2015-05-11

Veteran Drivers Dominate Devil’s Bowl Speedway Season Opener

ATTACHED PHOTOS:

146 - Bucko Branham (#20) had a strong car until an electrical fire took him out of the race. (Dave Dalesandro/RaceProWeekly.com photo)

Atkins - Late Model winner Brandon Atkins (center) was flanked in victory lane by runner-up Josh Masterson (right) and third-place Todd Stone (left). (MemorEvents photo)

Veteran Drivers Dominate Devil's Bowl Speedway Season Opener

Proctor, Gonyo, each 61, finish 1-2 in Modified 100

For Immediate Release DBS-051015-1

WEST HAVEN, VT – The youth movement was put on hold at Devil's Bowl Speedway on Saturday night, May 9, as the two oldest drivers at the speedway ran away at the front of the pack. Two-time Bond Auto Parts Modified division champion Ron Proctor and long-time racer Leon Gonyo – each of whom turns 62 years old soon – finished 1-2 in the 100-lap main event kick off the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series campaign.

The race was the second of seven events in the two-track "Spring Championship Series" presented by Yandow Sales & Service and John Deere. Charlton, NY veteran Proctor put on a clinic to win his qualifying heat, the bonus-points semi-feature, and the 100-lapper for a rare "triple crown" win.

Proctor had both a fast car and good fortune. He was running a close second to leader Bucko Branham at lap 46 when three lapped cars tangled in their path. Branham spun his car to avoid the crash, but a small electrical fire inside his car during the caution period put him out of the race; he was uninjured.

As racing resumed, new leader Proctor's biggest worry was lapped traffic. Gonyo, of Chazy, NY, came from deep in the starting order to second place and closed to within five car lengths of Proctor, but was never able to mount a serious challenge and settled for the runner-up spot.

Nick Heywood of Plattsburgh, NY saw his tough day end well; the winner of the Airborne opener blew an engine during afternoon practice and missed his qualifying heat. After starting 14^th in the main event in a backup car, he finished a strong third. Vermonters Joey Roberts and Vince Quenneville, Jr. rounded out the top five, followed by Greg Atkins, Cody Sargen, rookie Timex Morgan, Jason Durgan, and Jamie LaFountain.

Heywood holds a four-point lead, 109-105, on Atkins heading to the third Spring Championship Series event at Airborne Park Speedway in Plattsburgh, NY on Saturday, May 16. Quenneville is another two points back at 103, followed by Durgan and Morgan.

Eighteen year-old Brandon Atkins of Au Sable Forks, NY won the 50-lap race for the Central Vermont Motorcycles Late Model division. Atkins held control for most of the race, but was forced to contend with Josh Masterson of Bristol, VT after a late restart. Atkins used the outside lane to his advantage and went on the win. Masterson was second ahead of Todd Stone, Robert Bryant, Jr., and 2014 champion Jamie Fisher.

Richie Turner of Fairfax, VT made it two-for-two to open his season by winning the 25-lap feature for the Brileya's Chrysler-Jeep Renegade division; Turner also won the Airborne opener on May 2. Keith O'Neil of Mooers, NY made his first visit to Devil's Bowl Speedway count by winning his qualifying heat and taking second place in the feature. Sixteen year-old Dylan Rabtoy of Swanton, VT nipped Jason McClatchie for third place by less than a foot in a thrilling, fender-banging duel. Track champion Robert Gordon finished fifth.

Dale O'Neil of Mooers, NY one-upped his father Keith by winning the 15-lap feature for the Portland Glass Mini Stocks, marking his first victory at Devil's Bowl. Defending champion Chuck Bradford of Addison, VT finished second ahead of C.J. LaVair, John McCarron, and Jake Noble.

Action resumes at Devil's Bowl Speedway on Saturday, May 23 as Brileya's Chrysler-Jeep presents a 100-lap Renegade race, along with a wild-and-crazy Enduro for strictly stock cars. Modifieds, Late Models, and Mini Stocks are also on the card, as well as guided pit area tours for the Thomas Dairy Kids Club. General admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, and free for kids age 12 and under; racing begins at 6:00 p.m.

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

UNOFFICIAL RESULTS – 49^th Season Opener

Devil's Bowl Speedway, West Haven, VT

NASCAR Whelen All-American Series presented by Yandow Sales & Service and John Deere

Saturday, May 9, 2015

Bond Auto Parts Modified Feature (100 laps)

Pos.-(Start)-Driver-Hometown-Laps Completed

(# - denotes rookie)

1. (4) Ron Proctor, Charlton, NY – 100

2. (12) Leon Gonyo, Chazy, NY – 100

3. (14) Nick Heywood, Plattsburgh, NY – 100

4. (8) Joey Roberts, Fletcher, VT – 100

5. (9) Vince Quenneville, Jr., Brandon, VT – 100

6. (3) Greg Atkins, Clintonville, NY – 100

7. (10) Cody Sargen, Greenfield Center, NY – 100

8. (1) # Timex Morgan, Plattsburgh, NY – 100

9. (5) Jason Durgan, Morrisonville, NY – 100

10. (7) Jamie LaFountain, Plattsburgh, NY – 100

11. (6) Billy Lussier, Fair Haven, VT – 99

12. (11) # Allan Hammond, Canaan, NH – 94

13. (19) # Bob Kilburn, Fair Haven, VT – 93

14. (13) Jason Furman, Ballston Spa, NY – 81

15. (18) Jimmy Ryan, Whiting, VT – 55

16. (15) Codie Aubin, Plattsburgh, NY – 46

17. (2) Bucko Branham, Plattsburgh, NY – 46

18. (16) Jason Bruno, Morrisonville, NY – 24

19. (17) Dave Snow, Brandon, VT – 9

Heat Winners: Jason Durgan, Ron Proctor, Vince Quenneville, Jr.

Semi-Feature Winner: Ron Proctor

Last Chance Qualifier Winner: Leon Gonyo

Shiley Fabrication Hard Charger Award: Nick Heywood

Shiley Fabrication Hard Luck Award: Bucko Branham

Ingersoll Rand Power Tools Award: Ron Proctor

Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce Best Appearing Car Award: Joey Roberts

Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce "Fans Choice" Best Appearing Car Award: Jason Durgan

Central Vermont Motorcycles Late Model Feature (50 laps)

Pos.-(Start)-Driver-Hometown

(# - denotes rookie)

1. (4) Brandon Atkins, Au Sable Forks, NY

2. (2) Josh Masterson, Bristol, VT

3. (5) Todd Stone, Middlebury, VT

4. (3) Robert Bryant, Jr., Brooklyn, CT

5. (6) Jamie Fisher, Shelburne, VT

6. (8) Walt Hammond, Jr., Canaan, NH

7. (7) Seth Bridge, Mendon, VT

8. (9) Walter J. Hammond, Orange, NH

9. (11) Chad White, Fort Ann, NY

10. (1) Richard Lowrey, III, Charlotte, VT

11. (10) Mark Norris, Benson, VT

12. (12) Steve Miller, Vergennes, VT

Heat Winners: Brandon Atkins, Josh Masterson

Ingersoll Rand Power Tools Award: Brandon Atkins

Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce Best Appearing Car Award: Seth Bridge

Brileya's Chrysler-Jeep Renegade Feature (25 laps)

Pos.-(Start)-Driver-Hometown

(# - denotes rookie)

1. (3) Richie Turner, Fairfax, VT

2. (2) Keith O'Neil, Mooers, NY

3. (7) Dylan Rabtoy, Swanton, VT

4. (6) Jason McClatchie, Plattsburgh, NY

5. (5) Robert Gordon, Milton, VT

6. (12) Scott FitzGerald, West Rutland, VT

7. (8) # Matt Monaghan, Colchester, VT

8. (1) Zach Rabtoy, Fairfax, VT

9. (9) Jared Blake, North Hero, VT

10. (10) # Shawn Franklin, Waitsfield, VT

11. (11) Tony Putzier, Jericho, VT

12. (4) Keith Pelkey, Clintonville, NY

Heat Winners: Keith O'Neil, Robert Gordon

Bond Auto Parts Hard Charger Award: Scott FitzGerald

Ingersoll Rand Power Tools Award: Richie Turner

Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce Best Appearing Car Award: Scott FitzGerald

Portland Glass Mini Stock Feature (15 laps)

Pos.-(Start)-Driver-Hometown

(# - denotes rookie)

1. (1) Dale O'Neil, Mooers, NY

2. (6) Chuck Bradford, Addison, VT

3. (3) C.J. LaVair, Saranac Lake, NY

4. (2) John McCarron, Rensselaer, NY

5. (4) Jake Noble, Benson, VT

6. (5) Harold LaVair, Jr., Gabriels, NY

7. (7) Andrew FitzGerald, West Rutland, VT

8. (8) Kyle Sorensen, Ballston Spa, NY

9. (9) # Bradley Bertrand, Ferrisburgh, VT

10. (10) Tyler Irwin, Peru, NY

Heat Winner: Dale O'Neil

Bond Auto Parts Hard Charger Award: Chuck Bradford

Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce Best Appearing Car Award: Andrew FitzGerald

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2015-05-10

Zane Smith Scores 1st PASS South Victory At Kingsport’s Daniel Boone Classic

Zane Smith Scores 1^st PASS South Victory At Kingsport's Daniel Boone Classic

- For Immediate Release

KINGSPORT, TN (May 8) – Pro All Stars Series (PASS) South Super Late Model points leader Zane Smith took the lead from veteran Lee Tissot on lap 47 and led the rest of the way to score the win in the Daniel Boone Classic 125 Friday night at Kingsport Speedway. The win comes in only Smith's ninth PASS South Super Late Model start and continues a dream season which started with a Speedweeks championship at New Smyrna Speedway back in February.

"I can't thank this Crooks Racing crew enough, they're the reason this car went so fast and they make my job a lot easier," said Smith, donning the traditional coonskin cap that goes to the winner of the Daniel Boone Classic. "The outside groove worked great. We didn't even try that in practice and I decided I didn't want to try the bottom so we moved up top and made it work."

In qualifying, Smith set a blazing pace to capture his first career PASS South fast qualifying time with a lap of 14.757 seconds around the .375 mile concrete speedway. After the top 10 qualifiers redraw, Smith would slot back into the seventh position while Jody Measamer and Tate Fogleman moved to the front row.

Measamer grabbed the initial lead, but was quickly overtaken by Jimmy Doyle on lap five. Local favorite Lee Tissot wasted little time moving from the eighth starting position to the lead on lap 13.

Following a caution for debris from Trey Jarrell's machine on lap 16, Smith took the hard way around Kingsport Speedway, utilizing the high groove to move into second on lap 21. A fierce battle for the lead ensued as Smith stalked Tissot for the lead lap after lap. On lap 44, the two cars made contact entering turn one and began a side-by-side battle for the lead. Smith would eventually move by Tissot to take the lead three laps later.

Mechanical failures bit several contenders including Fogleman on lap 56 and Matt Craig on lap 100. Tissot spun in fluid from Craig's machine and fell back to fourth after he got his car back going. Tissot climbed his way back up to second, but had nothing left from Smith's Pro Am Racing Products Chevrolet. Following Smith and Tissot to the checkered flag were Jarrell, Measamer, and Kevin Floars. Rounding out the top 10 were Jay Fogleman, AJ Frank, Tim Pinion, Jimmy Doyle, and Craig,

Rookie Jake Spillers took advantage of a flat right front tire for race leader Kodie Conner with five laps to go and cruised the rest of the way for his first career PASS Pro Late Model win. Rounding out the top five were Jordan McCallum, Zachary Dabbs, Cameron Burke, and Conner.

Jason Myers survived two late race spins and outran Dan Speeney and Spencer Davis in a wild three way photo finish to win the Food Country USA 125 for the KOMA Unwind Modified Madness Series. Series points leader and two-time race winner Burt Myers suffered a series of mechanical failures to end his early season win streak. Following J. Myers, Speeney, and Davis to the checkered flag were Mike Norman and Jimmy Wallace.

Johnny Johnson led flag-to-flag to claim the win in the Flathead Ford feature.

The PASS South Super Late Models and KOMA Unwind Modified Madness Serieswill be in action again, along with the PASS Pro Late Models and Street Stocks on Friday, May 22 for the Old Glory Twin 125's at Concord Speedway. For more information, please go to ProAllStarsSeries.com, "Like" the Pro All Stars Series on Facebook or follow us on Twitter at @PASSSLM14.

PASS South Super Late Model – Daniel Boone Classic – Unofficial Results

1. 77 – Zane Smith 125

2. 27 – Lee Tissot 125

3. 12 – Trey Jarrell

4. 98 – Jody Measamer

5. 55 – Kevin Floars

6. 8 – Jay Fogleman

7. 24 – AJ Frank

8. 42 – Tim Pinion

9. 71 – Jimmy Doyle

10. 54 – Matt Craig

11. 8f – Tate Fogleman

12. 4m – Kyle McCallum

PASS Pro Late Model – 40 laps – Unofficial Saturday Results

1. 55 – Jake Spillers

2. 3 – Jordan McCallum

3. 23 – Zachary Dabbs

4. 82 – Cameron Burke

5. 45 – Kodie Conner

6. 26 – Chandler Smith

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2015-05-07

Tissot hopes to visit victory lane in Kingsport Speedway Pro All Stars Series 'Daniel Boone Classic' on Friday, May 8

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 5/6/15
LEE TISSOT RACING - ARDEN, NC

Tissot hopes to visit victory lane in Kingsport Speedway Pro All Stars Series 'Daniel Boone Classic' on Friday, May 8

ARDEN, N.C. — Veteran racer Lee (Randall) Tissot of Arden, N.C., believes he stands a good chance of visiting victory lane at Kingsport Speedway on Friday, May 8. After all, he's got plenty of experience racing weekly at "The Concrete Jungle" competing in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series.

The Pro All Stars Series and Southern Modified Race Tour will make their first-ever visit to the Model City for running of the Daniel Boone Classic. The PASS South Super Late Models and the Koma Unwind Modified Madness Series will each compete in 125-lap events, and the 45-year-old Tissot believes he's got a good shot at capturing his first-ever victory with the Pro All Star Series.

"You always hear people talk about race car drivers having experience, well, I guess you could say I've got plenty of seat-time at Kingsport Speedway," said Tissot while taking a break from working in the race shop getting his Chevrolet SS prepared. "I've competed in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series at Kingsport Speedway from 2011 now through the first six races of the 2015 racing season. I just believe the laps I've got around the track will factor into how we'll run in the PASS South race this Friday. With the concrete racing surface, it's got 'characteristics' you don't have compared to racing on asphalt."

Tissot has put together four consecutive winning seasons at the .375-mile banked concrete oval, and finished top-five in points each year. In 2011, Tissot finished runner-up in points and was in contention to win the championship heading into the final event. He captured five Late Model Stock Car feature wins and recorded 18 top-five finishes in 21 starts. He also earned seven pole awards along the way. Beginning the 2012 campaign behind the wheel of his own car before stepping into the J&J Racing ride midway through the season, Tissot won one feature and recorded 12 top-five runs and finished fifth in points.

In 2013 Tissot and J&J Racing captured two victories, 10 top-five and 15 top-10 finishes, along with earning three pole awards including setting a new track record and finishing fifth in points.

Tissot finished fourth in Kingsport Speedway Late Model Stock Car points in 2014, recording one feature win, 11 top-five, and 14 top-10 finishes in 19 starts. Tissot concluded last season ranked 60th in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Top 500 rankings from among over 1,000 drivers across the United States and Canada.

Since the track reopened (2011) for full-time weekly NASCAR racing, Tissot has recorded a total of 11 victories (9 Late Model Stock Car), one United Auto Racing Association-Southern Touring Asphalt Racing Series win back during the '11 racing season, and a Southeast Super Truck Series win in '14.

"We've had a good bit of success racing at Kingsport Speedway," said Tissot. "It's a fun track to run around, but it's close quarters racing action. Sometimes as a driver you get a little impatient with your fellow competitors' and you have to kind of use the front bumper to beat-and-bang around. I don't necessarily like having to race that way. But, hey, what is it they say - rubbin's racin' and I guess that's what the fans love to see - just good hard racing."

To begin the 2015 racing season at Kingsport Speedway, Tissot has recorded one runner-up finish, one third-place run, two fourth-place, and two fifth-place efforts to currently sit second in the Late Model Stock Car point standings, only three points out of the lead.

It was a given Lee would drive a race car, because he grew up watching his father, Randy Tissot, compete with NASCAR's biggest names such as Richard Petty, David Pearson, Bobby Allison, Cale Yarborough, Buddy Baker and others during the 1970s and 1980s.

Lee got his start in racing competing at New Asheville Speedway, where he recorded back-to-back NASCAR Late Model Stock Car championships in 1998 and '99. Besides in his hometown racing along "The River," Tissot has also visited victory lane at NASCAR sanctioned tracks in North Carolina such as Hickory Motor Speedway and Tri-County Motor Speedway in Hudson, plus in the Palmetto State at Greenville-Pickens Speedway.

With Tissot enjoying much success on the local level, he branched out and began competing with the NASCAR Slim Jim All-Pro Series, United Speed Alliance Racing Hooters Pro Cup Series, and UARA-STARS. He won not only feature events with each series, but in 2003 he captured the UARA-STARS championship on the strength of four victories and only finished outside of the top-10 once during the season.

For the Kingsport Speedway PASS South event, Tissot will be chauffeuring his own Super Late Model. While many teams will show up at the track on Friday, May 8 with big toter-home haulers and two cars inside, Tissot will be bringing "old faithful" to the track, his almost 20-year-old Port City Race Car.

"Hey, she (race car) might have a little age on her, but don't let that fool you because she's still quite racey," said a smiling Tissot. "I'm also getting a little age on me and closing in on that 50 mark in a few more years, but I feel like I'm a better racer now than I ever was. I've got many years of racing experience, dating back to when I began racing at News Asheville Speedway in 1988. You've got to have confidence not only in yourself and your abilities to drive a race car, but also have confidence in your racing equipment.

"While I might not have a new race car, there's one thing I can guarantee you and that is, I put the hours in at the race shop working on the car. And if you want to run strong and have opportunities to win races, that's where it all begins - back in the race shop with preparation of your equipment. You want to be ready to race when you show up to the track and not have to scramble around working on the car when you arrive. Because if you do that, immediately your back is up against the wall. I really believe we'll have a good race car and hopefully be in contention to get the victory. We'll definitely give it our best effort."

Tissot is looking forward to once again having his old racing buddies onboard helping for this PASS South event: Mitch West, Jeff Caldwell, David Ball, Mark Williams, Jeff Herron, Jason Herron, "Big" Ed Morgan and Kevin Morgan

Supporters of Lee Tissot Racing on the No. 27 Chevrolet SS: A-1 Plumbing & Utilities of Marshall (828-253-5559), David Ball Construction, and Jeff's Auto Sales of Leicester (828-683-JEFF ... jeffsautosalesllc.com).

Grandstand and tier-parking gates at Kingsport Speedway will open at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 8, with qualifying scheduled for 6 p.m. and green flag racing beginning at 7:45 p.m.

Adult grandstand admission $20, youth (ages 12-17) $15, with kids 11-and-under admitted free. Adult tier-parking admission $20 per person (plus a $10 vehicle parking spot fee). Kingsport Speedway is located at 2961 N. John B. Dennis Hwy.

For more information regarding Lee Tissot Racing, contact Lee Tissot at (828) 243-8549.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Press Release Prepared By:

Walden Motorsports Communications

Johnson City, TN

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2015-05-06

ACT Awards Merchants Bank 150 Three Stars

ACT Awards Merchants Bank 150 Three Stars

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ACT050615-40

<<ATTACHED PHOTO (IMG_8830.jpg): Graniteville, VT's Chip Grenier (#9VT) led a race-high 68 laps en route to a 5th-place finish in the Merchants Bank 150. (Alan Ward photo)>>

Waterbury, VT – The American Racer Three Star program is designed to recognize three non-podium finishers, in no particular order of performance, who had outstanding races at ACT U.S. Tour events. There are no specific criteria for deciding who might receive the award of a free American Racer Tire (value $125.00), but a special effort by a team, exceptional race, just plain old hard luck, or any other accepted reason to give the award is used to decide the award recipients.

The three stars are chosen by ACT officials and will receive certificates for use of a free American Racer tire at a race of their choosing during the 2015 season.

Thunder Road Speedbowl – MERCHANTS BANK 150

The 17^th Annual Merchants Bank 150 was a hard-fought affair that saw impressive performances throughout the field. Drivers of all ages and experience levels duked it out for the top spots, but did so in a clean and respectful manner. Just two cautions for single-car incidents slowed the event, and the final 124 laps were run flag-to-flag. The hard part was choosing just Star Award recipients, as no less than half a dozen drivers were worthy of recognition. The Three Stars for the Merchants Bank 150 at Thunder Road Speedbowl are:

*Chip Grenier, Graniteville, VT – #9VT—Chip Grenier is known throughout the Thunder Road and ACT pits both for his skill at setting up cars and for his talent behind the wheel. He runs just a handful of events each year in his own ACT Late Model while working as the crew chief for fellow Late Model competitor Josh Demers, but he is almost always a contender when he takes to the track.

Grenier started ninth in the Merchants Bank 150 and quickly charged through the field, taking the lead on lap 40. He went on to lead a race-high 68 laps and at times built a big margin over his competition. Unfortunately, the long green-flag run took its toll on Grenier's Behind the Scene Ford Fusion, and he eventually slid to fifth in the final run-down. Nonetheless, the efforts of the part-time #9VT team against their full-time brethren are worthy of a Star Award. Although one can never be sure when they'll next see Grenier on the race track, he can usually be counted on to make himself noticed when he is.

*Emily Packard, E. Montpelier, VT – #9ME—Emily Packard finished fourth in the 2014 ACT Tour standings, and has quickly shown this year that her performance was no fluke. The high school senior has thrilled fans with her charges from deep in the starting field to score top finishes, and she accomplished this again on Sunday.

Packard started 23^rd on the 30-car Merchants Bank 150 grid after struggling in qualifying. With a slew of top ACT and Thunder Road drivers already ahead of her, the Northstar Fireworks Ford Fusion team faced a daunting task. But Packard was up to the challenge, slicing her way through the pack en route to a sixth-place finish. That she did this with the benefit of only two caution flags – and none in the final 124 laps – makes her feat all the more impressive. Packard maintained her fifth position in the series standings and showed her team is now a legitimate weekly threat on the Tour. For yet another outstanding drive, Packard becomes the first two-time Star Award recipient for the 2015 season.

*Brandon Atkins, AuSable Forks, NY – #4NY—Defending ACT Tour Rookie of the Year Brandon Atkins came into the 2015 season with a new Rick Paya–built Dodge Charger and high expectations for his sophomore campaign. The 18-year-old had a disappointing first two events to start the year, but showed some of what his Northline Utilities team is capable of in the Merchants Bank 150.

Atkins came into the event aiming to improve on his previous best finish of 13^th at Thunder Road. His day started with a win in his qualifying heat, earning him the sixth starting position for the main event. Atkins ran a steady race and stayed in the top-10 for all 150 laps, eventually coming home with a seventh-place lead-lap finish. A sign of a rising team is that they show improvement as they gain experience at new tracks, and Atkins did this on Sunday. For a quality performance that jumped him up to seventh place in the ACT Tour point standings, the Atkins team receives a Star Award.

Both Packard and Atkins, along with Tour point leader Wayne Helliwell Jr., defending ACT Champion Joey Polwarczyk Jr., and Merchants Bank 150 winner Brad Babb, will head next to Airborne Park Speedway in Plattsburgh, NY on Saturday, May 16 for the Spring Green 115. The combination event with Série ACT will also see Canadian competitors such as former Série ACT champions Alex Labbe, Jean-Francois Dery, and Donald Theetge. Post time is 5:00pm.

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

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Valenti modified series event cancelled at Airborne Park Speedway

Valenti Modified Racing Series Event Cancelled at Airborne Park Speedway

Series' debut at Devil's Bowl Speedway still on for July 24

For Immediate Release APS-050615-1

PLATTSBURGH, NY – Officials from Airborne Park Speedway and the Valenti Modified Racing Series have mutually agreed to terminate their event planned for Saturday, May 30 at the Plattsburgh, NY race track. The decision became necessary due to a scheduling conflict for tour-type Modifieds in the northeast.

An event for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour was recently added to Connecticut's New London-Waterford Speedbowl – in the heart of Modified racing – on the same date as the already-scheduled VMRS race at Airborne, and threatened to negatively impact competitor attendance at Airborne. VMRS president Jack Bateman and Airborne Park Speedway general manager Mike Bruno were unable to find a suitable date to reschedule the Airborne race.

"We worked hard over the winter to bring VMRS back to Airborne so canceling this race is a tough pill to swallow, but we really have no other choice," Bruno said. "Some teams would have traveled as far as 300 miles to Airborne, but they now have the option to race much closer to home. No one can fault the racers for choosing that, but there likely would not have been enough cars at Airborne to put on a good race for the fans. Quite frankly, Jack and I have to protect our businesses as well, and it didn't make any financial sense to keep the race alive."

Bruno was quick to point out that Airborne's partner track, Devil's Bowl Speedway in West Haven, VT, is still moving forward with its Valenti Modified Racing Series event scheduled for Friday, July 24. That race will be the debut event for the VMRS cars at the Devil's Bowl half-mile.

"We are really excited for the Newport Chevrolet 100 at Devil's Bowl in July, and we want to reassure our fans that the cancellation at Airborne has no effect on Devil's Bowl," Bruno said.

Airborne Park Speedway will still be open on Saturday, May 30 to host racing for the weekly NASCAR Whelen All-American Series presented by Yandow Sales & Service and John Deere. New plans for that event will be announced soon.

Airborne's 62^nd season continues on Saturday, May 16 at 5:00 p.m. with the Bill McBride Chevrolet "Spring Green" presented by Interstate Batteries. The event opens the American-Canadian Tour Québec Triple Crown Series with the ACT Late Models and Série ProCam Super Trucks in action, along with Airborne's weekly J&S Steel Modified, Key R-D Trailer Sales Renegade, and Busch Beer Mini Modified divisions.

Airborne is located on Broderick Road in Plattsburgh, NY, one mile south of Exit 36 on the Interstate 87 Northway. Visit www.airborneparkspeedway.com for more information, or call (518) 647-4444. Airborne Park Speedway is on Facebook at Facebook.com/AirborneParkSpeedway and on Twitter at @AirborneSpeed.

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Contact: Justin St. Louis, Media Director Email: info@airborneparkspeedway.com

Cell Phone: (802) 355-3282 Track Information Line: (518) 647-4444

***

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2015-05-05

Howie Crowe’s 2014 Season that Could’ve Been

Howie Crowe's 2014 Season that Could've Been

By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media

Even though short track racecars are equipped with rear-view mirrors to help drivers figure out what's going on around them, most find its best to look forward than behind.

Howie Crowe's 2014 season began at its usual steady pace. The veteran campaigner from the Alderville First Nation was turning in his regular run of top 5 finishes in Paul Davis Systems Thunder Car division at Peterborough Speedway, but the popular driver was still looking to visit the track's victory lane for the first time following a main event effort. Near the halfway point of the year, he made the decision to park his tried and true ride – the yellow #28 machine, known as 'the bus' – in favour of the car that earned the 2013 championship at Mosport/Canadian Tire Motorsport Park Speedway oval. Crowe says the choice paid immediate dividends.

"There is just something about that car," confided Crowe. "It's almost like it knows how to win. It's a great machine to drive and handles well wherever I want to run. Any driver would feel confident climbing behind the wheel on a regular basis. I'm just the one lucky enough to have the job."

Howie Crowe turned-in a solid effort throughout the year, including a trip to Dart Heating and Air Conditioning victory lane Saturday, July 26^th. Heading into the final night of action, he enjoyed a slight advantage over his nearest rival and needed to finish ahead of that driver to clinch the crown. It was a rough and tumble affair, with plenty of bumping and grinding on the racetrack that kept the calculators in the scoring tower working overtime. When the dust finally settled, Crowe had lost the title by just a single point.

"It wasn't the result we'd been hoping for, but I didn't let it bother me too much," said the second generation runner. "The battle for the championship came right down to the wire and the fans saw a show they'll remember for quite a while. I'm looking forward to carrying the momentum we had from last year into the new season."

With Peterborough Speedway's 2015 schedule set to take the green flag with the Country 105 season opener – featuring free spectator grandstand admission – Saturday, May 16^th, Howie Crowe has plans to be in the heat of the battle for the Paul Davis Systems Thunder Car track championship. He'll be back at the controls of the ride now known as 'Black Magic', with hopes of earning the title that eluded him during the 2014 campaign.

"I've never set any goals going into a new season. I have a lot of fun and have met some incredible people throughout my years in racing," admitted Crowe. "As long as I keep enjoying what I do and running well, fans can expect to see the #28 machine looking for a spot at the front of the field on Canada's Toughest 3^rd of a Mile Paved Oval for many years to come."

Howie Crowe's 2015 season at Peterborough Speedway will again be supported by Crowe Brothers Roofing, Trails End and Mayhew Graphics. Team media and public relations services are provided by Clarke Motorsports Communications.

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

Howie Crowe celebrates a 2014 Paul Davis Systems Thunder Car win at Peterborough Speedway. The popular Alderville First Nation racer is looking forward to kicking-off a new season of action.

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

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2015-05-04

Mathieu, Rémy... et François Audette en action

Communiqué de presse Pour diffusion immédiate

En Championnat Touring Car canadien...

Mathieu, Rémy... et François Audette en action cette saison !

Blainville (Québec), le 4 mai 2015.– Après avoir remporté neuf des quatorze courses de la saison 2014 dans le Championnat Touring Car canadien (CTCC), l'équipe Audette racing sera de retour dans la série cette saison, avec la présence pour un programme partiel de Mathieu Audette, aux commandes de l'Acura RSX Portes Dimensions/Novatech, son frère Rémy avec sa Honda Civic Si et un petit nouveau : leur père, François Audette, qui effectue ainsi son grand retour à la compétition et sera aux commandes d'une Porsche Cayman S flambant neuve !

N'ayant plus couru en circuit routier depuis 1993, François Audette avait repris le volant, pour le plaisir, l'an dernier au Circuit Mont-Tremblant lors de la Classique d'automne. Aux commandes de la RSX de son fils aîné Mathieu, il s'était qualifié deuxième de sa catégorie, de quoi lui redonner goût à la compétition. « J'ai à nouveau eu la piqûre l'an dernier et l'idée de préparer une Porsche Cayman S pour disputer le CTCC a fait son chemin depuis » explique François Audette qui, à 68 ans, est fin prêt pour débuter la saison, le 16 mai prochain en Ontario. « Je vais y aller course par course. J'ai testé la voiture récemment au Circuit ICAR à Mirabel et j'ai eu besoin de prendre mes marques, trouver l'adhérence, etc. Bref, faire fusion avec l'auto, qui est totalement nouvelle mais est très performante » confie François Audette. « J'ai bien hâte d'être à Mosport, un circuit que j'adore, pour disputer ma première course officielle en plus de vingt ans ! » ajoute-t-il.

La Porsche Cayman S de l'équipe Audette Racing portera le numéro 37. Elle dispose d'un moteur de 3,4 litres de cylindrée développant environ 300 CV et qui portera, tout comme les voitures de Mathieu et Rémy Audette, les couleurs de Portes Dimensions et des partenaires associés à la compagnie québécoise et à son programme de course.

Pour François Audette, les objectifs sont multiples à l'aube de cette nouvelle saison : « Je veux d'abord terminer mes courses, idéalement dans le "Top 10" en classe Super Touring. J'ai l'ambition de finir entre la cinquième et la dixième place au championnat, mais surtout éviter de me mettre dans le trouble, je veux disputer des courses sans incident. C'est ainsi qu'on prend du plaisir et qu'on récolte de bons résultats ! » indique-t-il.

L'équipe Audette Racing engagera deux voitures pour les deux premières courses de la saison, sur le circuit de Mosport (Canadian Tire Motorsport Park) situé à l'est de Toronto, , les 16 et 17 mai prochains. Outre la Porsche Cayman S pilotée par François Audette, Mathieu sera aux commandes de son Acura RSX portant le numéro 12. Rémy Audette fera quant à lui l'impasse sur ce premier rendez-vous.

« La dernière fois que j'ai débuté la saison à Mosport, c'était en 2013 et j'avais connu un week-end parfait, remportant les deux courses » indique Mathieu Audette, qui affiche sa confiance pour démarrer la saison 2015 : « notre Acura RSX Portes Dimensions/Novatech a toujours été rapide sur ce tracé. Je vise à nouveau la victoire, bien que j'ai seulement repris en main la voiture ces jours-ci, pour une petite séance d'essais au Circuit ICAR » précise Mathieu Audette, qui disputera une saison partielle en CTCC (classe Super Touring également).

Sept programmes doubles composent la saison 2015 de CTCC, quatre en Ontario en trois au Québec.

L'équipe Audette Racing bénéficie de l'appui de Portes Dimensions, Novatech, Soniplastics, Verre Select, OPM, Omnitech, Extrucan, Robover, Milette Portes, Mec-Inov, Boulanger et Amusements Spectaculaires.