Sunset Speedway: Track rebuild shots Nov. 29, 2009

Work is progressing nicely at Sunset Speedway, south of Barrie, Ontario. Thanks to Steve Slaughter for forwarding these photos of the work in progress.

2011 ford mustang V-6 goes high-tech: new 305-Hp engine, six-SPEED transmission expected to Deliver 30 MPG highway

• For 2011, Mustang makes sports coupe news with a new high-performance, all-aluminum Duratec® 3.7-litre DOHC Ti-VCT V-6 that delivers 305 horsepower and an expected best-in-class 30 mpg highway with six-speed automatic transmission – no other vehicle in the industry can beat that combination
• Six-speed transmissions – manual and automatic – combine with newly standard limited-slip differential and revised suspension for road-carving driving dynamics and handling
• New technology and convenience features include: Standard integrated spotter mirrors; message centre; MyKey™ programmable vehicle key; and Universal Garage Door Opener

The 2011 Ford Mustang puts 305 high-performance horses in the hands of V-6 coupe buyers with a new all-aluminum dual-overhead cam (DOHC) engine that delivers a projected 30 mpg on the highway with a six-speed automatic transmission and fun for drivers on nearly every road.
For 2011, Mustang’s new 3.7-litre Duratec 24-valve V-6 uses advanced engineering to deliver its power and economy: Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) adjusts the valvetrain in microseconds. Aluminum construction means light weight. It’s an engine designed to crank out torque down low, rev to 7,000 rpm and deliver the mechanical music sports coupe lovers crave everywhere in between.

“Mustang is completely transformed with this new engine,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. “Everything people love about the car is still there and now under the hood is a V-6 engine that uses premium technology to deliver the power, the feel, the fuel efficiency, even the sound of the best sports coupes in the world.”

New 3.7-litre V-6 engine With Ti-VCT operating its four valves per cylinder, the new Mustang V-6 powerplant sends significantly more horsepower and torque (305 hp and 280 ft.-lb.) to the rear wheels than its predecessor – despite its smaller displacement. The behind-the-wheel feel is unlike any Mustang ever produced.

“This new V-6 engine really speaks to what Mustang is all about,” said Barb Samardzich, Ford vice president of global powertrain engineering. “It produces power everywhere in the rev range and loves to be pushed hard. The Duratec 3.7-litre builds on our promise to use advanced technology to deliver both power and fuel economy.”

The high output is due largely to Ti-VCT which allows variable control of valve operation across the rev range. The variable cams operate on a Direct Acting Mechanical Bucket (DAMB) valvetrain using polished buckets and roller finger followers to reduce friction. The end result is as much as a 3 percent improvement in fuel economy and a 10 percent improvement in power output versus traditional engines without these advanced features.

Ti-VCT is complemented by special-tuned composite upper and lower intake manifolds for efficient air delivery and lighter weight. Ignition power is delivered by a high-energy coil-on-plug design, while piston-cooling jets and a lightweight die-cast aluminum cylinder block improve the durability and efficiency of the 3.7-litre V-6 design.

Performance was the mantra for every aspect of engine design. A cold air induction system and dual exhaust give the 3.7 its free-breathing style with a 7,000 rpm redline and near-instantaneous response to throttle inputs.

A die-cast aluminum deep-sump oil pan provides 16,000-km oil change intervals, saving drivers money on maintenance and resulting in less waste in oil disposal.

Engineers also worked to ensure aggressive, high-performance sounds come from the new engine, from intake to exhaust. Not only does the retuned air intake system minimize losses, it also provides the driver with a satisfying intake rush on hard acceleration. The all-new dual exhaust system is mellow at idle but opens up with a howl at full-tilt, letting Mustang drivers know they’re behind the wheel of a world-class sports coupe.

“This car marks a new type of Mustang,” said David Pericak, Mustang chief nameplate engineer. “We’re using a high-performance quad-cam V-6 with all the bells and whistles in a car that’s become legendary for its handling and roadholding; it’s really going to get a lot of new sports coupe fans excited about Mustang, some for the first time ever.”

Powertrain improvements Drivers can get the most out of the new V-6 engine’s output using either an all-new six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic transmission. Both come with the flexibility and fuel economy benefits of six forward ratios regardless of whether buyers want to shift for themselves or not.

Drivers who prefer a manual gearbox will enjoy the short throws and direct feel of the shifter along with the relaxed cruising permitted by the extra top gear ratio. Customers choosing the automatic will be pleasantly surprised to find the advanced six-speed 6R60 transmission does not sacrifice fuel economy – or performance – for convenience, delivering an expected 30 mpg highway with crisp, quick shifts that maximize torque and horsepower.

The automatic transmission also features a grade-assist or “hill mode” to improve drivability on hilly terrain. This technical innovation uses vehicle input – acceleration, pedal position, vehicle speed and brake status – to automatically determine the correct gear ratio while on an incline or decline. Hill mode eliminates sixth gear, extends lower gear operation on uphill climbs, and provides additional grade or engine braking for coast downs.

The standard 3.31 rear axle provides performance enthusiasts an ideal blend of cruising fuel economy. acceleration and better off-the-line launch characteristics, aided by the wide ratio spread permitted through the use of six forward speeds in the gearboxes.
Fuel economy improvements Extra horsepower and refined engine operation will be the most noticeable features to new 2011 Mustang 3.7-litre V-6 buyers while projected class-leading fuel economy, also a standard feature, offers an additional bonus.

The numbers speak for themselves:
19 mpg city/30 highway with six-speed automatic transmission, up from 16 mpg city/24 highway on the 2010 model with automatic – a 25 percent improvement over 2010
18 mpg city/29 highway with six-speed manual transmission, up from 18 mpg city/26 highway on the 2010 model with manual

Refinements throughout Mustang’s body, powertrain and chassis design contribute to the improved fuel economy numbers.

Examples include:
The new Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) system which eliminates the drag of an engine-operated hydraulic power steering pump, Six-speed transmissions that allow lower cruising revs without sacrificing off-the-line performance, Aerodynamic improvements such as a new front fascia, tire spats on the rear wheels, modified underbody shields, a taller air dam and an added rear decklid seal

Handling and driving dynamics With so much additional horsepower standard, the 2011 Mustang received enhancements to its chassis to maintain the outstanding balance and driving behavior Mustang owners expect. Damper tuning and spring rates were revised to provide a smooth highway ride while a new rear lower control arm and stiffened stabilizer bar bushings improve stiffness and handling for better cornering response.

While Mustang’s aerodynamic improvements were designed mainly to improve fuel economy, engineers also adjusted the vehicle’s front/rear lift balance. The result is a car that tracks more securely and feels more “planted” to the road surface at higher speeds, helping to keep the tires in better contact with the pavement.

The addition of EPAS marks a new era in driving dynamics for Mustang owners. Steering effort at parking lot speeds is reduced, while high-speed and highway feel is improved for more precise steering and handling. Because the belt-driven power steering pump is eliminated, EPAS provides a quieter vehicle with fewer components drawing engine power.

EPAS also enables new technologies that adjust for minor driving annoyances. Pull-Drift Compensation adjusts the steering to correct for crosswinds and minor road crowning, while Active Nibble Control helps eliminate the “shimmy” felt at high speeds when a wheel is out of balance or a brake rotor is warped. Both conditions are alleviated by EPAS independent of driver input, helping ensure Mustang delivers a smooth, comfortable driving experience in all conditions.

Mustang buyers choosing the new V-6 will also get a standard limited-slip differential that provides better handling and more sure-footed grip in poor weather conditions by directing engine torque to the rear wheel with the most traction. When the time comes to slow things down, the 2011 Mustang is also equipped with larger four-wheel ABS disc brakes, with 11.5 inch front and 11.8 inch rear rotors.

Refinements complement advanced features To reinforce the sporty nature of the 2011 Mustang, all V-6 models will come standard with new instrument cluster graphics, including a speedometer that reads up to 160 mph and a tachometer that reads to 8,000 rpm, reflecting the free-revving style of the new engine.

Additional lightweight soundproofing measures help filter unpleasant, high-frequency noises while tuned intake and dual exhaust add the sounds Mustang buyers relish.

Occupants also benefit from new door seals and a rear wheel arch liner that reduce road noise for a quieter, more enjoyable drive, all with minimal weight gain compared to the 2010 model.
For 2011, Mustang also ups the ante on technology and convenience features, including a standard driver’s message centre in the instrument cluster and integrated blind-spot mirrors in the side-view mirror housings.

Ford’s MyKey™ system, designed to encourage safer teen driving and safety belt use, also is newly available on Mustang. MyKey allows owners to program the vehicle key using the driver’s message centre to incorporate features such as limited top vehicle speed and audio volume, a traction control system that cannot be deactivated, a persistent Belt-Minder® safety belt reminder and various speed alert chimes.

Top safety marks expected Mustang’s technological advances are also incorporated in the structure of the vehicle to improve safety. The 2010 Mustang coupe earned the U.S. government’s top five-star crash-test rating, a designation the 2011 model is expected to achieve.

The Mustang’s considerable body stiffness contributes to the coupe and convertible’s driving performance and has a parallel benefit in accident protection. While the coupe’s body structure is approximately 31 percent stiffer than the previous Mustang platform, the convertible’s is more than twice as stiff – creating a structure that helps protect the cabin from deformation and intrusion in an impact.

Mustang also uses high-strength steel in its body structure and ultra-high-strength steel in the door intrusion beams for additional side-impact protection.

The front structure’s crush zones are computer-designed to absorb energy in a controlled manner and help dissipate it before it can reach the passenger compartment. Ford engineers have run thousands of design iterations of the Mustang’s front rails to arrive at an octagonal shape that helps spread crash forces evenly to aid in protecting occupants.

State-of-the-art technology adds to the convenience and safety of the 2011 Mustang, from the availability of the latest version of Ford SYNC® with 911 Assist™ , to standard AdvanceTrac® Electronic Stability Control, which complements the all-speed traction control and standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Additional standard safety equipment includes the Personal Safety System™ which features dual-stage driver and front passenger air bags, safety belt pretensioners and Belt-Minder.
The 2011 Mustang will be built at the Auto Alliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Mich.

The new 3.7-litre V-6 will be built at Ford’s recently retooled Cleveland Engine Plant No. 1.

F1: Montreal-based Octane Group to Promote the F1 GP of Canada

Octane Racing Group Incorporated (Octane), of Montréal, is proud to announce that it has reached an agreement with Formula One Administration Limited and Formula One World Championship Limited (together the F1 Commercial Rights Holder) to act as promoter of the FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX DU CANADA as a round of the FIA Formula One World Championship in each of the years 2010 to 2014. The 2010 FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX DU CANADA will take place on June 11-13 at Montréal's Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

"We are extremely proud and satisfied with the agreement reached last week with the F1 Commercial Rights Holder. I feel that both parties share an equal amount of trust and confidence that we will succeed with the return of Formula One to Montréal's summer events calendar", stated today Mr. François Dumontier, President of Octane. "Our intention is to maintain and enhance the tradition established in Montréal since 1978 by the previous promoters of the event. The FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX DU CANADA has always been a world-class event and extremely popular among racing fans from Québec, Canada and abroad. The fact that Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is quite challenging to the teams and the drivers tends to produce a very exciting if not historically memorable event."

Mr. Bernie Ecclestone, CEO of the Formula One group stated today on behalf of FOA: "I am very satisfied with the agreement reached with Octane Racing Group to act as promoter of the FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX DU CANADA. François Dumontier and his team have all the necessary knowledge to deliver a great event to the North American fans and make a success of the return to Montréal of the FIA Formula One World Championship."

In recent months, Octane has established itself as the most experienced team in Canada in motorsport event promotions. François Dumontier, President of Octane, has been involved at the highest level of the FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX DU CANADA for much of the past 15 years and has gathered a team with a unique expertise to promote and organize such events.

Octane wishes to acknowledge the efforts of the Governments of Canada and Québec, the City of Montréal and Tourisme-Montréal and thank Mr. Ecclestone and the F1 Commercial Rights Holder for their confidence. "We especially see our agreement with the F1 Commercial Rights Holder as a great opportunity to demonstrate our capacity to be up to a great challenge, but also to help confirm the status of Montréal as one of the great venues for Formula 1 racing", also added François Dumontier.

Spectators who have attended the FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX DU CANADA since 1978 have witnessed an impressive record of five first career wins by Formula 1 drivers starting with the inaugural race in 1978 with Gilles Villeneuve, then in 1989 with Thierry Boutsen, 1995 with Jean Alesi, 2007 with Lewis Hamilton and finally in 2008 with Robert Kubica.

Media information: For Octane Racing Group // Normand Prieur // 450 492-6963 / 514 836-6963 // nprieur@videotron.ca

IZOD INDYCAR Series News & Notes... Danica re-signs with Andretti

1.      Patrick re-signs with Andretti Autosport

2.      Franchitti, Hildebrand named to All-America Team

3.      Tickets for St. Petersburg event on sale Dec. 4

1. Patrick re-signs with Andretti Autosport: With the backdrop of New York's Times Square, Danica Patrick unveiled the car she will race in the 2010 IZOD IndyCar Series on ABC's "Good Morning America."

"We've got the new IndyCar Go Daddy car for Andretti Autosport here," Patrick said. "Go Daddy has been part of our car for the last three years, but now we've got them as the primary sponsor. With these bright colors, you can't miss me."

Andretti Autosport announced Nov. 30 that Go Daddy, the world's largest domain name registrar and Web hosting provider, had signed a multi-year primary sponsorship agreement with the team and Patrick had signed a new multi-year deal to be the driver of the team's #7 Go Daddy IZOD IndyCar Series entry.

"All of us at Andretti Autosport are looking forward to having Danica back with the team and are excited about working with (Go Daddy CEO and Founder) Bob Parsons and everyone at Go Daddy as the primary sponsor on Danica's car," said team owner Michael Andretti, who helped Patrick unveil the black and neon green-liveried car. "Go Daddy brings a lot of energy to our team and to the IZOD IndyCar Series. We're very excited about the opportunity to work with them in 2010 and beyond."

Patrick joined Andretti Autosport before the start of the 2007 season and became the first woman to win an IZOD IndyCar Series event at the Indy Japan 300 in 2008. She finished third in the 2009 Indianapolis 500 -- bettering the fourth-place mark she established during her breakout 2005 season. Patrick also drove to a career-best fifth-place finish in this year's IZOD IndyCar Series championship.

"Michael Andretti has helped me become a better driver, and we hope to accomplish a great deal during the next few years together, "Patrick said. "Bob Parsons and Go Daddy have believed in me from the start. You know, my lifelong goal is to win the Indy 500, and I'd love to do that in the GoDaddy.com car."

Go Daddy is a leading provider of services that enable individuals and businesses to establish, maintain and evolve an online presence. Go Daddy provides a variety of domain name registrar plans and Web site design and Web hosting packages, as well as a broad array of on-demand services. Go Daddy is also well-known for its Super Bowl commercials, in which Patrick has been featured three straight years.

"Danica is the quintessential Go Daddy Girl," Parsons said. "Danica is a beautiful woman competing in a male-dominated sport. She's passionate. She's focused. She's all about doing what it takes to win and we love that about her. Not to mention she's edgy, smokin' hot and as tough as any competitor anywhere. We are very good together."

As part of its continuing relationship with Andretti Autosport, Go Daddy provided the team with a redesigned company Web site, which was also launched Nov. 30 at www.andrettiautosport.com.

2. Franchitti, Hildebrand named to All-America Team: 2009 IZOD IndyCar Series champion Dario Franchitti and 2009 Firestone Indy Lights champion J.R. Hildebrand were among the seven drivers honored with first-team honors on the 2009 American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association's All-America team.

Franchitti, who won five races and the IndyCar Series championship in his return to the series after a year in NASCAR, earned his second first-team honor by earning the most votes in the open-wheel category. Three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves earned the second-team honors in the voting of more than 300 members of the media.

Hildebrand, who won four races en route to the Firestone Indy Lights title, was the top vote-getter in the at-large category. It's the second time Hildebrand has been named to the All-America First team. He also was a selection in 2006 after winning the F2000 Championship.

Franchitti and Hildebrand, along with the rest of the first team - NASCAR Sprint Cup star Mark Martin, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion Ron Hornaday Jr., NHRA Top Fuel Champ Tony Schumacher, Rolex Sports Car Series co-champs Jon Fogarty and Alex Gurney and World of Outlaws titlist Donnie Schatz - will be honored at the 40th AARWBA banquet Jan. 16 in Brownsburg, Ind.

The winner of the Jerry Titus Award, which is awarded to the top vote-getter over the seven categories, also will be announced at the banquet.

3. Tickets for St. Petersburg event on sale Dec. 4: Tickets for the 2010 Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, featuring five racing series headlined by the IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights go on sale Dec. 4.

The three-day racing event, scheduled for March 26-28 on the streets of downtown St. Petersburg, features five unique racing. In addition to the featured classes, the SPEED World Challenge, including both GT and Touring classes also returns while the Star Mazda Championship and the U.S. F2000 National Championship will debut on the 1.8-mile temporary circuit that includes a combination of adjacent downtown streets circling Pioneer Park, the Bayfront Center and extending onto runways at Albert Whitted Airport that overlook the Bay and picturesque St. Petersburg Harbor and Marina.

 "The 2010 schedule at the Honda Grand Prix is packed with exciting racing," said Tim Ramsberger, vice president and general manager of the event. "We have kept our ticket prices at the same level for the past four years and we are looking forward to staging another great event in St. Petersburg this March."

Tickets for the event range in price from $25 for adult general admissions tickets to $110 for an adult three-day reserved seat pass. Three-day general admission passes are $45 and a general admission ticket for Sunday's featured races is $40. Reserved seat for Sunday range from $60 for seats in the lower rows to $80 for seats in the upper rows and three-day reserved seat passes start at $85. Reduced rate tickets are available for juniors, ages 12 and under, in certain ticket categories.

Race fans purchasing a three-day reserved seat ticket, purchased by December 31, 2009, will also receive an IZOD IndyCar paddock pass, valued at $55. To purchase tickets, visit www.gpstpete.com.

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

Canadian Roger Slack Returns to Short-Track Racing with World Racing Group

CONCORD, N.C. - The World Racing Group is pleased to announce that Roger Slack, the 2007 National Sprint Car Promoter of the Year and the 2007 World of Outlaws Late Model Series Promoter of the Year, has joined its management team as Executive Vice President of Events.

Slack, 35, grew up in the motorsports industry at his family owned and operated speedway in Ontario. He eventually worked with several legends of promotion, including H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler and Glenn Donnelly. Whether it was organizing his first race at only 6 years old, becoming a flagger for some of racing's biggest events by the time he was 14, or paying his way through college by promoting demolition derbies, Slack has been witness to some of the greatest motorsports promotion in history.

“We are excited to have Roger come on board at World Racing Group,” said CEO Brian Carter. “We have been working hard for the fans and competitors to create spectacular events like the World Finals, the DIRTcar Nationals, the All-Star Weekend, and so many others. Roger's experience will be instrumental in furthering our efforts.”

Most recently, Slack oversaw events at Lowe's Motor Speedway, from the Summer Shootout to Monster Truck shows to NASCAR events and pre-race extravaganzas. He organized and promoted every event at The Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway from its inception in 2000 through August 2008, including the Colossal and World Finals.

“Through my experience with Glenn Donnelly and The Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway, I've worked on many DIRTcar and World of Outlaws events in my career, from Super DIRT Week to the World Finals,” said Slack, a native of York, Ontario, who resides in Huntersville, N.C. “The World Racing Group's unique mix of marquis events, premier national tours and grassroots dirt track racing is exactly what I was looking for as I make my return to short-track promotion.”

About World Racing Group, Inc.: World Racing Group, Inc., a sports entertainment company, is a world leader in the sanctioning and promotion of dirt track auto racing. WRG, based in Concord, N.C., owns and operates the three highest profile national touring series for dirt track racing in the United States: The World of Outlaws® Sprint Car Series, The World of Outlaws Late Model Series(SM), The Super DIRTcar Series(TM). World Racing Group sanctions more than 4,900 local and regional dirt track racing events in the United States and Canada at 126 tracks each year under the DIRTcar(TM) Racing brand. In addition, World Racing Group owns and/or operates six premier dirt track speedways. WRG races can be heard online at DIRTVision.com

From World Racing Group | 7575-D Westwinds Blvd. | Concord | NC | 28027

VP Racing Fuels Named Official Fuel Supplier of the PRI/CKI All-Star Karting Classic

PHOENIX, AZ (November 30, 2009) – Championship Karting International is pleased to announce that VP Racing Fuels has been named Official Fuel Supplier for the upcoming PRI/CKI All-Star Karting Classic, scheduled December 10th during the PRI show at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, FL. This marks the fourth straight year VP has been the Fuel sponsor for the event, in which competitors will be powered by VP’s MS98L racing fuel. In addition, VP was the official fuel sponsor for CKI’s inaugural season this year.

“VP Racing Fuels has been a great partner for us all year, we’re glad to continue the relationship at the PRI/CKI All-Star Karting Classic and into the future,” states Kevin Williams, CKI’s Director of Operations. “VP is a leader in the world of Motorsports, a familiar face providing a top notch product. They’re another ‘piece of the puzzle’ that makes the PRI/CKI All-Star Karting Classic one of the most anticipated events each and every year.”

"We're proud to be the Official Racing Fuel of both CKI and the All-Star Karting Classic," said Bruce Hendel, VP’s Western Regional Manager. "VP’s fuels are among the most sought after in kart racing--a critically important segment of the industry which provides the foundation from which many young racers advance their racing careers. The PRI Show and All-Star Karting Classic together provide a great opportunity to remind those in the motorsports community of VP's involvement not only in karting, but across all segments of the racing industry. With nearly 70 blends of fuel for every conceivable racing application, VP's passion for racing and dedication to research and development is clearly unsurpassed."

Now in its fourth year, the PRI/CKI All-Star Karting Classic has become a highlight of the PRI show, attracting top Drivers from NASCAR, IndyCar, NHRA, ALMS, Grand-Am, and motorcycle racing who return to their karting roots to the delight of up to 5,000 fans and motorsports industry insiders outside the OCCC. The Event also provides the perfect showcase for a strong contingent of the rising stars from kart racing to share the spotlight with their heroes and role models. Rising young talents Matt Jaskol (2006 Karter Division Winner), Gary Carlton (2007 Karter Division winner) and Joel Miller (2008 Karter Division winner) are just a few of the sports young superstars in the wings to have used the event as a sneak preview to future Motorsports success.

After PRI, CKI will gear up for the 2010 season. It will be offering two series in 2010: a three-event 2010 WSK North American Series Florida Cup in January, February, and March and a six-event 2010 WSK North American Series National Championship with events beginning in April and running through October. CKI is associated with the European-based WSK international series. The debut of WSK North America in 2010 marks WSK’s expansion, in conjunction with CKI, into the North American karting community. The Series is sanctioned by the World Karting Association, under the WSK banner. For more information, visit http://www.championshipkartracing.com/.

In addition to its official fuel sponsorship of CKI, VP Racing Fuels is the Official Racing Fuel of NHRA Championship Drag Racing, IHRA, American Drag Racing League (ADRL), American LeMans, Atlantic Championship, Star Mazda and The Off Road Championship (TORC) series, among many others.

In addition to fuels, VP’s product line includes performance chemicals, specialty lubricants and traction compounds–each designed to produce the most power and best performance in their respective racing applications. More information can be obtained from VP’s website – vpracingfuels.com.

KRC CT525 COMPLETE DIRT PULLEY SYSTEMS

Kennesaw, Ga. -- November 30, 2009 -- KRC has extended its line of pulley systems for the all new CT525. They now have two new kits available, a water pump only drive kit and a front mounted power steering pump kit. The water pump that comes on the CT525 has no provision for a mechanical fan to attach.

KRC's kit replaces the water pump with a clockwise rotation Stewart Pro Series water pump. Also included is a KRC idler-tensioner to keep proper belt tension and prevent belt slippage when using a mechanical fan. In addition, a R-LOK crank adapter and pulley, Pro Series water pump pulley, water bypass fittings and hose kit, water pump fittings, water pump spacers, belt, hardware and spacers and installation instructions are all included. Front mounted pump kit includes an aluminum KRC pump with 45° bolt-on tank and head mounting bracket. Alternator Add-On Kit available separately and fit either kit. KRC also has engine mounts and a breather system just for the CT525.

Visit www.krcpower.com/ct525.html for more information.

Sport Car Club of BC: Pit Pass Newsletter (Dec. 2009)

Thanks to Peter Weedon of the Sports Car Club of BC for sending along the December 2009 edition of their Pit Pass Newsletter. Click on the cover at right to download the document.

Stolen Race Trailer... from race shop in Ancaster, Ontario

STOLEN RACE TRAILER - PARTS AND EQUIPMENT NOVEMBER 28TH, 2009
NASCAR Canadian Tire Series and Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup Equipment

To everyone,

Last night we had a 2008 Excursion Enclosed Race Trailer stolen from our shop in Ancaster Ontario. The Trailer is White in color with lettering on the trailer, Texon Tool Supply, Lucas Oil, Benson Auto Parts #24 Brennan Didero, Seals-it, Grisdale Racing Products and Mid America Motor Sports. The Trailer is a Tandem Trailer with Aluminum Wheels and a Spare Tire on the Nose with a Black Tire Cover.

Plate Number F54 00K Ontario Plates. The Trailer is full of our race parts.

If you see the Trailer please call Police right away. If you are approached over the next few weeks by anyone selling NEW or Used Race Parts, please notify me so we can see if it is on our list.

Your help is very much appreciated.

Thank you,
David A. Didero // Mid America Motorsports Inc. // Phone- 905-741-9244 // midamericamotorsports@hotmail.com

Grand Prix of Canada Returning to Montréal in 2010... 5 year deal

Montréal, November 27, 2009-The governments of Canada and Québec, Montréal and Tourisme Montréal are proud to announce that the Grand Prix du Canada will return to Montréal on June 13 through a $15 million annual investment over the next five years.

The Government of Canada and Tourisme Montréal will each contribute $5 million of this amount. The Government of Québec will provide $4 million and Montréal will add $1 million. Montréal and its partners will in return receive 30% shares from ticket sales.

"The Conservative government is proud to award such a significant financial contribution to the nation's foremost recreational tourism event. Through the $25 million in support that we are providing over five years, the FIA Formula One World  Championship is coming back to North America here in Montréal. Acting on behalf of our taxpayers has always been one of our prime concerns and this agreement advances that goal. The funding in question will provide direct and tangible leveraging support to our economy. This is an excellent outcome for all concerned," said the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister responsible for the Montreal region.

"The Grand Prix of Canada has more impact on the tourist industry than any other sports event in Canada. Of the 300,000 spectators at the competition, 25% come from outside Québec. With such heavy media coverage, the FIA Formula One World not only provides an outstanding display window for Montréal, but for Québec as a whole. This event alone delivers some $89 million in economic fallout each year, along with 75,000 overnight hotel stays. "I am certainly delighted by this news," said Québec Minister of Tourism, Nicole Ménard.

"For Québec, this event by itself results in annual tax revenues of more than $10 million, for a $4 million investment, minus revenues from ticket sales. All three levels of government have worked together tirelessly over the past few months to bring the Grand Prix back to Montréal, while acting in a financially responsible manner. With this agreement in hand, I am delighted that our efforts have finally succeeded," said Québec Minister of Finance and Minister responsible for the Montréal Region Raymond Bachand.

"The return of the Formula One to Montréal attests to our sustained efforts and determination. This win-win deal falls in line with the terms we set and the taxpayer's ability to pay and will create stability for the next five years. I am very pleased that our metropolis is bringing back this crucial stage in the Formula One series for fans from around the world and an outstanding opportunity in terms of the event's international reach," said Montréal Mayor Gérald Tremblay.

"In view of the substantial trickle-down effects that the F1 will generate for members of our association, Tourisme Montréal is pleased to assist in the return of Canada's biggest tourism event. International coverage of the Grand Prix also puts Montréal in the spotlight and promotes our city as a tourist destination," said Charles Lapointe, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tourisme Montréal.

From Mary-Ann Dewey Plante // Press Secretary // Office of the Minister of Public Works and Government Services // (819) 956-5325

Simond Bachand // Press Secretary // Office of the Minister of State (Canada Economic Development) // (514) 496-1282

Martin Tremblay // Press Secretary // Office of the Mayor and the Executive Committee // (514) 872-0274

Isabelle Lord // Office of the Minister of Tourism // (514) 220-1965

Catherine Poulin // Press Secretary / Office of the Minister of Finance and the Minister responsible for the Montréal Region // (418) 643-5270 // (514) 873-5363

Pierre Bellerose // Vice President // Public Relations, Product Research and Development // Tourisme Montréal
(514) 844-2404

VIDEO: RALLY OF THE TALL PINES: Andrew Comrie-Picard on-board video

This 7-minute clip is a raw, on-board video of Canadian rally racer Andrew Comrie-Picard in action at the recent Rally of the Tall Pines. The start-to-stop stage footage is courtesy of TV2GO. Complete coverage of the CRC event from Bancroft, Ontario airs on TSN on Saturday, December 19 at noon and on RDS on Sunday, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m.

(h/t J.R.)

'Rick at the Races' Retro.... 1976

From Rick Young.... www.rickattheraces.com

RICK @ the RACES (RETRO 1976)

By the end of 1975 Chris Pickup and myself had completed our second year in BriSCA F1 stock car racing, in cars that we jointly owned and maintained. Chris preferred the 'Marty Car' while my preference was for our original. During the closed season we both agreed to split the assets and go our separate ways for 1976. This did not stop us going half shares in a BriSCA F2 that came up for sale.

After a few years where BriSCA F2 racing had been loosing popularity in the Midlands, it had gradually gained ground again. One of our buddies, Geoff Dunsby who'd helped us when we first got started bought the ex Bob Boddington (596) , Pete Poole (642) built car to race during 1975. It was powered by a 1200 cc Triumph Spitfire engine and featured a classic Fiat Toppolino body. Geoff's plans for 1976 were to build his own car, so offered us this one at a price we couldn't refuse.

The Beds and Herts Stock Car Club had been growing in size and was now supporting many other drivers from our area, with monthly get togethers at the Bell Public House in Toddington, Beds. The roster at the offset included Chris (50) and myself (67) , Mick Gale (18), Steve Bird (52), Ted Else (64), Tony Abel (100) Glyn Pursey (175), Brian Bedford (209), Ann Bedford # 210 ,Bob Isles (294) Dick Harvey (445) and BriSCA F2 driver Brian Holmes (542). Brian had returned to F2's in 1975 after a couple of years in Mini Rods. The list increased as the year went on, to include two more F2 drivers, Mick Coady # 653 and Nigel Harradine # 717.

A new track had opened in Hartlepool in the North East of England, and as well a running Brisca F1's, they had introduced F2's too. This was a completely new area for the smaller formula, and suitable cars were in short supply. Brian sold his F2 to a North Eastern driver at the end of 1975 and bought an ex John Hillam F1 from Ken Brown. Before he got round to racing it, it was sold on to Bob Isles. This meant that Brian was without a race car for 1976 so Chris and I agreed to let him use our newly acquired F2. We were so busy with our F1's that we hadn't got the time to race it anyway.

Maureen was now my steady girlfriend, and my winter months had been spent between Dunstable and her apartment in North London. Before the year was out, she had moved back to live with her parents in Dunstable. I was still driving trucks for a living and the company I worked for, Export & general Transport Services, had put me through my HGV class 1 . This now permitted me to drive 'artics' (tractor/trailers).

My regular truck was a Cummins powered ERF and a typical days work would be transporting CKD packing cases for General Motors (Bedford Trucks) on flat bed trailers, to either the Felixstowe or London docks.

My racing plans were to continue, much the same as before, where as Chris had a major rebuilding project planned for the 'Marty Car'. He was going to strengthen the chassis , install a tripple carbed Jaguar E type engine and drastically change the body work. A friend of his had been taking part in local Rally's with a Triumph GT6 Spitfire and had the misfortune to 'roll it'. Chris was offered the body to use on his stock car.

My first race of 1976 was at Brafield on March 14 , which ended up with a trip by ambulance to the Northampton General Hospital. I was involved in a wreck, which turned out to be one of many that year. There were no broken bones after that incident, but the pain kept me off work for three weeks. On my return to work, I was put on light duties, shunting trailers between the Cross Paperware factory in Dunstable High Street and their warehouse in Frenchs Ave, the other end of town. I was now driving a Bedford KM and hauling canvas sided tilt trailers. Cross Paperware also happened to be the place where my 'Plume of Feathers' buddy Colin Herridge worked. I ended up staying on this job for several years. It worked out good for my racing, as there was plenty of 'down time' and Mick Blacks place, where we kept the race cars was just a short distance from the warehouse.

I was able to do jobs on the car during my quiet moments.

My first time back on the track after the Brafield crash was at the Leicester Stadium the following month, where I was involved in yet another wreck. The back end of the car was ripped out, and I made another visit to see the medics. I wasn't hurt in this one, but was checked out as a precautionary measure.

At this stage Chris was still yet to make his appearance with the GT6 Spitfire, but when it did make it's debut, the unusual body work caused plenty of attention.

After the traditional first Saturday in the month visit to Coventry on May 1, to watch the BriSCA F1's, I was  at Ipswich the following day to see the SCOTA cars in action where Les Suckling (132) won the final. I remember a crowd of us, which included Phil 'Bootsie' Chance dropping in to The Cock, at Glemsford on the way home for a pint or two. Former F1 stock car driver Dennis Driscoll (274) was now the Landlord of the pub in this small village close to Sudbury (Suffolk).

On May 12, I visited another new track, not for stock car racing but to watch a British League Motor Cycle Speedway event. It was the White City Stadium in West London where the Ipswich Witches were racing against the home team. There were three stadiums in the UK that went by the name of White City, (Glasgow, Manchester and London) All three had ran stock cars during the years, but this one in London, an athletics stadium close to the BBC studios in Wood Lane was the most World famous.

June was a very sad month for British stock car racing when Brian Wallace (119) was killed in a crash at Manchester's White City ( June 5 ) . I was racing at the Oxford Stadium the following day when the news was broken.

On Saturday July 10, I accompanied Brian Holmes to the Stoke Stadium for a rare afternoon session of BriSCA F2 racing. He'd been doing well in the car that Chris and I jointly owned and I wanted to see how he was getting on. When the races were over at Stoke we traveled across country to watch the evening BriSCA F1 show at Long Eaton.

The next day tragedy hit the Beds & Herts Club, when one of our drivers, Tony Abel # 100 was injured at Brafield. He was involved in a crash and suffered severe neck injuries.

1976 also heralded the beginning of the end for the larger tracks.

Snetterton had disappeared from the fixtures in 1975 and Lydden Hill went the same way at the end of that year. For 1976 the only 'big track' date was for the Brands Hatch Festival of Speed on July 25. This was the last time I was to race at this track.

On Aug 1, the British Stock Car Racing Supporters Association were holding their annual FAN CLUB DERBY at Brafield and the Beds & Herts Club entered most of it's driver members. The Club chose a theme of the EEC ( European Economic Community) and the cars were to be decorated to depict the various countries. We all drew lots and I picked Luxemburg.

Committee man Brian Yates built a radio mast out of wood which we placed on the bonnet (hood) and I sat their with a microphone dressed up as a disc jockey.  In those days, the BBC provided a very poor service for pop music lovers, and Radio Luxemburg was the station most young Brits listened to in the evenings. The side of the car was covered in cardboard and painted up as the Grand Dukes Castle . Maureen sat on the roof dressed in national costume waving the Luxemburg flag. Brian Holmes # 448 also made his F1 debut that day driving Brian Bedfords spare car decorated as a Venetian Gondola (Italy)

My second Austin Westminster had come to the end of the road and my old friend SCOTA driver Johnny Hewer # 116 towed me to Brafield that day. Like many of my old cars the Westminster ended it's days in a Banger race. One of my buddies, Gordon Morrison, raced it a Wimbledon. I bought an old Hillman Minx ( Series V) like I'd had before just to get me by, but it wasn't 'man' enough to tow a big F1. I had to rely on friends to help me, hauling the stock car, if I wanted to race.

Many of the races attended as a specatator were done in Maureen's Hillman Imp. In August we made a midweek trip to the West Country to see some BriSCA F2 racing. As well as revisiting St Austell, Cornwall, (Aug 3) and Newton Abbott, Devon ( Aug 4) , we visited the Weymouth Stadium in Dorset (Aug 5) for the first time. The track that was located in Radipole Lane, just outside the popular coastal resort was 365 meters in length , shale surfaced and promoted by Roy Goodman. Roy, a veteran racer from the 1950's had competed in both BriSCA F1 (163) and BriSCA F2 (800) over the years and at it was him that took the checkers that night. Like so many of the venue's mentioned in my reports, the Weymouth track soon succumbed to the developer.

On Sunday August 15, while I was attending a Banger Racing event at the Brafield Stadium, the Superstox World Final took place at Cowdenbeath in Scotland. Local hero Gordon 'Spotty' McDougal # 41 took the gold.

The BriSCA F1 World Final was at White City , Manchester on September 11 and I was there to see Stuart Bamforth (3) take the Gold. There were only two overseas drivers on the grid both in borrowed cars, Dick Zimmerman from California, USA and Harry V/D Spuij representing South Africa. The next day Colin Higman (778) won the BriSCA F2 World Final at St Austell, while I was at Brafield for the BriSCA F1's.

The Austin A40 body on my stock car was getting quite scruffy after all the wrecks I'd been having, so decided to re-body it during the summer . When Chris built the Triumph GT6 special he'd removed the old Ford Y TYPE body and it laid in Mick Black's back yard doing nothing. It was a lot tidier than the Austin, so I used that.

My interest in BriSCA F2 had been rekindled and as well as going to see them, I was regularly going to watch the Spedeworth Superstox at Wimbledon and the Pete Baines Three Star stock cars at Boston.

SCOTA, the breakaway F1 stock car group were now into their second year and still providing some great action on the Spedeworth tracks. I attended many of their events as a spectator. After seeing the Dutch F1 stock cars at the 1975 SCOTA World Final, I wanted to see them on their home ground.

I contacted Spedeworth in an attempt to get some mainland Europe race dates for a planned vacation in September. Of course this was in the days before internet and information was hard to get. I did get some tentative dates for the Posterholt track near to Roermond in the Netherlands, so a trip was organized.

Maureen's Imp was loaded up with camping gear and our plan was to tour through France, Germany, Luxemburg and Belgium before heading for the Netherlands. I remember us getting as far as the Black Forrest and Kehl on the River Rhine in Germany before heading back for the races. We arrived in the Dutch town of Roermond on the Friday where we found a nice campsite on the banks of the River Rhur, just outside of town. Once we were settled, it was time to search out the local track. After driving out to the tiny village of Posterholt and chatting to the locals, it soon became evident there was no racing taking place that weekend.

Roermond was also close to two other tracks that I'd heard about, so we checked them too. Both of them, the Baarlo Auto Speedway near Venlo and the Kaldenkirchen track just across the border in Germany had no racing on offer that weekend. Little did I know, that Baarlo would be a track I would visit many times in the future. It was shale at this time , and was paved later that year.

Things didn't look good for any racing, so on Saturday we took off on a sight seeing trip to the German city of Munchengladbach . While driving close to the town of Pulheim we spotted a poster saying AUTOCROSS 19 Sept . This happened to be Sunday the very next day.

So determined not to be beaten we returned the following day. The track was a temporary course laid out on farmland, Most of the cars were VW specials with an assortment of Citroens, Datsuns, Renaults and Fords. It was a typical club type event consisting of local drivers. I had now tasted my first piece of German auto racing.

After the racing we went back to Roermond and spent the evening sitting outside a local bar. As we sat there, we were amazed to see some stock cars going by on trailers. We later found out that the some racing had taken place at Tilburg. Oh well, at least we did get to see some racing !

On our return to the UK, my renewed interest in BriSCA F2's continued and on October 17 , I joined Brian Holmes on another trip. Brian was using a Morris FG ex post office truck ( they were given the nickname of 'threepenny bit's) to transport his stock car, and to say it was slow, would be an understatement !  It would barely go over 50 mph and the long trek from Bedfordshire to the Smeatharpe Stadium near Taunton (Somerset) took ages to get there. It was my first ever visit to this track and it rained all the time from when we arrived to when we left.

We made another marathon journey in the 'threepenny bit' on October 31 to the North East of England when he raced at Hartlepool. This was another track I hadn't visited before. Unlike Smeatharpe which is located in the 'middle of nowhere' at the top of a hill on a piece of ex Ministry of Defence land, Hartlepool was a tidy, purpose built Stadium in the center of the town. I liked it a lot. It too was a track that was later lost to developers. Both tracks were paved.

My big memory of that first Hartlepool meeting , was of Mick Coady (653) one of our Beds & Herts drivers having a scary accident. He'd had a problem with his car and retired to the center. After making his exit, he walked into the path of the on coming Wilf Blundell (775) car. Mick was struck and thrown into the air like a rag doll. Everyone feared the worse ! Miraculously, after a medical check up, he was found to be OK, not seriously injured and he was back out racing a few weeks later.

On November 13 at Wimbledon it was the SCOTA version of the F1 Stock Car World Championship. Once again the overseas content put the BriSCA event to shame. ( this must have acted as a 'wake up call' because from then onwards, BriSCA got their act together to make their event worthy of the title). Alan Casserley (104) from Stevenage, Hertfordshire took the checkers at Wimbledon . Actually Alan was racing under the # 184 that night. As a courtesy gesture to visiting Dutch driver Lambert Keulen # 104, Alan changed his number.

At another late season Wimbledon meeting I recall seeing the new Superstox World Champion , Gordon McDougal # 41 from Edinburgh in action.

As the 1976 BriSCA season drew to a close, it was announced that the St Austell and Newton Abbott promoter Trevor Redmond had plans to stage racing at the newly built Reading Stadium in Berkshire for 1977. In the 1960's Spedeworth had staged racing at the Tilehurst Road track in the city, which had been lost to development. After pressure by the local Motor Cycle Speedway fans a new site was found at Smallmead on the Basingstoke Road. Redmond had secured the promoting rights for stock cars and a 'pilot' BriSCA F2 meeting was scheduled for November 26 (1976)

When I heard the news, I knew I wanted to race there. I let Brian Holmes know my intentions, a plate with my # 567 was made to cover his # 542 and 'Dick Young' was attached to the bonnet. As we set off from his place in the 'three penny bit' everywhere was wet. It had been raining all day and when we arrived at the track the pits were like a swamp. We were wading through sloppy piles of mud. The 350 yard shale track wasn't so bad, but still wet enough to give us problems.

My recollections from that first night, was of me going wildly sideways on the first bend, then after recovering, glancing back and seeing a bunch of others, including Bill Batten (667) wiping out. Later in the night I remember getting a big hit from Isle of Man driver Wilf Blundell ( he was a real gentleman, a great ambassador to the sport who I had much admiration for)

The final winner on that damp and miserable night was Ian Illman (784) from Devon. I really enjoyed my first taste of BriSCA F2 racing and came away with the Rookie of the Night award. I decided then , that BriSCA F2 racing would be my direction for 1977. 

Our winter evenings were often spent at Ceasars Palace, a night club in Luton where quality acts would often appear. I remember seeing a couple of my old favorites performing there. Gene Pitney and the late great Roy Orbison. To this day, I love Orbison's records, and if I have a few beers in me, I might be persuaded to give you a Karioke rendition of 'Pretty Woman.'

Canada's First Eco-Friendly Rally Car wins Ontario Championship

Chris Martin wins the Ontario Rally Championship racing the first green car

November 26, 2009 – Toronto, Ontario – Torontonian Chris Martin drove to a comfortable win at the Ontario Rally Championships. Martin raced his 1993 Subaru Impreza using E85 bio-ethanol fuel; the first car to use this fuel  in the Ontario Rally Championships and the Canadian Rally Championships.

"We were really looking forward to showing people what we could do using ethanol,”  says Martin, "My win demonstrates  you can be environmentally friendly and still win. I hope that other drivers will see this as the perfect opportunity to use less racing fuel and help the environment at the same time."

Martin’s desire to use eco-friendly fuel inspired him to win.  Old School Motorsports battled it out with two other teams all year leading up to the final championship race at the Rally Tall Pines in Bancroft, Ontario. A crash early in the race threatened to put the team out of the Championships, but he was able to recover with his quick thinking.  Along with his co-driver Phil Narini from Oshawa, Ontario Martin won Tall Pines by four minutes and 27 seconds.

Along with his wins in the Shannonville Rally and Tall Pines in the regional event, Martin also received the 2009 Ontario Performance Rally Championship (OPRC) Overall Driver, Open Class Driver and Novice Driver.  “It feels great to win the OPRC championships!” says Martin. “Winning our first rally in April  at Shannonville and now  finishing the season with another OPRC win, and the Ontario Championship, it has been a great  year, with the points coming down to a battle at the final rally. The competition has been great, and we look forward to another battle next year.” 

For more information please contact:
Elizabeth Sweet // Public Relations Coordinator
Phone: 647.637.0908 // Email: elizabethcsweet@gmail.com

Inside Track Holiday Buyers' Guide... available online as a free download

Click here or on the cover image at right to view an online version of the 2009 Inside Track Holiday Buyers' Guide. The 24-page HBG is full of great gift ideas for the racing fan(s) on your list!

In addition to editorial and contact information about the advertisers and their products, all of the ads are hotlinked to take you directly to their websites. Support the businesses that support Canadian motorsports!

EDMONTON JOURNAL: 2009 Edmonton Indy lost $3.9M... 2010 race in jeopardy?

"EDMONTON — Councillors are bracing for a public backlash after the city revealed Tuesday that last July's Rexall Indy car race lost $3.9 million, more than double the expected amount.

Although Edmonton's civic budget assumed a $1.5-million shortfall, revenues for the event came up short because of the economy and lower-than-anticipated grants from the provincial and federal governments, Northlands president Ken Knowles said."

and...

"...council will decide Dec. 7 if it wants to cancel the final race scheduled for next July 25."

Click here for the full story, on the Edmonton Journal site.

New Hampshire Motor Speedway Announces the Return of the ACT Invitational in 2010

LOUDON, N.H. (November 25, 2009) - The American Canadian Tour (ACT) and New Hampshire Motor Speedway have reached an agreement for the Second Annual ACT Invitational to take place at the only superspeedway in the Northeast on Saturday, September 18, 2010.

"The overwhelming success of the inaugural ACT Invitational this past September made it an easy decision to have the short track stars of our region return again next September," said Jerry Gappens, executive vice president and general manager of New Hampshire Motor Speedway.  "I really appreciate NASCAR's Mike Helton and his team for working with us again this year to add the Invitational to an already jam-packed schedule."

Thirty-six teams from all six New England states, Quebec, and Ontario took part in the inaugural ACT Invitational during the SYLVANIA 300 weekend this past September.  One of the largest Saturday crowds in the 19-year history of the speedway was treated to an action packed tripleheader of racing featuring the American Canadian Tour Late Models, the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.

"We really thought things went great at New Hampshire Motor Speedway during the first ACT Invitational last season," said Tom Curley, president of ACT.  "I would expect things to be even more fun for our teams and fans in 2010.  We will add some laps to the event, and are discussing the possibility of allowing a tire change during the event.  We will also add some positions to the starting field."

Teams were qualified for the first Invitational by winning ACT and ACT Castrol Series events in the United States, Quebec, and Ontario.  Additional teams qualified through special events such as the Oxford Plains Speedway TD BANK 250 in Oxford, Maine, and the Vermont Governor's Cup at Thunder Road Speedbowl in Barre, Vt.  Individual track champions from ACT affiliated tracks were also invited to attend the inaugural Invitational.

"We plan to change some of the qualifying procedures as we continue to make this one of the most unique and exciting short track events in the country," said Curley.

"It is no secret that New Hampshire Motor Speedway is my very favorite track of all time," said 2009 ACT Champion, Brian Hoar from Williston, Vt.  "I can't tell you how happy I am that we are going back."

Race fans from throughout the short tracks of the Northeast will now need to circle the weekend of September 17-19, 2010.  The first of the qualifying events for the 2010 ACT Invitational will be held just down the road from New Hampshire Motor Speedway at the Lee USA Speedway in Lee, N.H.  Over 50 teams are expected to try and capture the first invitation at the opening 150-lap event on Sunday, April 18, 2010.

To purchase tickets for the New Hampshire Motor Speedway LENOX Industrial Tools 301 and SYLVANIA 300 weekends, please call our Ticket Hotline at (603) 783-4931 or visit the speedway online at www.nhms.com.

From Fred Neergaard / NHMS

Clutch performance gains one championship, loses another at Tall Pines

BANCROFT, Ontario (November 21, 2009) – Yokohama team driver Andrew Comrie-Picard put in a clutch performance with a hard-earned second place finish in the Rally of the Tall Pines here to garner his first North American Rally Cup championship.

With co-driver Jeremy Wimpey of State College, Pennsylvania, Toronto-based Comrie-Picard haunted the top of the leader board in his 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X for all 15 of the day’s special stages to lock up the second podium step behind overall winners Pat Richard and Allan Ockwell.

“We just drove as hard as we could,” Comrie-Picard admits.

Comrie-Picard’s North American Rally Cup championship caps a busy season in both Canada and the US, where ‘ACP’ earned a third in the Rally America Championship and a fourth visit to the prestigious X Games in Los Angeles. He ends the 2009 Canadian Rally Championship season in fourth.

Another kind of clutch performance sunk the championship hopes of the Yokohama team of Antoine L’Estage and Nathalie Richard, who led the Canadian championship and the chase for the North American Rally Cup going into the Tall Pines.

L’Estage and Richard, of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, were one stage away from locking up both championships – and a rally victory – when the clutch on their Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X quit before the start of the final stage of the event. The pair had been in a see-saw battle with the winning Subaru Impreza WRX STI of Richard and Ockwell for the entire event. L’Estage was eventually able to coax the car through the final stage to claim fifth overall, not enough to prevent their Subaru rivals from claiming both the rally victory and the Canadian Rally Championship for 2009.

L’Estage recounts the team’s heart-breaking final minutes of the season. “Going into the last stage of the day (26 km) we had a 48 second lead over second place but our clutch had seized,” he recalls. “To make matters worse, the start line on that stage was uphill. For nine or ten minutes we tried desperately to start the car as we watched our championship hopes slip away. We eventually got started and set a blistering pace on that stage to finish the rally in 5th place.

“Unfortunately, it was not enough. We were all set to win the rally, the Canadian title for both of us and the North American driver’s title. It was a very emotional time for our entire crew and we are still in a state of disbelief,” says L’Estage.

L’Estage and Richard finish the Canadian Rally Championship in second place.

“We are very proud of the Yokohama teams and what they accomplished in 2009,” says Jonathon Karelse, marketing manager for Yokohama Tire (Canada) Inc. “Regular trips to the podium, including a convincing win in winter conditions where we can demonstrate our winter tire technology in real world conditions, have made this season a memorable one.”

Yokohama has been a supporter of rally motorsport in Canada for more than a decade.

The Canadian Rally Championship has been televised nationally since 1993, and the 2009 series was made available on multiple media platforms, including as downloads from iTunes, on-line on Flat Over Crest (www.flatovercrest.com) and to 80 million homes in Europe on MotorsTV. Yokohama Tire (Canada) Inc. markets and distributes a full line of tires for high performance, passenger car, light truck, and commercial truck applications, as well as off-the-road tires for mining, forestry and construction applications. It maintains distribution centres across Canada to serve more than 700 independent tire dealers.

"Dirt from the Stands" by Greg Cybulski

A Gift Worth Sharing

Well race fans, as we approach my favorite time of year, I once again take some time to relax, reflect and share my thoughts on 2009. As I sit before my keyboard and work on this column, I have a feeling of thankfulness for the opportunities that were presented to me during this past racing season. Since I became involved in dirt track racing through Prairie Dirt, without a doubt, this year has been the most gratifying.

Blogging has been a fun and an easy way of presenting racing news and photos during the year and it is much easier to maintain than the old website and message board that I previously had. This form of media was brought to my attention by Marty Gold who is the host of The Great Canadian Talk Show on 92.9 KICK-FM in Winnipeg. References to local blogs during his radio show caught my attention. After seeing a few examples, I decided to change to blogging as well. The Great Canadian Talk Show can be heard from Monday to Friday at 4:00pm to 5:30pm online at http://www.kick.fm/ and Marty's blog can be viewed at http://tgcts.blogspot.com/

In addition to the traditional dirt track racing websites, my writings also appeared on two blogs in 2009. The blogs are Manitoba Post at http://manitobapost.blogspot.com/ and SaskBlogs at http://www.saskblogs.ca/ .

Prairie Dirt Digest host Darren Pallen graciously invited me to be a guest on a Spring podcast. During our conversation, we touched on such topics as the importance of promotion and media relations at the grass roots level of racing as well as my more recent involvement with Sprint Car racing and the American Sprint Car Series.

Speaking of promotion, kudos to the new ownership and management of Red River Co-op Speedway who took big steps toward becoming more visible in the community. Some examples included a press conference at the Red River Co-op gas station located in St. Norbert, which featured a number of cars from different classes run at the speedway. The conference was covered by both local newspapers, The Winnipeg Free Press and Winnipeg Sun as well as CTV television. Over the summer, news releases were also distributed and read over the airwaves at some of Winnipeg's favorite radio stations including 92 CITI-FM, HOT*103 and 92.9 KICK-FM.

In June, I was presented with a new and exciting opportunity as Director of Media Relations for the Northern Lightning Sprint Association. The newest car class at Red River Co-op Speedway offered fast-paced action for Manitoba's dirt track racing fans in 2009 and it was a privilege to be a part of the NLSA's inaugural season. Race reporting is different than writing a column or an article. At times, this new opportunity presented it's share of challenges, however, translating observations during a race into words was a valuable learning experience.

Another highlight of this season was Prairie Dirt Classic weekend. To have the opportunity to write about and promote the ASCS Canwest Sprint Car tour from Winnipeg, Manitoba to Swift Current, Saskatchewan was an amazing experience with many majestic memories that I will always cherish.

We each have different God-given gifts that are meant to be shared with others. Whether your talent is writing, speaking, photography or driving a race car, it is our responsibility to share these gifts with others. I have had the privilege and honor of knowing pro-active people who do. Not only do they enjoy what they do, but they love to share their passion with others and dare to make the world a better place. At the end of the day, isn't that really what we all want? May we all learn to share our special gifts with others.

On behalf of the Cybulski family, I would like to extend heartfelt wishes of joy and love during this Christmas and holiday season.

God willing, I will see all of you at a dirt track again in 2010.

Take care and good racing,
Greg Cybulski

Rick Young's 'Rick at the Races' Nov. 21-22, 2009

From www.rickattheraces.com

RICK @ the RACES (21/22 Nov)

21 Nov  CAPITAL CITY SPEEDWAY BANQUET (OTTAWA,ONT)

22 Nov PARTS PEDDLAR SHOW (SYRACUSE NY)

After a quiet weekend, following my trip to the UK, things got back to normal this past week with two events to attend.

On Saturday Nov 21 , I was at the Capital City Speedway Banquet in Ottawa , held at the Hampton Inn on Coventry Street. ( I'm sure the name of the location will bring a smile to the faces of some of my UK buddies from the London area, familiar with 'cockney rhyming slang'.)  I'm going to keep the report 'clean', so will just leave it at that !

The plush Hampton Inn had more than one banquet taking place that night ( four , I think) in the same number of halls. Capital City Speedway promoter Arnie Malcolm also runs the local Luskville Drag Strip so both functions were in two adjacent halls. Once each presentation ceremony had taken place, the dividing partition between the two halls was opened up to become one. It was a relief that it was done this way. Like most of the Speedway fans I had no interest in the drag racing awards, and I'm sure the feeling of the drag race fans was mutual.

After an excellent meal, the presentations began. To set things in motion a draw was made for a KIRKEY racing seat which was won my Four for Fun driver Julie Menard. The points champions from all divisions were given their awards which included Brian Sehl (Four for Fun), Doug Mould (Mini Stocks), Greg Ogilvie (Thunder Cars), Kevin Foisy (Legends) and Sean Kennedy ( Late Models).

During Arnie Malcolm's speech he announced that it was unlikely that he would be the promoter there in 2010. Various rumors had been doing the rounds in recent weeks, and his words only verified what I had heard. It now looks likely the Capital City Speedway may have a different boss next year, we will have to wait and see.

The Can Am Speedway ( Lafargeville NY) another of my local tracks had it's banquet on the same night, and they too have 'hot' news regarding the promotion. The track which has been owned by the Caprara family since 2003 has just been bought by local businessman Tiger Chapman.

I didn't stay late at the banquet , as I had a trip to Syracuse planned for Sunday morning. My buddy Roger Aubin picked me up from my place in Cornwall (Ont) and our destination was the New York State Fairgrounds for the National Parts Peddlar Show.

This is a show I've never attended before, so it was a 'first' for me. It's mainly directed at race car drivers, teams and owners wishing to see what's new and order new equipment. Most of the major manufacturers were there including top Canadian companies Bicknell and Trick Race Parts.

The first person I bumped into was Sprint and Modified driver Jessica Zemken who told me she was there to check things out. Other driver friends from the dirt tracks I met included, Johnny Scarborough, Steve Paine, Todd Stewart, Stephane Lafrance and Tim O'Brien as well as my ice racing buddies Claude Hutchings and Mike Kamm.

Although I wasn't there to buy anything, it was a good social occasion, and great to wander around chatting to the many folks I knew. Sunday was the last day of the three day show and we'd arrived just after lunch time. We only just managed to get around and see everything before many of the exhibitors started packing up to go home.

By 2-30 the hall was starting to empty, so we too decided to call it a day, made our exit and headed north up Interstate 81. After a good supper at the 730 Truck Stop on Hwy 401, I was home nice and early at 7-00 pm.

PIC  1     The Justin Holtom Late Model at the CCS Banquet

PIC  2   July Menard with her KIRKEY Seat prize

PIC  3   Sean Kennedy the 2009 CCS Late Model Champion

PARTS PEDDLAR SHOW PICS

PIC  4    The BICKNELL RACE PRODUCTS display

PIC  5   Claude Hutching's SAAB powered ice racing special

PIC  6   Maryse on the TRICK RACE PARTS booth

PIC  7   Jack Johnson # 12A Modified

PIC  8   Michael Storms # 4  Modified

PIC  9  A Dirt Late Model from the Brewerton and Fulton Speedways

PIC  10  A Super Modified from the Oswego Speedway

PIC  11  Mini Sprint

PIC  12  Mini Sprints

PIC  13   The # 98H Troyer Modified of Jimmy Phelps

PIC  14   I can never resist taking a picture of a pretty girl !

PIC  15   Loaded up and ready to go home

PIC  16  A TEO PRO Modified chassis