Kawartha Speedway 2010 - Every Racer Finds Their Time to Shine‏

A combination of special events and extra distance shows for the track’s 3 weekly divisions means Kawartha Speedway’s 10th Anniversary season has something to satisfy any race fan’s need for speed. General Manager and promoter Derek Lynch says he likes the way things are looking for the upcoming campaign.

“We’re in a very fortunate position heading into the new season,” said Lynch. “Our car counts last year were very strong and it looks like we’ll have at least 3 – possibly as many as 5 – new teams coming on board in each class. They’re looking at our 10 race schedule as a great chance to get some experience at one of the country’s finest motorsports facilities, while competing alongside some of the best racers in the province.”

When the 2010 season kicks-off – Friday, June 4th – the popular OSCAAR Outlaw Super Late Models will make the first of two scheduled stops at the 3/8th mile oval. Their second appearance comes Friday, August 6th. The Ontario Legends Tour finds their way onto the calendar for a quartet of events. Friday, June 25th, July 23rd, August 27th and September 10th. For their 4th and final event, they’ll be joined by the Ontario Pro Challenge Series.

Again this year, runners in Kawartha’s weekly classes will host a series of invitational events to showcase their talents. The highlight of the NAPA Auto Parts Late Model season will be the Summer Sizzler Friday, July 9th. This year’s edition will be 150 total laps, run in 3 segments. The division will also host 100 lappers Friday, June 18th and Friday, August 13th.

The Better Carpet Thunder Cars will have a pair of 50 lappers on the schedule. Friday, July 23rd and Friday, August 27th. There will also be 50 lap main events for the Hasiuk Trailer and Container Rental Mini Stocks. The first – Friday, July 16th – will be in conjunction with the annual Fan Appreciation Night. Friday, September 10th will be second time the 4 cylinder machines will run for the extended distance. Lynch says the track’s weekly racers look forward to the longer shows.

“We get drivers and teams from other tracks for the invitational shows and our regulars look forward to the chance to defend their home turf,” said Lynch. “When it comes to going head-to-head against the invaders, it’s like the 7th game of the Stanley Cup final, the Super Bowl and the World Series rolled into one event. Our teams will do everything they can to come out on top. When it comes to short track racing, bragging rights mean so much.”

Kawartha Speedway’s 2010 campaign gets rolling with an open practice session Friday, May 28th. The full 10th Anniversary season schedule can be found at www.kawarthaspeedway.com.


Photo: Solid runs at Kawartha Speedway helped Bruce Grimes earn a second place finish in the 2009 Ontario Legends standings.

Photos and Release by Jim Clarke- Clarke Motorsports Communications

Donny Munce Gets a ‘Kick’ in Kawartha Speedway’s Thunder Car Class

He already knew a thing or 2 about living life on the edge – then Donny Munce discovered the thrill of driving a racecar. A professional kick boxer and owner of the Barrie Athletic Club, the 48 year-old formed an allegiance with Horner Racing and picked-up 4 top five finishes on the way to an 11th place points finish during the 2009 season. Even though he’s only entering his second year of competition, Munce says he looks forward to coming to the track as much as he did his very first night.

“There’s a special feeling I get when I wake-up on a race morning,” said Munce. “The anticipation of getting to the track and knowing I’ll be running bumper-to-bumper with some of the best short track racers in the province is a tremendous rush. As soon as I sit down in that seat, put up the window net and then lock the steering wheel into place I can feel my heart rate quicken. It’s almost like being in the ring, staring-down a competitor before you deliver that all important first blow. It’s an incredible feeling and very hard to describe in words. You just have to do it to know for yourself.”

Munce considers himself very fortunate to have his #27 Better Carpet Thunder Car machine prepared by Dave Horner and his family. He calls the crew that looks after the Horner Chassis/Twin Dragon Kick Boxing/Barrie Athletic Club/Molson Park Dental Office/Soil Slingers/Max Meats Camaro the best in the business. Although he admits there is still a lot to learn about racing, he says his long term goals are pick-up that first thunder car main event win and eventually find his way into a late model ride.

“To run with the top class at the track is a long term goal,” said Munce. “I have a way to go yet before I’ll be ready to race at that level. It’ll take more of a consistent effort in the class we’re running now and more names on the side of the car. To be competitive with the big boys takes some big bucks – or a car owner with deep pockets. It’ll come my way eventually, but for now I’m content to pay my dues where I am.”

In addition to the support of the Horner family, Donny Munce considers himself very lucky to have his girlfriend Coriane and children Pierce, Carly and Parker solidly behind everything he does on the racetrack. He says knowing there are great people in the pits and behind the scenes helps make all the pieces of the puzzle fit together.

PHOTO: 4 top five finishes helped Donny Munce land 11th place in Kawartha Speedway’s 2009 Better Carpet Thunder Car point standings.

Release and Photo by Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications

Southern Ontario Speedways Go Touring

BARRIE, ONTARIO - Inside Track Motorsport News, McColl Racing and Stefko Race Engines are pleased to announce the creation of a five-track, two division touring stock car series. The new series will feature races at Sauble, Peterborough, Kawartha, Barrie and Sunset Speedways, for the Limited Late Model and Thunder/Super Stock classes.

The McColl Racing Late Models presented by Inside Track will showcase the top Limited Late Model racers from around Southern Ontario, competing in 75-lap feature races at four tracks.

All races will count toward the final points title, with an additional race at Kawartha Speedway – The Summer Sizzler – serving as a non-points event.

The Stefko Race Engines Thunders presented by Inside Track will highlight talented Thunder/Super Stocks racers from across Southern Ontario taking part in 50-lap features at all five participating tracks. All five events award series points.

Both series will kick-off at Sauble Speedway on Friday, July 2. By the end of that weekend, the Tour will have slid across to Peterborough (on July 4) for a chance at an early qualifying spot in the 2010 Autumn Colours Classic. From there, the McColl Late Models will head to Kawartha on July 9 for a shot at The Summer Sizzler title, while the Stefko Thunders will test Sunset Speedway’s new high-banks, on July 18. If that is not enough, the next stop will be the always fast and exciting Kawartha Speedway, on July 23.

Both classes will march North on Hwy. 400, on August 20, for an appearance at the ever-so-tough Barrie Speedway. The Stefko Thunder Champion will be crowned that day, while the McColl Late Models’ championship will be settled at Sunset on Sept. 5.

“I know I speak on behalf of all the speedways involved when I say we’re all very excited about the new tour,” said Sunset’s Mark Dilley. “I think this has been a long time coming and I am very excited for the racers. They deserve to be able to compete at different speedways, against their best drivers. The fans will be in for a treat at all the events.”

Like anything else, this would not be possible without the help of great companies like McColl Racing, Stefko Race Engines and Inside Track. All the participating Speedways would like to thank them for giving the racer and the fans a chance to see some of the best racing in Southern Ontario in 2010.

“McColl Racing Enterprises is pleased to sponsor the Touring Late Model series in 2010 and feel it is a great venue to showcase our products,” stated General Manager Alan Pinsonneault. “Although Late Model racing throughout Ontario is strong at a local, hometrack level, we feel that Ontario has been missing a Late Model touring series for the racers who have been looking for an affordable travel touring series. We hope that our support of the McColl Touring Late Models will aid in the effort to promote and grow it into the future.”

“I think it is a great opportunity for the racers and fans to come together from other tracks around the province,” said John Stefko of Stefko Race Engines. “We are proud to be part of something new and exciting.”

“We jumped at the opportunity to become involved with these new tours,” said Inside Track Motorsport News Editor Greg MacPherson. “These series feature racers who are the heart of our magazine. We’re also excited to be associated with companies like McColl Racing Enterprises, Stefko Race Engines, Wide Open Motorsport Solutions and all of the participating speedways. We share their belief that touring series – featuring the best each weekly track has to offer – are good for racing in Ontario.”

Schedules:

McColl Racing Touring Late Models presented by Inside Track

Sauble Speedway Friday July 2, 2010
Peterborough Speedway Sunday July 4, 2010 (Qualifier for Autumn Colours)
Kawartha Speedway Friday July 9, 2010 (Non Points)
Barrie Speedway Friday August 20, 2010
Sunset Speedway Sunday Sept. 5, 2010

Stefko Race Engines Touring Thunders, presented by Inside Track

Sauble Speedway Friday July 2, 2010
Peterborough Speedway Sunday July 4, 2010 (Qualifier for Autumn Colours)
Sunset Speedway Sunday July 18, 2010
Kawartha Speedway Friday July 23, 2010
Barrie Speedway Friday Aug. 20, 2010

About McColl Racing Enterprises: McColl Racing Enterprises Ltd. opened their doors in 1988 and since that time the company continues to improve its reputation each year by building winning race cars for all stock car divisions throughout Canada. Now located in their 6500 square foot facility in London Ontario, McColl Racing Enterprises Ltd. provides race teams with what they need to win. From a basic frame, complete car or any part of that car, the 12 person staff is 100 percent committed to building a car to suit each customer’s needs and budgets.

About Stefko Race Engines: Stefko Racing Engines was established in 1984 and John Stefko built his first small block Chevy motor over 35 years ago. Stefko offers a complete machine shop and engine facility and is a certified crate motor supplier and rebuilder. They are also a certified rebuilder for ACT and the Lucas Oil Sportsman Series. Stefko boasts numerous track championships with countless wins and laps led. Stefko continues to build engines for teams in ARCA, NASCAR and OSCAAR series.

About Inside Track Motorsport News: Inside Track Motorsport News is the Official Publication of Canadian Motorsports, featuring coverage from across the spectrum of Canadian grassroots racing. Published 12 times a year, Inside Track also prominently features tours like the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series and the Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship, as well as coverage of Canadians competing on the international stage. For info, visit www.insidetracknews.com.

The points fund, event payouts and rules will follow.

For more information please contact:

Mark Dilley - Sunset Speedway / Wide Open Motorsport Solutions
(705) 790-0591 // mdilley@wideopensolutions.ca

Derek Lynch - Kawartha Speedway
(705) 939-6316 ext. 206 // lynch15red@yahoo.ca

Kawartha Speedway racer Mike Wallace to display at the CME

PHOTO: Kawartha Speedway Racer Mike Wallace - shown here in the Mini Stock he drove to the championship in 2009 - will be at the Canadian Motorsports Expo this weekend to unveil his new Late Model (photo by Jim Clarke / Clarke Motorsports Communications).

There’s no question the 4th Annual Canadian Motorsports Expo will be catering to some fairly excited fans and drivers, anxious for the 2010 season to commence. Though perhaps none are more excited than 2009 Kawartha Speedway Mini Stock champion Mike 'The Blueprint' Wallace. That’s because the third-generation wheelman will be publicly unveiling his brand new Late Model for the first time, at the CME.

“I couldn’t tell you how excited I am to be heading to the Expo. My team and I sat down and tried to think of the best way possible to debut this car, when we heard about the Racer’s Corral, we knew that’s exactly what we were looking for,” Beamed Wallace.

Wallace will join several other drivers who will also be displaying their months of hard work in the form of their rides for 2010. The fans couldn’t be happier, as internet forums and race shops alike are buzzing with those excited to catch a glimpse of the cars that will be tearing up dirt and asphalt across the province in just a few short months.

“I’m looking forward to meeting the fans at the Expo," continued Wallace. "The support that people have shown me for the past 2 seasons has been mind blowing, now I’m excited to give back, meet the fans, sign some autographs and let them take some pictures of the car. It’s going to be a great weekend.”

'The Blueprint' will be returning to Kawartha Speedway, the site of his 2008 Mini Stock Rookie of the Year title and 2009 Mini Stock Championship, to compete against some of the province’s brightest Late Model stars, like Brandon Watson, “Old School” Dan McHattie, Dave Morgan and others. And while rubbing fenders with the province’s elite seems intimidating, Wallace is ready to meet the challenge head-on.

For Wallace, “Summer can’t come quick enough.”

Words by Spencer Lewis. Mike Wallace 2009 photo by Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications

For information on last-minute space in the Racer's Corral, email Glenn Butt at glenn@canadianmotorsportsexpo.com.

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.

Kawartha Speedway's Vic Parsons ... A veteran racer in the truest sense

By Jim Clarke, Kawartha Speedway PR/Clarke Motorsports PR

With young racers getting the lion’s share of the headlines at so many different tracks, it could be easy for the more experienced runners to find themselves lost in the shuffle. Luckily, the on-track performance by some of the veteran drivers means they’ll still get their time in the spotlight.

One look at his resume will tell you that when it comes to driving stock cars, Vic Parsons has been there and done that. During the 1960’s, he made selected starts at invitational events in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. The 69 year-old from Hawkstone, Ontario – who goes by the handle “Quick Vic” – has a background that also includes races in what is now known as the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, dating back to the 1972 and 1973 seasons. In that time frame, Parsons participated in 19 NASCAR events, racing against legends like Richard Petty, David Pearson and Bobby Allison and recorded 6 top 10 finishes – including 7th place runs at Bristol Motor Speedway and Darlington Raceway. Fans of the popular ‘Back in the Day’ show on SPEED-TV would likely have heard Parsons’ name mentioned in coverage from those tracks, as well as Martinsville.

Vic Parsons currently competes in the headline Late Model division at Kawartha Speedway. While some drivers may find their skills and performance deteriorate as their years advance, Parsons is just the opposite. While running Kawartha’s Limited Late Model division during the 2008 campaign, the driver of the #1 Jackson’s Toyota/JLS Value-Plus Consulting/Ontario Steel Sales/Moore Packaging/South Barrie Collision/Advantage Door Systems Toyota was in the running for the season point’s title until mechanical gremlins sidelined his efforts on the final night of the season.

“It was great to be still in the fight for the championship right up ‘til the end,” said Parsons. “It just goes to show you that anything can happen. We ran neck and neck with Walters (eventual champion Tom Walters) all year long, so we have nothing to be ashamed of. If anything, it was exciting to see a couple of old guys running so well against the kids.”

Although he stepped away from the sport for about 15 years, Parsons has been a fixture at Kawartha Speedway for the last 6 seasons. During the winter, there were rumours making the rounds that he was ready to hang-up his helmet. When asked what brought him back to the track, his answer is simple.

“We didn’t sell the car over the winter, so we had to come back,” said the short-track legend. ‘Of course, we didn’t advertise it for sale anywhere so that could have made a difference. Sometimes I think there are other things I’d like to do during the race season – then we get to the track on the first night of the year and I quickly learn that all I want to do is race.”

2009 is “Quick Vic’s” first season in Kawartha Speedway’s Late Model division and just for fun; the team is considering putting a yellow stripe (used to indicate a ‘rookie’ racer) on the back bumper of his #1 Toyota. You might need to check his identification to find out, but ‘experience’ could very well be Vic Parsons’ middle name. He started driving racecars at the age of 18 – which seems almost ancient by today’s youthful standards – and still enjoys the competition. Ask where he ran his first ever race and a thoughtful look will come over the wily veteran’s face. He’ll rub his chin, roll his eyes around for a few minutes before saying....’I don’t know’.

He may not remember the site of his first race, but its almost a sure bet that Vic Parsons’ next win will come during the 2009 season at Kawartha Speedway.

Photo attachments: (Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications)
#1). Vic Parsons poses with his #1 Kawartha Speedway late model racer.
#2). ‘Quick Vic’ on the backstretch at Kawartha Speedway.