2011-04-10

PASS PR - Last chance results "The Race"

Trey Mitchell and Alex Fleming Race Their Way into PASS South “THE RACE” at North Wilkesboro Speedway

33 Drivers Raced for Two Transfer Spots in Last-Chance Races Saturday Afternoon

 

With 30 drivers already locking themselves in to the Pro All Stars Series (PASS) South presented by JE Pistons and Roush Yates Performance Parts “THE RACE” on Friday, April 8th, 33 drivers raced in two last chance races for two more transfer positions on Saturday afternoon into the 300-lap race. Trey Mitchell and Alex Fleming took the checkered-flags first in their heat races, earning their spots into THE RACE.

 

 

Joey Coulter and Mitchell started side by side at the start of the first last chance race. Coulter got the edge going into turn one, clearing Mitchell for the top spot. Lonnie Sommerville settled in to the third position as the top-three drivers distanced themselves from the rest of the field.

 

A battle back for seventh between 62 year old Geoff Bodine and 13 year old Gray Gaulding was heated for a few laps, but Gaulding was able to work his way under Bodine to take the position just before lap 10.

 

Meanwhile, up front, Mitchell worked his way to the back bumper and inside Coulter for the top spot, officially taking the lead. Also, Joey Pole made his presence known, moving his way up from ninth to second, chasing Mitchell for the transfer spot.

 

With the rest of the race going green flag, Mitchell was able to hold off the late charge by Pole to take the victory and the coveted transfer spot into THE RACE.

 

“I’ve got to thank Joey (Coulter),” said Mitchell. “This is a do-or-die thing, and he didn’t have to race me clean. He did, and I appreciate that. I really do think we have a good piece. It rolls the center great and has great horsepower.”

 

Pole, Coulter, Sommerville and Gaulding rounded out the top five.

 

Jimmy Weller and Ryan Reed started on the front row of the second last chance race. Coming to take the green flag, both leaders seemed to have trouble coming up to speed, almost stacking up the field. Reed was able to get going and take the lead while Weller dropped back several positions.

 

The yellow flag flew early for Randy Gentry’s spin in turn one after contact with Dustin Hubbard. On the restart, Reed and Fleming headed to turn one with Fleming driving hard on the outside, taking the lead. Reed settled in second with Donnie Wilson in third.

 

Over the final handful of laps, Wilson put pressure on Reed for the second position, eventually moving his way into the runner-up spot as the racers took the white flag, but it was just a little too late as Fleming went to victory lane in the second last chance race.

 

“I have never been more excited to qualify into a race,” said Fleming. “We put ourselves in a hole working on long runs (yesterday). We didn’t realize we weren’t in the race yet. We started the heat race and they left us. This morning we changed every single thing on the car back to a normal set-up.”

 

Wilson, Reed, DJ Shaw and Brian Levant rounded out the top five.

 

The balance of the field will be determined by PASS officials with provisionals going to multiple drivers.

 

For more information on the Pro All Stars Series and “THE RACE” at North Wilkesboro Speedway, go to www.proallstarsseries.com.

 

PASS South presented by JE Pistons and Roush Yates Performance Products “THE RACE” Last Chance Race Results

 

Last Chance Race #1 Results

 

1st 47 Trey Mitchell

2nd 197 Joey Pole

3rd 16 Joey Coulter

4th 48n Lonnie Sommerville

5th 2 Gray Gaulding

6th 97 John Fleming

7th 4n Ben Rowe

8th 10b Geoff Bodine

9th 84qc Martin Latuilitte

10th 22 Aaron Ricker

11th 29k Allen Karnes

12th 8 Cassius Clark

13th 75 Gary Smith

14th 80s Mark Shaffer

15th 17a Scott Alexander

16th 1n Randy Turner

17th 42n Ronnie Hults

18th 80 Dean Clattenburg

 

Last Chance Race #2 Results

 

1st 05 Alex Fleming

2nd 82 Donnie Wilson

3rd 04 Ryan Reed

4th 60n DJ Shaw

5th 49 Brian Levant

6th 35 Devin Jones

7th 9p Tommy Pecaro

8th 73 Joey Doiron

9th 09 Randy Gentry

10th 40 Sterling Marlin

11th 20 Steve Legendre

12th 2m Matt Matheson

13th 48 John Batten

14th 23 Jimmy Weller

15th 21 Dustin Hubbard

 

 


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2011-04-09

PASS South: Fifteen drivers race their way Into "THE RACE"

For Immediate Release: Media, contact Norm Desjardins @ (603) 387-5598

 

PASS South: Fifteen drivers race their way Into “THE RACE”

Five heat races highlight first ever night racing action at North Wilkesboro Speedway

 

With the top-15 drivers locked in to the show after qualifying earlier in the evening for the Pro All Stars Series (PASS) South presented by JE Pistons and Roush Yates Performance Parts “THE RACE” on Friday, April 8th, the focus shifted to the five heat races to lock in 16th – 30th with the first-ever races under the lights at North Wilkesboro Speedway (NC). While Patrick Laperle, Ross Kenseth, Ryan Blaney, Jeff Choquette and Preston Peltier went to victory lane in the five 25-lap heat races, a total of 15 heat-race drivers added their names to the already-qualified list , bringing the locked in total to 30 for Saturday’s 300-lap event.

 

Heat one had Laperle and Joey Coulter on the front row, but immediately went under yellow as a few cars had issues in the back of the field in turn one. Shortly after the restart, the yellow flew again for another issue in turn four.

 

On the second restart Heath Hindman, who was on the outside of Laperle, took the lead with Laperle and Jody Lavender in second and third. A few laps later, Laperle made his move back to the lead with Lavender coming with him, sending Hindman back to third.

 

Laperle and Lavender checked out with Laperle taking the checkered flag first. Lavender finished second with third going to Hindman.

 

“When I saw I lost 15th place (the last locked in time trial position) by four thousands, I said ‘no man.’ I needed to win the heat race,” said Laperle. “The 25 laps seemed like 50 to me. With my crate engine on restarts against the guys with the big engines I am going to have to work a lot tomorrow; that is for sure.”

 

Coulter and Ben Rowe rounded out the top five.

 

The second heat race had Wisconsin-natives Kenseth and Rebecca Kasten on the front row. Kenseth got out to the lead early with Kasten and Corey Williams running in the second and third spots.

 

The race ran under green for the majority of the event until Keith Oliver spun in turn two with just a handful of laps remaining. On the restart, Kasten and Kenseth raced hard for the top spot with Kasten getting the early edge on the outside, but Kenseth retook the lead with just a few laps to go, driving on to win the second heat race. Kasten crossed the line second with Williams taking the third and final transfer spot in this heat.

 

“I was pretty happy with qualifying,” said Kenseth. “I thought I turned a good lap for what we had. Yesterday we were horrible. I was happy to be up front for the heat race. I can’t wait for tomorrow.”

 

Jimmy Weller and DJ Shaw rounded out the top five.

 

Blaney and Mario Gosslin started on the front row for the fourth heat race. Gosslin got the early lead with Randy Gentry moving into second, putting Blaney back to third. A few laps later, Blaney worked his way back to second around Gentry as the top-two drivers checked out from the field.

 

At lap 10, Blaney muscled his way to the lead around Gosslin as Gentry settled into the transfer spot midway through the race. However, with five laps remaining, Mike Rowe, who started seventh, worked his way around Gentry to take third. At the checkered flag, Blaney took the victory over Gosslin and Rowe.

 

“The car was great; it ran really good,” said Blaney. “We struggled in qualifying and I missed it by just a little bit. We had a really good race car. I am confident in this car tomorrow.”

 

Trey Mitchell and Gray Gaulding rounded out the top five.

 

The fourth heat race took the green flag with Choquette and Brandon Ward on the front row. Ward was able to get the lead on the first lap with Choquette and Ryan Crane running second and third early.

 

As the leaders battled hard for the top spot, contact amongst a tight five-car battle cost Crane the transfer spot with Michael Pilla moving to third. A few laps later, Choquette put enough pressure on Ward to steal the top spot.

 

Crane, who dropped back multiple positions, worked his way back to fourth and was trying to snag third from Pilla when his car got sideways coming off turn two, hitting the backstretch wall, bringing out the yellow flag.

 

On the restart, Choquette was able to squirt out to the lead with Ward hanging on to second. Meanwhile, Donnie Wilson and Pilla battled hard for the transfer spot, and a couple laps later, contact sent Pilla into the inside wall on the front stretch, bringing out the second yellow during this heat race. Wilson was sent to the back for the contact with Pilla.

 

Choquette and Ward went one and two on the restart, but the battle was once again for the transfer spot with Garrett Evans and Ryan Reed trading positions, side by side. At the checkered flag, it was Choquette followed by Ward and Evans as the three transfer drivers.

 

“We raced hard and clean,” said Choquette. “I had a hard time with those restarts. It was real hard to see the flagman down kind of where I was. We ended up prevailing. If anything good comes out of this, it is a good little practice session for us.”

 

Reed and Geoff Bodine rounded out the top five.

 

The fifth and final heat race kicked off with Peltier and Scott Mulkern on the front row. Before the green flag could fly, Devin Jones’ car came to a stop on the backstretch, having to be pushed off the track by a wrecker.

 

When the green flag flew Peltier got the jump on Mulkern, driving out to a strong lead over Mulkern and Cassius Clark. After a handful of laps Erik Darnell worked his way to third around Clark, putting pressure on Mulkern for second. Just after halfway, Darnell made the move and was able to take the second position.

 

In the closing laps Lonnie Sommerville tried to make a charge to the transfer spot, but came up just a bit short as Mulkern took the third and final transfer spot behind winner Peltier and second-place finisher Darnell.

 

“We kind of got a raw deal with the sunshine there in qualifying,” said Peltier. “Later in the day it cooled down quite a bit. If we were back there, it could have made a difference. We are going to wipe it (the car) off and put it on jack stands.”

 

Sommerville and Clark rounded out the top five.

 

On Saturday two more drivers will qualify into “THE RACE”. All forty five non-qualifiers will be split into two 40-lap last chance races with just the race winners moving up. The remainder of the field for the 300-lap event will be set with provisionals.

 

For more information on the Pro All Stars Series and “THE RACE” at North Wilkesboro Speedway, go to www.proallstarsseries.com.

 

PASS South presented by JE Pistons and Roush Yates Performance Products “THE RACE”

Heat Race Results (top-three transfer to “THE RACE”)

 

HEAT ONE

1st 91l Patrick Laperle 2nd 115 Jody Lavender 3rd 91 Heath Hindman 4th 16 Joey Coulter 5th 4n Ben Rowe 6th 86 Mike Fritts 7th 40 Sterling Marlin 8th 22 Aaron Ricker 9th 5 Spencer Wauters 10th 21 Dustin Hubbard 11th 0 Bill Penfold 12th 97 John Fleming

 

HEAT TWO

1st 25 Ross Kenseth 2nd 51k Rebecca Kasten 3rd 47s Corey Williams 4th 23 Jimmy Weller 5th 60n DJ Shaw 6th 20 Steve Legendre 7th 197 Joey Pole 8th 2m Michael Bilderback 9th 9p Tommy Pecaro

10th 18k Keith Oliver 11th 29k Allen Karnes

 

HEAT THREE

1st 10 Ryan Blaney 2nd 61 Mario Gosslin 3rd 24n Mike Rowe 4th 47 Trey Mitchell 5th 2 Gray Gaulding

6th 84qc Martin Latuilippe 7th 05 Alex Fleming 8th 16r Kevin Roberge 9th 09 Randy Gentry 10th 80 Dean Clattenburg 11th 17a Scott Alexander 12th 1a Justin Allison

 

HEAT FOUR

1st 129 Jeff Choquette 2nd 62 Brandon Ward 3rd 64 Garrett Evans 4th 04 Ryan Reed 5th 10b Geoff Bodine 6th 75 Gary Smith 7th 82 Donnie Wilson 8th 49 Brian Levant 9th 1n Randy Turner 10th 80s Mark Shaffer 11th 4p Michael Pilla 12th 110 Ryan Crane

 

HEAT FIVE

1st 26 Preston Peltier 2nd 7 Erik Darnell 3rd 84 Scott Mulkern 4th 48n Lonnie Sommerville 5th 8 Cassius Clark 6th 180 Blake Jones 7th 73 Joey Doiron 8th 29p Greg Proude 9th 42h Ronnie Hults 10th 48 John Batten 11th 2m Matt Matheson 12th 35 Devin Jone

 


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2011-04-08

Pro All Stars Series news - Qualifying Results, THE RACE

For immediate release

Stephen Nasse Sets New Track Record to Earn the McGunegill Engine Performance Fast Time Award for PASS South “THE RACE”

Top 15 drivers locked in during qualifying at North Wilkesboro Speedway

The historic North Wilkesboro Speedway (NC) was alive on Friday, April 8th, with qualifying for the Pro All Stars Series (PASS) South presented by JE Pistons and Roush Yates Performance Parts “THE RACE” event. With a time of 18.700 seconds, Stephen Nasse earned the McGunegill Engine Performance Fast Time Award, a new track record.

75 cars took to the track during qualifying. With drivers from at least 21 states and five Canadian providences on hand, Nasse, who hails from Pinellas Park, Florida, was the quickest driver during the two-lap qualifying session.

“We have been struggling a little bit with freeness all weekend,” said Nasse. “This is a very old track. I am proud to be on the pole for this race. Our team really needed a pick-up for this season; we haven’t been doing too great, but this is definitely what we needed.”

Justin Wakefield held the pole for a bit during the session with an 18.897-second lap, but Nasse was able to rip off a lap almost two-tenths faster.

“I wasn’t expecting it to be that fast,” explained Nasse. “I just wanted to get locked in to the top 15. It is good how it happened. It is amazing.”

The top-15 drivers that locked themselves into the race were Nasse, Wakefield, Ryan Moore, Brian Ickler, Bubba Pollard, Augie Grill, Pat Kelly, Andy Loden, Johnny Clark, Jay Fogleman, Cale Gale, Kenzie Ruston, Trevor Sanborn, TJ Reaid and Chris Eggleston. The top-10 drivers will redraw for their starting positions tomorrow.

Later in the evening on Friday, five 25-lap heat races will take place with the top-three drivers from each heat locking them into the 300-lap event. Two 40-lap last chance races will take place on Saturday with the winner from each race transferring into “THE RACE” held later that day, where the winner after 300 laps will earn at least $75,000.00. The balance of the field will be determined by provisionals.

For more information on the Pro All Stars Series and “THE RACE” at North Wilkesboro Speedway, go to www.proallstarsseries.com.

Official Qualifying Results: PASS South presented by JE Pistons/ Roush Yates Performance Products THE RACE – North Wilkesboro (NC) Speedway – 4/8/2011

Top 15 lock in to feature event on time – positions 16-30 to be determined by qualifying races this evening.) position, car number, driver, fastest lap

1 51N Stephen Nasse 18.700 (New SLM Track Record)

2 98 Justin Wakefield 18.897

3 74 Ryan Moore 18.908

4 154 Brian Ickler 18.920

5 18 Bubba Pollard 18.933

6 112 Augie Grill 18.933

7 53 Pat Kelly 18.943

8 29 Andy Loden 18.952

9 54 Johnny Clark 18.963

10 4 Jay Fogleman 18.964

11 83 Cale Gale 18.969

12 39 Kenzie Ruston 18.977 13 29 Trevor Sanborn 18.983 14 51 TJ Reaid 19.006

15 O8 Chris Eggleston 19.012

16 91 Patrick Laperle 19.016 17 25 Ross Kenseth 19.044 18 129 Jeff Choquette 19.066 19 10 Ryan Blaney 19.066

20 26 Preston Peltier 19.096 21 16 Joey Coulter 19.113

22 51 Becca Kasten 19.115 23 61 Mario Gosslin 19.117 24 62 Brandon Ward 19.123 25 84 Scott Mulkern 19.129 26 91 Heath Hindman 19.130 27 23 Jimmy Weller 19.134 28 2 Gray Gaulding 19.148 29 40 Michael Pilla 19.150

30 8 Cassius Clark 19.160

31 40 Sterling Marlin 19.161

32 47S Corey Williams19.175

33 O9 Randy Gentry 19.187 34 110 Ryan Crane 19.191

35 Devin Jones 19.221

36 115 Jody Lavender19.224

37 2 Michael Bilderback 19.226

38 47 Trey Mitchell 19.236

39 82 Donnie Wilson 19.240

40 7 Erik Darnell 19.259

41 86 Mike Fritts 19.272

42 80 Dean Clattenburg 19.274

43 18K Keith Oliver 19.274 44 1 Randy Turner 19.276

45 29P Grant Proude 19.283 46 5 Spencer Wauters 19.316

47 91Q David Quackenbush 19.323

48 24N Mike Rowe 19.331

49 O4 Ryan Reed 19.332

50 42H Ronnie Hults 19.338 51 97 John Flemming 19.339 52 60N DJ Shaw 19.345

53 O5 Alex Fleming 19.347 54 64 Garrett Evans 19.371 55 48N Lonnie Sommerville 19.374

56 22 Aaron Ricker 19.375 57 197 Joey Pole 19.390

58 1A Justin Allison 19.396 59 49 Brian Leavitt 19.401

60 180 Blake Jones 19.403 61 4N Ben Rowe 19.443

62 20 Steve Legendre 19.462 63 17A Scott Alexander 19.472

64 10B Geoff Bodine 19.519 65 73 Joey Doiron 19.539 66 21 Dustin Hubbard 19.557

67 9P Tommy Pecaro 19.616 68 84 Martin Latulippe 19.635 69 80 Mark Shaffer 19.677

70 48 John Batten 19.699

71 O Bill Penfold 19.703

72 29K Allen Karnes 19.716 73 16R Kevin Roberge 19.785

74 Gary Smith 19.795

75 2M Matt Matheson 19.943 Casey Roderick did not take time.


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2011-04-05

TEAM PR: Joey Doiron North Wilkesboro Race Preview

Joey Doiron: PASS North Series

North Wilkesboro Race Preview

Joey Doiron of Berwick, Maine, joins drivers from two divisions for the PASS-sanctioned $75,000-to-win “The Race” at North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Wilkesboro, N.C., on Friday and Saturday, April 8-9. The reigning PASS North Series Rookie of the Year is guaranteed a starting spot in the lucrative event for both PASS North and PASS South Series teams. Doiron has never competed at the historic North Wilkesboro Speedway, which has sat nearly dormant since the last NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event there in 1995, though he and his family-owned Super Late Model team tested there last month.

WHO: Joey Doiron, Berwick, Maine

TEAM: No. 73 JBJ Machine/Rescue Welding/Dale Shaw Race Cars Chevrolet

BEST CAREER NORTH WILKESBORO SPEEDWAY FINISH: N/A

LAST RACE AT NORTH WILKESBORO SPEEDWAY: N/A

WHAT: PASS-sanctioned “The Race” 300-lap Super Late Model event

WHERE: North Wilkesboro Speedway, North Wilkesboro, N.C.

WHEN: Qualifying – Friday, April 8, 5 p.m.; Race – Saturday, April 9, 6 p.m.

PASS NORTH SERIES

NEXT RACE: April 30, PASS 150, Beech Ridge Motor Speedway, Scarborough, Maine (.333-mile oval)

****************

JOEY, HOW DID YOUR TEST AT NORTH WILKESBORO GO LAST MONTH?

It went a lot better than I expected. We went with a setup we've never really used before up here (in the PASS North Series). I think we found something – and I'm really excited to go back. We were one of faster cars there during the test, too. Something like that always give you confidence.

The fact that we're already locked into the field was the main reason why we went to test. Yeah, we're locked into the show, but I don't want to get into the show just based on that. My goal is to time trial in the Top-15. It's possible for us. We really played around with our setups (at the test). We tried to go in a different direction than what we had been doing in the past, something a lot more radical.

WHY IS THIS RACE SO IMPORTANT TO TEAMS? IS IT JUST ABOUT THE PURSE MONEY?

The money is probably a big part of what makes this special, but it's more than that. Not many people can say they've ever raced at North Wilkesboro, and being able to say you raced there is a big deal.

The other thing is that there are not many slouches entered in this race. Everyone that's coming could probably win it. I don't think you'll see another Super Late Model field this tough all year until maybe the Snowball Derby (in the winter).

IS YOUR TEAM CAPABLE OF WINNING THE 300?

Everyone goes to the race track with the expectation of winning. I think it's possible for us. It doesn't matter who it is, Augie Grill or Bill Penfold, or how good your car is – you've still got to have luck on your side. You need a lot of luck, too, especially in a race like this. Anything can happen.

At this time last year, I didn't think our program was good enough (to compete for the win). But I think we turned a corner at the end of the season. We didn't have the finishes at the end of the year maybe that we wanted, but we were definitely a Top-5 caliber car at some of the tracks we were going to for a second time.

--30--


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2011-04-03

TEAM PR: Cody Hodgson Posts Top-10 In K&N Pro Series East Debut

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 4.2.11

For more information, visit www.CodyHodgsonRacing.com

 

Hodgson Lands Top-10 In K&N Pro Series East Debut

 

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Cody Hodgson of Escalon, Calif., finished 10th in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Kevin Whitaker Chevrolet 150 at Greenville Pickens Speedway on Saturday, April 2. Hodgson also qualified the No. 03 Ocala Gran Prix Dodge in the Top-10 in his series debut with Dave Davis Motorsports, posting the ninth-fastest speed on the 32-car starting grid. The Sunoco Rookie of the Year candidate rallied for the impressive finish after twice pitting to fix damage suffered in accidents involving other cars. In a race featuring 19 rookies in the field, only four of them finished ahead of Hodgson.

 

WHO: Cody Hodgson, Escalon, Calif.

TEAM: Dave Davis Motorsports No. 03 Ocala Gran Prix Dodge

WHAT: NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Kevin Whitaker Chevrolet 150

WHERE: Greenville Pickens Speedway, Greenville, S.C. (.500-mile oval)

 

STARTED: 9th

FINISHED: 10th

LAPS LED: 0 times for 0 laps

 

NEXT RACE: April 16, South Boston 150, South Boston Speedway, South Boston, Va., (.400-mile oval)

 

***********

 

CODY, TALK ABOUT YOUR RACE TONIGHT.

 

That first 50 laps, it was really about feeling everything out, feeling out what the car was going to do and the guys I was racing with that I've never raced with before. Once I got in my groove, it was a lot of fun.

 

Despite the fact that we had to pit twice and come back up through the field, I was really happy with my performance, and the team was happy with my performance. It makes you confident knowing that you can have a good day after all we went through.

 

HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BOTH QUALIFY AND FINISH IN THE TOP-10 IN YOUR FIRST K&N PRO SERIES EAST RACE?

 

I'm more than happy to just finish in the Top-10 in my first race, especially with everything that happened in the middle of the race. With having to pit a couple of times and all the damage we hand and then having to restart in the back, I wasn't even sure if I'd get anywhere near the Top-10.

 

The guys did awesome job in the pits to get us a good car. Had we we been better early on and qualified a little better, we had a Top-5 car, no problem, which is awesome.

 

WHERE DO YOU WANT TO IMPROVE HEADING INTO SOUTH BOSTON IN TWO WEEKS?

 

I know know what I need to do now, what I can get out of the car in qualifying, especially. Qualifying is really, really important in these races. But at the same time, if I don't get the qualifying I want, I know that I can just settle in early, stay out of wrecks and be able to move to the front.

 

I kept the car clean, never gave up and still came out of there with a Top-10 finish. So, I'm really excited about keeping things going.

 

--30--

 


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NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Review: Moffitt Keeps On Rolling

For Immediate Release

Includes Quotes and Additional Notes

 

NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Recap: Moffitt Keeps On Rolling

Led wire-to-wire in season opener at Greenville Pickens Speedway

 

 

GREENVILLE, S.C. (April 2, 2011) — Brett Moffitt started off 2011 the same place he ended last year: in Victory Lane. The only difference was the uniform.

 

In his first race for Michael Waltrip Racing, Moffitt won the Kevin Whitaker Chevrolet 150 Saturday night at Greenville Pickens Speedway. Moffitt led all 150 laps in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East opener at the historic half-mile.

 

“This was an amazing win,” Moffitt said. “Luckily we were able to put it on the pole – I was very excited about that – and then after that being able to lead green-to-checker is just awesome.”

 

Moffitt closed out the 2010 season with a win at Dover International Speedway with for Joe Gibbs Racing. He took over the No. 00 at MWR, and replaced two-time series champion Ryan Truex who moved up to the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Moffitt won the 21 Means 21 Pole Award presented by Coors Light earlier in the day Saturday and became the first driver since Ryan Moore in July of 2005 to lead every lap.

 

“Being able to start the season like that is amazing, and hopefully we never look back,” Moffitt said.

 

Coleman Pressley challenged Moffitt for the lead on Lap 136, and looked to have the line to move up front, but the caution flag came out which reverted the field back to the last completed green flag lap. Moffitt was too strong on the final restart and the closing laps, and Pressley had to settle for a runner-up finish in his K&N Pro Series East debut.

 

“We put ourselves in a good position, and there at one time I thought we had the lead from Brett, but cautions and restarts didn’t fall our way,” said Pressley, the son of past Greenville Pickens track champion Robert Pressley. “For the first time out for X Team Racing, we’ll take it, and go to South Boston and go for the win.

 

Rookies Alex Bowman and Chase Elliott finished third and fourth, respectively. Matt DiBenedetto, a teammate of Pressley and Bowman with X Team Racing, rounded out the top five.

Defending race winner Darrell Wallace Jr. was sixth, followed by Sergio Peña, Brandon McReynolds, Brandon Haley and Cody Hodgson.

 

Four months after his 15th birthday, Elliott also became the youngest driver in series history to take a green flag. With a finish of 22 positions higher than his starting spot, he took home the Coca-Cola Move of the Race Award. Wallace was the Featherlite Most Improved Driver with a finish 19 spots better from the previous race while Bowman earned Sunoco Rookie of the Race honors as the highest finisher among the 18 rookies in the event.

 

There were a total of 12 drivers that made their first K&N Pro Series East start in the Kevin Whitaker Chevrolet 150, which saw 11 caution periods for 57 laps. Twenty-one cars finished on the lead lap.

 

The 2011 edition of the Kevin Whitaker Chevrolet 150 marked this sixth year in a row the series opened its season in Greenville. Each event has produced a different race winner, but Moffitt became the first to earn more than one pole as he was also the fastest qualifier in 2009.

 

The NASCAR K&N Pro Series East will return to the track for the South Boston 150 at South Boston (Va.) Speedway on Saturday, April 16 in a doubleheader with the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour.

 


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2011-04-02

THE RACE

Northwilkesboro, NC – Dans un peu plus d’une semaine la course du siècle – une épreuve de 300 tours sous les réflecteurs qui paie $75,000 au gagnant – sera disputée sur la piste de 5/8mi de North Wilkesboro Speedway, une piste visitée jusqu’en 1996 par la coupe Sprint moment de la fermeture de la piste.

Northwilkesboro, NC – In a little over a week the race of the century – a 300 laps under the lights race which pays $75000 to win – will be going on at the history 5/8mi North Wilkesboro Speedway, a track which hosted Sprint until its closure in 1996.

La piste

À l’époque, Bruton Smith (Speedway Motorsports Inc.) et Bob Bahre (New Hampshire Motor Speedway) ont fait l’acquisition de la piste pour s’approprier les deux dates d’événement pour Texas Motor Speedway et NHMS qu’ils possédaient respectivement. Dormante depuis, elle a été éveillée l’été dernier pour une épreuve USAR ProCup Series en octobre 2010.

Avec près de 80 voitures pré-inscrites pour cette course de 300 tours pour voitures Super Late Models, réussir à faire la grande finale sera un exploit.

Les compétiteurs

Une brochette de pilotes des plus diversifiée, incluant deux ancien champions Sprint Cup, Sterling Marlin et Geoff Bodine; Les meilleurs du sud : Jeff Choquette, Preston Peltier, Stephan Nasse; et ceux du nord : Ben et Mike Rowe, Johnny Clark, Classius Clark et Ryan Moore. Même le pilote ACT Joey Polewarczyk y participera.

Les Canadiens

Le Québec sera représenté par Patrick Laperle, Martin Latulippe, Kevin Roberge et le québécois de souche Mario Gosselin (il habite aux États-unis). DJ Shaw, un américain, qui pilote pour Précision JLM de Laval (propriété de J. et R. Moglioli) sera aussi de la partie. Les maritimes canadiennes sont représentée par John Flemming, Matt Matheson, Greg Proude et le multiple champion Lonnie Sommerville. Même l’Alberta est représentée avec Brian Levant qui vient de Calgary.

La sanction

Comme l’épreuve est sous la sanction Pro All Star Series (PASS), les compétiteurs ne peuvent pratiquer à moins d’une semaine de l’épreuve.

Plusieurs en ont profité pour venir tourner quelques tours pour se familiariser avec le circuit et pour développer des « setups » de course et de qualification.

The track

At the time, Bruton Smith (Speedway Motorsports Inc.) and Bob Bahre (New Hampshire Motor Speedway) bought the track to move its two dates to Texas Motor Speedway and NHMS which they both own. Dormant since, it reopened in October 2010 for a USAR ProCup Series event.

With close to 80 cars pre-registered for the 300 laps race for Super Late Models, making the show will be a victory by itself.

The competitors

An impressive roster of diversified drivers including two former Sprint Cup champions, Sterling Marlin and Geoff Bodine; the best from the South: Jeff Choquette, Preston Peltier, Stephan Nasse; and those from the North: Ben and Mike Rowe, Johnny Clark, Classisus Clark and Ryane Moore. Including ACT driver Joey Polewarczyk.

The Canadians

Quebec will be represented by Patrick Laperle, Martin Latulippe, Kevin Roberge and Quebec born Mario Gosselin (he now resides in the USA). DJ Shaw, an american, driving for Precision JLM of Laval, Quebec (Canada) under the ownership of J. & R. Moglioli will also be racing. Hauling from the maritimes are John Flemming, Matt Matheson, Greg Proude and the multi-time Champion Lonnie Sommerville. Even one racer, Brian Levant, coming from as far as Calgary, Alberta.

Sanctioning body

Since the race will be sanctioned by Pro All Star Series (PASS), drivers wanting to practice must do so before a week from the event.

Many took advantage and turned laps at the facility to familiarize themselves and dial-in setups for both qualifying and the feature race.



Merci à Kevin Roberge pour se diaporama. // Thank you to Kevin Roberge for this slide show.

La grille de départ

Les 15 premières positions de la grille de départ seront déterminées par les temps chronométrés. Les positions 16 à 30 par les courses qualificatives. Deux gagnants de last chance. Jusqu’à 15 positions seront réservées pour tout pilote PASS nord ou sud ayant participé à 100% des épreuves du calendrier 2010 et avoir terminé dans le top 15.

La course et la bourse

La distance de 300 tours sera divisée en trois segments, chacune des pauses de 5 minutes pour permettre le remplacement des pneus et des ajustements aux bolides.

En plus des $75000 pour la victoire, chaque tour mené rapportera au meneur $100 ($30000) et un boni de $25000 additionnel sera décerné au vainqueur s’il a été un participant PASS 100% en 2010. De nombreux commanditaires associé (contingency) ajouterons à la cagnotte.

Nous souhaitons la meilleur des chances à tous les pilotes, plus particulièrement à nos représentants du Québec.

The starting grid

The first 15 spots will be determined using time trials. Positions 16 to 30 via qualifying races. Two Last chance winners. And up to 15 spots for any PASS North or South driver having competed in 100% of either schedules and finishing in the top 15 in ranks.

The race and the purse

The 300 laps event will be split in three segments separated by a 5 minutes pause to allow for tire change and adjustments.

In addition to the $75000 for the win, $100 will go to the leader of each lap ($30000) and a bonus of $25000 will be awarded if the winner is a full time (100%) PASS 2010 participant. A number of contingency sponsors are also adding to the impressive pot.

Best of luck to all the competitors, especially those who call the province of Quebec home.


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2011-04-01

TMR PR : Teenager Jared Marks Aiming For High Marks

"Sophomore Focused On G.P.A. As Momentum Towards Busy Summer"

NAPOLEON, Ohio (April 1, 2011) - - With Tony Marks Racing (TMR) development driver Jared Marks focused on a 4.0 grade point average during his sophomore season at Napoleon High School, the rising teenage sensation is hoping his GPA will transfer over to on-track results this summer.

After posting solid results during the 45th Annual World Series at New Smyrna (Fla.) Speedway in the Super Late Model (SLM) and Crate Late Model (CLM) divisions respectively, Marks returned to school in the Buckeye State focused on satisfying his achievements with the momentum to carry onto a heavy summer racing season which will consist of competition in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards as well as an aggressive Late Model schedule.

"I'm looking forward to getting school over with so I can fully concentrate on racing," said 16-year old Marks. "Believe it or not, the balance between maintaining a 4.0 GPA in high school and achieving success on the race track is a fine line."

He added, "Luckily, a large portion of the race season is during the month where school is out of session. That offers a prime opportunity for me to be focused 100 percent on racing. On average, I'll spend eight to 10 hours per day in the shop working on cars. I enjoy the hands on portion of working on and learning about them just as much as I do racing them. But, when school is alive, it can be difficult to deal with all of the work in the classroom and at the track."

Of course when school is in peak, not only is Marks trying to keep his team and sponsors happy but his teachers too.

"My schoolwork is just as important to me as is my racing career. You see, I am enrolled in mostly advance placement and honor courses, so I usually spend two-three hours a night focused on school work. This is combined with the one and a half to two hours a day of weightlifting and cardio exercise to keep in shape and gain a competitive advantage over the competition. I am getting to the point in my career where races are becoming longer, sometimes 250 or even 300 laps, so physical fitness is extremely important," Marks explained.

With a scheduled race in April at Toledo Speedway next month, Marks is mentally preparing himself.

"I would say that I have the tendency to put a lot of pressure on myself," Marks explained. "I want to do well not only for myself and our sponsors but for my friends and family too. I'm very lucky to have the support of my friends and especially my family. They are a large part of my success and I appreciate all they have given me. My dad came from a racing background, so he understands the desire to be successful on the racetrack. But, before "play" comes into effect, it's hitting those books hard and staying on track."

Tentatively, Marks' first short-track event for TMRDD (Tony Marks Racing Driver Development) in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards is at the tight Toledo Speedway on Sunday, May 15. He will be a teammate to ARCA Rookie of the Year candidate and Canadian female driver Maryeve Dufault.

"While it will be fine to race in the Late Models, I'm looking forward to being a teammate at TMR with Maryeve (Dufault)," Marks sounded. "My goal is to work with her and with the TMR so we can bring home the best finishes possible. Of course, I wouldn't mind a top-five or even a win or two along the way."

About Tony Marks Racing (TMR):

Tony Marks Racing was founded in 2009 through the passion for racing of team owner and former driver Tony Marks. Marks is the successful owner of TMT, Inc., a logistics, warehousing and packaging company with over 400 employees whose
customers are mainly comprised of Fortune 100 companies.

Marks began his racing career in 1985 getting behind the wheel of everything from
drag racers, Dirt Late Models, SCCA Formula Fords, USAC F2000 Open Wheel and ARCA cars. Tony personally raced until 2005 amassing numerous wins, championships and track records along the way until he then changed his focus from driver to owner and began building racing programs for his children Jared (16 years old) and Rachel (13 years old). Under the auspices of TMR, Jared began his racing career in 2002 in quarter midgets and now competes in late model, CRA, ASA and ARCA Series events while Rachel continues her development program racing quarter midgets and Bandoleros.

TMR has been at the forefront of charitable giving through its' "Driving Against Hunger" and "Million Meal Challenge" race programs which have raised over $200,000 for Forgotten Harvest in 2010 at the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series events at Michigan International Speedway.

For the NASCAR events TMR along with TMT, Inc. partnered with Forgotten Harvest for the "Million Meal Challenge For Our Kids" which helps to bridge the hunger gap while schools are out of session and feeds 20,000 children per day in the Detroit metro area. Forgotten Harvest was significantly displayed on the entry of Chase Austin during both the Truck and Nationwide events at Michigan International Speedway along with logos of "Million Meal Challenge" sponsors Walgreen's, United Race Group, Holyfield's Choice Alka-Power Water and Vitamin Spice. Evander
Holyfield was also instrumental in the challenge, acting as Grand Marshall for the August race and announcing his "Fight Against Hunger" on behalf of Forgotten Harvest.

As the first race team to "Drive Against Hunger" through their partnership with Forgotten Harvest, TMR plans to continue their alliance with Forgotten Harvest and once again "Drive Against Hunger" during the 2011 season.

For additional information on TMT, Inc. please visit; tmtcompanies.net.

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2011-03-30

Ford Blue Oval Challenge Has Lots Of New Competition

For Immediate Release                                                ACT – 033011-15

 

        Waterbury, VT – The Ford Blue Oval Challenge for ACT Late Model teams will see some administrative changes and a whole lot more competition in the upcoming 2011 race season.

 

The American Canadian Tour (ACT) and Ford Sportsman Circle Track Racing, a division of Ford Racing, announced today the second year of the “Blue Oval Challenge” for the Ford competitors racing in ACT events or at ACT affiliated Late Model tracks.

 

“A year ago we designed the Ford Blue Oval Cup program to make sure we covered all the ACT touring events, special events, and the affiliate tracks throughout the Northeast and Provinces of Canada. The events at the New Smyrna Speedway in Florida provided a great start to the 2011 season, and needless to say, Ford was delighted that Joey Polewarczyk, Jr. (Pole) won the Goodyear Cup driving a Ford,” said Mike Delahanty, Program Manager-Sportsman Circle Track Racing for the Ford Racing Technology Division of Ford Racing.

 

The popularity of the Ford program will be in evidence throughout the region with the start of the coming season. The number of Ford teams to compete in ACT racing this coming year has more than doubled.

 

“We have gotten a very impressive list of championship caliber teams who have decided to switch to Ford and run for the Blue Oval Challenge this coming season,” said Nick Bigelow, ACT Media Director.

 

Last season Ford had some very high profile teams with New Hampshire-based teams Joey Pole and Wayne Helliwell, Vermont champions Cris Michaud, Joey Laquerre and John Donahue, along with Maine veteran Glen Luce and first year sensation Austin Theriault.

 

In 2011, seven-time ACT Champion Brian Hoar in the RPM Rick Paya team, and Dave Pembroke a former Thunder Road and Milk Bowl champion, both from Vermont, will be competing in Fords.  Former Castrol Edge and ACT Champion, Patrick Laperle, one of the most feared racers throughout the Northeast, has a Ford in his stable of cars.

 

Veteran Seekonk Speedway Pro Stock racer Ray Parent from Tiverton, RI and former NASCAR North and Busch East regular Tom Carey, Jr. from New Salem, MA will also unveil Ford programs at the ACT opening event at the New Hampshire Governor’s Cup 150 to be held at Lee USA Speedway on April 17, 2011.

 

Ford contingency programs are in place for all ACT US and Castrol Edge touring events and special events, including the recently concluded New Smyrna Goodyear Cup; the New Hampshire Motor Speedway third annual ACT Invitational, to be held over the NASCAR Chase weekend on September 23-25th; the All-Star Showdown at Chaudiere, pitting the best of the US against the best of the Castrol Edge Série; the richest race of them all, the TD Bank 250 at the Oxford Plains Speedway in Maine; and the 49th running of the People’s Bank Milk Bowl at Thunder Road.  All will help to make the Ford Blue Oval Challenge the richest contingency in ACT racing.  ACT competitors planning to participate in the Ford Blue Oval program will find registration forms available to them on the ACT website, located under the “Forms” tab. 

 

ACT statistician Nick Bigelow has worked on making the yearly Blue Oval Challenge point system more compatible with the various kinds of events that are eligible, including touring and weekly races. For more information visit the ACT web site at www.acttour.com and go to the ‘Forms’ tab on the left side panel for details.

 

The first points given toward the overall $35,000 in posted contingency awards has Joey Pole as the early leader by virtue of his win at the New Smyrna Goodyear Cup last February. Approved ACT Ford programs at the following weekly tracks will be eligible to be included in the 2011 Blue Oval Challenge: Thunder Road Speedbowl, Barre, VT; White Mountain Motorsport Park, N. Woodstock, NH; Oxford Plains Speedway, Oxford, ME; Seekonk Speedway, Seekonk, MA; Waterford Speedbowl, Waterford, CT; Twin State Speedway, Claremont, NH; Riverside Speedway, Groveton, NH; Canaan Fair Speedway, Canaan, NH, Devil’s Bowl Speedway, West Haven, VT; Albany-Saratoga Speedway, Malta, NY; Kawartha Speedway, Peterborough, ON; Capital City Speedway, Ottawa, ON.

 

The winner of the Blue Oval Challenge will receive $5,000.00 at the annual ACT Banquet of Champions at the end of the 2011 season.

 

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

 

                                          -30-                                  

 

 


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