2010-04-28

FORD BLUE OVAL CHALLENGE WINNERS SHARE BUMPS UP TO $5000

For Immediate Release ACT – 042710-27

Waterbury, VT – The American Canadian Tour (ACT) announced today that the highly anticipated Ford Blue Oval Challenge winner’s share of the overall point fund has been increased from $3,000 up to $5,000 to win. A lucrative Ford contingency program was announced late last fall for the teams on both the ACT US and Castrol programs. Also, all Ford teams running at approved affiliate ACT tracks will be eligible to receive bonus money in the Blue Oval Challenge Cup portion of the overall program. Mike Delahanty, the Program Manager-Sportsman Circle Track Racing for the Ford Racing Technology Division of Ford Racing, announced last February the program for ACT Ford competitors. It is one of the richest contingency programs in the history of ACT with over $35,000 up for grabs among the region’s Ford crate teams.

“I know all the Ford teams that are associated with ACT are very appreciative of the support Ford Racing has given those teams that are supporting them,” said ACT President Tom Curley. “We have at least 10 teams that will be receiving points for this program in the 2010 season in both Tour racing and weekly racing. The jump from $3,000 to win the inaugural Blue Oval Challenge Cup to $5,000 certainly speaks to Ford’s commitment to short track racing in our region,” finished Curley.

Over the past couple of years, the Ford-powered S347JR was researched and developed by Ford racing with assistance from Butler & MacMaster Engines from Hallowell, ME. “We are excited to be part of the ACT Ford racing program,” said Dave MacMaster, the chief architect and the single individual most responsible for the 10-year success of the ACT GM type crate revolution, which has now become popular across the entire country. “When you look at the high caliber ACT teams that have taken on the Ford crates going into 2010, I think that is a very healthy sign for short track racing in our neck of the woods,” concluded MacMaster.

High profile teams like three-time Thunder Road Speedbowl Champion Cris Michaud from Williamstown, VT and fellow Vermonter, 50-year veteran Joey Laquerre from Barre, VT, will be joined by young superstar Joey Polewarczyk from Hudson, NH, and Lee USA defending track champion Wayne Helliwell, Jr. from Dracut MA. Also making the switch to Ford in 2010 are two former Maine champions, Glen Luce from Turner and noted car builder and nine-time Oxford Plains Champion Jeff Taylor from Norridgewock.

This Sunday the 12th Annual Merchants Bank 150 opens the ACT and Thunder Road 2010 seasons. The Ford teams will get their first chance to pick up a $500 dollar Ford bonus with a win, and they can make history as the first Ford ever to win an ACT Tour event--- (Michaud won the first ever ACT Ford crate feature race at Thunder Road during the 2009 season). Posted awards total over $27,000 and over 60 teams from throughout the northeast and provinces of Ontario and Quebec are expected to attempt to qualify for thirty starting spots.

The winner will also be the first of the year to earn an invitation to compete at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway in the second ACT Invitational over the NASCAR Cup Chase weekend in September. Class day begins at 1:00 with post time scheduled for 1:30.

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

-30-


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Delaware Speedway back in action this weekend with exciting Enduro!

“The weapon of choice is a sledgehammer and a big roll of duct tape”

 

For Immediate Release

April 28, 2010 (London, Ontario): “For a first-timer it’s like stepping onto the surface of the moon!”

Delaware Speedway’s John Houghton is talking about the Transmission Direct Enduro division. It’s

stock-car racing, to be sure, but there are enough twists in the rule books to take the experience up to

warp speed. One of the main elements that sets Enduro apart from the other racing divisions is the

sheer number of cars on the track.

 

“There are usually 60-80 cars out there”, explains Houghton. “There is no cap on how many cars can be

out at the same time. We believe it’s the largest V-8 Enduro race in Canada. “

And after the green flag, Houghton says it’s survival of the fittest in the 150 lap main event on May first.

“A lot of them burn out in the first 30 laps or so due to mechanical failures. There are no yellow caution

flags. If there’s a wreck, and as long as the driver isn’t in danger, it’s a judgment call that the race

continues. Sometimes the car stays on the track as an obstacle, depending on where it is. If a driver’s

door is open or something and it’s dangerous, they’ll call a red flag and stop the race completely until

it’s cleaned up.”

 

The operative word in Enduro is “endurance”. Later in the season there will be 200 lap races.

Saturday’s 150 lap feature will be preceded by two heats of 50 laps each earlier in the day. With so

many cars on the ½ mile track, Houghton has some advice for spectators who are trying to keep them all straight.

 

“Bring an FM receiver and headphones to listen to the PA/announcer feed on 89.1 FM. Sometimes the

drivers are separated by well over a lap – sometimes a lot of laps - and there’s racing going on anywhere on the track. We’re keeping on top of all of that in the tower. Binoculars are important too because there’s action on the track and in the infield. If a driver pulls into the pits and they’re undergoing repairs they don’t have a lot of time to do it. So the weapon of choice is a sledgehammer and a big roll of duct tape. It can get pretty entertaining when they just want to get back out there and finish in the money!”

 

As for whom to keep an eye on, Houghton suggests picking three or four guys or gals and making them

your focus. “Number 64, Steve Book out of Brantford has an orange roof. He’s easy to spot and he’s very successful. Some of these guys, it’s as if the traffic parts to let them through, they’re so good at it.”

 

Last season the top four spots in the Transmission Direct Enduro class were taken up by two sets of

brothers; David and Don Goertz from Arkona and David and Derek McCullough out of Glencoe. The

family rivalries are all part of the fun.

 

After Saturday’s opening with both Transmission Direct Enduro and the Ultimate Sandblasting & Coating Chaos Cars, Delaware’s Friday-night schedule kicks off May 7th with NASCAR Late Models, Super Stocks and Demar Aggregates Trucks. The season has been a long time coming and Houghton says for the firsttimer, Transmission Direct Enduro packs a lot of action. “There’s so much to see! And with Enduro, you see what you want to see!”

 

Contact:

Joe Czernai

Delaware Speedway General Manager

 

Lisa Brandt

Publicity.

 


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VALVOLINE TO SUPPORT SPEEDSTR SERIES FOR REMAINDER OF 2010

Myerstown, PA - April 22, 2010 - Speedway Entertainment is pleased to announce its new alliance with legendary oil producer, Valvoline. Valvoline will be the Primary Sponsor of all SpeedSTR qualifying events for the remainder of 2010 season.

Valvoline has been a successful major sponsor in numerous forms of Motorsports for many years. Valvoline believes in grass roots racing and felt that the SpeedSTR series, which is one of the fastest growing series in the northeast, was an excellent outlet to showcase their VR1 Synthetic 10/30 Racing Oil.

Series creator and car builder Rich Tobias stated, "I am extremely pleased to announce our association with Valvoline for the remainder of the 2010 season. It's exciting anytime you can align yourself with great marketing partners like Valvoline. Our updated rules and maintenance handbook will feature Valvoline VR1 Synthetic 10/30 Racing Oil as the recommended oil for all SpeedSTR competitors. Valvoline has become known among the top levels of Motorsports in the US and we are very proud to represent such a great brand with our SpeedSTR series as we continue to bring in new sponsors during these tough economic times."

For over 140 years Valvoline has produced the best quality motor oils, longer than any other oil marketer. Valvoline Racing Synthetic VR1 Motor Oil has been engineered to deliver maximum horsepower and is track proven to maintain pressure and protect from foaming. The VR1 synthetic series is compatible with both gasoline and alcohol fuels and is available at participating auto parts stores.

Visit Valvoline on the web at www.Valvoline.com



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2010-04-26

Airborne press release - Airborne Expects Big Field for Saturday's Opener

For immediate release AS-042610-1

South Plattsburgh – Airborne Speedway begins its 58th stock car racing season this Saturday, May 1 at 5 p.m. and promoter Mike Perrotte expects over 130 competitors across five divisions.

“We had 90 race teams for practice on Saturday,” Perrotte said. “Our opener this Saturday is a Syracuse qualifier for the DIRTcar Modifieds. I think that will draw some extra cars that haven’t had much of a chance to race yet this year. Plus our own local divisions are looking strong.”

The headliner on Saturday’s race card, presented by Valcour Imaging of Plattsburgh and Hamilton Funeral Home of Peru, is a 50-lap event that opens 2009 Modified champion Martin Roy’s title defense. The Napierville, Quebec driver of the Gamache Truck center No. 90 ran well at Syracuse last fall and he seeks a guaranteed starting spot in 2010.

Roy is seeking to become the first Ernie’s Tools DIRTcar Modified driver to repeat as track champion. His opening night challengers will include each of the four previous champions, Leon Gonyo of West Chazy, Mike Bruno of Castleton, VT, and George Foley and Patrick Dupree of Saranac Lake.

The J&S Steel Sportsman, Versatile Trailer Sales Renegades, NAPA Mini-Modifieds and Monster Energy Bombers will also be action.

Gates open Saturday at 3 p.m. Admission is $13/adults – kids 12 and under free.

Contact: Tom Herzig


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2010-04-23

Sunday’s ACT Event postponed

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                     ACT - 042310

Albany-Saratoga Speedway postpones the Sunday, April 25th Albany-Saratoga 100 due to impending rain in the forecast. It was scheduled to be the 2010 ACT Late Model Tour season opener. The event will be rescheduled at a date to be announced.The 12th Annual Merchants Bank 150 at Thunder Road International Speedbowl in Barre, VT becomes the 2010 ACT Late Model Tour season opener. It will also be the first event of the season for the Bond Auto Tiger Sportsmen, Allen Lumber Street Stocks and the Junkyard Warriors.



Merchants Bank weekend kicks off with the downtown Barre car show from 9am to 12 noon on Saturday, May 1. The car show ends with the over 100 racecars parading up Quarry Hill to the track. The 12th Annual Merchants Bank 150 will be on Sunday, May 2 with a post time at 1pm.


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Début retardé à Albany-Saratoga

Pour diffusion immédiate (23-04-10-03) Patrick Laperle devra patienter Patrick Laperle devra patienter une semaine de plus afin d'essayer sa Ford Fusion. En effet, les dirigeants de la piste Albany-Saratoga à Malta dans l'état de New-York qui devait être le site de la première confrontation du championnat américain de l'ACT, ont annoncé le report de cette course.



Des prévisions météorologiques peu encourageantes ont forcé ceux-ci à prendre cette décision. Une date pour la reprise sera annoncée prochainement. C'est donc dire que le lever de rideau aura lieu avec la présentation de la 12e édition du Merchants Bank 150, dimanche le 2 mai à la piste Thunder Road de Barre au Vermont. Il est donc fort probable que d'autres équipes québécoises se joindront à Patrick Laperle. Parmi celles-ci, il y aura certainement Donald Theetge de Québec, le double champion de la série ACT-Castrol Edge. -30-Source : American Canadian Tour



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Andrew Ranger

Pour publication immédiate St-Eustache, 23 avril 2010. Les Américains reconnaissentle talent d'Andrew Ranger ! ST-EUSTACHE – Il y a quelques semaines à peine, le double champion de la série NASCAR Canadian Tire, le jeune Andrew Ranger, 23 ans, de Roxton Pond au Québec s'inquiétait de son avenir. Le retrait de ses principaux commanditaires des sept dernières années le laissant sans volant à conduire pour la saison 2010. En quelques jours, la situation a basculé lorsque le dirigeant d'une équipe américaine, Waste Management Recycling NDS Motorsports du Vermont, s'est rendu dans la région de Granby, suite à une recommandation de Mike Perrotte – un ancien pilote de stock-car sur terre battue connaissant bien la famille Ranger et propriétaire de la piste Airborne Speedway à Plattsburgh (NY) – pour rencontrer le pilote québécois. Suite à cette rencontre, Andrew a contacté son gérant Alan Labrosse qui a immédiatement amorcé des discussions sérieuses avec cette équipe qui évolue dans la série NASCAR K&N Pro Series pour l'Est des États-Unis. Les discussions se sont poursuivies au début de la semaine dans les bureaux de l'équipe à Georgia au Vermont où une entente a été conclue pour permettre à Andrew de compléter la saison 2010 de cette série sur des pistes de renom comme Martinsville, Dover, New Hampshire, Lime Rock et Infineon Raceway. « C'est une opportunité incroyable pour Andrew, explique Alan Labrosse, qui pour la première fois de sa carrière professionnelle devient un pilote « payé » par une écurie de pointe. Ils ont terminé cinquième au championnat l'an dernier avec Steve Park, un pilote expérimenté qui roule sa bosse depuis longtemps dans les séries de NASCAR. « Pour son cheminement de carrière c'est excellent. Il va avoir l'occasion de disputer des courses avec des pilotes ayant beaucoup d'expérience. Andrew sera appuyé par une écurie bien structurée qui compte au moins cinq voitures prêtes à courir. « Ce sera une excellente visibilité pour Andrew puisque les équipes professionnelles suivent attentivement les courses de cette série dont plusieurs sont disputées les mêmes week-ends que la Coupe Sprint, » d'ajouter Alan Labrosse, très heureux de cette nouvelle en confirmant qu'Andrew arborera le #35 sur sa voiture. L'équipe – une victoire et une position de tête l'an dernier - avait commencé la saison avec un jeune compétiteur américain, Derek Ramstrom qui a disputé les premières courses sans beaucoup de succès. La décision a été prise de le remplacer par Andrew pour les prochaines épreuves à compter du 23 mai prochain au Iowa Speedway, une piste appartenant à Rusty Wallace. À ce moment-là, il s'agira d'une confrontation spéciale entre les meilleurs pilotes des séries Est et Ouest des championnats K&N Pro Series de NASCAR. Le défi sera de taille pour Andrew pour ses débuts. On attend plus de 60 voitures pour cette épreuve. Un pilote heureux Quant au principal intéressé, il était particulièrement heureux de cette annonce. « Tout à fait incroyable, il y a quelques semaines j'étais anxieux. Je me posais de sérieuses questions sur mon avenir alors qu'il y avait rien à l'horizon. Cette offre est arrivée et j'en suis très heureux. Ce sera un très beau défi à relever dans une série que je ne connais pas, sur des pistes que je devrai appendre avec une nouvelle écurie et des voitures différentes. » Des discussions sont présentement en cours avec des membres de son ancienne équipe, Jacombs Racing, qui pourraient travailler avec l'écurie américaine pour favoriser son intégration. Andrew aura la chance d'effectuer des essais préparatoires sur un circuit routier le 11 mai prochain à Lime Rock au Connecticut et à au moins une occasion sur ovale dans le nord-est des États-Unis à une date à déterminer prochainement. Possibilité au Canada et… Entre-temps, l'équipe de Professionnal Sports Management (PSM) poursuit son travail dans la recherche de commandites pour permettre à Andrew de disputer des épreuves de la série NASCAR Canadian Tire. Les discussions sont avancées pour permettre à Andrew de conduire une voiture préparée par Jacombs Racing lors de quatre épreuves d'importance à l'autodrome St-Eustache, à Toronto, à Trois-Rivières et à Montréal. Il pourrait même exister la possibilité d'ajouter d'autres participations qui ne seraient pas en conflit avec la série américaine qui devient prioritaire. On a même prévu, pour le 3 juillet, qu'Andrew puisse disputer la course à Lime Rock en après-midi avant de prendre l'avion pour être à temps pour la soirée à l'autodrome St-Eustache pour l'épreuve de 250 tours de la série NASCAR Canadian Tire. Il y a également beaucoup d'intérêt pour revoir Andrew dans la série Nationwide lors de la course NAPA 200 à la fin du mois d'août à Montréal où il a eu beaucoup de succès l'an dernier. Rappelons qu'il s'était battu avec succès devant des pilotes de renom comme Carl Edwards, Marcos Ambrose et Kyle Busch pour terminer sur le podium d'honneur. « Il y a plusieurs discussions en cours présentement, ajoute Alan Labrosse, avec des commanditaires très intéressés. Je suis confiant de pouvoir en venir à une entente prochainement. » Voilà d'excellentes nouvelles pour ce jeune pilote québécois de talent. Source : Professionnal Sports Management (450-472-6222) 23 avril 2010

Les Entreprises M.P. Roy Inc.
Email : mproy@lesentreprisesmproyinc.com
Montréal : 514.907.1773
Québec : 418.210.3986
Cell : 514.942.6843


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2010-04-22

Enduro 250 à l'ASE

Communiqué de presse

St-Eustache, 22 avril 2010.

Dimanche lors de l'Enduro 250 Recyclage Surplus Peter Robit

Aurons-nous l'occasion de découvrir
une nouvelle Isabelle Tremblay ?

ST-EUSTACHE – C'est dimanche après-midi que l'on amorcera officiellement la saison 2010 sur la piste ovale au complexe de l'autodrome St-Eustache avec la présentation de la deuxième édition de l'Enduro 250 Recyclage Surplus Peter Robit, un événement qui suscite énormément d'intérêt. A trois jours de l'événement on a enregistré près de 110 demandes de réservation pour des numéros afin de s'inscrire officiellement.

Lors de la première édition printanière l'an dernier, on avait 84 voitures en piste lorsqu'on a donné le signal de départ de cette épreuve de survie remportée par l'expérimenté Réal Potvin qui avait devancé Alain Brunet, Sylvain Caron, Jocelyn Gagnon et Pierre Bourbonnais.

« Tout le monde avait été surpris de voir autant de voitures en piste, » précise Yves Ladouceur, le directeur de courses et instigateur de ce projet de présenter un tel événement pour amorcer la saison après de nombreuses années de succès en clôture d'année.

« On visait une cinquantaine de voitures, mais nous en avions finalement eu plus de 80 même si à quelques jours de l'événement nous en avions qu'une vingtaine d'inscrites. »

La situation est totalement différente cette année.

« Faut croire que ce type de compétition intéresse de plus en plus alors qu'on va assurément dépasser le chiffre de 110 réservations de numéros au cours de la journée de jeudi. Je ne serais pas surpris de voir ce nombre pour le départ, mais on va avoir les confirmations officielles que dimanche matin alors que tout le monde doit se présenter pour une inspection obligatoire, notamment au niveau des freins. »

Un ou une autre Isabelle Tremblay ?

Une de ces compétitions de type « Enduro », où l'important est de survivre jusqu'à la fin en raison de l'achalandage incroyable avec autant de voitures sur la piste en même temps, a obtenu beaucoup de crédibilité à la suite de la réussite d'Isabelle Tremblay à la fin de la saison 2008.

Après avoir battu plus de 90 compétiteurs, la majorité des hommes, la nouvelle « grande dame » du stock-car québécois a eu une gigantesque poussée d'adrénaline après ce triomphe. Au point de se retrouver, moins de 18 mois plus tard, à la veille d'amorcer une saison complète dans une série compétitive comme Sportsman NASCAR Ippersiel avec une équipe bien structurée qui préparera deux voitures pour elle.

« Aucun doute que ma victoire lors de l'Enduro à la fin de 2008 a été pour moi l'élément déclencheur. Je me suis découvert une nouvelle passion. Depuis, je mets tout en œuvre pour réussir ma carrière en stock-car sur les pistes ovales, » disait-elle cette semaine lors d'une rencontre avec les journalistes.

Contrairement à l'an dernier, elle ne sera pas en piste ce dimanche préférant consacrer son temps et son énergie à la préparation de sa prochaine saison qui sera très importante pour la suite de ses projets.

Par contre, sait-on jamais, cet Enduro pourrait donner naissance à d'autres passionnés car il faut savoir que plusieurs pilotes maintenant en piste lors des courses de soutien de l'ANCA ont amorcé leur carrière en participant à de telles épreuves.

Un journaliste en piste

Parmi les compétiteurs que l'on surveillera attentivement ce dimanche il y aura l'expérimenté journaliste en stock-car de NASCAR, Dominic Fugère du site www.ruefrontenac.com qui a accepté l'invitation de disputer cette course et de raconter son expérience une fois l'épreuve terminée.

Pour cette occasion ce « lock-outé » du Journal de Montréal sera au volant d'une Saturn familiale qui arborera le #253 pour rappeler que 253 personnes sont sur le trottoir depuis plus d'un an à la suite d'un conflit de travail qui s'éternise.

Brièvement

  • Dimanche on ouvrira les portes à 7h00 pour accueillir les premiers participants et les essais en piste commenceront à 10h avec les qualifications à compter de 13h et le départ de la course sera donné à 14h15.
  • Si jamais la pluie empêchait la tenue de cet événement ce dimanche, on reprendrait le tout dimanche le 2 mai. Rappelons que les enfants de 12 ans et moins sont admis gratuitement.
  • L'ancien signaleur et champion en Légende Modifiée la saison dernière, Stéphane Aubin accompagnera Mathieu Gervais, le nouveau signaleur en chef qui officiait lors des courses de moto pour la CMRC au cours des dernières années.
  • Claude Aubin, l'ancien promoteur/propriétaire travaillera avec l'équipe dirigée par Yves Ladouceur au niveau de la direction de course.
  • Durant la journée de samedi, la piste ovale sera disponible pour les équipes désireuses d'effectuer des essais pré-saison.
  • Cette saison parmi les « dames » qu'on retrouvera régulièrement en piste il y aura Karine Paradis et Isabelle Breton dans la classe Sport Compact NASCAR Lucas Oil ainsi que Cindy Francoeur et Isabelle Tremblay en Sportsman NASCAR Ippersiel.
  • Cette saison c'est l'ancien pilote Vincent Maheu qui sera le responsable des inspections techniques. Les autres principaux officiels pour les courses sur ovale seront Howard Romanado, Claude Dessureault, Richard Duhamel, Paul Gauvreau, Albert Hassall et Edgar Gauvin.
  • Rappelons que toutes les voitures qui prendront la piste cette saison à l'autodrome de St-Eustache seront équipées d'un transpondeur électronique pour la compilation plus rapide des résultats.

Source : Autodrome St-Eustache (450) 472-6222/(514) 591-4388



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2010-04-21

Série SS Québec - MWR #55 sera présent au Salon Sport moteur & Rock


Thr #55 Michael Waltrip Racing racecar to be driven by Patrick Carpentier at Montreal's Nationwide race.
La voiture #55 Michael Waltrip Racing qui sera conduite par Patrick Carpentier à la course NASCAR Nationwide à Montréal.


Le co-promoteur du Salon Sport Moteur & Rock, M. André Poulin, a confirmé ce soir que la voiture #55 de Micheal Waltrip Racing sera présente au salon.

The Co-promoter of the Sport Moteur & Rock show, M. André Poulin, confirmed tonight that the #55 Micheal Waltrip Racing race car will be present at the show.

 

La voiture sera conduite par Patrick Carpentier, qui sera aussi sur place au salon, lors de la course Nationwide à Montréal en août 2010.

 

Le salon sera tenu à Beauceville le 30 avril, 1er et 2 mai prochain.

The car will be driven by Patrick Carpentier, who will also be present at the show, at the Nationwide race in Montreal in August 2010.

 

The show will be held in Beauceville on April 30, May 1 and 2nd.

 



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ACT - Retour de Patrick Laperle

Pour diffusion immédiate (21-04-10-02)

 

Excellente nouvelle

Patrick Laperle participera aux deux prochaines

épreuves sanctionnées par l’ACT

 

Les amateurs de stock-car seront heureux d’apprendre que Patrick Laperle de St-Denis-sur-Richelieu participera aux deux prochaines épreuves du championnat américain de l’American-Canadian et qu’il sera également en piste lors du lever de rideau de la série ACT-Castrol Edge à l’autodrome St-Eustache, le 22 mai prochain.

 

 

Rejoint au téléphone, Patrick a tenu à préciser que la décision de retourner participer aux épreuves de l’ACT venait principalement du retour de son commanditaire principal, JPN Racing. « Normand Girard a décidé de revenir avec l’équipe après que l’ACT eut annoncé que pour la saison 2010, le système de transpondeurs serait utilisé à toutes les courses ». Pour l’instant, le double champion de l’ACT, ignore s’il prendra part à toutes les manches de la série ACT-Castrol Edge.

 

« Nous allons voir comment le tout va se dérouler lors de ces trois épreuves et quels seront nos résultats. Pour Albany-Saratoga, ce week-end et pour le Merchant Bank 150 à Barre, nous aurons la Ford Fusion préparée par Junior Hanley. La veille de ces deux courses, il y a une journée d’essais et cela nous aidera grandement à nous familiariser avec cette nouvelle monture », d’ajouter Patrick.

 

Ce dernier veut mettre, bien volontiers, les incidents de la dernière saison derrière lui afin de recommencer à neuf, mais il avoue que parfois c’est difficile, car il y a toujours quelqu’un pour lui rafraîchir la mémoire.

 

Même s’il n’a participé qu’à quatre événements américains en 2009, Patrick est au troisième rang des tours menés avec 222 comparativement à 319 pour le jeune Joey Polewarczyk qui lui avait pris part au 13 épreuves du calendrier. C’est ainsi que lors du prochain week-end, il croisera le fer avec ses anciens rivaux dont le multiple champion Jean-Paul Cyr qui pilotera pour l’ancien coureur Gary Caron, l’Ontarien Derek Lynch, Mark Lamberton, Glen Luce, Brian Hoar et autres.

 

Pour sa part, Donald Theetge, le champion en titre de la série ACT-Castrol, a mentionné qu’il ne serait pas à la piste Albany-Saratoga en raison d’une obligation familiale qu’il considère primordiale.

 

-30-

Source :                     American Canadian Tour

                                    www.acttour.com

                                    (802) 244-6963

Collaboration :          Yvon Larrivée

                                    (acttour@gmail.com)

 

 

 

 

 

 


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12TH ANNUAL MERCHANTS BANK 150 OPENS T-ROAD

 

For Immediate Release                                        TR – 042110-25

 

        Waterbury, VT – Over fifty (50) American Canadian Tour (ACT) Late Model teams are expected to battle the high banks of Thunder Road for thirty (30) qualifying spots in the $25,000 Merchants Bank 150 opening event on Sunday, May 2, 2010 at the “Nation’s Site of Excitement”, Barre, Vermont’s Thunder Road.

 

 

Thunder Road (TR) presents a unique challenge for teams of the ACT. There are a large number of regular veteran touring teams entered, including, multi-time champions Brian Hoar and Jean Paul Cyr (the defending Thunder Road Champion). Joining them with plenty of experience are Brent Dragon, Scott Payea and Hudson, New Hampshire’s Joey Polewarczyk, Jr. These teams are joined by the Thunder Road regular weekly competitors, including three time champions Cris Michaud and Phil Scott, and former Thunder Road champion David Pembroke. Regulars Nick Sweet, Rich Lowery, Joe Becker, Matt White, Brooks Clark and Trampas Demers only add to the depth that the weekly racers bring to the Merchants Bank 150.

 

Defending champion of the Merchants Bank 150, Eric Williams from Hyde Park, Vermont said “It’s really tough to get the handle on Thunder Road for Tour teams that did not grow up racing there. Once you figure the track out, it can be a lot of fun, and the competition is always fierce, but Thunder Road regulars really have an edge over most of the touring guys, especially in qualifying”. Williams was also the 2008 “King of the Road” at Thunder Road.

 

Some of the touring teams have found success at Thunder Road over the years. “I really didn’t like the place the first time I was there, but I took it as a team challenge and decided we were going to figure it out,” said veteran racer Glen Luce of Turner, ME. “I wish I could tell some of the other Tour teams from Maine how to get around those high banks, and especially turn 4, but it is really something you have to feel to get any success there. I love the atmosphere at TR and just need to find some consistency,” concluded Luce.

 

The Merchants Bank car show will open the weekend in downtown Barre from 9:00am until noon. Over 100 race cars will be on display during this traditional free family show. A pit stop contest will take place at 10:45, and the highlight of the day is when the Pipers and Drummers line up the 100 cars at high noon. The race cars will “fire them up” and drive through the city and up Quarry Hill to Thunder Road. There is no other parade as unique as the opening Merchants Bank weekend parade for Thunder Road fans and competitors. A full afternoon of practice follows the morning festivities.

 

Sunday is race day for the 12th annual Merchants Bank 150 and starts with a Class Day Extravaganza with the presentation of 130 cars to fans beginning at 1:00. Racing starts at 1:30. Gates open at 10:00. Admission is only $18 for both days with a family of four admitted for only $35.

For additional information contact the Thunder Road office at 802.244.6963, www.acttour.com, or media@acttour.com.

 

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 Two (2) attached photos:

Pic1: 2009 Merchants Bank 150 Champion Eric Williams (7VT) leads Scott Payea (89) and 2009 Thunder Road Champion Jean-Paul Cyr (#11VT). Photo by Karl Baitz.

Pic2: 2009 ACT Tour Champion Brian Hoar (#37) drives under Cris Michaud (6) during the 2009 running of the Merchants Bank 150. Photo by Karl Baitz.

 

 

 

 

 


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 21.4.10 0 comments

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ACT NEWCOMERS GIVE A NEW LOOK TO 2010 TOUR

For Immediate Release ACT – 042110-24

Waterbury, VT – Fans at the opening events on the 2010 American Canadian Tour (ACT) will see a host of veteran returning drivers, along with lots of new teams—the most diverse group the popular regional Tour has seen since it started touring in 1996.

Five former ACT regulars from the past rejoin the 2010 Tour -- Vermont, New York, Massachusetts, and Ontario are each sending teams who could have an immediate impact on the 2010 Tour season.

Seven-time Champion Jean-Paul Cyr from Milton, VT will drive for former racer, and now car owner, Gary Caron. “I am anxious to get things started this season. Winning the Thunder Road (TR) title last year was a huge goal, and I really enjoyed the weekly racing at TR, but I missed the longer distance races. The Tour has changed a lot since my last Championship run in 2007. I like the challenge of racing with guys like Brian (Hoar), Brent(Dragon), Joey Pole and Randy Potter. I am excited about working with Gary and Kyle Caron,” said Cyr.

Cyr will also have to contend with another veteran of earlier days on the ACT, Mark Lamberton from Mooers Forks, NY will be driving a team car for the Richard I. Green team (RIG) out of Enosburg Falls, VT. Long time RIG driver Joey Becker will crew the Lamberton effort, while Lamberton crews for Becker at Thunder Road. “We have really tried to give the boys whatever they need to be competitive this season,” said an excited Rick Green at the practice session held at Thunder Road a week ago. Lamberton is known as a ‘long track’ specialist, but after results from the TR test, it appears the RIG investment during the off-season has paid off. Becker, with the sister car to Lamberton, was the fastest and most stable car all day long.

Experience will not be lacking when Derek Lynch from Warkworth, ON pulls into the pits at Albany-Saratoga Speedway in Malta, NY this weekend. Lynch was just 16 years old when he ran the old ACT Pro Stock Tour in 1988. He was mentored by two of the most notable racers of that time: Jr. Hanley and Robbie Crouch. Lynch was 10th on the all-time ACT money earned list in only 6 full years of racing - earning nearly $300,000. He also won races at Thunder Road and he won the Oxford 250 in 1994. Lynch moved on to race for a number of years on the NASCAR K&N Pro Series (formerly Busch East) and recently has spent several seasons racing throughout Canada on the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series.

One of the biggest surprises in 2009 was when Jeff Zuidema from North Brookfield, MA showed up at an ACT event. This multi-time Champion at Thompson Speedway in Connecticut has joined forces with veteran car owner Dave Maynard for the 2010 campaign. The team has a new car and new motor program for 2010. Zuidema is an all-star driver who has total focus on the ACT for 2010. With some limited experience racing ACT in 2009, the 42MA team hopes to challenge for some wins and a top finish in 2010.

Travis Adams from Canton, ME will join fellow Maine teams Glen Luce and Ricky Rolfe on the Tour this season. Adams has won the Oxford Plains Speedway (OPS) Championship a total of five (5) times, with four consecutive titles for the past four seasons. “We really want to try the Tour,” said Adams. “It will be a whole lot different, but our team has always enjoyed the challenge racing brings. We realize there is a big learning curve for us, but it is time for us to leave the comfort of ‘home’ (Oxford). At this point, I guess I am most looking forward to getting back to OPS in May and June,” laughed Adams. The colorful Adams team might just take full advantage of experience gained in the longer-distance ACT Tour events, when the TD Bank 250 comes around with the 2010 edition this July 18th at Oxford Plains.

The biggest battle of the summer season might just be the ACT Rookie of the Year title. A total of six drivers will test each other in the quest for the title. Bradley Babb from Windham, ME, is a skilled 17 year old chauffeur who raced at the Beech Ridge Motor Speedway under the guidance of former ACT Pro Stock driver and his father, Bobby Babb. Babb will be behind the wheel of the Sallie Bolduc 60 NH machine. Other Maine entrants are 18 year old Dave Farrington, Jr. from Jay and 16 year old Austin Theriault of Fort Kent. Twin State Speedway young gun, Chris Riendeau from Ascutney, VT made two ACT events in 2009 and will also compete for the coveted Rookie title. He will be joined by another Twin State regular in Aaron Fellows of Croydon, NH. The final Rookie contender is David Paya from Milton, VT. Paya has raced at Airborne Speedway and Thunder Road in the past and competed in minimum select ACT events in 2009.

“There are another half dozen teams that have entered the first several events and will ‘test’ the waters to see what it has to offer”, said ACT statistician Nick Bigelow. Maine entries include T.J. Watson from Cundy’s Harbor, a regular at the Wiscasset Speedway and a participant at the first ACT Invitational held last September at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway. New Hampshire native Bryan Town has also entered the first races on the 2010 schedule.

The Tour opens for the first ever appearance at the Albany-Saratoga Speedway on Sunday, April 25th. Teams will return to the home of the ACT Late Models, Thunder Road International Speedbowl, for the opening of its 2010 season with the 12th annual Merchants Bank 150 weekend on May 1-2.

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

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2010-04-20

LAPERLE - ALBANY-SARATOGA


Patrick Laperle dans le cercle des vainqueurs à la piste de New Smyrna (Février 2010).

Patrick Laperle in New Smyrna Speedway's victory circle (February 2010).



C’est officiel, le champion de la série ACT 2008 et de la série ACT Castrol 2007, Patrick Laperle a confirmé sa participation dans l’épreuve d’ouverture de l’ACT qui sera disputée ce weekend à la piste de Albany-Saratoga.

Its official, the 2008 ACT Champion and the 2007 ACT Castrol Champion, Patrick Laperle confirmed he will participate in the ACT opener race at Albany-Saratoga scheduled for this weekend.

Laperle qui avait claqué la porte à la suite des « pratiques de comptabilisation et de décisions douteuses » des officiels de l’ACT Castrol lors de la dernière course de 2009 à l’autodrome St-Eustache participera tout de même à une course organisée par ce groupe.

« C’est certain que nous n’avons pas oublié ce qui c’est passé. Mais nous avons deux voitures ACT (et une PRO Stock) dans le garage et si nous voulons continuer à compétitionner nous devrons inévitablement le faire avec eux tôt ou tard. Toutefois nous n’avons pas l’intention de participer à un championnat d’un côté ou de l’autre de la frontière » déclara Laperle.

La série ACT fait une première visite à la piste de Albany-Saratoga le 25 avril prochain. La piste de 4/10 de mile situé dans la ville de Malta, NY était jusqu’à l’an dernier sur la terre battue. Un retour au source en quelque sorte. Rappelons que le légendaire québécois Denis Giroux y compétitionnait régulièrement au début des années 70s. Giroux le québécois ayant connu le meilleur résultat à Daytona soit une 3e place dans le Permatex 300.

Outre Laperle, les frères Decoste seraient les seuls autres québécois en piste ce weekend.

Laperle who slamed the door on ACT competition after « serious scoring and officiating decisions” by ACT Castrol Officials at the conclusion of the 2009 championship at Autodrome St-Eustache despite this will compete in the race sanctionned by the group.

“We didn’t forget what happened that weekend. But we have two ACT cars (and one PRO Stock) in the garage and if we intend on continuing racing we will be racing with them at one point or another. Nevertheless we do not plan on championship racing on either side of the border” said Laperle.

The first ever ACT Tour event at Albany-Saratoga is scheduled for April 25th. The 4/10 mile track in Malta, NY was on dirt up until last year. A return to sources in some way. Lets recall that the legendary Quebec driver Denis Giroux was competing on a regular basis in the early 70s at the facility he called home away from home. Giroux the best ever finishing Quebec driver at Daytona having finished 3rd in the Permatex 300.

Other than Laperle the Decoste brothers are said to also compete in the event.


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2010-04-19

Canadian Tire Announces Drivers for 2010 Canadian Tire NASCAR Series

Scott Steckly Continues to Race for Canadian Tire; Mark Dilley to Race for PartSource

 

Toronto, ON (April 16, 2010) – Canadian racing fans have something to look forward to this racing season as Canadian Tire, the country’s leading retailer of automotive parts and products, today announced that it has re-signed Scott Steckly for the 2010 racing season, and has signed an agreement with Mark Dilley to race on behalf of PartSource.

 

“We are thrilled to field such an outstanding racing team for the 2010 season,” said Allan MacDonald, Senior Vice-President of Automotive for Canadian Tire. “Scott and Mark are passionate racers and excellent ambassadors for our automotive business, and fans can look forward to meeting them at local store and track events throughout the summer.”

 

The 2010 racing season marks Steckly’s second appearance driving for Canadian Tire. “I am thrilled to be entering into my second year with Canadian Tire sponsorship,” said Scott. “They are a terrific company to represent and our team goal is to win races and bring Canadian Tire the 2010 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series championship.”

 

This season also marks PartSource’s first foray into Canadian racing, as the automotive parts specialty chain signed a contract with driver Mark Dilley. “We are very pumped about bringing PartSource to the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series with our team and partnering with Scott Steckly this year,” said Dilley. “2010 is going to be an exciting season and we look forward to bringing PartSource to the front of the racing pack.”

 

The 2010 racing season kicks off Saturday, June 5 at Delaware Speedway in London, Ontario, and includes 13 scheduled races across Canada. Starting May 25, fans of Canadian Tire racing can follow the teams on Twitter at @CT_Racing.

 

About Canadian Tire

Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited (TSX: CTC.a, CTC), Canadian Tire is one of Canada’s most shopped general retailers with 479 stores across the country. Our core retail and automotive operation is strengthened by PartSource, an automotive parts speciality chain; Canadian Tire Petroleum, one of the country’s largest independent retailers of gasoline; Mark’s “Clothes That Work” is a leading retailer of men’s, women’s and work apparel; and, Canadian Tire Financial Services, which has issued over five million Canadian Tire MasterCard credit cards. More than 58,000 Canadians work across Canadian Tire’s organization from coast-to-coast in the enterprise’s retail, financial services and petroleum businesses.

 

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For more information:

Rebecca Mills, Canadian Tire, 416-480-8031, rebecca.mills@cantire.com

Linda Jones, Wide Open Motorsport Solutions Inc., 705-730-4044, ljones@wideopensolutions.ca

French available on request.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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2010-04-16

ALBANY-SARATOGA SPEEDWAY TO OPEN THE ACT SEASON

For Immediate Release                                                ACT – 041610-22

 

        Waterbury, VT – The rain postponement at the Lee USA Speedway has opened the door for the first race of the 2010 American Canadian Tour (ACT) season to be held next weekend (April 25) at the Albany Saratoga Speedway located in Malta, New York. The recently paved 4/10-mile speed plant will be the ultimate ‘neutral’ track for the ACT teams. The track changed to asphalt for the 2010 season, after over 35 years as a dirt race track. This will be the first appearance ever for ACT Late Model race teams.

 

 

“This should be pretty interesting. There are only a couple of teams that have been to Albany-Saratoga testing this Spring, so just about nobody has any real edge going into the first race of the season,” said ACT Director of Competition, Dean Gallison. “With the new asphalt, the experience of these teams as far as set up goes will be more critical than ever. It should be a great show”, concluded Gallison.

 

Over 30 teams are expected to open the ACT season at the historic Malta facility, owned and managed by the Champlain Valley Racing Association, (CVRA), along with sister track, Devil’s Bowl in Fair Haven, VT, which is also being transformed from the ½ mile dirt to asphalt for the upcoming season.

 

Defending and six-time ACT Tour Champion Brian Hoar and the RPM race team out of Georgia, VT is an early favorite, but the list of contenders to challenge Hoar is long. Seven-time Champion Jean-Paul Cyr and veteran Brent Dragon, both from Milton, VT, will bring lots of experience into the opening 100 lap event.

 

“This is really neat to be going to Malta (Albany Saratoga),” said Dragon. “I have heard lots about the races there in the ‘60’s from my dad (Harmon “Beaver” Dragon) and uncle, (Bobby Dragon). They say it was one of the places that everybody from New England and New York used to head for on Friday nights in the old days. It will be fun to take them back there next week.”

 

Others who have entered include Ford drivers Joey Polewarczyk from Hudson, NH and John Donahue from Graniteville, VT, both early picks to challenge for the 2010 title. The Ford versus Chevy rivalry has come back to the northeast with the development of a compatible Ford engine to compete with the GM power plants. Teams from all New England states and the provinces of Quebec and Ontario are expected to begin the long championship campaign next weekend at Albany-Saratoga.

 

The winner of the Albany-Saratoga Speedway 100 lap event will be the first to qualify for the second edition of the New Hampshire Motor Speedway ACT Invitational to be held on Saturday, September 18 during the NASCAR Cup Chase weekend, a goal every driver in the field will have going into each race this season. There will be a test and tune session for ACT teams at Albany-Saratoga on Saturday afternoon, April 24th. On Sunday, April 25th, a full card of qualifying will be capped off with the 100-lap main event. Gates open on Sunday at 11:00 and post time is 1:00. Admission is only $18.00 for adults and kids are free.

 

For additional information contact the ACT office at 802.244.6963, www.acttour.com, or media@acttour.com. Information is also available at www.cvra.com or at 518.587.0220.

 

 

 

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PASS reportée

** REPORTÉE ** POSTPONED ** ** REPORTÉE **

L’épreuve PASS est reportée

Source: PASS

Naples ME (2010-04-16) Les officiels de la série Pro All Stars Series (PASS) ont décidé de reporter l’épreuve prévue le 18 avril à la piste de Speedway 95 située à Hermon, ME.

PASS at Speedway 95 postponed

Source: PASS

Naples ME (4/16) Pro All Stars Series (PASS) officials have postponed the Sunday April 18th PASS North season open at Speedway 95 in Hermon Maine.

Les prévisions métérologiques annoncent de la pluie intermittente, de la neige et du froid pour samedi et dimanche.

Les officiels de PASS et Speedway 95 regardent les options pour la reprise de l’épreuve.

PASS et Speedway 95 espère que le report de l’épreuve hâtif évitera des déplacements inutiles aux équipiers et aux spectateurs.

The weekend forecast indicates on and off rain, snow, and cold temperatures for both Saturday and Sunday.

PASS and Speedway 95 officials are currently reviewing their respective schedules to find a suitable makeup date for this event.

Both PASS and Speedway 95 hope that the early cancellation will eliminate unnecessary travel and allow race teams and fans to eliminate limit unnecessary travel expenses and allow all to make alternative plans for their weekend.


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ACT Governer's Cup








La coupe du Gouverneur du New Hampshire est reportée pour température inclémente!


La course était prévue Dimanche le 18 avril au Lee USA Speedway à Lee, NH.


The Governor's Cup weekend has been POSTPONED due to weather!


The race which was planned to be held on Sunday, April 18 at Lee Usa Speedway in Lee, NH.








Cette course sera reprise à une date qui sera déterminée par Lee USA Speedway et l’American Canadian Tour. Cette décision a été prise tôt vendredi par ACT et Lee USA Speedway. Nous espérons avoir avisé les personnes suffisamment tôt pour vous permettre de modifier vos déplacements.


Source : Lee USA Speedway


This event WILL be made up at a date to be announced by Lee USA Speedway and The American Canadian Tour. The decision was made early Friday morning by ACT and Lee USA Speedway officials. We hope that we were able to give everyone ample time to change travel plans.


Source: Lee USA Speedway





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