2015-01-28

ACT Young Champions Lead 29 Teams to New Smyrna Speedway

ACT Young Champions Lead 29 Teams to New Smyrna Speedway

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                       ACT-012815-8

Waterbury, VT – 2014 American Canadian Tour (ACT) Champions Alex Labbe, (21 years old), of St-Albert, Quebec and Joey Polewarczyk, Jr. (Pole), (25 years old), from Hudson, New Hampshire, have both been celebrated by their peers for their championship runs last season. They now lead twenty-nine (29) teams from eight (8) different states and the province of Quebec to the New Smyrna Speedway World Series of Asphalt Racing on Sunday-Tues, February 15-17, 2014. 

Quebec leads the list with seven (7) teams, featuring, Labbe, former ACT Champions Patrick Laperle and Donald Theetge. Also making the trip will be Jean-Pierre Ouimet, Martin Latulippe, Daniel Descoste, and Brandon White.

New Hampshire and Massachusetts will each send five teams on the mid-winter southern trip. ACT US Champion Joey Pole is the defending champion of ACT's first trip to New Smyrna in 2011 and will lead the New Hampshire contingent.

"I can't think of a better way to start the defense of our Championship in 2015 than to grab the win in the American Racer Challenge Cup again. Even though these races are not point races for our upcoming season, it is a great way to get an early feel for the season. It is not going to be easy, last time at New Smyrna I only won by a point over Brian (eight-time ACT Champion Brian Hoar), and it looks like this year is really packed with talented teams", said Pole.

Two-time ACT title holder Wayne Helliwell, Jr., Kyle Welch, Aaron Fellows and Luke Hinkley will make up the balance of a very potent New Hampshire team.

The surprise for the 2015 trip was the number of Massachusetts teams which will be represented on the Florida trip. The five teams feature one of the favorites to win any ACT event in Eddie MacDonald. The Rollie Lachance-led team has three (3) New Hampshire Motor Speedway Bond Auto ACT Invitational victories, (2) Oxford 250 titles, and the Freddy Petersen-owned team won the Thunder Road 52nd annual Milk Bowl last October. Veteran NASCAR racer Tom Carey, Jr., long-time ACT competitor Jimmy Linardy, Pete Yetman and Eddie Leclerc round out the Massachusetts field.

The State of Vermont will send four (4) teams to Florida. Both Jimmy Hebert and Emily Packard have proven to be skilled long track racers how finished in the top five of the 2014 ACT Standings. Long time veteran and former winner at NSS, Eric Chase and 2014 Thunder Roadrookie Josh Demers make up the balance of the Vermont team.

The Pine Tree State of Maine, sends a trio of young talented racers of ACT racing. Rowland Robinson, Jr. will join Travis Stearns and Bradley Babb at the American Racer Challenge Cup.

The state of Connecticut will be represented by the Rocco brothers. Twins Keith and Jeff are both well known throughout southern New England for their Modified success at Waterford Speedbowl, Thompson Speedway and Stafford Speedway. Keith is also a multi-time Late Model Champion at Waterford.

Three additional states will send single team representatives. 

Rhode Island sends ACT veteran Ray Parent from Tiverton. Parent finished third in his ACT Championship bid in 2014, won his first ACT point event on the ½ mile at Airborne Park Speedway, and is the 2012 New Hampshire Motor Speedway Invitational winner. 

The 2014 Rookie of the year was Brandon Atkins from Au Sable, New York. This 18 year-old is one of the new young faces of ACT racing. This will be his first competitive effort at the super fast ½ mile.

A surprise entry makes up the eighth state represented. One of the newly appointed NASCAR "Drive for Diversity" team members, Dylan Smith from Concord, North Carolina, has entered the American Racer Challenge Cup. Smith started his career at Thunder Road Int'l Speedbowl in Barre, VT in an ACT Late Model. 

The ACT teams will open competition with a 100-lap event on Sunday, February 15, 2015immediately following the season opening event for the NASCAR K&N Series at New Smyrna Speedway. Finishes in the 100 lap events on Monday, February 16 and Tuesday, February 17will be combined to decide the overall finish of the American Racer Challenge Cup. Teams will draw for starting positions in the heat races and will use the unique ACT plus/minus system for feature line ups on Sunday and Monday. The second leg of the American Racer Challenge Cup on Tuesday will be lined-up based on an inversion from the first leg finish on Monday. (ACT's plus/minus rewards driver's points for each position gained in the heat races. Drivers who improve their position in the heats get a "plus" value, while drivers how lose spots in the heats get a "minus" value. These values decide the feature starting line-up). The total purse and prize money posted for the three ACT events is over $55,000.00.

ACT Roster for New Smyrna Speedway
Car #   Driver                                      Hometown                 
1CT      Keith Rocco                             Berlin, CT
2QC     Daniel Descoste                      St-Joseph, QC
4NY      Brandon Atkins                        Au Sable Forks, NY
9NH     Kyle Welch                              Newport, NH
9ME     Emily Packard                         East Montpelier, VT
10MA  Tom Carey, Jr.                         New Salem, MA
10VT    Josh Demers                            Montpelier, VT
14MA  Eddie Leclerc                          Taunton, MA
15VT    Brad Babb                               Windham, ME
16ME   Travis Stearns                         Auburn, ME
17MA  Eddie MacDonald                   Rowley, MA
17RI     Ray Parent                              Tiverton, RI
21MA  Pete Yetman                           Peru, MA
27NH   Wayne Helliwell, Jr.                Dover, NH
28ME   Rowland Robinson, Jr.             Steuben, ME
29NH   Aaron Fellows                         Croydon, NH
31NH   Luke Hinkley                            Claremont, NH
40VT    Eric Chase                               Milton, VT
40NC   Dylan Smith                             Concord, NC
48QC   Alex Labbe                              St-Albert, QC
58VT    Jimmy Hebert                         Williamstown, VT
68CT    Jeff Rocco                                Wallingford, CT
77MA  Jimmy Linardy                         Somerville, MA
80QC   Donald Theetge                      Boischatel, QC
84QC   Martin Latulippe                     Vallee-Jct., QC
91QC   Patrick Laperle                        St-Denis, QC
96QC   Brandon White                        Kahnawake, QC
97NH   Joey Polewarczyk, Jr.              Hudson, NH
07QC   Jean-Pierre Ouimet                Terrebonne, QC

For additional information contact the ACT office at 802.244.6963media@acttour.com, or visitacttour.com

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Alex Labbe Honored for 2014 Série ACT Title

Alex Labbe Honored for 2014 Série ACT Title

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                             ACT-012615-7

Waterbury, VT – Alex Labbe of St-Albert, QC was honored for his 2014 Serie ACT Championship during the annual Banquet of Champions at the Complexe des Seigneuries in St-Agapit, QC on Saturday, January 24. Labbe earned his first career Série ACT title with the help of three feature wins during the 2014 campaign. Dave Coursol of St-Jerome, QC was honored as the 2014 Série ACT Rookie of the Year. Steven Duguay of the Goulet team took home the Crew Chief of the Year honors. 200 guests were on hand for the awards ceremony, which honored the top drivers from the 2014 Série ACT season.

Labbe joined the Larue Brothers' team beginning in 2013 when they claimed second in the Série ACT final standings. The Larue Brothers, Denis and Louis have been long time competitors on the Série ACT. They claimed the 2010 Série ACT Championship with driver Karl Allard and they were honored as the 2013 Don MacTavish Award winners. During the 2014 season, the team also earned with their championship a top five in the sixth annual Bond Auto ACT Invitational at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, and started outside pole for the 52nd Annual Milk Bowl at Barre, VT's Thunder Road.

Coursol took the top honors for Série ACT Rookies in 2014. He had a solid season and showed vast improvement throughout the year. His season was highlighted by his first career top ten finish at Autodrome St-Eustache.

Steven Duguay of the Goulet Racing Team was honored as the 2014 Serie ACT Crew Chief of the Year. He helped lead sophomore driver Martin Goulet, Jr. to a fourth place effort in the 2014 Serie ACT final standings.

Several of the top Quebec teams are making their final preparations for the ACT events at New Smyrna Speedway in New Smyrna Beach, FL scheduled for Sunday through Tuesday, February 15 through the 17.

The 12-event 2015 Série ACT season will kick off officially with the season opener at Airborne Park Speedway in Plattsburgh, NY onSaturday, May 16 with the Spring Green 115.

For more information contact the ACT office at 802.244.6963 or media@acttour.com or visit www.acttour.com or www.serieact.com.

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2015-01-27

MOBIL 1 TO EXHIBIT AND SPONSOR AWARDS AT THE MOTORAMA CUSTOM CAR & MOTORSPORTS EXPO

MOBIL 1 TO EXHIBIT AND SPONSOR AWARDS AT THE MOTORAMA CUSTOM CAR & MOTORSPORTS EXPO

 

'Day 1' Canadian Motorsports Expo exhibitor looking forward to being part of new combined show

 

TORONTO, ON // JANUARY 27, 2015 • ExxonMobil, through its Mobil 1 brand, has long been associated with motorsports, supporting the championship-winning efforts of such notables as Lewis Hamilton (F1), Indy Car's Team Penske and NASCAR superstar Tony Stewart. Closer to home, they've also been associated with several drivers and teams who compete in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Mobil 1.

 

So it's only natural that Mobil 1 would be recognized as a 'day one' supporter of, and participant at, the Canadian Motorsports Expo (CME), which ran as a standalone show for eight years. And in 2015, Mobil 1 will continue that streak by having a presence at the new Motorama Custom Car & Motorsports Expo. The show, which combines the former CME and the venue's traditional custom car show, takes place March 13, 14 & 15 at Toronto's International Centre.

 

As per David Swain, Mobil 1's Canadian Grassroots Motorsports Coordinator, "TheMotorama show will bring together all of the players in the Canadian motorsport scene, including track owners, racers and the companies that produce and sell the products that the racers use, such as Mobil 1 plus connect us with the custom car folks who love to maintain their vehicles."

 

Swain continued, "Motorama allows us to interact with our customers, connecting directly with the people who count in the motorsport community plus meet potential customers."

 

Mobil 1's oil technology has been developed using the company's extensive experience in premiere automotive racing divisions around the world, including Formula One, NASCAR, IndyCar, Le Mans, NHRA, Formula 3, SCCA and the Tudor United SportsCar Series. The variety of demands that each varied discipline requires helps to ensure that Mobil 1 oils meet the most extreme conditions encountered on any race track and provides the best possible protection for your everyday car or truck.

 

The expanded format of this year's Motorama show - with the highly anticipated addition of the custom car, hot rod and tuner car segments – appeals to Swain's business sense.

 

"Mobil 1 is noted for its history in motorsports, but we also have a full range of products geared to every type of vehicle, from the daily driver, to the most exotic sports car, and everything in between. The new Motorama show opens the door to an entirely new segment for the automotive enthusiast."

 

In an effort to give back to these new show attendees, Mobil 1 – in addition to having a display at Motorama – will also sponsor a series of high-profile awards. 'Mobil 1 Best Engine' awards will be presented to recipients in all eight of the show's Hot Rod classes.

 

"It just seemed natural for us to recognize the efforts of a guy/gal who can build an award-winning engine," explained Swain.

As was the case during their years at the CME, the Mobil 1 display will offer Motorama visitors the opportunity to speak with company representatives about technical issues and solutions, a chance to check out the full line of Mobil 1 products, while at the same time giving them a chance to view an outrageous example of diesel-powered truck pulling muscle. This 1800 horsepower monster, previously seen at the CME, now has a tilt-off body which will offer show attendees an unobstructed view of the entire motor and drivetrain assembly.

 

"Right from the beginning, we at Mobil 1 saw the potential of this show," continued Swain. "With the increased exposure to the public that will occur as a result of combining the region's biggest custom car and racing shows, it can only spell great things for the automotive enthusiast and the future of the Motorama show."

 

ABOUT MOBIL 1 ®: Mobil 1 is one of the most widely known and trusted performance brands in the world, especially when it comes to producing superior, technologically advanced products for motorists who want the very best. Mobil 1 is the world's leading synthetic oil. For more information, visit www.Mobil1.ca

 

ABOUT THE MOTORAMA CUSTOM CAR & MOTORSPORTS EXPO: The inaugural Motorama show takes place March 13, 14 & 15, 2015 at Toronto's International Centre, adjacent to Toronto's Pearson International Airport. With a footprint of almost a quarter-million square feet, the show will be Canada's biggest late-winter celebration of automobiles and motorsports. For information about the show, including sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities, schedules and more, call (416) 962-7223, or email info@MotoramaShow.com. The show's website is located at www.MotoramaShow.com.

 

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Serie ACT Officials Create Tom Curley Award

Serie ACT Officials Create Tom Curley Award
Jonathan Bouvrette Honored as First Recipient

 

ATTACHED PHOTO: CurleyAward.jpg -  ACT President Tom Curley (right) with first recipient of the Tom Curley Award Jonathan Bouvrette (left). (Photo courtesy of Serie ACT)

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                             ACT-012715-8

Waterbury, VT – Serie ACT officials announced the creation of the Tom Curley Award during their annual Banquet of Champions at the Complexe des Seigneuries in St-Agapit, QC on Saturday, January 24. The award was created to honor those who have made great contributions to stock car racing in the province of Quebec.

Serie ACT Director Sylvain Brouillette announced the surprise creation of the award at the Banquet of Champions. He also announced veteran Serie ACT competitor Jonathan Bouvrette as the first recipient of the award.

The awards namesake, ACT President Tom Curley, has been promoting races in the province of Quebec since the creation of the old NASCAR North Tour back in 1979. The Tour, which separated from NASCAR and became the American Canadian Tour in 1986, competed at tracks all across the Northeast and Eastern Canada including speedways throughout Quebec.

The ACT Late Models, which began touring in 1992 and took over as the headlining division in 1996, continues to have a strong presence throughout Quebec. In 2007, Curley formed the Quebec-based Serie ACT as the sister series to the U.S.-based ACT Late Model Tour. Both series continue to compete on both sides of the border.

The 2014 Serie ACT Banquet of Champions also honored 2014 Serie ACT Champion Alex Labbe and 2014 Serie ACT Rookie of the Year Dave Coursol.

For more information contact the ACT office at 802.244.6963 or media@acttour.com or visit www.acttour.com or www.serieact.com.

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Les Mini Sportsman en route pour une 2e saison



Communiqué pour diffusion immédiate

Le 27 janvier 2015, Québec

 

Les Mini Sportsman en route pour une 2e saison

 

On entend parler un peu partout des pilotes, toutes classes confondues, qui sont à préparer la mécanique de leur voiture, refaire le design et organiser leur saison 2015. Mais qu'en est-il de nos pilotes de Mini Sportsman?

 

Ces jeunes pilotes ont hâte de reprendre le volant, de vivre ces nouveautés que le promoteur André Poulin leur a préparées. Parce que la saison des Mini Sportsman aura elle aussi son lot de nouveautés pour 2015; 2 courses en circuit routier, 2 championnats bien distincts avec la division Élite et la division Développement ainsi qu'un resserrement au niveau de la règlementation.

 

Certains pilotes présents l'an dernier se verront graduer dans la division Élite pour la prochaine saison. Le #46 Tommy Simoneau avait gradué en fin de saison lui qui a obtenu 4 podiums, dont 3 victoires en 8 courses.

 

Nous pourrons aussi voir la #36 Sabina Bundic faire ses débuts auprès des pilotes Élite. Elle qui a prouvé l'an dernier qu'elle avait sa place et qu'elle désirait tout donner pour progresser est bien heureuse de ce pas de plus.

 

Rivalité fraternelle

On retrouvera sur la piste cette année, deux duos fraternels soient le #88 Thomas Côté et le #5 Nicolas Côté en division développement ainsi que le #21 Antoine Lacharité et la #14 Ariane Lacharité en division élite. Il sera intéressant de voir de quelle façon cette rivalité sera vécue; amènera-t-elle les jeunes à se dépasser davantage?

 

La Championne 2014 ne défendra pas son titre

La #4 Sabrina Fournier, qui a écrit son nom à l'histoire en devenant la première championne de la Série Mini Sportsman, ne sera pas de retour pour la saison 2015. Bien qu'on ne la verra pas en piste cette année, elle compte bien continuer à suivre les jeunes pilotes et être présente pour eux. Gageons que nous la reverrons en piste dans le futur dans une classe locale; son rêve de piloter reste toujours aussi présent!

 

Qu'adviendra-t-il du #38 Mathieu Goulet qui a surpris tout le monde par ses 3 victoires lors du dernier programme de la saison 2014? Un pilote qui a pris beaucoup de confiance et de maturité et qui saura mettre le tout à profit pour continuer son apprentissage et j'en suis certaine, nous étonner à nouveau cette saison.

 

Le #27 Billy Deslile-Fortin, le #01 Simon Larouche et le # 13 Samuel Boyer seront aussi de retour pour la prochaine saison. Eux qui été contraints de s'absenter du dernier programme se grefferont à la liste des pilotes de la classe Élite et tenteront à nouveau d'atteindre la ligne d'arrivée au premier rang.

Finalement, en classe développement le #18 Mickaël Gingras est fin prêt à débuter une nouvelle saison. Le sympathique pilote a envie de continuer son apprentissage et surtout de le faire tout en s'amusant.

 

Une chose est certaine, les pilotes de la Série Mini Sportsman ont hâte de se retrouver tous ensemble et de vivre à nouveau un été où s'allieront adrénaline, dépassement et amitié! Suivez les prochains communiqués, de nouveaux pilotes pourraient bien se joindre au groupe déjà confirmés pour 2015!

 

Marie-Claude Levasseur, Relationniste.

 


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2015-01-26

La vente de Barre Speedway

Selon la chaîne CTV (Barre, ON), la vente de la piste de 1/3-mi voudrait dire que c'est fini. Les nouveaux proprios auraient d'ailleurs avisé qu'un communiqué serait fourni d'ici quelques jours.


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Série ACT honnore ses champions








Haussé la barre !!! 

 

C'est ce que la série ACT a fait lors de son banquet samedi soir ! 


Non seulement la salle était très belle, le souper était excellent et aucun détail n'avait été laissé de côté. Une soirée organisée par main de maître par 
 ACT , plus particulièrement par Sylvain Brouillette et sa conjointe Chantal. 

La soirée a débuté avec une mention TRÈS spéciale pour la compagnie DGR afin d'honorer leur implication exceptionnelle dans le stock car québécois. Les 200 invités de la soirée applaudirent chaleureusement cette mention.

 

Série Procam Super Truck


Dans la série Procam Super Truck, Charles Harvey, qui a terminé 3
ième  au championnat, a reçu le titre de Mister Excitement 2014. Marc-Antoine Demers, 2ième au championnat, a reçu le trophée du plus beau show de Boucane. Joey Ladouceur, quant à lui, est Grand Champion de la saison 2014 et Recrue par excellence. L'équipe de Christian Provost est repartie avec l'honneur de l'équipe de l'année et Patrick Riendeau s'est mérité l'honneur du plus beau camion. Mention d'honneur à deux pilotes : Steve Lavigne et Dany Gariépy. Lussier Chevrolet a remporté la Coupe des concessionnaires. Joey Ladouceur semblait très touché de recevoir la Coupe Martin Goulet, remis au plus gentilhomme.

La Coupe Rhéal Carpentier, remise à l'ambassadeur de la série, a été remis à l'équipe 422 pour leur implication exceptionnelle en piste et hors piste.


Série ACT


Du côté de l'ACT, Gaétan Gaudreault en 11
ième  position, Dave Coursol en 9ième  position et Recrue par excellence, Claude Leclerc en 8ième position et Patrick Boyer en 7ième position, sont venus chercher leurs plaques alors que Donald Theetge 6ième  position était retenu à l'extérieur. La cinquième, la quatrième et troisième position appartiennent respectivement à Patrick Cliche, Martin Goulet Jr et Jonathan Bouvrette qui ont  aussi reçu une plaque commémorant leur position au championnat 2014. Vice Champion, Dany Trépanier est venu sur scène pour s'adresser à M. Curley ainsi qu'à ses confrères de l'ACT. Louis et Denis Larue sont venus chercher le grand trophée de Champion accompagné de leur excellent pilote, Alex Labbé. Steven Duguay était très fier de recevoir le titre de Chef d'équipe de l'année. 


Parmi les surprises de la soirée, il y avait un hommage bien mérité et bien accueilli pour M. Tom Curley. 

ACT Canada a  décidé de présenter pour la toute première fois la Coupe Tom Curley, afin de graver dans le temps la mémoire de M. Curley. Celle-ci sera remise annuellement à un pilote ou à une personnalité qui aura été à la fois ambassadeur et représentant hors pair pour le stock car québécois. Visiblement ému, M. Curley a lui-même remis la Coupe portant son nom à Jonathan Bouvrette, ému et très touché, celui-ci a été chaudement applaudi par ses pairs. Jonathan Bouvrette et Alex Labbé ont aussi reçu des prix de Bassett WheelVP Fuelet Five Star Race CarBody.
Parmi les invités d'honneur, M. Curley et sa conjointe Darla, Bill Fitzgerald de l'
ACT, Philippe Brasseur de Pole Position, Jonathan Gagné d'Affichage.ca, Dany Gagnon et Diane Bérubé de DGR, Pierre Lafrance de webmestre ACT, Denis Paquet d'Amsoil, Guillaume et Jean Bergeron du Riverside Speedway, André Poulain de l'autodrome Chaudière et finalement Marc Valois du RPQ, qui fait un travail remarquable pour l'ACT.

La soirée s'est terminée aux petites heures du matin sur la musique de l'excellent DJ Gilles Caplan.


 

 


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2015-01-24

January 24, 2015 at 05:00PM

Banquet de la Série American-Canadian Tour @ACTTour ce soir. Suivez-nous sur http://ift.tt/1yehMwJ

http://ift.tt/1wa9o30


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2015-01-23

Un regard vers le développement et le futur

           

          

Communiqué pour diffusion Immédiate

Le 23 janvier 2015

 

Un regard vers le développement et le futur

Le nouveau promoteur de l'Autodrome Chaudière 2014 inc, M. André Poulin, continue de mettre tout en  œuvre pour faire de 2015 une saison exceptionnelle.

Avec l'expertise des officiels de la populaire série DMCC, nous avons conçus ce qui sera le nouveau tracé pour la venue de cette grande série de Drift canadienne dans l'enceinte de l'Autodrome.

Cette nouvelle portion de tracé donnera aussi à l'Autodrome Chaudière une polyvalence qui permettra d'avoir plusieurs tracés différents pour les jeudis « Beauce Lapping Night », la venue des Mini Sportsman Québec en circuit routier, de la CKAS en karting et du Club Auto Sport Delta.

Cette nouvelle amélioration permettra aussi d'organiser certaines journées Drift Day amateur pour développer la relève de ce sport au Québec. Plus de détails à venir dans les prochaines semaines.

Selon les dires de M. Poulin, cet nouvel aménagement donnera aussi la possibilité de peut-être ajouter du karting de location à l'Autodrome Chaudière à court ou moyen terme.

Marie-Claude Levasseur, Relationniste

 

 

 


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2015-01-22

Thunder Road Stars Ready to Head South


Thunder Road Stars Ready to Head South

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                       ACT-012215-6

Waterbury, VT – The American Canadian Tour roster for the events at New Smyrna Speedway in New Smyrna Beach, Florida on Sunday through TuesdayFebruary 15-17 features several drivers from Barre's Thunder Road International Speedbowl. East Montpelier's Emily Packard, Montpelier's Josh Demers and Milton's Eric Chase will all make the journey south in just under a month.

Veteran Thunder Road Late Model competitor Chase is the only one of the three with experience at the fast half-mile. Back in 2008, Chase claimed a feature win at New Smyrna in the opening event of the "World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing." He was also competed in the first time ACT visited New Smyrna Speedway in February of 2011.

Packard is coming off of her second full season of Late Model competition at Thunder Road and her first full season on the ACT Tour. Her success on the Tour, highlighted by her 4th place finish in the final standings shows her talent in the long distance events and her abundance of experience at the Devil's Bowl and Airborne half-miles should help her with the learning curve at New Smyrna.

Former Tiger competitor Demers claimed second in the Late Model Rookie Standings in 2014. He had a tremendous rookie season highlighted by a podium finish in just the third event of the season. The length of New Smyrna will be an adjustment, but he should feel right at home on the highbanks. 

The American Canadian Tour will run three 100-lap events at New Smyrna Speedway in New Smyrna Beach Florida. The first will be a stand alone race on Sunday, February 15, along with the season opening K&N East Series event. The American Racer Challenge Cup is still a two-day event with twin 100-lap races held on Monday and Tuesday, February 16-17, 2015. Combined finishes from the Monday and Tuesday events will decide the overall American Racer Challenge Cup winner.

For additional information contact the ACT office at 802.244.6963media@acttour.com, or visitacttour.com

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Nick Robinson Moves To PASS South Super Late Models Full-Time In 2015

Nick Robinson Moves To PASS South Super Late Models Full-Time In 2015

 

-      For Immediate Release

 

CHARLOTTE, NC (January 22) – Pro All Stars Series (PASS) Pro Late Model veteran Nick Robinson plans to make the move up to compete full-time in the PASS South Super Late Model division in 2015.  The move comes following a solid year in 2014 which saw Robinson score his first career PASS Pro Late Model win at Hickory Motor Speedway in September and finish fifth in the final standings.

            "Our goals for 2015 are to finish in the top-10 throughout the year and run consistently at each track," said Robinson, who is still seeking additional sponsorship for his family owned team.  "I know I will be running against some tough competition and I can't wait to be a part of it all."

            The 13-year-old native of Clayton, NC, has shown consistent improvement since he started competing in the PASS Pro Late Model division in 2012.  Despite several strong runs early in 2014, Robinson was plagued by a variety of problems that kept him out of victory lane.  That all changed in September at Hickory with a dominating performance as Robinson captured his first career checkered flag.  An emotional win that proved not only popular with Robinson's friends and family, but his competitors as well.

            "The win at Hickory was big to me and my team because we were consistently fast at all of the races leading up to Hickory, we just never had them finish out the way we wanted them to," says Robinson.  "When the race was done, it was an awesome feeling to wave the checkered flag and celebrate with everyone who made it happen."

            Prior to that event at Hickory, though, Robinson actually made his PASS South Super Late Model debut at South Boston Speedway in August.  Robinson qualified well and was knocking on the door of the top-10 when a mechanical problem sidelined him and relegated him to a 24th place finish.

            "Well the biggest difference to me was the power and weight of the car," said Robinson.  "I could definitely feel the difference in the speed at South Boston, which is an awesome track to have my debut at.  Last year was a great learning experience for me.  I had fun learning how to set up my car and make the proper changes to improve the car at the track."

            The Nick Robinson Racing team recently purchased a brand new chassis from Robert Hamke of Hamke Race Cars & Parts and plans to begin testing in the coming weeks.

            The PASS South Super Late Model division will be kicking off the 2015 season on Saturday, March 7 at Dillon Motor Speedway as part of the 10th Annual South Carolina Clash.  Please visit ProAllStarsSeries.com for more information.

The Pro All Stars Series is recognized as North America's premier sanctioning body for asphalt Super Late Models and boasts such marquee events as the legendary Oxford 250 at Oxford Plains Speedway and PASS South's Easter Bunny 150 at the historic Hickory Motor Speedway.  For technical information concerning all PASS divisions please send questions to passracing@roadrunner.com.  For media or marketing questions, please contact Alan Dietz at 704-231-2039or alandietzpass@live.com.  And, don't forget to "Like" the Pro All Stars Series on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @PASSSLM14 to keep up with breaking news as it happens.

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Ingersoll Rand Expands Relationship With Racing Community, Becomes ‘Official Power Tools of NASCAR’

Ingersoll Rand Expands Relationship With Racing Community,

Becomes 'Official Power Tools of NASCAR'

Multi-Faceted Agreement Makes Company an Official Partner of IMSA /

Contingency Sponsor in NASCAR Touring & Weekly Series

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (January 22, 2015) — NASCAR® and Ingersoll Rand, a global leader in reliable and innovative power tools, today announced a multi-year partnership designating Ingersoll Rand as the "Official Power Tools of NASCAR." An innovator in tool technology, Ingersoll Rand products have been a staple in NASCAR garages for more than 50 years.

 

The multi-faceted agreement also designates Ingersoll Rand as an Official Partner of the International Motorsports Association (IMSA) and as a contingency sponsor of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Touring & Weekly Series.

 

"Ingersoll Rand has been rooted in racing for decades and this renewed relationship celebrates the tireless work of pit crew mechanics and passionate race fans across all levels of racing," said John Evans, president of power tools at Ingersoll Rand. "We know how important tool performance is in racing – if your tools perform, your vehicle performs. We are now putting high-performance Ingersoll Rand tools into the hands of the best auto technicians in the world while engaging fans who have a passion for cars." 

 

NASCAR technicians are recognized as being among the most qualified in the automotive industry, and they demand high performance tools. According to a recent study commissioned by NASCAR and conducted by Research Now, more than half (52 percent) of automotive professionals (i.e. technicians, service managers, etc.) are NASCAR fans. The same study also revealed that more than half (52 percent) of automotive professionals associate NASCAR products with high performance.

As part of this integrated partnership, Ingersoll Rand will be at the track each weekend providing expert tool support, service, new tool demonstrations for pit crews and will offer fans the opportunity to try tools first hand. Additionally, Ingersoll Rand will launch its Home Tracks Text-to-Win contest for fans at tracks throughout the season. Fans will have opportunities to win an Ingersoll Rand prize pack and meet-and-greets with pit crews and other high-profile racing and automotive personalities.

"Ingersoll Rand, a global brand that has a rich history in NASCAR, understands how to utilize our sport to effectively connect with the racing community," said Jim O'Connell, chief sales officer, NASCAR. "The new partnership reinforces their desire to engage fans across all levels of our sport and we are proud to welcome them to our family of Official NASCAR Partners."

The NASCAR contingency programs foster strong relationships between competitors and the high-quality, performance-driven brands in the program, by providing prize money for each race and at the end of each racing season. Competitors become eligible for the money by displaying partner decals on their race vehicles. As a sponsor of the contingency program, Ingersoll Rand will celebrate and reward the work of pit crew mechanics each week during the NASCAR Sprint Cup season and at select Home Tracks throughout the year with prize money and tools.


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JEFF GORDON WILL RUN FINAL FULL-TIME SEASON IN 2015

Hendrick Motorsports announced Thursday morning that this will be Jeff Gordon's final season competing for a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship.

The four-time champion announced the news to his No. 24 team Thursday, saying he hesitated using the word "retirement" as he enters his 23rd and final full-time season.

"As a race car driver, much of what I've done throughout my life has been based on following my instincts and trying to make good decisions," Gordon said in a release provided by the team. "I thought long and hard about my future this past year and during the offseason, and I've decided 2015 will be the last time I compete for a championship. I won't use the 'R-word' because I plan to stay extremely busy in the years ahead, and there's always the possibility I'll compete in selected events, although I currently have no plans to do that."

Gordon, 43, signed a lifetime contract in 1999 with team owner Rick Hendrick, who first brought him into stock-car racing's big leagues at the end of the 1992 season. He scored four victories in last season's resurgent campaign, bringing his career victory total to 92, third-most on NASCAR's all-time list. The rest of his stellar portfolio -- including three Daytona 500 wins and a record five Brickyard 400 victories -- boasts all the credentials for automatic first-ballot induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Gordon had joked ahead of the 2014 season that he would retire on the spot if he were to claim his fifth title, but his rejuvenating run deep into the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup playoffs seemed to quell any retirement buzz. On Thursday, Gordon said that while his driving days may be coming to a close, he'll continue to stay active in the sport.

"I don't foresee a day when I'll ever step away from racing," said Gordon, who is a part-owner of Hendrick's No. 48 team driven by teammate Jimmie Johnson. "I'm a fan of all forms of motor sports, but particularly NASCAR. We have a tremendous product, and I'm passionate about the business and its future success. As an equity owner in Hendrick Motorsports, I'm a partner with Rick (Hendrick) and will remain heavily involved with the company for many years to come.

"It means so much to have the chance to continue working with the owner who took a chance on me and the incredible team that's stood behind me every step of the way."

Gordon first caught Hendrick's eye in what is now the NASCAR XFINITY Series in March 1992 atAtlanta Motor Speedway, with the veteran team owner marveling about the young driver's car control, even as he seemed on the brink of losing control. Eight months later, Gordon made his debut for Hendrick at the same Georgia track in what signaled a passing of the torch in the NASCAR driver ranks. King Richard Petty said farewell in his final NASCAR start, and Gordon -- who cut his teeth through the sprint-car circuit -- said hello to the world of stock-car racing, paving the way for what became a dynasty for the rest of the decade.

"There's simply no way to quantify Jeff's impact," Hendrick said in the team release. "He's one of the biggest sports stars of a generation, and his contributions to the success and growth of NASCAR are unsurpassed. There's been no better ambassador for stock car racing and no greater representation of what a champion should be. I will never be able to properly express the respect and admiration I have for Jeff and how meaningful our relationship is to me. I'm so grateful for everything he's done for our company and my family, and I look forward to many more years together as friends and business partners."


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2015-01-19

Peterborough Speedway Officials Fine Tune the 2015 Schedule

Peterborough Speedway Officials Fine Tune the 2015 Schedule

By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media

 

With the region locked in the grip of the annual January cold snap, most people are thinking of ways to stay warm, instead of focusing on a season of action at Canada's Toughest 3rd of a Mile Paved Oval. The new campaign takes the green flag in about 4 month's time and the promotional team at Peterborough Speedway is putting the finishing touches on an exciting agenda.

 

With a handful of regular divisions tackling the tight, tricky bullring on Mount Pleasant Road west of the Liftlock City, fans can also look forward to performances by the OSCAAR Super Late Models, Modifieds and Midgets. The Ontario Legends, Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup, Ontario Modifieds Racing Series and Can Am TQ Midgets will also join the home track Late Model, Thunder Car, Renegade Truck, Mini Stock and 4Fun classes.

 

For 2015, an appearance by the United Late Models of Ontario as part of their inaugural schedule will compliment Peterborough Speedway's weekly wars. Track owner and promoter J.P. Josiasse says putting together an active calendar of events is all about giving the fans what they want.

 

"Looking back at what we were able to accomplish in 2014 leaves some pretty big shoes to fill this year," said Josiasse. "The car counts were strong and fans saw some excellent racing in every division throughout the season. We had a number of first time feature winners, a 14 year-old driver won a track championship, a pair of hometown favourites – Griffin Powell, who finished 10th in the 4Fun standings and Late Model track champion Ryan Kimball – claimed Autumn Colours Classic checkered flags and there were only 2 shows lost due to weather. That sets the bar very high, but as a team I think we're up for the challenge."

 

Josiasse says he's heard from some drivers who'll be changing divisions or landing new rides when the year's first green flag waves. There will be also a former track champion making a return to battle after a brief layoff. Further updates will come over the next couple of months.

 

Fans will get their first official look at the 2015 event line-up when the Peterborough Speedway display will be featured at the first ever Canadian International Motorama Custom Car and Motorsports Expo – FridaySaturdayand Sunday, March 13th to 15th – at the International Centre in Toronto.

 

Fans can always find the latest pre-season news and details of upcoming mall displays atwww.peterboroughspeedway.com or by liking the track on Facebook or following it on Twitter.  You can also download the free Peterborough Speedway app on your Smartphone.

 

Photo attachment: Peterborough Speedway archive

Three times each season, Peterborough Speedway hosts Toonie Grandstand Admission/Fan Appreciation Nights – presented by Pepsi – where spectators have the chance to meet the drivers.

 

Prepared by: Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media



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