2016-04-25

Valérie Chiasson nommée représentante de la Commission FIA "Women in Motorsport"



COMMUNIQUÉ SPORT AUTOMOBILE - POUR DIFFUSION IMMÉDIATE

 

 

 

 


 

Le 25 avril 2016.- La pilote québécoise Valérie Chiasson participera cette saison à plusieurs événements de sport automobile en Amérique du Nord. Si le programme complet des séries auxquelles elle prendra part sera annoncé sous peu, elle se prépare activement et, parmi les multiples activités à son agenda, elle a disputé une course cycliste au profit de la Fondation Princesse Charlène de Monaco le week-end dernier, en plus de s'être vue nominée par la Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) comme pilote représentante canadienne de la commission "Women in Motorsport" destinée à encourager la participation des femmes en sport automobile.

 

 

Meilleure recrue en Touring Car canadien au circuit Gilles-Villeneuve et victorieuse de trois courses en prototype Stohr WF1 en 2014, sixième (un podium) de la Coupe Nissan Micra l'an dernier, Valérie Chiasson sera présente dans plusieurs séries cette année.

 

Parallèlement à ces activités, elle a récemment été nommée par la FIA comme représentante au Canada de la commission "Women in Motorsport". « Cette commission de la Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile aide les femmes à s'intégrer dans le monde du sport automobile. Cela implique toutes les femmes qui travaillent comme pilotes, ingénieurs, chef d'équipe, etc. La mission première de cette commission présidée par l'ancienne vice-championne du monde des rallyes Michèle Mouton est de créer une culture sportive, mettre en place des stratégies et des politiques qui faciliteront et valoriseront la participation féminine dans tous les aspects du sport automobile » explique Valérie, qui ajoute : « je suis très honorée d'avoir été choisie pour représenter cette commission au Canada. Plusieurs activités reliée à la commission "Women in Motorsport" auront lieu dans les prochains mois, à commencer par un séminaire au Portugal ».

 

Seulement une trentaine de femmes pilotes à travers le monde font partie de cette commission et Valérie Chiasson est bien entendu l'unique représentante pour le Canada.

 

Une course cycliste sur la Côte d'Azur le week-end dernier !

 

En Europe pour affaires, Valérie Chiasson a profité de l'opportunité qui lui était offerte, avec l'appui précieux de deux de ses partenaires de la saison 2016, Porsche Prestige et Total Canada, de prendre part à la course cycliste reliant la cité balnéaire française de Saint-Tropez (Côte d'Azur) à la Principauté de Monaco dimanche dernier, le 24 avril. Il s'agit d'une œuvre caritative au profit de la Fondation Princesse Charlène de Monaco et, outre son Altesse le Prince Albert de Monaco, elle voyait la participation de différentes personnalités publiques.

 

« Je m'entraîne fort pour être prête physiquement à disputer la prochaine saison de course automobile et cela passe, entre autres, par beaucoup de vélo. Cette compétition, organisée par le club cycliste de Monaco (COCC) et reliant Saint-Tropez à Monaco, était longue de 160 kilomètres et le parcours serpentait le long des plus beaux paysages de la Côte d'Azur. Il y avait seulement quatre femmes sur cent trente participants et j'étais la seule canadienne. J'ai vraiment adoré cette expérience » explique la pilote québécoise de 27 ans, de retour au Québec cette semaine après avoir passé une dizaine de jours en Europe pour affaires, ainsi que pour un reportage sur le Championnat du monde des courses d'Endurance (WEC) pour le magazine québécois Pole-Position.

 

Du côté de Porsche Prestige, on est fier d'avoir été associé à cette opération de la Fondation Princesse Charlène de Monaco : « Nous croyons fortement à l'engagement communautaire comme un moyen efficace d'encourager les talentueux espoirs sportifs canadiens. Porsche Prestige estime que les efforts des individus se doivent d'être récompensés puisqu'ils inspirent et motivent les gens pour des générations à venir. C'est pourquoi Porsche Prestige commandite, entre autres, Valérie Chiasson pour son engagement social. En tant que représentant d'une marque de renommée mondiale, il est un devoir d'être un modèle et un leader dans l'implication et le rapprochement avec les citoyens » indique Habib Tannous, de Porsche Prestige à Montréal. Il souligne par ailleurs : « De plus, Porsche Prestige souhaite féliciter les gagnants du concours "F1 à Monaco" qui ont remporté une paire de billets pour le Grand Prix. Le tirage a eu lieu lors de la soirée de lancement de la nouvelle 911 Carrera 2017 ».

 

Du côté de Total Canada, son président Franck Bagouet précise : « Total Canada est fier de s'associer à Valérie Chiasson cette année. Notre partenariat inclura évidemment son programme de courses automobiles mais nous sommes également ravis d'avoir inclus cet événement caritatif sur la Côte d'Azur auquel elle vient de participer. Avec la présence de personnalités comme Daniel Ricciardo, pilote F1 de l'équipe Red Bull Racing commanditée par Total, cela allait au-delà de l'engagement social, il y avait aussi un véritable lien avec nos activités et notre visibilité dans le monde du sport automobile ».

 

Le dévoilement des séries de sport automobile auxquelles Valérie Chiasson prendra part cette saison aura lieu dans deux semaines.

 

- 30 -



Pour lire le reste / Read more...

2016-04-24

L’écurie NASCAR Go FAS Racing confie sa Ford No.32 Can-Am/Kappa/Cyclops Gear à Patrick Carpentier pour Sonoma et Indianapolis

Pour diffusion immédiate 

 

L'écurie NASCAR Go FAS Racing confie sa Ford No.32 Can-Am/Kappa/Cyclops Gear à Patrick Carpentier pour Sonoma et Indianapolis

 

Montréal, le 22 avril 2016 - L'écurie de la Coupe Sprint de NASCAR Go FAS Racing a profité de la première journée d'ouverture au grand public de l'Espace BRP, vitrine urbaine mettant en vedette l'ensemble des produits BRP et de ses marques — Can-Am, Sea-Doo, Ski-Doo, Evinrude, Lynx et Rotax, pour annoncer qu'elle allait confier le volant de sa Ford Fusion No.32 Can-Am/Kappa/Cyclops Gear au réputé pilote québécois Patrick Carpentier. 

 

Carpentier, qui compte déjà 40 départs en Coupe Sprint de NASCAR, prendra le relais de ses coéquipiers Jeffrey Earnhardt et Bobby Labonté sur le bucolique circuit routier californien le 26 juin prochain et pour le Brickyard 400 qui sera disputé le 24 juillet sur le circuit légendaire d'Indianapolis Motor Speedway. 

 

« J'ai beau dire que je suis plutôt à la retraite, je ne pouvais pas laisser passer l'occasion de piloter en Coupe Sprint, surtout sur les circuits aussi intéressants que ceux de Sonoma et d'Indianapolis, a relaté Patrick Carpentier qui a justement connu son meilleur résultat en Coupe Sprint de NASCAR avec une 11e place en 2009 alors qu'il était parti au 38e rang. Je suis vraiment content de porter les couleurs de Kappa, Cyclops Gear et Can-Am, car j'adore utiliser leurs produits. » 

 

Pour Alain Lord Mounir, dirigeant de Go FAS Racing, des vêtements Kappa et du manufacturier de caméras et de lunettes vidéo Cyclops Gear, le choix de Carpentier coulait de source. 

 

« À chaque fois que j'élaborais un scénario pour choisir un pilote, la réponse qui revenait sans cesse était Patrick Carpentier, relate M. Lord Mounir. Nous sommes très heureux des progrès que fait Jeffrey Earnhardt en s'améliorant à chaque fois qu'il monte dans la voiture mais pour Sonoma et Indianapolis, nous voulions quelqu'un qui connaît bien ces circuits qui posent chacun des défis bien spéciaux. Quand ce pilote chevronné est un gars que l'on connaît aussi bien que Patrick, le choix s'impose par lui même. » 

 

Le président et chef de la direction de BRP, José Boisjoli, était sur place à l'Espace BRP pour accueillir Carpentier dans la famille de l'écurie. 

 

« Nous sommes très heureux du choix des pilotes de notre partenaire Go Fas Racing, a expliqué M. Boisjoli. La décision de confier le volant de la voiture Ford Fusion No.32 Can-Am/Kappa/Cyclops Gear à Patrick Carpentier, pour les courses de Sonoma et Indianapolis, nous réjouit. Patrick est un pilote de grand talent et il est un fervent amateur de nos produits. Il nous aurait été difficile de trouver meilleure nouvelle à annoncer pour l'ouverture au grand public de notre Espace BRP. » 

 

-30-


Pour lire le reste / Read more...

NASCAR Go FAS Racing Team entrusts its Can-Am/Kappa/Cyclops Gear #32 car to Patrick Carpentier for races in Sonoma and Indianapolis

For immediate release 

 

NASCAR Go FAS Racing Team entrusts its Can-Am/Kappa/Cyclops Gear #32 car to Patrick Carpentier for races in Sonoma and Indianapolis

 

Montréal, April 22nd, 2016 – The NASCAR Sprint Cup Go FAS Racing Team took advantage of the public opening of BRP Space, an urban showcase featuring all BRP products and brands - Ski-Doo, Lynx, Sea-Doo, Evinrude, Rotax and Can-Am - to announce that it would entrust its Can-Am/Kappa/Cyclops Gear Ford Fusion #32 to the renowned Quebec driver, Patrick Carpentier. 

 

Carpentier, who already has 40 starts in the NASCAR Sprint Cup, will take over from his teammates Jeffrey Earnhardt and Bobby Labonté on the bucolic California road course on June 26, and on the Brickyard 400 to be run on July 24th at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway circuit. 

 

"Even if I say that I'm retired, I could not miss the opportunity to drive in the NASCAR Sprint Cup, especially on circuits as interesting as those of Sonoma and Indianapolis," reported Patrick Carpentier, who had his best result in NASCAR Sprint Cup in 2009 when he started 38th and finally achieved 11th place. "I'm really happy to wear the colors of Kappa, Cyclops Gear and Can-Am, because I love to use their products." 

 

For Alain Lord Mounir, head of the Go FAS Racing Team, Kappa clothing and manufacturer of Cyclops Gear cameras and video glasses, Carpentier was a natural choice. 

 

"Whenever I elaborated a scenario to choose a driver, the answer that kept coming up was Patrick Carpentier," says Mounir. "We are very pleased with the progress made by Jeffrey Earnhardt. He is improving every time he gets in the car. But for Sonoma and Indianapolis, we wanted someone who knows these circuits because they each present special challenges. When the driver is a veteran like Patrick, the choice itself is clear." 

 

The president and CEO of BRP, José Boisjoli, was at BRP Space to welcome Carpentier into the Go FAS Racing family. 

 

"We are very happy with the choice of pilots made by our partner, Go FAS Racing," said Boisjoli. "The decision to entrust the wheel of the Can-Am/Kappa/Cyclops Gear Ford Fusion #32 to Patrick Carpentier for the races in Sonoma and Indianapolis, pleases us very much. Patrick is a very talented driver and he is an avid fan of our products. It would have been difficult to find better news for the public opening of BRP Space." 

 

-30-



Pour lire le reste / Read more...

Peterborough Speedway Rolls an Exciting 2016 Season to the Starting Line

 Peterborough Speedway Rolls an Exciting 2016 Season to the Starting Line

By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media

 

The countdown to the year's first Great Canadian RV Sales green flag gets closer every minute. Canada's Toughest 3rd of a Mile Paved Oval kicks off 2016 – with the Country 105 Season Opener, featuring free spectator grandstand admission – Saturday, May 21st. Track owner/promoter J.P. Josiasse says that to call the level of enthusiasm that comes with the annual launch exciting would an understatement. 

 

"Momentum is an important element in everything we do," said Josiasse. "Over the last few seasons, we've had some incredible shows, with great racing in every division. When you're giving fans great value for their entertainment dollar, the word spreads. Our level of fan support is high and its all based on the strength of the product we've been able to put on the racetrack."

 

As Peterborough Speedway's new calendar gets set to leave the staging area, officials are expecting solid numbers in each of the 5 weekly classes. Starting with the Battlefield Equipment Rental 4Fun and Jiffy Lube Mini Stocks, defending track champions Ryan Oosterholt and Tyler Junkin could be in for a tough fight in a quest for a new championship. In the Paul Davis Systems Thunder Car and Renegade Truck fields, Anthony DiBello and Jack Dallin already have back-to-back crowns and will be looking to 3-peat.

 

Josiasse says the only question surrounding opening night could be whether Dave Morgan will return to defend his Earl Ireland Auto Sales Late Model title. The veteran campaigner – who earned his seat at the championship table without the luxury of a main event win – has hinted to some track staff that work commitments could keep him on the sidelines.

 

Bullring bullet points: As has been tradition, there will be 3 Fan Appreciation/Toonie Spectator Grandstand Admission Nights – presented by Pepsi – on the 2016 schedule. The June 4thJuly 19th and August 13th shows will give fans the chance to meet their favourite drivers for autographs during intermission…A 2016 season pass includes 14 regular nights of racing, a pair of OSCAAR events, the Chase for the Colours Pole qualifier and the 100 lap APC Pro Late Model show for just $170. That's nearly $50 off the regular price. The Super Pass, with the 24th Annual Autumn Colours Classic added to the mix is only $210. A reduction of almost $65 from the grandstand admission, while a bundle of 10 regular season tickets for $120.

 

Up to the minute news is available at www.peterboroughspeedway.com, by liking the track on Facebook or following it on Twitter.  You can also download the free Peterborough Speedway app on your Smartphone.

 

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

 

Earl Ireland Auto Sales Late Model Rookie of the Year Kevin Buscher (#08) battles with track champion Dave Morgan during 2015 action at Canada's Toughest 3rdof a Mile Paved Oval. Peterborough Speedway's new season starts Saturday, May 21st.

 

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

  


Pour lire le reste / Read more...

Theetge sera du Pinty's à l'@autodrome chaudiere

Communiqué pour diffusion immédiate 

Le 24 avril 2016, Vallée-Jonction

Theetge présent au Nascar Pinty's

Nous vous avons annoncé dans les derniers jours que le pilote de Boischâtel, Donald Theetge serait du combo Pro-Stock et ACT Qc des 5 et 6 août prochain. Voilà qu'une entente s'est conclue afin de permettre au pilote d'être aussi présent à la course NASCAR Pinty's du 11 juin prochain. 

Assis à bord de la voiture #22 préparée par Scott Steckly, ce sera la première participation en NASCAR sur un circuit ovale; lui qui avait déjà participé à quelques programmes sur des circuits routiers. 

Ayant remporté plusieurs victoires sur l'ovale de Vallée-Jonction en LMS, le pilote effectuera quelques essais sur le circuit Sunset en Ontario et en profitera pour prendre un premier contact avec les membres de l'équipe Steckly Motorsport qui seront sur place le 11 juin prochain. Par contre, Theetge pourra aussi compter sur des indispensables de son équipe soit Serge Paré, Carl Simard et Martin Roy. 

Des partenaires majeurs


Donald Theetge a tenu à remercier Marc Bégin, actionnaire et président du conseil d'administration de l'Autodrome Chaudière. En effet, M. Bégin a grandement contribué à trouver un commanditaire majeur soit la compagnie AIM pour cet évènement. 

De plus, la contribution de M. Daniel Bouchard, un des propriétaires de l'Antidote ainsi que le journal Le Soleil, ont permis de rendre sa présence possible. 

La présence de Donald Theetge sera assurément réjouir les amateurs qui seront présents au programme NASCAR Pinty's. Vous pourrez vous procurer vos billets dès maintenant en communiquant avec André Poulin au 581-998-7388 ou lors des deux premiers programmes du 20 et 28 mai 2016. 

Marie-Claude Levasseur, Relationniste



 



Pour lire le reste / Read more...

La série SS Qc; une série touring en pleine effervescence

La série SS Qc; une série touring en pleine effervescence 

Bien que certains pourraient penser que la Série SS Qc a opté pour un virage davantage local avec ses 6 programmes à l'Autodrome Chaudière Vallée-Jonction, dans les faits, il en est tout autre.

Effectivement, visitant pour la saison 2016 4 tracés différents dont Autodrome Saint-Félicien, l'Autodrome Montmagny, l'Autodrome Chaudière Vallée-Jonction et finalement le circuit Riverside Speedway, la série Sportsman Québec Lucas Oil a démontré sa volonté de rester une classe Touring tout en tentant d'adopter une nouvelle formule pour 2016 avec ses deux championnats soit les régional et le provincial.

Deux championnats distincts qui répond aux besoins d'un contexte économique difficile et permettra à certains pilotes de pouvoir être partie prenante du championnat régional Les Habitations Dany Lagacé tout en répondant à la volonté de l'ensemble des pilotes que la série Sportsman Québec de demeurer touring

Avec ses 40 inscrits, la Série Sportsman Québec Lucas Oilfait la démonstration que sa programmation a su répondre à un besoin présent dans le stock-car québécois. De ce nombre, on peut compter 14 pilotes de la région de la Beauce donc 26 pilotes provenant des autres régions tellesque St-Félicien, Chicoutimi, Trois-Rivières, Warwick, Victoriaville ainsi que Québec pour ne nommer que ceux-ci.

Il en va de même pour les commanditaires de la série en commençant par le commanditaire majeur Lucas Oil. Provenant de tous les coins du Québec, nombreux sont les partenaires qui soutiennent notre série qui célèbre cette saison son 10e anniversaire. 

La série Sportsman Qc débutera sa saison le 20 mai prochain à l'Autodrome Chaudière pour ensuite effectuer un retour tant attendu des pilotes sur le tracé du Riverside Speedway Ste-Croix le 4 juin prochain.

Après 10 ans à la tête d'une série touring qui ne cesse de progresser, André Poulin peut être fier d'avoir su s'adapter aux changements en offrant à ces pilotes des calendriers diversifiés et répondant à leurs attentes tout en demeurant ouvert aux changements d'années en années. 

Marie-Claude Levasseur, Relationniste 


Pour lire le reste / Read more...

Art Rodgers Hopes for a Warm Welcome to the Racing Neighbourhood

 

Art Rodgers Hopes for a Warm Welcome to the Racing Neighbourhood

By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media

 

Its difficult to not be friends with someone everyone refers to as 'Hot Dog'.

 

Art Rodgers has been part of the local weekly racing scene for over 15 years, running both dirt and asphalt surfaces at tracks like Brighton, Kawartha and Peterborough. The 48 year-old from Frankford, Ontario – who earns paycheque in the assembly shop at Wilson Engine & Machine in Belleville – will head into the new schedule as a regular in the Pro Stock field at Brighton Speedway with fresh, new look on his #38 machine, after the car was heavily damaged in a late season wreck during the 2015 campaign.

 

"I got caught-up in someone else's mess and there wasn't anywhere to go," said the driver, while recalling in the incident. "It tore almost the entire driver's side body panel off the car and although I was able to finish the night with the sheet metal held back in place with bungee cords and racer's tape, that was the end of my season. I'd hoped to go back to Peterborough Speedway for the Autumn Colours Classic, but the car needed too much work to be able to get to that next race and be able to run competitively."

 

Rodgers is the definitive low-buck racer, who runs for fun and a love of the sport. His carefree personality and likeable nature have earned him a solid base of support in both the spectator grandstand and pit area wherever he races. There are no big dollar sponsorship decals on the side of his car; just a few friends who've helped with a tire, some parts and mechanical work here and there. While other teams come to the track towing fancy enclosed haulers, Art Rodgers rolls into the speedway pulling a modest open trailer behind the same truck he drives back and forth to work every day of the week.

 

During the winter months, Rodgers and his team of friends and crew members including Danny, Dwayne, Devon, Andrew and Travis Pearce, along with Bill King and Bill Cartwright worked some long hours in the shop to put his ride back together for the 2016 campaign at the local 3rd of a mile clay oval. The fruits of the labour produced a restyled machine, wrapped in sheet metal to replicate a vintage 1975 Pontiac Ventura. Rodgers says he'll race this year as a tribute to the memory of some of the special people in his life. 

 

"I've lost a number of loved ones to cancer over the past few years," said the driver. "There might not be a lot I can do for them now, but I'm happy to have the chance to honour their memories with some good friends while doing something that I really enjoy."

 

The car will hit the track with sponsorship support from Wilson Engine & Machine, Rob Vine Racing Engines, JustCo Landscaping & Construction, NAPA Auto Parts – Belleville, Lee's Starter & Alternator and Glenn Ellis Heating. 

 

Photo attachment: Art Rodgers Racing collection

 

Opening night of the 2016 season will be a fresh start for Art Rodgers. The Frankford, Ontario racing veteran turned his first laps on the track more than 15 years ago and will run with the Pro Stock division at Brighton Speedway.

 

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


Pour lire le reste / Read more...

Brandt Graham Sets his Sights on a Strong Second Season of Sportsman Cup Action

 

Brandt Graham Sets his Sights on a Strong Second Season of Sportsman Cup Action

By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media

 

His racing resume includes time at the controls of a Go Kart and a Mini Stock, but Brandt Graham's 2015 performance with the Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup Series set standards that speak for themselves. The 17 year-old from Orono, Ontario became the youngest main event winner in the tour's history, with a season ending victory at Full Throttle Motor Speedway while also logging a 4th place finish in the final point standings and claiming the rookie of the year award. 

 

Under the direction of crew chief Marten Rottine, the team spent the winter months reconfiguring their #14 McColl Racing Enterprises chassis with an updated Chevrolet Impala SS body kit. Looking to maintain the momentum gained during an impressive freshman season, father and car owner Craig Graham says preparation behind the scenes is the key to a strong performance on the track.

 

"We've always been very thorough when it comes to doing our homework," said Graham. "Our equipment never leaves the shop unless we're ready for anything that can happen once we roll through the pit gates at the speedway. Its about more than having a car that looks good on the outside. The schedule has only one race that's within an hour of our home base, so we have to make sure we're thinking about the big picture."

 

Even though the new season doesn't get rolling for about another month, Brandt Graham – who works part-time at Orono Country Café and with his father at Clarington Hyundai – was able to put his machine through its paces during an open test session – Saturday, April 16th– at Flamboro Speedway. While there were a number of racing divisions taking advantage of the same opportunity, the driver and his crew felt the chance to practice at the track where this year's tour opens was too good to pass up.

 

"We were able to get a baseline set-up that'll hopefully translate to a strong run when we're back for the race," said Brandt, who will study in the Trades Fundamentals program at Durham College this fall. "There are 3 Flamboro stops on this year's schedule, so any advantage we can take into a race situation will help the team a great deal."

 

For 2016, Brandt Graham's #14 Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup Series team is proudly supported by Full Circle Automation, Arcade Pools, J & M Restoration, Auto Care, Hot Rod Swag and Squirrel Head Music. Media and promotional services are provided by Clarke Motorsports Communications.

 

Follow the team at every race by checking @Graham_Racing on Twitter and Graham 98 Racing at www.facebook.com. Look for www.graham98racing.com – an Image Factor web-site – coming soon.

 

2016 Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup Series Schedule:

 

Saturday, May 14th                Flamboro Speedway

Saturday, May 28th                 Flamboro Speedway

 

Saturday, June 25th               Sauble Speedway

 

Saturday, July 16th                 Sauble Speedway

 

Saturday, August 6th              Peterborough Speedway

Saturday, August 27th            Full Throttle Motor Speedway

 

Saturday, September 17th     Flamboro Speedway

 

Photo attachment: Graham Racing collection

 

After becoming the youngest race winner in tour history and being named 2015 Rookie of the Year,

Brandt Graham is looking forward to his second year on the Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup Series.

 

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



Pour lire le reste / Read more...

2016-04-22

NASCAR'S FINE FOR TONY: DRIVER COUNCIL TO PAY FINE FOR HIM

The Sprint Cup Drivers Council released a statement Thursday night on Tony Stewart's punishment from NASCAR, supporting the three-time champion and announcing it would pay his $35,000 fine. The statement was released exclusively to NBC Sports through Drivers Council member Denny Hamlin. The statement reads:
"We as drivers believe Tony has the right to speak his opinion on topics that pertain to a sport that he has spent nearly two decades helping build as both a driver and an owner. While we do not condone drivers lashing out freely at NASCAR, we do feel Tony was in his rights to state his opinion. We as a Council support him and do not agree with the fine. Therefore, we fellow council members have agreed to contribute equally to paying his fine."
The Drivers Council was formed last year and meets periodically with NASCAR to discuss various issues from competition to safety. It added Brad Keselowski, Jimmie Johnson and Kyle Busch this year to a group that included returning members Hamlin, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Stewart, Kyle Larson, Kevin Harvick and Joey Logano


Pour lire le reste / Read more...

2016-04-21

Statement from Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Development Officer, on Tony Stewart’s Return

Statement from Steve O'Donnell, NASCAR Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Development Officer, on Tony Stewart's Return

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (April 21, 2016) – "NASCAR received the appropriate medical clearance documentation allowing Tony Stewart to resume normal racing activities. We also have granted the request from Stewart-Haas Racing for a waiver for Tony to be eligible to qualify for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. As he begins his final season, we wish Tony the best of luck."

 

Contact:                                                                                               

Kurt Culbert

NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communications


Pour lire le reste / Read more...

TONY STEWART WILL RETURN TO TRACK AT RICHMOND

TONY STEWART WILL RETURN TO TRACK AT RICHMOND

Tony Stewart

Three-time NASCAR premier series champion Tony Stewart will return to competition this weekend at Richmond International Raceway, ending a season-opening run that saw the 44-year-old sidelined due to a back injury sustained in late January.


Stewart made the announcement Thursday via his Twitter account.


Pour lire le reste / Read more...

OXFORD AMERICAN RACER THREE STARS ANNOUNCED

OXFORD AMERICAN RACER THREE STARS ANNOUNCED

                                     

For Immediate Release:                                                                                 ACT – 042116-21




<<ATTACHED PHOTO (index.jpe) Oxford American Racer Three Stars Announced.

 (Heather Aube Photo)>>                                                                

                            

            Waterbury, VT – The American Racer Three Star program will continue in 2016. The program is designed to recognize three teams in no particular order of performance that had outstanding races at ACT US 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 other accepted reason to give the award is used to decide the recipients.

 

The three stars are chosen by officials and they will receive certificates for use of a free American Racer tire at a future Tour race of their choosing during 2016.

 

The awarding of the stars does not allow for anybody in the top three to receive the recognition. That being said, both eventual winner Bobby Therrien, and second place competitor Roland Robinson, JR certainly deserve credit for their outstanding and sometimes dominant runs at OPS. There efforts at Oxford certainly made for some speculation from the "rail-birds" at what kind of exciting season the 2016 year will be. Big congratulations to both teams for what was first class efforts.

 

OXFORD PLAINS SPEEDWAY

ACT 100

 

Scott Dragon, Milton, VT- 16VT— Scott Dragon brought the Richard Green Trucking Chevrolet to life about mid-way through the 100 lap event at Oxford and started an impressive charge toward the front of the field. From his 17th starting position, Scott brought the Joey Becker prepared machine to the outside and ran to a solid 5th place finish. He did the same thing at the Thunder Road opener a year ago, and it looks like the team is ready for the 2016 season either at select touring events, or weekly at his home track, Thunder Road. Becker is known for being a remarkable fabricator and craftsman, as well as a winning driver in the past. With his partnership now with Richard Green and Scott Dragon, the "good time team" looks ready to make some stops in victory lane. For the great opening day effort, the 16VT team with Scott Dragon aboard are deserving of an American Racer Star award at Oxford.

 

 

Raymond Christian, Norwich, CT - 93CT, — It is always fun to watch opening day to see who will show up for the first event of the year. There are generally some surprises. There was no greater surprise than the winner of the second American Racer Star pick at Oxford last Sunday. Driving out of Norwich, CT, Raymond Christian and his team came to uncharted waters! Never had been to an ACT event; never had driven the car recently acquired; never been to Oxford Plains Speedway, which is arguably one of the more difficult tracks to set up for with its unique flat and round configuration, and reverse camber front stretch. The team did not have much success with practice sessions. They did not qualify in the heats. They started the feature in the 24th position. There were only three cautions that gathered the field during the event, and yet, Christian brought his ride home to an impressive top ten finish (8th) in front of some early season favorites like Brad Babb, Nick Sweet, Dillon Moltz and Emily Packard. The crew had much to celebrate following their first ever ACT event. Certainly a first time ride from 24th to 8th at Oxford is deserving of a Star of the Race award. Congratulations to the Norwich, CT based team.

 

 

Robert Pelland, Cranston, RI – 12RI— For a number of the past few years, Robert Pelland has brought his team to LEE USA for the season opening ACT New Hampshire Governor's Cup 150. The Seekonk Speedway race team has always displayed the attitude and passion that makes short track racing successful. Following practice things did not look good for the Rhode Island team. They missed the call because of a broken clutch master. However, the team kept a positive attitude, went to work trying to fix things to get ready for a qualifying effort, and got into the consolation race in time to get a qualified spot in the 100 lap feature. They were the final car to qualify through the consolation race. They started in the 26th position on the grid. Some might not think a 17th place finish was much of an achievement, but with the adversity facing the Pelland team just to get into the 100 lapper, and completing the full 100 laps after the day they started out with, the third Star is being awarded to a team that would not quit, kept a positive attitude, and finished the day with a respectable complete race at Oxford. Congratulations to the 12RI team for their effort and attitude. A well-deserved American Racer Star of the Race award.

 

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


Pour lire le reste / Read more...

2016-04-20

AIRBORNE PARK SPEEDWAY - SEASON PREVIEW

  

PLATTSBURGH — The future of Airborne Park Speedway was in doubt following the 2015 racing season.
John Walker, however, leased the speedway in the off-season and put plans for 2016 into motion.  
This season will feature some divisional realignment. The Ernie's Discount Tools Sportsman Modifieds will be the headline division with the Jeffords Steel Renegades the second tier division, replacing the Late Models. Two four-cylinder divisions will be racing this season — the Busch Beer Mini Modifieds and a beginner Strictly Stock division. The Strictly Stock division will be for drivers with less than three years of racing experience. All divisions will compete in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series, presented by Fidelis Care of New York.
The 2016 campaign kicks off May 7 with a 5 p.m. post time. Opening day will feature the first CAN/AM Challenge of the year for the Sportsman Modifieds. Drivers from the Province of Quebec will challenge the Airborne sportsman modified contingent in an extra distance 75 lap main event. The Renegades, Mini Mods and Strictly Stocks will also be in action.
The American Canadian Tour (ACT) will make its one and only stop on May 14 for the ACT Spring Green 116, presented by Egglefield Ford. The ACT Late Models will run 116 laps in the fourth event on their tour schedule. All regular divisions will also be in action.
May 21 will be Little League Night, presented by Bailey Ford. All Little League baseball players who show up with their team jersey on will be admitted free of charge. In addition, the Sportsman Modifieds will run twin 25-lap features. Renegades, Mini Mods and Strictly Stocks will also be in action.
Last season, there was no Memorial Day Weekend race for the first time in the track's history. This year there will be a two-day event, presented by Econo Lodge and After Hours Imagining.
            On Saturday, May 28, there will be a regular card of racing, with an incentive for the Sportsman Modifieds. The top five finishers in Saturday's sportsman modified feature will be automatic qualifiers for the 358 DirtCar Modified main event that will take place on Sunday.
            The 358 Modifieds will headline the card on Sunday under the direction of Mike Perrotte. Some familiar faces will be making their return to Airborne. The Wesley Moody stables will have two cars prepared for the race, with Patrick Dupree piloting one of the machines. George Foley, Jessey Mueller, Aaron Bartemy, Adam Bartemy, Chris Cayea and Kevin Broderick have already committed to the event as well. The Renegades, Mini Modifieds and Strictly Stocks will also race on Sunday.
June 4 will be highlighted by twin 25-lap events for the Sportsman Modifieds, presented by Huntley Trucking. The Renegades, Mini Mods and Strictly Stocks will also be in action.
The Renegades will be in the spotlight on June 11 when they will run a 50 lap feature event around the Airborne half mile, presented by Sunoco Race Fuels. The Sportsman Modifieds, Mini Mods and Strictly Stocks will also be in action.
Kids Night will be June 18, presented by Sweet Frog. All kids 12 and under will be admitted free of charge. During intermission, there will be kids bicycle races on the front stretch. A regular night of racing is on tap for the Sportsman Modifieds, Renegades, Mini Mods and Strictly Stocks.
A regular night of racing is scheduled for June 25, presented by Whelen Engineering. Volunteer Fire and EMS will be admitted free of charge with proper identification. The Sportsman Modifieds, Renegades, Mini Mods and Strictly Stocks will be in action.
July 2 will be the Fourth of July Celebration, presented by Bill McBride Chevrolet. A gigantic fireworks display will cap off the night. The Sportsman Modifieds, Renegades, Mini Mods and Strictly Stocks will be in action.
Fidelis Care of New York will present Mid-Season Championships on July 9. The Sportsman Modifieds, Renegades, Mini Mods and Strictly Stocks will run.
The Renegades will once again run the main event on July 16, during a racing card presented by Island Excavation. The Renegades will run a 100 lap feature, their longest distance race of the season. The Sportsman Modifieds, Mini Mods and Strictly Stocks will all compete.
Following a week off for the Clinton County Fair, racing actions resumes on July 30 with a Canadian Invasion from the Autodrome St Eustache Limited Late Models, presented by Espos Diesel. A familiar face will be competing as Plattsburgh's Robin Wood will be piloting his number 61. The regular racing divisions will also be on the card along with the RevStar Speedsters.
August 6 will be an opportunity for the fans to show off their driving skill. Spectator racing is back, along with Sportsman Modified twin 25-lap features, presented by Vertigo Motorsports. The Renegades, Mini Mods and Strictly Stocks will also take part.
Scout Night is scheduled for August 13, presented by Poirier's True Value. All Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts in uniform will get in free of charge. The Renegades will battle for 50 laps that evening. Also on the card are the Sportsman Modifieds, Mini Mods and Strictly Stocks.
Military Appreciation Night is set for August 20, presented by Aaron's. All active and retired military members will be admitted free of charge, with proper identification. The Sportsman Modifieds, Renegades, Mini Mods and Strictly Stocks will have a regular night of racing.
The mechanics will receive their chance to get behind the wheel on August 27, presented by Plattsburgh Ford. Mechanics races and Sportsman Modified twin 25-lap features are scheduled. The Renegades, Mini Mods and Strictly Stocks will be in action.
The Labor Day CAN/AM Challenge is scheduled for September 3, presented by Rene's Repair. Drivers from the Province of Quebec and Airborne regulars will go at it for 75 laps. The Renegades, Mini Mods and Strictly Stocks are also scheduled.
The final event of the 2016 racing season will be the Leon Gonyo Memorial presented by Ford Racing. Gonyo was a longtime supporter and competitor at Airborne and the race that bears his name will decide the 2016 Sportsman Modified track championship. This will also serve as the final point counting event for the Renegades, Mini Mods and Strictly Stocks.
Regular season ticket prices will be $10 for adults, $3 for kids ages 6-12 and a family pass (2 adults and 2 kids) for $22. Note that Opening Day 5/7, ACT 5/14, Memorial Day Weekend 5/28 & 5/29, July 4 Celebration 7/2, Canadian Invasion 7/30, Labor Day CAN/AM 9/3 and Leon Gonyo Memorial 9/17 will all have special event pricing.
To stay up to date, visit our website at www.airborneparkspeedway.com or on facebook at Airborne Park Speedway.


Pour lire le reste / Read more...

Therrien Leads Charge into Lee USA Speedway

Therrien Leads Charge into Lee USA Speedway

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE          ACT042016-20                               


                        

<<ATTACHED PHOTO (DSC01198.jpg) Therrien Leads Charge into Lee USA Speedway. (Heather Aube photo)>>                    

 

Waterbury, VT – After a convincing victory at Oxford Plains Speedway last Sunday, Bobby Therrien is looking to continue his hot start as American-Canadian Tour (ACT) takes the green flag this Sunday, April 24 at Lee USA Speedway with the annual New Hampshire Governor's Cup 150. The NH Governor's Cup, which was postponed due to weather in early April to start 2016 racing season, has been the traditional ACT opener since 2008, and with 12 different winners in the previous 13 ACT Late Model Tour events at the 1/3-mile speedway, the stage is set for another unpredictable and exciting event.

 

Four of the last six NH Governor's Cup winners – Miles Chipman (2010), Jimmy Hebert (2013), Eddie MacDonald (2014), and Wayne Helliwell, Jr. (2015) – have entered the event. Each hopes to become just the second repeat ACT Late Model winner at Lee.  

 

The four will have plenty of challengers trying to add their names to the Lee USA record books. Colchester, VT's Scott Payea now pilots the RPM Motorsports car that Brian Hoar drove to back-to-back NH Governor's Cup wins in 2011 and 2012. Windham, ME's Brad Babb was the runner-up in the 2015 Governor's Cup and hopes to do one spot better in 2016. Kyle Welch and Rich Dubeau also turned in impressive performances at Lee in 2015 and could challenge for the win.

 

A number of other top ACT Late Model drivers will join the Tour regulars in chasing the Cup. Former Série ACT Champion Alex Labbe aims to become the first Canadian ACT winner at Lee since 2004. Defending Vermont Milk Bowl winner Nick Sweet will be at the wheel for Mad Dog Motorsports while White Mountain Motorsports Park Late Model standouts Quinny Welch, Oren Remick, and Glenn Martel have also entered the event. Former Thunder Road Late Model winners Scott Dragon and Boomer Morris as well as former Beech Ridge Pro Series Champion Dave Farrington will also be gunning for the top spot at Lee.

 

The ACT Late Model Tour opens the 2016 season at Lee USA Speedway on Sunday, April 24 with the New Hampshire Governor's Cup 150. Post time is 1:15pm with the pit gates opening at 8:00am and the grandstands at 9:00am. The Northeast Mini Stock Tour and Northeast Classic Lites will also be in action. Admission is $25 for adults, $23 for seniors, and $15 for juniors ages 13-16. An open practice session for all divisions will be held Saturday, April 23.

For more information contact the ACT offices at 802-244-6963media@acttour.com, or visit www.acttour.com orwww.leeusaspeedway.com.

 

-30-


Pour lire le reste / Read more...