2018-03-29

Challengers Lining Up for 2018 ACT Crown

Challengers Lining Up for 2018 ACT Crown

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                         ACT032918-11

 



<<ATTACHED IMAGE (IMG_2640.JPG): Rich Dubeau (#30VT) and Jimmy Hebert (#58VT) both finished in the top-5 in ACT points in 2017 and could challenge for the title this season. (Alan Ward photo)>>

 

Waterbury, VT – The American-Canadian Tour is just over two weeks away from opening its 2018 season at Lee USA Speedway on Sunday, April 15 with the annual New Hampshire Governor's Cup. While defending ACT Late Model Tour Champion Scott Payea enters the opener as the title frontrunner, a number of other drivers are preparing their own run at the $10,000 champion's purse.

 

Williamstown, VT's Jimmy Hebert is one of the early favorites to challenge for the 2018 championship. Hebert returned to the full ACT Late Model Tour schedule this past season in his #58VT Hebert Excavation Chevrolet and finished fourth in the final standings. He has been a contender throughout his career and will look to put it all together for the 10-race schedule.

 

"We've finished second, third, and now fourth, so obviously we'd like to contend for a championship this year," Hebert said. "We started to hit on a few things towards the end of 2017 that gave us some pretty good speed. We're hoping to continue that and maybe further it a little more.

 

"You can't really have any mess-ups is the biggest thing," he added. "If you have one bad race, you're pretty much all done. You've got to try and find yourself in the top-5 every week and hope it will play itself out."

 

Lebanon, NH's Rich Dubeau could be another driver who makes a strong run in 2018. The 2015 ACT Rookie of the Year has made big strides since then and cracked the overall top-5 last season for the first time. He also posted the first two podium finishes for his #30VT Upper Valley Equipment Rental team.

 

"I definitely think we have the potential – just like probably every other team says," Dubeau said. "You always want more. So we'll be looking to improve just like we have every year, but we're confident. I have an awesome group of guys around me. I owe it to those guys – they work their butts off.

 

"We'd love to finally get a win," Dubeau added. "I'm pretty optimistic about Groveton (Speedway 51), especially going there twice, and I feel good about Waterford. So it'd probably be between those two tracks. Then again, we finished third at Seekonk last year, and it was one of the last places I thought we were going to run well. So I wouldn't be surprised if we were to surprise ourselves."

 

Several other drivers could play a role in the title chase before the year is over. Steuben, ME's Rowland Robinson, Jr. had a career year in 2017 and hopes to be even better this season. New Hampshire's Corey Mason and Bryan Mason have both entered for the full season after previously winning Late Model championships at Speedway 51. Graniteville, VT's Chip Grenier has also filed an unexpected entry after running well in partial schedules in recent years.

 

All will be looking to get off to a strong start at Lee USA Speedway. The tricky 1/3-mile oval is known for testing man and machine during a 150-lap event. Those who can solve the riddle of a rapidly-changing track will be in prime position for the season ahead.

 

"The biggest thing at Lee is making your car last," said Hebert, who won the 2013 event. "The track gets so slick toward the end of the race. Whoever does that the best will usually be in the winner's circle."

 

The New Hampshire Governor's Cup on Sunday, April 15 at 1:15pm kicks off the 33rd season of ACT competition. Lee's R&R Late Model Sportsmen and the Northeast Classic Lites are also on the card. The pits will open at 8:00am and the front gates will open at 9:00am. An optional practice will be held on Saturday, April 14.

 

For more information, contact the ACT offices at (802) 244-6963, media@acttour.com, or visit www.acttour.com or www.leeusaspeedway.com.

 

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2018-03-26

Payea Ready to Begin ACT Title Defense at Lee




Payea Ready to Begin ACT Title Defense at Lee

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                         ACT032618-09

 

<<ATTACHED PHOTO (IMG_2000.JPG): Colchester's Scott Payea (#37VT) will be going for his second straight American-Canadian Tour championship in 2018. (Alan Ward photo)>>

 

Waterbury, VT – After finally breaking through for his first American-Canadian Tour (ACT) championship in 2017, Colchester's Scott Payea is ready to return to the fold in 2018. Payea and his Rick Paya–led RPM Motorsports/Harrison Redi-Mix team will begin their title defense at the season-opening New Hampshire Governor's Cup on Sunday, April 15 at Lee USA Speedway.

 

Payea is coming off one the best ACT seasons in recent memory. The veteran won five of the nine events in 2017, including a series-record four straight. The effort earned him the championship after previously finishing second in the standings four times.

 

"We're all excited to get going," Payea said. "I don't even want to think about trying to live up to last season though. It was pretty much a dream season. We're just going to go back out with the same focus each race, work hard, and hopefully have the best car each week."

 

Over the past two years, Payea and RPM Racing have been one of the most formidable Late Model teams in the Northeast. They have posted eight wins together, with their first coming at Lee USA in the 2016 New Hampshire Governor's Cup.

 

"Our relationship just keeps getting better and stronger," Payea said. "We clicked right away the first year and picked up some wins. Then last year everything just came together. The more we all work together, the better our communication gets. People know what their roles are and the crew knows what I need with the car. It's a pretty natural relationship."

 

Payea will be looking for his second win at Lee on April 15. His team was one of the first to enter the upcoming ACT Late Model Tour season and will look to begin the 10-race schedule on a high note.

 

 "In this schedule, each race is important," he said. "We just want to start off with a solid run and build on that each race."

 

He will have plenty of competition at Lee and during the season-long championship battle. Williamstown, VT's Jimmy Hebert and Lebanon, NH's Rich Dubeau will both return to the ACT Late Model Tour after finishing in the top-5 in points in 2017. Steuben, ME's Rowland Robinson, Jr. had the best ACT season of his career this past year and will look to become a serious title contender.

 

Others who have filed full-season entries include former New Hampshire Governor's Cup winner Miles Chipman and sophomore Connecticut racer Ray Christian III. New Hampshire brothers Corey and Bryan Mason, both former Late Model champions at Speedway 51, are among the new drivers who have entered for the full season. A large contingent of Série ACT competitors are expected at the season opener as well.

 

ACT will open its 33rd season of competition with the 28th New Hampshire Governor's Cup 150 at Lee USA Speedway on Sunday, April 15.Qualifying begins at 1:15pm for an afternoon of racing that also includes the R&R Late Model Sportsmen and Northeast Classic Lites. The pits will open at 8:00 and the front gates will open at 9:00am. An optional practice day is scheduled for Saturday, April 14.

 

For more information, contact the ACT offices at (802) 244-6963, media@acttour.com, or visit www.acttour.com.

 

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2018-03-25

Déception pour Raphaël Lessard au Myrtle Beach Speedway




POUR DIFFUSION IMMÉDIATE

 

Déception pour Raphaël Lessard au Myrtle Beach Speedway

Myrtle Beach, Caroline du Sud, le 24 mars 2018 – Raphaël Lessard, pilote originaire de Saint-Joseph-de-Beauce, était de retour dans la série CARS Tour au Myrtle Beach Speedway ce samedi après-midi. C'est en 6ème position que le champion 2016 de la série CARS Tour a terminé le BakerDist.com 200 presented by Honeywell, épreuve de 100 tours. 

Raphaël s'est encore une fois démarqué du peloton en signant les meilleurs chronos en pratique ce vendredi. C'est au volant de la Toyota Camry #51 FRL Express/Mobil 1/Toyota de Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) que le jeune de 16 ans s'est aussi imposé devant Jeff Fultz en séance de qualification plus tôt dans la journée pour signer la pole position. 

 

C'est donc au premier rang que s'est élancé Lessard, devant un peloton de 16 voitures Super Late Model (SLM). Bien que Raphaël ait mené le premier tour, la stratégie d'équipe s'est montrée très conservatrice envers les pneumatiques. En effet, Myrtle Beach Speedway est une piste extrêmement abrasive où la gestion des pneus est primordiale pour remporter la course. 

Raphaël, appuyé par l'équipe KBM, a pris la décision de conserver ses pneus, reculant dans le peloton dès le deuxième tour. Raphaël est même tombé en fin de peloton, conservant encore ses pneumatiques.

Par contre, à compter de la mi-course, Lessard a débuté sa remontée vers une place dans le Top 10. C'est au 70ème tour que le drapeau jaune obligatoire est sorti, Lessard est en 11ème position.

L'équipe KBM a profité de l'arrêt de Raphaël pour changer les deux pneus droits et de faire quelques ajustements à la voiture. Raphaël en a profité pour accorder une brève entrevue lors de l'arrêt aux puits, « c'est le temps de pousser, » a affirmé Raphaël à l'équipe de CARS Tour TV. « Nous avons des nouveaux pneus alors je vais faire de mon mieux pour me rendre en avant du peloton. »

C'est donc avec de nouveaux pneus que Raphaël est revenu en piste. Faisant ce qu'il fait de mieux, il s'est imposé sur ses compétiteurs pour se frayer un chemin jusqu'aux portes du Top 5. Un drapeau jaune à 5 tours de la fin est venu rapprocher le peloton, mais cela n'a quand même pas permis à Raphaël de signer une deuxième victoire sur ce tracé.

« Je suis très déçu du résultat, surtout que nous avions encore une fois une voiture extrêmement rapide en début de course, » explique Raphaël. « Malheureusement la voiture n'était pas à mon goût après mon arrêt aux puits. Je tiens tout de même à remercier toute l'équipe de Kyle Busch Motorsports ainsi que Toyota, mes investisseurs et mes parents qui me supportent à chaque course. Je voudrais également remercier tous ceux qui sont allés à la Cage-Brasserie Sportive. On remet la première victoire de la saison à dans deux semaines! »

Prochaine course au calendrier : 

 La prochaine course de Raphaël sera le 7 avril prochain dans la série ARCA-CRA/CARS au Fairgrounds Speedway à Nashville au Tennessee.

 

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2018-03-24

A-Verdi Returns for KOD Race to Open Devil’s Bowl “358” Modified Series


A-Verdi Returns for KOD Race to Open Devil's Bowl "358" Modified Series

King of Dirt Racing Series shows to count toward mini-series track championship

 

For Immediate Release                                                                                                                                                                                 DBS-032118-1

 

WEST HAVEN, Vt. – The ground-pounding Small Block "358" Modifieds are coming back to Devil's Bowl Speedway.  The Vermont facility returns to full-time dirt track stock car racing on a lightning-fast half-mile surface in 2018, and the new era of racing includes a four-event mini-series championship for the famed 358 Modifieds.

Two of the four race dates will be co-sanctioned by the King of Dirt Racing Series (KOD), while the other two dates will be independently run by Devil's Bowl Speedway management.

A-Verdi Storage Containers returns to present the KOD Small Blocks with a special mid-week show on Wednesday, June 6.  Serving Vermont and Upstate New York, A-Verdi is family-owned-and-operated and has been a major motorsports supporter throughout its 37 years, including Devil's Bowl Speedway.

Devil's Bowl and A-Verdi hosted the first race in the history of the KOD Small Block 358 Modified tour last year.  Former Devil's Bowl standouts Marc Johnson and Jessey Mueller finished 1-2 in the race – which was held on the former infield short track – and later finished 1-2 in KOD Small Block championship standings. Allison Ricci finished third in the event, and she is expected to return with Johnson and Mueller on the new half-mile.

The second 358 Modified event will be an independent show on Sunday, July 15, with a "Twin 20" format.  A pair of 20-lap sprint races will each carry full championship points and a "split purse" in which each race pays $750 to win and $100 to start, guaranteeing each driver a minimum of $200 for 40 laps' worth of work.

Drivers who have indicated an interest include former champions Vince Quenneville Jr., Kenny Tremont Jr., and Ray Hoard, young guns Demetrios Drellos, Neil Stratton, Frank Hoard III, Jim Introne Jr., and Nathan Johnson, and veterans Don Mattison, Brian Whittemore, and brothers Todd and C.G. Morey.

The King of Dirt Series returns on Sunday, July 29, with the seventh annual "C.J. Richards Memorial" event, which will be 67 laps in honor of Devil's Bowl founder Richards opening the facility in 1967.  The mini-series championship wraps up on Labor Day weekend on Sunday, September 2, with a 30-lap race paying $1,250 to win.

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

 

Devil's Bowl Speedway Small Block "358" Modified Schedule of Events:

1. Wednesday, June 6 – 7:00 p.m. – King of Dirt Racing Series – 40 Laps (rain date Wed., June 20)

2. Sunday, July 15 – 6:00 p.m. – Vince Quenneville Sr. Memorial 358 Modified Twin 20s

3. Sunday, July 29 – 6:00 p.m. – King of Dirt Racing Series – C.J. Richards Memorial – 67 Laps

4. Sunday, Sept. 2 – 5:00 p.m. – Labor Day Special – 358 Modified Finale – 30 Laps (rain date Mon., Sept. 3)

 

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New England’s Best Racers Ready To Duel With South Counterparts At Easter Bunny 150


New England's Best Racers Ready To Duel With South Counterparts At Easter Bunny 150

 

For Immediate Release

 

CHARLOTTE, NC (March 23) – While short track racing appears to be on the verge of a renaissance, one very bright spot over the last decade has been the immergence of the Easter Bunny 150 at Hickory Motor Speedway.  As it has since 2006, the Easter Bunny 150 Presented By MyComputerCareer will pit some of the best Pro All Stars Series (PASS) Super Late Models racers from across North America against one another at one of the most legendary short tracks in the country.  With 26 cars already entered, this year's race has added importance as the top five finishers at Hickory will each receive guaranteed starting positions for either the 45th Annual Oxford 250 at Oxford Plains Speedway in August or the inaugural Commonwealth Classic at Richmond Raceway in October.  It will be an action-packed weekend of racing at Hickory Motor Speedway that will see the fastest cars in the South compete as the PASS Super Late Models will be joined by the entertaining SMRS Tour Modifieds. 

            A driver that might feel he has some unfinished business at Hickory Motor Speedway is Scarborough, ME's, Garrett Hall.  In last November's Mason-Dixon MegaMeltdown at Hickory, Hall was one lap away from taking home $15,000 when he got tangled up with a lapped car and lost out on the big prize to hometown favorite, Brandon Setzer.

            "My team and I are going to Hickory looking for some redemption and plan on getting a top five finish to get locked into the 250 or Richmond," says Hall, driver of the Norm's Used Cars Chevrolet #94.  "It's huge to be qualified into those events and it will make it much easier for us when we go to those races."

            Hall has been one of the top Super Late Model drivers in New England in recent years and believes a good run at Hickory will set him up well for a busy month of PASS North racing.

            "We have a lot going on between racing at Hickory, then to Thompson for the North season opener, and then to Oxford afterwards," says Hall.  "But I feel like we are well prepared for the upcoming season and excited to go to Hickory and start it off right."

Hall will have no lack of competition on Saturday, March 31 at the 13th Annual Easter Bunny 150 Presented By MyComputerCareer as he is joined by a huge contingent of New Englanders including former winner, Ben Rowe, as well as South Carolina Clash winner, Derek Griffith, Derek Ramstrom, DJ Shaw, Bryan Kruczek, Jimmy Renfrew, Sammy Gooden, Joe Squeglia, Jr., Gabe Brown, Jake Johnson, Travis Stearns, Dennis Spencer, Jr., and Wyatt Alexander. PASS South title contenders hope to keep the home fires burning led by Matt Craig, Kodie Conner, Tate Fogleman, Jeff Batten, and Jimmy Doyle.  Jerrick Johnson will pilot the MyComputerCareer machine and will be joined by former Hickory winners, Brandon Setzer and Tyler Church, as well as Trevor Noles, "Mad Max McLaughlin, Kevin Floars.  And two Canadian provinces are currently represented by Ontario's, JP Josiasse and New Brunswick's, Lonnie Sommerville, returning to Hickory for the first time in a number of years.

The action kicks off on Friday, March 30 with optional practice for all competing divisions from 2 – 5:20 PM.  On Saturday, March 31, practice will begin at 1 PM, followed by qualifying at 4 PM, the pit party at 5:30 PM, last chance race at 6:30 PM, and features for the PASS South Super Late Models and SMRS Tour Modifieds at 7 PM

Entry forms and the complete weekend schedule for the 13th Annual Easter Bunny 150 Presented By MyComputerCareer will be posted soon on ProAllStarsSeries.com. 

The Pro All Stars Series is recognized as North America's premier sanctioning body for asphalt Super Late Models and boasts such marquee events as the legendary Oxford 250 at Oxford Plains Speedway and PASS South's Easter Bunny 150 at the historic Hickory Motor Speedway. And new for the 2018, the inaugural Commonwealth Classic at Richmond Raceway.  For technical information concerning all PASS divisions please send questions to passracing@roadrunner.com. For media or marketing questions, please contact Alan Dietz at 704-231-2039 oralandietzpass@live.com.  Please visit ProAllStarsSeries.com for more information.  And, don't forget to "Like" the Pro All Stars Series on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @PASSSLM14 to keep up with breaking news as it happens.

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2018-03-21

Raphaël Lessard défendra son titre au CARS Tour – BakerDist.com 200 presented by Honeywell ce weekend!


AVIS MÉDIA

Raphaël Lessard défendra son titre

au CARS Tour – BakerDist.com 200 presented by Honeywell ce weekend!

Québec, le 21 mars 2018 – Le pilote automobile Raphaël Lessard, membre du programme de développement de pilotes TRD de Toyota, sera de la partie lors du BakerDist.com 200 presented by Honeywellce samedi 24 mars au Myrtle Beach Speedway en Caroline du Sud et peut se permettre d'espérer de monter sur le podium au terme des 100 tours de cette course des plus enlevantes, lui qui a raflé la pole position et la victoire en plus de battre le record de piste lors de sa participation en 2016. 

De plus en plus à l'aise au volant de sa FRL Express/Mobil 1/Toyota Camry # 51, Raphaël Lessard tentera de se démarquer et ainsi remporter une première victoire aux couleurs de sa nouvelle équipe, Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM). Les deux Top 5 qu'il a obtenu depuis le début de l'année n'ont fait que rehausser la détermination du jeune pilote de 16 ans.

Pour vivre toute l'excitation de cette course qui promet d'être haute en couleurs, allez sur le site CARS Tour.tv qui offre une diffusion en direct. Pour ceux et celles qui sont dans la région de Saint-Georges-de-Beauce, rendez-vous dès 15h à La Cage-Brasserie sportive de l'endroit. Celle-ci diffusera la course sur écrans géants et est fière de s'associer à Raphaël en donnant un généreux pourcentage de chaque facture avant taxes sur tout son menu. Vous pouvez également connaître les chronométrages en temps réel sur Race Monitor.

Informations importantes :

Quoi :                   CARS Response Energy Tour

Quand :                Samedi 24 mars 2018  - Départ à 15h30 HAE pour les Super Late Models, suivi des SLM

 (horaire complet)

Où :                      Myrtle Beach Speedway, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

 

 

Pour des informations supplémentaires ou pour organiser une entrevue avec Raphaël Lessard, veuillez communiquer avec :

 

Sophie Des Marais     


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2018-03-19

Airborne Title Defense

 Airborne Title Defense





PLATTSBURGH – Alexandria, ON native, Chris Raabe will look to defend his 2017 Egglefield Ford 358-Modified championship this season at Airborne Park Speedway in Plattsburgh.

                Last season, Raabe posted phenomenal numbers at Airborne by winning 6 races in 12 point counting events. He also finished in the top five in every start, which was more than enough to solidify the 2017 crown. His consistency throughout the season allowed a very comfortable margin of victory, 84 points to be exact, over the second-place point finisher, Mike Perrotte. Raabe also had two non-point event starts in 2017 at Airborne.

                "Airborne's transition to dirt went pretty smoothly," Raabe said. "I believe you're going to see even more Quebec participation in the Modified and Sportsman divisions this year."

                Last season, Raabe was a regular on Friday at the Mohawk International Raceway and at Cornwall Motor Speedway on Sunday nights. Away from Airborne, he had 32 starts with his #01 machine. In those 32 starts, he collected 3 wins, 14 top five finishes and 27 top ten finishes. Two of his 48 starts last season came during a Super DIRTcar Series event. Raabe competed in the Big Block Modified events at Airborne and Mohawk with his Small Block Modified. At Cornwall, Raabe was knocking on the door of cracking into the top five before a steering issue forced him to retire just beyond the halfway point of the race. Raabe ran inside the top ten for much of the event at Airborne before the Big Blocks overpowered his Small Block, as he settled for position twelve.

                "Right now, we plan on running weekly at Airborne on Saturdays and Cornwall on Sundays," Raabe said. "Our schedule is always tentative and we certainly like to move around and challenge new venues as a team."

                Raabe also followed the DIRTcar 358-Modified Series last season. Raabe finished second in the standings behind Steve Bernard. At Super DIRT Week, Raabe was the only Airborne regular to qualify for the 358-Modified event. He began the week by time trialing as the tenth quickest car out of 56 that took time. From there he moved onto a twin-25 event where he posted a fifth-place finish behind Peter Britten, Matt Sheppard, Stewart Friesen and Brett Hearn. From there he moved onto the 150-lap main event where he finished eleventh in a midday race that saw very little passing.

                "As far as the 358 tour goes, we will hit the early shows to start and see where that takes us," Raabe noted.

                Prior to the 2017 season, Raabe and his team set their goal, the "Drive for 150." On July 16, that was checked off the list for the 01 team. The number 150 stood for the number of open wheeled Modified wins in his career. He is now beyond 150 and headed for 200. Raabe and his team have established themselves as one of the top 358-Modified teams in the northeast.

                "Preparation, attention to detail, good equipment, micromanagement and demanding perfection from all involved are all key performance factors that we've utilized to meet the demands brought on by racing," Raabe explained. "Our team is meticulous with trying to stay up to speed with new technology."

                A lengthy list of sponsors are onboard for the team in the 2018 season. St. Lawrence Radiology, Kids 4 Kids, McColman Media, Mike Sauve Construction, Husqvarna Alexandria, Teo Pro Car, Doiron Engineering, Glengarry Windows and Doors, Richards Sweeping, Distribution J.M. Bergeron Inc., PM Promotions, OK Tire Alexandria, Genesis Racing Shocks, Eibach, Beyea Headers, Outerwears, Simpson and Fast Axle are contributors this season.

                Raabe was asked about the importance of sponsors in the sport of auto racing.

                "Sponsors are always tough to find," Raabe said. "There is definitely a difference between a company who engages in short term recognition and a company who believes in investing in your brand. Unfortunately, racing relies on those investments of greater magnitude to further a career and provide opportunities to produce numbers on the track."

                Airborne's racing season is scheduled to take its first green flag on April 28 with a 6 p.m. post time. The DIRTcar Sportsman Series will be on hand for their first event of the season. Airborne will host a car show prior to the season at the Champlain Centre Mall in Plattsburgh. The event will be two days, April 14 and 15. For more season information visit airborneparkspeedway.com

               

               

 


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Raphaël Lessard termine dans le Top 5 en Alabama lors du Rattler 250!

Raphaël Lessard termine dans le Top 5 en Alabama lors du Rattler 250! 





Québec, le 18 mars 2018 – Raphaël Lessard, membre du programme de développement de pilotes TRD de Toyota, a terminé en 4e position dimanche après-midi lors du Rattler 250 qui s'est déroulé sur le South Alabama Speedway à Kinston en Alabama dans le cadre de la Southern Super Series. Pour la seconde fois au volant de la FRL Express/Mobil 1/Toyota Camry # 51, Raphaël Lessard a brillé dès les séances d'essais libres. Partant en position de tête après avoir obtenu les meilleurs temps en qualifications, le pilote de 16 ans n'a fait que démontrer son immense talent pendant les 250 tours de cette course endiablée.

Représentant fièrement les couleurs de l'équipe Kyle Bush Motorsports (KBM), la sensation beauceronne a démontré sa volonté de gagner en exécutant une belle remontée. En effet, après s'être maintenu dans le Top 5 pour plus de la moitié de la course, Lessard a reçu une pénalité l'envoyant en fin de peloton. À la mi-course, le jeune pilote a dépassé la voiture de tête avec l'objectif de rentrer aux puits.

Comme souvent dans les courses de Super Late Model, beaucoup de drapeaux jaunes ont ponctué l'épreuve.  Les relances étaient parfois à l'avantage de Raphaël qui a un penchant pour la ligne extérieure, mais au début de la course, alors qu'il chassait Jeff Choquette pour sa position de tête, Lessard s'est vu contraint de partir de l'intérieur, ne parvenant pas à reprendre la tête, mais sans toutefois jamais abandonner ses efforts vers le podium.

« Je pense qu'avoir obtenu les meilleurs temps toute la fin de semaine démontre clairement mes capacités et celles de la voiture. C'est sûr que je suis déçu d'avoir dépassé la voiture de sécurité, c'est quelque chose que je n'aurais pas dû faire. Cependant, je dois apprendre de mes erreurs et je peux garantir que ça ne se reproduira plus! De plus, la remontée que j'ai effectuée, de la 16e place à la 3e position, pour finalement terminer en 4e position, me rend très fier! Ma voiture était excellente et je n'ai donc pas eu trop de difficulté à me frayer un chemin vers le peloton de tête. Avec autant de neutralisation, il est plus facile de rejoindre le peloton, car les meneurs n'ont pas la chance de se sauver très loin. » de dire Raphaël.

« Je tiens à remercier sincèrement l'équipe Kyle Busch Motorsports pour leur indéniable soutien et l'incroyable voiture qu'ils mettent à ma disposition. Mes remerciements se dirigent également vers mes parents, les investisseurs, FRL Express, Mobil 1, Toyota-TRD, Cody Glick, mon chef d'équipe et tous les membres de celle-ci, ainsi que vers Kyle Busch et ses précieux conseils. J'ai bien hâte à la prochaine épreuve qui sera dans la série CARS et où j'ai été le champion en 2016. » a déclaré Raphaël Lessard.

 

Prochaine course au calendrier

La 3e course du calendrier 2018 de Raphaël Lessard se déroulera le 24 mars prochain dans le cadre de la série CARS, une course de 100 tours au Myrtle Beach Speedway en Caroline du Sud.

 

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Matt Craig Powers To 3rd Straight PASS South Win At Caraway

Matt Craig Powers To 3rd Straight PASS South Win At Caraway

 

  • For Immediate Release

 

SOPHIA, NC (March 18) – Matt Craig led flag-to-flag Sunday afternoon to score his thirdstraight Pro All Stars Series (PASS) South Super Late Model win at Caraway Speedway in the RGS Products 125.  Craig's win moves him to fourth on the all-time PASS South winners' list, just one win behind Jay Fogleman.

            In qualifying, Tate Fogleman bested Brandon Setzer for his second quick qualifying time of the season with a lap of 16.473 seconds (99.435 MPH).  But, the top 10 qualifiers redraw would not be kind to Fogleman, moving him back to the ninth starting position, while fellow championship contenders, Craig and Kodie Conner, would move to the front row for the start. 

            At the drop of the green flag, Craigwould quickly move to the point, while Fogleman was dicing his way up through the field.  The first caution of the day would wave on lap 14 for a solo spin by rookie Charles Barnes in turn four.

            Craig would lead after the restart, but by lap 20, he was being closely pursued by Roy Hayes and Fogleman.  The top three stayed that way until Setzer joined the fray, taking second from Hayes with 40 laps to go.

            Fogleman's early season misfortune continued as he began to drop back in the second half of the race, falling to ninth by lap 90.  The second caution of the day would wave with 14 laps to go when Fogleman slowed to a stop with mechanical problems in turn three.

            After the final restart, it was all Craig, as he would lead the rest of to take the win over Setzer, Ryan Moore, Conner, Lee Tissot. Rounding out the top ten were Gracie Trotter,Jody Measamer, Max McLaughlin, Hayes, and Jimmy Doyle.  Trotter's sixth place finish on Sunday equals Kenzie Ruston, Tayla Orleans, and Sarah Cornett-Ching as the best finish by a female in PASS competition.

             The PASS South Super Late Models will be in action again on Saturday, March 31 for the 13th Annual Easter Bunny 150, along with the SMRS Tour Modifieds, in one of the biggest races of the season.  The top five PASS South finishers at Hickory will receive guaranteed starting positions for either the Oxford 250 in August or the inaugural Commonwealth Classic 100 at Richmond Raceway in October.  Entry forms are currently available at ProAllStarsSeries.com.  Be sure to "Like" the Pro All Stars Series on Facebook or follow us on Twitter at @PASSSLM14.

                PASS South Super Late Model – RGS Products 125 – Unofficial Results

  1. 54 – Matt Craig 125                               11. 24 – JP Josiasse 123
  2. 6 – Brandon Setzer 125             12. 21 – Blaise Rutherford 122
  3. 74 – Ryan Moore 125                             13. 14 – Greg Burgess 117
  4. 45 – Kodie Conner 125                         14. 49 – Jeff Batten 117
  5. 27 – Lee Tissot 125                               15. 8f – Tate Fogleman 109
  6. 2 – Gracie Trotter 125                            16. 37 – Charles Barnes 39
  7. 98 – Jody Measamer 125                      17. 70 – Fletcher Whaley 34
  8. 4 – Max McLaughlin 125           
  9. 15 – Roy Hayes 125                  
  10.  71 – Jimmy Doyle 124             


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 19.3.18 0 comments

2018-03-15

Raphaël Lessard vise une place sur le podium ce week-end lors de la 42e édition de la Rattler 250!

Raphaël Lessard vise une place sur le podium ce week-end

lors de la 42e édition de la Rattler 250!

Québec, le 15 mars 2018 – Le pilote automobile Raphaël Lessard, membre du programme de développement de pilotes TRD de Toyota, croit possible d'accéder au podium au terme des 250 tours de l'épreuve qui se déroulera ce dimanche 18 mars à Kinston en Alabama.

Le pilote de 16 ans, originaire de la Beauce, se dit très confiant d'inscrire un bon résultat et même de grimper sur le podium à l'issue de la course Rattler 250 qui se déroule dans le cadre de la Southern Super Series. En 2017, c'est Ty Majeski qui avait remporté la victoire.

Pour cette première épreuve de cette série très disputée en sol américain, Raphaël Lessard défendra les couleurs de l'équipe Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM). Cette dernière lui confie les commandes de laFRL Express/Mobil 1/Toyota Camry # 51, une voiture compétitive susceptible d'aider le pilote québécois d'atteindre ses objectifs de podium.   

Pour vivre toute l'émotion de cette course qui promet d'être riche en rebondissements, allez sur le site Speed 51 qui offrira une diffusion en direct. Pour ceux et celles qui sont dans la région de Saint-Georges-de-Beauce, rendez-vous dès 14h30 à La Cage-Brasserie sportive de l'endroit. Celle-ci diffusera la course sur écrans géants et est fière de s'associer à Raphaël en donnant un généreux pourcentage de chaque facture avant taxes sur tout son menu. Vous pouvez également connaître les chronométrages en temps réel sur Race Monitor.

Informations importantes :

Quoi :                   Southern Super Series

Quand :                Dimanche 18 mars 2018 à partir de 14h30 HAE (horaire complet) Départ à 15h HAE

Où :                      South Alabama Speedway, Kinston, Alabama

 


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 15.3.18 0 comments

2018-03-14

NASCAR to Expand In-Car Camera Live Streams on Twitter in 2018

NASCAR to Expand In-Car Camera Live Streams on Twitter in 2018

Beginning This Summer, Fans to 'Ride Along' with One Driver Via @NASCAR for

15 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Races

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 14, 2018) – NASCAR® announced today it will live-stream one in-car camera on Twitter for 15 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series™ races during the second half of the 2018 racing season, including all 10 NASCAR Playoffs races.

 

Beginning with five regular season races this summer, the experience will once again provide fans a unique look from inside the race car with a live camera stream that can be accessed via NASCAR's official Twitter handle, @NASCAR.

 

Fans can watch full broadcasts of these regular season and NASCAR Playoffs races on NBC or NBCSN, NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app (full schedule here).

 

NASCAR debuted the in-car camera live stream on Twitter during last year's NASCAR Playoffs, when four Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series championship contenders drove the live audience on Twitter from the green flag all the way to Victory Lane. 

 

"We've created an experience that brings Twitter users inside the cars at speeds of more than 200 miles per hour," said Jill Gregory, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, NASCAR. "The live stream is yet another window into our sport that captures all the drama and intensity of NASCAR racing – now available to fans for even more races in 2018." 

 

Fans on Twitter will experience an in-car camera live stream from the iconic Daytona International Speedway for the first time during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race on July 7.

 

NASCAR will also stream an in-car camera on Twitter during regular season races at the road course at Watkins Glen International (Aug. 5), the night race at Bristol Motor Speedway (Aug. 18), the sport's annual throwback event at Darlington Raceway (Sept. 2) and the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway (Sept. 9).

 

This live stream will be accessible for free for logged-in and logged-out users in the United States via NASCAR's official Twitter handle and connected devices. Real-time race highlights will also be available on @NASCAR, offering fans additional ways to follow the playoffs at home or on the go.

 

On the same screen of this live stream, fans will find a real-time curated timeline of Tweets that capture the best of the NASCAR race live conversation.

 

"We are thrilled that NASCAR will make its in-car cameras available on Twitter in 2018," said Laura Froelich, Global Head of Sports Partnerships at Twitter. "NASCAR fans will once again be able to access these unique in-car cameras at the same speed as the real-time conversation – all in one place on Twitter."

 

Last fall, 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Champion™ Martin Truex Jr., Kyle Busch, Kevin Harvick and Brad Keselowski each scored race wins as the featured driver in the NASCAR Playoffs live stream, crossing the finish line and taking the checkered flag with viewers on Twitter in tow.  

 

NASCAR.com will continue to offer its full portfolio of complementary viewing products throughout the 2018 season. In-car camera angles will also be available on NASCAR Drive™ and NASCAR Mobile™.

 

About Twitter (NYSE: TWTR)

Twitter is what's happening in the world and what people are talking about right now. From breaking news and entertainment to sports, politics, and everyday interests, see every side of the story. Join the open conversation. Watch live streaming events. Available in more than 40 languages around the world, the service can be accessed via twitter.com, an array of mobile devices, and SMS. For more information, please visit about.twitter.com, follow @Twitter, and download both the Twitter and Periscope apps at twitter.com/download and periscope.tv.

 

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 (Monster Energy NASCAR 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 IMSA WeatherTech 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 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat ('NASCAR').

 

Contact:

Pete Stuart

NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communications


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 14.3.18 0 comments

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