Oval Racing Stock car style in Québec, Ontario and New England States

Kawartha Speedway Kicks Off 2012 Season With Long John 200 Enduro

2012-01-28T17:49:00.001-05:00

By Jim Clarke, Kawartha Speedway PR/Clarke Motorsports Communications

Love it or hate it, there’s no escaping a Canadian winter. You just have to make the best of it. Fans of battle at Kawartha Speedway have been longing for a taste of action since the 2011 season wrapped-up in September and Sunday, February 5^th the 3/8^th mile Fraserville, Ontario oval will throw its best at old man winter with the 3^rd annual running of the Long John 200 Endurance event.

With categories for 4, 6 and 8 cylinder competition, the midday mid winter marathon is the perfect opportunity for loyal supporters to get their racing fix long before the return of the Friday night fights in June...and even a couple of weeks prior to the Daytona 500 starting the NASCAR Sprint Cup season Sunday, February 26^th. Track General Manager/Promoter Derek Lynch says Kawartha Speedway is the perfect venue to host the cold weather epic.

“Unlike some facilities who stage a winter event, we’re fortunate enough to have an enclosed grandstand to keep the spectators out of the elements,” said Lynch. “Even still, there are a few hearty souls who just couldn’t bear to come to watch a race at Kawartha without being close to the action and will chose to brave the conditions and sit or stand outside. Either way, we’ll make sure there’s plenty of coffee, hot chocolate and warm food to kill the chill.”

The first car across the line in the combined 4 and 6 cylinder class will receive $300.00, with the same payday waiting for the 8 cylinder winner. Second and third place in each grouping pays $200.00 and $100.00 respectively. No matter what the division, the overall winner pockets a $300.00 bonus. There is a $25.00 entry fee for each participant. Full rules and information can be found on the track web-site. Even though this is the 3^rd edition of the race, Derek Lynch confesses that he and his team are constantly tinkering with the format to find the perfect formula.

“Every time we open the gates, the goal is to give the fans the best possible show and the Long John 200 is no exception,” according to Lynch. “We’re always looking for a solid car count and strong support from the crowd. There’s no telling what will happen until the green flag drops, but we’re all looking forward to an amazing day.”

Pit gates and registration opens Sunday, February 5^th at 11:00, with a warm-up session scheduled for noon and racing at 1:00. Spectator admission is just $5.00.

Kawartha klips: Kawartha Speedway will be part of the Canadian Motorsports Expo – presented by Inside Track Motorsports News – February 10^th, 11^th and 12^th at the International Centre in Toronto. See www.CanadianMotorsportsExpo.com for details...Be sure to check www.kawarthaspeedway.com for the latest off-season news and updates on the complete 2012 schedule.

Photo attachment: Joel and Heather Wiebe – www.adrianmediaservices.com

The cold weather produced some hot action during the 2011 running of the Long John 200 Enduro at Kawartha Speedway. The 2012 edition takes place Sunday, February 5^th.

Prepared by: Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications

Airborne schedules pair of DIRTcar 358-Modified Asphalt Tour events

2012-01-28T17:33:00.000-05:00

For immediate release – Airborne Speedway – January 26, 2012

SOUTH PLATTSBURGH, NY – Airborne Speedway and Dunn Tire Raceway Park in Lancaster, NY, will each host two events in a four-race DIRTcar 358-Modified series offering a combined purse of $60,000.

“We’ve added a mid-week night of racing to our 2012 schedule – Wednesday, June 20, and boosted the payoff for the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Triple 50’s Shootout Saturday/Sunday September 8-9,” Airborne promoter Mike Perrotte said. “The Shootout winner will collect $5,000.”

“It’s always exciting for our fans to see how our Modified teams stack up against quality invaders and it’s a series we can build upon in the future,” Perrotte added.

The series opener at Airborne will go 75 laps and pay $3,000-to-win. Dunn Tire Raceway Park dates are Tuesday, June 26 and Tuesday, August 21. Both events at the western NY half-mile facility also pay $3,000 to win.

“We’ll be there at Dunn,” said Patrick Dupree two-time Airborne Modified track champion. “It’s a challenging track and a change of scenery for us. Hopefully we can do a good job of promoting DIRTcar racing on asphalt and expand the series.”

"We're very much looking forward to be on board with this series, along with Airborne and DIRTcar," said Tim Packman, President Stock Car Operations at DTRP. "This provides us with a great opportunity to host an event with DIRTcar; one of the most recognized sanctions in motorsports. And, in our area, the DIRTcar 358-Modifieds are highly recognized as well. We're looking forward to these races. Our fans are already talking about both events."

Airborne’s 59th season opener is set for Sunday, April 29. Opening day will mark the debut of Airborne’s new Modified Sportsman division. Robin Wood of Plattsburgh will begin defense of his 2011 track championship in the J&S Steel Limited Late Model division.

Contact: Tom Herzig

Warfield Promoted To Director Of NMG/Entertainment Marketing Communications

2012-01-28T17:32:00.000-05:00

For Immediate Release

NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communications Bolsters Team

New Personnel In Other Key Areas Added To Division

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 26, 2012) — NASCAR announced today the promotion of three members of its Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) department along with the addition of three new members, continuing NASCAR’s long-term strategic plan to strengthen its Communications function within the organization.

The IMC team members receiving promotions are Scott Warfield to director of NASCAR Media Group/entertainment marketing communications, Amanda Ellis to senior manager of NASCAR competition communications, and Jason Christley to senior manager of NASCAR competition communications, developmental series. New personnel added to IMC are Kurt Culbert, director of stakeholder communications, Zack Albert, manager of sport services and Matt Ciesluk, director of strategic media projects.

“We’re thrilled to promote a trio of our team members who excelled in 2011 when a new Integrated Marketing Communications model was introduced to NASCAR,” said Brett Jewkes, chief communications officer. “At the same time, the addition of Kurt, Zack and Matt demonstrates NASCAR’s on-going commitment to build the communications group as part of our long-term plan to be more proactive in how we tell the story of our sport.”

In his expanded role, Warfield will lead strategic communications efforts in support of three significant business arms of NASCAR: NASCAR Media Group, NASCAR Entertainment Marketing and NASCAR Broadcasting. Warfield previously served as director of marketing, media and public relations for Motorsports Authentics and was the lead staff writer for motorsports and Major League Soccer for the Sports Business Journal.

Ellis oversees communications efforts for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and, in her enhanced role, will assume additional responsibilities across all NASCAR series. Before joining NASCAR, she worked in the industry for Turner Motorsports, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Martin Truex Jr. and Bobby Hamilton Racing. In her second season with Bobby Hamilton Racing, Ellis was named the 2007 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Public Relations Representative of the Year.

Christley is charged with implementing strategic communications across NASCAR’s Touring and Weekly Series, which develop many of NASCAR’s young, up-and-coming drivers across North America including Canada and Mexico. He also oversees the management of the series’ website, NASCARHomeTracks.com, and its social media platforms. Prior to NASCAR, Christley worked for 14 years as an editor and sports writer at The Day of New London (Conn.) newspaper.

Culbert brings more than a dozen years of NASCAR expertise to the position, having worked with NASCAR personnel and stakeholders throughout his previous roles including most recently with Taylor. Previously, as manager of marketing communications for three years with the Sprint Corporation, Culbert initiated and managed the company’s relationships with NASCAR industry stakeholders and oversaw all contractual assets with teams and drivers. In addition, he worked closely with the sanctioning body to plan and execute a fully-integrated marketing and public relations campaign in support of Sprint’s multi-million dollar NASCAR series entitlement sponsorship. Culbert also worked closely with the NASCAR industry in previous roles with Carter Ryley Thomas (now CRT/Tanaka), Keystone Marketing and The Lynchburg News and Advance.

Albert joined NASCAR after 11 years as a reporter, editor and online producer for USA Today. A native North Carolinian with deep roots in the sport, Zack brings more than 20 years of experience covering auto racing in print and online media. He will assist in maintaining NASCAR's media website by producing news releases and multimedia, and will be a key contributor to NASCAR's social and digital media outreach.

Throughout his career as a professional in the public relations field, Ciesluk (Chess-luck) has worked closely with NASCAR, its media members and its partners. He comes to NASCAR from Catalyst Public Relations where he oversaw the day-to-day operations of the Charlotte office and led the PR operations for several Fortune 500 companies. In addition, Ciesluk managed and executed the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series consumer marketing communications programs for several key sponsors and also has worked on media relations activations with dozens of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series tracks, drivers and racing teams.

About NASCAR

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for one of North America's premier sports. NASCAR races are broadcast in more than 150 countries and in 20 languages. In the U.S., races are broadcast on FOX, TNT, ABC/ESPN/ESPN2, SPEED and SiriusXM Satellite Radio. NASCAR fans are among the most brand loyal in all of sports, and as a result more Fortune 100 companies participate in NASCAR than any other sport. NASCAR consists of three national series (the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series, and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series), four regional series, and one local grassroots series, as well as two international series. Also part of NASCAR is Grand-Am Road Racing, known for its competition on road courses with multiple classes of cars. NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races at 100 tracks in more than 30 U.S. states, Canada and Mexico. Based in Daytona Beach, Fla., NASCAR has offices in eight cities across North America. The next NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race will be the 54th Annual Daytona 500 which will air Feb. 26 on FOX at 1 p.m. ET. For more information and a complete schedule, visit www.nascar.com. Follow NASCAR on www.facebook.com/NASCAR or on Twitter: @NASCAR.

For additional information, contact:

David Higdon, NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communications

NASCAR's Brian France Says 'Sport Is In A Very Good Place'

2012-01-28T17:30:00.001-05:00

For Immediate Release

Industry To Build On 2011 Success, Introduce EFI, Restore Pack Racing

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 26, 2012) — NASCAR and its stakeholders intend to build on the success of 2011 as the new season begins with the Feb. 26 Daytona 500 and other Speedweeks events at Daytona International Speedway.

In his State of NASCAR remarks delivered during the NASCAR Sprint Media Tour hosted by Charlotte Motor Speedway on Thursday, NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France said, “The sport is in a very good place and we’re going to work even harder to achieve the very best things for the sport of NASCAR well into the future.”

France pointed to initiatives begun a year ago – a simplified points structure in all three national series and a “Wild Card” twist in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup™ that placed a greater emphasis on race victories – which culminated in what France called “a championship battle that will be talked about for decades to come.”

While the 2012 season will be one of continuity rather than major change, NASCAR will introduce electronic fuel injection into the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and implement rules designed to restore traditional “pack racing” at Daytona International Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway.

“We have had a breathtaking number of close finishes at those tracks, but the fans want a mixture of styles including a return to a more traditional ‘pack racing’ and that close side-by-side competition that’s unique to Talladega and Daytona,” France said. “NASCAR and the teams are working hard on this and based on the test earlier this month, we’re encouraged that we’re making progress.”

France also said the sanctioning body continues to operate on a more collaborative method of maintaining and growing the industry by taking into consideration the thoughts and needs of teams, tracks, media partners and especially its fans. “The goal of this effort is to help us better serve our great fans, grow our audience and ensure that our sport stays relevant, vibrant and highly-valuable to sponsors and other partners critical to the health of NASCAR,” said France.

“The industry has never been more united in growing the sport.”

France said the organization is “very encouraged” by increased television ratings across its three national series – NASCAR Sprint Cup, NASCAR Nationwide and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. He also pointed to attendance gains at a number of venues. “While we are still in a tough economic climate that is still difficult, we are pleased with some positive steps we saw last year,” he said.

France and Robin Pemberton, NASCAR’s vice president, competition and racing development, touched on how EFI and the introduction in 2013 of re-styled NASCAR Sprint Cup cars from Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford and Toyota will make the sport more relevant to manufacturers and technology companies.

“EFI excites the manufacturers and technology companies,” said France, responding to questioning about NASCAR’s embrace of technology. “To attract new companies (to the sport), we’ve had to take a little different view of that.”

Ford earlier this week unveiled its 2013 Fusion prototype with the other OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) to follow in the near future. A closed test of the cars is scheduled early next month with additional testing to follow before final specifications are drawn.

“This is certainly a milestone in our sport,” said Pemberton. “We’ve worked very closely with the manufacturers on the new car and the four new models are simply outstanding.

“I think the fans are going to love them and it is going to be such a positive step in helping our race cars become more and more relevant with our fans past, present and future.”

Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood previewed next month’s 54th Annual Daytona 500 (Feb. 26 at 1 p.m. ET on FOX, MRN Radio, SiriusXM Satellite Radio). He and his staff are committed to building on the enthusiasm of the 2011 season – and last year’s race that made 20-year-old winner Trevor Bayne a household name.

“We kicked off the (2011) season with energy and enthusiasm and that’s our goal for this year,” said Chitwood. “We want to produce that kind of event again.”

Daytona’s season begins Saturday with the running of the 50th Annual Rolex 24. The twice-round-the-clock race, most of which can be seen live on SPEED beginning at 3:30 p.m. ET, kicks off the 2012 GRAND-AM Rolex Series campaign.

Thursday’s event at the NASCAR Hall of Fame also introduced the 2012 Drive for Diversity class which will compete in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and at selected NASCAR Whelen All-America Series tracks for Rev Racing.

They are Jorge Arteaga, 25, Aguascalientes, Mexico; Mackena Bell, 21, Carson City, Nev.; Trey Gibson, 19, Easley, S.C.; Ryan Gifford, 22, Winchester, Tenn.; Kyle Larson, 19, Elk Grove, Calif.; and Bryan Ortiz, 22, Bayamon, Puerto Rico.

For additional information, contact:

Kerry Tharp, NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communications

Autodrome St-Eustache - Roland Quenneville président d'honneur de la couse Xtrême

2012-01-28T17:18:00.000-05:00

La course Xtrême non-voyants à Saint-Eustache

SOUS LA PRÉSIDENCE D'HONNEUR DE

ROLAND QUENNEVILLE

Le 25 août 2012, l'Autodrome St-Eustache sera le théâtre d'une course automobile inusité dont les bolides seront pilotés par des pilotes non-voyants accompagnés de co-pilotes qui les assisteront dans leurs manœuvres.

Le but de cette course est de venir en aide à plus de non-voyants que possible. La Fondation des Aveugles du Québec est l'organisme qui bénéficiera principalement des profits générés par la tenue de cet événement dont le Conseil 1813 St-Eustache des Chevaliers de Colomb a accepté la gestion financière des montants qui seront perçus des commanditaires et du public qui voudront bien s'y associer.

Monsieur ROLAND QUENNEVILLE, un bénévole de longue date auprès de plusieurs club sociaux et organisations charitatives, dont La Fondation Mira entr'autres, a accepté la Présidence d'honneur de cette levée de fonds pour les aveugles.

…..« C'est avec enthousiasme et émotion que j'ai accepté l'invitation d'Yves Ladouceur pour la présidence d'honneur de la première édition de la Course Xtrême non-voyants qui se tiendra dans ma ville à l'Autodrome St-Eustache le 25 août prochain. Tous connaissent mon attachement pour les non-voyants et mon implication comme organisateur de levées de fonds et bénévole pour la Fondation Mira depuis plusieurs années maintenant, je suis assuré qu'avec l'équipe qui m'entoure, je pourrai mettre toutes mes énergies disponibles en œuvre pour faire de cet événement un succès sans précédent dont les retombées profiteront à améliorer la qualité de vie de mes amis non-voyants dont plusieurs de ceux-ci vivent à proximité de nous dans notre région immédiate….. » de préciser Monsieur Quenneville.

GUILLAUME LAFOREST, un non-voyant membre de la Fondation des Aveugles du Québec, qui sera un des pilotes non-voyants participants, et son père Guy Laforest ont accepté d'assister le président d'honneur en étant les principaux porte-paroles de cette levée de fond, une initiative de Yves Ladouceur, Chevalier de Colomb et directeur des opérations courses à l'Autodrome St-Eustache.

LA FONDATION DES AVEUGLES DU QUÉBEC

La Fondation des Aveugles du Québec s'est donné comme rôle premier de soutenir les personnes ayant une déficience visuelle, les conseiller et les aider à mener une vie des plus autonome et active possible.

Sa mission consiste à améliorer la qualité de vie des personnes aveugles et malvoyantes dans les domaines de l'habitation, les loisirs et de la vie communautaire.

En plus de promouvoir une vie autonome pour les personnes aveugles, cela se manifeste par un soutien dans l'organisation de leur vie quotidienne ainsi que par une lutte de tous les instants contre l'isolement.

Parmi les réalisations de la Fondation depuis 1991, on peut compter 45 logements dans des habitations adaptés à prix très modiques, des loisirs et activités récréatives pour les 6 à 25 ans, de la prévention et sensibilisation auprès des aînés, entr'autres.

Une entreprise de Saint-Eustache a d'ailleurs offert gratuitement ses services pour la fourniture et la préparation de toutes les voitures qui serviront au déroulement de la course. Il s'agit de la société RECYCLAGE SURPLUS opérée par Danny Boyer et Nadia Grenier que nous remercions grandement.

Du côté des Chevaliers de Colomb, l'ex-Grand-Chevalier Denis Fillion et le Grand Chevalier Gilles A. Perron ont accepté que Les Chevaliers de Colomb Conseil 1813 parrainer cet événement dont une partie des profits profitera à leur Conseil pour la bonne marche de leurs œuvres locales et régionales.

Déjà, avant même le lancement officiel de la campagne, une quinzaine d'entreprise ont déjà assuré leur participation à la commandite de voitures à 1 000$ l'unité, d'autres se proposent d'emboîter le pas et de suivre leur exemple.

D'autres communiqués suivront pour les informations concernant le déroulement de cette course des plus audacieuses que sera la Course Xtrême non-voyants à l'Autodrome St-Eustache en août 2012.

Pour toute information, on contacte Roland Quenneville au 450-473-1295, Yves Ladouceur au 450-735-4444 ou 450-472-6222 et Denis Fillion au 514-949-7961.

AUTODROME ST-EUSTACHE
Yves Ladouceur
Directeur des opérations course
Tél.: 450-472-6222
Rés.: (450) 735-4444

JEAN-FRANÇOIS DUMOULIN À UN TOUR DU TOP-10

2012-01-27T17:47:00.000-05:00

JEAN-FRANÇOIS DUMOULIN À UN TOUR DU TOP-10

Grand-Am Continental Tire GS - Daytona

Trois-Rivières, 27 janvier 2012 – Jean-François Dumoulin a franchi le drapeau à damiers en 25e place, ce vendredi, au volant de la Porsche 997 no 38 de l’équipe BGB Motorsports. Il a été victime d’un accrochage au dernier tour du BMW Performance 200, en série Grand-Am Continental Tire GS sur le mythique circuit de Daytona, en Floride.

JEAN-FRANÇOIS DUMOULIN ONE LAP AWAY FROM A TOP-10

Grand-Am Continental Tire GS - Daytona

Trois-Rivieres, January 27th 2012 – Jean-François Dumoulin crossed the checkered flag in 25th position on Friday, driving the No. 38 Porsche 997 BGB Motorsports team car. He sustained a collision during the final lap of the BMW Performance 200, in Grand-AM Continental Tire GS series, on the legendary Daytona International Speedway in Florida.

Pas moins de 40 bolides ont pris le départ de la course en classe GS (81 au total). L’équipe BGB Motorsports a résisté aux nombreuses relances et aux six drapeaux jaunes qui ont ponctué la course (neutralisée pendant 25 des 58 tours complétés).

Après être remonté en cinquième place, le Trifluvien se pointait au dernier tour en neuvième position lorsqu’il a été bousculé, le reléguant au 25e échelon.

« J’étais dans le peloton de tête, mais au dernier tour, il y a eu un accrochage devant moi entre deux voitures. J’ai ralenti, mais le gars derrière moi ne l’a pas vu. Je n’ai pas pu l’éviter », mentionne Jean-François Dumoulin.

Jean-François a pris la relève de son coéquipier John Miller seulement 30 minutes après le début de la course de deux heures trente. Ce dernier avait qualifié la voiture en 17e position, jeudi, malgré des ennuis mécaniques (électriques et pompe à essence) solutionnés rapidement par une équipe de mécaniciens aguerris.

« C’est malheureux, nous étions en excellente position. Parmi ces équipes, BGB est une équipe de pointe, des plus performante et qui a travaillé fort pour réparer les problèmes mécaniques d’hier (jeudi 26 janvier). On a eu plusieurs relances et nous sommes restés en piste jusqu’à la fin », conclut-il.

As many as 40 cars took the starting grid of the GS race (total of 81 cars). BGB Motorsports team has resisted the six yellow flags that interrupted the race (neutralizing 25 of the 58 total laps completed).

Reaching 5th place, the Trois-Rivieres native driver was in the 9th position during the final lap when he was lightly hit, relegating him to a 25th place finish.

« I was in the leading group, but in the final lap, there was a collision between the two cars in front of me. I slowed down; however, the guy behind me didn’t see the collision. I couldn’t avoid him. », said Jean-François Dumoulin.

Jean-François took over from teammate John Miller only 30 minutes after the race started: a race of two and a half hours. John had qualified the car in 17th position on Thursday’s qualifications. Despite mechanical problems (electrical and fuel pump), that was resolved quickly by an experienced team of mechanics.

« It’s unfortunate. We were in an excellent position. Among these teams, BGB is a top team and has worked hard to repair yesterday’s mechanical problems. (Thursday January 26th). We had several restarts, but we stayed on track until the end », he concluded.

WIX Filters to be primary sponsor of Ryan Newman for four races in 2012

2012-01-27T17:39:00.000-05:00

The following press release is being sent on behalf of WIX Filters.

January 27, 2012

For Immediate Release

Shootout at Daytona, Sprint Cup Races at Phoenix, Darlington and Michigan round out schedule

WIX® Filters, a member of the Affinia Group family of brands, announced today plans to be the primary sponsor for Ryan Newman of Stewart-Haas Racing for four races during the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series™ season.

WIX Filters will debut its primary sponsorship of Newman and his No. 39 Chevrolet at the season kick-off Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 18. WIX will be Newman’s primary sponsor for three additional NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events this year – at Phoenix International Raceway on March 4, Darlington Raceway on May 12 and Michigan International Speedway on Aug. 19.

“Ryan Newman, Stewart-Haas Racing and their fans bring tremendous enthusiasm and excitement to the racing season,” said Mike Harvey, brand manager for WIX Filters. “We can’t wait to be onboard with them again in 2012. Our partnerships with Stewart-Haas Racing and Ryan have been some of our most successful in racing thanks to the support offered by the team and the way Ryan’s fans have embraced our brand.”

WIX has been the Official Filter for Stewart-Haas Racing since the team’s creation in 2009. In three starts with WIX Filters on the hood of the No. 39, Newman has three top-10 finishes – a sixth-place effort at Bristol Motor Speedway in August 2010, a third-place finish in last season’s Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway and a fifth-place effort at Michigan International Speedway in August 2011.

“I’m excited to have WIX Filters back as a partner in 2012,” said Newman. “They have a great support program, find cool ways to get fans involved and most importantly provide us with superior filters to protect our engines.”

WIX will chronicle race week events with photos, videos, interviews, giveaways and more through social media, including Facebook (www.facebook.com/wixfilters, Twitter (@wixfilters) and YouTube (www.youtube.com/thewixfilters).

Since 1939, Wix® Filters has been an innovator in filtration products. WIX designs, manufactures and distributes products for automotive, diesel, agricultural, industrial and specialty filter markets. Its product line includes oil, air, cabin interior, fuel, coolant, transmission and hydraulic filters for automobiles, trucks, off-road equipment and manufacturing applications. For more information, visit www.wixfilters.com.

Affinia Group Inc. is an innovative global leader in the design, manufacture, distribution and marketing of industrial grade products and services, including extensive offerings of aftermarket products for automotive and heavy-duty vehicles. With approximately $2.0 billion in annual revenue, Affinia has operations in North and South America, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit www.affiniagroup.com.

SÉRIE SPORTSMAN QC : SYLVAIN LABBÉ - LA SOIF D'UN DEUXIÈME TITRE

2012-01-27T12:28:00.000-05:00

Communiqué de presse
Pour diffusion immédiate
SSQ-2012-008

Québec, QC (27 janvier 2012) –Sylvain Labbé de Saint-Joseph-de-Beauce, le champion de la Série Sportsman Québec en 2010, sera de retour pour la quête de 2012.

Labbé, qui a terminé 7e au cumulatif de 2011, a signé 1 victoire, 3 top-5 et 5 top-10, était bien installé au sommet du classement jusqu’à l’épreuve disputée à l’Autodrome Saint-Félicien. Un carambolage qui aura été coûteux à réparer la voiture, mais qui aura aussi creusé un fossé insurmontable au niveau de la course au championnat.

« Nous avons déjà fait remplacer la section avant de la voiture par Dany Gagnon chez D.G.R., nous utiliserons une section Port City. Après l’accident la voiture ne semblait pas être tout à fait parfaite. On ne prend pas de chance » déclara le pilote de la voiture No. 40.

Aux yeux du président de la Série, M. André Poulin, l’équipe de Sylvain Labbé sera un sérieux prétendant au championnat. « Sylvain arrive toujours avec une voiture très bien préparé. Rien n’est laissé au hasard. Tous les petits détails sont vérifiés et ont ne cesse de mettre les efforts pour améliorer constamment et grâce à cela il est un des rares pilotes capables d’emprunter autant la trajectoire intérieure que celle à l’extérieur du tracé. »

Pour tout connaître sur Sylvain Labbé, visitez sa page de pilote au :
http://www.seriesportsman.ca/francais/pilotes/40-sylvain-labbe-asselinlabbe-racing-team-st-joseph.html

La levée de rideau pour la série se fera avec une journée d’essai et d’inspection à l’autodrome Montmagny le 12 mai et la première compétition, un 75 tours, aura lieu le 19 mai à l’Autodrome St-Eustache dans le cadre du festival sportsman qui mettra aussi en vedette les Sportsmans ANCA et la classe Sportsman de la piste américaine Airborne Speedway.

– 30 –

Pour de plus amples informations, contactez:

André Poulin, Président Série Sportsman Québec, courriel: andre.poulin@sportsman.ca, 581-998-7388

Préparé par M.P. Roy

ARCA and CRA Clarify First ARCA/CRA Event: April 14 at Anderson

2012-01-26T17:25:00.000-05:00

For Immediate Release:

Thursday, January 26, 2012

(TEMPERANCE, Mich.) - ARCA and CRA officials clarified today that the first event for the ARCA CRA Super Series will be April 14 at Anderson Speedway, when the official point season begins.

The events for this weekend's SpeedFest 2012 will be conducted as in the past, as a CRA South special event, without the ARCA sanction.

"We have a big rollout planned for that first event in April," said ARCA president Ron Drager, "and wanted to make sure we clarified that fact, since we won't have a presence or a role of any kind at the event this weekend in Cordele, Ga."

The three-day event, which features the CRA Super Series South and the CRA JEGS All-Stars Tour presented by GM Performance Parts, features practice Friday, January 27, practice and qualifying Saturday, January 28, and main events for both divisions Sunday, January 29.

"We are excited to roll out the ARCA relationship at Anderson in April," said CRA partner and series director Glenn Luckett. "Since ARCA does not have a role this weekend we thought it was important to let everyone know that April 14 is the beginning of this relationship at the track. We are really looking forward to it."

CONTACT:

Griffin Hickman, ARCA

Don Radebaugh, ARCA

PIER-LUC LABBÉ COMPTE SECOUER LA MALCHANCE

2012-01-26T12:25:00.000-05:00

Communiqué de presse
Pour diffusion immédiate
SSQ-2012-007

Québec, QC (26 janvier 2012) – Le pilote de stock-car originaire de Saint-Joseph-de-Beauce, Pier-Luc Labbé, compte secouer la malchance qui là hanté en deuxième moitié de saison 2011.

Alors qu’il confirmait sa participation au championnat 2012 de la Série Sportsman Québec, il indiquait vouloir être plus régulier sur l’ensemble de la saison. Après avoir enregistré, 5 top-10 lors des cinq premières épreuves, les ennuis mécaniques et la malchance sont venus ternir ce qui promettait comme la meilleure saison en carrière. Il a tout de même terminé 11e au classement cumulatif avec 2 top-5, 5 top-10, une prestation fort respectable.

« Je dois terminer toujours parmi les dix premier à chacune des épreuves. Je dois être toujours là à la fin » déclara le jeune pilote de la Chevrolet Impala No. 25, conscient de ce qu’il devra faire pour se hisser au haut du classement à la fin de la saison. Il pourra aussi compter sur les connaissances techniques de DGR pour 2012.

Pour tout connaître sur Pier-Luc Labbé, visitez sa page de pilote au :
http://www.seriesportsman.ca/francais/pilotes/25-pier-luc-labbe-labbe-racing-team-st-joseph.html
La levée de rideau pour la série se fera avec une journée d’essai et d’inspection à l’autodrome Montmagny le 12 mai et la première compétition, un 75 tour, aura lieu le 19 mai à l’Autodrome St-Eustache dans le cadre du festival sportsman qui mettra aussi en vedette les Sportsmans ANCA et la classe Sportsman de la piste américaine Airborne Speedway.

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Pour de plus amples informations, contactez:

André Poulin, Président Série Sportsman Québec, courriel: andre.poulin@sportsman.ca, 581-998-7388

Préparé par M.P. Roy

Austin Theriault: Speedfest 200 Watermelon Capital Speedway Race Preview

2012-01-25T23:30:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 1.25.11
For more information, visit http://www.AustinTheriault.com or email GWCNewEngland@gmail.com

THE STORY

Brad Keselowski Racing development driver Austin Theriault of Fort Kent, Maine, makes his 2012 season debut in the CRA-sanctioned Speedfest 200 at Watermelon Capital Speedway in Cordele, Ga., on Sunday, January 29. Theriault is making his third career start in the BKR No. 29 Checkered Flag Foundation Dodge Super Late Model after two races in the seat for the team late in 2011, but it will mark Theriault's first career appearance at Watermelon Capital. The .375-mile banked oval plays host to Speedfest for the first time in 2012, after NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Kyle Busch won back-to-back Speedfest 200's at Lanier National Speedway in 2009 and 2010 and Chase Elliott won last year's event.

THE FACTS

WHO: Austin Theriault, Fort Kent, Maine
TEAM: Brad Keselowski Racing No. 29 Checkered Flag Foundation Dodge
CREW CHIEF: Gary Crooks, Mooresville, N.C.

BEST CAREER SPEEDFEST 200 FINISH: N/A
LAST RACE AT WATERMELON CAPITAL SPEEDWAY: N/A

WHAT: CRA Speedfest 200
WHERE: Watermelon Capital Speedway, Cordele, Ga. (.375-mile D-oval)
WHEN: Qualifying, 4 p.m., Saturday, January 28; Race, 2 p.m., Sunday, January, 29

DID YOU KNOW?

· Austin Theriault competed in two races for Brad Keselowski Racing in 2011, posting a best finish of 12th in the PASS-sanctioned Mason-Dixon Meltdown at Concord Motorsports Park in Concord, N.C., in November.

· Austin Theriault finished third in the final ACT Late Model Tour standings in 2011, his highest career finish, on the strength of six consecutive Top-5 finishes to close out the season.

· Crew chief Gary Crooks also serves as a PASS North Series crew chief for Mulkern Racing, which won two races as a team in 2011.

· Austin Theriault celebrated his 18th birthday this week.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING

AUSTIN THERIAULT, Driver of the BKR No. 29 Checkered Flag Foundation Dodge, On getting the 2012 season started this week at Speedfest 200: “We're definitely excited to get things moving forward this year. Once again, we're going into uncharted waters, so to speak. It's a different track and a different car for me, but I'm confident that we're with the right people this year and we'll get some finishes.

“Hopefully, we'll be able to open some eyes and build on what we've started.”

On his goals for the weekend: “It's kind of hard to say exactly what's good and what's bad, but I think a good weekend would be just to go out and qualify. I'm confident we'll get qualified, but it's a big race and there's some good guys that will be there. The main thing will be staying out of trouble and being there at the end of the race.

“I don't really know much about the track. I've seen some photos and videos of it. It seems medium-banked and fairly fast for its size. It's just another thing we've got to overcome, and I'm pretty confident that we will. It's the same thing we talked about when we started with (the ACT Late Model Tour) – it's new tracks and building new experiences.”

On having already worked with BKR at the end of 2011: “It's sort of an advantage. You're not going into it not knowing exactly who you're working with. I know the guys, and I know who they are. We didn't spend a whole lot of time together last year, but once we get there this weekend we can focus on the task at hand and not have to worry about fitting in and building up the chemistry.”

GARY CROOKS, Crew chief for the BKR No. 29 Checkered Flag Foundation Dodge, On the challenge this weekend presents: “I don't think it's going to be any easier right at this moment for us. It's still a new situation, really. We've been to a couple races, but we've got a whole new car, we've got a new track that Austin's never been to and a track I've only been to once in the last seven or eight years.

“I look at it as our first race to build on, really.”

SOCIAL MEDIA

Follow Austin Theriault on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/atracing
Follow GWC Motorsports Marketing on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/GWCMotorsports
Follow GWC Motorsports Marketing on Twitter:http://www.Twitter.com/GWCNewEngland

VERMONT LATE MODEL STOCK CAR CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES ANNOUNCED

2012-01-25T12:48:00.000-05:00

For Immediate Release ACT – 012512-3

Waterbury, VT – Officials from Thunder Road International Speedbowl in Barre, VT and Devil’s Bowl Speedway in West Haven, VT have announced a Vermont State Late Model Championship Series for the 2012 race season.

Four (4) long distance stock car events for Late Model race teams will determine the Vermont State Late Model Champion. The American Canadian Tour (ACT) type Late Model division is the most popular form of stock car racing in the northeastern US and eastern Canada, serving the needs of racers and fans at fifteen different race tracks and two regional touring divisions.

Thunder Road will present the historic 50^th anniversary Mekkelsen RV Memorial Day Classic and annual Vermont Governors Cup 150 as part of the Vermont State series. The new owners of Devil’s Bowl Speedway in West Haven, VT, Mike and Alayne Bruno, have joined over a dozen regional tracks by incorporating the ACT Late Model rules as a part of their NASCAR weekly racing program.

Mike Bruno, a former ACT Late Model competitor himself, said, “I know how competitive these cars can be and when Tom (Curley) and I talked about this idea, it just seemed like a good fit for our first year with Devil’s Bowl Speedway, and for the entire Late Model region”.

Devil’s Bowl Speedway will host a 100-lap event on Friday, June 8, 2012. The Vermont State Late Model Champion will be crowned at the Devil’s Bowl season finale on Sunday, September 16, 2012. Both events will be 100 laps in distance. The two tracks will post over $10,000 in point fund money for participating teams.

“The ACT US Tour Late Models have put on a great show at Devil’s Bowl over the past couple years, and the opening event at Devil’s Bowl will once again be the traditional Spring Green 112 lap event. This combined effort to give the weekly teams around the region an opportunity to have a four race weekly type series and honor the first Vermont State Late Model Champion is a nice balance between tour racing and weekly racing. I think it will be well received by Late Model teams in the region,” said Tom Curley, long time promoter of Thunder Road and the American Canadian Tour.

2012 VERMONT LATE MODEL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES SCHEDULE

Sun May 27 Thunder Road Mekkelsen Memorial Day Classic 100L

Fri Jun 08 Devil’s Bowl D Bowl 100L

Thu Jul 12 Thunder Road Vermont Governor’s Cup 150L

Sun Sep16 Devils Bowl Vermont 200 Weekend 100L

For additional information contact the ACT office at 802.244.6963, www.acttour.com; media@acttour.com; or Devil’s Bowl at (802) 265-3112 or email devilsbowlspeedway@gmail.com.

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Vermont State Championship coming to Devil's Bowl Speedway and Thunder Road

2012-01-25T12:47:00.000-05:00

For Immediate Release DBS-012512-1

WEST HAVEN, VT -- Officials from Thunder Road International Speedbowl in Barre, VT and Devil’s Bowl Speedway in West Haven, VT have announced a Vermont State Late Model Championship Series for the 2012 race season.

ATTACHED PHOTO:

vtstate1: Joey Laquerre (#15), Eric Chase (#40), and Jamie Fisher (#18) battle through the turns at Devil's Bowl Speedway's American-Canadian Tour Spring Green in 2011. They and other Late Model drivers will have a four-race Vermont State Late Model Championship Series to contend for between Devil's Bowl and Thunder Road Int'l Speedbowl in 2012. (Eric LaFleche photo)

Four-race series posts big money and state title for Late Model teams

Thunder Road will present the historic 50^th anniversary Mekkelsen RV Memorial Day Classic and annual Vermont Governor’s Cup 150 as part of the Vermont State series. The new owners of Devil’s Bowl Speedway in West Haven, VT, Mike and Alayne Bruno, have joined over a dozen regional tracks by incorporating the ACT Late Model rules as a part of their NASCAR weekly racing program.

2012 VERMONT STATE LATE MODEL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES SCHEDULE

Sun., May 27 Thunder Road Mekkelsen RV Memorial Day Classic (100L)

Fri., June 8 Devil’s Bowl Devil’s Bowl Speedway (100L)

Thu., July 12 Thunder Road Vermont Governor’s Cup (150L)

Sun., Sept. 16 Devil’s Bowl Vermont 200 Weekend (100L)

For additional information contact the ACT office at 802.244.6963, www.acttour.com, or email media@acttour.com; or Devil’s Bowl at (802) 265-3112, www.devilsbowlspeedwayvt.com, or email devilsbowlspeedway@gmail.com.

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SERIE SPORTSMAN QC: JIMMY NADEAU VISE LE CHAMPIONNAT

2012-01-25T12:23:00.000-05:00

Communiqué de presse Pour diffusion immédiate

SSQ-2012-006

JIMMY NADEAU VISE LE CHAMPIONNAT

Québec, QC (25 janvier 2012) – Le vice-champion 2011 de la Série Sportsman Québec, Jimmy Nadeau, confirme ses plans pour 2012 : terminer premier au championnat.

Si la fiche de Nadeau en 2011 est fort impressionnante : 1 victoire, 4 top-5, 7 top-10 sur les neuf épreuves disputées, Jimmy n’est tout simplement pas satisfait de terminer deuxième au classement général et vise un premier titre de champion.

Nadeau, de Beauceville, a participé aux 54 épreuves à ce jour de la série jeune de 6 saisons. Il sera de retour à la compétition au volant de la voiture No. 17, une rutilante Chevrolet Camaro, qui a d’ailleurs remporté en 2011 les titres de La plus belle voiture de la Série Sportsman Québec et plus belle voiture de type stock-car lors du Salon Auto Sport de Québec.

Nadeau sera à nouveau appuyé d’un groupe de passionnés, identifié comme l’équipe de l’année au banquet de la série au terme de la campagne 2011, ils reviendront en force et comptera encore une fois sur les judicieux conseils du constructeur D.G.R.

Pour tout connaître sur Jimmy Nadeau, visitez sa page de pilote au :
http://www.seriesportsman.ca/francais/pilotes/17-jimmy-nadeau-nadeau-racing-team-beauceville.html

La levée de rideau pour la série se fera avec une journée d’essai et d’inspection à l’autodrome Montmagny le 12 mai et la première compétition, un 75 tour, aura lieu le 19 mai à l’Autodrome St-Eustache dans le cadre du festival sportsman qui mettra aussi en vedette les Sportsmans ANCA et la classe Sportsman de la piste américaine Airborne Speedway.

– 30 –

Pour de plus amples informations, contactez:

André Poulin, Président Série Sportsman Québec, courriel: andre.poulin (at) sportsman.ca, 581-998-7388

Préparé par M.P. Roy, courriel: mproy (at) roy-motorsports.com, 514-907-1773 poste 35

2012 Thunder Road Schedule Highlighted by 50th Milk Bowl

2012-01-24T12:45:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ACT-012412-2

Barre, VT – Barre, VT’s Thunder Road International Speedbowl has released their 18-event 2012 schedule, which will include the 50^th running of both the Milk Bowl and Memorial Day Classic. The high-banked ¼-mile will also feature two American Canadian Tour events.

The 53^rd Thunder Road season will commence with the 14^th running of the Merchants Bank 150 on Sunday, April 29. It will be the first of two ACT events on the schedule and will feature the annual car show on Saturday, April 28. The second ACT event on the schedule will be the 34^th Bond Auto Labor Day Classic on Sunday, September 2.

The second event of the season will be the 50^th running of the Mekkelsen RV Memorial Day Classic on Sunday, May 27. It will be the first point counting event in the 2012 “King of the Road” title battle.

The beginning of June will once again see two Sunday twilight events on June 10 and June 17. The June 10 event will feature the New England Antique Racers. The Thursday night schedule will begin on June 21 and run through Late Model Champions Night, August 23.

Thursday night specials will once again include the Vermont Governor’s Cup on July 12, Times Argus Mid-Season Championships on July 19 and a Bond/WIX Tiger Tour event on August 2. Thunder Road’s 4^th of July celebration will be on Tuesday, July 3, while the 28^th Annual M&M Beverage Enduro will be run on Sunday, August 5.

The 53^rd season of Thunder Road stock car racing will conclude with the 50^th running of the People’s United Bank Milk Bowl on Sunday, September 30. The popular and one of a kind 3-segment event is considered one of the toughest short track stock car races in the country. The event awards no weekly or tour points, allowing drivers to go all out for the win. The Milk Bowl has averaged over 56 cars during the past five years.

Season tickets are available now by calling the ACT office at 802.244.6963.

2012 Thunder Road Schedule of Events

# Day Date Event Note

1. Sat/Sun April 28/29 14^th Annual Merchants Bank 150 ACT

2. Sun. May 27 50^th Mekkelsen RV Memorial Day Classic Special

3. Sun. June 10 Sunday Twilight NEAR

4. Sun. June 17 Sunday Twilight

5. Thurs. June 21 Regular Event

6. Thurs. June 28 Regular Event

7. Tues. July 3 4^th of July Special

8. Thurs. July 5 Regular Event

9. Thurs. July 12 VT Governor’s Cup Special

10. Thurs. July 19 Times Argus Mid-Season Championship

11. Thurs. July 26 Regular Event

12. Thurs. Aug. 2 Bond WIX Tiger Tour 100

13. Sun. Aug. 5 28^th M&M Beverage Enduro

14. Thurs. Aug. 9 Regular Event

15. Thurs. Aug. 16 Regular Event

16. Thurs. Aug. 23 LM Championship Night

17. Sun. Sept. 2 34^th Annual Bond Auto Labor Day Classic ACT

18. Sat/Sun Sept. 29/30 50^th People’s United Bank Milk Bowl

Schedule Subject to Change

For more information please contact the Thunder Road office at 802.244.6963 or media@acttour.com.

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PASS To Sanction Super Limited Division in 2012

2012-01-23T16:57:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Super Limiteds will serve as major support division at approximately 10 PASS South events

CHARLOTTE, NC (January 22) – Officials from the Pro All Stars Series (PASS) announced today that it will sanction the Super Limited division beginning in 2012. The Super Limiteds will run as a support division to the PASS South Super Late Models at approximately ten events. The PASS Super Limiteds will employ a variety of chassis and engine combinations to allow racers an affordable way to compete in a touring division.

“We’re looking forward to having the PASS Super Limiteds as part of our great weekends of racing throughout the Southeast with the PASS South Super Late Models,” said PASS President Tom Mayberry. “We think the PASS Super Limiteds will be a great stepping stone division for youngsters looking to make the move from Bandelero and Legends cars up to PASS. This should be a really affordable way for everybody involved to go racing.”

The PASS Super Limiteds will be open to both perimeter and straight rail chassis, with rules aimed at making both types of chassis competitive. Racers will also be able to utilize a variety of different engine combinations including the 602/603 crate with a 390 CFM Holley HP Series, the 604 Fast Burn crate with a 500 CFM 2 barrel Holley HP Series, the Limited Built Motor with a 350 CFM 2 Barrel Holley HP and the Late Model Built with a 350 CFM 2 Barrel Holley HP. There will be a claim rule for shocks and brake calipers. Also in an effort to keep costs down, racers will race on scuffed Hoosier F-45 bias ply tires.

The purse is guaranteed paying $1,000 to win and $150 to start. The inaugural race for the PASS Super Limiteds will be on March 10^th at Dillon (SC) Motor Speedway as part of the 7^th Annual South Carolina Clash. The PASS Super Limiteds will join the PASS South Super Late Models at other venues including Hickory Motor Speedway, Orange County Speedway, Wake County Speedway, Anderson Motor Speedway, Motor Mile Speedway, and Caraway Speedway. Many drivers have already expressed interest in this exciting, new division.

For more information on the PASS Super Limiteds please contact Ollie Spain at 336-214-8072 or visit raceccs.com. For more information on any PASS division please visit proallstarsseries.com.

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McGrail targets 2012 Airborne Modified title

2012-01-23T12:43:00.000-05:00

For immediate release – Airborne Speedway – January 23, 2012

South Plattsburgh, NY – Airborne Speedway competitor Pat McGrail of Candiac, QC is going all out in an attempt to return the DIRT Modified title north of the USA border in 2012.

McGrail has purchased a new Troyer DIRTcar Modified chassis designed specifically for asphalt racing and a new RL Racing engine to go with it. He’s also welcomed Fastenal aboard as a new sponsor.

McGrail came on strong in 2011 after a slow start to place sixth in the Ernie’s Discount Tools Modified point standings while recording three podium finishes. “I am going to try my best to bring the Airborne championship trophy home to Quebec just like Martin Roy did last year,” McGrail said.

Roy has announced plans to compete in the CASCAR series this season. In 2009, he became the first Canadian to win Airborne’s lead division championship in 38 years. He became a two-time track champion in 2011 by overtaking Patrick Dupree of Saranac Lake, NY in August.

“This will be my third full season at Airborne,” McGrail said. “We did okay my first year and we were quite good last year, but not good enough to beat the top drivers like Roy, Dupree and George Foley. Last year we struggled at times. The car was a little too heavy in the back, had problems coming out of the corners and was hard on the brakes. The rear end would jump around too much.”

Rene Lessard of RL Racing has enjoyed much success at Canadian dirt tracks, including Autodrome Granby. Troyer race cars have set the standard for Modified racing in the Northeast for decades.

“We‘re trying to advance some rear suspension ideas and position components in a way that’s best suited for pavement,” Troyer owner Billy Colton said. “You need the proper balance between flexibility and stiffness. A stiff car can be fast, but it can also be very unforgiving if you don’t hit the setup just right.”

“I’m very respectful of how Airborne’s promoter Mike Perrotte has kept a lid on expenses in the Modified division,” Colton said. “His approach has been great. You can still take a regular dirt modified car there and be competitive. The chassis we’ve built for Pat McGrail and Roger Labreche fit the rulebook.”

McGrail’s title bid will be assisted by two long-time crew members - Yvon Perron and Leandre Laroche. “I’m 50, Yvon and Leandre are 60-plus,” McGrail said. “We agreed we need to come back and give it another try at Airborne. It’s very competitive there, but it’s a very good place to race and we still have the need for speed.”

Airborne’s 59th season opener is set for Sunday, April 29.

Contact: Tom Herzig tomherzig@hotmail.com 802-882-8131

Martin, Ford and Mercer Earn Kawartha's Most Improved Driver Honours

2012-01-23T12:40:00.000-05:00

By Jim Clarke, Kawartha Speedway PR/Clarke Motorsports Communications

What do you do to get noticed? Are you able to step-up when it’s your turn to shine? Drivers in Kawartha Speedway’s 3 regular classes are some of the best in the business. Whether they’re running in the Hasiuk Trailer and Container Rental Mini Stocks, Better Carpet Thunder Cars or NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Models, there is no shortage of stellar competition at the province’s premier motorsports facility. At the year’s awards banquet, the track recognizes a most improved driver in each division.

Brad Martin finished Kawartha Speedway’s 2010 season in 7^th spot when the final points for the Hasiuk Trailer and Container Rental Mini Stocks were tabulated. The life-long resident of the almost fictional sounding Plainville, Ontario had a respectable first season of competition, but always knew he could do better. When the 2011 campaign got started, Martin arrived at the Fraserville facility with a new attitude and increased self confidence.

“I was pretty tough on myself during the first year,” said Martin. “I put so much emphasis on where I started a race instead of where I was going to finish. Finishing the feature 15^th – like I did on the opening night – would have affected me for weeks last year. This year, I just put it out of my mind and came back with a 2^nd place effort the following week. Even tough there is always room to improve, my first career win and a 4^th place point finish is a good place to start.”

Andy Ford has been a Friday night Fraserville fixture for more than half a decade, but entering the 2011 program he was still chasing that elusive main event victory. A freelance videotape editor, Ford is what most would consider a throwback runner. His #93 Better Carpet Thunder Car machine was built and maintained by his brother Dan in garage alongside his home in Grafton. Ford, from Scarborough meets his brother at the track for every show.

“I’d had some solid runs in the past, but never managed to get to the winner’s circle,” said Ford. “In the last couple of years I’ve travelled to some different tracks and I think that experience made me more of a racer than just a driver. Running the street stock nationals show at Bristol in 2010 taught me a lot and opened my eyes to some of the things we’d been doing wrong. Kicking-off 2011 with a second place effort and then back-to-back wins in the next 2 shows picked-up the attitude of the entire team.”

His performance during Kawartha Speedway’s 2011 season may have been enough to erase Bryan Mercer’s memories of the 2009 and 2010 campaigns. After scoring a 4^th place point finish in 2007 and 5^th in the standings a year later, the Port Hope veteran was on the outside looking in when the top 10 positions were tallied in the next 2 years. A 3^rd place run opening night was a sign of things to come, followed by a win in the first extra distance show 2 weeks later and a history making performance in the Summer Sizzler made everyone take notice of the #81 NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Model Chevy.

“I knew the team had the ability to turn some heads. It was just a matter of showing everyone else what we were capable of,” said Mercer. “The car was fast out of the box and everything we did during the first events of the year seemed to make it better. My confidence had taken a beating during the last 2 years, so it was great to be able to turn things around and pick-up a couple of very impressive wins.”

Kawartha klips: Next on the agenda for the Fraserville, Ontario 3/8^th mile oval is the 3^rd annual Long John 200 endurance event Sunday, February 5^th. The complete 2012 schedule can be found by checking www.kawarthaspeedway.com... The track will also be part of the Canadian Motorsports Expo – presented by Inside Track Motorsports News – February 10^th, 11^th and 12^th at the International Centre in Toronto. See www.CanadianMotorsportsExpo.com for details.

Photo attachment: Joe and Heather Wiebe www.adrianmediaservices.com

(L-R) Bryan Mercer, Andy Ford and Brad Martin collected the 2011 Most Improved Driver honours at Kawartha Speedway’s Award’s Banquet.

Prepared by: Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications

PASS South Schedule Expands to 16 Races, Features Marquee Events

2012-01-23T12:36:00.000-05:00

For Immediate Release

CHARLOTTE, NC (January 22) – The Pro All Stars Series (PASS) South Super Late Models will embark on its most ambitious schedule yet in 2012 with 16 races spanning 4 states. PASS South will be entering its seventh season and will feature some of the biggest events in short track racing including the All American 400, Easter Bunny 150, North-South Shootout and Mason Dixon Meltdown.

“Just when you think it can’t get any better, it does,” said PASS President Tom Mayberry. “We’ve got some really great events this year at some of the South’s premier facilities. When you look at all the races, all the major events we have scheduled, I know that all of our PASS South competitors can’t wait to get this historic season kicked off in March at Dillon.”

The season will be highlighted by PASS South’s first visit to the historic Fairgrounds Speedway in Nashville, TN on October 6^th for the All American 400. In 2012, this prestigious event will return to a true 400 lap race, with the winner having the opportunity to take home $30,000. South Boston (VA) Speedway will host three PASS South events in 2012, with Orange County (NC) Speedway, Concord (NC) Speedway, and Hickory (NC) Motor Speedway each hosting two events each. Dillon (SC) Motor Speedway, Wake County (NC) Speedway, Anderson (SC) Motor Speedway, and Motor Mile (VA) Speedway will each hold a single PASS South event in 2012. Returning to the schedule this year for the first time since 2008, will be the Caraway Speedway near Asheboro, NC. Caraway Speedway will host two events including the Labor Day Classic and the North-South Shootout on November 10^th.

The PASS South Super Late Models will kick off their 2012 season on Saturday, March 10^th with the 7^th Annual South Carolina Clash at the Dillon Motor Speedway in South Carolina.

2012 schedules and driver registration forms can be found at proallstarsseries.com.

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Kawartha Speedway Revises 2011 Rookie of the Year Award Winner

2012-01-23T12:33:00.000-05:00

By Jim Clarke, Kawartha Speedway PR/Clarke Motorsports Communications

Sometimes things just happen. At Kawartha Speedway’s 2011 award’s banquet – Saturday, January 14^th – the rookie of the year honour in the Hasiuk Trailer and Container Rental Mini Stock division was presented to 7^th place point finisher Alex Lees, who won 3 main events during the year. After checking statistics for the season, the track has announced that the award should have actually belonged to Ryan Oosterholt, who picked-up only 1 feature race win, but finished 2^nd in points. General Manager/Promoter Derek Lynch says the track regrets the error and will be sending a trophy to Oosterholt.

“There is so much going on when preparing for the banquet, that occasionally things get missed,” said Lynch. “We co-ordinated the on-line vote, arranged more than 40 trophies and planned seating for over 300 people. There’s no denying the outstanding seasons each driver had and the results they were able to accomplish. Winning rookie of the year is quite an achievement and we want to make sure that Ryan gets the credit he deserves.”

The 20 year-old Oosterholt enjoyed a successful first year behind the wheel of his #79 Alma Electrical and Mechanical, Scugog Collision, Mark’s Maintenance, Mosport International Karting, Link Greenhouses, Martyn Mini Hoe and Scott Roy Re/Max 4 cylinder. The Blackstock, Ontario resident – a graduate of what is now the pure stock division at Mosport – was impressed with how well he ran during his freshman season.

“We had some strong shows and learned a lot along the way,” said Oosterholt. “Our division has a number of talented drivers and many of them are at the same stage of the development as I am so my confidence and comfort levels grew on almost a weekly basis. It was fun to work through the pack and I can’t wait until we’re able to get the next season rolling.”

With the exception of a 6^th place, Friday August 12^th and 12^th on Friday, August 26^th, the first year pilot managed a top 5 five main event run every time he strapped into the car, highlighted by a first career win Friday, July 22^nd. Lynch says any driver should be proud of an effort like that.

“I’ve been around the motorsports industry my entire life and learned at an early age that consistency is the key to success,” said Lynch. “Ryan had a great first season at Kawartha and we’re very sorry his accomplishments were originally overlooked.”

Photo attachment: Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications

Ryan Oosterholt won the Hasiuk Trailer and Container Rental Mini Stock main event Friday, July 22^nd. The Blackstock, Ontario racer was awarded the division’s rookie of the year award following a check of 2011 statistics.

Prepared by: Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications

Brian Hoar and Patrick Laperle Crowned ACT Champions

2012-01-22T23:38:00.001-05:00

PATRICK LAPERLE ET BRIAN HOAR, LES CHAMPIONS DE L’ACT

Burlington, VT – Patrick Laperle de St-Denis-sur-Richelieu, champion de la série ACT-Castrol et Bran Hoar de Williston, VT, le monarque du tour américain de l’ACT ont été les héros du Banquet des Champions de l’ACT qui s’est déroulé, samedi soir au Double Tree Inn de Burlington. Les deux champions ont empoché un chèque de 10,000$ pour leur exploit.

Brian Hoar and Patrick Laperle Crowned ACT Champions

Jimmy “Scruffy” Linardy Receives MacTavish Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ACT-012112-1

Burlington, VT – The American Canadian Tour (ACT) crowned Brian Hoar of Williston, VT and Patrick Laperle of St-Denis, Quebec as the ACT Tour and Série ACT Castrol stock car racing champions respectively, at the ACT Banquet of Champions on Saturday, January 21 at the Double Tree Inn in Burlington, VT. It was the first ever combined banquet for the sister championship stock car racing series. Both champions cashed a point fund check of $10,000.

Laperle a mérité son deuxième titre en carrière dans la série ACT-Castrol. Il a clôturé sa saison avec un dossier que quatre victoires en douze departs, incluant son premier triomphe lors de la finale québécoise du championnat, le St-Eustache 300 de ce complexe motorisé des basses-Laurentides. Laperle et son chef d’équipe Éric, ont maintenant une fiche de 13 victoires dans la série ACT-Castrol. Patrick est également champion 2008 du tour américain de l’ACT et trois fois vainqueur du Milk Bowl.

Toujours dans la série ACT-Castrol, Yannick Tremblay de Chicoutimi a été officiellement reconnu comme étant la «recrue de l’année». En route pour cet honneur, Tremblay a terminé au neuvième rang du championnat et s’est assuré le respect de ses adversaries en raison de sa conduite sans reproche. Il n’a connu qu’un abandon.

Le 43e Don MacTavish Award est au vétéran Jimmy ¨Scruffy¨ Linardy pour son support continuel à l’ACT et au stock-car dans le nord-est. Ce dernier a fait l’objet de la page frontispice du magazine Late Model Racer de ce mois-ci.

En ce qui concerne la Coupe Ford Blue Oval, Wayne Helliwell jr. et son propriétaire Bruce Bernahardt ont été honorés pour avoir mérité cette marque de distinction pour une deuxième année consecutive. Ce programme instauré à l’intention des participants qui utlisaient des moteurs spec Ford lors des deux championnats de l’ACT ou sur l’une des douze pistes affiliées. Multiple champion à la piste de Lee USA Speedway, Helliwell s’est joint à l’ACT en 2011. Alors qu’il visitait les pistes du tour américain pour une premiere fois, il a enregistré une saison remarquable en réalisant une place parmi les dix premiers en dix occasions pour ainsi terminer deuxième au cumulitif. Ils ont également triomphé à la piste Twin State Speedway et Waterford Speedbowl.

Pour la premième fois dans la série ACT-Castrol, Tom Curley et son groupe ont décidé d’honorer le chef mécanicien qui travaille dans l’ombre, mais qui s’avère le grand responsible des succès son pilote. En effet, si les ajustements sur la voiture ne sont pas «sur la coche» comme on dit en langage commun, le conducteur a beau se battre avec sa monture mais sans success.

Cette première marque de distinction dans la série ACT-Castrol est allée à Éric Laperle pour les deux titres ACT-Castrol réalisés avec la complicité de son frère Patrick.

La série ACT-Castrol, édition 2012, prendra son envol à l’Autodrome Montmagny pour une confrontation de 100 tours, le 26 mai prochain. Cette série comportera douze épreuves alors que le tour américain sera composé de 10 courses. Parmi les confrontations spéciales sanctionnées par l’ACT, on remarque la 50e édition du People’s United Bank Milk Bowl à la piste Thunder Road, le quatrième ACT Invitational au New Hampshire Motor Speedway, le Showdown de l’Autodrome Chaudière ainsi que le Oxford 250 à la piste du même nom dans le Maine.

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Hoar earned his eighth career championship on the U.S.-based ACT Tour during another strong season in which he earned five wins in 12 events. With those five wins he solidified himself on top of the ACT Late Model career wins list with 33 and added wins at four new tracks including New Hampshire Motor Speedway. He also won the Showdown at Chaudiere in Vallee-Jct., Quebec and the 49^th Annual People’s United Bank Milk Bowl at Barre, VT’s Thunder Road. Hoar and car owner Rick Paya earned their third straight ACT Tour title.

Laperle earned his second career title on the Quebec-based Série ACT Castrol. He finished the season with four wins in his 12 events, including his first ever win in the Quebec season finale St-Eustache 300 at Autodrome St-Eustache. Laperle and his crew chief brother, Eric, now have 13 career wins on the Série ACT Castrol. Patrick is also the 2008 ACT Tour (U.S.) Champion and three-time People’s United Bank Milk Bowl Champion.

The 43^rd Annual Don MacTavish Award went to ACT veteran Jimmy “Scruffy” Linardy of Somerville, MA. The prestigious MacTavish Award is named for legendary New England racer Don MacTavish who was killed in 1969 while racing at Daytona International Speedway. Linardy received the award for his continued support of ACT and Northeast stock car racing and his always positive attitude. Those qualities also helped Linardy grace the cover of this month’s edition of Late Model Racer magazine.

Wayne Helliwell, Jr. of Dover, NH and car owner Bruce Bernhardt were honored for their second straight Ford Blue Oval Cup Championship. The special program was designed for competitors who ran the Ford crate engine on the ACT Late Model Tour, Série ACT Castrol Edge or any of the twelve ACT affiliated tracks. Helliwell is a multi-time Lee USA Speedway Champion and joined the ACT Tour full-time in 2011. While visiting most of the tracks on the ACT schedule for the first time, they put together an impressive season with 10 top tens in 12 starts and earned second in the ACT Tour standings. They also earned feature wins at Twin State Speedway and Waterford Speedbowl on their way to the Ford title.

Rookie of the Year honors went to Ben Ashline of Pittston, ME and Yannick Tremblay of Chicoutimi, Quebec for the ACT Tour and Série ACT Castrol, respectively. The 21-year-old Ashline and his family team claimed 9^th in the final standings of the ACT Tour. They also earned a career best 5^th place finish in the Spring Green at Devil’s Bowl Speedway in West Haven, VT. Tremblay finished 9^th in the Série ACT Castrol standings on his way to the Rookie title. He also gained the respect of the veterans with his clean driving on his way to just one did not finish for the year.

The Crew Chief of the Year Awards were awarded for the fourth consecutive season on the U.S. tour and for the first time on the Série ACT Castrol. Eric Laperle earned the first ever Castrol Crew Chief Award as part of the two-time Série ACT Castrol Championship team with his brother Patrick behind the wheel. Bruce Bernhardt received the fourth ACT Tour Crew Chief of the Year Award as part of the second place ACT Tour and Ford Blue Oval Cup Championship team with driver Wayne Helliwell, Jr.

Teams will continue to prepare their cars for the 2012 seasons during the winter months. The U.S.-based ACT Tour will start their season at Lee USA Speedway in Lee, NH with a 150-lap event on Sunday, April 15. The Quebec-based Série ACT Castrol kicks off their season with a 100-lap event at Autodrome Montmagny in Montmagny, Quebec on Saturday, May 26. The 2012 Série ACT Castrol schedule will consist of 12 events, while the ACT Tour will hold 10 events. Special events include the 50^th People’s United Bank Milk Bowl at Thunder Road, the fourth annual ACT Invitational at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, the Showdown at Chaudiere at Autodrome Chaudiere, and the Oxford 250 at Oxford Plains Speedway.

For more information contact the ACT office (802) 244-6963, media@acttour.com or visit www.acttour.com.

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L'Autodrome Drummond invite la relève en 2012

2012-01-20T10:17:00.000-05:00

Vendredi 20 janvier 2012- Dave Paryzo- Directeur des communications

Nouveauté à l’Autodrome Drummond en vue de la saison 2012! Le promoteur Yan Bussière continue de travailler pour satisfaire sa clientèle. En effet, les adolescents de 13 à 17 ans pourront assister aux programmes de courses gratuitement.

Yan Bussière et Dominic Lussier (président de l’Autodrome Granby) s’unissent dans ce projet afin d’amener la relève de demain aux courses. En cette période d’économie difficile, ils espèrent du même coup ramener les familles tout au long de l’été. C’est grâce à cette jeunesse que la tradition de l’Autodrome Drummond pourra se poursuivre dans les années à venir.

Planifier dès maintenant un arrêt à l’Autodrome Drummond pour une soirée d’été inoubliable et qui sait pour attraper la piqûre.

L’Autodrome Drummond la F1 de la terre battue!

Dave Paryzo

daveparyzo@hotmail.ca

Directeur des communications

NASCAR STAR CARL EDWARDS TO APPEAR AT THE CANADIAN MOTORSPORTS EXPO

2012-01-19T14:56:00.001-05:00

(TORONTO, ON // JANUARY 19, 2012) – NASCAR star Carl Edwards is coming to the Canadian Motorsports Expo on Saturday, February 11. Edwards, driver of the No. 99 Fastenal Ford Fusion NASCAR Sprint Cup car, will be signing autographs and meeting with Canadian racing fans just one week prior to taking to the track at Daytona International Speedway to qualify for the season-opening Daytona 500.

The 6th Annual Canadian Motorsports Expo Powered by Inside Track Motorsport News takes place February 10, 11 and 12 at the International Centre, adjacent to Toronto’s Pearson Airport.

Last November, Edwards finished NASCAR’s Sprint Cup ‘Chase’ playoff season tied with Tony Stewart atop the point standings, but Stewart was crowned champion due to winning more races than Edwards in 2011. However, it was the closest championship battle in NASCAR’s history and Edwards won universal praise for his performances, both on and off the racetrack.

“I’m looking forward to coming to Toronto on Saturday, February 11 to meet Canadian racing fans at the Canadian Motorsports Expo,” said Edwards, who won the 2009 NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. “I was in kind of a rush the last time I was in Canada, last August. We were doing double-duty that weekend, shuttling back and forth between the Michigan Cup race and the Nationwide race in Montreal. This time, it’ll be nice to chat with the fans in a more relaxed setting.”

Edwards, who has 19 career Sprint Cup wins to his credit, recently announced he plans to concentrate on NASCAR’s top tour in 2012, after seven seasons of also taking part in the full Nationwide Series. The Columbia, Missouri resident was the Nationwide Series champion in 2007.

In addition to finishing second in the Sprint Cup championship in 2011, Edwards was also the runner-up in last year’s Daytona 500. The Roush Fenway Racing driver came home just behind fellow Ford driver Trevor Bayne.

“We’re very pleased to announce that Carl Edwards will be our headline celebrity at this year’s Canadian Motorsports Expo,” said the CME’s David Weber. “Heading into this year’s show, virtually all of our exhibitor space has been sold and we’ve gotten a lot of great support from some of the country’s top companies, racing series, tracks, manufacturers and retailers. This year’s CME is going to be the best ever, and we’re extremely excited that Carl Edwards is going to be part of it.”

Carl Edwards is scheduled to appear at the CME from noon until 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 11. During his visit, he will appear on-stage for a moderated Q&A with the audience before taking part in a one-hour autograph session. Watch the CME’s website (www.CanadianMotorsportsExpo.com) for details on Carl Edwards’ appearance, including confirmed times and the autograph session.

ABOUT THE CME: The Canadian Motorsports Expo Powered by Inside Track Motorsport News is a three-day celebration of Canadian racing that runs February 10, 11 & 12, 2012 at the International Centre (6900 Airport Road in Mississauga, Ontario (Canada)). In addition to booths and racing vehicles representing the entire spectrum of Canadian motorsports, the show is loaded with seminars and forums to entertain and inform racers and fans alike. Celebrity drivers will be at the CME to sign autographs and meet the fans. One of the special themes of this year’s CME is the CASCAR Reunion. Please check the show’s website (www.CanadianMotorsportsExpo.com) for news, updates, schedule information and more.

For more information on exhibitors, seminars, conferences, special events and guests, visit www.canadianmotorsportsexpo.com, call 416-962-7223 or email info@canadianmotorsportsexpo.com. Twitter: @CME_racing. Facebook: www.facebook.com/CME.Toronto

STÉPHANE FOURNIER VISE RIEN DE MOINS QUE LE TITRE DE RECRUE

2012-01-19T12:16:00.000-05:00

Communiqué de presse Pour diffusion immédiate

SSQ-2012-005

Québec, QC (18 janvier 2012) – Le champion 2010 de la classe Sport-compactes de l'Autodrome Montmagny, Stéphane Fournier, gradue en Série Sportsman Québec et vise rien de moins que le titre de recrue de l'année pour la saison 2012.

L'an dernier, en 2011, Fournier a fait campagne simultanément dans la classe Sport-compactes au Circuit Riverside Speedway de Ste-Croix, où il a terminé 3^e, et de l'Autodrome Montmagny, où il a terminé 5^e.

Un habitué d'une quête au titre de recrue, puisqu'il l’a remporté en 2010 à l'Autodrome Montmagny, il a une idée des efforts requis pour accéder au titre. "Nous allons devoir travailler fort, la Série Sportsman Québec est très compétitive. De course en course, notre objectif sera de continuellement s'améliorer et d'être au plus fort de la course au titre de recrue. Pour mettre les chances de notre côté, nous pourrons compter sur l'équipe No. 7 de Réjean Blanchet qui a accepté de nous parrainer au long de l'année" déclara Fournier.

Fournier pilotera la voiture No. 4 Côté / Fournier Racing, une Toyota Camry, qui sera associée au constructeur DGR de St-Jean-de-Chrysostome. De plus, il pourra compter sur l'expertise de Dany Côté, co-propriétaire de la voiture, dans le rôle de chef d'équipe.

Pour tout connaître sur Stéphane Fournier, visitez sa page de pilote au :
www.seriesportsman.ca/francais/pilotes/4-stephane-fournier-quebec.html

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Pour de plus amples informations, contactez:

André Poulin, Président Série Sportsman Québec, courriel: andre.poulin@seriesportsman.ca, 581-998-7388

Préparé par M.P. Roy

INSIDE TRACK READERS' CHOICE AWARDS VOTING IS UNDERWAY

2012-01-18T22:54:00.001-05:00

Program aimed at celebrating Canada’s best racers now in its 10th year

For immediate release: January 16, 2012

TORONTO, ON – Canadian motorsports fans have 10 days left to register their votes for Canada’s top racers of 2011. Visitors to www.insidetracknews.com will have their say in ‘Racer of the Year’ and ‘Up and Coming Racer of the Year’ categories as part of the 10th annual Inside Track Motorsports News Readers’ Choice Awards.

Known as the Official Publication of Canadian Motorsports, the magazine’s Inside Track Readers’ Choice Awards are a key component of the publication’s commitment to focus positive attention on this country’s current and future stars.

Visitors to the Inside Track homepage, who click on the Readers’ Choice Awards program button, will be redirected to a secure online poll featuring a list of six nominees (each) in 11 categories representing various popular forms of racing in Canada. Also included in each category is space for a ‘write-in’ vote to register ballots for non-nominated racers.

The categories include Racer of the Year and Up and Coming Racer of the Year awards for Stock Cars, Road Racing and Motorcycles. In addition, Inside Track readers will register Racer of the Year votes for Dirt Ovals, Drag Racing, Rallying and Karting. This year’s nominees include talented competitors representing all regions of Canada.

Visitors to the website will also have an opportunity to vote for the Canadian Racer of the Year Participating at the Highest Levels of International Competition, as well as to select an Overall Canadian Racer of the Year. The 13th and final question will ask them to identify the individual they believe to be Most Deserving of Induction into the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame.

“So far we’ve had almost five thousand completed ballots and we expect that total to rise considerably prior to the close of voting on January 25, 2012,” said Inside Track’s Greg MacPherson. “Inside Track Readers’ Choice Award winners are proud to include their awards on their resumes and many of them are active in promoting their nominations on their websites and social media feeds. We’re honoured that the awards are important to them.”

Nominees were determined following consultations involving Inside Track’s team of editors and contributors. Every effort was made to put forward the most worthy candidates, while fairly representing Canada’s top series and all regions of the country.

All voting will be conducted via a controlled balloting procedure at the official Inside Track website (www.insidetracknews.com). The polls will remain open until midnight on Wednesday, January 25, 2012. The results of the readers’ selections will be announced in an upcoming issue of Inside Track Motorsport News. The award winners will be honoured on stage at the Canadian Motorsports Expo on the night of Saturday, February 11. The show takes place at Toronto’s International Centre.

PHOTO: The Inside Track Readers’ Choice Awards presentations at last year’s Canadian Motorsports Expo, featuring award recipients selected by Inside Track readers as Canada’s top and future racing stars.

VOTING LINK: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ITMN_RCA_2011

ATTACHED: 1) Inside Track Readers’ Choice Awards ‘click here to vote’ program button. 2) A PDF of the various categories and nominees.

Inside Track Communications fast facts: Inside Track Communications is the nation’s leader when it comes to Canadian motorsports publications. Based in Toronto, Ontario, Inside Track Communications publishes Inside Track Motorsport News (www.insidetracknews.com), Inside Motorcycles (www.insidemotorcycles.com), and Inside MotoX & Off Road (www.insidemotocross.com). Inside Track Communications is also the co-owner of the Canadian Motorsports Expo (www.canadianmotorsportsexpo.com).

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Austin Theriault Announces Plans For 2012

2012-01-18T22:47:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 1.17.12

For more information, visit www.AustinTheriault.com or E-mail TBarrettGWC@hotmail.com

Theriault to chase full ACT Late Model Tour, southern Super Late Model races for BKR

FORT KENT, Maine – Austin Theriault of Fort Kent, Maine, will try and complete some unfinished business this season while also setting out on a new venture in his racing

career.

Theriault will run the complete ACT Late Model Tour schedule in 2012 as he chases his first career Tour championship, while the 17-year-old will also run more than half a

dozen Super Late Model events as a development driver for Brad Keselowski Racing.

“We've had all kinds of good opportunities in the last couple of years and learned from all of them,” said Theriault, who made his debut with BKR in the World Crown 300 at Gresham Motorsports Park in Jefferson, Ga., last November. "I know it all has happened fast, but I feel everything happens for a

reason and I'm ready for the challenge.

“I'm really looking forward to this season."

Theriault, who finished third in the final 2011 ACT Late Model Tour standings after posting six straight Top-5 finishes to close out the season, will attempt all ACT points races this year with his family-owned AT Racing No. 57 Ford.

“We're really putting all our efforts into going after the title," said Mickey Green, crew chief of the No. 57. "That's the main goal for us on the ACT side. Hopefully we can pick up where we left off last year.”

Theriault will begin his 2012 season in the BKR No. 29 at Lanier (Ga.) National Speedway in the CRA-sanctioned Speedfest 200 on Jan. 28-29. He also has plans to run The Rattler 250 at South Alabama Speedway in March, the Rowdy 251 in Berlin, Michigan, in June, as well as both ends of the famed Snowball Derby – both the Super Late Model and Pro Late Model events – in December as part of his schedule with BKR.

BKR is owned by NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver and 2010 NASCAR Nationwide Series champion Brad Keselowski.

“It's definitely a huge opportunity to spread your wings and head down south for these Super Late Model races, to get some seat time with those guys." Theriault said. “We did a couple races at the end of last year for BKR and look forward to expanding on what we've been able to accomplish in the ACT Tour in the last few years.

“I'm trying to climb the ladder. We've been given a huge opportunity now and we're going to see where it takes us. I wouldn't be able to be successful without the help of my 57 crew and all the guys that I've worked with at BKR."

Green, who has worked as Theriault's crew chief on the Late Model side since Theriault's rookie season in ACT in 2010, believes that Theriault can head as far as he wants.

“I look at him as a Ryan Moore type,” Green said, noting another Maine native and ACT graduate who has driven in the NASCAR Nationwide Series and worked for a number of Sprint Cup Series organizations. “Austin's equally as good, if not better. Sometimes he doesn't give himself enough credit for how good he really is.”

Theriault hopes to add two things to his racing resume this season – a run for the series championship and a victory in one of the country's premier short-track events in the South. It's one of the reasons he made sure his schedule allowed enough room for all ACT points races as well as some of the bigger Super Late Model shows in the nation down south.

“Last year was a good example of how we can adapt to different obstacles and threaten for a win, and we came close a couple times (in ACT races),” Theriault said. “Over the winter, we've taken everything we've learned to try and make things better for this season. Championships will come, but we've got

to win some races, too.

“I think we've obviously taken steps in that direction.”

###

Travis Barrett
GWC Motorsports Marketing

REVSTAR renonce au championnat sur glace en 2012

2012-01-18T22:28:00.001-05:00

Afin de mettre tout le focus sur la prochaine saison, REVSTAR a décidé de d'éliminer le championnat de glace 2012 mais nous comptons revenir plus fort l'an prochain.

Avec l'addition de 5 nouveaux pilotes STR et encore d'autres qui pourraient s'ajouter pour la prochaine saison, en plus de la série Slinghots gagne en popularité, nous avons décidé de concentrer nos efforts pour la préparation des bolides.

Le numéro 10, Gabriel Richer qui avait impressionné en dominant le premier championnat sur glace ne sera pas trop déçu d'apprendre que la série ne reviendra pas cet hiver, puisqu'il est passablement occupé par ses tâches de nouveau papa. Toutefois, il sera partant pour le championnat régulier de la saison 2012.

Gabriel Richer - Premier champion de Glace de REVSTAR

Avant le retour sur la glace en 2013, nous allons faire l'essais d'un nouveau type de pneus à crampons pour les Slingshot pour voir si nous pourrons lancer un championnat pour cette catégorie.

Pour l'instant on met le championnat hivernal sur la glace !!! Et on vous revient l'automne prochain avec des nouvelles pour la prochaine édition.

Mais d'abord la saison 2012 de REVSTAR
avec ses deux catégories STR et Slinshots

Le travail de logistique pour la prochaine saison est bien amorcé, nous pourrons bientôt dévoiler le calendrier des activités 2012 qui sera encore très équilibré entre les pistes d'asphalte et de terre battue. Nous allons poursuivre nos efforts pour promouvoir nos deux séries.

Nous sommes anxieux d'entreprendre notre quatrième saisons en REVSTAR. Après quelques années pour établir la série sur des bases solides, nous avons maintenant atteint la maturité avec deux championnats chaudement disputés. Yannick Poirier en STR et Isabelle Manny, qui a marqué l'histoire de la série en remportant le premier championnat des Slingshot, seront de retour pour défendre leur titre en 2012.

Nous prévoyons présenter des grilles imposantes pour tous les programmes lors de la prochaine saison et l'engouement continue auprès des amateurs de courses.

Moins cher qu'on pourrait le croire !
Un sport abordable et sécuritaire : Pour un investissement comparable à celui d'un achat d'une motoneige ou d'un VTT, nos pilotes participent à un véritable championnat de Stock Car et vivent des sensations incomparables. Vous pourriez vous aussi être dans le feu de l'action !

Carl Labonté

---------------------

REVSTAR

'Rapid Roman' Richie Evans Rode Orange Chariot Into History

2012-01-18T22:26:00.001-05:00

For Immediate Release

New York Star Won Nine NASCAR Modified Series Titles In Hall Of Fame Career

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 18, 2012) – Richard Ernest “Richie” Evans certainly was the face of NASCAR – and modified racing – in the northeast, winning an estimated 475 times in approximately 1,300 starts. It equates to a win in every three starts (a 36.5% clip), something unheard of in modern racing at any level.

Evans will be inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame on Friday, one of five members of the Hall’s third class comprised of the New York native, legendary crew chief Dale Inman, team owner Glen Wood and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champions Darrell Waltrip and Cale Yarborough. He is the first of 15 inductees without a connection to NASCAR’s premier series.

The 2012 enshrinement ceremony kicks off NASCAR Acceleration 2012 weekend, which includes the NASCAR Preview 2012 Presented by Sprint, where fans can interact with the sport’s legends and current stars in person, get autographs and catch a sneak peek at the upcoming season. Fans can go to NASCARacceleration2012.com for more information.

Nicknamed the “Rapid Roman” by virtue of racing out of Rome, N.Y., he found a home in the modifieds – a car fashioned from pre-World War II coupes and sedans powered by high horsepower engines.

Evans won nine NASCAR national modified championships over a 13-year span, including eight consecutive titles from 1978-85. His signature No. 61 orange race car was a magnet for fans and a terror to his fellow competitors.

He worked on his own cars – up to 100 hours a week – and raced virtually every night of the week.

“Working with the car and working on it in the garage every week is an advantage,” Evans once said. “While I’m working on the car, I’m thinking about every lap I rode in that thing. It’s not like the mechanic who stood and watched it during the feature and then has to make some decisions.”

Evans lost his life at age 44 while practicing at Martinsville Speedway for the 1985 season finale of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. He’d earlier locked up the series’ first championship along with a fourth consecutive Whelen All-American Northeast Region title.

He was named one of NASCAR’s “50 Greatest Drivers” in 1998.

On Jan. 10, the New York State Senate adopted a resolution honoring Evans’ NASCAR Hall of Fame induction “remembering his extraordinary accomplishments in the racing area that were a direct result of his skill, dedication and commitment.”

“We are just so thrilled and excited. He has received a lot of rewards but this is the ultimate,” said his widow, Lynn, commenting on her husband’s election to the NASCAR Hall of Fame. “I know he is looking down and smiling ear to ear.”

Evans, one of six brothers and sisters, left his family’s Westernville, N.Y. home at the age of 16 to work as a gas station mechanic. In 1964 Evans began racing hobby stocks at Utica-Rome Speedway.

Evans’ first NASCAR championship came in 1973 – after a number of seasons winning race after race regardless of sanctioning body. The title snapped a two-year reign by fellow Rome resident Jerry Cook, who won four more championships before Evans reclaimed a crown in 1978 that he relinquished only after his passing.

The Evans-Cook rivalry was legendary – although they weren’t the only prominent figures in NASCAR modified racing, which included future NASCAR Sprint Cup star Geoffrey Bodine, Maynard Troyer, Ron Bouchard, Bugs Stevens, George Kent and Tom Baldwin Sr.

But they lived in the same town and each had a separate set of fans. Evans and Cook got along fine; the fans, however, were a different story. And they won every NASCAR Modified Series championship between 1971 and 1985.

The two also had distinctly different personalities. “The only thing we had in common was racing and there were times we didn’t even talk to each other,” said Cook, who became a NASCAR official following a racing career that ended in 1982 with nearly 350 victories. Cook currently is NASCAR’s Competition Administrator. “But we put on a show with it.

“He didn’t win everything. I beat him and other drivers beat him so it wasn’t like he won every single thing. But he did real well at it, that’s for sure.”

Evans won regularly and won with style and grace. He also was a promoter’s dream, his presence putting hundreds of additional folks in the grandstands.

“He was a hard-core guy, racing to put food on the table,” said John Bisci, a high school student who watched Evans race at Lancaster Speedway in New York and became the track’s program editor in 1976. Bisci is Public Relations Manager at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. “You could talk to him any time. After the races he would give you an autograph and never said, ‘I’m too busy kid; come back later.’

“No matter how many times he won, nobody booed. He never disparaged the other drivers and told the fans, ‘I’m glad you were cheering for me.’ He was a ‘party guy’ but when it came time to race he was all business.”

NASCAR Sprint Cup owner Tommy Baldwin Jr., whose father competed against Evans, brought his No. 36 car to a recent event with an Evans retro paint scheme. “Richie was someone we all looked up to and when he came to town we knew we had to beat him to win,” said Baldwin. “He made us work harder and I think that prepared a lot of us for the Sprint Cup level.”

The color orange may not have made Evans’ cars go any faster – but it probably gave him a psychological edge in an era when few race cars were brightly painted. “He had a fast orange car in a sea of stock Detroit colors. There was no mistaking him for anyone else,” said Bisci. “You’d see him in the rear view mirror and you knew it was him that was coming.”

2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Graphics package

http://bit.ly/hof2012graphics

NASCAR Hall of Fame hub page where users can view and download all of our NASCAR Hall of Fame content

http://bit.ly/hofresources

For additional information, contact:

Owen A. Kearns, NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communications

ARCA Racing Series, ARCA CRA Super Series Scheduled to Race Friday, July 27 at Lucas Oil Raceway

2012-01-18T22:24:00.000-05:00

For Immediate Release:

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

(TOLEDO, Ohio) - Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis will host the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards and the ARCA CRA Super Series on Friday, July 27, the track announced today.

The date announcement for the track's second consecutive ARCA Racing Series event and ninth since 1971 finalizes the 20-race ARCA Racing Series schedule for 2012. The Lucas Oil Raceway event had appeared on the previously-announced race schedule without a confirmed date.

The ARCA Racing Series and ARCA CRA Super Series events will follow a USAC Midget and Silver Crown doubleheader on Thursday, July 26.

"We are pleased to welcome back ARCA for the second consecutive season following their thrilling race last year, and the ARCA CRA Super Series has long been a valuable partner," said Wes Collier, general manager of Lucas Oil Raceway. "The history and tradition Lucas Oil Raceway has with USAC is long and storied with past race winners including some of the greatest names in racing. We are anxious for a tremendous two nights of racing."

Ty Dillon won at Lucas Oil Raceway last season, scoring one of his series-leading seven victories before becoming the 2011 ARCA Racing Series champion. ARCA's July visit to the track in Clermont, just west of Indianapolis, was the series' first since 1985.

The ARCA CRA Super Series is a top stock car sanctioning body and features some the finest up-and-coming talents in all of racing. Past CRA winners at Lucas Oil Raceway have included Scott Hantz, Jeff Land, and Ross Kenseth.

The track will announce a schedule of events and ticket prices for the weekend shortly, and ARCA will make future announcements regarding event broadcast coverage and sponsorship.

2012 will be the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards' 60th Anniversary Season, featuring 20 races at 18 tracks. The season begins with the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, February 18. The event will air live on SPEED.

The complete 2012 event schedule is available at ARCARacing.com.

The ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards has crowned an ARCA national champion each year since its inaugural season in 1953, and has toured over 200 race tracks in 28 states since its inception. The series has tested the abilities of drivers and race teams over the most diverse schedule of stock car racing events in the world, visiting tracks ranging from 0.4 mile to 2.66 miles in length, on both paved and dirt surfaces as well as a left- and right-turn road course in its most recent season. This year, the series will visit Alabama's Mobile International Speedway and Minnesota's Elko Speedway for the first time; ARCA's first visit to Minnesota will give ARCA a race in a 29th state.

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

CONTACT:

Griffin Hickman, ARCA

Don Radebaugh, ARCA

NASCAR Extends Partnership With Federal-Mogul

2012-01-18T22:23:00.001-05:00

For Immediate Release

MOOG Steering And Suspension Brand Remains Exclusive

NASCAR Performance^® Partner, Extends NASCAR Contingency Program Sponsorship

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 18, 2012) – The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) announced today that it has renewed its partnership agreement with Federal-Mogul Corporation (NASDAQ: FDML), extending Federal-Mogul’s market-leading MOOG brand of automotive steering and suspension components as an exclusive NASCAR Performance partner.

This multi-year agreement will continue to provide Federal-Mogul’s MOOG product and marketing team with a platform to enhance and differentiate its products and drive sales. The NASCAR Performance brand marks and intellectual property will appear on MOOG packaging as well as within the brand’s product literature, advertising and promotional programs, and at industry events.

“There’s no better proving ground for MOOG steering and suspension components than NASCAR,” said Jay Burkhart, senior vice president, Federal-Mogul Global Aftermarket. “Federal-Mogul’s extension of its partnership with NASCAR emphasizes our commitment to provide the best steering and suspension parts to NASCAR race teams, professional automotive technicians and vehicle owners.”

MOOG steering and suspension products – such as ball joints, tie rod ends, wheel hub assemblies and universal joints – feature innovative, problem-solving designs that make them the ideal choice for race teams, automotive technicians and vehicle owners. MOOG components are engineered to help professionals ensure precise handling and steering response, to deliver increased product durability, and to ensure easier installation on today’s vehicles, virtually regardless of make or model.

“For more than 45 years, NASCAR has validated the performance of MOOG products under the toughest racing conditions,” said Todd Armstrong, managing director, NASCAR Automotive Group. “Just as NASCAR is the world’s premier motorsports innovator, Federal Mogul is the technology expert when it comes to providing quality, precision steering and suspension components to car owners, certified mechanics and race enthusiasts.”

MOOG products have been the preferred steering and suspension technology of NASCAR teams for more than four decades. In fact, every NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion since 1966 has relied on MOOG products for exceptional on-track performance and durability.

The agreement continues the MOOG brand’s high-profile involvement as a NASCAR Contingency Program sponsor in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and NASCAR K&N Pro Series. Federal-Mogul and the MOOG brand also sponsor the prestigious weekly and annual MOOG “Problem Solver” awards for NASCAR Sprint Cup Series crew chiefs.

About NASCAR

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for one of North America's premier sports. NASCAR races are broadcast in more than 150 countries and in 20 languages. In the United States, races are broadcast on FOX, TNT, ABC/ESPN/ESPN2, SPEED and SiriusXM Satellite Radio. NASCAR fans are among the most brand-loyal in all of sports. As a result, more Fortune 100 companies participate in NASCAR than any other sport. NASCAR consists of three national series (NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series, and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series), four regional series, one local grassroots series, and two international series. Also part of NASCAR is GRAND-AM Road Racing, known for its competition on road courses with multiple classes of cars. NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races at 100 tracks in more than 30 U.S. states, Canada and Mexico. Based in Daytona Beach, Fla., NASCAR has offices in eight cities across North America. For more information and a complete schedule, visit www.nascar.com. Follow NASCAR on www.facebook.com/NASCAR or on Twitter: @NASCAR.

About Federal-Mogul

Federal-Mogul Corporation is a leading global supplier of powertrain and safety solutions to the world’s foremost original equipment manufacturers of automotive, commercial, aerospace, marine, rail and off-road vehicles; industrial, agricultural and power generation equipment; as well as the worldwide aftermarket. Federal-Mogul’s leading technology and innovation, lean manufacturing expertise, and global distribution network deliver world-class products, brands and services at a competitive cost. The company’s sustainable global profitable growth strategy creates value for its employees, customers and shareholders. Federal-Mogul was founded in Detroit in 1899. The company is headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, and employs approximately 45,000 people in 35 countries.

Federal-Mogul’s aftermarket products are sold under a variety of well-known brands, including: Abex^®, AE^®, ANCO^®, Beral^®, Carter^®, Champion^®, FP Diesel^®, Fel-Pro^®, Ferodo^®, Glyco^®, Goetze^®, MOOG^®, National^®, Necto^®, Nüral^®, Payen^®, Precision^®, Sealed Power^®, Speed-Pro^® and Wagner^®. All Federal-Mogul trademarks are owned by Federal-Mogul Corporation, or one or more of its subsidiaries, in one or more countries.

For additional information regarding Federal-Mogul, MOOG steering and suspension components and the NASCAR MOOG Problem Solver awards, visit www.federal-mogul.com or www.moogproblemsolver.com.

For more information, please contact:

Nick Kelly, NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communications

Honda Indy Toronto presents Canadian debut of the new 2012 Dallara DW12 IndyCar at the Canadian Motorsports Expo

2012-01-18T22:21:00.001-05:00

(TORONTO, ON // JANUARY 18, 2012) – Race fans attending the Canadian Motorsports Expo Powered by Inside Track will have an exclusive opportunity to have an up-close look at the new 2012 Dallara DW12 IndyCar. This is the first time Canadian race fans and journalists in Canada will have the chance to view the long awaited car.

The CME takes place February 10, 11 and 12 at the International Centre near Pearson International Airport. The new vehicle has been designated the DW12 in honour of the late Dan Wheldon, who was a series champion and two-time winner of the Indy 500.

“Canadian Motorsports Expo visitors are going to be the first in Canada to get a firsthand look at the new road course version of the Dallara DW12 IZOD IndyCar Series car, identical to the ones that will be in action on the streets of Toronto in July,” said the CME’s David Weber. “The Honda Indy Toronto is one of Canada’s biggest sports and entertainment events and we’re excited to be working the organizers to promote both the event and Canadian motorsports at the CME.”

Located at the core of the CME’s 80,000 square-foot floor, the Honda Indy Toronto booth will be hosted by event representatives who will be available to discuss the 2012 event and the new Dallara DW12 car.

“The Honda Indy Toronto is the highlight of the year for many motorsports fans and car aficionados,” said Charlie Johnstone, Vice President and General Manager of the Honda Indy Toronto. “Motorsports has much more to offer than one single weekend of spectacular racing and excitement. IndyCar and other racing series can offer great entertainment all year long, which is something we will also offer at the CME.”

Having one of the country’s most prestigious motorsport events and festivals represented at the motorsports show is great news for readers of Inside Track Motorsport News and CME attendees.

“At the CME, we can speak directly to the motorsport enthusiast who will definitely appreciate seeing the new car up-close and in-person six months before it hits the track,” continued Johnstone.

Fellow Canadian and 2011 IndyCar Rookie of the Year James Hinchcliffe – a former Inside Track Readers’ Choice Award (RCA) winner and current RCA nominee – will be vying for a victory on the streets of Toronto after recently signing with Andretti Autosport. Another Canadian – 2011 Indy 500 pole-winner Alex Tagliani of Quebec – will also be in action in Toronto, having recently signed a deal to race for Bryan Herta Autosport. Canadian racing veteran Paul Tracy is reportedly still in discussions to contest the full 2012 IZOD IndyCar series schedule, but nothing has been confirmed yet for ‘The Thrill from West Hill.’

“We have some solid Canadian talents participating this year and driving at the highest level,” said Johnstone. “Having Canadian IndyCar drivers is very important for us and for our fans. We always want to see local heroes on-track and to have them succeed. We can’t wait to see how they perform in Toronto this July and what the season holds for our Canadian drivers.”

ABOUT HONDA INDY TORONTO: The Honda Indy Toronto takes place July 6-8, 2012 on the streets surrounding Exhibition Place near Lake Ontario and downtown Toronto. With 26 years of IndyCar racing history in Toronto, the Honda Indy Toronto is among the most respected motorsports events in North America and includes the fastest racing series on the planet, celebrity athletes, and a week-long festival of live entertainment and interactive activities.

For more information, visit www.hondaindytoronto.com. Follow the Honda Indy Toronto on Twitter @HondaIndy and ‘Like’ us on Facebook at facebook.com/HondaIndyToronto.

ABOUT THE CME: The Canadian Motorsports Expo Powered by Inside Track Motorsport News is a three-day celebration of Canadian racing that runs February 10, 11 & 12, 2012 at the International Centre (6900 Airport Road in Mississauga, Ontario (Canada)). In addition to booths and racing vehicles representing the entire spectrum of Canadian motorsports, the show is loaded with seminars and forums to entertain and inform racers and fans alike. Celebrity drivers will be at the CME to sign autographs and meet the fans. One of the special themes of this year’s CME is the CASCAR Reunion. Please check the show’s website (www.CanadianMotorsportsExpo.com) for news, updates, schedule information and more.

For more information on exhibitors, seminars, conferences, special events and guests, visit www.canadianmotorsportsexpo.com , call 416-962-7223 or email info@canadianmotorsportsexpo.com. Twitter: @CME_racing.

HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS' NOS. 24 AND 88 SPRINT CUP SHOW CARS ON DISPLAY ALL THREE DAYS OF THE CANADIAN MOTORSPORTS EXPO

2012-01-18T22:19:00.000-05:00

(TORONTO, ON // JANUARY 18, 2012) – Canadian racing fans in attendance at the upcoming Canadian Motorsports Expo presented by Inside Track Motorsport News are in for a special treat. The show, which takes place February 10, 11 and 12 at Toronto’s International Centre will feature two of the world’s most famous race cars.

Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s No. 88 Diet Mountain Dew / National Guard Chevrolet Impala, as well as Jeff Gordon’s No. 24 Drive to End Hunger Chevrolet Impala NASCAR Sprint Cup show car, will come straight from the Hendrick Motorsports shop in North Carolina to be displayed at the CME. It will be the Canadian debut for both of these new-look paint schemes, which will take to the track the following weekend at Daytona International Speedway during qualifying for the Daytona 500.

The No. 88 Dale Earnhardt Jr. Chevrolet Impala NASCAR Sprint Cup show car that is coming to the CME will feature the dramatic new Diet Mountain Dew paint scheme. NASCAR Canada is returning to the CME and will once again be the presenting sponsor of one of the most iconic cars in the world of motorsports.

“We’re looking forward to being part of the Canadian Motorsports Expo again and we’re proud to present Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s No. 88 Diet Mountain Dew / National Guard Chevrolet Impala show car,” said Richard Coughlin, NASCAR Canada’s Director of Sponsorships. “This car has a new look for 2012 and Canadian NASCAR fans will be able to get an up-close look at it a week before they can see it on TSN when Dale Jr. takes to the track at Daytona in the same paint scheme.”

For the second year in a row, Jeff Gordon’s No. 24 Drive to End Hunger Chevrolet Impala NASCAR Sprint Cup show car will be presented by Canadian Motor Speedway and featured in the CMS booth. Gordon – a four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion – is closely affiliated with the proposed motorsports facility in Ft. Erie, Ontario. In addition to displaying the No. 24 Drive to End Hunger Chevrolet Impala show car, the Canadian Motor Speedway booth will once again feature design and management representatives from this exciting project.

“For the past few years, the CME has been proud to host the Canadian debuts of some of the most exciting cars in the world of motorsports,” said the CME’s David Weber. “Having the No. 24 and No. 88 Hendrick Motorsports show cars on display in the same schemes as the ones that will be driven by Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr. at Daytona the following week is a real coup. We’d like to thank our friends at Canadian Motor Speedway and NASCAR Canada for their support in bringing the No. 24 and No. 88 to Canada.”

ABOUT NASCAR CANADA: NASCAR Canada, a partnership between NASCAR and TSN Events, a division of TSN within the CTVglobemedia family, Canada’s leading multi-media company, was created in 2004 to manage the growth of the NASCAR brand in Canada through sponsorship, licensing, and marketing initiatives. TSN, which has been broadcasting NASCAR races across Canada since 1984, brought to Canadian fans more than 90 NASCAR race broadcasts in 2011.

ABOUT THE CANADIAN MOTOR SPEEDWAY: Canadian Motor Speedway is a $150 million racetrack development situated on 820 acres of land in Fort Erie, Ontario. Directly adjacent to the QEW within five miles of the Canadian/U.S. border, the project is just over 11 miles away from Niagara Falls. The core of the project consists of a standalone 1-mile oval which combines to form a 2.6-mile FIA-grade road course. The development will provide world class racing events for up to 100,000 spectators in a variety of motorsports including automobiles, motorcycles, karting and various motorized and non-motorized public events. Visit www.CdnMotorSeedway.com for more information.

Caley Weese Heads Back to School

2012-01-18T14:12:00.000-05:00

By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications

Having completed her second season at the controls of a pro late model at Brighton Speedway Park with a 7^th place point finish, Caley Weese is about embark on one of the most exciting adventures of her young career. The 25 year-old racer from Carrying Place, Ontario – a graduate of the Advertising and Integrated Marketing Communications program at St. Lawrence College – has been accepted to participate in the RACE 101 program, based in North Carolina. The elite driver development tutoring regularly selects between 15 and 20 drivers from a variety of asphalt and dirt speedways across North America. A year in length, the school requires drivers to be part of a trio of 3 day weekend sessions during the off-season, while completing on-line courses during the season at their respective speedways.

“Since I started racing in 2003, my goal has been to pursue motorsports full-time,” said Weese, who works as a marketing co-ordinator for McDougall Insurance and Financial in Belleville, Ontario. “This program has so many valuable aspects – including a super late model ride in the PASS touring series for the highest graduating student – that can open a number of doors to help achieve what I’m looking for.”

With on-track seat-time scheduled for the legendary Hickory Motor Speedway, the RACE 101 classroom sessions include workshops on racecar chassis set-up, as well as media relations, team marketing and promotion. With a number of best appearing car awards and a solid advertising program already part of her racing resume, Caley Weese is looking forward to the chance to take every aspect of her team’s performance to the next level.

“I’m so lucky to have the opportunity to be part of a training session that has already impacted so many famous drivers over the years,” said the racer known as ‘the skirt in the dirt’. “Main instructor Tony Blanchard – a NASCAR and ARCA crew chief – worked with Sprint Cup Series driver Joey Logano from a very early age and helped his progression through the ranks and eventually land the Home Depot ride with Joe Gibbs Racing. I don’t know if that’s the same type of result that I can hope for, but I’m going in with an open mind, hoping to learn as much as I can. This is the opportunity of a lifetime and I can’t wait to get started.”

Weese Racing would like to thank sponsors Dibbits Excavating, Lucas Oil, Ten Star Weese Insurance, Foxy Hair & Esthetics, Today’s Best Country Cool 100.1/95.5 Hits FM, McDougall Insurance and Financial, Associated Muffler & Brakes, Mister Transmission, Quinte Stucco, Burr Insurance, Novo Foam Products, A&W Belleville and Spy Optics for their support during the 2011 season.

To learn more about the Race 101 driver development program, follow Caley Weese and the class of 2012 at www.race101.com. Catch-up with Caley by visiting www.weeseracing.com.

Photo attachment: Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications

Caley Weese began her 2011 campaign by having her #77 late model as part of mall displays in Kingston, Belleville and Cobourg.

Prepared by: Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications

2011 Award's Banquet Wraps-up Another Successful Kawartha Speedway Season

2012-01-18T14:11:00.000-05:00

By Jim Clarke, Kawartha Speedway PR/Clarke Motorsports Communications

With a collection of bright, sparkling trophies waiting to be handed-out, Kawartha Speedway’s drivers and teams gathered to celebrate the 2011 season Saturday, January 14^th. A crowd of more than 300 was on hand in the converted dining room under the track’s main grandstand for a sumptuous buffet dinner, followed by the presentation of class awards to Dan McHattie, Ken Donaldson Jr. and ‘Too’ Moroney for their championships in the NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Model, Better Carpet Thunder Car and Hasiuk Trailer and Container Rental Mini Stock divisions respectively. For McHattie, it was his 7^th title in the track’s 11 year history. Donaldson and Moroney each claimed their first crowns.

On-line voting – on the track’s web-site, Facebook and Twitter – was used to decide the annual winners for rookie of the year, most improved and most sportsmanlike drivers in each regular division.

Three wins and a 7^th place finish in points earned the rookie of the year honours for mini stocker Alex Lees. A track championship and 5 trips to victory lane saw Ken Donaldson Jr. claim the thunder car prize, while 50 year-old Bryan Watts – who finished his freshman season just outside the top 10 in points – took home the late model trophy.

His first main event wins since 2006 – including a history making run in the year’s Summer Sizzler – saw Bryan Mercer pick-up the most improved driver award for the late model division. Back to back trips to victory lane – the first wins of his career – earned the same prize for thunder car racer Andy Ford. Brad Martin’s inaugural visit to the winner’s circle – in a 50 lap invitational on fan appreciate night – saw the Plainville, Ontario sophomore take the mini stock accolades.

A smooth running Dwight Brown – who picked-up a pair of 2011 main event wins – saw the Beeton, Ontario racer take the most sportsmanlike late model driver hardware. Steve Mayhew – easily the most experienced campaigner at the track – earned the statuette in the thunder car class, while Mike Nelson – who won last year’s track championship – was named the most sportsmanlike mini stock driver for the year.

The dedicated pit crew award for 2011 was earned by the thunder car team of the #28, driven by Howie Crowe, Jr. and in a contingency draw – sponsored by 5 Star Racecar Bodies – Better Carpet Thunder Car driver Josh Gruntz and NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Model runner Bryan Mercer each earned a $500 gift certificate toward the purchase of a new body for their respective rides.

Track Promoter/General Manager Derek Lynch took the podium to close-out the night’s festivities. He congratulated everyone on a successful 2011 campaign and spoke briefly on the upcoming season, before announcing 2011 late model champion Dan McHattie as the winner of the annual president’s award. In accepting the honour, McHattie praised Lynch and the entire Kawartha team.

“I’ve been racing in Ontario for more than 20 years and I can’t think of a single facility where I’d rather run. If Derek called me next week and told me we were running garbage cans when the season opened, I’d start building one,” said McHattie, to the applause of the crowd.

Kawartha klips: Next on the agenda for the Fraserville, Ontario 3/8^th miler will be the 3^rd running of the Long John 200 Endurance event Sunday, February 5^th. The track will also participate in the Canadian Motorsports Expo – presented by Inside Track Motorsports News – February 10^th, 11^th and 12^th at the International Centre in Toronto. Full show details can be found at www.CanadianMotorportsExpo.com ...Friday night action for 2012 gets underway with an open practice session May 25^th. The season opener is Friday, June 1^st. Fans can visit www.kawarthaspeedway.com to see the complete schedule.

Photo attachment: Joel & Heather Wiebe – www.adrianmediaservices.com

#1). 2011 track champion ‘Too’ Moroney and the top finishers in the Hasiuk Trailer and Container Mini Stock division pose with their hardware at the Kawartha Speedway banquet.

#2). Ken Donaldson Jr. is joined by fellow Better Carpet Thunder Car drivers at the Kawartha Speedway banquet. The Queensville, Ontario racer earned a track championship and rookie of the year honours during the 2011 season.

#3). Cavan, Ontario’s Dan McHattie captured his 7^th career NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Model track championship in 2011. The veteran racer also earned the President’s Award at the Kawartha Speedway banquet.

Prepared by: Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications

Tom Culey sets the record straight / Tom Curley rétablit les faits

2012-01-18T13:53:00.001-05:00

Suite à l’article publié sous la plume d’Yvan Provencher de Onroule.ca, dans lequel il s’entretient avec M. Jacques Guertin propriétaire du complexe de Sanair, nous avons contacté M. Tom Curley, président l’American Canadian Tour pour obtenir sa version des faits.

Yvan Provencher of Onroule.ca published an internet interview with Mr Jacques Guertin, owner of the Sanair complex, earlier this week. Since we contacted American Canadian Tour President Tom Curley to get his reactions to the story.

Dans l’article (http://onroule.ca/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=8188) publié le 16 janvier on cite, M. Guertin: "J'ai vu qu'on avait annoncé le retour de la série ACT-Castrol à Sanair, d'ailleurs Tom Curley est venu voir la piste pour voir dans quel état elle est présentement. On dit que ce sont les frères Bergeron, les propriétaires du circuit de Riverside Speedway à Ste-Croix, qui organisent cette course ici, à Sanair. Mais il n'y a encore rien de signé et je ne les ai même pas rencontrés. Comme vous pouvez le constater sur notre site, on n'a pas annoncé cette course et on ne le fera pas tant qu'on aura des documents signés."

Nous avons donc contacté M. Curley pour obtenir sa version des faits. “Nous travaillons présentement le contrat pour Sanair. Il n’y a pas de problème. Nous avons négligé le dossier puisque notre attention était sur les règlements LMS.” [NDLR: les nouveaux règlements ACT LMS seront publiés aujourd’hui nous a mentionné aussi mentionné Curley]. “J’ai le contrat sur mon bureau, suite à une réunion avec les gens de Riverside, nous serons en mesure de compléter cette partie du dossier” déclara le grand-manitou de l’ACT.

Ce weekend, samedi, à Burlington au Vermont, se déroulera le gala pour couronner les champions ACT Tour, du Vermont Bryan Hoar et ACT Castrol, le Québécois Patrick Laperle. Plus de 100 000$ en bourses et bonis a été payé aux équipes en 2011.

In the text published on January 16 (http://onroule.ca/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=8188), Mr Guertin is quoted as having said: “I saw the announcement of the the ACT Castrol to the facility. As a matter of fact Tom Curley was here to check the place out and witness the shape its in. They say the Bergeron brothers, owners of Ste-Croix’s Riverside Speedway, will host this race. But nothing is signed. As you can read on our website nothing is posted about a race and we will not until the documents are signed.”

We contacted Mr Curley in order to get his side of the story. “We are working on the contract with Sanair. There are no problems, just got off track with these rules issues. [Editor’s note: the ACT Late Model rule book should be released today he also informed us in a separate statement]. I have the Sanair contract information on my desk and after a meeting with the Riverside folks we will complete that part of the process” told us Mr Curley.

This weekend, on Saturday, in Burlington, Vermont ACT will host the combined gala to crown the ACT Tour Champion, Brian Hoar of Vermont and ACT Castrol Champion, Patrick Laperle of the province of Quebec. Over 100 000$ was awarded in points fund and other awards to teams during the 2011 season.

JOHNSTON RESEARCH & PERFORMANCE (JRP) TO HOST THE 'JRP PAVILION' AT THE CANADIAN MOTORSPORTS EXPO

2012-01-16T11:36:00.001-05:00

(TORONTO, ON // JANUARY 16, 2012) – One of North America’s largest distributors of high performance parts and accessories – Johnston Research and Performance (JRP, Inc.) – will be hosting the 5,000 square-foot ‘JRP Pavilion’ at the 2012 Canadian Motorsports Expo on February 10-12, 2012 at Toronto’s International Centre.

“JRP has truly raised the bar for this year’s CME,” said the CME’s Mike Galipeau, of the Mississauga, Ontario-based distributor. “JRP’s presence will be immediately noticeable by the racers and fans attending the show. Their participation – and that of their brands – will be a huge benefit to the other exhibitors. They’ve also gone above and beyond in terms of helping to market the show to their customers and potential first-time showgoers.”

JRP’s manufacturers will have exhibits and factory representatives to answer questions at the JRP Pavilion, creating an opportunity – on Canadian soil – that Canadians have traditionally had to travel to the U.S. or Europe to experience.

“JRP’s size and influence in the Canadian market allows them to bring their top brands and factory reps to the CME,” continued Galipeau. “We’ll have companies from around the world bring their displays and 2012 products for Canadians to see. Companies like K&N, Royal Purple, Sparco and many others will have factory reps on the floor in the JRP Pavilion to answer questions and showcase their new innovations and products.”

Established in 1993, JRP has grown into one of Canada’s largest automotive distribution companies, through their passion for motorsport and their knowledge of performance parts gained as a result of traveling the globe looking for the best products.

“I felt there were a number of reasons we should get involved,” said JRP’s Derek Johnston. “The CME is the only venue in this country that caters to our industry. There are shows like it in England and in the United States. Our strength has always been in hard-core performance products, and our specialty knowledge and expertise come from being involved with motorsport participants. We travel the world every season to find the best products we can, and we pioneer product lines that haven’t been launched in the U.S. or Canada.”

Many well-respected companies affiliated with JRP will be in attendance at the 2012 Canadian Motorsports Expo, participating in the JRP Pavilion, including:

• AEM ELECTRONICS • HJC • ROMIK

• ARP • K&N • ROYAL PURPLE

• BBS • KW SUSPENSION • STOPTECH

• CSF CANADA • LITECH • SPARCO

• COBB • VOLK RACING • SONAX

• DISK BRAKE AUSTRALIA • MAGNAFLOW • VIBRANT

• ENKEI • OPTIMATE • WOSSNER

• EXEDY • REVO • WHITELINE

“If you own a performance or racing shop in Canada, you likely know JRP,” continued Galipeau. “The JRP Pavilion will give show patrons opportunities to meet the JRP staff, and discuss their performance needs.”

From JRP’s perspective, the CME offers a unique opportunity to assemble its customers under one roof, reach new clients, and increase brand awareness. JRP’s manufacturer representatives are looking forward to promoting their products to the Canadian motorsports community.

“A lot of these companies are very excited to come to Canada because they have a large market here or are looking to attract new customers,” said Johnston. “Often, these types of companies are very excited to be involved and want to build relationships with clients in the local market. Our manufacturers represent a wide range of automotive fields. They are passionate about motorsports.”

JRP is located at 2344 South Sheridan Way in Mississauga, ON. Contact them at (PH) 905-822-7223, info@jrponline.com or visit their website at www.jrponline.com.

Body Work: GRIP Examines The Truth About Aero

2012-01-16T10:54:00.001-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 1.16.12
For more information, visit www.GRIPseminars.com or E-Mail TBarrettGWC@hotmail.com

Sammy Sanders Brings Design And Aero Experience To Seminar

PORTLAND, Maine—Every short-track race team is constantly looking for any bit of speed it can find, and GRIP plans to help racers find that edge.

Kentucky native Sammy Sanders brings nearly 20 years of design, fabrication, body hanging, driving, and aerodynamic experience to the Seasons Event and Conference Center in Portland, Maine, this coming January 19-22 for the first annual GRIP Seminar presented by Hypercoil Springs. While the four-day short-track racing seminar will explore suspension information, brake technology, spotting technique, driver development and marketing, it will also place a premium on explaining how to take advantage of body hanging and bracing to maximize downforce and aerodynamics on short tracks across the United States and Canada.

Sanders, who is the lead designer & fabricator for Aluminum Racing Products – ARbodies – will address aerodynamics and downforce, as well as how to maximize both through proper body hanging and bracing procedures, and the use of aerodynamic enhancing accessories.

“This is a really exciting opportunity for short-track teams,” said Jason Enders of RE Suspension, one of GRIP's co-founders. “What somebody like Sanders has learned over the years is invaluable, and he has the ability to debunk popular myths about aerodynamics as they pertain to short-track racing while also getting the best for teams in terms of actual on-track performance.”

In addition to being the lead designer & fabricator for Aluminum Racing Products, Sanders has also worked as a test driver, fabrication shop foreman and aero consultant for two of Bobby Hamilton Racing’s three NASCAR Camping World Truck Series wins at Daytona International Speedway. Sanders also did extensive wind tunnel testing for Dodge Motorsports while working for BHR.

In addition to having run several Camping World Truck Series and Nationwide Series races, Sanders is also a weekly racer with several championships and more than 100 wins. His experiences of designing, testing and competing in an aero sensitive environment give him a unique perspective on maximizing aerodynamics few people have acquired.

GRIP is designed to benefit teams from all walks of short-track racing, including PASS-sanctioned Super Late Models, ACT-sanctioned Late Models, Maritime Pro Stock and Sportsman-type cars, open-wheeled Modifieds and various weekly divisions from across North America.

TICKETS STILL REMAIN FOR THE FOUR-DAY SEMINAR, and Hypercoil Springs is offering two free tickets to accompany any four-day ticket sold. Multiple pricing packages are available to accommodate a variety of schedules and budgets. A special room rate at the adjacent Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel, for both single- and double-occupancy, is also being offered.

For more information on GRIP or to register for the seminar, please visit www.GRIPSeminars.com or contact Gary Crooks at (704) 224-6672.

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Glen Wood Never Set Out To Create NASCAR Sprint Cup Dynasty

2012-01-13T21:33:00.001-05:00

For Immediate Release

Virginian’s Decision To Race Instead Of Cut Wood Benefited Many Racing Stars

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 13, 2012) – Glen Wood began his working life hauling timber to Virginia’s sawmills before deciding that racing cars offered a more exciting – and ultimately profitable – way of life.

It turned out to be a decision well made. The complete story of Wood’s accomplishments in NASCAR has yet to be written but the next chapter unfolds Jan. 20 when the 86-year-old Wood is inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Though Wood won just four times – all at Bowman-Gray Stadium in North Carolina – he planted the seeds that germinated into NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racing history that continues to be made today.

Glen Wood and brothers Leonard, Delano, Clay and Ray Lee went from weekend racers to the Stuart, Va.-based team that for more than 50 years has employed some of NASCAR’s greatest names. Glen Wood won his first race in 1960.

Trevor Bayne won last year’s Daytona 500 bookending a litany of superstar winners that includes NASCAR Hall of Fame member David Pearson, fellow Hall inductee Cale Yarborough, Tiny Lund, Marvin Panch, A.J. Foyt, Buddy Baker, Neil Bonnett and road racer Dan Gurney.

Wood’s team has won 98 times in seven different decades, a total that includes five Daytona 500s. The Wood Brothers also excelled outside the NASCAR world, sending Jim Clark to victory in the 1965 Indianapolis 500.

“It’s such a long trip from 1950 to now. It’s sort of hard to believe,” said Wood following the announcement of his selection to the NASCAR Hall of Fame. “It’s one of the biggest honors you could have. I didn’t come here alone; I had a lot of help. There’s five of us brothers. All of those helped at one time or another.”

Wood’s brother and choreographer of the modern pit stop, Leonard, has been nominated for future NASCAR Hall of Fame consideration.

Glen Wood – whose early racing nickname was “Woodchopper” because he owned a saw mill – began racing in an era where stock cars actually were street cars.

When Speedy Thompson won the inaugural National 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in 1960, the Ford he drove had been junked because of fire damage. The fire saved the Woods from having to removing heavy soundproofing and other materials – ultimately removing weight as well.

The victory was the team’s first on a superspeedway. Wood would later say that his share of the $12,710 purse was a turning point.

Wood purchased his first race car, a 1938 Ford Coupe, for $50 in 1950. As a NASCAR premier series driver, Wood was active from 1953 through 1964 ultimately competing in 62 races. His first victory came on April 18, 1960; his fourth and last on July 13, 1963. He was one of the day’s better qualifiers winning the pole 14 times. Wood’s average starting position was 6.1.

In 1959, he ran a career-high 20 races, finishing 13 times in the top 10. The following season statistically was his best: nine races, three wins, four poles and six top-five and seven top-10 finishes.

Wood and his brothers bought a 1961 Ford Starliner which they tested at Charlotte Motor Speedway on behalf of Ford, which had no factory-supported presence in the series at the time. The Woods and Ford entered NASCAR premier series racing together and have been paired since – the longest association between a race team and a manufacturer.

Tiny Lund claimed the team’s first Daytona 500 victory in 1963, substituting for Marvin Panch, who’d been injured the day before in a sports car race. Fellow NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee Yarborough won the race in 1968, followed by Foyt in 1972, NASCAR Hall of Famer Pearson in 1976 and Bayne in 2010.

The team’s association with Pearson was most notable. Pearson and the Woods won 43 times between 1972 and 1978, seasons in which the team pursued partial schedules comprising only the sport’s most significant events.

Between 1964 and 1968, Dan Gurney won four times at the old Riverside (Calif.) International Raceway road course driving for the Woods.

With children Eddie and Len Wood and Kim Hall, the organization scored its most improbable victory in last year’s Daytona 500. Bayne, driving in just his second NASCAR Sprint Cup race, gave the Woods their 98th victory. "It was unbelievable that that happened, we go down there with a rookie driver. He'd driven one time for us at Texas, and ran real well,” said Wood. "But I don't think anybody would ever have dreamed he would've won the Daytona 500."

Glen Wood remains a humble man – regardless of the history that he and his team continue to write in NASCAR. “I’d like to be remembered as a fair competitor, a man whose handshake was his word,” said Wood.

For additional information, contact:

Owen A. Kearns, NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communications

Alex Montminy poursuit son développement avec la Série Sportsman

2012-01-13T21:30:00.001-05:00

Communiqué de presse Pour diffusion immédiate

SSQ-2012-004

Québec, QC (13 janvier 2012) – Le jeune pilote de 16 ans, Alex Montminy, de Lévis est le troisième pilote à avoir complété formellement son accréditation pour la saison 2012 dans la Série Sportsman Québec.

Alex qui est en nomination dans la catégorie meilleur espoir Canadien du stock car sur asphalte par la réputée revue canadienne-anglaise Inside Track Motorsport News a choisi de continuer son développement dans la Série Sportsman.

"Nous avons privilégié la Série Sportsman pour poursuivre mon apprentissage. La compétition y est féroce, les bolides performants et elle offre une valeur ajoutée par son professionnalisme qui ne peut que contribuer à mon avancement" déclara Alex.

En 2011, le plus jeune pilote de l'histoire de la série a complété chacune des manches et s'est classé au 13^e rang du classement cumulatif de la Série. Il a enregistré 1 top-5 et 5 top-10.

"Alex sera de retour au volant de la Toyota Camry No. 18, mais cette dernière aura subit une importante modification. Nous ferons passer la suspension arrière d'un système à lame à celui utilisant des combinés ressort-amortisseurs ("coil overs"). D'ailleurs nous serons associés au constructeur D.G.R. et comptons sur les judicieux conseils de Dany Gagnon encore cette année. C'est certain que nous relevons les attentes, nous voulons poursuivre la progression et bâtir sur la belle lancée que nous avons connu en fin d'année passée" déclara Guy Monminy le père et responsable de l'équipe.

"Alex en sera à sa 3^e saison avec la Série en 2012. Déjà, nous avons pu constater une amélioration marquée sur ses résultats l'an dernier. L'encadrement continu qu'il reçoit de personnes expérimentées porte fruit. Il ne serait pas surprenant de le voir visiter le podium à quelques reprises cette année et qui sait, peut être même enregistré une première victoire" déclara André Poulin, président de la série.

Pour tout connaître sur Alex Montminy, visitez sa page de pilote au :
http://www.seriesportsman.ca/francai...eam-levis.html

Si vous désirez vous prononcer sur le sondage de la revue Inside Track Motorsports News et supporter la nomination d'Alex, veuillez remplir le sondage qui se trouve à l'adresse:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ITMN_RCA_2011

– 30 –

Pour de plus amples informations, contactez:

André Poulin, Président Série Sportsman Québec

Sarah Cornett-Ching Seeks Help of Fans and Sponsors with Voting in the 'Always a Champion' Video Contest; Winner to Receive Sponsorship

2012-01-13T21:00:00.001-05:00

Craig Revelle - Finish Line Web Design

January 13, 2012

PENTICTON, BRITISH COLUMBIA - Sarah Cornett-Ching is seeking the help of fans and sponsors to vote for her daily in a video contest that she has entered. The contest is titled ‘Always a Champion’ and there will be five winners of this contest that will receive a $10,000 sponsorship from Champion Spark Plugs for the upcoming 2012 racing season, and one grand prize winner of a $50,000 sponsorship package.

The ‘Always a Champion’ contest began at the start of the New Year, and runs through February 5^th, 2012. You can vote once a day on the video, and by signing up to vote on the site, you will also be eligible to win free apparel from Champion. In order to vote, simply go to www.alwaysachampion.com and register. Once you have registered, type Sarah Cornett-Ching in the search field, click on the video and vote. Once registered, you can also vote right from the www.sccracing.com website.

"This is a great contest that Champion has put on for us racers, and with your help we may have a chance to win one of those coveted sponsorship packages" says Cornett-Ching. "We encourage everyone to vote for us daily between now and February 5^thand leave a comment on the video. The Champion sponsorship, along with the help of our already existing sponsors for 2012 would make a great combination going into the new season."

The five finalists (one per each racing category) will be determined by a Sponsor-selected panel of judges based on the following criteria: Inspirational Quality (34%); Relevance to Theme/Best Depiction of a Champion (33%); and number of votes (33%). All eligible Contest Entries will be judged from January 16, 2012 through January 31, 2012. While the voting doesn’t solely determine who wins the contest, the 33% is very important in determining the winner.

"We have been promoting the video contest through social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter since the voting began" adds Cornett-Ching who has utilized these sites all year long to keep sponsors and fans informed of any news throughout the year.

"We need to step it up in order to be in the running for this sponsorship when it closes in a few weeks."

Since 2005, Sarah Cornett-Ching has racked up a pile of awards, including Most Aspiring driver as well as Champion in her division that year. Two years later, after moving up a class, she claimed the championship again. In 2008 she claimed her first ever top five finish in the NASCAR Whelen All American Series, and the following year she finished third overall in the series points standings. In addition to her third place in points, she also claimed awards for Most Improved driver, Most Dedicated to the Sport and West Coast Sportsman Rookie of the Year Award. In 2010 she claimed fifth place in points in both the Okanagen Street Stock Series and the West Coast Sportsman Series. She was also named Most Improved Driver and Most Dedicated Driver of the West Coast Sportsman Series. In 2011, Sarah again won Most Improved Driver in the West Coast Sportsman Series, finishing fourth in points, and won Rookie of the Year, and Most Improved driver in the OK Tire ARCA West Series, finishing eighth in points.

For more information on Sarah Cornett-Ching and to follow her racing accomplishments, please visit her newly revamped website, www.sccracing.com or visit her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sccracing.

Sarah Cornett-Ching seeks the help of fans and sponsors in the ‘Always a Champion’ voting contest. (SCC Racing Photo Collection)

Dave Paryzo se joint à la grande famille de l'Autodrome Drummond

2012-01-13T20:24:00.001-05:00

Jeudi 5 janvier 2012 – David Pariseau – directeur des communications

En plein préparatif de la 62^e saison de courses de l’Autodrome Drummond, Yan Bussière est fier d’annoncer la venue de Dave Paryzo en tant que nouveau directeur des communications.

Impliqué dans le monde du stock car sur terre battue depuis son enfance, Paryzo a d’abord été membre de l’équipe du vétéran Robin David de 1999-2004. Auteur du livre Au fil des ans sur l’histoire de l’Autodrome Granby (2002), il s’est retrouvé derrière le volant du semi-pro #2 de 2004 à 2007 et du lightning Sprint #20 en 2009. David s’acquittera de la rédaction des communiqués de presse en plus de travailler de concert avec Antony Marcotte pour la préparation de l’analyse des programmes de courses. Celui-ci s’engage avec l’équipe de l’Autodrome Drummond à rehausser à nouveau la qualité du spectacle avec de nouvelles innovations.

En raison d’engagements personnels, Martin Bélanger doit céder son poste de relationniste ainsi que sa conjointe Isabelle Nault qui l’assistait dans son travail. L’équipe s’unit pour les remercier et les féliciter pour l’excellent travail réalisé au cours de la saison 2011.

À quelques mois de l’arrivée de la prochaine campagne, Dave Paryzo amènera sans aucun doute du sang nouveau au tracé du Centre du Québec. Âgé de 25 ans, Paryzo devient le plus jeune relationniste de l’histoire de l’Autodrome Drummond. Dynamique et déterminé, c’est avec beaucoup d’enthousiasme qu’il accepte le défi.

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

Dave Paryzo

daveparyzo@hotmail.ca

Directeur des communications

Autodrome Drummond

STEVE COTE: DE RETOUR AU CANADA / RETURNS HOME TO CANADA

2012-01-13T15:00:00.000-05:00

STEVE COTE: DE RETOUR AU CANADA

OBJECTIF: LE TITRE DE RECRUE NASCAR CANADIAN TIRE SERIES

Pour diffusion immédiate

WM–20120101

Kahnawake, QC —12 janvier 2012 — Le pilote de Montréal et champion 2010 de la NASCAR Whelen All American Series au Québec, Steve Cote, sera de retour au Canada après avoir passé l'année dernière aux États-Unis. Lors de son séjour à Roseville en Californie, il a remporté le titre de recrue et terminé deuxième au classement cumulatif de la classe Modifiés NASCAR Whelen All American Series à la piste All American Speedway.

STEVE COTE: RETURNS HOME TO CANADA

HIS GOALS ARE SET ON NASCAR CANADIAN TIRE SERIES ROOKIE OF THE YEAR TITLE

For immediate release

WM–20120101

Kahnawake, QC — January 12, 2012 — Montreal (Quebec) stock car driver and the 2010 NASCAR Whelen All American Series Quebec Champion, Steve Cote, returns home to Canada after a year away in the United States, where he claimed Rookie of the Year Title and finished second in points in the NASCAR Whelen All American Series Modified ranks at All American Speedway in Roseville, California (USA).

Une entente a été conclue entre Steve Cote Racing et White Motorsports qui permettra à Cote de participer à chacune des douze courses du championnat NASCAR Canadian Tire Series avec l'objectif de remporter le titre de recrue de l'année.

"Je suis très fébrile à l'idée de compétitionner à travers le Canada, dans le plus haut niveau de compétition en stock car qu'il y a au pays. C'est un privilège pour moi d'être associé à NASCAR, White Motorsports et son propriétaire Derek White. Nos aurons deux voitures à notre disposition pour participer au championnat, elles sont actuellement à être modifiées afin d'être munies des plus récentes avancées technologiques. De plus je serai à nouveau réuni avec mon frère, Jonathan, qui a déjà acquis une année d'expérience dans la série avec White Motorsports. Je pourrai donc être compétitif dès le début" a déclaré Steve Cote.

La série NASCAR Canadian Tire Series représente le plus haut niveau de compétition en sport motorisé et le seul championnat national au Canada. Les meilleurs équipes et pilotes de stock car compétitionnent sur des circuits ovales et des circuits routiers à travers le pays à titre d'épreuve principale, entre autre au Grand-Prix de Trois-Rivières et à deux reprises en marge des séries internationales du NASCAR Nationwide à Montréal et de l'IndyCar à Edmonton. La foule ayant assisté aux épreuves est estimée à plus de 360 000 personnes à travers le Canada et à plus de 168 000 téléspectateurs à chacune des épreuves diffusées sur la chaîne TSN.

La levée de rideaux sur la saison 2012 de Steve Cote et la Série NASCAR Canadian Tire se fera sur le circuit routier de Mosport International Raceway (Bowmanville, ON) le 20 mai 2012. Le championnat de 12 courses visitera des installations dans les provinces de Nouvelle-Écosse, Québec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta et Colombie-Britannique.

Suivez @stevecoteracing et @whitemotorsport sur Twitter et assurez vous de consulter la page Steve Cote Racing sur Facebook à www.facebook.com/stevecoteracing

###

Photo: Steve Cote - 001 - thorso.jpg

Le pilote de Montréal au Québec, Steve Cote, aura 21 ans le 24 janvier prochain. Il a remporté le titre de champion Québécois NASCAR Whelen All American en 2010 alors qu'il compétitionnait en Sportsman à l'Autodrome St-Eustache et celui de recrue de l'année pour la NASCAR Whelen All American dans l'état de la Californie alors qu'il a participé au championnat Open Wheel Modified (voiture modifiée) à la piste All American Speedway de Roseville en Californie (États-unis).

Photo: Steve Cote - 002 -.jpg

Steve Cote au volant de la voiture de type modifiée, munie d'un moteur de 575 chevaux, qui roule sur le tracé de All American Speedway à Roseville, Californie (États-unis).

Les photos sont disponibles sans frais pour les médias.

Pour de plus amples informations, contactez:

Marc Patrick Roy, Roy Motorsports

An agreement was reached between Steve Cote Racing and White Motorsports to participate in all twelve races of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Championship with goals set on the Rookie of the Year Title.

"I am excited to race from coast-to-coast at the highest level of stock car racing in Canada. It is a privilege for me to be associated with NASCAR, White Motorsports and its owner Derek White. We will have two cars at our disposal, both of which are currently being upgraded to the latest specifications. Also, I will be reunited once more with my brother, Jonathan, who has already accumulated a year of experience with White Motorsports in the NCATS series. This will allow me to be competitive going in" declared Steve Cote.

The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series is Canada's top level of motorsport and only National motorsport championship. Canada's top teams and drivers racing stock cars on both oval and road courses from coast to coast as the headline show, including the Trois-Rivieres Grand Prix and as a companion series to the NASCAR Nationwide in Montreal and the IndyCar Series in Edmonton. Attendance is estimated at over 360 000 people across Canada and each of the average TV viewership per event on TSN was 168 000 viewers.

Steve Cote and the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series kick off the 2012 Championship on the Mosport International Raceway road course (Bowmanville, ON) on May 20th, 2012. The 12-race Championship will visit racing facilities in Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia.

Follow @stevecoteracing and @whitemotorsport on Twitter and make sure to check out the Steve Cote Racing page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/stevecoteracing

###

Photo credit: Steve Cote Racing

Photo: Steve Cote - 001 - thorso.jpg

Montréal, QC stock car driver, Steve Cote, will turn 21 on January 24, 2012. He won the NASCAR Whelen All American Quebec Champion title in 2010 as he competed in the sportsman ranks at Autodrome St-Eustache and the NASCAR Whelen All American California State Rookie of the Year Title as he competed in the Open Wheel Modified ranks at All American Speedway in Roseville, California (USA).

Photo: Steve Cote - 002 -.jpg

Steve Cote behind the wheel of the Open Wheel modified, a 575 horse-power race car, at speed on the All American Speedway in Roseville, California (USA).

These pictures are available royalty free for media purposes.

For more information, contact:

Marc Patrick Roy, Roy Motorsports

Petty: Dale Inman Invented The Position Now Called NASCAR Crew Chief

2012-01-12T14:43:00.001-05:00

For Immediate Release

Richard Petty’s Cousin Had Uncanny Ability To Communicate With ‘The King’

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 12, 2012) – Within the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series garage, among crew chiefs and mechanics, the most popular addition to the NASCAR Hall of Fame is one of their own – Dale Inman.

Inman, according to his first cousin Richard Petty, invented the position we now call the crew chief.

“Dale was a racing benchmark,” said Petty. “He was the sport's first official crew chief and people modeled themselves after him. He knew what, when and where -- and when he made a mistake he wasn't afraid to admit it. Everyone respected him for that. Nobody even comes close to the number of wins that Dale has recorded."

He’ll be inducted Jan. 20 as a member of the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s third class that includes Richie Evans, Darrell Waltrip, Glen Wood and Cale Yarborough.

Inman’s numbers between 1958 and 1992 indeed support “The King’s” belief: eight NASCAR Sprint Cup championships, 193 victories and 129 poles.

The 75-year-old Inman won seven titles with Petty and another with Terry Labonte.

Inman began working in the Petty Enterprises Level Cross, N.C. shop for Lee Petty when he was too young to go to the track and be the team’s chief mechanic.

Inman’s stand-out year was 1967. That season, Inman and Petty won a NASCAR-record, 27 races – 10 of them consecutively. All 27 victories were in the same car they built a year earlier.

“Maurice was in the engine room and we had six employees,” said Inman, when asked if he and the team were aware of what they were accomplishing. “We were so busy we didn’t have time to think about what we were doing.”

In the current era, a crew chief can puzzle over a dozen or more cars before selecting which one to take to a specific race. That was hardly the case for Inman.

Richard Petty frequently had only two or three cars for Inman to supervise, perhaps an even more difficult task considering a 50-race schedule that featured multiple dates during a given week on both dirt and asphalt surfaces.

“Somebody asked me if I was nervous,” Inman said, discussing his feelings before the NASCAR Hall of Fame announcement was made. “And I said, ‘not as much as I was in some of those races.’”

While Inman was The King’s cousin, it seemed as if the pair could be twin brothers. The two worked in the shop on Lee Petty’s race cars but also had played football together at Randleman High School. Inman was the team’s halfback; Petty was a guard on the offensive line.

“It was scary sometimes how we came up with the same answers,” Inman said.

Inman didn’t set out to be a crew chief; it just came with the evolution of the sport. “There had to be a leadership role,” he said. “I picked that up.”

Unlike his cousin, Inman never had a desire to drive race cars. “I just didn’t see me tearing up somebody else’s equipment,” he said. “I always was pretty well content to work on the race cars and make them better.”

He also was a gifted teacher. Many of the sport’s top crew chiefs matriculated at what became Dale Inman University, among them Mike Beam, Barry Dodson, Jake Elder, Tony Glover, Steve Hmiel, Robbie Loomis, Todd Parrott, Robin Pemberton and Wade Thronburg.

“The things that you learned were not always about being or trying to be the best race car mechanic or your win-loss record; they were also about how you represented your team on and off the track,” said Pemberton, a winning crew chief for Mark Martin, Kyle Petty and Rusty Wallace and now NASCAR’s Vice President, Competition and Racing Development, recalled of his time working under Inman. “Dale was very good at a lot of things but I really think he was one of the best race strategist I have ever seen week in and week out. The vast majority of the time Dale made the right call to get the most out of the day.”

Inman didn’t disagree but put it this way: “I kept up with who we we had to beat and what their weaknesses were,” he said. “We also surrounded ourselves with good people.”

Inman left the team shortly after Petty’s 1981 Daytona 500 victory. The decision to move on was incredibly emotional – for both Inman and Petty.

“After I told him I was leaving the team in '81, he looked at me like he was going to cry,” Inman said in a feature published later in “Stock Car Illustrated.” “'Dale,' he said, 'when I go off down into one of those turns at 170 mph, who am I going to depend on so I know that all the bolts are tight?' I went home and cried.”

Inman later worked for Rod Osterlund, J.D. Stacy and Billy Hagan – the latter owner of Labonte’s championship-winning team – before returning to Petty Enterprises to manage the organization’s business affairs in 1986. He helped mold the careers of John Andretti and Bobby Hamilton, both race winners.

Inman retired from NASCAR in 1998 but remained close to the sport. He helped Kyle Petty complete the Victory Junction camp. When the NASCAR Hall of Fame was opened, Inman brought in its first artifact, the restored Plymouth Belvedere in which Petty set the records in 1967.

In 2006 a national motorsports’ journalism organization proclaimed Inman NASCAR’s second greatest crew chief. Always humble, Inman responded, “I’m not sure I should even be ranked.” He called Leonard Wood of the Wood Brothers – fellow NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee Glen Wood’s brother – the best crew chief he’d ever seen.

For additional information, contact:

Owen A. Kearns, NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communications

Oval Racing Stock car style in Québec, Ontario and New England States

Kawartha Speedway Kicks Off 2012 Season With Long John 200 Enduro

Airborne schedules pair of DIRTcar 358-Modified Asphalt Tour events

Warfield Promoted To Director Of NMG/Entertainment Marketing Communications

NASCAR's Brian France Says 'Sport Is In A Very Good Place'

Autodrome St-Eustache - Roland Quenneville président d'honneur de la couse Xtrême

JEAN-FRANÇOIS DUMOULIN À UN TOUR DU TOP-10

WIX Filters to be primary sponsor of Ryan Newman for four races in 2012

SÉRIE SPORTSMAN QC : SYLVAIN LABBÉ - LA SOIF D'UN DEUXIÈME TITRE

ARCA and CRA Clarify First ARCA/CRA Event: April 14 at Anderson

PIER-LUC LABBÉ COMPTE SECOUER LA MALCHANCE

Austin Theriault: Speedfest 200 Watermelon Capital Speedway Race Preview

VERMONT LATE MODEL STOCK CAR CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES ANNOUNCED

Vermont State Championship coming to Devil's Bowl Speedway and Thunder Road

SERIE SPORTSMAN QC: JIMMY NADEAU VISE LE CHAMPIONNAT

2012 Thunder Road Schedule Highlighted by 50th Milk Bowl

PASS To Sanction Super Limited Division in 2012

McGrail targets 2012 Airborne Modified title

Martin, Ford and Mercer Earn Kawartha's Most Improved Driver Honours

PASS South Schedule Expands to 16 Races, Features Marquee Events

Kawartha Speedway Revises 2011 Rookie of the Year Award Winner

Brian Hoar and Patrick Laperle Crowned ACT Champions

L'Autodrome Drummond invite la relève en 2012

NASCAR STAR CARL EDWARDS TO APPEAR AT THE CANADIAN MOTORSPORTS EXPO

STÉPHANE FOURNIER VISE RIEN DE MOINS QUE LE TITRE DE RECRUE

INSIDE TRACK READERS' CHOICE AWARDS VOTING IS UNDERWAY

Austin Theriault Announces Plans For 2012

REVSTAR renonce au championnat sur glace en 2012

Mais d'abord la saison 2012 de REVSTAR avec ses deux catégories STR et Slinshots

'Rapid Roman' Richie Evans Rode Orange Chariot Into History

ARCA Racing Series, ARCA CRA Super Series Scheduled to Race Friday, July 27 at Lucas Oil Raceway

NASCAR Extends Partnership With Federal-Mogul

Honda Indy Toronto presents Canadian debut of the new 2012 Dallara DW12 IndyCar at the Canadian Motorsports Expo

HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS' NOS. 24 AND 88 SPRINT CUP SHOW CARS ON DISPLAY ALL THREE DAYS OF THE CANADIAN MOTORSPORTS EXPO

Caley Weese Heads Back to School

2011 Award's Banquet Wraps-up Another Successful Kawartha Speedway Season

Tom Culey sets the record straight / Tom Curley rétablit les faits

JOHNSTON RESEARCH & PERFORMANCE (JRP) TO HOST THE 'JRP PAVILION' AT THE CANADIAN MOTORSPORTS EXPO

Body Work: GRIP Examines The Truth About Aero

Glen Wood Never Set Out To Create NASCAR Sprint Cup Dynasty

Alex Montminy poursuit son développement avec la Série Sportsman

Sarah Cornett-Ching Seeks Help of Fans and Sponsors with Voting in the 'Always a Champion' Video Contest; Winner to Receive Sponsorship

Dave Paryzo se joint à la grande famille de l'Autodrome Drummond

STEVE COTE: DE RETOUR AU CANADA / RETURNS HOME TO CANADA

Petty: Dale Inman Invented The Position Now Called NASCAR Crew Chief

Mais d'abord la saison 2012 de REVSTAR
avec ses deux catégories STR et Slinshots