2012-02-02

ACT Veteran Randy Potter Files First Season Entry

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 ACT-020212-4

Waterbury, VT – Veteran American Canadian Tour (ACT) stock car racer Randy Potter of Groveton, NH filed the first full season entry for the 10-event 2012 ACT Tour. Potter and his Lancaster Auto Sales/Speedway Sports Park Chevrolet team were recently honored at the ACT Banquet of Champions for their 5th place finish in the 2011 standings.

 

“Our chances at the 2012 title right now are as good as anyone’s, but in order to pull it out of the clutches of RPM and Brian Hoar we are going to need luck, no mechanical or mental break downs and some really good finishes in all of the 10 races,” said Potter.

During the 2011 season, Potter had one of the most consistent years of his career. He finished with four podium finishes, including three straight at White Mountain Motorsports Park, Twin State Speedway and Beech Ridge Motor Speedway. He capped off the year with a second at Airborne Speedway in the season finale.

Potter is looking forward to the 10-event 2012 season and ACT’s return to Sanair Super Speedway in St-Pie, Quebec. “Ten races will probably get more cars to run the whole tour schedule, which is good for the car counts and the competition, but it will make it tougher to qualify too,” said Potter. “I’ve always wanted to go to Sanair. Something always happens to keep us from making the trip so I hate to jinx anything, but I’m really looking forward to it.”

Potter, a former Riverside Speedway (Groveton, NH) Late Model Champion, raced off and on with ACT beginning in 1993. He returned to the Tour full-time in 2007 and immediately established himself as a championship contender with his first career ACT win in the season opener at Oxford Plains Speedway. Since 2007, Potter has finished in the top ten in the final standings each season, including three times in the top five. He is also the only driver to qualify for all 63 ACT feature events since 2007.

The 2012 will kick off with the traditional NH Governor’s Cup 150 at Lee USA Speedway in Lee, NH on Sunday, April 15.

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Attached Picture: Randy Potter (02) and Joey Polewarczyk, Jr. (97) battle during the 2011 ACT season finale at Airborne Speedway in Plattsburgh, NY.

 

 


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ARCA, University of Northwestern Ohio Extend Sponsorship Agreement; Race Officials Train, Refresh at University

For Immediate Release:

Thursday, February 2, 2012

 

 

(TOLEDO, Ohio) - The University of Northwestern Ohio, located in Lima, has renewed its position as the Official and Exclusive Educational University of the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards for the 2012 season.

 

The agreement includes a continuation of the UNOH student intern program, which creates at-track internship opportunities with race teams and the sanctioning body for UNOH students. Numerous UNOH students have served as technical officials at ARCA events, and many others have worked in varying roles on ARCA race teams.

 

"The program we have with ARCA and the ARCA teams has been extremely beneficial to our marketing and branding strategies," said Steve Farmer, vice president of corporate development for UNOH. "Our students have benefited from the hands-on experience they get working with some of the best teams in the racing industry. It is an education they can get nowhere else in the country."

 

The university will contribute $2500 to the series' annual point fund, and also sponsor several special award programs - totaling $300 per each of the season's 20 events and a $2500 award at the season's end.

 

The relationship's ninth season began in earnest last weekend, when over 25 ARCA Racing Series officials traveled to Lima to visit the university's Dr. Jeffrey A. Jarvis High Performance Motorsports Complex for a preseason training session.

 

Split into four small groups, the officials took instruction on several elements of at-track procedure. Two classroom settings provided pit road and race procedure discussions, and two in-garage classes allowed officials to learn more about qualifying and impound procedures. A race car formerly used in competition stood on jack stands to give officials a closer view. Each of the four classes lasted one hour, allowing for a lecture, a question-and-answer session, and other discussion in every area. All officials - returning and new - were tested at the end of the day.

 

Though many attending the program were ARCA veterans looking to refresh their knowledge after seasons of experience, several new officials participated and gained real experience.

 

At 75,000 square feet, UNOH's High Performance Motorsports Complex features eight different compartments: custom engine-building, engine-building, fabrication, high-performance welding, high-performance chassis, steering and suspension, accessories trends, and a dyno building with four dyno machines. The dyno building also houses the school's motorsports team, which fields modified cars and stock cars at the university's Limaland Motorsports Park.

 

2012 will be the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards' 60th Anniversary Season, featuring 20 races at 18 tracks. The season begins with the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, February 18. The event will air live on SPEED.

 

The complete 2012 event schedule is available at ARCARacing.com.

 

The ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards has crowned an ARCA national champion each year since its inaugural season in 1953, and has toured over 200 race tracks in 28 states since its inception. The series has tested the abilities of drivers and race teams over the most diverse schedule of stock car racing events in the world, visiting tracks ranging from 0.4 mile to 2.66 miles in length, on both paved and dirt surfaces as well as a left- and right-turn road course in its most recent season. This year, the series will visit Alabama's Mobile International Speedway and Minnesota's Elko Speedway for the first time; ARCA's first visit to Minnesota will give ARCA a race in a 29th state.

 

Founded by John and Mildred Marcum in 1953 in Toledo, Ohio, the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) is recognized among the leading sanctioning bodies in the country. Closing in on completing its sixth decade after hundreds of thousands of miles of racing, ARCA administers over 100 race events each season in three professional touring series and local weekly events.

 

The University of Northwestern Ohio is an entrepreneurial, not-for-profit, university founded in 1920. There are five colleges within the university: The College of Applied Technologies, College of Business, College of Occupational Professions, College of Health Professions, and the Graduate College. UNOH has taught students from all 50 states and 16 foreign countries, and currently has more than 4500 students enrolled from 36 states and 6 foreign countries. UNOH offers more than 60 different programs of study including Master's, Baccalaureate, Associate, and Diploma programs.

 

CONTACT:

Griffin Hickman, ARCA

 

Don Radebaugh, ARCA

 


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2012-02-01

PASS National Schedule To Feature Some Of Nation's Most Famed Short Tracks

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NAPLES, ME (February 1) – Pro All Stars Series (PASS) officials announced today the seven venues that will make up the 2012 PASS National Championship schedule. The PASS National Championship is comprised of seven races that combines select events from the PASS South and PASS North schedules to crown the nation’s only true Super Late Model Champion. The PASS National Championship will be contested at some of the country’s most famous short tracks including: Hickory (NC) Motor Speedway, Stafford (CT) Motor Speedway, White Mountain (NH) Motorsports Park, Beech Ridge (ME) Motor Speedway, Fairgrounds Speedway in Nashville, TN, Caraway (NC) Speedway, and Concord (NC) Speedway.

 

“The 2012 PASS National Championship will be staged at seven of the most iconic racing venues in the United States,” said PASS President Tom Mayberry. “Not only will the PASS National schedule be comprised with some great race tracks, but it will be encompassed by some of the biggest events in short track racing, including the Easter Bunny 150 at Hickory, Nashville’s All-American 400, and the PASS 400 at Beech Ridge. It definitely will not be easy to win and whoever so does can truly say that they beat the best competition in Super Late Model racing.”

The PASS National Championship will kick off with the 7th Annual Easter Bunny 150 on Saturday, April 7th at Hickory Motor Speedway. The Easter Bunny 150 has become a short track racing classic attracting drivers from all over the country and has hosted the first race of the PASS National Championship since its beginning back in 2008. The PASS National Championship will then head North for the next three events, highlighted by PASS’s debut at Stafford Motor Speedway on Sunday, August 26th. White Mountain Motorsports Park hosts race number three of the PASS National Series on Saturday, September 8th. The following week the series is back in action with the 8th Annual PASS 400 Weekend at Beech Ridge Motor Speedway, one of New England’s biggest short track events of the year.

The PASS National Championship will conclude with its final three events in the South and will be highlighted by the All-American 400 at the Fairgrounds Speedway on Saturday, October 6th. The All-American 400 once attracted drivers from all over North America and saw such legendary winners as Darrell Waltrip and Rusty Wallace. With PASS, that winning heritage will return in 2012 when the Nation’s best drivers compete in a true 400 lap contest with the winner possibly taking home $30,000.

Caraway Speedway will host its first PASS National event on Saturday, November 10th as PASS takes over the Super Late Model sanction of one of short track racing’s most anticipated events every year, the North-South Shootout. And finally, the PASS National Champion will once again be crowned on Thanksgiving weekend at the Concord Speedway as part of the 7th Annual Mason-Dixon Meltdown.

The PASS National Championship has been won by drivers from both the North and South with Cassius Clark taking the title in 2008, Ben Rowe in 2009 and 2011, and Preston Peltier in 2010.

The 2012 PASS South season will kick off its 16 race schedule on Saturday, March 10th with the 7th Annual South Carolina Clash at Dillon (SC) Motor Speedway. PASS North will get their season under way on Saturday, May 5th at Beech Ridge Motor Speedway. For more information and schedules on any PASS division, including the new PASS Super Limited division, please visit the website at ProAllStarsSeries.com

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CANADIAN TIRE EXHIBIT OFFERS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE AT THE CANADIAN MOTORSPORTS EXPO

 

(TORONTO, ON // FEBRUARY 1, 2012) – Canadian Tire, a company with a long and proud history in Canadian racing, will have a significant presence at the upcoming Canadian Motorsports Expo (CME). The show takes place February 10, 11 and 12 at Toronto’s International Centre.

 

At the show, Canadian Tire will offer racing fans a variety of experiences at its almost 5,000 square foot display. Based around the colourful 53-foot racing hauler, the interactive display will feature the No. 22 Canadian Tire / Motomaster Dodge of two-time and current NASCAR Canadian Tire Series champion Scott Steckly, as well as the No. 88 Canadian Tire NASCAR Nationwide Series show car of legendary Canadian racer Ron Fellows.

 

Both Fellows and Steckly will be on hand at the Canadian Tire exhibit at various times during the show to sign autographs for, and take pictures with, CME showgoers.

 

Visitors to the Canadian Tire exhibit can experience what it’s like to be on a real ‘over the wall’ NASCAR pit crew by taking part in the Pit Stop Challenge. Exhibit visitors can also win by taking a turn in the Canadian Tire Money Machine. Resembling a glass phone booth, the Money Machine is jammed with Canadian Tire Money that swirls around the booth in tornado-like fashion. Contestants can keep all the currency they can grab in 20 seconds. Other giveaways and samples will be distributed to those who visit the Canadian Tire exhibit throughout the three-days of the CME (while supplies last).

 

“We’re thrilled to be part of the 6th Annual Canadian Motorsport Expo and to connect with Canadians that share our passion for auto racing,” said Allan MacDonald, Senior Vice President of Automotive at Canadian Tire. “As title sponsors of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series we’ve been blown away by the support and enthusiasm of Canadian fans. We’re committed to fostering the growth of auto racing in Canada through our support of the series and are looking forward to an exciting 2012 season.”

 

Growing to more than 1,700 retail and gasoline outlets across Canada since its founding in 1922, Canadian Tire – the Official Automotive Retailer of NASCAR in Canada – is one of the nation’s most recognized and trusted companies. For decades, Canadian Tire has marketed its automotive business through participation in many forms of Canadian motorsports. Currently, Canadian Tire is the presenting sponsor of Canada’s national stock car championship; the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series.

 

Canadian Tire is also the primary sponsor of two-time Canadian NASCAR champion Scott Steckly and has, in recent years, sponsored Canada’s own Ron Fellows in the NASCAR Nationwide Series races in Montreal. Additionally, several independent Canadian Tire store owner/operators across Canada support grassroots karters, stock car and drag racers in their own local communities.

 

“We are very proud to welcome Canadian Tire as a major exhibitor at the 6th Annual Canadian Motorsports Expo Powered by Inside Track,” said CME co-promoter Rob Morton. “From the company’s long-running support of some of Canada’s top racers and events, to their current sponsorship of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, Scott Steckly, Ron Fellows and others, Canadian Tire is an undisputed leader in Canadian motorsports. Racers and fans appreciate Canadian Tire’s commitment to their sport and their dedication to offering the best service, expertise and products – many of them race and track-tested.”

 

ABOUT CANADIAN TIRE: Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited (TSX:CTC.a) (TSX:CTC) is one of Canada’s most-shopped general retailers and the country’s largest sporting goods retailer, with more than 1,700 retail and gasoline outlets from coast-to-coast. Our primary retail business categories – Automotive, Living, Fixing, Playing and Apparel – are supported and strengthened by our Financial Services division, which offers such products and services as credit cards, retail deposits, in-store financing, product warranties, and insurance. Nearly 68,000 people are employed across the Canadian Tire enterprise, which was founded in 1922 and remains one of Canada’s most recognized and trusted brands.

 

ABOUT THE CME: The Canadian Motorsports Expo Powered by Inside Track Motorsport News is a three-day celebration of Canadian racing that runs February 10, 11 & 12, 2012 at the International Centre (6900 Airport Road in Mississauga, Ontario (Canada)). In addition to booths and racing vehicles representing the entire spectrum of Canadian motorsports, the show is loaded with seminars and forums to entertain and inform racers and fans alike. Celebrity drivers (including NASCAR star Carl Edwards) will be at the CME to sign autographs and meet the fans. One of the special themes of this year’s CME is the CASCAR Reunion. Please check the show’s website (www.CanadianMotorsportsExpo.com) for news, updates, schedule information and more. For more information on exhibitors, seminars, conferences, special events and guests, visit www.canadianmotorsportsexpo.com, call 416-962-7223 or email info@canadianmotorsportsexpo.com.

 


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Austin Theriault: CRA Speedfest 200

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 1.31.11
For more information, visit http://www.austintheriault.com or E-Mail GWCNewEngland@gmail.com

 

Watermelon Capital Speedway Race Report


CORDELE, Ga. – Austin Theriault of Fort Kent, Maine, posted his best career Super Late Model result by finishing eighth in the season-opening CRA Speedfest 200 at Watermelon Capital Speedway in Cordele, Ga., on Sunday, January 29. Theriault started 16th in the Brad Keselowski Racing No. 29 Checkered Flag Foundation Dodge after an engine problem in practice on Friday, and then he used the pit strategy game to post a Top-10 finish in his third career start for BKR. Theriault pitted for right side tires only at the halfway mark of the event, which was won by NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Kyle Busch, to gain the track position he would maintain until the finish.

 

WHO: Austin Theriault, Fort Kent, Maine
TEAM: BKR No. 29 Checkered Flag Foundation Dodge
CREW CHIEF: Gary Crooks, Mooresville, N.C.

WHAT: CRA Speedfest 200
WHERE: Watermelon Capital Speedway, Cordele, Ga. (.375-mile banked oval)
STARTED: 16th
FINISHED: 8th


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

AUSTIN, HOW WOULD YOU SUM UP YOUR RACE?

“The race went pretty well. The field was very stout, the competition was right there. We decided to take two tires (on the pit stop). I think it was the right call knowing the circumstances that we were given. A couple of other drivers did some different things – Chase Elliott took no tires, a couple up front took four. There's pros and cons to everything.

 

“On a couple of restarts there, we weren't able to go enough laps before we'd get another caution or two. We got stuck on the outside, and it was tough to find grip on the outside. The guys with four tires on the bottom had the advantage. To come home eighth wasn't too bad. It was a solid Top-10. It was something we can build on, and it was a good showing for BKR.”

 

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE ENGINE DURING FRIDAY'S PRACTICE?

 

“I think a lot of teams would have just packed up and gone home. The guys are not afraid to work. They stayed up until two in the morning to get the motor in – it just goes to show how they'll never give up.

 

“We really hadn't made too many laps in practice. From what I can tell, it was just a mechanical failure in the motor. There was no predicting it. It didn't totally destroy. We kind of caught it before it blew up on the track, but we knew it was pretty severe and had to be changed.”

 

DID THAT SET YOU BACK FOR THE REST OF THE WEEKEND?

 

“We missed pretty much an hour and a half of practice. That made it a little tougher being that I'd never visited the track before. We still got a decent qualifying run (16th). Obviously, time trialing is still kind of new to me, and I'm learning every time we go to try and time trial. We'll go back to the drawing board and keep working on trying to improve my qualifying efforts.

 

“To be honest, I think we were all very happy with the finish that we got. The guys – Tyler, Adam and Gary – they worked their butts off trying to get the car back together. I think we were only able to make two practice sessions before the motor blew on Friday.”

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2012-01-28

Kawartha Speedway Kicks Off 2012 Season With Long John 200 Enduro

By Jim Clarke, Kawartha Speedway PR/Clarke Motorsports Communications

 

Love it or hate it, there’s no escaping a Canadian winter.  You just have to make the best of it.  Fans of battle at Kawartha Speedway have been longing for a taste of action since the 2011 season wrapped-up in September and Sunday, February 5th the 3/8th mile Fraserville, Ontario oval will throw its best at old man winter with the 3rd annual running of the Long John 200 Endurance event.

 

With categories for 4, 6 and 8 cylinder competition, the midday mid winter marathon is the perfect opportunity for loyal supporters to get their racing fix long before the return of the Friday night fights in June...and even a couple of weeks prior to the Daytona 500 starting the NASCAR Sprint Cup season Sunday, February 26th.  Track General Manager/Promoter Derek Lynch says Kawartha Speedway is the perfect venue to host the cold weather epic.

 

“Unlike some facilities who stage a winter event, we’re fortunate enough to have an enclosed grandstand to keep the spectators out of the elements,” said Lynch.  “Even still, there are a few hearty souls who just couldn’t bear to come to watch a race at Kawartha without being close to the action and will chose to brave the conditions and sit or stand outside.  Either way, we’ll make sure there’s plenty of coffee, hot chocolate and warm food to kill the chill.”

 

The first car across the line in the combined 4 and 6 cylinder class will receive $300.00, with the same payday waiting for the 8 cylinder winner.  Second and third place in each grouping pays $200.00 and $100.00 respectively.  No matter what the division, the overall winner pockets a $300.00 bonus. There is a $25.00 entry fee for each participant.  Full rules and information can be found on the track web-site.  Even though this is the 3rd edition of the race, Derek Lynch confesses that he and his team are constantly tinkering with the format to find the perfect formula.

 

“Every time we open the gates, the goal is to give the fans the best possible show and the Long John 200 is no exception,” according to Lynch.  “We’re always looking for a solid car count and strong support from the crowd.  There’s no telling what will happen until the green flag drops, but we’re all looking forward to an amazing day.”

 

Pit gates and registration opens Sunday, February 5th at 11:00, with a warm-up session scheduled for noon and racing at 1:00.  Spectator admission is just $5.00.

 

Kawartha klips:  Kawartha Speedway will be part of the Canadian Motorsports Expo – presented by Inside Track Motorsports News – February 10th, 11th and 12th at the International Centre in Toronto.  See www.CanadianMotorsportsExpo.com for details...Be sure to check www.kawarthaspeedway.com for the latest off-season news and updates on the complete 2012 schedule.

 

Photo attachment:  Joel and Heather Wiebe – www.adrianmediaservices.com

The cold weather produced some hot action during the 2011 running of the Long John 200 Enduro at Kawartha Speedway.  The 2012 edition takes place Sunday, February 5th.

 

Prepared by:  Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications

 

 


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Airborne schedules pair of DIRTcar 358-Modified Asphalt Tour events

For immediate release – Airborne Speedway – January 26, 2012

SOUTH PLATTSBURGH, NY – Airborne Speedway and Dunn Tire Raceway Park in Lancaster, NY, will each host two events in a four-race DIRTcar 358-Modified series offering a combined purse of $60,000.

 

“We’ve added a mid-week night of racing to our 2012 schedule – Wednesday, June 20, and boosted the payoff for the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Triple 50’s Shootout Saturday/Sunday September 8-9,” Airborne promoter Mike Perrotte said. “The Shootout winner will collect $5,000.”

 

“It’s always exciting for our fans to see how our Modified teams stack up against quality invaders and it’s a series we can build upon in the future,” Perrotte added.

 

The series opener at Airborne will go 75 laps and pay $3,000-to-win. Dunn Tire Raceway Park dates are Tuesday, June 26 and Tuesday, August 21. Both events at the western NY half-mile facility also pay $3,000 to win.

 

“We’ll be there at Dunn,” said Patrick Dupree two-time Airborne Modified track champion. “It’s a challenging track and a change of scenery for us. Hopefully we can do a good job of promoting DIRTcar racing on asphalt and expand the series.”

 

"We're very much looking forward  to be on board with this series, along with Airborne and DIRTcar," said Tim Packman, President Stock Car Operations at DTRP. "This provides us with a great opportunity to host an event with DIRTcar; one of the most recognized sanctions in motorsports. And, in our area, the DIRTcar 358-Modifieds are highly recognized as well. We're looking forward to these races. Our fans are already talking about both events."

 

Airborne’s 59th season opener is set for Sunday, April 29. Opening day will mark the debut of Airborne’s new Modified Sportsman division. Robin Wood of Plattsburgh will begin defense of his 2011 track championship in the J&S Steel Limited Late Model division.

 

Contact: Tom Herzig

 


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Warfield Promoted To Director Of NMG/Entertainment Marketing Communications

For Immediate Release

 

NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communications Bolsters Team

New Personnel In Other Key Areas Added To Division

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 26, 2012) — NASCAR announced today the promotion of three members of its Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) department along with the addition of three new members, continuing NASCAR’s long-term strategic plan to strengthen its Communications function within the organization.

 

The IMC team members receiving promotions are Scott Warfield to director of NASCAR Media Group/entertainment marketing communications, Amanda Ellis to senior manager of NASCAR competition communications, and Jason Christley to senior manager of NASCAR competition communications, developmental series. New personnel added to IMC are Kurt Culbert, director of stakeholder communications, Zack Albert, manager of sport services and Matt Ciesluk, director of strategic media projects.

 

“We’re thrilled to promote a trio of our team members who excelled in 2011 when a new Integrated Marketing Communications model was introduced to NASCAR,” said Brett Jewkes, chief communications officer. “At the same time, the addition of Kurt, Zack and Matt demonstrates NASCAR’s on-going commitment to build the communications group as part of our long-term plan to be more proactive in how we tell the story of our sport.”

 

In his expanded role, Warfield will lead strategic communications efforts in support of three significant business arms of NASCAR: NASCAR Media Group, NASCAR Entertainment Marketing and NASCAR Broadcasting. Warfield previously served as director of marketing, media and public relations for Motorsports Authentics and was the lead staff writer for motorsports and Major League Soccer for the Sports Business Journal.

 

Ellis oversees communications efforts for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and, in her enhanced role, will assume additional responsibilities across all NASCAR series. Before joining NASCAR, she worked in the industry for Turner Motorsports, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Martin Truex Jr. and Bobby Hamilton Racing. In her second season with Bobby Hamilton Racing, Ellis was named the 2007 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Public Relations Representative of the Year.


Christley is charged with implementing strategic communications across NASCAR’s Touring and Weekly Series, which develop many of NASCAR’s young, up-and-coming drivers across North America including Canada and Mexico. He also oversees the management of the series’ website, NASCARHomeTracks.com, and its social media platforms. Prior to NASCAR, Christley worked for 14 years as an editor and sports writer at The Day of New London (Conn.) newspaper.

 

Culbert brings more than a dozen years of NASCAR expertise to the position, having worked with NASCAR personnel and stakeholders throughout his previous roles including most recently with Taylor. Previously, as manager of marketing communications for three years with the Sprint Corporation, Culbert initiated and managed the company’s relationships with NASCAR industry stakeholders and oversaw all contractual assets with teams and drivers. In addition, he worked closely with the sanctioning body to plan and execute a fully-integrated marketing and public relations campaign in support of Sprint’s multi-million dollar NASCAR series entitlement sponsorship. Culbert also worked closely with the NASCAR industry in previous roles with Carter Ryley Thomas (now CRT/Tanaka), Keystone Marketing and The Lynchburg News and Advance.

 

Albert joined NASCAR after 11 years as a reporter, editor and online producer for USA Today. A native North Carolinian with deep roots in the sport, Zack brings more than 20 years of experience covering auto racing in print and online media. He will assist in maintaining NASCAR's media website by producing news releases and multimedia, and will be a key contributor to NASCAR's social and digital media outreach.

 

Throughout his career as a professional in the public relations field, Ciesluk (Chess-luck) has worked closely with NASCAR, its media members and its partners. He comes to NASCAR from Catalyst Public Relations where he oversaw the day-to-day operations of the Charlotte office and led the PR operations for several Fortune 500 companies. In addition, Ciesluk managed and executed the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series consumer marketing communications programs for several key sponsors and also has worked on media relations activations with dozens of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series tracks, drivers and racing teams.

 

About NASCAR

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for one of North America's premier sports. NASCAR races are broadcast in more than 150 countries and in 20 languages. In the U.S., races are broadcast on FOX, TNT, ABC/ESPN/ESPN2, SPEED and SiriusXM Satellite Radio. NASCAR fans are among the most brand loyal in all of sports, and as a result more Fortune 100 companies participate in NASCAR than any other sport. NASCAR consists of three national series (the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series, and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series), four regional series, and one local grassroots series, as well as two international series. Also part of NASCAR is Grand-Am Road Racing, known for its competition on road courses with multiple classes of cars. NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races at 100 tracks in more than 30 U.S. states, Canada and Mexico. Based in Daytona Beach, Fla., NASCAR has offices in eight cities across North America. The next NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race will be the 54th Annual Daytona 500 which will air Feb. 26 on FOX at 1 p.m. ET. For more information and a complete schedule, visit www.nascar.com. Follow NASCAR on www.facebook.com/NASCAR or on Twitter: @NASCAR.

 

For additional information, contact:

David Higdon, NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communications

 


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NASCAR's Brian France Says 'Sport Is In A Very Good Place'

For Immediate Release

 

Industry To Build On 2011 Success, Introduce EFI, Restore Pack Racing

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 26, 2012) — NASCAR and its stakeholders intend to build on the success of 2011 as the new season begins with the Feb. 26 Daytona 500 and other Speedweeks events at Daytona International Speedway.

 

In his State of NASCAR remarks delivered during the NASCAR Sprint Media Tour hosted by Charlotte Motor Speedway on Thursday, NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France said, “The sport is in a very good place and we’re going to work even harder to achieve the very best things for the sport of NASCAR well into the future.”

 

France pointed to initiatives begun a year ago – a simplified points structure in all three national series and a “Wild Card” twist in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup™ that placed a greater emphasis on race victories – which culminated in what France called “a championship battle that will be talked about for decades to come.”

 

While the 2012 season will be one of continuity rather than major change, NASCAR will introduce electronic fuel injection into the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and implement rules designed to restore traditional “pack racing” at Daytona International Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway.

 

“We have had a breathtaking number of close finishes at those tracks, but the fans want a mixture of styles including a return to a more traditional ‘pack racing’ and that close side-by-side competition that’s unique to Talladega and Daytona,” France said. “NASCAR and the teams are working hard on this and based on the test earlier this month, we’re encouraged that we’re making progress.”

 

France also said the sanctioning body continues to operate on a more collaborative method of maintaining and growing the industry by taking into consideration the thoughts and needs of teams, tracks, media partners and especially its fans. “The goal of this effort is to help us better serve our great fans, grow our audience and ensure that our sport stays relevant, vibrant and highly-valuable to sponsors and other partners critical to the health of NASCAR,” said France.

 

“The industry has never been more united in growing the sport.”

 

France said the organization is “very encouraged” by increased television ratings across its three national series – NASCAR Sprint Cup, NASCAR Nationwide and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. He also pointed to attendance gains at a number of venues. “While we are still in a tough economic climate that is still difficult, we are pleased with some positive steps we saw last year,” he said.

 

France and Robin Pemberton, NASCAR’s vice president, competition and racing development, touched on how EFI and the introduction in 2013 of re-styled NASCAR Sprint Cup cars from Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford and Toyota will make the sport more relevant to manufacturers and technology companies.

 

“EFI excites the manufacturers and technology companies,” said France, responding to questioning about NASCAR’s embrace of technology. “To attract new companies (to the sport), we’ve had to take a little different view of that.”

 

Ford earlier this week unveiled its 2013 Fusion prototype with the other OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) to follow in the near future. A closed test of the cars is scheduled early next month with additional testing to follow before final specifications are drawn.

 

“This is certainly a milestone in our sport,” said Pemberton. “We’ve worked very closely with the manufacturers on the new car and the four new models are simply outstanding.

 

“I think the fans are going to love them and it is going to be such a positive step in helping our race cars become more and more relevant with our fans past, present and future.”

 

Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood previewed next month’s 54th Annual Daytona 500 (Feb. 26 at 1 p.m. ET on FOX, MRN Radio, SiriusXM Satellite Radio). He and his staff are committed to building on the enthusiasm of the 2011 season – and last year’s race that made 20-year-old winner Trevor Bayne a household name.

 

“We kicked off the (2011) season with energy and enthusiasm and that’s our goal for this year,” said Chitwood. “We want to produce that kind of event again.”

 

Daytona’s season begins Saturday with the running of the 50th Annual Rolex 24. The twice-round-the-clock race, most of which can be seen live on SPEED beginning at 3:30 p.m. ET, kicks off the 2012 GRAND-AM Rolex Series campaign.

 

Thursday’s event at the NASCAR Hall of Fame also introduced the 2012 Drive for Diversity class which will compete in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and at selected NASCAR Whelen All-America Series tracks for Rev Racing.

 

They are Jorge Arteaga, 25, Aguascalientes, Mexico; Mackena Bell, 21, Carson City, Nev.; Trey Gibson, 19, Easley, S.C.; Ryan Gifford, 22, Winchester, Tenn.; Kyle Larson, 19, Elk Grove, Calif.; and Bryan Ortiz, 22, Bayamon, Puerto Rico.

 

For additional information, contact:

Kerry Tharp, NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communications

 


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Autodrome St-Eustache - Roland Quenneville président d'honneur de la couse Xtrême

La course Xtrême non-voyants à Saint-Eustache

SOUS LA PRÉSIDENCE D'HONNEUR DE

ROLAND QUENNEVILLE

 

Le 25 août 2012, l'Autodrome St-Eustache sera le théâtre d'une course  automobile inusité dont les bolides seront pilotés par des pilotes non-voyants accompagnés de co-pilotes qui les assisteront dans leurs manœuvres.

 

 

Le but de cette course est de venir en aide à plus de non-voyants que possible. La Fondation des Aveugles du Québec est l'organisme qui bénéficiera principalement des profits générés par la tenue de cet événement dont le Conseil 1813 St-Eustache des Chevaliers de Colomb a accepté la gestion financière des montants qui seront perçus des commanditaires et du public qui voudront bien s'y associer.

 

 

Monsieur ROLAND QUENNEVILLE, un bénévole de longue date auprès de plusieurs club sociaux et organisations charitatives, dont La Fondation Mira entr'autres,  a accepté la Présidence d'honneur de cette levée de fonds pour les aveugles.

 

…..« C'est avec enthousiasme et émotion que j'ai accepté l'invitation d'Yves Ladouceur pour la présidence d'honneur de la première édition de la Course Xtrême non-voyants qui se tiendra dans ma ville à l'Autodrome St-Eustache le 25 août prochain. Tous connaissent mon attachement pour les non-voyants et mon implication comme organisateur de levées de fonds et bénévole pour la Fondation Mira depuis plusieurs années maintenant, je suis assuré qu'avec l'équipe qui m'entoure, je pourrai mettre toutes mes énergies disponibles en œuvre pour faire de cet événement un succès sans précédent dont les retombées profiteront à améliorer la qualité de vie de mes amis non-voyants dont plusieurs de ceux-ci vivent à proximité de nous dans notre région immédiate….. »  de préciser Monsieur Quenneville.

 

GUILLAUME LAFOREST, un non-voyant membre de la Fondation des Aveugles du Québec, qui sera un des pilotes non-voyants participants,  et son père Guy Laforest ont accepté d'assister le président d'honneur en étant les principaux porte-paroles de cette levée de fond, une initiative de Yves Ladouceur, Chevalier de Colomb et directeur des opérations courses à l'Autodrome St-Eustache.

 

LA FONDATION DES AVEUGLES DU QUÉBEC

La Fondation des Aveugles du Québec s'est donné comme rôle premier de soutenir les personnes ayant une déficience visuelle, les conseiller et les aider à mener une vie des plus autonome et active possible.

 

Sa mission consiste à améliorer la qualité de vie des personnes aveugles et malvoyantes dans les domaines de l'habitation, les loisirs et de la vie communautaire.

 

En plus de promouvoir une vie autonome pour les personnes aveugles, cela se manifeste par un soutien dans l'organisation de leur vie quotidienne ainsi que par une lutte de tous les instants contre l'isolement.

 

Parmi les réalisations de la Fondation depuis 1991, on peut compter  45 logements dans des habitations adaptés à prix très modiques, des loisirs et activités récréatives pour les 6 à 25 ans, de la prévention et sensibilisation auprès des aînés, entr'autres.

 

Une entreprise de Saint-Eustache a d'ailleurs offert gratuitement ses services pour la fourniture et la préparation de toutes les voitures qui serviront au déroulement de la course. Il s'agit de la société RECYCLAGE SURPLUS opérée par Danny Boyer et Nadia Grenier que nous remercions grandement.

 

Du côté des Chevaliers de Colomb, l'ex-Grand-Chevalier Denis Fillion et le Grand Chevalier Gilles A. Perron ont accepté que Les Chevaliers de Colomb Conseil 1813 parrainer cet événement dont une partie des profits profitera à leur Conseil pour la bonne marche de leurs œuvres locales et régionales.

 

Déjà, avant même le lancement officiel de la campagne, une quinzaine d'entreprise ont déjà assuré leur participation à la commandite de voitures à 1 000$ l'unité, d'autres se proposent d'emboîter le pas et de suivre leur exemple.

 

D'autres communiqués suivront pour les informations concernant le déroulement de cette course des plus audacieuses que sera la Course Xtrême non-voyants à l'Autodrome St-Eustache en août 2012.

 

Pour toute information, on contacte Roland Quenneville au 450-473-1295, Yves Ladouceur au 450-735-4444 ou 450-472-6222 et Denis Fillion au 514-949-7961.

 
 
 
AUTODROME ST-EUSTACHE
Yves Ladouceur
Directeur des opérations course
Tél.: 450-472-6222
Rés.: (450) 735-4444

 


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2012-01-27

JEAN-FRANÇOIS DUMOULIN À UN TOUR DU TOP-10

JEAN-FRANÇOIS DUMOULIN À UN TOUR DU TOP-10

Grand-Am Continental Tire GS - Daytona


Trois-Rivières, 27 janvier 2012 – Jean-François Dumoulin a franchi le drapeau à damiers en 25e place, ce vendredi, au volant de la Porsche 997 no 38 de l’équipe BGB Motorsports. Il a été victime d’un accrochage au dernier tour du BMW Performance 200, en série Grand-Am Continental Tire GS sur le mythique circuit de Daytona, en Floride.

JEAN-FRANÇOIS DUMOULIN ONE LAP AWAY FROM A TOP-10

Grand-Am Continental Tire GS - Daytona

 

Trois-Rivieres, January 27th 2012 – Jean-François Dumoulin crossed the checkered flag in 25th position on Friday, driving the No. 38 Porsche 997 BGB Motorsports team car. He sustained a collision during the final lap of the BMW Performance 200, in Grand-AM Continental Tire GS series, on the legendary Daytona International Speedway in Florida.

 

Pas moins de 40 bolides ont pris le départ de la course en classe GS (81 au total). L’équipe BGB Motorsports a résisté aux nombreuses relances et aux six drapeaux jaunes qui ont ponctué la course (neutralisée pendant 25 des 58 tours complétés).

Après être remonté en cinquième place, le Trifluvien se pointait au dernier tour en neuvième position lorsqu’il a été bousculé, le reléguant au 25e échelon.

« J’étais dans le peloton de tête, mais au dernier tour, il y a eu un accrochage devant moi entre deux voitures. J’ai ralenti, mais le gars derrière moi ne l’a pas vu. Je n’ai pas pu l’éviter », mentionne Jean-François Dumoulin.

Jean-François a pris la relève de son coéquipier John Miller seulement 30 minutes après le début de la course de deux heures trente. Ce dernier avait qualifié la voiture en 17e position, jeudi, malgré des ennuis mécaniques (électriques et pompe à essence) solutionnés rapidement par une équipe de mécaniciens aguerris.

« C’est malheureux, nous étions en excellente position. Parmi ces équipes, BGB est une équipe de pointe, des plus performante et qui a travaillé fort pour réparer les problèmes mécaniques d’hier (jeudi 26 janvier). On a eu plusieurs relances et nous sommes restés en piste jusqu’à la fin », conclut-il.

As many as 40 cars took the starting grid of the GS race (total of 81 cars). BGB Motorsports team has resisted the six yellow flags that interrupted the race (neutralizing 25 of the 58 total laps completed).

Reaching 5th place, the Trois-Rivieres native driver was in the 9th position during the final lap when he was lightly hit, relegating him to a 25th place finish.

« I was in the leading group, but in the final lap, there was a collision between the two cars in front of me. I slowed down; however, the guy behind me didn’t see the collision. I couldn’t avoid him. », said Jean-François Dumoulin.

Jean-François took over from teammate John Miller only 30 minutes after the race started: a race of two and a half hours. John had qualified the car in 17th position on Thursday’s qualifications. Despite mechanical problems (electrical and fuel pump), that was resolved quickly by an experienced team of mechanics.

« It’s unfortunate. We were in an excellent position. Among these teams, BGB is a top team and has worked hard to repair yesterday’s mechanical problems. (Thursday January 26th). We had several restarts, but we stayed on track until the end », he concluded.

 


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WIX Filters to be primary sponsor of Ryan Newman for four races in 2012

The following press release is being sent on behalf of WIX Filters.

 

January 27, 2012

For Immediate Release

 

Shootout at Daytona, Sprint Cup Races at Phoenix, Darlington and Michigan round out schedule

 

WIX® Filters, a member of the Affinia Group family of brands, announced today plans to be the primary sponsor for Ryan Newman of Stewart-Haas Racing for four races during the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series™ season.

 

WIX Filters will debut its primary sponsorship of Newman and his No. 39 Chevrolet at the season kick-off Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 18. WIX will be Newman’s primary sponsor for three additional NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events this year – at Phoenix International Raceway on March 4, Darlington Raceway on May 12 and Michigan International Speedway on Aug. 19.

“Ryan Newman, Stewart-Haas Racing and their fans bring tremendous enthusiasm and excitement to the racing season,” said Mike Harvey, brand manager for WIX Filters. “We can’t wait to be onboard with them again in 2012. Our partnerships with Stewart-Haas Racing and Ryan have been some of our most successful in racing thanks to the support offered by the team and the way Ryan’s fans have embraced our brand.”

WIX has been the Official Filter for Stewart-Haas Racing since the team’s creation in 2009. In three starts with WIX Filters on the hood of the No. 39, Newman has three top-10 finishes – a sixth-place effort at Bristol Motor Speedway in August 2010, a third-place finish in last season’s Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway and a fifth-place effort at Michigan International Speedway in August 2011.

            “I’m excited to have WIX Filters back as a partner in 2012,” said Newman. “They have a great support program, find cool ways to get fans involved and most importantly provide us with superior filters to protect our engines.”

            WIX will chronicle race week events with photos, videos, interviews, giveaways and more through social media, including Facebook (www.facebook.com/wixfilters, Twitter (@wixfilters) and YouTube (www.youtube.com/thewixfilters).  

Since 1939, Wix® Filters has been an innovator in filtration products. WIX designs, manufactures and distributes products for automotive, diesel, agricultural, industrial and specialty filter markets. Its product line includes oil, air, cabin interior, fuel, coolant, transmission and hydraulic filters for automobiles, trucks, off-road equipment and manufacturing applications. For more information, visit www.wixfilters.com.

            Affinia Group Inc. is an innovative global leader in the design, manufacture, distribution and marketing of industrial grade products and services, including extensive offerings of aftermarket products for automotive and heavy-duty vehicles. With approximately $2.0 billion in annual revenue, Affinia has operations in North and South America, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit www.affiniagroup.com.

 

 


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