This season the Hornet class has become the new entry class at Saratoga Speedway. On Saturday night there were 30 cars on hand, the highest car count of any class at the Black Creek oval in nearly twenty years. Along with the Hornets, the 3rd last race of the 08 season sponsored by Little Caesars Pizza featured the Crash to Pass cars as well as the Figure 8’s and Road Runners.
The Hornet class is open to four cylinder cars with minimum safety requirements. This allows someone interested in getting into racing to enter the sport with very little cost. With a non contact rule in place for the class there is very little maintenance on the cars. These cars are so easy to build that many of them have been built in one night, and is one of the main reasons that the car count has gone beyond expectations and why it keeps growing.
Saturday night the car count was aided by 11 Hornet cars from Victoria with 10 impressively coming into the speedway on a car hauler. In qualifying Phil Lagan, the 08 Western Speedway point champion set a new track record three different times with his fastest lap being a 18.956. He then went on to win the 35 lap main event ahead of fellow Victoria racers Phil Calnan and Jean Luc Lagan. With such a big car count the Hornets ran three heat races won by Andrew Buchanan, Victoria’s Tyler Woods and Calnan while Campbell River’s Darren Werebowy took the win in the B main.
In Crash to Pass racing Campbell River’s Travis Stevenson went a long way to claiming the season points championship by taking wins in the heat race then the win in the 25 lap main event ahead of Ryan Monks and Tom Dunns to boast his lead to over 200 points ahead of Monks with one race remaining.
A good field of Road Runners were on hand and put together two highly competitive races with point leader Kermit Dahl padding his point lead with the heat race win then a 2nd place finish in the 25 lap main event right on the bumper of race winner Riley Carter and ahead of Hanns Baan.
The increased car count in the Hornet class has seen a decrease in the Figure 8 car count as a number of racers decided to join in the non contact full track racing Hornets. This has left the Figure 8’s low on cars but still good racing as point leader Brandon Steen held of a determined Walker Welsh for the 15 lap main event win while Welsh held the hot hand in the heat race by taking the win.
The 2nd last race of the season with double points up for grabs goes this Saturday night with three championships to be decided in the Stock car, IMCA Modifides and the Dwarf cars and they will be joined by the Bomber and Hornet cars along with the last race for the Motorcycles whose point champion for 08 will be Dean Thompson.
In the Stock car class four drivers are still in the hunt with Victoria’s Kerry Steen holding the upper hand with a 74 point lead on Mike Dionne followed by Martin Beaulieu, who is 182 points back and Don Hallgarth who is 192 back.
In IMCA racing Victoria’s Tony Johnson holds a slim 1 point advantage on 06 and 07 point champion, Oyster River’s Chris Beaulieu, followed by Kevin Noble only 21 points back. Pat Brown is 24 back and Rob Ryan is 107 points away leaving all four a chance at the 08 championship.
The 2nd last Bomber race as they finish their season October 11th has Port Albernie’s Rob Gaudrealt leading the points race 48 points up on Campbell River’s Stewart Lee followed by Kyle Harrison at 117 back, Andy Meyers 285 back and the 5th and last driver still with a chance at the championship, Justin Beaulieu 315 points back.
The Hornet cars will also end their season October 11th making Saturday night their 2nd last race of the 2008 season. They have four drivers still with championship hopes and they are Dave Hargrave who sits in first ahead of Doug McLean followed by Lyle Bowlen and Joceyln Popwich with a outside shot.
Racing action this Saturday night have gates open at 5.30 followed by qualifying at 6 and racing at 7pm. Next Saturday night will be the season’s final race that will feature along with the Bomber cars, Crash to Pass, Hornets, Figure 8’s and the Road Runners, the great pumpkin race and a season ending fireworks display which is always a sight to see and remember.
An error from the last speedway report had the season ending banquet on October 17th when it is actually on November 15th at the Best Western Hotel with tickets available at the Speedway or for more info call 250-923-2982.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Kyle Marcelli Goes Star Mazda
Barrie, Ontario (September 29th 2008) - Young Canadian race car driver Kyle Marcelli recently signed a deal with fellow Canadian team AIM Autosport and sponsor Lafarge to race in round eleven of the Star Mazda Championship at the inaugural Petite LeMans weekend at the Road Atlanta race course in Brasselton, Georgia this coming weekend.
Upon the completion of Marcelli’s rookie season in the very competitive pro F2000 Championship Series where he scored third in the standings after a come from behind season with eight podium finishes including a win at Road America. Marcelli is now looking forward to taking another step forward in the evolution of his career this time behind the wheel of a Star Mazda race car.
The eighteen year old Canadian native will be supported by Lafarge throughout this weekends events. Lafarge is a building material company successfully operating in over 85 countries worldwide. Recently introducing a new “TURBO” theory to market the following products Agilia, Extensia, Chronolia and Artevia. The company has teamed up with Marcelli putting together a great program to market at speed.
“I am very pleased and honoured to be representing Lafarge on an international stage of Motorsports. We are working to put together a successful program in which I am very excited about. I’m really looking forward to this weekend’s event at Road Atlanta; it’s a great facility and a world class race track. AIM is a very well established, successful race team and I hope to bring them more success this weekend. ” Says Marcelli.
Marcelli would like to thank his year long sponsors Simcoe Block, Lafarge, Barrie Trim and Mouldings, GP Masonry and Landscaping Supplies, Trudel Roofing, PFAFF, Alpinestars, The Robert Simpson Brewery, Brown Windows, MG Homes, Mullins Pub, MMG Trading, Simcoe Building Center, RE/MAX Barrie, Stif Creative Works and Canadian Tire Barrie South
For more info on Kyle visit him at www.kylemarcelli.com
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Kawartha Speedway Race For Charity
Collin Welsh, Director of Operations for Discount Car and Truck Rentals in Oshawa, Ontario collected funds for the fight against Cerebral Palsy with his race winning run in a Kawartha Speedway Driving Experience mini stock. The race was held prior to the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Dodge Dealers of Ontario - Dodge Ram 250 Saturday, September 27th at Kawartha Speedway. (Words and Photos by Jim Clarke)
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NCATS: Home Hardware Chevy Finishes Top-Five at Kawartha
Don Thomson Jr. and the Home Hardware Chevrolet team did it again during the final round of the 2008 NASCAR Canadian Tire series (NCATS) series at Kawartha Speedway this past weekend. Thomson for the seventh time this season would post the quickest qualifying time and start the 250 lap race from the pole position. It was exactly the start the team wanted as they looked to continue their charge and attempt to grab the overall championship.
The Home Hardware Chevrolet crew was as usual well prepared and gave their driver a fast race car and Thomson clicked off the quickest qualifying time at 18.190 seconds for an average speed of 74.217 MPH. This was exactly what the team needed to keep their title hopes alive.
Thomson would accept the green flag to start the race and then proceed to hold that position for the first 42 laps of the race. Without warning however a miss in the motor would be the first of several hurdles the Home Hardware team would face. “Coming out of turn two it just started missing again, we lost a spark plug wire” said a frustrated driver who takes great pride in performing much of the work on the car himself. “That won’t happen next year, we’re going to change our distributor system” he added.
The Home Hardware crew went to work making a series of stops to correct the problem under the hood and has been the case all season; they were calm and cool under pressure knowing there was still plenty of racing to be done. “The Home Hardware car was good to that point. I was just pacing myself and saving the brakes a little bit which you have to do here. Once the Home crew made the repairs the car was just as good as before” said the driver.
Adjusting their race strategy while making repairs, the Home Hardware Chevy team also performed the necessary routine service taking on fresh tires and fuel to go the balance of the race distance. It was their chance to have the race come back to them and capitalize should the #22 car have difficulties. They were not out of the championship hunt yet.
Misfortune would strike their competition and the #22 would fall deep into the field. Thomson meanwhile had the bit between his teeth and pushed the Home Hardware Chevy into the top-five, every position gained brought them closer to a possible title. Also working in their favour was the fact that the four cars in front of Thomson still needed to make pit stops for fuel and tires. The Home Hardware team was in great position. However there was one more element to this story that had yet to play out; the weather.
Light sprinkles were becoming more persistent and making for a very tricky race track. NASCAR officials chose to throw the red flag stopping the race after 174 laps. Shortly after the decision was made by NASCAR to call the race complete. It was disappointing for a team that had worked so hard all season and especially in this race not to have the chance to finish the entire event. “We were in a really good position going to the end” said Thomson afterwards. “All of the cars in front of me had to pit, I would have inherited the lead and I really think we had a strong enough car to hold everybody off, especially when the outside groove really went away”.
Don Thomson Jr. and the Home Hardware Chevrolet team would finish the season second in the overall championship standings, just twenty three points behind the winner. “Obviously I’ve got thank the whole Home Hardware team, John Fitzpatrick and all the effort that they put in for us. It’s a little disappointing not to be able to run those last laps but we’ll be back to go get ‘em next year”.
Next up for the NCATS teams is the annual awards banquet on October 25th. You can watch all thirteen races this season on TSN. For information about the NCATS including schedule, results and more, log onto www.nascar.ca
Photos: Home Hardware Chevy heading out for qualifying at Kawartha Speedway.
Photo Credit: Todd Lewis
This release prepared by TL Sports & Entertainment
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NCATS: Full Throttle Team Fourth at Kawartha
Driver Brad Graham and the Full Throttle Blue Demon/Logel’s Auto Parts/ Challenger Motor Freight Dodge team have been on a charge in the late stages of the 2008 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series racing season. With every increasing momentum the team scored yet another top-five finish to close out the final round of the season with a fourth place finish at the Dodge Dealers of Ontario Ram 250 at Kawartha Speedway.
It was a tough start to the day for the Full Throttle Blue Demon/Logel’s Auto Parts/ Challenger Motor Freight team. Lap times during practice were impressive but the story was different during qualifying. “Our Goodyear tires have been great all year” said Brad Graham, “but for some reason we had a set that grew a little funny during time trails and we just didn’t get the performance we were expecting” he added.
Graham would start the 250 lap feature event deep in the field at fifteenth spot. The Full Throttle Blue Demon/Logel’s Auto Parts/ Challenger Motor Freight Dodge would not be there for long. With track conditions noticeably different from qualifying that were much better suited to the cars set up Graham took off toward the front of the field. “We just started picking off positions one at a time and next thing you know we’re inside the top-ten and heading for the front” he stated.
Graham would continue the push forward with his smooth handling Full Throttle Blue Demon/Logel’s Auto Parts/ Challenger Motor Freight race car and continue to gain more positions as the laps ticked away. “We just kept our nose clean and stayed out of trouble and got ourselves into the top-five” summarized Graham.
Knowing he had a race car that could run up front Graham began to look ahead to how the final third of the race would play out. “We were up there battling with third and fourth place runners trying to set ourselves up to be in a good spot for the finish” said the driver. It was at this point Mother Nature would exert her forces on the field.
The race was halted on lap 174 of the scheduled 250 due to persistent showers. Graham would have to accept a fourth place finish but couldn’t help but wonder what might have been if the final laps had been run. “We weren’t trying to be too aggressive with that many laps to go” he said. “The Full Throttle Blue Demon/Logel’s Auto Parts/ Challenger Motor Freight Dodge was pretty good. It’s a real bummer that NASCAR chose to end it early. I think we had a good enough car certainly to finish on the podium and maybe for the win”.
Brad Graham and the Full Throttle/Logel’s Auto Parts/ Challenger Motor Freight Dodge team finished the season tenth in the overall points standings.
The Full Throttle Team will celebrate the 2008 season at the annual awards banquet on October 25th. This season teams raced from coast to coast in Canada on challenging oval tracks, temporary street circuits and road courses. For more information about the series log onto www.nascar.ca and for more news information about the team go to www.bradgraham.ca All races this season are also be broadcast on TSN.
Attached Photo: Full Throttle Dodge
Photo Credit: Todd Lewis
This release prepared by TL Sports & Entertainment
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NCATS: Castrol Dodge Finishes Season Strong
A week ago DJ Kennington wasn’t sure how well the Castrol Dodge would be able to perform in the season finale of the 2008 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, the Ontario Dodge Dealers Ram 250 at Kawartha Speedway. Though both Kennington and the Castrol Dodge Avenger were bruised from a hard hit, they showed how tough and competitive they can be with a second place finish this past Saturday.
As practice began Kennington and the Castrol Crew were anxious to see how the many hours of work necessary would pay off. They would find out quickly as Kennington put up solid practice laps. “It was a lot of work to get this car ready, but by the end of the night we knew that we got had it fixed right” said the driver. “It’s probably the best we’ve been all year” he added.
Kennington would take a cautious approach with the Castrol Dodge on a slick race track during qualifying and begin the Ontario Dodge Dealers Ram 250 from the eleventh spot “Conditions were pretty tricky and I didn’t want to take any chances, we felt the car was good” said the driver afterwards.
Right from the start of the race Kennington was moving the Castrol Dodge forward in the field and very quickly into the top-ten and approaching the top-five. “We had the set up right in the first part of the race and that helped us get the Castrol Dodge up into contention pretty quickly” said DJ.
Kennington continued to maneuver his race car forward and on lap 62 the team was rewarded for all their hard work as the Castrol Dodge took over the lead of the race. Kennington would continue to hold the point until 105 when a dampening race track also played play a significant role. Looking to find the best racing line for his car in the worsening conditions Kennington moved up higher on the track and the decision cost him. With his skill DJ was able to bring the Castrol Dodge under control but had surrendered the lead. “I was a bit loose in the corner and I thought moving up would tighten the car up a little, and I just hand my hands full gathering it up and that’s when the #3 car got by me”.
Kennington would set out to hunt down the leader but the weather began to worsen and after 174 laps the race was halted. The Castrol Dodge team would have to settle for a second place finish. “I just made a mistake and it cost us a win tonight” said the disappointed driver. “I really figured I could get him back, but then it rained harder and NASCAR stopped it. I’m just disappointed in myself, and I’m frustrated.
While there is obvious disappointment in not winning the race, there is tremendous pride in a season full of accomplishment. The Castrol Dodge team scored an incredible nine top-five finishes and eleven top-tens in thirteen events.
DJ Kennington would wind up the season third in the overall championship standings. Kennington will now concentrate full-time on his Nationwide series ride with MacDonald Motorsports
The NASCAR Canadian Tire series will honor competitors this year at the annual awards banquet on October 25th. The 2008 NASCAR Canadian Tire series consisted of thirteen events on ovals, road courses and temporary street circuits from coast to coast. Each broadcast on TSN. More information can be found by logging onto www.djkennington.com and www.nascar.ca
Attached photo: 1. The Castrol Dodge ready to qualify at Kawartha. 2. DJ Kennington (left) on the podium at Kawartha Speedway.
Photo Credit: Todd Lewis // This release prepared by TL Sports & Entertainment
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NCATS: Back to Back Podium Finishes for Team Mopar
The Mopar Parts Dodge with Ron Beauchamp Jr. at the wheel has turned heads over final third of the 2008 NASCAR Canadian Tire series schedule. Those heads are usually turning to watch the Mopar Parts Dodge Avengers blazing past them. At the final round of the championship, the Ontario Dodge Dealers Ram 250 at Kawartha Speedway Ron Beauchamp Jr. was showing the Dodge power with a third place finish that helped clinch the Manufacturers title for Dodge.
One of the keys to success for Team Mopar has been having a strong car right off the trailer for the last few events in particular. “During practice the car was just a little tight, but we made a few adjustments and it was bang on for qualifying” said Ron Beauchamp Jr. “We had another good qualifying run and started up near the front” he added.
Beauchamp would begin the Ontario Dodge Dealers Ram 250 on the outside of row two on a damp and misty Saturday night. “The car was a little tight on the outside, but I knew right after qualifying I had a good car for the race” he stated.
As the laps ticked away the Mopar Parts Dodge was ever present near the front of the field. “I just tried to be really careful” said Beauchamp. “You could tell it was the last race of the season and some guys were pretty feisty. The thing is it cost most of them positions in the end. We took our time and stayed up front and had ourselves in a very good position for the final stages of the race. Outside forces would also play a significant role in the outcome.
The Ontario Dodge Dealers Ram 250 would actually only complete 174 laps due to persistent showers. The Mopar Parts Dodge though would claim a third place podium position. “We’ve just been on such a role here lately I’m kind of sorry to see the season come to an end, the way we’ve been going you want to get right back out there” said Beauchamp.
With back to back podium finishes to close out the season Ron Beauchamp Jr. and Team Mopar are anxious to begin preparations for what will no doubt be a very successful 2009 season. “We’re going to get working on our program right away” said the driver. “We’ll be building new race cars right in our shop and they’ll be race ready right from the start of the season”.
The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series 2008 season awards, including the Manufacturers Cup that goes to Dodge will be presented at the series annual banquet on Saturday October 25th. This years racing schedule consisted of thirteen races on oval tracks, temporary street circuits and road courses. All races once again broadcast on TSN. You can read more about Team Mopar and Ron Beauchamp Jr. at www.beauchampmotorsports.com and www.nascar.ca
Attached Photo: 1. Mopar Parts Dodge ready for qualifying. 2. Ron Beauchamp Jr. (right) on the podium at Kawartha Speedway
Photo Credit: Todd Lewis
This release prepared by TL Sports & Entertainment
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NCATS: Not Enough Horses for Fitzpatrick
September 28, 2008. After a very successful test session at Iowa Speedway with TRG Motorsports NASCAR Truck program, John Ryan (J.R.) Fitzpatrick was hoping to wrap up the 2008 NASCAR Canadian Tire series season with a strong showing. Unfortunately his #84 Fitzpatrick Motorsports Chevrolet was a little lacking in horsepower hampering his overall finishing position.
It was a cloudy and damp day at Kawartha Speedway this past weekend as teams began the afternoon practice session. To no one surprise the #84 Fitzpatrick Motorsports Chevy was consistently quick. “We learned a lot of things at the test session at Iowa that we immediately applied to our car here” said the 20 year old driver. “And we could see improvements right away” he added.
Fitzpatrick would qualify the #84 machine fourth overall and begin the 250 lap feature event on the outside of row two. “Our plan was the same as usual, try and run up front, maybe lead a lap and then settle into a good pace and save our stuff for the end” said the driver. For several reasons going the 250 lap distance would prove to be a challenge.
With the start of the race the #84 Chevrolet was decent but not performing to the expectations of the driver. “The car just seemed to be flattening out” said Fitzpatrick who provided good information to the team. “We decided to make a pit stop and make some adjustments, switched ignition boxes. We thought we were playing it smart to come in early and make changes”. The problems for the Fitzpatrick Motorsports team were just beginning.
After the changes the #84 Chevy still was not performing at peak level. “The guys in the back of the field were just out powering me” said a frustrated driver. “We knew there must be some kind of problem deep inside the motor. It seemed to be hurt pretty bad”.
Despite the underpowered race car Fitzpatrick maneuvered the #84 Chevrolet surprisingly well, especially in the damp conditions. “We figured that we were running on only six cylinders” said the driver. “I tried to drift it out a bit and I said to the guys, if we had some power it would be a lot of fun to run out here sliding around”.
The #84 Fitzpatrick Motorsports team soldiered on as best they could until damp conditions forced NASCAR officials to conclude the event on lap 174. “I’m actually kind of glad we finished it early” said J.R. “It wasn’t a lot of fun being down on power and running around out there”.
The #84 Fitzpatrick Motorsports Chevy would be classified nineteenth at the conclusion of the race.
Despite the disappointing finish in the final event, J.R. Fitzpatrick finished the season seventh in the overall championship standings.
OF NOTE: J.R. Fitzpatrick will now focus his efforts on competing in select events on the NASCAR Truck series with TRG Motorsports. The first event on the schedule is at Martinsville on October
The 2008 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series season will cap off with the annual awards banquet on Saturday, October 25th All NASCAR Canadian Tire Series races are broadcast on TSN. More information on the series can be obtained by visiting www.nascar.ca
Attached Photo Caption: #84 Fitzpatrick Motorsports Chevy set for qualifying at Kawartha Speedway.
Photo Credit: Todd Lewis
This release prepared by TL Sports & Entertainment
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Napanee, Ontario's Chris Raabe Rides a Rocket to the Top of the DIRTcar Racing Standings
By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications
After a 3 race weekend that saw him take over the top spot on the Mr. DIRTcar sportsman modified title hunt and score a win (his 21st of the year) in his first ever visit to Cornwall Motor Speedway, Chris Raabe was looking set his sights on another strong weekend with stops Friday, September 26th at Brighton Speedway and Saturday, September 27th at Rolling Wheels Raceway Park. The teenaged sensation from Napanee, Ontario had already clinched the track titles at Brockville Ontario Speedway and Thunder Alley Speed Park - as well as the DIRTcar Northern Region sportsman modified title and hoped to finish the weekend with another pair of feathers in his cap.
Heading into the Friday night show at Brighton – part of the track’s Applefest Shootout Weekend – the Scott Industrial Services/TyRoute Communications-Telus/Kingston Hyundai/Kingston RV Centre/Waste Management/Brunet Plumbing/Kwik Load Products/McColman Media/Len Corcoran Excavating #01 team was unbeaten in 4 Lucas Oil sportsman series starts. That 100% batting average earned him a spot in the Dirt Track Digest All-Star Race, for a $2,500.00 payout. The 17 year-old 12th grader from Napanee and District Secondary School scored a convincing win in the 15 east-versus-west showdown and added another piece of hardware to his trophy case.
Raabe finished 3rd in the night’s second heat race and advanced to the 35 lap main event. After starting mid-pack, he was advancing nicely through the field but got collected in someone else’s wreck on lap 13 and damaged his favourite piece, the team’s 2006 TEO Pro Car. The car was hurt badly enough that it needed to be taken from the track on the rollback. With another show in less than 24 hours and a 4 hour drive from their home base, it was time for the crew to really show their stuff. The old faithful racer was hauled back to Smith’s Kwik Load race shop where it was carefully taken apart. It was there that they learned the damage looked worse than it actually was.
By 2:AM, the car was in pieces on the floor. Parts were changed. The body work was hammered back into place and just after 5:AM, the trusty steed was back to looking like the championship winning piece it is. After a few hours sleep in the motor home (parked just outside) the crew scaled the car, loaded it into the Kingston RV Centre hauler and headed for Rolling Wheels. Team owner Garry McColman says this is what championship winning runs are made of. “The team takes their lead from Chris and his Dad (Mike Raabe) and never complains”, explained McColman. “We all knew it was worth the effort to give the driver what he wanted. Without the 150% effort of Greg and Chris Hale and Dave Brunet, the weekend would have had a very different result”.
With valuable Mr. DIRTcar sportsman modified championship trail points up for grabs, the team entered the Saturday show at Rolling Wheels with a ‘cautiously aggressive’ race approach. They’d do the best they could with what they had to work with and hope to come away with at least the same point’s lead cushion they entered the weekend with. After winning the night’s 4th and final heat race, the crew staged an informal meeting and decided to throw the ‘cautiously’ term out of their strategy.
Chris Raabe took the green flag in the Taylor Rental 30 lap sportsman main event from 5th starting spot, while his closest competition Dan Wiesner went away from 11th on the grid. A strong run saw the Teenage Tornado cross the line 2nd, chasing race winner Greg Panunte who won for the 2nd time in 3 starts. Wiesner finished 11th and is now 60 points in arrears to Raabe, while Panunte – on the strength of his current hot streak – is 3rd, just 69 markers off the pace.
With his 2nd place showing, Chris Raabe officially clinched the 2008 Rolling Wheels Raceway Park sportsman modified championship. His 3rd track title of ’08.
Coming up: Friday, October 3rd – Fulton Speedway, Fulton NY. Wednesday, October 8th – Can Am Motorsports Park.
Learn more about Chris Raabe at www.chrisraabe.com
Photo tag line: Napanee, Ontario’s Chris Raabe waits for his chance to ‘hot lap’ his #01 sportsman modified Friday, September 26th at Brighton Speedway Park. (Jim Clarke photo)
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South Buxton Raceway Shootout Report Sept. 27, 2008
Words by Mike Bennett / Pictures by James MacDonald Apex One Photo for contributed photos
Wallaceburg's Chris Ross is presented his $6,000 cheque and trophy after winning the Castrol Canadian UMP Late Model Shootout at South Buxton Raceway on Saturday night by the 'Castrol Girls.'
Chris Ross pumps his fist as he crosses the finish line.
Brian Ruhlman of Clarklake, Mich., receives his $2,500 pay check from the Castrol Girls after winning the inaugural Advantage Warehouse UMP Modified Fall Blowout.
Tim Richardson (5x) of Tilbury rides the low line in a three-wide battle during the Advantage Warehouse UMP Modified Fall Blowout 'A' Main.
SOUTH BUXTON – Running with the Americans helped Wallaceburg’s Chris Ross make Canadian history.
Ross started on the pole and led all 40 laps to win the fourth annual Castrol Canadian UMP Late Model Shootout in front of a capacity crowd at South Buxton Raceway on Saturday night.
His victory was the first by a Canadian driver in the four-year history of what has become the track’s signature event. Ross finished second in 2005.
“Definitely, it’s the biggest win of my career,” the 27-year-old Ross said, as he pocketed $6,000 (US) with his victory.
Ross, the 2003 Late Model season champion at South Buxton, has been racing on the Ohio dirt-track circuit the past two summers.
Saturday’s victory was his second in two appearances at South Buxton this year, as he won a feature race on May 24.
“This is my roots,” he said of winning at South Buxton. “I’ve moved on to other avenues, but I still like driving 45 minutes to my home track, so there’s a lot of sentiment here.”
Although his success has been limited in Ohio, Ross feels competing against the more experienced Americans the last two summers is paying dividends. “We’ve really stepped up our program,” he said. “I think we proved that tonight.”
Ross proved to be the driver to beat right out of the chute as he laid down the fastest qualifying lap of 15.059 seconds and ran away with the victory in the heat race to earn the pole for the ‘A’ Main.
Ross’s only scare came on a restart with 10 laps to go when Kevin Reeve of Hanover, Mich., pulled even coming out of turn four, but a caution flag negated the lap.
“I screwed up real bad and Reeve got by me, but I learned a little bit from that,” Ross said. “After cautions, it usually took me a lap or two to get going, so on that next restart, I scrubbed the tires to keep the heat in.”
Jon Henry of Ada, Ohio, passed Reeve with seven laps to go but had nothing for Ross.
“The last caution hurt us, because I thought I was making up some ground, but by the time I was able to get a run again, it was over,” said Henry, who settled for his second runner-up finish of the night.
Earlier, Henry finished second to Brian Ruhlman in the inaugural Advantage Warehouse UMP Modified Fall Blowout.
They traded places in the Late Model Shootout as Ruhlman finished one spot behind Henry in third, as American drivers took six of the top 10 positions.
Defending Shootout winner Rusty Schlenk, who needed a champion’s provisional to start the race, finished fourth, while Reeve slipped back to a fifth-place finish after chasing Ross for almost 30 laps.
Adam Ferri of Port Colborne was the second-highest Canadian as he was seventh, while Blenheim’s Andrew Reaume was ninth and Jeff Dayman of Welland was 10th.
Reaume, the two-time South Buxton Late Model champion, had high hopes for his best Shootout showing but walked away disappointed again.
After posting the second-fastest qualifying time, Reaume broke a part in the drive shaft before taking the green in his heat, but rebounded to win the ‘B’ Main and the Dash.
However, he was forced to start at the back of the 23-car ‘A’ Main field after a review of his starting position in the ‘B’ Main.
A flat tire with 10 laps to go forced Reaume to come back through the field a second time as he rebounded to finish ninth.
Andrew’s father Brett Reaume was 11th, while Jim Jones of Chatham was 13th and Jim Dale Jr. of Blenheim 14th.
Three other local drivers finished the race in the pits as Chatham’s John Pinsonneault Jr. was 19th, Chatham’s Joe Field 21st and Thamesville’s Dale Glassford 22nd.
Former Shootout winners Curtis Roberts of Coleman, Mich., and Jamie Zidar of Greenfield, Wisc., were 17th and 20th respectively.
Thirty-eight Late Models were in the field, 17 of those from across the border.
The first Advantage Warehouse UMP Modified Fall Blowout drew 30 cars, including 14 from the United States. Ruhlman took the lead on lap six of the 35-lap Modified ‘A’ main after Mark Fowler, from Billings, Mont., spun out after leading the first five circuits.
Once in front, Ruhlman put his Modified on a rail and held off Henry for the final 24 laps for his first South Buxton win since 2004 when he won an American Late Model Series race. “I won the first time I ever saw the place but haven’t been able to get back there (to Victory Lane) since,” said Ruhlman, who has twice been the runnerup in the Shootout. This car has been tight all year, we’ve been struggling to get it freed up, but tonight we finally got it to turn,” he said. “I didn’t know how quick we were, but once we got into clean traffic, we could drive away.”
Ruhlman also won his heat and dash while posting the second fastest qualifying lap.
Henry wasn’t disappointed in the least being the bridesmaid twice in one night.
“My thinking is, two seconds equals one win,” he smiled. “I thought could get a run on him, but then we had all those cautions, so second’s not too bad,” he said of his battle with Ruhlman.
Rich Robinson Jr. of Mt. Pleasant, Mich. was third, followed by a pair of Muskegon racers, Mike Wilbern and Troy Marciniak.
Tim Richardson of Tilbury, a two-time former track champion at South Buxton, returned to his home track for a sixth-place finish.
Clayton Smith of Woodslee was the highest finishing South Buxton regular as he was eighth. Joey Brosseau of Merlin was 11th, leading a pack of nine local drivers who finished 11th through 19th. Chatham’s C.J. Field was 12th, followed by Dale Jr., Merlin’s Brad McLeod, Wheatley’s Aaron Wiebe, Leamington’s Justin Coulter, Chatham’s Todd Wellman, Wyoming’s Brian Speelman and Leamington’s Curtis Coulter.
Leamington’s Paul DeGoey received one of the biggest ovations of the night as the 24-year-old returned to South Buxton for the first time since his career-ending crash on Aug. 30. DeGoey visited Victory Lane after the Modified dash where he received his Schinkels Gourmet Meats UMP Modified points championship trophy. He also presented the dahs winner Ruhlman with a $100 bonus prize, which he donated as a thank-you to South Buxton fans for their support in his recovery.
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NCATS: HB Motorsports Press Release September 28, 2008
Doug Brown was determined to end the season on a high and that determination was evident at Kawartha Speedway on Saturday as the veteran driver recorded third quickest time in pre-race qualifying then went on to a strong sixth-place finish in the final race on the 2008 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series schedule.
The race marked the fifth top-ten finish of the year for the Haldex-sponsored team that ran just ten events in the thirteen-race schedule.
Following the mid-afternoon practice sessions that saw the Haldex Dodge in the middle range of lap speeds among the field of 27teams on hand for the season finale, the crew made some calculated set-up changes hoping to gain added speed on the fast 3/8 mile paved oval located in Fraserville, Ontario.
That move paid huge dividends allowing the veteran competitor -the last of the drivers to take time trials- to start the scheduled 250-lap race inside on the second row.
After a strong early race run, and changing track conditions, the car developed some handling problems causing the Brantford driver to drop to thirteenth place by lap 50 and losing contact with the lead pack.
Despite the problems, the team elected to keep the car and driver on the track during the third caution break of the night but when the caution flag came out again for the 4th time on lap 110 the team made a quick two-tire change and further chassis adjustments getting the car back into the action in 20th place.
When the race went green again Doug wasted little time in moving back into contention and had moved to 10th-place by lap 125 with his sights clearly focussed on the leaders. By the time the race was slowed again on lap 143 by a fine mist that enveloped the track, Doug had moved into sixth-place in the running order and had closed to within a few car lengths of the fifth and fourth place runners.
But with the track conditions worsening, series officials elected to run the race under caution for 32 laps before throwing the red flag ending the race on lap 174.
“I felt I still had some pop left in the Haldex Dodge if the race had continued and might have gained a few more spots but we’ll take this sixth-place finish along with last week’s eighth place run in Antigonish and build upon for next year,” the satisfied driver commented following the event.
Scott Steckly of Milverton, Ontario survived a mid race accident and ensuing steering problems to finish in 17th-place, one lap down to winner Jason Hathaway of Appin, Ontario but salvaged enough points to edge out Don Thomson, Jr. of Ayr for the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Championship. Steckly went into the final race with a 67- point margin over Thomson but with Thomson’s 5th-place finish that margin had shrunk to just 24.
DJ Kennington of St. Thomas, finished the year with a second place run followed by Ron Beauchamp Jr. of Windsor with Brad Graham of Glencoe taking fourth-place honours.
Prepared by Ken Spencer // HB Motorsports
NCATS: Hathaway bring home first NASCAR win, at Kawartha
September 28, 2008- Fraserville, Ontario- Jason Hathaway and the #3 Snap-on Tools Dodge competed in the final race of the 2008 NASCAR Canadian Tires Series at Kawartha Speedway, bringing home the Team’s first NASCAR Canadian Tire Series win.
The Team started the last event of the year at the top of the speed charts in practice. Hathaway was happy with the Team’s practice effort. “The car felt pretty good in practice this afternoon. It was stable and it worked well. I think we will be in good shape tonight for the race.”
Hathaway qualified in the 13th spot in a tough field of 26 cars for the 250 lap event on Saturday night. With rain looming the name of the game was to get settled in and start working their way to the front of the pack. When the green flag dropped Hathaway did just that and started his move to the front. Jason had a great start to the race and by the 5th lap was sitting 8th place in the running order. A restart on lap 35 left Hathaway hung out on the outside of the racing line and he had to find a hole and fall in line for a few laps.
Numerous times throughout the race Hathaway was the fastest car on the track and by lap 72, he had worked his way up to 3rd in the running order. He kept up with the two lead cars and planned his strategy. Hathaway’s move of the night came on lap 105 on the restart. Coming out of corner 2 Hathaway pulled his racing machine inside the 2nd place car of Scott Steckley, making the pass and taking over the spot. On the same lap he also set up 1st place DJ Kennington, taking his Dodge to the front of the field and claiming the lead.
An incident on lap 130 brought out the caution and the threatening rain came down heavier. Some 45 laps later, NASCAR red flagged the race and declared it complete, awarding Jason and Team 3 Red/EHR with their first NASCAR career win. Heading to victory lane Jason did a burn out for the fans in the stands that weathered the on and off rain all day.
Climbing down off his car after celebrating his win, Hathaway was excited about the night’s result. “This win is awesome. We had a great car all race long and I love running this track. Our team worked hard this season to improve our on track performance and this win here shows what we are capable of. Thank you to Guilio, Ray, the boys in the shop and our entire crew. The competition is tough out here each and every weekend and it is awesome that we were able to end the season with a win! Congratulations to Scott Steckley and their Team on their Championship season. He is a great competitor and he put on quite the show for the fans this season. Thank you to Snap-on Tools, Super 8 Motels, Advantex, Napoleon and Castrol for all of their support in getting us here. Our first win is dedicated to them for all of their backing and believing in this Team.”
Team 3 Red/EHR thanks Snap-on Tools, Super 8 Motels, Advantex Freight Forwarders, Napoleon Fireplaces & Grills, Castrol, Fast Eddie Racewear, Choko Motorsports, Praxair, BOSCH Canada and Dayco Canada.
From Jamie Hakonson
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NASCAR Canadian Tire Series: Jason White wins rookie title
The 13th and final stop of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series was held at Peterborough Ontario’s Kawartha Speedway on Saturday night. 26 teams showed up for one last run at the checker flag in Canada’s elite stock car racing series. Most of the teams have been battling through the very gruelling schedule that starts in May and leaves very few weekends off through out the summer. Many battles came down to the final race including the overall title and the top rookie honours. Sun Peaks British Columbia based driver Jason White and his A&W “Cruisin the Dub” team entered the night just four points ahead of Barrie Ontario’s Anthony Simone for the first ever “Rookie Of The Year Title”. In 2007 all drivers were considered rookies by NASCAR in the series inaugural season, so 2008 would be the first for title contention.
As rain threatened the on track activity throughout the day , teams stayed patient and got in a practice session as well as qualifying for the 250 lap race. White was the first to qualify after the rain had soaked the track , and it was quite a ride. “We picked first out of the hat unfortunately , but someone had to be the unlucky one”, mused White. “ I just went out and laid down two laps that I am not proud of but to tell you the truth I was happy I brought the car back in one piece, it was like an ice rink out there”. As the cars continued to qualify the track heated up and the lap times got substantially faster. After the session was over White would start the race 24th in the 26 car field.
When the green flag dropped for the final time of the season , White wasted no time moving towards the front. At lap 25 he had moved all the way up to the 15th position and the car was looking like a top ten or even a top five contender. “I just could not believe how well the car was handling”, stated White. “My crew tried a new set up in the car and it really took to the track well”. By lap 100 White got the call from crew chief Brian Uptigrove that fellow rookie contender Anthony Simone had parked his ride for the night due to an on track altercation with another car. This meant Jason would take home the coveted freshmen honours, but there was still a race to be decided. “I really had to curb my emotions after hearing we had locked up the trophy “, remarked White. “My goal switched to getting a top five finish for my A&W team, and we had the cards in our hand to do it”. At lap 140 Jason had cruised into the top ten and had his sights set on his best finish ever, he even had thoughts of winning. “For the first time ever I actually thought we had potential to win a race”, white said. “We definitely were not the fastest car out there but in this series a lot happens with the front runners and they had been dropping out very quickly, I was just running as hard as I could”.
When lap 150 came up the caution flag flew for a wreck and Brian Uptigrove brought the A&W Monte Carlo in for fuel and tires. Unfortunately the crew had some problems with the jack and the Jason would drop from 9th to 14th for the restart. Then just before NASCAR restarted the race, the skies started to open up and the race was called due to the track being deemed unsafe to race on. So the teamed settled for 14th , but the big prize was in the bag. “ I think we finished off well for the season”, said Uptigrove. “ We have proved if the team can put a well set up car underneath Jason, he can race with the best in the business”.
So after 13 races from coast to coast, and a Rookie Title , the A&W team will enjoy some time off then start planning for next season, and the quest for a NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Championship!!
In a sport where more sponsor dollars equals more speed, the RZ Racing Team is thankful for all of their marketing partners throughout this years NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. Special thanks go out to: A&W, Diamond lils trucking, Zimmer Wheaton GMC, Powder Ventures Excavations, Douglas Lake Equipment, T.A Lubes (Sunoco), KAL TIRE, Praxair, Re/Max (Paul Toporowski), Peaks Media Inc., RTR Performance, Zimmer Autosport, Sleemans Brewery, Mackdaddys Nightclub,Canada boat trader, L'Cat Autographics and Thompson Valley Sand and Gravel.Race dates and results are posted on www.NASCAR.ca
Steckly Wins NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Championship
Fraserville, ON, Sunday Sept. 28, 2008: "It's like a dream come true, winning at this level of racing - it's something I have always dreamed about,” said an excited Steckly moments after the race. After overcoming adversity on the track on Saturday night, Scott Steckly and his 22 Racing Team were crowned the 2008 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Championship wining team.
The race started under cloudy skies and with a little misty rain in the air with the 22 Racing/Tow Truck in a Box/Erb Group Dodge Avenger lined up for the Dodge Dealers of Ontario Ram 250 from the front row on the outside. Joining him on the front row would be his closest competitor in championship standings, Don Thomson Jr.
Thomson would take the early lead with Steckly in hot pursuit for the first 30 laps of the race. A problem with the No. 4 of Thomson saw him head down pit road on a caution lap, allowing Steckly to inherit the lead. The No. 22 Dodge dropped back to second after leading a few laps and after a restart at lap 104, Steckly's Tow Truck in a Box Avenger was bumped hard by another competitor and put up into the turn 4 wall. Over the next 70 laps the team continued to work on fixing the car every time the caution flag came out. During an extended yellow flag period due to rain, the 22 Racing Team made the final repairs to the car and they were ready to go back racing when NASCAR made the decision to call the race due to the weather. When the checkered flag waved Steckly was scored in seventeenth place. With Thomson Jr. being credited with fifth position, Steckly would be crowned the 2008 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Champion."
"There are no real words to describe how it feels," stated Steckly after the race. "To win at the highest level of stock car racing in Canada is unbelievable. But so much of the credit goes to my crew who just work so hard week in and week out and our sponsors. A.W. Millwrights has been with me for 15 years, Erb Group 8 years and Tow Truck in a Box who came on this year and helped us more as the season went on. You can’t forget about Dodge who have always been supportive of not only us but all the Dodge teams in the series for many years Last but not least I have to thank my family who have stood behind me and allowed me to chase my dream of winning this championship."
Steckly's NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Championship is highlighted by 4 wins, 4 seconds and 9 top five finishes over the 13 race schedule.
Congratulations to Dodge for their three podium finishers in the race. Winner No. 3 Jason Hathaway, second D. J. Kennington and third Ron Beauchamp Jr.
The Dodge Dealers of Ontario Ram 250 will be telecast on TSN on Saturday October 11th at 11 a.m. EST.
Scott Steckly would like to thank all of his associate and product sponsors who each had a part in winning this championship including, Erb Group of Companies, A. W. Millwrights, D. H. Jutzi Ltd., Willride Transportation, Reefer Sales, Mr. Transmission (Guelph), Milverton Garage, Groeneveld, Commercial Babcock, Classy Collectables, Generation 2 Filtration, Twin City Graphics, Motorsport Design, Glasvan Great Dane Trailer Sales Inc., Wix Filters, Chris Root Precision Machine, Camions International West Island Inc., IRL International, Wilcan Electronics Canada Ltd and Royal Distributing.
From: Linda Jones // Wide Open Motorsport Solutions
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St. Thomas Dragway: Sept. 28 Race Results
St. Thomas Dragway Results
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Canada Trailers TOP
1 - Marc Vezina, Straffordville - 67 Camaro 4546 - 6.167 (6.16)(R.T.-.007) at 112.29
2 - Jamie Tupper, tillsonburg - 07 M&M 565 - 4.941 (4.95)(R.T.-.042) at 139.31
Go Pro MOD
1 - Jay Talbot, Heidelberg - 71 Camaro 406 - 10.214 (10.19)(R.T.-.030) at 130.02
2 - Steve Woods, Chatham - 66 Chevy 2 468 - 9.818 9.81()(R.T.-.075) at 134.25
Canadian Turbo STREET
1 - Ryan Elford, Harrow - 72 Chevelle 355 - 12.416 (12.38)(R.T.-.083) at 104.09
2 - Rick Spencer, Chatham - 94 Firebird 350 - 15.317 (15.25)(R.T.-.105) at 93.95
Borhog Power Sports Bike/Sled
1 - Brad Churchill, St. Thomas - 03 Kawasaki 1200 - 9.685 (9.56)(R.T.-.032) at 124.98
2 - Matt Sanders, London - 79 Suzuki 1100 - 9.958 (9.80)(R.T.-.079) at 132.35
Nothers Awards Junior Dragster
1 - Dalton Symon, Springfield - 07 Motivator Briggs - 7.987 (8.05)(R.T.-.018) at 78.14
2 - Meighan Bonnett, Windsor - 02 KCS Briggs - 8.909 (8.90)(R.T.-.001 red) at 73.28
PHOTO GALLERY: NASCAR Canadian Tire Series - Kawartha Speedway - Sept. 27, 2008
This is a 214-photo gallery from the season-ending NASCAR Canadian Tire Series race, held Saturday, Sept. 27, 2008 at Kawartha Speedway. The Dodge Dealers of Ontario Dodge RAM 250 was cut short by heavy mist. Click here for a full report, by NASCAR's Shon Sbarra.
At the time the race was called, Jason Hathaway was in front and earned his first career NASCAR victory. DJ Kennington was second, ahead of Ron Beauchamp Jr. for an all MOPAR-power / Dodge sweep. According to one Dodge enthusiast, there were 10 Dodges in the top 10 at one point.
Scott Steckly overcame a crash and held on for his first NASCAR points championship after many years competing in Canada's national stock car series. Steckly's title gave Dodge its first driver's championship, in addition to them earning the Manufacturers' title.
Jason White of Sun Peaks, BC emerged at the top rookie of 2008.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Dodge Dealers of Ontario Ram 250 Race Recap and Unofficial Results
FRASERVILLE, Ontario - Scott Steckly wrapped up his first NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Sirius Satellite Radio championship Saturday night, holding off a late-season challenge from Don Thomson Jr.
Steckly finished 17th in the Dodge Dealers of Ontario 250 at Kawartha Speedway, while Thomson finished fifth, to earn his first NASCAR championship by 24 points. Jason Hathaway picked up his first career victory in a race that was called after 174 of the scheduled 250 laps because of rain.
Steckly won three of the first four races of the season and held the points lead the entire season. The 36-year-old from Milverton, Ontario driver finished with four wins, nine top fives and nine top 10s in 12 races.
Steckly finished 17th in the Dodge Dealers of Ontario 250 at Kawartha Speedway, while Thomson finished fifth, to earn his first NASCAR championship by 24 points. Jason Hathaway picked up his first career victory in a race that was called after 174 of the scheduled 250 laps because of rain.
Steckly won three of the first four races of the season and held the points lead the entire season. The 36-year-old from Milverton, Ontario driver finished with four wins, nine top fives and nine top 10s in 12 races.
He is the second champion in NASCAR Canadian Tire Series history. Andrew Ranger won the inaugural championship in 2007.
Thomson had been able to close the gap late in the season with a win, a third, and a seventh-place finish in the three races heading into the finale. In that span, Steckly - who hadn't finished worse than fourth in the first seven events - sandwiched his fourth win of the year with finishes of 13th and 18th. Steckly brought a 67-point lead to Kawartha.
Thomson won his seventh pole position of the season and led the first 42 laps before pitting. Steckly assumed the lead - picking up the five valuable bonus points - and stayed out front for 18 laps.
D.J. Kennington took the lead for 43 laps before trading the lead with Steckly over two laps. Hathaway moved to the front on lap 107 and led the rest of the way. A steady rain brought out the red flag on lap 173.
As the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series champion, Steckly earned a secure spot in the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown. The Showdown will be Jan. 23-24, 2009 at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale (Calif.). Last year, Ranger represented the series in the prestigious postseason event.
NASCAR CANADIAN TIRE SERIES presented by SIRIUS SATELLITE RADIO-Dodge Dealers of Ontario Dodge Ram 250 Results
Saturday
At Kawartha Speedway
Fraserville, Ontario
Lap length: 0.375 miles
(Start position in parentheses)
1. (13) Jason Hathaway, Appin, Ont., Dodge, 174 laps, 42.378 mph, $8,125.
2. (11) DJ Kennington, St. Thomas, Ont., Dodge, 174, $5,135.
3. (5) Ron Beauchamp, Jr., Windsor, Ont., Dodge, 174, $4,400.
4. (15) Brad Graham, Glencoe, Ont., Dodge, 174, $3,555.
5. (1) Don Thomson, Jr., Ayr, Ont., Chevrolet, 174, $2,410.
6. (3) Doug Brown, Brantford, Ont., Dodge, 174, $2,425.
7. (9) John Gaunt, Barrie, Ont., Dodge, 174, $2,055.
8. (12) Pete Shepherd, III, Brampton, Ont., Ford, 174, $2,010.
9. (22) Daniel Decoste, St. Joseph de Lac, Que., Ford, 174, $3,920.
10. (14) Donald Chisholm, Antigonish, N.S., Chevrolet, 174, $1,850.
11. (18) Derek Lynch, Warkworth, Ont., Dodge, 174, $1,575.
12. (10) Dave Whitlock, Petrolia, Ont., Dodge, 174, $1,480.
13. (20) Joey McColm, Ajax, Ont., Dodge, 174, $1,410.
14. (24) Jason White, Sun Peaks, B.C., Chevrolet, 174, $1,365.
15. (6) Peter Gibbons, Stouffville, Ont., Chevrolet, 174, $1,295.
16. (25) Todd Nichol, St. Albert, Alb., Chevrolet, 174, $1,250.
17. (2) Scott Steckly, Milverton, Ont., Dodge, 173, $1,205.
18. (26) Nik Lapcevich, Hamilton, Ont., Chevrolet, 171, $1,155.
19. (4) JR Fitzpatrick, Cambridge, Ont., Chevrolet, 171, $1,110.
20. (19) Jeff Lapcevich, Grimsby, Ont., Chevrolet, 170, $1,065.
21. (8) Kerry Micks, Mt. Albert, Ont., Dodge, 169, $1,015.
22. (23) Kent Nuhn, Williamsford, Ont., Chevrolet, 165, $1,015.
23. (7) Mark Dilley, Barrie, Ont., Dodge, 159, $1,015.
24. (17) Shawn McGlynn, Kitchener, Ont., Ford, 155, $975.
25. (16) Anthony Simone, Holland Landing, Ont., Chevrolet, 122, engine, $975.
26. (21) Andre Coursol, St. Jerome, Que., Chevrolet, 70, engine, $975.
Race Statistics
Time of Race: 1 hour 32 minutes 23 seconds
Margin of Victory: Under Caution
Fastest Qualifier: . ( mph, seconds)
Caution Flags: 5 for 55 laps.
Lead Changes: 5 among 4 drivers.
Lap Leaders: D.Thomson,Jr. 1-42; S.Steckly 43-61; D.Kennington 62-104; S.Steckly 105; D.Kennington 106; J.Hathaway 107-174.
Standings: 1. S.Steckly, 2070; 2. D.Thomson,Jr., 2046; 3. D.Kennington, 1972; 4. A.Ranger, 1853; 5. K.Micks, 1828; 6. M.Dilley, 1819; 7. J.Fitzpatrick, 1813; 8. P.Gibbons, 1770; 9. J.Hathaway, 1736; 10. B.Graham, 1720.
Unofficial
From Shon Sbarra / NASCAR
NCATS - Kawartha update - it's over!
The race was called after brief red flag period, due to wet weather... Jason Hathaway wins the race... Scott Steckly is the champ by a narrow margin.
NCATS : Kawartha update lap 150
Lap 150 - Don Thomson in 5th... Steckly near the back in 19th after losing a lap after bending steering system when he hit the wall after contact with John Gaunt.
As of now, the championship appears to be very close... Probably just 2 points separate #4 and #22 if they finished where they are now.
The mist is very close to being 'rain'. Jason Hathaway leads Kennington, Beauchamp and Brad Graham.
Anthony Simone parked the car so Jason White will be top rookie.
As of now, the championship appears to be very close... Probably just 2 points separate #4 and #22 if they finished where they are now.
The mist is very close to being 'rain'. Jason Hathaway leads Kennington, Beauchamp and Brad Graham.
Anthony Simone parked the car so Jason White will be top rookie.
NCATS: Kawartha update - lap 40
Don Thomson on pole for the 7th time this season. He led the first 40 laps, in front of points leader Scott Steckly.
Thomson down to 7 cylinders and pitted. Steckly now leads Ron Beauchamp, John Gault, Mark Dilley and DJ Kennington.
Thomson down to 7 cylinders and pitted. Steckly now leads Ron Beauchamp, John Gault, Mark Dilley and DJ Kennington.
Statement from Tony George on the passing of Paul Newman
INDIANAPOLIS, Saturday, Sept. 27, 2008 -- The following is a statement from Tony George, the chief executive officer of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the founder & CEO of the Indy Racing League, on the passing of actor, racing enthusiast and IndyCar Series team owner Paul Newman:
"On behalf of my mother Mari Human George and the entire Hulman-George family at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IndyCar Series, our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and loved ones of Paul Newman.
To all his fans world-wide and those close to him in our racing community, we share a deep sense of loss, but cherish the many fond memories we will forever carry with us."
Media Contact: John Griffin, Indy Racing
Sad news: Paul Newman dead at 83
Just watching TV and saw the sad news that actor / humanitarian / racecar driver (and owner) Paul Newman has passed away following a lengthy fight with cancer.
Newman was a great ambassador for motorsports and his passing will be felt throughout the racing community.
Friday, September 26, 2008
NASCAR: Canadian Stock Car Champion Turns Heads in Test for TRG
Iowa Speedway in a TRG Motorsports Chevrolet. Fitzpatrick, who is the 2006 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Champion and the Series’ youngest Champion of all-time, jumped up to speed quickly, turning the heads of those monitoring his progress at the 7/8 mile oval track in Newton, Iowa.
“J.R. did an excellent job at Iowa Speedway,” said NASCAR Championship winning Crew Chief, Butch Hylton, who was there to oversee the test. “He was on pace immediately. His feedback was good and he really impressed us. The way he arcs the truck into the corners is incredible. He is a very talented driver and I can see why he has won championships.”
This was the 20-year-old Cambridge, Ontario native’s first visit to Iowa Speedway which is a track designed by former NASCAR Champion and ABC/ESPN commentator, Rusty Wallace.
"I was really excited about coming to Iowa and working with TRG Motorsports,” said Fitzpatrick. “All the guys on the team made me feel really welcome. T.J. Bell was there and worked with me too. He was a big help. I got a lot of laps in and felt really comfortable with the truck. Butch made lots of changes which helped me understand what the trucks react to and I was happy that I could give good enough feedback to get the truck going pretty fast."
Over the two-day test, Hylton ran Fitzpatrick through a variety of tests to judge his skill level, ability, and preparedness for a run in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. “We practiced restarts and did some simulated pit stops and J.R. did a great job with it all,” explained Hylton.
“We had a lot of fun over the two days,” said Fitzpatrick. “I really like working with these guys. I especially enjoyed the session where T.J. and I went out on the track together to get me used to how the trucks react to the aero influences; that was cool. I learned a lot in just two days and am excited to race one of these things."
“We have been talking to the Fitzpatrick’s for quite awhile and it was great to see J.R. perform on the track,” said Team Principal, Kevin Buckler. “He got up to pace quickly and adapted to the track so well that we were all really impressed. On top of all that, he truly is a nice young man with a very bright future and we’re looking forward to helping him develop his NASCAR career.”
For more information regarding J.R. Fitzpatrick contact Jason Sharpe at Sharpe Management. (416) 838-0039.
Photo credit - Meg Bestell-Eide // From TRG_motorsports // Jamie Maynard
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Thursday, September 25, 2008
NASCAR: Andrew Ranger called up to the Natiowide Series
On Saturday, September 27th, required to simultaneously take the start of the Kansas Lottery 300 in the Nationwide Series at 3 PM in Kansas City and the start of the Dodger Dealers of Ontario Ram 250 in the Canadian Tire Series at 7 PM at Peterborough, Andrew was facing a dilemma, having to choose between the conclusion of his championship and the opportunity to get his certification to race on Superspeedways.
In front of such a complex and heart-breaking choice, his sponsors Tide and Wal-Mart encouraged Andrew to favour the
Andrew Ranger will therefore take the start of the Nationwide Series race where he will drive the #22 car of Fitz Motorsport for another new event on a new track.
Meanwhile in Peterborough, Peter Shepherd will be at the wheel of the # 27 Tide / Wal-Mart car, left available by Andrew Ranger. "It will be very special for me to drive the reigning champion's car. It will also be a fantastic experience and my objective is to bring the car to the front and step on top of the podium."
NCATS: Kerry Micks to drive a Dodge in NASCAR closer at Kawartha Speedway
MOUNT ALBERT, ONTARIO (September 25, 2008) – For the first time in his racing career, Kerry Micks will be driving a Dodge this weekend at Kawartha Speedway. Thanks to the generosity of fellow racer Bryan Cathcart, Micks will be driving the Cathcart Dodge in the upcoming Dodge Dealers of Ontario Ram 250, the 13th and final race of the 2008 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series.
“Bryan is not renting me the car for the weekend,” stated Micks earlier this week. “He has given me the car for the weekend, and I am eternally thankful to him for this.”
In last week’s NASCAR race in Nova Scotia, the engine in the Beyond Digital Imagine Ford Fusion was severely damaged, enough so that Micks and his crew could not get prepared properly for the Kawartha race.
So the team has been preparing the Cathcart Dodge this week, and will be making some test sessions at Peterborough Speedway before the trek to Kawartha.
Micks mentioned the Dodge will look just like his regular Ford. “This new car will look totally identical to my regular car,” he said. “We’ve got it all wrapped just like the other one.”
Underneath the Dodge body, the crew has been working to get the car, which is a former road circuit car, ready for the 3/8ths-mile pave oval.
“We’ve had to totally setup this car,” he added. “We’ve had a lot of challenges, but I’m confident we’ll be ready.”
Micks noted although he has never been behind the wheel of a Dodge product when racing, he was looking forward to the experience.
“I’ve never driven a Dodge. This is the first time,” he said. “But it will give us an opportunity to see what these Dodges are all about.”
Micks wanted to thank his sponsors for their continued support for the 2008 season.
“It’s been an up and down year for us. We’ve experienced some wins, and some heartache, and I want to thank our sponsors for believing in us.
“I want to especially thank Court Armstrong at Beyond Digital Imaging, Terry Coughlin at Canadian Detailing Services, and John Baglieri from Crane Lake Resort. They have been instrumental in our racing season, and we could not have done it without their support.”
Micks presently sits fifth in the standings, highlighted this year with two third-place finishes, two second-place finishes, and a win at Mosport.
The 250-lap race is scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 27.
For information about Kawartha Speedway, call (705) 939-6316 or visit online at www.kawarthaspeedway.com.
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
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