2015-03-30

Compte rendu de la réunion des classes locales






Compte rendu de la réunion des classes locales

Autodrome Chaudière 2014 inc.

C'est ce dimanche, 29 mars 2015 que s'est tenu la dernière réunion des classes locales de l'Autodrome Chaudière 2014 en vue de la prochaine saison. Tous étaient réunis à la Cache à Maxime qui en plus de s'impliquer en tant que commanditaire de l'Autodrome Chaudière sera aussi l'hôte des invités de l'Autodrome pour la saison 2015.

Étaient présents sur place ou représentés près de 55 pilotes sur les 66 inscriptions reçues à ce jour pour les classes Sport Compact Amateur, Sport Compact Élite et Limité.

M. André Poulin a pris la parole pour présenter son nouvel associé, M. Yves Pelchat. Impliqué dans le stock-car depuis plusieurs années d'abord comme pilote et par la suite en tant que dirigeant de l'Autodrome Saint-Félicien. L'apport de M. Pelchat est sans aucun doute un atout pour l'organisation.

M. Yves Pelchat s'est présenté en précisant que tous les efforts seraient mis en place pour amener de nouveaux pilotes rappelant que l'Autodrome Chaudière est la seule piste de l'est du Québec à développer les classes locales. Pour lui, lorsqu'il a eu à travailler avec M. André Poulin lors du passage des Sportsman Québec à l'Autodrome Saint-Félicien, il a reconnu en lui un homme passionné, structuré qui avait à cœur de tout donné afin de mettre ses pilotes dans les meilleures conditions.

Par la suite, M. Poulin a repris la parole pour présenter les officiels présents sur place ainsi que leurs fonctions.

è Michel Dassylva : Officiel de puits, travaillera en étroite collaboration avec les pilotes et le coordonnateur des classes locales.

è Kevin Groleau : Co-directeur technique

è Marcel Labbé : Officiel de puit responsable du positionnement des voitures.

è Alain Maltais : Responsable du « Pace Car » et en soutien pour le positionnement dans les puits.

è Thomas Maltais : Aide-Signaleur et officiel de puits

è Christian Jacques : Responsable du stationnement, des campings et en soutien à André Poulin.

è André Gagnon : Coordonnateur des classes locales, responsable des statistiques et des positions de qualification. Il a comme mission l'amélioration des classes locales et travaillera en étroite collaboration avec Stéphan Bacon

è Stéphan Bacon : Directeur de courses

è Pierre Lessard : En soutien à André Poulin afin de coordonner l'ensemble des programmes et s'assurer le bon fonctionnement des évènements.

è Marie-Claude Levasseur : Relationniste, responsable des relations avec les publiques.

è Était absent :David Pichette (signaleur) Jean-Daniel Mathieu (photographe), Christian Groleau (co-directeur technique).

Les logos à apposer sur les ailes ainsi que les bandes de vitres pour chacune des classes sont présentés et remis aux pilotes présents. Par respect pour nos commanditaires, il est important que les logos soient bien apposés et propres. L'Autodrome en fournira de nouveaux au besoin.

M. André Gagnon prend la parole pour tout d'abord, remercier les pilotes de s'être présentés en si grand nombre. Présent depuis 2007 à l'Autodrome Chaudière, M. Gagnon souligne que son objectif est de mettre en application, avec la collaboration de M. Bacon, de la discipline tant au niveau du déroulement du programme que dans l'organisation de la journée en ce qui à trait aux classes locales. Il est mentionné que les pilotes devront écouter le premier appel pour se présenter sur la fausse grille sinon, ils seront replacés à l'arrière. Les programmes étant chargés, l'objectif est de conserver les tours prévus à toutes les classes et d'offrir un spectacle de qualité.

Règlementation :

Un amendement sera amené au livre de règlement afin de retirer le nombre maximal de pneus pouvant être acheté par les classes. Les équipes seront libres d'acheter le nombre qui le désire.

De plus, un ajout est fait concernant la « gear » de 3 (voir le # de modèle dans le livre de règlement) qui rend plus facile le changement de piste (Autodrome Chaudière, Autodrome Saint-Félicien et Autodrome Montmagny)

 

Une augmentation est à prévoir en ce qui concerne l'achat des pneus  soit Falcon ou Hoosiers dû au taux de change. Il faudra prévoir environ 20$ de plus par pneus.  

 

Le 2 mai prochain, il y aura une journée d'inspection et de pratiques. Les classes locales seront inspectées en après-midi. Il est à préciser que cette inspection s'en veut une de sécurité versus la conformité selon les exigences de chaque classe. Il en coutera 10$ par personne.

 

Comme pour les autres classes, les pilotes recrues des classes locales sont conviés à une pratique le 9 mai prochain au coût de 50$ /voiture. L'autodrome sollicitera 1 ou 2 vétérans par classe pour supporter les recrues et les diriger dans l'ajustement de leur voiture. De plus, les pratiques du mercredi offertes pour 20$/voiture pour 3 heures sont là pour permettre aux pilotes de tester leurs ajustements ainsi que de faire des tours pour s'améliorer.

 

Il y aura une Triple couronne en Sport Compact Élite en premier lieu à l'Autodrome Chaudière le 11 juillet, ensuite à l'Autodrome Saint-Félicien le 25 juillet et finalement à l'Autodrome Montmagny le 5 septembre. Il en coutera 50$ pour l'inscription aux 3 courses ou 25$ par course. Pour cette Triple couronne, des frais de déplacement seront inclus dans les bourses.  

 

En ce qui concerne la classe Limité, la réponse est bonne et nous pouvons constater que les pilotes sont au travail pour que leur voiture soit fin prête pour la saison. M. André Poulin souligne que beaucoup de travail est fait de tous les côtés afin de conserver l'intérêt et la bonne santé de cette classe.

          Un retour est fait sur l'achat et/ou la location des transpondeurs. Encore une fois le taux de change joue contre nous. L'achat du transpondeur compatible avec les classes locales est de 215$. Il y aura possibilité de louer le transpondeur directement par le biais de la piste. M. Poulin précise qu'en ce qui concerne la classe Sport Compact Amateur, il fera tout en son pouvoir pour rendre les coûts de location au minimum étant donné que les bourses sont attribuées aux 5 premiers seulement.

Des travaux seront faits dès la fonte des neiges pour améliorer les puits des classes locales. Il y aura ajout de toilettes,  des lumières et la pente donnant accès au site sera corrigée. De plus, des validations seront faites pour que les haut-parleurs soient fonctionnels. Pour l'attribution des places de stationnements, ce sera premier arrivée, premier servi.

 

Les pilotes présents se prononcent sur le choix des représentants des classes;

-       Sport Compact Amateur : Ken Grondin et Steve Verret

-       Sport Compact Élite : Martin Bisson, Steve Godbout, Kevin Poulin et Julien Bernier

-       Limité : Yves Perreault et Yves Marcoux

 

M. Kevin Groleau demeure à la disposition des pilotes à la fin de la rencontre pour répondre aux questions techniques.

Prochain rendez-vous, le 2 mai prochain !

Marie-Claude Levasseur, Relationniste 


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 30.3.15 0 comments

Dan Price Sheds Some Skin for his Debut OSCAAR Modified Season

Dan Price Sheds Some Skin for his Debut OSCAAR Modified Season

By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media

 

His entire racing career has been spent behind the wheel of full-fendered, short track stock cars…until now. With 2015 season openers scheduled to take their first green flags in just a few short weeks, "Cowboy" Dan Price is set to ride off in a different direction during his first season behind the wheel of a powerful OSCAAR Modified.

 

The 38 year old from Brooklin, Ontario – who now splits time between there and Hamilton due to the work commitments of his career as a powerline technician – will steer a General Motors crate engine powered open-wheeled piece from Troyer Engineering on the 14 event tour that rolls to the starting line Saturday, May 16th at Sunset Speedway. Price says it's both an exciting and nervous change in his racing plans.

 

"I've always been a fan of the modifieds, but other than watching the action, this will be my first exposure to the division," said Price. "It'll take some time to adjust to the different equipment, but one of my favourite aspects of the sport has always been the people and spending time with family and friends at the track. Everyone is always happy to pitch in, so I'm sure that'll help accelerate the learning curve."

 

In his career, Dan Price has gained experience in a number of classes, including Endurance, Late Model and Thunder Car racing at a variety of tracks. His classic 1957 Chevy Bel Air was a crowd favourite wherever he raced and the veteran campaigner finished 3rd and 4th in the final 2013 and 2014 point standings at Peterborough Speedway. Even with the know-how he's gained over the years, the driver who enjoys tinkering with hot rods and motorcycles in his time away from the track says one night stands out when compared to the rest.

 

"My first ever feature event win – last year at Peterborough – was the moment I'd been waiting more than 10 years for," admitted Price. "I'd watched so many other people get to the winner's circle over the years and I was beginning to wonder when it would be my turn. Being able to celebrate in victory lane with my wife Erin, daughter Cambrie and so many friends – especially on Fan Appreciation Night – made it an unforgettable occasion."

 

Like most racers, Dan Price has a 'bucket list' and would enjoy attending events at a number of tracks, including Sandusky, New Smyrna and Wall Stadium. As a driver, he'd like to run an event on dirt and if his schedule and budget permit, there is a tentative plan to dust off the Thunder Car for a show or 2 at Brighton Speedway during the summer.

 

Getting his #09 machine to the track comes with the help of Andy Ford, James Wills, Kelly Balson and Price's brother, Donovan who campaigns in Peterborough's Mini Stock division. Sponsorship support for the 2015 calendar comes from returning backers Hy-Hope Farm Market and Golf Course, Langille's Scrap Metal and A & T Mechanical. Cochrane Automotive has joined the team for the new season.

 

Fans can keep up to date with the team's progress throughout the year, by liking Dan Price Racing atwww.facebook.com.

 

Photo attachment: Dan Price Racing collection

Veteran campaigner "Cowboy" Dan Price will carry a yellow rookie stripe on the rear bumper of his #09 machine as the Brooklin, Ontario racer enters his first season with the OSCAAR Modified Series.

 

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


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 30.3.15 0 comments

Dragon, RGR Team Ready for Thunder Road Title Run

Dragon, RGR Team Ready for Thunder Road Title Run

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                             TR-033015-21

 



<<ATTACHED PHOTO (IMG_4491.jpg): Scott Dragon, who carried the checkered flag at Thunder Road last June 26, is ready to contend for the track championship this year with the RGR racing team. (Al Ward photo)>>

 

Barre, VT – Second-generation racer Scott Dragon is about enter his second full season of Late Model competition at Thunder Road International Speedbowl, and after a year of working with the Richard Green Racing (RGR) team, is ready to contend for a title in 2015.

 

After the opening event of the 2014 Thunder Road season, veteran Joey Becker of Cambridge, VT, one of Thunder Road's favorite racers, told his long-time friend and car owner Rick Green that, for health and personal reasons, he needed to give up the driver's seat of the RGR ACT Late Model ride. Green first chose Becker out of the Thunder Road Tiger Sportsman division to be his driver during the 2003 season. That partnership enjoyed much success over the years, and Becker, an accomplished fabricator, told Green he would still like to work on the 16VT Chevrolet Impala SS. He also suggested that they try and get his friend Scott Dragon of Milton, VT to take over the driver's seat for the remainder of the full Thunder Road season.

 

Dragon raced ACT Late Models in the late 1990s and early 2000s and had some success before moving on Super Late Model racing on a part-time basis. The name Dragon is synonymous with Vermont stock car racing. Scott's father is the legendary Bobby Dragon, his uncle is Harmon "Beaver" Dragon, and his cousin is Brent Dragon. All three have established records throughout Vermont, and for that matter throughout the Northeast. They top many championship lists and will do so for decades to come.

 

Scott Dragon turned out to be a great choice for RGR. In his ACT touring career he had 82 starts with three wins and 17 top-five finishes. There was clearly pressure being the youngest of the four racing Dragons. He is now the only Dragon left racing Thunder Road and ACT, and he is taking full advantage of the opportunity. Dragon scored a win last season in the June 26 event, added a second-place effort in the Mid-Season Championships onJuly 17, and ended the year with an impressive fourth-place finish in the Milk Bowl. After a year of full-time weekly racing, the Dragon-led RGR team is looking to hit its stride in 2015.

 

"At Thunder Road last year I had the most fun racing I have ever had," Dragon said. "I felt we had a good year, not great, but good. It was just a fun time in the shop with Joey, at the track, and I couldn't have asked for a better car owner to work with than Rick. I am very excited about taking a run at the Thunder Road 'King of the Road' title this year. It seems that Nick Sweet and Derrick (O'Donnell) have kind of moved things to a new level over the past five seasons, and we want to be part of that level in 2015."

 

The Merchant's Bank 150 enters its 17th year of opening Thunder Road's famous high banks at the 'Nation's Site of Excitement' on Sunday, May 3. The event is an ACT Championship event, but generally provides a home-town advantage for many of the local ACT Late Model teams.

 

"We have always used this opening Merchant's Bank Thunder Road non-point event as a chance to see how the work we have done in the off-season will pan out," said 2010 and 2012 "King of the Road" Nick Sweet of Barre, VT. "It's a great way to get ready for the start of the championship run beginning at the Mekkelsen Memorial Day Classic later in the month. I think there are a whole lot of teams capable of winning the title this year; certainly Scott Dragon and his RGR team showed that they are super competitive last year. His fourth place finish in the Milk Bowl gives them some momentum to build off. It should be a great year at the Road."

 

The 56th season of racing at Thunder Road will begin Saturday, May 2 with the traditional stock car show on the streets of downtown Barre, followed by the spectacular parade of 100 race cars from downtown, up Quarry Hill, and into the race track. Practice will be held that afternoon, and then Class Day and the 17th annual Merchants Bank 150 for the ACT Late Model Tour will kick off the season on Sunday, May 3.

 

For additional information contact the Thunder Road and ACT office at 802.244.6963, media@acttour.com, or visit www.thunderroadspeedbowl.com orwww.acttour.com.

 

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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 30.3.15 0 comments

Superspeedway Qualifying Format Updated for Talladega, Daytona

Superspeedway Qualifying Format Updated for Talladega, Daytona

New Structure to Feature Two Rounds to Determine Pole Winner

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 30, 2015) – NASCAR today unveiled modifications to the qualifying format at superspeedways across all three national series. The updated format will take effect at Talladega Superspeedway for the NASCAR XFINITY Series and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series next month.

Qualifying for May's Talladega Superspeedway races, as well as the July events at Daytona International Speedway, will consist of the following:

·         Two rounds of qualifying, with the top-12 posted lap speeds advancing to the second round

·         Race vehicles taking one, timed lap in each round of qualifying

·         Each race vehicle will be released in a predetermined timed interval as determined by NASCAR, with the sanctioning body reserving the right to have more than one vehicle engaging in qualifying runs at the same time

·         Qualifying order for the first round will be determined by a random draw; final round qualifying order is determined by slowest to fastest speeds from the first round

·         A 10-minute break will occur between the first qualifying round and the final round

·         Upon completion of the first qualifying round, the field will be set with positions 13 and beyond determined from first round qualifying speed

·         The 12 fastest vehicles from the first round will have their speeds reset for the final round with starting positions 1-12 determined by the fastest laps in the final round

·         NASCAR will impound race vehicles following each qualifying lap; vehicles advancing to the final round will be allowed to adjust tape and utilize a cool-down unit during the 10-minute break only

 

The NASCAR XFINITY Series and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will be at Talladega Superspeedway May 1-3. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series qualifying will air live May 2 on FOX at 1 p.m. ET. The Winn Dixie 300 and GEICO 500 will air live on FOX on May 2 (3 p.m. ET) and May 3 (1 p.m. ET), respectively.

 

The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will utilize the format for the first time when the series returns to Talladega Superspeedway with the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in October.

 

Qualifying procedures for the 2016 Daytona 500 will be announced at a later date.

 

About NASCAR

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States. NASCAR consists of three national series (the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series™, NASCAR XFINITY Series™, and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series™), four regional series, one local grassroots series and three international series. The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. Based in Daytona Beach, Fla., with offices in eight cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races in more than 30 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico and Europe. For more information visit http://www.NASCAR.com and http://www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR atwww.Facebook.com/NASCAR and Twitter: @NASCAR.

 

Contact:                                                                                              

Kristi King

NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communications


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 30.3.15 0 comments

2015-03-28

Mother Nature postpones racing season

Since last Thursday, when Amercian Canadian Tour (ACT) and LEE USA (Lee, NH) Officials announced the postponement of the season opener, scheduled for April 11 and 12, last Thursday, several comments have been heard.

"There is still 15 days before the race.  Its going to melt" was heard.  "With 42-44F degree days, it will not take long."

Not one to rely on rumours, I contacted Bill Callen, Lee's Track Manager, to understand the decision.


"The site is covered in a couple of feet of snow and in some places, a foot of ice.  I'm not even talking about the parking areas which will need to get lots of heat and sunlight to dry out.  We will need a couple of weeks before we can even start the work" he told us.





Pictures taken by Callen, on March 27, corroborate what he said.

Will Oxford Plains Speedway (OPS in Oxford, ME) be able to present the ACT / PASS (Pro All Star Series) double header the week after,  scheduled for April 18/19?








The images of OPS where taken by Bobby Therrien (5VT ACT driver) on Saturday, March 28th.


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 28.3.15 0 comments

Dame nature retarde le début de la saison

Depuis la tombée de la nouvelle que les dirigeants de l'American Canadian Tour et de la piste de LEE USA (Lee, NH), étaient forcés de reporter l'épreuve d'ouverture prévue les 11 et 12 avril prochain jeudi dernier, plusieurs commentaires ont circulé sur la décision.


« Il reste quand même 15 jours avant.  Ça va fondre » certains disaient.  « À 6 ou 7 Celsius, ça ne prendra pas de temps. »


Pour en avoir le cœur net, nous avons contacté Bill Callen, directeur général de la piste, pour comprendre la décision. 


« Le site est recouvert de quelques pieds de neige et par endroits, sous tout cela, il y a un pied de glace.  Sans parler des stationnements qui devront avoir plein de chaleur et de soleil pour être bien asséché.    Nous aurons besoin de quelques semaines avant même de pouvoir y travailler » nous a-t-il déclarés.






Les photos, prises par Callen le 27 mars, corroborent ces dires.

 

Est-ce que Oxford Plains Speedway (OPS dans la ville de Oxford, ME) pourra présenter le programme double ACT / PASS (Pro All Star Series) prévu la semaine suivante, le 18/19 avril?









Ces images ont été capturées par le pilote Bobby Therrien (5VT en ACT) vendredi, le 27 mars.


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 28.3.15 0 comments

2015-03-26

PASS Pro Late Model Racers Ready For Doubleheader Weekend At Hickory



PASS Pro Late Model Racers Ready For Doubleheader Weekend At Hickory

 

-      For Immediate Release

 

CHARLOTTE, NC (March 26) – In just over three years, the Pro All Stars Series (PASS) Pro Late Model division has produced some of the top talent in short track.  Seen as a proving ground for racers looking to eventually make the move up to the PASS Super Late Models, drivers like Tate Fogleman, Jody Measamer, Trevor Noles, and Jeff Batten credit their time in PASS Pro Late Models with helping ease their transition to the much faster Supers.

            For the first time in PASS Pro Late Model history, the division will have two complete 50 lap races on the same weekend as part of the 10th Annual Easter Bunny 150 at Hickory Motor Speedway April 3-4.  This will be a huge upside for PASS Pro Late Model racers who will get to compete for more prize money in a single weekend and get more track time as well, including being the feature division on Friday night, April 3 along with Legend car racing and heat races for the Must See Racing Sprint Cars.  Kodie Conner, a 6-time PASS Pro Late Model winner, is looking forward to returning to his roots with the Easter Bunny doubleheader.

            "It's very exciting, I haven't raced a doubleheader like that since the Bandolero days," said Conner, driver of the Jerry Conner Insurance/Wheel Chill Toyota #45.  "We're very excited.  We've got both cars ready to run just in case something does happen Friday night, but I'm pumped up…I can't wait."          

            Third year PASS Pro Late Model racer Matt Murphy is also excited about the opportunity the Easter Bunny doubleheader provides.  Murphy's Matt Murphy Motorsports/Cool Shirt Systems Ford started the season off with a strong run at Dillon and followed that up with the best outing of his career at Anderson Motor Speedway.  Murphy led until a problem on a late race restart sent him for a spin.  Even with the problem Murphy still charged back to record a career best second place finish.

            "Our luck at Hickory hasn't been that good, but we look to change that around because we've got a new car that's really made a big difference this year," says Murphy.  "We've had a good car this year and probably could have won a race, but we've got a new look at Hickory and hopefully can come out with a victory."

            Like Conner and Murphy, Matthews, NC's Zachary Dabbs is a graduate of Bandolero racing.  And, like Conner, Dabbs has already gone to victory lane, scoring his only PASS Pro Late Model win at Dillon in his series debut last year.  Dabbs has been in contention in both races so far this year and is excited to have two opportunities to race close to home in front of family and friends.

            "Yeah, it's going to be fun, so far this year we've been used to racing every 2-3 weeks," said Dabbs, driver of the Truck Service of Charlotte #23.  "It'll be good to get in the car and get some more seat time and it should be fun for the team and everybody.  Hickory is where I first started my racing career and we've got some good memories there.  I think we're going to be able to drive hard and possibly get the win."

For the first time ever, the Easter Bunny 150 weekend will expand to two days, beginning on Friday afternoon, April 3 with practice for the PASS Super Late Models, Must See Racing Sprint Cars and support divisions and will be followed by twin 25 lap qualifying races for the Must See Racing Sprint Cars and features for the PASS Pro Late Models and Legends cars.  Then, on Saturday, April 4, the PASS Super Late Models will compete in the 10th Annual Easter Bunny 150 along with the 40 lap "Southern Showdown" for the Must See Racing Sprint Cars and features for the USAC HPD Eastern Midgets, PASS Pro Late Models, and Legends.  

Also, look for more details to be released in the coming days on an Easter Bunny 150 Racers Welcome Party featuring food, fun, show cars, autographs, and a live band on Thursday, April 2 at Iron Thunder Saloon and Grill in Hickory.

The Pro All Stars Series is recognized as North America's premier sanctioning body for asphalt Super Late Models and boasts such marquee events as the legendary AIM Recycling Oxford 250 Presented By Kenny U-Pull at Oxford Plains Speedway and PASS South's Easter Bunny 150 at the historic Hickory Motor Speedway.  For technical information concerning all PASS divisions please send questions to passracing@roadrunner.com.  For media or marketing questions, please contact Alan Dietz at 704-231-2039 or alandietzpass@live.com.  And, don't forget to "Like" the Pro All Stars Series on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @PASSSLM14 to keep up with breaking news as it happens.

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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 26.3.15 0 comments

Winter of 2015 Forces Postponement of ACT Lee NH Governor’s Cup



Winter of 2015 Forces Postponement of ACT Lee NH Governor's Cup

                                                   

Historic Oxford Plains ACT/Pass Twin 150's To Open ACT Season

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                         ACT-032615-20

 

<ATTACHED PHOTO (ACT_Lee_Leif (11).jpg): The ACT Late Model Tour, seen here at the 2014 New Hampshire Governor's Cup 150, will now travel to Lee USA Speedway Sunday, April 26. (Leif Tillitson photo)

 

Waterbury, VT –The never-ending winter of 2015 has forced officials of the American-Canadian Tour (ACT) and the Lee USA Speedway to postpone the New Hampshire Governor's Cup 150, originally scheduled for Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 12.

 

"We have waited in hopes that we would start to get some relief from the massive amount of snow we received this past winter in our region," said Bill Callen, manager of the Lee USA Speedway. "We wanted to get things opened up in time for our ACT opening event, but that is going to be impossible with the amount of snow that still is at the Speedway. We know that fans and teams have always enjoyed coming to Lee for the first event of the season, but unfortunately we still have snow drifts from the frontstretch up over the grandstands! We just don't believe we can get things prepared appropriately in the next two weeks. The best thing for all concerned was to give some early notice, as many teams and fans travel from Quebec, Maine and Vermont to our traditional ACT openers."

 

More than 40 ACT Late Model teams were expected to try and qualify for 28 starting spots, including defending event Champion Eddie MacDonald of Rowley, MA and former Lee Governor's Cup Champion, and defending ACT Tour Champion, Joey Polewarczyk, Jr. (Pole) from nearby Hudson, NH.

 

"It is always disappointing to have postponements, especially after all the anticipation of this year's season-opening race at Lee," Pole said. "But we all know there is not much we can do about the horrible conditions that we faced this winter. We will just have to wait a couple of weeks and head back to Lee."

 

The make-up date for Lee is scheduled for Sunday, April 26 with a post time of 1:00pm.

 

ACT will now look to Oxford Plains Speedway to open the season with the first ever combination event between the American Canadian Tour and the Pro All Stars Series (PASS). Each division will run 150-lap features on Saturday, April 18, 2015. Post time for the twin bill is set for 2:00pm to start qualifying events.

 

For additional information contact the ACT office at 802.244.6963, media@acttour.com, or visit acttour.com or www.leeusaspeedway.com.

 

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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 26.3.15 0 comments

2015-03-25

Ils visiteront l’Autodrome Chaudière en 2015 avec la Série PASS


 

Ils visiteront l'Autodrome Chaudière en 2015 avec la Série PASS







Comme mentionné dans le texte précédent, en 2015, l'Autodrome Chaudière sera de nouveau l'hôte de la Série PASS et ce à trois reprises pour 2015. Ces courses courues sur l'oval de Vallée Jonction sont inscrites au calendrier de la section nord. 

Le pilote de Québec, #80 Donald Theetge, a déjà confirmé lors d'un entretien qu'il serait de la première de la saison le 16 mai prochain. Ce pilote d'expérience qui a connu une saison 2014 quelque peu décevante voudra sans aucun doute montrer ce dont il est capable. Entouré de son équipe, il mettra tout en œuvre pour se mesurer aux meneurs et qui sait, monter sur les marches du podium. 

Quant à Éric St-Gelais, le pilote de Charlevoix a déjà débuté sa saison dans la division PASS National sur la piste d'Anderson Speedway le week-end dernier. C'est au 11erang qu'il a terminé ce programme. « J'ai une bonne équipesur qui je peux compter et cette saison, on veut évoluer et monter les positions » précise Éric St-Gelais. Il participera aux 10 programmes du Championnat PASS National et sera donc aussi parmi les pilotes présents le 16 mai prochain. Possédant aussi un véhicule LMS, c'est l'étendue du calendrier et la performance de la voiture PASS qui l'ontfait opter pour cette Série.

Le champion 2014 de la série ACT Québec, Alex Labbédéfendra son titre pour la saison 2015 mais affirme qu'il tentera de participer aux deux derniers programmes avec sa voiture PASS. «C'est certain que ma voiture PASS est la voiture la plus performante que je pilote durant ma saison tant du côté puissance que pour la tenue de route donc tousles temps de réaction sont accélérés et c'est ce qui la rend si excitante à conduire » affirme Alex Labbé.  Le pilote originaire des Bois-Francs peut donc mettre à profit une de ces principales forces ; la gestion de la course. « Avec une voiture Super Late de 600 chevaux, tu dois vraiment économiser ta machine au maximum pour être en mesure d'être compétitif dans le dernier sprint de la course ! » souligne Alex.

Si on se fie aux dires de ces pilotes, le premier programme de la saison présenté à l'Autodrome Chaudière sera nous en mettre pleins la vue avec toute la puissance des voitures PASS et la qualité de pilotage requise pour maitriser ces voitures! 

Suivez les prochains articles, d'autres pilotes Québécois vous seront présentés. 

Marie-Claude Levasseur, Relationniste


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Fini les «Wings», les SpeedSTR seront «Wingless» en 2015 !!

Fini les «Wings», les SpeedSTR seront «Wingless» en 2015 !!

 


Vous avez bien lu, la série REVSTAR a décidé de suivre les traces des États-Unis et de retirer le fameux «Wing» qu'on retrouvait sur les voitures. Plusieurs raisons ont mené les dirigeants de la série à prendre cette décision en ayant tout d'abord en tête de réduire les dépenses des pilotes. On ne peut se cacher que le «Wing» était souvent une des pièces qui se devait d'être remplacé lors d'accidents en piste.


Bien que réduire les coûts soit toujours une priorité chez REVSTAR, ce n'est pas la seule raison derrière ce changement. Les mordus de courses dans les estrades sont l'ultime raison qui pousse cette série à s'améliorer et se réinventer d'année en année. Le retrait du «Wing» viendra sans aucun doute ajouter du piquant au spectacle et plaire aux nombreux amateurs. 

Les pilotes devront travailler sur de nouveaux ajustements ce qui fait repartir tout le monde sur une nouvelle base égale. Beaucoup de luttes et dépassements à prévoir en 2015, alors que les voitures auront beaucoup moins de traction dans les courbes qu'auparavant, donc place aux fameux «slide-job» qui sont si populaire dans le monde des Midgets.


Qui parviendra à s'adapter le plus rapidement ? Quels pilotes réussiront à tirer leur épingle du jeu ? La réponse à ces questions le 16 mai, lors du programme d'ouverture de la série REVSTAR au RPM Speedway.

REVSTAR.ca

info@revstar.ca

 



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PASS South Points Leader Smith Confident Heading Into His First Easter Bunny 150

PASS South Points Leader Smith Confident Heading Into His First Easter Bunny 150

 


-      For Immediate Release

 

CHARLOTTE, NC (March 24) – Pro All Stars Series (PASS) South Super Late Model points leader Zane Smith is brimming with confidence as he looks forward to his first experience in the Easter Bunny 150 coming up on Saturday, April 4th at Hickory Motor Speedway.  With only seven starts under his belt dating back to last season, Smith has had a superb beginning to the 2015 season.  The Huntington Beach, CA native finished third in his first ever trip to Dillon Motor Speedway and was runner-up to 3-time PASS National Champion, Ben Rowe, in a photo finish last weekend in the Peach Blossom Special at Anderson Motor Speedway.  Based on his early season success, Smith believes he has a legitimate shot at capturing his first career PASS South win on one of the biggest stages of them all, the 10th Annual Easter Bunny 150.

            "I think we'll be good, basically every race we go to with Gary Crooks we have a great car and I'm not worried about it all," said Smith, driver of the Pro-Am Racing Products #77 Chevrolet.  "I think we'll run up front, the car handles great every single weekend and I don't think it will be any different at Hickory.  I'm definitely looking forward to it."

            The Easter Bunny 150 has become one of the premier events in short track racing and has a prestigious lineage of former winners that includes Mike and Ben Rowe, Preston Peltier, and DJ Shaw.  Smith has already proven that he can go toe-to-toe with the best the sport has to offer after his side-by-side duel over the last few laps with Ben Rowe at Anderson.  Although he only finished 19th in his single start at Hickory in last year's Over The Mountain 150, Smith believes the time is right for a rookie to go to victory lane in the Easter Bunny.

            "It would be pretty huge for me and I have a feeling that we honestly can win it," says Smith.  "There's going to be a good field of cars there so it's important for us to get a good starting spot.  Then, it's just going to be who can save the most and have the most car left at the end."

Early entries continue to come in for the 10th Annual Easter Bunny 150.  Joining Smith, will be fellow PASS South championship hopefuls Jody Measamer, Tate Fogleman, and Jimmy Doyle.  A strong Northern flavor will be present as always led by former Easter Bunny 150 winners Mike and Ben Rowe, along with Joey Doiron and Quebec's Eric St. Gelais.  Trevor Noles returns and will be seeking his first Easter Bunny 150 win as well as Texas newcomer Derek Scott, Jr.

For the first time ever, the Easter Bunny 150 weekend will expand to two days, beginning on Friday afternoon, April 3 with practice for the PASS Super Late Models, Must See Racing Sprint Cars and support divisions and will be followed by twin 25 lap qualifying races for the Must See Racing Sprint Cars and features for the PASS Pro Late Models and Legends cars.  Then, on Saturday, April 4, the PASS Super Late Models will compete in the 10th Annual Easter Bunny 150 along with the 40 lap "Southern Showdown" for the Must See Racing Xtreme Sprint Cars and features for the USAC HPD Eastern Midgets, PASS Pro Late Models, and Legends.  

Also, look for more details to be released in the coming days on an Easter Bunny 150 Welcome Party featuring food, fun, show cars and autographs on Thursday, April 2 at Iron Thunder Saloon and Grill in Hickory.

The Pro All Stars Series is recognized as North America's premier sanctioning body for asphalt Super Late Models and boasts such marquee events as the legendary AIM Recycling Oxford 250 Presented By Kenny U-Pull at Oxford Plains Speedway and PASS South's Easter Bunny 150 at the historic Hickory Motor Speedway.  For technical information concerning all PASS divisions please send questions to passracing@roadrunner.com.  For media or marketing questions, please contact Alan Dietz at 704-231-2039 or alandietzpass@live.com.  And, don't forget to "Like" the Pro All Stars Series on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @PASSSLM14 to keep up with breaking news as it happens.

-30-






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