2016-05-09

UNE PREMIÈRE VICTOIRE POUR RAPHAËL LESSARD EN CAROLINE DU NORD!

RAPHAËL LESSARD

# 99 FRL Express/Team Coach Imaging /Toyota/JBLAudio

 

 

 

UNE PREMIÈRE VICTOIRE POUR RAPHAËL LESSARD EN CAROLINE DU NORD!

Raphaël Lessard vient une fois de plus de prouver son talent au Hickory Motor Speedway en CARS Super Late Model en signant sa première victoire à vie dans cette série.

 

HICKORY, Caroline du Nord, 7 mai 2016 -- Raphaël Lessard, 14 ans, vient tout juste de gagner sa première épreuve à vie lors du Hickory Soup Kitchen Race to End Hunger 250, en Caroline du Nord. Ça n'aura pas été une course gagnée d'avance pour le jeune de Saint-Joseph-de-Beauce, qui a dû attendre la mi-course avant de pouvoir s'attaquer aux meneurs AJ Frank et Christian Eckes. 

 

Après s'être élancé de la 9e position, Lessard a valsé entre la 10e, 9e, 8e et 7e place, menant des batailles avec tous les pilotes du Top 10. C'est Steve Wallace, pilote de NASCAR Xfinity, Sprint Cup et Camping World Truck Series, qui a donné du fil à retordre au jeune Québécois. Après quelques bousculades en piste, Lessard, au volant de sa Toyota Camry #99 FRL Express/Team Coach Imaging/Toyota/JBLAudio de l'équipe David Gilliland Racing, a réussi à se dégager de Wallace. 

 

Lors de la 5e relance, Raphaël a eu un excellent départ, lui permettant ainsi de se distancer de Steve Wallace et de se rapprocher des meneurs, Frank et Eckes. À 25 tours de la fin, Lessard a rattrapé Christian Eckes, celui qui avait mené toute la course. C'est à ce moment que Raphaël a montré ce dont il était capable en dépassant et distançant la voiture #15 de Eckes. Même les commentateurs de la série ont dit quelques tours plus tard que c'était peine perdue pour Eckes, soulignant le talent du jeune Lessard et le complimentant tout au long de la course, l'appelant un "véritable prodigue". 

 

« Lors du départ, j'ai perdu des positions parce que l'auto tenait moins bien la piste, mais elle était bonne lors des relances. Au fil de la course, la voiture allait de mieux en mieux. Je me suis mis à gagner des positions, la voiture s'améliorant à tous les tours. Quand je suis arrivé derrière le meneur, je voyais que sa voiture se dégradait, et que la mienne allait très bien, alors je me suis dit, bon bien je pense que je vais passer! Gagner est un rêve devenu réalité, j'espérais qu'il n'y aille pas de drapeau jaune lorsque j'ai pris la première position, et il n'y en a pas eu, c'était parfait ! Je veux remercier toute l'équipe pour l'excellente Toyota Camry. Merci à FRL Express, Team Coach Imaging, Toyota, JBL Audio. Merci à mes parents et Robert Desrosiers. » dit Raphaël Lessard, plus excité que jamais. 

                                                                                                                                                                        

Avec cette première position, Raphaël reste bien évidemment à la tête du championnat. Ses objectifs pour la prochaine course : « faire un autre Top 5, gagner de la vitesse et ramener la voiture intacte », dit le jeune Lessard. 

 

La prochaine course de Raphaël dans la série CARS Tour aura lieu le samedi 21 mai prochain au Southern National Speedway à Kenly, Caroline du Nord.

 

Nous vous invitons à visiter la page Facebook de Raphaël pour plus de détails et information sur le déroulement de ses sorties en piste, ou sur son compte Twitter @raphael_lessard. Pour des photosde Raphaël Lessard en action ou des documents de référence, veuillez cliquer sur ce lien Dropbox.

 

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Adam Turner Unveils a 2016 Paint Scheme to Honour His Fallen Brother

 

Adam Turner Unveils a 2016 Paint Scheme to Honour His Fallen Brother

By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media

 

The motorsports community is a strong brotherhood, but nowhere near as close as the bond that exists between actual family. Picton, Ontario's Adam Turner – who celebrated his 33rd birthday in March – is a second generation stock car racer. His father Paul is a member of Brighton Speedway. The father of 2 finished 7th in last year's point standings, while adding 3 more victories to his career feature win list – including his first Go Nuclear Series checkered flag – in the Pro Late Model division. 

 

During the May long weekend of 2006, Turner lost a good friend when his brother Justin passed away. As the new season of action got underway at the local 3rd of a mile clay oval, the likeable racer debuted a new paint scheme for his Lazer chassis by Bernheisel Racecars machine that paid tribute to the final car his older sibling ever raced.

 

"I'd thought about doing a car with this design for quite a while. I just hadn't said anything to anyone," admitted Turner. "Even my parents didn't really know until just before opening night. It was a secret worth keeping and turned out to be a very special time for everyone associated with our race team."

 

Adam Turner says there is nothing that he'd like better than to be able to honour his brother's memory with a track championship. Some changes made to their program over the winter and a 6thplace finish in the first main event of the year could very well help the team achieve its goal. The Prince Edward County racer says he'd also like to follow selected events on this year's Go Nuclear Late Model Series, as his schedule and resources allow.

 

Friendly, personable, good natured and quick-witted, Turner – who along with wife Stephanie recently announced the upcoming arrival of their 3rd child, due around the 15th of November – is well liked by the other drivers in the pit area. For 2016, his #92 machine is sponsored by Paul Turner Auto Repair, Village Variety & Gas Bar, The Work Gear, Lewis Lacrosse, Rez Boys Custom Wheels, Tires & Accessories, Angie's Pooper Pumping Septic Service, Limestone Limousine and Mark's County Chips. Team media and public relations services are handled by Clarke Motorsports Communications. 

 

"When I first got started in the sport, I was told to go out there and have fun. I've tried to maintain that attitude throughout my career," said Turner, who has also driven a street stock as well as DIRTcar Small Block and Sportsman Modified machines over the years. "We'll have good nights and we'll have bad nights during the year. Its important to remember that this isn't Daytona or Indianapolis and as long as we're able to roll the car into the trailer at the end of the night, everyone is happy."

 

Fans can follow the team throughout the season by liking the Adam Turner Racing 92 page at www.facebook.com.

 

Photo attachment: Rod Henderson, www.canadianracer.com

 

Picton, Ontario's Adam Turner is paying tribute to the memory of his brother Justin with the 2016 paint scheme on his #92 Brighton Speedway Pro Late Model.

 

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



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2016-05-08

Heywood Hooked Up

Heywood Hooked Up

 The 2016 racing season kicked off this past Saturday with a full racing card presented by Garrand's Motorsports. The main event was the first leg of the CAN/AM Challenge; a 75 lap event for the Ernie's Discount Tools Sportsman Modifieds.

Four-time defending track champion, Nick Heywood, picked up where he left off in 2015. The Plattsburgh native had a dominating performance, working to the lead on lap 5 and never looking back. The feature was slowed by four cautions, including one on lap 65, setting up a ten lap dash to the finish. Heywood was followed across the line by Plattsburgh's Bucko Branham, Mike Wells of West Chazy was third, Jamie Lafountain, and Danny Sullivan rounded out the top five. Greg Atkins and Jamy Begor picked up heat race victories.

The Jeffords Steel Renegades battled for 30 laps in their feature event. Milton, Vermont driver, Robert Gordon took the lead early, working the outside groove around the speedway. A lap-25 restart erased the four car length advantage that Gordon had built up. Gordon used the bottom of the track this time and cleared Morrisonville's Tylor Terry on lap-27 and went on to claim the first checkered flag of the season. Shawn Duquette, also of Morrisonville, finished in the third spot.  2015 track champion, Richie Turner, and Brent Jarvis rounded out the top five.  Turner, Terry and Duquette each picked up victories in the heat races.

 Dale O'Neil of Mooers picked up the victory in the Busch Beer Mini Mod Division. O'Neil led all but one lap en route to his first checkered flag of the season. Josh Laporte, Eddie Bresette, Tim Lafountain, and Robert Foley completed positions two through five.

Racing action resumes next Saturdayfor Spring Green 116 presented by Egglefield Ford and Interstate Batteries. This will be the only stop for the American Canadian Tour during the 2016 campaign. All of Airborne's weekly divisions will be in action. Post time is 5:00 PM. Admission will be $15 for Adults, $5 Kids (6-12), and $30 Family (2 Adults & 2 Kids).


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Sweet Holds Off Hebert for Merchants Bank 150 Win

         Sweet Holds Off Hebert for Merchants Bank 150 Win

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                         050816-26

 

<<ATTACHED PHOTO (IMG_5790.JPG): Barre's Nick Sweet (40VT) duels with Jimmy Hebert (58VT) and Scott Payea (37VT) on his way to victory in the Merchants Bank 150. (Alan Ward photo)>>

 

Barre, VT – Local racer Nick Sweet fended off Williamstown's Jimmy Hebert on a trio of late restarts to win the 18th American-Canadian Tour (ACT) Merchants Bank 150 at Barre's Thunder Road on Sunday, May 8.

 

Sweet, driving the #40VT Mad Dog Motorsports Chevrolet in place of his familiar #88VT Buick, first took the lead from Brook Clark on lap 14 and dominated the middle stages of the race. But a series of late spins allowed Hebert to draw alongside, and the former Tiger Sportsman track champion nosed ahead following restarts on laps 133 and 143.

 

But the two-time Thunder Road "King of the Road" was able to come back each time, and he easily cleared Hebert on the race's final restart with three laps to go. Sweet became the second three-time winner of the Merchants Bank 150.

 

Hebert settled for second, while Lee USA Speedway winner Scott Payea nipped Phil Scott at the line for third. Cody Blake, point leader Bobby Therrien, Dillon Moltz, Eddie MacDonald, Jason Corliss, and Brad Babb completed the top-10.

 

Cameron Ouellette earned his fourth career win in the Bond Auto Tiger Sportsman feature. Ouellette took the lead from fellow Barre driver Doug Crowningshield on lap nine of the caution-filled 30-lap event, then held off charges from "Double O" Joe Steffen and Crowningshield for the victory.

 

Mike Martin finished fourth, followed by Jason Woodard. Joel Hodgdon, Stephen Donahue, defending Champion Brendan Moodie, Mark Barnier, and rookie Kyle Streeter completed the top-10.

 

East Calais' Tyler Austin won his second straight Allen Lumber Street Stock season opener in their 25-lap feature. Austin grabbed the top spot from Reilly Lanphear on a lap-14 restart and powered away from the field.

 

Rookie Brandon Lanphear edged cousin Reilly for second. Greg Collette and Michael Gay snuck into fourth and fifth as the field scrambled through a last-lap crash. Kevin Streeter, Bunker Hodgdon, Alan Maynard, Kelsea Woodard, and Garry Bashaw were sixth through 10th.

 

The ACT Late Model Tour makes its annual visit to Plattsburgh, NY's Airborne Park Speedway for the Spring Green 116 this Saturday, May 14.Post time for the event is 5:00pm. Thunder Road will host a special Sunday weekly event on Sunday, May 22 sponsored by Harvest Equipment, featuring the annual Kids Rides with a 1:00pm post time.

 

For more information contact the ACT and Thunder Road offices at 802-244-6963, media@acttour.com, or visit www.acttour.com or www.thunderroadspeedbowl.com.

 

ACT LATE MODEL TOUR

MERCHANTS BANK 150

UNOFFICIAL RESULTS

Pos, Start Pos, Driver, (Car #), Hometown, Laps 

  1. ( 4 ) Nick Sweet ( 40VT ) , Barre, VT , 150 Laps
  2. ( 3 ) Jimmy Hebert ( 58VT ) , Williamstown, VT , 150 Laps
  3. ( 15 ) Scott Payea ( 37VT ) , Miton, VT , 150 Laps
  4. ( 13 ) Phil Scott ( 14VT ) , Middlesex, VT , 150 Laps
  5. ( 11 ) Cody Blake ( 99VT ) , Barre, VT , 150 Laps
  6. ( 8 ) Bobby Therrien ( 5VT ) , Hinesburg, VT , 150 Laps
  7. ( 20 ) Dillon Moltz ( 5CT ) , Waterford, CT , 150 Laps
  8. ( 12 ) Eddie MacDonald ( 17MA ) , Rowley, MA , 150 Laps
  9. ( 5 ) Jason Corliss ( 66VT ) , Barre, VT , 150 Laps
  10. ( 24 ) Brad Babb ( 15NH ) , Windham, ME , 150 Laps
  11. ( 27 ) Scott Dragon ( 16VT ) , Milton, VT , 150 Laps
  12. ( 17 ) Luke Hinkley ( 31NH ) , Claremont, NH , 150 Laps
  13. ( 6 ) Kyle Welch ( 9NH ) , Newport, NH , 150 Laps
  14. ( 18 ) Brandon Atkins ( 4NY ) , AuSable Forks, NY , 150 Laps
  15. ( 23 ) Trampas Demers ( 85VT ) , S. Burlington, VT , 150 Laps
  16. ( 28 ) Rowland Robinson, Jr. ( 28ME ) , Steuben, ME , 150 Laps
  17. ( 1 ) Boomer Morris ( 13VT ) , Barre, VT , 150 Laps
  18. ( 19 ) Shawn Fleury ( 31VT ) , Middlesex, VT , 150 Laps
  19. ( 14 ) Mike Ziter ( 54VT ) , Barre, VT , 150 Laps
  20. ( 9 ) Wayne Helliwell, Jr. ( 27NH ) , Dover, NH , 150 Laps
  21. ( 10 ) Tyler Cahoon ( 38VT ) , Danville, VT , 150 Laps
  22. ( 25 ) Emily Packard ( 9ME ) , E. Montpelier, VT , 150 Laps
  23. ( 2 ) Brooks Clark ( 68VT ) , Fayston, VT , 150 Laps
  24. ( 30 ) Mark Hudson ( 82MA ) , Norton, MA , 148 Laps
  25. ( 21 ) #Devin O'Connell ( 1VT ) , Madison, CT , 144 Laps
  26. ( 26 ) Jason Allen ( 29VT ) , Barre, VT , 103 Laps
  27. ( 16 ) Darrell Morin ( 17VT ) , Westford, VT , 49 Laps
  28. ( 22 ) Rich Dubeau ( 30NH ) , Lebanon, NH , 35 Laps
  29. ( 7 ) Todd Davis ( 34NH ) , Claremont, NH , 33 Laps
  30. ( 29 ) Quinny Welch ( 78NH ) , Lancaster, NH , 30 Laps

 

 

 

BOND AUTO TIGER SPORTSMEN

UNOFFICIAL RESULTS

Pos, Driver, (Car #), Hometown

  1. Cameron Ouellette ( 90 ) Barre, VT
  2. Joe Steffen ( 00 ) Grand Isle, VT
  3. Doug CrowningshIEld ( 14 ) Barre, VT
  4. Mike Martin ( 01 ) Craftsbury Common, VT
  5. Jason Woodard ( 68 ) Waterbury Ctr., VT
  6. Joel Hodgdon ( 36 ) Craftsbury Commons, VT
  7. Stephen Donahue ( 26 ) Graniteville, VT
  8. Brendan Moodie ( 94 ) Wolcott, VT
  9. Mark Barnier ( 0 ) Essex Jct., VT
  10. #Kyle Streeter ( 22 ) Waitsfield, VT
  11. John C. Lambert ( 8 ) Northfield, VT
  12. #Kevin Dodge ( 88 ) Barre, VT
  13. Sid Sweet ( 51 ) Williamstown, VT
  14. Brian Delphia ( 25 ) Duxbury, VT
  15. Brent Currier ( 1 ) Morrisville, VT
  16. Thomas Smith ( 50 ) Williamstown, VT
  17. Shawn Powell ( 40 ) Jericho, VT
  18. Shannon Tomasovich ( 71 ) Milton, VT

 

ALLEN LUMBER STREET STOCKS

UNOFFICIAL RESULTS

Pos, Driver, (Car #), Hometown

  1. Tyler Austin ( 5 ) E. Calais, VT
  2. #Brandon Lanphear ( 11 ) Morrisville, VT
  3. Reilly Lanphear ( 21 ) Duxbury, VT
  4. Greg Collette ( 33 ) Milton, VT
  5. Michael Gay ( 3 ) So. Burlington, VT
  6. Kevin Streeter ( 67 ) Waitsfield, VT
  7. Bunker Hodgdon lll ( 83 ) Hardwick, VT
  8. Alan Maynard ( 10 ) Fairfax, VT
  9. #Kelsea Woodard ( 55 ) Waterbury Ctr., VT
  10. Garry Bashaw ( 4 ) Lincoln, VT
  11. Jamon Perry ( 62 ) Hardwick, VT
  12. Keith Fortier ( 35 ) Hinesburg, VT
  13. Jennifer Getty ( 25 ) Cambridge, VT
  14. Gary Mullen ( 29 ) Tunbridge, VT
  15. Jamie Davis ( 43 ) Wolcott, VT
  16. Jaden Perry ( 92 ) Hardwick, VT
  17. #Peyton Lanphear ( 22 ) Duxbury, VT
  18. Patrick Tibbetts ( 48 ) Barre, VT
  19. Peter Bert, Jr. ( 82 ) Johnson, VT
  20. Dave Whitcomb ( 77 ) Morrisville, VT
  21. Kelly Miller, Jr. ( 0 ) Johnson, VT
  22. Thomas Chamberlain ( 66 ) Johnson, VT
  23. #Cooper Bouchard ( 7 ) Hinesburg, VT
  24. Matthew Smith ( 04 ) Essex Jct., VT

DNS Richard Gravel ( 68 ) Wolcott, VT

DNS Thomas Merchant ( 38 ) Eden Mills, VT

DNS William Hennequin ( 47 ) Hardwick, VT

 

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2016-05-03

JF DUMOULIN PARAPHE UN PARTENARIAT D’ENVERGURE AVEC SPECTRA PREMIUM

JF DUMOULIN PARAPHE UN PARTENARIAT D'ENVERGURE AVEC SPECTRA PREMIUM

 

Les ingénieurs de Spectra Premium s'associent à Dumoulin Compétition dans le développement de radiateurs

 

Laval (Québec, Canada), le 28 avril 2016 – Pour la première fois dans la série NASCAR Pinty's, Dumoulin Compétition annonce cet après-midi une entente d'envergure entre le pilote de renom Jean-François Dumoulin et Les Industries Spectra Premium, un manufacturier et distributeur québécois de pièces automobiles, pour la saison 2016. La performance, la passion et la persévérance permettent à Jean-François Dumoulin de concrétiser ce partenariat et de participer, dans un premier temps, à six épreuves du championnat au volant de la Dodge #04 Spectra Premium/ Bernier Crépeau/ Bellemare / MIA (calendrier détaillé en page 4). De plus, les ingénieurs de Spectra Premium collaboreront étroitement avec les équipiers de Dumoulin Compétition afin de développer un radiateur adapté pour la voiture de Jean-Francois Dumoulin.

 

« C'est en 2014 que j'ai eu la chance de rencontrer pour la première fois Jean-François lors d'un événement et, depuis ce temps, j'ai été captivé par son professionnalisme jumelé à de très grandes qualités humaines. Toute l'équipe de Spectra Premium est enthousiaste de mettre son expertise au service du développement d'un nouveau produit performant, dans ce partenariat avec Dumoulin Compétition. Jean-François est né au volant d'une voiture et son engouement fait de lui un représentant exemplaire de la marque Spectra Premium », précise Jason Best, Vice-président senior, marché secondaire de Spectra Premium.

 

« C'est un tournant important pour moi et pour Dumoulin Compétition. Plusieurs entreprises sont avec nous depuis des années et l'ajout de Spectra Premium consolide notre place d'équipe de pointe en Série NASCAR Pinty's. La venue de Spectra Premium nous a permis d'ajouter des ressources dans l'atelier en ingénierie et développement pour améliorer le niveau de performance de la voiture. Je suis vraiment fier de porter les couleurs de Spectra Premium et de représenter des produits fiables, de qualité, fabriqués au Québec », partage avec enthousiasme Jean-François Dumoulin.

 

Origine du partenariat

Jean-Paul Blais, reconnu dans le monde du sport automobile notamment à titre de président de Player's Ltée, de la Filière Player's (1995 à 2000) et du Grand Prix F1 du Canada (2002 à 2004), a initié la première rencontre en 2014 entre Jean-François Dumoulin et les dirigeants de Spectra Premium.

 

Vers la fin de la saison 1995, Jean-François Dumoulin est remarqué par les recruteurs de la Filière Player's (Formule Ford et Atlantique). Il devient un des plus jeunes pilotes de la légendaire Filière à être pressenti comme un sérieux candidat pour le titre de champion en Formule Ford (saisons 1996 et 1997). Démontrant de la maturité autant en piste que hors-piste, combiné à son talent, celui que l'on a surnommé le Kid a su laisser sa trace en compétitionnant avec détermination auprès des vétérans.

 

La synergie entre les objectifs et les valeurs ont mené à la concrétisation d'un partenariat d'affaires en 2015, lors de l'événement le plus convoité de la saison, le Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières. Tout était en place pour créer le momentum pour une association performante. Les discussions se sont poursuivies depuis et, avec une vision commune à long terme, Spectra Premium et le pilote de la voiture #04 Spectra Premium / Bernier Crépeau / Bellemare / MIA forment une équipe de confiance.

 

« Avec l'appui de Spectra Premium, nous travaillons pour bâtir notre propre écurie et grâce à l'expertise technique et l'inspiration d'une entreprise familiale, québécoise, qui fait sa marque à travers le monde, cela nous donne l'élan dont nous avions besoin pour passer à une autre vitesse », poursuit celui qui a remporté à deux reprises les 24 heures de Daytona.

 

Préparation mécanique : Robin McCluskey, chef d'équipe #04 Spectra Premium / Bernier Crépeau / Bellemare / MIA

En 2016, Dumoulin Compétition passe à une autre étape qui nécessite un support spécialisé pour la préparation des voitures. Grâce à l'achat des deux voitures en 2015 par Eric Kerub (Motorsports In Action), Jean-François Dumoulin a eu l'opportunité de faire ses armes sur circuits ovales dans la série NASCAR Pinty's. L'objectif 2016 est de potentialiser la performance avec la collaboration de Robin McCluskey, chef d'équipe de la voiture #04 Spectra Premium / Bernier Crépeau / Bellemare / MIA.

 

Robin McCluskey a commencé sa carrière dans l'Ouest Canadien en tant que pilote dans une série régionale. Issue d'une famille dans le monde de la course automobile, il suit les traces de son père et son oncle en développant une expertise dans la fabrication de châssis performants chez McColl, Levitt et, ces dernières années, avec White Motorsports.

 

« Robin est vraiment un atout pour l'équipe, tant au niveau de son expertise que dans la logistique. Nous mettons tout en œuvre pour développer des voitures performantes », explique avec aplomb l'instructeur de pilotage à l'international, Jean-François Dumoulin.

 

Ouverture de la saison 2016 – Série NASCAR Pinty's

Le premier départ de la saison 2016 aura lieu le 22 mai prochain au Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (The Victoria Day Speedfest). « J'ai vraiment hâte de commencer la saison au CTMP avec la voiture développée par l'équipe de confiance #04 Spectra Premium / Bernier Crépeau / Bellemare / MIA, je suis certain qu'on pourra offrir des performances à la hauteur », mentionne avec engouement Jean-François Dumoulin. 

« Passion – Performance – Partenariats »

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Saturday Night’s Alright for Racing at Brockville Ontario Speedway

Saturday Night's Alright for Racing at Brockville Ontario Speedway

By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media



 

Motorsports enthusiasts have never been known for their patience. They're attracted to action and fueled by the performance they see on the racetrack. After an uncharacteristically mild winter – especially by Canadian standards – Brockville Ontario Speedway supporters will have their patience rewarded, as the 2016 campaign takes the green flag Saturday, May 14th. Track owner and promoter Paul Kirkland says it'll be an exciting year for fans and race teams alike.

 

"I've heard people describe this as a season of change and you only need to look as far as our Facebook page or Twitter feed to understand why," said Kirkland. "We have drivers who are making the switch from Sportsman to Modifieds, from karts to the Rookie Sportsman class and even some teams who'll be running here weekly for the first time in years…or the first time ever."

 

Kirkland says that a strong start – as early as opening night – can be the first step toward a championship winning season. This year's lid-lifter, Saturday, May 14th, presented by 103.7 BOB-FM, Kayden Construction and Kitley Collision features the DIRTcar 358 Modifieds and Sportsman Mods. Rookie Sportsman, Street Stock, Mini Stock and Outlaw Vintage divisions. As with most Saturday nights, spectator gates will open at 5:00, with green flag action at 7:00.

 

Throughout the calendar, The BOS will host a number of special events, starting with the annual Ogilvie's Auto & Fleet Triple Crown Series for Small Block and Sportsman Modifieds – May 28th, June 25th and August 6th. There will also be a pair of visits by the Patriot Sprint Tour – July 16th and August 20th – and the season wraps-up with the annual 1000 Islands RV DIRTcar Northeast Fall Nationals – Friday and Saturday, October 14th and 15th.

 

Saturday night short track news: Even in a season of change, some things are destined to remain the same. The price for a season grandstand admission pass remains at $195 – the same price as last year – for 18 Saturday night events, excluding the Fall Nationals…Another of this year's changes – designed to make a night at the speedway more affordable for families – will see children 14 and under admitted free, with an adult…After returning to the team late last season, Tim O'Brien will be back at the wheel Jim's Performance #88 Modified for the entire season.

 

Full details on the 2016 schedule can always be found by visitingwww.brockvillespeedway.com. Like the Brockville Ontario Speedway page atwww.facebook.com and follow the track on Twitter for the latest news and information throughout the year.

 

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

 

Dylan Evoy (#83) who took the title last year and 2013 & 2014 track champion Shane Pecore pace the Sportsman Modified pack to the line at The BOS. Brockville Ontario Speedway's 2016 season opens Saturday, May 14th.

 

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


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Next Era of Racing Ready to Begin at Devil’s Bowl Speedway in 2016





ATTACHED PHOTOS (credit MemorEvents): Devil's Bowl Speedway in West Haven, Vt., will host full schedules of asphalt and dirt racing in 2016.
 
 
Next Era of Racing Ready to Begin at Devil's Bowl Speedway in 2016

New schedule to see Vermont track host full-time asphalt and dirt racing in 50th season

 

For Immediate Release                                                                                                                                                                                 DBS-050216-1

 

WEST HAVEN, Vt. – Transformation has been almost constant at Devil's Bowl Speedway in its first 49 seasons, and the Vermont track's 50th summer in 2016 will continue the trend.  Since its opening, the speedway has seen action shift from natural Slate Valley clay to asphalt – and back again – twice.  As both a nod to the past and a look toward the future, the facility will host races on both surfaces on a full-time basis this year for the first time.

A brief history: Founder C.J. Richards built Devil's Bowl Speedway in 1967 as a half-mile dirt track before paving it in 1971.  The clay returned in 1975 and remained for the next 35 seasons, and then Richards repaved the track in 2010.  Mike and Alayne Bruno began promoting the track in 2012 and have grown the asphalt program as part of the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series, but also realized that many local fans missed the dirt.

In response, a new 3/10-mile dirt track was constructed inside the asphalt oval, and eight races were run during a trial period in 2014-15.  After learning the quirks of the new layout, both the asphalt and dirt tracks got the green light to each hold full seasons of NASCAR-sanctioned racing in 2016 – a "best of both worlds" scenario.

For the 50th season, the biggest change is the schedule itself.  Racing has moved to an earlier6:00 p.m. start so that most events will end around 9:00 p.m. and allow fans and racers to return home earlier.  Weekly asphalt events, 14 in all, have been moved to Saturday nights – instead ofFriday nights in recent years – to better accommodate fans and racers during the work week.  And in keeping with a tradition that was held for most of the "dirt years" at Devil's Bowl, the 13-race schedule for the dirt track will see Sunday night racing at 6:00 p.m.

"I've always felt that if you keep doing the same things over and over every year, the product becomes boring and stale," Devil's Bowl promoter Mike Bruno said.  "We have exciting racing, but we saw the need to shake things up a little bit.  We're really excited to kick off the 50th season at Devil's Bowl in a couple weeks."

The rulebooks for both surfaces are virtually identical in the Sportsman Modified, Renegade, and Mini Stock divisions, and a dual NASCAR sanction means double the post-season money. Several drivers in each class have indicated that they will race full-time on one surface and at least part-time on the other, and Modified veterans Vince Quenneville Jr., Billy Lussier, and Jackie Brown Jr. have each committed to running all 27 events.

The asphalt oval opens on Saturday, May 21 at 6:00 p.m., and the dirt track opens onSunday, May 22 at 6:00 p.m.  Each track will have kids bicycle races, 50-lap Modified features, and lots of other action.

Devil's Bowl Speedway is located on Route 22A in West Haven, Vt., four miles north of Exit 2 off of U.S. Route 4 and just 20 minutes from Rutland, Vt.  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.

-30-


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Pratiques 2016 à l'Autodrome Granby

1er mai 2016,

 

 

 

 

 

Pour diffusion immédiate

 

 

Objet : Pratiques 2016 à l'Autodrome Granby

 

- Autodrome Granby. À la journée de pratique du 30 avril 2016 à l'Autodrome Granby, il y avait près d'une centaine de voitures de nos quatre catégories régulières soit Sport Compact, Prostock, Sportsman et Modifié et près d'une trentaine de bolides de série et d'enduro : Lightning Sprint, Modlite, Sling Shot, STR et ESS.

 

Modifié

 

Une vingtaine de Modifiés étaient sur place, dont le gros-bloc de Yan Bussière, les trois voitures ONE et les recrues Mathieu Desjardins #1M et Mikael Labrèche #99. Desjardins habitué à la piste dont il a été champion Sportsman en 2014 a fait le sixième temps, le cinquième puis le troisième s'améliorant à chaque période de pratique. Yan Bussière #21 est allé chercher le meilleur temps de la pratique initiale, Michaël Parent #25 la deuxième et Dominic Dufault #63 la troisième.

 

Sportsman

 

Nous vous avons présenté sur le site l'Autodrome Granby les nouveaux André Manny #35, François Adam #01, Jonny Allaire #21, Kevin Berthiaume #1K et Manuel Piette #14. S'ajoutent à eux un ancien pilote de 4 cylindres à Saint-Valère, Junior Mailhot #101 tandis que Steve Nadeau #94 et Jean-François Lussier #40 font leur retour dans la classe. Lussier a d'ailleurs marqué le temps de la première pratique. Alexandre Salvas #8 a eu le meilleur de la deuxième pratique et Matthieu Laramée dans le 91P piloté dans les deux premières pratiques par son père, a fait le plus vite du groupe dans la troisième période d'essai.

 

Prostock

 

En plus de Dominik Blais #45, Jeffrey Lapalme #88, qui s'étaient déjà manifestés comme nouveaux, on retrouve Yves Hamel, pilote d'Enduro dans la catégorie. Notre champion défendant Jocelyn Roy a eu le dessus sur les autres lors des trois pratiques.

 

Sport Compact

 

Tel qu'annoncé Benoit Bérubé #7 et Éric Lequin #27 sont revenus à la course de même que Nancy Landry dans son #D1. Jean-Philippe Tétreault #89X se greffe au groupe des nouveaux formés de Luc Biron #71, Marc-André Leduc #96, Gabriel Marquis #22, Shawn Côté #4, Claude Cournoyer #47, Jean-Philippe Guay #09J et Joanie Raymond #15. Guillaume Daoust #24 a été le plus rapide dans les sessions de pratique 1 et 3 alors qu'Alain Poirier #3 s'en est occupé dans la deuxième.

 

 

Lightning Sprint

 

Jordan Poirier #28P et son père Yannick #28 ont dominé les pratiques, Jordan la première et troisième et Yannick la deuxième. Guillaume Neiderer #51 champion défendant Lightning Sprint a aussi fait l'essai de son ESS. Charles Bélanger #71 était la seule recrue sur place, mais on ne pouvait le manquer avec son habit anti-feu acheté du Modifié Matt Sheppard!

 

Mod Lite

 

Martin Fleurent #88, président de l'Association Mod Lite a atteint les sommets dans les pratiques #1 et #3 alors que Benjamin Cartier #22 a pris d'assaut la deuxième. Les recrues Kevin Parenteau #10 et Alysson Prince #56 ont fait leurs premiers tours de piste.

 

STR

 

Pas de résultat pour le moment, car seul Antoine Parent #17 était équipé d'un transpondeur. Par contre viennent grossir le groupe des Revstar STR :  Sébastien Couture #03, Gaby Tétreault #55, Manuel Messier #63, Jérémy Roy #90 et Sébastien Bélanger #99. On pouvait voir deux voitures pour Jonathan Archambault : son rapide #24 qui avait remporté les deux finales l'an dernier en fin de saison et un #42.

 

 

C'est un rendez-vous chez nous le 13 mai prochain pour la soirée d'ouverture officielle !

 

Bonne saison !

 

Caroline Champigny

Relationniste de l'Autodrome Granby.

 

 

 


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2016-04-30

Weather Forces Postponement of Merchants Bank 150

Weather Forces Postponement of Merchants Bank 150

                                                     

Rescheduled for Sunday May 8

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                         ACT-043016-24

 

Waterbury, VT –The dismal forecast for Sunday May 1 has forced Thunder Road Speedbowl to postpone the Merchants Bank 150. The race has been rescheduled for Sunday May 8, post time set for 2:00pm.

 

 More than 40 ACT Late Model teams were expected to try and qualify including defending  2015 ACT Champion Wayne Helliwell Jr. of Dover, NH, along with 2015 Merchants Bank champion Brad Babb and multi-feature winner Nick Sweet.

 

Almost 70 Late Models, Tiger Sportsman and Street Stocks lined Main Street in Barre, VT for the annual car show on Saturday April 30. Race Fans were able to check-out the new race cars and meet the drivers, before the parade up Quarry Hill to the "Nations Site of Excitement". Drivers were able to get in practice on Saturday and will be ready to go on Sunday May 8, for the running of the 18th Merchants Bank 150.

 

 

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

 

 

 

-30-

 

 


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Wade Purchase Re-Tools in a Charge Toward the 2016 Pro Stock Crown

Wade Purchase Re-Tools in a Charge Toward the 2016 Pro Stock Crown





By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media

Brighton Speedway's new season of action is underway and after some late night's at their Prince Edward Country shop, Wade Purchase is ready to rock. With a year of running the fan favourite 1962 Chevrolet Belair in the rear-view mirror, the team has converted the #53 machine – that finished 5th in the final 2015 point standings, after suffering engine problems in the final double points night of the year – into a more conventional Monte Carlo bodied ride.

"The Belair got a lot of attention at the track and on social media," said the 20 year-old second generation speedster. "While the car was a fun project for us to put together, it was a much heavier than the others in the field and wasn't as competitive as we had hoped. Still, after being awarded the Pro Stock division's best appearing car and getting nominated as one of the best appearing in the province, we deemed the experiment as a success. Now, its time to focus on the future."

Switching to a body kit that will blend-in with a highly competitive field at the popular local clay oval, Wade Purchase – who'll be entering his 4th season of action – says he's looking forward to getting back behind the wheel.

With Mat Purchase – the driver's father and crew chief – calling the shots and orchestrating the switch, team members Kali Michael, Stephanie Purchase, Travis Coates, Jessy Doornbos, Katie McKinley and Kevin Rallison are also helping to get things ready for battle. Wade Purchase says that no success on the track comes without some teamwork behind the scenes and its great to have so many people pitching-in to make sure he's ready for opening night.

 

"There is always a lot to do and my entire team is putting in some long hours in the shop," said the driver. "It seems like a lot of work now, but every second we've spent tweaking body panels and fitting pieces together will all have its own reward when we're relaxing after a strong run after the year's first main event."

For 2016, the #53 Purchase Racing Pro Stock will be proudly supported by Independent Alternator & Starter, Team Re/Max Real Estate of Wellington, K-D Transmissions, PartSource, Millpond Music & Entertainment, Tag Ironworks & Fabrication, The Vinyl Solution and Dino's Pizza. Team media and promotional services are provided by Clarke Motorsports Communications.

Follow the team throughout the season by liking 'Wade Purchase Racing' at www.facebook.com.

Photo attachment: Wade Purchase Racing collection

With a brand new look for new season, the #53 Pro Stock of Wade Purchase is set to content for the 2016 track championship at Brighton Speedway.

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


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Team 33 s’implique en Sport Compact Élite

Communiqué pour diffusion immédiate

Le 29 avril 2016, Vallée-Jonction

 



Team 33 s'implique en Sport Compact Élite

Après l'annonce faite récemment qui annonçait la venue de 2 partenaires pour des bonis de courses à chaque programme soit Jack Performance et Équipe Sportsman Qc 67 Dominic Jacques nous sommes très heureux de vous annoncer l'implication d'une autre équipe qui a fait ses débuts en Sport Compact Élite soit le Team #33 Philippe Poulin.

En effet, le pilote de Saint-Prosper et son équipe ont décidé de s'impliquer afin de supporter le développement en remettant la somme de 33$ à la meilleure recrue en finale à chaque programme. Un prix représentatif pour l'équipe qui a remporté le championnat Sportsman Qc Lucas Oil en 2014.

Cette saison, l'Autodrome Chaudière accueillera parmi ses pilotes Sport Compact Élite 7 recrues soient; #9 Gabrielle Lamontagne, #12 Mario Perron, #29 Danny Groleau, #46 Carl Genois, #51 Jeff Côté, #92 Kim Ouellette et finalement le #113 Samuel Boyer.

Un 3e prix de soirée qui vient confirmer l'importance pour le promoteur, André Poulin, d'aller chercher le maximum pour les pilotes régionales et qui démontre l'implication de ses deux équipes de la Série Sportsman Qc de redonner à une classe qui leur a permis d'évoluer en stock-car.

Premier rendez-vous de la saison samedi prochain, le 7 mai pour les séances de pratiques et d'inspections. Une journée où nombreux seront les amateurs présents impatients de voir le début de la saison arriver!

Marie-Claude Levasseur, Relationniste


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2016-04-29

22 RACING & SCOTT STECKLY TO FIELD THREE TEAMS AT CTMP IN MAY

 

 

 

For Immediate Release

 

 

22 RACING & SCOTT STECKLY TO FIELD THREE TEAMS AT CTMP IN MAY

 

Scott Steckly Expands Role as Team Owner

 

 

Friday April 29, 2016:  Four time NASCAR Pintys Series Champion (2008, 2011, 2013 & 2015) Scott Steckly will be at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park for the opening event of the 2016 season, however it will be in a slightly different role than in the past. Steckly will field three teams as a team owner and not a driver.

Steckly is one of only three drivers to have made all 109 starts in the NASCAR Pintys Series to date.  "I am not saying I have finished with competing as you never know what can happen," said Steckly from his shop in Milverton, Ontario.  "However I can honestly say I feel I have proved everything I need to as a driver even though you never lose the drive to win, so if my helmet is hung up for good then I will fill this new role and do what's best for the business of 22 Racing."

 

Returning full time out of the 22 Racing shop for the third year will be former Indy 500 pole sitter Alex Tagliani in the #18 Epi Pen car. Tagliani will miss the opening event as a driver due to his duties preparing for the Indy 500. The replacement driver for him will be announced at a later date. Follow Alex Tagliani on his website at www.tagliani.com or on Twitter @Tagliani or @TagAutosport.

Racing in the #46 entry in 2016 will be Brett Taylor from Calgary, Alberta.  Taylor will compete in the 22 Racing fielded #46 car for four events including, CTMP in May and September as well as Toronto Indy and GP3R.  Taylor is coming off a successful season in the CACC series where he won Rookie of the Year. For more information on Brett Taylor visitwww.bretttaylorracing.com or follow on Twitter @brett_taylor46.

Seventeen-year-old Kaz Grala from the NASCAR K & N Pro Series East will debut in the #22 car at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park on May 21/22.  Grala hails from Westborough, Mass.  He has raced in the K & N Pro Series East since 2014 and has posted a career high second place finish at Dover in 2014 and Virginia in 2015. For more information on Kaz Grala check out his website www.kazgrala.com or follow on Twitter @KazGrala or on Facebook KazGralaRacing.

Donald Theetge of Boischatel, QC will drive a 22 Racing entry at the second NASCAR Pintys Series event at Autodrome Chaudiere on Saturday June 11th.  Theetge is a two-time ACT Series Champion and is the Tour's all-time winningest driver.  Follow Theetge on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/Donald.Theetge

Steckly continues the search for partners in 2016. "If a sponsorship opportunity comes along I would definitely get back in the car as I know I can still win races and championships for my partners," commented Steckly. "But for right this moment my team is focused on giving these drivers cars they can win with in the upcoming two events."

 

The 22 Racing Team is supported by the following sponsors:  Erb Group of Companies, AW Millwrights, Sturdy Formed Concrete, Reefer Sales, Wendell Motors, Twin City Graphics, Lincoln Electric, Auto Glym, Mechanix Wear, Great Dane Glasvan, Safety Kleen & Permatex.

 

Fans can follow the team on Twitter @22RacingTeam or you can Like the 22RacingTeam Fan Page on Facebook. 

 

The NASCAR Pintys Series is made up of 12 events across Canada with events in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia.  A notable addition to the 2016 schedule is the Toronto Honda Indy July 14-16th. 

 

For more information on the NASCAR Pintys Series please visit www.hometracks.nascar.com

 

For more information on 22 Racing please contact:
Linda Jones

705-730-4044

ljones@drivenmi.com


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