2012-09-05

Donny Beatty is looking for Some Strength in the Numbers

By Jim Clarke, Kawartha Speedway PR/Clarke Motorsports Communications

The final night of action for the 2012 season at Kawartha Speedway is Friday, September 7^th and Donny Beatty is looking to collect every point he can in the championship standings. The veteran racer from Beaverton, Ontario – who captured the track’s 2006 Thunder Car point title – is currently 4^th in the division, but just 1 point behind the driver in 3^rd spot and 8 markers ahead of the 5^th place runner. While he knows a lot can change in the final show of the year, the driver of the #40 Wintermere Sod Farms/Dale’s Transmission Service/Durham Furnace/Nick Oram Auto Body/My Mechanic Auto Repair/Junior’s Tire Service/Steve Barrett Realty/Better Build Construction and Roofing Chevrolet says he isn’t worried.

“I can’t do anything about it,” said Beatty with a shrug. “The only car I can control is my own, so it’s really out of my hands. I’ll just get in, drive it and hope for the best. It looks like Matt has the championship locked-up, but there is a lot that can change through the rest of the positions in the top 10.”

After starting the year with a hard crash at another track, Beatty’s program has turned the corner at Kawartha. Even though he hasn’t found his way to victory lane, he has returned to the solid form that paved the way for his homecoming at the Fraserville, Ontario oval and a strong performance during the 2011 campaign. While he’d love to get back to the routine that earned his track championship, Donny Beatty says he’s keenly aware of how much the sport changed during his brief self-imposed sabbatical.

“It seems like everyone out there has taken things to another level,” said Beatty. “The teams that were running 7^th or 8^th are winning races now. Guys who ran outside the top 10 are finishing 5^th or better on a regular basis. It’s tough, but I’m still having fun and that’s what keeps me coming back. I love the level of competition at Kawartha and everyone at the track is just terrific. Win or lose, it’s a great place to race.”

The Thunder Car point battle is the tightest of all the regular divisions at the 3/8^th mile oval, but positions could change through the NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Model and Hasiuk Trailer and Container Rental Mini Stock standings on Kawartha Speedway’s last night of the year as well.

Kawartha klips: The final regular event of the 2012 season – Friday, September 7^th – will be a full night of action at the Fraserville 3/8^th miler. In addition to a 50 lap feature for the Hasiuk Trailer and Container Rental Mini Stocks, racing also includes Thunder Cars and the NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Models. The annual 75 lap Don Biederman Memorial for the OSCAAR Super Late Models, the first Kawartha appearance by the OSCAAR Modifieds and the 4^th run for the Ontario Legends Series will also be on the show. Gates will open at 3:00; with racing starting at 6:00...The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series will crown this year’s champion at the 250 lap season finale Saturday, September 22^nd. For full schedule details and the latest track news, see www.kawarthaspeedway.com.

Photo attachment: Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications

Thunder Car racer Donny Beatty of Beaverton will be looking to gain as many points as possible during the 2012 season finale – Friday, September 7^th – at Kawartha Speedway.

Prepared by: Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications

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ACT Set for Showdown

Attached Photo: Showdown.jpg - Canadian and American teams vie for position in the annual Showdown at Chaudiere. Team Canada is looking to dethrone the US team in the 200-lap event this Saturday, September 8. (Photo Credit: Stephane Lazare)

US Teams Take on Canada in Showdown at Chaudière

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ACT – 090512 - 74

Waterbury, VT – Championship point battles will go on hold this Saturday, September 8, when American Canadian Tour and Série ACT Castrol teams go head-to-head at Autodrome Chaudière. The “Showdown at Chaudière” will pit the US Tour’s best versus the elite of the Série ACT Castrol in an epic 200-lap battle for ultimate bragging rights.

The Showdown is a team-based event, where American and Canadian drivers will try to earn the lowest score for the overall win. First place awards one point, second place awards two, and so on. The members of the team with the least points at the finish will each get an added chunk of the $35,000 purse.

Top five finishers from the 2011 US Team, including last year’s winner Brian Hoar, ACT point leader Wayne Helliwell, Jr. and Randy Potter, will all return to defend the US record of three-straight team victories. 7-time ACT Champion Jean Paul Cyr will join the fight, along with ACT rookie sensation Jimmy Hebert fresh off an impressive run in the Labor Day Classic. Oxford 250 winner Joey Polewarczyk, Jr. will return to Chaudière with third-place ACT point man Austin Theriault, and fellow Maine stars Glen Luce and Rowland Robinson will also make the trip to defend the US crown. The U.S. roster will include Thunder Road regular Joey Becker, as well as multi-time Thunder Road Champion Cris Michaud, who is currently riding a hot streak of 3 top three finishes in his last 4 events.

The Canadian team remains hungry for their first Showdown victory, and may have put together their best team yet. Two-time Série ACT Castrol and former ACT Champion Patrick Laperle will lead his team to the Showdown, along with former Série ACT Castrol Champions Karl Allard and Donald Theetge. Second-place point man Jean-Francois Déry, fresh off his third victory of the year, will return to represent Canada in the Showdown. Up and comers David Michaud and Patrick Hamel will join the star-studded roster, along with top-five finishers in the Chaudière 150 Dany Trepanier and Patrick Cliche. Consistent veterans Gaetan Lauzier and Claude Leclerc will ground the Canadian team, and rookie star Etienne Cliche will participate in his first ever Showdown.

The US team will attempt to defend their crown against Team Canada this Saturday, September 8 at the Showdown at Chaudière. Post time is 6:00pm.

For additional information, head to www.acttour.com, call the ACT office at (802) 244-6963, or email us at media@acttour.com

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Buescher Leads 9-Time Champion Kimmel for 2012 Bill France Four Crown Championship

For Immediate Release:

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Title Culminates at Salem Speedway

(TOLEDO, Ohio) - The 2012 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards season is coming down to 19-year-old Chris Buescher and 50-year-old veteran Frank Kimmel, in more ways than one.

This is not to say that rookie Brennan Poole (No. 25 Venturini Motorsports Chevrolet) is not still in the championship hunt. Currently third in championship points, The Woodlands, Texas driver is still very much in the big picture.

However, in matters of the Bill France Four Crown championship, it's boiling down to Buescher (No. 17 Roulo Brothers Racing Ford) and Kimmel (No. 44 Ansell-Menards Toyota). Buescher, who leads Kimmel in the overall championship point standings, also leads Kimmel in the pursuit of the prestigious season-within-a-season Bill France Four Crown Award, which rewards drivers for success on a diverse slate of tracks.

The next challenge in the four-race trick will be the Four Crown finale at Salem Speedway (Kentuckiana Ford Dealers Fall Classic presented by Federated Car Care) Saturday, September 15. Currently, Buescher leads Kimmel by 30 points. A top six finish for Buescher would secure the title.

The Four Crown schedule provides a link to the series' roots, featuring a diverse combination of tracks in any given season. This year's schedule includes Michigan Int'l Speedway (superspeedway), New Jersey Motorsports Park (road course), Springfield (mile dirt oval), and Salem (short track).

"The Bill France Four Crown Award speaks to the very nature of the ARCA Racing Series. Being the full-bodied stock car series that runs on speedways, road courses, short tracks, and dirt ovals, this is the epitome of what our series is about," said Ron Drager, president of ARCA.

Buescher won at Michigan, finished third at New Jersey, and finished fifth at Springfield. However, Kimmel gained on Buescher significantly at Springfield where the nine-time ARCA champion earned a record eighth career victory on the Illinois State Fairgrounds mile dirt.

Headed to Salem, both drivers have performed well on the renowned, historic half-mile oval in southern Indiana. Buescher is the defending Kentuckiana Ford Dealers Fall Classic winner while Kimmel, who's won a record nine ARCA races at Salem, finished second there back in April.

"I've been watching that one (Bill France Four Crown)," Buescher said. "I'd love to be able to put my name on that, and it'd be especially nice to do it at Salem. We're bringing the same car we won with last year, so I feel like we're going to be ready for it."

Gary Roulo, co-owner of Roulo Brothers Racing, also has a keen eye on the award.

"It would be a very big deal for Roulo Brothers Racing," Roulo said. "The namesake of the award is especially important; the fact that it's named after Bill France. That's a big deal in our industry. And the fact that the award represents the versatility of the series is also very important. It's a very prestigious award, and it's one we'd be very proud of."

Four Crown points are allocated without qualifying or in-race bonuses, and distributed in the same method as in the official series standings.

Kimmel is the all-time Bill France Four Crown champion with six titles (2008, 2007, 2005, 2002, 2001, 1998). Other Four Crown champions over the years include Joey Coulter, Parker Kligerman, Jason Jarrett, Tim Steele, Bob Keselowski, Bobby Bowsher, Bill Venturini, Grant Adcox, Lee Raymond and Davey Allison.

Practice for the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers ARCA Fall Classic is scheduled from 12:30 to 1:15 p.m., with a final practice to follow from 1:45 to 2:30. Menards Pole Award Qualifying presented by Ansell is at 4. The Salem Street Stocks will get the racing action started with a 50-lap feature event at 5:30, followed by the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers ARCA Fall Classic at 7:15.

ARCA Celebrating 60th Anniversary Season

2012 is the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards' 60th Anniversary Season, featuring 20 races at 18 tracks. The complete 2012 event schedule is available at ARCARacing.com.

The ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards has crowned an ARCA national champion each year since its inaugural season in 1953, and has toured over 200 race tracks in 26 states since its inception. The series has tested the abilities of drivers and race teams over the most diverse schedule of stock car racing events in the world, visiting tracks ranging from 0.375 mile to 2.66 miles in length, on both paved and dirt surfaces as well as a left- and right-turn road course in its most recent season. This year, the series visited Alabama's Mobile International Speedway and Minnesota's Elko Speedway for the first time.

Founded by John and Mildred Marcum in 1953 in Toledo, Ohio, the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) is recognized among the leading sanctioning bodies in the country. Closing in on completing its sixth decade after hundreds of thousands of miles of racing, ARCA administers over 100 race events each season in three professional touring series and local weekly events.

CONTACT:

Griffin Hickman, ARCA

Don Radebaugh, ARCA

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Proctor-Quenneville Championship Fight Settled Friday at Devil's Bowl Speedway

ATTACHED PHOTOS (credit MemorEvents):

RonProctor: Charlton, NY's Ron Proctor (left), shown with Devil's Bowl Speedway Chief Starter Bob Bigelow, is gunning for back-to-back NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Bond Auto Parts Modified championships on Friday.

VinceQuenneville: Vince Quenneville of Brandon, VT has five NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Bond Auto Parts Modified victories this year, but will need to make up 23 points to beat Ron Proctor for the championship on Friday.

Veterans separated by 23 points; semi-feature adds extra chance for bonus points

For Immediate Release DBS-090512-1

WEST HAVEN, VT – Two veteran Modified stock car racers will settle an exciting season-long championship fight on Friday at Devil’s Bowl Speedway, as Ron Proctor and Vince Quenneville, Jr., vie for NASCAR Whelen All-American Series title honors on Championship Night presented by Brown’s Quarried Slate and Brown’s Orchard & Farm Stand.

With the Sunoco Race Fuels “Dash For Cash” semi-feature added in the final weeks of the season, a total of 65 points are up for grabs on Friday. Quenneville, of Brandon, VT, can cut as much as 14 points off his 23-point deficit before the main event begins if he finishes near the front in his qualifying heat and the semi-feature, but only if Charlton, NY racer Proctor finishes fourth or worse in his heat race. In that scenario, Quenneville would only need to beat Proctor by five positions in the main event.

· Qualifying heats pay five points to win, four for second place, three for third, two for fourth, and one for all other finishers.

· The semi-feature – open only for the top-three finishers from the two heats – pays 10 points to win, nine for second, eight for third, seven for fourth, six for fifth, and five for sixth.

· The 50-lap Brown’s Quarried Slate/Brown’s Orchard & Farm Stand feature pays 50 points to win, 48 for second, 46 for third, and two less points for each subsequent position.

While he’s not immune to disaster, the chances of Proctor faltering are not good; the veteran is trying for his second-straight title and has had a remarkable record of 17 consecutive finishes of seventh place or better including three victories. Brandon, VT racer Quenneville has won five races including last Friday’s event, but a blown engine two weeks ago leaves him playing catch-up.

The rest of the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series divisions will officially crown their champions on Friday as well; Craig Bushey of Fairfax, VT mathematically clinched the J&S Steel Late Model championship last week and will try to cap it off with a win in the division’s 40-lap finale, but Robert Gordon of Milton, VT and Pittsford, VT’s Ryan Keith – only 13 points apart – will slug it out in the Renegades. Like Bushey, rookie Josh Masterson of Bristol, VT clinched the Bomber title a week early.

Special general admission for Championship Night is $12 for adults, $9 for seniors (62+), and free for children 12 and under. Gates open at 5:00pm with racing beginning at an early 7:00pm post time. Fans may save $2.00 on admission by redeeming a ticket stub from the 2012 Vermont State Fair.

Devil’s Bowl Speedway is located on Route 22A in West Haven, VT, four miles north of Exit 2 on US Route 4. For more information, call (802) 265-3112 or click www.devilsbowlspeedwayvt.com. Devil’s Bowl Speedway is on Facebook at facebook.com/devilsbowlspeedway and Twitter at @DevilsBowlSpeed.

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Busy weekend at Airborne

SOUTH PLATTSBURGH – Airborne’s regular season goes out with a bang this weekend highlighted by the $5,000-to-win Akwesasne Mohawk Casino DIRTcar Modified shootout Sunday, September 8 at 1 p.m.

The two-day event, presented by Della Auto Group and Morrisonville Septic, begins this Saturday – post time 1 p.m. Qualifying heats for the J&S Steel Limited Late Models, Key RD Trailer Sales Renegades and Busch Mini Modifieds and the final Mini Modified feature will be held.

The Modified Shootout is comprised of three 50-lap segments. After each of the first two rounds, the field will be inverted to set the next line-up. The lowest total of combined finishes determines the overall winner.

Several invaders are expected to swell the Modified car count, including Lebanon Valley regular Keith Flach, multi-time Albany-Saratoga champion Kenny Tremont, Albany-Saratoga regular Matt DeLorenzo (3rd in points) and former Mr. DIRTcar 358-Modified champion Mario Clair of Drummondville, QC.

Sunday’s race card includes the final point race for the Sportsman Modifieds, Limited Late Models and Renegades. Nick Heywood of Plattsburgh is poised to become the first Airborne Sportsman Modified champion. Heywood has six wins in the Budweiser/Warren Tire Service No. 29 in the division’s inaugural season. He holds a commanding lead over closest rival Lonnie Rivers of Cadyville.

Independent Country Music Award nominee Jamie Lee Thurston and the Bootleg Band will appear in concert Saturday at 7 p.m. Concert tickets will be sold at the gate – admission $10.

Two-day event tickets, including the concert are available at Della Suzuki in Plattsburgh. For additional information, call the racetrack office 518-561-3208 or visit airborneparkspeedway.com.

Contact: Tom Herzig

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BONNES NOUVELLES POUR LE SHOWDOWN BUD 200

Pour diffusion immédiate (05-09-12=35)

Samedi à l’Autodrome Chaudière de Vallée-Jonction

Les amateurs qui assisteront à la cinquième édition du Showdown Bud 200 à l’Autodrome Chaudière, samedi, seront heureux d’apprendre que la direction de l’American Canadian Tour a décidé de majorer le nombre de participants en y ajoutant un de plus dans chaque champ.

Patrick Cliche de St-Jean-Chrysostome qui probablement fort déçu faisant suite à son accident à Montmagny, avait laissé entendre qu’il ne pourrait être de la partie. Cependant, les choses ont rapidement changé, car son équipe lui a annoncé qu’il pourrait être là. L’an dernier dans cette épreuve largement dominée par l’Américain Brian Hoar, Cliche avait terminé à la 13^e place pour être le sixième Québécois à franchir la ligne d’arrivée. Seuls les dix premiers avaient réussi à compléter le nombre de tour réglementaires.

Donc, le 12^e joueur pour l’équipe canadienne est devenu le vétéran Claude Leclerc qui après la dernière course avait glissé au 12^e rang.

Au New-Hampshire

Excellente nouvelle pour les gens de Québec, Dany Trépanier de St-Édouard-de-Lotbinière, un jeune homme qui n’a pas tardé à faire sa marque dans la série ACT-Castrol, a été invité à participer au Bond Auto ACT Invitational qui se tiendra au New-Hampshire Motor Speedway, le 22 septembre prochain dans le cadre du Sylvania 300. Trépanier fait partie du deuxième groupe d’invités et il se joindra donc à Patrick Laperle, Jean-François Déry et André Beaudoin, le remplaçant de Karl Allard.

Jusqu’à maintenant un autre Canadien, l’Ontarien Dan McHattie, meneur au classement de la piste Kawartha Downs dont il détient déjà sept championnats, a été invité.

Prochainement, l’ACT fera connaître les noms de dix autres invités.

		SHOWDOWN BUD 200
Équipe américaine			Équipe canadienne
27nh	Wayne Helliwell Jr.		91qc	Patrick Laperle
37vt	Brian Hoar		21qc	Jean-François Déry
57me	Austin Theriault		80qc	Donald Theetge
97nh	Joey Polewarczyk Jr		48qc	Karl Allard
02nh	Randy Potter		40qc	David Michaud
32vt	Jean-Paul Cyr		19qc	Dany Trépanier
58vt	Jimmy Hebert		51qc	Patrick Hamel
28me	Rowland Robinson Jr.		74qc	Gaétan Lauzier
7me	Glen Luce		98qc	Étienne Cliche
16vt	Joey Becker		41qc	Jonathan Bouvrette
6vt	Chris Michaud		11qc	Claude Leclerc
31on	Spencer McPherson		5qc	Patrick Cliche

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Pour informations : ACT

www.acttour.com

media@acttour.com

Collaboration : Yvon Larrivée

acttour@gmail.com

Photo : Stéphane Lazare

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PLACE À LA CINQUIÈME ÉDITION DU SHOWDOWN BUDWEISER 200

Pour diffusion immédiate (04-09-12=34)

Samedi à l’Autodrome Chaudière de Vallée-Jonction

Pour une troisième et dernière fois cette saison, les meilleurs pilotes américains de l’American Canadian Tour nous visiterons, samedi soir à l’Autodrome Chaudière de Vallée-Jonction, à l’occasion de la cinquième édition du Showdown Budweiser 200. On sait que cette confrontation de 200 tours regroupe les onze meilleurs au cumulatif de chaque série et il est rare que l’on a affaire à des retardataires.

L’an dernier, Brian Hoar avait remporté la victoire après avoir mené le bal durant toute l’épreuve pour terminer devant Patrick Laperle et Karl Allard. Avec ses deux prestations au Québec en août dernier, il est assuré que Hoar sera l’un des grands favoris de l’équipe américaine qui a gagné lors des quatre premiers Showdown à l’occasion du pointage total. La position obtenue par un coureur lui donne un nombre identique de points, soit 25^e = 25 points. L’équipe qui a le plus petit nombre de points est déclarée victorieuse et chaque pilote touche un boni supplémentaire de 500 $.

Sur le plan québécois, c’est sans aucun doute Patrick Laperle qui a connu le plus de succès avec deux victoires en quatre départs. Ce n’est donc pas de sa faute si les représentants de la série ACT-Castrol ne l’ont pas remporté jusqu’à maintenant. Pour cette fois, il faudra mettre de côté les luttes pour le championnat et unir ses efforts pour avoir les meilleurs résultats.

Cette saison, le peloton du Québec est très relevé et l’on croit pouvoir mettre un terme à la domination américaine. En plus de Laperle, il y a Jean-François Déry qui connaît une saison du tonnerre tout comme David Michaud et Dany Trépanier. Donald Theetge et Karl Allard sont également à la hauteur alors que les autres participants du Québec seront Patrick Hamel, Gaétan Lauzier, la recrue Étienne Cliche, Jonathan Bouvrette et Claude Leclerc qui dans le groupe en remplacement de Patrick Cliche qui, victime d’un accrochage à Montmagny, a laissé entendre que sa voiture ne serait pas prête pour le Showdown.

En ce qui concerne Bouvrette, mentionnons qu’il en sera à une première participation à cet événement annuel.

Au même programme, deux autres courses qui devraient s’avérer très spectaculaires également, ont été inscrites à l’horaire de cette journée qui risque fort bien d’être mémorable.

SS AIM QUÉBEC

Vingt voitures SS AIM Québec prendront le départ de la finale de 100 tours. Faisant à leur assiduité à cinq programmes réguliers en saison, huit pilotes ont déjà leur droit de participation assurée : soit les Rock, Philippe et Jacques Poulin, Gerry et Marco Bilodeau, Sébastien Mercier, Julien Bernier et Éric St-Gelais. Tous sont assurés d’une bourse minimale de 260$ avec 1,500$ au grand vainqueur. Une première attendue avec les 20 voitures les plus rapides SS AIM QUÉBEC en piste.

SPORT COMPACTE

En attraction spéciale, les voitures de la classe SPORT COMPACTE participeront à deux finales de 35 tours, collaboration ORICOM Internet Après les essais chronométrés, les pilotes seront jumelés par équipe de deux pour leur finale. Une course attendue par plusieurs avec ses 3000$ de bourse.

Vous aurez donc droit à 370 tours de finale sur la piste la plus inclinée et la plus rapide au Québec. Un show qu’il ne faut pas manquer.

Les campeurs auront accès au site à compter de jeudi le 6 septembre et les portes pour le public seront accessibles à partir de 13h00 samedi le 8.En cas de pluie, remis au dimanche 9 septembre 13h00.

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Pour informations : ACT

www.acttour.com

media@acttour.com

Collaboration : Yvon Larrivée

acttour@gmail.com

André Gagnon

Autodrome Chaudière

Photo : Stéphane Lazare

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GRAND-AM Road Racing, American Le Mans Series Announce Historic Merger

Combined Sports Car Organization Will Debut With 2014 Rolex 24 At Daytona;

New Board To Feature GRAND-AM, ALMS, NASCAR Executives

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Sept. 5, 2012) – The most significant development in the history of sports car racing in North America was announced today, with plans for a landmark merger of GRAND-AM Road Racing and the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) unveiled at Daytona International Speedway.

Under terms of the merger, the following entities will combine with GRAND-AM: the American Le Mans Series; the International Motor Sports Association, which sanctions ALMS events; the Road Atlanta race track facility in Braselton, Ga.; the Chateau Elan Hotel and Conference Center in Sebring, Fla.; and Sebring International Raceway, via a reassignment of the lease agreement with the Sebring Airport Authority to operate the raceway.

Both sanctioning bodies will continue to operate separate schedules in 2013 before racing under one banner in 2014 beginning with North America’s premier sports car race, the 52nd annual Rolex 24 At Daytona. A board of directors has been formed to operate the new combined organization with GRAND-AM founder Jim France as chairman and ALMS founder Don Panoz as vice chairman. Other members: NASCAR Vice Chair/Executive Vice President Lesa France Kennedy, GRAND-AM President/CEO Ed Bennett, ALMS President/CEO Scott Atherton and NASCAR Vice President/Deputy General Counsel Karen Leetzow.

“Today’s announcement will transform sports car racing on this continent, along with having world-wide industry implications,” said Bennett. “Aside from the organizations involved, everybody wins: drivers, teams, manufacturers, sponsors, tracks – and most all, the fans.

“This new approach is going to be revolutionary, as we take the best components from two premium brands, combine them and then benefit mutually from the considerable resources both sides will bring to our efforts. This is a bold move – and the right one – for the long-term, optimum growth of sports car racing.”

Added Atherton: “This merger will blend the best assets and attributes of each organization in terms of technical rules, officiating, marketing, communications, personnel, scheduling and broadcasting. The result will be one of the strongest, most competitive and powerful motorsports marketing platforms in the world.”

Post-merger branding still is being determined for the new organization and its principal series, as are specifics regarding the 2014 schedule. Also, the competitive class structure and technical rules beginning in 2014 have yet to be finalized.

The ALMS began operations in 1999, with GRAND-AM debuting in 2000. Both organizations were created in the aftermath of the late-’90s departure of the highly popular IMSA Camel GT circuit in North America. IMSA was founded in 1969 by John Bishop and then-NASCAR President Bill France Sr.

“This merger will strengthen professional sports car racing beyond what either of our organizations could have achieved separately,” said Panoz. “The American Le Mans Series was founded for the fans and I’m personally gratified that they will benefit greatly as we now work together with GRAND-AM to take this sport to the level at which it belongs in the North American and international motorsports landscapes.”

France said the merger was exciting both “on a professional and a personal level, with me being a long-time sports car fan. This merger was achieved through a true spirit of cooperation. Moving forward, that same spirit will drive our day-to-day efforts.”

Collectively, this merger involves a total of eight sports car series racing throughout North America. GRAND-AM sanctions and operates the Rolex Sports Car Series, the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge and the TOTAL Performance Showcase. GRAND-AM also sanctions the Ferrari Challenge that is operated by Ferrari North America. IMSA is the sanctioning body for the ALMS, the IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge by Yokohama Series, the Cooper Tires Prototype Lites Powered by Mazda Series and the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada by Michelin.

“This looks good from a business standpoint but it also ‘feels good’ from a historical standpoint,” Bennett said. “Both GRAND-AM and the ALMS have lineages tied to Daytona Beach, Daytona International Speedway and the France Family. This announcement is a proud moment for all involved, as we now look forward to a bright future for sports car racing.”

ABOUT GRAND-AM ROAD RACING:

GRAND-AM Road Racing operates and sanctions the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series, Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge and the TOTAL Performance Showcase. GRAND-AM also sanctions the Ferrari Challenge in North America. Owned by NASCAR Holdings Inc., GRAND-AM is located in Daytona Beach, Florida. With a racing schedule led by the prestigious season-opening Rolex 24 At Daytona, GRAND-AM delivers professional sports car racing to key markets throughout North America in addition to being televised in the United States and Canada on SPEED and distributed globally through ESPN International. For additional information, please visit www.grand-ammedia.com.

ABOUT AMERICAN LE MANS SERIES:

The American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón is based on the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. It features multiple classes of purpose-built prototypes and production-based GT cars that race on the same track at the same time. The ALMS holds events annually throughout North America on premier urban street circuits and top permanent natural terrain road courses. The American Le Mans Series has a leadership role in motorsports for the furthering of alternative fuel technology and use. The ALMS was the first motorsports body in the world to embrace an entire suite of alternative energy sources – E10 and E85 cellulosic ethanols, isobutanol, clean diesel and hybrid technologies. For additional information, please visit www.alms.com.

Contact:

Herb Branham

NASCAR/GRAND-AM

Integrated Marketing Communications

Ed Triolo
American Le Mans Series

Integrated Marketing Communications

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HÉBERT, BERNIER ET ADAM LES CHAMPIONS DE LA 62E SAISON DE L'AUTODROME DRUMMOND.

Lundi 3 septembre 2012 – Dave Paryzo – Directeur des communications

Malgré un important bris de conduit d’eau lors de la journée du vendredi, l’équipe de l’Autodrome Drummond a réussi l’impossible en présentant la 8^e édition du Racemania.

Tout d’abord, chez les Modifiés 358 dans le 1^er segment de 75 tours on a assisté à une bagarre endiablée entre David Hébert #1 et le meneur au championnat, Steve Bernard #54. C’est finalement, Hébert qui eu le meilleur sur Bernard par la minime marge de 0.100 secondes. Sébastien Gougeon #44 quant à lui aura pris le 3^e rang. Suite à une pause de 10 minutes, pour laisser les équipiers travailler sur les bolides dans le «Pit road» du centre de la piste, on était prêt à reprendre l’action. En vue de celui-ci, on inversait tout les voitures sur le tour du meneur, soit 15. Quatrième au départ, le spectaculaire Gino Clair #22J s’accapare rapidement des commandes devant Yan Bussière #21 et Pierre Dagenais #124. C’est lors d’une relance au 36^e passage que les meneurs du 1^er 75 tours se rapprochent. Effectivement, David Hébert #1 en profite pour prendre les commandes. À partir de la mi-course, Kayle Robidoux #46 se lance à la poursuite d’Hébert et prend la tête au 52^e passage. Malgré les assauts répétés de Hébert et les nombreuses neutralisations de l’épreuve, Robiodux reste solide et croise le fil d’arrivée bon premier. Mario Clair qui eu des ennuis de moteur dans le premier 75 tours prenait place dans le bolide #99 de Bruno Lepage. Parti 25^e dû à ce changement, Clair a réussi tout un travail, en montant sur la 3^e marche du podium. Le grand perdant de la soirée est nul doute Steve Bernard #54 qui avec sa 6^e position dans le 2^e segment perd sa couronne de champion au profit de David Hébert #1 par seulement quelques points. Patrick Beaumier #22P quant à lui reçu le titre de «Recrue de l’année».

Qualif #1 : Steve Bernard #54

Qualif #2 : Dany Bilodeau #23

Finale #1 : David Hébert #1

Finale #2 : Kayle Robidoux #46

Combiné : 1-David Hébert #1, 2-Kayle Robidoux #46, 3-Mario Clair #22, 4-Sébastien Gougeon #44, 5-Steve Bernard #54

Conclusion de la Super Série Sportsman Garage C. Hébert

En catégorie Sportsman, comme ça l’a été tout au cours de la saison 2012, on a assisté à nouveau à une lutte à trois entre Steve Bernier #25, Mathieu Desjardins #1M et Guy Ouellette #27G. C’est finalement, Steve Bernier #25 qui ira chercher les grands honneurs pour une 24^e victoire en finale, égalisant ainsi le record de Daniel Ruel #1. Bernier eu le meilleur sur Desjardins et Ouellette. Puis, avec un avantage de 1 points sur Guy Ouellette, le coureur du bolide #25 est couronné champion de la saison 2012 et une 4^e fois en carrière, un nouveau record dans la classe Sportsman. Jonathan Désilet #21 lui a reçu le titre de «Recrue de l’année».

Du même coup, cette dernière épreuve de la saison était aussi la conclusion de la Super Série Sportsman Garage C. Hébert. Avec ça 3^e place, Guy Ouellette #27G devient le premier champion de cette série qui a connu un franc succès avec un taux de participation élevé.

Qualif #1 : Guy Ouellette #27G

Qualif #2 : Steve Bernier #25

Qualif #3 : Mathieu Desjardins #1M

Finale : 1-Steve Bernier #25, 2-Mathieu Desjardins #1M, 3-Guy Ouellette #27G, 4-Kaven Poliquin #49, 5-Jacques Pelletier #98

Chez les Pro-Stocks, malgré 2 crevaisons en début d’épreuve François Adam #01 est parvenu a remporté son premier championnat Pro-Stock et du même coup empêcher Jocelyn Roy #48 de récolter une cinquième couronne. Impressionnant tout au long de la saison, Bruno Cyr #33 est allé chercher une 2^e victoire cette saison en ayant le meilleur sur Richard Bertrand #08 et François Adam #01. Lors du rassemblement des conducteurs, en raison de taux de participation bas tout au long de la saison 2012, le promoteur Yan Bussière a annoncé l’abolition de la classe en vue de la saison 2013.

Qualif #1 : François Adam #01

Qualif #2 : Jocelyn Roy #48

Finale : 1-Bruno Cyr #33, 2-Richard Bertrand #08, 3-François Adam #01, 4-Jocelyn Roy #48, 5-Alain Brochu #12

Puis, chez les Speed Str, Éric Boisvert #44 est allé chercher la victoire devant Daniel Nadeau #54, Maxime Plante #79, Yannick Mathieu #59 et Jonathan Archambault #24.

En terminant, le promoteur Yan Bussière et toute son équipe voudraient prendre le temps de remercier tout ses fidèles spectateurs et commanditaires puisque, c’est grâce à vous que la tradition se poursuivra en 2013. Puis, à surveiller au début octobre les promotions de vente des passes de saison 2013.

L’Autodrome Drummond, la F1 de la terre battue !

Dave Paryzo

Directeur des communications

Autodrome Drummond

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