2019-01-17

Over Half a Century of Saturday Night Thrills at Peterborough Speedway

Over Half a Century of Saturday Night Thrills at Peterborough Speedway

By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media


Short track stock car racing is alive and well at Canada's Toughest 3rd of a Mile Paved Oval.

Opening night is still more than 6 months away, but the Peterborough Speedway promotional team is already hard at work putting together plans for the upcoming schedule. Track owner and promoter J.P. Josiasse says that this is a very busy time of year.


"Heading into our 52nd consecutive season of operation, we want to make sure everything is ready when our drivers and teams roll through the pit gates," Josiasse said. "Everyone puts their off-season focus toward getting things prepared to take the years first green flag and we have to make sure that our effort matches theirs. In 2018, we had a great turnout in each of our regular divisions and all indications point to the same thing happening when we kick-off the new schedule."


In addition to the 5 weekly hometown classes, Josiasse says the tight, tricky bullring on Mount Pleasant Road is expecting to see the same touring series – including the Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup, Ontario Pro Challenge, Ontario Outlaw Super Late Models, Can-Am TQ Midgets and more – back on the 2019 agenda. Fans can also expect to see regular appearances by the Ontario Modifieds Racing Series and the Eastern Ontario Legends when the new season gets rolling on the Victoria Day holiday weekend.


"Our main goal has always been to give the people what they want," said J.P. Josiasse. "The comments our staff gets at the track and through our Facebook and Twitter social media platforms helps us put together a winning schedule. With that in mind, we've decided to add the popular OSCAAR Hot Rod Series to the line-up for the 27th running of the Autumn Colours Classic and will likely be announcing even more changes as the 2019 season opener gets closer."


Find out why Peterborough Speedway is Central Ontario's racing destination. Pick-up a Super Pass that gets you close to every minute of the action, all season long for only $225. That more than $60 off the price you'd pay at the grandstand ticket booth. Other options are also available. To learn more, go to the track web-site and select 'season passes' from the 'Fan Info' drop-down menu on the homepage.


There is plenty of off-season news and information still to come before the season gets underway with the first green flag Saturday, May 18th. Make sure you head to www.peterboroughspeedway.com and follow the track's social media platforms including Facebook and Twitter for all the details. There is also a free app available for Smartphone users.


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


Hometown Late Model teams will be ready to rock when the 2019 season gets underway – Saturday, May 18th – at Peterborough Speedway.


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


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TWO MONTHS UNTIL THE TORONTO MOTORAMA SHOW



TWO MONTHS UNTIL THE TORONTO MOTORAMA SHOW

March 8, 9 & 10, 2019 at Toronto's International Centre

 



TORONTO, ON // JANUARY 9, 2019 • The fifth annual Motorama Custom Car & Motorsports Expo takes to Toronto's International Centre March 8, 9 & 10. At over 330,000 square feet, the 2019 edition of the biggest show of its kind, in Canada, will be even bigger and more entertaining than ever!

In addition to the established automotive and racing content on display at the massive venue located across from Toronto's Pearson Airport, this year's Motorama show will feature an all-new room called "Motorama Mayhem… in the Backroom."

Celebrating the 'rockabilly' lifestyle and traditional hot rods and custom cars, the 30,000 square foot Hall 3 will be active all weekend long. Presented by Zehr Insurance Brokers Ltd., Mayhem will also showcase pinstripers, a pinup pageant, barbers, tattoo artists and the sounds of DJ Swankenstein. And on Saturday, March 9, several rockabilly bands will take to the Mayhem Stage to put on a show.

Mayhem is being spearheaded by Brandon Roberts, who is a member of the Lead Kings car club and one of the individuals behind the popular Jalopy Jam Up, which takes place at the Rockton (ON) Fairgrounds each August.

"We're two months out from putting on our fifth Motorama show and this is going to be the best one yet," said co-promoter David Weber. "Gary Challice and Bob Sumak are assembling an incredible assortment of vehicles for Hall 1, most of which are being debuted at Motorama. And at last count, there will be 15 different car clubs represented throughout the show, in addition to the hundreds of individuals who are entering their own vehicles. We'll also have a huge Mustang tribute and several amazing cars from SEMA that have never been seen in Canada before."

As always, Canadian motorsports will be a major component of Motorama, with most of the top tracks, series and sanctioning bodies represented with booths and racing vehicles. The popular Short Track & Drag Racing Night of Champions, presented by Stoneridge Specialty Insurance, will take place live on the Rust-Oleum Stage on Saturday, March 9. This incredibly unique ceremony honours over 100 of Canada's championship-winning oval and straight-line racers in one place, at one time.

And throughout the weekend, racers, promoters and officials representing the full spectrum of Canadian racing are prominently included in the on-stage discussions and presentations.

Returning for a fourth year is the Spring Fever: Modified Cars & Culture room (Hall 4). Managed by Kristine Hill, SF4 is dedicated to modified cars and the culture that surrounds them. Featuring top winning show cars from Ontario and beyond, this event offers cash prizes and numerous class and specialty awards. Spring Fever also debuts many fresh builds, as competitors show off what they've been working on all winter.

Throughout the show, attendees will find an interesting assortment of parts and equipment vendors, as well as souvenir, art and collectible sellers. Several automotive and racing celebrities will also be on hand to meet showgoers, sign autographs, pose for pictures and participate in on-stage discussions and awards presentations.

"We have two months until showtime and we're excited about the way it's shaping up," said co-promoter Greg MacPherson. "Heading into our fifth time producingMotorama, our exhibitors and sponsors know that the show is growing and getting better every year. The floorplan filled up quickly prior to the renewal deadline and we've secured several new exhibitors. We still have some space available, but the prime locations are pretty full."

            For information about Motorama, including tickets, sponsorship, exhibitor opportunities and to register vehicles, please call (416) 962-7223, emailinfo@motoramashow.com or visit MotoramaShow.com.

 

ABOUT THE MOTORAMA CUSTOM CAR & MOTORSPORTS EXPO: The fifth annual Motorama Custom Car & Motorsports Expo takes place March 8, 9 & 10, 2019 at The International Centre, across from Toronto's Pearson International Airport. The show features more than 330,000 square feet of custom cars, hot rods, racing vehicles of all kinds, tuners, displays and exhibitors. Motorama is Canada's biggest late-winter celebration of automobiles and motorsports. For information about the show, including tickets, sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities and more, call (416) 962-7223, email info@MotoramaShow.com or visitwww.MotoramaShow.com.

 

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NASCAR Names Jay Fabian Monster Energy NASCAR Series Cup Series Managing Director


NASCAR Names Jay Fabian

Monster Energy NASCAR Series Cup Series Managing Director

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (January 16, 2019) – NASCAR has named industry veteran Jay Fabian as its Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Managing Director.

 

A respected leader within the garage area, Fabian previously served as the managing director of technical integration at NASCAR, where he oversaw post-race technical inspection at the NASCAR Research and Development Center in Concord, N.C. A consistent presence in all three NASCAR national series garages, Fabian's versatile career has included roles as an over-the-wall crew member, a crew chief and, now, the managing director of NASCAR's premier series.

 

"With his vast experience across the industry, Jay Fabian is uniquely suited for this position," said Steve O'Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer. "Jay's steady leadership and depth of knowledge are tremendous assets that will greatly benefit the series and all of NASCAR."

 

Prior to joining NASCAR in April 2016, the Everett, Penn., native worked at Michael Waltrip Racing. During his 10-year tenure, MWR teams qualified for the NASCAR Playoffs in 2012, 2013 and 2015.

 

"This is a fast-paced sport that is constantly evolving, and I'm thankful for this opportunity and eager to take on the challenge," Fabian said. "Racing has been my passion for as long as I can remember. There is growing anticipation for the 2019 season, and I'm looking forward to being a part of an outstanding team that will help build our sport."

 

Fabian, with more than 25 years of motorsports experience, and NASCAR's two other national series managing directors – Wayne Auton (NASCAR Xfinity Series) and Brad Moran (NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series) – will report directly to Scott Miller, NASCAR senior vice president of competition.

 

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. 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. Based in Daytona Beach, Fla., 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 FacebookTwitterInstagram, and Snapchat ('NASCAR').

 

Contact:                                                                                              

Mike Forde

NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communications


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STONERIDGE SPECIALTY INSURANCE RETURNS AS PRIMARY SPONSOR OF THE SHORT TRACK AND DRAG RACING NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS AT MOTORAMA


STONERIDGE SPECIALTY INSURANCE RETURNS AS PRIMARY SPONSOR OF 
THE SHORT TRACK AND DRAG RACING NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS AT MOTORAMA

March 8, 9 & 10, 2019 at Toronto's International Centre

 

Stoneridge LogoTORONTO, ON // JANUARY 16, 2019 • The Motorama Custom Car & Motorsports Expo is heading into its fifth year. And that means Stoneridge Specialty Insurance will also be celebrating its first half-decade as Canada's pre-eminent motorsports insurance company.

Stoneridge 'launched' at the inaugural Motorama show, back in 2015, and has been a fixture at – and major supporter of – the show, ever since.

In addition to having a booth in the Hall 1B 'racing area' of Motorama, where its staff can connect with the many tracks, series and racers who make up its prime market, the Ancaster, Ontario-based company is returning as the title sponsor of the Stoneridge Short Track and Drag Racing Night of Champions at Motorama.

These popular awards presentations take place on The Rust-Oleum Stage in Hall 2. Starting late in the afternoon on Saturday, March 9, more than 125 short track and straight-line racers – all of whom won full-season points championships in 2018 – are expected to be honoured in front of their fans, families, crews, supporters and peers. Having so many Canadian track and series champions celebrated in one location, at one time, is a unique event in the world of racing.

While Stoneridge is broadening the range of risks it covers, the Motorama show is a natural fit for the company as it offers an ideal opportunity to interact with its core constituency. Although it's entering its fifth year under the Stoneridge banner, the company's principals have been involved in the motorsports insurance business for much longer than that.

Stoneridge President Kevin Besta is proud to offer the widest range of insurance products specifically designed to protect virtually everyone associated with motorsports and the show gives him and his team a chance to educate the racing community about their products and services, discuss updates and changes to the industry and to forge new relationships.

"We offer coverage that includes on-track physical damage, off-track and storage of vehicles, and storage and transit," said Kevin Besta. "And, if they're interested, liability insurance. In addition to personal contact, our online presence – at StoneridgeSpecialty.ca – is another medium through which we can educate our customers as we look for opportunities to grow that space. I'll see on forums and discussion boards that there are people who aren't aware that these products exist, so that's our goal and challenge. And being at Motorama is part of that effort."

Stoneridge currently insures approximately 90 percent of Canada's racing facilities, offering personal and liability coverage for anything that features motor-propelled vehicles in competition.

The Besta family, father Kevin and his sons Kory and Kody, will be staffing the Stoneridge Specialty Insurance booth at Motorama, each prepared to expose and explain any unforeseen risks that may result in financial issues from unfortunate incidents and offering a variety of insurance solutions, including their online purchasing options.

"Since introducing Stoneridge Specialty Insurance at the first Motorama show, it's been an effective and enjoyable way to kick off our season and to connect with the Canadian promoters, track owners and racers," said Kory Besta. "Our support of the Stoneridge Short Track and Drag Racing Night of Champions is our way of giving back to the sport. It's a great event, we love racing and we're happy to be part of it."

Discussing the show's unique history and relationship with Stoneridge, Motorama co-promoter David Weber said, "Since we started Motorama, Kevin Besta and his team at Stoneridge Specialty Insurance have been an integral partner, supporting so many aspects of the show. They handle all of our insurance needs. And they're an exhibitor and a sponsor, putting support behind the Stoneridge Short Track and Drag Racing Night of Champions. It's a great relationship and we look forward to working with them again this year as they celebrate their fifth anniversary."


ABOUT STONERIDGE SPECIALTY INSURANCE: Stoneridge Specialty Insurance offers the widest range of both personal and liability products that are specifically designed to protect motorsports associations, facilities, teams, individuals and special events. Details regarding available coverage and rates can be found on their website at www.stoneridgespecialty.ca or by calling their Ancaster, Ontario offices at (226) 318-1744.

 

ABOUT THE MOTORAMA CUSTOM CAR & MOTORSPORTS EXPO: The fifth annual Motorama Custom Car & Motorsports Expo takes place March 8, 9 & 10, 2019 at The International Centre, across from Toronto's Pearson International Airport. The show features more than 330,000 square feet of custom cars, hot rods, racing vehicles of all kinds, tuners, displays and exhibitors. Motorama is Canada's biggest late-winter celebration of automobiles and motorsports. For information about the show, including tickets, sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities, and more, call (416) 962-7223, email info@MotoramaShow.com or visitwww.MotoramaShow.com.

 


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Vermont 200 Moves to Labor Day Weekend at Devil’s Bowl Speedway


ATTACHED PHOTO: Brett Hearn celebrates his win in the Interstate All Battery Center Vermont 200 at Devil's Bowl Speedway last summer; the event moves to Labor Day weekend in 2019.  (Alan Ward photo)


Vermont 200 Moves to Labor Day Weekend at Devil's Bowl Speedway

New England's biggest dirt race will be even bigger in 2019

 

For Immediate Release                                                                                                                                                                                  DBS-011619-1

 

WEST HAVEN, Vt. – The biggest dirt track race in New England has a new date: Labor Day weekend.  The second annual $10,000-to-win Interstate All Battery Center Vermont 200 Weekend at Devil's Bowl Speedway has been moved to the late-summer holiday on Saturday, August 31 and Sunday, September 1, in order to better accommodate traveling fans and race teams – and to allow for an even bigger party atmosphere.

Though the event was a success in 2018, the format for the weekend has been retooled to allow for a shorter, two-division program on Sunday.  The GM "602" crate engine Sportsman Modified division will once again be the Sunday headliner with all qualifying and the 200-lap main event held that day.  The Sprint Cars of New England tour will also be in action on Sunday with its first Vermont 200 Weekend appearance.

The Saturday card features Devil's Bowl's Super Stock, Mini Stock, and 500cc Mini Sprint classes, along with a new "Win-And-You're-In" event for the Limited Sportsman division that guarantees the winner a starting spot in Sunday's 200-lap race.  Sportsman drivers also have the option for extra track time on Saturday by competing in the Ron Casey Memorial Non-Winners Shootout.  Racing on Saturday is followed by Devil's Bowl's famous annual pig roast, bonfire party, and fireworks, which draws hundreds of guests and weekend campers.

Like every event at Devil's Bowl Speedway, any driver is eligible to compete in the Vermont 200 regardless of past racing experience; in 2019, however, a $2,000 bonus has been posted for the winner if he or she is a regular weekly Sportsman competitor at their local track.  A diverse mix of Sportsman drivers and outside invaders kept fans thrilling over the action up front all race long before Brett Hearn of Sussex, N.J., took the win, earning more than $13,000 in purse money and bonuses.

"The Vermont 200 was great in its first year, but we took notes all weekend and started planning changes immediately," Devil's Bowl Speedway promoter Mike Bruno said.  "We have taken steps to cut the Sunday show back to four or five hours at most, and moving the race to Labor Day weekend should make it easier for people to travel or camp overnight with the holiday on Monday.  We're always learning and listening to our fans and racers, and we will make the Vermont 200 even bigger and better for them."

Devil's Bowl Speedway's 2019 season will open on Sunday night, May 19; the full schedule will be released soon.  Membership licenses and season passes are available now.

Devil's Bowl Speedway is located on Route 22A in West Haven, Vt., four miles north of U.S. Route 4, Exit 2, and just 20 minutes from Rutland, Vt.  For more information, visitwww.DevilsBowlSpeedwayVT.com or call (802) 265-3112. Devil's Bowl Speedway is on Facebook at facebook.com/DevilsBowlSpeedway, and on Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat at @DevilsBowlSpeed; follow the action using the #DevilsBowl hashtag.

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