This is a 200-photo gallery from Sauble Speedway on Saturday, July 26, 2008, featuring the OSCAAR Outlaw Super Late Models and some regular track divisions. Thanks to Dave Franks for the photos. You can see Dave's website here.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
PHOTO GALLERY: OSCAAR at Sauble Speedway - July 26, 2008 by Dave Franks
This is a 200-photo gallery from Sauble Speedway on Saturday, July 26, 2008, featuring the OSCAAR Outlaw Super Late Models and some regular track divisions. Thanks to Dave Franks for the photos. You can see Dave's website here.
NASCAR NATIONWIDE: Andrew Ranger added to the field
TSN is reporting that NASCAR Canada helped NASCAR Canadian Tire Series racer Andrew Ranger get into a car for Saturday afternoon's NASCAR Nationwide Series race in Montreal. Nice.
By my count, that makes nine Canucks who will attempt to take the green flag in the main event at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Can't wait!
By my count, that makes nine Canucks who will attempt to take the green flag in the main event at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Can't wait!
NASCAR NATIONWIDE: Andrew Ranger added to the field
TSN is reporting that NASCAR Canada helped NASCAR Canadian Tire Series racer Andrew Ranger get into a car for Saturday afternoon's NASCAR Nationwide Series race in Montreal. Nice.
By my count, that makes nine Canucks who will attempt to take the green flag in the main event at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Can't wait!
By my count, that makes nine Canucks who will attempt to take the green flag in the main event at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Can't wait!
SHAW MOTORSPORTS: July 26 2008 update from Flamboro
Severe thunder storms with heavy rains gave way to sunny skies as the Shaw Crew arrived at Flamboro Speedway for the 40 lap Gary Elliott Anniversary Special. Gary and Nonie Elliott started racing in May of 1969 and over the next four decades would accumulate three seasons in the Mini Stocks and thirty-three in the Vintage Modifieds before joining the Late Models in 2005.
The Elliotts wanted a night set aside where they could say thanks to every segment of the racing community - the fans, children, racers, sponsors and the race track owners. Six bicycles were given away as part of the evening’s festivities – two of which were supplied by Shaw Motorsports on behalf of Roof Trusses and Components and the young winners were very happy due to the generosity of these sponsors. The Late Model drivers democratically decided that the extra purse monies for the night be donated to the charity of Gary’s choice which happened to have representatives in attendance. Dale Losch, from Cross World was presented with $760 during the intermission
The crew decided to try a little of the Delaware setup in the car for the first practice, however it was not as comfortable as they thought it would be. A chassis adjustment was made and the car was much better for the second practice.
The #82 Roof Trusses and Components Fusion started 3rd in the heat race and when the #10 who was ahead of him got a little loose, Jason was quick to make the move inside and take the position. The #48 and #42 got together at the back of the field to bring out the caution and that put Jason on the outside of the #36 for the restart.
After one lap of side by side racing, Jason got past the #36 and then started to pull away. With 3 laps to go, Jason managed to pull away from the #36 and took the checkered flag for the heat win. Jason was lined up 12th for the 40 lap feature and as the cars entered the track, they were stopped on the front stretch to allow Gary Elliott time to get out of his car and present track owners John and Frank Casale with a special plaque. After running 3 laps on the outside of the #8, Jason fell in behind him as the cars in front of him were loose and not moving as well as the lower lane.
Once down on the bottom, Jason quickly moved forward into 10th just prior to the #27,#3 and #42 getting together coming out of turn 4. Unfortunately, Jason was not able to get stopped in time as a little help from behind by the #52, pushed the #82 into the stopped cars causing minor damage to the right rear. The Nation Fire Equipment Ford restarted 13th behind the #3 and when the next caution came out for the #10 who had spun on lap 9, was up to 12th. On the restart, Jason was able to get past the #3, #27 and #88 into 9th. The #56 pulled off the track with an overheating problem moving the #82 into 8th on lap 15.
On the restart Jason followed the #48 past the #27 into 7th. Just before the half way mark, the #36 got a good run on the #37 and Gary Elliott was now leading the race. The #52 hit the wall on lap 22 and this pushed the rear end out of alignment causing him to spin out in the next corner bringing out the caution and putting the #82 into 6th. Jason got past the #48 on lap 26 into 5th and was now behind the #86. With 10 laps to go, the #36 had a 5 car length lead over his son David in the #37 car who had his hands full defending his position from the #8. With 5 laps to go, the top 5 pulled away from the rest of the field and remained in that order to finish with the #36 taking the victory followed by the #37, #8, #86 and then the #82 in 5th.
In other racing news, Billy Schwartzenburg in his #82 Mini-Sock went for a wild ride in his heat race. Billy was the victim of a chain reaction accident that saw him get turned into the wall at the exit of turn four and the front end climbed the wall, flipping the car on to it’s roof. Billy was fine, however his mother was an emotional wreck and the car received extensive damage beyond repair. Ken Spira, Dave Hagedorn and the Schwartzenburg family went to work putting Billy’s motor, seat and set up into his brother Rick’s #72 car so he could continue to hold or improve on his 4th place position in the Flamboro points race. Billy is a 15 year old from Guelph and is the primary mini-stock sponsored by Spira Fire Protection.
Next up for the Shaw Team, is the Kid’s Ride night at Flamboro Speedway on Saturday August 2nd. The pits are scheduled to open at 4:00 pm, main gates at 5 and racing is to get underway at 6:30. Kid’s rides are from 5 - 6.
From Ken Spira / Shaw Motorsports
SHAW MOTORSPORTS: July 26 2008 update from Flamboro
Severe thunder storms with heavy rains gave way to sunny skies as the Shaw Crew arrived at Flamboro Speedway for the 40 lap Gary Elliott Anniversary Special. Gary and Nonie Elliott started racing in May of 1969 and over the next four decades would accumulate three seasons in the Mini Stocks and thirty-three in the Vintage Modifieds before joining the Late Models in 2005.
The Elliotts wanted a night set aside where they could say thanks to every segment of the racing community - the fans, children, racers, sponsors and the race track owners. Six bicycles were given away as part of the evening’s festivities – two of which were supplied by Shaw Motorsports on behalf of Roof Trusses and Components and the young winners were very happy due to the generosity of these sponsors. The Late Model drivers democratically decided that the extra purse monies for the night be donated to the charity of Gary’s choice which happened to have representatives in attendance. Dale Losch, from Cross World was presented with $760 during the intermission
The crew decided to try a little of the Delaware setup in the car for the first practice, however it was not as comfortable as they thought it would be. A chassis adjustment was made and the car was much better for the second practice.
The #82 Roof Trusses and Components Fusion started 3rd in the heat race and when the #10 who was ahead of him got a little loose, Jason was quick to make the move inside and take the position. The #48 and #42 got together at the back of the field to bring out the caution and that put Jason on the outside of the #36 for the restart.
After one lap of side by side racing, Jason got past the #36 and then started to pull away. With 3 laps to go, Jason managed to pull away from the #36 and took the checkered flag for the heat win. Jason was lined up 12th for the 40 lap feature and as the cars entered the track, they were stopped on the front stretch to allow Gary Elliott time to get out of his car and present track owners John and Frank Casale with a special plaque. After running 3 laps on the outside of the #8, Jason fell in behind him as the cars in front of him were loose and not moving as well as the lower lane.
Once down on the bottom, Jason quickly moved forward into 10th just prior to the #27,#3 and #42 getting together coming out of turn 4. Unfortunately, Jason was not able to get stopped in time as a little help from behind by the #52, pushed the #82 into the stopped cars causing minor damage to the right rear. The Nation Fire Equipment Ford restarted 13th behind the #3 and when the next caution came out for the #10 who had spun on lap 9, was up to 12th. On the restart, Jason was able to get past the #3, #27 and #88 into 9th. The #56 pulled off the track with an overheating problem moving the #82 into 8th on lap 15.
On the restart Jason followed the #48 past the #27 into 7th. Just before the half way mark, the #36 got a good run on the #37 and Gary Elliott was now leading the race. The #52 hit the wall on lap 22 and this pushed the rear end out of alignment causing him to spin out in the next corner bringing out the caution and putting the #82 into 6th. Jason got past the #48 on lap 26 into 5th and was now behind the #86. With 10 laps to go, the #36 had a 5 car length lead over his son David in the #37 car who had his hands full defending his position from the #8. With 5 laps to go, the top 5 pulled away from the rest of the field and remained in that order to finish with the #36 taking the victory followed by the #37, #8, #86 and then the #82 in 5th.
In other racing news, Billy Schwartzenburg in his #82 Mini-Sock went for a wild ride in his heat race. Billy was the victim of a chain reaction accident that saw him get turned into the wall at the exit of turn four and the front end climbed the wall, flipping the car on to it’s roof. Billy was fine, however his mother was an emotional wreck and the car received extensive damage beyond repair. Ken Spira, Dave Hagedorn and the Schwartzenburg family went to work putting Billy’s motor, seat and set up into his brother Rick’s #72 car so he could continue to hold or improve on his 4th place position in the Flamboro points race. Billy is a 15 year old from Guelph and is the primary mini-stock sponsored by Spira Fire Protection.
Next up for the Shaw Team, is the Kid’s Ride night at Flamboro Speedway on Saturday August 2nd. The pits are scheduled to open at 4:00 pm, main gates at 5 and racing is to get underway at 6:30. Kid’s rides are from 5 - 6.
From Ken Spira / Shaw Motorsports
NASCAR CANADIAN TIRE SERIES: Mohawks to ride with Bourque in Montreal
CONCORD, NC (July 31, 2008) – As the NASCAR Nationwide Series makes a historic appearance in Canada this weekend, Pierre Bourque will take part in the weekend of racing at Montreal’s Ile Notre Dame on the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Bourque will be entered in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series event at the road course on Saturday.
The #29 Whitlock Motorsports-prepared Dodge that Bourque will drive is being sponsored by Mohawk Internet Technologies for this race. It is the first venture for the Mohawk people into NASCAR racing and Bourque is excited about the partnership.
“I am really excited about this groundbreaking collaboration with Mohawk Internet Technologies,” said Bourque. “To my knowledge, this is the first time a MOHAWK business has entered the world of NASCAR. Not only am I thrilled to have their support, but I am also a longtime client and I can attest first-hand to the quality and performance of their cutting-edge services and technology.”
It’s not just Bourque who is excited either. In fact, both sides of the partnership are thrilled with the arrangement for the weekend.
“In over 400 years, the Mohawk people have never been defeated in battle, and it is with that knowledge and sense of history that we are proud to place the name of Mohawk Internet Technologies on the car of #29, Mr. Pierre Bourque, whom we believe will carry that tradition forward,” said Chuck Barnett, Board of Supervisors for Mohawk Internet Technologies.
Bourque is in a great position to carry along that tradition. He is a veteran of both road racing and stock car disciplines and the Montreal event will require proficiency in both areas for a driver to take home a good finish.
Mohawk Internet Technologies (MIT) is a unique business initiative of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake (MCK) and its business partners. Keeping with the historic tradition of the North American trading post, MIT serves as one of the predominant electronic business centers on the Internet. MIT is not a bank, casino, or on-line store, but rather the internet service provider for numerous e-businesses who enjoy fast, reliable internet access in a free-enterprise environment specifically geared towards cross-business alliances and development.
The NASCAR Canadian Tire event at Montreal will take place on Saturday, August 2nd.
For more information on Pierre Bourque, check out http://www.pierrebourque.net/.
For more information on Pierre Bourque, check out http://www.pierrebourque.net/.
For more information on Mohawk Internet Technologies, please visit www.mohawk.ca.
NASCAR CANADIAN TIRE SERIES: Mohawks to ride with Bourque in Montreal
CONCORD, NC (July 31, 2008) – As the NASCAR Nationwide Series makes a historic appearance in Canada this weekend, Pierre Bourque will take part in the weekend of racing at Montreal’s Ile Notre Dame on the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Bourque will be entered in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series event at the road course on Saturday.
The #29 Whitlock Motorsports-prepared Dodge that Bourque will drive is being sponsored by Mohawk Internet Technologies for this race. It is the first venture for the Mohawk people into NASCAR racing and Bourque is excited about the partnership.
“I am really excited about this groundbreaking collaboration with Mohawk Internet Technologies,” said Bourque. “To my knowledge, this is the first time a MOHAWK business has entered the world of NASCAR. Not only am I thrilled to have their support, but I am also a longtime client and I can attest first-hand to the quality and performance of their cutting-edge services and technology.”
It’s not just Bourque who is excited either. In fact, both sides of the partnership are thrilled with the arrangement for the weekend.
“In over 400 years, the Mohawk people have never been defeated in battle, and it is with that knowledge and sense of history that we are proud to place the name of Mohawk Internet Technologies on the car of #29, Mr. Pierre Bourque, whom we believe will carry that tradition forward,” said Chuck Barnett, Board of Supervisors for Mohawk Internet Technologies.
Bourque is in a great position to carry along that tradition. He is a veteran of both road racing and stock car disciplines and the Montreal event will require proficiency in both areas for a driver to take home a good finish.
Mohawk Internet Technologies (MIT) is a unique business initiative of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake (MCK) and its business partners. Keeping with the historic tradition of the North American trading post, MIT serves as one of the predominant electronic business centers on the Internet. MIT is not a bank, casino, or on-line store, but rather the internet service provider for numerous e-businesses who enjoy fast, reliable internet access in a free-enterprise environment specifically geared towards cross-business alliances and development.
The NASCAR Canadian Tire event at Montreal will take place on Saturday, August 2nd.
For more information on Pierre Bourque, check out http://www.pierrebourque.net/.
For more information on Pierre Bourque, check out http://www.pierrebourque.net/.
For more information on Mohawk Internet Technologies, please visit www.mohawk.ca.
HAVE BUS WILL TRAVEL: Last Call Canada Day at MIS
LAST CALL.... NASCAR Canada Day @ MIS
August 15-17 - Good Seats still available - ONLY $600 PP Twin
Tour Includes:Transportainment, 2 nights accommodation's with breakfast, tailgate BBQ, tickets
to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race & NASCAR Nationwide Series Race plus a Pit Pass and Hospitality Tent on Sunday
to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race & NASCAR Nationwide Series Race plus a Pit Pass and Hospitality Tent on Sunday
Don't miss this opportunity! Call 1-888-HaveBus (428-3287) today!
Still don't have our Brochure? Call us or email us and we'll send you one.
Upcoming Racing Tours - details on www.havebus.com
Bristol - August 19-24 - Few Good Seats still available - $1,250 PP Twin...including the "Sharpie 500", The Toughest Ticket to get in Motorsports.
Richmond - September 4-8 - SOLD OUT!!
Martinsville - October 16-20 - MotorSports SuperCoach SOLD OUT!! ... BUT Additional seats still available on our 54 passenger Highway Coach - $500 PP Twin
Richmond - September 4-8 - SOLD OUT!!
Martinsville - October 16-20 - MotorSports SuperCoach SOLD OUT!! ... BUT Additional seats still available on our 54 passenger Highway Coach - $500 PP Twin
Don't forget about our Group Leaders Program. Get a group together and you could travel for free! Looking forward to taking you Racing!
Doug Andrews
HAVE BUS WILL TRAVEL: Last Call Canada Day at MIS
LAST CALL.... NASCAR Canada Day @ MIS
August 15-17 - Good Seats still available - ONLY $600 PP Twin
Tour Includes:Transportainment, 2 nights accommodation's with breakfast, tailgate BBQ, tickets
to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race & NASCAR Nationwide Series Race plus a Pit Pass and Hospitality Tent on Sunday
to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race & NASCAR Nationwide Series Race plus a Pit Pass and Hospitality Tent on Sunday
Don't miss this opportunity! Call 1-888-HaveBus (428-3287) today!
Still don't have our Brochure? Call us or email us and we'll send you one.
Upcoming Racing Tours - details on www.havebus.com
Bristol - August 19-24 - Few Good Seats still available - $1,250 PP Twin...including the "Sharpie 500", The Toughest Ticket to get in Motorsports.
Richmond - September 4-8 - SOLD OUT!!
Martinsville - October 16-20 - MotorSports SuperCoach SOLD OUT!! ... BUT Additional seats still available on our 54 passenger Highway Coach - $500 PP Twin
Richmond - September 4-8 - SOLD OUT!!
Martinsville - October 16-20 - MotorSports SuperCoach SOLD OUT!! ... BUT Additional seats still available on our 54 passenger Highway Coach - $500 PP Twin
Don't forget about our Group Leaders Program. Get a group together and you could travel for free! Looking forward to taking you Racing!
Doug Andrews
WONDERLAND SPEEDWAY: Racing is on for Aug 1, 2008!
Not sure why it was ever in doubt, but we received the following note from Wonderland Speedway regarding their Friday, Aug. 1 show: "Good news! racing at Wonderland speedway is a go for Aug 1, 2008. See everyone at the track!"
WONDERLAND SPEEDWAY: Racing is on for Aug 1, 2008!
Not sure why it was ever in doubt, but we received the following note from Wonderland Speedway regarding their Friday, Aug. 1 show: "Good news! racing at Wonderland speedway is a go for Aug 1, 2008. See everyone at the track!"
OHSWEKEN: SPORTSMAN SHOOTOUT AND ART HILL MEMORIAL TAKE CENTRE STAGE
By Tommy Goudge (July 30, 2008) - After a week off, Ohsweken Speedway's Friday Night Thunder kicks back into high gear this Friday night, August 1, when the Sportsman Modifieds return to do battle in the 4th round of the Lucas Oil Shootout series, along with the annual Art Hill Memorial race for the ESSO Mini-Stock division. Also on the card on Friday are the popular ESSO Thunder Stocks, and the Friday Night Fun Stocks, with all the action on Friday night being brought to you by Outhouse Designs.
The Sportsman cars last competed at Ohsweken on June 27 when 32 of the best Sportsman drivers in the region signed in to do battle for a $1,000 winner's cheque. At the end of the night, it was surprise winner Brandon Easey of St. Catharines visiting victory lane for the first time in his career, followed by local driver Robbie Rounce, Jim Johnstone, Mat Williamson, and Brad Rouse rounding out the top 5.
In a unique twist, the Lucas Oil series points are tallied using feature finishes, and the driver with the lowest total will win the championship. The series standings are very tight heading into Ohsweken, with Tyler McPherson leading Chad Chevalier by just 1 marker, as McPherson has yet to finish outside the top 5 in the first 3 series races. McPherson finished 5th in round 1 at Genesee on June 14, 2nd at Merrittville on June 21, and 4th at Humberstone on July 6.
Chevalier, meanwhile, took 3rd place finishes in each of the first 2 rounds, but finished 6th at Humberstone, putting him 1 spot behind McPherson. When the 2 drivers last visited Ohsweken on June 27, it was McPherson with the upper hand over Chevalier when the checkered flag fell, as Tyler came from 12th on the grid to finish 6th, while Chevalier started 24th and finished 9th.
Both drivers will be looking to improve on those finishes on Friday, but BJ Willard, Mat Williamson, and James Michael Friesen round out the top 5 in series points and figure to give the 2 front runners a run for their money. Friesen is the only driver in the top 5 who has collected a win in the first 3 events, a feat which he accomplished at Humberstone. Williamson, meanwhile, had all eyes on his #6 the last time he visited Ohsweken as he started 25th on a promoter's option and charged all the way to 4th when the green flag fell.
New York driver Rob Pratt will also be one to watch this Friday, as the former Ohsweken track champ is always fast on the 3/8's mile, and would likely have been in contention for the win on June 27th if damage in his heat race had not ended his night prematurely.
Always a fan favourite at Ohsweken, the ESSO Mini-Stocks will be in the limelight on Friday night when they contest the annual 42-lap Art Hill Memorial race. This year's event will see 26 starters battling for the coveted Art Hill victory and the $1,000 that goes along with it, in what is sure to be a hotly contested event. Dave Bailey won last year's edition of the event, but has since moved up to the Thunder Stock division, although he did compete in the Mini-Stocks at the start of this season as well, and could return to defend his crown this week.
Heading into the week, 2007 track champ Abel Castelein enjoys a 66 point lead over Mitchell Brown in the standings, and is riding a 2-race win streak. The fight for 2nd is heating up however, as the 2nd through 5th place drivers are seperated by just 7 points, with Brown's 2 feature wins being the main difference. After his 2 recent race wins are counted in the handicapping system, Castelein will need to come from the middle of the pack if he hopes to extend his winning streak and take home the Art Hill victory.
Following Brown in the points are Rick Emberson, Kevin Hilborn, and Mark Thorne, all of whom have yet to take a checkered flag this season, and would like nothing more than to take the Art Hill win.
In the ESSO Thunder Stock division, points leader Cody McPherson got back on track with a feature win the last time out, after a flat tire derailed his season-long streak of top-3 finishes the week before. Ryan Dinning, Terry Osmond, Glen Leinen, and Brian Pescetti round out the top 5 in Thunder Stock points, while defending track champ Brad Bacher has not had the season he intended, slipping to 10th in the standings after he finished 17th in the most recent event.
The Thunder Stocks have been a very exciting and competitive division all season at Ohsweken and entertained the fans with spectacular racing in their last event, with more of the same expected this Friday.
The Friday Night Fun Stocks division continues to grow and become more competitive with each passing week, and the racing action has been especially good in each of the last two events as the drivers have become more comfortable on the smaller oval located in Ohsweken's infield. In the last event, Lee Hils extended his points lead by taking his 4th feature win of the season, but Chris Hils finished 4th that night to keep Lee in sight, and sits just 12 points behind, while Karl Sault has won 2 features this season and is still within striking distance in 3rd, 38 points back of the lead.
Exchange/refund information for for ticket holders from the rained-out World of Outlaws events last week is now posted on the Ohsweken Speedway website at www.OhswekenSpeedway.com.
Please visit the website to view the different options available. Dawn Pelkie will be at Ohsweken Speedway this Friday, August 1 from 5:30p.m. - 8:00p.m. to handle ticket exchanges for anyone who paid cash for their tickets at the speedway.
One of the options available to ticket holders is an exchange for tickets to the Canadian Sprint Car Nationals, an event which is fast approaching, scheduled for September 12 and 13. Plenty of reserved seats remain available for each night of this huge event, which will see more than 70 of the best 360 sprint car drivers from Ontario, Quebec, New York, Pennsylania, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and beyond all competing for the $8,000 winner's cheque and the right to be called the winner of the 4th annual Canadian Sprint Car Nationals. Visit www.OhswekenSpeedway.com and then call 1-888-720-RACE to get your tickets.
Ohsweken Speedway's Friday Night Thunder resumes this Friday, August 1 when Outhouse Designs presents the Lucas Oil Sportsman Shootout, and ESSO Mini-Stock Art Hill Memorial Race, plus ESSO Thunder Stocks and Friday Night Fun Stocks. Friday Night Thunder at Ohsweken offers affordable family entertainment just a short drive away from most Mid-Western Ontario locations. Friday Night Thunder Adult General Admission is $10, while Seniors and Students are $8, and Kids age 12 and under are FREE! Please visit www.OhswekenSpeedway.com for more information. Spectator gates open @ 6:00p.m., with the first race taking the green flag at 7:45p.m. this Friday, August 1!
The Sportsman cars last competed at Ohsweken on June 27 when 32 of the best Sportsman drivers in the region signed in to do battle for a $1,000 winner's cheque. At the end of the night, it was surprise winner Brandon Easey of St. Catharines visiting victory lane for the first time in his career, followed by local driver Robbie Rounce, Jim Johnstone, Mat Williamson, and Brad Rouse rounding out the top 5.
In a unique twist, the Lucas Oil series points are tallied using feature finishes, and the driver with the lowest total will win the championship. The series standings are very tight heading into Ohsweken, with Tyler McPherson leading Chad Chevalier by just 1 marker, as McPherson has yet to finish outside the top 5 in the first 3 series races. McPherson finished 5th in round 1 at Genesee on June 14, 2nd at Merrittville on June 21, and 4th at Humberstone on July 6.
Chevalier, meanwhile, took 3rd place finishes in each of the first 2 rounds, but finished 6th at Humberstone, putting him 1 spot behind McPherson. When the 2 drivers last visited Ohsweken on June 27, it was McPherson with the upper hand over Chevalier when the checkered flag fell, as Tyler came from 12th on the grid to finish 6th, while Chevalier started 24th and finished 9th.
Both drivers will be looking to improve on those finishes on Friday, but BJ Willard, Mat Williamson, and James Michael Friesen round out the top 5 in series points and figure to give the 2 front runners a run for their money. Friesen is the only driver in the top 5 who has collected a win in the first 3 events, a feat which he accomplished at Humberstone. Williamson, meanwhile, had all eyes on his #6 the last time he visited Ohsweken as he started 25th on a promoter's option and charged all the way to 4th when the green flag fell.
New York driver Rob Pratt will also be one to watch this Friday, as the former Ohsweken track champ is always fast on the 3/8's mile, and would likely have been in contention for the win on June 27th if damage in his heat race had not ended his night prematurely.
Always a fan favourite at Ohsweken, the ESSO Mini-Stocks will be in the limelight on Friday night when they contest the annual 42-lap Art Hill Memorial race. This year's event will see 26 starters battling for the coveted Art Hill victory and the $1,000 that goes along with it, in what is sure to be a hotly contested event. Dave Bailey won last year's edition of the event, but has since moved up to the Thunder Stock division, although he did compete in the Mini-Stocks at the start of this season as well, and could return to defend his crown this week.
Heading into the week, 2007 track champ Abel Castelein enjoys a 66 point lead over Mitchell Brown in the standings, and is riding a 2-race win streak. The fight for 2nd is heating up however, as the 2nd through 5th place drivers are seperated by just 7 points, with Brown's 2 feature wins being the main difference. After his 2 recent race wins are counted in the handicapping system, Castelein will need to come from the middle of the pack if he hopes to extend his winning streak and take home the Art Hill victory.
Following Brown in the points are Rick Emberson, Kevin Hilborn, and Mark Thorne, all of whom have yet to take a checkered flag this season, and would like nothing more than to take the Art Hill win.
In the ESSO Thunder Stock division, points leader Cody McPherson got back on track with a feature win the last time out, after a flat tire derailed his season-long streak of top-3 finishes the week before. Ryan Dinning, Terry Osmond, Glen Leinen, and Brian Pescetti round out the top 5 in Thunder Stock points, while defending track champ Brad Bacher has not had the season he intended, slipping to 10th in the standings after he finished 17th in the most recent event.
The Thunder Stocks have been a very exciting and competitive division all season at Ohsweken and entertained the fans with spectacular racing in their last event, with more of the same expected this Friday.
The Friday Night Fun Stocks division continues to grow and become more competitive with each passing week, and the racing action has been especially good in each of the last two events as the drivers have become more comfortable on the smaller oval located in Ohsweken's infield. In the last event, Lee Hils extended his points lead by taking his 4th feature win of the season, but Chris Hils finished 4th that night to keep Lee in sight, and sits just 12 points behind, while Karl Sault has won 2 features this season and is still within striking distance in 3rd, 38 points back of the lead.
Exchange/refund information for for ticket holders from the rained-out World of Outlaws events last week is now posted on the Ohsweken Speedway website at www.OhswekenSpeedway.com.
Please visit the website to view the different options available. Dawn Pelkie will be at Ohsweken Speedway this Friday, August 1 from 5:30p.m. - 8:00p.m. to handle ticket exchanges for anyone who paid cash for their tickets at the speedway.
One of the options available to ticket holders is an exchange for tickets to the Canadian Sprint Car Nationals, an event which is fast approaching, scheduled for September 12 and 13. Plenty of reserved seats remain available for each night of this huge event, which will see more than 70 of the best 360 sprint car drivers from Ontario, Quebec, New York, Pennsylania, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and beyond all competing for the $8,000 winner's cheque and the right to be called the winner of the 4th annual Canadian Sprint Car Nationals. Visit www.OhswekenSpeedway.com and then call 1-888-720-RACE to get your tickets.
Ohsweken Speedway's Friday Night Thunder resumes this Friday, August 1 when Outhouse Designs presents the Lucas Oil Sportsman Shootout, and ESSO Mini-Stock Art Hill Memorial Race, plus ESSO Thunder Stocks and Friday Night Fun Stocks. Friday Night Thunder at Ohsweken offers affordable family entertainment just a short drive away from most Mid-Western Ontario locations. Friday Night Thunder Adult General Admission is $10, while Seniors and Students are $8, and Kids age 12 and under are FREE! Please visit www.OhswekenSpeedway.com for more information. Spectator gates open @ 6:00p.m., with the first race taking the green flag at 7:45p.m. this Friday, August 1!
OHSWEKEN: SPORTSMAN SHOOTOUT AND ART HILL MEMORIAL TAKE CENTRE STAGE
By Tommy Goudge (July 30, 2008) - After a week off, Ohsweken Speedway's Friday Night Thunder kicks back into high gear this Friday night, August 1, when the Sportsman Modifieds return to do battle in the 4th round of the Lucas Oil Shootout series, along with the annual Art Hill Memorial race for the ESSO Mini-Stock division. Also on the card on Friday are the popular ESSO Thunder Stocks, and the Friday Night Fun Stocks, with all the action on Friday night being brought to you by Outhouse Designs.
The Sportsman cars last competed at Ohsweken on June 27 when 32 of the best Sportsman drivers in the region signed in to do battle for a $1,000 winner's cheque. At the end of the night, it was surprise winner Brandon Easey of St. Catharines visiting victory lane for the first time in his career, followed by local driver Robbie Rounce, Jim Johnstone, Mat Williamson, and Brad Rouse rounding out the top 5.
In a unique twist, the Lucas Oil series points are tallied using feature finishes, and the driver with the lowest total will win the championship. The series standings are very tight heading into Ohsweken, with Tyler McPherson leading Chad Chevalier by just 1 marker, as McPherson has yet to finish outside the top 5 in the first 3 series races. McPherson finished 5th in round 1 at Genesee on June 14, 2nd at Merrittville on June 21, and 4th at Humberstone on July 6.
Chevalier, meanwhile, took 3rd place finishes in each of the first 2 rounds, but finished 6th at Humberstone, putting him 1 spot behind McPherson. When the 2 drivers last visited Ohsweken on June 27, it was McPherson with the upper hand over Chevalier when the checkered flag fell, as Tyler came from 12th on the grid to finish 6th, while Chevalier started 24th and finished 9th.
Both drivers will be looking to improve on those finishes on Friday, but BJ Willard, Mat Williamson, and James Michael Friesen round out the top 5 in series points and figure to give the 2 front runners a run for their money. Friesen is the only driver in the top 5 who has collected a win in the first 3 events, a feat which he accomplished at Humberstone. Williamson, meanwhile, had all eyes on his #6 the last time he visited Ohsweken as he started 25th on a promoter's option and charged all the way to 4th when the green flag fell.
New York driver Rob Pratt will also be one to watch this Friday, as the former Ohsweken track champ is always fast on the 3/8's mile, and would likely have been in contention for the win on June 27th if damage in his heat race had not ended his night prematurely.
Always a fan favourite at Ohsweken, the ESSO Mini-Stocks will be in the limelight on Friday night when they contest the annual 42-lap Art Hill Memorial race. This year's event will see 26 starters battling for the coveted Art Hill victory and the $1,000 that goes along with it, in what is sure to be a hotly contested event. Dave Bailey won last year's edition of the event, but has since moved up to the Thunder Stock division, although he did compete in the Mini-Stocks at the start of this season as well, and could return to defend his crown this week.
Heading into the week, 2007 track champ Abel Castelein enjoys a 66 point lead over Mitchell Brown in the standings, and is riding a 2-race win streak. The fight for 2nd is heating up however, as the 2nd through 5th place drivers are seperated by just 7 points, with Brown's 2 feature wins being the main difference. After his 2 recent race wins are counted in the handicapping system, Castelein will need to come from the middle of the pack if he hopes to extend his winning streak and take home the Art Hill victory.
Following Brown in the points are Rick Emberson, Kevin Hilborn, and Mark Thorne, all of whom have yet to take a checkered flag this season, and would like nothing more than to take the Art Hill win.
In the ESSO Thunder Stock division, points leader Cody McPherson got back on track with a feature win the last time out, after a flat tire derailed his season-long streak of top-3 finishes the week before. Ryan Dinning, Terry Osmond, Glen Leinen, and Brian Pescetti round out the top 5 in Thunder Stock points, while defending track champ Brad Bacher has not had the season he intended, slipping to 10th in the standings after he finished 17th in the most recent event.
The Thunder Stocks have been a very exciting and competitive division all season at Ohsweken and entertained the fans with spectacular racing in their last event, with more of the same expected this Friday.
The Friday Night Fun Stocks division continues to grow and become more competitive with each passing week, and the racing action has been especially good in each of the last two events as the drivers have become more comfortable on the smaller oval located in Ohsweken's infield. In the last event, Lee Hils extended his points lead by taking his 4th feature win of the season, but Chris Hils finished 4th that night to keep Lee in sight, and sits just 12 points behind, while Karl Sault has won 2 features this season and is still within striking distance in 3rd, 38 points back of the lead.
Exchange/refund information for for ticket holders from the rained-out World of Outlaws events last week is now posted on the Ohsweken Speedway website at www.OhswekenSpeedway.com.
Please visit the website to view the different options available. Dawn Pelkie will be at Ohsweken Speedway this Friday, August 1 from 5:30p.m. - 8:00p.m. to handle ticket exchanges for anyone who paid cash for their tickets at the speedway.
One of the options available to ticket holders is an exchange for tickets to the Canadian Sprint Car Nationals, an event which is fast approaching, scheduled for September 12 and 13. Plenty of reserved seats remain available for each night of this huge event, which will see more than 70 of the best 360 sprint car drivers from Ontario, Quebec, New York, Pennsylania, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and beyond all competing for the $8,000 winner's cheque and the right to be called the winner of the 4th annual Canadian Sprint Car Nationals. Visit www.OhswekenSpeedway.com and then call 1-888-720-RACE to get your tickets.
Ohsweken Speedway's Friday Night Thunder resumes this Friday, August 1 when Outhouse Designs presents the Lucas Oil Sportsman Shootout, and ESSO Mini-Stock Art Hill Memorial Race, plus ESSO Thunder Stocks and Friday Night Fun Stocks. Friday Night Thunder at Ohsweken offers affordable family entertainment just a short drive away from most Mid-Western Ontario locations. Friday Night Thunder Adult General Admission is $10, while Seniors and Students are $8, and Kids age 12 and under are FREE! Please visit www.OhswekenSpeedway.com for more information. Spectator gates open @ 6:00p.m., with the first race taking the green flag at 7:45p.m. this Friday, August 1!
The Sportsman cars last competed at Ohsweken on June 27 when 32 of the best Sportsman drivers in the region signed in to do battle for a $1,000 winner's cheque. At the end of the night, it was surprise winner Brandon Easey of St. Catharines visiting victory lane for the first time in his career, followed by local driver Robbie Rounce, Jim Johnstone, Mat Williamson, and Brad Rouse rounding out the top 5.
In a unique twist, the Lucas Oil series points are tallied using feature finishes, and the driver with the lowest total will win the championship. The series standings are very tight heading into Ohsweken, with Tyler McPherson leading Chad Chevalier by just 1 marker, as McPherson has yet to finish outside the top 5 in the first 3 series races. McPherson finished 5th in round 1 at Genesee on June 14, 2nd at Merrittville on June 21, and 4th at Humberstone on July 6.
Chevalier, meanwhile, took 3rd place finishes in each of the first 2 rounds, but finished 6th at Humberstone, putting him 1 spot behind McPherson. When the 2 drivers last visited Ohsweken on June 27, it was McPherson with the upper hand over Chevalier when the checkered flag fell, as Tyler came from 12th on the grid to finish 6th, while Chevalier started 24th and finished 9th.
Both drivers will be looking to improve on those finishes on Friday, but BJ Willard, Mat Williamson, and James Michael Friesen round out the top 5 in series points and figure to give the 2 front runners a run for their money. Friesen is the only driver in the top 5 who has collected a win in the first 3 events, a feat which he accomplished at Humberstone. Williamson, meanwhile, had all eyes on his #6 the last time he visited Ohsweken as he started 25th on a promoter's option and charged all the way to 4th when the green flag fell.
New York driver Rob Pratt will also be one to watch this Friday, as the former Ohsweken track champ is always fast on the 3/8's mile, and would likely have been in contention for the win on June 27th if damage in his heat race had not ended his night prematurely.
Always a fan favourite at Ohsweken, the ESSO Mini-Stocks will be in the limelight on Friday night when they contest the annual 42-lap Art Hill Memorial race. This year's event will see 26 starters battling for the coveted Art Hill victory and the $1,000 that goes along with it, in what is sure to be a hotly contested event. Dave Bailey won last year's edition of the event, but has since moved up to the Thunder Stock division, although he did compete in the Mini-Stocks at the start of this season as well, and could return to defend his crown this week.
Heading into the week, 2007 track champ Abel Castelein enjoys a 66 point lead over Mitchell Brown in the standings, and is riding a 2-race win streak. The fight for 2nd is heating up however, as the 2nd through 5th place drivers are seperated by just 7 points, with Brown's 2 feature wins being the main difference. After his 2 recent race wins are counted in the handicapping system, Castelein will need to come from the middle of the pack if he hopes to extend his winning streak and take home the Art Hill victory.
Following Brown in the points are Rick Emberson, Kevin Hilborn, and Mark Thorne, all of whom have yet to take a checkered flag this season, and would like nothing more than to take the Art Hill win.
In the ESSO Thunder Stock division, points leader Cody McPherson got back on track with a feature win the last time out, after a flat tire derailed his season-long streak of top-3 finishes the week before. Ryan Dinning, Terry Osmond, Glen Leinen, and Brian Pescetti round out the top 5 in Thunder Stock points, while defending track champ Brad Bacher has not had the season he intended, slipping to 10th in the standings after he finished 17th in the most recent event.
The Thunder Stocks have been a very exciting and competitive division all season at Ohsweken and entertained the fans with spectacular racing in their last event, with more of the same expected this Friday.
The Friday Night Fun Stocks division continues to grow and become more competitive with each passing week, and the racing action has been especially good in each of the last two events as the drivers have become more comfortable on the smaller oval located in Ohsweken's infield. In the last event, Lee Hils extended his points lead by taking his 4th feature win of the season, but Chris Hils finished 4th that night to keep Lee in sight, and sits just 12 points behind, while Karl Sault has won 2 features this season and is still within striking distance in 3rd, 38 points back of the lead.
Exchange/refund information for for ticket holders from the rained-out World of Outlaws events last week is now posted on the Ohsweken Speedway website at www.OhswekenSpeedway.com.
Please visit the website to view the different options available. Dawn Pelkie will be at Ohsweken Speedway this Friday, August 1 from 5:30p.m. - 8:00p.m. to handle ticket exchanges for anyone who paid cash for their tickets at the speedway.
One of the options available to ticket holders is an exchange for tickets to the Canadian Sprint Car Nationals, an event which is fast approaching, scheduled for September 12 and 13. Plenty of reserved seats remain available for each night of this huge event, which will see more than 70 of the best 360 sprint car drivers from Ontario, Quebec, New York, Pennsylania, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and beyond all competing for the $8,000 winner's cheque and the right to be called the winner of the 4th annual Canadian Sprint Car Nationals. Visit www.OhswekenSpeedway.com and then call 1-888-720-RACE to get your tickets.
Ohsweken Speedway's Friday Night Thunder resumes this Friday, August 1 when Outhouse Designs presents the Lucas Oil Sportsman Shootout, and ESSO Mini-Stock Art Hill Memorial Race, plus ESSO Thunder Stocks and Friday Night Fun Stocks. Friday Night Thunder at Ohsweken offers affordable family entertainment just a short drive away from most Mid-Western Ontario locations. Friday Night Thunder Adult General Admission is $10, while Seniors and Students are $8, and Kids age 12 and under are FREE! Please visit www.OhswekenSpeedway.com for more information. Spectator gates open @ 6:00p.m., with the first race taking the green flag at 7:45p.m. this Friday, August 1!
NASCAR Canadian Tire Series: Micks hoping to repeat last year's victory in Montreal
MT. ALBERT, ONTARIO (July 30, 2008) – Kerry Micks is ready to defend his title in the NAPA 100 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series race this weekend on the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal.
The winner of last year's inaugural race has now returned from the series' 2008 western trip, has regrouped, and will be ready for Saturday's race.
"We're ready for this one," said the driver of the Beyond Digital Imaging Ford. "We had some issues out west, but we did take an eighth spot in Edmonton after some engine problems."
Micks is presently sixth in the points going into the Montreal race, the seventh event in the 13-race 2008 schedule.
"Last year's race was an interesting one," Micks continued. "I got an early lead in the race, and led for close to 20 laps. Then Andrew Ranger got by me with only one lap to go. We got a little physical and swapped some paint, but I was able to get by him and hold him off to win. I've been racing many years, and that win was one of the sweetest."
The Mount Albert racer said he enjoys driving on the 2.71-mile road course at Montreal, and looks forward to this weekend's contest.
"The track is just great," he added. "It is a very smooth course, and very twisty. You have to work at it when racing there, but when you win, it is all the more satisfying."
For information about the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, visit www.circuitgillesvilleneuve.ca
Beyond Digital Imaging Inc. (BDI), Canadian Detailing Services, Crane Lake Resort, HP Canada, Ultraflex, Cathcart Trucking, Castrol and NGK Spark Plugs are sponsors of Micks Motorsports, www.micksmotorsports.com
About Kerry Micks: Kerry Micks, the 1993 CASCAR Super Series National Champion is the driver of the #02 Micks Motorsports 2008 Ford Fusion in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. Micks of Mount Albert, Ontario finished the 2007 season in seventh position in the championship point standings with three top-three podium finishes, and seven top-ten finishes including a win at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in downtown Montreal and the Grand-Prix de Trois-Rivières. Micks collected one pole in 2007 at Barrie Speedway and had a third place finishes at Mosport Speedway.
Kerry has been driving Ford products since 1995 when Ford of Canada came on board with Micks Motorsports, and it continues to support Ford and retain close relationships with all involved.
About NASCAR: The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) has a broad reach with 1,300 racing events at 95 tracks in the United States, Canada, and Mexico in several racing series. Among major professional sports, NASCAR ranks number one in corporate involvement and per-event attendance, and number two in television viewership. This sanctioning body for stock car racing is headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in New York City (Corporate Marketing), Los Angeles (Broadcasting Media and Entertainment), Charlotte, North Carolina (Licensing and Aftermarket), Concord, North Carolina (Research and Development Center), Mexico City, and Toronto, Ontario.
The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series will be presented across Canada in a 13-race schedule for 2008.
From Bruce F. Mehlenbacher
NASCAR Canadian Tire Series: Micks hoping to repeat last year's victory in Montreal
MT. ALBERT, ONTARIO (July 30, 2008) – Kerry Micks is ready to defend his title in the NAPA 100 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series race this weekend on the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal.
The winner of last year's inaugural race has now returned from the series' 2008 western trip, has regrouped, and will be ready for Saturday's race.
"We're ready for this one," said the driver of the Beyond Digital Imaging Ford. "We had some issues out west, but we did take an eighth spot in Edmonton after some engine problems."
Micks is presently sixth in the points going into the Montreal race, the seventh event in the 13-race 2008 schedule.
"Last year's race was an interesting one," Micks continued. "I got an early lead in the race, and led for close to 20 laps. Then Andrew Ranger got by me with only one lap to go. We got a little physical and swapped some paint, but I was able to get by him and hold him off to win. I've been racing many years, and that win was one of the sweetest."
The Mount Albert racer said he enjoys driving on the 2.71-mile road course at Montreal, and looks forward to this weekend's contest.
"The track is just great," he added. "It is a very smooth course, and very twisty. You have to work at it when racing there, but when you win, it is all the more satisfying."
For information about the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, visit www.circuitgillesvilleneuve.ca
Beyond Digital Imaging Inc. (BDI), Canadian Detailing Services, Crane Lake Resort, HP Canada, Ultraflex, Cathcart Trucking, Castrol and NGK Spark Plugs are sponsors of Micks Motorsports, www.micksmotorsports.com
About Kerry Micks: Kerry Micks, the 1993 CASCAR Super Series National Champion is the driver of the #02 Micks Motorsports 2008 Ford Fusion in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. Micks of Mount Albert, Ontario finished the 2007 season in seventh position in the championship point standings with three top-three podium finishes, and seven top-ten finishes including a win at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in downtown Montreal and the Grand-Prix de Trois-Rivières. Micks collected one pole in 2007 at Barrie Speedway and had a third place finishes at Mosport Speedway.
Kerry has been driving Ford products since 1995 when Ford of Canada came on board with Micks Motorsports, and it continues to support Ford and retain close relationships with all involved.
About NASCAR: The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) has a broad reach with 1,300 racing events at 95 tracks in the United States, Canada, and Mexico in several racing series. Among major professional sports, NASCAR ranks number one in corporate involvement and per-event attendance, and number two in television viewership. This sanctioning body for stock car racing is headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in New York City (Corporate Marketing), Los Angeles (Broadcasting Media and Entertainment), Charlotte, North Carolina (Licensing and Aftermarket), Concord, North Carolina (Research and Development Center), Mexico City, and Toronto, Ontario.
The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series will be presented across Canada in a 13-race schedule for 2008.
From Bruce F. Mehlenbacher
NASCAR Canadian Tire Series: Team Fastline drivers prepared for next round
HAMILTON, ONTARIO (July 30, 2008) – Fastline Motorsports Team drivers Jeff and Jim Lapcevich are ready for the NAPA 100, the seventh race in the 2008 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. The event will be held August 2 on the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal.
“I’m a little concerned that the Chevrolets haven’t done well on the road courses this year,” said Jeff Lapcevich, driver of the 2008 Chevrolet Monte Carlo sponsored by Tim Hortons. “The Fords and Dodges have been strong, and the Chevrolets have been down on power,” he continued. “But, that being said, we plan on doing better than last year.”
In 2007, Jeff Lapcevich started the 23-lap race in ninth position, and finished eighth. The other Fastline driver, Jim Lapcevich, agreed with his brother Jeff regarding the lack of power for the Chevy drivers.
“Are we down on power? Absolutely,” said Jim Lapcevich, who pilots a similar 2008 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. “Last year the car just ran out of horsepower,” added the Hamilton, Ontario resident. Even with an engine change after qualifying, he started in 31st spot and worked his way back to ninth at Montreal.
Both drivers said they enjoy racing on the Montreal course.
“It’s a nice twisty track,” said Jeff, of Grimsby, Ontario, who is running a limited schedule this year, with the Montreal event his second of the present season. “There are lots of changes on the track. The only thing it lacks is differences in elevation.”
Brother Jim, who is competing in most NASCAR races this year, concurred with Jeff about racing on the 2.71-mile road circuit which has been the home to the Canadian Grand Prix.
“I love the track,” said Jim. “It’s the smoothest track we’ve ever been on, thanks to the Formula One specs. I really enjoy racing on it. It’s a lot of fun.”
For information about the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, visit www.circuitgillesvilleneuve.ca
Team Fastline, www.fastlinemotorsports.ca, is sponsored by Tim Hortons, Springer's Meats, Troy Cove Marine, Cathcart Trucking, Wix Filters and B & J Electric.
For more information, please contact Bruce Mehlenbacher at Bruce@JAJEntertainment.com
About Fastline Motorsports: The Fastline Motorsports, www.FastlineMotorsports.ca, team cars are based on the 2008 Chevrolet Monte Carlo body with a 107.5-inch wheelbase, which sits on top of a McColl Racing Enterprises chassis. The 355-cubic inch small-block Chevrolet engine from AP Racing Engines produces over 500 horsepower, and this power is transferred to the car's rear wheels by a four-speed transmission. Headed by father Joe Lapcevich, and with an experienced and devoted crew of 12 others, this two-car team demonstrates the professionalism, ability, and confidence to represent this exciting sport both on and off the track.
About Jeff Lapcevich: Jeff Lapcevich ran a limited schedule in the 2007 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series and finished with two top-ten finishes. Jeff Lapcevich began his career on road circuits, and the experience acquired in this form of motorsport has developed into a successful career on the CASCAR tour, as he has won six road course events in the past four years in CASCAR.
About Jim Lapcevich: In 2007, Jim Lapcevich captured seven top-ten finishes in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series and one top-five finish, narrowly missing the winner’s podium on several occasions. With a strong background in oval track events, Jim Lapcevich has progressed from the Saturday night "bull-rings" to become one of the top drivers in CASCAR, with several victories in this national series. With a strong competitive desire, Jim will always be in the hunt vying for that checkered flag.
About NASCAR: The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) has a broad reach with 1,300 racing events at 95 tracks in the United States, Canada, and Mexico in several racing series. Among major professional sports, NASCAR ranks number one in corporate involvement and per-event attendance, and number two in television viewership. This sanctioning body for stock car racing is headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in New York City (Corporate Marketing), Los Angeles (Broadcasting Media and Entertainment), Charlotte, North Carolina (Licensing and Aftermarket), Concord, North Carolina (Research and Development Center), Mexico City, and Toronto, Ontario.
The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series will be presented across Canada in a 13-race schedule for 2008.
From: Bruce F. Mehlenbacher
NASCAR Canadian Tire Series: Team Fastline drivers prepared for next round
HAMILTON, ONTARIO (July 30, 2008) – Fastline Motorsports Team drivers Jeff and Jim Lapcevich are ready for the NAPA 100, the seventh race in the 2008 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. The event will be held August 2 on the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal.
“I’m a little concerned that the Chevrolets haven’t done well on the road courses this year,” said Jeff Lapcevich, driver of the 2008 Chevrolet Monte Carlo sponsored by Tim Hortons. “The Fords and Dodges have been strong, and the Chevrolets have been down on power,” he continued. “But, that being said, we plan on doing better than last year.”
In 2007, Jeff Lapcevich started the 23-lap race in ninth position, and finished eighth. The other Fastline driver, Jim Lapcevich, agreed with his brother Jeff regarding the lack of power for the Chevy drivers.
“Are we down on power? Absolutely,” said Jim Lapcevich, who pilots a similar 2008 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. “Last year the car just ran out of horsepower,” added the Hamilton, Ontario resident. Even with an engine change after qualifying, he started in 31st spot and worked his way back to ninth at Montreal.
Both drivers said they enjoy racing on the Montreal course.
“It’s a nice twisty track,” said Jeff, of Grimsby, Ontario, who is running a limited schedule this year, with the Montreal event his second of the present season. “There are lots of changes on the track. The only thing it lacks is differences in elevation.”
Brother Jim, who is competing in most NASCAR races this year, concurred with Jeff about racing on the 2.71-mile road circuit which has been the home to the Canadian Grand Prix.
“I love the track,” said Jim. “It’s the smoothest track we’ve ever been on, thanks to the Formula One specs. I really enjoy racing on it. It’s a lot of fun.”
For information about the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, visit www.circuitgillesvilleneuve.ca
Team Fastline, www.fastlinemotorsports.ca, is sponsored by Tim Hortons, Springer's Meats, Troy Cove Marine, Cathcart Trucking, Wix Filters and B & J Electric.
For more information, please contact Bruce Mehlenbacher at Bruce@JAJEntertainment.com
About Fastline Motorsports: The Fastline Motorsports, www.FastlineMotorsports.ca, team cars are based on the 2008 Chevrolet Monte Carlo body with a 107.5-inch wheelbase, which sits on top of a McColl Racing Enterprises chassis. The 355-cubic inch small-block Chevrolet engine from AP Racing Engines produces over 500 horsepower, and this power is transferred to the car's rear wheels by a four-speed transmission. Headed by father Joe Lapcevich, and with an experienced and devoted crew of 12 others, this two-car team demonstrates the professionalism, ability, and confidence to represent this exciting sport both on and off the track.
About Jeff Lapcevich: Jeff Lapcevich ran a limited schedule in the 2007 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series and finished with two top-ten finishes. Jeff Lapcevich began his career on road circuits, and the experience acquired in this form of motorsport has developed into a successful career on the CASCAR tour, as he has won six road course events in the past four years in CASCAR.
About Jim Lapcevich: In 2007, Jim Lapcevich captured seven top-ten finishes in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series and one top-five finish, narrowly missing the winner’s podium on several occasions. With a strong background in oval track events, Jim Lapcevich has progressed from the Saturday night "bull-rings" to become one of the top drivers in CASCAR, with several victories in this national series. With a strong competitive desire, Jim will always be in the hunt vying for that checkered flag.
About NASCAR: The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) has a broad reach with 1,300 racing events at 95 tracks in the United States, Canada, and Mexico in several racing series. Among major professional sports, NASCAR ranks number one in corporate involvement and per-event attendance, and number two in television viewership. This sanctioning body for stock car racing is headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in New York City (Corporate Marketing), Los Angeles (Broadcasting Media and Entertainment), Charlotte, North Carolina (Licensing and Aftermarket), Concord, North Carolina (Research and Development Center), Mexico City, and Toronto, Ontario.
The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series will be presented across Canada in a 13-race schedule for 2008.
From: Bruce F. Mehlenbacher
NASCAR Canadian Tire Series: Doug Brown looking forward to return to Montreal
BRANTFORD, ON - Doug Brown resumes his NASCAR Canadian Tire Series schedule this coming weekend in Montreal when the all-Canadian stock car racing series joins the NASCAR Nationwide Series on Montreal's Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
It will the Brantford competitor's first race since July 5th at St. Eustache, Quebec where he earned his third straight top-ten finish after a disappointing start to the season at Cayuga Speedway. The veteran driver of the Haldex-sponsored Dodge elected to skip the recent western segment of the 13-race schedule and is anxious to get back into the action and resume his steady performance improvements prior to the break.
Brown had climbed to tenth-place in the standings following his run at St. Eustache but now finds himself in 19th-place having missed the events in Vernon, BC and Edmonton.
"It was a costly decision in terms of where we are now in the standings (by not going west) but in looking at the results of the western races we may have saved ourselves a lot of money given the motor attrition some of those who went west experienced", Doug remarked in assessing his current position.
Despite his drop in the overall standings he remains optimistic that he can still salvage a top-15 or better position in the standings before the season is over.
"A lot can happen in the remaining seven events, so we'll just attempt to regain our momentum and see what we can muster. "
NASCAR Canadian Tire Series teams will practice Friday morning at the famed circuit on ÃŽle Notre-Dame beginning at 8:00 am with qualifying session scheduled for 12:30 pm.
The 23-lap/100 km NCATS event schedule for Saturday morning begins with drivers' presentation at 9:35 followed by the 10:20 race start.
Strong Canadian Contingent in NAPA 200: This year's NASCAR Nationwide Series NAPA 200 will have a strong representation of Canadians vying for spots in the starting field.
Former Formula One and CART driver Jacques Villeneuve, son of Gilles Villeneuve for whom the track was named, has reached agreement with a group of sponsors (Groupe Savoie of Les Résidences Soleil, Schick Canada, L'Équipeur and Marks Work Wearhouse, the UPS Store Canada, Hype Energy Drinks, and Ganotech for his ride in the Braun Racing No. 32 Toyota Camry. Villeneuve has captured championships in both the CART Series in 1995 and Formula 1 two years later. He has also won the 1995 Indy 500.
Patrick Carpentier a regular in NASCAR's premier Sprint Series, captured the pole position for last year's inaugural Canadian event and went on to finish second in the race. Carpentier's Gillett Evernham team decided he would skip the regular Sprint Cup series race in Pocono this weekend to concentrate on the Montreal event. This will be his fifth Nationwide start this season.
D.J. Kennington, currently third in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series standings, will being double-duty this weekend by driving the No. 81 Mahindra Tractor Dodge in the NASCAR Nationwide Series special. Kennington has already entered 17 of the 24 Nationwide Series events run todate (24th in points) with his best finish being 23rd in Nashville.
Other Canadians expected to enter the Nationwide event are Ron Fellows, Wheeler and Trevor Boys plus current NASCAR Canadian Tire points leader Scott Steckly and veteran Don Thomson, Jr. currently 131 points behind Steckly and a mere 12 points ahead of Kennington.
Prepared By: Ken Spencer // HB Motorsports
NASCAR Canadian Tire Series: Doug Brown looking forward to return to Montreal
BRANTFORD, ON - Doug Brown resumes his NASCAR Canadian Tire Series schedule this coming weekend in Montreal when the all-Canadian stock car racing series joins the NASCAR Nationwide Series on Montreal's Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
It will the Brantford competitor's first race since July 5th at St. Eustache, Quebec where he earned his third straight top-ten finish after a disappointing start to the season at Cayuga Speedway. The veteran driver of the Haldex-sponsored Dodge elected to skip the recent western segment of the 13-race schedule and is anxious to get back into the action and resume his steady performance improvements prior to the break.
Brown had climbed to tenth-place in the standings following his run at St. Eustache but now finds himself in 19th-place having missed the events in Vernon, BC and Edmonton.
"It was a costly decision in terms of where we are now in the standings (by not going west) but in looking at the results of the western races we may have saved ourselves a lot of money given the motor attrition some of those who went west experienced", Doug remarked in assessing his current position.
Despite his drop in the overall standings he remains optimistic that he can still salvage a top-15 or better position in the standings before the season is over.
"A lot can happen in the remaining seven events, so we'll just attempt to regain our momentum and see what we can muster. "
NASCAR Canadian Tire Series teams will practice Friday morning at the famed circuit on ÃŽle Notre-Dame beginning at 8:00 am with qualifying session scheduled for 12:30 pm.
The 23-lap/100 km NCATS event schedule for Saturday morning begins with drivers' presentation at 9:35 followed by the 10:20 race start.
Strong Canadian Contingent in NAPA 200: This year's NASCAR Nationwide Series NAPA 200 will have a strong representation of Canadians vying for spots in the starting field.
Former Formula One and CART driver Jacques Villeneuve, son of Gilles Villeneuve for whom the track was named, has reached agreement with a group of sponsors (Groupe Savoie of Les Résidences Soleil, Schick Canada, L'Équipeur and Marks Work Wearhouse, the UPS Store Canada, Hype Energy Drinks, and Ganotech for his ride in the Braun Racing No. 32 Toyota Camry. Villeneuve has captured championships in both the CART Series in 1995 and Formula 1 two years later. He has also won the 1995 Indy 500.
Patrick Carpentier a regular in NASCAR's premier Sprint Series, captured the pole position for last year's inaugural Canadian event and went on to finish second in the race. Carpentier's Gillett Evernham team decided he would skip the regular Sprint Cup series race in Pocono this weekend to concentrate on the Montreal event. This will be his fifth Nationwide start this season.
D.J. Kennington, currently third in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series standings, will being double-duty this weekend by driving the No. 81 Mahindra Tractor Dodge in the NASCAR Nationwide Series special. Kennington has already entered 17 of the 24 Nationwide Series events run todate (24th in points) with his best finish being 23rd in Nashville.
Other Canadians expected to enter the Nationwide event are Ron Fellows, Wheeler and Trevor Boys plus current NASCAR Canadian Tire points leader Scott Steckly and veteran Don Thomson, Jr. currently 131 points behind Steckly and a mere 12 points ahead of Kennington.
Prepared By: Ken Spencer // HB Motorsports
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Merrittville Speedway: Ontario Dirt LM visit this weekend
Thorold, Ontario (July 30) For most of the Ontario Dirt Late Models (ODLM) – their first ever visit to Merrittville Speedway’s d-shaped oval will surely be a Civic Holiday Challenge. For one – it may be no different than a Saturday Night.
Jeff Dayman holds a share of top spot in the 2008 so far numerically-listed ODLM Point Standings. Dayman of course is a veteran Hoosier Stock competitor.
Show up points were awarded in June’s WoO Late Model 50 at Ohsweken – leading up to Saturday’s Hingston Metal Fabrication Night August 2nd and the opening round of the Civic Holiday Challenge.
Canada’s only touring series for dirt late models will take the national stage as along with Merrittville’s event – the mini series wraps up at the Humberstone Speedway August 3rd with the Molson Canadian All Canadian Championships.
In an effort to increase the series’ visibility on a national level, the Ontario Dirt Late Models have invited 37 of Canada’s top dirt late model drivers to compete in the organization’s 2008 events.
That invitation list stretches to Thunder Bay but also includes drivers from Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta.
An additional incentive has been offered to drivers how participate in the holiday weekend shows. ODLM Race Coordinator Debbie Brush recently announced a $1500 bonus to be shared amongst the Top 5 in points between the two races.
Back at the WoO Event at Oshweken, ODLM driver Chris Ross (Wallaceburg, ON) placed 12th while Adam Ferri was 16th, Ed Carley (Freedom NY) was 18th and Chad Valone, (Warren, PA) was 24th.
Ferri of course will have years of Sportsman and 358 Modified experience to draw on when he was a regular Saturday Night competitor at the Thorold track.
Rick Baker will also be in the field and will be looking to use his past Merrittville experience to his advantage as well.
Carley also has some history as does expected entrant Doug Ricotta of Warsaw NY. Both drivers have run with the BRP Can Am Late Models in the past.
Merrittville Speedway race fans will also recognize some other names throughout ODLM history as the 2007 Champion was Rob Ledingham with Rick Beales also in the point standings as was Ferri and Baker.
In 2006, former Merrittville Pro Stock Champion Darren Kish won two ODLM events at Humberstone Speedway.
Also on the first Saturday Night since the start of July are the Original Pizza Logs Sportsman, Hoosier Stocks, Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinders and the 4 Cylinder Trucks.
Race will have a final opportunity to get Pasta Dinner Tickets and a last chance to enter the Big Block Grand Marshall Contest.
Hingston Metal Fabricators specialize in flame cutting, custom punching, shearing, expansion joints (metal and fabric) sand blasting, press braking and both aluminum and stainless steel welding.
For your next project give Hingston a call at 905-682-8338 or visit their location at 490 Eastchester Avenue East in St. Catharines.
Gates will open Saturday August 2nd at 5:30 with Showtime set for 7:00.
Your local Dirt Track is where it’s at and it’s at Merrittville Speedway Monday August 4th when the Civic Holiday Doubleheader concludes with our biggest event.
The star studded Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Big Blocks are set to challenge our home town heroes in the 100 lap Trevor Wilkens Memorial presented by Toolneeds.
With plenty of free camping – enjoy the whole weekend at the track, the Club Castropignano Pasta Dinner and much more – it all puts Merrittville Speedway on the map as a must see event.
It’s been a Holiday Tradition since 1972 – make it yours in 2008!
To learn more call 905-892-8266 or visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com.
From Erica Bicknell
Merrittville Speedway: Ontario Dirt LM visit this weekend
Thorold, Ontario (July 30) For most of the Ontario Dirt Late Models (ODLM) – their first ever visit to Merrittville Speedway’s d-shaped oval will surely be a Civic Holiday Challenge. For one – it may be no different than a Saturday Night.
Jeff Dayman holds a share of top spot in the 2008 so far numerically-listed ODLM Point Standings. Dayman of course is a veteran Hoosier Stock competitor.
Show up points were awarded in June’s WoO Late Model 50 at Ohsweken – leading up to Saturday’s Hingston Metal Fabrication Night August 2nd and the opening round of the Civic Holiday Challenge.
Canada’s only touring series for dirt late models will take the national stage as along with Merrittville’s event – the mini series wraps up at the Humberstone Speedway August 3rd with the Molson Canadian All Canadian Championships.
In an effort to increase the series’ visibility on a national level, the Ontario Dirt Late Models have invited 37 of Canada’s top dirt late model drivers to compete in the organization’s 2008 events.
That invitation list stretches to Thunder Bay but also includes drivers from Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta.
An additional incentive has been offered to drivers how participate in the holiday weekend shows. ODLM Race Coordinator Debbie Brush recently announced a $1500 bonus to be shared amongst the Top 5 in points between the two races.
Back at the WoO Event at Oshweken, ODLM driver Chris Ross (Wallaceburg, ON) placed 12th while Adam Ferri was 16th, Ed Carley (Freedom NY) was 18th and Chad Valone, (Warren, PA) was 24th.
Ferri of course will have years of Sportsman and 358 Modified experience to draw on when he was a regular Saturday Night competitor at the Thorold track.
Rick Baker will also be in the field and will be looking to use his past Merrittville experience to his advantage as well.
Carley also has some history as does expected entrant Doug Ricotta of Warsaw NY. Both drivers have run with the BRP Can Am Late Models in the past.
Merrittville Speedway race fans will also recognize some other names throughout ODLM history as the 2007 Champion was Rob Ledingham with Rick Beales also in the point standings as was Ferri and Baker.
In 2006, former Merrittville Pro Stock Champion Darren Kish won two ODLM events at Humberstone Speedway.
Also on the first Saturday Night since the start of July are the Original Pizza Logs Sportsman, Hoosier Stocks, Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinders and the 4 Cylinder Trucks.
Race will have a final opportunity to get Pasta Dinner Tickets and a last chance to enter the Big Block Grand Marshall Contest.
Hingston Metal Fabricators specialize in flame cutting, custom punching, shearing, expansion joints (metal and fabric) sand blasting, press braking and both aluminum and stainless steel welding.
For your next project give Hingston a call at 905-682-8338 or visit their location at 490 Eastchester Avenue East in St. Catharines.
Gates will open Saturday August 2nd at 5:30 with Showtime set for 7:00.
Your local Dirt Track is where it’s at and it’s at Merrittville Speedway Monday August 4th when the Civic Holiday Doubleheader concludes with our biggest event.
The star studded Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Big Blocks are set to challenge our home town heroes in the 100 lap Trevor Wilkens Memorial presented by Toolneeds.
With plenty of free camping – enjoy the whole weekend at the track, the Club Castropignano Pasta Dinner and much more – it all puts Merrittville Speedway on the map as a must see event.
It’s been a Holiday Tradition since 1972 – make it yours in 2008!
To learn more call 905-892-8266 or visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com.
From Erica Bicknell
NASCAR CANADIAN TIRE SERIES: Full Throttle Energy Drink 200 set to return to Mosport Speedway
(BOWMANVILLE, ON – July 30, 2008) The powerful stock cars of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series are will make their second appearance of the season at Mosport, this time at the Speedway, as Canada's top stock car drivers take to Canada's fastest half-mile oval in the Full Throttle Energy Drink 200 on Saturday, August 9.
The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, Canada's top-level stock car championship, features drivers such as current points leader Scott Steckly of Milverton, Ontario, five-time Mosport Speedway winner Don Thomson, Jr. of Ayr, Ontario and defending series champion Andrew Ranger of Roxton Pond, Quebec. Among the other veteran racers that will be on the starting grid, are past Mosport Speedway winners DJ Kennington of St.Thomas, Ontario and Dave Whitlock of Petrolia, Ontario and 2006 national stock car champ J.R. Fitzpatrick of Cambridge, Ontario.
In addition to the exciting racing action taking place on-track, the Speedway's got some great attractions off-track too. The Canadian Tire Fast Track Tour will be on hand inside to entertain and educate race fans. They can test their NASCAR/ Canadian Tire knowledge and learn more about Canada's rich racing history, and see if they've got what it takes on the PlayStation simulator.
The Full Throttle Energy Drink display will also be set up near the front gates, where fans can sample an ice cold Full Throttle and get their picture taken with the Full Throttle girls. One lucky fan and a friend will also win the Full Throttle Best Seats In the House and watch the race from a private grandstand near corner one.
A new attraction for this year's Full Throttle Energy Drink 200 is the Castrol Top Tuner
Super Saturn Sky display. The display features the multimillion dollar high-performance show car and custom transporter along with a selection of Castrol lubricants and information about the Castrol Top Tuner Tour program.
The gates open at 1:30 p.m. and time trials are set for 5:00 p.m. Fans will also want to be sure to bring their sharpies and cameras for the driver autograph session that will get underway at 5:45 p.m. on the front straight. The green flag for the Full Throttle Energy Drink 200, a 200 lap, 100 mile race, drops at 7:00 p.m.
Advance tickets are just $25 until August 6 ($30 at the Gate) and parking is free. Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by a paid adult admission.
For more information about tickets, call the Mosport Hotline at 1-800-866-1072 (Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm ET) or visit online at www.mosport.com. Tickets are also available at Ticketmaster.
-30-
Photo: The start of the 2007 Full Throttle Energy Drink 200 at Mosport Speedway. // Credit: Peter Brand .ca // From Lee Bailie, Mosport
NASCAR CANADIAN TIRE SERIES: Full Throttle Energy Drink 200 set to return to Mosport Speedway
(BOWMANVILLE, ON – July 30, 2008) The powerful stock cars of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series are will make their second appearance of the season at Mosport, this time at the Speedway, as Canada's top stock car drivers take to Canada's fastest half-mile oval in the Full Throttle Energy Drink 200 on Saturday, August 9.
The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, Canada's top-level stock car championship, features drivers such as current points leader Scott Steckly of Milverton, Ontario, five-time Mosport Speedway winner Don Thomson, Jr. of Ayr, Ontario and defending series champion Andrew Ranger of Roxton Pond, Quebec. Among the other veteran racers that will be on the starting grid, are past Mosport Speedway winners DJ Kennington of St.Thomas, Ontario and Dave Whitlock of Petrolia, Ontario and 2006 national stock car champ J.R. Fitzpatrick of Cambridge, Ontario.
In addition to the exciting racing action taking place on-track, the Speedway's got some great attractions off-track too. The Canadian Tire Fast Track Tour will be on hand inside to entertain and educate race fans. They can test their NASCAR/ Canadian Tire knowledge and learn more about Canada's rich racing history, and see if they've got what it takes on the PlayStation simulator.
The Full Throttle Energy Drink display will also be set up near the front gates, where fans can sample an ice cold Full Throttle and get their picture taken with the Full Throttle girls. One lucky fan and a friend will also win the Full Throttle Best Seats In the House and watch the race from a private grandstand near corner one.
A new attraction for this year's Full Throttle Energy Drink 200 is the Castrol Top Tuner
Super Saturn Sky display. The display features the multimillion dollar high-performance show car and custom transporter along with a selection of Castrol lubricants and information about the Castrol Top Tuner Tour program.
The gates open at 1:30 p.m. and time trials are set for 5:00 p.m. Fans will also want to be sure to bring their sharpies and cameras for the driver autograph session that will get underway at 5:45 p.m. on the front straight. The green flag for the Full Throttle Energy Drink 200, a 200 lap, 100 mile race, drops at 7:00 p.m.
Advance tickets are just $25 until August 6 ($30 at the Gate) and parking is free. Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by a paid adult admission.
For more information about tickets, call the Mosport Hotline at 1-800-866-1072 (Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm ET) or visit online at www.mosport.com. Tickets are also available at Ticketmaster.
-30-
Photo: The start of the 2007 Full Throttle Energy Drink 200 at Mosport Speedway. // Credit: Peter Brand .ca // From Lee Bailie, Mosport
TLM RACING: Team Grote rookie Alex Ellis lands multiple podiums; heading to Valencia, Spain
During this weekend's F1200 races at Calabogie Ellis, and another top contender Michael Iamundi, were never more than 3 tenths of a second apart at the finish line with Ellis edging out Iamundi by 3/1000's of second for the trophy race, truly a great display of racing to a photo finish by a couple of Canada's top open wheel prospects!
Ellis, the current overall points and rookie of the year leader in the F1200 Championship Series has shown speed, consistency, and determination over the first half of the season.
Before joining the F1200 Series in late winter Ellis found himself challenging for the Las Vegas Super National Karting title, then shortly after was in Arizona where he made it to the final cut for the 2008 VW Jetta TDI Cup Series.
"Going into this shootout I feel very comfortable. This is mostly due to my experiences and time in F1200 cars. The F1200 cars have really set me up well going into the Formula BMW cars, as the higher speed and G forces are not as hard to get used to as the basic feel of a racecar in general", stated Ellis from his home in St. Catharines, Ontario. "In no other series will all 3 races in a single weekend be decided by less than 3 tenths of a second each. F1200 really teaches drivers how to react in close quarters, and I feel it has given me an advantage when it comes to racecraft and decision making. A big thanks to TLM Racing/Team Grote, Coach Randy Smith, Ellis Engineering, ArtCraft Kitchens, and 66 GraphX for helping me get to this point and opportunity!"
TLM Racing, Team Grote, and The Formula 1200 Drivers Association wish Alex the best of luck in Spain and make Canada proud!
From TLM Racing
TLM RACING: Team Grote rookie Alex Ellis lands multiple podiums; heading to Valencia, Spain
During this weekend's F1200 races at Calabogie Ellis, and another top contender Michael Iamundi, were never more than 3 tenths of a second apart at the finish line with Ellis edging out Iamundi by 3/1000's of second for the trophy race, truly a great display of racing to a photo finish by a couple of Canada's top open wheel prospects!
Ellis, the current overall points and rookie of the year leader in the F1200 Championship Series has shown speed, consistency, and determination over the first half of the season.
Before joining the F1200 Series in late winter Ellis found himself challenging for the Las Vegas Super National Karting title, then shortly after was in Arizona where he made it to the final cut for the 2008 VW Jetta TDI Cup Series.
"Going into this shootout I feel very comfortable. This is mostly due to my experiences and time in F1200 cars. The F1200 cars have really set me up well going into the Formula BMW cars, as the higher speed and G forces are not as hard to get used to as the basic feel of a racecar in general", stated Ellis from his home in St. Catharines, Ontario. "In no other series will all 3 races in a single weekend be decided by less than 3 tenths of a second each. F1200 really teaches drivers how to react in close quarters, and I feel it has given me an advantage when it comes to racecraft and decision making. A big thanks to TLM Racing/Team Grote, Coach Randy Smith, Ellis Engineering, ArtCraft Kitchens, and 66 GraphX for helping me get to this point and opportunity!"
TLM Racing, Team Grote, and The Formula 1200 Drivers Association wish Alex the best of luck in Spain and make Canada proud!
From TLM Racing
New Hampshire Motor Speedway reacts to being left off the 2009 IndyCar sked: "... a slap in the face..."
LOUDON, N.H. (July 30, 2008) – The following is a statement from New Hampshire Motor Speedway Executive Vice President and General Manager Jerry Gappens on the Speedway being omitted from the 2009 IndyCar Series Schedule.
“I’m extremely disappointed for our fans, who have given us very positive feedback about the possible return of IndyCar racing to New Hampshire Motor Speedway. In fact, in a recent poll on our website, nhms.com, nearly 80-percent of our fans said they wanted to see this exciting form of motorsports return. That’s a strong endorsement, and I don’t understand the decision not to include our facility on next year's schedule.
I think it’s a slap in the face to Bruton Smith, our Chairman, and to our company who have both been very supportive of the Indy Racing League since its inception. From a historical perspective, Bob Bahre, the former owner of New Hampshire Motor Speedway, was one of the first to agree to go with the Indy Racing League (IRL) when they split from Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) in 1995.
I sat in a meeting and watched Bruton ask them for a race here, which they seemed extremely interested in doing, pending scheduling conflicts with Japan. In addition, in that same meeting, they asked him to host the series finale in Las Vegas, which Mr. Smith agreed to and even offered the speedway and financial support for it to happen this year. Having attended that meeting in early June, it’s hard to believe that neither facility is on the new schedule.
The feedback that has been conveyed to me is that they don’t want to add an additional race to the schedule because of the increased cost to the teams. However, I believe that the purse and the strength of adding the seventh largest media market in the country would offset those costs and concerns. I think this market and facility have a lot to offer the team and series sponsors.
I would like to thank Texas Motor Speedway President and General Manager, Eddie Gossage, who on behalf of Speedway Motorsports, made an excellent proposal to the league which included Las Vegas and New Hampshire.
I don’t want to burn any bridges, but I am upset to be excluded. I am a big fan of open-wheel racing, and I strongly admire what the Hulman-George family has done for this sport. I hope that they know they would get an excellent effort from our team here at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in promoting a race in this market. History has proven that this venue provided exciting races. Now, we'll see what happens down the road.”
From NHIS
New Hampshire Motor Speedway reacts to being left off the 2009 IndyCar sked: "... a slap in the face..."
LOUDON, N.H. (July 30, 2008) – The following is a statement from New Hampshire Motor Speedway Executive Vice President and General Manager Jerry Gappens on the Speedway being omitted from the 2009 IndyCar Series Schedule.
“I’m extremely disappointed for our fans, who have given us very positive feedback about the possible return of IndyCar racing to New Hampshire Motor Speedway. In fact, in a recent poll on our website, nhms.com, nearly 80-percent of our fans said they wanted to see this exciting form of motorsports return. That’s a strong endorsement, and I don’t understand the decision not to include our facility on next year's schedule.
I think it’s a slap in the face to Bruton Smith, our Chairman, and to our company who have both been very supportive of the Indy Racing League since its inception. From a historical perspective, Bob Bahre, the former owner of New Hampshire Motor Speedway, was one of the first to agree to go with the Indy Racing League (IRL) when they split from Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) in 1995.
I sat in a meeting and watched Bruton ask them for a race here, which they seemed extremely interested in doing, pending scheduling conflicts with Japan. In addition, in that same meeting, they asked him to host the series finale in Las Vegas, which Mr. Smith agreed to and even offered the speedway and financial support for it to happen this year. Having attended that meeting in early June, it’s hard to believe that neither facility is on the new schedule.
The feedback that has been conveyed to me is that they don’t want to add an additional race to the schedule because of the increased cost to the teams. However, I believe that the purse and the strength of adding the seventh largest media market in the country would offset those costs and concerns. I think this market and facility have a lot to offer the team and series sponsors.
I would like to thank Texas Motor Speedway President and General Manager, Eddie Gossage, who on behalf of Speedway Motorsports, made an excellent proposal to the league which included Las Vegas and New Hampshire.
I don’t want to burn any bridges, but I am upset to be excluded. I am a big fan of open-wheel racing, and I strongly admire what the Hulman-George family has done for this sport. I hope that they know they would get an excellent effort from our team here at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in promoting a race in this market. History has proven that this venue provided exciting races. Now, we'll see what happens down the road.”
From NHIS
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