2015-03-30

Compte rendu de la réunion des classes locales






Compte rendu de la réunion des classes locales

Autodrome Chaudière 2014 inc.

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

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

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

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

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

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

è Kevin Groleau : Co-directeur technique

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

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

è Thomas Maltais : Aide-Signaleur et officiel de puits

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

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

è Stéphan Bacon : Directeur de courses

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

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

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

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

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

Règlementation :

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

-       Sport Compact Amateur : Ken Grondin et Steve Verret

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

-       Limité : Yves Perreault et Yves Marcoux

 

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

Prochain rendez-vous, le 2 mai prochain !

Marie-Claude Levasseur, Relationniste 


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Dan Price Sheds Some Skin for his Debut OSCAAR Modified Season

Dan Price Sheds Some Skin for his Debut OSCAAR Modified Season

By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Photo attachment: Dan Price Racing collection

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

 

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


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Dragon, RGR Team Ready for Thunder Road Title Run

Dragon, RGR Team Ready for Thunder Road Title Run

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                             TR-033015-21

 



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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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Superspeedway Qualifying Format Updated for Talladega, Daytona

Superspeedway Qualifying Format Updated for Talladega, Daytona

New Structure to Feature Two Rounds to Determine Pole Winner

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

About NASCAR

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

 

Contact:                                                                                              

Kristi King

NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communications


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