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.

 


Pour lire le reste / Read more...

Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 27.1.12 0 comments

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.

 

 


Pour lire le reste / Read more...

Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 27.1.12 0 comments

SÉRIE SPORTSMAN QC : SYLVAIN LABBÉ - LA SOIF D'UN DEUXIÈME TITRE

 

Communiqué de presse
Pour diffusion immédiate
SSQ-2012-008

Québec, QC (27 janvier 2012) –Sylvain Labbé de Saint-Joseph-de-Beauce, le champion de la Série Sportsman Québec en 2010, sera de retour pour la quête de 2012.

Labbé, qui a terminé 7e au cumulatif de 2011, a signé 1 victoire, 3 top-5 et 5 top-10, était bien installé au sommet du classement jusqu’à l’épreuve disputée à l’Autodrome Saint-Félicien. Un carambolage qui aura été coûteux à réparer la voiture, mais qui aura aussi creusé un fossé insurmontable au niveau de la course au championnat.

 

« Nous avons déjà fait remplacer la section avant de la voiture par Dany Gagnon chez D.G.R., nous utiliserons une section Port City. Après l’accident la voiture ne semblait pas être tout à fait parfaite. On ne prend pas de chance » déclara le pilote de la voiture No. 40.

Aux yeux du président de la Série, M. André Poulin, l’équipe de Sylvain Labbé sera un sérieux prétendant au championnat. « Sylvain arrive toujours avec une voiture très bien préparé. Rien n’est laissé au hasard. Tous les petits détails sont vérifiés et ont ne cesse de mettre les efforts pour améliorer constamment et grâce à cela il est un des rares pilotes capables d’emprunter autant la trajectoire intérieure que celle à l’extérieur du tracé. »

Pour tout connaître sur Sylvain Labbé, visitez sa page de pilote au :
http://www.seriesportsman.ca/francais/pilotes/40-sylvain-labbe-asselinlabbe-racing-team-st-joseph.html

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 tours, aura lieu le 19 mai à l’Autodrome St-Eustache dans le cadre du festival sportsman qui mettra aussi en vedette les Sportsmans ANCA et la classe Sportsman de la piste américaine Airborne Speedway.

– 30 –



Pour de plus amples informations, contactez:

André Poulin, Président Série Sportsman Québec, courriel: andre.poulin@sportsman.ca, 581-998-7388

Préparé par M.P. Roy

 


Pour lire le reste / Read more...

Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 27.1.12 0 comments

Labels: ,

2012-01-26

ARCA and CRA Clarify First ARCA/CRA Event: April 14 at Anderson

For Immediate Release:

Thursday, January 26, 2012

 

 

(TEMPERANCE, Mich.) - ARCA and CRA officials clarified today that the first event for the ARCA CRA Super Series will be April 14 at Anderson Speedway, when the official point season begins. 

 

The events for this weekend's SpeedFest 2012 will be conducted as in the past, as a CRA South special event, without the ARCA sanction.

 

"We have a big rollout planned for that first event in April," said ARCA president Ron Drager, "and wanted to make sure we clarified that fact, since we won't have a presence or a role of any kind at the event this weekend in Cordele, Ga."

 

The three-day event, which features the CRA Super Series South and the CRA JEGS All-Stars Tour presented by GM Performance Parts, features practice Friday, January 27, practice and qualifying Saturday, January 28, and main events for both divisions Sunday, January 29.

 

"We are excited to roll out the ARCA relationship at Anderson in April," said CRA partner and series director Glenn Luckett. "Since ARCA does not have a role this weekend we thought it was important to let everyone know that April 14 is the beginning of this relationship at the track. We are really looking forward to it."

 

CONTACT:

Griffin Hickman, ARCA

Don Radebaugh, ARCA

 


Pour lire le reste / Read more...

Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 26.1.12 0 comments

PIER-LUC LABBÉ COMPTE SECOUER LA MALCHANCE

 

Communiqué de presse
Pour diffusion immédiate
SSQ-2012-007

Québec, QC (26 janvier 2012) – Le pilote de stock-car originaire de Saint-Joseph-de-Beauce, Pier-Luc Labbé, compte secouer la malchance qui là hanté en deuxième moitié de saison 2011.

 

Alors qu’il confirmait sa participation au championnat 2012 de la Série Sportsman Québec, il indiquait vouloir être plus régulier sur l’ensemble de la saison. Après avoir enregistré, 5 top-10 lors des cinq premières épreuves, les ennuis mécaniques et la malchance sont venus ternir ce qui promettait comme la meilleure saison en carrière. Il a tout de même terminé 11e au classement cumulatif avec 2 top-5, 5 top-10, une prestation fort respectable.

« Je dois terminer toujours parmi les dix premier à chacune des épreuves. Je dois être toujours là à la fin » déclara le jeune pilote de la Chevrolet Impala No. 25, conscient de ce qu’il devra faire pour se hisser au haut du classement à la fin de la saison. Il pourra aussi compter sur les connaissances techniques de DGR pour 2012.

Pour tout connaître sur Pier-Luc Labbé, visitez sa page de pilote au :
http://www.seriesportsman.ca/francais/pilotes/25-pier-luc-labbe-labbe-racing-team-st-joseph.html
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 Sportsmans ANCA et la classe Sportsman de la piste américaine Airborne Speedway.

– 30 –


Pour de plus amples informations, contactez:

André Poulin, Président Série Sportsman Québec, courriel: andre.poulin@sportsman.ca, 581-998-7388

Préparé par M.P. Roy

 


Pour lire le reste / Read more...

Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 26.1.12 0 comments

Labels: ,

2012-01-25

Austin Theriault: Speedfest 200 Watermelon Capital Speedway Race Preview

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 1.25.11
For more information, visit http://www.AustinTheriault.com or email GWCNewEngland@gmail.com

THE STORY


Brad Keselowski Racing development driver Austin Theriault of Fort Kent, Maine, makes his 2012 season debut in the CRA-sanctioned Speedfest 200 at Watermelon Capital Speedway in Cordele, Ga., on Sunday, January 29. Theriault is making his third career start in the BKR No. 29 Checkered Flag Foundation Dodge Super Late Model after two races in the seat for the team late in 2011, but it will mark Theriault's first career appearance at Watermelon Capital. The .375-mile banked oval plays host to Speedfest for the first time in 2012, after NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Kyle Busch won back-to-back Speedfest 200's at Lanier National Speedway in 2009 and 2010 and Chase Elliott won last year's event.

 

THE FACTS

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

BEST CAREER SPEEDFEST 200 FINISH: N/A
LAST RACE AT WATERMELON CAPITAL SPEEDWAY: N/A

WHAT: CRA Speedfest 200
WHERE: Watermelon Capital Speedway, Cordele, Ga. (.375-mile D-oval)
WHEN: Qualifying, 4 p.m., Saturday, January 28; Race, 2 p.m., Sunday, January, 29

DID YOU KNOW?

·         Austin Theriault competed in two races for Brad Keselowski Racing in 2011, posting a best finish of 12th in the PASS-sanctioned Mason-Dixon Meltdown at Concord Motorsports Park in Concord, N.C., in November.

·         Austin Theriault finished third in the final ACT Late Model Tour standings in 2011, his highest career finish, on the strength of six consecutive Top-5 finishes to close out the season.

·         Crew chief Gary Crooks also serves as a PASS North Series crew chief for Mulkern Racing, which won two races as a team in 2011.

·         Austin Theriault celebrated his 18th birthday this week.

 

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING


AUSTIN THERIAULT, Driver of the BKR No. 29 Checkered Flag Foundation Dodge, On getting the 2012 season started this week at Speedfest 200: “We're definitely excited to get things moving forward this year. Once again, we're going into uncharted waters, so to speak. It's a different track and a different car for me, but I'm confident that we're with the right people this year and we'll get some finishes.

“Hopefully, we'll be able to open some eyes and build on what we've started.”


On his goals for the weekend: “It's kind of hard to say exactly what's good and what's bad, but I think a good weekend would be just to go out and qualify. I'm confident we'll get qualified, but it's a big race and there's some good guys that will be there. The main thing will be staying out of trouble and being there at the end of the race.

“I don't really know much about the track. I've seen some photos and videos of it. It seems medium-banked and fairly fast for its size. It's just another thing we've got to overcome, and I'm pretty confident that we will. It's the same thing we talked about when we started with (the ACT Late Model Tour) – it's new tracks and building new experiences.”


On having already worked with BKR at the end of 2011: “It's sort of an advantage. You're not going into it not knowing exactly who you're working with. I know the guys, and I know who they are. We didn't spend a whole lot of time together last year, but once we get there this weekend we can focus on the task at hand and not have to worry about fitting in and building up the chemistry.”

 

GARY CROOKS, Crew chief for the BKR No. 29 Checkered Flag Foundation Dodge, On the challenge this weekend presents: “I don't think it's going to be any easier right at this moment for us. It's still a new situation, really. We've been to a couple races, but we've got a whole new car, we've got a new track that Austin's never been to and a track I've only been to once in the last seven or eight years.

“I look at it as our first race to build on, really.”

SOCIAL MEDIA


Follow Austin Theriault on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/atracing
Follow GWC Motorsports Marketing on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/GWCMotorsports
Follow GWC Motorsports Marketing on Twitter:http://www.Twitter.com/GWCNewEngland

 


Pour lire le reste / Read more...

Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 25.1.12 0 comments

VERMONT LATE MODEL STOCK CAR CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES ANNOUNCED

                

 

 

 

 

For Immediate Release                                                ACT – 012512-3

 

        Waterbury, VT – Officials from Thunder Road International Speedbowl in Barre, VT and Devil’s Bowl Speedway in West Haven, VT have announced a Vermont State Late Model Championship Series for the 2012 race season.

 

Four (4) long distance stock car events for Late Model race teams will determine the Vermont State Late Model Champion. The American Canadian Tour (ACT) type Late Model division is the most popular form of stock car racing in the northeastern US and eastern Canada, serving the needs of racers and fans at fifteen different race tracks and two regional touring divisions.

 

Thunder Road will present the historic 50th anniversary Mekkelsen RV Memorial Day Classic and annual Vermont Governors Cup 150 as part of the Vermont State series. The new owners of Devil’s Bowl Speedway in West Haven, VT, Mike and Alayne Bruno, have joined over a dozen regional tracks by incorporating the ACT Late Model rules as a part of their NASCAR weekly racing program.

 

Mike Bruno, a former ACT Late Model competitor himself, said, “I know how competitive these cars can be and when Tom (Curley) and I talked about this idea, it just seemed like a good fit for our first year with Devil’s Bowl Speedway, and for the entire Late Model region”.

 

Devil’s Bowl Speedway will host a 100-lap event on Friday, June 8, 2012. The Vermont State Late Model Champion will be crowned at the Devil’s Bowl season finale on Sunday, September 16, 2012. Both events will be 100 laps in distance. The two tracks will post over $10,000 in point fund money for participating teams.

 

“The ACT US Tour Late Models have put on a great show at Devil’s Bowl over the past couple years, and the opening event at Devil’s Bowl will once again be the traditional Spring Green 112 lap event.  This combined effort to give the weekly teams around the region an opportunity to have a four race weekly type series and honor the first Vermont State Late Model Champion is a nice balance between tour racing and weekly racing. I think it will be well received by Late Model teams in the region,” said Tom Curley, long time promoter of Thunder Road and the American Canadian Tour.

 

2012 VERMONT LATE MODEL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES SCHEDULE

       

Sun May 27          Thunder Road   Mekkelsen Memorial Day Classic 100L

Fri   Jun 08   Devil’s Bowl      D Bowl 100L

Thu Jul  12 Thunder Road     Vermont Governor’s Cup 150L 

Sun Sep16  Devils Bowl                Vermont 200 Weekend   100L

 

 

For additional information contact the ACT office at 802.244.6963, www.acttour.com; media@acttour.com; or Devil’s Bowl at (802) 265-3112 or email devilsbowlspeedway@gmail.com.

 

                                          -30-

 

 


Pour lire le reste / Read more...

Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 25.1.12 0 comments

Vermont State Championship coming to Devil's Bowl Speedway and Thunder Road

For Immediate Release                                                              DBS-012512-1

 

WEST HAVEN, VT -- Officials from Thunder Road International Speedbowl in Barre, VT and Devil’s Bowl Speedway in West Haven, VT have announced a Vermont State Late Model Championship Series for the 2012 race season.

 

ATTACHED PHOTO:

vtstate1: Joey Laquerre (#15), Eric Chase (#40), and Jamie Fisher (#18) battle through the turns at Devil's Bowl Speedway's American-Canadian Tour Spring Green in 2011.  They and other Late Model drivers will have a four-race Vermont State Late Model Championship Series to contend for between Devil's Bowl and Thunder Road Int'l Speedbowl in 2012.  (Eric LaFleche photo)

 

Four-race series posts big money and state title for Late Model teams

 

Four (4) long distance stock car events for Late Model race teams will determine the Vermont State Late Model Champion. The American Canadian Tour (ACT) type Late Model division is the most popular form of stock car racing in the northeastern US and eastern Canada, serving the needs of racers and fans at fifteen different race tracks and two regional touring divisions.

Thunder Road will present the historic 50th anniversary Mekkelsen RV Memorial Day Classic and annual Vermont Governor’s Cup 150 as part of the Vermont State series. The new owners of Devil’s Bowl Speedway in West Haven, VT, Mike and Alayne Bruno, have joined over a dozen regional tracks by incorporating the ACT Late Model rules as a part of their NASCAR weekly racing program.

Mike Bruno, a former ACT Late Model competitor himself, said, “I know how competitive these cars can be and when Tom (Curley) and I talked about this idea, it just seemed like a good fit for our first year with Devil’s Bowl Speedway, and for the entire Late Model region”.

Devil’s Bowl Speedway will host a 100-lap event on Friday, June 8, 2012. The Vermont State Late Model Champion will be crowned at the Devil’s Bowl season finale on Sunday, September 16, 2012. Both events will be 100 laps in distance. The two tracks will post over $10,000 in point fund money for participating teams.

“The ACT US Tour Late Models have put on a great show at Devil’s Bowl over the past couple years, and the opening event at Devil’s Bowl will once again be the traditional Spring Green 112 lap event.  This combined effort to give the weekly teams around the region an opportunity to have a four race weekly type series and honor the first Vermont State Late Model Champion is a nice balance between tour racing and weekly racing. I think it will be well received by Late Model teams in the region,” said Tom Curley, long time promoter of Thunder Road and the American Canadian Tour.

 

2012 VERMONT STATE LATE MODEL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES SCHEDULE

           

Sun., May 27              Thunder Road             Mekkelsen RV Memorial Day Classic (100L)

Fri., June 8                  Devil’s Bowl                Devil’s Bowl Speedway (100L)

Thu., July 12               Thunder Road             Vermont Governor’s Cup (150L)

Sun., Sept. 16             Devil’s Bowl                Vermont 200 Weekend (100L)

 

For additional information contact the ACT office at 802.244.6963, www.acttour.com, or email media@acttour.com; or Devil’s Bowl at (802) 265-3112, www.devilsbowlspeedwayvt.com, or email devilsbowlspeedway@gmail.com.

-30-

 

 


Pour lire le reste / Read more...

Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 25.1.12 0 comments

SERIE SPORTSMAN QC: JIMMY NADEAU VISE LE CHAMPIONNAT

 

 

Communiqué de presse                                                   Pour diffusion immédiate

SSQ-2012-006

 


JIMMY NADEAU VISE LE CHAMPIONNAT

 

Québec, QC (25 janvier 2012) – Le vice-champion 2011 de la Série Sportsman Québec, Jimmy Nadeau, confirme ses plans pour 2012 : terminer premier au championnat.

Si la fiche de Nadeau en 2011 est fort impressionnante : 1 victoire, 4 top-5, 7 top-10 sur les neuf épreuves disputées, Jimmy n’est tout simplement pas satisfait de terminer deuxième au classement général et vise un premier titre de champion. 

 

Nadeau, de Beauceville, a participé aux 54 épreuves à ce jour de la série jeune de 6 saisons.  Il sera de retour à la compétition au volant de la voiture No. 17, une rutilante Chevrolet Camaro, qui a d’ailleurs remporté en 2011 les titres de La plus belle voiture de la Série Sportsman Québec et plus belle voiture de type stock-car lors du Salon Auto Sport de Québec.

Nadeau sera à nouveau appuyé d’un groupe de passionnés, identifié comme l’équipe de l’année au banquet de la série au terme de la campagne 2011, ils reviendront en force et comptera encore une fois sur les judicieux conseils du constructeur D.G.R.

Pour tout connaître sur Jimmy Nadeau, visitez sa page de pilote au :
http://www.seriesportsman.ca/francais/pilotes/17-jimmy-nadeau-nadeau-racing-team-beauceville.html

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 Sportsmans ANCA et la classe Sportsman de la piste américaine Airborne Speedway.

– 30 –

 

Pour de plus amples informations, contactez:

 

André Poulin, Président Série Sportsman Québec, courriel: andre.poulin (at) sportsman.ca, 581-998-7388

 

Préparé par M.P. Roy, courriel: mproy (at) roy-motorsports.com, 514-907-1773 poste 35

 


Pour lire le reste / Read more...

Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 25.1.12 0 comments

Labels: ,

2012-01-24

2012 Thunder Road Schedule Highlighted by 50th Milk Bowl

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                     ACT-012412-2

Barre, VT – Barre, VT’s Thunder Road International Speedbowl has released their 18-event 2012 schedule, which will include the 50th running of both the Milk Bowl and Memorial Day Classic. The high-banked ¼-mile will also feature two American Canadian Tour events.

 

The 53rd Thunder Road season will commence with the 14th running of the Merchants Bank 150 on Sunday, April 29. It will be the first of two ACT events on the schedule and will feature the annual car show on Saturday, April 28. The second ACT event on the schedule will be the 34th Bond Auto Labor Day Classic on Sunday, September 2.

The second event of the season will be the 50th running of the Mekkelsen RV Memorial Day Classic on Sunday, May 27. It will be the first point counting event in the 2012 “King of the Road” title battle.

The beginning of June will once again see two Sunday twilight events on June 10 and June 17. The June 10 event will feature the New England Antique Racers. The Thursday night schedule will begin on June 21 and run through Late Model Champions Night, August 23.

Thursday night specials will once again include the Vermont Governor’s Cup on July 12, Times Argus Mid-Season Championships on July 19 and a Bond/WIX Tiger Tour event on August 2. Thunder Road’s 4th of July celebration will be on Tuesday, July 3, while the 28th Annual M&M Beverage Enduro will be run on Sunday, August 5.

The 53rd season of Thunder Road stock car racing will conclude with the 50th running of the People’s United Bank Milk Bowl on Sunday, September 30. The popular and one of a kind 3-segment event is considered one of the toughest short track stock car races in the country. The event awards no weekly or tour points, allowing drivers to go all out for the win. The Milk Bowl has averaged over 56 cars during the past five years.

Season tickets are available now by calling the ACT office at 802.244.6963.

2012 Thunder Road Schedule of Events

#       Day            Date                 Event                                                                        Note      

1.     Sat/Sun     April 28/29    14th Annual Merchants Bank 150                    ACT

2.     Sun.           May 27           50th Mekkelsen RV Memorial Day Classic      Special

3.     Sun.           June 10           Sunday Twilight                                                    NEAR

4.     Sun.           June 17           Sunday Twilight

5.     Thurs.        June 21           Regular Event

6.     Thurs.        June 28           Regular Event

7.     Tues.          July 3               4th of July Special

8.     Thurs.        July 5               Regular Event

9.     Thurs.        July 12            VT Governor’s Cup                                               Special

10.   Thurs.        July 19            Times Argus Mid-Season Championship

11.   Thurs.        July 26            Regular Event

12.   Thurs.        Aug. 2             Bond WIX Tiger Tour 100

13.   Sun.           Aug. 5             28th M&M Beverage Enduro

14.   Thurs.        Aug. 9             Regular Event

15.   Thurs.        Aug. 16           Regular Event

16.   Thurs.        Aug. 23           LM Championship Night

17.   Sun.           Sept. 2            34th Annual Bond Auto Labor Day Classic      ACT

18.   Sat/Sun     Sept. 29/30   50th People’s United Bank Milk Bowl

Schedule Subject to Change

 

For more information please contact the Thunder Road office at 802.244.6963 or media@acttour.com.

-30-

 

 


Pour lire le reste / Read more...

Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 24.1.12 0 comments

2012-01-23

PASS To Sanction Super Limited Division in 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

 Super Limiteds will serve as major support division at approximately 10 PASS South events

 

CHARLOTTE, NC (January 22) – Officials from the Pro All Stars Series (PASS) announced today that it will sanction the Super Limited division beginning in 2012. The Super Limiteds will run as a support division to the PASS South Super Late Models at approximately ten events. The PASS Super Limiteds will employ a variety of chassis and engine combinations to allow racers an affordable way to compete in a touring division.

 

“We’re looking forward to having the PASS Super Limiteds as part of our great weekends of racing throughout the Southeast with the PASS South Super Late Models,” said PASS President Tom Mayberry. “We think the PASS Super Limiteds will be a great stepping stone division for youngsters looking to make the move from Bandelero and Legends cars up to PASS. This should be a really affordable way for everybody involved to go racing.”

The PASS Super Limiteds will be open to both perimeter and straight rail chassis, with rules aimed at making both types of chassis competitive. Racers will also be able to utilize a variety of different engine combinations including the 602/603 crate with a 390 CFM Holley HP Series, the 604 Fast Burn crate with a 500 CFM 2 barrel Holley HP Series, the Limited Built Motor with a 350 CFM 2 Barrel Holley HP and the Late Model Built with a 350 CFM 2 Barrel Holley HP. There will be a claim rule for shocks and brake calipers. Also in an effort to keep costs down, racers will race on scuffed Hoosier F-45 bias ply tires.

The purse is guaranteed paying $1,000 to win and $150 to start. The inaugural race for the PASS Super Limiteds will be on March 10th at Dillon (SC) Motor Speedway as part of the 7th Annual South Carolina Clash. The PASS Super Limiteds will join the PASS South Super Late Models at other venues including Hickory Motor Speedway, Orange County Speedway, Wake County Speedway, Anderson Motor Speedway, Motor Mile Speedway, and Caraway Speedway. Many drivers have already expressed interest in this exciting, new division.

For more information on the PASS Super Limiteds please contact Ollie Spain at 336-214-8072 or visit raceccs.com. For more information on any PASS division please visit proallstarsseries.com.

-30-

 


Pour lire le reste / Read more...

Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 23.1.12 0 comments

McGrail targets 2012 Airborne Modified title

For immediate release – Airborne Speedway – January 23, 2012

South Plattsburgh, NY – Airborne Speedway competitor Pat McGrail of Candiac, QC is going all out in an attempt to return the DIRT Modified title north of the USA border in 2012.

 

McGrail has purchased a new Troyer DIRTcar Modified chassis designed specifically for asphalt racing and a new RL Racing engine to go with it. He’s also welcomed Fastenal aboard as a new sponsor.

 

McGrail came on strong in 2011 after a slow start to place sixth in the Ernie’s Discount Tools Modified point standings while recording three podium finishes. “I am going to try my best to bring the Airborne championship trophy home to Quebec just like Martin Roy did last year,” McGrail said.

 

Roy has announced plans to compete in the CASCAR series this season. In 2009, he became the first Canadian to win Airborne’s lead division championship in 38 years. He became a two-time track champion in 2011 by overtaking Patrick Dupree of Saranac Lake, NY in August.

 

“This will be my third full season at Airborne,” McGrail said. “We did okay my first year and we were quite good last year, but not good enough to beat the top drivers like Roy, Dupree and George Foley. Last year we struggled at times. The car was a little too heavy in the back, had problems coming out of the corners and was hard on the brakes. The rear end would jump around too much.”

 

Rene Lessard of RL Racing has enjoyed much success at Canadian dirt tracks, including Autodrome Granby. Troyer race cars have set the standard for Modified racing in the Northeast for decades.

 

“We‘re trying to advance some rear suspension ideas and position components in a way that’s best suited for pavement,” Troyer owner Billy Colton said. “You need the proper balance between flexibility and stiffness. A stiff car can be fast, but it can also be very unforgiving if you don’t hit the setup just right.”

 

“I’m very respectful of how Airborne’s promoter Mike Perrotte has kept a lid on expenses in the Modified division,” Colton said. “His approach has been great. You can still take a regular dirt modified car there and be competitive. The chassis we’ve built for Pat McGrail and Roger Labreche fit the rulebook.”

 

McGrail’s title bid will be assisted by two long-time crew members - Yvon Perron and Leandre Laroche. “I’m 50, Yvon and Leandre are 60-plus,” McGrail said. “We agreed we need to come back and give it another try at Airborne. It’s very competitive there, but it’s a very good place to race and we still have the need for speed.”

 

Airborne’s 59th season opener is set for Sunday, April 29.

 

Contact: Tom Herzig tomherzig@hotmail.com 802-882-8131

 


Pour lire le reste / Read more...

Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 23.1.12 0 comments

Martin, Ford and Mercer Earn Kawartha's Most Improved Driver Honours

By Jim Clarke, Kawartha Speedway PR/Clarke Motorsports Communications

 

What do you do to get noticed?  Are you able to step-up when it’s your turn to shine?  Drivers in Kawartha Speedway’s 3 regular classes are some of the best in the business.  Whether they’re running in the Hasiuk Trailer and Container Rental Mini Stocks, Better Carpet Thunder Cars or NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Models, there is no shortage of stellar competition at the province’s premier motorsports facility.  At the year’s awards banquet, the track recognizes a most improved driver in each division. 

 

Brad Martin finished Kawartha Speedway’s 2010 season in 7th spot when the final points for the Hasiuk Trailer and Container Rental Mini Stocks were tabulated.  The life-long resident of the almost fictional sounding Plainville, Ontario had a respectable first season of competition, but always knew he could do better.  When the 2011 campaign got started, Martin arrived at the Fraserville facility with a new attitude and increased self confidence.

 

“I was pretty tough on myself during the first year,” said Martin.  “I put so much emphasis on where I started a race instead of where I was going to finish.  Finishing the feature 15th – like I did on the opening night – would have affected me for weeks last year.  This year, I just put it out of my mind and came back with a 2nd place effort the following week.  Even tough there is always room to improve, my first career win and a 4th place point finish is a good place to start.”

 

Andy Ford has been a Friday night Fraserville fixture for more than half a decade, but entering the 2011 program he was still chasing that elusive main event victory.  A freelance videotape editor, Ford is what most would consider a throwback runner.  His #93 Better Carpet Thunder Car machine was built and maintained by his brother Dan in garage alongside his home in Grafton.  Ford, from Scarborough meets his brother at the track for every show.

 

“I’d had some solid runs in the past, but never managed to get to the winner’s circle,” said Ford.  “In the last couple of years I’ve travelled to some different tracks and I think that experience made me more of a racer than just a driver.  Running the street stock nationals show at Bristol in 2010 taught me a lot and opened my eyes to some of the things we’d been doing wrong.  Kicking-off 2011 with a second place effort and then back-to-back wins in the next 2 shows picked-up the attitude of the entire team.”

 

His performance during Kawartha Speedway’s 2011 season may have been enough to erase Bryan Mercer’s memories of the 2009 and 2010 campaigns.  After scoring a 4th place point finish in 2007 and 5th in the standings a year later, the Port Hope veteran was on the outside looking in when the top 10 positions were tallied in the next 2 years.  A 3rd place run opening night was a sign of things to come, followed by a win in the first extra distance show 2 weeks later and a history making performance in the Summer Sizzler made everyone take notice of the #81 NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Model Chevy.

 

“I knew the team had the ability to turn some heads.  It was just a matter of showing everyone else what we were capable of,” said Mercer.  “The car was fast out of the box and everything we did during the first events of the year seemed to make it better.  My confidence had taken a beating during the last 2 years, so it was great to be able to turn things around and pick-up a couple of very impressive wins.”

 

Kawartha klips:  Next on the agenda for the Fraserville, Ontario 3/8th mile oval is the 3rd annual Long John 200 endurance event Sunday, February 5th.  The complete 2012 schedule can be found by checking www.kawarthaspeedway.com... The track will also 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.

 

Photo attachment:  Joe and Heather Wiebe www.adrianmediaservices.com

(L-R)  Bryan Mercer, Andy Ford and Brad Martin collected the 2011 Most Improved Driver honours at Kawartha Speedway’s Award’s Banquet.

 

Prepared by:  Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications

 

 


Pour lire le reste / Read more...

Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 23.1.12 0 comments

PASS South Schedule Expands to 16 Races, Features Marquee Events

For Immediate Release

 

 

CHARLOTTE, NC (January 22) – The Pro All Stars Series (PASS) South Super Late Models will embark on its most ambitious schedule yet in 2012 with 16 races spanning 4 states. PASS South will be entering its seventh season and will feature some of the biggest events in short track racing including the All American 400, Easter Bunny 150, North-South Shootout and Mason Dixon Meltdown.

 

“Just when you think it can’t get any better, it does,” said PASS President Tom Mayberry. “We’ve got some really great events this year at some of the South’s premier facilities. When you look at all the races, all the major events we have scheduled, I know that all of our PASS South competitors can’t wait to get this historic season kicked off in March at Dillon.”

The season will be highlighted by PASS South’s first visit to the historic Fairgrounds Speedway in Nashville, TN on October 6th for the All American 400. In 2012, this prestigious event will return to a true 400 lap race, with the winner having the opportunity to take home $30,000. South Boston (VA) Speedway will host three PASS South events in 2012, with Orange County (NC) Speedway, Concord (NC) Speedway, and Hickory (NC) Motor Speedway each hosting two events each. Dillon (SC) Motor Speedway, Wake County (NC) Speedway, Anderson (SC) Motor Speedway, and Motor Mile (VA) Speedway will each hold a single PASS South event in 2012. Returning to the schedule this year for the first time since 2008, will be the Caraway Speedway near Asheboro, NC. Caraway Speedway will host two events including the Labor Day Classic and the North-South Shootout on November 10th.

The PASS South Super Late Models will kick off their 2012 season on Saturday, March 10th with the 7th Annual South Carolina Clash at the Dillon Motor Speedway in South Carolina.

2012 schedules and driver registration forms can be found at proallstarsseries.com.

-30-

 

 


Pour lire le reste / Read more...

Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 23.1.12 0 comments

Kawartha Speedway Revises 2011 Rookie of the Year Award Winner

By Jim Clarke, Kawartha Speedway PR/Clarke Motorsports Communications

 

Sometimes things just happen.  At Kawartha Speedway’s 2011 award’s banquet – Saturday, January 14th – the rookie of the year honour in the Hasiuk Trailer and Container Rental Mini Stock division was presented to 7th place point finisher Alex Lees, who won 3 main events during the year.  After checking statistics for the season, the track has announced that the award should have actually belonged to Ryan Oosterholt, who picked-up only 1 feature race win, but finished 2nd in points.  General Manager/Promoter Derek Lynch says the track regrets the error and will be sending a trophy to Oosterholt.

 

“There is so much going on when preparing for the banquet, that occasionally things get missed,” said Lynch.  “We co-ordinated the on-line vote, arranged more than 40 trophies and planned seating for over 300 people.  There’s no denying the outstanding seasons each driver had and the results they were able to accomplish. Winning rookie of the year is quite an achievement and we want to make sure that Ryan gets the credit he deserves.”

 

The 20 year-old Oosterholt enjoyed a successful first year behind the wheel of his #79 Alma Electrical and Mechanical, Scugog Collision, Mark’s Maintenance, Mosport International Karting, Link Greenhouses, Martyn Mini Hoe and Scott Roy Re/Max 4 cylinder.  The Blackstock, Ontario resident – a graduate of what is now the pure stock division at Mosport – was impressed with how well he ran during his freshman season.

 

“We had some strong shows and learned a lot along the way,” said Oosterholt.  “Our division has a number of talented drivers and many of them are at the same stage of the development as I am so my confidence and comfort levels grew on almost a weekly basis.  It was fun to work through the pack and I can’t wait until we’re able to get the next season rolling.”

 

With the exception of a 6th place, Friday August 12th and 12th on Friday, August 26th, the first year pilot managed a top 5 five main event run every time he strapped into the car, highlighted by a first career win Friday, July 22nd.  Lynch says any driver should be proud of an effort like that.

 

“I’ve been around the motorsports industry my entire life and learned at an early age that consistency is the key to success,” said Lynch.  “Ryan had a great first season at Kawartha and we’re very sorry his accomplishments were originally overlooked.”

 

Kawartha klips:  Next on the agenda for the Fraserville, Ontario 3/8th mile oval is the 3rd annual Long John 200 endurance event Sunday, February 5th.  The complete 2012 schedule can be found by checking www.kawarthaspeedway.com... The track will also 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.

 

Photo attachment:  Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications

Ryan Oosterholt won the Hasiuk Trailer and Container Rental Mini Stock main event Friday, July 22nd.  The Blackstock, Ontario racer was awarded the division’s rookie of the year award following a check of 2011 statistics.

 

Prepared by:  Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications

 

 


Pour lire le reste / Read more...

Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 23.1.12 0 comments

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)