Saturday, January 10, 2009

Picton's (ON) Adam Turner - Keeping Things Light in the Racing World

By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications

One of the first things you’ll learn about Adam Turner is that he doesn’t take anything too seriously.  The second generation DIRTcar racer from Picton, Ontario would rather face the problems of his world with a smile than worry about them.  If you’re not laughing when you start talking to him, you certainly will be by the time you’re finished.  Turner has been known to keep the crowds that gather near his family-run race team well entertained on a weekly basis.  His parents Paul and Pat have often thought about writing a book of ‘Adamisms’. Their only concern is that few would believe some of the stories they’d be telling.

Turner likes to have a laugh and can spin a tall tale with the best of them, but when he fastens the safety-belts and slips behind the wheel, it’s an entirely different world.  “There’s a job to do and when the green flag waves, I need to focus”, says Turner.  “I’ve never lost track of the fact that racing is supposed to be fun.  We don’t race for a living, so it’s nice to have a no-pressure, relaxed atmosphere around the team.  My Mom and Dad are with me at the track.  We set-up some illuminated palm trees next to the camper and have a barbecue after the races.  People always drop by for a visit before the races and we always have a big crowd show-up when the show finishes.  Most weekends, we don’t leave the pits at Brockville until Sunday morning after a home-cooked breakfast”.

The 2008 racing season – the 25 year-old driver’s second year in a DIRTcar sportsman modified – resulted in a 13th place point’s finish in a limited schedule at Thunder Alley Speed Park in Evans Mills, New York and 6th in the final standings at Brockville Ontario Speedway.  Turner also racked-up 1 top 5 and a pair of top 10 runs in 3 starts at Can Am Speedway in Lafargeville, New York.  For 2 years, Turner and his team travelled back and forth between the Friday and Saturday night venues with fellow Prince Edward County racer and high school friend Tyler Rand, often camping at the track and working on each other’s cars between shows.  With Rand trading his sportsman car for the seat of a 360 sprint car, Adam Turner decided it was time for something new as well and will debut a new look for his #92 DIRTcar sportsman modified once the 2009 season opens.

Turner says he’s already been experimenting with a few different designs for the car and is thinking about a paint scheme similar to Tony Stewart’s 2008 dirt late model.  “We still have the same Bicknell car we ran last year.  It’s a former Sweetners Plus car we bought from Billy Dunn at the end of the 2007 season”, Turner explained.  “Right now, it’s in about a million pieces on the shop floor.  We’re going over everything. Checking welds, adjusting brackets and straightening a bar here and there.  I want to make sure everything is set to go about a week before the season opener”.

Even though there’s snow on the ground, Adam Turner is thinking about racing non-stop.  He has circled tentative dates on the ’09 calendar that hangs on the shop wall.  He’s definitely headed back to Brockville, with an eye on improving his 2008 points position.  With all the talk on various racing forums through the off-season, there may also be a new Friday night home for the popular Prince Edward County racer.  The biggest news to come out of the shop that houses the #92 ride is a plan to follow DIRTcar’s sportsman modified championship series tour.

“We’ve run quite well with the limited resources of the family-run auto repair business on the side of the car and some sponsorship from long-time friends and supporters, I’d like to see what we could do with a solid marketing program in place”, Turner explained.  “We’re going to get some sponsor search materials put together and see what kind of support we can drum-up.  The County is growing and becoming quite a vibrant and popular tourist destination.  The wineries are well known world-wide and anything we could do to help spread the word in our travels would be a win-win situation for everyone”.

Photo attachments:
#1).  Adam Turner scored a street stock win at Brockville Speedway less than a week after his brother Justin passed away during a 2006 family camping trip. (Jim Clarke photo)

#2).  Turner gets set for action at Brockville Speedway’s 2008 season opener.  (Jim Clarke photo)

Contact info:  Adam Turner, 613.476.4298
Prepared by:  Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications <<012_12_02.JPG>> <<017.JPG>>

Friday, January 9, 2009

Hamilton Spectator: Tim Miller on the CME

Thanks to Tim Miller of the Hamilton Spectator for his piece promoting the Canadian Motorsports Expo (Jan. 16-18 at the International Centre)!

Tim's column, which also includes notes about some big races on the '09 racing calendar and some local drag news is located here.

Thanks again Tim!

NASCAR: Elliott Sadler to Drive No. 19 In 2009


Gillett Evernham Motorsports (GEM) announced today that Elliott Sadler will drive the No. 19 Dodge in the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup season.

Tom Reddin, GEM CEO: “We are a family. Sometimes in a family you have differences. We have resolved all differences. We are moving on and excited about heading to Daytona.”

Elliott Sadler: “I want to drive. I’m a racer and that’s what I do. We are all on the same page now and I think you will see that show on the track.”

From GEM

Kawartha Durham Kart Club will have a booth at the Canadian Motorsports Expo

The Kawartha Durham Kart Club (KDKC) (www.kawarthadurhamkartclub.com) will have a booth at the Canadian Motorsports Expo (CME) (www.canadianmotorsportsexpo.com) to showcase their exciting new championship season and new home track.

The CME takes place January 16-18, at the International Centre, 6900 Airport Rd. Friday and Saturday 10 am – 9 pm, Sunday 10 am to 5 pm.

Come by and say hi, pick up membership packages and speak to us about important information for the upcoming year.

As the Toronto region’s only dedicated motorsports show, the CME has plenty to see and do for all the racing enthusiasts in the family. Kawartha Speedway will also be on hand and this is a great opportunity to see 2 of the most famous cars in Nascar - The #48 Lowe's Chevrolet NASCAR Sprint Cup car of Jimmie Johnson and the #88 AMP Chevrolet of Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Visit the show website to obtain a $2 off admission coupon at the front gate.

Kawartha Durham Kart Club: www.kawarthadurhamkartclub.com

Canadian Motorsports Expo: www.canadianmotorsportsexpo.com

From Paul Evans // President, KDKC

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DIRTcar: James Michael Friesen To Make Big-Block Modified Debut Down South!

James Michael Friesen Set For Big-Block Modified Debut At Volusia In February

*Alex Bruce photo attachments: JM Friesen car, mug, victory lane

Weedsport, NY – January 8, 2009 – By Tom Skibinski, DIRTcar Racing Northeast PR Director

Short-track racing has a way of carrying on with family tradition from generation to generation. Few are steeped in the Northeast Modified mainstream as much as the Friesen family, a clan recognized as much stateside as closer to its homebase in the city of St. Catharines, Ontario.

When racers arrive in Barberville, Florida for the 38th Annual Alltel DIRTcar Nationals By UNOH at Volusia Speedway Park in February, the Modified mini-tour will chronicle the exploits of third-generation driver James Michael Friesen as he makes his Big-Block debut 1,200 miles from home. He’ll have ample opportunity to carve his own niche as three 30-lap main events and a $5,000-to-win 50-lap finale on Saturday, February 14 fill the schedule with an optional night of practice offered Tuesday, February 10.

“Racing was definitely bred in me from day one and I always knew I wanted to get involved in a career around motorsports,” remarked Friesen, 24, who will follow in the tire tracks left by cousin Stewart Friesen after his only showing at VSP in the ’06 Florida DIRTcar Nationals. Before that it was grandfather Stan Friesen, uncles Jamie and the late Alex Friesen, and younger brother Curtis Friesen setting the stage for the newest addition to the mighty DIRTcar Modified ranks in the Northeast.

“When summer time came everything I ever did revolved around racing at Ransomville. From selling 50/50 tickets, programs and popcorn, there was always something to do. And as soon as the go-cart track was built (early 1990s) that’s when I started racing. Having the chance to run in Florida will be a big thrill, so any experience I can take back north will certainly be valuable,” said Friesen, who grew up with racing at Ransomville Speedway every Friday night alongside his parents Joel and Trish Friesen as well as Northeast Modified Hall of Fame honoree Stan, the track owner since 1973.

2008 was a break-out year for James Michael as he captured the Sportsman Modified points title at Ransomville and not only won his first career feature, he went on to claim 10 more regular-season victories buckled into the Blue Moon Potatoes no. 52 Bicknell ride. Friesen will have a similar ride sporting a fresh look just in time for VSP, only with a New Generation powerplant under the hood for the speed week special.

“About a month ago we were planning more of a vacation to Florida, maybe fool around a little down there with the Small-Block car,” divulged Friesen, who took his only other trip to a track in the Sunshine State as part of a Hall of Fame tour at Daytona Int’l Speedway. “But Al (Blanchard, New Generation owner) said he had a big-block motor laying around in the shop and we could be more competitive. So this is also Al’s big-block debut, maybe it can help bring more notoriety to his own business.”

“Right now we’re going down to Volusia only hoping to qualify for all the shows and get a lot of seat time. It will certainly be a lot different running laps with some of the guys I grew up watching. We’ll be prepared as best as possible and give it our best shot, I’m sure it will still be a lot of fun no matter what happens,” Friesen said.

Back up north strapped in a DIRTcar 358-Modified, Friesen will kick of the season with weekend stops at Merrittville (Ont.) and Ransomville speedways, mixing in Small-Block specials every other week at Humberstone (Ont.) Speedway as his budget dictates.

“I never thought the success we had last year would come so quick. You always want to think you’re good enough to win but until it happens most of the time it’s a dream. I started out at Ransomville just hoping to run well against some of the top guys and we got a title at the end. Every young racer has dreams of seeing how far he can climb up the ladder so we’ll just keep taking it one step at a time,” figured Friesen, who recently relocated to a house in Beamsville, Ontario with his crew chief Dave Walters. Keeping busy in the off-season, James Michael recently completed an eight-week course at the Ontario Truck Training School and was certified as a heavy equipment operator.

From go-carts in the 90s to TQ Midget racing in the new millennium, Friesen entered a half-dozen DIRTcar 358-Modified events in 2007 and closed his initial season attending a handful of Mr. DIRTcar Sportsman Series Championship shows in autumn. Last spring he grabbed the spotlight early by registering his first career Sportsman victory against an all-star field at Rolling Wheels Raceway Park, then followed up with checkered flags at Ransomville, Merrittville, Humberstone, Cayuga County Fair Speedway and Ohsweken Speedway to rank second circuit-wide.

“I’d like to win one or two features this year but moving up always means more competition, especially this year,” added Friesen, pointing out the graduation of former Sportsman point chasers Mat Williamson and Justin Sharp to the weekly 358 wars along with the addition of talented teenager Erick Rudolph to the Ransomville roster. “We kept our expectations low last year and came out alright, hopefully we’ll have more good fortune this time around and keep having fun along the way.”

Joining Friesen on the list of more than 35 drivers already signed up for the Alltel DIRTcar Nationals are seven-time and defending champion Brett Hearn, reigning Mr. DIRTcar points king Billy Decker and his Gypsum Express teammates Pat Ward and Larry Wight, all-time DIRTcar Big-Block feature winner Alan Johnson, fellow New Yorkers Dale Planck, Matt Sheppard and Keith Flach, Tuscarora Nation natives Randy and Roger Chrysler, New Jersey star Jimmy Horton, Pennsylvanians Rick Laubach and Ray Swinehart, Delaware drivers Jamie Mills and Matt Jester, Vermont invader Dave Camara, Massachusetts wheelman Andy Bachetti, Jeff Brown and Brad Trice from Maryland, Ohioans Jim Rasey and Rex King Jr., Frenchman Michel Chicoine plus the father/son tandem from Texas, Doug and Jason Ingalls.

Any drivers wishing to update team information for the pre-race roster, please contact DIRTcar Northeast PR Director Tom Skibinski by phone (585/350-8997) or through e-mail tskibinski@dirtcar.com correspondence. Specific questions regarding rules can be directed to Cory Reed (315/224-9009), DIRTcar NE Director of Competition & Track Sanctioning. <<CY-08-04-27-462.jpg>> <<RS-08-04-25-460.jpg>> <<RS-08-06-20-169.jpg>>

Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints: Cdn. Series sponsor announced

From Dean Reynolds

Northwood 2 Construction/Lasalle Motorsports to Sponsor the Canadian Series for the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints.

SYRACUSE, NY – In major and long expected announcement, Mike and Lori Lasalle and their successful Northwood 2 Construction business has taken over the title sponsorship for the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints’ (ESS) Canadian Sprint Series.  With their involvement and along with many associate sponsors to be announced in the very near future, the point fund for events held north of the border will be nearly three times larger than it ever has been in the past.

It will be known as the Northwood 2 Construction Canadian Sprint Series.  Over the years it started with Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar, VSM Abrasives, Lucas Oil themselves and last year with SMAC Magazine as the title sponsor of the point fund for the ESS Canadian events.  The Lasalle’s have been huge fans of all race teams with ESS and now are looking to reward some of the best drivers from both sides of the border with a hefty season end cash awards.

Currently 13 events are scheduled in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec with a few more dates being discussed at this time.  Not only will each event carry points towards the over all Lucas Oil title but also towards the Canadian Sprint Series where drivers will be vying for a point fund that is now well over five digits. 

“We are so fortunate to have great people like Mike and Lori with us.  As traveling keeps on increasing, their contribution will go back into the driver’s pockets and help in increasing car counts in Canada for 2009.” said ESS President Chuck Miller.  “The promoters are tapped out, they just can’t give any more in the actual booking purse so to get teams more money it will have to be done with sponsors.  We want to see the car counts go up when ESS comes to each Canadian facility and with a large point fund we hope this will help greatly.”

The Lasalle Motorsports name has been involved throughout Ontario and Quebec in many forms of racing.  Their familiar #M96 small block will still be at many tracks with ESS star Brain McDonald behind the wheel when he’s not racing his familiar #151KB winged machine.

The schedule for ESS’ 26th Anniversary tour is near completion with dates already firmed at Utica-Rome, Autodromes Granby, Drummond and Edelweiss, Can-Am, Fonda, Mohawk International, Woodhull, Ohsweken, Merrittville, Cayuga County and after nine years the return to Ransomville.  Several other events and tracks are still in the works.

The announcement of the Northwood 2 Construction Canadian Series is the first on many that will be coming from the Lucas Oil backed sprint car organization on the newly formed lucrative Canadian point fund.  For the latest up to date information please log on to www.empiresupersprints.com where for 26 years it has been excitement guaranteed!!

Thursday, January 8, 2009

NASCAR: Petty Holdings & Gillett Evernham Motorsports Announce Agreement in Principle To Form New Team

STATESVILLE, N.C. – Gillett Evernham Motorsports (GEM) and Petty Holdings announced today an agreement in principle to form a new NASCAR Sprint Cup team co-owned by Richard Petty, Petty Holdings, owned by majority shareholder Boston Ventures, and Gillett Evernham Motorsports.

The team will field four Dodge entries in the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup season. Details of the transaction are expected once the deal is closed. Petty and GEM officials anticipate a final agreement by the end of January.

Petty, a seven-time champion and owner of 200 Cup victories, said the new team secures the famed No. 43’s presence in NASCAR for years to come.

“I want to get back to winning and together we will bring the resources, technology and infrastructure to do that,” said Petty.

“This was a big decision for us but it’s something we really wanted to do. We hope everyone in the sport embraces what (GEM Co-owner) George (Gillett) and I are doing. Nothing is going to change for me. I’m going to be at the track every weekend and really involved with the teams and drivers back at the shop. We are very happy. George and I have a lot of work to do, but we have a plan and we’ll be ready for Daytona.”

Petty Enterprises is the winningest team in NASCAR history owning 268 Cup victories since 1949. Gillett said it is a privilege to help write a new chapter in the Petty family history.

“To join with Richard Petty and Petty Holdings is such an honor for me and my family,” said Gillett whose business interests also include ownership in the legendary Montreal Canadiens in the NHL and the English Premier League’s Liverpool FC soccer team. 

“Richard and I have gotten to know each other well over the last few years and both of us believe we have formed something that NASCAR fans will support. We plan to keep the Petty name in the forefront of NASCAR. We ask that all of the King’s fans join with us. Our goal is to get the cowboy hat and sunglasses back in victory lane.”

GEM has its own role in the history of NASCAR.

Ray Evernham, named by the media as the sport’s greatest crew chief of all time in 2006, created Evernham Motorsports in 1999 spearheading Dodge’s return to NASCAR. In 2007, Evernham partnered with Gillett to form GEM. The organization owns 15 victories and has consistently been one of the top performing teams in NASCAR.

“A lot has changed over the years in NASCAR but success still boils down to that cat holding the steering wheel and how he conducts himself both in and out of the car,” said Petty. “I really want to help these guys with their driving and their careers.”

Notes:

·       The new team plans to run a fourth Dodge in eight races in the 2009 season including the Budweiser Shootout with additional races contingent on sponsorship.

·       Ray Evernham retains a minority ownership role with the new team.

·       Richard Petty and Petty Holdings will continue to own and operate the Richard Petty Driving Experience as an independent entity.

·       Key Petty employees Robbie Loomis, Dale Inman and Brian Moffitt will also have active roles with the new team.

·       The new team will use the GEM race shops in Statesville, N.C. and engine shop in Concord, N.C.

·       GEM and Petty sponsors will continue with the new organization.

 
Additional Quotes

Kasey Kahne – “This is pretty exciting stuff. I’ve gotten to know Richard over my five years working with Dodge and I look forward to being around him more. This is pretty awesome. The Gilletts have done a fantastic job of putting this together. I think you can see their commitment to winning. We could have kept on the same path, but they made a pretty bold statement that they are here to win.”

Tom Reddin, GEM CEO – “We now have the greatest driver of all time and champion crew chiefs partnered with the business prowess of the Gillett family. We have a rock solid foundation for the future.”

David Zucker, CEO Petty Holdings – “Petty Holdings is thrilled with this partnership. This is two organizations coming together with one objective in mind – winning.”

Barry Baker, managing director of Boston Ventures and chairman of Petty Holdings – “We are excited about this transaction and believe it will continue to keep the Petty name at the forefront of motorsports for decades to come.”

###

From Drew Brown // Gillett Evernham Motorsports

Bell Racing Launches Economic Alternative for Carbon Fiber Helmet Style

Bell Racing launches Carbon Fiber finish for helmets. The latest trend in helmet style is Carbon Fiber but most drivers can’t afford the price tag. Bell’s new Carbon Fiber finish looks like raw carbon fiber for a fraction of the cost. A traditional Carbon Fiber helmet will run thousands of dollars where Bell’s finish adds only $99. 00 Cdn. to the cost of the helmet.

The first Bell Racing helmets with the Carbon Fiber finish were rolled out in November of 2008. In December, drivers got an up close look at the Performance Racing Industry show in Orlando, FL. Driver’s look to their helmets to customize their appearance on the track and a unique design helps them to stand out. After protection, the customization of a helmet is at the top of most racers’ lists. The Carbon Fiber finish does not change the weight or compromise the composition of the helmet. It can be painted over or left in the original style.

“As a company, we listen to drivers and what they are looking for in a helmet. One of the frequent requests we receive is for the Carbon Fiber look. Judging by the reactions the sample received at PRI, the finish is a perfect alternative for drivers who want the look without spending their entire budget for the season,” said Kyle Kietzmann, General Manager of Bell Racing.

The Carbon Fiber finish is available on the following Bell Racing helmets: T6, Dominator, Infusion (TFA, FA & Sprint Car), M4 Pro/M4 Pro Xtra, GTX, Vortex.2 (TFA & FA), BR-1, BR-1 Side Air, M4, M4 Top Air and S2R.

The new Carbon Fiber finish can be ordered through Bell Racing dealers such as CSC Racing Products in Newmarket, Ontario. Remember: The finish will add approximately two weeks to the delivery of the helmet and there's a $99.00 Cdn. upcharge to have this finish on a newly purchased helmet.

For more information on the Carbon Fiber finish contact CSC Racing Products at 905-954-0520 or http://www.bellracing.com/ or by calling 800-237-2700.

NCATS: Chris Raabe learns tricks of the trade from Peter Gibbons at legendary short track

By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications

His name may be missing from the daily attendance sheets at Napanee and District Secondary School, but Chris Raabe is still ‘going to school’.  Less than a month after being tabbed to take over the seat of the Gibbons Motorsports #1 Chevrolet on the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series the ‘Teenage Tornado’ has been working under the watchful eye of veteran driver/team owner Peter Gibbons at Hickory Motor Speedway, the ‘Birthplace of the NASCAR Stars’.  Garry McColman, team owner of Raabe’s championship winning DIRTcar sportsman-modified ride and his father, Mike Raabe have accompanied the 17 year-old speedster to North Carolina for the sessions with Gibbons and his crew.

“The first couple of days were spent in the garage, getting Chris fitted in the car, talking about how the car handles and working on set-ups”, says McColman.  “Monday (January 5th) we got on the racetrack and turned some laps in the car.  Peter is amazed at how quickly Chris has picked-up the feel of the car.  We knew heading into the test that our driver is very talented behind the wheel and has a ton of chassis knowledge for someone his age.  It will certainly accelerate his learning curve”.  

Gibbons’ beaming smile tells it all.  He’s very pleased with the progress his young prodigy has shown.  “He listens. He learns. The car goes faster. Chris is like a sponge”, says the former NASCAR Sprint Cup driver.  “So much of what we do at this level is based on communication.  Telling the crew chief how the car feels and what its doing plays a huge role in being effective on raceday.  He’s used to 25 or 50 lap races, while most of our events are 200 laps or more.  In just our brief sessions so far, I’m confident that Chris has the abilities to work well with the team and communicate the changes we’ll need to get our car to the front”.

The Gibbons Motorsports team logged some valuable track time early in the week, but some heavy rains forecast for the Hickory, North Carolina area may shift the scene to classroom for additional racing education to round-out the week.

Chris Raabe enjoyed a record-setting 2008 season, recording a feature win stat of almost 50%.  He also earned track championships in DIRTcar racing’s sportsman modified division at Brockville Ontario Speedway, Thunder Alley Speed Park and Rolling Wheels Raceway.  At 17 years of age, the Napanee, Ontario resident became the youngest driver to earn a Mr. DIRTcar championship title in the sanctioning body’s history.

Peter Gibbons spent more than 20 years as an owner-driver in NASCAR’s top touring series including what is now Sprint Cup, the Nationwide Tour and the former sportsman tour.  He also made selected starts in the ARCA Re/Max Series.  The native of Stouffville, Ontario ran his final event as a driver in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Saturday, September 27th at Kawartha Speedway.

Raabe is scheduled to make selected starts in the Gibbons Motorsports Chevrolet Monte Carlo during the 2009 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Tour.

Photo attachments:  (supplied by team)

Chris Raabe tests the Gibbons Motorsports NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Chevrolet Monte Carlo at Hickory Motor Speedway. <<Raabe Learns the Tricks of the Trade at Legendary Short Track.doc>> <<raabetesting1[1].jpg>> <<raabetesting2[1].jpg>> <<raabetesting4[1].jpg>>

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Ontario Stocks: Elginburg, Ontario's Bobby Herrington Races Back to the Books

Bobby Herrington Races Back to the Books

By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications

Bobby Herrington has a thirst for knowledge.  As the shrink-wrap comes off 2009 calendars the Elginburg, Ontario teen – a 12th grade student at Sydenham High School – is pouring through notebooks and journals.  The 3rd year DIRTcar small block modified racer is making a list of words that will help define the renewed sense of optimism that he hopes to bring to his racing program for the new season.

“It’s no secret.  As a team, we struggled in 2008”, Herrington says with a smile.  “We know we can do better and the new season will be a chance to show our stuff.  We’ve picked-up a new Bicknell chassis and while we were there, had the chance to pick the brain of Randy Williamson.  The Bicknell folks have been great partners for a number of years and we’re proud to be running their equipment again in ’09.  Randy (Williamson) gave us open access to their shock adjustments and set-up notes.  We’ll have the same car and set-ups as Pete Bicknell this year”.

Herrington says they’re already taking the steps needed to get the car ready for the new season and is sure many of the marketing partners that were on-board in ’08 will be back, with some new supporters still to come.  The 17 year-old thinks they’ll be back at their 2 regular home tracks for the 2009 season.  Depending on how things go early in the year, fans could even expect to see the #25 DIRTcar small block modified picking and choosing some of the extra distance special events and maybe even some of the Super DIRTcar tour stops.

“There have been so many rumours flying around during the off-season, it’s hard to know what to believe”, says Herrington. “I’d like to get back to Edelweiss and Brockville this year.  I think we have some unfinished business where each venue is concerned.  Some of the on-line forums have even talked about an early season tour show at Edelweiss.  We’ll just have to wait for the official schedule announcements and separate the fact from the fiction.  If we start the season well at the early Super DIRTcar events, we’ll probably do some more touring”.

Paint-scheme plans for Herrington’s 2009 Bicknell small block mod are on the drawing board and the team has their primary power plants – a Kevin Enders prepped Chevy and a DSE 358 out of Dale Stroud’s shops – back from being freshened and the countdown to the season openers is underway.

“I think we’re ready to go racing and if the season was to start tomorrow, we’d be there and be quite competitive”, says the young speedster.  “2007 was a great season, but every racer has bumps in the road.  We can get back to that level.  It’s all about attitude and we’re heading into the new season with a positive state of mind.”

Learn more about Bobby Herrington at www.herringtonmotorsports.com  

Photo attachments (by Jim Clarke)
The cars of Bobby Herrington...
#1).  The 2005 Bicknell DIRTcar sportsman modified
#2).  The 2006 Bicknell DIRTcar 358 modified
#3).  The 2007 Bicknell DIRTcar 388 modified

Media contact:  Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications // clarkemotorsports@hotmail.com


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Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Sports Car Club of BC - January newsletter

Click here or on the image at right to download the January '09 edition of the Sports Car Club of BC Newsletter. Thanks to Peter Weedon for passing it along.

Rick Young's 'Rick at the Races' 2008 Review... Part 2


PIC 1   RICK @ the ICAR CIRCUIT RACES

PIC  2    Chris Raabe with Mark and Angie Rinaldi at the Brighton Speedway

PIC  3     Martin Roy # 90 (Que) leads Tim McCreadie # 35 (NY) at the Airborne Speedway

PIC 4    Martin Lacombe wins the Toromont CAT 100 at the Capital City Speedway

PIC  5  Steve Paine # 7x and Frankie Caprara # FX1 tangle during the Cornwall Motor Speedway SDS race.

PIC 6    Old friends reunite at Brafield (UK) , L to R , Chris Pickup , Colin Herridge, Rick, Steve Bird

PIC 7     BriSCA F1 action at Brafield (UK)

PIC 8    Miss Motorsports poses by the Brett Hearn # 20 Modified at SUPER DIRT WEEK 2008

PIC 9   Mike Colsten , winner at the Five Mile Point Speedway

PIC 10  Action during the Eastern States Weekend at the Orange County Fair Speedway NY

PIC  11    JR Fitzpatrick beside the SS Chevelle he drove at the Flamboro Speedway

PIC 12  Randy Zimmer in his Suburu en-route to a seventh place in the RALLY OF THE TALL PINES


When I decided to do a review of my 2008 escapades, I knew it would take more than one episode, so planned for it to be in two parts. Well, I think I underestimated the task in hand and after squeezing the remainder of 2008 into this episode, I realized it could quite easily have been a three part series. I persevered with the original plan and hope I didn't leave anything out !

Part One brought us to the end of June after I'd attended 32 events. I'll continue with the remaining 43 events from my 2008 total count of 75.

In June I put my house in Maxville, that I'd lived in for twelve years, on the market, in an attempt to be nearer to Cornwall (Ontario). This meant I had to be available when needed to show prospective buyers. Luckily this didn't effect my racing schedule too much.

There was plenty of action taking place at my local tracks during July so I was able to stay close to home . The ADVANCE AUTOPARTS SUPER DIRT SERIES came to Canada for four scheduled events, and kicked off at the Brockville Ontario Speedway (Thurs July 10). Billy Decker took this first one. The next night, the Series moved to the Autodrome Granby (Que) where Brett Hearn took the checkers. Work commitments forced me to miss this one but I made it to the third stop of the tour on Saturday (July 12) when it visited the Autodrome Drummond (Que).

Before going to Drummond I gained another 'new track' on my way there, when I attended the afternoon races at the new ICAR Circuit at Mirabel (Que). The road course located on the former Mirabel Airport was having it's inaugural event. I watched most of the action there before heading up to Drummondville to see Dale Planck take the big one.

The final stop on the 'Great Northern' tour should have been the Cornwall Motor Speedway (Ont) but Mother Nature intervened , and the fixture became another wet weather casualty. It was postponed to August 17.

A week later the LUCAS OIL CANADIAN DIRT SERIES was scheduled to start at Autodrome Granby ( Fri July 18) but once again rain caused a cancellation. The decision to call it off was made early enough for me to make alternative plans and instead of heading north to Quebec, I set off down HWY 401 to the Brighton Speedway ,Ont. They were holding a LUCAS OILS SPORTSMAN SERIES race and I was there to see Chris Raabe collect one of his many victories of 2008.

Following the Brighton visit, it was back home to Maxville before traveling to Quebec for the Autodrome Drummond round of the LUCAS OILS CANADIAN DIRT SERIES on Saturday. David Hebert took this round, and did the same thing at the next one, held at the Mohawk Int Raceway (Thurs 31 July).

On Friday night (Aug 1) the LUCAS OILS CANADIAN DIRT SERIES continued at the Autodrome Edelweiss where Mario Clair took the honors. When the Series moved on to the Brockville Ontario Speedway the next day, once again rain became an issue forcing a postponement. The Cornwall Motor Speedway round on Sunday (3 Aug) went unhindered where former track champion Dale Planck scored the win.

A few days after this I received a formal offer on my house sale , which I decided to accept. This meant I had to be 'out' before October 3. In between accepting the offer and the move date,  I had lots of racing planned, including a trip to the UK. It was a challenge I was determined to overcome.

On Wedneday August 6,  I visited the Airborne Speedway Park at Plattsburg NY for a special Modified Challenge event. World Of Outlaw Late Model drivers Tim McCreadie and Tim Fuller were guest driving loaned cars.

Tom Curley and his ACT Late Model Series payed a visit to the Capital City Speedway on August 9, which again proved to be a battle against the elements. After all the necessary track drying delays we eventually saw Martin Lacombe take the TOROMONT CAT 100.

On the weekend of 16/17 August the ADVANCE AUTOPARTS SUPER DIRT SERIES was back in my area with back to back races at the Can Am Speedway (Lafargeville NY) and the Cornwall Motor Speedway. ( the Cornwall event that had been postponed from July 13). At Can Am after a long absence of big wins, we saw Gary Tompkins back in Victory Lane . When the tour crossed the St Lawrence Seaway into Canada the next day, he repeated the feat.

It was then the turn of the 358 SUPERDIRT SERIES to visit my area. There were two rounds, one at the Mohawk Int Raceway (21 Aug) and the other at the Cornwall Motor Speedway ( 1 Sept). Both went ahead without weather related issues with Mario Clair winning at the MIR and Danny O'Brien at Cornwall.

One week later ( 6 Sept) the Capital City and Brockville speedways weren't so lucky . Capital City had another big Late Model event planned and Brockville had an ambitious program of a postponed LUCAS OILS CANADIAN DIRT SERIES race plus their round of the 358 SUPER DIRT CAR Series. My intentions were to attend Capital City in the afternoon and move on to Brockville in the evening. Mother Nature was to intervene once more, both events were canceled and I saw nothing !

On Monday 15 Sept I flew out of Ottawa bound for a four race tour of the UK. After landing at Gatwick ( south of London) on Tuesday morning I based my self at my Mum and Dads place in Bedfordshire.

Wednesday evening ( 17 Sept) was spent at the Arlington Stadium on the South coast where I witnessed the rough and tough Spedeworth Stock Saloons in action.

I was on the East coast at the Skegness Stadium on Friday night ( 19 Sept) for the first of the three World Final weekend meetings.

The BriSCA F1 World Final , the big race, and the reason for my visit was at the Foxhall Stadium in Ipswich on Saturday. It was an event I'd been looking forward to. It was the first ever staging of the race at this historic venue, where 50 years ago , I had seen my first ever stock car race, as a four year old 'toddler'. Winner was Rochdale, Lancashire's Andy Smith.

Before heading back to Canada, my fourth stop on the tour was the traditional 'day after' meeting at the Brafield Stadium ( Northamptonshire). This was the track I used to consider 'home' and a place I've spent plenty of time over the years. One of the many highlights of the day was meeting up with two of old buddies from my racing days. When former BriSCA F1 drivers Chris Pickup # 50 and Steve Bird # 52 had heard of my visit, they came along specially for the day to say 'Hi'. That was a really nice gesture.

I landed back in Ottawa on Monday (22 Sept) and was in my regular post, taking photos at the Capital City on Friday night (Sept 26) . On Saturday I was heading down HWY 401 to the Brighton Speedway for their annual 'Applefest Shootout' . Once again wet weather caused problems, but not before Pete Bicknell took the checkers in a rain shortened feature.

The following Friday (Oct 3) , I relocated from Maxville to my new home in Long Sault, situated just ten minutes away from the Cornwall Motor Speedway. The move went smoother than expected, so the next day I set off for Fulton Speedways (NY)  traditional race ( FKA VICTORIA 200) that precedes SUPER DIRT WEEK. This year sail panels were allowed on the 'Big Block' modifieds and it was the 'Doctor' Danny Johnson who took the honors.

Following the Fulton trip, I returned to Canada for a few days before heading south again on Wednesday (8 Sept) for the SUPER DIRT WEEK 'Happy Hour' at the New York State Fairgrounds (Syracuse). My plan was to see some of the practice laps then move up to the Can Am Speedway for the evening 358 SUPER DIRT CAR race. Once again, rain spoiled everyones enjoyment, Can Am was rained out, and I returned to Canada early. Work commitments prevented me from attending the 358 SUPER DIRT SERIES races at Brewerton NY (Thurs) and Rolling Wheels NY (Friday) but I was back down at SUPER DIRT WEEK in Syracuse first thing on Saturday morning to resume the action.

Billy Decker won the 150 lap 358 Modified race which was completed by late afternoon. Instead of staying for the SPORTSMAN race, I left the fairgrounds early and took a one hour drive south of Syracuse. My destination was the Five Mile Point Speedway near Binghampton NY ( an independent track which is not part of the DIRTCAR organization) was holding a Southern Tier Modified Show. Five Mile Point is a track I hadn't visited before so I was eager to add it to my 'track totals' . I arrived a bit late but was still in good time to see the 50 lap feature. Mike Colsten was the winner.

Five Mile Point became TRACK # 172 on my TRACKCHASING TOTALS.

The next day (Oct 12)  I was back at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse to see Frank Cozze of Wind Gap PA take a popular win in the 2008 RITE AID 200.

It was then time to return to Ontario for a few days (back to work !) before setting off on my last racing tour of the year. On Friday night (Oct 17) , I crossed in to the USA from Cornwall Ont , straight from work and sped along I 87 over the Adirondack Mountains on the six hour trek to the Orange County fair Speedway at Middletown , NY. It was the annual Eastern States Weekend, the big event that attracts many Canadians each year. It's the curtain closer of the North Eastern dirt racing season, and a feast of racing not to be missed.

Although the dirt season was over , the paved tracks have the ability to run a bit later, and on November 3, I visited the Flamboro Speedway south west of Toronto,Ont. This was my second time 'ever' visit , the first time being more than five years ago. NASCAR CANADIAN TIRE SERIES driver JR Fitzpatrick was there guest driving a beautifully prepared SS Chevelle.

2008, wasn't over for me yet ! On November 22, I got up at the crack of dawn so I could attend the start of the RALLY of THE TALL PINES at Bancroft , Ont. Long time RICK @ the RACES reader Randy Zimmer Of Buffalo NY was competing in his Suburu and picked up a creditable seventh place. It had been a long time since I took a look at Rallying and it was an enjoyable way to end my year.

Phew ! I never realized my review would last so long !

 
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Davis And Logano To Face Off Again At NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 6, 2009) – In a race where there are no points at stake and the only thing on the line is bragging rights, Marc Davis will get the chance to even the score with Joey Logano, his friend and teammate at Joe Gibbs Racing, when he heads out to Irwindale, Calif., in two weeks for the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown.

“It’s going to be a pretty cool experience,” said Davis. “I can’t wait to get out there and run it again. It’s the Showdown – it’s big. Everybody is going to be there.”

Including the defending champion, Logano.

As the initial batch of entries for the prestigious event arrived in Daytona Beach, Fla. for the race, the names of the two 18-year-old up-and-coming superstars were among those to first to finalize their intentions of running in the postseason showcase at the Toyota Speedway at Irwindale.

The NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown will feature two days of exciting action Jan. 23-24 among some of the top drivers in NASCAR Camping World Series and NASCAR Whelen All-American Series action. The competition will air live on SPEED beginning at 7 p.m. PT both nights.

“I can’t wait to go back,” said Logano of returning to the fast, multi-grooved half-mile track. “I’ve got the same car and that track is just a real cool race track. And we had a great time out in Southern California. I really enjoyed being out there.

“It’s pretty much the Daytona 500 of short-track racing, and it would be awesome to go back and win it again.”

Logano knows that returning to Irwindale as the defending race winner he will carry a big target on his back. And nobody may be gunning for him more than Davis.

Davis qualified fourth in the last NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown, starting one row behind his teammate. But carburetor issues that surfaced at the start of the race quickly put him 16 laps down. Once he got back on the track, his time was among the leaders but the opportunity to contend for the win was gone.

“We have a lot to prove this year – being so strong last time and having nothing to show for it,” Davis said. “We’re taking the same baseline as last year. We should be pretty good off the truck and we have a whole lot of stuff to experiment with and see how the track has changed.”

In his NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown win, Logano led the final 87 laps and held off a fierce challenge from Peyton Sellers on a green-white-checkered finish.

“In the beginning of the race, we weren’t a bolt of lightning,” Logano said. “We made a couple of changes and got it to the front. It was exciting.”

Among those joining Davis on the early entry list looking to dethrone Logano is three-time NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion Ron Hornaday Jr., 2008 NASCAR Camping World Series West champion Eric Holmes, former NASCAR Whelen All-American Series national champions Peyton Sellers and Greg Pursley, and Eddie MacDonald – who swept the NASCAR Camping World Series East races at New Hampshire last year.

The list of top short-track drivers who have already committed to the event includes NASCAR Camping World Truck Series veteran Matt Crafton, 2008 NASCAR Camping World Series East champion and 2006 NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown winner Matt Kobyluck, and 2008 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series champion Scott Steckly.

Also confirmed to compete are four drivers who have earned rookie of the year honors in the NASCAR Camping World Series in the last three seasons (Jason Bowles, Sellers, Jeff Barkshire, and Austin Dillon), and Brian Ickler, winner of the NASCAR Camping World Series combination race in Iowa this past May.

Champions of each of NASCAR’s developmental series earned secured spots in the event. In addition to Holmes, Kobyluck and Steckly, those champions include Philip Morris (NASCAR Whelen All-American Series), Antonio Perez (NASCAR Mexico Series), Ted Christopher (NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour) and Brian Loftin (NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour).

Logano won the NASCAR Camping World Series East title in 2007 and became the youngest winner in the NASCAR Nationwide Series in 2008. He is preparing to make his debut in the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway in February in his brand-new NASCAR Sprint Cup Series ride, the No. 20 Home Depot Toyota.

His first on-track racing action of the 2009 calendar, though, will be at the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown – where he capped his breakthrough rookie season in NASCAR in Victory Lane.

Logano won the event in October of 2007. The event has been moved to January, where it will share the racing weekend with the Grand-Am Series Rolex Daytona 24. The move provides a break in the monotony of winter and an opportunity to get back to racing.

“I can’t wait to get back into a race car,” said Logano, who has got his racing fix running go-karts against his friends and participating in the Whelen Bodine Bobsled Challenge at Lake Placid, N.Y. “It’s been a while and I’m just getting antsy to race. It’s going to be great to get back on track at the Showdown.”

Davis is coming off a 2008 season in which he finished fifth in points in the NASCAR Camping World Series East. He led a race-high 57 laps at Iowa Speedway in the combination race between the NASCAR Camping World Series East and West.

He also made his debut in the NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.

Davis again plans a mixed schedule of the three national series in 2009, but not before taking care of some unfinished business.

“We had a car to win it last year but came up empty,” Davis said. “We’re just going to have to go out there and perform and win it all.”

In addition to competition for the NASCAR Camping World Series, which is NASCAR’s top developmental series, action in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series will feature a Late Model race and a Super Late Model race.

To purchase tickets for the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown, fans can go to www.toyotaspeedwayatirwindale.com or call the track at (626) 358-1100.

From NASCAR PR

South Buxton Raceway... rules and dates for 2009

South Buxton Raceway owner Scott Mihalco and tech inspector J.P. Marchand announced there will be no changes to track rules in any of the four classes for the 2009 season.

Tech rules can be found on the track's web site (www.southbuxtonraceway.com) under the DRIVERS icon on the home page, click on RULES and scroll to each class.

Late Model and Modified drivers are advised to check the UMP web site for any late-breaking rule changes.

For drivers in the Sport Stock class, the proposed implement of mandatory Crate Motors by the 2010 season has been rescinded. Crate Motors remain an option for drivers in the class.

However, changes will be made to the points format for the 2009 season, which will be disclosed at a general drivers meeting (the date and location to be announced).

Regular racing action takes place every Saturday night from the Victoria Day weekend to Labour Day weekend, capped off by the fifth annual Castrol UMP Late Model/Modified Shootout on Saturday, Sept. 26.

Following are confirmed special event  dates for the 2009 season.

*May 16 – Opening Night

May 23 – Southern Ontario Sprints

June 13 – Sprints On Dirt

June 19-20 – Ohsweken/South Buxton Modified Special

July 4 – Modified Special Night

*July 31-August 1 – Ohsweken/South Buxton Late Model Special

August 22 – Southern Ontario Sprints

*September 5 – Championship Night

September 26 – Castrol Late Model/Modified Shootout

(* ­ indicates holiday weekend)
 
From Mike Bennett // South Buxton Raceway // www.southbuxtonraceway.com

 

Tim Russell Wins the Red Eye 125 at New Smyrna Speedway

Tim Russell Wins the Red Eye 125 at New Smyrna Speedway
2009 Season Perfect So Far With a Pole and a Feature Victory

CONCORD, NC (January 6, 2009) – Some people might ask what does Tim Russell have left to prove to people that he’s a legit racecar driver?  He’s won countless races and just wrapped up his second-consecutive Sunbelt Super Late Model Series Championship.  Even champions can find something to race for, as Russell knew that Wayne Anderson had his number at New Smyrna Speedway (FL) in 2008; but this was a new year.  Throw in the mix Mike Skinner, a former Camping World Truck Series Champion, and Russell had all the reason he needed to step up his game.  When the dust settled, Anderson and Skinner could only watch as the checkered flag went to Russell.  

“It was an awesome win for us,” said Russell.  “We knew we had to beat Wayne (Anderson).  He’s won a lot of races here in the last few months.  Beating a NASCAR driver like Mike Skinner for the win just makes it all the more special.  It feels really good to come out on top.”

Russell started outside the top 10 and picked his way to the front.  When he got to third, he took advantage of race leader Skinner’s bobble that stacked up Anderson in the second spot.  Russell dove to the bottom and grabbed the runner-up spot.  Only a few laps later, Russell made the pass for the lead and held on over the final 45 laps.   

“We had a really good car right from the get-go.  We were fast in practice, and we won the pole in qualifying,” said Russell.  “They put 15 numbers in the pill draw and we drew 11th and started working our way to the front from there.  We got around Wayne Anderson and then by leader Mike Skinner.  I knew after that all I had to do was hit my marks.”

As most of the country is covered with snow or foul weather, Florida seems to have the shortest off-season of any of the states that run Super Late Models.  It was in the final weeks of November that the last race was run on the east cost of Florida, and only five weeks later cars were back at the track ready to go in 2009.  Russell said it was like it had only been a few days.

“It was like I never got out of the seat,” added Russell.  “The track was a little slower with the lack of rubber on it.  We changed a few things before the race and made it a lot more drivable.  I’m happy to get the win, but now we are right back in the shop getting things ready for Speedweeks.” 

Tim Russell is already gearing for Speedweeks at New Smyrna Speedway.  The nine nights of racing has the Super Late Model teams racing eight times including the Annual Pete Orr Memorial 100.  Russell will be looking to win his first-ever Speedweeks title.

For more information on Tim Russell, please contact Matt Dillner at (704) 788-2134 x 9, and be sure to check out his website at www.timrussellonline.com.

From Matt Dillner, 51 Sports

INDYCAR SERIES NEWS AND NOTES - Jan. 6, 2009

INDYCAR SERIES NEWS AND NOTES – Jan. 6, 2009

Today's IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights headlines

1.      Can Dixon repeat?
2.      IndyCar Series drivers geared up for Rolex 24 at Daytona
3.      Fisher signs endorsement contract
4.      Duno featured in parade

1. Can Dixon repeat?: Three months from the start of the IndyCar Series season and reigning champion Scott Dixon is being pressed for a prediction. Can he make it two in a row against another formidable field on the most diverse set of racetracks in motorsports?

Dixon takes the middle of the road - attempting not to appear arrogant while not devaluing confidence in his abilities or those of the No. 9 Target Chip Ganassi Racing crew.

"Winning is tough, but to defend is harder," said Dixon, who though he won a series record-tying six races in 2008 claimed his second IndyCar Series championship by a scant 17 points over Team Penske's Helio Castroneves. "Last time we tried it, it didn't work out too well. But next year I think the team looks very strong, the development has been good in the off-season, already the car is super fast and I have a new teammate (Dario Franchitti) joining me."

Dixon led a series record-high 899 laps and started from the pole six times over the 17-race 2008 season. He remained the points leader after winning the 92nd Indianapolis 500 from the pole, and finished out of the top 10 only three times all season in race fields that averaged 26 cars.

"I think there's definitely momentum one season over another, though '03 to '04 is probably a bad choice," said Dixon, who followed the championship in his rookie season with a 10th-place points ranking. "There wasn't much carryover. Actually, for the first three or four races there was. I led at Homestead in '04 and finished second at Phoenix. Then we went into the Month of May (started fourth and finished 17th at Indianapolis)."

The 28-year-old New Zealander sees the 2007 season, in which he finished runner-up to Franchitti by 13 points in another title battle that wasn't decided until the final race, as setting up his '08 success. In the five-race closing stretch, Dixon won at Infineon and finished second at Kentucky and the Chicagoland finale.

"2007 to '08 was a scenario where momentum definitely carries on," he said. "We were very strong in the latter part and carried that right through winning the first race (from the pole at Homestead) in '08."

Dixon again closed strong last season, finishing first or second in three of the final five events (three street/road circuits, two 1.5-mile ovals).

"I hope we can definitely carry that on," he said.

***

2. IndyCar Series drivers geared up for Rolex 24 at Daytona: The past two IndyCar Series champions and the 2007 Firestone Indy Lights champion will co-drive one of the two Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates cars in the 47th Rolex 24 At Daytona later this month.

Scott Dixon and Dario Franchitti will join Alex Lloyd in the No. 02 Target/TELMEX Daytona Prototype. The drivers participated in testing at Daytona International Speedway Jan. 2-4.

Chip Ganassi and co-owner Felix Sabates are the first team owners to win three consecutive Rolex 24 At Daytona overall titles. Last year, Franchitti, Juan Pablo Montoya, Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas teamed up to win the race on the 3.56-mile circuit.

Other IndyCar Series drivers entered in the twice-around-the-clock race in the Daytona Prototype class include:

● Danica Patrick with Childress-Howard Motorsports (Casey Mears, Andy Wallace and Rob Finlay teammates).
● Ryan Briscoe with Penske Racing (Timo Bernhard and Romain Dumas teammates).
● Buddy Rice with Brumos Racing (Darren Law, David Donohue and Antonio Garcia teammates).
● Ryan Hunter-Reay with Michael Shank Racing (Colin Braun, Oswaldo Negri and Mark Patterson teammates).
● Darren Manning with Orbit Racing (Kyle Petty, Marc Goossens and Leo Hindery Jr. teammates).

Also competing in Daytona Prototypes are: KV Racing Technology co-owner Jimmy Vasser, who will co-drive the No. 99 GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Daytona Prototype with Jimmie Johnson, Alex Gurney and Jon Fogarty, Tomas Enge, who will compete with Alegra Motorsports, and former Firestone Indy Lights competitor Brad Jaeger, who will compete with Doran Racing.

Vision Racing co-owner Patrick Dempsey heads the Dempsey Racing lineup in the GT class with Joe Foster, Tim Lewis Jr. and Charles Espenlaub. IndyCar Series competitors Max Papis (Mastercar-Coast 2 Costa Racing) and Jeff Bucknum (Stevenson Motorsports) also will compete in the GT class.

Also competing in the GT class will be Jim Michaelian, race director of the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. The IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights will headline the annual street race for the first time April 19.

***    

3. Fisher signs endorsement contract: IndyCar Series team owner and driver Sarah Fisher signed an endorsement deal with SimCraft Racing Simulators. Fisher will appear at the company's booth Jan. 8-11 at the 2009 International CES when it launches its series of racing simulators.

SimCraft's car racing simulators include the APEX SC830 and the APEX SC320, patent-pending military-grade simulators that bring the sense of touch to the home market. The APEX SC830 was developed for the training of professional racers (and fanatics of SimRacing) and offers three degrees of freedom (roll 40º / pitch 25º / yaw 40º). The APEX SC320 was designed for the hardcore gamer and offers two degrees of freedom (roll 20º / pitch 20º). Two models of the APEX SC830 will be displayed at the 2009 CES.

"The APEX SC830 is possibly the best real-life simulator I've ever experienced," Fisher said. "As far as the feedback the driver receives from the device, it's very similar to being in an actual race car. To be honest, the first time I used it, I was speechless. I'm very impressed with the capabilities and I will definitely be spending more time on the APEX as I prepare to run the 2009 IndyCar Series circuit."

***

4. Duno featured in parade: IndyCar Series driver Milka Duno will be among the guests of honor in the Three Kings Day Parade on Jan. 11 in Miami.

Duno will be featured during the 39th annual event with actor Fernando Allende and Florida Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez. The parade begins at noon (local time) along 8th Street between 4th Avenue and 22nd Avenue.

***

The 2009 IndyCar Series season opens April 5 with the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on the streets of St. Petersburg, Fla. The race will be telecast live at 2 p.m. (EDT) by VERSUS. The 2009 Firestone Indy Lights season begins with a doubleheader race weekend April 4-5 at St. Petersburg.

From John Griffin, Indy Racing League

NHRA - Kalitta Motorsports restructures for the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series

Kalitta Motorsports restructures for the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series

YPSILANTI, Mich., (Jan. 6, 2009) –Kalitta Motorsports, a legendary professional drag racing team founded and owned by drag racing icon Connie “the Bounty Hunter” Kalitta and based in Ypsilanti, Mich., just minutes from the Detroit city limits, will compete in the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series with one full-time entry, the DHL Toyota Solara Funny Car driven by Jeff Arend. Also in 2009, Kalitta Motorsports will celebrate 50 years of drag racing by Connie as he commemorates the golden landmark as a driver, tuner, and owner.

Jon Oberhofer and Nick Boninfante will serve as co-crew chiefs on the nitro-fueled DHL Funny Car in 2009, replacing Glenn Mikres who was relieved of his duties as crew chief of the DHL car after the conclusion of last season. Arend joined Kalitta Motorsports last season to assume the driving duties of the DHL entry after the tragic death of Scott Kalitta as the result of injuries he suffered in a high-speed racing accident in June in New Jersey.

Top Fuel veteran Doug Kalitta, Connie’s nephew, will compete in the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series in the Top Fuel class on a part-time, race-by-race basis as the team searches for full-time primary sponsor. Doug’s Top Fuel entry will be helmed by crew chief Jim Oberhofer and assistant crew chief Troy Fasching. Doug, a two-time Top Fuel championship runner-up and 30-time NHRA national event winner, and Kalitta Motorsports were notified last December that longtime backer Mac Tools would not return as the dragster’s primary sponsor in 2009, but will remain with Kalitta Motorsports as an associate sponsor.

The Top Fuel dragster driven by Hillary Will last season, owned by Ken Black and managed by Kalitta Motorsports, will not compete until primary sponsorship funding is acquired. Also sidelined until a primary sponsor can be found will be the Top Fuel machine piloted by Dave Grubnic at Kalitta Motorsports since 2004.

“We run our race team just like a business, and in these economically difficult times, our business has to make some tough decisions,” Jim Oberhofer, Kalitta Motorsports general manager, said. “Connie’s business, Kalitta Air, has been no exception to fiscal challenges either, so we have made the changes to our race team that we feel will give us the best financial stability possible as well as the best opportunity to compete at the highest level. We certainly hope that opportunities will arise for us to bring our other dragsters back into competition, but until those happen, we will carry on the best we can.

“Despite the challenges, we are very excited about the 2009 season. Connie has done so much for our sport, and we want to celebrate that at every event. Over the past 50 years, Connie has dedicated so much of his time and resources to building one of the most successful teams in the history of auto racing. We want to make sure everyone knows how important he is to us and to drag racing throughout 2009 and beyond.

“We’re also very thankful to DHL for their commitment to our team and to NHRA drag racing. They have been wonderful partners since joining our organization in 2007. We’re looking forward to continuing to build upon our great partnership and great friendship with them in 2009.”

Kalitta Motorsports has won five world championships and over 50 national event titles in five different drag racing sanctioning bodies since it was established by Connie in 1959.

Associate sponsors on Kalitta Motorsports’ race cars include Red Line Oil, Summit Racing Equipment, Technicoat Companies, K2M, Toyota, and Mac Tools.

###

From Todd Myers / Kalitta Motorsports <<50Gold.jpg>>