Penske pulls the plug on '09 Detroit IndyCar race

Too bad this race was scheduled near the time of the NASCAR weekend in Montreal, or it would have been a slam dunk to move it to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve to fill the F1 void. I still wouldn't be surprised to see some movement in the IndyCar sked to put a race there before July... GM)

From IndyCar.com

By Dave Lewandowski

Terry Angstadt, president of the Indy Racing League's commercial division, said the sanctioning body will review venues to fill the void on the 2009 IndyCar Series schedule after officials for the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix announced that the event will not be held because of difficult economic conditions.

He's also hopeful that the event on Belle Isle will return in 2010.

"The economic environment that our region, state and country faces, both today and in 2009, is difficult," said Roger Penske, Chairman of the Downtown Detroit Partnership. "It is unfortunate that we must postpone the 2009 Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix as sponsorship opportunities and support has proven to be very challenging for the event in the near term."

The IndyCar Series has competed on the island circuit the past two years, with Tony Kanaan and Justin Wilson winning races in front of large and enthusiastic crowds.

"This is unfortunate news but something that Roger Penske and his group have kept us abreast of for some time," Angstadt said. "The people of Detroit welcomed the IndyCar Series with impressive crowds the past two years and we support the Detroit Grand Prix's efforts for a possible return in 2010.

"The current economic climate is a challenge for all of us but as we look ahead to 2009 and beyond we remain bullish on the opportunities ahead for the unified IndyCar Series. There is little doubt that the IndyCar Series offers considerable value opportunities for current and potential partners of the series and its teams and tracks.

"Any decision on what we might do with a valuable asset like a Labor Day race weekend either short or long-term will not be decided upon quickly."

The Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix is a 501(c)3, non-profit corporation and a subsidiary of the Downtown Detroit Partnership. All net proceeds raised by the event fund measures to preserve and improve Belle Isle.

More than $7 million in infrastructure improvements have been made to Belle Isle since the return of the Grand Prix, including the paving of roadways, repairing or replacing damaged lighting and drainage, landscaping, the renovation of the Belle Isle Casino and Scott Fountain and the installation of pedestrian bridges, children's playgrounds and irrigation systems on the island.

According to a joint study conducted this year by the event and the Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Grand Prix generated more than $55.2 million in economic impact for metropolitan Detroit in 2008 and another $12.8 million in direct spending throughout Detroit and its surrounding tri-county area.

This year's study by the DMCVB also revealed the Grand Prix helped attract thousands of visitors to the area as 28 percent of event attendees came to Detroit from outside the tri-county region and 52 percent of those visitors came from outside of Michigan.

"I want to thank all of the fans that have supported the 2007 and 2008 Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix events," said Bud Denker, Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix event chairman. "Over 100,000 people attended each of the past two Grand Prix races and we are hopeful we can extend the excitement of world-class racing on Belle Isle in the future.

"We also want to thank the City of Detroit, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the City of Windsor for their partnerships. The Grand Prix would not have been possible without the support of more than 50 corporations including Bridgestone/Firestone, Bosch, Comerica Bank, General Motors, Meijer, Caesars Windsor, Charter One Bank, Pepsi, MGM Grand Detroit and many others. Finally, the over 1,000 Grand Prix volunteers were the best ambassadors of any race in North America and we say thanks to them.

"If the economic conditions improve, we hope to be able to bring the event back to Detroit in the summer of 2010."

Merry Christmas to Brockville Ontario fans, teams and sponsors

From Steve Young / Brockville Ontario Speedway
 
BROCKVILLE, ONT - Brockville Ontario Speedway would like to thank its fans, teams and sponsors for their contributions to a fanastic 2008 racing season at the Beast of the East. On behalf of the staff, the Kirkland family wishes each and everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year.  In order to keep the one year configuration in good shape for the 2009 season, track officials have again decided not to hold a New Years day event this season.

 
The schedule for the new season undergoing its final touches with a release expected in the weeks ahead.  Once again, a Merry Christmas to all our fans, teams and sponsors.

Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprint Release - 12/17/08

By Dean Reynolds / Contact: DeanR@empiresupersprints.com

Cobra Motorhomes and Trailers to Sponsor the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprint Dash Series: Chuck Hebing Aboard the ESS Series for 2009.

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The 2009 racing season starts a new era for the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints (ESS) and the popular sprint car organization would like to welcome Cobra Motorhomes and Trailers as the title sponsor for the dash series.  Successful owner and talented sprint car driver Chuck Hebing not only will be making his first sponsorship endeavor, but also a part of the ESS tour for 2009.

The man known around the sprint car ranks as the “Cobra” will be replacing huge ESS fan Walt Throne and Walt’s Hobby after a 22 year span in sponsoring the cars and stars of ESS.  “Walt is like family to us but of course times change.  He has handed down the business to his son and is looking to relax in his North Country camp.” said ESS President and good friend Chuck Miller.  “We were so honored that Walt and his wife came to the 25th Anniversary Banquet.  We will miss him, his rides in the van, his pep talks and all his jokes.  We looked forward to seeing him at the races.”

While ESS is saying good bye to a good friend, Hebing is coming aboard as a big supporter for the upcoming season and hopefully beyond.  “Chuck is so exciting on the race track and just loves sprint cars.  We are glad to have him take over the dash series point fund sponsorship as well as having him on the tour for ‘09” said Miller.

Even though the Ontario, NY driver has six career ESS victories, this will mark the first time he will look a possible championship.  “I started running mostly ESS at the end of 2008 and had a ball with them.  They are one tough bunch of race teams but we are looking for the challenge.” noted Hebing.  “It’s a long season and you need some luck but we will give it a shot.  Sponsoring the dash series is just a small way to give back to the racers and I’m glad to be a part of ESS.”

Cobra Motorhomes and Trailers are located in Ontario and are committed in custom building of all motorhomes and trailers.  There are no two Cobra projects that are alike.  Top race teams such as Sweeteners Plus, H&H Racing, Jay James and many more went to Cobra for their work.  It’s not just race haulers though; Hebing will build anything to your needs.  For all the information that is at your finger tips, please log on to www.cobramotorhomesandtrailers.com .

The top five drivers in the dash series points will share in the largest point fund ever.  This signing is just a start of what will be a long line of major sponsorship announcements to come after the first of the year.  Race teams will be vying for the largest payoffs in what is now the 26th year of the successful 360 sprint car organization.

For the latest up to date information, please log on to www.empiresupersprints.com where it will be a new era of excitement guaranteed.  Also, everyone from the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprint family we wish you a very safe and healthy holiday season.

CASCAR Champion Hits Daytona's High Banks for ARCA Testing with TRG

Mooresville, N.C. (December 17, 2008) – J.R. Fitzpatrick, the youngest ever CASCAR Super Series Champion, will make his first appearance at the historic high banks of Daytona International Speedway this weekend as the ARCA RE/MAX Series descends upon the 2.5-mile tri-oval in Daytona Beach, Florida for the first open test in preparation for the 2009 season.  Fitzpatrick will reunite with TRG Motorsports, the team he ran three NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races with towards the end of the 2008 season.

“I am really looking forward to my first trip to Daytona,” said Fitzpatrick, who is eager to build up his superspeedway skills.  This test is critical for Fitzpatrick who hopes to gain approval by NASCAR to compete in the Camping World Truck Series full-time in 2009.  “I know the guys in the TRG shop have prepared a really nice car for me to go down there with and I will have Tony Raines there to help me figure the drafting out.”

Fitzpatrick, who has never raced in the ARCA RE/MAX Series before, will drive the No. 71a TRG Motorsports Chevrolet in the three-day test which kicks off on Friday, December 19th and runs between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. through Sunday.  Fitzpatrick will have a teammate in 23-year-old Macon, Georgia’s Beau Slocumb.

“We’re super excited to have J.R. down in Daytona representing TRG Motorsports in the ARCA RE/MAX Series test,” said Team Principal, Kevin Buckler.  “J.R. has already proven that he can do the job.  He’s a great talent and we’re all looking forward to watching him turn his first laps at Daytona International Speedway.”

Fitzpatrick’s effort will be led by veteran Crew Chief, Jon Wolfe, who also serves as the team’s General Manager.  The crew will be taking chassis No. 106, which is a brand new car in TRG’s fleet.  This chassis was purchased from Dale Earnhardt, Inc. and was last raced by NASCAR Sprint Cup star, Martin Truex Jr.

“This is a dream come true for me,” said Fitzpatrick.  “I can't wait to make my first couple of laps there.”

From TRG_motorsports / Jamie Maynard

 
<<JR Fitzpatrick.JPG>>

Mac's Convenience Stores back with Legend Cars of Alberta for 2009

At a time when there's a lot of rough news floating around, it's great to see some positive news on the Canadian motorsports scene. This morning, I received the Mac's Legend Cars of Alberta Christmas Newsletter, which annouced that Mac's and several other series sponsors are returning for 2009. (GM)

Mac's Convenience Stores back for 2009!

Legend Cars of Alberta is honoured to announce that 2009 will be the 15th year of sponsorship by Mac’s Convenience Stores. The Legends Racing Series has changed and grown over the past 15 years and Mac's has been there every step of the way and has played a huge role in our participant and fan growth.

Mac’s is not only the series sponsor of the Mac’s Legend Racing Series in Western Canada but Mac’s Convenience Stores also sponsors the Mac’s "Froster 50" which is the premier race for Legends in Canada with a prize purse of $10,000.00. The "Froster 50" is the biggest event on our racing calendar each season and the 2009 event is looking bigger and better than ever. 2008 saw a visitor from Washington take home the big prize, what will happen in 2009?

Mac’s Sponsorship also extends to the Legends Renegade Racing School, and the #24hr Legends School racecar.

On the racing side of things, Mac’s Sponsorship includes the 2007 & 2008 "Chase for the Mac’s Cup" Pro Series Champion #17 of Ira Laughy. Mac's Convenience Stores has been the primary sponsor on Ira's #17 car for 5 seasons now. Mac's and Ira are looking forward to another successful season in 2009.

Click here to see the rest of the newsletter, which includes all of the club's announcements and a tentative 2009 schedule.

ASA LM: Jimmy Lang Racing Seeks Development Driver for 2009 Season

Jimmy Lang Racing Seeks Development Driver for 2009 Season

ASA Late Model Championship Team to Field Second Car for Upcoming Season

CONCORD, NC (December 17, 2008) – Racing is a hard business to break into, but what if you had an opportunity to race for a championship team right out of the gates? Jimmy Lang Racing is looking to give a talented young driver that opportunity. The 2008 ASA Late Model South Series Championship team is looking for a development driver to serve as a teammate to Jimmy Lang for the 2009 season. The candidate will run the ASA Southeast Asphalt Tour alongside Lang. With the addition of racing in highly-competitive equipment, the new driver will also receive driver coaching from Lang both on and off the track.

“It’s going to be really exciting to have a teammate. It will be really neat to help coach a driver along in a series at the same time,” said Lang. “We have learned a lot in our two years in the ASA Late Model ranks. We laid the ground work to building a race team, and now we think we are ready to have two top-notch cars at the track each week.”

The operation will be headed up by veteran crew chief Rich Lushes, who came on board just a few months ago. His racing background started when he was knee-high to a grasshopper. At the age of just two weeks, he was at his first racetrack. In more recent years, he served atop the pit box for both Michael Annett and Landon Cassill, both of whom are now in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Lushes helped Lang cap off a five-win season, which included 16 top-10 finishes and the ASA Late Model South Championship.

“Right now we are currently looking at adding a second team on to our program here at Jimmy Lang racing,” added Lushes. “Basically, if a driver signs on with us, they are going to get complete consulting. We will be doing everything from the setups for the team cars, to on-track coaching. They are going to get everything they need to get to the next level.”

When drivers move up from the lower levels, they quickly find that learning the ropes with setups and tires can hinder performances of starter teams. Jumping onboard with a winning team like Jimmy Lang Racing takes a lot of the headaches out of starting your own team.

“Nowadays you want to work with a team that already has the information,” added Lushes. “To start a team takes so much time, money and knowledge. Look at Michael Waltrip Racing. They really struggled when they first started out. We have a team in place; we have a great foundation and on-track performances to back it up.”

With plans of a new driver and a 2008 champion already in one seat, expectations are high for the 2009 campaign.

“We have some very talented people here in the shop,” added Lushes. “Jimmy is one of the best drivers I have ever worked with as far as talent is concerned. Everything is gelling real well, and things are moving forward with positive attitudes for the 2009 season.”

For more information on becoming a Development Driver for Jimmy Lang Racing, contact Rich Lushes by e-mailing him at richlushes@hotmail.com. You can also contact the team at jimmylangracing@yahoo.com or call (843) 784-7227.

For more information on Jimmy Lang, please contact Elgin Traylor at (704) 788-2134 x 4, and be sure to check out his website at www.jimmylang.net.

From Elgin Traylor, 51 Sports // (704) 788-2134, elgin@51sports.net

NASCAR: Roush Fenway names Blickensderfer Crew Chief of #17 DeWalt Cup Team

Roush Fenway Racing Names Blickensderfer Crew Chief of No. 17 DEWALT Sprint Cup Team

Bolin to return to post as No. 17 engineer

 

CONCORD, N.C. (Dec. 17, 2008) – Roush Fenway Racing has named Drew Blickensderfer crew chief for Matt Kenseth’s No. 17 DEWALT Sprint Cup team for the upcoming 2009 season.

 

“We are really looking forward to Drew coming on board with the No. 17 DEWALT team,” said Kenseth. “Drew brings a great work ethic and high level of enthusiasm to our team. He has been waiting for the opportunity to become a crew chief in the Sprint Cup Series and I know he’ll make the most of it.

 

“I had the chance to work with Drew for a couple of years in the Nationwide Series and he is one of the hardest working guys in the garage. He has a passion for the sport, and I know he will be a great addition to our No. 17 team.”

 

Blickensderfer served the past three seasons as a crew chief in Roush Fenway’s highly successful Nationwide Series program. He helped guide Danny O’Quinn to a Raybestos Rookie title in 2006, before teaming with Kenseth in the Nationwide Series for the next year and a half.

 

The duo earned three victories in the series, before Blickensderfer moved over to Carl Edwards’ No. 60 team midway through the 2008 season. There, he helped guide the Edwards’ team to seven wins in their last 19 races and a second-place finish in the Nationwide Series point standings.

 

With the addition of Blickensderfer, Chip Bolin – who served as the crew chief on the No. 17 Sprint Cup team in 2008 - will return to his previous post as team engineer, where he was instrumental in helping guide the team to a Cup championship in 2003.

 

“Chip has been one of the biggest assets to this team since the beginning,” said Kenseth. “Both as an engineer and crew chief, he has been instrumental in our championship run in 2003 and our making the Chase every year since.  We are looking forward to adding Drew to the mix and everyone on this No. 17 DEWALT team is committed to working together and to running up front next season.”

 

Roush Fenway Racing is the NASCAR’s largest team operating 10 full-time motorsports teams; five in NASCAR Sprint Cup with drivers Matt Kenseth, Jamie McMurray, Greg Biffle, Carl Edwards and David Ragan; four in the Nationwide Series with Kenseth, Biffle, Edwards, Ragan, Erik Darnell, Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. and Colin Braun; and one team in the Craftsman Truck Series with Braun.

 

CONTACT: Kevin Woods, 704-720-4600 or kwoods@roushfenway.com