2019-11-28

DIRTcar’s Night of Champions Honors Williamson, Rudolph, Root and Beauchamp

LIVERPOOL, NY – Nov. 24, 2019 – The best DIRTcar racers in the Northeast were honored Saturday night at the annual DIRTcar Night of Champions after a season where fans were treated to one of the closest Super DIRTcar Series championship battles of all time.

More than $212,000 in cash and awards was handed out to nearly 100 drivers across four series as well as the four divisions of DIRTcar Hoosier Racing Tire Weekly Championship.

Mat Williamson outran Matt Sheppard in the final two races of the season to become the Super DIRTcar Series' first Canadian champion. As Sheppard put it, it's the consistency that wins championships.

Williamson — piloting the No. 88 Buzz Chew Bicknell chassis Big Block Modified and his family-owned No 6 — was up front all year, but it wasn't until a Friday the 13th in the Duel at the Demon 100 at Brewerton Speedway when Williamson would finally break out. He went back-to-back with wins at Brewerton and Mohawk Int'l Raceway, and then one month later picked up his final and most memorable checkered flag of 2019. He cemented his place in Super DIRTcar Series history by picking up the victory at NAPA Super DIRT Week's Billy Whittaker Cars 200.

Those late-season wins catapulted the 28-year-old St. Catharines, Ontario, driver to new heights. Williamson is a champion in every way, but while nothing could shake him up en route to winning the title, getting on stage in front of his team, crew, family and competitors made for too much emotion to hold back.

"First things first is that I am really nervous to be up here right now," Williamson said. "This is my whole dream to be up here, but I didn't think it would happen at this age. I looked up to Billy [Decker], Matt [Sheppard], and Brett [Hearn] and everyone who has done this, who I watched growing up."

Williamson split his time between two cars. The Buzz Chew Racing No. 88 competed in the US races while the family-owned No. 6 took on a majority of the Canadian tracks.

"It says a lot about the super team that we have behind us," Williamson said. "The guys work so hard and put in so much preparation going into it. Everybody that's behind me elevates my level and make me better. The preparation of both cars was second to none. It also says a lot of Billy the Kid engines. It's one hell of a motor to finish every race and every lap."

Family is extremely important in racing and the Super DIRTcar Series is no exception.

"I have to thank my family," Williamson said. "My Mom and Dad for getting me to this point in life, to build me into the man today and my girlfriend. She sticks by me."

For the first time in four years, Sheppard was interviewed by Shane Andrews not as Series champion but as runner-up. It last happened in 2014 when Super Matt fell to Billy Decker.

"This feels a little weird," Sheppard said with a smile on stage with Andrews. Sheppard congratulated Williamson and his team. Although the No. 9s fell short of another championship, Sheppard led the Series in wins with nine.

Decker, of Unadilla, NY, rounded out the top three. Decker bookended the season with a DIRTcar Nationals win at Volusia Speedway Park in the first race of the season, and then capped off 2019 by winning the finale at the Can-Am World Finals at The Dirt Track at Charlotte. Decker's consistency was also key as he only finished outside of the top 10 on three occasions.

Ryan Godown, from Ringoes, NJ, was voted Rookie of the Year as the highest finishing rookie in the points standings. Godown's best finish came at the Orange County Fair Speedway where he crossed the line in second place to pick up a guaranteed start at NAPA Super DIRT Week.

Fifth-place finisher Erick Rudolph was awarded the KSE Hard Charger of the Year Award. The No. 25R made up the most positions four times throughout the 2019 Super DIRTcar Series season.

Despite finishing fifth in Super DIRTcar Series points after his championship run in 2018, Rudolph still put together a tremendously successful year. Rudolph took his DIRTcar 358 Modified program to the highest reaches in 2019, scoring the overall DIRTcar 358 Modified Series title plus Track Championships at Ransomville Speedway and Utica-Rome Speedway.

"I can't believe how blessed I am to be able to do what I do here," Rudolph said. "I am extremely thankful for the opportunities that I have and hope to keep doing the same in the future. I gotta thank my car owners, my sponsors and everyone in my group. Without them, I wouldn't be able to do what I am doing today."

No one can deny how good Kevin Root is in his DIRTcar Sportsman Modified. For the second year in a row, Root scored the DIRTcar Sportsman Modified Series championship. After claiming the Central Region championship, Root went on to have a fantastic NAPA Super DIRT Week in five nights straight of competition cement his second crown.

At the banquet, Root noted that with his current resume he's, "open to job offers."

Root's son, Nicholas, was awarded the DIRTcar Sportsman Modified Crew Chief award and took home an eagle for himself. Hopefully, Dad will give him some room on the mantle.

C.D. Beauchamp has a new nickname. According to banquet host Shane Andrews, C.D. can only stand for one thing: Championship Driver. Beauchamp took his slick No. 88x to the top and brought the DIRTcar Pro Stock Series championship home to Quebec.

In addition to the four series champions, weekly racers were also honored. Matt Sheppard in the Big Block Modified class, Mat Williamson in the 358 Modified division, Brad Rouse in Sportsman and Josh Coonradt in Pro Stocks were all honored for their Hoosier Racing Tire Weekly Championship titles.

"Amazing season. Amazing team," said Beauchamp. "They do so much for me and everyone is just amazing. They give me a good car every race. I'm just the driver, they do all the hard work. This is a family operation."

Stay tuned to SuperDIRTcarSeries.com and DIRTcar.com as the 2020 season comes together. As always, make plans to escape the winter by coming to the DIRTcar Nationals presented by Bozard Ford Feb. 4-15 at Volusia Speedway Park near Daytona Beach, FL.


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 28.11.19 0 comments

2019-11-27

ARbodies’ AR Revolution reskin kit, to be released at PRI 2019


Aluminum Racing Products (ARBODIES) will enter the next-generation Late Model body marketplace in 2020 with a reskin of its current generation ABC body.


The reskin, dubbed the AR Revolution, will use the current approved body's greenhouse but with a redesigned nose and rear-end.


The shell will premiere in the second week of December at the @Performance Industry Trade Show at the Indianapolis Convention Center, December 12th to 14th.



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Les Entreprises M.P. Roy Inc.

424 Justin, Laval, QC H7P 5V9

 

T: 514-907-1773 (Montréal) or/ou 418-210-3986 (Québec) or Toll-free / ou sans-frais 1-877-35-MPROY (67769) Extension / poste 35

C: 514-942-6843

Email: mproy@lesentreprisesmproyinc.com

 



Fières de distribuer les produits RACING ELECTRONICS,  RACECeiver, MYLAPS,  MAGNUS RACING PRODUCTS, LEAF RACEWEAR, ARBODIES, PORTCITY RACECARS, JOES RACING PRODUCTS, SWIFT SPRINGS, LONGACRE RACING PRODUCTS, COLEMAN RACING, HANS, SIMPSON, IMPACT,  WINTERS, JONES,  KRC, BASSETT, RE-PLAY, CHASECAM, GO-PRO HERO, THE JOIE OF SEATING, KIRKEY FABRICATION



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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 27.11.19 0 comments

GSPSS to allow new bodies in 2020

The Granite State Pro Stock Series will allow its competitors to use two new body options for the 2020 racing season.
The brand new AR Revolution reskin kit, to be released at PRI 2019, will be legal for 2020 along with 5 Star's Gen 6 body that was released one year ago. Both of these new body options will carry a 20 pound weight penalty for the 2020 racing season.
The ABC or "Approved Body Configuration" bodies have been the same since 2002 when the ABC committee adopted the current set of rules. For 2019 5 Star released their Gen 6 body and the GSPSS chose to remain with the ABC program. Now, with AR releasing their version, the series has made the decision to approve the new package.
In 2019 both the ABC body package and the Gen 6 body saw success with numerous wins and top three finishes for both options. The Granite State Pro Stock Series hopes this trend continues in 2019 as teams have indicated their intentions to go in all three directions.
"While we believe strongly in the ABC body program, we feel that the time is right to allow these two new options for our competitors", said series president Mike Parks. "As things play out over the next year, we will continue to evaluate where we go in the future. ABC has plans for change in the next year or so and we will be watching that closely."
As for the weight penalty the series wanted to make sure that teams didn't feel like they had to have the new body. "The ABC program has worked very well for our series", stated Parks. "Both Nathan Kelly (head technical inspector) and I felt it was important that a team that didn't need a new body, didn't feel like they had to have one. Despite the fact that we are racing Pro Stocks we are still trying to keep the cost of racing in check."
Fans of the series will get to see the new bodies for the first time at Claremont Motorsports Park at the end of April. The traditional series opener will see a number of firsts. Along with the new bodies, Mike Parks and his group will take over the operation of the speedway and there will be new drivers and teams for both the series and track.
For more information on the series go to www.gspss.net or check them out on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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Les Entreprises M.P. Roy Inc.

424 Justin, Laval, QC H7P 5V9

 

T: 514-907-1773 (Montréal) or/ou 418-210-3986 (Québec) or Toll-free / ou sans-frais 1-877-35-MPROY (67769) Extension / poste 35

C: 514-942-6843

Email: mproy@lesentreprisesmproyinc.com

 



Fières de distribuer les produits RACING ELECTRONICS,  RACECeiver, MYLAPS,  MAGNUS RACING PRODUCTS, LEAF RACEWEAR, ARBODIES, PORTCITY RACECARS, JOES RACING PRODUCTS, SWIFT SPRINGS, LONGACRE RACING PRODUCTS, COLEMAN RACING, HANS, SIMPSON, IMPACT,  WINTERS, JONES,  KRC, BASSETT, RE-PLAY, CHASECAM, GO-PRO HERO, THE JOIE OF SEATING, KIRKEY FABRICATION



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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 27.11.19 0 comments

2019-11-26

New York’s Thunder Mountain Speedway Joins DIRTcar Racing

358 Modified and Sportsman Modified divisions will be DIRTcar sanctioned in 2020

CENTER LISLE, NY – Nov. 22, 2019 – Thunder Mountain Speedway has officially joined the elite ranks of DIRTcar-sanctioned racetracks in the Northeast for 2020. The Southern New York speedway will sanction the highly competitive DIRTcar 358 Modified division as well as DIRTcar Sportsman Modifieds.

DIRTcar Northeast Director Dean Reynolds visited Thunder Mountain officials last Sunday for their rules meeting at the Town of Lisle Fire Department conference center. Reynolds and track owners came to the agreement, which will include support from Hoosier Racing Tire, VP Racing Fuels and increased promotional outreach for their weekly racing provided by DIRTcar.

"The Spoonhower family has put their love and sweat into their track for many years and has become the staple of the New York Southern Tier," Reynolds said. "While they were looking at the Hoosier tire route for the past several years, they felt this was the right time to make the move. After the meeting this past Sunday with their teams, DIRTcar sanctioning was welcomed. We all will work hard to make sure it's a smooth and successful transition."

Thunder Mountain Speedway will now be a part of the Hoosier Racing Tire Weekly Championship for both the 358 and Sportsman Modifieds. Hoosier puts up $11,250 for weekly 358 Modified drivers and another $4,550 for their Sportsman Modified counterparts every year.

Track owner and promoter Karl Spoonhower is looking forward to the 2020 season to see how things shake out.

"The move to DIRTcar sanctioning, I think, will be a good one," he said. "I know change is sometimes tough, but we always have our drivers' best interest in mind. The response to these changes, moving to Hoosier and DIRTcar, has been really good so far. We have loyal racers and fans who I hope will stick with us, they are like family. They understand that the sport of racing is changing and if we don't look toward the future we'll be left behind."

All DIRTcar members at DIRTcar-sanctioned tracks have their top 16 finishes calculated for the standings. Drivers, teams, officials and fans are encouraged to sign up for the Hoosier Racing Tire Weekly Newsletter at DIRTcar.com for updates on all of the DIRTcar Racing competition across the Northeast.

DIRTcar Northeast and Thunder Mountain management are currently looking at dates for Series races.

Thunder Mountain Speedway sits atop a veritable mountain with picturesque views of the valleys in Center Isle, NY.  Built-in 1992 by Spoonhower, the track is a three-eighths-mile banked clay oval that hosts weekly stock car racing on Saturday nights from April through September. Thunder Mountain is dubbed The Fast Track for its racy surface and three- and four-wide racing.

DIRTcar 358 Modifieds will share top billing with the Big Block/Small-Block Modified division. The racing card in 2020 will also include DIRTcar Sportsman Modifieds, Rookie/Budget Sportsman, 600cc Modifieds, Street Stock and Factory Stocks.

Contact Information:

Thunder Mountain Speedway is in Center Lisle, NY, exit 8 off Route 81 to Route 79.

Website: www.thundermtnspeedway.net

Facebook: Facebook.com/ThunderMountainSpeedway


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 26.11.19 0 comments

NASCAR Announces Key Sales and Partnership Marketing Promotions

Kelleher to Senior Vice President; Byron and Wohlschlaeger to Vice President

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (November 25, 2019) – NASCAR announced today several leadership promotions across its Sales and Partnership Marketing operations. Frank Kelleher has been promoted to Senior Vice President and Chief Sales Officer. Additionally, Michelle Byron and Jeff Wohlschlaeger have both been promoted to Vice President, Partnership Marketing.  

 

Kelleher will oversee a team responsible for business strategy and revenue generation across the sanctioning body and its 14 motorsports entertainment facilities. In his new role, he will lead a sales force comprised of two critical business areas, partnership and media sales. Kelleher, a 16-year veteran with International Speedway Corporation, will assume the role of NASCAR Chief Sales Officer, which was previously held by Jon Tuck, who has left the company to pursue other opportunities. Kelleher will continue to report into Daryl Wolfe, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations and Sales Officer and will be based in Daytona Beach, Fla.

 

"As collaboration becomes increasingly important across our sport, Kelleher's industry knowledge and strength in creating lasting relationships has proven to be a valuable asset throughout his career," said Wolfe. "Frank has taken a leading role in delivering strategic sponsorships across our entire ecosystem and we are excited to have him lead our sales operation during this important time for our sport."

 

In their elevated roles, both Byron and Wohlschlaeger will oversee a team that is responsible for managing and delivering value to the wide-ranging number of brands invested across the sanctioning body and its track facilities. Byron has been with NASCAR for nearly 20 years and has been accountable for managing a team focused on driving value for Official Partners such as Axalta, Chevrolet and Mobil 1. She has been instrumental in developing key partner initiatives including retail programs, live fan events and national promotions.  Wohlschlaeger has more than 25 years of sports industry experience spanning across the Chicago Bulls and NASCAR. Most recently, Wohlschlaeger was responsible for delivering value for entitlement partners Monster Energy, Xfinity and Gander Outdoors, implementing strategies that helped strengthen and differentiate each series. Both will report into Jill Gregory, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer.  Byron will be based in Charlotte, NC and Wohlschlaeger will be based in Daytona Beach, Fla.

 

"Sponsorship is the lifeblood of our sport and delivering value to our partners will always be a primary area of focus for our organization," said Gregory, "Michelle and Jeff bring a wealth of experience and established industry relationships that will help our partners navigate our ecosystem and maximize their return on investment."   

 

About NASCAR

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States and owner of 16 of the nation's major motorsports entertainment facilities. NASCAR consists of three national series (Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR Xfinity Series™, and NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series™), three regional series, one local grassroots series, three international series and the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA). The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. NASCAR also owns Motor Racing Network, Racing Electronics, Americrown Service and ONE DAYTONA. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in eight cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races in more than 30 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico and Europe. For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat ('NASCAR').


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 26.11.19 0 comments

2019-11-20

Statement from NASCAR Chairman & CEO Jim France

"NASCAR history will always hold Jimmie Johnson in the highest regard, for his hard-charging success on the racetrack and the way he conducted himself as a champion off the track. This remarkable seven-time champion – through his competitive spirit, immense talent and sportsmanship – has made NASCAR a better sport. On behalf of my family and the entire NASCAR community, I thank Jimmie for his dedication to NASCAR and, along with his legions of fans, wish him all the best in his final season. I look forward to watching him race for wins and an eighth NASCAR Cup Championship in 2020."

 

-          Jim France, NASCAR Chairman and CEO


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 20.11.19 0 comments

Bone Stock Teams Got Back to Basics in 2019 at Peterborough Speedway

Bone Stock Teams Got Back to Basics in 2019 at Peterborough Speedway

By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media

 



Some of the most exciting action in Peterborough Speedway's 2019 season came with the Battlefield Equipment Rental Bone Stocks. With close to 40 different teams taking at least one green flag during the recently completed schedule, a string of solid finishes throughout the year help pave the way to Corey Strawn clinching the overall title. The top 5 drivers in the point standings – Chris Tubman, Sean Kennedy, Ryan Oosterholt and Steve Finnegan – were just 80 behind the leader.

 

"This is where it all gets started around here", said Peterborough Speedway track owner and promoter J.P. Josiasse. "A lot of drivers join this division looking to get their feet wet and gain some experience in the sport. We've had some very impressive numbers in the class over the years and several of our drivers have moved up through the ranks into other cars as their confidence and talent levels have increased."

 

With a layout that can be tough to drive and get a handle on right away, the 2019 Bone Stock freshman class at the tight, tricky bullring on Mount Pleasant Road produced some very encouraging results. Returning to action for the first time since the closure of the former Canadian Tire Motorsport Park oval, Oshawa's Kyle Hope scored a 10th place point finish in his inaugural Peterborough Speedway schedule.

 

Local weekly racing has long been recognised as a family vocation. The #6 and #06 teams from Lavalle Racing finished 7th and 15th in the standings, while the #45 and #21 rides from Novis Motorsports were 8th and 11th in the final 2019 running order.

 

"Some teams put their toys away right after the year's final checkered flag waives, while others keep right on tweaking and tuning things throughout the off-season," confirmed Josiasse. "We know there'll be some changes in the line-up when the new schedule kicks-off on Victoria Day Weekend in 2020, but whatever routine suits a particular racer, we'll have a strong field of Bone Stock competition once the green flag flies."

 

Bullring bullet points: Peterborough Speedway will hold a driver's meeting Sunday, December 1st – the night after the track's annual awards celebration – at the Best Western Otonabee Inn, 84 Landsdowne Street East in Peterborough. Driver registration for the 2020 season will open at noon, with the rules meeting for all divisions starting at 1:00. Sign-up at the meeting for the year and save $40.00. Your registration is just $140.00, plus HST. Renew your pit pad during the driver's gathering and save $20.00. Pay just $120.00, plus HST.

 

Be sure to keep an eye on www.peterboroughspeedway.com, as well as the track's Facebook and Twitter social media platforms for the latest information and up to the minute pre-season news.

 

Photo attachment: Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media

 

Track champion Corey Strawn (#77) and Jake Kelly – who finished 16th in the standings – battle side-by-side in 2019 Battlefield Equipment Rental Bone Stock action at Peterborough Speedway.

 

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


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 20.11.19 0 comments

2019-11-13

NASCAR, Dixie Vodka Announce Multi-Year Partnership

Dixie Vodka 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway Will Commemorate Track's 25th Anniversary Season;

Partnership Includes Unique Assets Across Iconic NASCAR Tracks Daytona International Speedway and Richmond Raceway

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Nov. 13, 2019) – NASCAR and Dixie Vodka announced today a multi-year official partnership, designating the American-made craft spirit brand as the "Official Vodka of NASCAR." Central to the agreement, Dixie Vodka will sponsor the NASCAR Cup Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway next season, commemorating the track's 25th anniversary.

 

Launched in 2014 by Grain & Barrel Spirits, Dixie Vodka is the largest premium craft vodka produced in the Southeast and includes a lineup of six unique expressions all representing the best of Southern flavor and craftmanship. The South Carolina-based brand is one of the fastest-growing spirit brands in the United States and recently expanded its distribution footprint west of the Mississippi.

 

"Dixie Vodka is entering the sport with an integrated industry approach, introducing its product to a national fan base that actively supports partners of the sport," said Daryl Wolfe, executive vice president and chief operations and sales officer, NASCAR. "NASCAR is rooted in heritage and tradition, beginning as a regional sport that eventually grew into a global property. Our new partners have emulated that approach and are utilizing this partnership to expand Dixie's presence and brand awareness."

 

For its first taste of NASCAR, Dixie Vodka will join NASCAR Champion's Week celebrations at the Fan Fest in Nashville, serving cocktails in Music City's Riverfront Park alongside all 16 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs race cars and other fan displays Dec. 3 - 5.

 

"Our goal from day one has been to align with partners who share our mission of promoting the best of our region's wonderful hospitality, flavors and craftsmanship," said Matti Christian Anttila, founder of Dixie Vodka and CEO of Grain & Barrel Spirits. "NASCAR is an iconic brand that has grown from southern roots into a national sport watched by millions of people every race day. This partnership allows us to speak directly to that amazing fanbase, introducing them to the best of the flavors of the south and the heart and soul we put into every single bottle of Dixie Vodka. We'll toast to that."

 

The Dixie Vodka 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on March 22, 2020 will help celebrate the track's 25th anniversary season. As part of the event, Dixie Vodka will be featured at bars throughout the racetrack, serving cocktails that showcase the brand's expressions – Southern, Black Pepper, Peach, Wildflower Honey, Citrus and Mint.

 

"Dixie Vodka aligns perfectly with what Miami and Homestead-Miami Speedway are all about," said Homestead-Miami Speedway President Al Garcia. "Not only can our fans witness some of the most exciting racing in NASCAR, but we also have tremendous amenities throughout our facility that they are able to experience as well. It's all about fun, and that's what Homestead-Miami Speedway and Dixie Vodka will offer all of our guests. We are thrilled about this new partnership as we commemorate the 25th anniversary of our venue."

 

At the start of the 2020 season, fans will have the opportunity to taste Dixie Vodka and a lineup of its all-American cocktails at the Dixie Vodka-branded bar at Daytona International Speedway. Additionally, fans will be able to celebrate every win at Richmond Raceway from the Dixie Vodka Victory Lane Club, which provides unprecedented access to the action in the infield.

 

As part of the partnership, Dixie Vodka also becomes the Official Vodka of the DAYTONA 500, Daytona International Speedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway and Richmond Raceway.

 

The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs concludes at Homestead-Miami Speedway with the Ford EcoBoost 400 Sunday, Nov. 17 at 3 p.m. ET on NBC, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

 


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 13.11.19 0 comments

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