2023-10-27

Ron Silk Avoids Trouble and Captures Second NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Championship

Ron Silk Avoids Trouble and Captures Second

NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Championship

Cup Series regular Ryan Preece scores emotional race

win in Virginia is for Racing Lovers 200

 

MARTINSVILLE, Va. (Oct. 27, 2022) – A season-long battle between two veteran champions came down to the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour season finale and Ron Silk held on to secure his second career Tour championship with a sixth-place finish in the Virginia is for Racing Lovers 200 at Martinsville Speedway. NASCAR Cup Series regular Ryan Preece took home the Grandfather clock, winning in a sentimental car he prepared at his home shop.

 

Silk won his first championship in 2011, and when he joined up with the newly formed Haydt Yannone Racing team to start the 2022 season, another championship was on his mind. The title landed the new team their first owner's championship in only their sophomore season on the Tour.

 

Entering Thursday night's championship battle, Silk held a 13-point lead over three-time (2018, 2020, 2021) Tour champion Justin Bonsignore. Silk needed to finish eighth or better to ensure himself the win, regardless of Bonsignore's performance, but the path to the championship wasn't a clean one for Silk.

 

"It's been a long season, kinda weird racing tonight knowing the scenario, you gotta finish eighth or better if he wins," said Silk on knowing what it would take to win the title. "I tried to keep myself in a decent position most of the night, got turned around once on the backstretch but luckily didn't hit anything. It feels great, lot goes into this and it's really rewarding to get another one."

 

Bonsignore spent most of the night in the top five, while Silk had to battle through a pair of crashes in front of him along the way to only his second top-10 finish, and first since 2009, at Martinsville in seven starts.

 

On Lap 72, a backstretch incident between Bryan Narducci and Kyle Bonsignore also sent Silk spinning as he and several others came together in an attempt to avoid the mess in front of them. However, he came out of it pointed in the right direction and was able to quickly recover and continue on.

 

His championship hopes had a second scare on Lap 118 when a pair of cars spun in front of him in Turn 4, but he was able to maneuver around them without incident.

 

After that, Silk was able to maintain his spot in the top 10, securing his title despite a second-place effort from Bonsignore.

 

Preece, who drives the No. 41 Ford for Stewart-Haas Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series, decided three weeks ago to work with his father, Jeff, to prepare a car to race at Martinsville. The chassis they raced had special meaning to Preece, as his last Whelen Modified Tour win in it came at Richmond Raceway in 2021 as the No. 6 entry for Eddie Partridge. Partridge passed away hours after celebrating in Victory Lane with Preece that night.

 

"Most people, when you're at the Cup level and you come down and win, you probably wouldn't see so much emotion," said Preece. "But I put a lot of effort in my racing. I just put a lot into this. It hit me on the stage, the 'Virginia is for Lovers,' the last time I won on the Tour was Richmond, and that was the day I lost one of my best friends and my car owner. Which that is the same car that we bought from his wife."

 

The win marked the 26th on the Whelen Modified Tour for the 2013 Tour champion, who got his first win in the series at Martinsville in 2008.

 

Jake Johnson was crowned the Sunoco Rookie of the Year after a strong finish to his season. The driver of the No. 3 had one top five (a second-place finish in his last start of the season at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park on Oct. 8) and seven top 10s over 13 races contended.

 

Martinsville's Playoffs race weekend continues on Saturday, Oct. 28, a 3:30 p.m. ET with the NASCAR Xfinity Series Dead on Tools 250. Then, on Sunday, Oct. 29, at 2 p.m., Playoff drivers will put everything on the line in the final race before the Championship in the NASCAR Cup Series Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway. Limited tickets remain for Sunday's showdown, and fans can purchase tickets to the 2023 NASCAR Playoffs Race Weekend via phone at 877-RACE-TIX or online at martinsvillespeedway.com.

 

 

About NASCAR

Celebrating its 75th Anniversary in 2023, the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (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 sanctions races in three national series (NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR Xfinity Series™, and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series™), four international series (NASCAR Brasil Sprint Race, NASCAR Mexico Series, NASCAR Pinty's Series (Canada), NASCAR Whelen Euro Series), four regional series (ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East & West and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour) and a local grassroots series (NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series). 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, and ONE DAYTONA. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in eight cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races annually in 12 countries and more than 30 U.S. states. For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat ('NASCAR').   

   

Contact:                                                                                            

Steph Harris

NASCAR Communications


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 27.10.23 0 comments

2023-10-23

Lambert Racing Faces the Highs and Lows of the Brockville Speedway Fall Nationals


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

 

Lambert Racing Faces the Highs and Lows of the Brockville Speedway Fall Nationals

By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media

 

Late season special events have quickly become the highlight of the local short track racing schedule.

 

After wrapping-up the 2023 season at Brockville Ontario Speedway, Lambert Racing of Wolfe Island had a trip booked for the Northeast Fall Nationals at the popular oval on Temperance Lake Road. Both drivers compete in the track's Novice Sportsman division. Rookie of the Year hopeful Cory Lambert was 4th in the overall standings on the strength of a handful of top-5 finishes in 11 starts. Older brother Nathan Lambert was 7th in the championship chase, scoring a couple of main event wins and 6 top-5 efforts in 8 starts.

 

Friday, October 13th, the team's No. 20 and No. 39 rides were set to make their first-ever starts in a highly competitive Sportsman-Modified field that saw 41 teams looking to crack that starting line-up that would see 30 cars take the initial green flag.

 

After being sidelined by mechanical issues during his qualifying heat, Cory Lambert – a 26-year-old who works on Kingston's Wolfe Island Ferry – was forced to the sidelines. On the other hand, his 28-year-old brother Nathan who is a member of the Amherst Island Ferry crew, advanced to the 50-lap feature tilt with a 5th place finish in his qualifying heat and was 26th in the night's 'A' main.

 

With help from several other teams and the welding expertise of veteran racer Rick Wilson, the front-end components of the No. 39 car were repaired and ready for the next day's main event. With another 50-lapper on the schedule, this time Cory Lambert was able to make the field through his 4th place finish in the last-chance qualifier, while his brother Nathan – who experienced mechanical issues during the Saturday show - took over the role as family cheerleader. To close-off his first season of racing, Cory Lambert added 28th place finish and dropped-out of the race with a vibration and missed being caught-up in a crash that involved at least a dozen cars.

With Nathan Lambert moving-up to the Sportsman-Modified ranks for 2024, Lambert Racing would like to thank their fans, friends and sponsors, including Smokey Hills Tobacco, Crossroads, Whitmarsh Electric, Timber Tree Service, Tim's Truck & Equipment Service, Elite Eavestrough, Reizel Bros. Insulation, Just Trees, Draper Doors, Dan Dawdy and a big thank you to Mom and the Martin family, Rick Wilson and Dallas Sallows for their support during the 2023 schedule at Brockville Ontario Speedway.

 

Follow Lambert Racing at the track and find the latest behind the scenes news through the team's Facebook page.

 

Drivers Cory and Nathan Lambert would like to dedicate their recently completed season to the memory of their grandmother Debbie Courtemanche, who passed away on September 5th, 2023.

It was a strong inaugural season for Cory Lambert (No. 39) who finished 4th in the 2023 Novice Sportsman division point standings at Brockville Ontario Speedway.

 

On the strength of his pair of Novice Sportsman feature event wins, Nathan Lambert (No. 20) will make the move to the weekly Sportsman-Modified division at Brockville Ontario Speedway in 2024.

 

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


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 23.10.23 0 comments

2023-10-17

Shav Glick Named 2024 Squier-Hall Award Recipient Glick was considered the premier West Coast motorsports reporter

Shav Glick Named 2024 Squier-Hall Award Recipient

Glick was considered the premier West Coast motorsports reporter

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Oct. 17, 2023) — Distinguished Los Angeles Times reporter Shav Glick was named recipient of the 2024 Squier-Hall Award for NASCAR Media Excellence becoming the 12th winner of the prestigious award.

 

Glick spent the last 37 years of his career as lead motorsports reporter for the Los Angeles Times. His coverage of NASCAR helped showcase the sport across Southern California.

 

"Shav Glick was a giant in motorsports journalism and the racing authority on the West Coast," said NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France. "For decades, Shav's stories helped introduce NASCAR to a new audience, as the sport grew nationally. He had a special way of highlighting the people behind the competition, always showcasing the human element that makes NASCAR so special. Whether he was covering the NASCAR Cup Series, or a grassroots-level race, Shav's professionalism and grace embodied the best of sports journalism."

 

Glick began his career at the Pasadena Star-News and served as sports editor of the Los Angeles Mirror before it merged with the Times. In 1969, 34 years into his distinguished career, he was asked to cover motorsports, which he did until his retirement in 2006. 

 

He has earned numerous honors including the International Motorsports Hall of Fame (IMHOF) American Motorsports Media Award (for lifetime achievement in motorsports journalism) in 1977 and the AARWBA Angelo Angelopolous Award in 2004. In 2004, he became the first newspaper reporter inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America.

 

Glick will be honored during NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony festivities on Jan. 19, 2024 and featured in an exhibit in the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Tickets to the Induction Weekend events are available at NASCARHall.com.

 

The Squier-Hall Award for NASCAR Media Excellence was named after legendary NASCAR media figures Ken Squier and Barney Hall, the first two recipients of the award.

 

The other seven nominees for the award were:

 

Russ Catlin, one of the best-known early racing writers and historians; editor of Speed Age Magazine

 

George Cunningham, long-time beat writer for The Charlotte Observer, Atlanta Constitution and NASCAR Scene; is the namesake for the annual NMPA award for Excellence in Writing

 

 

Mike Harris, spent 30 years as the lead motorsports writer for the Associated Press

 

Bob Montgomery, co-founder and announcer for the Universal Racing Network

 

Bob Moore, spent more than 20 years as a NASCAR beat writer including stints with the Daytona Beach News-Journal and The Charlotte Observer

  

Hank Schoolfield, a jack of all trades bringing NASCAR racing to rans across the Southeast through newspapers, magazines and radio

 

Deb Williams, the first woman to receive the American Motorsports Media Award of Excellence.

 

About NASCAR

Celebrating its 75th Anniversary in 2023, the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (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 sanctions races in three national series (NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR Xfinity Series™, and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series™), four international series (NASCAR Brasil Sprint Race, NASCAR Mexico Series, NASCAR Pinty's Series (Canada), NASCAR Whelen Euro Series), four regional series (ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East & West and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour) and a local grassroots series (NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series). 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, and ONE DAYTONA. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in eight cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races annually in 12 countries and more than 30 U.S. states. For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat ('NASCAR').

 

About the NASCAR Hall of Fame

Conveniently located in Uptown Charlotte, North Carolina, the NASCAR Hall of Fame is an interactive, entertainment attraction honoring the history and heritage of NASCAR. The high-tech venue, designed to educate and entertain race fans and non-fans alike, opened May 11, 2010, and includes artifacts, hands-on exhibits, a 278-person state-of-the-art theater, Hall of Honor, Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant, NASCAR Hall of Fame Gear Shop and NASCAR Productions-operated broadcast studio. The NASCAR Hall of Fame is open daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for summer hours and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for winter hours. On designated Group Hot Pass Tuesdays, the facility is open for scheduled group visits and events only. An attached parking garage is available on Brevard Street. The 5-acre site also includes a privately developed 19-story office tower and 102,000-square-foot expansion to the Charlotte Convention Center, highlighted by a 40,000-square-foot ballroom. The NASCAR Hall of Fame is owned by the City of Charlotte, licensed by NASCAR and operated by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. For more information, visit nascarhall.com.

 

Contact:

Josh Hamilton

NASCAR Communications


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 17.10.23 0 comments

2023-10-16

Autumn Colours Classic Feature Events Take the Peterborough Speedway Spotlight


Autumn Colours Classic Feature Events Take the Peterborough Speedway Spotlight

By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media

 

Mother Nature caused a delay of almost a week, but the 30th annual APC Autumn Colours Classic, presented by Toronto Motorama finally saw its 'A' main events take the green flag Saturday, October 14th at Peterborough Speedway.

 

Doug Butler and Karl Sault brought the 24 car SwitchTire Mini Stock field to the line in a 67-lap headliner, in memory of Melissa Bullen and Matt Spence. Butler took the early lead, with Sault close behind. The pack was running some solid laps and started to catch the tail-end of the field with only 6 circuits on the scoreboard. Shawn Taylor moved into the runner-up position as the leaders worked through traffic until a yellow flag for an issue on the backstretch with a dozen laps complete slowed the pace. Ryan Babin was turning some solid laps in his No. 89 machine, with the leaders holding about a straightaway's advantage with 22 laps on the scoreboard. A pair of yellow flags – with 39 and 47 laps complete – brought the field back together and gave Taylor a shot at the leader. After being content with 2nd spot, he worked his way around Butler to take the win. Will Gibbons, Bobby Mercer and Jacob Sutcliffe completed the top-5.

 

Front row starters Danny Benedict and Treyton Lapcevich brought the field of close to 20 KOD Disposal Late Model teams to the line for the Electric City 167. With James Horner looking to find a way past, the lead duo set the early pace as the pack started putting backmarkers a lap down with 11 laps on the scoreboard. Working through traffic, Benedict – a graduate of the Peterborough Speedway Mini Stock ranks – showed the strength of his No. 54 piece, building a 3-car length advantage on Lapcevich. Ryan Kimball – the 2023 hometown track champion – took over 3rd spot following a lap 28 caution, with the lead duo still taking the quick way around. A trio of yellow flags may have slowed the overall race pace, but the No. 54 and No. 0 cars were still in control: now by over a straightaway. Track officials chose to use a lap 86 caution as the mid-race break. Lapcevich took the lead on the ensuing green flag, with he and Benedict battling side-by-side before the No. 54 regained the lead and held-on for the win that saw him named 2023 Autumn Colours Classic champion. Lapcevich, Gord Shepherd, Lane Zardo and Bobby Cousineau completed the top 5.

 

Front row starters Tyler Hawn and Rick Spencer-Walt showed the way as the OSCAAR Hot Rod Series runners hit the track for a 30-lap feature tilt. Hawn held the hot hand from the drop of the green flag, but Spencer-Walt wasn't about to let the No. 2 car out of his sight. The lead duo was joined by AJ Emms as they started to catch the back of the pack. With the exception of an early-race yellow flag, the 30-lap affair ran caution-free with Hawn picking-up the checkered flag. Spencer-Walt, Emms, Luke Gignac and Connor Ellis were next across the line.

 

With Wayde Thorne and Chris Allard leading the way, the Battlefield Equipment Rental Bone Stockers left the staging area for their 40-lap main event. Thorne took the early race lead, with Phil Givens moving into the runner-up spot. Allard was looking to close the distance on the lead duo as the field started to put racers at the tail-end of the field a lap down with about a dozen laps complete. The potent No. 0 ride took over the race lead in traffic and survived a caution flag just past the halfway mark to take the win. Kyle Neumeister, Allard, Thorne and Spencer Riddell followed Givens across the stripe.

 

Shawn Chenoweth and TJ Edwards brought the OSCAAR Modifieds to the Great Canadian RV green flag for a 40-lap feature event. Chenoweth, who has always had strong runs at Peterborough Speedway took the lead from the drop of the green flag. He was in control of the headliner until an incident in the 3rd turn slowed the pace with a dozen laps on the scoreboard. On the ensuing restart, the top-3 runners broke away with a 7 to 8 car length advantage over the 4th place car. As the laps wore on, the driver of the No. 35 ride left no doubt as to the race's outcome as Shawn Chenoweth picked-up the win over Edwards, Bryan Batty, Tyler Liscum and AJ Emms.

 

The 2023 Autumn Colours Classic concluded with a 50-lap Jiffy Lube Super Stock 'A' main that saw Gord Shepherd and home track favourite Paul Boundy on the front row. With a pair of side-by-side parade from the top-6 starters to open the show, fans knew the track's promotional team had saved the best for last. Shepherd and local fan-favourite Marlie Owen held the top 2 spots once things settled-down, but the first 7 cars in the field were still running nose-to-tail as the pack started putting slower traffic a lap down. Recently crowned track champion Miles Tyson moved into the 2nd spot at the halfway point and took the lead with 31-laps complete. Just as it looked like it would be a caution-free showcase, a yellow flag waved with only 3 laps remaining. Tyson held-on for the win, with Marlie Owen, Shaun McWhirter, Shepherd and Gerrit Tiemersma rounding-out the top-5.

 

Bullring bullet points: With inclement weather forcing the Autumn Colours Classic finale outside of its traditional Thanksgiving Weekend timeframe for the first time in recent history, the Saturday, October 14th make-up date – with almost 400 scheduled laps of green flag racing – went off without a hitch. The program started at 1:30 and was complete before 7:00…Around the track, spotters reported a few light raindrops three-quarters of the way through the final feature event…The night's display by Supernova Fireworks lit-up the sky just as the Super Stock field was coming to the checkered flag.

 

Be sure to keep tabs on www.peterboroughspeedway.com and the track's social media platforms for the latest Peterborough Speedway news and information.

 

Photo attachment: Melissa Smits, OneNine Marketing. www.facebook.com/oneninemarketing

 

Shawn Taylor (No. 76) scored the SwitchTire Mini Stock feature win during the 2023 APC Autumn Colours Classic Finale – Saturday, October 14th – at Peterborough Speedway.

KOD Disposal Electric City 167 Late Model feature winner Danny Benedict is joined by 2nd and 3rd place finishers Treyton Lapcevich and Gord Shepherd in Victory Lane at Peterborough Speedway.

 

Tyler Hawn (No. 2) picked-up the OSCAAR Hot Rod checkered flag during the 30th annual APC Autumn Colours Classic, presented by Toronto Motorama, October 14th at Peterborough Speedway.

 

Wheeling his potent No. 0 machine, Phil Givens landed the Battlefield Equipment Rental Bone Stock APC Autumn Colours Classic feature win – Saturday, October 14th – at Peterborough Speedway.

 

The 2023 APC Autumn Colours Classic, presented by Toronto Motorama OSCAAR Modified feature event win went to Shawn Chenoweth (No. 35) – Saturday, October 14th – at Peterborough Speedway.

 

2023 track champion Miles Tyson (No. 49) capped-off a memorable year by claiming the Jiffy Lube Super Stock Autumn Colours Classic win – Saturday, October 14th – at Peterborough Speedway.

 

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


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 16.10.23 0 comments

2023-10-15

The 2023 Ontario Modifieds Racing Series Awards banquet is slated for Saturday, November 18th at the Black Diamond Golf Club. Additional details will follow.


Rick Warnes Earns a Long Overdue Main Event Checkered Flag

By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media

 

The age-old expression "good things come to those who wait" proved itself to be true as Rick Warnes scored his first career feature win, leading from start to finish in the Ontario Modifieds Racing Series, presented by GEN-3 Electrical main event – Friday, October 6th – at Peterborough Speedway.

 

With Randy Hollingsworth starting alongside Warnes showed his strength from the initial green flag, pushing his familiar No. 90 ride into a strong lead during the early stages of the 25-lap affair. Even in control of the field, the run to his inaugural checkered flag was far from a walk in the park, as fan favourite John Baker Jr. moved into the runner-up spot with just a couple of circuits complete.

 

Try as he might, 'JBJ' couldn't find his way around Warnes. Meanwhile, Tyler Bouillon and reigning OMRS champion Alex Cuzzilla closed ranks on the lead duo with about 10 laps on the scoreboard. Baker Jr. continued to hunt high and low in his search for an advantage, but Warnes held off the challenge as the pack worked through lapped traffic in the closing stages of the headline event.

 

Racing close together in a tight bunch, push could have easily turned to shove. As the race wore on, Warnes managed to step-up his game and keep John Baker Jr. in his review mirror to pick-up his first ever main event win in a racing career that began more than 4 decades ago with starts in at venues in Canada and the U.S.. John Baker Jr., Tyler Bouillon, Alex Cuzzilla, Shane Pollock, Bob Franks, Randy Hollingsworth, Rob Warnes and Andrew Massey completed the running order.

 

"It was a very emotional event to win with both my sons there to witness it," Rick Warnes said after the initial victory lane interview. "I must thank my family, friends and fans for their support and encouragement. Also, OMRS sponsors GEN3 Electrical, Bourque Transmission, AWESOME Racewear, TNT Performance Parts, Clarke Motorsports Communications,

All or Nothing Brewhouse, Sterling Tire, ELS Ltd. Clintar Outdoor Services, Peterborough Speedway and Staff."

 

Like most in the sport, Warnes inherited his racing passion and the No. 90 car number from his father Doug Warnes who scored many feature wins across Ontario and in the Maritimes. His cars and crew were always immaculate, earning him the nickname 'Mr. Kleen'. Running various divisions throughout his career, Doug Warnes captured season titles at Westgate (now Peterborough) and Sunset Speedways.

 

The 2023 Ontario Modifieds Racing Series Awards banquet is slated for Saturday, November 18th at the Black Diamond Golf Club. Additional details will follow.

 

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

 

Rick Warnes (No. 90) picked-up the first feature race win of his career with the Ontario Modifieds Racing Series checkered flag – Friday, October 6th – at Peterborough Speedway.

 

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


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 15.10.23 0 comments

2023-10-05

iRacing Acquires NASCAR Team Properties’ Exclusive Simulation-Style Console Racing Game License

iRacing Acquires NASCAR Team Properties'

Exclusive Simulation-Style Console Racing Game License

iRacing to develop NASCAR console game available in 2025

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (October 5, 2023) – NASCAR®, iRacing and Motorsport Games Inc. (NASDAQ: MSGM) ("Motorsport Games") announced today that iRacing has acquired NASCAR Team Properties' (NTP) exclusive simulation-style console racing games license from Motorsport Games. The sale, approved by NTP, will see the license transfer from 704Games, a wholly owned subsidiary of Motorsport Games, to iRacing, which will begin developing a NASCAR console game expected in 2025.

 

"When we were approached with the option to acquire the license for the simulation-style NASCAR console game, which was the console game and franchise that we were dreaming about doing, it was an opportunity we couldn't pass up," said iRacing President Tony Gardner. "Having the ability to build a NASCAR console game is a privilege we promise to execute with the utmost care. We look forward to working diligently with NASCAR industry stakeholders to deliver a product that provides an amazing experience for the gaming community and NASCAR fans worldwide."

 

Gardner added, "With all the NASCAR game experience, console experience, resources and technology assets we already have in place, we are in a fantastic position to hit the ground running building a great NASCAR game franchise on the various platforms."

 

The acquisition expands iRacing's decade-plus presence in NASCAR. iRacing began its relationship with NASCAR in 2010 with a licensed sim racing product and has grown into a key technical partner of the sanctioning body as its "official simulation partner." iRacing runs dozens of NASCAR official series on iRacing with thousands of people participating daily from late models to Cup cars, including the $100,000-to-win eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series and the eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the Massachusetts-based company's simulation and engineering abilities have helped NASCAR develop new cars and tracks, including the NextGen car, Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum, and Chicago Street Race, among others. Now, iRacing can extend its expertise broadly to include NASCAR Team Properties.

 

Motorsport Games obtained the NASCAR simulation-style console gaming license in 2018 when it acquired majority equity in 704Games. Motorsports Games' current NASCAR titles, including NASCAR Heat 5 and NASCAR Rivals (available here), will still be available and supported by Motorsport Games through 2024.

 

"The sale of the NASCAR license is the result of a thorough, strategic review of where we believe our company should be headed over the longer-term," said Motorsport Games CEO Stephen Hood. "In our exploration of the sale, we gave due consideration to those companies we believed could develop a great NASCAR game. Both NASCAR and iRacing have been receptive to our proposed change, working with us to architect a positive transition post-sale and we thank them for their support. We will now concentrate our efforts towards delivering around other IP already in advanced development."

 

In addition to simulation-style console gaming, NASCAR has worked diligently to produce quality experiences for fans who engage in virtual and gaming spaces. This year, the sanctioning body launched NASCAR Speed Hub on Roblox, released arcade-style console game NASCAR Arcade Rush, made available special team decals in Rocket League, announced the development of a mobile game with Hutch and completed another successful season of the eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series. Furthermore, NASCAR partnered with esports organization Gen.G to create crossover content and build a live fan experience at the Rocket League Championship Series Major in Boston, and have had Fortnite and Rocket League paint schemes featured on cars in the NASCAR Cup Series this season. The sanctioning body is also leveraging gaming as an engine for content and community building through dedicated channels on Discord and Twitch, along with a growing presence on traditional social media channels.

 

"NASCAR has the most passionate fans in the world and a vast community that is just as passionate about gaming," said NASCAR Managing Director Esports and Gaming Nick Rend. "What's more, there continues to be tremendous opportunity to connect with millions of potential new fans in the gaming space.

 

"iRacing has been an incredible partner and ambassador for the NASCAR industry for more than a decade. We thank Motorsport Games for its efforts over the years and are ready to work with iRacing to deliver a best-in-class simulation-style NASCAR console game that's exciting for the gaming community and allows our fans to connect with the sport in an impactful, meaningful way."

 

For more information on NASCAR's gaming initiatives, visit eNASCAR.com.

 

About NASCAR

Celebrating its 75th Anniversary in 2023, the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (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 sanctions races in three national series (NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR Xfinity Series™, and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series™), four international series (NASCAR Brasil Sprint Race, NASCAR Mexico Series, NASCAR Pinty's Series (Canada), NASCAR Whelen Euro Series), four regional series (ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East & West and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour) and a local grassroots series (NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series). 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, and ONE DAYTONA. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in eight cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races annually in 12 countries and more than 30 U.S. states. For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat ('NASCAR').

 

About iRacing

To learn more about the most realistic, authentic and industry leading motorsports racing simulation and games from iRacing for both NASCAR and other motorsports properties, visit https://www.iracing.com.


About Motorsport Games

Motorsport Games, a Motorsport Network company, is a leading racing game developer, publisher and esports ecosystem provider of official motorsport racing series throughout the world. Combining innovative and engaging video games with exciting esports competitions and content for racing fans and gamers, Motorsport Games strives to racing games that are authentically close to reality. The Company is the officially licensed video game developer and publisher for iconic motorsport racing series including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, INDYCAR, and the British Touring Car Championship ("BTCC"). Motorsport Games also owns the industry leading rFactor 2 and KartKraft simulation platforms. rFactor 2 also serves as the official sim racing platform of Formula E, while also powering F1 Arcade through a partnership with Kindred Concepts. Motorsport Games is also an award-winning esports partner of choice for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Formula E and BTCC. Motorsport Games is building a virtual racing ecosystem where each product drives excitement, every esports event is an adventure and every race inspires.


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 5.10.23 0 comments

2023-10-03

First-Time Starters Head to the 30th Annual APC Autumn Colours Classic

First-Time Starters Head to the 30th Annual APC Autumn Colours Classic

By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media



 

Members of the hometown motorsports community will often pause to reflect on career-defining moments from their time in the sport.

Peterborough Speedway's 30th annual APC Autumn Colours Classic, presented by Toronto Motorama is coming-up fast and racers from across the province are getting ready to make their first start in the marquee event.

 

The Kingsway Auto Centre Junior Late Model class was home to some of the most exciting racing fans of Canada's Toughest 3rd Mile Oval saw during the 2023 season. Avery Kirkpatrick – who, along with Lyla Simka was recently voted onto the upcoming 'Ladies of the Oval' calendar – won the rookie division title, while Landon Sellers finished tied for 3rd in the pro division standings. The duo – aged 8 and 11 respectively – will both be making their initial starts in the season-ending APC Autumn Colours Classic.

 

The 2023 season was a breakthrough schedule for Keaton Pipe. A former go-karter, the 13-year-old from Whitby, Ontario furthered his racing education running the JDC Motorsports No. 25 Canadian Legend Car Series ride. Moving to any new racing division can be a steep learning curve, but the youngster's talents improved by participating in multiple pre-race practice sessions and working with a sim coach away from the track. Next on the agenda will be a start at the APC Autumn Colours Classic.

 

David Mathers, a 23-year-old rookie with the OSCAAR Modified Series has also made plans for a trek to the APC Autumn Colours Classic. With just a single Peterborough Speedway start from earlier this season on his resume, the St. Thomas, Ontario runner will unload his No. 48 machine with his sights set on a solid run…Newcastle, Ontario's Tyler McMurter recently completed his first full season in the SwitchTire Mini Stock field, where he finished 8th in the final point standings. The 32-year-old will look to steer his No. 46 ride to a strong finish in his first APC Autumn Colours Classic start.

 

This year's Outlaw Midget season championship will be decided in a Saturday feature event during the annual Super Bowl of Stock Car Racing. Even though he's raced with the Midget Series for 6 years and scored his first feature win at Peterborough Speedway this summer, Mikey Homewood is looking forward to making his first career start in the track's APC Autumn Colours Classic. The 38-year-old racer, from Brantford, Ontario currently holds-down 6th spot heading into the tour's finale.

 

Young racers continue to make their mark in the sport, but that doesn't mean some of the older drivers in the field have been forgotten. 60-year-old Mark Allan – a Flamboro Speedway Pure Stock/Bone Stock regular, where he sits just outside of the top 10 in points – will be heading to Central Ontario for his inaugural APC Autumn Colours Classic run.

 

Full APC Autumn Colours Classic information – including grandstand admission and pit pass pricing – can be found by selecting the 'Autumn Colours' tab at www.peterboroughspeedway.com. Advance sales are available by selecting the 'buy tickets' option on the track website. Fans can also purchase daily or weekend admission passes at the trackside ticket booth. Peterborough Speedway onsite ticket sales and concession stand purchases are cash only, with no debit, credit card options or ATM available.

 

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

 

After finishing tied for 3rd place in the Pro Junior Late Model standings, Landon Sellers (No. 27) is looking forward to his first APC Autumn Colours Classic, presented by Toronto Motorama start.

 

Keaton Pipe (No. 25) is looking to add more experience to his 2023 Canadian Legend Car Series season with a start at the APC Autumn Colours Classic, presented by Toronto Motorama.

 

With an 8th place SwitchTire Mini Stock finish, Tyler McMurter (No. 46) is ready for his initial start in the APC Autumn Colours Classic, presented by Toronto Motorama at Peterborough Speedway.

 

Heading back to the scene of his first career Outlaw Midget feature win, Mikey Homewood (No. 17) is ready for the APC Autumn Colours Classic, presented by Toronto Motorama at Peterborough Speedway.

 

Photo attachment: Derek Smith – www.racepulse.com

 

60-year-old Flamboro Speedway regular Mark Allan (No. 40) is looking forward to his first start in the APC Autumn Colours Classic, presented by Toronto Motorama at Peterborough Speedway.

 

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


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