Oval Racing Stock car style in Québec, Ontario and New England States: AMERICAN CANADIAN TOUR

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2012-05-07

Helliwell, Quenneville Take Rousing Spring Green Wins at Devil's Bowl Speedway

ATTACHED PHOTOS (all credit MemorEvents):

bombers.jpg: Bomber top three finishers (L-R): Harold LaVair (2nd), Josh Masterson (1st), Ray Germain, Jr. (3rd) in victory lane.

gordon2.jpg: Renegade winner Robert Gordon.

helliwell.jpg: 101.5 The Fox Spring Green winner Wayne Helliwell, Jr. (bottom left) and team celebrate their first career American-Canadian Tour victory.

quenneville.jpg: Bond Auto Parts Modified winner Vince Quenneville, Jr. (left) in victory lane with Kevin Nevalained, NASCAR Senior Manager, Weekly Racing Operations, of Daytona Beach, Florida.

First ACT win for Helliwell; Gordon and Masterson also winners

For Immediate Release DBS-050612-1

WEST HAVEN, VT – Devil’s Bowl Speedway fans rocked the grandstands with exciting season-opening stock car racing at the 101.5 “The Fox” Spring Green on Sunday afternoon. Wayne Helliwell, Jr., and Vince Quenneville, Jr., brought the house to its feet with close finishes and emotional landmark wins. Robert Gordon and Josh Masterson each started the 2012 campaign off in victory lane as well.

Helliwell, of Dover, NH, copped his first career victory on the American-Canadian Tour in a razor-close finish with Joey Polewarczyk, Jr. Helliwell started the 112-lap main event in third place but was held up in early traffic and fell back almost outside the top then. He clawed his way back to the front on the outside lane, taking the lead from Polewarczyk just after the halfway point in the race. Hudson, NH racer Polewarczyk held nothing back during the final laps as he tried to steal the win, but Helliwell persevered for his inaugural ACT Late Model Tour score. Austin Theriault of Fort Kent, ME drove from 20^th starting position to finish third ahead of Ray Parent and Randy Potter.

Vince Quenneville, Jr., made his return to Devil’s Bowl Speedway a popular one with his home track fans, taking the first Bond Auto Parts Modified victory of the year in the 35-lap NASCAR Whelen All-American Series feature. Quenneville, of Brandon, VT, drove into the lead on the outside of defending champion Ron Proctor after a restart with seven laps remaining and never looked back. Proctor, of Charlton, NY, held off a furious mid-race charge from Leon Gonyo for the runner-up spot. Jessey Mueller drove from 18^th starting position to finish third, with Gonyo fourth and rookie Joey Roberts completing the unofficial top five.

Rob Gordon of Milton, VT opened the season with a 25-lap score in the Renegade feature. Gordon beat Lance Rabtoy of Fairfax, VT in a comfortable margin at the finish, but not before two- and three-wide racing in the first half of the race. Ryan Keith finished third ahead of Frank Monroe and Jeremy Jones.

Rookie Josh Masterson of Bristol, VT started his Bomber division career on the right foot by winning that class’ 20-lap feature in his first career start. Harold LaVair of Gabriels, NY held on for second place. Ray Germain, Jr., was third, followed by John McCarron and Dan Collins.

Devil’s Bowl Speedway is back in action on Sunday, May 13 for a Mother’s Day Special event at 1:30pm. General admission is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors (62+), and free for children 12 and under. Devil’s Bowl Speedway is located on Route 22A in West Haven, VT, six miles north of Exit 2 on US Route 4. For more information, call (802) 265-3112 or click www.devilsbowlspeedwayvt.com.

UNOFFICIAL RESULTS – 101.5 “The Fox” Spring Green

Devil’s Bowl Speedway, West Haven, VT

Sunday, May 6, 2012

(# - denotes rookie)

American-Canadian Tour Late Models (112 laps)

1. Wayne Helliwell, Jr., Dover, NH

2. Joey Polewarczyk, Jr., Hudson, NH

3. Austin Theriault, Fort Kent, ME

4. Ray Parent, Tiverton, RI

5. Randy Potter, Groveton, NH

6. Eric Williams, Hyde Park, VT

7. Ricky Rolfe, Albany Township, ME

8. Quinny Welch, Lancaster, VT

9. Brent Dragon, Milton, VT

10. Luke Hinkley, Claremont, NH

11. Brian Hoar, Williston, VT

12. Nick Sweet, Barre, VT

13. Jamie Fisher, Shelburne, VT

14. Jean-Paul Cyr, Milton, VT

15. Todd Davis, Claremont, NH

16. Mark Lamberton, Mooers Forks, NY

17. Eddie MacDonald, Rowley, MA

18. Joey Becker, Jeffersonville, VT

19. Glen Luce, Turner, ME

20. Craig Bushey, Fairfax, VT

21. Travis Fadden, North Haverhill, NH

22. # Jimmy Hebert, Williamstown, VT

23. Todd Patnode, Richmond, NH

24. Jim Linardy, Somerville, MA

25. Bruce Jaycox, Hartland, VT

26. Derek Lynch, Warkworth, ON

27. Hunter Bates, Middlebury, VT

28. Jeff Labrecque, Jr., Rochester, NH

29. Spencer McPherson, Carleton Place, ON

30. Ben Ashline, Pittston, ME

31. Claude Leclerc, Lanoraie, QC

32. Rowland Robinson, Jr., Birch Harbor, ME

33. Eric Chase, Milton, VT

34. # Dan Petronis, II, Mechanicville, NY

Heat Winners: Eric Chase, Joey Polewarczyk, Jr., Brent Dragon

Consi Winners: Craig Bushey, Glen Luce

B-Feature Winner: Jimmy Hebert

Bond Auto Parts Modified (35 laps)

1. Vince Quenneville, Jr., Brandon, VT

2. Ron Proctor, Charlton, NY

3. Jessey Mueller, Olmstedville, NY

4. Leon Gonyo, Chazy, NY

5. # Joey Roberts, Georgia, VT

6. Alex Bell, Cambridge, NY

7. Don Scarborough, Brandon, VT

8. Hunter Bates, Middlebury, VT

9. Jamie Proctor, Schuylerville, NY

10. # Andy Smith, South Glens Falls, NY

11. Mike Bush, Hudson Falls, NY

12. Jason Bruno, Plattsburgh, NY

13. Cody Sargen, Greenfield Center, NY

14. # Jeff Haskins, Wells, VT

15. Jim Introne, Jr., Hartford, NY

16. Paul Braymer, Granville, NY

17. Matt Atwood, Whitehall, NY

18. James Introne, Sr., Hartford, NY

Did Not Start: Dave Snow, Brandon, VT

Heat Winners: Vince Quenneville, Jr., Joey Roberts, Ron Proctor

Renegade (25 laps)

1. Robert Gordon, Milton, VT

2. Lance Rabtoy, Fairfax, VT

3. Ryan Keith, Pittsford, VT

4. Frank Monroe, Granville, NY

5. Jeremy Jones, Leicester, VT

6. # Robin Cummings, Milton, VT

7. Bill Duprey, Hydeville, VT

8. # Bob Monroe, Granville, NY

9. Matt Livingston, Ballston Spa, NY

Heat Winner: Robert Gordon

Bomber (20 laps)

1. # Josh Masterson, Bristol, VT

2. Harold LaVair, Gabriels, NY

3. Ray Germain, Jr., Bristol, VT

4. John McCarron, Rennselaer, NY

5. Dan Collins, Rennselaer, NY

6. Garry Bashaw, Lincoln, VT

7. Jake Noble, Benson, VT

8. Matt Monaghan, Colchester, VT

9. Eddie Bruno, Fair Haven, VT

10. # Gerald LaFlam, Hinesburg, VT

11. Justin Lilly, Castleton, VT

12. Alan Drescher, Argyle, NY

13. John Fountain, Plattsburgh, NY

Did Not Start: Bobby LaVair, Gabriels, NY; # Shane Doran, Benson, VT

Heat Winners: Dan Collins, Josh Masterson

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2012-05-06

Helliwell Claims First ACT Win, Unofficially Takes Over Point Lead

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ACT-050612

West Haven, VT – Wayne Helliwell Jr. of Dover, NH dominated the second half of The Fox 101.5 Spring Green 112 on the way to his first ever American Canadian Tour victory on Sunday May 6, 2012 at Devil’s Bowl Speedway. Helliwell took over the lead on lap 58 and had to fend off a late race attack from Hudson, NH’s Joey Polwarczyk Jr. to take the checkers. Austin Theriault of Fort Kent, ME stormed from the 20^th starting position to take over third, Ray Parent and Randy Potter completed the top five.

The race began with weekly competitor Craig Bushey leading the first lap after a +5 in the ACT plus minus system earned him the second starting position. Multi-time Oxford Plains Speedway Champion Ricky Rolfe took over for the next 26 laps before the lead was briefly wrestled away by former Thunder Road Champion Nick Sweet. Sweet only held on to the lead for two laps before Groveton’s Randy Potter took over the point.

Joey Polewarczyk, Jr. stormed from mid-pack to take the lead away from Potter on lap 50, only to have it taken away for good by Helliwell on lap 58. Helliwell started from the third position, but faded as far back as ninth before charging through the field in the second half. Helliwell had to endure a lap 98 restart and a no holds barred assault from Polewarczyk that put the large opening day crowd on its feet to claim his first ACT win and unofficially strip Williston’s Brian Hoar of the point lead.

Hyde Park’s Eric Williams climbed from 22^nd on the starting grid to finish sixth, followed by Rolfe, Quinny Welch, Brent Dragon, and Luke Hinkley completing the top ten.

The race was slowed by seven cautions, the first of which was a multi-car wreck when Glen Luce and Jamie Fisher spun in front of the field with no laps complete. The race was completed in 1:13:26, and 19 cars finished on the lead lap. All 34 ACT Late Models in attendance started the feature event.

Wayne Helliwell Jr. earned himself an invite to the ACT Invitational at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on September 22, 2012 with his win in the Spring Green 112. He joins Brian Hoar as the first two Invitational invitees to date.

The American Canadian Tour has next weekend off, but will be back in action at Oxford Plains Speedway in Oxford Maine on May 20, 2012 for the Oxford 150.

The Fox 101.5 Spring Green 112 Unofficial Results
American Canadian Tour
Devil’s Bowl Speedway – West Haven, VT
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Pos. (Start) Driver, Hometown, Laps Completed
1. (3) Wayne Helliwell Jr., Dover, NH, 112 Laps

2. (10) Joey Polewarczyk Jr., Hudson, NH, 112 Laps

3. (20) Austin Theriault, Fort Kent, ME, 112 Laps

4. (14) Ray Parent, Tiverton, RI, 112 Laps

5. (7) Randy Potter, Groveton, NH, 112 Laps

6. (22) Eric Williams, Hyde Park, VT, 112 Laps

7. (4) Ricky Rolfe, Albany Twp, ME, 112 Laps

8. (16) Quinten Welch, Lancaster, NH, 112 Laps

9. (11) Brent Dragon, Milton, VT, 112 Laps

10. (12) Luke Hinkley, Claremont, NH, 112 Laps

11. (21) Brian Hoar, Williston, VT, 112 Laps

12. (6) Nick Sweet, Barre, VT, 112 Laps

13. (9) Jamie Fisher, Shelburne, VT, 112 Laps

14. (18) Jean-Paul Cyr, Milton, VT, 112 Laps

15. (1) Todd Davis, Claremont, NH, 112 Laps

16. (5) Mark Lamberton, Mooers Forks, NY, 112 Laps

17. (15) Eddie MacDonald, Rowley, MA, 112 Laps

18. (17) Joey Becker, Jeffersonville, VT, 112 Laps

19. (8) Glen Luce, Turner, ME, 112 Laps

20. (2) Craig Bushey, Fairfax, VT, 111 Laps

21. (31) Travis Fadden, North Haverhill, NH, 111 Laps

22. (25) #Jimmy Hebert, Williamstown, VT, 111 Laps

23. (28) Todd Patnode, Richmond, NH, 111 Laps

24. (23) James Linardy, Somerville, MA, 111 Laps

25. (30) Bruce Jaycox, Hartland, VT, 111 Laps

26. (26) Derek Lynch, Warkworth, ON, 111 Laps

27. (27) Hunter Bates, Pittsford, VT, 111 Laps

28. (34) Jeffrey Labrecque Jr., Rochester, NH, 110 Laps

29. (33) Spencer MacPherson, Carleton Place, ON, 110 Laps

30. (29) Ben Ashline, Pittston, ME, 56 Laps

31. (24) Claude Leclerc, Lanoraie, QC, 31 Laps

32. (19) Rowland Robinson, Jr., Birch Harbor, ME, 28 Laps

33. (13) Eric Chase, Milton, VT, 21 Laps

34. (32) #Daniel Petronis II, Mechanicville, NY, 0 Laps

Lap Leaders: Craig Bushey (1), Ricky Rolfe (2-28), Nick Sweet (29-31), Randy Potter (32-49), Joey Polewarczyk Jr. (50-57), Wayne Helliwell Jr. (58-112)

Time of Race: 1:13:26

Margin of Victory: .191 seconds

Cautions: 7 (Lap 0, 28, 31, 49, 49, 57, 98)

Heat Winners: Eric Chase, Joey Polewarczyk Jr, Brent Dragon
Consi Winners: Craig Bushey, Glen Luce

B-Feature Winner: Jimmy Hebert

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2012-04-30

UN PREMIER PODIUM POUR PATRICK LAPERLE

Pour diffusion immédiate (30-04-12=06)

Merchants Bank à la piste Thunder Road

Champion en titre de la série ACT-Castrol, Patrick Laperle de St-Denis-sur-Richelieu a démontré qu’il était prêt à entreprendre la défense de celui-ci, dimanche après-midi à la piste Thunder Road de Barre au Vermont. Cette épreuve, le Merchants Bank 150 a été remportée par nul autre que Brian Hoar, le multiple champion du tour américain de l’ACT alors que Laperle a pris place sur la troisième marche du podium.

Cette course a nécessité six drapeaux jaunes dont un pour un carambolage au 70^e passage impliquant neuf voitures dont celles de Brent Dragon, Chris Michaud, Ben Rowe, Glen Luce et Randy Potter. Le poste de commande a changé en neuf occasions parmi six pilotes.

Lors de sa qualification, Laperle avait pris le départ de la troisième place pour terminer quatrième alors que dans le Merchants Bank 150, il est parti de la 19^e position pour remonter en troisième dans le dernier tiers.

Laperle a été plus chanceux que ses compatriotes Stéphane et Daniel Descostes ainsi que le nouveau venu Réjean Bissonnette qui n’ont pu se qualifier.

Dimanche prochain, le tour américain disputera sa troisième épreuve de la saison à la piste Devil’s Bowl au Vermont alors que Laperle entreprendra la défense de sa couronne ACT-Castrol à l’Autodrome Montmagny, le samedi 26 mai.

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Brian Hoar Claims Elusive ACT Merchants Bank 150

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ACT 042912

Barre, VT – Eight-time and defending ACT Champion Brian Hoar, of Williston VT, rode a hot streak on his way to his second win in a row on the ACT Tour in the Merchants Bank 150 on Sunday, April 29 at Thunder Road. Hoar fought off former Lee USA Champion Wayne Helliwell Jr, of Dover NH, and two-time Serie ACT Castrol Champion Patrick Laperle of St. Denis, QC for his first ever Merchants Bank 150 win.

Hoar started from the second position, after a +6 plus minus out of his heat, and stole the lead from Thunder Road defending Champion Dave Pembroke on lap 21. Hoar paced the field for 19 laps only to lose the lead to seven-time ACT Champion Jean Paul Cyr on lap 40. Cyr took the lead and looked unstoppable for 79 laps, slicing and dicing through lap traffic, until lap 109 caution in which he pitted after the other leaders to take tires. Helliwell Jr, and two-time Merchants Bank 150 Champ Nick Sweet battled it out before Sweet headed down pit road on a lap 116 caution, leaving Hoar, Laperle, and Helliwell to fight for the win.

Helliwell gave everything he had trying to pick up his first ACT tour win, nose to tail between two former ACT champs for the last 10 laps. Hoar survived an assault of moves from Helliwell, even recovering from being sideways out of turn four with two laps to go. Laperle stormed from the 19^th starting position, but had to turn his focus on a late race charge for third from John Donahue of Graniteville, VT who finished fourth. Jean Paul Cyr rebounded from his tire stop to round out the top five.

The race was completed in 1:13:55 but was slowed by 6 cautions and a red flag for a multi-car wreck on lap 70. Many cars were involved including 2011 ACT Rookie of the Year Ben Ashline, multi-time Thunder Road Champion Cris Michaud, Ben Rowe, Randy Potter, Glen Luce, Cody Blake, Quinny Welch, Jamie Aube, and Brent Dragon. The multi-car incident started with Michaud bouncing off the widowmaker and collecting the remainder of the group at the entrance of pit road.

Hoar had already qualified for the Bond Auto ACT Invitational on Saturday, September 22 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, with his win in the season opener at Lee USA Speedway two weeks ago. 47 ACT Late models attempted to qualify for the 30 car field. 23 cars finished on the lead lap.

Blair Bassett of Worcester, VT claimed an emotional first ever Bond Auto Tiger Sportsman win, fending off Scott Coburn, Chris Pelkey, 2011 Rookie of the Year Kyle Pembroke, and Joe Steffen. Rounding out the top ten was Mike Martin, Dylan Payea, George May, Josh Demers, and Matt Potter.

All-time Street Stock win leader Tommy Thunder added another to the list picking up his 23rd win in dominating fashion in the Allen Lumber Street Stock division. He was chased to the line by Garry Bashaw, Bunker Hodgdon, Jason Kenison, and Daniel Lathrop. Completing the top ten was Dean Switser, Ben Belanger, Nick Pilotte, David Whitcomb, and Danny Doyle.

Thunder Road is off until Memorial Day for the 50^th RV Mekkelsen Memorial Day Classic on Sunday, May 27. The American Canadian Tour Late Models head to Devil’s Bowl Speedway in West Haven, VT for 101.5 The Fox Spring Green 112 next Sunday, May 6 with a 2pm post time.

Merchants Bank 150

American Canadian Tour

Thunder Road International Speedbowl

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Pos. (Start) Driver, Hometown - Lap

1. (2) Brian Hoar, Williston, VT - 150 Laps

2. (9) Wayne Helliwell Jr., Dover, NH -150 Laps

3. (19) Patrick Laperle, St-Denis, QC – 150 Laps

4. (5) John Donahue, Graniteville, VT -150 Laps

5. (8) Jean-Paul Cyr, Milton, VT – 150 Laps

6. (27) Trampas Demers, South Burlington, VT – 150 Laps

7. (15) Luke Hinkley, Claremont, NH - 150 Laps

8. (4) Brooks Clark, Fayston, VT - 150 Laps

9. (23) Austin Theriault, Fort Kent, ME – 150 Laps

10. (3) Nick Sweet, Barre, VT – 150 Laps

11. (10) Scott Payea, Milton, VT - 150 Laps

12. (13) Brett Wheeler, Waterbury, VT – 150 Laps

13. (7) Joey Polewarczyk Jr., Hudson, NH - 150 Laps

14. (1) Dave Pembroke, Middlesex, VT – 150 Laps

15. (18) Ricky Rolfe, Albany Twp, ME – 150 Laps

16. (29) Jamie Fisher, Shelburne, VT – 150 Laps

17. (25) Rowland Robinson, Jr., Birch Harbor, ME – 150 Laps

18. (6) Mark Lamberton, Mooers Forks, NY – 150 Laps

19. (20) Jamie Aube, No. Ferrisburg, VT – 150 Laps

20. (14) Glen Luce, Turner, ME – 150 Laps

21. (24) Brent Dragon, Milton, VT – 149 Laps

22. (17) Travis Fadden, North Haverhill, NH - 149 Laps

23. (11) Cris Michaud, E. Montpelier, VT – 148 Laps

24. (30) Eric Chase, Milton, VT – 148 Laps

25. (22) Phil Scott, Berlin, VT – 128 Laps

26. (26) Quinten, Welch Lancaster, NH – 70 Laps

27. (28) Cody Blake, Barre, VT – 70 Laps

28. (16) Randy Potter, Groveton, NH - 70Laps

29. (12) Ben Ashline, Pittston, ME – 70 Laps

30. (21) Ben Rowe, Turner, ME – 69 Laps

Lap Leaders: Dave Pembroke (1-21), Brian Hoar (22-40), Jean-Paul Cyr (41-109), Wayne Helliwell Jr. (110), Nick Sweet (111), Helliwell (112-116), Patrick Laperle (117), Helliwell (118-128), Hoar (129-150)

Time of Race: 1:13:55(red flag 14:21)

Margin of Victory: .279 seconds

Cautions: 6 (laps 21, 65, 70(red), 109, 116, 128)

Heat Winners: Joey Polewarczyk Jr, Cris Michaud, Brett Wheeler, Glen Luce

Consi Winners: Mark Lamberton, Ben Ashline, Brian Hoar

B-Feature Winner: Quinny Welch

Bond Auto Tiger Sportsmen Top Ten

Pos. Driver, Hometown

1. 21 Blair Bessett Worcester, VT

2. 1 Scott Coburn Barre, VT

3. 64 Christopher Pelkey S. Barre, VT

4. 27 Kyle Pembroke Montpelier, VT

5. 00 Joe Steffen Grand Isle, VT

6. 01 Mike Martin Craftsbury Comm., VT

7. 07 Dylan Payea Henniker, NH

8. 16 George May Barre, VT

9. 10 Josh Demers Middlesex, VT

10. 23 Matt Potter Marshfield, VT

Allen Lumber Street Stocks Top Ten

Pos. Car # Driver, Hometown

1. 50 Tommy Smith Williamstown, VT

2. 92 Garry Bashaw Lincoln, VT

3. 83 Bunker Hodgdon Hardwick, VT

4. 03 Jason Kenison Groveton, NH

5. 6 Daniel Lathrop Morrisville, VT

6. 16 #Dean Switser Jr. Lyndonville, VT

7. 99 Ben Belanger Whitefield, NH

8. 11 Nick Pilotte Jefferson, NH

9. 77 Dave Whitcomb Elmore, VT

10. 88 Danny Doyle Hancock, VT

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2012-04-27

Laperle Files Entry to Merchants Bank 150

Pour diffusion immédiate (24-04-12=05)

Dimanche à la piste Thunder Road

PATRICK LAPERLE PARTICIPERA AU MERCHANTS BANK 150

Photo: Le champion 2011 Série ACT Castrol Patrick Laperle (91QC) fait un dépassement sous Scott Payea (89VT) à la piste de Thunder Road dans le cadre du Labor Day Classic 2011 (Photo courtoisie Alan Ward)

Barre, VT – Deux fois champion de la série ACT-Castrol, Patrick Laperle a fait parvenir son inscription en prévision de la 14^e édition du Merchants Bank 150 qui se déroulera à la piste Thunder Road, dimanche prochain. Cette ancienne vedette du tour américain de l’ACT qui a remporté la couronne en 2008, a choisi cette compétition pour lancer sa saison 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ACT-042412-23

Laperle Files Entry to

Merchants Bank 150

Attached Photo: PatrickLaperle.jpg – 2011 Série ACT Castrol Champion Patrick Laperle (91QC) looks for room under Thunder Road regular Scott Payea (89VT) during the 2011 Labor Day Classic. (Photo by Alan Ward)

Barre, VT - Two-time and defending Serie ACT Castrol Champion Patrick Laperle has filed his entry for the 14th Annual Merchants Bank 150 at Thunder Road. The former ACT US star, who won the ACT Championship in 2008, will make his return to the Barre Highbanks to kick off the 2012 season.

.La fiche de Laperle à ce spectaculaire tracé fait de lui un candidat sérieux à la victoire. De ses 19 victoires dans l’ACT, quatre d’entre elles sont survenues à la piste Thunder Road et il est au troisième rang au chapitre des succès dans l’ACT. Patrick s’est également signalé plus d’une fois dans le prestigieux Milk Bowl et en 2010, il a triomphé lors du Labor Day Classic.

Il va sans dire que Laperle est très enthousiaste concernant son début de saison.

« Normalement nous participons à quelques courses durant la saison hivernale, mais cet hiver, nous ne sommes pas sortis. Nous sommes donc plus qu’excités de commencer la saison », de dire Laperle. « Pour cette saison, nous avons de nouveaux commanditaires qui nous aiderons à participer à plus de courses. Cependant, nous allons les prendre l’une après l’autre et nous suivrons nos performances » de conclure Laperle.

Pour ce lever de rideau à la piste Thunder Road, Laperle aura de l’opposition, car les deux pilotes le précédant dans la liste des vainqueurs de l’ACT seront également de la partie. Huit fois champion de l’ACT, Brian Hoar qui a triomphé à la piste de Lee tentera de poursuivre dans le même sens dans ce championnat américain de l’ACT. Également sept fois détenteur de la couronne américaine, Jean-Paul Cyr tentera d’empêcher Hoar d’atteindre son objectif. Il compte également sur de bons résultats en 2012 pour rejoindre Hoar au sommet.

Vainqueur des deux dernières éditions du Merchants Bank 150, Nick Sweet sera sur place dans le but de réussir un triplé. Champion de la piste Thunder Road, David Pembroke sera également du nombre des participants tout comme les réputés Phil Scott et Chris Michaud. Pour cette 14^e édition du Merchants Bank 150, on pourra franchir les tourniquets dès dix heures. L’admission pour les adultes sera de 20$.

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Laperle’s resume at Thunder Road makes him an early favorite for the Merchants Bank 150. His 19 ACT wins, four of which have been at Thunder Road, is third overall on the All-Time ACT Win List. He is a multi-time Thunder Road Milk Bowl Champion as well as the 2010 Labor Day Classic winner.

Laperle is enthusiastic about starting the 2012 racing season.

“Usually we compete in races over the winter, but we did not do that this year. We are more excited than ever to start the season.” commented Laperle. “We have added some new sponsors this year which will allow us to race more, so we will take it one race at a time and see where we are.” Laperle finished.

Laperle will not be without competition at the Thunder Road opener, however, as the two drivers listed above him on the ACT All Time Win List will also be in competition. Eight-time ACT Champion Brian Hoar of Williston, VT fresh off of his win at Lee USA in the season opener will be looking to continue his hot streak on the ACT U.S. Seven-time ACT Champion Jean-Paul Cyr of Milton, VT will be looking to dethrone Hoar and tie him in ACT Championships during the 2012 season. There will also be stiff competition from Barre’s Nick Sweet, the winner of the last two Merchants Bank 150s, David Pembroke of Middlesex, VT, the defending Thunder Road Late Model Champion, as well as multi-time champions Phil Scott and Cris Michaud.

Gates open for the 14^th Merchants Bank 150 at 10 am on Sunday April 29, 2012. Post time is set for 1:00 pm. Admission is: Adult $20.00, Children 12 and under are free.

For additional information, head to www.acttour.com or email us at media@acttour.com

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2012-04-16

ALLARD ET THEETGE ONT COMMENCÉ LEUR SAISON

Pour diffusion immédiate (16-04-12=03)

Victoire de Brian Hoar à Lee

Donald Theetge de Québec et Karl Allard de Québec, deux champions de la série ACT-Castrol, ont déjà commencé leur saison, dimanche après-midi à la piste de Lee au New-Hampshire lors de la première épreuve de la saison du tour américan de l’ACT. Cette course, la Coupe du Gouverneur a été remportée pour une deuxième année consécutive par le multiple champion de l’ACT, Brian Hoar.

À l’issue de cette confrontation, Allard et Theetge ont certainement constaté qu’ils n’étaient pas complètement prêts pour la saison 2012 de la série ACT-Castrol qui débutera à l’Autodrome Montmagny, le 26 mai prochain. En effet, Allard a terminé 13^e avec un tour de retard et Theetge 20^e à trois tours des meneurs.

Auparavant, lors des qualifications, Allard qui détenait la position de commande lors de la première, a vu le réputé Eddie Mac Donald lui soutirer sa place avant le drapeau à damier. Quant à Theetge, il a pris le départ de la neuvième lors de la troisième et il a terminé en sixième. Il a bénéficié de son handicap +3 pour terminer deuxième dans la consolation. Parti huitième dans cette course, il semblait en excellente posture jusqu’à ce qu’il ralentisse lors de la plus longue séquence sans ralentissement, soit du 44 aux 117 passages.

Quant à Allard, il aurait connu une séquence en dent de scie pour terminer avec un tour de retard. Mince consolation pour les deux pilotes québécois, leurs voitures étaient intactes après de course de 150 tours.

Dimanche prochain, c’est à la piste Thunder Road de Barre au Vermont qu’aura lieu la deuxième épreuve de l’ACT, le Merchants Bank 150. Encore une fois, quelques pilotes de la série ACT-Castrol devraient être présents.

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Source: American Canadian Tour

Www: acttour.com

(802) 244-6963

Collaboration: Yvon Larrivée

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Brian Hoar Wins Second Straight NH Governor's Cup

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ACT-041512

Lee, NH – Eight-time American Canadian Tour Late Model Champion Brian Hoar of Williston, VT claimed his second straight NH Governor’s Cup 150 season opener at Lee USA Speedway in Lee, NH on Sunday, April 15. Hoar escaped a late race assault from multi-time Lee USA Speedway Champion Wayne Helliwell, Jr. of Dover, NH to earn the win.

Jeff Taylor of Farmington, ME led early in the event after starting on the pole with a +6 in ACT’s plus/minus handicap system. Helliwell worked his way from the fifth starting position to take over the lead on lap 10 and appeared dominant for the next 60 laps. However, Ben Rowe of Turner, ME came from the 10^th starting position to run down Helliwell just before the halfway mark. Rowe also appeared to have the race in hand until Eddie MacDonald of Rowley, MA took over the lead with 118 laps complete.

Hoar and Joey Polewarczyk, Jr. of Hudson, NH came flying through the pack after pitting around lap 117 for fresh tires. Polewarczyk caught MacDonald on lap 130 but got into the back of him coming off turn two sending them both to the rear. That brought out the fourth caution of the event and handed Hoar, who came from the 9^th starting spot, the lead.

Hoar led the remainder of the event, but not without a battle with Helliwell. Helliwell came back from a spin on lap 117 with fresh tires and was all over the back bumper of Hoar during the final 20 laps. Hoar would hold him off for the win, Helliwell took second followed by sophomore driver Austin Theriault from the 19^th starting spot, with Polewarczyk and 2011 ACT Rookie of the Year Ben Ashline rounding out the top five.

Taylor had to settle for sixth, followed by MacDonald, seven-time ACT Champion Jean-Paul Cyr, Jeff Labrecque, Jr., and Ray Parent. The top ten were the only cars to complete all 150 laps.

The race was completed in 1 hour, 23 minutes and 31 seconds with eight cautions. A total of 41 cars attempted to qualify for the 28 car field.

Brian Hoar is the first qualifier for the Bond Auto ACT Invitational at Lee USA Speedway on Saturday, September 22 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Hoar is a former NHMS winner as he claimed the win in the 2011 ACT All-Star event last August.

The American Canadian Tour has next weekend off before heading to Thunder Road International Speedbowl in Barre, VT for the Merchants Bank 150 on Sunday, April 29. The Thunder Road season opener is precluded by the annual car show in the Thunder Road pit area on Saturday, April 28.

NH Governor’s Cup 150 Unofficial Results
American Canadian Tour
Lee USA Speedway – Lee, NH
Sunday, April 15, 2012

Pos. (Start) Driver, Hometown, Laps Completed

1. (9) Brian Hoar, Williston, VT, 150 Laps

2. (5) Wayne Helliwell Jr., Dover, NH, 150 Laps

3. (19) Austin Theriault, Fort Kent, ME, 150 Laps

4. (13) Joey Polewarczyk Jr., Hudson, NH, 150 Laps

5. (3) Ben Ashline, Pittston, ME, 150 Laps

6. (1) Jeff Taylor, Farmington, ME, 150 Laps

7. (12) Eddie MacDonald, Rowley, MA, 150 Laps

8. (6) Jean-Paul Cyr, Milton, VT 150 Laps

9. (18) Jeffrey Labrecque Jr., Rochester, NH, 150 Laps

10. (25) Ray Parent, Tiverton, RI, 150 Laps

11. (21) Shawn Martin, Turner, ME, 149 Laps

12. (4) Randy Potter, Groveton, NH, 149 Laps

13. (20) Karl Allard, Saint-Felicien, QC, 149 Laps

14. (14) Quinten Welch, Lancaster, NH, 149 Laps

15. (26) Todd Patnode, Richmond, NH, 149 Laps

16. (23) Luke Hinkley, Claremont, NH, 149 Laps

17. (15) Eric Chase, Milton, VT, 148 Laps

18. (24) Jamie Fisher, Shelburne, VT, 148 Laps

19. (28) Ricky Rolfe, Albany Twp, ME, 148 Laps

20. (8) Donald Theetge, Boischatel, QC, 147 Laps

21. (17) Brent Dragon, Milton, VT, 147 Laps

22. (27) James Linardy, Somerville, MA, 147 Laps

23. (22) Mike Kenison, Lancaster, NH, 146 Laps

24. (7) Glen Luce, Turner, ME, 136 Laps

25. (10) Ben Rowe, Turner, ME, 132 Laps

26. (16) Derek Lynch, Warkworth, ON, 131 Laps

27. (2) Nick Sweet, Barre, VT, 124 Laps

28. (11) Mark Lamberton, Mooers Forks, NY, 87 Laps
Lap Leaders: Jeff Taylor, 1-9; Wayne Helliwell, Jr., 10-72; Ben Rowe, 73-118; Eddie MacDonald, 119-130; Brian Hoar, 131-150.

Time of Race: 1:23:31

Margin of Victory: 0.366 seconds

Cautions: 8 (laps 36, 44, 117, 130, 131, 132, 132, 137)

Heat Winners: Eddie MacDonald, Brian Hoar, Wayne Helliwell, Jr., Joey Polewarczyk, Jr.

Consi Winners: Brent Dragon, Ben Ashline

B-Feature Winner: Ray Parent

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2012-04-10

ACT LOOKS TO VP FUEL TO GO "GREEN" IN 2012

VP RACING FUEL BECOMES OFFICIAL FUEL OF ACT AND THUNDER ROAD

For Immediate Release ACT – 041012-19

Waterbury, VT – The American Canadian Tour (ACT) announced today that

VP Racing Fuels (VP) would become the “Official Fuel” of ACT for 2012. The

ambitious program will begin a major effort on the part of ACT to create both a more “green” environment, and equally important, to begin to contain fuel

expenses for over 400 Late Model race teams in the ACT system, and 100

competitors at Thunder Road Int’l Speedbowl in Barre, VT.

The program will address the fuel needs of the ACT US, ACT Series Castrol Quebec, and Thunder Road Int’l Speedbowl in Barre, VT. VP’s C9, an unleaded racing fuel with no ethanol components, will be introduced immediately as a “spec fuel” option in 2012 for the ACT Castrol Series as well as for the ACT Late Models and for all weekly divisions at Thunder Road. C9 will be permitted for use immediately in the ACT Castrol Series. To allow for consumption of leftover Sunoco 110, that fuel will be allowed only until June 30th on the Castrol

Series.

In addition to C9, VP110 will also become a “spec fuel” option available to U.S. Late Model teams competing in the ACT US and Thunder Road Late Models. These two ACT/VP “spec” fuels and the one remaining approved fuel will be permitted in the U.S. throughout the 2012 season.

Tom Curley, President of the American Canadian Tour said, “The timing of

establishing this relationship with VP is just about perfect. The cost of fuel for

everyone, not just racers, is continuing to escalate. VP has helped to design a

program for our racers by introducing this spec fuel. We believe this will help

address the costs to racers, and at the same time help us become more

environmentally friendly. It follows closely our philosophy about cost concerns, just like twelve years ago when we introduced the crate motor,” said Curley.

Testing of the fuel has been conducted at the headquarters of the ACT crate

motors, Butler & MacMaster in Hallowell, ME. “We were impressed with the comparative results. Our data showed that C9 ran very clean, and actually created a couple pounds of additional torque and horsepower from what we have been used to seeing with these motors,” said Dave MacMaster, the innovative veteran motor builder of both the GM and Ford crate motors for ACT since their beginning.

The VP program designed by Jim Kelly, Director of Racing Fuel Sales for VP, has a variety of financial and incentive programs for each of the ACT sanctioned affiliates. Beyond fuel cost savings to the racers, VP has announced a VP Hard Charger program which will issue free fuel certificates for five gallons of ACT/VP “spec” fuel at every ACT US and Castrol Series event. The team that improves their position the most in feature events, and has not won an ACT or Castrol event in 2012, will be eligible. The same VP Hard Charger program will be introduced to the Bond Auto Tiger Sportsman division at Thunder Road in 2012.

“VP Racing Fuels is very pleased to be involved with ACT and its many affiliate

tracks and programs. We have watched ACT become innovative-- implementing cost-saving measures for their race teams, and taking a leadership role in asphalt short track racing over the past couple of decades. We hope that we can contribute to that continual effort with our ACT VP Racing Fuel programs. We look forward to working with the race teams and ACT for many years,” said Kelly. “Our C9 ethanolfree unleaded is one of our newest products. It makes great power at a very good price, and in addition to working great in their ACT engines, racers will find that C9 will perform really well in their off-road competition snowmobiles, quads, and motocross bikes.”

All ACT and Thunder Road race teams will receive a Technical Memo outlining the new VP fuel programs and availability before the opening of the season at the Lee USA Speedway on Sunday, April 15, 2012. Over 40 Championship ACT Late Model teams are expected to compete at the New Hampshire Governor’s Cup 150.

For additional information contact the ACT office at 802.244.6963,

www.acttour.com, or media@acttour.com or VP at 302.368.1500,

vpracingfuels.com, or jimkelly@vpracingfuels.com

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2012-04-08

14th ANNUAL MERCHANTS BANK 150 OPENS THUNDER ROAD SEASON

BARRE’S NICK SWEET LOOKS FOR THREE IN A ROW

For Immediate Release TR – 040612-18

Attached Photos:

pic1.jpg: Nick Sweet celebrates his second straight Merchants Bank 150 win in 2011. (Photo by Eric LaFleche)

pic2.jpg: Brian Hoar (37VT) wins the 2011 Milk Bowl with Nick Sweet (88VT) following him to the line in the closest finish in Milk Bowl history. (Photo by Eric LaFleche)

Barre, VT – The ‘Nation’s Site of Excitement’, Thunder Road Int’l Speedbowl will open for the 53^rd year of stock car racing with the traditional Merchants Bank 150 on Sunday, April 29, 2012. There has been over $30,000.00 in purse and prize money posted for the event, with the winner receiving $3,000.00 for the 150 lap contest. Defending event champion Nick Sweet from Barre, VT has an opportunity to become the first driver to win three in a row. The St J Auto team has back-to-back wins in 2010 and 2011 already in the record books.

“The opening Merchants Bank 150 has become really special for our family team. I was born and raised in Barre, I live and work in Barre, and winning at Thunder Road in front of a home town crowd is about as good as it gets in racing for us,” said Sweet.

Sweet has three ACT US career wins; all have come at Thunder Road. “We have been lucky to finish second at New Hampshire Motor Speedway and second in the Oxford 250--that was unbelievable--but winning at home is, well, there really is nothing like it. I know how tough it is to race with Phil (Scott, three-time Thunder Road Champion), Dave Pembroke (defending Thunder Road Champion) and Cris Michaud (another three-time Champion) every week at the ‘Road. When you add in the ACT US teams….it really sets the bar high. We will sure give it our best effort to win our third one,” concluded Sweet.

The field for this year’s Merchants Bank race is expected to have an exceptionally competitive entry list. Besides the regular Thunder Road teams, the best of the ACT drivers have entered the event. Brian Hoar, an (8) eight-time ACT champion who has won just about every major race on the Tour during his career will look for his first-ever Merchants Bank win.

“I have won a championship title at Thunder Road, I won another Milk Bowl there at the end of last year, it really bugs me that I have not been able to win a Merchants Bank 150 opener. Rick (Paya, owner of RPM racing for whom Hoar drives) and I have talked about how much we would like to add that race to our win list. Unfortunately, there are about a dozen Thunder Road regular teams, and probably that many tour teams, that can make winning any race at Thunder Road a pretty lofty goal to achieve. I do like the idea that, for the first time, we can make a tire change during the race this year. I think it might prove to be a good strategy move, and it should make the race more interesting for the fans,” said Hoar.

Thunder Road will open its doors for the 53^rd season on Saturday, April 28, 2012 for the annual car show. With the major construction in downtown Barre, the 2012 car show will be held in the Thunder Road pits from 10am-12am. Admission is free to the public. The pit stop contest will take place at 11:00am. Practice for all divisions will take place from 1-5 pm on Saturday.

Gates open for the 14^th Merchants Bank 150 at 10 am on Sunday April 29, 2012. Post time is set for 1:00 pm. Admission is: Adult $20.00, Children 12 and under are free.

For additional information contact the ACT office at 802.244.6963, www.acttour.com; media@acttour.com

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2012-05-07

Helliwell, Quenneville Take Rousing Spring Green Wins at Devil's Bowl Speedway

2012-05-06

Helliwell Claims First ACT Win, Unofficially Takes Over Point Lead

2012-04-30

UN PREMIER PODIUM POUR PATRICK LAPERLE

Brian Hoar Claims Elusive ACT Merchants Bank 150

2012-04-27

Laperle Files Entry to Merchants Bank 150

2012-04-16

ALLARD ET THEETGE ONT COMMENCÉ LEUR SAISON

Brian Hoar Wins Second Straight NH Governor's Cup

2012-04-10

ACT LOOKS TO VP FUEL TO GO "GREEN" IN 2012

2012-04-08

14th ANNUAL MERCHANTS BANK 150 OPENS THUNDER ROAD SEASON

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