Their hometown raceway may have closed more than 30 years ago, but when Kingston Speedway ceased operation after the 1976 season, the sport of stock car racing continued on. A contingent of competitors from the area in and around Canada’s first capital are still making headlines and earning track championships at venues like Can Am, Brockville and Cornwall Speedways.
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday – March 25th to 27th – they’ll get the chance to display their racers and meet with fans when Frontenac Mall hosts the annual Kingston Area Racing Preview show. Event organizers Ed Palmer and Glenn Stewart say it’s something that drivers, teams and fans look forward to every year.
“We got off to a pretty modest start back in 2001,” said Palmer. “As each year passes, the show continues to grow. We’re at the point now where we actually have to turn people away because there isn’t enough space to display everyone’s cars and still have room for the shoppers.”
Racers are constantly looking for ways to give more support to their sponsors and shows like this are a great way to prove that advertising on a racecar is a solid corporate investment. Stock car racing fans are extremely loyal and even though not everyone can get to the track on a regular basis, they’re always willing to back a business that is involved with their favourite sport. Palmer explains that the teams appreciate the opportunity to network with a potential new sponsor and talk to the fans.
“I can think of about 2 or 3 drivers who have closed a sponsorship deal while at the Frontenac Mall show, so the potential is certainly there,” according to Palmer. “I’m sure we’ve had drivers invite a prospective backer to take a wander through Frontenac Mall and see what this type of show has to offer. It’s a huge event for ‘bench racers’ too. You’ll always find people standing around with a coffee and sharing a story. More than once, I’ve seen a Hoosier race tire being used as a chair.”
In addition to the racecars, Palmer and Stewart are pleased to again have Brockville Ontario Speedway as part of this year’s show. The Saturday night home for many of the Kingston area racers, the track – which celebrated its 40th Anniversary in 2009 – will have a booth set up where fans can pick-up a copy of this year’s schedule and see videos from last season’s action. Track promoter Paul Kirkland will also be on hand throughout the event.
With Can Am Speedway at Lafargeville, New York set to host the year’s first Super DIRTcar Series event for 358 modifieds on Saturday, April 17th, the Kingston Area Racing Preview show will be the unofficial kick-off for the local motorsports season. Make your plans now to see what’s new for 2010 – Thursday, Friday and Saturday – March 25th to 27th at Frontenac Mall.
Frontenac Mall is located at 1300 Bath Road in Kingston, Ontario and is easily accessible from the Gardiners Road, Sydenham Road or Sir John A. MacDonald exits from highway 401.
Release and Photo attachments: Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications
#1). 2009 marked the first year for Tim O’Brien behind the wheel of the Jim’s Performance #88 machine. The pairing was officially introduced at last year’s Kingston Area Racing Preview.
#2). Bath, Ontario’s Todd Stewart had a solid 2009 season, earning a 3rd place finish at Mohawk International Raceway and 4th at Brockville Ontario Speedway. His 2010 ride will be featured at the Kingston Area Racing Preview.
#3). His multiple trips to victory lane helped Danny O’Brien earn his 9th Brockville Ontario Speedway track championship. His #7 Star Bicknell will be part of this year’s Kingston Area Racing Preview.
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