2020-04-30

Ontario Legends Series Teams Turn to eRacing to Keep the Fire Burning

By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media

 

As hometown raceways push some of their early season events to the sidelines because of social distancing restrictions brought on by the COVID-19 Coronavirus Pandemic, a group of drivers with the Ontario Legends Series has satisfied the need for speed by participating in a schedule of eRacing shows. Spokesperson Andrew Massey says the KOD Disposal Ontario Legends eSeries is just what the doctor ordered.

 

"There are 20 active 2020 registered drivers competing, 3 from our tech team and a handful of former series drivers," said Massey. "The tracks we are using were selected by a vote, because iRacing – the same software NASCAR is using for their virtual series – doesn't offer any Legends friendly Canadian tracks."

 

Each event includes timed qualifying laps, heat races, a pair of pre-final races and an 'A' main; all run under the close scrutiny of Brandt Graham – a former 2-time Ontario Sportsman Series champion and current dirt Late Model racer – as race director. The top 11 from each pre-final make the starting line-up, for a 22 car feature. Drivers can talk to each other and converse with race officials. Shows are featured on the You Tube by Turn 3 Racing Network, with support from McNicol Welding & Fabrication and Jennifer Hatch of Coldwell Banker. Special thanks to Thorson's EVT for covering the server costs and to Liqui Moly for sponsorship of the best appearing car award.

 

Winners on the Wednesday night 'tour' so far include Ontario Pro Challenge racer Blake Near, who has victories at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Bullring and the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course. Ontario Legends Series regular Parker Traves captured the South Boston Speedway checkered flag, while Jo Lawrence from the APC Pro Late Model tour took the Stafford Speedway win.

 

The Monday night Rookie eSeries – presented by Hastings Marine Service – has seen double feature wins by Ontario Legend and NASCAR Pinty's Series racer Connor James at South Boston Speedway. 2019 Ontario Legends Series champion Nick Ledson picked-up a Stafford Speedway victory, with Brandon Feeney – whose background includes action in the Bone Stock, Super Stock and Late Model divisions at Peterborough Speedway – won the South Boston Speedway show and is the current rookie point leader.

 

"We'll wrap-up season 1 at USA Speedway in Lakeland, Florida and there is a stand-alone virtual Legends Dirt Nationals race scheduled to take place Wednesday, May 13th that uses the layout of Lanier Speedway in Georgia," according to Massey. "A second season for the end of May and June has been discussed but will be dependant on the real world situation at that time."

 

Drivers with the Trailers Plus Ontario Legends Series have been running selected iRacing events to keep their skills sharp during COVID-19 Coronavirus Pandemic shutdown.

 

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

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Les Entreprises M.P. Roy Inc.

424 Justin, Laval, QC H7P 5V9

 

T: 514-907-1773 (Montréal) or/ou 418-210-3986 (Québec) or Toll-free / ou sans-frais 1-877-35-MPROY (67769) Extension / poste 35

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Fières de distribuer les produits RACING ELECTRONICS,  RACECeiver, MYLAPS,  MAGNUS RACING PRODUCTS, LEAF RACEWEAR, ARBODIES, PORTCITY RACECARS, JOES RACING PRODUCTS, SWIFT SPRINGS, LONGACRE RACING PRODUCTS, COLEMAN RACING, HANS, SIMPSON, IMPACT,  WINTERS, JONES,  KRC, BASSETT, RE-PLAY, CHASECAM, GO-PRO HERO, THE JOIE OF SEATING, KIRKEY FABRICATION



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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 30.4.20 0 comments

2020-04-20

COVID-19 Postpones the May Events at Peterborough Speedway

COVID-19 Postpones the May Events at Peterborough Speedway

By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media

 

Local short track racing promoters often do their hardest work behind the scenes. From signing sponsorship partners, planning the event schedule for hometown racing divisions and touring series, stocking concession stands and any number of other related activities. No matter how many times they may have gone through the process in the past, there is nothing that can help a speedway operator prepare for the unexpected.

 

With its 2020 schedule – the 53rd consecutive season of operation – slated for a Saturday, May 16th green flag, provincial regulations and restrictions put in place as result of the COVID-19 pandemic have forced officials at Peterborough Speedway to postpone the first 3 dates of the year. Track owner and promoter J.P. Josiasse says its an unfortunate situation but a decision that has to be made to guarantee the safety of everyone who could possibly come through the gate.

 

"Its not a choice we want to make; but one we have to make. The only way to enjoy a season of racing together in the future is to spend some time apart right now," said Josiasse. "We have to keep a positive attitude during trying times and even with the delay in getting things underway this year, I want to ensure our fans, drivers and teams that we're committed to give everyone as much racing as possible."

 

Once track officials get official permission to move forward, Josiasse says the first order of business will be to announce the new date for this year's edition of the Pure Country 105 Season Opener, featuring free spectator grandstand admission. The team at Peterborough Speedway is also looking at several different options, including arranging make-up dates during the traditional downtime between Labour Day weekend and the Autumn Colours Classic to keep the 2020 schedule rolling. Depending on provincial protocol pertaining to the size of allowable public gatherings, private track rental for open testing sessions may also be available.

 

"We give our thanks to the teams of healthcare and frontline workers here in Central Ontario, across the province and the rest of the nation for their tireless efforts in battle with the Coronavirus Pandemic," said Josiasse. "Please continue to follow local, regional and national public health notices and wellbeing guidelines concerning social distancing and we'll all get through this difficult time. Stay safe. Keep well."

 

For the latest updates, schedule news and information, head to www.peterboroughspeedway.com or visit the track's Facebook and Twitter social media platforms. There is also a free app available to send news to your device 24/7/365.

 

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

 

Peterborough Speedway race fans are looking forward to the day when they can once again see the Sound Off Signal pace truck bringing the field to the Great Canadian RV green flag.

 

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


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 20.4.20 0 comments

2020-04-17

NASCAR Statement

NASCAR Statement

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (April 17, 2020) – "NASCAR is postponing the scheduled events on May 8-9 at Martinsville Speedway. Our intention remains to run all 36 races, with a potential return to racing without fans in attendance in May at a date and location to be determined. The health and safety of our competitors, employees, fans, and the communities in which we run continues to be our top priority. We will continue to consult with health experts and local, state and federal officials as we assess future scheduling options."

 


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 17.4.20 0 comments

2020-04-08

NASCAR Announces NomineesFor NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2021, Landmark Award

NASCAR Announces Nominees

For NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2021, Landmark Award

Burton, Earnhardt Jr., Edwards, Elder, Matthews nominated for first time

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (April 7, 2020) — NASCAR today announced the 15 nominees for the NASCAR Hall of Fame's Class of 2021, introducing the Modern Era and Pioneer Ballots for the first time.

 

The list includes five first-time NASCAR Hall of Fame nominees – three on the Modern Era Ballot and two on the Pioneer Ballot.

 

Jeff Burton (21-time Cup Series winner), Dale Earnhardt Jr. (15-time most popular driver) and Carl Edwards (28-time Cup winner) join seven previous nominees on the Modern Era Ballot. Three-time Cup champion crew chief Jake Elder and renowned car builder Banjo Matthews join three previous nominees on the Pioneer Ballot, designed to honor those whose careers began more than 60 years ago (prior to 1961 for the Class of 2021).

 

The NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2021 will consist of two inductees from the list of Modern Era nominees, and one from the list of Pioneer nominees – for a total of three new inductees in 2021.

 

Janet Guthrie returns as a Landmark Award nominee, rejoining Alvin Hawkins, Mike Helton, Dr. Joseph Mattioli and Ralph Seagraves. 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.

 

The Modern Era Ballot and Landmark Award nominees were selected by the Nomination Committee, which consists of representatives from NASCAR and the NASCAR Hall of Fame, track owners from major facilities and historic short tracks. The new Honors Committee, largely comprised of all living Hall of Famers, Landmark Award winners and Squier-Hall Award winners, selected the Pioneer Ballot. Both committees' votes were tabulated by accounting firm EY.

 

Following are the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2021 nominees and Landmark Award nominees:

 

Modern Era Ballot

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

 

Jeff Burton, won 21 times in the NASCAR Cup Series including the Southern 500 and two Coca-Cola 600s

 

Dale Earnhardt Jr., 15-time NASCAR Cup Series Most Popular Driver and two-time Xfinity Series champion

 

Carl Edwards, winner of 28 NASCAR Cup Series races and 2007 Xfinity Series champion

 

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

 

Harry Hyde, 1970 NASCAR Cup Series championship crew chief

 

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

 

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

 

Kirk Shelmerdine, four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion crew chief

 

Mike Stefanik, winner of record-tying nine NASCAR championships

 

Pioneer Ballot

Jake Elder, three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion crew chief

 

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

 

Banjo Matthews, built cars that won more than 250 NASCAR Cup Series races and three championships

 

Hershel McGriff, 1986 NASCAR West Series champion

 

Ralph Moody, two-time NASCAR Cup Series owner champion as mechanical genius of Holman-Moody

 

Landmark Award

Janet Guthrie, the first female to compete in a NASCAR Cup Series superspeedway race

 

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

 


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 8.4.20 0 comments

2020-04-03

Statement from NASCAR Pinty’s Series

Statement from NASCAR Pinty's Series

 

"Following discussions with medical experts and provincial and federal officials, NASCAR will postpone the Pinty's Series season opening race at CTMP. More information will be provided as it becomes available."


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 3.4.20 0 comments

2020-04-02

NASCAR Statement

NASCAR Statement

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (April 2, 2020) – "Due to challenges related to the coronavirus pandemic, the debut of the Next Gen car will be delayed until 2022. The decision was made in collaboration with the OEMs and team owners. We will continue to develop the Next Gen car, and a revised testing timeline will be shared when more information is available."  – John Probst, NASCAR Senior Vice President of Racing Innovation

 


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 2.4.20 0 comments

2020-04-01

Fulton Speedway Cancels Highbank Holdup Weekend

Fulton Speedway Cancels Highbank Holdup Weekend

Posted: 31 Mar 2020 04:59 PM PDT

FULTON, NY – With continuing guidelines set forth by government officials regarding the COVID-19 situation, the Fulton Speedway will cancel its annual opening Highbank Holdup Weekend featuring the DIRTcar 358 Modified Series and DIRTcar Sportsman Modified Series to be held on April 24 and 25. 

"It's unfortunate that we do have to cancel the weekend, we were waiting a bit just hoping something would change for the better and give the fans a weekend of racing," noted Fulton General Manager Cory Reed, "However, the safety of our fans, employees and the competitors comes first. I'm confident we eventually hold races but we also want to make sure it's safe for all to attend."

The weekend was filled with the St. Lawrence Radiology Highbank Holdup 60 for the DIRTcar 358 Modified Series and DIRTcar Sportsman Modified Series: Central Region events, the Empire Super Sprints presented by Tim Grevelding Snap-On Tools and Fulton's own Billy Whittaker Cars & Trux Late Models.

"I talked to Dean (Reynolds) quite a bit over the last few weeks. While we had our fingers crossed and just hope something would break it was the best decision by far," Reed said. "With this being a weekend event and with the uncertainty of when we all will be racing we will just cancel. When we get back all the tracks will want to open up and run, we just don't want to interfere with weekly scheduling."  

Fulton is scheduled to resume weekly racing on Saturday, May 2 but Reed notes for all to stay abreast of current announcements that will be made on their social networking channels. "Of course, May 2 is very tentative but we will be ready if the government officials give us the green light and it's safe. We just encourage everyone to watch our social media."  

Stay current with DIRTcar Northeast on DIRTcar.com, Facebook, and Twitter. Be sure to follow up with Fulton Speedway on their website, Facebook, and Twitter as well. 

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Les Entreprises M.P. Roy Inc.

424 Justin, Laval, QC H7P 5V9

 

T: 514-907-1773 (Montréal) or/ou 418-210-3986 (Québec) or Toll-free / ou sans-frais 1-877-35-MPROY (67769) Extension / poste 35

C: 514-942-6843

Email: mproy@lesentreprisesmproyinc.com

 



Fières de distribuer les produits RACING ELECTRONICS,  RACECeiver, MYLAPS,  MAGNUS RACING PRODUCTS, LEAF RACEWEAR, ARBODIES, PORTCITY RACECARS, JOES RACING PRODUCTS, SWIFT SPRINGS, LONGACRE RACING PRODUCTS, COLEMAN RACING, HANS, SIMPSON, IMPACT,  WINTERS, JONES,  KRC, BASSETT, RE-PLAY, CHASECAM, GO-PRO HERO, THE JOIE OF SEATING, KIRKEY FABRICATION



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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 1.4.20 0 comments

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