2012-02-03

NASCAR CANADIAN TIRE SERIES BRINGING LEGENDARY TEAM OWNER / ENGINE BUILDER ROBERT YATES TO THE CME

 

(TORONTO, ON // FEBRUARY 3, 2012) – For the second year in a row, racing fans in attendance at the Canadian Motorsports Expo will be able to get a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the workings of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. The CME runs February 10, 11 and 12 at Toronto’s International Centre.

 

The centrepiece of the NASCAR display will be the massive race hauler that serves as the centre of activity for every NASCAR Canadian Tire Series race. Series Director Brad Moran and his team of NASCAR officials will be on hand throughout the entire show, offering hauler tours and real-time access to a NASCAR ‘tech lane’ and working garage.

 

The NASCAR display will also feature several Canadian Tire Series race cars and technical displays, including the NASCAR-approved Spec Engine. On Saturday, February 11, legendary NASCAR team owner and engine builder Robert Yates (right) will be at the NASCAR display, meeting with fans and signing autographs. Yates and his Robert Yates Racing Engines partner Chris Davy, will also be available to current and prospective NASCAR Canadian Tire Series racers and teams to discuss their motors. RYR Racing Engines is the exclusive provider of the NASCAR-approved Spec Engine, which is an optional program currently in use in all NASCAR touring series in the U.S. and Canada, including the Canadian Tire Series.

 

And on Saturday afternoon (6:15 – 7:00 p.m.), Yates will take to the Mazda Stage to discuss his career in motorsports, which has spanned more than four decades, racing with and against some of the biggest names in the racing.

 

The Canadian Motorsports Expo Powered by Inside Track will also prominently feature several current NASCAR Canadian Tire Series drivers, who will be participating in an on-stage Fan Q&A and Autograph Session, on Sunday afternoon (1:45 – 2:45 p.m.).

 

“We’re very pleased that the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series is back at the Canadian Motorsports Expo,” said Series Director Brad Moran. “While many fans see our races at the track and on TSN, this show, however, offers a unique opportunity to see what goes on in the pits and in ‘tech lane’ on race weekends. This level of fan access isn’t possible when we’re in the heat of an actual race event, so we enjoy offering some hauler tours and an up close look at all that goes on.”

 

Discussing Robert Yates and Chris Davy coming to the show, Moran continued, “Making official suppliers and industry experts available to racers is something that NASCAR regularly does as a service to its competitors. Chris Davy was at last year’s CME with us and many of the teams took advantage of the opportunity to discuss the ‘Spec’ Engine program. Having Robert Yates join him this year is an added bonus. As a team owner and engine builder, Yates has won championships and the biggest stock-car races in the world. His drivers were successful and his engines were legendary for their power and reliability. NASCAR is proud to have him at our booth Saturday, February 11 at the Canadian Motorsports Expo.”

 

Yates will be available at the NASCAR booth for autograph sessions on Saturday, February 11 at 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. At 6:15 p.m., Yates will take the Mazda Stage for a chat with the fans, where he will share his favourite racing memories as an engine builder and team owner, as well as his current role as NASCAR’s exclusive ‘Spec’ Engine supplier.

 

Visit the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series exhibit for hauler tour details and times, and www.CanadianMotorsportsExpo.com for updates and times for all CME appearances and events.

 

ABOUT THE NASCAR CANADIAN TIRE SERIES: In 2012, the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series (NCATS) will contest its sixth season of operation. The stock-car series competes from coast to coast in Canada, with events from Motoplex Speedway in Vernon, BC to Antigonish, Nova Scotia’s Riverside International Speedway. The 12-race 2012 schedule will feature a mix of seven oval track races and five road-course events, including at some of the nation’s biggest sporting weekends. The season starts May 20 at Mosport International Raceway. For more information, visit www.nascar.ca .

 

ABOUT ROBERT YATES RACING ENGINES: Robert Yates Racing Engines is a collaboration between legendary former NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion car owner Robert Yates and his son-in-law, Chris Davy, a former marketing and logistics executive at DHL. The company was named the exclusive provider of the NASCAR-Approved Spec Engine in January 2011.

Robert Yates Racing Engines offers the Spec Engine for purchase either as a kit or fully assembled and ‘Dyno’ed as well as a complete list of replacement parts or engine maintenance services for any existing or future customer. Currently, the NASCAR-Approved Spec Engine is an alternative in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series, NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour and select tracks in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.

 

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.

For more information on exhibitors, seminars, conferences, special events and guests, visit www.canadianmotorsportsexpo.com, call 416-962-7223 or email info@canadianmotorsportsexpo.com. Twitter: @CME_racing. Facebook: www.facebook.com/CME.Toronto

 


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Go Canada Racing to become GC Motorsports International

Toronto, ON, Feb 3rd, 2012 - Effective February 15th, 2012 Go Canada Racing will become GC Motorsports International (GCMI). “The name change is a result of numerous developments in the offseason and more clearly represents our company, our partners, drivers and sponsors going forward.” said team owner Steve Meehan.

 

In 2012 the team will continue to compete in the NASCAR Nationwide Series with drivers from both Canada and the United States. ”During the offseason we met with several drivers that we felt could help us build our program and while we are not quite ready to field a two car Nationwide effort we felt that expanding our format offers tremendous benefit to our team and marketing partners” said Meehan.

2012 will begin with David Ragan, last season’s winner of the Coke Zero 400 in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, behind the wheel at Daytona. “We feel incredibly fortunate to have David’s knowledge and experience to help launch our 2012 program and hopefully guide the team into the future. “ Said Meehan. “I am really excited to be kicking off the 2012 Nationwide season for GCMI. I have known many of the team members for quite some time; it will be great to work with them again. This group has put together many winning efforts in the past and I plan on being part of their winning efforts in the future, hopefully starting with Daytona.” Says David Ragan.

The team will also launch an effort in the Nascar Canadian Tire Series for 2012. GC Motorsports International will team up with Dave Jacombs Racing to form GC Motorsports Canada. The team plans on fielding a two car effort anchored by two time series champion Andrew Ranger. Dave Jacombs explains “I am very excited about our organizations working together. I got to know Steve and the team last year and was really intrigued by what they were trying to put together, and over the last few months Steve and I came to the conclusion that working together could accelerate the growth of both programs. Long term I see us having dominant programs in multiple series on both sides of the border”.

Andrew Ranger will also return to the Nationwide team this year. Andrew will compete in a number of Nationwide Races Including the series only Canadian race, the Napa Auto Parts 200 in Montreal.” I am really looking forward to competing for my 3rd NASCAR Canadian Tire Series championship, it will be great working with Dave again, and I am really looking forward to get back behind the wheel in the Nationwide series. GCMI is developing a very strong strategy to grow the team and I think I am at the perfect point of my career to grow with them” states Andrew Ranger.

The team is extremely excited about the program going into 2012, and expects to make more announcements about drivers and sponsors in the coming weeks. “We feel we have a very formidable program, balancing experienced drivers with younger up and coming drivers. This multi-driver and multi-tier approach to our program will allow us to continue to build a very strong program that will enable an evolution to competing in the Sprint Cup Series” states Meehan…”In addition it will allow us to develop marketing partnerships all across North America”.

About Andrew Ranger

Andrew was born November 20 1986 in Roxton Pond Quebec Canada. A two time Canadian National Champion in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, Andrew is not only one of Canada’s most popular young drivers, he is one of its busiest. In addition to his duties with Go Canada Racing, he has raced in the K&N Pro Series, ARCA, and both the NASCAR Nationwide and Sprint Cup Series in 2011.

About David Ragan

David Ragan was born in Unadilla, Georgia, the son of former racer Ken Ragan, and began his racing career racing in the Bandolero Series at age 12. At age 18, Ragan began racing in the Camping World Truck Series, Nationwide Series, and the ARCA Racing Series. On July 2, 2011, David Ragan won his first career NASCAR Sprint Cup series race, the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway

About GC Motorsports International

GC Motorsports International is the new name of Go Canada Racing which was launched on April 19th, 2011 in Toronto, Ontario Canada. GC Motorsports International will be competing in the Nationwide Series in 2012 as car #27.

About Dave Jacombs Racing

Dave Jacombs Racing is based in Hamilton, Ontario and has been fielding winning race cars since 1978. Jacombs Racing competed in the CASCAR Super Series from 1994 until 2006 when NASCAR purchased the series. Since then the team has prepared cars for such accomplished driver as Andrew Ranger, Patrick Carpentier, Alex Tagliani and Jacques Villeneuve.

 


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2012-02-02

Delaware Speedway Withdraws from NASCAR Weekly Series

Feb 2nd, 2012

Delaware, ON, Canada

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Delaware Speedway is taking a year off as a NASCAR sanctioned track in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series.  After discussions with NASCAR officials in Daytona Beach, speedway officials were unable to come to a resolution to meet NASCAR sanction requirements with the shorter schedule planned for the 2012 season at Delaware Speedway.

 

“We are new to this business and we need to get our feet wet,” explained track owner Mannie deMelo.  “The decision has nothing to do with not wanting to be involved with NASCAR. We will work with NASCAR to see if our concerns can be addressed in the future”

 

Key to the decision was changes to the track’s schedule which, after competitor consultation, reduced the number of races for its top-tier Late Model racing series.  As a result, the track would be unable to complete the mandated 14 races required by the NASCAR Weekly series.  Furthermore, it would be difficult for the track to complete the 18 races necessary for Delaware Speedway drivers to be competitive in national rankings.

 

“For a driver to be truly competitive in NASCAR’s national rankings, they must complete at least 18 races or more,” explained track PR director John Houghton.  “With Delaware’s shortened schedule, it would be extremely difficult to complete this mandate in a way that is effective for fans and drivers.”

 

Delaware Speedway has enjoyed the benefits of its partnership with NASCAR and plans to retain a positive relationship moving forward.  The change in sanctioning will not have an effect on the track’s scheduled NASCAR Canadian Tire Series event and all weekly programs will continue as scheduled.  Speedway officials have left the door open on the possibility of rejoining the NASCAR Weekly Series program in the future if solutions to the track and NASCAR’s shared challenges can be found.

 

“For Delaware Speedway’s drivers, fans, and new owners the 2012 season is about building the strength of their weekly racing program,” said Houghton.  “We have every expectation that this will be an excellent season.”

 

About Delaware Speedway: Delaware Speedway is a half-mile paved oval stock-car track located just west of London, Ontario, Canada. Since 1952, Delaware Speedway has been the home to some of the best stock car racing in Canada. Its unique natural amphitheatre-like setting allows a family or group of friends to enjoy exciting, comfortable and affordable evening or afternoon of action at the track.

 

About the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series: The NASCAR Whelen All-American Series (NWAAS) is a national championship program for more than 50 sanctioned tracks across North America.  As part of the program, drivers compete for track, state/provincial, and national championship points.  Approximately 10,000 drivers participate in the program.  In 2011, the series featured three Canadian tracks including Delaware Speedway.

 

Delaware Media Inquiries: John Houghton

 


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NEW ADDITION TO CANADIAN MOTORSPORT HALL OF FAME FEATURED IN DISPLAY AT THE CME

 

 

(TORONTO, ON // FEBRUARY 2, 2012) – The Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame will feature the latest addition to the Hall's collection at its display during the Canadian Motorsports Expo. The three-day show runs February 10, 11 & 12 at the International Centre, adjacent to Toronto’s Pearson Airport.

 

The vehicle is a Grand-Am Daytona Prototype, owned by the Wilkins Family. The car – Riley Chassis #001 – is the first-ever Riley DP produced for Grand-Am competition, and was active between 2003 and 2011. Originally owned by Chip Ganassi, the car won several races for Ganassi Racing. It also won while being race-prepped and run by Woodbridge, Ontario’s AIM Autosport.

 

The car’s appearance at the Canadian Motorsports Expo, Powered by Inside Track Motorsport News, will mark the first time that the vehicle – restored to its most memorable ‘AIM era’ colours – will be publicly displayed by the Hall of Fame. The vehicle was loaned to The Hall late last year.

 

In addition to exhibiting the AIM Daytona Prototype, the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame (CMHF) booth at the CME will be staffed by several inductees to the Hall, including Canadian racing champions Craig Hill, Bill Brack, Ron Fellows and Ross de St. Croix. Hall of Fame Chairman Dr. Hugh Scully and motorsport journalists Dean McNulty (Toronto Sun) and Norris MacDonald (Toronto Star) will also be making guest appearances at the CMHF booth during the show.

 

“Having Riley DP Chassis #001 make its public debut for the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame – in the AIM colours that Canadians remember so well – is very big news for the Canadian Motorsports Expo,” said the CME’s David Weber. “The car, the inductees and special guests will educate and entertain racing fans at the show. We appreciate that the Hall is making the CME part of its efforts to promote Canada’s great racing history.”

 

Several other members of the Hall of Fame are also expected to be on hand to meet with show visitor and to discuss the Hall’s future plans. Be sure to stop by the CMHF exhibit (Booth #417) in Hall 6 for details on inductee and special guest appearances during the CME. For more information about the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame, contact Sid Priddle at sidpriddle@yahoo.ca. Or visit them on the web at www.cmhf.ca.

 

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. 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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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


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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.”

--30--

 


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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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