Pour diffusion immédiate – Airborne Speedway – le 8 mai, 2012 |
Champion défendant de 2011 Robin Wood, gagnant de la dernière course Jamy Begor, Shawn Duquette et Bucko Branham sont parmi les meneurs d’Airborne qui testeront les meilleurs de l’Autodrome St-Eustache dans une course 50 tours avec $1,000 au gagnant. |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ACT-050912-29 Attached Photo: TheriaultSweet.jpg – Austin Theriault (57ME) and Nick Sweet (88VT) battle side-by-side during the Spring Green 112 at Devil’s Bowl Speedway. (Photo by Eric LaFleche) Waterbury, VT – Speed 51.com, a racing news publication, has chosen Fort Kent, ME’s Austin Theriault and Barre, VT’s Nick Sweet as two of the top 51 short track drivers in the country in their “Speed 51 Short Track Draft.” |
Theriault, coming off a third place finish at Devil’s Bowl Speedway on the American Canadian Tour, was chosen as the 41st best driver in the country. Speed 51 touted the young star saying, “Talented and consistent in different forms of Late Model racing,” and, “Theriault has been turning heads all across New England for a few years”. Theriault beamed with pride at the news. “It just goes to show that it’s all about hard work and dedication. I’ve been around some great people in the racing world right from the start and it has really helped me grow as a person and a driver. It’s much more about the people that help you along the way, than me as a driver. It’s a team effort,” said Theriault. “The number isn’t even the point, it’s just an honor to be recognized.” Picked number 46 on the list was former Thunder Road Champion Nick Sweet. The draft claimed Sweet as, “One of the best to have run at (Thunder Road),” and claimed that, “Sweet was hot at times last season as he has the number 88VT car up front in all events he competed in.” Sweet was pleasantly surprised to hear his name on the list. “That list is really all the short track drivers in the country? Wow,” said the ever-modest Sweet. “This year has been a rebuilding year for us as we have been really trying to focus on getting myself and teammate Eric Chase better. To be on that list is just phenomenal.” Sweet and Theriault will resume ACT racing action for the Oxford 150 at Oxford Plains Speedway in Oxford, ME on Sunday, May 20. Post time is 2:00pm. For additional information, head to www.acttour.com or email us at media@acttour.com or call the ACT office at 1(802) 244-6963. -30- |
For Immediate Release Contact Joe Crowley True Speed Communication www.TrueSpeedCommunication.com DANICA PATRICKKANNAPOLIS, N.C., (May 9, 2012) – It’s been called the toughest of all tracks on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule. So much so that Darlington (S.C.) Raceway years ago was nicknamed “The Track Too Tough To Tame.” |
Darlington is an egg-shaped oval 1.366 miles in length – the odd shape because the western portion of the oval needed a tighter radius on the turns as founder Harold Brasington promised Sherman Ramsey, who owned a farm next to the property, that he wouldn’t disturb his minnow pond when he built the track in 1949. The odd shape also means that, to find the fast way around the track, drivers run against the outside walls in each turn, sometimes brushing up against the wall and thus earning what has affectionately become known as a “Darlington Stripe” on the right side of the car. And the black marks left on the walls by the tires rubbing up against them all race weekend have led to the track’s other nickname – “The Lady in Black.” Saturday night, “The Lady in Green,” Danica Patrick, driver of the green No.10 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet, will meet “The Lady in Black” for the very first time when she competes in the Bojangles’ Southern 500 Sprint Cup race at Darlington. Patrick, who has never been to Darlington, will also compete in the NASCAR Nationwide Series race Friday night at the 1.366-mile oval before competing in just her second-ever Sprint Cup race the next night. Her first Sprint Cup start came in February’s rain-delayed Daytona 500, where she finished a disappointing 38th, having completed only 138 of 202 laps after being caught in an accident not of her making on the third lap. She’ll hope to fare better in the 367-lap race Saturday night, but she knows that just getting seat time and experience at the Sprint Cup level is most important as she continues her transition from IndyCar to NASCAR. DANICA PATRICK, Driver of the No. 10 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet: What are your overall thoughts heading to Darlington and your second Sprint Cup Series start? “I’m told it’s not going to be so much about the track and getting comfortable and getting up to speed or feeling good, that it’s going to be more about learning how to pass there and how that works because it’s one lane and one groove. I believe it’s high in (turns) one and two and low in (turns) three and four. Just going to two-wide in one and two can cost you a second a lap, so it’s a matter of being smart about when you’re supposed to let off and give the position up for the sake of overall time. Getting used to that is going to be the hardest thing. Other than that, it’s a new track for me, so feeling out the rhythm of the race is going to be another challenge.” You announced in January that you will not compete in the Indianapolis 500 and, instead, compete in the Sprint Cup Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway. It’s now May. What are your thoughts on that? “I’m sure it will be a little strange. I’m sure I’ll be paying attention – I love Indy. I’m confident it will work out in the future. But I loved the three weeks of Indy, so when they cut it down to two weeks, I was disappointed. I tried to talk everyone into going back to three weeks. But I have a feeling my plate’s going to be full, and I’ll be well-distracted with lots of NASCAR racing and flying all over the country during May and ending up in Charlotte for Memorial Day weekend. I’m excited to see how NASCAR does Memorial Day weekend. I know how it’s done in IndyCar, how to honor the day and what it really means about people serving our country. So I’m excited to see how NASCAR does it.” You’ve been to just about every track except for Darlington. With that, what style of track have you enjoyed going to? “I like Daytona- and Talladega-style racing. I really do. It reminds me a lot of IndyCar racing because you’re flat out, looking for air, trying to stay with the pack and trying to weave your way though. It’s like I described it in IndyCar – it’s a high-speed chess match. I’m used to it; I like it. It’s not about the speed; it’s about the style. Outside of that, I think the mile-and-a-halves are probably my favorites just because I feel like more happens and it’s a little bit more in your control where, at places like Daytona and Talladega, it’s out of your control and it’s difficult to avoid big accidents, at times. So, I prefer the mile-and-a-halves, I suppose, at this point. The really high-banked, high-gripped mile-and-a-halves have been my favorite thus far. But, then again, they’ve been the ones where I’ve done the best.” Do you watch the Sprint Cup Series races you don’t compete in? “I do. I watch as many as I can. Sometimes I have commitments, but I watch as many as I can because it’s good to pick up things that I see for the future.” Can you talk about Tony Stewart since you both have experience in IndyCar racing? “We don’t talk a lot about IndyCar and NASCAR. They’re very different worlds. I think it’s nice that I know he has the reference and can understand where I’m coming from, perhaps, with some feelings and certain ways I describe the car. But we don’t speak specifically about Indy cars because of the difference in cars. So, for me, it’s nice to have a guy like Tony, who is confident and will help me and give me answers and be honest and want to see me get better. And the IndyCar references are just nice from a background standpoint that he understands what I’m talking about.” A lot of the attention has been on your relationship with Tony Stewart. Can you talk about working with Ryan Newman? “For me, with Ryan, he’s been really kind to me over the years – especially the last couple of years in NASCAR. He’s commented a couple of times to me. Stopped and chatted about doing a good job out there and how’s it going. General curiosity. So I get along great with Ryan. We were actually just talking about some charity stuff, too, with dogs. I know he does a lot with animals. I share the same views as Krissie (Newman, his wife), apparently. So I think I’ll probably sit down and talk with her about that. But I really like him. I think the team, as a whole, is going to have a lot of fun.” Notes of Interest:
DANICA PATRICK’S 2012 SPRINT CUP PERFORMANCE PROFILE
× Race length extended due to green-white-checkered finish. - TSC – |
Un nombre record de 117 voitures étaient en piste pour la journée des pratiques de samedi dernier. Une belle journée pour les nombreux amateurs heureux de revoir leurs idoles.
Le plus important évènement jamais présenté au Québec prendra place vendredi et samedi les 11 et 12 mai. Pour une première fois à l'Autodrome Granby, 5 associations de Sprint Car seront en piste et lutteront pour remporter l'épreuve et la bourse de $ 5000.00. C’est un montant total de $ 85 000.00 en bourse qui sera remis aux pilotes qui participent aux différentes épreuves. Les meilleurs pilotes de la série Empire Super Sprint, Sprint Car of New England, Southern Ontario Sprint,Corr Pak Sprint et Patriot Sprint Tour s'affronteront sur le circuit de 1/2 mile. 40 pilotes ont déjà confirmé leur présence. L'homme à battre est Shane Stewart (21), il a remporté à 3 reprises le Knoxville 360. Il a terminé 2e en 410 la plus prestigieuse course de Sprint. Stewart a même remporté une victoire en Australie. A 34 ans, il a mérité plus de 90 victoires en 13 ans de carrière. Glenn Styres (0) sera en piste, il a mérité une victoire en Floride en février dernier. Il a remporté 4 championnats avec les Southern Ontario Sprint. M. Styres est le propriétaire de la piste d’Ohsweken en Ontario. Dain Naida (07x) sera aussi en piste. Jessica Zemken qui est toujours très bien accueillie à Granby nous a confirmé sa présence. Bryan Holland et Jared Zimbardi ont aussi confirmé leur présence. Nos talentueux pilotes locaux vont tout tenter pour vous en mettre plein la vue. Steve Poirier ( 28 FM), Alain Bergeron ( 8 B), Michael Parent ( 25), Lee Ladouceur et plusieurs autres seront de la compétition. Une finale de 20 tours sera présentée vendredi tandis que samedi les Sprint s'élanceront pour 30 tours. |
Les Modifié seront en piste, le talentueux pilote Nascar, Andrew Ranger aura l'honneur de piloter un bolide préparé par l'équipe de l'équipe de Mario Clair. 26 voitures étaient présentes lors des pratiques de samedi dernier 3 nouveaux pilotes sont admissibles au titre de recrue 2012. Le champion défendant François Bernier ( 49) fera tout en son possible pour conserver son titre. Plusieurs pilotes comme les Clair, les Therrien, Robidoux, Brouillard, Boisvert, Bernard, Bussière, Gougeon, Boissonneault, Ledoux, Whitteker et plusieurs autres tenteront de remporter le championnat 2012. À vous de faire vos prédictions, plusieurs pilotes pourraient nous surprendre. Les nombreux pilotes Sportsman seront aussi en piste vendredi pour une finale de 25 tours, ils étaient 30 voitures lors des pratiques dont 7 pilotes recrues. Les 4 et 6 cylindres s'affronteront aussi vendredi lors d'une finale de 15 tours. De nouveaux visages se sont ajoutés à la catégorie Prostock, ils seront en piste samedi pour une épreuve de 25 tours. Les nombreux pilotes Lightning Sprint partageront aussi la vedette samedi avec une finale de 20 tours. Une fin de semaine inoubliable vous attend en ce début de saison. Le prix d'entrée est fixé à 25.00 $ pour vendredi et 30.00 $ pour samedi. Les étudiants de moins de 18 ans avec carte d'identité seront admis gratuitement à chaque programme de la saison 2012. Venez célébrer avec nous, le début d'une saison très chargée à l'Autodrome Granby, c'est un rendez-vous à ne pas manquer. Le plus gros spectacle de Sprint Car au Québec se déroulera à Granby en fin de semaine. Josée Lyse Poisson Relationniste Autodrome Granby |
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (May 8, 2012) – NASCAR announced today that two NASCAR Nationwide Series crew chiefs had been fined and placed on probation for violations during this past weekend’s event at Talladega Superspeedway. In addition, the teams’ respective car chiefs have also been placed on probation for the remainder of the year.
Crew chiefs Jeremy Bullins (No. 22 team) and Chad Walter (No. 12 team) have each been fined $10,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31. Additionally, the teams’ respective car chiefs – Thomas Clavette (No. 22) and Raymond Fox (No. 12) – have been placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31.
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The rules violations referred to Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4J (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules detailed in Section 20-A of the rule book); 20A-2.1E (streamlining of the contours of the car, beyond what is approved by the series director will not be permitted. Installation of air directional devices, underpans, baffles, shields or the like beneath the car or the car’s hood and fender area, front firewall, floor, rear firewall area, rear deck and quarter panel will not be permitted. If, in the judgment of NASCAR officials, any part or component of the car not previously approved by NASCAR has been installed or modified to enhance aerodynamic performance, will not be permitted. All cars must remain standard in appearance); 20A-3.10A (front upper bumper cover must be from the respective OEM manufacturer and must be approved by NASCAR. The front lower bumper cover and rear bumper cover must be from an approved manufacturer and must be approved by NASCAR. Once approved, the front lower bumper covers may be used on all approved models. NASCAR officials may use bumper covers provided by the respective manufacturer as a guide in determining whether a competitor’s bumper cover conforms to the specifications of the NASCAR rule book. Unless otherwise authorized by the series director, cutting and reshaping of bumper covers will not be permitted.)
The infractions were discovered during opening day inspection on May 3.
Contact:
Kerry Tharp
NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communications
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For immediate release – Airborne Speedway – May 8, 2012
South Plattsburgh, NY – It’s more laps, more money and more competition for Airborne’s J&S Steel Limited Late Models this Saturday night, May 12 when TD Bank presents the opening round of the six-race USA/Canada Master Series.
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Defending track champion Robin Wood, last week’s feature winner Jamy Begor, Shawn Duquette and Bucko Branham are among the Airborne frontrunners who will test the best from Autodrome St-Eustache in a 50-lap, $1,000-to-win event.
Branham, the winningest Airborne driver of the last decade, came out on top when the Canadian teams made their first-ever appearance on the Plattsburgh half-mile last fall.
This year, the USA/Canada competition has been expanded into a six-race series – three races at each track – that carries a combined purse and point fund of over $40,000.
The first two Airborne Limited Late Model Masters Series events are 50 laps. The third Airborne event, Saturday, August 4, will utilize the “4-20’s” format, which combines the finishes of four 20-lap sprints. The first two Canadian events, slated for Saturday, May 19 and Saturday July 21, are 75 laps. The “Shootout” finale is 125 laps with competition yellows on lap 50 and lap 100.
“Speaking with our 2011 track champion Maxim Pelletier and many of our other drivers, I know that our guys enjoyed racing at Airborne very much last September,” Autodrome St-Eustache promoter Alan Labrosse said. “The Airborne events are point races towards our track championship, so you can be sure there will be plenty of our teams at Plattsburgh.”
Gates open Saturday at 3 p.m. Qualifying action begins at 5 p.m. Admission is $15/adults, kids 12 and under free.
Contact: Tom Herzig
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ACT-050812-28 Attached Photo: JoeyPolewarczykJr.jpg – Joey Polewarczyk, Jr. fights for the lead with Wayne Helliwell, Jr. during the late stages of the ACT Spring Green 112 at Devil’s Bowl Speedway on Sunday, May 6. (Photo by Leif Tillotson) Waterbury, VT – Speed51.com, a national racing news site, has named American Canadian Tour star Joey Polewarczyk, Jr. of Hudson, NH one of the top 25 short track drivers in the country according to their 2012 Short Track Draft. This marks the third year in a row that Polewarczyk has made the prestigious list. |
The racing news website touted Pole’s resume on the ACT tour stating ”Pole has won countless races in the American Canadian Tour Late Models that dominate parts of the Northeast. The series is very challenging and offers a strong front to build off of as 30-plus cars show up to run each week, with the bigger shows drawing 40 or more with international flavor.” Polewarczyk, who is coming off of a strong second place finish at Devil’s Bowl Speedway last weekend, was ecstatic to hear the news. “That list is everybody in the country really, so it means a lot. To be on the same list of drivers with guys like Bubba Pollard and all those guys, 25th is really an honor. It really speaks for our team. It’s not just good for me, it’s good for everybody,” said Polewarczyk. When asked about how it changes his confidence level for the rest of 2012, he stood by his team. “Honestly it doesn’t change anything. This whole year we’ve been looking at races differently. I feel like every race this year we’ve had a shot at winning. At Lee I made a mistake, at Thunder Road we pitted at the wrong time, and we were so close at Devil’s Bowl. Our team looks good, everyone is happy. We just go out there every week to try to win those races.“ Polewarczyk will continue his journey to becoming the next American Canadian Tour Champion at Oxford Plains Speedway in Oxford, ME for the Oxford 150 on Sunday, May 20. Post time 1:00. For additional information, head to www.acttour.com or contact us at media@acttour.com or call the office at (802) 244-6963. -30- |
LOUIS-PHILIPPE DUMOULIN
Signature d’un partenariat majeur avec WeatherTech Canada pour la saison 2012
Trois-Rivières, le 9 mai 2012 – L’Équipe de course Dumoulin Compétition annonce un partenariat majeur entre le pilote Louis-Philippe Dumoulin et WeatherTech Canada pour la saison 2012 en série NASCAR Canadian Tire. Détenteur du titre de recrue de l’année 2011 de cette série, la performance, la passion et la persévérance permettent à Louis-Philippe Dumoulin de concrétiser ce nouveau partenariat et de participer à l’ensemble du championnat de la saison 2012.
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LOUIS-PHILIPPE DUMOULIN
Signing of a Major Partnership with WeatherTech Canada 2012 Season
Trois-Rivieres, May 9th, 2012 – The Dumoulin Competition Racing team announces its major partnership between racer Louis-Philippe Dumoulin and WeatherTech Canada for the 2012 NASCAR Canadian Tire season. Titled 2011 Rookie of the Year for the series, performance, passion and perseverance lead Louis-Philippe Dumoulin to continue his progression within the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series through the development of this new partnership, allowing him to compete in the full calendar of the NCTS.
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« Quel plaisir de se retrouver dans un contexte professionnel où les visions, valeurs de WeatherTech Canada rejoignent les miennes et celles de Dumoulin Compétition. Ce partenariat permet de poursuivre l’atteinte de notre objectif. » mentionne Louis-Philippe Dumoulin.
WeatherTech Canada conçoit, développe des accessoires automobiles haut de gamme et sur mesure pour les consommateurs et les manufacturiers. Ils fabriquent et manufacturent digitalement des tapis de voiture toutes saisons, tapis de protection arrière ainsi que des garde-boues (sans vis), aux États-Unis, pour tous types de véhicules en Amérique du Nord. Les ingénieurs utilisent les outils les plus sophistiqués disponibles pour la saisie des données et la géométrie complexe des véhicules, telles que les surfaces au sol, les zones de rangement, les ouvertures de fenêtre ou les ailes (standards de qualité optimale).
« Nous, WeatherTech Canada, sommes emballés du partenariat avec Dumoulin Compétition, ce sera une excellente saison de course. L’expérience et l’enthousiasme de Louis-Philippe sont une plus value pour l’équipe WeatherTech », partage Tony Page, président de WeatherTech Canada.
Dumoulin Compétition passe à une autre étape qui nécessite un support spécialisé pour la préparation des voitures. « Après trois ans de participation en série NASCAR Canadian Tire, nous sommes prêts à faire le championnat et nous sommes conscients qu'on ne peut pas le faire tout seul. La voiture n°47 WeatherTech Canada / Bellemare sera préparée par l’équipe de Scott Steckly », mentionne l’instructeur de pilotage. Les premiers essais sur circuits routiers ont eu lieu le 1er mai dernier au Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (Mosport), ils poursuivront les essais au même endroit le 10 mai prochain.
Louis-Philippe Dumoulin, spécialiste des circuits routiers, a participé aux trois dernières courses de la saison sur circuit ovale l’an dernier (Barrie, Ont – Antigonish, N.-S. – Kawartha, Ont.) au volant d’une voiture modifiée et très peu adaptée pour ce genre d’épreuve. Le Québécois souligne que « la préparation spécifique de la voiture d’ovale n°47 WeatherTech Canada / Bellemare sera l’opportunité d’optimiser la technique propre à ce type de piste ».
Jean-François Dumoulin est fier supporteur de son frère et de sa ténacité, propre à la famille Dumoulin. « Nous avons tous travaillé fort depuis 2009 pour trouver du financement et faire une saison complète en série. C'est le résultat d'un travail d'équipe sans relâche », partage l’aîné des frères Dumoulin. Sa participation aux côtés de son frère est confirmée pour les épreuves du Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières (3, 4 et 5 août 2012) ainsi qu’au Napa Pièces d’auto 200 de Montréal (16, 17 et 18 août 2012).
Louis-Philippe Dumoulin participera à la première épreuve de la saison lors du Victoria Day SpeedFest du 18 au 20 mai prochain sur le circuit de Mosport (Canadian Tire Motorsport Park).
« J’ai vraiment hâte de commencer la saison à Mosport avec la voiture de haut calibre n°47 WeatherTech Canada / Bellemare, je suis certain qu’on pourra offrir de bonnes performances», mentionne Louis-Philippe Dumoulin.
La famille Dumoulin ainsi que toute l’équipe Dumoulin Compétition souhaitent renouveler son appréciation du soutien inconditionnel de tous – partenaires, famille, amis, fans et médias – indispensable à la poursuite du leitmotiv :
« Passion – Performance – Partenariats»
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« What a pleasure to be in a professional context where WeatherTech’s visions and values join mine and those of Dumoulin Competition. This partnership comes at a perfect time, for Dumoulin Competition to pursue its ascension to the top - following last year’s Rookie of the Year Title - of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. » says Louis-Philippe Dumoulin.
WeatherTech Canada designs, develops and produces high quality digitally custom fitted FloorLiners, All Weather Floor Mats, Cargo Liners and No-Drill Mudflaps in the USA on North American machinery for customers and manufacturers. Engineers use the newest technology available for the data entry and the geometric complexity required by the vehicles for floor surface coverings, storage areas, aisles and window openings (superior quality standards).
« We at WeatherTech Canada are very excited to be partnering with Dumoulin Competition and look forward to a great race season! LP's racing experience and enthusiasm makes him the perfect addition to the WeatherTech team.», shared Tony Page, President of WeatherTech Canada.
Dumoulin Competition moves to another stage which necessitates a specialized support team for the car preparation. « After three years of participating in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, we are ready to take on the championship, we are also aware of the fact that we cannot achieve this alone. The n°47 WeatherTech Canada / Bellemare car will be prepared by Scott Steckly’s team», mentioned the racing instructor. The first road course trial runs took place on May 1st at the Canadian Tire Mosport Park (Mosport) and will continue at the same track on May 10th.
Louis-Philippe Dumoulin, a road circuit specialist, participated in the last three oval races of the season (Barrie, Ont – Antigonish, N.-S. – Kawartha, Ont.) at the wheel of a car minimally adapted for this type of circuit. The Quebecer underlines that « the specific preparation required for the n°47 WeatherTech Canada / Bellemare oval car will allow us to develop the proper techniques for this type of circuit ».
Jean-Francois Dumoulin is a proud supporter of his brother, for his tenacity a quality specific to the Dumoulin family. « Since 2009, we have worked very hard to find funds that would allow us to do a complete season in this series. This is the result of endless dedicated work », shares the eldest of the brothers. Participations at his brothers’ side have been confirmed for the Grand Prix of Trois-Rivieres (August 3rd, 4th and 5th 2012) as well as the Napa Auto Parts 200 of Montreal (August 16th, 17th and 18th 2012).
Louis-Philippe Dumoulin will be participating in the first event of the season during the Victoria Day SpeedFest, May 18th to 20th at the Mosport Circuit (Canadian Tire Mosport Park).
« I am very eager to begin the season at Mosport with the high-end n°47 WeatherTech Canada / Bellemare car, I am sure that we will offer great performances », mentions Louis-Philippe Dumoulin.
The Dumoulin Family as well as the entire Dumoulin Competition team wish to renew their appreciation for the unconditional support offered by all – partners, families, friends, fans and medias – essential for our leitmotiv:
« Passion – Performance – Partnerships»
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 5.8.12
For more information, visit http://www.crazyhorseracingparts.com or E-Mail GWCNewEngland@gmail.com
Back-To-Back Top-10 Finishes Have Second-Year Driver Rolling
CLAREMONT, N.H. – At the end of a long day of practice at Thunder Road International Speedbowl two weeks ago, Luke Hinkley was noticeably frustrated.
The Claremont, N.H., driver had thrown everything he could think of at his No. 31 R.E. Hinkley Oil Dodge Charger to no avail. Nothing was making the car circle the peculiar quarter-mile any more efficiently. If Hinkley had a kitchen sink at his disposal, he probably would have thrown that at the ill-tempered car, too.
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So, Hinkley made a phone call across the Green Mountains to Mitch Green, and in the middle of the night, Green offered up some advice. That advice turned Hinkley's team around 180 degrees – turning the No. 31 from a car that simply wouldn't go to one that most of the other ACT Late Model Tour teams couldn't keep up with when practice resumed the next morning.
“The knowledge level up there (at Crazy Horse Racing) is huge for us, especially now with this ACT Tour deal,” said Hinkley, 29, in his first full ACT season. “Look at that race at Thunder Road. We were 35th or 37th in practice all day on Saturday, and I called Mitch that night him and told him I'd done everything I could think of to do to it.
“Then he told me to make some changes that went against the way I would have ever thought – and we were so fast on Sunday. It was unbelievable.”
Hinkley went out and finished second in his qualifying heat and ended up posting a season-best finish of seventh in the Merchants Bank 150. He followed that by finishing 10th in last weekend's Spring Green 112 at Devil's Bowl Speedway, part of a banner day that saw three Crazy Horse Racing chassis finish inside the Top-10.
With his first career back-to-back Top-10 finishes in ACT competition, Hinkley sits sixth in the Tour standings heading into this weekend's off-weekend. He's qualified for all three ACT events in 2012 and hasn't finished outside the Top-15.
“That's one of the biggest things about the Tour is that we haven't been to a lot of the tracks that we're racing at this year,” said Hinkley, who got his start racing Mini Sprint cars on dirt as a teenager. “We had never been to Lee (USA Speedway, site of the season opener last month) before, and at Thunder Road I only had limited experience. We go to Oxford next, and I've never been there, either, or to any of the tracks in Canada.
“It's especially tough when you look at the amount of competition on that Tour. I honestly believe there are 10-15 teams each week that can win a race and have a shot each and every time. There's a lot of young kids and older veterans. It takes every little thing to win at that level.”
Hinkley dabbled in the ACT Tour in 2011, running a half-dozen events and posting a career-best finish of fourth on his home track of Twin State Speedway. He's running a Crazy Horse Racing chassis originally built for Brian Hoar – the same car Hoar drove to the 2009 ACT championship.
Having the support of the chassis builder has helped Hinkley and his relatively new team – they've only been together for three years – get up to speed sooner rather than later. In 2010, Hinkley won two Late Model features at Twin State.
“I've worked with a few different chassis builders over the years, and (Crazy Horse) is the best. They're just all great people,” Hinkley said. “You can call any of them, it doesn't matter what time, and they'll walk you through things. They'll always help you. That's been big for me.”
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[Trois-Rivières, le 8 mai 2012] ― Sept juin 1976. Un pilote Québécois prometteur dispute une première course en Europe en s'alignant sur la grille de départ au Grand Prix de Pau, en France, grâce à l'appui du Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières, près de chez lui, un événement où il ne cesse de s'illustrer. Onze mai 2012.
Un autre pilote Québécois prometteur, lui aussi dominant dans les rues de la cité de Laviolette, prendra le départ de sa première course en Europe, également à Pau, toujours grâce à l'appui du Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières. Ces deux histoires sont similaires mais une différence majeure les démarque. Si Gilles Villeneuve avait pris le volant d'une March-Ford 752 qui l'a laissé tomber quand son moteur à essence s'est mis à surchauffer au 13e tour de l'épreuve qui en comptait 73, Marc-Antoine Camirand, lui, comptera sur une mécanique d'avant-garde qui avance grâce à une énergie propre, l'Andros Car Evo 2 entièrement électrique.
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C'est dans le but de souligner le 30e anniversaire du départ de Gilles Villeneuve que le Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières renoue avec sa mission de permettre aux pilotes de talent d'ici de se faire remarquer ailleurs en envoyant Marc-Antoine Camirand disputer le deuxième Grand Prix entièrement électrique de l'histoire, dans les rues de Pau, en France. «Avec les liens historiques qui lient Gilles Villeneuve, le Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières et le Grand Prix de Pau, il était tout naturel de souligner le départ de Gilles grâce à une telle initiative, explique Dominic Fugère, directeur général du GP3R.
Avec un CV vierge de toute course européenne malgré un CV garni de succès dont son record de neuf victoires chez nous, Marc-Antoine s'est imposé comme le meilleur candidat pour nous représenter.» Bien entendu, le GP3R y trouve aussi son compte. Pour la deuxième année consécutive, le Grand Prix de Pau est l'hôte du seul Grand Prix entièrement électrique au monde. La venue de Camirand à Pau s'inscrit comme une importante étape pour amener le Trophée Andros Électrique
«Avec la réputation mondiale du Québec en matière de développement durable et, surtout, d'hydroélectricité, c'est tout naturel que le premier Grand Prix électrique en Amérique se tienne chez nous, ajoute Fugère. Sans compter que ça nous permettrait de renouer avec l'enviable slogan que nous avons longtemps porté : Unique en Amérique.»
La députée de Trois-Rivières à l'Assemblée nationale Danielle Saint-Amand a chaleureusement salué la démarche. «Nous nous devons d'appuyer de telles initiatives qui permettent à nos talents comme Marc-Antoine et aux évènements de chez-nous comme le GP3R de se faire remarquer sur la scène internationale, explique madame Saint-Amand. Si, en plus, nous pouvons faire progresser le dossier pour que le Québec et la Mauricie puissent consolider leur position de leader en matière d'innovation électrique avec le premier Grand Prix électrique en Amérique, ça devient un incontournable. » Le maire de Trois-Rivières Yves Lévesque s'est dit extrêmement fier. «Ce pas en avant accompagné d'un clin d'oeil au passé souligne très bien l'importance de Gilles Villeneuve dans l'histoire du Grand Prix et même celle de Trois-Rivières, a dit monsieur Lévesque.
Je suis certain que Marc-Antoine saura connaître autant de succès à Pau qu'il en a eu chez nous. C'est toute la ville qui bénéficiera du prestige de sa présence en France. » En plus de payer un volant à Camirand à Pau, le GP3R a dévoilé un autre modeste salut à Gilles Villeneuve qui a couru sous la Porte Duplessis pour la dernière fois en 1977, il y a 35 ans. En collaboration avec le Musée Gilles-Villeneuve, le GP3R offrira aux restaurateurs de la région la chance d'ajouter à leur carte des vins le Ventisette, un vin de Toscane de la maison Renzo Masi importé spécialement pour le 30e anniversaire de départ de Villeneuve.
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For Immediate Release: Monday, May 7, 2012 (TOLEDO, Ohio) - After launching a new promotional partnership last spring, the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA), Toledo Speedway, and Grogan's Towne Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram of Toledo have enhanced that relationship for 2012 - ARCA's 60th Anniversary Season. |
The connection between the three key Toledo groups will be evident on Saturday, May 19, as Grogan's Towne will sponsor that afternoon's ARCA Truck Series race at Toledo Speedway, the Grogan's Towne 50. The race will lead one of the year's top race weekends at the half-mile oval, as the stars of the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards will shine in the next day's Menards 200 presented by Federated Car Care. The Grogan's Towne 50 will open the ARCA Truck Series' 14th season, also marking the beginning of ARCA Fan Fest 2012, the interactive fan event surrounding the ARCA Racing Series event weekend at Toledo Speedway. "ARCA is well known throughout the country but lucky for us, it's based right in our neighborhood," said Denny Amrhein, general manager and partner at Grogan's Towne. "We are proud to support our local community and especially our partnership with the leading racing organization." The race sponsorship is beneficial not only for the track, but for area fans as well. Starting Thursday, May 10, race fans and customers who visit Grogan's Towne for oil change service any day through May 19 will receive two tickets to the Grogan's Towne 50 after the completion of their service. Additionally, Grogan's Towne has renewed its position as an Official Sponsor of the ARCA Safety Initiative, and has supplied a Dodge Ram truck to be used as the chase vehicle for the 2012 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards season. The vehicle is used as the first-response vehicle for all ARCA Racing Series events, carrying ARCA Safety Initiative officials to the scene of on-track incidents to provide observations and evaluation of the track conditions and driver status. 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. Griffin Hickman, ARCA Don Radebaugh, ARCA |
By Jim Clarke, Kawartha Speedway PR/Clarke Motorsports Communications Racecar drivers earn a living in a variety of different professions. At the short track level, few weekly runners – even the most successful in any division – can’t look at paying the bills with the money they earn at the track. Larry Jackson – who captured the NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Model title at Kawartha Speedway in 2007 – is a full time professional firefighter. An acting captain with the City of Mississauga fire department, Jackson says he loves the competition at the Fraserville 3/8th mile oval. |
“Derek Lynch and his people at KD are a great bunch,” said Jackson, who’ll celebrate his 38th birthday on May 12th. “The decisions they have to make aren’t always easy, but it’s a wonderful place to race and I can’t think of anywhere I’d rather spend my Friday nights. For the most part, everyone gets along no matter how hard we might battle each other on the track.” Jackson, who lives in Oakville, Ontario with partner Wendy Montgomery and their 8 year-old daughter has been racing in one division or another for more than 20 years. His career started in street stocks at nearby Flamboro Speedway, before turning laps in a challenger and open wheeled modified at Mosport and other tracks throughout the province. For the last 10 years, selected NASCAR modified shows south of the border have also been part of his agenda. “Racing is an easy way to spend a lot of money you might not really have,” said Jackson with a smile. “I’ve been very fortunate to run competitively almost everywhere I’ve raced. My late model program at Kawartha has easily been the most satisfying and successful over the years. We’ve regularly been a top 10 car in points – finishing 2nd in 2008 and 2011 – in addition to 3rd in 2010, so that’s always a plus.” Early in his career, Larry Jackson’s racecars carried the number 29 into battle, but an alliance with Barton Motorsports saw that change to 84. For Kawartha Speedway’s 2011 season, the driver of the Montgomery Marketing/Gary Jackson Trucking/B & B Decals/Speedy Muffler machine took the green flag in a piece that had been designed and built in the team’s shop. While they may have struggled to find the perfect set-up during the first few events, hard work by crew members Dean and David Ramsbottom, Chuck Barton, Dan Boutcher and Roger Youens turned the chassis into a winner. “There were some things we’d always wanted to try and we managed to incorporate them into the new car,” said Jackson. “Anytime you start with something brand new – especially something you’ve built and designed on your own – you need to build some notes on how it handles and responds to the changes you make. I’m not saying we’re going to mass produce this car, but picking-up that first main event win was especially rewarding.” While he’s nowhere near ready to walk away from the sport, Jackson admits that he’s thought about looking for a younger driver to take over his car, but before that happens; there is some unfinished business on his racing bucket list that needs to be taken care of. “It would be nice to run a couple of road course races in a NASCAR Canadian Tire Series car or take the modified to New Smyrna,” said Jackson. “Just recently, I got to watch my beautiful little girl race her go kart of the first time. It was both scary and thrilling. Probably the same way my parents felt seeing my first race.” Fans can follow Larry Jackson throughout Kawartha Speedway’s 2012 season at the track or by visiting www.bartonmotorsports.com. Kawartha klips: Kawartha Speedway will hold its annual open practice session Friday, May 25th. The 2012 season opener – with the track’s 3 regular divisions, as well as the OSCAAR Super Late Models and the new OSCAAR Modifieds – is Friday, June 1st. There will also be a pre-season test for NASCAR Canadian Tire Series teams Wednesday, June 6th. See www.kawarthaspeedway.com for all the details. Photo attachment: Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications Larry Jackson earned a second place NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Model point finish during Kawartha Speedway’s 2011 season. The Oakville, Ontario racer is excited to start the 2012 campaign. Prepared by: Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications |
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