GATINEAU, QC - Even though a large quantity of snow is still on the ground of the Outaouais region, it was a night of celebration on Saturday when Edelweiss Speedway had is annual banquet. A great night as the best drivers was crowned.
In the modified category, Laurent Ladouceur was the big winner with the top spot in the point's title and the mini-series sponsored by Fondations BRL. His son Lee finished second in both championships. A good battle throughout the season between both of them as veteran Dave Heaslip finished third, followed by Eric Gauvreau in fourth and a great fifth place par Denis Larocque. Pierre Dagenais had finished third in the Fondations BRL mini-series.
Dave Bissonnette imitated Laurent in the Pro-Stock category as he finished on top in the track championship and also the Service de Pneus Capital mini-series. Joey Ladouceur finished second in both series, followed by Denis Gauvreau in third in each competition. Nicolas Vaillant and Stéphane Lebrun finished fourth and fifth respectively.
In the Semi-Pro, Bruno Boivin won both the track title and the Toiture Marcel Raymond mini-series; he was followed by Marc Lalonde who was second in both series. Richard Brady completed the podium in the point's title and Mark Trudeau finished third in the mini-series.
Martin Lagacé had a great season in the 4 cylinders category and won the championship followed by Gabriel Mercier and Yannick Raymond in third.
The rookies of year received a nice plaque for their performance as Ghyslain Valade in Pro-Stock, Benoit Dubois in Semi-Pro and Jean-Marc Larose in 4 cylinders won the honours.
The president's cup which is given to people who contribute to the sport went to Yvan Dubois and Guy Pinard for their Modified Pace-Car project.
A few major announcements were made during the evening. Edelweiss will be involved with 2 foundations and will have 2 special nights, on July 4th, the Heart and Stroke foundations and on August 15, the Cancer Foundation will be represented. A press conference will be held on April 26 in Gatineau. More details to follow in the next few weeks.
Congratulations to all the winners and the 2008 season is approaching really quickly and many great things will happen at the track during the next summer.
From Edelweiss Speedway
Monday, March 31, 2008
Michigan Int'l Speedway launches Fan Advisory Board
Race fans can submit applications for new committee until April 21
BROOKLYN, Mich. (March 31, 2008) Help wanted: Michigan International Speedway is looking for a few good race fans to volunteer for its new Fan Advisory Board with the primary goal being to support and fulfill the speedway's vision to create lasting memories for every person, every time. If MIS race fans are interested in volunteering for the board, visit www.MISpeedway.com and fill out the application.
Starting in early May, MIS will be forming a Fan Advisory Board. Race fans will have the opportunity to provide important input into various MIS initiatives. Each fan advisory board member will provide feedback and suggestions on the current state and direction of MIS and the auto racing industry while playing a role in the decision-making processes that affect speedway guests. Fan input plays an important role at MIS and helps drive the integral part of the business.
"This is a tremendous opportunity for a select group of fans to serve on our Fan Advisory Board and express their feedback and suggestions on the direction of MIS and its services and programs," MIS President Roger Curtis said. "These fans will play an important role in the decision-making process, which will indirectly affect all of our guests. We are looking for positive fans that will provide constructive and meaningful input and help with our goals as a racetrack."
Applications for the Fan Advisory Board are available at MISpeedway.com and will be accepted until April 21. All applications must be postmarked by that date to be considered.
MIS has always prided itself on listening and understanding its race fans. In the past year, input from MIS fans has helped with various projects at the track, including the speedway's new logo, way-finding signage and improved turn 1 seating. Additionally, the speedway's tagline "It's Your Speed!" was created with the fan in mind. Even Curtis, who has been president of the track for nearly two years, was able to spend time with fans riding by riding on trams, sitting in the grandstands and chatting with them in the AAA Motorsports Fan Plaza during the 2007 season.
"I enjoy being able to spend time with our fans and listen to what they have to say. Being a part of their experience is very important to me," Curtis said. "This new Fan Advisory Board is just another way that we are dedicated to them. Their input plays an important role in our success."
Michigan International Speedway tickets can fit anyone's budget. The speedway is hosting the ARCA RE/MAX Series on June 13, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Cool City Customs 200 on June 14, the NASCAR Nationwide Series CARFAX 250 on August 16 and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series LifeLock 400 on June 15 and 3M Performance 400 on August 17. Tickets are available for all events, including qualifying days.
To order tickets, pit passes, camping or hospitality packages, call the MIS Ticket Hotline at 800-354-1010 or visit MISpeedway.com.
From Michigan International Speedway
BROOKLYN, Mich. (March 31, 2008) Help wanted: Michigan International Speedway is looking for a few good race fans to volunteer for its new Fan Advisory Board with the primary goal being to support and fulfill the speedway's vision to create lasting memories for every person, every time. If MIS race fans are interested in volunteering for the board, visit www.MISpeedway.com and fill out the application.
Starting in early May, MIS will be forming a Fan Advisory Board. Race fans will have the opportunity to provide important input into various MIS initiatives. Each fan advisory board member will provide feedback and suggestions on the current state and direction of MIS and the auto racing industry while playing a role in the decision-making processes that affect speedway guests. Fan input plays an important role at MIS and helps drive the integral part of the business.
"This is a tremendous opportunity for a select group of fans to serve on our Fan Advisory Board and express their feedback and suggestions on the direction of MIS and its services and programs," MIS President Roger Curtis said. "These fans will play an important role in the decision-making process, which will indirectly affect all of our guests. We are looking for positive fans that will provide constructive and meaningful input and help with our goals as a racetrack."
Applications for the Fan Advisory Board are available at MISpeedway.com and will be accepted until April 21. All applications must be postmarked by that date to be considered.
MIS has always prided itself on listening and understanding its race fans. In the past year, input from MIS fans has helped with various projects at the track, including the speedway's new logo, way-finding signage and improved turn 1 seating. Additionally, the speedway's tagline "It's Your Speed!" was created with the fan in mind. Even Curtis, who has been president of the track for nearly two years, was able to spend time with fans riding by riding on trams, sitting in the grandstands and chatting with them in the AAA Motorsports Fan Plaza during the 2007 season.
"I enjoy being able to spend time with our fans and listen to what they have to say. Being a part of their experience is very important to me," Curtis said. "This new Fan Advisory Board is just another way that we are dedicated to them. Their input plays an important role in our success."
Michigan International Speedway tickets can fit anyone's budget. The speedway is hosting the ARCA RE/MAX Series on June 13, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Cool City Customs 200 on June 14, the NASCAR Nationwide Series CARFAX 250 on August 16 and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series LifeLock 400 on June 15 and 3M Performance 400 on August 17. Tickets are available for all events, including qualifying days.
To order tickets, pit passes, camping or hospitality packages, call the MIS Ticket Hotline at 800-354-1010 or visit MISpeedway.com.
From Michigan International Speedway
Mike Vincec wins Skip Barber Southern Region finale at Sebring
"I started ninth because of the problems on Saturday," Vincec said. "I didn't make a great start, but I slowly picked off the drivers ahead of me. I knew I just had to be patient and make smart passes."
That is exactly what Vincec did, and he took home his second win in the last three races. The weekend started out on a solid note for Vincec as he took the pole for the penultimate round the first of two races on the weekend.
"Getting the pole was great," Vincec said. "But in the race, my car was not that good. I was able to stay in the top four or five, but I got hit from behind on the last lap."
Vincec was able to cross the line ninth, and that set up the dramatic drive to the front on Sunday.
"I have learned so much this year about formula car racing," Vincec said. "It's great that Sunoco, and Ron Fellows gave me this opportunity, and I have to thank them for that."
Ron Fellows was also happy with Vincec's performance for Sunoco Team Ultra 94. "I'm very pleased to see the progress Mike has made," Fellows said. "As we often see, when you get your first win, your confidence builds, and your next win comes much easier. Mike has done extremely well in the ultra competitive Skip Barber series, and everyone with Sunoco and Team Ultra 94 are very proud of his efforts."
The final points standings will be released later in the week.
From the Russ Bond Agency
Under the category "You can't write this stuff...."
(Editor's note: You know you're warped when the strangest part of this story is where he drinks tea with the hos afterwards.)
FIA President Mosley under pressure over Nazi sex video
London (dpa) - Max Mosley, president of motorsports' governing body FIA, is under pressure after a British tabloid reported Sunday that he engaged in sex acts with prostitutes that involved Nazi role-playing.
The News of the World reported that Mosley, 67, paid five prostitutes 2,500 pounds in cash and then engaged in an orgy that lasted almost five hours.
Mosley, the son of British Union of Fascists founder Sir Oswald Mosley, is alleged to be seen on a video that shows him screaming orders in German and lashing girls wearing concentration camp uniforms.
The man on the video - allegedly Mosley - is also seen to be whipped by the prostitutes before engaging in sexual acts. He then drank a cup of tea with them.
Mosley's father, who had Adolf Hitler as guest of honour at his wedding, which was held in the Berlin home of Nazi propaganda chief Joseph Goebbels, died in 1980.
An FIA spokesman said that the organisation would not comment on a personal matter. Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone said that he was shocked but believed Mosley's position as FIA president was not in jeopardy.
Ecclestone told the Times newspaper: "I've known him an awful long time. If somebody had told me this without the evidence I would have found it difficult to believe.
"Assuming it's all true, what people do privately is up to them. I don't honestly believe it affects the sport in any way. Knowing Max, it might be all a bit of a joke."
...continued at the link above
This link in the Daily Telegraph features a nice composite.
CLICK HERE at your own peril... photos... I'm going to rip my eyeballs out now...
London (dpa) - Max Mosley, president of motorsports' governing body FIA, is under pressure after a British tabloid reported Sunday that he engaged in sex acts with prostitutes that involved Nazi role-playing.
The News of the World reported that Mosley, 67, paid five prostitutes 2,500 pounds in cash and then engaged in an orgy that lasted almost five hours.
Mosley, the son of British Union of Fascists founder Sir Oswald Mosley, is alleged to be seen on a video that shows him screaming orders in German and lashing girls wearing concentration camp uniforms.
The man on the video - allegedly Mosley - is also seen to be whipped by the prostitutes before engaging in sexual acts. He then drank a cup of tea with them.
Mosley's father, who had Adolf Hitler as guest of honour at his wedding, which was held in the Berlin home of Nazi propaganda chief Joseph Goebbels, died in 1980.
An FIA spokesman said that the organisation would not comment on a personal matter. Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone said that he was shocked but believed Mosley's position as FIA president was not in jeopardy.
Ecclestone told the Times newspaper: "I've known him an awful long time. If somebody had told me this without the evidence I would have found it difficult to believe.
"Assuming it's all true, what people do privately is up to them. I don't honestly believe it affects the sport in any way. Knowing Max, it might be all a bit of a joke."
...continued at the link above
This link in the Daily Telegraph features a nice composite.
CLICK HERE at your own peril... photos... I'm going to rip my eyeballs out now...
Brighton Speedway releases 2008 schedule
BRIGHTON, ON - Coming off a banner 40th Anniversary Season in 2007, Brighton Speedway staff and management are truly excited about the upcoming 2008 season at the 1/3rd mile dirt oval. This season will continue to host some of the most exciting weekly racing in Ontario, including numerous special events!
The green flag drops on Saturday, May 3rd with the Coca Cola Full Throttle Energy Drink Season Opener. Admission for this event is only $2.00 with a donation to the food bank. Last year over 3,000 lbs was raised for the Brighton Food Bank and we look forward to exceeding that weight this year with the help of our dedicated race fans.
The ever popular winged warriors, the Southern Ontario Sprint Cars, will return to the Speedway six times in 2008 starting on Saturday, May 10th. They will visit once a month until the popular Labour Day Classic weekend presented by Lucas Oil, Mix 97, Rock 107, CJBQ 800, Ultramar Home Heating Fuels, Custom Carts and Mystical Distributing. This weekend of racing includes a double helping of sprint cars and includes the final two points events of the season. The SOS will be crowning their champion for the first time ever on Sunday, August 31st, at Brighton Speedway.
Leon’s Furniture of Trenton will present the ever popular School Bus Races in 2008 on June 7th and September 6th. The Buses will also make as special appearance on Friday, July 18th for the Radio Station Battle in the Busses. This new addition to the schedule will pit local radio hosts from KIX 93.5, Mix 97, Rock 107, CJBQ 800, Star 93.3 & The Breeze 107.9 in a battle for the Championship Belt. It will not only be the radio stations that come out the winner, as five area food banks will also win with donations generated by the radio station personalities. Each radio station will pick a food bank of their choice and will collect food prior to and the day of the event. The Radio Station that collects the most food will be awarded the Pole Position and start on the front row for the Radio Station Battle in the Busses.
The weekend of July 3rd, 4th and 5th will host the first ever Monster Madness Extreme Weekend at Brighton Speedway. Friday, Saturday and Sunday will host Monster Trucks, FMX Freestyle Motocross Riders, a Demolition Derby and Monster Truck Ride Truck. Each event will host a pre race pit party and autograph session. Join us for a weekend of destruction for only $34.00 for adults! Free camping is always available and tickets will be on sale early for this exciting event.
Friday, July 25th Lucas Oil Products presents the Lucas Oil Sportsman Series East! DIRT Sportsman drivers from Eastern Ontario and New York will invade Brighton Speedway in hopes of earning one of the four guaranteed qualifying position for the year end Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup. The Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup, to be held on Friday, September 26th at the Brighton Speedway, will see the winners of the four qualifying events in guaranteed starting position for the $1,500.00 to-win event that will pit the best from the East! against the top drivers from the Lucas Oil Sportsman ShootOut from the West.
Along with the Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup Brighton will be hosting the Dirt Track Digest All Star Sportsman Race plus the return of the Hotch’s Auto Parts Canadian Modified/Pro Stock Show Down. The Benson Auto Parts 358 Applefest Shootout presented by Imagefactor.ca, will bring the regular season to an end on Saturday, September 27th featuring the 358 DIRT Modified Shootout and the Lucas Oil “Clash for Cash”. It will also mark the first ever “Battle at Brighton” where IMCA Modifieds challenge Brighton Speedway’s Canadian Modifieds for a $1,000 to win invitational event.
Tim Horton’s will return in 2008 as title sponsor of the Kids’ Club! The Tim Horton’s Kids’ Club holds racing themed activities weekly for children ages 6 to 12, keeping the kids begging to return week in and week out. Along with the Tim Horton’s Kids’ Club our Race to Read program will once again challenge area grade three students to read as much as they can in the month of May.
Other great events will take place throughout the season including the Holiday Inn Five Dollar Fridays, Hotch’s Auto Parts Endurance Race Series, Belleville Pro Bowl 10 Pin Enduro Car Bowling, Hino Trucks of Kingston and Ottawa presenting the Ontario Dirt Late Models just to name a few. The season at Brighton Speedway also includes Ontario Extreme Lawn Tractors, Spectator One on One Racing and tons of excitement each and every race night.
Once again Brighton Speedway is focusing on family and keeping your wallet happy at the same time! Adult tickets for a regular weekly show are only $9.00 and a family can enter the races on most Saturday nights for only $20.00, including a family sized popcorn. An affordable action packed, pedal to the metal racing filled night out for everyone.
For more information and a complete schedule be sure to visit http://www.brightonspeedway.com/. Schedules will also be available at local malls throughout the months of March and April, as the drivers put their cars on display and fans have their chance to win a Season’s Pass. The first race event is Test and Tune Practive scheduled for Saturday, April 26, Sunday, April 27 & Wednesday, April 30th.
The green flag drops on Saturday, May 3rd with the Coca Cola Full Throttle Energy Drink Season Opener. Admission for this event is only $2.00 with a donation to the food bank. Last year over 3,000 lbs was raised for the Brighton Food Bank and we look forward to exceeding that weight this year with the help of our dedicated race fans.
The ever popular winged warriors, the Southern Ontario Sprint Cars, will return to the Speedway six times in 2008 starting on Saturday, May 10th. They will visit once a month until the popular Labour Day Classic weekend presented by Lucas Oil, Mix 97, Rock 107, CJBQ 800, Ultramar Home Heating Fuels, Custom Carts and Mystical Distributing. This weekend of racing includes a double helping of sprint cars and includes the final two points events of the season. The SOS will be crowning their champion for the first time ever on Sunday, August 31st, at Brighton Speedway.
Leon’s Furniture of Trenton will present the ever popular School Bus Races in 2008 on June 7th and September 6th. The Buses will also make as special appearance on Friday, July 18th for the Radio Station Battle in the Busses. This new addition to the schedule will pit local radio hosts from KIX 93.5, Mix 97, Rock 107, CJBQ 800, Star 93.3 & The Breeze 107.9 in a battle for the Championship Belt. It will not only be the radio stations that come out the winner, as five area food banks will also win with donations generated by the radio station personalities. Each radio station will pick a food bank of their choice and will collect food prior to and the day of the event. The Radio Station that collects the most food will be awarded the Pole Position and start on the front row for the Radio Station Battle in the Busses.
The weekend of July 3rd, 4th and 5th will host the first ever Monster Madness Extreme Weekend at Brighton Speedway. Friday, Saturday and Sunday will host Monster Trucks, FMX Freestyle Motocross Riders, a Demolition Derby and Monster Truck Ride Truck. Each event will host a pre race pit party and autograph session. Join us for a weekend of destruction for only $34.00 for adults! Free camping is always available and tickets will be on sale early for this exciting event.
Friday, July 25th Lucas Oil Products presents the Lucas Oil Sportsman Series East! DIRT Sportsman drivers from Eastern Ontario and New York will invade Brighton Speedway in hopes of earning one of the four guaranteed qualifying position for the year end Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup. The Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup, to be held on Friday, September 26th at the Brighton Speedway, will see the winners of the four qualifying events in guaranteed starting position for the $1,500.00 to-win event that will pit the best from the East! against the top drivers from the Lucas Oil Sportsman ShootOut from the West.
Along with the Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup Brighton will be hosting the Dirt Track Digest All Star Sportsman Race plus the return of the Hotch’s Auto Parts Canadian Modified/Pro Stock Show Down. The Benson Auto Parts 358 Applefest Shootout presented by Imagefactor.ca, will bring the regular season to an end on Saturday, September 27th featuring the 358 DIRT Modified Shootout and the Lucas Oil “Clash for Cash”. It will also mark the first ever “Battle at Brighton” where IMCA Modifieds challenge Brighton Speedway’s Canadian Modifieds for a $1,000 to win invitational event.
Tim Horton’s will return in 2008 as title sponsor of the Kids’ Club! The Tim Horton’s Kids’ Club holds racing themed activities weekly for children ages 6 to 12, keeping the kids begging to return week in and week out. Along with the Tim Horton’s Kids’ Club our Race to Read program will once again challenge area grade three students to read as much as they can in the month of May.
Other great events will take place throughout the season including the Holiday Inn Five Dollar Fridays, Hotch’s Auto Parts Endurance Race Series, Belleville Pro Bowl 10 Pin Enduro Car Bowling, Hino Trucks of Kingston and Ottawa presenting the Ontario Dirt Late Models just to name a few. The season at Brighton Speedway also includes Ontario Extreme Lawn Tractors, Spectator One on One Racing and tons of excitement each and every race night.
Once again Brighton Speedway is focusing on family and keeping your wallet happy at the same time! Adult tickets for a regular weekly show are only $9.00 and a family can enter the races on most Saturday nights for only $20.00, including a family sized popcorn. An affordable action packed, pedal to the metal racing filled night out for everyone.
For more information and a complete schedule be sure to visit http://www.brightonspeedway.com/. Schedules will also be available at local malls throughout the months of March and April, as the drivers put their cars on display and fans have their chance to win a Season’s Pass. The first race event is Test and Tune Practive scheduled for Saturday, April 26, Sunday, April 27 & Wednesday, April 30th.
From Brighton Speedway
Sunday, March 30, 2008
NASCAR: Gibbs Grabs Another Win For Toyota
The checkered flag couldn't come fast enough for Denny Hamlin; or did it wave too quickly for Jeff Gordon?
Gordon closed a full second gap between the two in the closing laps, coming up two car lengths short as Hamlin scored his first win of 2008, the second for Joe Gibbs Racing and Toyota. Jeff Burton finished third, Jimmie Johnson was fourth and Tony Stewart held off Dale Earnhardt, Jr., for fifth. Jamie McMurray, eighth, scored the best finish for Ford while Juan Pablo Montoya, thirteen, did the same for Dodge.
The season appears to be shaping up to be a real dogfight between the Gibbs, Hendricks, Childress and Roush operations.
Gordon closed a full second gap between the two in the closing laps, coming up two car lengths short as Hamlin scored his first win of 2008, the second for Joe Gibbs Racing and Toyota. Jeff Burton finished third, Jimmie Johnson was fourth and Tony Stewart held off Dale Earnhardt, Jr., for fifth. Jamie McMurray, eighth, scored the best finish for Ford while Juan Pablo Montoya, thirteen, did the same for Dodge.
The season appears to be shaping up to be a real dogfight between the Gibbs, Hendricks, Childress and Roush operations.
Friday, March 28, 2008
NASCAR: Top 35 Rule Saves Truex at Martinsville
The much debated Top 35 qualifying rule saved Martin Truex at Martinsville Speedway. Truex will race on Sunday by virtue of his spot in the Top 35, while Kyle Petty watches from the sidelines. The other three drivers who failed to make the field, John Andretti, Tony Raines and Joe Nemechek posted the three slowest laps of the 47 drivers who took laps.
Three of twelve drivers, led by Jamie McMurray and caboosed by Dario Franchitti, all outside the top 35 posted laps fast enough to guarantee spots in the field without a Top 35 rule. Consequently, the only driver injured by the rule was Kyle Petty.
At a glance the Top 35 rule, at least at Martinsville Speedway had little effect on the starting field. Kyle Petty probably doesn't feel that way, but the Petty name aside one of twelve is a small percentage.
Given control of the rulebook, in my world the Top 35 rule would simply go away. There wouldn't be a complete reversion to the days when the Top Twenty qualified on Friday and the remainder of the field on Saturday. As one who is comfortable with the Chase format I would take the concept one step further. One reward for qualifying for the Chase would be a guaranteed spot in every race the next year. However, the guarantee would go to the driver and not the car owner. Everyone else, no exceptions, no former champions rule, would qualify for every race based on time.
Such a plan could alleviate the problems team's currently out of or hovering near that top 35 spot face as they attempt to attract the sponsor dollars needed to elevate the performance of the team.
Think of the excitement such a change would plug into the Race for the Chase as several drivers not only raced for the final spots in the Chase, but also for a guaranteed starting spot in the 36 point races the following year.
Three of twelve drivers, led by Jamie McMurray and caboosed by Dario Franchitti, all outside the top 35 posted laps fast enough to guarantee spots in the field without a Top 35 rule. Consequently, the only driver injured by the rule was Kyle Petty.
At a glance the Top 35 rule, at least at Martinsville Speedway had little effect on the starting field. Kyle Petty probably doesn't feel that way, but the Petty name aside one of twelve is a small percentage.
Given control of the rulebook, in my world the Top 35 rule would simply go away. There wouldn't be a complete reversion to the days when the Top Twenty qualified on Friday and the remainder of the field on Saturday. As one who is comfortable with the Chase format I would take the concept one step further. One reward for qualifying for the Chase would be a guaranteed spot in every race the next year. However, the guarantee would go to the driver and not the car owner. Everyone else, no exceptions, no former champions rule, would qualify for every race based on time.
Such a plan could alleviate the problems team's currently out of or hovering near that top 35 spot face as they attempt to attract the sponsor dollars needed to elevate the performance of the team.
Think of the excitement such a change would plug into the Race for the Chase as several drivers not only raced for the final spots in the Chase, but also for a guaranteed starting spot in the 36 point races the following year.
Best wishes to Greg Wilkins
(To most of the world, Greg Wilkins is the head of Barrick Gold. To the Canadian motorsports community... he's a racer. Yesterday, Wilkins, 52, suddenly stepped down as head of Barrick due to an undisclosed "serious medical condition." We wish Greg the best as he faces this challenge.)
From CTV / The Globe & Mail
Barrick CEO takes medical leave; Munk steps in
Barrick Gold Corp.'s 80-year-old chairman and founder Peter Munk stepped in to the top executive role at the world's largest gold company yesterday after a serious medical condition forced chief executive officer Greg Wilkins to take a leave of absence.
The Toronto company did not disclose the nature of Mr. Wilkins' illness. Barrick said Mr. Wilkins, 52, “has a serious medical condition that will require his absence as he undergoes further tests, examinations and treatment.”
Mr. Munk, a legendary entrepreneur who started Barrick 25 years ago, will assume the CEO position on an interim basis.
“On behalf of our board of directors and employees, we sincerely wish Greg well as he and his family go through a difficult period of uncertainty and challenge. Greg has our full support and deserves utmost respect for his privacy at this time. He is a valued friend and colleague – a tremendous chief executive officer,” Mr. Munk said in a statement....
continued at the link above....
From CTV / The Globe & Mail
Barrick CEO takes medical leave; Munk steps in
Barrick Gold Corp.'s 80-year-old chairman and founder Peter Munk stepped in to the top executive role at the world's largest gold company yesterday after a serious medical condition forced chief executive officer Greg Wilkins to take a leave of absence.
The Toronto company did not disclose the nature of Mr. Wilkins' illness. Barrick said Mr. Wilkins, 52, “has a serious medical condition that will require his absence as he undergoes further tests, examinations and treatment.”
Mr. Munk, a legendary entrepreneur who started Barrick 25 years ago, will assume the CEO position on an interim basis.
“On behalf of our board of directors and employees, we sincerely wish Greg well as he and his family go through a difficult period of uncertainty and challenge. Greg has our full support and deserves utmost respect for his privacy at this time. He is a valued friend and colleague – a tremendous chief executive officer,” Mr. Munk said in a statement....
continued at the link above....
Photo from AIM Autosport
Hoosier Official Tire of ARCA West Mac's Series
Calgary, AB (March 27, 2008) - Officials from the Automobile Racing Club of America West have announced that the Hoosier Racing Tire has been selected as the Official Tire of the ARCA West Mac's Series.
Pitlane Racing Depot will be the exclusive supplier of the tires to the Series. In the agreement, Pitlane Racing Depot will provide on-site tire service and supply at every event on the 2008 ARCA West Mac's Series schedule.
"I am pleased to be able to continue the great business relationship between Pitlane Racing Depot and the ARCA West Mac’s Series," said Craig Ball, Director Racing for ARCA West Canada. "Shifting the series to the Hoosier racing tire will give the racers a very competitive, cost effective and safe product. The at the track availability and service program provided by Pitlane Racing Depot will be a great addition to the Series."
The agreement puts both the US tour, the ARCA West Circle K Series, and the Canadian tour on the same racing tire program. Richard Michaud, president of ARCA West said, “Hoosier Racing Tire Corp has had a long-standing, positive relationship with ARCA and ARCA West. The company has great tire availability and provides a premium Late Model racing tire.”
Bill Royce, owner of the Edmonton, AB based Pitlane Racing Depot also announced that the company, in partnership with Fred Whiteman of FHC Performance, has acquired a 48-foot trailer to support the program.
"This brings our operations to a new level of commitment to Late Model racing in the West," said Bill Royce. "With the support of Fred's team, we will be bringing raceday tire and parts supply to the track. I firmly believe in the direction that the ARCA West Mac's series is going and I am proud to be a part of it."
Hoosier Racing Tire Corp. is the largest race tire manufacturer in the world. With headquarters in Lakeville, Indiana, Hoosier race tires are exclusively manufactured in the USA. First participating as a race tire supplier for ARCA sanctioned racing events in 1985, Hoosier is now in its 14th consecutive season since becoming the Official Tire of ARCA in 1995.
Pitlane Racing Depot will be the exclusive supplier of the tires to the Series. In the agreement, Pitlane Racing Depot will provide on-site tire service and supply at every event on the 2008 ARCA West Mac's Series schedule.
"I am pleased to be able to continue the great business relationship between Pitlane Racing Depot and the ARCA West Mac’s Series," said Craig Ball, Director Racing for ARCA West Canada. "Shifting the series to the Hoosier racing tire will give the racers a very competitive, cost effective and safe product. The at the track availability and service program provided by Pitlane Racing Depot will be a great addition to the Series."
The agreement puts both the US tour, the ARCA West Circle K Series, and the Canadian tour on the same racing tire program. Richard Michaud, president of ARCA West said, “Hoosier Racing Tire Corp has had a long-standing, positive relationship with ARCA and ARCA West. The company has great tire availability and provides a premium Late Model racing tire.”
Bill Royce, owner of the Edmonton, AB based Pitlane Racing Depot also announced that the company, in partnership with Fred Whiteman of FHC Performance, has acquired a 48-foot trailer to support the program.
"This brings our operations to a new level of commitment to Late Model racing in the West," said Bill Royce. "With the support of Fred's team, we will be bringing raceday tire and parts supply to the track. I firmly believe in the direction that the ARCA West Mac's series is going and I am proud to be a part of it."
Hoosier Racing Tire Corp. is the largest race tire manufacturer in the world. With headquarters in Lakeville, Indiana, Hoosier race tires are exclusively manufactured in the USA. First participating as a race tire supplier for ARCA sanctioned racing events in 1985, Hoosier is now in its 14th consecutive season since becoming the Official Tire of ARCA in 1995.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Happy Birthday JEEEEEEM ROBENSOOOOOOHN
Today is Jim Robinson's birthday. The legendary Canadian motorsports TV producer (left) turns... another year older.
Sure, we could invent a big 'number' ... or send him a 'Happy Birthday' card from a rib place on a made-up day that isn't really his birthday... or we could have a track announcer wish him a happy 75th as he's crossing the front-straight... or maybe post the picture of him showing off his 6-pack abs in the volleyball pit or flashing those bluish legs before the 'long pants' rule kicks in.... But we do those things the other 364 days of the year.
So instead, we'll just say "Happy Birthday Jim from everyone at Inside Track!"
K&N JOINS COMPASS360 RACING AS TECHNICAL PARTNER
RIVERSIDE, CA -- Compass360 Racing and K&N Filters today released details of their partnership for the 2008 racing season. K&N, a leading provider of race and street filter systems, will join Honda of America and Skunk2 as team partners this year.
"We were looking for a partner that understood our market," explained James Yim, Business Manager at K&N. "Karl Thomson and the guys at Compass360 are in tune with the Street Tuner marketplace, and have competed successfully in Grand-Am for many seasons. They are an ideal fit for us."
K&N will provide technical development for the C360R team, highlighting the improvements they can make in air and oil filtering, while featuring the team's KONI Challenge cars in their advertising. An extensive, multimedia campaign is already underway, and includes ad placement in import tuner magazines like DSport, Sport Compact Car, Modified and others, as well as a number of on-line Tuner enthusiast publications.
"We've been using K&N products since I started racing," noted Team Principal Karl Thomson. "We're really excited to officially add another manufacturer of their calibre to our racing arsenal! From our early forays into club racing, we always used K&N products, and they definitely helped our performance. Now, as a professional championship- winning team, we're proud to make use of K&N's technical resources to help us keep ahead of the competition."
Look for Compass360's Acuras featured in K&N ads in current issues of DSport and Sport Compact Car!
PR inquiries about K&N should be directed to Business Manager James Yim at (951) 826-4000 x4576 or email jamesy at knfilters dot com. PR inquiries about the Compass360 Racing team should be directed to Team Principal Karl Thomson at (416) 465-2299 x21 or email karlt at compass360 dot com
"We were looking for a partner that understood our market," explained James Yim, Business Manager at K&N. "Karl Thomson and the guys at Compass360 are in tune with the Street Tuner marketplace, and have competed successfully in Grand-Am for many seasons. They are an ideal fit for us."
K&N will provide technical development for the C360R team, highlighting the improvements they can make in air and oil filtering, while featuring the team's KONI Challenge cars in their advertising. An extensive, multimedia campaign is already underway, and includes ad placement in import tuner magazines like DSport, Sport Compact Car, Modified and others, as well as a number of on-line Tuner enthusiast publications.
"We've been using K&N products since I started racing," noted Team Principal Karl Thomson. "We're really excited to officially add another manufacturer of their calibre to our racing arsenal! From our early forays into club racing, we always used K&N products, and they definitely helped our performance. Now, as a professional championship- winning team, we're proud to make use of K&N's technical resources to help us keep ahead of the competition."
Look for Compass360's Acuras featured in K&N ads in current issues of DSport and Sport Compact Car!
PR inquiries about K&N should be directed to Business Manager James Yim at (951) 826-4000 x4576 or email jamesy at knfilters dot com. PR inquiries about the Compass360 Racing team should be directed to Team Principal Karl Thomson at (416) 465-2299 x21 or email karlt at compass360 dot com
TSN Alert: New-look IndyCar Series Season Gets Underway on TSN and TSN HD, Saturday
TSN ushers in a new chapter in open-wheel racing in 2008 with coverage of the entire 19-race IndyCar Series season. The schedule gets underway on Saturday, March 29 at 8 p.m. ET with live coverage on TSN and TSN HD of the Miami Indy 300 from Florida's Homestead-Miami Speedway. Prior to the race, TSN will air the one-hour 2008 IndyCar Series Season Preview at 7 p.m. ET.
The Florida race marks the first IndyCar Series event since the Indy Racing League absorbed the Champ Car World Series earlier this year.
Three races from the former Champ Car World Series have been added to the 2008 IndyCar Series schedule: the Grand Prix of Long Beach, the Edmonton Grand Prix – the lone Canadian stop on the circuit in 2008 – and Surfers Paradise. The crown jewel of the series – the Indianapolis 500 – airs live on TSN and TSN HD on May 25 at 12 noon ET (see below for IndyCar Series race and broadcast schedule).
The new IndyCar Series season brings with it new features to the broadcasts. For the first time, every camera will be High Definition, including in-car and onboard cameras as well as cameras in the pits. The new High Definition onboard cameras will provide rotating 360-degree views of the track.
Canadian Scott Goodyear, a former CART and IndyCar Series driver who has been involved in racing for more than two decades, will once again provide analysis for all IndyCar Series broadcasts. Goodyear is best remembered for the closest-ever finish in Indianapolis 500 history when he finished second by just .043 seconds to Al Unser Jr. in 1992.
Several Champ Car World Series drivers and teams have joined the IndyCar Series for the 2008 season. Three-time Champ Car World Series runner-up Bruno Junqueira of Dale Coyne Racing, two-time runner up Justin Wilson of Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing and 2006 Champ Car Rookie of the Year Will Power from KV Racing Technology are among the drivers new to the IndyCar Series. The new drivers will compete against IndyCar favourites, such as Danica Patrick and former back-to-back Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves.
TSN's IndyCar Series coverage complements the network's extensive 2008 auto racing broadcast package – the largest ever with a total of 124 races from five different series.
The 2008 IndyCar Series race and broadcast schedule is as follows:
· *March 29 – Miami Indy 300, live at 8 p.m. ET on TSN and TSN HD
· *April 6 – St. Petersburg Indy, at 8 p.m. ET on TSN and TSN HD
· *April 18 – Indy Japan 300, live at 12 midnight ET on TSN and TSN HD
· *April 20 – Grand Prix of Long Beach, live on TSN alternate at 5:30 p.m. ET (on TSN and TSN HD on April 21 at 3:30 a.m. ET)
· *April 27 – Kansas City Indy 300, at 11:30 p.m. ET on TSN and TSN HD
· *May 25 – Indianapolis 500, live 12 noon ET on TSN and TSN HD
· *June 1 – Milwaukee Indy 225, live on TSN alternate at 4 p.m. ET (on TSN and TSN HD at 12 midnight ET)
· *June 7 – Texas Indy 300, live on TSN and TSN HD at 10 p.m. ET
· *June 22 – Iowa Indy, live on TSN and TSN HD at 1:30 p.m. ET
· *June 28 – Richmond Indy Challenge, live on TSN alternate at 8 p.m. ET (on TSN and TSN HD at 12 midnight ET)
· *July 6 – Watkins Glen Indy, live on TSN and TSN HD at 3:30 p.m. ET
· *July 12 – Nashville Indy 300, live on TSN alternate at 8 p.m. ET (on TSN and TSN HD on July 13 at 12:30 a.m. ET)
· *July 20 – Mid-Ohio Indy, live on TSN and TSN HD at 1:30 p.m. ET
· *July 26 – Edmonton Grand Prix, live on TSN and TSN HD at 5 p.m. ET
· August 9 – Kentucky Indy 300, live on TSN alternate at 6:30 p.m. ET
· *August 24 – Infineon Indy, live on TSN alternate at 5:30 p.m. ET (on TSN and TSN HD on August 25 at 3:30 a.m. ET)
· *August 31 – Bell Isle Indy, live on TSN alternate at 3:30 p.m. ET (on TSN and TSN HD on September 1 at 3:30 a.m. ET)
· *September 7 – Chicagoland Indy, live on TSN alternate at 3:30 p.m. ET (on TSN and TSN HD on September 8 at 3:30 a.m. ET)
· *October 26 – Surfers Paradise, on TSN and TSN HD at 11:30 p.m. ET
*Available in High Definition on TSN HD
TSN, a division of CTVglobemedia, is Canada's Sports Leader. Setting the Canadian sports broadcasting standard, TSN's flagship news program, SportsCentre, was voted the number-one source for sports news by sports fans from across the country.* TSN's comprehensive broadcast schedule also features the NHL and first three rounds of the Stanley Cup Playoffs; Toronto Maple Leafs hockey; International Hockey including the IIHF World Junior Championship; the Olympic Games through 2012; CFL including Friday Night Football; NFL including Sunday and Monday Night Football; PGA TOUR and all four golf Majors; Season of Champions Curling; NASCAR including the Daytona 500; Formula One including the Canadian Grand Prix; IRL including the Indy 500; Blue Jays baseball; Raptors basketball and the NBA Finals; Tennis and all four Grand Slam events; EURO 2008 and UEFA Champions League Soccer; and HBO World Championship boxing. TSN HD offers more sports coverage, more hours and more events in High Definition than any other network in Canada, reinforcing TSN's position as Canada's Sports Leader in High Definition. TSN is available in 9 million households. TSN's programming and news content is also available online at TSN.ca.
*2005/2006 Roper Canada – Winter
From TSN
The Florida race marks the first IndyCar Series event since the Indy Racing League absorbed the Champ Car World Series earlier this year.
Three races from the former Champ Car World Series have been added to the 2008 IndyCar Series schedule: the Grand Prix of Long Beach, the Edmonton Grand Prix – the lone Canadian stop on the circuit in 2008 – and Surfers Paradise. The crown jewel of the series – the Indianapolis 500 – airs live on TSN and TSN HD on May 25 at 12 noon ET (see below for IndyCar Series race and broadcast schedule).
The new IndyCar Series season brings with it new features to the broadcasts. For the first time, every camera will be High Definition, including in-car and onboard cameras as well as cameras in the pits. The new High Definition onboard cameras will provide rotating 360-degree views of the track.
Canadian Scott Goodyear, a former CART and IndyCar Series driver who has been involved in racing for more than two decades, will once again provide analysis for all IndyCar Series broadcasts. Goodyear is best remembered for the closest-ever finish in Indianapolis 500 history when he finished second by just .043 seconds to Al Unser Jr. in 1992.
Several Champ Car World Series drivers and teams have joined the IndyCar Series for the 2008 season. Three-time Champ Car World Series runner-up Bruno Junqueira of Dale Coyne Racing, two-time runner up Justin Wilson of Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing and 2006 Champ Car Rookie of the Year Will Power from KV Racing Technology are among the drivers new to the IndyCar Series. The new drivers will compete against IndyCar favourites, such as Danica Patrick and former back-to-back Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves.
TSN's IndyCar Series coverage complements the network's extensive 2008 auto racing broadcast package – the largest ever with a total of 124 races from five different series.
The 2008 IndyCar Series race and broadcast schedule is as follows:
· *March 29 – Miami Indy 300, live at 8 p.m. ET on TSN and TSN HD
· *April 6 – St. Petersburg Indy, at 8 p.m. ET on TSN and TSN HD
· *April 18 – Indy Japan 300, live at 12 midnight ET on TSN and TSN HD
· *April 20 – Grand Prix of Long Beach, live on TSN alternate at 5:30 p.m. ET (on TSN and TSN HD on April 21 at 3:30 a.m. ET)
· *April 27 – Kansas City Indy 300, at 11:30 p.m. ET on TSN and TSN HD
· *May 25 – Indianapolis 500, live 12 noon ET on TSN and TSN HD
· *June 1 – Milwaukee Indy 225, live on TSN alternate at 4 p.m. ET (on TSN and TSN HD at 12 midnight ET)
· *June 7 – Texas Indy 300, live on TSN and TSN HD at 10 p.m. ET
· *June 22 – Iowa Indy, live on TSN and TSN HD at 1:30 p.m. ET
· *June 28 – Richmond Indy Challenge, live on TSN alternate at 8 p.m. ET (on TSN and TSN HD at 12 midnight ET)
· *July 6 – Watkins Glen Indy, live on TSN and TSN HD at 3:30 p.m. ET
· *July 12 – Nashville Indy 300, live on TSN alternate at 8 p.m. ET (on TSN and TSN HD on July 13 at 12:30 a.m. ET)
· *July 20 – Mid-Ohio Indy, live on TSN and TSN HD at 1:30 p.m. ET
· *July 26 – Edmonton Grand Prix, live on TSN and TSN HD at 5 p.m. ET
· August 9 – Kentucky Indy 300, live on TSN alternate at 6:30 p.m. ET
· *August 24 – Infineon Indy, live on TSN alternate at 5:30 p.m. ET (on TSN and TSN HD on August 25 at 3:30 a.m. ET)
· *August 31 – Bell Isle Indy, live on TSN alternate at 3:30 p.m. ET (on TSN and TSN HD on September 1 at 3:30 a.m. ET)
· *September 7 – Chicagoland Indy, live on TSN alternate at 3:30 p.m. ET (on TSN and TSN HD on September 8 at 3:30 a.m. ET)
· *October 26 – Surfers Paradise, on TSN and TSN HD at 11:30 p.m. ET
*Available in High Definition on TSN HD
TSN, a division of CTVglobemedia, is Canada's Sports Leader. Setting the Canadian sports broadcasting standard, TSN's flagship news program, SportsCentre, was voted the number-one source for sports news by sports fans from across the country.* TSN's comprehensive broadcast schedule also features the NHL and first three rounds of the Stanley Cup Playoffs; Toronto Maple Leafs hockey; International Hockey including the IIHF World Junior Championship; the Olympic Games through 2012; CFL including Friday Night Football; NFL including Sunday and Monday Night Football; PGA TOUR and all four golf Majors; Season of Champions Curling; NASCAR including the Daytona 500; Formula One including the Canadian Grand Prix; IRL including the Indy 500; Blue Jays baseball; Raptors basketball and the NBA Finals; Tennis and all four Grand Slam events; EURO 2008 and UEFA Champions League Soccer; and HBO World Championship boxing. TSN HD offers more sports coverage, more hours and more events in High Definition than any other network in Canada, reinforcing TSN's position as Canada's Sports Leader in High Definition. TSN is available in 9 million households. TSN's programming and news content is also available online at TSN.ca.
*2005/2006 Roper Canada – Winter
From TSN
Robby Gordon's mouth costing him money... who would have thought?....
"A security software firm wants Robby Gordon to remove its logos from his uniforms and equipment as part of a contract dispute that began when the Dakar Rally was cancelled because of terrorism threats..."
"... "We want the world to know that Vanguard is no longer associated with Team Gordon," the company said in a statement released to The Associated Press."
"... Vanguard had a three-year agreement with Team Gordon to sponsor his Dakar efforts through 2010, and company founder Ronn Bailey was scheduled to race as Gordon's teammate. But the Amaury Sports Organization cancelled the event the day before its Jan. 5 start because of "direct" threats of terrorism from al-Qaida-linked militants, and Gordon was outspoken in his belief that at least a portion of the 16-day trek should have continued. Vanguard, which produces software designed to protect its customers from cyber-terrorism attacks, believed the threats were legitimate and agreed with the cancellation....
"... Let's put it in perspective. Eleven people got killed over there," Gordon said in January. "I'm pretty sure in L.A., we kill 11 a night on the streets of L.A. .. It was a couple of kids in the back of a pickup truck with a couple of AK-47s shot a couple of people. I'm sorry to say that. But the reality of it is it's not like it's this big setup bombing."
"... It is not positive to be associated with someone who said al-Qaeda attacks are no worse than an average night in America - especially for a security software company. It's simply not a true or accurate statement," Vanguard told AP. "
(h/t Mark Hoffberg)
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
CASC-OR and TOYO TIRES announce the 2008 CASC-OR TOYO TIRES CHAMPIONSHIP
The TOYO TIRES Championship is a contingency competition open to any racer competing in a CASC-OR Autoslalom, Solosprint or Road Racing Provincial Championship event using eligible TOYO PROXES RA-1s or PROXES R888 tires. The top 3 eligible finishers and the highest placed eligible rookie in each division will be crowned the winners of the CASC-OR TOYO TIRES CHAMPIONSHIP and will receive trophies at the CASC-OR's Annual Awards Gala.
The PROXES R888 was chosen as the spec tire for the CASC-OR TOYO TIRES CHAMPIONSHIP because of its durable, special tread rubber compound that maintains optimum temperatures for maximum handling capabilities, even during extended periods of competition. Its balance of grip and treadwear has made it an excellent choice for a broad spectrum of racers. The tire is also the spec tire for the 2008 Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship (CCTCC).
Offering the PROXES RA-1 and R888 as a CASC-OR series spec tire levels the playing field amongst competitors. In CASC-OR competitions, cars are grouped in classes based on their performance, but competitors are free to run their choice of tires. Tires that have higher grip levels tend to wear off faster when compared with other tires that don?t offer as much grip. As a result, the choice of tire used can significantly affect a racers' lap times. In the CASC-OR TOYO TIRES CHAMPIONSHIP, with all competitors using the PROXES RA-1 and R888 tires, there will be no tire advantage and driver skill will play a much larger role in determining the winner of the competition.
From Scott Ellsworth // President CASC-OR
And I've just decided that I'd like to be the publisher of Sports Illustrated....
Has Fernando Alonso officially entered Loony-ville? Or is he just so arrogant that he doesn't realize how foolish he looks? (rhetorical question).After two races as an 'also-ran' with Renault, he's apparently decided – all by himself – that he would like to drive for Ferrari next year.
"I always try to be in the best car. I'm at Renault now because I wanted to go back to winning, like in 2005 and 2006. If not this year, then next year. But I have an option to leave so I can still be in the best possible car, and it is clear that Ferrari's is one of the best."
Hmmm... doesn't Ferrari already have a #1 driver... CURRENT WORLD CHAMPION Kimi Raikkonen? Don’t they already have a #2 driver (Massa), who is willing to play a support role for the team leader?
Last year, Alonso made it perfectly clear that he's a prima dona who doesn't play well with others. He couldn’t take having a strong teammate at McLaren. And Ferrari is supposed to accept him at a partner to Raikkonen? Or is the delusional Fernando assuming Kimi will be shoved into the #2 position if he decides to grace the team with his presence?
Alonso's public comments are insulting to Ferrari’s current line-up. They are a selfish, demoralizing blow to his current team. And they are a blatant attempt to instill dissention within the ranks at Ferrari, further proving why he shouldn't be considered for the job.
Michael Schumacher was a great driver. But his legend is so much more impressive because he worked with others to pull Ferrari out of oblivion and build it into a dominant force.
Alonso would go a long way to repairing his tarnished reputation if he would stop talking, cease the childish games, and work with his fellow employees at Renault to get back in the game.
CAYUGA MOTOR SPEEDWAY ANNOUNCES SCHEDULE CHANGE
March 24, 2008 – During the winter, Cayuga Motor Speedway signed a contract with the International SuperModified Association (ISMA) to have the series appear at Cayuga on Sunday, August 31, 2008 as part of the track’s Labour Day program featuring the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series.
On March 15, ISMA issued a press release announcing, "… the Cayuga Speedway ISMA race tentatively included in the 2008 ISMA schedule would NOT go on as planned."
The owners and management of Cayuga Motor Speedway would like to clarify this matter by re-confirming that they have a signed contract with ISMA for a race on Sunday, August 31 and that it was an incorrect statement for the event to have been characterized as "tentative" in the ISMA release.
The ISMA press release also stated that ISMA had taken part in negotiations with another speedway (at a car show in early March) that involved the cancellation of the race at Cayuga Motor Speedway, without the prior knowledge or consent of Cayuga. It was only following these negotiations that ISMA contacted Cayuga Motor Speedway about canceling the event.
"We entered into a good faith agreement with ISMA to have them appear at our track. And until being contacted by ISMA, we had every intention of including ISMA in our Labour Day program," said Frank Marchionda, the Executive Director of Cayuga Motor Speedway.
"We understand that many ISMA teams have traditionally competed at Oswego Speedway on Labour Day, and in the interests of the fans and the sport we’re willing to accommodate ISMA’s desire to be released from our contract obliging them to appear at Cayuga Motor Speedway in 2008."
Marchionda continued, "We apologize to our fans for this unfortunate turn of events and we want to make it clear that Cayuga Motor Speedway is committed to operating in a professional and honourable manner. We understand that people make arrangements and commitments based on our published schedule and we take this matter very seriously. We have many exciting events planned for this season and we will learn from this experience going forward."
Cayuga Motor Speedway will host the season-opening NASCAR Canadian Tire Series race – The Crown Jewel 200 – on Saturday, May 24. The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series returns Saturday, August 30 for its second of two events at the 5/8-mile, Hamilton-area oval. The U.S.-based ARCA RE/MAX Series, which recently opened its 2008 season at Daytona Int’l Speedway, will be in action at Cayuga on Sunday, June 29. For more information and online ticket sales, visit our Tickets page.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
ACT: Star-Studded entries filing in
Seven-time and defending ACT Late Model Tour Champion Jean-Paul Cyr of Milton, VT heads the list of contenders. Cyr finished on the podium in more than half of the season's events last year, including each of the first five races. He will be joined by eight of the Top 10 championship finishers, including cross-town rivals Scott Payea, the runner-up, and third-place driver Brent Dragon. Payea earned two victories in 2007, including the Merchants Bank 150 at Barre, VT's Thunder Road Int'l Speedbowl, while Dragon joined Payea as a winner at White Mountain Motorsports Park in N. Woodstock, NH.
New Hampshire drivers Randy Potter and Joey "Pole" Polewarczyk each earned their first career ACT victories last year on their way finishing fourth and seventh overall, respectively, and will again chase after the title. Québec's Donald Theetge, Ron Henry of New Gloucester, ME, and 2007 Don MacTavish Award winner Jamie Fisher of Shelburne, VT were also in the Top 10 at season's end, and return to full-time competition this year.
Other drivers with designs on racing the ACT Late Model Tour this year include former ACT Champions Phil Scott of Middlesex, VT and Brad Leighton of Center Harbor, NH, past winners Scott Dragon, Joey Laquerre, Steve Fisher, Joey Becker, and John Donahue, Maine veterans Leon Heckbert and TD Banknorth 250 runner-up Dale Verrill, Seekonk Speedway veteran Mark Hudson of Norton, MA, young Pete Potvin of Barre, VT, New Smyrna (FL) Speedway winner Eric Chase of Milton, VT, former Lee USA Speedway driver Jimmy Linardy of Malden, MA, and defending Série ACT Castrol Champion and Chittenden Milk Bowl winner Patrick Laperle of St-Denis, QC. The father-son team of Dennis and Trampas Demers will also run for the ACT Owners' Championship with car owner Charlie Smith.
New faces include four young rookies: Danville, VT's Tyler Cahoon, 27, of White Mountain Motorsports Park; Thunder Road NAPA Tiger Sportsman Champion Nick Sweet, 23, of Barre, VT; former IRL IndyCar driver Jonathan Urlin, 22, of London, Ontario; and 16 year-old Beech Ridge Motor Speedway standout Joey Doiron of Berwick, ME.
As the ACT Late Model Tour season opens on Sunday, April 20 at Lee USA Speedway, many of the track's regular weekly competitors are expected to tackle the Tour invaders. Two-time defending Track Champion J.R. Baril is among the early hometown favorites, along with 2004 Champion Ricky Wolf, Jr. Wolf is planning to compete on an extensive basis with the ACT Late Model Tour in 2008 as well.
Following the Lee USA Speedway opener, the American-Canadian Tour travels to Maine's Oxford Plains Speedway on Saturday, April 26, and then to Thunder Road's 10th Annual Merchants Bank 150 on Sat./Sun., May 3/4. For more information, call (802) 244-6963 or visit www.acttour.com .
ATTACHED PHOTOS:
1. Jean-Paul Cyr (#32) of Milton, VT leads the way into the 2008 ACT Late Model Tour season. Cyr is a seven-time ACT Champion (Chris Roy/RPM photo)
2. Scott Payea (#89) will try to unseat Cyr as the 2008 ACT Late Model Tour Champion (Dave Heath photo)
From Justin St. Louis
Southard Motorsports Brings New Body and Focused Driving Pair to Round 2
HOMESTEAD, Fla., March 25, 2008 - On the schedule Saturday's GAINSCO Grand Prix of Miami marks the second race of the 2008 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 season. With the significance and tradition of the Rolex 24 At Daytona, the long layover since its January 27 checkered flag and a laundry list of changes to cars and teams, the 250 mile event at Homestead-Miami Speedway (HMS) takes on a season-opening aura; a fresh start clear of 2007 and Daytona. Chief among the many changes for Southard Motorsports is a freshly skinned body on the No. 3 Southard Motorsports Lexus-Riley and a driver lineup narrowed to two professionals: longtime Southard Motorsports driver Shane Lewis (Jupiter, Fla.) and first year pilot Bill Lester (Atlanta, Ga.). With these and other modifications complete, the Steve and Martha Southard (Powell, Ohio) owned team is ready for a second chance to set the 2008 season off on the right foot.
A February 25-26 test at HMS gave much insight into what is on hand for '08 but the March 29 event will be the first real opportunity to see the full spectrum of 2008 competition. Headlining this weekend's event is a string of new chassis and new bodywork allowed for the first time this season by Grand American officials. While some teams debuted new, sleeker bodywork and other chassis changes at Daytona, the Grand Prix of Miami will see wholesale development by most teams. Southard Motorsports was among the contingent of Riley teams that made a complete body swap between Daytona and the Homestead test. The 2008-spec body is more aerodynamic creating less drag and more downforce than its predecessor. While providing obvious performance benefits, the new aerodynamics forces the team to begin anew with much of its setup data including gearing for the Lexus powerplant. New Pirelli tires since last year's Homestead event further negates the knowledge captured since the team made its Daytona Prototype debut here in 2003.
The February test will help speed-up the chassis and tire development entering Thursday's first practice at 2:45 pm (ET) and Friday qualifying (3:30 pm). However, the greatest asset to the Southard program will be its drivers; Lester and Lewis. Like all the teams, the Powell, Ohio-based group will be able to focus on its true, two-driver lineup rather than the larger, four-person rotation that saw action at Daytona. The two motorsports veterans have very similar driving styles that minimize the complications of finding a race-ready car setup. The pairing provided excellent and complementary feedback to the Southard crew following the test and the team has made several modifications since then to take advantage of that information leading into this weekend.
Lewis, a multi-time Grand-Am sanctioned event race winner, is the more experienced of the two on the 2.3- mile, 11-turn road course. He has driven the track for Southard Motorsports since 2004 and is also a regular on the KONI Challenge Series ST class. Lewis, who considers Homestead and Daytona his "home" tracks, held the ST class qualifying track record at Homestead and won the 2007 ST race here in 2007.
Lester knows the HMS facility well but that experience will give him little assistance this weekend. The former NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series headliner has logged many miles around the 1.5-mile Homestead oval. However, only turns three and four of the oval make up the Homestead "roval"- a road course-oval hybrid. The circuit's other nine turns are in the oval's infield. The February test got the experienced road racer quickly up to speed but the challenge still looms for the driver making his full- season Grand-Am debut in 2008.
Live television coverage of the GAINSCO Grand Prix of Miami begins at 6 pm (ET) on SPEED Channel. Live timing and scoring of each session can be found at http://www.grand-am.com/
Lester knows the HMS facility well but that experience will give him little assistance this weekend. The former NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series headliner has logged many miles around the 1.5-mile Homestead oval. However, only turns three and four of the oval make up the Homestead "roval"- a road course-oval hybrid. The circuit's other nine turns are in the oval's infield. The February test got the experienced road racer quickly up to speed but the challenge still looms for the driver making his full- season Grand-Am debut in 2008.
Live television coverage of the GAINSCO Grand Prix of Miami begins at 6 pm (ET) on SPEED Channel. Live timing and scoring of each session can be found at http://www.grand-am.com/
Quotes
Steve Southard Owner: About Homestead preparations: "It's tough to have such a long break between races. The one good point from that much time off is that Shane is now back 100%. The real challenge was getting the car ready for the test. We got the car back from Riley the Friday before the test and had three or four days to get it to Homestead. The front of the chassis was bent [as a result of a race-ending Rolex 24 incident] and it had to go back on the jig and get repaired. We made the decision to go to the new bodywork and that took some extra time before the test. Things went fairly well at the test and we know we have to spend more time on the aero of the new body." About the driver lineup: "I have always used 'gentleman' drivers as the second driver because of financial considerations. When you do that you pretty much have to settle for a back of the pack finish. When we used 'pro' drivers our record has been pretty good; two podiums [Long Beach and Phoenix, '06]. So having Bill teamed with Shane does raise the bar for the team. Our expectations are higher and the added pressure is felt by everyone. As an owner, I try to supply the best equipment and then hope the team can produce the results that we all want to see. I am looking forward to having two drivers that can both run comparable lap times with each other."
Bill Lester, Driver:About the Homestead weekend: "Nothing really transfers from the Homestead oval to the 'roval' except my knowledge of the different lines that can be taken through [oval] turns three and four. I haven't tried them in testing but, if need be, I might do so in the race. We struggled in testing with grip in the slow turns and with so many of them at Homestead we will much improve our pace if we come back this weekend with a solution to this shortcoming."About experiences learned at Daytona: "Probably the biggest experience gained from Daytona was that of the characteristics of the new Pirelli tires. The rain tires especially since it was the first time I had the opportunity to run on them."
Shane Lewis, Driver:About the Homestead weekend:"I have been on the pole here, set fastest race laps several times and also won last season's Koni Challenge race at this facility. I really enjoy the fact that you need to be very patient in some areas and on the edge in others. It takes a thinking driver and that's what I enjoy. But don't forget a really good car. If you are lacking in just one area of the car; horsepower, handling or braking, it's not like some other tracks that a good driver can make up for that. If the car isn't perfect in all areas, you are in back of the pack in a hurry at Homestead."About the long layover: "I can't wait to get back to Daytona Prototype racing again. If it was up to me I would be racing these cars every week. It was nice to be able to test here at the Speedway on the new Pirelli tire but testing just makes me want to race more. It's a different mindset when you live in Florida with the great winter weather; you want to be out racing and doing battle!"
Southard Motorsports can be found at http://www.southardmotorsports.com/
The personal web site of Shane Lewis can be found at http://www.shanelewis.com/
Bill Lester's personal web site is available on the web at http://www.billlester.com/
The Grand-Am Rolex Series can be found at http://www.grand-am.com/rolex/
NASCAR Canadian Tire Series: Team Mopar gearing up for 2008
In the inaugural season of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Ron Beauchamp Jr. placed the #60 Mopar Parts Dodge on the podium at the challenging Mosport Raceway at the season finale at Kawartha Speedway. However the team experienced mixed results through the middle part of the season. "Those trouble spots in the middle of the year are what we want to avoid this season," said driver Ron Beauchamp Jr.
Knowing the team had the potential to be up front every race weekend is what motivates the team to be digging in this hard so far in advance of the season opener. "We've got good equipment," said Beauchamp. "Unfortunately a few times last season we had a mechanical problem take us out of competition, usually when we were running up in the top-ten. That's frustrating. We're going over all of our equipment with a fine tooth comb to improve our reliability."
In its first season of operation the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series brought stock car racing excitement from coast to coast in Canada. This year's schedule expands to 13 events with a new race added at the Autodrome St. Eustache. "I've run at this track before," said Beauchamp. "A lot of guys get frustrated their but I've done well in the past winning and finishing on the podium a couple of times. We expect to have the same kind of success this year."
The second season of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series will open competition on May 24th at Cayuga Speedway. The 2008 schedule will consist of 13 races on oval tracks, temporary street circuits and road courses. All races will once again be broadcast on TSN. You can read more about Team Mopar and Ron Beauchamp Jr. at www.beauchampmotorsports.com and www.nascar.ca
This release prepared by TL Sports & Entertainment // Photo by Inside Track
Rick Young's 'Rick at the Races'... Easter 2008 Road Trip
PHOTOS:
PIC 1 Flashback to an earlier visit to the Hagerstown Speedway MD
PIC 2 Standing on the Williams Grove grass in preference to Ontario's snow
PIC 3 Kasey Kahne fuels up his sprint car at Williams Grove
PIC 4 Kasey Kahne checks the tires on his sprint car at Williams Grove
PIC 5 Kasey Kahne gets read to race at Williams Grove
PIC 6 Kasey Kahne gets strapped in at Williams Grove
PIC 7 The wrecked Chris Meleason car at Williams Grove
PIC 8 Williams Grove feature winner , Craig Dollansky
PIC 9 Canadians on Tour at the Lincoln Speedway
PIC 10 Thunder Cars at the Lincoln Speedway
PIC 11 Kasey Kahne in his Sprint Car at the Lincoln Speedway
PIC 12 Kasey Kahne and 'Fast' Freddy Rahmer at the Lincoln Speedway
PIC 13 Lincoln Speedway feature winner Greg Hodnett
It was six years ago that I made my first ten hour journey to the Hagerstown Speedway ( Maryland) from Ontario, which was done in a rusty old Honda Civic, that I had at the time. I remember roughing it , and sleeping in the car on the way down . The trip was a blast, and the racing I witnessed that night was first class. I saw Gary Tomkins win his first big SUPER DIRT SERIES race.
Since that day, back in 2002, I've completed three more trips to Hagerstown in an attempt to re-enact that great experience. They have all been unsuccessful. On my second visit, the night came to an end after snow started falling during the rolling lap of the first race. On my third , it got canceled when bad weather was expected , and the same thing has just happened this weekend !
Lucky for long distance race fans, there are other tracks in the area. For the second time, the Lincoln Speedway in Pennsylvania has come to my rescue.
I left a snow covered Eastern Ontario at 5-30 am on Good Friday with the intention of catching the evening races for Sprint Cars at the Williams Grove Speedway PA on the way down. Like my previous trip south, I was accompanied by my buddy Roger Aubin and we used his Ford Escape.
Once we crossed in to the USA the snow on the ground disappeared, and by the time we arrived at the 'Grove' ( mid afternoon) we were in another 'world'. The sun was shining and the grass was clearly visible. I haven't seen the grass in my garden since last November !
It wasn't long after our arrival that I bumped into a couple of DIRT Modified fans from New York that I knew, and it was them that relayed the bad news about the Hagerstown cancellation. Apparently it was called off early , to save the race teams and fans a wasted journey with the predicted bad weather on the way. Of course this was too late for us.
This was my second visit to Williams Grove, and although Sprint Cars are not my favorite division, this place has to be one of the best places to see them. This part of the USA is a hot-bed of Sprint Car racing with many local hero's and the famed 'PA Posse'.
Joining local stars ,'Fast' Freddy Rahmer, Greg Hodnett , and Lance Dewease were the World Of Outlaws invaders, of Craig Dollansky ( Minnesota) and Joey Saldana (Indiana). Making an appearance in the spare Saldana car was NASCAR SPRINT CUP driver Kasey Kahne, taking advantage of the series break for Easter to get back to his roots.
I was there early enough to wander the pits soon after they opened and before it got too busy. I soon spotted Kasey , wearing a grey touque (beanie) who was working on his car. I must admit, it surprised me to see him grab the fuel can and funnel and fill it up. He followed this by working on his tires. I guess you don't expect a 'Superstar' to be in the pits getting his hands dirty with the rest of the crew. He was definitely not aloof and it was obvious he just wanted to be 'one of the guys'.
When the fans started arriving in the pits he found time to chat , sign autographs and have pictures taken. Great Stuff ! Full Marks to you Kasey!
The night's feature came under red flag conditions after Chris Meleason flipped and hit the front stretch inner wall. After the restart Dollansky, current World of Outlaws points leader took the checkers. The night was spent in a motel close to the Flying J Truck Stop at Carlisle and we awoke Saturday morning to find about an inch of snow on the car. This soon melted and following breakfast, our next task was to figure out where ( and if ) we were going to see any more racing. Of course, with my past record of Hagerstown cancellations, I'd made back up plans.
There were three possibilities of local Saturday night tracks. After phoning Port Royal Speedway PA, we found they had canceled. We checked the Selinsgrove Speedway PA web site on the Truck Stop internet service, and found that they had canceled too. We couldn't get through, by phone ( it was permanently busy) to the Lincoln Speedway PA , but decided to risk it, and go anyway.
This proved to be a good move . The place was dry, there were race car haulers waiting to get in and a team of guys working on the track. All good signs !
Like Williams Grove , the headline division were the 410 Sprint Cars, with many of the previous nights runners, and once more including Kasey Kahne.
Legends and Thunder Cars were also on the program. I was very impressed with the appearance of the Thunder Cars ( the regular 8 cylinder stock car division) Nearly all of them had top quality paint jobs, and were a credit to their owners.
The Sprint Car feature which was completed nicely around 9-00pm was won by local favorite Greg Hodnett.
Once again I enjoyed my visit to the Lincoln Speedway , an impressive dirt track that I can recommend . The swift turn around of the show and the early finish allowed us to be on our way, and booked into a motel in Scranton PA around mid-night. On Easter Sunday afternoon we were back in 'The Great White North' of Ontario dodging the snow piles!
RACES ATTENDED IN 2008
1 JAN 19 ARENA ESSEX ( Thurrock UK)
2 JAN 27 LAC MORIN , Notre Dame De Mont Carmel ( Que)
3 JAN 27 ST EULALIE ( Que)
4 FEB 16 KAHNAWAKE (Que)
5 FEB 17 CLARENCE CREEK (Ont)
6 FEB 24 BERTRAND FABI CIRCUIT . Sherbrooke, (Que)
7 FEB 24 BEAUHARNOIS , (Que)
8 MAR 21 WILLIAMS GROVE SPEEDWAY (PA)
9 MAR 22 LINCOLN SPEEDWAY (PA)
Cristiano da Matta begins pro racing comeback in Daytona Prototype
DALLAS (March 25, 2008) - After being out of a race car for more than 19 months while recovering from a critical 2006 accident, championship-winning race car driver Cristiano da Matta didn't mind waiting another two days before his highly anticipated return to competitive driving in a test with GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing last week in Texas.
Nearly 24 straight hours of rain washed out da Matta's scheduled test last Tuesday and Wednesday at the new Eagles Canyon race track Northwest of Dallas, but the delay didn't bother da Matta in the least. After his devastating testing accident at Road America in August of 2006 when his Champ Car hit a wandering deer at full speed, da Matta persevered through several surgeries and months of grueling rehabilitation to literally rebuild him self back into racing shape.
"After what I have been through to get back to this point, what's two more days?" said da Matta, who finally took to the track on Thursday and quickly shook off any doubts – including his own – that he was still the champion driver he used to be.
"After the test, I realized 'I still know how to do this, I remember this very well,'" da Matta said. "The biggest thing I felt after the test was just a sense of relief. For me, it was a big, big relief, bigger than big. Even though I had opinions and approval from the best doctors and I felt great in go-karts and even on video games as far as my skills, I still had that last little question mark on my mind. That worried me quite a lot. After being away for so long, and driving being my work and something I like, I was concerned that I would not be able to do it as well."
As a Champ Car and Formula One veteran, da Matta has had little time in sports cars and he and the GAINSCO team had no previous experience on the new 2.5-mile Eagles Canyon track, which was greatly improved by the end of the test on Friday. The mid-week rain storms left the circuit wet and muddy but the track's operations crew did a good job getting the track ready and consistently improved throughout Thursday and Friday.
"Even driving a new car for the first time, that was something that I was able to quickly do, to figure out how it worked, what I need to do, just everything with getting familiar with a new car," da Matta said. "I have the same type of feeling I have always had before and I know exactly what I have to do to get better. The lap times were there and consistent. It was all there for me."
Also there for da Matta at the test was team owner Bob Stallings, reigning Grand-Am Rolex Series Co-Champions Alex Gurney and Jon Fogarty and the entire GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing team, including Engineer Kyle Brannan, Team Manager Terry Wilbert and Crew Chief Link Smith. Da Matta's parents Toninho and Maria were also in Texas to see their son's return to driving, and the relief the younger da Matta felt was reflected by his father.
"I feel lighter now," the younger da Matta said. "It was worrying me more than I thought, and for my Dad, it was even bigger. The way I saw my Dad when we finished the test, it was a big relief for him too. The test changed everything."
Gurney, who took the first laps in the GAINSCO Auto Insurance Pontiac Riley in Thursday's less-than-ideal conditions picked up on the significance of the test for the entire da Matta family and the GAINSCO team.
"It was a special moment for everybody on the team to see Cristiano take to the race track again after his accident from a year and a half ago," Gurney said. "Both his Mom and Dad were there and you could see how much it meant to them. It was great to get to know Cristiano and his family a little bit better these past couple of days. After a few outings on the race track, it also became obvious to all of us that he had lost none of his speed. If and when a deal comes together, he will make a great addition to this team."
Team owner Stallings has made it known he would love to run da Matta in a second team car, possibly as soon as the May race at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and ideally for the remainder of the 2008 season.
"Cristiano has really come along very well," said Stallings, who would pair da Matta with fellow Champ Car Champion Jimmy Vasser. "He had a positive test for us this week. His feedback on the car is outstanding, very crisp and very cogent. He had a good test and I feel very strongly he can develop even more as he learns the Daytona Prototype. He showed us enough to confirm that the comeback has begun. If we can put together the right sponsor package, we can run him full time. Ideally, we will find a sponsor to finish out the 2008 season and contend for a championship in 2009."
Stallings will be joined by da Matta and Vasser in a press conference this Friday at 2 p.m. ET at Homestead-Miami Speedway where Round 2 of the 2008 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series - The GAINSCO Grand Prix of Miami - will be run on Saturday at 3 p.m. ET. The race can be seen in same-day coverage on SPEED at 6 p.m. ET.
Noteworthy: While da Matta was waiting out the storms last week and passing the time by lapping Eagles Canyon in the rain in his rental car, Stallings, Gurney and Fogarty spent Tuesday visiting with the management and staff at GAINSCO Auto Insurance headquarters in Dallas. This was the first time the championship-winning duo has been to the Dallas office since clinching the title last year, and a full day of motivational and team-building activities were conducted. Representatives from each department that makes up GAINSCO's corporate operations joined Stallings and the drivers for a productive meeting late in the morning where the similarities between running a championship-winning race team and a successful insurance business were discussed. Every team member at GAINSCO also had the opportunity to meet the drivers and receive autographed hats and hero cards. Such corporate visits are a key part of GAINSCO's racing sponsorship program and another one will take place this Wednesday at the Miami-area GAINSCO headquarters, where Stallings and Gurney will stop in.
From Adam Saal
Nearly 24 straight hours of rain washed out da Matta's scheduled test last Tuesday and Wednesday at the new Eagles Canyon race track Northwest of Dallas, but the delay didn't bother da Matta in the least. After his devastating testing accident at Road America in August of 2006 when his Champ Car hit a wandering deer at full speed, da Matta persevered through several surgeries and months of grueling rehabilitation to literally rebuild him self back into racing shape.
"After what I have been through to get back to this point, what's two more days?" said da Matta, who finally took to the track on Thursday and quickly shook off any doubts – including his own – that he was still the champion driver he used to be.
"After the test, I realized 'I still know how to do this, I remember this very well,'" da Matta said. "The biggest thing I felt after the test was just a sense of relief. For me, it was a big, big relief, bigger than big. Even though I had opinions and approval from the best doctors and I felt great in go-karts and even on video games as far as my skills, I still had that last little question mark on my mind. That worried me quite a lot. After being away for so long, and driving being my work and something I like, I was concerned that I would not be able to do it as well."
As a Champ Car and Formula One veteran, da Matta has had little time in sports cars and he and the GAINSCO team had no previous experience on the new 2.5-mile Eagles Canyon track, which was greatly improved by the end of the test on Friday. The mid-week rain storms left the circuit wet and muddy but the track's operations crew did a good job getting the track ready and consistently improved throughout Thursday and Friday.
"Even driving a new car for the first time, that was something that I was able to quickly do, to figure out how it worked, what I need to do, just everything with getting familiar with a new car," da Matta said. "I have the same type of feeling I have always had before and I know exactly what I have to do to get better. The lap times were there and consistent. It was all there for me."
Also there for da Matta at the test was team owner Bob Stallings, reigning Grand-Am Rolex Series Co-Champions Alex Gurney and Jon Fogarty and the entire GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing team, including Engineer Kyle Brannan, Team Manager Terry Wilbert and Crew Chief Link Smith. Da Matta's parents Toninho and Maria were also in Texas to see their son's return to driving, and the relief the younger da Matta felt was reflected by his father.
"I feel lighter now," the younger da Matta said. "It was worrying me more than I thought, and for my Dad, it was even bigger. The way I saw my Dad when we finished the test, it was a big relief for him too. The test changed everything."
Gurney, who took the first laps in the GAINSCO Auto Insurance Pontiac Riley in Thursday's less-than-ideal conditions picked up on the significance of the test for the entire da Matta family and the GAINSCO team.
"It was a special moment for everybody on the team to see Cristiano take to the race track again after his accident from a year and a half ago," Gurney said. "Both his Mom and Dad were there and you could see how much it meant to them. It was great to get to know Cristiano and his family a little bit better these past couple of days. After a few outings on the race track, it also became obvious to all of us that he had lost none of his speed. If and when a deal comes together, he will make a great addition to this team."
Team owner Stallings has made it known he would love to run da Matta in a second team car, possibly as soon as the May race at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and ideally for the remainder of the 2008 season.
"Cristiano has really come along very well," said Stallings, who would pair da Matta with fellow Champ Car Champion Jimmy Vasser. "He had a positive test for us this week. His feedback on the car is outstanding, very crisp and very cogent. He had a good test and I feel very strongly he can develop even more as he learns the Daytona Prototype. He showed us enough to confirm that the comeback has begun. If we can put together the right sponsor package, we can run him full time. Ideally, we will find a sponsor to finish out the 2008 season and contend for a championship in 2009."
Stallings will be joined by da Matta and Vasser in a press conference this Friday at 2 p.m. ET at Homestead-Miami Speedway where Round 2 of the 2008 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series - The GAINSCO Grand Prix of Miami - will be run on Saturday at 3 p.m. ET. The race can be seen in same-day coverage on SPEED at 6 p.m. ET.
Noteworthy: While da Matta was waiting out the storms last week and passing the time by lapping Eagles Canyon in the rain in his rental car, Stallings, Gurney and Fogarty spent Tuesday visiting with the management and staff at GAINSCO Auto Insurance headquarters in Dallas. This was the first time the championship-winning duo has been to the Dallas office since clinching the title last year, and a full day of motivational and team-building activities were conducted. Representatives from each department that makes up GAINSCO's corporate operations joined Stallings and the drivers for a productive meeting late in the morning where the similarities between running a championship-winning race team and a successful insurance business were discussed. Every team member at GAINSCO also had the opportunity to meet the drivers and receive autographed hats and hero cards. Such corporate visits are a key part of GAINSCO's racing sponsorship program and another one will take place this Wednesday at the Miami-area GAINSCO headquarters, where Stallings and Gurney will stop in.
From Adam Saal
Monday, March 24, 2008
NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown moves to January
NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown returns to Toyota Speedway of Irwindale... Date Change Allows Teams More Time To Prepare
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 22, 2008) - In a change that further cements the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown as the 'Daytona 500 of short-track racing,' NASCAR announced today that the sixth edition of the postseason special event will be held Jan. 23-24, 2009 at the Toyota Speedway at Irwindale.
In its five-year history, the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown – held at one of NASCAR's premier racing facilities - has quickly become a showcase of top short-track racing.
The race includes protected starting spots for the champions of each of the NASCAR Developmental Series. The move of the race from the Fall to January allows for increased preparation and provides greater exposure for the teams and drivers.
"This is the weekend that launches major U.S. motor sports each year," said George Silbermann, NASCAR Managing Director of Racing Operations. "This move represents a tremendous opportunity to build upon the successes of past NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdowns, broaden the scope of potential participants, and allow competitors additional time to gear up for this huge event."
In addition, the all-star weekend will include a pair of NASCAR Whelen All-American Series races: The 150-lap Super Late Model race and, new this year, a 75-lap Late Model race that will be run under common West Coast rules.
Toyota and the track also announced today a sponsorship agreement for naming rights to the facility as the Toyota Speedway at Irwindale.
"Toyota is proud to continue its long-term partnership with NASCAR and the Toyota Speedway to feature stars of American short-track racing," said Les Unger, national motorsports manager, Toyota Motors Sales, U.S.A.,Inc.
Last season's NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown featured Joey Logano, a rising star for Joe Gibbs Racing, holding off the challenge of another top young driver, Peyton Sellers, in a green-white-checkered finish.
Logano's victory added to a growing legacy of the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown that started with Austin Cameron's emotional win in the inaugural event in 2003 that capped a season in which he missed four races while undergoing cancer treatments.
In 2004, eventual race winner Mike Johnson drove from 24th starting spot to the front. David Gilliland's victory in 2005 started him on a road that has led to a seat with Robert Yates Racing's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team. In the 2006 classic, two-time Showdown runner-up Matt Kobyluck emerged the victor of a spirited duel over the final laps with young driver Sean Caisse and West champion Eric Holmes.
Former NASCAR Whelen All-American Series national champion Greg Pursley added to the legacy last year when he went door-to-door with Irwindale track champion Rip Michels en route to winning the Super Late Model race.
"We're not only honored to host the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown but we are extremely excited that the event will be held in January," said Bob DeFazio, Toyota Speedway at Irwindale track operator. "It's a prestigious event. It's important to us, and we know it's important to NASCAR, and we can't think of a better way for race fans and NASCAR short track racing's elite to spend their winter."
The exciting competition on the fast half-mile has become a staple of the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown. The graduated banking between six and 12 degrees at the Toyota Speedway in Irwindale produces multiple racing grooves that make for thrilling side-by-side racing.
The NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown weekend features two nights of live coverage on SPEED, which has broadcast the event in each of its first five years. It will be part of a packed weekend on SPEED that includes the Rolex 24 at Daytona sports car event.
The NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown main event contested in NASCAR Camping World Series cars is open to any driver approved to drive on a half-mile or longer tracks in the NASCAR Camping World Series.
Current NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers such as Kevin Harvick, Martin Truex Jr., and Gilliland launched their careers in the NASCAR Camping World Series. The series is the top development step for drivers looking to make the jump to one of NASCAR's national series.
Each race winner during the 2008 NASCAR Camping World Series season will become eligible for a protected starting spot in the sixth running of the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown. The 2008 series champions of NASCAR's regional touring series the NASCAR Camping World Series East, NASCAR Camping World Series West, NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour, NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, and NASCAR Mexico Series and the 2008 national champion for the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series are also eligible for protected starting spots.
Last year's expanded eligibility format drew a record entry of 106 cars for the two races. It also drew drivers from across North America, including 2007 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series champion Andrew Ranger and 2006 NASCAR Mexico Series Rookie of the Year Antonio Perez.
In addition to eligible 2008 race winners and series champions, the starting lineup will be determined through time trials, limited provisionals for NASCAR Camping World Series regulars, and the last-chance "Open" race that provides drivers one final chance to make the final starting grid for the 'Daytona 500 of short-track racing.'
From NASCAR
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 22, 2008) - In a change that further cements the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown as the 'Daytona 500 of short-track racing,' NASCAR announced today that the sixth edition of the postseason special event will be held Jan. 23-24, 2009 at the Toyota Speedway at Irwindale.
In its five-year history, the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown – held at one of NASCAR's premier racing facilities - has quickly become a showcase of top short-track racing.
The race includes protected starting spots for the champions of each of the NASCAR Developmental Series. The move of the race from the Fall to January allows for increased preparation and provides greater exposure for the teams and drivers.
"This is the weekend that launches major U.S. motor sports each year," said George Silbermann, NASCAR Managing Director of Racing Operations. "This move represents a tremendous opportunity to build upon the successes of past NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdowns, broaden the scope of potential participants, and allow competitors additional time to gear up for this huge event."
In addition, the all-star weekend will include a pair of NASCAR Whelen All-American Series races: The 150-lap Super Late Model race and, new this year, a 75-lap Late Model race that will be run under common West Coast rules.
Toyota and the track also announced today a sponsorship agreement for naming rights to the facility as the Toyota Speedway at Irwindale.
"Toyota is proud to continue its long-term partnership with NASCAR and the Toyota Speedway to feature stars of American short-track racing," said Les Unger, national motorsports manager, Toyota Motors Sales, U.S.A.,Inc.
Last season's NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown featured Joey Logano, a rising star for Joe Gibbs Racing, holding off the challenge of another top young driver, Peyton Sellers, in a green-white-checkered finish.
Logano's victory added to a growing legacy of the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown that started with Austin Cameron's emotional win in the inaugural event in 2003 that capped a season in which he missed four races while undergoing cancer treatments.
In 2004, eventual race winner Mike Johnson drove from 24th starting spot to the front. David Gilliland's victory in 2005 started him on a road that has led to a seat with Robert Yates Racing's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team. In the 2006 classic, two-time Showdown runner-up Matt Kobyluck emerged the victor of a spirited duel over the final laps with young driver Sean Caisse and West champion Eric Holmes.
Former NASCAR Whelen All-American Series national champion Greg Pursley added to the legacy last year when he went door-to-door with Irwindale track champion Rip Michels en route to winning the Super Late Model race.
"We're not only honored to host the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown but we are extremely excited that the event will be held in January," said Bob DeFazio, Toyota Speedway at Irwindale track operator. "It's a prestigious event. It's important to us, and we know it's important to NASCAR, and we can't think of a better way for race fans and NASCAR short track racing's elite to spend their winter."
The exciting competition on the fast half-mile has become a staple of the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown. The graduated banking between six and 12 degrees at the Toyota Speedway in Irwindale produces multiple racing grooves that make for thrilling side-by-side racing.
The NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown weekend features two nights of live coverage on SPEED, which has broadcast the event in each of its first five years. It will be part of a packed weekend on SPEED that includes the Rolex 24 at Daytona sports car event.
The NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown main event contested in NASCAR Camping World Series cars is open to any driver approved to drive on a half-mile or longer tracks in the NASCAR Camping World Series.
Current NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers such as Kevin Harvick, Martin Truex Jr., and Gilliland launched their careers in the NASCAR Camping World Series. The series is the top development step for drivers looking to make the jump to one of NASCAR's national series.
Each race winner during the 2008 NASCAR Camping World Series season will become eligible for a protected starting spot in the sixth running of the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown. The 2008 series champions of NASCAR's regional touring series the NASCAR Camping World Series East, NASCAR Camping World Series West, NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour, NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, and NASCAR Mexico Series and the 2008 national champion for the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series are also eligible for protected starting spots.
Last year's expanded eligibility format drew a record entry of 106 cars for the two races. It also drew drivers from across North America, including 2007 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series champion Andrew Ranger and 2006 NASCAR Mexico Series Rookie of the Year Antonio Perez.
In addition to eligible 2008 race winners and series champions, the starting lineup will be determined through time trials, limited provisionals for NASCAR Camping World Series regulars, and the last-chance "Open" race that provides drivers one final chance to make the final starting grid for the 'Daytona 500 of short-track racing.'
From NASCAR
TOP 10s for Scotia Speedworld grads in Easter Bunny 150
HALIFAX, NS (March 23, 2008) - Scotia Speedworld graduates John Flemming and Shawn Turple scored top 10 finishes in Saturday's PASS South Easter Bunny 150 at Hickory Motor Speedway in North Carolina. Flemming finished seventh and Turple 10th in the Pro All Stars Series South division season opener.
Both drivers were involved in practice crashes but were able to make repairs in time to qualify for the race. A third Speedworld grad - Dean Clattenburg - crashed during the race and was unable to continue, finishing 24th.
Turple secured his spot on the starting grid by virtue of being 14th in time trials while Flemming and Clattenburg were outside the top 20 - so had to run the consis - which saw the top two finishers in each of three races transfer to the feature. Clattenburg won the second consi and started 24th; Flemming was second in the third consi and started 26th.
A stellar group of 40 teams attempted to qualify for the 30-car starting field for the Easter Bunny 150. Maine's Corey Williams won the race followed by Ryan Lawler from Texas, and John Stancill from North Carolina.
With the conclusion of the Easter Bunny 150, the three "Bluenoser's" each head down separate roads for the 2008 season: Flemming to challenge for the PASS North and National titles; Turple for the CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour title; and Clattenburg back to work as a top fabricator at Hamke Race Cars in North Carolina.
The 2008 Scotia Speedworld season opener at is May 24 with the Lucas Oil 100 – round one oof 11 on the 2008 CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour.
About Scotia Speedworld: Scotia Speedworld is a 3/10-mile asphalt oval stock car racing track featuring a Weekly Racing Series for six divisions and several special events during the race season, which runs from May to September. Scotia Speedworld is located at Exit 6 on Highway 102, across from the Halifax Stanfield International Airport. For more information please click on ScotiaSpeedworld.ca or call our Event Hotline at (902) 873-2277 or our office at (902) 481-2514.
From Joan Roue / For Scotia Speedworld
Both drivers were involved in practice crashes but were able to make repairs in time to qualify for the race. A third Speedworld grad - Dean Clattenburg - crashed during the race and was unable to continue, finishing 24th.
Turple secured his spot on the starting grid by virtue of being 14th in time trials while Flemming and Clattenburg were outside the top 20 - so had to run the consis - which saw the top two finishers in each of three races transfer to the feature. Clattenburg won the second consi and started 24th; Flemming was second in the third consi and started 26th.
A stellar group of 40 teams attempted to qualify for the 30-car starting field for the Easter Bunny 150. Maine's Corey Williams won the race followed by Ryan Lawler from Texas, and John Stancill from North Carolina.
With the conclusion of the Easter Bunny 150, the three "Bluenoser's" each head down separate roads for the 2008 season: Flemming to challenge for the PASS North and National titles; Turple for the CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour title; and Clattenburg back to work as a top fabricator at Hamke Race Cars in North Carolina.
The 2008 Scotia Speedworld season opener at is May 24 with the Lucas Oil 100 – round one oof 11 on the 2008 CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour.
About Scotia Speedworld: Scotia Speedworld is a 3/10-mile asphalt oval stock car racing track featuring a Weekly Racing Series for six divisions and several special events during the race season, which runs from May to September. Scotia Speedworld is located at Exit 6 on Highway 102, across from the Halifax Stanfield International Airport. For more information please click on ScotiaSpeedworld.ca or call our Event Hotline at (902) 873-2277 or our office at (902) 481-2514.
From Joan Roue / For Scotia Speedworld
Thursday, March 20, 2008
2007 ALMS Yearbook Available
By Inside Track StaffGary Horrocks, Inside Track's resident sports car authority, has contributed to the American Le Mans Series 2007 Yearbook.
Featuring over 450 colour photos and a very attractive coffee table book design the yearbook is a must-have for any avid sports car enthusiast.
For more information, or to order your own copy, visit http://www.tpppublishing.com/. Be sure to check out the sample pages provided too. It's a very cool feature more online book retailers should have.
Raceline to Feature Wickens Interview
Raceline's host, Erik Tomas, caught up with Wickens following last weekend's A1GP World Cup of Motorsport meeting in Mexico City - Round 8 of 10 in the 2007-08 season. The Toronto teenager captured the pole for the Feature race at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, his third front-row start in four races, before going on to break the scoring record for a Canadian driver in A1GP with point finishes in both the Sprint and Feature events.
Wickens' record in A1GP since his competitive debut in Round 3 in Malaysia last November now boasts 62 points scored, 1 victory (R7 Sprint - South Africa), 4 podium finishes, 2 pole positions, 7 top-ten finishes and 8 top-ten qualifying starts.
Raceline Radio is Canada's only nationally syndicated motorsport radio show! To check out details of which radio stations broadcast the show, and more importantly when, please log on to: www.raceline.ca
For further information on the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport please log on to – www.a1gp.com
Photo Credit: 'Wickens celebrates his Mexico City A1GP Feature Pole' – Jakob Ebrey Photography
From: A1 Team Canada Relations: Stuart Morrison – PR & Media Manager
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Sad news: 'Dizzy' Dean Murray has passed away
(Don Biederman celebrates in Flamboro's victory lane with (L to R) Miss Flamboro Speedway, Frank Casale, John Casale, Don, 'Dizzy' Dean Murray and Gary Scott, after Biederman's 1981 win // Dave Franks Photos)Yesterday, I heard the sad news that 'Dizzy' Dean Murray passed away. According to what I was told, it happened on Tuesday of this week.
I've been attempting to confirm his passing and news of the family's arrangements before posting anything, but I've received several more 'heads up' messages this morning and felt compelled to put something on our site this morning.
'Dizzy' wore many hats in the motorsports business. He was the publisher of Wheelspin News, the promoter of the Motion car shows. He also promoted racing series like the Goodyear Challenge Cup and major racing events like the American-Canadian Tour race at Flamboro Speedway in the early '90s.
When myself and my parters decided we were going to publish a Canadian motorsports magazine, in 1997, we went to Kleinburg, ON to visit Dizzy to get his advice. We also explored the possibility of reviving the "Wheelspin News" name that he had made so famous. In the end, no one could determine who 'owned' the name at that point, so we went with with Inside Track Motorsport News.
In the years since, I would regularly receive phone calls from Dizzy, just calling to chat about the state of Canadian racing, NASCAR, or his most recent trip to Oktoberfest in Germany. The first time I ever covered Speedweeks, in Daytona, it was 1990 and it was 'Dizzy' and Dave Franks who showed John Hopkins and I the ropes.
It was very gratifying to me that Dizzy liked Inside Track.... and he would say so almost every time we talked. Even though he didn't make it out to the track a lot during the past decade or so, he still seemed very connected and had his finger on the pulse of the community.
As everyone knows, Dizzy was a great promoter. But more than that, he was a true character who had as much fun as anyone I can think of during the time he spent on earth.
I'm planning to do several pages on the life and passing of 'Dizzy' Dean Murray in the next issue of Inside Track. Anyone wishing to contribute, please drop me a line at greg 'at' insidetracknews.com. Please feel free to post your memories of Dizzy here, as well.
I'll try to post some photos on this thread throghout the day, and I'll publicize the family's plans as soon as I hear them.
Here is Dizzy's inductee bio from the Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame:
"Dizzy Dean Murray (Inducted in 1995)
No one who ever saw 'Dizzy' Dean Murray in his gold cowboy boots and 10-gallon hat, hawking copies of Wheel Spin News in the grandstands, will never forget it. Murray founded Wheel Spin with $15 in his pocket in 1965. It covered all forms of auto racing, becoming a resounding success and won several media awards. 'Diz' also ran the Motion Car Shows, was a motorsport consultant and sponsored races and racecars."
I've been attempting to confirm his passing and news of the family's arrangements before posting anything, but I've received several more 'heads up' messages this morning and felt compelled to put something on our site this morning.
'Dizzy' wore many hats in the motorsports business. He was the publisher of Wheelspin News, the promoter of the Motion car shows. He also promoted racing series like the Goodyear Challenge Cup and major racing events like the American-Canadian Tour race at Flamboro Speedway in the early '90s.
When myself and my parters decided we were going to publish a Canadian motorsports magazine, in 1997, we went to Kleinburg, ON to visit Dizzy to get his advice. We also explored the possibility of reviving the "Wheelspin News" name that he had made so famous. In the end, no one could determine who 'owned' the name at that point, so we went with with Inside Track Motorsport News.
In the years since, I would regularly receive phone calls from Dizzy, just calling to chat about the state of Canadian racing, NASCAR, or his most recent trip to Oktoberfest in Germany. The first time I ever covered Speedweeks, in Daytona, it was 1990 and it was 'Dizzy' and Dave Franks who showed John Hopkins and I the ropes.
It was very gratifying to me that Dizzy liked Inside Track.... and he would say so almost every time we talked. Even though he didn't make it out to the track a lot during the past decade or so, he still seemed very connected and had his finger on the pulse of the community.
As everyone knows, Dizzy was a great promoter. But more than that, he was a true character who had as much fun as anyone I can think of during the time he spent on earth.
I'm planning to do several pages on the life and passing of 'Dizzy' Dean Murray in the next issue of Inside Track. Anyone wishing to contribute, please drop me a line at greg 'at' insidetracknews.com. Please feel free to post your memories of Dizzy here, as well.
I'll try to post some photos on this thread throghout the day, and I'll publicize the family's plans as soon as I hear them.
Here is Dizzy's inductee bio from the Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame:
"Dizzy Dean Murray (Inducted in 1995)
No one who ever saw 'Dizzy' Dean Murray in his gold cowboy boots and 10-gallon hat, hawking copies of Wheel Spin News in the grandstands, will never forget it. Murray founded Wheel Spin with $15 in his pocket in 1965. It covered all forms of auto racing, becoming a resounding success and won several media awards. 'Diz' also ran the Motion Car Shows, was a motorsport consultant and sponsored races and racecars."
UPDATE (12:30 p.m.): I just got off the phone with Dizzy's wife Lynn and his daughter Cheri. The family is going to hold a private ceremony on Saturday, and are in the process of planning a public 'Memorial Celebration' at their home in Kleinburg, in May. 'Dizzy' was originally from Moncton, NB and was 71-years-old at the time of his passing. We will publish the details for Dizzy's Memorial Celebration as soon as they are available.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Scoop: Edmonton IRL race still not confirmed
By James Neilson
This afternoon, IRL spokesman John Griffin told me there might not be an official, post-merger IRL schedule until after the start of the 2008 season.
"There are two factors preventing us from releasing a revised schedule right now," said Griffin. "One is Champ Car's bankruptcy hearing scheduled for March 27 and the other is we are awaiting FIA approval for the Edmonton race."
The IRL season kicks off on March 29, two days after the Champ Car bankruptcy hearing gets underway, and leaves the series very little time to finalize its schedule before the Homestead Speedway opener.
Between the FIA approval and the courts, Canadian fans might have to wait until the IRL season is underway for confirmation that at least one Canadian round has survived the open wheel 'merger'.
On a positive note, Griffin was confident the series would get FIA approval, which is basically a formality for a larger series like the IRL, and that Edmonton would be on their official '08 schedule. Speculation continues that the Edmonton race will be bumped back one week due to a conflict with the previously scheduled IRL event at Mid-Ohio.
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