2019-01-17

NASCAR Names Jay Fabian Monster Energy NASCAR Series Cup Series Managing Director


NASCAR Names Jay Fabian

Monster Energy NASCAR Series Cup Series Managing Director

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (January 16, 2019) – NASCAR has named industry veteran Jay Fabian as its Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Managing Director.

 

A respected leader within the garage area, Fabian previously served as the managing director of technical integration at NASCAR, where he oversaw post-race technical inspection at the NASCAR Research and Development Center in Concord, N.C. A consistent presence in all three NASCAR national series garages, Fabian's versatile career has included roles as an over-the-wall crew member, a crew chief and, now, the managing director of NASCAR's premier series.

 

"With his vast experience across the industry, Jay Fabian is uniquely suited for this position," said Steve O'Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer. "Jay's steady leadership and depth of knowledge are tremendous assets that will greatly benefit the series and all of NASCAR."

 

Prior to joining NASCAR in April 2016, the Everett, Penn., native worked at Michael Waltrip Racing. During his 10-year tenure, MWR teams qualified for the NASCAR Playoffs in 2012, 2013 and 2015.

 

"This is a fast-paced sport that is constantly evolving, and I'm thankful for this opportunity and eager to take on the challenge," Fabian said. "Racing has been my passion for as long as I can remember. There is growing anticipation for the 2019 season, and I'm looking forward to being a part of an outstanding team that will help build our sport."

 

Fabian, with more than 25 years of motorsports experience, and NASCAR's two other national series managing directors – Wayne Auton (NASCAR Xfinity Series) and Brad Moran (NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series) – will report directly to Scott Miller, NASCAR senior vice president of competition.

 

About NASCAR

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States. NASCAR consists of three national series (Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR Xfinity Series™, and NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series™), three regional series, one local grassroots series, three international series and the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA). The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. Based in Daytona Beach, Fla., with offices in eight cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races in more than 30 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico and Europe. For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat ('NASCAR').

 

Contact:                                                                                              

Mike Forde

NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communications


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 17.1.19 0 comments

STONERIDGE SPECIALTY INSURANCE RETURNS AS PRIMARY SPONSOR OF THE SHORT TRACK AND DRAG RACING NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS AT MOTORAMA


STONERIDGE SPECIALTY INSURANCE RETURNS AS PRIMARY SPONSOR OF 
THE SHORT TRACK AND DRAG RACING NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS AT MOTORAMA

March 8, 9 & 10, 2019 at Toronto's International Centre

 

Stoneridge LogoTORONTO, ON // JANUARY 16, 2019 • The Motorama Custom Car & Motorsports Expo is heading into its fifth year. And that means Stoneridge Specialty Insurance will also be celebrating its first half-decade as Canada's pre-eminent motorsports insurance company.

Stoneridge 'launched' at the inaugural Motorama show, back in 2015, and has been a fixture at – and major supporter of – the show, ever since.

In addition to having a booth in the Hall 1B 'racing area' of Motorama, where its staff can connect with the many tracks, series and racers who make up its prime market, the Ancaster, Ontario-based company is returning as the title sponsor of the Stoneridge Short Track and Drag Racing Night of Champions at Motorama.

These popular awards presentations take place on The Rust-Oleum Stage in Hall 2. Starting late in the afternoon on Saturday, March 9, more than 125 short track and straight-line racers – all of whom won full-season points championships in 2018 – are expected to be honoured in front of their fans, families, crews, supporters and peers. Having so many Canadian track and series champions celebrated in one location, at one time, is a unique event in the world of racing.

While Stoneridge is broadening the range of risks it covers, the Motorama show is a natural fit for the company as it offers an ideal opportunity to interact with its core constituency. Although it's entering its fifth year under the Stoneridge banner, the company's principals have been involved in the motorsports insurance business for much longer than that.

Stoneridge President Kevin Besta is proud to offer the widest range of insurance products specifically designed to protect virtually everyone associated with motorsports and the show gives him and his team a chance to educate the racing community about their products and services, discuss updates and changes to the industry and to forge new relationships.

"We offer coverage that includes on-track physical damage, off-track and storage of vehicles, and storage and transit," said Kevin Besta. "And, if they're interested, liability insurance. In addition to personal contact, our online presence – at StoneridgeSpecialty.ca – is another medium through which we can educate our customers as we look for opportunities to grow that space. I'll see on forums and discussion boards that there are people who aren't aware that these products exist, so that's our goal and challenge. And being at Motorama is part of that effort."

Stoneridge currently insures approximately 90 percent of Canada's racing facilities, offering personal and liability coverage for anything that features motor-propelled vehicles in competition.

The Besta family, father Kevin and his sons Kory and Kody, will be staffing the Stoneridge Specialty Insurance booth at Motorama, each prepared to expose and explain any unforeseen risks that may result in financial issues from unfortunate incidents and offering a variety of insurance solutions, including their online purchasing options.

"Since introducing Stoneridge Specialty Insurance at the first Motorama show, it's been an effective and enjoyable way to kick off our season and to connect with the Canadian promoters, track owners and racers," said Kory Besta. "Our support of the Stoneridge Short Track and Drag Racing Night of Champions is our way of giving back to the sport. It's a great event, we love racing and we're happy to be part of it."

Discussing the show's unique history and relationship with Stoneridge, Motorama co-promoter David Weber said, "Since we started Motorama, Kevin Besta and his team at Stoneridge Specialty Insurance have been an integral partner, supporting so many aspects of the show. They handle all of our insurance needs. And they're an exhibitor and a sponsor, putting support behind the Stoneridge Short Track and Drag Racing Night of Champions. It's a great relationship and we look forward to working with them again this year as they celebrate their fifth anniversary."


ABOUT STONERIDGE SPECIALTY INSURANCE: Stoneridge Specialty Insurance offers the widest range of both personal and liability products that are specifically designed to protect motorsports associations, facilities, teams, individuals and special events. Details regarding available coverage and rates can be found on their website at www.stoneridgespecialty.ca or by calling their Ancaster, Ontario offices at (226) 318-1744.

 

ABOUT THE MOTORAMA CUSTOM CAR & MOTORSPORTS EXPO: The fifth annual Motorama Custom Car & Motorsports Expo takes place March 8, 9 & 10, 2019 at The International Centre, across from Toronto's Pearson International Airport. The show features more than 330,000 square feet of custom cars, hot rods, racing vehicles of all kinds, tuners, displays and exhibitors. Motorama is Canada's biggest late-winter celebration of automobiles and motorsports. For information about the show, including tickets, sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities, and more, call (416) 962-7223, email info@MotoramaShow.com or visitwww.MotoramaShow.com.

 


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 17.1.19 0 comments

Vermont 200 Moves to Labor Day Weekend at Devil’s Bowl Speedway


ATTACHED PHOTO: Brett Hearn celebrates his win in the Interstate All Battery Center Vermont 200 at Devil's Bowl Speedway last summer; the event moves to Labor Day weekend in 2019.  (Alan Ward photo)


Vermont 200 Moves to Labor Day Weekend at Devil's Bowl Speedway

New England's biggest dirt race will be even bigger in 2019

 

For Immediate Release                                                                                                                                                                                  DBS-011619-1

 

WEST HAVEN, Vt. – The biggest dirt track race in New England has a new date: Labor Day weekend.  The second annual $10,000-to-win Interstate All Battery Center Vermont 200 Weekend at Devil's Bowl Speedway has been moved to the late-summer holiday on Saturday, August 31 and Sunday, September 1, in order to better accommodate traveling fans and race teams – and to allow for an even bigger party atmosphere.

Though the event was a success in 2018, the format for the weekend has been retooled to allow for a shorter, two-division program on Sunday.  The GM "602" crate engine Sportsman Modified division will once again be the Sunday headliner with all qualifying and the 200-lap main event held that day.  The Sprint Cars of New England tour will also be in action on Sunday with its first Vermont 200 Weekend appearance.

The Saturday card features Devil's Bowl's Super Stock, Mini Stock, and 500cc Mini Sprint classes, along with a new "Win-And-You're-In" event for the Limited Sportsman division that guarantees the winner a starting spot in Sunday's 200-lap race.  Sportsman drivers also have the option for extra track time on Saturday by competing in the Ron Casey Memorial Non-Winners Shootout.  Racing on Saturday is followed by Devil's Bowl's famous annual pig roast, bonfire party, and fireworks, which draws hundreds of guests and weekend campers.

Like every event at Devil's Bowl Speedway, any driver is eligible to compete in the Vermont 200 regardless of past racing experience; in 2019, however, a $2,000 bonus has been posted for the winner if he or she is a regular weekly Sportsman competitor at their local track.  A diverse mix of Sportsman drivers and outside invaders kept fans thrilling over the action up front all race long before Brett Hearn of Sussex, N.J., took the win, earning more than $13,000 in purse money and bonuses.

"The Vermont 200 was great in its first year, but we took notes all weekend and started planning changes immediately," Devil's Bowl Speedway promoter Mike Bruno said.  "We have taken steps to cut the Sunday show back to four or five hours at most, and moving the race to Labor Day weekend should make it easier for people to travel or camp overnight with the holiday on Monday.  We're always learning and listening to our fans and racers, and we will make the Vermont 200 even bigger and better for them."

Devil's Bowl Speedway's 2019 season will open on Sunday night, May 19; the full schedule will be released soon.  Membership licenses and season passes are available now.

Devil's Bowl Speedway is located on Route 22A in West Haven, Vt., four miles north of U.S. Route 4, Exit 2, 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, Instagram, and Snapchat at @DevilsBowlSpeed; follow the action using the #DevilsBowl hashtag.

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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 17.1.19 0 comments

2019-01-15

Hoosier Racing Tire Weekly Championship Purse Revealed for DIRTcar Northeast Divisions

Hoosier Racing Tire Weekly Championship Purse Revealed for DIRTcar Northeast Divisions

CONCORD, NC – January 11, 2019 – Since 1957, Hoosier Racing Tire has developed and manufactured racing tires for thousands of race cars.  DIRTcar Northeast is proud to carry their name and logo throughout the Northeast and Canada on Big-Block Modifieds, 358 Modifieds, Sportsman Modifieds, and Pro Stocks at dozens of race tracks. DIRTcar Northeast is proud to announce that in 2019, at the Racing Tire will hand out $36,750 to the top weekly racers at the end of the season.

The Hoosier Racing Tire Weekly Championship takes into account each and every DIRTcar Northeast sanctioned weekly show and Series race for all four divisions of racing. The points standings are calculated by taking each driver's top 16 finishes. Drivers do not need to do anything except race at DIRTcar sanctioned race tracks and Series races to be eligible. $36,750 will be awarded at the DIRTcar Northeast Banquet at the end of the year. The Big-Block Modified winner receives $5,000 while the top scoring 358 Modified pilot takes home $3,000. Meanwhile the Sportsman Modified and Pro Stock winners receive $1,000 each.

Six speedways are awarding points for the Hoosier Racing Tire Weekly Championship for DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds. Albany-Saratoga Speedway, host of the $11,111 to-win Big Show XI, returns to action with weekly racing, featuring the likes of Brett Hearn, Kenny Tremont Jr., and Ronnie and Marc Johnson. Meanwhile at Brewerton Speedway, Billy Decker returns to Gypsum Racing to compete weekly, as well as on the Super DIRTcar Series tour. In 2018, Land of Legends Raceway's impressive Big-Block Modified field boasted the Super DIRTcar Series top two in points, Matt Sheppard and Erick Rudolph. Rudolph edged out Sheppard in points at the historic Canandaigua oval last season.

The massive temple of speed, Lebanon Valley Speedway, saw Brett Hearn, Kenny Tremont Jr., and Ronnie Johnson battle it out in the top three, and 2019 is expected to be another highly competitive race season. Rex King Jr. dominated the 2018 points at Lernerville Speedway over second place, 15-time Track Champion Brian Swartzlander, who was inducted into the DIRT Hall of Fame in 2018. The legendary Weedsport Speedway has six Big-Block Modified dates scheduled in 2019, including three Super DIRTcar Series clashes. The six races will be counted towards the Hoosier Racing Tire Weekly Championship points. All-in-all, $16,400 will be awarded to the top 15 drivers for their best 16 weekly finishes.

A healthy pipeline of talent has bolstered the already highly competitive 358 Modifieds across the Northeast and Canada. Twelve tracks are awarding Hoosier Racing Tire Weekly Championship points in 2019. The competition will be fierce, as the top 10 drivers will have to fight over an $11,250 purse with their strongest 16 finishes. Last season, Steve Bernier topped Chris Raabe and Billy Dunn, but you could've thrown a blanket over them, as they were only separated by eight points. Every lap, every position, and every win is important at all DIRTcar sanctioned speedways.

Race fans can catch all the Hoosier Racing Tire Weekly Championship DIRTcar 358 Modified action at Plattsburgh Airborne Speedway, Brockville Ontario Speedway, Can-Am Speedway, Cornwall Motor Speedway, Autodrome Drummond, Fulton Speedway, Autodrome Granby, Le RPM Speedway, Merrittville Speedway, Mohawk Int'l Raceway, Ransomville Speedway, and Utica-Rome Speedway. Weekly schedules for all of the 2019 weekly racing action will be released soon.

DIRTcar Sportsman Modifieds compete weekly at 21 race tracks. The division is perfect for young racers moving up the DIRTcar ladder, and for veterans racing within a budget. Safety and parity are paramount to the success of DIRTcar Sportsman Modified racing, and those factors have pushed the division to become the most popular form of auto racing in the Northeast. Quebec native Martin Pelletier finished on top of the Hoosier Racing Tire Weekly Championship points last season, ahead of Dave Marcucilli who is moving up to 358 and Big-Block Modifieds for 2019. The exceptional racing facilities hosting DIRTcar Sportsman in 2019 are: Plattsburgh Airborne Speedway, Albany-Saratoga Speedway, Bear Ridge Speedway, Brewerton Speedway, Brockville Ontario Speedway, Can-Am Speedway, Cornwall Motor Speedway, Autodrome Drummond, Freedom Speedway, Fulton Speedway, Autodrome Granby, Humberstone Speedway, Land of Legends Raceway, Le RPM Speedway, Merrittville Speedway, Mohawk Int'l Raceway, Outlaw Speedway (new for 2019), Ransomville Speedway, Utica-Rome Speedway, and Weedsport Speedway.

In weekly full-fender action, the DIRTcar Pro Stocks can be seen racing at seven tracks: Albany-Saratoga Speedway, Cornwall Motor Speedway, Autodrome Granby, Le RPM, Lernerville Speedway, and Utica-Rome Speedway. Josh Coonradt took top honors in 2018 over C.D. Beauchamp and Chuck Dumblewski. Once again, the tight-knit family of Pro Stock racers will race door-to-door every week, in their chase for the Hoosier Racing Tire Weekly Championship.

Stay tuned for the Hoosier Racing Tire Weekly Championship schedules from all of our DIRTcar sanctioned tracks in the Northeast and Canada.


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 15.1.19 0 comments

2018-12-27

Devil’s Bowl Speedway to be Independently Sanctioned in 2019


ATTACHED PHOTO: Devil's Bowl Speedway in West Haven, Vt., will become independently sanctioned for its weekly races in 2019.  Kenny Tremont Jr. (#115) and Tim LaDuc (#54), shown battling in August 2018, are among the drivers expected to chase a $5,000 championship prize next summer.  (Alan Ward photo)





Devil's Bowl Speedway to be Independently Sanctioned in 2019

More drivers to benefit from new program at Vermont track

 

For Immediate Release                                                                                                                                                                                  DBS-122718-1

                                                      

WEST HAVEN, Vt. – Devil's Bowl Speedway has taken the next big step forward in its progression by announcing today that it will carry its own sanctioning and licensing for the 2019 season.  The move will better position the half-mile Vermont dirt track for both the present and future and is the latest in a recent series of major improvements to both the physical property and infrastructure of the business.

Promoter Mike Bruno said that the move is the culmination of several years' worth of dialogue with drivers and teams, careful data analysis, and an overall review of auto racing industry trends and projections, both locally and nationally.

Devil's Bowl Speedway has recently been part of the weekly NASCAR Whelen All-American Series program.  Bruno has worked to guarantee that in NASCAR's absence the facility will be able to remain among the industry leaders in insurance coverage for participants while also providing a healthy championship point fund.

More drivers will receive post-season point fund money in 2019 under the new structure.  The crate-engine "602" Sportsman Modified division will continue to be the headliner with a point fund paying $5,000 to the champion and bonuses to eligible drivers inside the top 15 in final point standings.  The Limited Sportsman, Super Stock, and Mini Stock classes will reward the eligible drivers among the top 10 finishers, and the 500cc Mini Sprint class will offer a point fund payout for the first time with the top five drivers eligible.

Membership license fees will be similar to – or less than, in some cases – the previous fees.  Competition licenses for the Sportsman Modified division will be $175 through March 31, or $200 beginning April 1.  Driver licenses for the four support classes, as well as car owner licenses for all divisions, will be $100 until March 31 and $125 after.  Crew member licenses will be $85 until March 31 and $100 after.  License applications are available now and can be requested by emailing devilsbowlspeedway@gmail.com.

New for 2019 will be a single-day membership license for drivers.  The single-day option is just $25 for Sportsman drivers or only $15 in the support divisions, with no cap on the number of single-day purchases.  All drivers, car owners, and crew who are officially licensed members will be covered by the speedway's insurance protection in the case of accident during an event, with incident coverage matching the previous level.

"We are very excited to be an independent track in 2019," Bruno said.  "I thank NASCAR and specifically Kevin Nevalainen for the help in building our program for the past seven years, but our business model has seen major changes in the last two years and our plans have evolved.  We've been approached to join other organizations as well, but the time is right for Devil's Bowl to stand on its own and to try something different."

Bruno is positive that the changes will benefit the speedway in both the short and long term.

"We've asked our drivers what they want, and we've also listened to suggestions from the ones who race with us just once or twice a year, and we think that we've found a good balance with our new program," Bruno said.  "We're also going to continue to work with other tracks and sanctioning bodies in the area to help improve racing overall.  We are extremely positive about the future of Devil's Bowl."

The full 2019 schedule of events is expected to be released in early-to-mid-January.  The 2018 season will come to its official close at the Banquet of Champions at the Holiday Inn Rutland-Killington in Rutland, Vt., on Saturday, January 26.

Devil's Bowl Speedway is located on Route 22A in West Haven, Vt., four miles north of U.S. Route 4, Exit 2, 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.

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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 27.12.18 0 comments

2018-12-16

Warnes Racing Announces Plans for the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing

Warnes Racing Announces Plans for the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing

By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media


Racers at every level have a bucket list. Whether written down or kept in the back of their mind, there's a compilation of tracks where they'd like to compete or goals they hope to accomplish during their career. Ontario Modifieds Racing Series driver/official Rick Warnes – who finished 5th in points during the recent OMRS season – is looking forward to crossing something important off his list, with plans to make his first career trek to the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing.


"This is an event that has always been on our radar and prior to the start of our 2018 season, we made the decision to do something special as a team," Rick Warnes said. "I had hoped to bring this plan to fruition while my Dad was still with us, but we just weren't in a position to make it happen. Since his passing a couple of years ago, it has made us even more determined to accomplish our goal."


Warnes Racing – based in Newcastle, Ontario – purchased a Lefthander modified chassis out of Ohio late in the spring of 2018 and slowly worked at putting it together. Over the next month or so, we'll complete the finishing touches on the car and then journey southward in February to be part of this marquee event. Warnes says that despite going into the trip as a perceived underdog, the team's intentions and goals are quite realistic.


"The OMRS group has always been a tightly-knit group and I'm thrilled to have so many close friends and family members stepping up to the table to lend their support for this amazing adventure," according to Warnes. "First and foremost, we'll be looking to have some fun, meet some new people and enjoy the experience. I think we'll have a great time and I'm looking forward to the chance to log some laps at a new track."


The 53rd annual World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing – February 8th to 16that New Smyrna Speedway – has the open-wheeled modifieds scheduled for 7 shows during the 9 nights of racing. 6 of the programs consist of qualifying and a 35 lap main event, with the Tuesday, February 12th show highlighted by a 75 lap 'A' main. Based on the most recent OMRS calendar, Warnes says making the trek to Florida will be close to running an entire season's worth of racing packed into just over a week at the track.


"There will be a lot going on, but it'll be a great experience."


Warnes Racing expects to have their new chassis ready in the coming weeks, with an announcement of marketing partners and the unveiling of the car's paint scheme scheduled for shortly before the team's planned departure.


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


After finishing 5th in the 2018 Ontario Modifieds Racing Series standings, Warnes Racing driver Rick Warnes (#90) is getting ready for his first career start at New Smyrna Speedway's World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing.


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




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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 16.12.18 0 comments

2018-12-05

Raphaël Lessard mène 60 tours lors du Snowball Derby, toute une course !

 

                                                                                              POUR DIFFUSION IMMÉDIATE

 Raphaël Lessard mène 60 tours lors du Snowball Derby, toute une course ! 

Pensacola, Floride, le 3 décembre 2018 - Raphaël Lessard conclut sa saison 2018 de Super Late Model avec un abandon crève-cœur lors de la 51ème édition du Snowball Derby, tenu annuellement au 5 Flags Speedway en Floride.

Les gradins étaient pleins pour la course la plus en vue de la saison. Le Snowball Derby, qui clôture habituellement la saison de SLM aux États-Unis, est toujours l'arrêt par excellence des meilleurs pilotes en Amérique du Nord. Lessard, qui y compte maintenant trois participations, s'élançait de la 10ème position pour cette épreuve de 300 tours.

Le pilote natif de Saint-Joseph-de-Beauce ne s'est pas contenté de cette position alors qu'en 7 tours, il s'imposait déjà en 5ème place. Après 100 tours complétés, et après une bataille respectueuse avec son coéquipier Noah Gragson, Raphaël a pris la position de tête qu'il a gardée pour un peu plus de 60 tours.

S'éloignant du deuxième, Jeff Choquette, le pilote membre du programme de développement de Toyota (TRD) s'est enfui du peloton de tête, rattrapant des retardataires, et en prenant avantage pour creuser une plus grande avance.

Perdant la première position au 177ème tour, Raphaël et sa Toyota Camry #51 FRL Express/Mobil 1/Toyota de Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) sont tout de même restés dans le Top 3 derrière Jeff Choquette et Ty Majeski. Remontant en deuxième position avec 50 tours à faire, il était sous pression de Harrison Burton qui avait des pneus neufs.

Coup de théâtre tant attendu en fin de course, une neutralisation a permis aux meneurs de rentrer aux puits pour de nouveaux pneus. Raphaël a perdu une position lors de l'arrêt aux puits permettant à Noah Gragson de partir en premier. Mais Lessard, 3ème, était tout de même en bonne position sur la grille pour espérer une première victoire lors du Snowball Derby.

Toutefois, avec 9 tours restants à la course, Lessard a été contraint de rentrer aux puits à cause d'un bris du différentiel qui coulait, ce qui l'a amené à l'abandon. Il termine donc le Snowball Derby en 25ème position, tandis que son coéquipier Noah Gragson offre la victoire à Kyle Busch Motorsports.

« Ma voiture était excellente, explique Raphaël. Nous avons dominé toute la course. J'ai même remonté le peloton et j'ai mis un tour à toutes les voitures en piste jusqu'au 12ème , et j'avais une demi-piste d'avance sur le deuxième, c'était incroyable. Par contre la piste s'est mise à changer après mon arrêt aux puits, je n'arrivais plus à sortir la voiture convenablement des virages. Je roulais alors en 3ème position. Le drapeau jaune à la fin m'a donné la stratégie parfaite, je suis sorti des puits en 3ème place, et Noah mon coéquipier en 2ème position, mais je savais que j'étais plus rapide que lui alors j'avais confiance de remporter l'épreuve. Lors de la dernière neutralisation avec quelques tours à faire, les officiels m'ont demandé de rentrer aux puits, car le différentiel laissait de l'huile sur la piste. C'est une victoire ratée que nous aurions dû obtenir. »

« J'aimerais remercier mes commanditaires Mobil 1, FRL Express, Toyota et un gros merci à Kyle Busch Motorsports ainsi que mon chef d'équipe, Cody Glick et mon agent Christopher Biby. Également mes parents qui me supportent à chaque course, la société en commandite sans qui je ne pourrais courir cette saison ainsi que tous ceux qui se sont déplacés à La Cage Brasserie Sportive et le Resto l'Express ainsi que mes partisans. »

Résumé de la saison 2018 

Cette saison aura certainement été ponctuée de nouvelles expériences pour le jeune pilote qui a couru sur circuit routier pour la deuxième fois  lors du Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières dans la série CSCC. Lessard aura également participé à plusieurs séries à travers les États-Unis et le Canada, notamment dans le CARS Energy Response Tour, le Sourthern Super Series (SSS), l'ARCA/CRA, le Pro Late Model au Jukasa Motor Speedway en Ontario et en Nascar Late Model lors du Bacon Ball à L'Autodrome Chaudière.

Il compte deux victoires cette saison, la première lors du Short Track U.S. Nationals 100 au Bristol Motor Speedway, et l'autre lors de la 52ème édition du RedBud 400 en ARCA/CRA à Winchester. Il termine 4e au classement de la série CARS Response Energy Tour avec seulement 8 départs cette saison (le champion compte 9 courses).

Ses prouesses en piste lui ont également mérité le Trophée Bertrand-Fabi, remis par Auto Sport Québec (ASQ) en octobre dernier. Ce prix est décerné chaque année au pilote qui a fait briller le Québec à l'étranger.

Maintenant, rendez-vous en 2019 !

 

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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 5.12.18 0 comments

2018-12-04

Put a Bit of The BOS Under a Race Fan’s Tree This Christmas

Put a Bit of The BOS Under a Race Fan's Tree This Christmas

By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media


'Tis the season to start thinking about the 50th anniversary – 2019 event schedule – at Brockville Ontario Speedway.


Treat the fan on your gift list to a season pass for The BOS. Grandstand admission, good for the entire year – with the exception of the Bullringer 110 and Fall Nationals – is just $220. A pit pass – for all events except the Northeast Fall Nationals and Bullringer events – is only $420. Reserved seats for special events are just $60. Brockville Speedway gift cards, available in any amount and redeemable at the main grandstand general admission gate, souvenir booth or canteen are also available. Track owner/promoter Paul Kirkland says it promises to be an exciting year at the popular 3/8th mile clay oval.


"We're all looking forward to getting another season of action underway and our promotional team is working hard to get things ready," Kirkland said. "The first step in that direction is the announcement that our 358 Modified division will be sponsored by 1000 Islands RV Centre and will be known as the 1000 Islands RV DIRT Modifieds. Henry Boer and his team have been strong supporters of the track and its great to have them take this step."


Fans can also relive some of most memorable moments from Brockville Ontario Speedway's thrilling 2018 calendar. Pick-up a DVD copy of any regular season event for only $20 or from the Loud & Dirty DIRTcar Northeast Fall Nationals for only $40 while quantities last, with delivery guaranteed in-time for Christmas morning.


Don't miss out on the chance to pre-book your camping spot for the Fall Nationals, with advance payment set at only $50. Premium sites are $100, with renewals needing to be paid in full by Friday, May 31st before remaining spots in either section are offered to the public.


The 2019 campaign promises to be another busy one – with plenty of changes on the horizon – at Brockville Ontario Speedway. One of the biggest differences fans will notice was announced at the end of last year, when Danny O'Brien confirmed his plans to step away from weekly action shortly after clinching his 14th track championship.


"Across the board, our Saturday nightline-up is one of the best in the business," Paul Kirkland admitted. "There is no doubt that we'll miss having Danny here every week, but our fan base will still have plenty of action to cheer for once the green flag waves to kick-off the year."


For complete off-season news and information on special Christmas gift-giving promotions, look towww.brockvillespeedway.com, like the track on Facebook or follow it on Twitter.


The 50th anniversary 2019 regular season is scheduled to get underway Saturday, May 11th at The BOS.


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


David Hebert (# ONE) and Tristan Draper (#17) fight for a spot at The BOS. There are several different Brockville Ontario Speedway holiday gift ideas available; with guaranteed Christmas delivery.


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




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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 4.12.18 0 comments

Wrap Up Christmas Giving With a 2019 Peterborough Speedway Season Pass

Wrap Up Christmas Giving With a 2019 Peterborough Speedway Season Pass

By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media


Treat the short track racing fan on your holiday gift list to something special this year, with a 2019 season pass to catch all the all the action at Canada's Toughest 3rd of a Mile Paved Oval. With 5 weekly, showcase divisions and some of the provinces top touring series also on the program, Peterborough Speedway is Central Ontario's racing destination and the track promotional team has put together several different packages to suit every budget.


Get $48 off the grandstand admission price and see 16 nights of regular season racing at the tight, tricky bullring on Mount Pleasant Road for just $180. The 2019 Super Pass includes every Saturday night – from the Victoria Day weekend season opener to the Labour Day championship Clash – plus the Thanksgiving weekend 27th annual running of the Autumn Colours Classic for only $225. That's more than $60 less than what you'd pay at the ticket booth.


Fans can even pick and choose the regular season shows they'd like to attend, with a 10 race ticket bundle for $130. That's a $20 saving. For the full details, head towww.peterboroughspeedway.com and select the 'season passes' tab from the Fan Info drop-down menu.


To add some extra excitement to your holiday giving, put a Peterborough Speedway driving school package under the tree. Experience the thrill of taking to the high banks of one of the fastest paved ovals, where the country's top drivers battle-it-out year after year. Your adrenaline rush package includes in-class instruction, on-track sessions and more. Sessions are limited to 10 participants per class. All the information you'll need can be found by clicking the 'packages' option under driving school on the track web-site.


The management, staff, drivers and race teams at Peterborough Speedway would like to wish everyone a happy, safe and joyous festive season. Be sure to look towww.peterboroughspeedway.com, as well as the track Facebook and Twitter social media platforms for the latest news and information leading-up to the 2019 opening night.


Peterborough Speedway has several different options to make a race fan's Christmas merry and bright.


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

     



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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 4.12.18 0 comments

2018-11-29

RAPHAËL LESSARD VISE LA VICTOIRE LORS DU SNOWBALL DERBY

  RAPHAËL LESSARD VISE LA VICTOIRE LORS DU SNOWBALL DERBY

 Pensacola, Floride, le 29 novembre 2018 – L'annuel Snowball Derby, la course la plus prestigieuse de Super Late Model en Amérique du Nord, aura lieu ce dimanche 2 décembre à Pensacola, en Floride. 

Raphaël Lessard participera pour une troisième fois à cette course qui clôturera sa saison 2018. C'est sur le tracé ovale du 5 Flags Speedway que Raphaël tentera de se qualifier parmi les 37 voitures qui prendront le départ de cette épreuve de 300 tours. En effet, des courses qualificatives détermineront la grille de départ, puisque 53 voitures sont présentement inscrites. Parmi les pilotes inscrits, quatre Canadiens, dont Patrick Laperle, un Québécois, prendront le départ. 

Sinon, les habituels Bubba Pollard, Chandler Smith, Jeff Choquette, Steven Wallace, seront aux côtés de Lessard pour disputer cette épreuve. Des pilotes des séries reines de NASCAR, tel le NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, tenteront également de prendre le départ du "Super Bowl of Short Track Racing", comme Noah Gragson, Timothy Peters et Grant Enfinger. Raphaël, jeune pilote membre du programme de développement de Toyota (TRD), sera de retour au volant de la voiture #51 FRL Express/Mobil 1/Toyota Camry de l'écurie Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM). Lessard et l'équipe a déjà effectué des essais en piste hier. « Nous avons de très bons ajustements pour cette course et pour cette piste, explique Raphaël. 

En septembre nous sommes venus courir ici, et avant un bris mécanique, nous étions premiers. La voiture va très bien sur les longues distances, ce qui est la clé pour être constant. » L'objectif premier de Lessard est de remporter le Tom Dawson Memorial Trophy, le trophée de la première position. L'an dernier, il avait signé une 9ème position, et lors de sa première participation en 2016, une 10ème place. L'épreuve sera diffusée sur le site Speed 51 (option payante). 


Vous pouvez égalementsuivre les temps en direct sur l'application Race Monitor. De plus, pour ceux et celles qui le désirent, rendez-vous à la Cage-Brasserie Sportive (cage.ca/saint-georges-de-beauce) et au Resto l'Express au 788, avenue du Palais à Saint-Joseph-deBeauce, qui diffuseront la course sur écrans géants. Nous vous recommandons de réserver pour vous assurer d'une place. Informations importantes: Quoi ? Snowball Derby Quand ? Dimanche 2 décembre 2018 - à 15h HE ( 14h CST Pensacola) Où ? 5 Flags Speedway Pensacola, Floride -30  

Garanti sans virus. www.avg.com


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 29.11.18 0 comments

2018-10-17

Airborne Park Speedway looks forward to 2019 season

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Airborne Park Speedway looks forward to 2019 season 

For immediate release – Airborne Park Speedway – APS – 101518-1 

 

SOUTH PLATTSBURGH – Airborne Park Speedway's plans for the 2019 season – its 66th – are well underway, including the naming of 23-year-old Plattsburgh native Robby Knowles as the track's new promoter. 

 

Knowles has handled a variety of duties and assignments at Airborne for years, principally in a promotional role as an announcer – following in the footsteps of his father Rick and his uncle Rob – and as media director giving him extensive experience working with the track's weekly competitors and various sanctioning bodies and race teams that travel to the Plattsburgh facility for special events. 

 

Airborne's Advisory Board has received the commitment from many of its seasonal and race day sponsors for continued support in 2019 and intends to be proactive in financial and budgetary matters to allow Knowles to adapt to his new role. 

 

"I feel that dirt track racing is on the rise and that Airborne has never been better positioned," co-owner Jamie Atkins said. "The decision to transform the facility back to a clay service has met with success. There have been very exciting discussions about numerous improvements to our programs. I am encouraged that Airborne is continuing to grow as a community place of family-friendly entertainment." 

 

"Our 2019 schedule is starting to take shape," Knowles said. "Sponsor support has been strong so far. We are surrounding ourselves with people that want to see Airborne succeed. Driver support is high and I want to maintain and build on that." 

 

Knowles was pleased to announce that Race Director Denis Moquin is set to return. 

 

"Our divisional alignments will likely remain the same as in 2018," he said, "although the possible addition of a Pro-Stock class is being considered. If we can make something work for an eight to 10 race series, we will." 

 

"The Super DIRTcar Series and the Empire Super Sprints were both popular for fans and we're looking into having them return next season," Knowles added. "There will be a learning curve for me to be sure, but I'm confident that I've been around the race track long enough to see a lot of the ins and outs.  That will help me achieve one of my top goals, which is to listen to the drivers and keep them positively engaged all season." 

 

Saturday, October 20, Airborne Park Speedway will honor its competitors at the Banquet of Champions at the Rainbow Wedding & Banquet Hall in Altona. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m. with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. For more information and tickets, click on the Banquet tab at www.airborneparkspeedwaypark.com/rules. 

 

 

Contact: 518-561-3208 – rknowles730@yahoo.com

 


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 17.10.18 0 comments

2018-10-11

RAPHAËL LESSARD PARTICIPERA POUR UNE 3ÈME FOIS AU WINCHESTER 400



AVIS MÉDIA
RAPHAËL LESSARD PARTICIPERA POUR UNE 3ÈME FOIS AU WINCHESTER 400

Saint-Joseph-de-Beauce, le 10 octobre 2018 – Raphaël Lessard, pilote de développement de Toyota, sera de retour en piste au Winchester Speedway cette fin de semaine pour prendre part à l'événement vedette de la piste; la 47ème édition du Winchester 400 dans la série ARCA/CRA.

Ce sera la troisième participation de Lessard à cette épreuve de 400 tours sur cette piste dans l'état de l'Indiana qui attire toujours la crème de la crème des pilotes de stock-car. L'an dernier, Lessard avait pris part à cet événement, et avait grandement impressionné, se hissant dans le Top 5, avant d'être contraint à l'abandon. Tandis qu'en 2016, il avait mené 46 tours de la course avant d'être impliqué malgré lui dans un accident à 5 tours de la fin.

Cette année, le natif de Saint-Joseph-de-Beauce est bien déterminé à remporter l'épreuve. Le Winchester Speedway est surnommé "l'ovale le plus rapide au monde" à cause de sa longueur de 0.5 mille (0,8km) et
ses inclinaisons de 37 degrés dans les courbes, ce qui en fait la piste la plus inclinée des États-Unis.
Le circuit a marqué l'histoire du sport automobile américain. Ouverte depuis 1914, la piste a accueilli des
pilotes de renom du stock-car, tels Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Kyle Busch, Mark Martin, etc.
Le départ de la course sera donné à 14h le dimanche 14 octobre. L'épreuve sera diffusée sur le site Speed
51 (option payante). Vous pouvez également suivre les temps en direct sur l'application Race Monitor
(race-Monitor.com). Pour les amateurs locaux, rendez-vous à la Cage-Brasserie Sportive (cage.ca/saintgeorges-
de-beauce) et au Restol'Express (restolexpress.com) au 788, avenue du Palais à Saint-Joseph-de-
Beauce, qui diffuseront la course sur écrans géants. Nous vous recommandons de réserver pour vous
assurer d'une place.
Informations importantes:
Quoi ? 47ème édition du Wichester 400
Quand ? Dimanche le 14 octobre 2018 - à 14h00 HAE
Où ? Winchester Speedway Winchester, Indiana
-30-
Pour des informations supplémentaires ou pour organiser une entrevue avec Raphaël Lessard, veuillez
communiquer avec :
Sophie Des Marais 514.234.4736 sophie.dm@sympatico.ca
Suivez les performances de Raphaël Lessard en tout temps!


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 11.10.18 0 comments

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