2012-02-07

Canadian IndyCar star James Hinchcliffe will be at the Canadian Motorsports Expo on Sunday, February 12

 

 

James Hinchcliffe missed appearing at last year’s Canadian Motorsports Expo because he was taking part in an IndyCar test at Florida’s Sebring International Raceway. In the time since that test, Hinchcliffe has been extremely busy, and he’ll have a lot to talk about when he takes to the CME’s Mazda Stage on Sunday, February 12.

 

 

The CME runs February 10, 11 & 12 at the International Centre, adjacent to Toronto’s Pearson Airport.

 

Last summer, the Oakville, Ontario native earned the Rookie of the Year Award on the IZOD IndyCar Series, driving for the legendary Newman/Haas Racing team. And in January, he was tabbed to drive the GoDaddy.com IndyCar for Andretti Autosport, taking over the ride last held by Danica Patrick.

 

The 25-year-old Canadian – who is gaining widespread popularity for his talents as a racer, his sense of humour and his flair for engaging his fans through social media – is a rising star in the world of open-wheel racing. Nicknamed ‘The Mayor of Hinchtown,’ Canadians racing fans have followed James’ career progression through Formula BMW, Star Mazda, ChampCar Atlantic, A1GP, Firestone Indy Lights, and into IndyCar. ‘Hinch’ will be back in Toronto, in July, to compete in the Honda Indy Toronto, but Sunday’s Canadian Motorsports Expo appearance offers enthusiasts a unique opportunity to connect with one of Canada’s top racing stars in a relaxed environment.

 

“I’m looking forward to coming back to the Canadian Motorsport Expo,” said James Hinchcliffe, of his upcoming appearance at Canada’s racing show. “It’s been a couple of years since my last visit and I know it’s grown in stature since then, which is fantastic to see. Canadian fans are truly passionate about their motorsports and it’s always a great experience to hang out with them. It’s been both an exciting and busy winter for me and the new season’s fast approaching. I think everyone’s raring to go and the CME’s a great way to kick-start Canada’s racing calendar.”

 

Discussing Hinchcliffe’s appearance at the show, the CME’s Rob Morton said, “Through our work at Inside Track Motorsport News, we’ve followed James’ career since his karting days, so it’s very exciting for all of us to see how far he’s come and how far he can go. We’re happy to welcome him back to the CME to connect with his Canadian racing fans and sign a bunch of autographs.”

 

James Hinchcliffe will take to the Mazda Stage for a Q&A Session on Sunday (Feb. 12) from 12:45-1:30 p.m. At that point, he will head to the Inside Track Motorsport News booth (CME Booth #600) to sign autographs and chat with the fans. Hinchcliffe is also expected to figure in the awards presentations for the Inside Track Readers’ Choice Awards, which will be presented starting at 7:15 p.m. on Saturday night on the Mazda Stage (Feb. 11).

 

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. One of the special themes of this year’s CME is the CASCAR Reunion, on Sunday. The show will also feature celebrity appearances and autograph sessions by NASCAR star Carl Edwards, Canadian IndyCar racer James Hinchcliffe, Canada’s Ron Fellows, and NASCAR legends Robert Yates and Randy Lajoie. Please check the show’s website (www.CanadianMotorsportsExpo.com) for news, updates, schedule information and more. You can contact the CME by calling (416) 962-7223 or email info@canadianmotorsportsexpo.com.

 


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 7.2.12 0 comments

'The Sarge' Ready for Fresh Start

For Immediate Release

Contact Chris Dirato with True Speed Communication

www.TrueSpeedCommunication.com

 

Tony Schumacher – U.S. Army NHRA Preview

Round 1 of 23 – O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals – Pomona, Calif.

 

POMONA, Calif. (Feb. 7, 2012) – Shortly after the curtain came down on the 2011 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing season, U.S. Army Top Fuel driver Tony “The Sarge” Schumacher quickly went in search of a 2012 calendar.

 

“I needed to immediately find out when the season opener was scheduled,” said the seven-time world champion. “After finishing the year without a victory, I wanted to be sure to circle the (O’Reilly Auto Parts) Winternationals weekend. That became a clear target for the U.S. Army Top Fuel team.”

 

Despite advancing to seven final rounds, Schumacher posted his first winless season in 10 years. Needless to say, he will be looking to end that drought this weekend at historic Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, Calif.

 

“You can be sure of that,” he said. “We had some great runs throughout last year, but we just didn’t get the job done. I guess the magic wasn’t on our side and we had no luck at all. I’ve always contended it takes a lot of talent, terrific people and some luck to win races. Unfortunately, with the latter, we didn’t have any.

 

“We have to put last year out of our minds and move forward. We have to be focused on what’s right in front of us, which is an opportunity to start over. My guys are all battle-tested and are fully aware that failure is never an option when you are representing the U.S. Army. We want that world championship trophy back in the U.S. Army camp.”

 

Schumacher’s preseason optimism was fueled by a solid, week-long test session at Palm Beach (Fla.) International Raceway last month.

 

“We tried a bunch of things down there in Florida and all went well,” said the Chicago-area resident. “We had a really good car toward the end of last year, but I believe we will be bringing an even better car to Pomona in a few days.”

 

When he rolls up to the starting line for the first qualifying session on Thursday, Schumacher understands the competition will be as good as it has ever been.

 

“That’s for certain,” he said. “The Top Fuel class has progressively improved with every season. It’s actually fun to race, given all of the great cars. You have to show up and bring your ‘A’ game every time or you’re going home early. I love a good battle and, right now, we have it. I would be proud to be an NHRA fan these days because you are definitely going to get one heck of a race.”

 

Based on past history, Schumacher is counting on a positive result at Auto Club Raceway. He has six wins to his credit there, which ties him with famed driver “Big Daddy” Don Garlits for the most in Top Fuel. Two of those wins came in the Winternationals.

 

“Pomona has been very good to me over the years,” he said. “I’m hopeful we can re-capture that winning formula this weekend.”

 

-TSC-

 


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New Smyrna Speedway Release : 10th Annual Pete Orr - Orange Blossom

 

10th Annual Pete Orr - Orange Blossom 100Event Schedule:

New Smyrna Speedway - 2/6/12


This Saturday night the high-banked half-mile roars to life for the second time of 2012 with the 10th Annual Pete Orr - Orange Blossom 100 for the Super Late Models. Joining the Super Late Models will be the Pro Late Models, Modifieds, Sportsman, Pro-Trucks, Super Stocks, Mini-Stocks and the Strictly Stocks.

 

For the Super Late Models, Pro Late Models, Modifieds, Pro-Trucks and Super Stocks this will be the final test and tune before the 46th Annual World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing that kicks off next Friday the 17th and runs for nine consecutive nights through the 25th.

 

There is an Open Practice this Friday night from 6-10pm. Pit Gates open at 5:00pm. 

 

NEW SMYRNA SPEEDWAY - SCHEDULE

PETE ORR - ORANGE BLOSSOM
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 11, 2012

Schedule Subject To Change

 

9:00am - Pit Gates / Registration Open

10:00am - Tech Open

10:00am - Super Late Model - Registration Closes

10:15-11:15am - Super Late Model - Tire Selection

12:30pm - Super Late Model - Drivers/Spotters Meeting

1:30pm - Super Late Model - Practice

2:00pm - Support Divisions - Practice

2:30pm - Super Late Model - Practice

3:00pm - Support Divisions - Practice

3:00pm - Super Late Model - Pre-Qualifying Tech (in qualifying order. 10 at a time) 

4:00pm - Grandstands Open

5:00pm - Super Late Model - Qualifying

5:45pm - Support Divisions - Drivers Meeting

6:00pm - Support Divisions - Registration Closes

6:00pm - Autograph Session

7:00pm - Opening Ceremonies / National Anthem

7:30pm - Feature Racing Starts

Super Late Models
10th Annual Pete Orr - Orange Blossom 100 Laps

Mini-Stocks - 25 LapsSuper Stocks - 25 Laps 
Pro Late Models - 25 Laps
Pro-Trucks - 25 Laps
Modifieds - 25 Laps
Sportsman - 25 Laps
Strictly Stocks - 20 Laps 

 

GENERAL ADMISSION:

Adults: $20.00

Seniors/Military: $18.00

Kids 11 & Under: FREE

 

IMPORTANT TECH NOTES:

PRO LATE MODELS - RULE ADDENDUM:

LIMITED LATE MODELS: ALL Limited Late Models (running with Pro Late Models) must run a 7400rpm chip for 2012.

 

If you have any questions regarding the rules, please contact FASCAR Competition Director: Ricky Brooks at 850-324-6821

More information can be found at www.NewSmyrnaSpeedway.org.

 


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Sarah Cornett-Ching to Graduate Race 101 Program This Weekend in Gala Awards Ceremony; Awaits Results of Always a Champion Contest

Craig Revelle - Finish Line Web Design

February 7, 2012

PENTICTON, BRITISH COLUMBIA - After a year of learning and honing her skills on the technical and marketing side of the motorsports world, Sarah Cornett-Ching and the class of 2011 will graduate from the Race 101 program in a Gala Awards Dinner and Graduation Ceremony held in North Carolina this coming Saturday night, February 11th.

 

Each graduating member will receive a diploma, and several awards will be handed out during the evening, including the Race 101 Premiere Driver award, which the top member of the class will receive during the ceremony.

"It has been a very exciting year, and I have learned so much with the Race 101 program", says Cornett-Ching.  "It would really be an honor to be named the Premiere Driver for 2012.  There are a lot of great racers in this class, and to win this award would really put an exclamation point on the great season that we have had."

Over the last few weeks, Sarah has been in the running for the “Always a Champion” contest where her video along with several others were voted on.  The voting just ended on February 5th, but the results of the contest will not be released for a couple more weeks.

“I really have to thank everyone that supported us through this contest”, reflects Cornett-Ching.  “We really have some great race fans, and friends that voted everyday for us, and it would be so helpful to our program if we won the contest”. 

 

The Always a Champion contest is offering (5) winners a prize of $10,000 in sponsorship for the 2012 season, and one grand prize winner will receive a $50,000 sponsorship.

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 Okanagan 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 will graduate from Race 101 this weekend in North Carolina (SCC Racing Photo Collection)

 


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