CASTROL TOURING CARS AT GP3R - Canada’s biggest auto racing series returns to Trois Rivières

August 10, 2009 - Toronto, Ontario - With only two rounds left on the 2009 calendar for the Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship presented by Toyo Tires, Canada’s best drivers racing today’s hottest touring cars will compete during the 40th Édition of the Grand Prix Trois Rivières.The schedule will bring the two classes to the track for a 20-minute practice Friday morning followed by an intense 20-minute qualifying session later that afternoon. Two 30-minute races follow Saturday & Sunday morning in what is anticipated to be one of the biggest spectator crowds in years at this prestigious event.

The Super Touring Class championship points leading BMW driver Greg Pootmans and Touring Class leader Durabond Racing’s Anthony Rapone will do what ever they can to defend their current positions atop the standings in what appears to be some of the fiercest competition you’ll see all weekend long.

Going into this weekend the championship is far from decided in either class. In 2008 the championship was decided in the very last race of the series. The drivers vying for the top spot include Lombardi Honda’s Nick Wittmer. Northwest Value Partner’s Paul Dalla Lana. All will be pulling out all the stops this weekend.

The hotly contested Touring Class battle continues with Alain Lauziere currently 2nd place in the points standings will be back in his Octane Promotions MINI Cooper S. He’ll have to use every trick up his sleeve to fend off Nigel Heron and his potent Acura Integra at bay while attempting to get a top the podium in the Touring Class.

Less than 300 points separate the top five drivers in the Super & Touring classes, as the level of competition is extremely high. Watch for impressive drives to the front from Super Touring drivers Arek Wojciechowski (BMW), Etienne Borgeat (BMW), Eric Hochgeschurz (BMW), David Bensadoun (BMW), and Calabogie podium finisher, Alex Healy (Acura).

Touring Class offer thrilling excitement way deep into the pack also. Watch for Patrick Seguin (Honda), Jocelyn Fecteau (Toyota), Tom Kwok (Honda) and the rest of the field battle it out for 20 minutes on Saturday & 40 Minutes on Sunday.

For further information, check out www.touringcar.ca for the latest championship news.- -The Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship Presented By Toyo Tires is Canada's Premiere Touring Car Series and features Canada's Best Drivers Racing Today's Hottest Touring Cars. The Championship is showcased at eight event weekends in Quebec and Ontario with marquee events at Grand Prix de Trois-Rivieres and Honda Indy Toronto.

For more information on Toyo Tires, please visit www.toyotires.ca. Toyo manufactures and distributes a complete line of replacement tires for high performance cars, luxury vehicles, light trucks and SUVs as well as tires for commercial trucks, buses and off-road and construction applications.