2019-04-15

UNE 43e SAISON POUR LE VÉTÉRAN CLAUDE LECLERC

De retour au champion American Canadian Tour (ACT)

UNE 43e SAISON POUR LE VÉTÉRAN CLAUDE LECLERC



 

Lanoraie 8 avril 2019- Le vétéran pilote Lanorois Claude Leclerc confirme son retour à la compétition pour la saison 2019 au volant de la voiture PROLON #11. Il sera de nouveau en compétition dans le championnat American Canadian Tour (ACT). Incertain il y a quelques semaines à peine, un récent périple en Virginie pour une épreuve hors-championnat l'a convaincu qu'il avait encore le feu sacré. Lors de ce récent voyage il agissait à titre de chef d'équipe pour un autre pilote québécois,  Jean-Philippe Bergeron lui aussi porte-couleurPROLON dont la préparation complète de la voiture est aussi sous la responsabilité du vétéran Leclerc.

 

Pour Claude, la saison s'amorce dès la semaine prochaine, à moins d'un report de dernière minute à cause de la température printanière qui tarde, à la piste d'Oxford dans l'état du Maine. Le calendrier 2019 compte 10 épreuves comptant pour le championnat,  dont une qui sera présentée au Québec, à l'Autodrome Chaudière de Vallée Jonction. Une épreuve importante à son calendrier puisqu'elle portera le nom de Claude Leclerc 150 ! Un hommage à sa longue carrière, sa persévérance et sa passion pour son sport.

 


Les épreuves du championnat le conduiront, en plus du Québec,  dans les États du Maine, New Hampshire, du Vermont et du Connecticut où sera présentée la dernière épreuve de la saison en octobre prochain.

 

« L'année dernière, devant l'incertitude d'un championnat provincial chez-nous au Québec, j'ai pris la décision de retourner là où tout a commencé,  en 1977 sous la bannière Nascar Nord, mais devenu ACT par la suite. Je n'ai jamais regretté ma décision et ma 7e place au championnat m'a comblé de joie tout comme l'ovation debout que m'ont réservée tous les convives lors du banquet annuel ACT présenté à l'issue de la dernière saison.  Même si, pour un pilote, c'est la victoire que nous recherchons tous, toute ma carrière a été basée sur la constance et c'est ce que j'ai l'intention de faire de nouveau cette année  et je vise cette fois un Top 5 au championnat et si jamasi l'occasion se présente pour y allez pour la victoire je n'hésiterai pas un instant » confiait celui que ses pairs américains surnomme « The Ironman » !

 

En plus du championnat ACT,  il confirme également sa participation au Bacon Bowl 200 présenté en Beauce au mois d'août prochain en plus de la course Jean-Paul Cabana 150 qui elle sera se tiendra le 2 juin au circuit Riverside de Ste-Croix de Lotbinière. Il complète son calendrier québécois avec une épreuve de 200 tours à l'Autodrome de Montmagny, mais il semble de plus en plus que « les astres s'alignent » pour participer également au lancement de la saison pour le championnat LMS Nascar de Vallée Jonction le 19 mai prochain. Le tout,  afin bien sûr de bien se préparer pour la course qui portera son nom à ce même endroit le 1er juin prochain.

 

Parlant préparation, le calendrier ACT prévoir trois épreuves avant même ladite course du 19 mai prochain et, pour ces trois courses il pourra compter sur la collaboration de Marie-Claude Durocher à titre d'éclaireur (spotter). Une collaboratrice d'expérience qui s'acquitte déjà de cette tâche, avec succès pour plusieurs pilotes québécois. Nous aurons l'occasion de revenir sur la composition complète et officielle des membres de l'équipe PROLON #11 lors des prochaines communications.

 

Pour la saison 2019 l'équipe Leclerc Motorsport  Prolon #11 peut compter sur un appui primaire de  Prolon, une florissante entreprise québécoise basée à Mirabel qui fabrique et distribue partout en Amérique du Nord, un système de régulation de zonage CVAC (commercial/résidentiel haut de gamme) conçu pour gérer des climatiseurs de toit ou tout autre unité de chauffage et climatisation, neuve comme existante. À l'aube de cette nouvelle saison, des pourparlers se poursuivent toujours et d'additionnels partenaires pourraient s'ajouter dans les prochaines semaines.

 

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2019-04-05

Bruno Purchases King of Dirt Racing Series

Bruno Purchases King of Dirt Racing Series
Series founder Hazer to take on advisory role

For Immediate Release                                                                                                                                                                                  KOD-033119-1


Photo credit: Jeremy McGaffin

WEST HAVEN, Vt. – A new era for the King of Dirt Racing Series has begun.  Devil's Bowl Speedway owners Mike and Alayne Bruno and King of Dirt (KOD) founder Rob Hazer have agreed to terms of the sale and transfer of the Northeastern dirt track stock car racing organization, effective immediately.
Hazer created the KOD tour in 2015 to elevate teams in the Sportsman Modified division with a professional, affordable, and uncommonly competitive set of special events.  The cars, which utilize the popular and economical General Motors "602" crate engine, typically play a support role for Big Block and Small Block "358" Modifieds at weekly tracks in New York State but have taken hold as the headliner in Vermont and New Hampshire.
Under the direction of Mike Bruno, the King of Dirt Racing Crate Modified Series will continue to operate in 2019 with a six-race championship, along with single special events for 358 Modifieds and Pro Stocks; the same schedule that was previously announced by Hazer will remain in place.
Bruno was approached by Hazer in early March and the deal came together quickly.  Hazer chose Bruno specifically because of his commitment to the Sportsman Modified division and the GM 602 crate package; Bruno has promoted Sportsman cars as the weekly headline class at Devil's Bowl Speedway in West Haven, Vt., since 2012.
"I'm honored that Rob Hazer asked me to take the reins, and I sincerely appreciate his confidence and his friendship," Bruno said.  "He built the King of Dirt Racing Series and I hope to carry his vision forward, but I'm also excited to take it to the next level.  The KOD events at Devil's Bowl have been great, and our fans and officials have already gotten to know many of the drivers and teams.  I'm confident that we'll give KOD a good home, and I know that we're all looking forward to growing the series in the future."
Hazer cited a need to concentrate on a series of recent health issues as his motivation to transfer ownership.  Bruno, in turn, has asked Hazer to stay on the KOD team in an advisory role.  Hazer will continue to provide media and marketing support for KOD events, along with occasional race-day duties.
"King of Dirt Racing is a viable and recognizable brand," Hazer said.  "The series will be in good hands with Mike Bruno at the helm.  His group is a cohesive unit, and when you combine that with KOD's strong team of people, the sky is the limit.  I have to focus on my health, but I will remain involved and I truly appreciate Mike being so adamant that I stay on board.  I'll be more in the background, but racers can still contact me with questions if they want to.  I can't thank everyone who has been involved since the beginning enough, and I'm confident that Mike will take KOD into a positive and bright future."
KOD has crowned a Crate Modified champion each year since 2015 and will do so again in 2019.  Connor Cleveland and Rocky Warner have each earned two KOD Crate Modified championships, and Warner leads all drivers with 10 KOD wins.  Full-fender Pro Stocks were a KOD championship division in 2015-18 as were 358 Modifieds in 2017-18, but both have been scaled back to single special events in 2019.
The King of Dirt Racing Crate Modified Series schedule remains intact as previously announced and opens on Sunday, May 26 at Devil's Bowl Speedway with the "Memorial Day Kickoff 50."  The annual 30-lap "Friday Night Lights" race will be Friday, June 7 at Albany-Saratoga Speedway in Malta, N.Y., followed by the series' first trip north to New York's Plattsburgh Airborne Speedway and the 30-lap "Plattsburgh Border Brawl" on Monday, July 1.
Devil's Bowl hosts the "Leon Gonyo Memorial 40" on Sunday, August 11, followed by the prestigious "Mr. Crate Track USA" 30-lapper at Lebanon Valley (N.Y.) Speedway on Saturday, August 31.  The KOD champion will be crowned on Friday, September 6 in the "Northeast Crate Nationals 100" at Albany-Saratoga.
Albany-Saratoga Speedway is the site of KOD's special events for the Pro Stock and 358 Modified divisions; Stone Motorsports presents the $1,000-to-win, 35-lap Pro Stock race on Friday, July 19, and Lebanon Springs Excavating hosts the 358 Modifieds with a $3,000-to-win, 35-lapper on Friday, September 13.
Three of the six KOD Crate Modified Series races will run in conjunction with major Modified events; the KOD races at Airborne and Lebanon Valley both complement the Super DIRTcar Series, while the August 11 race at Devil's Bowl is held in conjunction with the inaugural "Battle at the Bowl" Big Block/Small Block Challenge event.
The King of Dirt Racing Series is online at www.KingofDirtRacing.com and can also be found via social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.  For more information, call Mike Bruno at (802) 236-9141, Media Director Justin St. Louis at (802) 355-3282, or email kodracingseries@gmail.com.

King of Dirt Racing Series 2019 Schedule
Day/Date – Track – Location – Division
1.       Sun., May 26 – Devil's Bowl Speedway, West Haven, VT – Crate Modified
2.       Fri., June 7 – Albany-Saratoga Speedway, Malta, NY – Crate Modified
3.       Mon., July 1 – Plattsburgh Airborne Speedway, Plattsburgh, NY – Crate Modified
4.       Fri., July 19 – Albany-Saratoga Speedway, Malta, NY – Pro Stock
5.       Sun., Aug. 11 – Devil's Bowl Speedway, West Haven, VT – Crate Modified
6.       Sat., Aug. 31 – Lebanon Valley Speedway, West Lebanon, NY – Crate Modified
7.       Fri., Sept. 6 – Albany-Saratoga Speedway, Malta, NY – Crate Modified
8.       Fri., Sept. 13 – Albany-Saratoga Speedway, Malta, NY – 358 Modified

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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 5.4.19 0 comments

2019-04-03

Peterborough Speedway is Ready to Rock for its 2019 Season

Peterborough Speedway is Ready to Rock for its 2019 Season

By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media




Race fans in Central Ontario are waiting and very soon, their patience will be rewarded as Peterborough Speedway's 2019 schedule – with the Country 105 season opener, featuring free spectator grandstand admission – gets underway Saturday, May 18th. 5 regular home track classes and special guest divisions are set to tackle the venue known as Canada's Toughest 3rd of a Mile Paved Oval for a 52nd consecutive season of weekly racing action.


"It won't be long now before we're waving the green flag to kick-off a new schedule," said track owner and promoter J.P. Josiasse. "Just like the drivers and car owners, our promotional team is going through its pre-season checklist. We're registering cars, arranging sponsorships and taking care of all the final details we'll need to have in place before we swing open the gates to start the new year."


New teams have been confirmed for most of the divisions. There will be fresh faces in the Renegade Trucks, along with the return of Stacy Switzer, who'll be back at the track after the birth of her daughter. New drivers will also fill-out the Bone Stock and Mini Stock fields. Josiasse is excited about getting things rolling. Using last year's numbers – where close to 130 teams signed-up for action in the track's weekly classes – as template, speedway officials believe it'll be a strong season for fans at the tight, tricky bullring on Mount Pleasant Road.


"Social media profiles have already been buzzing with information as drivers and teams show the different stages of work on their cars leading-up the opening night," said Josiasse. "There are photos with exciting colour schemes and details about new and returning sponsorship partners. It's a great way to give the fans a glimpse into what they can expect once things get underway for the 2019 schedule."


After a strong showing that included several driver autograph sessions at the Motorama Custom Car and Motorsports Expo, Peterborough Speedway will continue its pre-season promotional tour at the 41st annual Kawartha Home, Cottage & Country Show – April 5th to 7th – at the Evinrude Centre. The track will also be featured April 7th through 13th at the Lindsay Square.


"These events always do a great job to help us spread the word and promote all the exciting events at the track this year, while giving the teams a chance to show-off the hard work they've done since the end of the last year."


Fans can keep up with the latest off-season news and information by checking www.peterboroughspeedway.com. The track's Facebook and Twitter social media profiles are also excellent news sources leading-up to the 2019 lid-lifter.


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


Tim (#83B) and Kyle Batty (#38B) will return to action in the Late Model division when the 2019 season takes the green flag – Saturday, May 18th – at Peterborough Speedway.


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


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 3.4.19 0 comments

2019-03-27

DONALD THEETGE ET 22 RACING FONT ÉQUIPE EN 2019

DONALD THEETGE ET 22 RACING FONT ÉQUIPE EN 2019




 

Mercredi, 27 mars 2019, Québec, QC : Nous sommes heureux d'annoncer aujourd'hui que Donald Theetge pilotera la Chevrolet Camaro #24 Mercedes-Benz St-Nicolas/Circuit Acura avec l'équipe de 22 Racing pour la saison 2019. Theetge prendra part aux 13 événements de la série NASCAR Pinty's pour une deuxième année consécutive.

 

Le partenariat entre Donald Theetge et 22 Racing a débuté en 2016 lors de quelques événements seulement, et ce, pour deux ans. Pendant ce temps, Theetge inscriva deux premières places en qualification et six top 5. En 2018, Theetge a joint l'équipe pour une première saison complète et a gagné sa première course NASCAR à Saskatoon au Wyant Group Receway. La saison s'est terminée avec six top 5 et un classement au 7e rang du championnat national.

« Nous sommes très heureux d'avoir Donald avec nous à nouveau au volant de la voiture #24 Mercedes-Benz St-Nicolas/Circuit Acura » a dit le propriétaire de l'équipe Scott Streckly. « Donald est compétitif et il en apprend toutes les semaines. Bien qu'il ait remporté une première course NASCAR l'an passé, il a eu d'autres belles occasions d'ajouter des victoires à ses statistiques. Nous réitérons donc notre partenariat pour la saison complète en 2019»

« Je suis excité de faire la saison complète pour une deuxième année consécutive avec Scott et son équipe » a mentionné Theetge. « Nous formons une belle équipe et nous avons beaucoup de plaisir tout au long de l'été. Avec l'expérience des deux dernières années, je me suis familiarisé avec les différentes pistes et je compte monter sur des podiums cette année encore.»

La série NASCAR Pinty's est constituée 13 événements allant de l'Alberta jusqu'en Nouvelle-Écosse, dont une course à l'extérieur du Canada Au New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Les sorties se font sur pistes ovales, sur circuits routiers et urbains. Pour l'horaire des événements et pour plus d'informations, rendez-vous au : www.22racing.ca/schedule/

La première course de 2019 aura lieu au Canadian Tire Motorsport Park dimanche le 19 mai. Pour plus d'information sur les billets et le camping, visitez : canadiantiremotorsportpark.com

 

Donald Theetge souhaite remercier ses commanditaires : XPN World, Transport JTM, MRA Métaux Angers, Karousel Elite Membership Club, Auto Frank et Michel, Circuit Acura et Mercedes-Benz St-Nicolas.

About Donald Theetge

Donald Theetge, pilote de Boischatel Québec âgé de 52 ans, est un passionné de l'industrie de l'automobile et propriétaire de trois concessionnaires automobile dans la région de Québec avec son frère. Il est pilote de stock-car depuis plus de 30 ans et a quatre victoires de championnat LMS à son actif. Durant son parcours au Canada et aux États-Unis, il a gagné plus d'une vingtaine de courses en série ACT et Castrol, le démarquant de la compétition.  Il a gagné sa première course NASCAR en 2018 au Wyant Group Raceway à Saskatoon.

 

About 22 Racing :

22 Racing est la propriété de Scoot Streckly, quatre fois champion de la série NASCAR Pinty's. L'écurie est basée à Milverton en Ontario et fait 7 500 pieds carrés. En 2019, Racing 22 sera en charge de 3 équipes de la série NASCAR Pinty's complétant les 13 événement de la série soit ; Alex Tagliani, Marc-Antoine Camirand et Donald Theetge.  L'équipe de Streckly propose des solutions clé en main pour des coureurs de la série NASCAR Pinty's et a préparé des voitures pour Christopher Bell, Jacques Villeneuve, James Buescher, Jeb Burton, Kaz Grala, L.P. Dumoulin, Max Papis et plusieurs autres. 22 Racing est supporté par les commanditaires suivant : Erb Group of Companies, AW Millwrights, Castrol, Wendell Motors, Auto Glym, Mechanix Wear, Great Dane Glasvan, Safety Kleen, Wilride Transport, Lincoln Electric, Permatex & Dickies.

Suivez l'équipe de 22 Racing sur les médias sociaux sur : Twitter @22RacingTeam, Facebook  22racingteam et Instagram 22racingteam

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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 27.3.19 0 comments

DONALD THEETGE AND 22 RACING PARTNER AGAIN IN 2019

DONALD THEETGE AND 22 RACING PARTNER AGAIN IN 2019

Wednesday March 27, 2019, Milverton, ON:  We are pleased to announce today that Donald Theetge will pilot the #24 Mercedes Benz St. Nicolas/Circuit Acura Chevrolet Camaro out of the 22 Racing shop again in 2019. Theetge for the second year will compete in all thirteen NASCAR Pinty's Series events.

Donald Theetge and 22 Racing first partnered in 2016 and for two years he participated in selected events posting two poles and six top five finishes.  In 2018 Theetge joined the series full time and went on to win his first NASCAR race which came at Wyant Group Raceway in Saskatoon. He finished the season with six top five finishes and was 7th in the National Championship standings.

"We are very happy to have Donald back in the #24 Mercedes Benz St. Nicolas/Circuit Acura car again this year," said team owner Scott Steckly.  "Donald is a student of racing and is competitive every week. While he won his first NASCAR race last year, he has been very close to adding to that total on several occasions over the past three years.  We except to see him running up front all season long again in 2019."    

"I'm excited to be doing the series for a second year in a row with Scott and his team," said Theetge. "We really do a great team and we have a lot of fun. I'm more familiar with the tracks now and I see myself on podiums again this year."

The NASCAR Pinty's Series is made up of 13 events from Alberta to Nova Scotia and one event outside of Canada at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. They are held on ovals, road courses and street courses.  For more schedule information please visitwww.22racing.ca/schedule/

The first event of 2019 will be held at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park on Victoria Day weekend on Sunday May 19th.  For more event information on tickets and camping please visitcanadiantiremotorsportpark.com

Donald Theetge is supported by the following sponsors:  XPN World, Transport JTM, MRA Métaux Angers, Karousel Elite Membership Club, Auto Frank et Michel, Circuit Acura et Mercedes-Benz St-Nicolas.

About Donald Theetge
Donald Theetge is a 52-years-old automotive industry passionate, he owns 3 dealerships with his brother in Quebec City.  He has been a stock car driver for more than 30 years, from Boischatel Quebec, he has four championship wins in LMS series career. He has raced in Canada and the United States winning more than twenty ACT and Castrol series races, setting him apart from his opponents. He won his first NASCAR race at Wyant Group Raceway in Saskatoon.
 
About 22 Racing:  
22 Racing is owned by 4X NASCAR Pinty's Series Champion Scott Steckly and is based out of Milverton Ontario in 7,500 square foot race shop. In 2019 they will field three full time teams in the NASCAR Pinty's Series with drivers Alex Tagliani, Marc-Antoine Camirand and Donald Theetge.  They have prepared and entered cars for drivers such as Christopher Bell, Jacques Villeneuve, James Buescher, Jeb Burton, Kaz Grala, L.P. Dumoulin, Max Papis and many others.  22 Racing provides turnkey solutions for drivers looking to compete in the NASCAR Pinty's Series. The 22 Racing Team is supported by the following sponsors:  Erb Group of Companies, AW Millwrights, Castrol, Wendell Motors, Auto Glym, Mechanix Wear, Great Dane Glasvan, Safety Kleen, Wilride Transport, Lincoln Electric, Permatex & Dickies.

Follow the 22 Racing Team on social media for behind the scenes updates on; Twitter @22RacingTeam, Facebook Fan Page22racingteam and Instagram 22racingteam
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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 27.3.19 0 comments

2019-03-20

Le Speedway d’East-Broughton: Piste locale ? pas tant que ça !



Piste locale ? pas tant que ça ! 

 

Le Speedway d'East-Broughton entame sa sixième année consécutive avec le même objectif : donner la possibilité à des passionnés de pratiquer une sport extrême dans un cadre sécuritaire et abordable, tout en divertissant une foule de spectateurs dans un environnement familial accessible à tous. 



 

Vous dites «c'est une petite piste locale», pas tant que ça quand on constate la provenance des équipes de course qui nous arrivent de .Chaudière-Appalaches, Estrie, Centre-du-Quebec, Mauricie, Laurentides, etc.

 

La piste de terre battue la plus proche du SPEEDWAY est l'Autodrome Drummond .à 150 km à l'ouest et l'Autodrome St-Just à 225 km à l'est.

 

Finalement pas si locale que ça !  Disons  plutôt que c'est une petite piste avec beaucoup de classes régulières qui attire coureurs et spectateurs dans un rayon pouvant dépasser les 200 km. 

 

Pas de changements majeurs en 2019. Toujours les 8 classes régulières présentes à toutes les soirée de courses,  en plus de plus deux présences de la série Quebec Minimods comme par les années passées, sans oublier la Journée Rêves d'Enfants, le 15 juin,  avec comme objectif, de dépasser le montant de 5000 $ remis à la Fondation en 2018.

 

Les amateurs de courses seront ravis d'apprécier les améliorations apportées pour leur confort à l'estrade principale et que des places pour les fauteuils roulants ont été aménagées. Bonne nouvelle également qu'un seul prix d'admission de 20$ sera en vigueur à tous les programmes de la saison, et ce,  PARTOUT sur le site et que les 17 ans et moinsseront admis tout à fait gratuitement.

 

 

Les activités 2019 débutent officiellement ce samedi soir le 23 mars, alors que les officiels de piste, personnel de sécurité, de l'accueil, de la restauration et du bar seront tous accueiills chez les dirigeants, Josée et Claude, pour un souper /réunion/party d avant saison où les «nouveaux» feront connaissance avec les «anciens» en discutant le la prochaine saison qui se mettra en branle le samedi 18 mai prochain lors du signal du premier départ de la saison.

 

À noter que cette date d'ouverture sera précédée par une journée d'inspections et d'essais libres qui se tiendra la semaine précédente, soit le samedi le 11 mai, remise le lendemain en cas de pluie.

 

 

Source : Yves Ladouceur

Adaptation d'un texte de Claude Bolduc.

 



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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 20.3.19 0 comments

2019-03-13

NASCAR Announces Nominees For NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2020, Landmark Award

NASCAR Announces Nominees

For NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2020, Landmark Award

Ard, Bonnett, Panch, Paschal, Stewart, Vogt nominated for first time

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 13, 2019) — NASCAR today announced the 20 nominees for the NASCAR Hall of Fame's Class of 2020, as well as the five nominees for the Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR.

 

The list includes six first-time NASCAR Hall of Fame nominees whose careers spanned the entirety of NASCAR.

 

Among them are a NASCAR Xfinity Series pioneer and two-time champion (Sam Ard), an original member of the "Alabama Gang" (Neil Bonnett), a Daytona 500 winner (Marvin Panch), a short track ace (Jim Paschal), a three-time Cup Series champion (Tony Stewart) and the first master mechanic in NASCAR (Red Vogt).

 

Stewart was nominated in his first year of eligibility, and could join Jeff Gordon as a second consecutive first-ballot Hall of Famer.

 

The nominees were selected by a nominating committee consisting of representatives from NASCAR and the NASCAR Hall of Fame, track owners from major facilities and historic short tracks, and media. The committee's votes were tabulated by accounting firm EY.

 

From the list of 20 NASCAR Hall of Fame nominees, five inductees will be elected by the NASCAR Hall of Fame Voting Panel, which includes a nationwide fan vote on NASCAR.com. Voting Day for the 2020 class will be Wednesday, May 22.

 

Added to this year's list of Landmark Award nominees are Edsel Ford II, Mike Helton and Dr. Joseph Mattioli. Two nominees return for the Landmark Award: Alvin Hawkins and Ralph Seagraves (more on each below). Potential Landmark Award recipients include competitors or those working in the sport as a member of a racing organization, track facility, race team, sponsor, media partner or being a general ambassador for the sport through a professional or non-professional role. Award winners remain eligible for NHOF enshrinement.

 

Following are the 20 nominees for induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame, listed alphabetically:

 

Sam Ard, NASCAR Xfinity Series pioneer and two-time champion

 

Buddy Baker, won 19 times in the NASCAR Cup Series, including the Daytona 500 and Southern 500

 

Neil Bonnett, won 18 times in the NASCAR Cup Series, including consecutive Coca-Cola 600 victories

 

Red Farmer, three-time Late Model Sportsman champion; 1956 Modified champion

 

Ray Fox, legendary engine builder, crew chief and car owner

 

Harry Gant, winner of 18 NASCAR Cup Series races, including two Southern 500 victories

 

Joe Gibbs, combined for nine car owner championships in Cup and XFINITY series

 

John Holman, won two NASCAR Cup Series championships as co-owner of Holman-Moody Racing

 

Harry Hyde, 1970 NASCAR Cup Series championship crew chief

 

Bobby Labonte, won a championship in both the Cup Series and XFINITY Series

 

Hershel McGriff, 1986 NASCAR west series champion

 

Ralph Moody, won two NASCAR Cup Series championships as co-owner of Holman-Moody Racing

 

Marvin Panch, won 17 times in the NASCAR Cup Series, including the 1961 Daytona 500

 

Jim Paschal, 23 of his 25 NASCAR Cup Series wins came on short tracks

 

Larry Phillips, only five-time NASCAR weekly series national champion

 

Ricky Rudd, won 23 times in NASCAR Cup Series, including the 1997 Brickyard 400

 

Mike Stefanik, winner of record-tying nine NASCAR championships

 

Tony Stewart, three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, two-time Brickyard 400 winner

 

Red Vogt, the first master mechanic of NASCAR, and a founding member

 

Waddell Wilson, won three NASCAR Cup Series championships as an engine builder

 

The five nominees for the Landmark Award, listed alphabetically, are as follows…

 

Edsel Ford II, Member of the Board of Directors for Ford Motor Company, long-time NASCAR supporter

 

Alvin Hawkins, NASCAR's first flagman; established NASCAR racing at Bowman Gray Stadium with Bill France Sr.

 

Mike Helton, named third president of NASCAR in 2000; career included track operator roles at Atlanta Motor Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway

 

Dr. Joseph Mattioli, founder of Pocono Raceway

 

Ralph Seagraves, formed groundbreaking Winston-NASCAR partnership as executive with R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company

NASCAR Hall of Fame Nomination Eligibility

 

-       Drivers who have competed in NASCAR for at least 10 years and been retired for two years are eligible for nomination to the NHOF. If extenuating circumstances cause a driver's eligibility to be in question, NASCAR will review and determine if any adjustments are needed prior to the Nomination Committee Meeting.

 

-       In addition, drivers who have competed for a minimum of 10 years and reached their 55th birthday on or before Dec. 31 of the year prior to the nominating year are immediately eligible for the NHOF. 

 

-       Any driver who has competed for 30 or more years in NASCAR competition by Dec. 31 of the year prior to the nominating year is automatically eligible, regardless of age.

 

-       Drivers may continue to compete after reaching any of the aforementioned milestones without compromising eligibility for nomination or induction. 

 

-       For non-drivers, individuals must have worked at least 10 years in the NASCAR industry.

 

-       Individuals may also be considered who made significant achievements in the sport, but left the sport early due to a variety of circumstances.

 

The 24-person Nominating Committee follows...

 

NOMINATION COMMITTEE

NASCAR Hall of Fame: Executive Director Winston Kelley; Curatorial Affairs Manager Tom Jensen.

NASCAR Officials:  Chairman / CEO Jim France; President Steve Phelps; Vice Chairman Mike Helton; Executive Vice President / Chief Racing Development Officer Steve O'Donnell; Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer Jill Gregory; Senior Vice President & Chief Communications Officer Eric Nyquist; Senior Vice President, Competition Scott Miller; Managing Director, Racing Operations Ben Kennedy.

Track Owners/Operators: International Speedway Corporation CEO Lesa France Kennedy; Speedway Motorsports Inc. CEO Marcus Smith; International Speedway Corporation President John Saunders; Holland Motorsports Complex operator Ron Bennett; Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell; West Coast Short Track representative Ken Clapp; Atlanta Motor Speedway President Ed Clark; Rockford Speedway operator Jody Deery; former Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Tony George; Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage;  Dover Motorsports CEO Denis McGlynn; Pocono Raceway board of directors member Looie Mattioli; Bowman Gray Stadium operator Dale Pinilis.

Media: Mike Joy, FOX.

 

Contact:                                                                                                                               

Josh Hamilton

NASCAR Communications



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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 13.3.19 0 comments

2019-03-11

More Than OK: Pepsi to Sponsor Sportsman Modifieds at Devil’s Bowl Speedway

ATTACHED PHOTO: Rising star Connor Cleveland (#09) will aim for his first Devil's Bowl Speedway championship in the Pepsi Sportsman Modified division.  (Alan Ward photo)


More Than OK: Pepsi to Sponsor Sportsman Modifieds at Devil's Bowl Speedway

Pepsi inks two-year deal at Vermont track; Cleveland, Stratton among early entries

 

For Immediate Release                                                                                                                                                                                  DBS-030719-1

 

WEST HAVEN, Vt. – The old Pepsi commercials had that familiar tagline – "New look, same great taste," – and the slogan now rings true at Devil's Bowl Speedway.  Pepsi has entered into a new two-year agreement to be the title sponsor of the headline Sportsman Modified division at the historic Vermont dirt track and to be the "Official Soft Drink of Devil's Bowl Speedway" for 2019 and 2020.




Under their new name as the "Pepsi Sportsman Modifieds," the open-wheel, crate-engine stock cars are poised to continue their climb as the top weekly racing attraction in New England.  Devil's Bowl's 2018 season average of 27 cars per race was the largest car count of any weekly headline division at any dirt or paved track in the six-state New England region, and it appears that things are headed in the same direction for the coming summer.

The 2019 Pepsi Sportsman Modified division already has some big names signed up, with many more expected including rising star Connor Cleveland.  The 23-year-old from Corinth, N.Y. is a former King of Dirt Racing (KOD) Crate Modified Series and Airborne Park Speedway champion with many wins at the iconic Albany-Saratoga, Oswego, and Weedsport speedways.  Cleveland made three Devil's Bowl starts in 2018, with a top-five finish against the KOD tour and a top-10 in the Interstate All Battery Center Vermont 200.

Also geared up for the new year is Modified great Hector Stratton of Bennington, Vt., who has announced a full-time return to Devil's Bowl.  A veteran of 40 years of racing and showing no signs of slowing down, Stratton won 31 times at Devil's Bowl from 1984-98.  Other drivers appearing on the early entry list are perpetual title contender Tim LaDuc, 2018 Rookie of the Year Marty Kelly III, and veterans Brian Whittemore and Walt Hammond Jr.

Devil's Bowl Speedway opens the 2019 season on Sunday night, May 19.  The summer schedule is packed with major events for the Pepsi Sportsman Modifieds including the $12,000-to-win Vermont 200 on Labor Day weekend, September 1.  Also on the schedule are King of Dirt Series events on May 26 and August 11, special 100-lap races on July 3 and July 28, and extra-distance races of 50 laps or longer on June 9 and September 15.

Competitor registration forms and membership licenses are available at discount prices now through March 31, and season passes for both general admission grandstand seating and the pit area are also on sale.

Devil's Bowl Speedway is located on Route 22A in West Haven, Vt., four miles north of U.S. Route 4, Exit 2, and just 20 minutes from Rutland, Vt.  For more information, visitwww.DevilsBowlSpeedwayVT.com or call (802) 265-3112. Devil's Bowl Speedway is on Facebook at facebook.com/DevilsBowlSpeedway, and on Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat at @DevilsBowlSpeed; follow the action using the #DevilsBowl hashtag.

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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 11.3.19 0 comments

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