2011-12-14

University Of Central Florida Named 'Top Team' In NASCAR Kinetics

For Immediate Release

 

Marketing Students Developed Initiatives For Michael Waltrip Racing, Dodge And M&M’S

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Dec. 14, 2011) – Whether you call it a “race” or a “rout” it’s safe to say the 2011 fall semester of NASCAR Kinetics: Marketing in Motion was dominated by the University of Central Florida (UCF). In the largest NASCAR Kinetics class to date, 19 colleges and universities competed for the coveted title of top team and the opportunity to attend last month’s Ford Championship Weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway at NASCAR’s season finale.

 

This semester, the UCF NASCAR Kinetics Team placed first on the two assigned case studies, which focused on developing a comprehensive social media strategy for Michael Waltrip Racing – including creating a promotion around the team’s partnership with Aaron’s – and developing a retail, at-track, and digital program to highlight NASCAR’s official partnership with Dodge. The student team was also tasked to plan and execute an M&M’S Makes Race Day More Fun Viewing Party for nearly 200 guests.

 

“The University of Central Florida demonstrated both creativity and professionalism in winning both of the fall semester’s case studies, a first for NASCAR Kinetics,” said Steve Sweeney, NASCAR’s director consumer marketing. “The students’ work impressed the executives at MWR and we may see the team implement one of more of the initiatives in 2012.”

 

During the trip to Homestead-Miami Speedway, the UCF NASCAR Kinetics team met with industry professionals from NASCAR, International Speedway Corporation, Homestead-Miami Speedway, NASCAR Media Group, Michael Waltrip Racing, and the sports marketing agency Octagon. The team was also able to get a behind-the-scenes look at the production of the NASCAR pre-race ceremonies, NASCAR on ESPN, the Sprint Experience, Gatorade Victory Lane and the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship celebration.  

 

The UCF NASCAR Kinetics team is comprised of the following five students within the DeVos Sport Business Management Undergraduate Program at UCF: Kaitlyn Blizzard (Spring Hill, Fla.), Jaime Fox (Wellington, Fla.), Hannah Meyers (Jacksonville, Fla.), Bill Morrison (Soderville, Minn.) and Brandon Vinieratos (St. Petersburg, Fla.). “Being a part of the UCF NASCAR Kinetics team this semester has been an incredible learning and rewarding experience for each member of the team,” said Team Leader Jaime Fox. “Working on industry-related case studies for Michael Waltrip Racing and Dodge has allowed our team to not only further our knowledge about the sport but also provide us with valuable hands-on experience within the motorsports industry.”

 

NASCAR developed the NASCAR Kinetics: Marketing in Motion program in 2009 with the mission of exposing college students to and educating them about the NASCAR brand and its industry partners. This innovative, engaging program gives the teams an opportunity to work through real-world business challenges facing the motorsports industry. Students will leverage techniques and lessons taught in the classroom to complete case studies and projects. Each student chosen for the NASCAR Kinetics program is tasked with fostering brand awareness throughout their college and the community. Students who have taken part in the program credit it for giving them a leg up on the competition for internships and jobs in the sports industry. The program hopes to expand to 25 schools for the spring 2012 semester.

 

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. For more information and a complete schedule, visit www.nascar.com. Follow NASCAR on www.facebook.com/NASCAR or on Twitter: @NASCAR.

 

For more information about the NASCAR Kinetics: Marketing in Motion Program, please visit www.nascarkinetics.com.

 

For additional information, contact:

Leslie Maxie, NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communications

 


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 14.12.11 0 comments

2012 Shootout Event At Daytona Lineup Announced

For Immediate Release

Speedweeks Opener Features Deep And Talented Field

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Dec. 14, 2011) – In what could be the deepest and most talented field to date, NASCAR announced Wednesday the list of eligible competitors for the 2012 Shootout.

 

The 34th annual season-opening event launches Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, Feb. 18 with a start time set for 8:10 p.m. FOX and MRN will broadcast live nationally. Criteria are based upon the following qualifications, with eligibility based on a driver having been active in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series during the 2011 season:

·               The highest ranked 25 competitors in 2011 NSCS driver points

·               Previous winners at Daytona, including the Daytona 500, Coke Zero 400 Powered by Coca-Cola, and Shootout events

 

“By taking the top 25 competitors in last year’s driver points and combining that with former race winners at Daytona, you have all the ingredients for an extremely deep and talented field of drivers for the 2012 Shootout,” said Robin Pemberton, NASCAR vice president of competition. “When you take a look at the roster of drivers that this entails, I have to believe this is one of the most competitive fields that have ever been assembled for this event.”

 

The race distance will again be 75 laps (187.5 miles), consisting of two segments – 25 and 50 laps. Both green-flag laps and yellow-flag laps will count. Between segments there will be a 10-minute pit stop allowing teams to pit to change tires, add fuel and make normal chassis adjustments. Crews will be permitted to work on cars and will be allowed to perform functions they would do on a normal pit stop in a regular NASCAR Sprint Cup event. All work must be performed on pit road or in the garage. Changing of springs, shock absorbers or rear-ends will not be permitted.

 

Starting positions will again be determined by a blind-draw at the annual Shootout Draw Party on Friday, Feb. 17 at 8 p.m. on the SPEED stage in the Midway, outside Turn 4.

 

The Shootout – a “non-points” event for NASCAR Sprint Cup competitors – was first held in 1979. Kurt Busch is the defending race champion.

 

Tickets for all 2012 Speedweeks events are now available online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

 

Drivers eligible for the 2012 Shootout include:

 

2011 Top 25 Driver Points

Tony Stewart

Carl Edwards

Kevin Harvick

Matt Kenseth

Brad Keselowski

Jimmie Johnson

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Jeff Gordon

Denny Hamlin

Ryan Newman

Kurt Busch

Kyle Busch

Clint Bowyer

Kasey Kahne

AJ Allmendinger

Greg Biffle

Paul Menard

Martin Truex Jr.

Marcos Ambrose

Jeff Burton

Juan Pablo Montoya

Mark Martin

David Ragan

Joey Logano

Brian Vickers

 

Others (criteria in parentheses)

Bill Elliott (Daytona 500, Coke Zero 400, Shootout)

Geoff Bodine (Daytona 500, Shootout)

Derrike Cope (Daytona 500)

Michael Waltrip (Daytona 500, Coke Zero 400)

Jamie McMurray (Daytona 500, Coke Zero 400)

Trevor Bayne (Daytona 500)

Terry Labonte (Shootout)

Ken Schrader (Shootout)

 

For more information, contact:

Kerry Tharp, NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communications

 


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 14.12.11 0 comments

2011-12-12

THE CANADIAN MOTORSPORTS EXPO RETURNS FOR A SIXTH YEAR WITH A NEW DATE AND A BIGGER VENUE!

Almost 80 percent of the available exhibitor space has already been filled!

 

(TORONTO, ON // December 12, 2011) The 6th Annual Canadian Motorsports Expo, Powered by Inside Track Motorsport News takes place February 10, 11 & 12, 2012 at the International Centre, adjacent to Toronto’s Pearson International Airport. New for 2012, the CME will be held on a new date, in a bigger hall.

 

Responding to exhibitor and attendee feedback, the show has been moved back in the calendar – by several weeks – to be closer to the start of the racing season. The CME’s new date is two weeks prior to NASCAR’s Daytona 500, at a time when Canadian racers and fans are making their plans and purchasing decisions for the upcoming racing season.

 

The Canadian Motorsports Expo will once again take place at the International Centre, but it’s moving to the bigger Hall 6, which offers considerably more space (80,000 square feet). Hall 6 is also more wide-open than the show’s former space, which means the CME will be better able to accommodate more exhibitors, tracks, series, vendors and racing vehicles.

 

Also new for 2012, the CME is the only Winter / Spring show at the International Centre permitted to offer more than 10% racing content, so there is no question about where the real racers, fans and industry members will be in February!

 

“We’re just inside of two months to go until show-time and the response to the 6th Annual Canadian Motorsports Expo has been fantastic,” said the CME’s Greg MacPherson. “So far, almost 80 percent of the available exhibitor space has already been sold. The racing industry is really getting behind the CME and has responded positively to the new February date and the move to Hall 6. We have some great new partners and features to announce in the coming weeks.”

 

On the opening day of the CME (Friday, February 10), highlights will include the presentation of the Inside Track Readers’ Choice Awards and Spencer Lewis’ Ontario Asphalt Power Rankings Top 10 Awards. Saturday’s schedule (February 11) will feature the celebrity racer Q&A and autograph sessions, the Meet the Media Fan Forum and several other interesting and informative presentations. On Sunday (February 12), CASCAR founder Tony Novotny and several well-known racing personalities will take a trip down memory lane during the CASCAR Reunion.

 

“For this year’s show, we’ve introduced an online, interactive floor plan that lets exhibitors and sponsors see what space and properties are still available, on a real-time basis,” said the CME’s Mike Galipeau. “We encourage anyone who thinks their business could benefit from being part of the show to check out the ‘Exhibitor Info’ page at www.CanadianMotorsportsExpo.com and then contact us at (416) 962-7223 or info@canadianmotorsportsexpo.com.”

 

Offering interesting and informative forums and seminars, celebrity racer autograph sessions, NASCAR Sprint Cup stock cars, racing vehicles from across the motorsports spectrum, reunion events, awards presentations and equipment suppliers and collectible vendors, the CME has something for every racer and fan. The show is an ideal venue for businesses looking to jumpstart their sales, marketing and promotional campaigns in front of their most motivated customers.

 

Throughout its existence, the Canadian Motorsports Expo has become known for its presentation of celebrity racers from Canada and around the world. Stars like Ron Fellows, Jacques Villeneuve, Matt Kenseth, Paul Tracy, Brad Keselowski, Dario Franchitti, Max Papis, Derek Daly, Miguel & Yvon Duhamel and many more have graced the CME stage for fan Q&A and autograph sessions.

 

The CME has also featured world-famous racing machines, including the NASCAR Cup cars of Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jeff Gordon, as well as F1 and IndyCar vehicles. Watch for updates to find out which star racers and machines will be appearing at the 6th Annual Canadian Motorsports Expo.

 

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 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.

 

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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 12.12.11 0 comments

OSCAAR OUTLAW MODIFIEDS

 On December 5, OSCAAR (Ontario Stock Car Association of Asphalt Racers) president Dave Gainforth confirmed the creation of a touring, open-wheeled Modified racing division, one that will be sanctioned by the Southern Ontario-based governing body most widely recognized for its long running Super Late Model series.

Responding to inquiries for assistance from various Modified racers, while at the same time looking to develop a support and ‘feeder’ division for their Super Late Model programme, Gainforth feels that the newly-founded OSCAAR Outlaw Modified Series will offer a “perfect fit” for not only his organization, but also for the drivers, the hosting tracks and the race-going public.

 

“The open-wheeled Modifieds are popular with the fans and compliment any track’s schedule,” says Gainforth. “If we can back up an OSCAAR Super Late Model race with a 30 or 35 lap Modified feature, that would be a pretty full night of racing entertainment for any Ontario short track.”

Although still in the early planning stages, Gainforth has already secured six race dates at three venues (Peterborough, Sunset and Barrie Speedways) and is hoping to expand his 2012 schedule to “nine or 10 events”. To date, four of the confirmed races for the OSCAAR Outlaw Modifieds will be run in conjunction with the Super Late Models.

“Ultimately, we’d like to have about 90% of the races combined events. That would create an OSCAAR ‘super package’ for the host tracks, while saving our competitors some traveling expenses, as costs could be shared,” continues Gainforth.

Mark Dilley, promoter of Stroud (ON)’s Sunset Speedway, is excited about hosting the new OSCAAR Outlaw Modifieds in their debut season.     

“I like the Mods and I think a lot of other people do, as well. This will be something new for our fans; we haven’t run the Modifieds here before. And it will be a great opportunity for the drives to test themselves on a variety of tracks.”

Concurs Diane Cunningham, from Barrie Speedway, “We’re excited about the Modifieds coming to Barrie. The fans get a bonus show, and we get another attraction on our calendar. Any new series that can develop and grow can only be better for racing in general and we hope that we can be part of that growth.”

One of the biggest challenges faced by Gainforth and the OSCAAR Technical Team is to develop a rulebook that would balance performance within the field. The three Southern Ontario tracks that regularly feature open-wheeled Modified racing divisions, (Mosport, Varney and Delaware Speedways), have widely diverse regulation packages. 

“We need to make every car competitive at every track, so that there is no ‘home track’ advantage. We’re working hard with (car-builders) John Fletcher and Jeff Hanley to come up with a rulebook that would keep the playing field level, without costing the drivers a lot of time and money,” explains Gainforth.

With the technical regulations and scheduling quickly coming into place, the next challenge for the OSCAAR Outlaw Modifieds is to recruit potential competitors. Fortunately, the interest has been strong in support of the new series.

“I’ve got five cars in my shop alone, that we’re prepared to run,” states Chris Burrows, a regular at Varney Speedway. “And I’ve been speaking with the McLeans, they’ve got another three cars, and I think they’re interested in the programme as well. This is what the Modified drivers have needed, and I think that this is going to be a great season for us, and for OSCAAR.” 

“My goal is to field between 16 and 18 Modifieds at each event, and I personally don’t think I’ll have a problem reaching that mark,” says Gainforth. “The interest is high, and I expect to hear from more and more drivers as this news gets out. There are a lot of competitive Modifieds sitting in shops out there, it’s just a matter of getting them fired up and out to the tracks.”

The OSCAAR Outlaw Modified Series will make its public debut at the Canadian Motorsports Expo, held in Toronto, February 10-12, 2012, with a final schedule to be released at that time.

Further information on the OSCAAR Outlaw Modifieds Series can be found on the OSCAAR website www.oscaar.ca, or by contacting club president Dave Gainforth- oscaargainforth@gmail.com.



--
Dave Gainforth
OSCAAR President

 


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 12.12.11 0 comments

DÉJÀ 20 INSCRITS POUR LE CHALLENGE SUR NEIGE FLAGWORLD PRÉSENTÉ PAR PORTES DIMENSIONS

Dimanche le 15 janvier à l’Autodrome St-Eustache

 

Les préparatifs vont bon train en vue du CHALLENGE SUR NEIGE FLAGWORLD, présenté par PORTES DIMENSIONS qui aura lieu le dimanche 15 janvier 2012 à l’Autodrome St-Eustache.

 

Une vingtaine de pilotes  sont déjà enregistrés en date du 9 décembre pour ce programme de course dont l’enjeu de la course principale sera la Coupe Flagworld et une bourse pour les 3 premiers à franchir la ligne d’arrivée..

 

Le promoteur Dave Charest se réjouit de la participation de deux importants commanditaires, Michel Flageole de Flagworld et François Audette de Portes Dimensions de Boisbriand, deux vieux routiers du sport automobile.

 

« De pouvoir compter sur l’appui financier de ces deux personnalités du sport motorisé ne stimule au plus haut point  et me donne de l’énergie pour mener à bien cette aventure, l’apport des autres commanditaires, tant financiers que d’échanges de services n’est pas négligeable non-plus, ainsi que l’aide de divers intervenants bénévoles m’aideront à couvrir les frais de cet événement »….. d’ajouter Dave Charest qui l’an dernier a du fouiller « dans ses poches » pour boucler le budget d’opération de la première édition.

 

C’est donc gonflé à bloc que Charest et ses collaborateurs se préparent pour cet événement motorisé hivernal qui aura lieu dans 5 semaines.

 

Le prix d’admission pour cet événement a été fixée à 15$ par adulte et Gratuit pour les 12 ans et moins. Il en coûtera 30$ par voiture (incluant l’entrée du pilote) pour participer à l’événement.

 

Pour s’inscrire dans les 4 différentes catégories, 4 cylindres, Propulsion, 4 roues motrice et Pick up les pilotes peuvent contacter Yves Ladouceur au 450-472-6222 du lundi au vendredi de 9h à 17h.

 

                                                                    -30-



Yves Ladouceur
Directeur des opérations courses
Racing operation Manager
AUTODROME ST-EUSTACHE
www.autodrome.ca
www.anca-qc.com
Tél.: (450) 472-6222
Rés.: (450) 735-4444

 


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 12.12.11 0 comments

Devil's Bowl Champion Proctor Honored at NASCAR Gala

For Immediate release                                          DBS-121211-1

CHARLOTTE, NC -- Stock car driver Ron Proctor of Charlton, NY was honored as one of the country’s most decorated short track competitors on Friday, as nearly 800 champions and supporters from the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series gathered for a black tie awards gala at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, NC.

 

Proctor won the NASCAR Modified Track Championship at Devil’s Bowl Speedway in West Haven, VT, collecting two victories and top-five finishes in all nine feature races in 2011; he also won the NASCAR Modified title at Albany-Saratoga Speedway in his native New York.  Despite a checkered history dating back 30 years, as a first-time NASCAR license holder, Proctor was eligible for and won the Rookie of the Year prize in both Vermont and New York.

Proctor’s highest honor came as the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Vermont State Champion, which he won as a result of his efforts at Devil’s Bowl Speedway.  Proctor was joined on stage by champions from all of NASCAR’s competing U.S. states and Canadian provinces including Virginia State Champion Philip Morris, who was also crowned the 2011 NASCAR National Champion.

Proctor received a personalized letter framed and signed by NASCAR CEO Brian France, a myriad of trophies from Jostens, and a personalized Vermont State Championship firesuit and helmet from CV Products.  Total prize money approached $11,000.  Proctor was also part of an private champions-only group that toured the facilities of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series powerhouse Hendrick Motorsports.

“This is bigger than anything I’ve ever experienced in racing,” Proctor said Friday night.  “NASCAR really took care of us in Charlotte, and I would love to come back as the champion and do it all again next year.”

The NASCAR Whelen All-American Series will again sanction weekly racing at Devil’s Bowl Speedway in 2012.  The track was recently purchased by successful business owners and former racers Mike and Alayne Bruno of Castleton.  The 2012 racing schedule and divisional rulebooks are being finalized and will be released in the coming days.

For more information call (802) 773-0146, email devilsbowlspeedway@gmail.com, or visit www.devilsbowlspeedwayvt.com.

 

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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 12.12.11 0 comments

SÉRIE SPORTSMAN QUÉBEC - NOUVEAUX REPRÉSENTANTS, COMITÉ DE DÉCISIONS, CALENDRIER 2012, BOURSES, ÉQUIPE D'OFFICIELS

Communiqué, Pour diffusion immédiate
Québec, QC - 2011-12-12

C'est en présence de 30 pilotes que la direction de la Série Sportsman Québec a partagé ses orientations, le calendrier 2012 et quelques nouveautés.  Réuni au Méchoui International de St-Étienne-de-Lauzon, la réunion a été dirigée par le président de la Série, M. André Poulin.

Un survol des changements qui seront apportés au livre des règlements est venu préciser que mis à part le changement de fournisseur pour les moteurs des compétiteurs et le processus de pose des scellées, la quasi-totalité des modifications au livre des règlements n'introduisent pas de nouvelles choses, mais sont effectuées pour éliminer les ambiguïtés dans l'interprétation des règles et venir préciser les choses.

Les pilotes se sont prononcés sur quelques sujets de règlementation par vote secret (procédures de relances, lucky dog, comment repositionner les compétiteurs sporadiques) et ont nommé unanimement leurs représentants des pilotes pour 2012, soit: Réjean Blanchet, Pier-Luc Labbé, Sylvain Labbé et Steve Malouin-Mckibbin.

Toujours avec le souci d'améliorer le fonctionnement de la série M. Poulin a ensuite annoncé la formation d'un comité de décision et discipline. Ce comité sera en place pour traiter de tout dossier qui demandera d'évaluer des gestes ou des décisions, incluant les protêts et de communiquer les décisions et les sanctions qui pourraient en découler.
Ce comité sera formé de trois personnes, chacune représentant des groupes différents tous ayant l'intérêt de la série, des performances, de l'intégrité, du bon déroulement des épreuves et de la valeur de la Série qui en retour influence celle des voitures et des ententes commerciales avec les commanditaires des pilotes.
Représentant les pilotes, issu des 4 représentants-pilotes.  Au besoin, un système de rotation sera possible pour éviter toute forme de conflit dans le traitement des décisions.  La personne sera identifiée dans les prochains jours.
Représentant les propriétaires de piste,  la promotion du stock car et il est aussi commanditaire de la série : M. Dominic Lussier.  En plus d'être directeur chez Lussier Chevrolet Buick GMC il est aussi propriétaire de l'Autodrome Granby.
Représentant les médias (correspondant pour Inside Track Motorsports News), collaborateur et un commanditaire de longue date de la série: M. Marc Patrick Roy.  En plus, de faire profiter ces nombreuses expériences de la course tant au Québec, qu'aux États-unis, il siège sur différents comité de décision de ce genre à l'extérieur du stock car, M.P. a accepté de présider le comité.
"Lorsque André m'a contacté pour présider ce comité, j'ai été très flatté et rapidement j'ai accepté.  J'ai jamais refusé d'aider les pistes, les séries et depuis un certain temps ce concept avait été discuté avec des pilotes, des opérateurs d'autodromes et André afin d'adresser la perception de conflit d'intérêt qui a déjà plané.  Ce comité permettra d'assurer le bien-être de tous: pilotes, série, autodromes, fournisseurs et promoteur y tirent sont compte dans la plus grande transparence et l'équité" déclara M. P. Roy.
Un calendrier de 10 courses réparties entre cinq autodromes du Québec a été dévoilé, ainsi qu'une structure de bourse et boni, qui à ce jour, représente plus de 100 000 $.  La série effectuera un retour après 2 années d’absence à l’Autodrome St-Eustache et une première visite au tri-oval de Sanair.  L’Autodrome Montmagny, Autodrome St-Félicien et le Circuit Riverside Speedway de Ste-Croix seront aussi visité.
"Le calendrier 2012 est des plus intéressant.  Grâce à la collaboration des dirigeants de Riverside Speedway de Ste-Croix et la volonté de M. Tom Curley de l’American Canadian Tour, à 6 reprises la Série Sportsman Québec évoluera en marge des voitures LMS et des foules plus imposantes » déclara André Poulin.
Du côté du personnel de la série : Dany Ouellet continuera d’assumé le rôle de directeur technique, David Pichette celui de préposé aux puits, Simon Fiset celui de photographe, Frédérick Gagnon est promu signaleur, Karine Poirier chronométrage et statistiques, Charles Gingras et André Poulin se partageront la direction de la course.
La levée de rideau pour la série se fera avec une journée d’essai et d’inspection à l’autodrome Montmagny le 12 mai et la première compétition, un 75 tour, aura lieu le 19 mai à l’Autodrome St-Eustache dans le cadre du festival sportsman qui mettra aussi en vedette les Sportsman ANCA et la classe Sportsman de la piste américaine Airborne Speedway.
Pour plus d’information, contactez André Poulin, président, au : 
andre.poulin@seriesportsman.ca
André Poulin
Président Série Sportsman Québec


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2011-12-11

Dave Pembroke Crowned "King of the Road" at 2011 Thunder Road Banquet of Champions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                    ACT-121011-71

Barre, VT – Montpelier’s Dave Pembroke was honored as the 2011 “King of the Road” at the 2011 Thunder Road Banquet of Champions on Saturday, December 10 at the Barre Elks Club. Pembroke put together one of the biggest comebacks in Thunder Road history to claim his second career Late Model title. During their first season in a Ford powered ride, Pembroke and his family team erased an 80 point deficit with back-to-back feature wins at mid-season. The Vermont State Employees Credit Union/Lamoille Valley Ford team earned the first Thunder Road track title for Ford in over twenty years. The Barre Elks Club was sold out with team members, officials and fans on hand to honor Pembroke, who claimed a $5,000 point fund check.

 

Bradford’s Derrick O’Donnell received the Bond Auto Tiger Sportsmen Thunder Road and the Bond/WIX Tiger Tour titles following his dominant 2011 season. O’Donnell claimed a total of four wins between the two titles and never trailed in either point standings for the year. It was O’Donnell’s first titles for both the Thunder Road Tigers and the Tour.

Greg Adams, Jr. of Hardwick was honored for his first Allen Lumber Street Stock track title. After a season long battle, Adams took the championship by just three points. He earned three feature wins during his championship run.

First year Junkyard Warrior driver Jason Woodard of Waterbury took the crown. He took home nine wins during his dominant season. He will move up to the Bond Auto Tiger Sportsmen ranks for the 2012 season.

The 2011 Ken Squier Award went to Thunder Road Director of Operations Steve Melendy. Melendy has been a long-time employee of Thunder Road and the American Canadian Tour and is an invaluable asset to keeping both running smoothly. He was recognized for his countless hours of dedication to both Thunder Road and ACT.

The third annual Pete Hartt Memorial Media Award was given to Richard “Big” Bigelow of the Caledonian Record. The award is given in memory of former WDEV personality and Times Argus Sports Editor Pete Hartt. Bigelow has been covering Thunder Road and the American Canadian Tour through radio and print since the mid-1990’s. His weekly “Strap In” article for the Caledonian Record has been in print since 1998 and has supplied countless coverage of Thunder Road and ACT.

The Gordon R. Nielsen Rookie Achievement Award went to Montpelier’s Kyle Pembroke. Pembroke earned the 2011 Bond Auto Tiger Sportsmen Rookie of the Year honors, while improving throughout the season. His clean and respectful style earned him the award, which is given in memory of former Thunder Road and ACT chief scorer Dr. Gordon Nielson.

Rookie of the Year honors went to Williamstown’s Jimmy Hebert in the Late Models, Pembroke in the Tigers, and Cabot’s Ken Christman in the Allen Lumber Street Stocks.

Sportsmanship Awards were voted on by drivers and officials for each division. Honors went to Barre’s Nick Sweet in the Late Models, and Williamstown’s Mike Ziter in the Bond Auto Tiger Sportsmen. Waitsfield’s Troy Kingsbury took the 2011 Ed Carroll Memorial Award for Sportsmanship in the Allen Lumber Street Stocks and Northfield’s George Sanders claimed the Junkyard Warriors award.

Most Improved Driver Awards were also voted on by the drivers and officials of the Late Models and Bond Auto Tiger Sportsmen. Cody Blake of Barre earned the Late Model award, while Jason Allen also of Barre earned the Tiger award.

For the first time in several years, the Thunder Road Banquet of Champions was separate from the ACT Banquet of Champions. Thunder Road teams, fans and officials responded in overwhelming numbers as the banquet returned to Barre. The 2011 ACT Banquet of Champions will honor eight-time ACT Late Model Tour Champion Brian Hoar and two-time Série ACT Castrol Champion Patrick Laperle at the Doubletree Inn in South Burlington, VT on Saturday, January 21.

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

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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 11.12.11 0 comments

Year-End Ceremony Spotlights Touring Series Title Winners

For Immediate Release

 

 

Champions Honored In Awards Gala

 

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Dec. 10, 2011) – Past, present and future were celebrated Saturday night at the NASCAR Hall of Fame as the six champions from NASCAR’s developmental series were honored in the Night of Champions Touring Awards Gala.

The festivities featured the champions and top drivers from all of NASCAR’s North American regional touring series, who gathered for the special year-end celebration.

 

The 2011 champions included Max Gresham (NASCAR K&N Pro Series East), Greg Pursley (NASCAR K&N Pro Series West), Scott Steckly (NASCAR Canadian Tire Series), Germán Quiroga (NASCAR Mexico Series), Ron Silk (NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour) and George Brunnhoelzl III (NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour).

"These six series represent the future of our sport," said George Silbermann, NASCAR vice president, regional and touring series. "There is some remarkable talent on hand tonight that provided close, exciting competition all season long."

 

·                          Gresham, of Griffin, Ga., earned the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East championship in just his second full season of competition.

·                          Pursley of Newhall, Calif., captured his first NASCAR K&N Pro Series West title in dominating fashion with six victories in the season’s first eight races.

·                          Steckly of Milverton, Ontario, Canada, picked up his second NASCAR Canadian Tire Series championship after winning his first in 2008.

·                          Quiroga of Mexico City, Mexico, picked up his third consecutive NASCAR Mexico Series championship and is the only driver in series history with multiple titles.

·                          Silk of Norwalk, Conn., won his first NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour title in a thrilling points battle that went down to the closing laps of the season.

·                          Brunnhoelzl of West Babylon, N.Y., collected his second NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour championship following up his 2009 title.

 

Enrique Contreras III (NASCAR Mexico Series) and Louis-Philippe Dumoulin (NASCAR Canadian Tire Series collected Rookie of the Year honors while Sunoco Rookie of the Year Awards were presented to Austin Pack (NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour), Patrick Emerling (NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour), Alex Bowman (NASCAR K&N Pro Series East) and Dylan Kwasniewski (NASCAR K&N Pro Series West).

Additionally, the Most Popular Driver Awards for each series were also presented during the ceremony. The six drivers honored with the prestigious award – voted on by fans online at NASCAR.com – were Justin Bonsignore in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, Jason Myers of the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour, Jorge Arteaga in the NASCAR Mexico Series, Jason White in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, Moses Smith of the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West and Chase Elliott from the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East.

The top 10 drivers and car owners from each of NASCAR’s developmental series also were recognized during the gala event – which featured Mike Joy and Dr. Dick Berggren of NASCAR on FOX and SPEED as co-hosts. The awards banquet was streamed live online in three languages – English French and Spanish – at www.nascarhometracks.com, the official online home of NASCAR’s developmental series.

Special award and year-end contingency award winners were honored Saturday morning at the Grand Champions Breakfast.

The awards celebration capped a week of festivities in the Charlotte area aimed at providing the top drivers and track operators in NASCAR’s weekly and touring series an up close and personal look at the hub of stock-car racing. The NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Awards Banquet on Friday honored champions from across North America in the series that is NASCAR’s grassroots foundation.

 


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Akona Manufacturing to Sponsor June 2 Event at Elko Speedway

For Immediate Release:

Saturday, December 10, 2011

 

(COVINGTON, Ky.) - Akona Manufacturing, LLC will sponsor the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards' first visit to Elko Speedway on Saturday, June 2, 2012. Tentatively titled the Akona 200, the race is scheduled as the sixth of 20 races in ARCA's 60th Anniversary Season.

 

Representatives from ARCA and Track Enterprises, the race promoter, made the announcement at today's ARCA Racing Series press conference in advance of tonight's Championship Awards Banquet at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center.

 

Akona Manufacturing's home base is in Maple Plain, Minn., which sits just west of Minneapolis and under 50 miles from the 0.375-mile Elko Speedway. The company manufactures sweeping compounds, concrete sealers, and oil liquid absorbents.

 

"We're fortunate to bring a corporate sponsor on board for ARCA's first trip to the state of Minnesota and first trip to Elko Speedway," said Bob Sargent of Track Enterprises, the company which also promotes races at the Illinois State Fairgrounds and the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds, and in 2011 ushered the ARCA Racing Series back to Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis.

 

Sargent highlighted a number of impressive new amenities at Elko Speedway, including improved parking and grandstand seating.

 

"We're excited to deal with the active corporate community and the population base in the Minneapolis metropolitan area, which looks to make a win-win situation," said Sargent. "This will be a good race for ARCA's teams, and the fans at Elko will enjoy watching a nationally-recognized sanctioning body. Anybody that follows motorsports nationally will enjoy this event."

 

Akona's involvement with ARCA is part of a business-to-business vendor program with series presenting sponsor Menards. The manufacturer joins Ansell, Messina Wildlife Management, and Herr's, all companies who connected in-store presence at Menards to participation in the ARCA Racing Series through marketing relationships, contingency programs, and race sponsorships.

 

"Menards has asked ARCA to consider an event in the Minneapolis area for the last several years, as it's the second-largest retail market in their footprint," said Mark Gundrum, vice president of marketing and communications for ARCA. "A combined effort by ARCA, the track, event promoter Track Enterprises, and Menards to introduce a new vendor partner allows this to happen this summer."

 

Though Akona's relationship with the ARCA Racing Series is new for 2012, the company has previously been involved with Menards in other motorsports programs.

 

Founded in 1950, Akona's mission was based on the development of a unique patented product, a water-proofing cement-based coating. That innovation, along with unparalleled customer service and technical support, continues to drive the company today. The basis of Akona's future growth is focused on spec blended construction products. Akona's premium concrete repair products serve both homeowners and professional contractors.

 

The ARCA Racing Series has never raced in Minnesota, adding significance to the June visit to Elko and establishing the North Star State as the 29th visited by ARCA's premier national tour since 1953.

 

The ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards featured 19 events at 16 tracks on its 2011 schedule. The series 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. In 2011, 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.

 

The full 2012 ARCA Racing Series schedule is currently available at ARCARacing.com.

 

Founded by John 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 two professional touring series and local weekly events.

 


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ARCA Announces 10-Race SPEED Television Schedule for 2012 to Highlight Championship Awards Banquet Press Conference

For Immediate Release:

Saturday, December 10, 2011

 

 

(COVINGTON, Ky.) - Just hours before tonight's 59th annual ARCA Racing Series Championship Awards Banquet at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center, ARCA held its annual end-of-season press conference. The series released its 2012 television schedule, among other announcements.

 

Officials from ARCA and SPEED jointly announced the 2012 SPEED television schedule for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards, comprised of 10 events to be televised live or same-day delayed on the popular network. SPEED in-race analyst Phil Parsons, host for this evening's banquet, was on hand for the announcement.

 

SPEED will kick off its live flag-to-flag ARCA coverage at Daytona International Speedway with the 49th running of the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at 4 p.m. Eastern on Saturday, February 18.

 

In addition to Daytona, other events scheduled for live and/or same-day coverage in 2012 include Talladega Superspeedway on May 4, Toledo Speedway on May 20, events at Pocono Raceway on June 9 and August 4, Michigan International Speedway on June 15, Iowa Speedway on July 13, Chicagoland Speedway on July 21, and the season finale at Kansas Speedway on October 19. The late July race at Lucas Oil Raceway will also be televised; series and track officials have not yet determined the race's exact date.

 

ARCA's relationship with SPEED dates back to April 20, 1997, when the network (then Speedvision) covered the ARCA race at Salem (Ind.) Speedway. Since then, SPEED has aired a total of 188 ARCA races, making the 2012 opener at Daytona the 189th.

 

Before the SPEED announcement, Drager opened the afternoon by providing a short "state of ARCA" address, recognizing series presenting sponsor Menards, and unveiling the logo for ARCA's 60th Anniversary Season celebration. Drager then introduced Rick Crawford of Mobile International Speedway, which will host the ARCA Racing Series for the first time on March 10. Crawford announced that infield camping for ARCA's first visit to Mobile has already sold out.

 

Also speaking was Bob Sargent of Track Enterprises; Sargent's company will promote the June 2 race at Elko Speedway.

 

The press conference also served as a weekend welcome to series champion Ty Dillon, who spoke briefly after Drager.

 

Key series marketing partners and Menards vendor program participants Ansell, Herr's, and Messina Wildlife Management were recognized. Several teams, including ThorSport Racing, Team BCR Racing, Andy Belmont Racing, and Venturini Motorsports, took the podium to announce new drivers and sponsors for 2012.

 

The ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards featured 19 events at 16 tracks on its 2011 schedule. The series 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. In 2011, 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.

 

The 2012 ARCA Racing Series schedule is currently available at ARCARacing.com.

 

Founded by John 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 two professional touring series and local weekly events.

 

 


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 11.12.11 0 comments

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