I had an accident, but the Brian Graham Racing / TLM Racing crew was fantastic and they put together a great car for Sunday. Prior to the race, we were aware that there could be a storm on the horizon so it was extremely important to do what I could as early as possible.

I had a great start as the race commenced and then the battle ensued. On the second lap I lost momentum after being passed, allowing my teammate to go past me as well. But after the incident between the two drivers in front I just hung on and drove my own race. I couldn’t believe it when the checkered flag came out behind the safety car, I was ecstatic. It was definitely a bit of an odd race, but the win feels fantastic! I really have to thank all of my partners so far this year, The ABL Group, SuperTint, AMSOIL /SyntheticLubricants.ca and everyone else who has supported me.

Now the most immediate challenge is finding the funding to complete the season. Hopefully we can generate a bit more interest after our victory!

On board videos of both races are now live on www.rzadracing.com in the “Videos” tab. Please see the website for all of Stefan Rzadzinski’s news, updates, and multimedia.

The next weekend is scheduled for August 7-9 for rounds 9 and 10 of the Ontario Formula Ford Challenge at Mosport International Raceway and Rzadzinski will be working to put together the necessary funding to compete.

For general or partnership inquiries regarding Stefan Rzadzinski's motorsport, please contact: stefanr@rzadracing.com // Web: www.rzadracing.com

JASON MEYERS WINS ON NIGHT ONE AT OHSWEKEN SPEEDWAY

A total of 40 sprint cars were on hand for the first night of World of Outlaws competition at Ohsweken Speedway. In the early going it looked as though the night would be a repeat of the Outlaws first visit to the 3/8 mile clay oval in 2007. Jason Sides recorded fast time in qualifying, won the Crane Cams Dash and led the opening laps of the 30 lap A-Main. Jason Meyers however would take control of the event at lap 10 and would never look back on the way to scoring his 5th World of Outlaws win of 2009. Donny Schatz made it interesting on the last lap and finished second while Craig Dollansky finished out the top three. The World of Outlaws return to action Wednesday night with hot laps and qualifying scheduled for 6:20pm and racing action at 7:45pm.

Full results available at http://www.ohswekenspeedway.com/

PHOTO GALLERY: 36th TD Banknorth Oxford 250

Sunday, July 19, 2009




Satuday, July 18, 2009




These are two photo galleries (Satuday, 261 photos and Sunday, 527) from the 36th TD Banknorth Oxford 250 race held at Oxford Plains Speedway in Oxford,ME.

The two day event was held on July 18th and 19th and featured Late Model drivers from the North Eastern United states and drivers from Quebec (7) and Ontario (1).

Thanks to M.P. Roy for the photos. You can see M.P.'s blog here

Ohsweken Speedway: The World of Outlaws Sprint Cars are in da house!

Merrittville Speedway: 17th Trevor Wilkens Memorial in just 6 days - time for a Big Block Blast.

THOROLD, Ontario (July 28) – It’s been a tradition at Merrittville Speedway since 1972 – make it yours in 2009 and follow the Big Block Super DIRTcar Series to the Thorold d-shaped oval for the 17th annual Trevor Wilkens Memorial 100 presented by Toolneeds – Monday August 3rd.

Commemorating the 17th running of Merrittville Speedway’s biggest event - the days leading up to the event honors the memory of the up and coming driver of the Pete Cosco Haulage 17c 358 Modified – Trevor Wilkens - who passed away far too young from cancer in the summer of 1993.

From the first event in 1972 through to this year’s edition – a who’s who of DIRTcar Modified Racing converge annually on the Canadian showplace to take on Merrittville’s own talented field in the Civic Holiday Classic.

With DIRTcar’s Tom Skibinski providing us a Big Block Blast today – it is only fitting that it comes with 6 days to go.

The Canadian Blast – Davey Moore – is a former winner of the event prior to it being renamed in Trevor Wilkens’ memory.

Back in the day Moore won the event 3 times in 1975, 1977 and 1979.

When you look back - other winners names will surely bring back some memories – Jimmy Horton, Bob McCreadie, Will Cagle, Gary Iulg, and Jack Johnson. Both Horton and Johnson are still active to this day.

Not to be outdone are some name drivers that have placed in the top 5 in the event – Charlie Rudolph … Merv Treichler … Gerald Chamberlain … Buzzie Reutimann … Lou Lazzaro … Dave Kneisel  and last year’s Rite Aid 200 Winner – Frank Cozze.

Almost gaining as much in tradition as the race itself is the pre-race Pasta Dinner served up by Merrittville’s Annual Banquet Hosts – Club Castropignano. For race fans and race teams alike – it’s the best deal in DIRTcar Dining.

Feast on fresh pasta and meatballs, garden salad, dinner roll and a can of Pepsi for $10 in advance.

“It just adds to much to the event,” relates (Merrittville GM) Erica Bicknell, “Thorold has a rich Italian Heritage and we’re proud to showcase the Club with an awesome dinner … race fans and race teams alike should come to the event hungry … I know I do … no one goes away hungry.”

Get your tickets at the track … via e mail – ebicknell@cogeco.net or from the Speedway Office at 905-892-8266.

Race Fans and teams alike should get their Pasta Tickets in advance as on Race Day – Tickets are $12.

Merrittville Speedway’s Trevor Wilkens Memorial 100 lap Big Block Modified Super DIRTcar Series Event Monday August 3rd – it’s unparalleled … unrivalled and unsurpassed and it’s a must see event.

The heart-pounding, high-powered, pedal-mashing entertainment includes a 25 lap Duel on the Dirt Home Track Event as Merrittville’s full fendered Hoosier Stocks continue the drive for five against the Brighton Speedway Pro Stocks and a 25 lap Stars North Mod Lite Tour Event for the Modern Corporation Open Wheel Lites.

Gates open Monday August 3rd and the Club Castropignano Pasta Dinner begins at 4 PM and runs until 6. Adult Grandstand Tickets are $25, Students and Seniors - $20, Juniors from 8 to 12 are $10 and Children under 8 are free. Merrittville Speedway is located in Thorold Ontario Canada – just a short drive from the International Bridges. For further information call 905-892-8266 or visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com.

Indy Racing League: Heading to Alabama's Barber Motorsports Park

INDY RACING LEAGUE COMING TO BARBER MOTORSPORTS PARK IN BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA

Birmingham, Ala. (July 27,2009) - Barber Motorsports Park and the IndyCar Series have announced a three-year partnership today that will bring the series to Birmingham beginning in April 2010.

The "Indy Grand Prix of Alabama," will be contested the weekend of April 9-11, 2010.

"The Barber Motorsports Park is the finest road track in North America and deserves an event of this caliber and prestige. We were fortunate to have the assistance of both Governor Riley and Mayor Langford, both of whom understand the benefits the IndyCar Series bring to our city and state. This will be the only IndyCar Series race in the deep-south meaning it is a great tourist draw for the region. Plus, having the automotive world focus on our state enables us to highlight our growing automotive industry," explained Gene Hallman, President of Zoom Motorsports, the track's exclusive promoter.

Representatives from Zoom Motorsports, Barber Motorsports Park and the Indy Racing League, the sanctioning body for the IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights, began discussing a partnership in 2007. Intense lobbying efforts by the State of Alabama, City of Birmingham, Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau and Zoom Motorsports resulted in Birmingham's addition to the 2010 season schedule.

"We are thrilled to bring the speed and excitement of the IndyCar Series to Barber Motorsports Park, the greater Birmingham area and the state of Alabama," said Terry Angstadt, president, commercial division for the Indy Racing League. "Zoom Motorsports and Barber Motorsports Park have already been outstanding hosts of two previous IndyCar Series tests. The nearly two year pursuit to bring IndyCar Series racing to Birmingham only reinforces the professionalism and planning put into this by our newest scheduling partner."

The Barber Motorsports Park opened in 2003; it is the largest philanthropic project in the history of the state of Alabama with more than $70 million private funds contributed. The track features 17 turns and 80 feet of elevation changes over the 2.38-mile circuit. The Indy Racing League has hosted two test sessions at the Barber Motorsports Park, the most recent in March 2009.

Tickets to the Indy Grand Prix of Alabama will be available in September 2009; daily capacity at the track will be limited to 30,000 individuals to enable all spectators the opportunity to experience the race up close. Individuals interested in purchasing tickets can pre-register for them by visiting www.barbermotorsports.com; pre-registration will be available for both grand-stand and general admission seating.

Media Contacts: John Griffin, Indy Racing League, (317) 492-6579, jgriffin@indycar.com //  Amy Konrath, Indy Racing League, (317) 492-6453, akonrath@indycar.com // www.indycar.com

BEAUCHAMP FINISHES SIXTH IN MOPAR PARTS/MOBIL1 DODGE, STILL THIRD IN CHAMPIONSHIP

July 25, 2009. Ron Beauchamp Jr. and the #60 Mopar Parts/Mobil 1 Dodge Avenger team continued the western swing of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series schedule on Saturday in the 100km feature event on Saturday as part of the Edmonton Indy weekend. While he is a long time oval track racer, Beauchamp demonstrated his much improved skills on the road course.

The Mopar Parts/Mobil 1 Dodge was solid in the opening practice round but slipped back to tenth in the second practice session. “I changed some things around in my shifting points and we fell back to tenth so for qualifying I went back to what was working before and with the changes we made to the car the Mopar/Mobil 1 Dodge was really strong in qualifying and I think we turned a few heads” said the satisfied driver. “We made one little adjustment in the rear end that really worked for us” he added.

Beauchamp would begin the 100km event from the fourth spot, on the outside of row two and knew that you can’t win the race in the first few corners but you sure can lose it there. “I just wanted to be patient at first. There were a couple of guys up front that I knew would be pretty aggressive so even if I lost a few spots I knew we had the car to have a good finish”.

The Mopar Parts/Mobil 1 Avenger would drop several positions during the opening laps but Ron Jr. maintained his composure knowing the car would come to him. “During the long green flag run we had at the start I started to reel guys back in after losing those spots” said the driver.

As the laps clicked away Beauchamp would continue to maintain a consistent pace and looked to be in position to score a top-five finish. “The #69 was just a little bit better than me he’s real road racing veteran and he got by me late” said the disappointed driver.

With a sixth place finish the Mopar Parts/Mobil 1 Dodge team once again showed consistency of performance as they have all season. “The western swing has gone really well so far” said Beauchamp. “We finished on the podium last week, a solid sixth here in Edmonton. We hung onto our third spot in the standings with a lot of racing to go, it was another solid day for the Mopar Parts/Mobil 1 team” he stated.

After six events Ron Beauchamp Jr. sits third in the overall championship standings.

The 2009 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series stretch of events in western Canada continues Saturday July 25th with a stop at the Edmonton Indy weekend. Team Mopar will participate in all thirteen events that take place on ovals, road courses and temporary street circuits. You can follow the action all year long with the television broadcasts on TSN. For more information about Team Mopar and Ron Beauchamp Jr. at http://www.beauchampmotorsports.com/ and don’t forget to vote for Ron Jr. as the series most popular driver. Click here to cast your vote.

Attached photo caption: Ron Beauchamp Jr. rolling out for qualifying in the Mopar Parts/Mobil 1 Dodge at Edmonton

BEST START, BEST FINISH FOR HANSSEN IN PRIME CHAMP DODGE

July 25, 2009. Prime Champ Dodge driver Joey Hanssen heard from several sources that round number six of the NASCAR Canadian Tire series on the airport runways during the Edmonton Indy weekend would be to his liking as it was a flat track similar to the Go-Karts tracks he was used to racing on. A career best series starting spot and finishing position proved to be very much to his liking.

As a rookie driver in the series Hanssen tried to make the best use of his time to quickly get the Prime Champ Dodge acquainted with a new track. “Everybody told me I would like the track. We had a good car and it seemed to get better every time I went out. We picked up two seconds in practice and I was happy with that” said the driver.

Hanssen would continue to improve during qualifying for the 100km feature event. “Qualifying was a great job, we were second in our group, we wound up twelfth but it was our best qualifying of the year so I was really happy” stated the driver.

Not content to stay in the twelfth starting spot Hanssen looked to move the Prime Champ Dodge toward the front and had good battles going with both the #21 and #18 cars. “It was really fun in the beginning battling with those guys and I think I was a little bit faster at the beginning of the race” smiled the rookie driver. “In the middle section I was waiting for the car to tighten up a bit but then the full course caution came out, which was good because I got to close up on the #9 car” he added.

The competition throughout the field kept Hanssen busy looking for opportunities to keep the Prime Champ Dodge moving to the head of the field. “On the first re-start I left a little too much space and a lapped car got ahead of us so I had to fight to stay there but would lose contact with the #9” said Hanssen.

A late race caution and restart would give Hanssen another chance to improve his position. “I got hit from behind and almost spun out but then would have a really nice fight with the #95 car. We went into the corner and he was outside, I was on the inside. We both locked up and I came out ahead and that’s what it’s all about” he grinned.

Hanssen would cross the finish line and finish a career best ninth, his second top-ten finish of the season. “I’m happy with the race, finishing ninth, another top-ten and the learning process is really going a lot faster now. We don’t have a single scratch on the car, I just talked to our sponsors at Prime Champ and they’re happy too” he stated.

The 2009 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series season wraps up with a midweek race at Auto Clearing Speedway in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan this coming Wednesday July 29th This years schedule will consist of thirteen races on ovals, road courses and temporary street circuits from coast to coast in Canada. All thirteen races will be seen on TSN. By clicking the link here you can cast your vote for Joey Hanssen as the NASCAR Canadian Tire series most popular driver.

Attached Photo caption: Joey Hanssen in the Prime Champ Dodge at Edmonton

Humberstone Speedway Photos - July 26, 2009 By Rick Wellman Photography

Photos from Humberstone Speedway Sunday July 26 2009.
Courtesy of Rick Wellman Photography.

CASTROL/MAHINDRA TRACTOR DODGE SUFFERS MECHANICAL MISFORTUNE

July 25, 2009. After four consecutive top-five finishes including a victory at Delaware Speedway DJ Kennington and the Castrol/Mahindra Tractor Dodge team expected to continue their push toward the top of the point standings in round number six of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series at Saturday’s feature event of the Edmonton Indy, the Canadian Tire 100. After a solid qualifying effort mechanical misfortune would ruin the day.

After two practice sessions the Castrol/Mahindra Tractor team appeared to have the race car dialed in to be one of the front runners. With a short twenty minute session of qualifying Kennington would grab the fifth starting spot. “You only have a few laps before the tires start to go away and I thought we did a good job in qualifying with our limited track time” said Kennington. “The next order of business was to have the car prepared to compete in the 100km feature” he added.

The Castrol/Mahindra Tractor team as usual was meticulous in their preparation and made the changes they felt necessary for the different track conditions expected during the race. When the green flag waved to begin the event Kennington was able to jump ahead after the first corner and pick up fourth spot. But only minutes later DJ knew he had a problem. “There just wasn’t the speed especially on the straightaway that we’ve demonstrated with this Dodge motor before” said the driver. Within a few laps Kennington was beginning to surrender positions and fell back in the field.

A full course caution slowed the race allowing Kennington to make a pit stop and the Castrol/Mahindra Tractor crew went to work diagnosing the problem. Crew Chief Dave Whyte detected a problem at the top of the fuel cell and the team made quick repairs and turned Kennington loose without losing a lap. “The whole group did really well to fix that one problem and not put us down a lap, unfortunately it wasn’t the only difficulty, something else was causing a fuel pick up difficulty” stated the driver.

As the race returned to green the Castrol/Mahindra Tractor Dodge was still off the pace and Kennington would be forced to soldier on to the end in an underpowered car. “I’m just so disappointed for Castrol, Mahindra Tractors, Northern Provincial Pipeline and everybody that helps us out” said Kennington. “We were on a pretty good roll, this western swing is tough on the team, but everybody is working so hard I’m just really disappointed. But this group doesn’t get down at all and even with this short week ahead we’ll be ready to go at full speed” he concluded.

After six races Kennington sits fourth in the overall championship standings.

Round number seven of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series concludes the western swing and takes place this Wednesday July 29th with the first ever series visit to Auto Clearning Speedway in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. This years schedule includes events at Trois Riveres and at the NASCAR weekend in Montreal. All thirteen races will again be broadcast on TSN. To cast your vote for DJ Kennington as the mot popular NASCAR Canadian Tire Series driver click here and for more on DJ Kennington log onto http://www.djkennington.com/

Photo: DJ Kennington prepares to qualify the Castrol/Mahindra Tractors Dodge in Edmonton