2023-10-05

iRacing Acquires NASCAR Team Properties’ Exclusive Simulation-Style Console Racing Game License

iRacing Acquires NASCAR Team Properties'

Exclusive Simulation-Style Console Racing Game License

iRacing to develop NASCAR console game available in 2025

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (October 5, 2023) – NASCAR®, iRacing and Motorsport Games Inc. (NASDAQ: MSGM) ("Motorsport Games") announced today that iRacing has acquired NASCAR Team Properties' (NTP) exclusive simulation-style console racing games license from Motorsport Games. The sale, approved by NTP, will see the license transfer from 704Games, a wholly owned subsidiary of Motorsport Games, to iRacing, which will begin developing a NASCAR console game expected in 2025.

 

"When we were approached with the option to acquire the license for the simulation-style NASCAR console game, which was the console game and franchise that we were dreaming about doing, it was an opportunity we couldn't pass up," said iRacing President Tony Gardner. "Having the ability to build a NASCAR console game is a privilege we promise to execute with the utmost care. We look forward to working diligently with NASCAR industry stakeholders to deliver a product that provides an amazing experience for the gaming community and NASCAR fans worldwide."

 

Gardner added, "With all the NASCAR game experience, console experience, resources and technology assets we already have in place, we are in a fantastic position to hit the ground running building a great NASCAR game franchise on the various platforms."

 

The acquisition expands iRacing's decade-plus presence in NASCAR. iRacing began its relationship with NASCAR in 2010 with a licensed sim racing product and has grown into a key technical partner of the sanctioning body as its "official simulation partner." iRacing runs dozens of NASCAR official series on iRacing with thousands of people participating daily from late models to Cup cars, including the $100,000-to-win eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series and the eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the Massachusetts-based company's simulation and engineering abilities have helped NASCAR develop new cars and tracks, including the NextGen car, Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum, and Chicago Street Race, among others. Now, iRacing can extend its expertise broadly to include NASCAR Team Properties.

 

Motorsport Games obtained the NASCAR simulation-style console gaming license in 2018 when it acquired majority equity in 704Games. Motorsports Games' current NASCAR titles, including NASCAR Heat 5 and NASCAR Rivals (available here), will still be available and supported by Motorsport Games through 2024.

 

"The sale of the NASCAR license is the result of a thorough, strategic review of where we believe our company should be headed over the longer-term," said Motorsport Games CEO Stephen Hood. "In our exploration of the sale, we gave due consideration to those companies we believed could develop a great NASCAR game. Both NASCAR and iRacing have been receptive to our proposed change, working with us to architect a positive transition post-sale and we thank them for their support. We will now concentrate our efforts towards delivering around other IP already in advanced development."

 

In addition to simulation-style console gaming, NASCAR has worked diligently to produce quality experiences for fans who engage in virtual and gaming spaces. This year, the sanctioning body launched NASCAR Speed Hub on Roblox, released arcade-style console game NASCAR Arcade Rush, made available special team decals in Rocket League, announced the development of a mobile game with Hutch and completed another successful season of the eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series. Furthermore, NASCAR partnered with esports organization Gen.G to create crossover content and build a live fan experience at the Rocket League Championship Series Major in Boston, and have had Fortnite and Rocket League paint schemes featured on cars in the NASCAR Cup Series this season. The sanctioning body is also leveraging gaming as an engine for content and community building through dedicated channels on Discord and Twitch, along with a growing presence on traditional social media channels.

 

"NASCAR has the most passionate fans in the world and a vast community that is just as passionate about gaming," said NASCAR Managing Director Esports and Gaming Nick Rend. "What's more, there continues to be tremendous opportunity to connect with millions of potential new fans in the gaming space.

 

"iRacing has been an incredible partner and ambassador for the NASCAR industry for more than a decade. We thank Motorsport Games for its efforts over the years and are ready to work with iRacing to deliver a best-in-class simulation-style NASCAR console game that's exciting for the gaming community and allows our fans to connect with the sport in an impactful, meaningful way."

 

For more information on NASCAR's gaming initiatives, visit eNASCAR.com.

 

About NASCAR

Celebrating its 75th Anniversary in 2023, the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States and owner of 16 of the nation's major motorsports entertainment facilities. NASCAR sanctions races in three national series (NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR Xfinity Series™, and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series™), four international series (NASCAR Brasil Sprint Race, NASCAR Mexico Series, NASCAR Pinty's Series (Canada), NASCAR Whelen Euro Series), four regional series (ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East & West and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour) and a local grassroots series (NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series). The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. NASCAR also owns Motor Racing Network, Racing Electronics, and ONE DAYTONA. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in eight cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races annually in 12 countries and more than 30 U.S. states. For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat ('NASCAR').

 

About iRacing

To learn more about the most realistic, authentic and industry leading motorsports racing simulation and games from iRacing for both NASCAR and other motorsports properties, visit https://www.iracing.com.


About Motorsport Games

Motorsport Games, a Motorsport Network company, is a leading racing game developer, publisher and esports ecosystem provider of official motorsport racing series throughout the world. Combining innovative and engaging video games with exciting esports competitions and content for racing fans and gamers, Motorsport Games strives to racing games that are authentically close to reality. The Company is the officially licensed video game developer and publisher for iconic motorsport racing series including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, INDYCAR, and the British Touring Car Championship ("BTCC"). Motorsport Games also owns the industry leading rFactor 2 and KartKraft simulation platforms. rFactor 2 also serves as the official sim racing platform of Formula E, while also powering F1 Arcade through a partnership with Kindred Concepts. Motorsport Games is also an award-winning esports partner of choice for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Formula E and BTCC. Motorsport Games is building a virtual racing ecosystem where each product drives excitement, every esports event is an adventure and every race inspires.


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2023-10-03

First-Time Starters Head to the 30th Annual APC Autumn Colours Classic

First-Time Starters Head to the 30th Annual APC Autumn Colours Classic

By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media



 

Members of the hometown motorsports community will often pause to reflect on career-defining moments from their time in the sport.

Peterborough Speedway's 30th annual APC Autumn Colours Classic, presented by Toronto Motorama is coming-up fast and racers from across the province are getting ready to make their first start in the marquee event.

 

The Kingsway Auto Centre Junior Late Model class was home to some of the most exciting racing fans of Canada's Toughest 3rd Mile Oval saw during the 2023 season. Avery Kirkpatrick – who, along with Lyla Simka was recently voted onto the upcoming 'Ladies of the Oval' calendar – won the rookie division title, while Landon Sellers finished tied for 3rd in the pro division standings. The duo – aged 8 and 11 respectively – will both be making their initial starts in the season-ending APC Autumn Colours Classic.

 

The 2023 season was a breakthrough schedule for Keaton Pipe. A former go-karter, the 13-year-old from Whitby, Ontario furthered his racing education running the JDC Motorsports No. 25 Canadian Legend Car Series ride. Moving to any new racing division can be a steep learning curve, but the youngster's talents improved by participating in multiple pre-race practice sessions and working with a sim coach away from the track. Next on the agenda will be a start at the APC Autumn Colours Classic.

 

David Mathers, a 23-year-old rookie with the OSCAAR Modified Series has also made plans for a trek to the APC Autumn Colours Classic. With just a single Peterborough Speedway start from earlier this season on his resume, the St. Thomas, Ontario runner will unload his No. 48 machine with his sights set on a solid run…Newcastle, Ontario's Tyler McMurter recently completed his first full season in the SwitchTire Mini Stock field, where he finished 8th in the final point standings. The 32-year-old will look to steer his No. 46 ride to a strong finish in his first APC Autumn Colours Classic start.

 

This year's Outlaw Midget season championship will be decided in a Saturday feature event during the annual Super Bowl of Stock Car Racing. Even though he's raced with the Midget Series for 6 years and scored his first feature win at Peterborough Speedway this summer, Mikey Homewood is looking forward to making his first career start in the track's APC Autumn Colours Classic. The 38-year-old racer, from Brantford, Ontario currently holds-down 6th spot heading into the tour's finale.

 

Young racers continue to make their mark in the sport, but that doesn't mean some of the older drivers in the field have been forgotten. 60-year-old Mark Allan – a Flamboro Speedway Pure Stock/Bone Stock regular, where he sits just outside of the top 10 in points – will be heading to Central Ontario for his inaugural APC Autumn Colours Classic run.

 

Full APC Autumn Colours Classic information – including grandstand admission and pit pass pricing – can be found by selecting the 'Autumn Colours' tab at www.peterboroughspeedway.com. Advance sales are available by selecting the 'buy tickets' option on the track website. Fans can also purchase daily or weekend admission passes at the trackside ticket booth. Peterborough Speedway onsite ticket sales and concession stand purchases are cash only, with no debit, credit card options or ATM available.

 

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

 

After finishing tied for 3rd place in the Pro Junior Late Model standings, Landon Sellers (No. 27) is looking forward to his first APC Autumn Colours Classic, presented by Toronto Motorama start.

 

Keaton Pipe (No. 25) is looking to add more experience to his 2023 Canadian Legend Car Series season with a start at the APC Autumn Colours Classic, presented by Toronto Motorama.

 

With an 8th place SwitchTire Mini Stock finish, Tyler McMurter (No. 46) is ready for his initial start in the APC Autumn Colours Classic, presented by Toronto Motorama at Peterborough Speedway.

 

Heading back to the scene of his first career Outlaw Midget feature win, Mikey Homewood (No. 17) is ready for the APC Autumn Colours Classic, presented by Toronto Motorama at Peterborough Speedway.

 

Photo attachment: Derek Smith – www.racepulse.com

 

60-year-old Flamboro Speedway regular Mark Allan (No. 40) is looking forward to his first start in the APC Autumn Colours Classic, presented by Toronto Motorama at Peterborough Speedway.

 

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


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APC Autumn Colours Classic Brings the Best of the Best to Peterborough Speedway




APC Autumn Colours Classic Brings the Best of the Best to Peterborough Speedway

By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media

 

Uncover the best of everything the world of short track stock car racing has to offer. The 30th annual APC Autumn Colours Classic, presented by Toronto Motorama is ready to roll October 6th through 8th at Peterborough Speedway.

 

Follow the crowds to Central Ontario as the popular oval on Mount Pleasant Road plays host to close to a dozen of the sports finest racing divisions over the Thanksgiving Weekend. Track champions, touring series titleholders and up and coming stars will battle on Canada's Toughest 3rd Mile for the prestige and bragging rights that come with being named an APC Autumn Colours Classic winner.

 

"Our team has been putting in some long hours to get things ready to roll for our season-ending weekend spectacular", said track owner and promoter J.P. Josiasse. "The trackside camping area has been sold out for months and racers from across the province are expected to roll into the pit area to be ready to chase the checkered flag."

 

A Thursday night pit party – presented by JDC Motorsports/KOD Property Maintenance and featuring live music by 'Gunslinger' – is the perfect way to kick-off an amazing 3-day racing weekend at the tight, tricky bullring that gets underway Friday, October 6th. Check out the first round of qualifying heats, plus preliminary action and a feature event to decide this year's Ontario Modifieds Racing Series crown, along with the Mini Stock and Super Stock Non Winner's races.

 

Grandstand gates open at 5:00, with the night's first green flag at 6:00. There will be more live music to wrap-up the opening night of the 2023 APC Autumn Colours Classic with Charlotte and the Dirty Cowboys playing behind the main grandstand following the final checkered flag.

 

Bullring bullet points: Full APC Autumn Colours Classic information – including grandstand admission and pit pass pricing – can be found by selecting the 'Autumn Colours' tab at www.peterboroughspeedway.com. Advance sales are available by selecting the 'buy tickets' option on the track website. Fans can also purchase daily or weekend admission passes at the trackside ticket booth. Peterborough Speedway onsite ticket sales and concession stand purchases are cash only, with no debit, credit card options or ATM available.

 

Anyone entering the pit area during the APC Autumn Colours Classic will be required to present a completed 2023 pit admission waiver for insurance purposes. A quick-reference code is available on the track website and is also displayed at the pit gate entrance.

 

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

 

Check out the action at the 30th annual APC Autumn Colours Classic, presented by Toronto Motorama with the Canadian Legend Car Series – October 6th to 8th – at Peterborough Speedway.

 

Jiffy Lube Super Stocks will share the weekend spotlight during the 30th annual APC Autumn Colours Classic, presented by Toronto Motorama – October 6th to 8th – at Peterborough Speedway.

 

OSCAAR Hot Rod teams will tackle Canada's Toughest 3rd Mile Oval during the 30th annual APC Autumn Colours Classic, presented by Toronto Motorama at Peterborough Speedway.

 

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


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APC Autumn Colours Classic Debut Awaits OMRS Modified Series Teams

APC Autumn Colours Classic Debut Awaits OMRS Modified Series Teams

By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media

 

Even with a couple of rainouts along the way, 2023 was a strong season for the Ontario Modifieds Racing Series, presented by GEN-3 Electrical. Friday, October 6th the group will take things up a notch.

 

Teams with the popular open-wheeled racing series are getting their equipment ready for a first-ever run at Peterborough Speedway's APC Autumn Colours Classic, presented by Toronto Motorama. OMRS racer and spokesperson Rick Warnes says closing out this year's schedule at such a prestigious event is a big step for the group.

 

"We've always enjoyed a great relationship with J.P. and the team at Peterborough Speedway. Everyone is excited to wrap-up this year's schedule at a spotlight event like the APC Autumn Colours Classic. Many of our racers have attended this race in the past as a fan but being part of the show – with our season championship on the line – is an entirely different experience."

 

Heading into the Friday night finale, the point chase is very tight, with several drivers still in the running to improve their overall position. John Baker Jr. has all but locked-up the season championship, with 2022 title holder Alex Cuzzilla, Tyler Boullion and Bob Franks sitting 2nd, 3rd and 4th in the running order. There is just a 23-point cushion between the 3 talented racers. Nearly a dozen different teams have made at least 1 start during the 2023 schedule.

 

Ontario Modifieds Racing Series point standings:

John Baker Jr.                         600

Alex Cuzzilla                            544

Tyler Bouillon                           536

Bob Franks                              521

Rob Warnes                             478

Rick Warnes                            467

Randy Hollingsworth              466

Andrew Massey                      463

Shane Pollock                         186

Chad Strawn                            122

Rob Richards                            63

 

Heading into the final event of the year, OMRS officials would like to thank racers, teams and fans for their support during the 2023 season. The full APC Autumn Colours Classic, presented by Toronto Motorama schedule is available at www.peterboroughspeedway.com and on the track's social media platforms.

 

For the 2023 schedule, Ontario Modifieds Racing Series action is once again presented by GEN-3 Electrical and sponsored in part by Awesome Racewear, as well as TNT Performance Products, Thinkpath Design, Bourque Transmission, All or Nothing Brewhouse and Clarke Motorsports Communications.

 

Follow the series events throughout the year through OMRS Ontario Modifieds Racing Series at www.facebook.com.

 

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

 

With the season title on the line, Ontario Modifieds Racing Series teams will take the stage – Friday, October 6th – at the 30th annual APC Autumn Colours Classic, presented by Toronto Motorama at Peterborough Speedway.

 

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



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2023-09-26

Treyten Lapcevich Caps Off Dominant 2023 Championship Season with Win at Delaware

Treyten Lapcevich Caps Off Dominant 2023 Championship Season with Win at Delaware

 

To finish off a fairytale season, Treyten Lapcevich captured his seventh win this year, as well as the 2023 NASCAR Pinty's Series championship, in dominating fashion at Delaware Speedway. 

 

With 166 laps led in the race, he amasses 1,149 total led during this season, breaking the series record set by his team owner Scott Steckly in 2015 (1090 laps). 

 

The only driver who looked like they had the speed to compete with the No. 20 was teammate and pole-sitter, Kyle Steckly. 

 

The two battled back and forth during the opening laps of the race, with Steckly firmly gaining the lead on lap 25. 

 

However, only 98 laps into the race the No. 22 dropped from the lead and immediately went down pit road with a rear suspension issue. After many tries, the team was unable to the problem, and Steckly was forced to retire from the race. 

 

From there, Lapcevich held onto his lead except for one lap, where on a restart, D.J. Kennington briefly took the lead. 

 

Finishing in second place was the No. 80 of Donald Theetge, who was involved in a wreck on lap 129 and suffered major rear-end damage to his No. 80 Groupe Theetge/XPN Chevrolet. 

 

After making several pit stops for repairs Theetge was able to make it into the top three, battling with D.J. Kennington, who eventually finished third, for the podium spots. 

 

There were many notable drivers that faced problems throughout the race. 

 

Before the race went green, it looked like the bad luck for the No. 27 of Andrew Ranger was going to continue.

 

Ranger and the No. 27 GM Paillé/Chevrolet Canada Chevrolet team had to pit during the warm-up laps due to a flat tire. The team quickly got Ranger back on track and he was able to rebound to a fourth-place finish.

 

Defending Delaware winner, Brandon Watson, faced issues while battling in the top-five and later retired from the race due to suspension issues. 

 

Making her series debut, Amber Balcaen from Winnipeg, Manitoba, had her day end early after she was involved in an incident on lap 129 incident, and had to retire from the race. 

 

Reigning series champion, Marc-Antoine Camirand also had his day end on lap 41 due to an engine issue. 

 

Coming home fifth was Kevin Lacroix in his 100th career start. Alex Guenette, Thomas Nepveu, J.P. Bergeron, Dexter Stacey, and Noah Gragson rounded out the top-ten. 

 

The Pinty's Fall Brawl will be tape-delayed on TSN on Saturday, September 30 at 2:30 p.m. ET and on RDS in Quebec on Saturday, October 21 at 4:15 p.m. ET.


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2023-09-24

NASCAR Pinty’s Series News & Notes: Treyten Lapcevich Enters Delaware with 2023 Championship in his Grasp

NASCAR Pinty's Series News & Notes:

Treyten Lapcevich Enters Delaware with 2023 Championship in his Grasp

 

After a record-breaking season, once the green flag drops this Sunday at Delaware Speedway, Treyten Lapcevich will clinch his first NASCAR Pinty's Series Championship. 

 

After six wins, ten top-fives, 13 top-tens, four pole awards, 983 laps led, and an average finish of 2.8, Lapcevich took the lead in race one at Sunset Speedway back in May and never once relinquished it. 

 

Now heading into the final race of the year with a 41-point gap on the defending series champion, Marc-Antoine Camirand, Lapcevich can breathe a sigh of relief once the race is underway on Sunday. 

 

Behind Lapcevich's championship-winning team is his father, Jeff Lapcevich, who raced in the series from 2007 to 2015, as Crew Chief and four-time series champion, Scott Steckly, as team owner. 

 

Steckly, who claimed four owner's championships alongside his driver championship, will now claim his fifth, the most of any owner in the series.

 

The last driver from the province of Ontario to win the series championship was Treyten's older brother Cayden Lapcevich back in 2016. 

 

Cayden won his championship in a battle with then-two-time champion, Andrew Ranger, and Alex Tagliani with a 54-point gap. 

 

While the championship has been decided, in the final race of the year, Treyten has one more opportunity to extend an already record-breaking season. Should he lead 108 more laps, he will surpass the all-time laps led in a single season (Scott Steckly, 2015, 1090 laps). And should Lapcevich win the Pinty's Fall Brawl, he will match D.J. Kennington's record for the most wins in a season - seven wins, in 2012. 

 

Brandon Watson Looks For Delaware Repeat

 

Last year in the season finale at Delaware Speedway, Brandon Watson claimed his win in a heated battle with Donald Theetge.

 

The 2022 Rookie of the Year proudly ripped off his Rookie stripe in Victory Lane last year, and now will look to repeat his success at the track.

 

Over the 2023, Watson has picked up a top-five finish in race two at Sutherland Automotive Speedway and six top-ten finishes. He was also a strong contender at Eastbound Int'l Speedway, leading 33 laps before his day ended early after an accident.

 

Theetge will look to challenge Watson for the final win of the season once again. The 56-year-old from Boischatel, Quebec has amassed a total of two top-five finishes, including a runner-up in race one at Sutherland, three top-tens, and two pole awards over seven starts. 

 

Theetge's only win in the season came back in 2018 in the first doubleheader race in Saskatoon.

 

Amber Balcaen Makes Series Debut

 

ARCA Menards Series driver Amber Balcaen from Winnipeg, Manitoba will make her NASCAR Pinty's debut at Delaware Speedway in the No. 11 Brimstone Games Dodge prepared by the D.J. Kennington stable.

 

Balcaen becomes the 13th woman to make a start in the series and has made 23 starts in ARCA over the last two years, collecting seven top-tens.

 

Her best finish in ARCA came earlier this year in the season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway, where she finished sixth.

 

NASCAR Pinty's etc.

 

  • NASCAR Driver, Noah Gragson, will make his second start in the series in the No. 30 APC / John Parts Group / Kasey Jones Racing Dodge. Gragson first made his debut in 2018 at CTMP where he finished third. 
  • Series veteran, Kevin Lacroix, will celebrate his 100th career start this weekend at Delaware. Lacroix has amassed 18 wins, 58 top-fives, 75 top-tens, 13 pole awards, and 2800 laps led over nine years in the NASCAR Pinty's Series and is a fan favourite this weekend.
  • Long-time crew chief in the NASCAR Pinty's Series, John Fletcher, will make his return in the No. 98 CURB Record Chevrolet for Bray Autosports. The last time Fletcher made a start in the series was at Autodrome Chaudiere in 2017. 
  • Former CASCAR Super Series driver, Jesse Kennedy will also make his series debut this weekend in the No. 19 Canco/Wampun Fuels/D.A.D.S/Kennedy's Corner Store Chevrolet. 
  • Kyle Steckly in the No. 22 APC/Pennzoil Chevrolet and Trevor Monaghan in the No. 4 GSR/Solo Performance Exhaust are both on the entry list for the event. 
  • The Pinty's Fall Brawl will air tape-delayed on TSN on Saturday, September 30 at 2:30 p.m. ET and Sunday, October 1 at 1:00 p.m. ET, and on RDS in Quebec on Saturday, October 21 at 4:15 p.m. ET.

 

Race                            Pinty's Fall Brawl

Date / Start Time          Sunday, September 24, 2023 / 4:30 p.m. ET.

Track / Location           Delaware Speedway (Delaware, ON)

TV                                TSN: Saturday, September 30 @ 2:30 p.m. ET.

RDS2: Saturday, October 21 @ 4:15 p.m. ET.

Live Stream                 Canada: TSN+

USA: FloRacing

 

Fans can stay connected to the NASCAR Pinty's Series – and all things NASCAR in Canada – at www.nascar.ca, on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

 


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Nouvelles et notes de la série NASCAR Pinty's :Treyten Lapcevich se présente au Delaware Speedway en étant assuré de remporter le championnat 2023

Nouvelles et notes de la série NASCAR Pinty's :

Treyten Lapcevich se présente au Delaware Speedway en étant assuré de remporter le championnat 2023

 

Après une saison record, lorsque le drapeau vert sera agité ce dimanche au Delaware Speedway, Treyten Lapcevich confirmera son premier titre en série NASCAR Pinty's.

 

Après six victoires, 10 top-5, 13 top-10, quatre poles, 983 tours menés et une moyenne à l'arrivée de 2,8, Lapcevich mène la course au titre sans interruption depuis la première épreuve en mai dernier au Sunset Speedway.

 

Le jeune pilote se présente ainsi à la dernière course de l'année avec une avance de 41 points devant le champion en titre de la série, Marc-Antoine Camirand. Lapcevich pourra pousser un soupir de soulagement, lorsque la course lancée dimanche.

 

Derrière l'équipe championne de Lapcevich, nous retrouvons son père, Jeff Lapcevich, à titre de chef d'équipe, qui a lui-même participé à la série de 2007 à 2015. Également le propriétaire de l'équipe, Scott Steckly, qui comptabilise quatre titres de champion et, autant à titre de propriétaire dans la série. Dimanche soir, Steckly remportera son cinquième titre de propriétaire, le plus grand nombre de la série.

 

Puis, Cayden Lapcevich, frère aîné de Treyten, qui est le dernier pilote ontarien à avoir remporté le titre de champion de la série (en 2016). Cayden a remporté son titre à la suite d'une lutte au fil de la saison avec Andrew Ranger – qui était alors double champion – et Alex Tagliani, avec un écart de 54 points.

 

Alors que le championnat 2023 a été déterminé avant la tenue de cette dernière course de la saison, Treyten peut encore ajouter des records à son palmarès. S'il mène 108 tours en course, Treyten dépassera le record de tours menés sur une saison (Scott Steckly en 2015 - 1090 tours).

 

De plus, s'il remporte l'épreuve "Pinty's Fall Brawl", il égalera le record de D.J. Kennington pour le plus grand nombre de victoires en une saison (sept victoires en 2012).

 

Brandon Watson souhaite répéter l'exploit à Delaware

 

L'an dernier, lors de la finale au Delaware Speedway, Brandon Watson a remporté la victoire à l'issue d'une lutte acharnée avec Donald Theetge.

 

Watson, recrue de l'année 2022, avait fièrement enlevé l'autocollant « recrue » de son pare-choc arrière, lors de son passage sur le podium. Il tentera d'inscrire une deuxième victoire sur ce circuit ce week-end.

 

En 2023, Watson a terminé dans le top-5 au Sutherland Automotive Speedway (course 2) et six fois dans le top-10. Il a également été un sérieux concurrent au Eastbound International Speedway, menant 33 tours avant qu'un incident ne mette fin prématurément à sa course.

 

Donald Theetge défiera à nouveau Watson pour la dernière victoire de la saison ce dimanche. Âgé de 56 ans et originaire de Boischatel, au Québec, il a terminé à deux reprises dans le top-5, incluant une deuxième position au Sutherland, trois fois dans le top-10 et deux fois en pole position en sept départs. La seule victoire de Theetge au cours d'une saison remonte à 2018, lors de la première course du programme double à Saskatoon.

 

Amber Balcaen fera ses débuts dans la série

 

La pilote de la série ARCA Menards, Amber Balcaen, originaire de Winnipeg (Manitoba) fera ses débuts dans la série NASCAR Pinty's au Delaware Speedway et sera au volant de la Dodge no11 Brimstone Games préparée par l'écurie de D.J. Kennington.

 

Balcaen devient la 13e femme à participer à la série et comptabilise 23 départs en ARCA au cours des deux dernières années (sept top-10). Son meilleur résultat en ARCA a été obtenu plus tôt cette saison lors de la course d'ouverture au Daytona International Speedway, au cours de laquelle elle a croisé le fil d'arrivée sixième.

 

NASCAR Pinty's etc.

 

  • Noah Gragson, pilote en série Coupe NASCAR, effectuera son deuxième départ dans la série Pinty's au volant de la Dodge n°30 APC / John Parts Group / Kasey Jones Racing. Gragson avait fait ses débuts en 2018 au CTMP, où il avait terminé troisième.
  • Le chef d'équipe de longue date en NASCAR Pinty's, John Fletcher, fera son retour en piste dans la Chevrolet n°98 CURB Record pour Bray Autosports. Sa dernière présence en course date de 2017, à l'Autodrome Chaudière.
  • L'ancien pilote de CASCAR Super Series, Jesse Kennedy, fera également ses débuts ce week-end dans la Chevrolet n°19 Canco/Wampun Fuels/D.A.D.S/Kennedy's Corner Store.
  • Kyle Steckly dans la Chevrolet n°22 APC/Pennzoil et Trevor Monaghan dans la voiture n°4 GSR/Solo Performance Exhaust, sont tous deux inscrits pour l'événement.
  • Le vétéran, Kevin Lacroix, célébrera son 100e départ en carrière ce week-end à Delaware. En neuf ans de carrière dans la série NASCAR Pinty's, Lacroix a accumulé 18 victoires, 58 top-5, 75 top-10, 13 poles et 2 800 tours menés, ce qui en fait un favori des amateurs ce week-end.
  • Le « Pinty's Fall Brawl » sera rediffusé sur TSN le samedi 30 septembre à 14 h 30 (HAE) et le dimanche 1er octobre à 13 h 00 (HAE), ainsi que sur RDS (au Québec) le samedi 21 octobre à 16 h 15 (HAE).

 

Course                         Pinty's Fall Brawl

Date / Départ                Dimanche 24 septembre / 16 h 30 HAE

Piste / Endroit              Delaware Speedway (Delaware, ON)

Télévision                    TSN : Samedi 30 septembre @ 14 h 30 HAE

RDS2 : Samedi 21 octobre @ 16 h 15 HAE

Diffusion en direct       Canada : TSN+

États-Unis : FloRacing

 

Pour toutes les informations concernant la série NASCAR Pinty's - et tout ce qui concerne NASCAR au Canada - www.nascar.ca, sur TwitterFacebook et Instagram.



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