Oval Racing Stock car style in Québec, Ontario and New England States

2012-01-25

Austin Theriault: Speedfest 200 Watermelon Capital Speedway Race Preview

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 1.25.11
For more information, visit http://www.AustinTheriault.com or email GWCNewEngland@gmail.com

THE STORY

Brad Keselowski Racing development driver Austin Theriault of Fort Kent, Maine, makes his 2012 season debut in the CRA-sanctioned Speedfest 200 at Watermelon Capital Speedway in Cordele, Ga., on Sunday, January 29. Theriault is making his third career start in the BKR No. 29 Checkered Flag Foundation Dodge Super Late Model after two races in the seat for the team late in 2011, but it will mark Theriault's first career appearance at Watermelon Capital. The .375-mile banked oval plays host to Speedfest for the first time in 2012, after NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Kyle Busch won back-to-back Speedfest 200's at Lanier National Speedway in 2009 and 2010 and Chase Elliott won last year's event.

THE FACTS

WHO: Austin Theriault, Fort Kent, Maine
TEAM: Brad Keselowski Racing No. 29 Checkered Flag Foundation Dodge
CREW CHIEF: Gary Crooks, Mooresville, N.C.

BEST CAREER SPEEDFEST 200 FINISH: N/A
LAST RACE AT WATERMELON CAPITAL SPEEDWAY: N/A

WHAT: CRA Speedfest 200
WHERE: Watermelon Capital Speedway, Cordele, Ga. (.375-mile D-oval)
WHEN: Qualifying, 4 p.m., Saturday, January 28; Race, 2 p.m., Sunday, January, 29

DID YOU KNOW?

· Austin Theriault competed in two races for Brad Keselowski Racing in 2011, posting a best finish of 12th in the PASS-sanctioned Mason-Dixon Meltdown at Concord Motorsports Park in Concord, N.C., in November.

· Austin Theriault finished third in the final ACT Late Model Tour standings in 2011, his highest career finish, on the strength of six consecutive Top-5 finishes to close out the season.

· Crew chief Gary Crooks also serves as a PASS North Series crew chief for Mulkern Racing, which won two races as a team in 2011.

· Austin Theriault celebrated his 18th birthday this week.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING

AUSTIN THERIAULT, Driver of the BKR No. 29 Checkered Flag Foundation Dodge, On getting the 2012 season started this week at Speedfest 200: “We're definitely excited to get things moving forward this year. Once again, we're going into uncharted waters, so to speak. It's a different track and a different car for me, but I'm confident that we're with the right people this year and we'll get some finishes.

“Hopefully, we'll be able to open some eyes and build on what we've started.”

On his goals for the weekend: “It's kind of hard to say exactly what's good and what's bad, but I think a good weekend would be just to go out and qualify. I'm confident we'll get qualified, but it's a big race and there's some good guys that will be there. The main thing will be staying out of trouble and being there at the end of the race.

“I don't really know much about the track. I've seen some photos and videos of it. It seems medium-banked and fairly fast for its size. It's just another thing we've got to overcome, and I'm pretty confident that we will. It's the same thing we talked about when we started with (the ACT Late Model Tour) – it's new tracks and building new experiences.”

On having already worked with BKR at the end of 2011: “It's sort of an advantage. You're not going into it not knowing exactly who you're working with. I know the guys, and I know who they are. We didn't spend a whole lot of time together last year, but once we get there this weekend we can focus on the task at hand and not have to worry about fitting in and building up the chemistry.”

GARY CROOKS, Crew chief for the BKR No. 29 Checkered Flag Foundation Dodge, On the challenge this weekend presents: “I don't think it's going to be any easier right at this moment for us. It's still a new situation, really. We've been to a couple races, but we've got a whole new car, we've got a new track that Austin's never been to and a track I've only been to once in the last seven or eight years.

“I look at it as our first race to build on, really.”

SOCIAL MEDIA

Follow Austin Theriault on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/atracing
Follow GWC Motorsports Marketing on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/GWCMotorsports
Follow GWC Motorsports Marketing on Twitter:http://www.Twitter.com/GWCNewEngland

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VERMONT LATE MODEL STOCK CAR CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES ANNOUNCED

For Immediate Release ACT – 012512-3

Waterbury, VT – Officials from Thunder Road International Speedbowl in Barre, VT and Devil’s Bowl Speedway in West Haven, VT have announced a Vermont State Late Model Championship Series for the 2012 race season.

Four (4) long distance stock car events for Late Model race teams will determine the Vermont State Late Model Champion. The American Canadian Tour (ACT) type Late Model division is the most popular form of stock car racing in the northeastern US and eastern Canada, serving the needs of racers and fans at fifteen different race tracks and two regional touring divisions.

Thunder Road will present the historic 50^th anniversary Mekkelsen RV Memorial Day Classic and annual Vermont Governors Cup 150 as part of the Vermont State series. The new owners of Devil’s Bowl Speedway in West Haven, VT, Mike and Alayne Bruno, have joined over a dozen regional tracks by incorporating the ACT Late Model rules as a part of their NASCAR weekly racing program.

Mike Bruno, a former ACT Late Model competitor himself, said, “I know how competitive these cars can be and when Tom (Curley) and I talked about this idea, it just seemed like a good fit for our first year with Devil’s Bowl Speedway, and for the entire Late Model region”.

Devil’s Bowl Speedway will host a 100-lap event on Friday, June 8, 2012. The Vermont State Late Model Champion will be crowned at the Devil’s Bowl season finale on Sunday, September 16, 2012. Both events will be 100 laps in distance. The two tracks will post over $10,000 in point fund money for participating teams.

“The ACT US Tour Late Models have put on a great show at Devil’s Bowl over the past couple years, and the opening event at Devil’s Bowl will once again be the traditional Spring Green 112 lap event. This combined effort to give the weekly teams around the region an opportunity to have a four race weekly type series and honor the first Vermont State Late Model Champion is a nice balance between tour racing and weekly racing. I think it will be well received by Late Model teams in the region,” said Tom Curley, long time promoter of Thunder Road and the American Canadian Tour.

2012 VERMONT LATE MODEL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES SCHEDULE

Sun May 27 Thunder Road Mekkelsen Memorial Day Classic 100L

Fri Jun 08 Devil’s Bowl D Bowl 100L

Thu Jul 12 Thunder Road Vermont Governor’s Cup 150L

Sun Sep16 Devils Bowl Vermont 200 Weekend 100L

For additional information contact the ACT office at 802.244.6963, www.acttour.com; media@acttour.com; or Devil’s Bowl at (802) 265-3112 or email devilsbowlspeedway@gmail.com.

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Vermont State Championship coming to Devil's Bowl Speedway and Thunder Road

For Immediate Release DBS-012512-1

WEST HAVEN, VT -- Officials from Thunder Road International Speedbowl in Barre, VT and Devil’s Bowl Speedway in West Haven, VT have announced a Vermont State Late Model Championship Series for the 2012 race season.

ATTACHED PHOTO:

vtstate1: Joey Laquerre (#15), Eric Chase (#40), and Jamie Fisher (#18) battle through the turns at Devil's Bowl Speedway's American-Canadian Tour Spring Green in 2011. They and other Late Model drivers will have a four-race Vermont State Late Model Championship Series to contend for between Devil's Bowl and Thunder Road Int'l Speedbowl in 2012. (Eric LaFleche photo)

Four-race series posts big money and state title for Late Model teams

Thunder Road will present the historic 50^th anniversary Mekkelsen RV Memorial Day Classic and annual Vermont Governor’s Cup 150 as part of the Vermont State series. The new owners of Devil’s Bowl Speedway in West Haven, VT, Mike and Alayne Bruno, have joined over a dozen regional tracks by incorporating the ACT Late Model rules as a part of their NASCAR weekly racing program.

2012 VERMONT STATE LATE MODEL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES SCHEDULE

Sun., May 27 Thunder Road Mekkelsen RV Memorial Day Classic (100L)

Fri., June 8 Devil’s Bowl Devil’s Bowl Speedway (100L)

Thu., July 12 Thunder Road Vermont Governor’s Cup (150L)

Sun., Sept. 16 Devil’s Bowl Vermont 200 Weekend (100L)

For additional information contact the ACT office at 802.244.6963, www.acttour.com, or email media@acttour.com; or Devil’s Bowl at (802) 265-3112, www.devilsbowlspeedwayvt.com, or email devilsbowlspeedway@gmail.com.

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SERIE SPORTSMAN QC: JIMMY NADEAU VISE LE CHAMPIONNAT

Communiqué de presse Pour diffusion immédiate

SSQ-2012-006

JIMMY NADEAU VISE LE CHAMPIONNAT

Québec, QC (25 janvier 2012) – Le vice-champion 2011 de la Série Sportsman Québec, Jimmy Nadeau, confirme ses plans pour 2012 : terminer premier au championnat.

Si la fiche de Nadeau en 2011 est fort impressionnante : 1 victoire, 4 top-5, 7 top-10 sur les neuf épreuves disputées, Jimmy n’est tout simplement pas satisfait de terminer deuxième au classement général et vise un premier titre de champion.

Nadeau, de Beauceville, a participé aux 54 épreuves à ce jour de la série jeune de 6 saisons. Il sera de retour à la compétition au volant de la voiture No. 17, une rutilante Chevrolet Camaro, qui a d’ailleurs remporté en 2011 les titres de La plus belle voiture de la Série Sportsman Québec et plus belle voiture de type stock-car lors du Salon Auto Sport de Québec.

Nadeau sera à nouveau appuyé d’un groupe de passionnés, identifié comme l’équipe de l’année au banquet de la série au terme de la campagne 2011, ils reviendront en force et comptera encore une fois sur les judicieux conseils du constructeur D.G.R.

Pour tout connaître sur Jimmy Nadeau, visitez sa page de pilote au :
http://www.seriesportsman.ca/francais/pilotes/17-jimmy-nadeau-nadeau-racing-team-beauceville.html

La levée de rideau pour la série se fera avec une journée d’essai et d’inspection à l’autodrome Montmagny le 12 mai et la première compétition, un 75 tour, aura lieu le 19 mai à l’Autodrome St-Eustache dans le cadre du festival sportsman qui mettra aussi en vedette les Sportsmans ANCA et la classe Sportsman de la piste américaine Airborne Speedway.

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Pour de plus amples informations, contactez:

André Poulin, Président Série Sportsman Québec, courriel: andre.poulin (at) sportsman.ca, 581-998-7388

Préparé par M.P. Roy, courriel: mproy (at) roy-motorsports.com, 514-907-1773 poste 35

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2012-01-24

2012 Thunder Road Schedule Highlighted by 50th Milk Bowl

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ACT-012412-2

Barre, VT – Barre, VT’s Thunder Road International Speedbowl has released their 18-event 2012 schedule, which will include the 50^th running of both the Milk Bowl and Memorial Day Classic. The high-banked ¼-mile will also feature two American Canadian Tour events.

The 53^rd Thunder Road season will commence with the 14^th running of the Merchants Bank 150 on Sunday, April 29. It will be the first of two ACT events on the schedule and will feature the annual car show on Saturday, April 28. The second ACT event on the schedule will be the 34^th Bond Auto Labor Day Classic on Sunday, September 2.

The second event of the season will be the 50^th running of the Mekkelsen RV Memorial Day Classic on Sunday, May 27. It will be the first point counting event in the 2012 “King of the Road” title battle.

The beginning of June will once again see two Sunday twilight events on June 10 and June 17. The June 10 event will feature the New England Antique Racers. The Thursday night schedule will begin on June 21 and run through Late Model Champions Night, August 23.

Thursday night specials will once again include the Vermont Governor’s Cup on July 12, Times Argus Mid-Season Championships on July 19 and a Bond/WIX Tiger Tour event on August 2. Thunder Road’s 4^th of July celebration will be on Tuesday, July 3, while the 28^th Annual M&M Beverage Enduro will be run on Sunday, August 5.

The 53^rd season of Thunder Road stock car racing will conclude with the 50^th running of the People’s United Bank Milk Bowl on Sunday, September 30. The popular and one of a kind 3-segment event is considered one of the toughest short track stock car races in the country. The event awards no weekly or tour points, allowing drivers to go all out for the win. The Milk Bowl has averaged over 56 cars during the past five years.

Season tickets are available now by calling the ACT office at 802.244.6963.

2012 Thunder Road Schedule of Events

# Day Date Event Note

1. Sat/Sun April 28/29 14^th Annual Merchants Bank 150 ACT

2. Sun. May 27 50^th Mekkelsen RV Memorial Day Classic Special

3. Sun. June 10 Sunday Twilight NEAR

4. Sun. June 17 Sunday Twilight

5. Thurs. June 21 Regular Event

6. Thurs. June 28 Regular Event

7. Tues. July 3 4^th of July Special

8. Thurs. July 5 Regular Event

9. Thurs. July 12 VT Governor’s Cup Special

10. Thurs. July 19 Times Argus Mid-Season Championship

11. Thurs. July 26 Regular Event

12. Thurs. Aug. 2 Bond WIX Tiger Tour 100

13. Sun. Aug. 5 28^th M&M Beverage Enduro

14. Thurs. Aug. 9 Regular Event

15. Thurs. Aug. 16 Regular Event

16. Thurs. Aug. 23 LM Championship Night

17. Sun. Sept. 2 34^th Annual Bond Auto Labor Day Classic ACT

18. Sat/Sun Sept. 29/30 50^th People’s United Bank Milk Bowl

Schedule Subject to Change

For more information please contact the Thunder Road office at 802.244.6963 or media@acttour.com.

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2012-01-23

PASS To Sanction Super Limited Division in 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Super Limiteds will serve as major support division at approximately 10 PASS South events

CHARLOTTE, NC (January 22) – Officials from the Pro All Stars Series (PASS) announced today that it will sanction the Super Limited division beginning in 2012. The Super Limiteds will run as a support division to the PASS South Super Late Models at approximately ten events. The PASS Super Limiteds will employ a variety of chassis and engine combinations to allow racers an affordable way to compete in a touring division.

“We’re looking forward to having the PASS Super Limiteds as part of our great weekends of racing throughout the Southeast with the PASS South Super Late Models,” said PASS President Tom Mayberry. “We think the PASS Super Limiteds will be a great stepping stone division for youngsters looking to make the move from Bandelero and Legends cars up to PASS. This should be a really affordable way for everybody involved to go racing.”

The PASS Super Limiteds will be open to both perimeter and straight rail chassis, with rules aimed at making both types of chassis competitive. Racers will also be able to utilize a variety of different engine combinations including the 602/603 crate with a 390 CFM Holley HP Series, the 604 Fast Burn crate with a 500 CFM 2 barrel Holley HP Series, the Limited Built Motor with a 350 CFM 2 Barrel Holley HP and the Late Model Built with a 350 CFM 2 Barrel Holley HP. There will be a claim rule for shocks and brake calipers. Also in an effort to keep costs down, racers will race on scuffed Hoosier F-45 bias ply tires.

The purse is guaranteed paying $1,000 to win and $150 to start. The inaugural race for the PASS Super Limiteds will be on March 10^th at Dillon (SC) Motor Speedway as part of the 7^th Annual South Carolina Clash. The PASS Super Limiteds will join the PASS South Super Late Models at other venues including Hickory Motor Speedway, Orange County Speedway, Wake County Speedway, Anderson Motor Speedway, Motor Mile Speedway, and Caraway Speedway. Many drivers have already expressed interest in this exciting, new division.

For more information on the PASS Super Limiteds please contact Ollie Spain at 336-214-8072 or visit raceccs.com. For more information on any PASS division please visit proallstarsseries.com.

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McGrail targets 2012 Airborne Modified title

For immediate release – Airborne Speedway – January 23, 2012

South Plattsburgh, NY – Airborne Speedway competitor Pat McGrail of Candiac, QC is going all out in an attempt to return the DIRT Modified title north of the USA border in 2012.

McGrail has purchased a new Troyer DIRTcar Modified chassis designed specifically for asphalt racing and a new RL Racing engine to go with it. He’s also welcomed Fastenal aboard as a new sponsor.

McGrail came on strong in 2011 after a slow start to place sixth in the Ernie’s Discount Tools Modified point standings while recording three podium finishes. “I am going to try my best to bring the Airborne championship trophy home to Quebec just like Martin Roy did last year,” McGrail said.

Roy has announced plans to compete in the CASCAR series this season. In 2009, he became the first Canadian to win Airborne’s lead division championship in 38 years. He became a two-time track champion in 2011 by overtaking Patrick Dupree of Saranac Lake, NY in August.

“This will be my third full season at Airborne,” McGrail said. “We did okay my first year and we were quite good last year, but not good enough to beat the top drivers like Roy, Dupree and George Foley. Last year we struggled at times. The car was a little too heavy in the back, had problems coming out of the corners and was hard on the brakes. The rear end would jump around too much.”

Rene Lessard of RL Racing has enjoyed much success at Canadian dirt tracks, including Autodrome Granby. Troyer race cars have set the standard for Modified racing in the Northeast for decades.

“We‘re trying to advance some rear suspension ideas and position components in a way that’s best suited for pavement,” Troyer owner Billy Colton said. “You need the proper balance between flexibility and stiffness. A stiff car can be fast, but it can also be very unforgiving if you don’t hit the setup just right.”

“I’m very respectful of how Airborne’s promoter Mike Perrotte has kept a lid on expenses in the Modified division,” Colton said. “His approach has been great. You can still take a regular dirt modified car there and be competitive. The chassis we’ve built for Pat McGrail and Roger Labreche fit the rulebook.”

McGrail’s title bid will be assisted by two long-time crew members - Yvon Perron and Leandre Laroche. “I’m 50, Yvon and Leandre are 60-plus,” McGrail said. “We agreed we need to come back and give it another try at Airborne. It’s very competitive there, but it’s a very good place to race and we still have the need for speed.”

Airborne’s 59th season opener is set for Sunday, April 29.

Contact: Tom Herzig tomherzig@hotmail.com 802-882-8131

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Martin, Ford and Mercer Earn Kawartha's Most Improved Driver Honours

By Jim Clarke, Kawartha Speedway PR/Clarke Motorsports Communications

What do you do to get noticed? Are you able to step-up when it’s your turn to shine? Drivers in Kawartha Speedway’s 3 regular classes are some of the best in the business. Whether they’re running in the Hasiuk Trailer and Container Rental Mini Stocks, Better Carpet Thunder Cars or NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Models, there is no shortage of stellar competition at the province’s premier motorsports facility. At the year’s awards banquet, the track recognizes a most improved driver in each division.

Brad Martin finished Kawartha Speedway’s 2010 season in 7^th spot when the final points for the Hasiuk Trailer and Container Rental Mini Stocks were tabulated. The life-long resident of the almost fictional sounding Plainville, Ontario had a respectable first season of competition, but always knew he could do better. When the 2011 campaign got started, Martin arrived at the Fraserville facility with a new attitude and increased self confidence.

“I was pretty tough on myself during the first year,” said Martin. “I put so much emphasis on where I started a race instead of where I was going to finish. Finishing the feature 15^th – like I did on the opening night – would have affected me for weeks last year. This year, I just put it out of my mind and came back with a 2^nd place effort the following week. Even tough there is always room to improve, my first career win and a 4^th place point finish is a good place to start.”

Andy Ford has been a Friday night Fraserville fixture for more than half a decade, but entering the 2011 program he was still chasing that elusive main event victory. A freelance videotape editor, Ford is what most would consider a throwback runner. His #93 Better Carpet Thunder Car machine was built and maintained by his brother Dan in garage alongside his home in Grafton. Ford, from Scarborough meets his brother at the track for every show.

“I’d had some solid runs in the past, but never managed to get to the winner’s circle,” said Ford. “In the last couple of years I’ve travelled to some different tracks and I think that experience made me more of a racer than just a driver. Running the street stock nationals show at Bristol in 2010 taught me a lot and opened my eyes to some of the things we’d been doing wrong. Kicking-off 2011 with a second place effort and then back-to-back wins in the next 2 shows picked-up the attitude of the entire team.”

His performance during Kawartha Speedway’s 2011 season may have been enough to erase Bryan Mercer’s memories of the 2009 and 2010 campaigns. After scoring a 4^th place point finish in 2007 and 5^th in the standings a year later, the Port Hope veteran was on the outside looking in when the top 10 positions were tallied in the next 2 years. A 3^rd place run opening night was a sign of things to come, followed by a win in the first extra distance show 2 weeks later and a history making performance in the Summer Sizzler made everyone take notice of the #81 NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Model Chevy.

“I knew the team had the ability to turn some heads. It was just a matter of showing everyone else what we were capable of,” said Mercer. “The car was fast out of the box and everything we did during the first events of the year seemed to make it better. My confidence had taken a beating during the last 2 years, so it was great to be able to turn things around and pick-up a couple of very impressive wins.”

Kawartha klips: Next on the agenda for the Fraserville, Ontario 3/8^th mile oval is the 3^rd annual Long John 200 endurance event Sunday, February 5^th. The complete 2012 schedule can be found by checking www.kawarthaspeedway.com... The track will also be part of the Canadian Motorsports Expo – presented by Inside Track Motorsports News – February 10^th, 11^th and 12^th at the International Centre in Toronto. See www.CanadianMotorsportsExpo.com for details.

Photo attachment: Joe and Heather Wiebe www.adrianmediaservices.com

(L-R) Bryan Mercer, Andy Ford and Brad Martin collected the 2011 Most Improved Driver honours at Kawartha Speedway’s Award’s Banquet.

Prepared by: Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications

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PASS South Schedule Expands to 16 Races, Features Marquee Events

For Immediate Release

CHARLOTTE, NC (January 22) – The Pro All Stars Series (PASS) South Super Late Models will embark on its most ambitious schedule yet in 2012 with 16 races spanning 4 states. PASS South will be entering its seventh season and will feature some of the biggest events in short track racing including the All American 400, Easter Bunny 150, North-South Shootout and Mason Dixon Meltdown.

“Just when you think it can’t get any better, it does,” said PASS President Tom Mayberry. “We’ve got some really great events this year at some of the South’s premier facilities. When you look at all the races, all the major events we have scheduled, I know that all of our PASS South competitors can’t wait to get this historic season kicked off in March at Dillon.”

The season will be highlighted by PASS South’s first visit to the historic Fairgrounds Speedway in Nashville, TN on October 6^th for the All American 400. In 2012, this prestigious event will return to a true 400 lap race, with the winner having the opportunity to take home $30,000. South Boston (VA) Speedway will host three PASS South events in 2012, with Orange County (NC) Speedway, Concord (NC) Speedway, and Hickory (NC) Motor Speedway each hosting two events each. Dillon (SC) Motor Speedway, Wake County (NC) Speedway, Anderson (SC) Motor Speedway, and Motor Mile (VA) Speedway will each hold a single PASS South event in 2012. Returning to the schedule this year for the first time since 2008, will be the Caraway Speedway near Asheboro, NC. Caraway Speedway will host two events including the Labor Day Classic and the North-South Shootout on November 10^th.

The PASS South Super Late Models will kick off their 2012 season on Saturday, March 10^th with the 7^th Annual South Carolina Clash at the Dillon Motor Speedway in South Carolina.

2012 schedules and driver registration forms can be found at proallstarsseries.com.

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Kawartha Speedway Revises 2011 Rookie of the Year Award Winner

By Jim Clarke, Kawartha Speedway PR/Clarke Motorsports Communications

Sometimes things just happen. At Kawartha Speedway’s 2011 award’s banquet – Saturday, January 14^th – the rookie of the year honour in the Hasiuk Trailer and Container Rental Mini Stock division was presented to 7^th place point finisher Alex Lees, who won 3 main events during the year. After checking statistics for the season, the track has announced that the award should have actually belonged to Ryan Oosterholt, who picked-up only 1 feature race win, but finished 2^nd in points. General Manager/Promoter Derek Lynch says the track regrets the error and will be sending a trophy to Oosterholt.

“There is so much going on when preparing for the banquet, that occasionally things get missed,” said Lynch. “We co-ordinated the on-line vote, arranged more than 40 trophies and planned seating for over 300 people. There’s no denying the outstanding seasons each driver had and the results they were able to accomplish. Winning rookie of the year is quite an achievement and we want to make sure that Ryan gets the credit he deserves.”

The 20 year-old Oosterholt enjoyed a successful first year behind the wheel of his #79 Alma Electrical and Mechanical, Scugog Collision, Mark’s Maintenance, Mosport International Karting, Link Greenhouses, Martyn Mini Hoe and Scott Roy Re/Max 4 cylinder. The Blackstock, Ontario resident – a graduate of what is now the pure stock division at Mosport – was impressed with how well he ran during his freshman season.

“We had some strong shows and learned a lot along the way,” said Oosterholt. “Our division has a number of talented drivers and many of them are at the same stage of the development as I am so my confidence and comfort levels grew on almost a weekly basis. It was fun to work through the pack and I can’t wait until we’re able to get the next season rolling.”

With the exception of a 6^th place, Friday August 12^th and 12^th on Friday, August 26^th, the first year pilot managed a top 5 five main event run every time he strapped into the car, highlighted by a first career win Friday, July 22^nd. Lynch says any driver should be proud of an effort like that.

“I’ve been around the motorsports industry my entire life and learned at an early age that consistency is the key to success,” said Lynch. “Ryan had a great first season at Kawartha and we’re very sorry his accomplishments were originally overlooked.”

Photo attachment: Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications

Ryan Oosterholt won the Hasiuk Trailer and Container Rental Mini Stock main event Friday, July 22^nd. The Blackstock, Ontario racer was awarded the division’s rookie of the year award following a check of 2011 statistics.

Prepared by: Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications

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2012-01-22

Brian Hoar and Patrick Laperle Crowned ACT Champions

PATRICK LAPERLE ET BRIAN HOAR, LES CHAMPIONS DE L’ACT

Burlington, VT – Patrick Laperle de St-Denis-sur-Richelieu, champion de la série ACT-Castrol et Bran Hoar de Williston, VT, le monarque du tour américain de l’ACT ont été les héros du Banquet des Champions de l’ACT qui s’est déroulé, samedi soir au Double Tree Inn de Burlington. Les deux champions ont empoché un chèque de 10,000$ pour leur exploit.

Brian Hoar and Patrick Laperle Crowned ACT Champions

Jimmy “Scruffy” Linardy Receives MacTavish Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ACT-012112-1

Burlington, VT – The American Canadian Tour (ACT) crowned Brian Hoar of Williston, VT and Patrick Laperle of St-Denis, Quebec as the ACT Tour and Série ACT Castrol stock car racing champions respectively, at the ACT Banquet of Champions on Saturday, January 21 at the Double Tree Inn in Burlington, VT. It was the first ever combined banquet for the sister championship stock car racing series. Both champions cashed a point fund check of $10,000.

Laperle a mérité son deuxième titre en carrière dans la série ACT-Castrol. Il a clôturé sa saison avec un dossier que quatre victoires en douze departs, incluant son premier triomphe lors de la finale québécoise du championnat, le St-Eustache 300 de ce complexe motorisé des basses-Laurentides. Laperle et son chef d’équipe Éric, ont maintenant une fiche de 13 victoires dans la série ACT-Castrol. Patrick est également champion 2008 du tour américain de l’ACT et trois fois vainqueur du Milk Bowl.

Toujours dans la série ACT-Castrol, Yannick Tremblay de Chicoutimi a été officiellement reconnu comme étant la «recrue de l’année». En route pour cet honneur, Tremblay a terminé au neuvième rang du championnat et s’est assuré le respect de ses adversaries en raison de sa conduite sans reproche. Il n’a connu qu’un abandon.

Le 43e Don MacTavish Award est au vétéran Jimmy ¨Scruffy¨ Linardy pour son support continuel à l’ACT et au stock-car dans le nord-est. Ce dernier a fait l’objet de la page frontispice du magazine Late Model Racer de ce mois-ci.

En ce qui concerne la Coupe Ford Blue Oval, Wayne Helliwell jr. et son propriétaire Bruce Bernahardt ont été honorés pour avoir mérité cette marque de distinction pour une deuxième année consecutive. Ce programme instauré à l’intention des participants qui utlisaient des moteurs spec Ford lors des deux championnats de l’ACT ou sur l’une des douze pistes affiliées. Multiple champion à la piste de Lee USA Speedway, Helliwell s’est joint à l’ACT en 2011. Alors qu’il visitait les pistes du tour américain pour une premiere fois, il a enregistré une saison remarquable en réalisant une place parmi les dix premiers en dix occasions pour ainsi terminer deuxième au cumulitif. Ils ont également triomphé à la piste Twin State Speedway et Waterford Speedbowl.

Pour la premième fois dans la série ACT-Castrol, Tom Curley et son groupe ont décidé d’honorer le chef mécanicien qui travaille dans l’ombre, mais qui s’avère le grand responsible des succès son pilote. En effet, si les ajustements sur la voiture ne sont pas «sur la coche» comme on dit en langage commun, le conducteur a beau se battre avec sa monture mais sans success.

Cette première marque de distinction dans la série ACT-Castrol est allée à Éric Laperle pour les deux titres ACT-Castrol réalisés avec la complicité de son frère Patrick.

La série ACT-Castrol, édition 2012, prendra son envol à l’Autodrome Montmagny pour une confrontation de 100 tours, le 26 mai prochain. Cette série comportera douze épreuves alors que le tour américain sera composé de 10 courses. Parmi les confrontations spéciales sanctionnées par l’ACT, on remarque la 50e édition du People’s United Bank Milk Bowl à la piste Thunder Road, le quatrième ACT Invitational au New Hampshire Motor Speedway, le Showdown de l’Autodrome Chaudière ainsi que le Oxford 250 à la piste du même nom dans le Maine.

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Hoar earned his eighth career championship on the U.S.-based ACT Tour during another strong season in which he earned five wins in 12 events. With those five wins he solidified himself on top of the ACT Late Model career wins list with 33 and added wins at four new tracks including New Hampshire Motor Speedway. He also won the Showdown at Chaudiere in Vallee-Jct., Quebec and the 49^th Annual People’s United Bank Milk Bowl at Barre, VT’s Thunder Road. Hoar and car owner Rick Paya earned their third straight ACT Tour title.

Laperle earned his second career title on the Quebec-based Série ACT Castrol. He finished the season with four wins in his 12 events, including his first ever win in the Quebec season finale St-Eustache 300 at Autodrome St-Eustache. Laperle and his crew chief brother, Eric, now have 13 career wins on the Série ACT Castrol. Patrick is also the 2008 ACT Tour (U.S.) Champion and three-time People’s United Bank Milk Bowl Champion.

The 43^rd Annual Don MacTavish Award went to ACT veteran Jimmy “Scruffy” Linardy of Somerville, MA. The prestigious MacTavish Award is named for legendary New England racer Don MacTavish who was killed in 1969 while racing at Daytona International Speedway. Linardy received the award for his continued support of ACT and Northeast stock car racing and his always positive attitude. Those qualities also helped Linardy grace the cover of this month’s edition of Late Model Racer magazine.

Wayne Helliwell, Jr. of Dover, NH and car owner Bruce Bernhardt were honored for their second straight Ford Blue Oval Cup Championship. The special program was designed for competitors who ran the Ford crate engine on the ACT Late Model Tour, Série ACT Castrol Edge or any of the twelve ACT affiliated tracks. Helliwell is a multi-time Lee USA Speedway Champion and joined the ACT Tour full-time in 2011. While visiting most of the tracks on the ACT schedule for the first time, they put together an impressive season with 10 top tens in 12 starts and earned second in the ACT Tour standings. They also earned feature wins at Twin State Speedway and Waterford Speedbowl on their way to the Ford title.

Rookie of the Year honors went to Ben Ashline of Pittston, ME and Yannick Tremblay of Chicoutimi, Quebec for the ACT Tour and Série ACT Castrol, respectively. The 21-year-old Ashline and his family team claimed 9^th in the final standings of the ACT Tour. They also earned a career best 5^th place finish in the Spring Green at Devil’s Bowl Speedway in West Haven, VT. Tremblay finished 9^th in the Série ACT Castrol standings on his way to the Rookie title. He also gained the respect of the veterans with his clean driving on his way to just one did not finish for the year.

The Crew Chief of the Year Awards were awarded for the fourth consecutive season on the U.S. tour and for the first time on the Série ACT Castrol. Eric Laperle earned the first ever Castrol Crew Chief Award as part of the two-time Série ACT Castrol Championship team with his brother Patrick behind the wheel. Bruce Bernhardt received the fourth ACT Tour Crew Chief of the Year Award as part of the second place ACT Tour and Ford Blue Oval Cup Championship team with driver Wayne Helliwell, Jr.

Teams will continue to prepare their cars for the 2012 seasons during the winter months. The U.S.-based ACT Tour will start their season at Lee USA Speedway in Lee, NH with a 150-lap event on Sunday, April 15. The Quebec-based Série ACT Castrol kicks off their season with a 100-lap event at Autodrome Montmagny in Montmagny, Quebec on Saturday, May 26. The 2012 Série ACT Castrol schedule will consist of 12 events, while the ACT Tour will hold 10 events. Special events include the 50^th People’s United Bank Milk Bowl at Thunder Road, the fourth annual ACT Invitational at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, the Showdown at Chaudiere at Autodrome Chaudiere, and the Oxford 250 at Oxford Plains Speedway.

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

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2012-01-20

L'Autodrome Drummond invite la relève en 2012

Vendredi 20 janvier 2012- Dave Paryzo- Directeur des communications

Nouveauté à l’Autodrome Drummond en vue de la saison 2012! Le promoteur Yan Bussière continue de travailler pour satisfaire sa clientèle. En effet, les adolescents de 13 à 17 ans pourront assister aux programmes de courses gratuitement.

Yan Bussière et Dominic Lussier (président de l’Autodrome Granby) s’unissent dans ce projet afin d’amener la relève de demain aux courses. En cette période d’économie difficile, ils espèrent du même coup ramener les familles tout au long de l’été. C’est grâce à cette jeunesse que la tradition de l’Autodrome Drummond pourra se poursuivre dans les années à venir.

Planifier dès maintenant un arrêt à l’Autodrome Drummond pour une soirée d’été inoubliable et qui sait pour attraper la piqûre.

L’Autodrome Drummond la F1 de la terre battue!

Dave Paryzo

daveparyzo@hotmail.ca

Directeur des communications

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2012-01-19

NASCAR STAR CARL EDWARDS TO APPEAR AT THE CANADIAN MOTORSPORTS EXPO

(TORONTO, ON // JANUARY 19, 2012) – NASCAR star Carl Edwards is coming to the Canadian Motorsports Expo on Saturday, February 11. Edwards, driver of the No. 99 Fastenal Ford Fusion NASCAR Sprint Cup car, will be signing autographs and meeting with Canadian racing fans just one week prior to taking to the track at Daytona International Speedway to qualify for the season-opening Daytona 500.

The 6th Annual Canadian Motorsports Expo Powered by Inside Track Motorsport News takes place February 10, 11 and 12 at the International Centre, adjacent to Toronto’s Pearson Airport.

Last November, Edwards finished NASCAR’s Sprint Cup ‘Chase’ playoff season tied with Tony Stewart atop the point standings, but Stewart was crowned champion due to winning more races than Edwards in 2011. However, it was the closest championship battle in NASCAR’s history and Edwards won universal praise for his performances, both on and off the racetrack.

“I’m looking forward to coming to Toronto on Saturday, February 11 to meet Canadian racing fans at the Canadian Motorsports Expo,” said Edwards, who won the 2009 NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. “I was in kind of a rush the last time I was in Canada, last August. We were doing double-duty that weekend, shuttling back and forth between the Michigan Cup race and the Nationwide race in Montreal. This time, it’ll be nice to chat with the fans in a more relaxed setting.”

Edwards, who has 19 career Sprint Cup wins to his credit, recently announced he plans to concentrate on NASCAR’s top tour in 2012, after seven seasons of also taking part in the full Nationwide Series. The Columbia, Missouri resident was the Nationwide Series champion in 2007.

In addition to finishing second in the Sprint Cup championship in 2011, Edwards was also the runner-up in last year’s Daytona 500. The Roush Fenway Racing driver came home just behind fellow Ford driver Trevor Bayne.

“We’re very pleased to announce that Carl Edwards will be our headline celebrity at this year’s Canadian Motorsports Expo,” said the CME’s David Weber. “Heading into this year’s show, virtually all of our exhibitor space has been sold and we’ve gotten a lot of great support from some of the country’s top companies, racing series, tracks, manufacturers and retailers. This year’s CME is going to be the best ever, and we’re extremely excited that Carl Edwards is going to be part of it.”

Carl Edwards is scheduled to appear at the CME from noon until 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 11. During his visit, he will appear on-stage for a moderated Q&A with the audience before taking part in a one-hour autograph session. Watch the CME’s website (www.CanadianMotorsportsExpo.com) for details on Carl Edwards’ appearance, including confirmed times and the autograph session.

ABOUT THE CME: The Canadian Motorsports Expo Powered by Inside Track Motorsport News is a three-day celebration of Canadian racing that runs February 10, 11 & 12, 2012 at the International Centre (6900 Airport Road in Mississauga, Ontario (Canada)). In addition to booths and racing vehicles representing the entire spectrum of Canadian motorsports, the show is loaded with seminars and forums to entertain and inform racers and fans alike. Celebrity drivers will be at the CME to sign autographs and meet the fans. One of the special themes of this year’s CME is the CASCAR Reunion. Please check the show’s website (www.CanadianMotorsportsExpo.com) for news, updates, schedule information and more.

For more information on exhibitors, seminars, conferences, special events and guests, visit www.canadianmotorsportsexpo.com, call 416-962-7223 or email info@canadianmotorsportsexpo.com. Twitter: @CME_racing. Facebook: www.facebook.com/CME.Toronto

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STÉPHANE FOURNIER VISE RIEN DE MOINS QUE LE TITRE DE RECRUE

Communiqué de presse Pour diffusion immédiate

SSQ-2012-005

Québec, QC (18 janvier 2012) – Le champion 2010 de la classe Sport-compactes de l'Autodrome Montmagny, Stéphane Fournier, gradue en Série Sportsman Québec et vise rien de moins que le titre de recrue de l'année pour la saison 2012.

L'an dernier, en 2011, Fournier a fait campagne simultanément dans la classe Sport-compactes au Circuit Riverside Speedway de Ste-Croix, où il a terminé 3^e, et de l'Autodrome Montmagny, où il a terminé 5^e.

Un habitué d'une quête au titre de recrue, puisqu'il l’a remporté en 2010 à l'Autodrome Montmagny, il a une idée des efforts requis pour accéder au titre. "Nous allons devoir travailler fort, la Série Sportsman Québec est très compétitive. De course en course, notre objectif sera de continuellement s'améliorer et d'être au plus fort de la course au titre de recrue. Pour mettre les chances de notre côté, nous pourrons compter sur l'équipe No. 7 de Réjean Blanchet qui a accepté de nous parrainer au long de l'année" déclara Fournier.

Fournier pilotera la voiture No. 4 Côté / Fournier Racing, une Toyota Camry, qui sera associée au constructeur DGR de St-Jean-de-Chrysostome. De plus, il pourra compter sur l'expertise de Dany Côté, co-propriétaire de la voiture, dans le rôle de chef d'équipe.

Pour tout connaître sur Stéphane Fournier, visitez sa page de pilote au :
www.seriesportsman.ca/francais/pilotes/4-stephane-fournier-quebec.html

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Pour de plus amples informations, contactez:

André Poulin, Président Série Sportsman Québec, courriel: andre.poulin@seriesportsman.ca, 581-998-7388

Préparé par M.P. Roy

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2012-01-25

Austin Theriault: Speedfest 200 Watermelon Capital Speedway Race Preview

VERMONT LATE MODEL STOCK CAR CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES ANNOUNCED

Vermont State Championship coming to Devil's Bowl Speedway and Thunder Road

SERIE SPORTSMAN QC: JIMMY NADEAU VISE LE CHAMPIONNAT

2012-01-24

2012 Thunder Road Schedule Highlighted by 50th Milk Bowl

2012-01-23

PASS To Sanction Super Limited Division in 2012

McGrail targets 2012 Airborne Modified title

Martin, Ford and Mercer Earn Kawartha's Most Improved Driver Honours

PASS South Schedule Expands to 16 Races, Features Marquee Events

Kawartha Speedway Revises 2011 Rookie of the Year Award Winner

2012-01-22

Brian Hoar and Patrick Laperle Crowned ACT Champions

2012-01-20

L'Autodrome Drummond invite la relève en 2012

2012-01-19

NASCAR STAR CARL EDWARDS TO APPEAR AT THE CANADIAN MOTORSPORTS EXPO

STÉPHANE FOURNIER VISE RIEN DE MOINS QUE LE TITRE DE RECRUE

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