2012-05-14

Kawartha Speedway 2012: Practice Perfects Performance

By Jim Clarke, Kawartha Speedway PR/Clarke Motorsports Communications

Smart racecar drivers know there’s no easy path to victory lane.  You can’t ask for directions at a gas station or speak to someone on the street. Its one of the few places you’ll never get to using Mapquest or a GPS. Hard work and racing luck may be the only sure fire way to find your way to the winner’s circle.  With Kawartha Speedway’s 2012 campaign inching closer at every tick of the clock, the 3/8th mile oval at Fraserville, Ontario will host an open practice session for their 3 regular divisions – and any driver looking to take some laps on one of the finest racing facilities in the province – Friday, May 25th.

“Race teams, crew members and drivers spend most of the winter getting their machines ready for the new season.  We need to give them a chance to make sure everything is set for when the green flag flies June 1st,” said General Manager/Promoter Derek Lynch.  “The season can be a long one if you’re not prepared and even a few hours of track time can make all the difference when things get rolling.”

Dan McHattie and Ken Donaldson Junior have confirmed plans to defend their 2011 track championships in the NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Model and Better Carpet Thunder Car divisions respectively.  With last year’s Hasiuk Trailer and Container Rental Mini Stock title holder Darragh ‘Too’ Moroney stepping away from action for at least a year to focus on his budding real estate career, the facility’s entry level division will see a new name on the season ending trophy.  Lynch says he expects 2012 will be another exciting year at Kawartha.

“Even though Dan and Junior are coming back, with the right breaks and some decent racing luck, any driver can win a track championship in any division,” said Lynch.  “We had car counts in the 30 range in each of our weekly divisions last year.  Those are numbers any track promoter would be thrilled to see.  When you look at the success drivers like Bryan Mercer, Chad Strawn, Ryan Oosterholt and Alex Lees enjoyed just a season ago, its proof that anyone can make it to victory lane.”

Lynch says fans and even speedway officials look forward to the arrival of a new season.  Getting a glimpse of the different paint schemes, sponsors and changes that have been made gets everyone excited.

“It was a pretty mild winter compared to what we’re used to seeing, but – other than our annual Long John 200 – still too cold to do any racing.  Once the season gets rolling, things will really heat-up.”

Most teams circled the May 25th pre-season shakedown session on their shop calendars about 8 months ago.  Gates will open at 2:00, with rotating testing getting underway at 3:00.  Spectator admission is free, with pit passes at $10.00 per person.  Drivers will also have the opportunity to register their cars and purchase memberships during the event.  For complete details, visit www.kawarthaspeedway.com.

Kawartha klips:  There will be an open test day for NASCAR Canadian Tire Series teams at Kawartha Wednesday, June 6th.  The practice is open to the public with free grandstand admission...The Richard Petty Driving Experience Summer Tour returns to Kawartha Speedway Saturday and Sunday, July 14th and 15th.  See www.drivepetty.com/can-tour or call 1.800.237.3889 to book the High-Speed Ride Along or behind the wheel Rookie Experience.

Photo attachment:  Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications
Bryan Mercer picked-up wins in 2 extra distance events and earned the Most Improved Driver honours for 2011 in Kawartha’s NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Model division.

Prepared by:  Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 14.5.12 0 comments

Action-Packed Week Sets Up Most Exciting All-Star Event In Sports

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (May 14, 2012) – On Saturday night, NASCAR’s top drivers take center stage in an unparalleled best-of-the-best showcase – the annual NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race.

 

But that’s just the main course. A number of fan-friendly lead-in activities are scheduled to work up an appetite for one of the most anticipated dates on the NASCAR calendar.

 

Starting with the NASCAR Sprint Pit Crew Challenge on Thursday, continuing with NASCAR Day on Friday and culminating with the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on Saturday, this keynote week highlights many of the on- and off-track NASCAR offerings.

 

A full schedule of events for the upcoming week and beyond:

 

Thursday, May 17, 7 p.m., Time Warner Cable Arena – Kicking off the festivities, the eighth edition of the NASCAR Sprint Pit Crew Challenge will take place Thursday, May 17, at 7 p.m. at Time Warner Cable Arena (SPEED to televise on delayed basis beginning at 8 p.m.). This competition between 24 of the top NASCAR Sprint Cup Series pit crews features the “unsung heroes” of the sport in a popular tournament-style battle. The event’s finishing order determines pit selection for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. The No. 11 Toyota team is the two-time defending champion.

 

Those eligible for the NASCAR Sprint Pit Crew Challenge: No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge; No. 5 Farmers Insurance Chevrolet; No. 9 Stanley Ford; No. 11 FedEx Office Toyota; No. 14 Office Depot / Mobil 1 Chevrolet; No. 15 5-Hour Energy Toyota; No. 16 3M Ford; No. 17 Roush Fenway Racing Ford; No. 18 M&M’s Toyota; No. 20 Home Depot Toyota; No. 21 Good Sam / Camping World Ford; No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet; No. 27 Moen/Menards Chevrolet; No. 29 Budweiser Chevrolet; No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet; No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Ford; No. 39 US Army / Quicken Loans Chevrolet; No. 48 My Lowes Chevrolet; No. 51 Phoenix Construction Services Chevrolet; No. 55 Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota; No. 56  NAPA Auto Parts Toyota; No. 78 Furniture Row Racing Chevrolet; No. 88  National Guard/Diet Mountain Dew Chevrolet; No. 99 Fastenal Ford.

 

Tickets start at $15 and can be purchased online at www.pitcrewchallenge.com or by calling the Time Warner Cable Arena box office at (800) 745-3000. 

 

Friday, May 18, NASCAR Day – The ninth celebration of NASCAR Day on Friday, May 18, encourages fans to join The NASCAR Foundation’s initiative in the “Pin It Forward” campaign. Fans are invited to connect and share their pride for NASCAR by posting stories and uploading pictures on the Foundation’s Facebook page. To continue raising awareness, fans can visit The NASCAR Foundation’s Facebook page between now and NASCAR Day to “Pin It Forward” with their $20 donation for a pair of commemorative pins – one for yourself, one for a friend. In addition to helping the cause online, fans may post pictures displaying their spirit – and their pins – and share the story of what it means to “Pin It Forward.” Accounts to engage with this promotion are The NASCAR Foundation’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/NASCARFoundation, and @NASCAR_FDN on Twitter. The associated Twitter hashtag for this initiative is #NASCARDay.

 

Friday, May 18, 5 p.m., Charlotte Motor Speedway – NASCAR Sprint Cup All-Star Coors Light Pole Qualifying. For tickets, call 1-800-455-FANS or log onto www.charlottemotorspeedway.com – SPEED to televise.

 

Friday, May 18, 8 p.m., Charlotte Motor Speedway – NASCAR Camping World Truck Series North Carolina Education Lottery 200. For tickets, call 1-800-455-FANS or go to www.charlottemotorspeedway.com – SPEED to televise.

 

Saturday, May 19, 7:30 p.m., Charlotte Motor Speedway – Sprint Showdown (top two finishers qualify for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race). For tickets, call 1-800-455-FANS or go to www.charlottemotorspeedway.com – SPEED to televise.

 

One final option remains for those not already locked in after the Sprint Showdown, and it’s all in the hands of the fans. The Sprint Fan Vote gives the most loyal fans in all of sports the opportunity to lock in their favorite driver. To vote, click here: http://nas.cr/a32m

 

Saturday, May 19, 9 p.m., Charlotte Motor Speedway – NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. For tickets, call 1-800-455-FANS or go to www.charlottemotorspeedway.com – SPEED to televise.

 

Those drivers already locked into the main event: Marcos Ambrose, Trevor Bayne, Greg Biffle, Kurt Busch, Kyle Busch, Clint Bowyer, Carl Edwards, Jeff Gordon, Denny Hamlin, Kevin Harvick, Jimmie Johnson, Kasey Kahne, Matt Kenseth, Brad Keselowski, Mark Martin, Paul Menard, Ryan Newman, David Ragan, Regan Smith and Tony Stewart.

 

Saturday night’s all-star race consists of a unique – and lucrative – format. The race will be run in five segments. The first four segments will be 20 laps each. The fifth and final segment will be a 10-lap dash to the finish, where only green flag laps count. The winners of the first four segments will move to the front of the field and line up in positions 1-4 prior to the field coming to pit road for the final mandatory pit stop prior to Segment 5 (if there is a repeat segment winner, the second-place finisher will start in his place). The winner gets a $1 million payout, and likely more.

 

Those fans in attendance get an extra treat – a pre-race concert by one of the biggest names in country music, Blake Shelton. Shelton, a three-time GRAMMY nominee and CMA’s reigning Male Vocalist of the Year, will perform prior to the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race in the infield between Turns 1 and 2. Admission to the show is free with the purchase of a ticket to the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race.

 

You can also keep up to date with all the week’s events by following @NASCAR on Twitter (Hashtag: #SprintAllStar) and logging onto www.nascar.com/allstar.

 

ON DECK

 

Further major events follow the all-star extravaganza, both taking place in the Charlotte area. Here’s a run of show for next week:

 

Wednesday, May 23, 6 p.m., NASCAR Hall of Fame – The fourth annual NASCAR Hall of Fame Voting Day is set for next Wednesday, May 23. Following voting procedures, NASCAR will announce the five inductees who will make up the 2013 NASCAR Hall of Fame class. Attending media should RSVP by Monday, May 21, by sending an email to NHOFMedia@nascar.com with the subject line “Will Attend.” The NASCAR Hall of Fame Voting Panel, consisting of members of the Nominating Committee and others representing NASCAR, the NASCAR Hall of Fame, major race track ownership groups, retired drivers, owners and crew chiefs along with motorsports media representatives, will meet in a closed session to deliberate and vote on the 25 candidates eligible for this fourth class. The vote will be followed by a press conference announcing the five new inductees who will join the first three classes.

 

Once again, fans will help decide who earns entry into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. To cast your vote, click here: http://nas.cr/bgac

 

Wednesday’s announcement is open to fans who purchase a ticket to the NASCAR Hall of Fame that day. Adult tickets cost $18.95 and the Hall will offer extended hours (9 a.m. to 8 p.m.) on Wednesday.

 

Thursday, May 24, 7:10 p.m., Charlotte Motor Speedway – NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coors Light Pole Qualifying. For tickets, call 1-800-455-FANS or go to www.charlottemotorspeedway.com – SPEED to televise.

 

Saturday, May 26, 2:45 p.m., Charlotte Motor Speedway – NASCAR Nationwide Series History 300. For tickets, call 1-800-455-FANS or go to www.charlottemotorspeedway.com – ABC to televise.

 

Sunday, May 27, 6 p.m., Charlotte Motor Speedway – NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coca-Cola 600. One of the sport’s crown jewels, NASCAR’s longest race is scheduled for 400 laps and 600 miles. For tickets, call 1-800-455-FANS or go to www.charlottemotorspeedway.com – FOX to televise.

 

Country music star Darius Rucker will perform prior to the Coca-Cola 600, immediately following the speedway’s signature military-themed pre-race show.

 

The Memorial Day Weekend festivities kick off the at-track activation of "NASCAR Unites – An American Salute," a patriotic initiative uniting the NASCAR industry and fans to celebrate America and support U.S. military families. The initiative, which launched at the White House on April 9, will run through the next six weeks, continuing until the Independence Day race weekend at Daytona International Speedway. To participate in “NASCAR Unites – An American Salutes,” visit www.NASCAR.com/Unites.   

 

 

Contact:                                                                                              

Trent Bailey

 


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 14.5.12 0 comments

L'An 2 du Super Production Challenge !

Crédit photo : Photo Yannick Gougeon/Autocourse.ca

 

 

Communiqué de presse                                Pour diffusion immédiate

 

La nouvelle saison débute ce week-end...

 

Montréal (Québec), le 14 mai 2012.- Après une première année très prometteuse, le nouveau championnat québécois de sport automobile Super production Challenge débute ce prochain week-end sa deuxième saison, avec deux courses disputées lundi (jour férié) sur le circuit routier de l'Autodrome St-Eustache.

 

Destinée à permettre aux pilotes venus de tous les horizons de prendre part à une série compétitive, réservée aux voitures de grande production de type Touring Car, et où les performances sont contrôlées au maximum, le Super production Challenge voit plus de vingt pilotes au départ de cette nouvelle saison.

 

« La saison 2011 était celle des débuts, le travail de mise en place de la série a été permanent et, en plus, nous avons eu une bonne surprise : les courses ont été spectaculaires à souhait tout au long de la saison » indique le promoteur Dominic St-Jean, « nous pensons qu'il en sera de même cette année, d'autant qu'avec l'introduction des GPS qui permettent de mesurer la puissance exacte (à 1CV près !) de tous sur la piste, il sera facile de faire respecter la réglementation poids/puissance, pour le plus d'équilibre possible. Après ça, ce sera aux pilotes à faire la différence ! » ajoute-t-il.

 

La première épreuve aura lieu ce lundi, à l'Autodrome St-Eustache, dans un format classique pour les rendez-vous de Super production Challenge, soit essais libres et qualifications en matinée, puis deux courses l'après-midi. Comme l'explique Dominic St-Jean, c'est un format qui plaît au plus grand nombre : « les temps libres de tous et chacun sont très limités à notre époque. Proposer des épreuves où tout est regroupé sur la même journée est un point essentiel de la philosophie du Super Production Challenge, afin de permettre aux pilotes d'avoir une vie sociale en dehors de leur passion pour le sport automobile ! ».

 

Parmi les inscrits, si le champion 2011 Nick Wittmer ne remet pas son titre en jeu en disputant la saison complète, sa famille sera toujours bien représentée puisque la Honda Civic arborant le numéro 1 sera pilotée par son père Patrick, en compagnie du jeune frère de Nick, Karl Wittmer. Une dizaine de pilotes recrues mais aussi la grande diversité des marques représentées sont les autres éléments marquants de cette grille de départ cuvée 2012 puisque les principaux rivaux aux Honda Civic des Wittmer, du Motion Racing, du Bastien Racing et de quatre autres équipes, sera composée d'Audi A4, A5 et TT-S, Acura RSX et Type-R, BMW Série 3, Hyundai Tiburon, Mazda Protege, Nissan 350Z et 370Z, Pontiac Solstice GXP, Scion tC, Toyota Écho, Volkswagen New Beetle et Volvo C30, rien de moins !

 

Outre l'épreuve de lundi 21 mai à St-Eustache, on retrouvera les concurrents du Super Production Challenge au Grand Prix de Mirabel (complexe ICAR), en soutien de la série NASCAR Canadien Tire les 2 et 3 juin, puis, toujours à ICAR, le week-end de la St-Jean-Baptiste. Le circuit routier de l'Autodrome St-Eustache sera visité une seconde fois le 29 juillet, avant la finale de la saison au Calabogie Motorsports Park, au sud d'Ottawa, le 1er septembre.

 

Pour cette saison 2012, le Super Production Challenge reçoit le support des pneus Akina, de G-Tech Pro, Ste-Rose Honda, Pole-Position Magazine, autocourse.ca, Racing Radios International et les vêtements City. La série est sanctionnée par la fédération Auto Sport Québec (A.S.Q.). Pour plus d'information et obtenir la liste complète des inscrits à la saison 2012, visitez le site officiel de la série, superproductionchallenge.com.

 

- 30 -

 

 


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 14.5.12 0 comments

Hoar Rebounds At Canaan, Sets Sights On Oxford

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 5.14.12
For more information, visit http://motorsports.RPMEnginesVT.com or E-mail GWCNewEngland@gmail.com

RPM Motorsports Finishes 2nd In Subway 150; Ready For ACT Return

GEORGIA, Vt. – After finishing second in the Subway Fresh Fit 150 at Canaan Fair Speedway last Saturday night, Brian Hoar said he's ready to get back to the ACT Late Model Tour this weekend.

“Yes and no,” Hoar answered when asked if his RPM Motorsports No. 37 GossCars.com Dodge got back on the right track at Canaan. “We we were good, but we weren't great. (Race winner Wayne Helliwell Jr.) was great. We ran the same car we ran at Devil's Bowl the week before, and it was a good car, we just missed it a little bit.

 

“We had a great race with Wayne, though, and it was a lot of fun.”

After the Spring Green 112 at Devil's Bowl on May 6, Hoar said he went to Canaan with the simple mission of rebounding after finishing outside the Top-10 in an ACT Late Model Tour race for only the second time since 2010. Hoar drove up through the 28-car field in the open competition at Canaan on Saturday, leading the event on two different occasions in the second half of the race.

He didn't come out with a trip to Victory Lane, but he did come out of it ready for a trip to Oxford Plains Speedway for the next event on the ACT schedule – the Armed Forces Day 150 this Sunday, May 20. Hoar won the first two ACT Late Model Tour races of this season before a hiccup at Devil's Bowl.

Over the six Late Model races spanning the last two seasons at Oxford Plains, including the TD Bank Oxford 250, Hoar has not finished outside the Top-5.

“The track is awesome,” Hoar said. “It races out well, especially the last few years when they put that sticky stuff down and they hit it just right in the middle groove. It makes for some great racing.”

Despite holding the ACT records for both career wins (35) and championships (8), Hoar has never won a race at Oxford. The No. 37 GossCars.com Dodge prepared by RPM Motorsports owner and crew chief Rick Paya has been consistently among the frontrunners in races at the flat, .375-mile oval, and the car should be a threat again on Sunday.

“We've had a good setup for Oxford. We have always run good there and been fairly consistent there,” Hoar said. “There are usually a couple of other cars that are good there, too, and it always seems one person hits it right on the mark and is really good there. We have yet to be that person. We're always fast, always competitive, always running up front – but we're working hard at being that person.”

The team already took a step in that direction with the runner-up effort at Canaan – like Oxford, a .375-mile oval with wide, sweeping turns and very little in the way of straightaways.

The team believes it can return to ACT Victory Lane on Sunday.

“I definitely think so,” Hoar said. “There's some guys that have been running some different setups that are much less consistent on the Tour at other tracks, but at Oxford seem to work. A lot of guys are going that direction for Oxford to be competitive with the guys that are very, very strong week in and week out there.

“But Oxford is one of my favorite tracks.”

 

SOCIAL MEDIA

Follow Brian Hoar and RPM Motorsports on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Brian-Hoar-and-RPM-Motorsports-Racing/109279642461697
Follow Brian Hoar on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/BH45
Follow GWC Motorsports Marketing on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/GWCMotorsports
Follow GWC Motorsports Marketing on Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/GWCNewEngland

 


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 14.5.12 0 comments

DILLEY & MICKS POWERED BY GAUNT COLLISION CENTRES

For Immediate Release

 

 

Barrie, ON, Monday May 14, 2012:  NASCAR Veterans, Kerry Micks and Mark Dilley, announced today that they will make a joint effort at the 2012 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Owners Championship, in their #02 Ford Fusions owned by Micks Motorsports. Kerry Micks will compete in the five road course events and Mark Dilley will drive at the seven ovals that make up the 2012 schedule.

 

Micks Motorsports is very excited to have long-time friends, Marty and John Gaunt supporting its efforts in 2012. Marty will supply engines out of his NASCAR winning motor facility, Triad Racing Technologies in North Carolina and John will show support from his Gaunt Collision Centers in Barrie.

 

The team will enjoy support from Leland Industries, Beyond Digital Imaging, PartSource, Triad Racing Technologies, Gaunt Collision Centers, Johnsonville Sausages, Armor All, STP, Cathcart Trucking, Seguin Marine, Castrol, Thor Motors, Sam Ester and Prostate Cancer Canada.

 

“I am looking forward to another new adventure,” laughs Dilley.  “Kerry and I have been friends and raced against each other for over 25 years. To be teaming up with Kerry is very cool. Racing against him has provided me with some of my best memories, especially at Barrie. We have had some serious mishaps, but we have also had a lot of laughs over the years. I respect that he has always had top notch equipment and I am looking forward to being involved with Micks Motorsports and running for the owners’ championship. Sponsorship has been real tough this year, but one of the things that amazes me the most is how long time friends and business associates can come together at times like this. I need to thank Byron at Leland Industries, PartSource and all of the sponsors for coming on board this season with their support. Having the Gaunt brothers on board this season is very special to me, as they helped me get a started in racing 29 years ago. All I can say is that, 29 years ago, Micks, Dilley and the Gaunt brothers won a lot of races and here we go again, so tighten your chin straps, it should be exciting”.

 

“2012 is going to be very different year for sure,” remarked Kerry. “It will be the first time for Mark and I not to run a full season in our own rides. It will definitely be a change of scene to sit on the box and cheer for the other at the different events. I have not stood on the box and watched someone else race my car.  We have partnered our sponsors and our crew together and I am really looking forward to the season”, exclaimed Micks. “Things have certainly come full circle in my 29 year career. I met Mark 29 years ago, when we were both rookies at Sunset Speedway. I believe that John (Gaunt) was considered a veteran then. I met Marty a few years later at Sauble Speedway, when he would borrow everything from me but the car to go racing.  Now Marty is hugely successful south of the border with his Triad Racing Technologies engine shop and the same for John with the Gaunt Collision Centre in Barrie. Some of the best racing I ever experienced was going door handle to door handle with John in our late model days. I am not nervous nor do I have any reservations about Mark piloting the oval car, as I have watched him over the years, and I know that he takes care of his equipment. I know he can get the job done on the ovals and I will do my best on the road courses."

 

The first event of 2012 will take place Saturday & Sunday May 19/20 at newly named Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Bowmanville.  For more information on this event please visit www.mosport.com

 

About Gaunt Collision Centres:  Gaunt Collision Centers opens its doors with over 30 years of collision centre experience. We understand that navigating through the process of having your car repaired is not something people look forward to - much like going to the dentist. Our specialty is making sure your experience is as simple and pain-free as possible. Our team has the knowledge and understanding to help with insurance claims, provide towing where needed and return your vehicle in a timely manner with guaranteed repairs.  For more information please visit www.gauntcollisioncentres.ca

About Triad Racing Technologies:  Triad Racing Technologies is considered to be at the top of the industry for engine development and manufacturing.   Since 2009, Triad engines have captured over 50 wins and 40 poles in the top four levels of stock car competition in the United States.

Triad was instrumental in Toyota winning the 2006 through 2010 Manufacturers Championships in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.   www.triadrt.com

 

For more information please contact:

Linda Jones

Wide Open Motorsport Solutions Inc.

 


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 14.5.12 0 comments

Johnny Clark PASS North SLM winner at Star

For immediate release: Media contact Norm Desjardins – racewithpass@yahoo.com

 

Rusty Bryant scores first PASS Mod win

 

EPPING NH (5/12) Johnny Clark overcame mechanical problems and a shot gun starting position to win Saturday night’s Pro All Stars Series (PASS) North 150 at Epping New Hampshire’s Star Speedway. Clark gave race leader Travis Benjamin the bump and run on lap 144 and led the final six laps to capture his first win of the young season. Benjamin settled for second with Quebec racer Martin LaTulippe finished in  third. Beech Ridge winner Joey Doiron raced under the checkers fourth and Ben Rowe was fifth.

 

Engine issues kept Clark out of the qualifying rounds but the defending series champ worked his way into the top five before the half way mark. Benjamin had taken over the top spot from Ben Rowe at lap 62 and it looked like he had the car to capture his first PASS super late model win since 2008. Clark took  the lead  on a lap 103 restart and held it until Benjamin reclaimed it under green on lap 126. Five laps later a power surge darkened the entire race track, setting up a red flag period that miraculously saw all competitors come to a safe stop. Once power was restored Benjamin held the point with Clark, Donnie Whitten and defending race winner Derek Ramstrom all giving chase .Ramstrom had gone from front to back several times and Whitten was about to make a charge at the lead but both made off track excursions in the closing laps, relegating Ramstrom to 13th and Whitten to 10trh at the stripe.

 

The race was slowed by ten caution periods and one red flag. The top ten finished all 150 laps and Clark’s margin of victory was .414 seconds. Heat race wins went to Lonnie Sommerville, Ben Rowe and Joey Doiron.

 

Once again a strong PASS Mod field answered the call for their 40 lap showdown and when the dust cleared it was PASS Mod rookie Rusty Bryant in victory lane in only his second start in the open wheel touring division. Dana Reed earned his second podium of 2012 with a second place run and Travis Buzzell came home in third. Sumner Sessions and Scott Alexander rounded out the top five.

 

Mitch Miller took the lead from Allan Wilson on lap 17 and Miller was in charge at the half way mark with Wilson and Dale Shaw and Bryant in tow. Bryant powered to the point with Dale Shaw on his bumper and Andy Shaw now up to challenge them both. The defending Champ wanted second but the veteran wasn’t about to give it up without a fight and the contact that resulted sent Dale to the pits for the night. Andy salvaged an eighth place finish.

 

The PASS North super late models take a weekend off before heading  back to New Hampshire for round #2 of the bull ring tour at North Woodstock’s immaculate quarter mile, White Mountain Motorsports Park on Saturday May 26th. The PASS Mods wait until Sunday June 3rd to return to action in a PASS triple header at Groveton New Hampshire’s Riverside Speedway.

 

Photos, point standings, results and schedules are all on line at www.proallstarsseries.com .

 

 

Unofficial Pro All Stars Series 150 results–Star Speedway, Epping NH 5/12/12

 

1 54 Johnny Clark Farmingdale ME 2 17 Travis Benjamin Morrill ME 3 84QC Martin LaTulippe Valley Junction QC 4 73 Joey Doiron Berwick ME 5 4 Ben Rowe Turner ME 6 88 Kyle DeSouza E Providence RI  7 27QC Alexander Gingras Quebec City QC 8 48 Lonnie Sommerville Barnsville NB CA 9 61 Andy Shaw Ctr. Conway NH  10 7 Donnie Whitten Biddeford ME 11 24 Mike Rowe Turner ME 12 60 D.J. Shaw Ctr. Conway NGH 13 35 Derek Ramstrom Worcester MA 14 87 Matt Harris Fredericton NB CA 15 75 Gary Smith Bangor ME 16 02 Geoff Rollins Groton MA 17 80 Dustin Hubbard Unity ME 18 77 Cassius Clark Farmington ME 19 33 Richie Dearborn Hollis ME 20 9 J.T. Thurlow Windham ME 21 10 Scott Dragon Milton VT 22 00 Bryan Kruczek Newmarket NH

 

PASS Mods – 40 lap feature

 

1 08 Rusty Bryant Weymouth MA 2 60 Dana Reed Shapleigh ME 3 3 Travis Buzzell Hollis ME 4  0 Sumner Sessions Norway ME 5 17A Scott Alexander Orrington ME 6  7 Mitch Miller W Boylston MA 7  33 Bill Dixon N Waterboro ME 8 66 Andy Shaw Ctr. Conway NH 9 53 Allan Wilson Hebron ME 10 21 Mike Carignan Somersworth NH 11 1 Dave Sprague W Buxton ME 12 89 Ryan Phillips Buxton ME 13 70 Tommy Stilphen Cornish ME 14 6 Dale Shaw Ctr. Conway NH 15 00 Bill Lake Conway NH 16 14 Scott McDaniel Livermore ME 17 28 Mark Lundblad Jr. Conway NH 18 20 Gary Thorne Sidney ME 19 61 Matt Gain Cornish ME

 


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 14.5.12 0 comments

Canadian Maxime Pelletier takes Limited Late Model 50

Berthiaume blisters Airborne Mods

Canadian Maxime Pelletier takes Limited Late Model 50

 

SOUTH PLATTSBURGH – Pierre Berthiaume of Joliet, QC took control halfway through the TD Bank DIRTcar Modified 30-lap feature and drove off to a convincing win at Airborne Speedway Saturday.

 

Michael Viens of St. Cesaire, QC, who Berthiaume passed for the lead, had a career-best second-place finish, two car-lengths ahead of Andy Lindeman of Poestenkill, NY. Lindeman’s 3rd-place finish was also a personal Airborne best. North Warren Central High-Schooler Jessey Mueller was 4th. Canadian Richard Tisseur completed the top five.

 

“Once I passed Viens, I thought I could win,” Berthiaume said. “I was just hoping there were no more yellows. The first two weeks, we drew for position and I started in the back. Today I started closer to the front (7th in a 29-car field). It makes a big difference.”

 

Maxime Pelletier went wire-to-wire in the 50-lap USA/Canada Late Model Masters Series event. Pelletier, the 2011 Autodrome St-Eustache champion, best Steve Cote of Montreal. QC to the line by five car-lengths. Airborne regular Jamy Begor of Mooers ran in third place for the final 25 laps. Fourth went to Robin Wood of Plattsburgh, who drove around 5th-place Martin Goulet late in the race.

 

Twenty-eight cars started the Limited Late Model Series opener. The Series moves to Autodrome St-Eustache next Saturday. The second half of the top-10 was comprised of Bucko Branham, Fred Lagoy, Jean-Francois Bouvrette, Ben Jouteau and Martin Lacombe.

 

“I have been waiting to come back here ever since Bucko (Branham) beat me here last year,” Pelletier said. “I’m very happy. I had a good car. This is a great place to race.”

 

Jamie LaFountain of Keeseville handily won the Adirondack Water Sportsman Modified feature, besting Lonnie Rivers, Nick Heywood, Jake Branham and Johnmichael Bresette.

 

Dale O’Neil of Mooers had apparently driven to his first-career win in the Busch Mini Modified main event, but he didn’t pass tech inspection. Erick Sayles of Lake Placid, who cut into O’Neil’s lead late in the race, but couldn’t draw alongside, inherited the win.  Josh LeClaire of Plattsburgh was the eventual runner-up.

 

The Renegade checkered flag was carried by Joe Warren of West Chazy. Kevin Boutin of Fairfax, VT, a two-time feature winner reeled in Curt Seymour in the final two laps to finish second. Seymour, Robert Gordon and Don Franklin were 3-4-5.

 

Airborne Speedway Event Summary – May 7, 2012
TD Bank Night

Ernie’s Discount Tools Modifieds
Feature (30 laps): 1. Pierre Berthiaume, Joliet, QC  2. Michael Viens, St-Cesaire, QC 3. Andy Lindeman, Poestenkill, NY  4. Jessey Mueller 5. Richard Tisseur 6. Andy Heywood 7. Leon Gonyo  8. Chris Cayea 9. Vince Quenneville 10. Todd Stone 11. Pat McGrail 12. Greg Atkins 13. Adam Bartemy 14. Patrick Dupree 15. George Foley 16. Maxime Viens 17. Craig Reyell 18. Jason Durgan 19. Mikhail Lebreche  20. Matt Woodruff 21. Kris Vernold 22. Alain Fournier 23. Mike Reyell 24. Francois Bellemare 25. Aaron Bartemy Michael Viens 26. Mike Wells 27. Todd Ormsby 28. Roger Labreche  Heat winners: Andy Heywood, Andy Lindeman, Michael Viens.

USA/Canada Late Model Masters Series

1st of  six events – (50 laps):  1. Max Pelletier, Mascouche, QC 2. Steve Cote Ile Bizard, QC 3. Jamy Begor, Mooers, NY 4. Robin Wood 5. Martin Goulet 6. Bucko Branham 7.Fred Lagoy 8.Jean-Francois Bouvrette 9.Martin Lacombe 10.Ben Jouteau 11.Steve Lagace 12.Brandon atkins 13.Dave Rabtoy 14.Thiery Faubert 15.Martin Fauteaux 16.Shawn Duquette 17.Phil Perry 18.Sylvain Contant 19.Hani Chhiniara 20.Keith Pelkey 21.Marc Antoine Demers 22. Michael Chagnon 23.Sebastien Joseph 24.Casey St. Clair 25.Rico Hernandez 26. Jason Bonnett.

 

 

Contact: Tom Herzig

 


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Team Barracuda - BHA Celebrates Opening Weekend and Announces Gumball 3000 Partnership

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Indianapolis, IN - May 13, 2012 - Opening Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway proved successful for Team Barracuda - BHA, both on and off the track. While driver Alex Tagliani shook down the Barracuda Networks sponsored car and it's newly installed Honda power plant, the team announced a new partnership for the Indy 500 with Gumball 3000.

 

 

Gumball 3000 is a combination of art, automobiles, music and film to create a unique aspirational lifestyle brand. Headed by Maximillion Cooper, the Gumball 3000 group now operates eight companies with offices in Europe and the United States. With a pioneering spirit and an attraction that transcends social barriers, the Gumball 3000 mission is to build a global lifestyle brand of the future.

The partnership is a perfect fit for Team Barracuda - BHA. The team's focus on strength, stability and performance blends well with Gumball 3000's tradition-challenging approach to exploring creative boundaries.

"Having the Gumballers in the Team Barracuda - BHA garages on Indy 500 race weekend will be phenomenal," said team owner Bryan Herta. "The lifestyle brand of Gumball 3000 with the fast cars and star power of the Indianapolis 500 is a winning combination. It should be an exciting weekend for everyone involved."

The Gumball 3000 logo will be prominently displayed on the No. 98 Dallara DW12 during the 96th running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race. In addition, the Gumballers will accompany the car out to the grid before the start of the historic race.

Until then, Tagliani and his Team Barracuda - BHA crew will work to prepare for Pole Day, May 19, 2012, when the Canadian driver will look to defend the pole position that he earned last year.

For Tagliani, the first two days of practice went well. After day one, he said, "The car feels good and it's great to be back with the Honda family again. It's almost like we never left. Basically, this was kind of like the first, real oval test that we've run and I was quite surprised how quickly we got up to speed and how quick the car was right away. I'm very excited to see where we can stack up as we try to get a run for the Pole. I have a great engineer and great group of guys behind me, so I'm definitely looking forward to the month of May here in Indy."

A week of media events and fan activities will follow qualifications, culminating at the Greatest Spectacle in Racing, taking place on Sunday, May 27 at 12 p.m. ET.

 

About Bryan Herta Autosport
Founded by veteran driver Bryan Herta and noted race engineer and team manager Steve Newey, Bryan Herta Autosport (BHA) has been a race-winning team in Firestone Indy Lights competition since 2009 and recently won the 2011 Indianapolis 500 with driver Dan Wheldon in only its second IZOD IndyCar Series start. The Indianapolis, Ind.-based squad made its IndyCar debut in 2010 contesting the Indianapolis 500. New for 2012, BHA has formed a joint venture with Bowen and Bowers Motorsports, Inc. (BBM) to field a full time entry in the IZOD Indycar Series for Canadian driver Alex Tagliani.  Based in Toronto, Ontario, Bowen and Bowers Motorsports, Inc. is the coming together of leading sports and entertainment property development professionals, Chris Bowers and David Bowen, along with the financial management experience of Trapeze Asset Management Inc. For more information, visit www.bryanhertaautosport.com.

About Barracuda Networks Inc.
Barracuda Networks combines premises-based gateways and software, virtual appliances, cloud services, and sophisticated remote support to deliver comprehensive content and network security, data protection and application delivery solutions. The company's expansive product portfolio includes offerings for protection against email and Web threats as well as products that improve application delivery and network access, message archiving, backup and data protection. Coca-Cola, FedEx, Harvard University, IBM, L'Oreal, and Europcar are among the more than 150,000 organizations protecting their IT infrastructures with Barracuda Networks' range of affordable, easy-to-deploy and manage solutions. Barracuda Networks is privately held with its International Headquarters in Campbell, Calif. For more information, please visit www.barracudanetworks.com

 


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AUTODROME GRANBY - CHALLENGE CAN-AM

                            

                                                                                                                                   

 

    Plusieurs amateurs étaient heureux de voir autant de bolides sur le circuit de la rue Cowie. 33 voitures Sprint 360 étaient présentes dans les puits.

    La soirée a débuté avec la reprise de la finale Sport-Compact. Sébastien Raymond Beauregard (53) étaient très heureux de remporter sa première victoire devant Yannick Bouchard ( 187) et Bruno Lafontaine (51). 15 voitures ont pris le départ de la finale de 15 tours.

 

                                                Photo : Sébastien Raymond Beauregard

    Jocelyn Roy (48) et François Adam ont remporté les épreuves de qualification dans la catégorie Pro-Stock.  Le nombre de bolides Pro-Stock augmente, ils étaient 18 voitures dans les puits. Cette finale est toujours très spectaculaire. On a eu droit à tout un spectacle quand Stéphane Lebrun (6) fait des tonneaux dans la courbe 2, il demeure en piste, repart de l’arrière du peloton pour terminer 9e. François Adam a connu une soirée parfaite, il a mené d’une main de maître l’épreuve de 20 tours. Le podium était complété par Jocelyn Roy et Stéphane Lemire.

 

Photo : François Adam

 

    La finale Ligthning Sprint a dû être reportée à une date ultérieure vu le manque de temps et le couvre-feu. La première qualification a été remportée par le champion défendant Simon Couture (34) devant Normand Hamel (44) et Pierre-Yves Joyal ( 26). La deuxième séance a été l’affaire de Dominic Tremblay ( 13) et Mike Capobianco ( 77)  suivi de Stéphane St-Laurent ( 29). On prévoit présenter une finale double le vendredi 15 juin.

 

 

   27 bolides Modifié ont franchi le drapeau vert pour la finale prévue de 30 tours. La soirée avait bien débuté pour le clan Therrien, Alan (39A) et Clément ont remporté leur qualification, Mario Clair (22) a remporté l’autre épreuve. Pour plaire aux amateurs, malgré l’heure tardive (22 :42), les dirigeants de l’Autodrome Granby ont lancé l’épreuve finale. Dès le 5e tour, la pluie débute et rend les conditions de piste difficile, la majorité des pilotes préfèrent continuer l’épreuve. Après 23 tours, le directeur de course prend la décision de lancer le drapeau à damier, pour éviter les catastrophes. Au fil d’arrivée, le vétéran Claude Brouillard (3) précède Mario Clair (22) et Martin Gagné (87). Andrew Ranger a terminé 3e la séance de qualification et 9e la finale, c’est un très bon résultat pour un pilote qui n’avait pas conduit ce genre de bolide depuis 2 ans.                                          

                                                    Photo : Claude Brouillard et Bertrand Godin

Les  très spectaculaires Sprint-Car ont donné tout un spectacle, 33 bolides Sprint 360 étaient présents pour cette première confrontation Canada - États-Unis. Les meilleurs pilotes des deux côtés de la frontière se sont livrés toute une lutte. Alain Bergeron (8B) à mener la première partie de l’épreuve, Shane Stewart (21) l’a devancé au 12e passage quand Bergeron s’est retrouvé ralenti par des retardataires. Stewart était suivi au 30e passage par Justin Barger ( 5) et le bolide 8B de Bergeron. Steve Poirier (28FM) n’a pas participé à l’épreuve, son mécanicien en chef a très bien piloté le bolide, il a prouvé qu’il n’a pas froid aux yeux.                                                               Photo : Barger-Stewart et Bergeron

 

 

 

 

Josée Lyse Poisson

Relationniste  Autodrome Granby

www.autodrome-granby.com

 

   

 


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Doug O'Blenis is Ready for a Breakthrough Season

By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications

 

By their nature, racecar drivers lack the ability to sit still.  They’re used to the high speeds, thrills and close competition of their chosen vocation.  Things become problematic once they’ve achieved a certain level of success.  Drive and desire take over.  The need to take that next step makes them restless and necessitates change.

 

With 13 years behind the wheel and success in the street stock, pro stock and Canadian modified divisions at Brighton Speedway, Doug O’Blenis felt the urge to break-away and explore different arenas.  In 2009, he acquired a Bicknell chassis racer and set-off in pursuit of new challenges in the DIRTcar sportsman modified class at Brockville Ontario Speedway.  The 29 year-old from Napanee, Ontario admits it was a pretty big step.

 

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous,” said O’Blenis.  “There were some sleepless nights before that first show in the sportsman car.  I had practically grown-up around Brighton Speedway, but after winning the Canadian modified championship in 2007, I started to get a little antsy. The urge to step outside the comfort zone and try something new became a little too much to handle and it was time to move on.”

 

The transition from one track to another can always be a big step, but O’Blenis was also making the move to different type and style of racecar.  Anyone who’ll tell you that one car is the same as another obviously hasn’t strapped-in behind the wheel.  A crate engine powered DIRTcar sportsman machine rides on wider rubber than anything the driver had wheeled before and track conditions between Brighton and Brockville are also quite different.  Even though both speedways are clay ovals, O’Blenis rolled into his rookie campaign with a notebook filled with blank pages.  A 15th place effort in the final standings during his freshman campaign gave the second generation runner something solid to build on.

 

Race by race, O’Blenis learned more about how the new car would handle and how it would respond to the changes his team of crew chief and father Don O’Blenis, Rob Pickstock and Jim Cole – with special help from wife Amanda O’Blenis, mother Donna O’Blenis and daughters Kaitlyn and Ashley – made to compensate for the varying track conditions. 

 

Step by step, the puzzle pieces began to fit together and Doug’s #32 John’s Car Care/JC Cleaning Services/Drain-All Plumbing/Rez Boyz/Napanee Tree Service/Grant & Lola Clark/Hometown Accounting/O’Blenis Racing Products/Onguard Security/ www.imagefactor.ca Bicknell became a consistent runner.  Fast forward  to the end of the 2011 season with 6 heat race wins and a 9th place points showing in 16 Brockville starts and the team was ready to move another rung up the ladder.  O’Blenis says he feels he has what it takes to make the team a regular top five finisher and eventual race winner.

 

“I’m looking forward to seeing what we’ll do this year,” said O’Blenis. “It’ll be our 4th season at Brockville and I think we’ve accomplished quite a bit along the way.  We’re still chasing that first main event win, but so are a number of other drivers.  Every week gets us closer to finding our way to victory lane and it’ll be a great celebration when it happens.”

 

The O’Blenis Racing Team will campaign a freshly minted 2012 Bicknell chassis – owned by Doug O’Blenis and Nan Sweet – in DIRTcar sportsman modified action and plans to focus on Saturday night shows at Brockville Speedway, with occasional forays to other tracks as time and finances permit.  The team will also return to the familiar turf of Brighton Speedway Park for the annual Applefest Weekend’s Super DIRTcar Series event Friday, September 21st. 

 

Fans can track Doug’s performance at www.oblenisracing.com or www.facebook.com/oblenisracing.  For sponsorship opportunities, contact Amanda O’Blenis, aoblenis@hotmail.com.

 

Photo attachments:  Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications

1). Napanee, Ontario DIRTcar Sportsman Modified racer Doug O’Blenis is ready for action at the 2012 season opener – Saturday, May 12th – at Brockville Ontario Speedway.

2). Doug O’Blenis battles for position with Steve Barber during opening night DIRTcar Sportsman Modified action at Brockville Ontario Speedway.

 

Prepared by:  Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications

 

 

 

 

 


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