Weedsport, NY – December 31, 2009 – By Tom Skibinski, DIRTcar Racing Northeast PR Director
DIRTcar Racing is set to roll into another decade of speed already boasting 34 years of success around the Northeast circuit. Officially launched during the nation’s Bicentennial, 2009 marked the sixth straight season of operation under the World Racing Group umbrella with short-track stalwarts Brett Hearn, Dale Planck, Chris Raabe and Pete Stefanski capturing the coveted overall Hoosier Tire-VP Racing Fuels Championship crowns.
Since its establishment in 1976, DIRTcar Racing NE has sanctioned both open-wheel and full-fender classes at 82 tracks reaching into a dozen states and two Canadian provinces, as far north as Quebec, southward to Florida and out west to Texas. Charter members Canandaigua Speedway (1368) and Cayuga County Fair Speedway (1246) in New York’s Finger Lakes Region, along with Empire State ovals Lebanon Valley Speedway (1358) and Can-Am Motorsports Park (1020), and Ontario oval Merrittville Speedway (1057) are among the leaders in DIRTcar events run with 20,131 chronicled in seven divisions.
Registered in the DIRTcar NE record book, 746 main events — Big-Block Modified 154, 358-Modified 130, Sportsman 209, Pro Stock 101, Street Stock 105, Pro Late Model 47 — were staged at 32 speedways in ’09 with six Big-Block drivers, 12 Small-Blockers, 21 Sportsman pilots, 21 Pro Stock wheelmen and 11 Street Stock chauffeurs reaching victory lane for the first time; Pro LMs made their NE debut in ‘09. Over 2300 drivers have now cracked the winner’s circle beginning in 1976, with ‘Mr. Small-Block’ Pete Bicknell (294) ---89 Big-Block, 203 Small-Block, 2 Sportsman--- heading a group of 51 drivers that have won features in all three open-wheel divisions
The season-long Super DIRTcar Series for Big-Block Modifieds and companion traveling tours for 358-Modified, Sportsman and Pro Stock teams continue to lay the foundation for the four Hoosier-VP Mr. DIRTcar point chases, while weekly shows help maintain a steady flow of competition that is evident at every active track affiliate. Of those 700-plus features run in ‘09, 57 were extra-distance touring events held from April through October.
Overall Modified champ Hearn collected a lucrative $50,000 top prize at the ‘09 DIRTcar Northeast ‘Night of Champions’ for his record-setting 7th Big-Block title, with the ‘Jet’ improving his series standard to 103 victories after taking three checkered flags. The ‘Natural’ Planck pocketed a $13,000 prize package for his first-ever Mr. DIRTcar 358-Modified Championship while the ‘Teenage Tornado’ Raabe earned $5,000 after securing his 2nd consecutive Sportsman title. Adding to his growing list of career accomplishments, Stefanski made it four straight in full-fender Pro Stock tour competition and took home $2,000 in post-season awards.
Hearn closed out the decade with his third Mr. DIRTcar Big-Block title of the millennium, rising to the top of the points chart for the first time in 1990 while adding an overall Mr. DIRTcar Small-Block championship to his record-setting resume in 2006. He copped five feature wins during the season yet it was ‘Super Matt’ Sheppard dominating with a division-high 20 checkered flags although coming up just four points short in the overall points chase. Along with his unmatched success achieved in the Super DIRTcar Series, Hearn remains DIRTcar Racing NE’s all-time open-wheel winner with 523, standing behind only Canadian veteran Bicknell on DIRTcar Northeast’s 358-Modified all-time list despite being the career 358 Mr. DIRTcar Series race winner with 68 extra-distance triumphs. And it is only Alan Johnson (364) who owns more Big-Block feature wins than Hearn (350), although ‘A.J. Slideways’ holds the mark of at least one feature win scored every year of DIRTcar’s existence.
While Planck went winless en route to top Mr. DIRTcar 358-Modified laurels in ’09, Raabe earned a Sportsman series-best five victories with 14 more first-place trophies taken home during the regular season. Planck is still listed among DIRTcar Northeast’s all-time Top-20 358-Modified feature winners with 49 checkered flags ---including 4 in the Mr. DIRTcar Small-Block series--- with 4 track point titles earned over the past 10 years. Raabe increased his DIRTcar count to 50 while collecting track point crowns at Can-Am Motorsports Park and Thunder Alley Speedpark, along with earning high-point honors in the DIRTcar ‘North’ Region final standings for a second straight year.
2009 marked the 15th season that DIRTcar Racing offered a Mr. DIRTcar Championship for the premier Pro Stockers and that just provided one more year for Stefanski to build on his full-fender legacy for a fourth successive campaign. He continues to be recognized as the all-time Mr. DIRTcar Pro Stock Series winner now with 23 tour triumphs, also reaching victory lane 10 times at a handful of tracks to retain his position as DIRTcar Northeast’s all-time career division leader with 88 wins.
Another impressive emergence of fresh faces around the entire DIRTcar Racing Northeast circuit in 2009 helped account for 71 first-time feature winners in one of the most competitive seasons ever. Headed by Motorsports Safety Systems/G-FORCE Rookie of the Year award winners Rich Scagliotta (Big-Block Modified), Jeremy Wilder (358-Modified), Robert Humphreys (Sportsman) and Harvey Arquette Jr. (Pro Stock), some of those same drivers gained even more familiarity with solid showings in their respective home track point standings.
The 2010 race season is expected to bring further success as DIRTcar continues to raise the level of excitement in the world of short-track auto racing. It all begins this coming February when racers make their annual pilgrimage to Florida for the start of DIRTcar Racing Northeast’s 35th straight season. The 39th Annual Florida DIRTcar Nationals By UNOH at Volusia Speedway Park will be highlighted by the 22nd trip to the Sunshine State for the DIRTcar Big-Block contingent, with Florida Tour ‘10 featuring the mighty Super DIRTcar Series Modifieds during the week of February. 10-13.
A FREE Fan Pit Pass has been made available to every ticket buyer who comes through the main gates each night of the DIRTcar Nationals at VSP beginning on Feb. 2. All fans have to do once they arrive at the track is take their grandstand ticket and head toward the pits, where a table will be set up to sign-in for an up-close look at the cars and stars who will be racing that night. To purchase tickets call Volusia Speedway Park at 386/985-4402, for more information visit www.DIRTcarNationals.com.
In addition, every person that purchases a ticket for the DIRTcar Nationals at Volusia before January 15 will be entered in the “Fan of February” contest currently being held. The winner will be announced on January 16 and will receive two tickets for each of the (4) Super DIRTcar Series Big-Block Modified shows run at VSP In February, as well as a free hotel stay during that time. Winners will also be selected for the World of Outlaws Sprint Car and WoO Late Model Series portion of the 2010 DCN, as well as the UMP DIRTcar Modified segment. For more information visit www.fanoffebruary.com.
DIRTcar Racing Northeast Circuit Closes Book On 34th Season In 2009; Florida Up Next
Last chance to vote for Canada's top current and future racers!
Voting for the Eighth Annual Inside Track Readers' Choice Awards closes at midnight on New Year's Eve. We're planning to announce the winners, on stage, at the Canadian Motorsports Expo on Friday, January 22, 2010.The survey consists of 13 questions. Most of the categories include six nominees and space for write-in votes. The Inside Track Readers' Choice Awards celebrate Canada's top current and future racing stars, across the spectrum of motorsports, including stock cars, road racing, motorcycle racing, rallying, karting and drag racing.
Click here to be taken to the survey site.
Kawartha Durham Kart Club Confirms Bridgestone "Thrill of a Lifetime" for 2010
The Bridgestone Racing Academy has confirmed that they will once again be offering a “Thrill of a Lifetime” lapping day at the Mosport International Driver Development track to qualified senior KDKC members.
This amazing opportunity has been generously provided to members of the club for many years and will once again be an opportunity to experience the high speeds of the Bridgestone Academy’s Formula 2000 cars. Everything you need is provided free of charge (a retail value of almost $1,000.00). There can be no argument that this is the greatest perk available to any kart club in Ontario (Canada?) and to the largest number of members. Whether you want to move on to open wheel racing or just want to be able to say, ”I ran a fully winged race car”, a day at the Bridgestone Racing Academy can’t be beat.
Following an introductory briefing, you will be issued your personal racing gear and you're off to pit lane and the outstanding fleet of Van Diemen Formula cars. These purpose-built single seaters are very responsive with an incredible power-to-weight ratio. The warm-up lapping session becomes the exciting topic of conversation during breaks. Drivers then return to the track for three full 20-minute lapping sessions at even higher speeds than the two-session version.
“This is an excellent opportunity and we are very grateful to Bridgestone for their continued support.” Paul Evans, President of KDKC.
Check the Bridgestone Racing Academy’s website for all the great, affordable programs and courses they offer for drivers and mechanics but remember that only KDKC members have the chance to attend one free!
Watch our website throughout the year for more updates as they happen: www.kawarthadurhamkartclub.com.
CSRA snowmobiles: Round 2 CSRA Regional CAN-AM Challenge - Royal Distributing - Factory Recreation report
CSRA Regional Round 2 combined with Michigan Bay Racing in Gaylord, Michigan saw another spectacular weekend for Team Royal Distributing-Factory Recreation Rockstar Energy's Joey Sagan. Competing in the Pro AM Super Stock on his Ski-Doo, Joey won all 3 qualifiers and took the final. Finishing his last uphill climb, Sagan wowed the crowd with a heel clicker to take the checkers!
Back in Pro Stock, Joey Sagan started in the front row with pick #9 and still managed to get the hole shot. Pulling out front away from the pack, it was Sagan and Dave Joanis fighting for the win. With a 1-2 battle and nobody else in sight, Joey finished 2nd after some intense riding, and only 2 sled lengths from yet another victory.
Lee Butler found out that racing luck will even catch up with a defending champion, as broken shocks and a broken chaincase were his demise early on. Lee limped into the Pro Stock final starting on the back row with hopes of a top 10. Lee finished 5th after battling back from the back row starting spot.
The Pro Open proved to be more successful for Lee. The Open Mod sleds were tuned on the money by Head Mechanic Wayne Legge. With Butler and Sagan starting on the front row, Lee grabbed the holeshot flanked by Joey. Keeping a median 2 sled lengths from each other for the duration of the race, Butler and Sagan finished 1-2 respectively with no threats from behind. The Royal Distributing Factory Recreation Rockstar Ski-Doos dominated the podium and are now 2-2 in CSRA Open Mod finals.
Last year's CSRA Sport Champion's Dylan Hall looked comfortable in his first weekend as a Semi-Pro. In his second outing, Dylan rode steady all weekend long showing that he'll definitely be a contender in the Semi-Pro class this racing season. Competing in the Semi-Pro Super Stock, Hall finished 5th. But things turned around when he holeshotted from the front row in the Semi-Pro Open and dominated the entire race for the win. Awesome job from the rookie!
Special thanks to Ski-Doo, Rockstar Energy Drink, FXR, Kimpex, Ipone Oil, Studboy Traction, HMK Boots, Hercules Distributing/Fox Racing Shox, Oakley Eyewear, Jaws Performance, JR Hall Transport, C and A Pro Skis, and Manitoulin Motorsports.
From Mark Fries / Royal Distributing // mfries@royaldistributing.com // www.royaldistributing.com
Kawartha Speedway Late Model racer Cole Powell avoids the traditional sophomore slump
Every athlete – professional or amateur – will tell you. Having a great rookie season makes living-up to your first year’s performance extremely difficult. During the 2009 Kawartha Speedway season 16 year-old Cole Powell of Mount Brydges, Ontario proved he’s the exception to the rule. The 12th grader at Strathroy District Collegiate showed that he had put all his bad luck in the past and drove his #25 Chevrolet Impala SS to a 6th place finish in the track’s final NAPA Auto Parts Late Model standings. He’ll collect the fruits of his labours Saturday, January 16th at the track’s annual awards banquet.
When the checkered flag waved to wrap-up their 2008 campaign, the Powell Motorsports team heaved a heavy sigh of relief. Their inaugural showing in Kawartha Speedway’s late model division was to be a break-out year for the team and their then 15 year-old driver. Instead, the season was an endless string of bad luck and frustrating performances. The team tried a number of things – including changing car numbers mid-way through the year – but nothing they did helped shake the monkey from their backs. During a show in Florida early in 2009, their red and white machine ended-up on its roof following an on-track incident. Crew chief and father Todd Powell worked tirelessly with the crew to fix and adjust the car during the day so they’d be prepared to run competitively each of the 7 nights. It was at that moment the team decided things had to change.
“While I was happy he wasn’t hurt, we started talking about getting a new car before we even left for home,” said mother and head cheerleader Tracy Powell. “Cole learned a lot running the first car and that was part of the plan. We never thought there’d be so many obstacles along the way, but that’s part of what the sport is all about.”
Armed with a fresh, 2009 McColl chassis as their weapon of choice to begin the next campaign the quiet, likeable youngster and his family started the new season at Kawartha with a few rough outings but the driver soon proved to be a quick study, finding-out that before you can finish first, you first have to finish. His top 15 runs were replaced by top 10 efforts. The basic black #25 Chevy first earned a few heat race wins and by the time the season’s final night of action was in the books, Cole Powell, his family and crew were celebrating in victory lane following a win in the 100 lap finale.
“It was something we’d been working toward all season,” said the driver. “I never gave up and hoped it was just a matter of time. The crew gave me a great car all season long. It was winning on the last night of the year – especially in the 100 lapper against top veteran and invader Pete Vanderwyst that made it worth all the hard work. I hope we’ll be able to carry that momentum into 2010 and if I do, a lot of it will have to do with where I came from at Kawartha. I feel I owe some of my success and improvement in 2009 to racing with Dan McHattie, Dave Morgan, Ryan Kimball and the rest of the late model drivers every week. If I keep working on my driving as hard as my dad and the crew work on the car, things should nicely fall into place. The encouragement I get from established car owner and scout Ron O’Brien has also pushed me forward. He says he likes fast cars and people who can get to the front. Most of all, he likes seeing his name on winning racecars.”
Powell says he thinks tracks will be seeing more of the same from up and coming young runners like Brandon Watson and himself in 2010 and for many seasons to come.
Kawartha Speedway’s 10th Anniversary 2010 schedule is available now at www.kawarthaspeedway.com. The track will also be part of the 4th annual Canadian Motorsports Expo January 22nd to 24th at the International Centre in Toronto.
Photo attachments: #1). 16 year-old Cole Powell found his way into victory lane with several heat race wins – and a 100 lap NAPA Auto Parts Late Model feature triumph during Kawartha Speedway’s 2009 season. Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications // #2), Cole Powell and his father Todd (L) celebrate the young driver’s first NAPA Auto Parts Late Model feature on the final night of Kawartha Speedway’s 2009 season. Team supplied photo
Prepared by: Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications
NASCAR: New Qualifying Criteria Set For Budweiser Shootout
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- The 32nd annual Budweiser Shootout, the prestigious non-points NASCAR event that kicks off Speedweeks 2010 and the new Sprint Cup Series season, will have new qualifying criteria beginning in 2010, Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig announced.
Moving forward, the field for the Budweiser Shootout will be comprised of:
· The 12 drivers who qualified for the previous year’s Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup
· Past NASCAR Sprint Cup champions
· Past Budweiser Shootout champions
· Past Daytona 500 and Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola champions
· The reigning Raybestos Rookie of the Year
“As NASCAR evolves, we tailor the Budweiser Shootout’s qualifying criteria to provide fans with a lineup that showcases NASCAR’s best drivers on the high banks of Daytona,” Braig said. “The new criteria put a premium on race winners at NASCAR’s most storied track – Daytona International Speedway – and we’re looking forward to kicking off the new season with an electric night of racing.”
“The Budweiser Shootout has marked the start of a new racing season for more than 30 years,” said Mark Wright, vice president of media, sponsorship and activation, Anheuser-Busch. “Given the changes in the sport over the past year, we feel this new format gives fans a true race of champions.”
The race distance will continue to be 75 laps (187.5 miles) on the 2.5-mile tri-oval. The race will have two segments, of 25 and 50 laps. Both green- and yellow-flag laps will count.
Between segments, there will be a 10-minute pit stop at which time teams will pit and may elect to change tires, add fuel and make normal chassis adjustments.
Starting positions will be determined by a draw at the annual Budweiser Shootout Draw Party on Thursday night, Feb. 4, on the SPEED stage in the Midway, outside Turn 4.
The Budweiser Shootout, which is scheduled for 8:10 p.m., is the climax to a racing tripleheader on Saturday, Feb. 6. Kicking off the day’s activities at 1:05 p.m. will be Daytona 500 Qualifying Presented By Kroger, which will set the front row for the 52nd annual Daytona 500.
At 4:30 p.m., the ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards will kick off their season with the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 and Danica Patrick will make her much-anticipated stock car racing debut.
Tickets for all Speedweeks 2010 events are available online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP and fans can stay connected with Daytona International Speedway on Twitter (www.twitter.com/disupdates) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/DaytonaInternationalSpeedway)
Drivers eligible for the 2010 Budweiser Shootout
2009 Chase for the Sprint Cup drivers
Jimmie Johnson
Mark Martin
Jeff Gordon
Kurt Busch
Denny Hamlin
Tony Stewart
Greg Biffle
Juan Pablo Montoya
Ryan Newman
Kasey Kahne
Carl Edwards
Brian Vickers
Others – criteria filled in parentheses
John Andretti (Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola)
Geoff Bodine (Daytona 500, Budweiser Shootout)
Jeff Burton (Coke Zero 400)
Kyle Busch (Coke Zero 400)
Derrike Cope (Daytona 500)
Dale Earnhardt Jr. (Daytona 500, Coke Zero 400, Budweiser Shootout)
Bill Elliott (Series champion, Daytona 500, Coke Zero 400, Budweiser Shootout)
Kevin Harvick (Daytona 500, Budweiser Shootout)
Matt Kenseth (Series champion, Daytona 500)
Bobby Labonte (Series champion)
Terry Labonte (Series champion, Budweiser Shootout)
Joey Logano (Reigning Raybestos Rookie of the Year)
Sterling Marlin (Daytona 500, Coke Zero 400)
Jamie McMurray (Coke Zero 400)
Ken Schrader (Budweiser Shootout)
Michael Waltrip (Daytona 500, Coke Zero 400)
· Eligibility based on a driver having competed in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series within the last two seasons.
From DIS public relations
PHOTOS: 1999 stock car photo gallery, by DaveFranksPhotos.com
Reliance Performance Works releases new 5X5 steel hub
· 1pc. heat treated 4140 steel for maximum strength and light weight
· Well vented for maximum cooling
· Uses lightweight machined 6061 aluminum dust cap that is available in flat or bullet nose style
· Standard 8X7” rotor mounting
· Wheel mount full 7” diameter for best support
The Reliance Machine Works Co. Ltd. manufactures a high quality line of chassis components for the Late Model, Pro Stock and Street Stock Markets under their “Reliance Performance Works” brand name. In business since 2001, they also provide custom machining and prototype development services for all racing including Nascar©, NHRA©, and sports car racing.
Reliance Performance Works releases new Anti-dive slugs
The slugs are available in 0-3/8” offset and the inserts 0-1/2” offset. They are fully CNC machined for consistency and have a black oxide finish
The Reliance Machine Works Co. Ltd. manufactures a high quality line of chassis components for the Late Model, Pro Stock and Street Stock Markets under their “Reliance Performance Works” brand name. In business since 2001, they also provide custom machining and prototype development services for all racing including Nascar©, NHRA©, and sports car racing.
If Kawartha Speedway Thunder Car Racer Andy Ford Could Only Buy a Break...
Week after week, Andy Ford is one of the most popular fixtures in the pit area at Kawartha Speedway. Win, lose or draw the Scarborough, Ontario racer – driver of the #93 J.P. Accounting/Advanced Hydraulics/Hercolift/MTV Chevrolet in the track’s Better Carpet Thunder Car division – greets everyone he meets with a firm handshake and a warm, friendly smile. Gregarious and personable outside of the racecar, the 45 year-old is a take no prisoners competitor when the action gets hot and heavy. A solid performer who’s always ready and willing to help if someone needs a hand, Ford has also had some of the worst racing luck of any driver at the popular Fraserville, Ontario oval.
“What can I say? We just had one of those years. Everything that could go wrong did go wrong,” said Ford with a chuckle and his ever familiar smile. “It started on opening night and just continued on from there. We’d meet at my brother Dan’s place in Castleton through the week and with help from our Dad; go over everything 2 or 3 times. We never loaded the car into the trailer without being fully prepared, but things never seemed to work out the way we’d hoped. If we were running for big money, we probably would have thrown in the towel after just a couple of weeks. Just like everyone else, we’re at the track to have fun so we just kept plugging away.”
Andy Ford’s machine battled glitches and gremlins throughout Kawartha Speedway’s 2009 season. The team changed spark plugs and wires, a distributor cap and rotor while trying to correct an engine miss that turned-out to be a collapsed lifter. After transmission problems during the pre-race practice session saw the car loaded-up early, they were back the following week – only to break a crank in the motor.
“Dan, Dad and I talked and came to the conclusion that some of our issues might be solved with a fresh power plant under the hood,” said Ford. “We placed an order for a 602 crate motor, but ended-up on a 3 week waiting list to get it. We borrowed an engine, but only got to use it once because of rainouts.”
Keeping his light-hearted, fun attitude, Andy Ford figured by end of the season everything on the car – except the roll cage and the driver – had been changed. He thinks only one of the 2 components was still good...and it was most likely the roll cage! On the final night of the season, all the hard work came to fruition as the #93 machine found its way to victory lane in the thunder car semi feature.
“It was like we’d won the Daytona 500,” admitted the driver. “There were so many obstacles during the year, I was happy just to be around to see a checkered flag. Having my picture taken holding one made everything we went through worth all the hard work.”
Ford says they’ll be back at Kawartha for the 10th Anniversary season starting Friday, June 4th. It’ll be a busy off-season as the driver joins the CTV television crew in his position as videotape editor at the Winter Olympics in February and a new season of ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ in March.
Kawartha Speedway’s 2010 schedule is posted now at www.kawarthaspeedway.com. The track will also be part of the 4th annual Canadian Motorsports Expo – January 22nd, 23rd and 24th – at Toronto’s International Centre.
Photo attachment: After a difficult year, Andy Ford won the Better Carpet Thunder Car semi feature on the final night of Kawartha Speedway’s 2009 season.
Release and photo by Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications
Schumacher to Return
The deal starts off as a 1-year deal, but Schumacher is quoted as saying that "It's not a one off thing", with discusssions leading him to drive through to 2012 with the team.
The 41 year old, former 7 time world champion joins Nico Rosberg on an all German team.
Jimmie Johnson earns driver of the year honours from the EMPA
LANGHORNE, PA December 22, 2009 . . . The awards keep coming for NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson as the Eastern Motorsport Press Association has voted him the Al Holbert Memorial National Driver of the Year.
EMPA is made up of members who are journalists, photographers and broadcasters that cover motorsports on a regular basis. Johnson will have his award presented at the annual EMPA Convention being presented at the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center in Trevose, PA, January 15 thru 17th. The presentation will take place during the NASCAR/EMPA Hall of Fame Dinner.
Joining Johnson as recipients of special awards from the EMPA will be Richie Evans Memorial Northeast Driver of the Year Ted Christopher; T. Wayne Robertson Memorial Newsmaker Award winner Wall Stadium promoter Jim Morton; Junie Donlavey Spirit of the Sport Award winner NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour competitor Wade Cole; along with John Blewett III Young Guns Presented by New England Racing Fuels Award winner Ryan Truex.
Four new members will be inducted in the Eastern Motorsport Press Association Hall of Fame. One of the true legends in dirt modified racing, Freddy Adam tops the list of inductees along with sprint car legend Steve Smith, Western Pennsylvania sprint car and super modified legend Lou Blaney and one of the founding partners of the weekly trade newspaper Gater Racing News Norm Patrick.
Long time Pocono Raceway public relations person Bob Pleban will be honored with the Art McHugh Memorial in recognition of his many years of support of the EMPA. Several other special awards will be presented along with journalists and photographers receiving awards for their outstanding efforts during 2009.
During press conference sessions set for Saturday, January 16th, presentations will be made by the National Hot Rod Association featuring Top Fuel star Antron Brown along with presentations by the World Racing Group, Andy Belmont’s ModSpace ARCA Series team, IndyRacing League, Pocono Raceway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway’s Jerry Gappens, Dover International Speedway, Bethel Motor Speedway, Sundance Vacations Speedway and others.
Sponsor support for the 42nd annual convention comes from a variety of sources including the NHRA, NASCAR, SPEED, NHRA, World Racing Group, Andy Belmont Motorsports, IndyRacing League, Pocono Raceway and Brice NAPA Auto Parts.
The convention will also be the final under the leadership of Ernie Saxton who is one of the founders and has served as president for most of the years since 1969 when the organization got its start. He has notified the organization that he will not be running for any office in 2010.
Additional information can be had by telephone 215.752.7797 or you may e-mail Ernie Saxton atEsaxton144@aol.com.
IZOD IndyCar Series News & Notes - Dec. 22, 2009
Today's IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights headlines
1. Briscoe Weds Manske in Hawaii
2. Castroneves ready to welcome new member of Penske Racing
3. Target Chip Ganassi Racing featured on VERSUS program
4. Brian Stewart Racing to field USF2000 team
1. Briscoe Weds Manske in Hawaii: IZOD IndyCar Series driver Ryan Briscoe was married to ESPN anchor Nicole Manske in Maui, Hawaii, Dec. 19.
The couple kicked off their tropical wedding celebration Dec. 18 by treating each of their 100 guests to a traditional luau celebration. The following day, the Team Penske driver and Manske said their vows during a cliff-side ceremony under the Hawaiian sunset.
Following the ceremony and a beach-side dinner, guests were treated to a club-like "after party" that featured a 12-foot ice martini bar, an ice cream sundae bar and the couple's favorite indulgences: french fries for Manske and salt and vinegar chips for Briscoe.
Briscoe, who finished third in the 2009 IZOD IndyCar Series standings after he recorded three wins and four poles for Team Penske, proposed to Manske last year during the holidays when the two were vacationing at the Great Barrier Reef in Briscoe's home country of Australia. The couple chose Hawaii as the location for their wedding because it was roughly the midpoint between their two hometowns of Sydney, Australia (Briscoe) and Roscoe, Illinois (Manske).
The newlyweds will spend their honeymoon in Fiji before visiting Sydney for a few days. The couple will then return to their home in Charlotte, N.C. before Manske resumes her hosting duties for "NASCAR Now" on ESPN and Briscoe takes his place behind the wheel of the No. 6 Team Penske Dallara/Honda in January for pre-season testing.
2. Castroneves ready to welcome new member of Penske Racing: Team Penske's Helio Castroneves and his girlfriend, Adriana Henao, are preparing for a very special gift this holiday season.
The couple is expecting their first child - a little girl that will be named Mikaella - over the holidays and they could not be more excited. The baby is due shortly after Christmas.
"Adriana is doing great and we are just waiting for the little one to arrive," said Castroneves, the three-time Indianapolis 500 champion with Team Penske. "Like we do at Team Penske, we are trying to make sure we are well prepared for the big race. We have been working on her room and getting everything ready - basically just making sure we are set to go when we get the green flag."
The expectant mother and father are in Atlanta, where the baby will be born and where Henao and her family reside. They have prepared the baby's room with all the necessities, including a beautiful crib and all the stuffed animals a newborn could possibly need.
"It has been a crazy year but this is the best ending we could hope for in 2009," said Castroneves. "Adriana and I are so happy and we are looking forward to the best Christmas present of all!"
3. Target Chip Ganassi Racing featured on VERSUS program: NFL linebacker Junior Seau smelled the ethanol, got his hands dirty and lifted a few tires during his weekend with the No. 9 Target Chip Ganassi Racing crew for Scott Dixon during the Infineon Raceway race weekend in August.
What he learned and experienced will be shown on "Sports Jobs with Junior Seau" on VERSUS. The first airing of the pit crew episode is 10 p.m. (EST) Dec. 23.
Seau, a 19-year veteran who played with the San Diego Chargers, Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots, experiences a different sport each episode of the show, trying behind-the-scenes jobs that make the athletic activity possible.
4. Brian Stewart Racing to field USF2000 team: Two-time Firestone Indy Lights championship winning entrant Brian Stewart Racing announced plans to field a team in the Cooper Tires presents the USF2000 National Championship powered by Mazda in 2010.
The new team will serve as a development step for the team's Firestone Indy Lights program, which claimed back-to-back entrant championships in 2005 and 2006.
"Since 2005, we have sponsored the Brian Stewart Racing Karting Championship (BSRKC) in an effort to enable all young people to be able to participate in a competitive karting series while developing their driving skills," said team founder, Brian Stewart. "Now we want to take our Driver Development Program one step further by establishing a new stepping stone between karting and our Firestone Indy Lights team. The decision to enter a team in the USF2000 Series also helps us to support the 'Road To Indy' ladder program that was recently announced by the Indy Racing League."
Participants in BSR's Driver Development Program will compete in 12 USF2000 races over the course of the year and will be supported by Firestone Indy Lights quality staff and technology, including driver coaching by Tommy Byrne and physical training from the staff of PitFit.
"Each driver will have a team of people to support them, including top-notch mechanics and engineers," added BSR business manager, Janet Stewart. "We will be bringing 45 years of experience and our history of excellence with us to this series."
Media Contacts: Amy Konrath, Indy Racing League, (317) 492-6453, akonrath@indycar.com // www.indycar.com
Kawartha Speedway 2010 - A Numbers Game
Kawartha Speedway 2010: A Numbers Game
By Jim Clarke, Kawartha Speedway PR/Clarke Motorsports Communications
Romanian gymnast Nadia Comaneci collected 3 gold medals during the 1976 Summer Olympics and became the first in her sport to be awarded a perfect ‘10’. Dudley Moore chased the braided blonde beauty Bo Derek in the 1979 Hollywood classic ‘10’. Drivers and teams at Kawartha Speedway hope to earn their place in the spotlight as the track heads into their 10 anniversary season with a 10 race schedule that kicks-off with an open practice session for all divisions Friday, May 28th.
At the end of the 2009 campaign, speedway general manager and promoter Derek Lynch announced tentative plans for the 10 race schedule during a driver’s meeting. While teams were initially shocked by the plans, Lynch says he’s had favourable comments from most of the track’s regulars – and even some new teams – who are excited to spend their Friday nights at one of the country’s premiere motorsports facilities.
“The number of dates we’ll have on the 2010 schedule has been one of the most discussed motorsports stories since we made the announcement,” admitted Lynch. “When you look at rainouts, 10 races would be more events than we had in 2008 – and just 2 less than the 2009 season. With an average of 3 shows a month, we’ll have the chance to make-up an event lost due to weather. That’s something we haven’t done before.”
Lynch says Kawartha Speedway will continue to spotlight their weekly divisions with extra distance events for the NAPA Auto Parts Late Models, Better Carpet Thunder Cars and the Discount Car and Truck Rental Mini Stocks. The track will also feature a pair of OSCAAR Outlaw Super Late Model events, 4 shows featuring the Ontario Legends’ Series and an appearance by the Ontario Pro Challenge racers.
“One event missing from the program is the American-Canadian Tour stop in July,” stated Lynch. “We’ll still be an ACT sanctioned track and will send a representative to their invitational shows including Loudon, New Hampshire in September. From a financial standpoint, getting the ACT drivers to make the trip from Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire was getting tougher and tougher. In its place, we’ll go back to our 150 lap summer sizzler format – run in 3, 50 lap segments – Friday, July 9th. We’ll also close-out the 2010 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series schedule with a 250 lapper Saturday, September 25th.”
Kawartha Speedway’s 10th Anniversary 2010 schedule is available now at www.kawarthaspeedway.com. The track will also be part of the 4th annual Canadian Motorsports Expo January 22nd to 24th at the International Centre in Toronto.
Photo attachments: Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications
#1). After winning the 2009 Discount Car & Truck Rental championship, Mike Wallace can’t wait for Kawartha Speedway’s 10th Anniversary Season to get rolling.
#2). Track champion Kyle Donaldson dominated the Better Carpet Thunder Car division in 2009 and announced on the final night of the year that his #57 machine was up for sale.
#3). Cavan, Ontario’s Dan McHattie showed his championship winning form again in 2009, earning another NAPA Auto Parts Late Model crown.
Peterborough Examiner: Kawartha Speedway rolls out 2010 schedule
From the Peterborough Examiner
"Winter may have officially stated but plans for racing action at Kawartha Speedway are heating up.
As the track heads into its 10th anniversary season, plans are for a 10-race schedule that kicks off with an open practice session for all divisions on Friday, May 28.
At the end of the 2009 campaign, speedway general manager and promoter Derek Lynch announced tentative plans for the 10-race schedule during a driver's meeting.
Lynch said while teams were initially surprised by the plans, Lynch says he has had favourable comments from most of the track's regulars -- and even some new teams -- who are excited to spend their Friday nights at one of the country's leading motorsports facilities located in Fraserville.
"The number of dates we'll have on the 2010 schedule has been one of the most discussed motorsports stories since we made the announcement," stated Lynch...
Continued at the link above.
VP RACING FUELS EXPANDS TECH SUPPORT
“You won’t find another fuel company offering this level of support, which will be yet another point of differentiation that will set VP apart,” Burns continued. “Customers can now easily tap into the specialized expertise needed to ensure they not only select the best fuel for their application, but tune their engine to achieve the maximum performance of which that fuel is capable.”
VP’s expanded Tech Support roster includes the following:
General Tech Support
Tech@vpracingfuels.com; 812-878-2025
Specialty Tech Support
Drag Racing: DragTech@vpracingfuels.com; 812-878-2025
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Street Legal Fuel: StreetLegalTech@vpracingfuels.com; 812-878-2025
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In addition, customers can visit VP’s website at vpracingfuels.com to review fuel information and submit tech questions online. As always, customers may also contact their VP Regional Distribution Center, which can field not only technical questions, but queries about pricing, dealer locations, shipping and more.
“The importance of technical support can’t be overemphasized,” Burns concluded. “When you lead an industry in technological development as we do, people look to you for guidance and support to ensure they can effectively implement that technology.”
VP Racing is the Official Racing Fuel of NHRA, ADRL, American Le Mans, Atlantic Championship, Star Mazda, TORC and sponsor of many more. In addition to fuel, VP’s product line includes performance chemicals, specialty lubricants, traction adhesives and fuel handling accessories. More information can found online at vpracingfuels.com.
Inside Track Readers' Choice Awards... just 10 days left to vote
Voting for the Eighth Annual Inside Track Readers' Choice Awards is well underway. In fact, there are just 10 days left to have your say as the polls will remain open until late on New Year's Eve. We're planning to announce the winners, on stage, at the Canadian Motorsports Expo on Friday, January 22, 2010.The survey consists of 13 questions. Most of the categories include six nominees and space for write-in votes. The Inside Track Readers' Choice Awards celebrate Canada's top current and future racing stars, across the spectrum of motorsports, including stock cars, road racing, motorcycle racing, rallying, karting and drag racing.
Click here to be taken to the survey site.
Mr. Small Block Pete Bicknell wins in Australia
DIRTcar Veteran Bicknell Cops Roosters Cup In Australia At Maryborough
Maryborough, QLD, Australia – December 19, 2009 – Finding unexpected success in his only appearance in the land downunder, Canadian star Pete Bicknell raced home in the Darren Latimer-owned #83 entry on Saturday to win the opening round of the Roosters Cup at Maryborough Speedway.
After making heavy contact with the wall in his opening heat race, Bicknell advanced from the 13th starting position on his way to victory, holding out Australian Champ Peter Britten and Mark Robinson.
"After the heat (crash) I figured I just better be careful and take my time," offered Bicknell, DIRTcar Racing Northeast’s all-time Small-Block Modified winner (203), in his post-race response. “I could see where everybody was making their mistakes and I knew where my car was better. I could drive in so good underneath them and they were slipping up high so I just conserved and tried to keep on doing that."
The 30-lap race got off to an untidy start with Luke Oldfield a lap one casualty after heavy contact on the backstretch. Pole-sitter Barry Ashen led the field away only to be rounded up by Mark Robinson, who moved from third to first on the opening lap.
Robinson held the race lead for all but the remaining four laps, paying dearly for moving off the pole-line as he worked his way through dense lapped traffic as both Bicknell and Peter Britten moved to within striking distance.
The slick Maryborough surface offered little in the way of passing opportunities, with Bicknell showing his class by methodically picking off cars one at a time, yet still protecting his prime position low on the racetrack.
"I knew as long as I didn't leave that bottom open there was no way he (Britten) could get by me. I made sure I slowed down in the corner and I know Peter's a good racer, he's not going to knock me out of the way so I knew I would be ok."
Britten advanced underneath Robinson with three to go and appeared to be gaining on Bicknell only for the yellow flags to wave, setting up a two-lap dash to the finish. It mattered little however, with Bicknell going on to score what was an unlikely win after the damage sustained earlier in the night.
"The best of the best were here, there is no doubt about it," Bicknell remarked. "Peter Britten and a few of the other guys, I knew they would be good, just didn't know how good. Then when we were starting out with the warm-ups they had me worried because I was a little bit slower than they were but we had some fuel issues there. I knew I could be a little faster than that so it was just a matter of getting the car dialled in."
"The track was a lot like we race on. It gets a little dusty and abrasive, but that's kind of fun because that's where the driver comes out. When the track is wet and tacky anybody can go fast on it. That was more of a drivers track tonight."
The St. Catharines, Ont. chauffeur was accompanied on his whirlwind Australian visit by Bicknell Racing Products VP Randy Williamson, with the pair earlier holding a 'Dirt Modified University' seminar at the premises of the Australian BRP distributor Ian Boettcher Race Parts. They also conducted a driving school the day after the Maryborough race, capping off a hectic five days in Australia.
"Hopefully, we can get the drivers to understand the cars a little better and help dial in everybody a little quicker and give them some ideas to look at. Identify what they are doing wrong maybe and what they should be doing when the track changes like it did tonight."
"Its been a lot of fun. Maybe next time we’ll try and get a few of us over. It's a great country, great people and beautiful racetracks. When it really comes down to it, these facilities are great. They are as good or better than most of the tracks that we race at,” Bicknell added.
Bicknell and Williamson depart Australia on Monday (Dec. 21) to prepare for what will be a busy 2010 racing season back home on the other side of the globe.
Roosters Cup Round One: Feature (30-laps): PETE BICKNELL, Peter Britten, Mark Robinson, David Clark, Kevin Britten, Mick Sauer, Jim Mee, Rian Collier, Lance Towns, Allan Jarvis, Gary Wathen, Aiden Gee, Paul Booker, Phil McNamara, DNF: Barry Ashen, Ricka Groom, Andrew Pezzutti, Nev Robertson, Ray Klarich, Luke Oldfield.
By Ben Graham, Dirt Modifieds Australia Media Liaison // *Ben Graham Photo Attachment
CANADIAN MOTOR SPEEDWAY... Unanimous thumbs up at Niagara Region
Subject: CMS success news
"Council Unanimous At Niagara Region......Canadian Motor Speedway moving ahead at full throttle!!!!"
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Sad News: Greg Wilkins passes
From Grand-Am
WOODBRIDGE, ON - GRAND-AM competitor Greg Wilkins, 53, lost his courageous battle with cancer on Wednesday. He is survived by his wife, Vera and children, Mark and Lauren (Greg is pictured at right with his son Mark (l).
Wilkins was best known for his role as a leader in the corporate world as a President and CEO of Barrick Gold and most recently as Executive Vice-Chairman, but to everyone in the GRAND-AM community and at AIM Autosport, Greg was a loyal friend with a competitive spirit.
A gentleman in the paddock, Wilkins was a fierce competitor on the track who would quietly achieve goals sought by most race drivers with his crowning achievement, a class victory at the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2000. His greatest podium appearance however, may have been in 2005 when he finished third at the Rolex 24 At Daytona with son Mark as his co-driver.
Greg had 39 career starts in the Rolex Series, winning the GTO class at Mid-Ohio in 2000. He raced 48 times in the Continental Tire Challenge, scoring 38 top-10 finishes with victories at Phoenix in 2003 and California in 2004....
Click on the link above for the full release on the Grand-Am site.
Inside Track offers its sincere condolences to the family and friends of Greg Wilkins.
Jamie Allison named Ford Director of North America Motorsports
DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 18, 2009 – Jamie Allison, a 22-year Ford veteran with experience in engineering, product planning and marketing, has been named director, Ford North America Motorsports, effective January 1, 2010, it was announced today.
Allison, who most recently has been Ford Performance Group Manager, will replace current director Brian Wolfe, who has been named to a new position in global product development by Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Ford Global Product Development and Tony Brown, group vice president, Ford Global Purchasing.
“I’m excited about the challenge of helping take Ford’s racing program forward,” said Allison, who has been part of the Ford Racing management team for just over six years. “For a kid who wanted to work for Ford Motor Company, to help carry forward a tradition that Henry Ford himself started is something special.
“Brian Wolfe really made a great difference in the program in his time as director, opening up so many opportunities to reach out, not just the professional racers, but to the grassroots and sportsman racers as well. He installed a philosophy that we were going to be ‘racer-friendly’ in all that we do, and we as a team will carry that forward.”
Allison joined Ford Motor Company in 1987, after graduating from the University of Michigan-Dearborn with an electrical engineering degree. He later returned to earn a MBA in marketing from the same university.
He began his career at Ford in product engineering, and spent the first 10 years of his career working within engineering and product planning.
In 1997, Allison made the transition to product marketing, and held a series of marketing jobs within the company before joining Ford Racing Technology in 2003, where he has overseen the Ford Racing Performance Parts business, as well as North America Motorsports Marketing.
Under Allison’s leadership, the Ford Racing Performance Parts business was transformed by offering ready-to-race vehicles for production-based racing, Performance Packs and new vehicle modifications for enthusiasts. The team also partnered with Shelby Autos on the launch of exciting new Shelby performance vehicles, and created the Ford Performance Group as an outreach to Ford Clubs—all of which reinvigorated Ford's support of performance enthusiasts.
Wolfe became director, Ford North America Motorsports, in July 2008, and has had a major impact on the program since then.
Ford captured Mustang championships this season in NHRA Funny Car, Grand-Am KONI and SCCA World Challenge GT, as well as Ford’s first Daytona 500 win since 2000.
Under Wolfe’s direction, the company also launched the NASCAR Nationwide Series Mustang, secured official vehicle sponsorships with the NHRA and American Drag Racing League, and assisted with bringing the European Fiesta to a successful racing debut in North America, with a second-place at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, and a 1-3-4 finish in its X Games rally competition debut.
Wolfe opened the door to additional grassroots opportunities for Ford in circle track racing and road racing, but may be best known as being the man to help bring the Cobra Jet Mustang sportsman drag racing car back to the track after 40 years, along with Ford’s re-entry into NHRA Pro Stock.
The 2008 Cobra Jet won its initial outing at Pomona in February 2009, and went on to set records across the country. A 2010 version of the Cobra Jet will go into production in January, with all 50 being sold in advance of production.
About Ford North America Motorsports: Ford North America Motorsports, based in Dearborn, Mich., is responsible for major racing operations in North America, including NASCAR (Sprint Cup, Nationwide Series, Camping World Trucks), Grand American sports car racing, NHRA drag racing, USAC midget car racing and the Ford Racing Mustang Challenge for the Miller Cup. The department also oversees the development and marketing of Ford Racing Engines and Performance Parts, the outreach programs with all Ford Clubs and Ford enthusiasts, and the marketing of the Ford Racing brand through initiatives such as Team Ford Racing. For more information regarding Ford Racing’s activities, please visit www.fordracing.com.
VP RACING OFFERS STREET LEGAL FUEL OPPORTUNITY TO THE HIGH PERFORMANCE MARKET!
Well-suited for high-performance street cars, VP100 is oxygenated with ethanol. Environmentally friendly, it meets California Air Resource Board (CARB) requirements and is street legal throughout the U.S. At 100 octane (R+M/2), it generates substantial power increases over pump gas. A test with a turbocharged application proved VP100 will generate up to 14% more power than premium grade 91 octane unleaded gasoline.
VP100 is safe for use in cast-iron head engines with compression ratios up to 13:1 and aluminum heads up to 14:1 and reduces the fear of detonation in power enhanced vehicles. “VP100 contains no metal compounds and will not harm catalytic converters or oxygen sensors,” Sonnefeldt added. “Designed to enhance performance in the latest generations of turbo- and supercharged engines, VP100 will deliver consistent performance every time you fill up at the pump.”
“In areas where premium fuels such as 93 octane are unavailable, VP100 is the perfect solution,” Sonnefeldt continued. “Over 200 cars currently in production suggest premium fuel for optimum performance. Blending VP100 with your local premium fuel can give you the desired octane number to meet the maximum performance standards of your vehicle.”
For customers with technical questions about VP100, a tech support line has been established at 812-878-2025. Questions may also be emailed to StreetLegalTech@vpracingfuels.com.
VP100 is becoming more readily available at the pump nationwide. All VP fuels are available in 5, 15, 30 and 54-gallon containers at locations worldwide where racing fuel is sold. To purchase VP100, contact your local dealer or to find a location near you, contact the appropriate VP Regional Distribution Center, each of which is listed at vpracingfuels.com.
In addition to fuels, VP’s product line includes specialty lubricants, performance chemicals and traction adhesives – 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.
Globe & Mail: McDreamy's other role....
From the Globe & MailBy PETRINA GENTILE // From Thursday's Globe and Mail Published on Thursday, Dec. 17, 2009
He's best known as "McDreamy" - the heartthrob neurosurgeon Dr. Derek Shepherd on the hit TV drama series Grey's Anatomy.
But off the set, actor Patrick Dempsey has another passion with a faster pace. He's a racecar driver on the side, and he's serious about the sport.
"I've been racing the Mazda RX-8 in the Rolex series; this will be my fourth year. That's what I really love. It's a great car," the actor says.
While he hasn't made it to the podium yet, he did have a top-10 finish in this year's gruelling 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race. He came in ninth in his class, driving a Ferrari F430 GT with Team Seattle and raising more than $250,000 for children's hospitals.
Dempsey has also raced in Canada at the Gilles Villeneuve track in Montreal and Circuit Trois-Rivières in Quebec. "The fans up there are phenomenal," he says, as his surprisingly lean body rests against a 2011 Mazda2 at the Los Angeles Auto Ahow.
Dempsey loves speed and fast cars. Off the track, his daily ride is a Porsche GT3 RS. But it can be challenging to drive at times.....
Continued at the link above....Steve Kinser Lands With Tony Stewart
Stewart, a champion in USAC, IRL and NASCAR who also fields winning teams in USAC and WoO, couldn't be reached for comment but pairing the 55-year-old legend with new WOO bully Donny Schatz seems like a perfect way of saluting The King's checkered career. "Yep, it's true, Tony is giving me a great opportunity," said Kinser on Thursday afternoon from his shop in Bloomington, Ind. "It's a pretty cool deal for an old guy like me and I can't thank Tony enough."The No. 20 car wasn't quite up to snuff this year so I think he wants to see if I can help turn things around."Of course the irony is that the 20-time WoO champion, winner of 552 A-Mains, will be taking his son, Kraig's, seat as a teammate to Donny Schatz, who has captured four consecutive WOO crowns, including the past two for Tony Stewart Racing.For the full story, click: http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/woo-steve-kinser-lands-with-tony-stewart/
Reid Replaces Punch At ESPN's NASCAR Helm
COMPASS360 RACING SIGNS ASCHENBACH AND THILENIUS FOR 2010
Thilenius has raced in Grand-Am since 2005, most recently with Bill Fenton's Honda program, and his racing resume dates back to Formula Mazda in 1987. His career has includes seasons and wins in Grand Am Continental Sports Car Challenge, Formula Mazda, F1600, F2000 and the Firehawk Endurance Championship.
Aschenbach's resume features Grand-Am podium results, including a Daytona KONI win in 2009. He drove for the General Motors factory Team Cadillac program in 2007, won the SPEED World Challenge GT Championship in 2006 and has been a part of four manufacturer's championships, including Chevrolet's KONI title in 2008.
Thilenius and Aschenbach join Zach Lutz and Ryan Eversley as team- mates in the iconic bright-orange C360R Honda Civic Si sedans.
"I can't tell you how excited I am to add two more top drivers to our team," said Team Principal Karl Thomson. "Dave's been one of the guys I've wanted to have drive with us for years, and Lawson really kept us on our toes last season when he drove the Cobalt. These two guys have both stood on the top step of the podium and know what it takes to win races and a championship. By combining them with Ryan and Zach, I think we've got the best driver line-up in the paddock."
Compass360 Racing made history last year by being the first team to sweep the podium, with a dominant performance at New Jersey Motorsports Park. Not only did they win the Grand-Am Championship triple-crown but also took third in both the Driver's and Team points, once again being the first in the series ever to do so.
"I enjoyed driving for Bill Fenton the last three years," explained Thilenius. " I spent way too much of that time chasing these orange cars, so I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to race for Compass360 with a great co-driver like Lawson. Lawson has been quick in everything he's ever driven. We have a great team behind us and a championship-quality car in the Civic, so I'm looking forward to a great season."
For his part, Aschenbach was equally excited. "I had such a strong start to the year in 2009, and Compass360 was the team to beat. It was always neck-in-neck. So it's amazing to be here to go for the championship with David. I'm really looking forward to driving the Honda at Daytona and to notching some more wins for the team."
Grand Am's Continental Sports Car Challenge starts its year early with Test Days at Daytona in early January. The series first race is on January 29th, as part of the Roar Before the 24 in support of the Rolex 24 Hours of Dayona, and will be televised, tape-delayed on SPEED TV.
Compass360 has been on the podium at the season-opener every year since 2007, and hopes to continue that tradition in 2010.
Compass360 Racing (C360R) is the motorsports division of Compass360 Branding Communications, a firm offering marketing expertise to clients in diverse industries across North America. The Championship- winning race team, with support from Honda of America, fields three front-running Honda Civic Si's in Grand-Am's KONI Challenge, as well as an Acura TSX in Canadian Touring Car. For details visit http://c360r.com/ .
2010 Mr. DIRTcar Pro Stock Series Announced!
Old & New Figure Into 2010 Mr. DIRTcar Pro Stock Series Title Chase
Weedsport, NY — December 16, 2009 — By Tom Skibinski, DIRTcar Racing Northeast PR Director
A solid mix of new shows with established extra-distance events is on the docket for 2010 with an overall Hoosier Tire-VP Racing Fuels Mr. DIRTcar Pro Stock Series champion destined to be distinguished for a 16th consecutive season in the Northeast.
The first-ever series stops at Glen Ridge Motorsports Park and Autodrome Granby, accompanied by more traditional tour dates at founding member facilities Canandaigua Speedway, Rolling Wheels Raceway Park and the New York State Fairgrounds, elevates the count to an even dozen title races earmarked to crown the newest points king as a fifth decade of DIRTcar Racing is on the horizon.
“I’m very pleased the way the series schedule panned out,” commented DIRTcar Pro Stock Series Director Brian Mulligan, now a staple in his third year guiding DIRTcar NE’s premier full-fender traveling tour. “Two new weekly tracks and still more interested in hosting tour events further validates the growing popularity of this class and affirms the professionalism of our traveling teams.”
Rolling Wheels (28 events), NYS Fairgrounds (16) and Canandaigua (13) top the list of sites staging Pro Stock Series shows since the tour was launched in 1995. Headed by new track President Donald Fontaine and VP/General Manager Dominic Lussier at Granby and co-promoters Jake Spraker and Mike Romano at Glen Ridge, the formidable pairs are slated to bring the track total to 28 as the new millennium speeds on.
Under first-year owner Tiger Chapman, Can-Am Motorsports Park kicks off the spring schedule (April 18) followed by two more Sunday shows at Rolling Wheels (May 2) and Cornwall Motor Speedway (May 23). Sandwiching Mohawk Int’l Raceway (Aug. 21) in between, Granby and Autodrome Drummond (June 25-26) provide the first doubleheader to open up the summer with Glen Ridge and Lebanon Valley Speedway (Sept. 10-11) comprising round two as the eastern affiliates lead off the post-Labor Day champ trail.
DIRTcar NE charter members Canandaigua (Sept. 18) and Rolling Wheels (Sept. 25) close out the month before Super DIRT Week XXXIX in Syracuse (Oct. 10) and 2nd Annual DIRTcar Fall Nationals at Brockville Ontario Speedway (Oct. 17) bring the curtain down in autumn.
For additional information, please contact Pro Stock Series Director Brian Mulligan (613/938-6751) or DIRTcar Racing Northeast Director of Competition & Track Sanctioning Joe Skotnicki (704/796-4566) during normal weekday business hours. Also log into the homepage at www.dirtcar.com to find more news about Pro Stocks as well as the entire circuit as DIRTcar Northeast’s 35th consecutive season of racing gets underway.
2010 Mr. DIRTcar Pro Stock Championship Series (confirmed dates)
*All events subject to change.
DAY-DATE TRACK LOCATION
Sun-Apr 18 Can-Am Motorsports Park LaFargeville, NY
Sun-May 2 Rolling Wheels Raceway Park Elbridge, NY
Sun-May 23 Cornwall Motor Speedway Cornwall, ONT
Fri-Jun 25 Autodrome Granby Granby, QUE
Sat-Jun 26 Autodrome Drummond Drummondville, QUE
Sat-Aug 21 Mohawk International Raceway Akwesasne, NY
Fri-Sep 10 Glen Ridge Motorsports Park Fultonville, NY
Sat-Sep 11 Lebanon Valley Speedway West Lebanon, NY
Sat-Sep 18 Canandaigua Speedway Canandaigua, NY
Sat-Sep 25 Rolling Wheels Raceway Park Elbridge, NY
Sun-Oct 10 New York State Fairgrounds Syracuse, NY
Sun-Oct 17 Brockville Ontario Speedway Brockville, ONT
GRAND-AM: Grand-Am & Featherlite Trailers extend long-standing relationship through 2014 season
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Dec. 16, 2009) - Following one of the most competitive seasons in its 10-year history, GRAND-AM Road Racing continues to combine growth stability in announcing today a five-year extension with longtime partner Featherlite Trailers. The renewal maintains a relationship that began during GRAND-AM's inaugural season of competition in 2000.
As the Official Trailer of GRAND-AM - which sanctions both the Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 and the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge - through the 2014 season, Featherlite will continue to showcase its trailers during GRAND-AM race weekends.
GRAND-AM currently utilizes Featherlite products for at-track merchandise sales as well as a unique mobile business center known as the Toshiba Motorsports Business Center presented by SunTrust, which allows teams and sponsors the opportunity to conduct business meetings in two conference rooms and execute functions such as coping, faxing, scanning and utilizing the internet. Additionally, a designated area outside the trailer is set up each race weekend, catering to fans through Q&A sessions with drivers and team members.
Featherlite's latest offering will be a newer trailer for competition and technical needs, which will be introduced to teams and sponsors during an open house from 3-5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 7, during the 'Roar Before The Rolex 24' at Daytona International Speedway.
"Featherlite has been an official partner since the inception of GRAND-AM Road Racing, and to have them extend their agreement for an additional five years demonstrates the stability and value our sponsors enjoy by partnering with GRAND-AM," said Kevin Hindson, GRAND-AM Road Racing Vice President of Marketing. "As our series has grown through the years, Featherlite has shown its commitment by providing us with trailers that exceed all our event needs."
Added Eric Clement, Vice President of Sales and General Manager of Featherlite Trailers: "We are very happy to continue our partnership with GRAND-AM. The extensive growth in both the Rolex Series and Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge - along with the unique business to business opportunities at the races - has precipitated our contract extension. Featherlite will continue to benefit from our at track presence with a sales and service transporter."
GRAND-AM will begin its 2010 season in late January at Daytona International Speedway, with the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge opening Jan. 29 with the Fresh From Florida 200, and the Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 on Jan. 30 and 31 with the 48th running of the Rolex 24 At Daytona.
About Featherlite Trailers: Featherlite Trailers, based in Cresco, Iowa, builds a variety of aluminum trailers offering superior design, workmanship and value for all types of hauling needs, ranging from race car and ATV/motorcycle trailers to horse and livestock trailers. For more information, visit www.featherlitespecialty.com
About GRAND-AM Road Racing: GRAND-AM Road Racing, which operates and sanctions the Rolex Sports Car Series and the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge, is the foremost sanctioning body of sports car racing in North America. The 12-race Rolex Series 2010 schedule and the 10-race Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge 2010 calendar deliver professional sports car racing to key markets throughout North America in addition to being televised in the U.S. and Canada on SPEED and distributed globally through ESPN International. GRAND-AM Road Racing showcases emerging and legendary drivers from around the globe and thoroughbred racing machines from the industry's leading constructors and the world's top automobile manufacturers.
From Tammy Davis, GRAND-AM Road Racing, tdavis@nascar.com
2010 Honda Indy Toronto tickets go on sale today
TORONTO (Dec. 16, 2009) - Tickets for the 2010 Honda Indy Toronto, which will return to Exhibition Place July 16 – 18, go on sale today and are available online at www.HondaIndyToronto.com. Highlighted by the open-wheel racing of the IZOD Indy Car Series, the 2010 Honda Indy Toronto also will feature the Firestone Indy Lights, the SPEED World Challenge, the SCCA Pro Racing Trans-Am Series and, for the second consecutive year, the Canadian Touring Car Championship.
Additionally, the event marks the Toronto debut of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series.
“We also have dramatically expanded our entertainment slate for 2010,” said Charlie Johnstone, Vice President and General Manager of the event. “In addition to perhaps one of the best line-ups of racing action anywhere in North America in 2010, we will be investing significantly in the off-track experience including a major concert, live entertainment, an interactive family zone and much more.”
In an effort to bring a more cost-effective experience for race fans, many of the reserved seat ticket packages have been reduced in price and a new junior price ticket has been added.
Reserved seat adult ticket packages range from $106 to $215 for upper Gold Level tickets. Adult general admissions tickets have been reduced as well. They are $21 for Friday, $31 for Saturday and $42 for Sunday’s events. Three-day general admission ticket packages are $52 each. Reduced rate tickets are available for juniors, ages 12 and under, in most ticket categories. Ticket prices include all taxes and service charges.
Race fans purchasing any ticket package before December 31, 2009, will receive an added amenity. Advance purchasers can choose from an IZOD IndyCar paddock pass (valued at $57), a VIP Pit Walk-Through ($36 value) or a three-day parking pass ($70 value).
The Honda Indy Toronto is staged on a 1.77-mile, 11-turn circuit that runs through Exhibition Place in downtown Toronto.
For more information on the 2010 Honda Indy Toronto, and to purchase tickets, visit www.HondaIndyToronto.com or call 877.503.6869.
NASCAR star Matt Kenseth is coming to the Canadian Motorsports Expo
REIGNING DAYTONA 500 CHAMPION AND PAST NASCAR SPRINT CUP CHAMP COMING TO THE CME
NASCAR star Matt Kenseth has accomplished a lot during his racing career. The 37-year-old Wisconsin native won the 2003 NASCAR Sprint Cup championship in dominant fashion, and he will head to Daytona International Speedway, next February, as the defending winner of the world’s most coveted stock car race; the Daytona 500.
But before he does that, Matt Kenseth will be coming to Toronto’s International Centre on Saturday, January 23, 2010 to meet with fans and sign autographs at the Canadian Motorsports Expo. Kenseth has many enthusiastic fans in Canada, many of whom were at Cayuga Speedway in 2002 when he emerged victorious in a thrilling CASCAR race, beating a field comprised of several other NASCAR stars and talented Canadian racers.
“I’m really looking forward to coming to the Canadian Motorsports Expo,” said Kenseth, in announcing his appearance at the CME. “Canadian racing fans are very passionate about NASCAR and it’ll be great to have an opportunity to talk racing with them again, and to sign some autographs. One of the last times I was near Toronto, it was for a CASCAR race at Cayuga Speedway, which I was fortunate enough to win. So much has happened since then; it’ll be fun to catch up with everyone at the Canadian Motorsports Expo.”
Speaking on behalf of the CME, show founder and President Glenn Butt said, “We are extremely proud to announce Matt Kenseth’s participation at the 4th Annual Canadian Motorsports Expo. There are very few people in the world who have won a NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship or stood in victory lane at the Daytona 500. Matt Kenseth is a member of a very exclusive club of individuals who have done both. We are all thrilled that he will be coming to the CME.”
Specific details about Matt Kenseth’s appearance will be released in the coming weeks.
ABOUT MATT KENSETH: Matt Kenseth drives the No. 17 Crown Royal Ford Fusion in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for Roush Fenway Racing. Kenseth’s victory in the 2009 Daytona 500 was the first-ever for the Roush Fenway team. Kenseth, who has 18 Sprint Cup victories to his credit, hails from Cambridge, Wisconsin. He won the NASCAR Sprint Cup title in 2003, just three seasons after being honoured as the series’ top rookie (in 2000). Prior to that, he competed in the ARTGO, ASA, Hooter’s Late Model and Nationwide Series. Kenseth won the International Race of Champions (IROC) title in 2004.
ABOUT THE CME: The Canadian Motorsports Expo is a three-day celebration of Canadian racing that runs January 22 to 24 at the International Centre (6900 Airport Road in Mississauga). The show is powered by Inside Track Motorsport News and supported by companies like Lucas Oil Canada, NASCAR Canada, Mosport International Raceway and Canadian Tire. In addition to booths and racing vehicles representing the entire spectrum of Canadian motorsports, the show is loaded with seminars and forums to entertain and inform racers and fans alike. Star drivers Matt Kenseth, Paul Tracy, Ron Fellows and Jessica Zemken will be at the CME to sign autographs and meet the fans.
For more information about the Canadian Motorsports Expo, visit www.canadianmotorsportsexpo.com, call Glenn Butt at (905) 721-1762 or email him at glenn@canadianmotorsportsexpo.com. You can reach co-promoters Inside Track at (416) 962-7223 or email expo@insidetracknews.com. Matt Kenseth photo by Getty Images, courtesy of Motorsports Management International.
Canadian Motorsports Expo: The Duhamels are coming to CME
MOTORCYCLE LEGENDS MIGUEL AND YVON DUHAMEL ARE COMING TO THE CANADIAN MOTORSPORTS EXPO... CANADIAN RACING GREATS MAKE FIRST VISIT TO CME
(TORONTO, ON // DECEMBER 15, 2009) There is no question that Canada’s first family of motorcycle racing is the Duhamel clan, and two of its legendary members will make an appearance at the Canadian Motorsports Expo Jan. 22-24, 2010.
Yvon Duhamel, the patriarch of the family, and his son Miguel, will be at the International Centre in Mississauga, ON to meet racing fans, sign autographs and talk about their storied careers.
A native of Montreal, Yvon Duhamel made his name as a versatile racer who tackled virtually every form of the sport, from motocross and ice racing to flat track and road race. He earned international acclaim, however, for his road racing exploits. Riding for the Deeley Yamaha team, Duhamel finished second in the Daytona 200 in 1968 and qualified on pole for the 1969 Daytona 200 with the first ever qualifying lap above 150 mph.
In 1971 Yvon joined the Kawasaki factory racing team and became famous for his ability to tame the daunting H2R three-cylinder two-stroke. He won five American Motorcyclist Association Nationals for Kawasaki between 1971 and ’73 and represented the company on the international stage.
Miguel Duhamel is one of the most successful racers in AMA history. He has won the Daytona 200 on five occasions, claimed five AMA Supersport titles, two AMA Formula Xtreme crowns and was AMA Superbike champion in 1995.
He was the AMA Superbike Rookie of the Year in 1990, riding for the Yoshimura Suzuki team. He raced for Honda in 1991 and competed in Grand Prix racing in 1992 on a Yamaha. After a year with Kawasaki in the U.S. in ’93, he helped Harley-Davidson’s fledgling Superbike team in 1994 before joining the American Honda factory squad in 1995 for a relationship that would last 14 years.
Miguel is the winningest rider in AMA road racing history with 86 victories in Superbike, Supersport and Formula Xtreme competition.
“Having Yvon and Miguel Duhamel join us at the Canadian Motorsports Expo brings a whole new element to this event,” said CME show founder and president Glenn Butt. “They are without a doubt two of this country’s most successful racing exports and have represented Canada with great distinction internationally.”
ABOUT THE CME: The Canadian Motorsports Expo is a three-day celebration of Canadian racing that runs January 22 to 24 at the International Centre (6900 Airport Road in Mississauga). The show is powered by Inside Track Motorsport News and supported by companies like Lucas Oil Canada, NASCAR Canada, Mosport International Raceway and Canadian Tire. In addition to booths and racing vehicles representing the entire spectrum of Canadian motorsports, the show is loaded with seminars and forums to entertain and inform racers and fans alike. Star drivers Matt Kenseth, Paul Tracy, Ron Fellows and Jessica Zemken will be at the CME to sign autographs and meet the fans.
For more information about the Canadian Motorsports Expo, visit www.canadianmotorsportsexpo.com, call Glenn Butt at (905) 721-1762 or email him at glenn@canadianmotorsportsexpo.com. You can reach co-promoters Inside Track at (416) 962-7223 or email expo@insidetracknews.com.
PHOTO: Miguel Duhamel, by insidetracknews.com
