2012-01-18

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

(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.

 


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 18.1.12 0 comments

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

(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.

 

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.

 


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 18.1.12 0 comments

Caley Weese Heads Back to School

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 7th 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



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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 18.1.12 0 comments

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

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 14th.  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 7th 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 7th 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 3/8th miler will be the 3rd running of the Long John 200 Endurance event Sunday, February 5th.  The track will also participate in the Canadian Motorsports Expo – presented by Inside Track Motorsports News – February 10th, 11th and 12th 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 25th.  The season opener is Friday, June 1st.  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 7th 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


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 18.1.12 0 comments

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

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.

 


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 18.1.12 0 comments

2012-01-16

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

(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.

 

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.

 


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 16.1.12 0 comments

Body Work: GRIP Examines The Truth About Aero

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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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 16.1.12 0 comments

2012-01-13

Glen Wood Never Set Out To Create NASCAR Sprint Cup Dynasty

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

 


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Alex Montminy poursuit son développement avec la Série Sportsman

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 13e 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 3e 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

 

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 américain Airborne Speedway.

– 30 –

 

Pour de plus amples informations, contactez:

 

André Poulin, Président Série Sportsman Québec

 


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

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 5th, 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 5th and 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)

 


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

Jeudi 5 janvier 2012 – David Pariseau – directeur des communications

 

En plein préparatif de la 62e 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 

 


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

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

 

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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

 

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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

 


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