Kawartha Speedway
I see that Kawartha Speedway has published its 2006 schedule on its website.
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PMRA: Grisdale Racing Products to host Shock Seminar
DUNDAS, ON (February 27, 2006) -- Grisdale Racing Products will present a seminar on auto shock absorbers hosted by Carrera Shocks, a QA1 Precision Products, Inc. company. The seminar is to take place Saturday, March 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Grisdale is a sponsor in the Pro Modified Racing Association's, http://www.promodifiedracing.com/, upcoming 2006 season.
Founded in 1993, QA1 Precision Products, Inc. manufactures and supplies rod ends, spherical bearings, related custom linkages, and custom-machined products. With a growing wealth of engineering and manufacturing expertise on staff, QA1 is uniquely positioned to partner with its customers in order to provide timely delivery of quality products at a very competitive market price.
“Jeffery Beck and Carter Gerlach from QA1/Carrera will be on hand providing detailed and technical advice to all present including the entire QA1 program covering products from full race, hotrod, and Pro Street,” explained Grisdale’s Drag Racing & Performance Sales Coordinator, Paul Polly. “Another important item will be proper shock valving and proper shock setup to get the most benefit from a racecar’s chassis and tires, whether it’s oval track, road course, or on the drag strip.”
QA1 is proactively positioned to respond to current market concerns -- with commitments to inventory, quality control, and quick delivery -- a position that is unprecedented in today’s manufacturing supply chain. Training and education of its entire support staff reinforce the commitment that QA1 makes to genuine customer service.
“In 2004, QA1 purchased Carrera Shocks and is now the number one manufacturer,” said Thatcher (T.J.) Krupp, Grisdale’s Stock Car Racing & Performance Sales Coordinator. “Whether you’re looking for improved ride quality, show-stopping appearance, or faster times, QA1 delivers.”
QA1’s quality system is ISO 9001 certified. This focus on quality has enabled QA1 to achieve prominence in the OEM contract manufacturing business, and in the supply of high performance components to the racing industry. With the acquisition of the HAL® shock absorber company in 1998, QA1’s ability to impact sales to circle track, street rod, and dragster markets has been rapid. In a relatively few years, QA1 holds the position of supplying the majority of rod ends and spherical bearings to the U.S. racing market. Building upon this base, QA1 has been able to refine its product offering for industrial MRO and OEM applications.
This seminar is free; however, you must be registered to attend and take advantage of the special pricing and available only on the day of the seminar.
With a strong and solid reputation in the auto racing and aftermarket industry, Grisdale Enterprises Inc. is a multi-dimensional company that has been faithfully serving its customers for 25 years. The Grisdale Racing Products Division is a one-stop supplier for high performance and hard-core racing components.
Grisdale Enterprises Inc., http://www.grisdale.com/, has a complete line of racing products for the entry-level enthusiast to the full-time professional racer is available from Grisdale Racing Products. It carries a full line of fiberglass and aluminum racecar bodies, frame and suspension components, brake systems, wheels, tires, safety equipment (including Nomex suits), heat shielding materials, infra red pyrometers, and data acquisition products. Grisdale also specializes in driveline systems, on-board timing equipment, as well a full line of gauges, engine, and ignition components.
For more information, contact Paul Polly, paul@grisdale.com, or call 800.561.1791.
A sign that Spring is on the horizon....
Mike Sutton of Tiemersma Motorsports notes that the boys' cars "are starting to look like racecars again."
There are some pictures of the cars in progress here.
And there's an update on the team's progress here.
Thanks to Mike for the update and good luck to Steve and Derrick!
ARCA: S&H Motorsports Announces An Alliance With the Tim Horton Children’s Foundation
HOLLY, MI (February 28, 2006) - - S&H Motorsports, a professional based ARCA RE/MAX Series team with operations based in Holly, Michigan proudly announced today the alliance with the Tim Horton Children’s Foundation, the official charity of Tim Hortons, the largest quick service restaurant chain in Canada with rapid expansion in the United States.
More at link above....
From S&H Motorsports
More at link above....
From S&H Motorsports
ALMS: BOURDAIS, JUNQUEIRA COMPLETE STELLAR SEBRING LINEUP FOR MULTIMATIC MOTORSPORTS TEAM PANOZ
Multimatic Motorsports Team Panoz has completed its driver lineup for the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring.
Multimatic Motorsports Team Panoz has secured leading Champ Car World Series and Newman-Haas Racing aces Sebastien Bourdais and Bruno Junqueira to complete its star-studded lineup for the opening round of the 2006 American Le Mans Series - the 54th annual Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring.
Each of the two open-wheel stars will drive one of the team's Panoz Esperante GTLMs. Bourdais will join David Brabham and Scott Maxwell in the No. 50 entry; Junqueira is partnering with Gunnar Jeannette and Tom Milner in the No. 51 Panoz.
Bourdais has won the Champ Car World Series for the past two years in succession while Junqueira is a three-time runner-up and a former pole winner for the Indianapolis 500. Both drivers are former championship winners in the FIA Formula 3000 series in Europe.
Bourdais is no stranger to endurance racing. Born and bred in the famed French city of Le Mans, Bourdais has contested his hometown's fabled 24 Hours on five occasions, won the 2002 Spa 24 Hours and will be competing in his third Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring when he climbs aboard the Panoz from March 15-18.
Champ Car standouts Sebastien Bourdais and Bruno Junqueira each will drive a Panoz Esperante GTLM at Sebring. Click here for Hi-Res "I am really looking forward to doing Sebring in the Panoz because it is always important to get as much seat time you can," Bourdais said. "Our testing is very restricted in Champ Cars so it is handy to get additional miles at this time of year. The race is going to be very interesting as well because the competition in GT2 is looking very strong - I am really looking forward to the battle.
"It is also great to do the race with Multimatic. We know each other well from what they do for NHR in Champ Cars and obviously from the Mustang race I did with Dad in January (at Daytona)," he added. "The Panoz campaign also looks to be in very good shape since Multimatic took over the entire program this year as well."
For Junqueira, the Sebring event will be his first race since suffering back injuries in a crash at last year's Indianapolis 500.
"The Sebring event will have a lot of 'firsts' for me - my first race with a roof over my head, my first ever sports car race and my first race since the Indy 500 last year," Junqueira said. "It will be great for me to shake off the cobwebs and do some race miles before the first Champ Car race at Long Beach.
Mulitmatic Motorsports Team Panoz is looking forward to a close fight in GT2 during the 2006 American Le Mans Series. Click here for Hi-Res "It is certainly going to be different, but my father raced with a roof over his head in touring cars for about 25 years in Brazil so it should be great experience - a lot of fun," Junqueira added. "I've always had great relationship with all the guys at Multimatic through Newman-Haas so it is great to get to drive for them at Sebring."
Preseason preparations for Multimatic Motorsports Team Panoz continued at Road Atlanta this week with Brabham, Maxwell, Jeannette and Milner on hand to test the team's two Panoz Esperante GTLMs.
"Having Sebastien and Bruno join the team for Sebring completes a perfect driver combination for us," said Multimatic Vice President and Motorsports Technical Director Larry Holt.
The Newman-Haas Racing (NHR) drivers are more than familiar with the Multimatic organization and its technical expertise. Multimatic has partnered with NHR in the development of the DSSV dampers which helped the Chicago-based team win three out of the past four Champ Car titles.
In addition, Multimatic also provides Newman-Haas with four-post-rig services and vehicle dynamics expertise.
"Our company has worked closely with Newman-Haas to help them achieve success in the Champ Car World Series," Holt added. "A lot of the development we did together on the DSSV technology has formed the basis for the dampers we are now using on the Panoz and in other series such Formula One, the Le Mans Series in Europe, Super GT in Japan and Formula 3 championships throughout the world.
"Multimatic has helped Sebastien and Bruno win a lot of races in the Champ Car Series, hopefully they can now help us win at Sebring with the Panoz," Holt concluded. "Everybody on the team is really looking forward to Sebring. The cars have run brilliantly so far and we have our sights set on kicking off our championship assault with a win. The challenge in the GT2 class is going to be tough with Porsche, Ferrari, BMW and Lexus but we are ready for the fight."
Multimatic is a privately held Canadian corporation supplying components, systems and services to the global automotive industry. The company is headquartered in Markham, Ontario, Canada, and has operating divisions in North America and Europe with partners in Asia, South America and Australia.
Multimatic specializes in the manufacture of stampings, welded assemblies, mechanisms, and suspension components, as well as the design and development of automotive body and chassis systems. Multimatic uses advanced technologies to achieve outstanding product quality, delivery and functional performance.
The Panoz Esperante is a high performance handcrafted limited production sports car built in Braselton, Georgia by Panoz Auto Development Company (PADC).
The racing version of the car, known as the GTLM, has been developed for FIA/ACO GT2 competition by Elan Motorsports Technologies with chassis engineering and manufacturing support from Multimatic.
The American Le Mans Series begins its 2006 season with the 54th annual Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring. The 12-hour endurance classic is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. EST on March 18 at Sebring International Raceway. It will be televised live on SPEED Channel in North America and MotorsTV in Europe. In addition, Greenlight-Television will distribute the race worldwide to more than 510 million households. American Le Mans Series Radio will have flag-to-flag coverage available at http://www.americanlemans.com/, along with IMSA Live Timing & Scoring.
From ALMS // Image from multimaticmotorsports.com
Carpentier in the points on A1 Team Canada debut
Courtesy Stuart Morrison Public Relations26th February 2006, Round 9 – A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Parque Fundidora, Monterrey, Mexico Qualified: 19th / Sprint Race Finish: 9th / Feature Race Finish: 15th / Series standing: 10th (44pts)
A1 Team Canada picked up two more points today in the ninth round of the A1 Grand Prix of Nations as Patrick Carpentier made his debut for the team in the inaugural ‘World Cup of Motorsport.’ The Québec-native, with four career starts at the 3.38km Parque Fundidora, raced his way to 9th place, and the points, in the Sprint race before pit problems in the Feature resulted in a 15th place finish.
Sprint Race, 18-laps (Winner – A1 Team France, Alexandre Premat)
A veteran of rolling starts, Patrick picked through the order as the Sprint race commenced. Up six places to 13th, the arrival of the safety car at the end of the first lap should have put paid to further progression but an incident under caution involving A1 Team Japan and A1 Team New Zealand placed Patrick 11th when racing resumed on lap 7. Breaking into the top-ten the Canadian then skillfully avoided the wheel-banging duo of Robbie Kerr and Christian Fittipaldi, in the British and Brazilian entries respectively, to move up to ninth place to score two points for A1 Team Canada while securing a top-ten starting slot for the hour-long Feature race.
Feature Race, 36-laps (Winner – A1 Team France, Alexandre Premat)
Another strong get away from Patrick, this time from a standing start, saw him move up to eighth on the first lap. The majority of the field opted to take their mandatory pit stop at the end of the second lap and A1 Team Canada duly followed suit but a stuck wheel nut on the right rear tire effectively ended Carpentier’s challenge. The team’s misfortunes were compounded even further when Patrick incurred a speeding violation as he accidentally selected his pass button instead of his pit limiter pulling away from the stop. Taking his drive-through penalty on the next tour, a lap was lost to the race leaders by the time Patrick was free to resume his charge. Despite this, the pace of the A1 Team Canada entry was encouraging with Patrick eventually taking the checkered flag in 15th.
Patrick Carpentier:
“The first race went really well, I benefited from the improvements made to the car over the weekend. I was getting used to the car each time, understanding you can’t be too aggressive behind the wheel! I was hoping for a strong finish in the second race but we lost over a minute in the pits then with the penalty we were down a lap. Overall though I’m really happy! The guys on the team did a great job and they stuck with me through the learning process. For Sean (McIntosh) to have won a race last time out proves he’s fast as this is a very competitive series. It was a good experience!”
Laguna Seca, California, USA hosts Round 10 of the A1 Grand Prix of Nations, 10-12 March 2006.
Standings: 1st France (153), 2nd Switzerland (121), 3rd Great Britain (73), 4th Brazil (70), 5th Netherlands (69), 6th New Zealand (64), 7th Malaysia (53), 8th Portugal (51), 9th Ireland (50), 10th Canada (44)
CASCAR drivers' meeting
Good morning and thanks for stopping by.
I attended the Sunday CASCAR drivers' meeting, in Mississauga.
The Super Series schedule still lists a TBA date in late August. It's for the Montreal ChampCar weekend. Whether or not that happens, it was announced yesterday that there will be an 11th Super Series race in '06.
Based on the 10 announced dates so far, and based on 2005 attendance figures for those 10 events, the drivers were told that they will race in front of at least 355,000 live fans in 2006, as opposed to the 255,000 the series actually raced in front of last season. This helped to soften the blow for many of the drivers who are eager to find positives to put in front of their existing and prospective sponsors.
People who asked about why Delaware isn't on the sked were invited to "call Delaware".
Richard Buck said CASCAR didn't "pull the hammer" on either Delaware or the T.O. Indy. They said the CASCAR biz. model no longer includes paying for track time and that they want to be a desirable part of a race weekend, and not "treated like a pain in the butt" (Richard Coughlin's quote) as they were in Toronto. Richard Buck invited people to "read the papers" to see that people are upset that there are no Canadian properties at the Toronto ChampCar weekend.
It was said that things are looking good for a return to Calgary in 2007.
Richard Coughlin also said there are "exciting things happening" with regard to the CASCAR races at Cayuga. Richard Buck said "we have some partners working on the track." No other details were offered, other than Tony Novotny's denial that CASCAR or NASCAR were planning to purchase Cayuga.
The Sportsman Series was released. Five races so far. Expect a sixth, in late August.
I attended the Sunday CASCAR drivers' meeting, in Mississauga.
The Super Series schedule still lists a TBA date in late August. It's for the Montreal ChampCar weekend. Whether or not that happens, it was announced yesterday that there will be an 11th Super Series race in '06.
Based on the 10 announced dates so far, and based on 2005 attendance figures for those 10 events, the drivers were told that they will race in front of at least 355,000 live fans in 2006, as opposed to the 255,000 the series actually raced in front of last season. This helped to soften the blow for many of the drivers who are eager to find positives to put in front of their existing and prospective sponsors.
People who asked about why Delaware isn't on the sked were invited to "call Delaware".
Richard Buck said CASCAR didn't "pull the hammer" on either Delaware or the T.O. Indy. They said the CASCAR biz. model no longer includes paying for track time and that they want to be a desirable part of a race weekend, and not "treated like a pain in the butt" (Richard Coughlin's quote) as they were in Toronto. Richard Buck invited people to "read the papers" to see that people are upset that there are no Canadian properties at the Toronto ChampCar weekend.
It was said that things are looking good for a return to Calgary in 2007.
Richard Coughlin also said there are "exciting things happening" with regard to the CASCAR races at Cayuga. Richard Buck said "we have some partners working on the track." No other details were offered, other than Tony Novotny's denial that CASCAR or NASCAR were planning to purchase Cayuga.
The Sportsman Series was released. Five races so far. Expect a sixth, in late August.
- June 17 Mosport Oval
- July 1 Barrie Speedway
- Aug. ??? TBA Barrie Speedway
- Sept. 2-3 Cayuga
- Sept. 16-17 Kawartha.
Lots of talk about working toward a "NASCAR Operational Level" in terms of event management, safety and communication. Some drivers commented that their main frustrating during the winter was a lack of communication from CASCAR and they would welcome the change.
Several drivers repeatedly pushed for a timeline for a sale and whether or not they can use the NASCAR brand to sell their programs to sponsors. They were told there is no timeline and that they can't use "NASCAR". Period. This left some frustrated, given that they said that last summer they were given assurances that the sale of CASCAR to NASCAR would happen. And they passed those assurances on to their sponsors. And now those sponsors are asking them 'what happened?'.
But on the other hand, there was lots of talk about NASCAR demonstrating its committment to CASCAR by their investment in Richard Buck playing a major role in running CASCAR. Buck said, "I can't tell you that NASCAR is coming to Canada. You don't make an announcement about an announcement.... I pushed [NASCAR] as hard as I could without losing my job and your resource."
Regarding CASCAR's future with NASCAR, new race director Trevor Hambly invited attendees to "read between the lines" ... "If you can't see what's going on here, you're blind" ... and "Don't lose focus on where we're going."
At the start of the meeting, Tony Novotny said, "Our relationship with NASCAR thickens as the days go on."
When all was said and done, Novotny took the microphone, saying he had to restrain himself from doing so at several points during the Q&A. He urged the competitors to leave the meeting with a positive message. He said the future has never looked so bright for CASCAR and that he feels even better about things than he did last fall at the banquet.
He urged the drivers and anyone associated with CASCAR that "this is not the time to sell your stock."
This post has dealt mainly with the business and schedule side of CASCAR. Richard Buck gave a lengthy demonstration on new safety initiatives, including a video on head and neck restraint systems and safety belts. I am not a techie, so maybe someone can pick up on this and what it will cost to institute these new safety initiatives. Ed & Jamie Hakonson were on hand with a display of available equipment.
Please feel free to chime in with any other comments or things that I may have missed.
Greg.
Strike Three
Most young racers would give anything for one chance to make it big.
And then there's Shane Hmiel.
The young man who was given everything on a silver platter has failed his third "substance abuse" test from NASCAR.
Strike Three has earned him an "indefinite suspension".
What a waste.
And then there's Shane Hmiel.
The young man who was given everything on a silver platter has failed his third "substance abuse" test from NASCAR.
Strike Three has earned him an "indefinite suspension".
What a waste.
Start... your.... ballots!!!!
Voting for the 4th Annual Inside Track Readers' Choice Awards, presented by Castrol has now officially begun!
Hmmm… No Mention of Andrew Range-eh…
Courtesy Conquest RacingMi-Jack Conquest fastest in Sebring with Heylen - Belgian Jan Heylen up to speed quickly
Indianapolis, IN (24 February 2006) Mi-Jack Conquest Racing (MJCR) continued its off-season testing program this week in Sebring, with Belgian racer Jan Heylen posting the quickest lap of the day on Thursday. The test was just the second day in a Champ Car for Heylen, who raced to the Formula Renault Megane Championship in 2005 after a strong career in the F3 and F3000 ranks.
Heylen, first got a taste of Champ Car testing in December with the team at Sebring, and relished his second run in the Mi-Jack Conquest Lola.
“It is very encouraging to be quickest even though I have so little experience in the car,” said Heylen, who posted a best time of 51.73-seconds. “I really enjoyed working with the team during my first test in December, and was happy to get more time in the car today. I felt very comfortable with the car straight away, and the team did a very good job. The car had a great balance and feel, and I am looking forward to getting more experience in a Champ Car.”
Several Champ Car drivers participated in the test, including Forsythe’s Paul Tracy and Mario Dominguez, HVM tester Gareth Ridpath as well as newly announced Champ Car rookie Katherine Legge.
With the season-open race at Long Beach just over a month away, the team is looking forward to putting all the work from the off-season to use as preparations continue for the 2006 season.
“After giving Jan an evaluation run in December, we were impressed and wanted to give him another day in the car,” said Mi-Jack Conquest Racing co-owner Eric Bachelart. “I’m quite pleased that he was quickest in just his second day in the car and it shows we have strong technical program and that Jan clearly has a lot of potential in the car. This test is part of our preparations toward the season, and it’s of course encouraging to be quick with a driver that is so new to the car.”
Mi-Jack Conquest Racing will campaign a two-car team in the 2006 Champ Car World Series and has expanded to prepare a two-car entry in the Yokohama Presents the Champ Car Atlantic Championship Powered by Mazda. Graham Rahal will pilot the Gehl-sponsored Swift 016a with the team in 2006, with his Atlantic teammate soon to be announced.
About Mi-Jack Conquest Racing:
1991 Indy Lights Champion Eric Bachelart started Conquest Racing in 1997 to compete in the Indy Lights series, scoring a podium finish with driver Christophe Tinseau in the team’s first season. Conquest Racing competed in the next four seasons in Indy Lights, winning races with Felipe Giaffone and Kristian Kolby. Mike Lanigan, President of Mi-Jack Products, an intermodal Chicago-based company became a co-owner in 2002. Mi-Jack Conquest Racing contested the 2002 Indy Racing League season with rookie Laurent Redon, netting a podium finish in just the third race of the season and clinching the Rookie of the year award.
Mi-Jack Conquest Racing rejoined the Champ Car family in 2003, stepping up to the Champ Car World Series with Brazilian Mario Haberfeld and scoring eleven top-ten finishes despite competing with a Reynard. Mi-Jack Conquest Racing continued its tradition of working well with young drivers in 2004 as Justin Wilson took second in the Roshfrans Rookie of the Year battle, with Nelson Philippe scoring two top-ten finishes after joining the team in the closing stages of the season. The team is looking forward to contesting its fourth season in the Champ Car World Series powered by Ford, and is currently developing its plans for 2006.
Get ready for lots more 'BOOGITY BOOGITY BOOGITY!'
FOX Sports and Darrell Waltrip have agreed upon a multi-year contract extension that expands the top-rated NASCAR network’s relationship with the sport’s premier analyst into the new television rights contract that commences with the 2007 season. The announcement was made today by FOX Sports Chairman David Hill and FOX Sports President Ed Goren.
"I firmly believe that whatever value that DW had to the sport when he was a champion driver, has been eclipsed many times over since he retired and became a NASCAR broadcaster," said Hill. "His knowledge, passion, and ever increasing skill as a broadcaster, has been instrumental in driving the dramatic growth of the sport since FOX Sports became involved with NASCAR in 2000. And you know what? He's only going to get better."
"I love FOX Sports," said Waltrip. "I love being part of a big sports family. David Hill and Ed Goren have embraced me. I have said it before, it's like being part of a championship race team. They have surrounded me with the best of the best - Jeff, Larry, Mike, Steve and all the others. Plus, FOX also has the best folks that work behind the scenes. I love my job and now I get to do it for a long, long time!"
Prior to joining FOX Sports in 2001, legendary stock car driver Darrell Waltrip compiled 84 wins and three Cup series championships in an outstanding NASCAR career. He was voted the Most Popular Driver twice (1989-90) and was the proud recipient of the prestigious Bill France Award of Excellence in 2000, honoring his lifetime of achievements. In 2003, Waltrip was elected into the National Motorsports Hall of Fame, an honor followed by an induction into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2005. In 2004, Waltrip's autobiography, DW: A lifetime Going Around in Circles, debuted on the New York Times Bestseller list.
FOX Sports drops the green flag on its 2006 NASCAR on FOX season this Sunday, Feb. 26 (3:30 PM ET) in Fontana, CA, with a live presentation of the Auto Club 500. Over 60 cameras and 100 microphones will be strategically placed in and around California Speedway as NASCAR on FOX presents the first of 14 Nextel Cup races in high definition and Dolby 5.1 audio.
In 12 years of existence, FOX Sports has earned 63 Emmy Awards, including six in five years of NASCAR coverage, more than any other network during the same stretch of time. David Hill and Ed Goren are the Executive Producers of FOX Sports. Bill Brown is Senior Producer. Scott Ackerson is the Coordinating Producer of the NASCAR on FOX Prerace show.
From -- FOX SPORTS --
"I firmly believe that whatever value that DW had to the sport when he was a champion driver, has been eclipsed many times over since he retired and became a NASCAR broadcaster," said Hill. "His knowledge, passion, and ever increasing skill as a broadcaster, has been instrumental in driving the dramatic growth of the sport since FOX Sports became involved with NASCAR in 2000. And you know what? He's only going to get better."
"I love FOX Sports," said Waltrip. "I love being part of a big sports family. David Hill and Ed Goren have embraced me. I have said it before, it's like being part of a championship race team. They have surrounded me with the best of the best - Jeff, Larry, Mike, Steve and all the others. Plus, FOX also has the best folks that work behind the scenes. I love my job and now I get to do it for a long, long time!"
Prior to joining FOX Sports in 2001, legendary stock car driver Darrell Waltrip compiled 84 wins and three Cup series championships in an outstanding NASCAR career. He was voted the Most Popular Driver twice (1989-90) and was the proud recipient of the prestigious Bill France Award of Excellence in 2000, honoring his lifetime of achievements. In 2003, Waltrip was elected into the National Motorsports Hall of Fame, an honor followed by an induction into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2005. In 2004, Waltrip's autobiography, DW: A lifetime Going Around in Circles, debuted on the New York Times Bestseller list.
FOX Sports drops the green flag on its 2006 NASCAR on FOX season this Sunday, Feb. 26 (3:30 PM ET) in Fontana, CA, with a live presentation of the Auto Club 500. Over 60 cameras and 100 microphones will be strategically placed in and around California Speedway as NASCAR on FOX presents the first of 14 Nextel Cup races in high definition and Dolby 5.1 audio.
In 12 years of existence, FOX Sports has earned 63 Emmy Awards, including six in five years of NASCAR coverage, more than any other network during the same stretch of time. David Hill and Ed Goren are the Executive Producers of FOX Sports. Bill Brown is Senior Producer. Scott Ackerson is the Coordinating Producer of the NASCAR on FOX Prerace show.
From -- FOX SPORTS --
KAWARTHA SPEEDWAY: Five Star Race Car Bodies Supports Kawartha Racers in 2006
FRASERVILLE, ON - Five Star Race Car Bodies of Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, is back on board at Kawartha Speedway for the 2006 season. Five Star will continue its ongoing effort to unify the body rules at North American short tracks by offering technical support and contingencies to the competitors who rely on their products week in and week out.
For the 2006 season the Five Star contingency program will mirror the one offered in 2005. Any competitor who competes at Kawartha Speedway on a regular basis (80% or better) in both the Limited Late Model and Late Model divisions will be eligible. At the year end banquet the names of the racers who meet the criteria will go into a random draw. The Limited Late Model winner will receive a 20% discount off of a complete body package and the Late Model winner will receive a 50% discount off of a complete body package.The Five Star award winners from 2005 included Limited driver Spencer MacPherson and Late Model driver Dan Kimmerly. Both drivers were very appreciative of the awards and said the contingency was a huge relief when it came to off-season re-building.
Kawartha Speedway is proud to be associated with a first class racing manufacturer such as Five Star and would like to extend a thank you to them for offering this program to our race teams as we work together to create a unified body program for weekly race teams.
From Kawartha Speedway
Stock Car Racing Canada Drag Racing NASCAR CASCAR
TALLADEGA: Asphalt factory in place...
TALLADEGA, AL - Nearly all the components of a portable asphalt plant are nowmobilized on the grounds of Talladega Superspeedway, signaling thatpreparations are under way for the monumental paving project set tobegin this spring immediately following the April 28-30 Aaron's DreamWeekend.
In coming weeks, asphalt test strips will be constructed onproperty. Track officials announced in December that the 2.66-miletri-oval track, apron and pit road will be completely repaved withasphalt for the first time since 1979. The 2006 racing season atTalladega Superspeedway kicks off with Aaron's Dream Weekend set forApril 28-30.
On Friday, April 28, fans will witness two NASCAR NEXTELCup Series practices, followed by The Birmingham News Qualifying for theNASCAR Busch Series. Saturday, April 29 will feature The Birmingham NewsQualifying for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series and the Aaron's 312 NASCARBusch Series race. Then on Sunday, the stage will be set for the Aaron's499 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race.
Kids age 11 and younger are admittedfree of charge on Friday and Saturday of race weekend. To order tickets,call 1-877-Go2-DEGA (1-877- 462-3342). For our hearing impaired guests,please call TDD 1-866-ISC-TRAK (1-866-472-8725). Tickets also areavailable online at www.racetickets.com.
From Talladega SuperSpeedway
Canadian Stock Car Racing CASCAR
G-Force Race Cars backs PMRA in ‘06
“The PMRA has been great for our business and most importantly great for our sport.”Courtesy Bruce F. Mehlenbacher
TONAWANDA, NY (February 22, 2006) -- One of the leading Pro Modified racecar builders will again be sponsoring the Pro Modified Racing Association, www.ProModifiedRacing.com, as the series enters its second season.
Based in Western New York State, G-Force Race Cars Inc. recently announced it would be stepping up its involvement with the PMRA for 2006.
“It is important that G-Force Race Cars supports the PMRA,” said Jim Salemi of G-Force Race Cars Inc. “The PMRA has been great for our business and most importantly great for our sport. G-Force Race Cars provide a complete chassis shop for the quickest and fastest door slammers on the planet.”
G-Force Race Cars services vary from building a complete six-second, 230-mph Pro Modified chassis to performing various custom fabrication tasks. It will even help racers prepare their car for race day. As racers themselves, the team at G-Force knows the commitment and development it takes to build a quality product that is innovative that also has a concern for driver safety.
“Jim Salemi of G-Force Race Cars has been helping race teams improve their performance for as long as I can remember,” stated Bruce F. Mehlenbacher, Director of Operations of the PMRA. “Western New York has always been a hot-bed of the most talented drag racers in the sport. Jim (Salemi) has always pushed the envelope to give the customer more for their money. The G-Force 1967 Chevrolet Camaro Pro Modified driven by Mike Stawicki is a good example of G-Force’s commitment.”
G-Force Race Cars Inc., http://www.gforceracecars.com/ repair aluminum engine blocks that have been "windowed", cylinder heads that have been damaged due to failure or fire slots, as well building the highest quality Fabricated Rear End Housing on the market for high powered doorslammers. All work is dealt with the same quality time and craftsmanship that goes into each of its award-winning chassis.
CSC Racing Products: Newsletter
The most recent CSC Racing Newsletter contains news about the upcoming Solo Open House on April 2, 2006, as well as some other tidbits.
The CSC Racing Homepage is located here.
Raceline: Tomas Tales!
From Raceline Radio
So when did the Daytona 500 become a night race? Pushed ahead by NBC’s Olympic money-draining coverage, did they forget it’s February? Green flag around 3 PM, 3 hour race, 6 PM checkered flag: lights required, the low clouds, fog and mist not withstanding.
Used to be the Coke 600 at Charlotte was the only CUP race that started in daylight and finished in the dark!
Canadian NASCAR popularity continues to boom! A record 568 thousand viewers clicked into the Daytona 500, up 3% from last years race. Most watched auto race in TSN history-again! More people watching those nifty Raceline Radio breaks too!
Somebody please tell the stick-and-ball and non-sports media NASCAR is a sanctioning body and not a form of motorsport. Olympic wags kept telling us cross-country snow-boarding was like NASCAR on snow. Ok, then let’s go out after dinner and play some NFL. It’s football! Let’s lace up the skates and play NHL. It’s hockey! You ride snowmobiles, not Skidoo’s! The sport is stock car racing. NASCAR is the league.
Despite the messy race, I thought Paul Tracy did a terrific job in his NASCAR Busch debut at Daytona. On the show live with us a night later, his original plan was to hang around the back, stay out of trouble and finish. Hold back? Tracy? Nope. PT said Carl Edwards gave him a wave to tag along to help each other carve through traffic in the draft.
Tracy’s # 34 got as high as 10th, forcing the NBC front-runner focused commentators to actually mention Tracy was even in the race. I think he had a top 10 car until former CART nemesis John Andretti wrecked him on lap 50. The car was too bent up to run to the front anymore, but he brought it home 24th, and once 3 laps down, on the lead lap to boot! Mission accomplished! I told Paul point-blank I was proud of him. I was.
He proved in one afternoon that even with an inferior car, PT can run with these guys! If he wants to close out his career in NASCAR and somebody gives him a competitive ride, he can win in tin-tops too!
Remember to keep those E-Mails coming for The Raceline E-Mail Bag! erik@raceline.ca . Until next week, talk to ya on Raceline Radio! ET
COMING UP: SUNDAY FEBRUARY 26th, 2006
Daytona 500 winner Jimmie Johnson, Go Karts across Canada with Russ Bond, and back to notes and letters from The Raceline E-Mail Bag.
So when did the Daytona 500 become a night race? Pushed ahead by NBC’s Olympic money-draining coverage, did they forget it’s February? Green flag around 3 PM, 3 hour race, 6 PM checkered flag: lights required, the low clouds, fog and mist not withstanding.
Used to be the Coke 600 at Charlotte was the only CUP race that started in daylight and finished in the dark!
Canadian NASCAR popularity continues to boom! A record 568 thousand viewers clicked into the Daytona 500, up 3% from last years race. Most watched auto race in TSN history-again! More people watching those nifty Raceline Radio breaks too!
Somebody please tell the stick-and-ball and non-sports media NASCAR is a sanctioning body and not a form of motorsport. Olympic wags kept telling us cross-country snow-boarding was like NASCAR on snow. Ok, then let’s go out after dinner and play some NFL. It’s football! Let’s lace up the skates and play NHL. It’s hockey! You ride snowmobiles, not Skidoo’s! The sport is stock car racing. NASCAR is the league.
Despite the messy race, I thought Paul Tracy did a terrific job in his NASCAR Busch debut at Daytona. On the show live with us a night later, his original plan was to hang around the back, stay out of trouble and finish. Hold back? Tracy? Nope. PT said Carl Edwards gave him a wave to tag along to help each other carve through traffic in the draft.
Tracy’s # 34 got as high as 10th, forcing the NBC front-runner focused commentators to actually mention Tracy was even in the race. I think he had a top 10 car until former CART nemesis John Andretti wrecked him on lap 50. The car was too bent up to run to the front anymore, but he brought it home 24th, and once 3 laps down, on the lead lap to boot! Mission accomplished! I told Paul point-blank I was proud of him. I was.
He proved in one afternoon that even with an inferior car, PT can run with these guys! If he wants to close out his career in NASCAR and somebody gives him a competitive ride, he can win in tin-tops too!
Remember to keep those E-Mails coming for The Raceline E-Mail Bag! erik@raceline.ca . Until next week, talk to ya on Raceline Radio! ET
COMING UP: SUNDAY FEBRUARY 26th, 2006
Daytona 500 winner Jimmie Johnson, Go Karts across Canada with Russ Bond, and back to notes and letters from The Raceline E-Mail Bag.
OPEN-WHEEL CHAMPION PAUL TRACY & THE GECKO PARTNER FOR MEXICO CITY
MOORESVILLE, NC – One of the world’s top race car drivers, Paul Tracy, will accompany GEICO’s gecko to Mexico City on March 5, 2006, when the #4 Biagi Bros. Racing entry and the NASCAR Busch Series take to the 2.518-mile road course.
Tracy, the 2003 Champ Car Series Champion, has spent many Champ Car afternoons racing in Mexico City since the series first debuted there in 2002, winning the event in 2003 and coming home third in 2005. Tracy is fond of the country of Mexico, as he also won the Champ Car race in Monterrey in 2003.
One of the most talented and colorful race car drivers in the business, Tracy is a fan favorite among the people in Mexico and he is excited at the opportunity to drive a stock car in the Mexico City race.
“I'm looking forward to going to Mexico City in a stock car,” Tracy said. “I have won there in the past and I feel like I know the track really well. I thank Fred Biagi for giving me this opportunity and I am looking forward to representing GEICO and BryMak and giving them a great finish.” He continued, “Jon Wolfe is a great crew chief and I look forward to working with him and I have also heard great things about the Biagi team members.”
He added, “This is the same car that Scott (Pruett) drove at Watkins Glen last year and he was in the Top 5 most of the day, so I am looking forward to jumping in it and taking GEICO and BryMak to the front. The people of Mexico have always supported me and treated me well, so I am looking forward to returning for the race.”
Fred Biagi also looks forward to the relationship.
“I met Paul about three years ago and have always thought about putting him in a car,” Biagi said. “This is the perfect opportunity to do that and we are looking forward to working with him. Paul is one of the top drivers around, so it will be fun to watch him in Mexico City.” He continued, “Having Mark Green in the car for the oval events and sticking Paul Tracy in the car at the road course in Mexico City is the perfect one-two punch for trying to get a leg up on the other teams in the Busch Series. These guys are both great drivers and they will help us get to where we want to be in this series.”
This will be Paul Tracy’s second event in the NASCAR Busch Series. His debut came at Daytona on February 18, 2006, where he ran in the Top 10 before being wrecked by John Andretti mid-way through the race. He returned to the race three laps down in the 34th position after getting his car repaired. In an unprecedented sequence of events, Tracy made up all three of his laps and finished the race on the lead lap in the 24th position.
GEICO, who is the fifth largest private-passenger auto insurer in the United States, entered NASCAR in 2001 as the sponsor of Kenny Wallace’s No. 27 Nextel Cup Series race car. Increasing their involvement in the sport, GEICO joined forces with Biagi Bros. Racing as primary sponsor of the No. 4 Dodge where they ran a limited schedule in 2002. Since that time, GEICO has stepped up their involvement with the team and they have experienced success; including a race win at Daytona International Speedway on July 2, 2004. To learn more about GEICO or to get a free insurance quote, please visit www.GEICOracing.com.
From Doug Barnette / Player Management Int’l
Tracy, the 2003 Champ Car Series Champion, has spent many Champ Car afternoons racing in Mexico City since the series first debuted there in 2002, winning the event in 2003 and coming home third in 2005. Tracy is fond of the country of Mexico, as he also won the Champ Car race in Monterrey in 2003.
One of the most talented and colorful race car drivers in the business, Tracy is a fan favorite among the people in Mexico and he is excited at the opportunity to drive a stock car in the Mexico City race.
“I'm looking forward to going to Mexico City in a stock car,” Tracy said. “I have won there in the past and I feel like I know the track really well. I thank Fred Biagi for giving me this opportunity and I am looking forward to representing GEICO and BryMak and giving them a great finish.” He continued, “Jon Wolfe is a great crew chief and I look forward to working with him and I have also heard great things about the Biagi team members.”
He added, “This is the same car that Scott (Pruett) drove at Watkins Glen last year and he was in the Top 5 most of the day, so I am looking forward to jumping in it and taking GEICO and BryMak to the front. The people of Mexico have always supported me and treated me well, so I am looking forward to returning for the race.”
Fred Biagi also looks forward to the relationship.
“I met Paul about three years ago and have always thought about putting him in a car,” Biagi said. “This is the perfect opportunity to do that and we are looking forward to working with him. Paul is one of the top drivers around, so it will be fun to watch him in Mexico City.” He continued, “Having Mark Green in the car for the oval events and sticking Paul Tracy in the car at the road course in Mexico City is the perfect one-two punch for trying to get a leg up on the other teams in the Busch Series. These guys are both great drivers and they will help us get to where we want to be in this series.”
This will be Paul Tracy’s second event in the NASCAR Busch Series. His debut came at Daytona on February 18, 2006, where he ran in the Top 10 before being wrecked by John Andretti mid-way through the race. He returned to the race three laps down in the 34th position after getting his car repaired. In an unprecedented sequence of events, Tracy made up all three of his laps and finished the race on the lead lap in the 24th position.
GEICO, who is the fifth largest private-passenger auto insurer in the United States, entered NASCAR in 2001 as the sponsor of Kenny Wallace’s No. 27 Nextel Cup Series race car. Increasing their involvement in the sport, GEICO joined forces with Biagi Bros. Racing as primary sponsor of the No. 4 Dodge where they ran a limited schedule in 2002. Since that time, GEICO has stepped up their involvement with the team and they have experienced success; including a race win at Daytona International Speedway on July 2, 2004. To learn more about GEICO or to get a free insurance quote, please visit www.GEICOracing.com.
From Doug Barnette / Player Management Int’l
SOS: Loveys Leaves Styres Racing
OHSWEKEN, ON - Long time Styres Racing crew chief Kevin Loveys has announced his intention to leave Styres Racing effective immediately to pursue other opportunities.
Employed by Styres Racing owners Glenn and Tina Styres for the past four years, Loveys informed Glenn of the decision upon returning from his extended trip to Florida.
Unconfirmed reports from Loveys have him going to a new team being assembled for Jessica Zemken with backing from nativepoker.com.
The team will be based in the Syracuse area and compete on the ESS circuit with a number of 410 Sprint outings with WoO also on the docket.
“We would like to thank Kevin for everything that he has done for us” explained Styres. “We have no doubt learned a lot from him and wish him well in the future”.
An announcement to name a replacement will be made by Styres Racing within the next few days.
From Cheryl Pelkie / Kenetic Photos
Employed by Styres Racing owners Glenn and Tina Styres for the past four years, Loveys informed Glenn of the decision upon returning from his extended trip to Florida.
Unconfirmed reports from Loveys have him going to a new team being assembled for Jessica Zemken with backing from nativepoker.com.
The team will be based in the Syracuse area and compete on the ESS circuit with a number of 410 Sprint outings with WoO also on the docket.
“We would like to thank Kevin for everything that he has done for us” explained Styres. “We have no doubt learned a lot from him and wish him well in the future”.
An announcement to name a replacement will be made by Styres Racing within the next few days.
From Cheryl Pelkie / Kenetic Photos
IHRA: eMax PRODUCTIONS TO SPONSOR IHRA DRAG RACING SERIES
From IHRA.com
NORWALK, Ohio (February 22, 2006) – The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) today announced EntertainMax Worldwide, Inc., a company partly owned by EMAX Holdings, Corp., has entered into a multi-year agreement to be title sponsor of the 11-event IHRA Drag Racing Series. Effective immediately, the series will be known as the eMax Drag Racing Series.
This deal follows last week’s announcement by Hoosier Thunder Motorsports that eMax is sponsoring the team’s Top Fuel dragster driven by Terry McMillen.
As Nick Kontonicolas of C. Trade Group and McMillen finalized the agreement with eMax for the Top Fuel car, the idea of increased involvement in the sport was being discussed. “After a few introductions were made, IHRA and eMax began discussing the possibilities," said McMillen. "Through those conversations the eMax Drag Racing Series was born.”
EntertainMax will deliver a multi-tiered activation program through IHRA. EntertainMax, a multimedia, entertainment and broadcasting company, will partner with the sanctioning body, which enters its 36th year in 2006. As part of the announcement, EntertainMax will deliver cross-promotional entertainment packages, including a live concert series to be held during select national events for the 2006 season. The company will also provide marketing and promotional support, including advertising during IHRA’s exclusive television broadcast on SPEED Channel.
“EntertainMax offers a unique opportunity for IHRA to further increase the entertainment value of our national events while tapping into segments of the American public un-touched by the drag racing world,” said IHRA President Aaron Polburn. “We’re excited to welcome eMAX on-board. The depth of the company and its various divisions will make for a strong partnership with limitless possibilities.”
"The eMax family of companies has an expansive reach and we intend on using all our resources to promote this sponsorship of the IHRA Drag Racing Series,” said Nick Kontonicolas, CEO/President, C. Trade Group, the company responsible for this experiential partnership. “Coupling this partnership by sponsoring Terry McMillen’s Top Fuel dragster, the most coveted class in the sport, we will increase their visibility and add to the enthusiasm already surrounding IHRA drag racing.”
The EntertainMax Top Fuel dragster will be debuted by McMillen during spring testing events and at the 5th annual Amalie Oil Texas Nationals presented by Ancira Cars, Trucks and RVs and the San Antonio Express-News at San Antonio Raceway, March 24-26. McMillen will compete in Top Fuel after several successful seasons driving the Amalie-sponsored “InstiGator” Alcohol Funny Car, which will receive associate-sponsorship from eMax as well.
eMax replaces Hooters Restaurants as title sponsor of the IHRA Drag Racing Series. Hooters is now the presenting sponsor of the street legal racing and lifestyle event series, Kumho Street Warriorz presented by Hooters.
JCAR posts tentative skeds
Junior Canadian Auto Racing (JCAR) has released its 2006 schedules for its Traveling Series, as well as the Grand Bend and Varney 'Home' Series.
CICCI/KELLY RACING TAPS MEXICAN DRIVER CARLOS PARDO TO DRIVE #34 BUSCH CAR IN MEXICO CITY
From Cicci / Kelly Racing
Frank Cicci, owner of the Frank Cicci Racing with Jim Kelly NASCAR Busch Series race team, announced today that veteran Mexican driver Carlos Pardo has been hired to drive the familiar #34 Cicci/Kelly Racing Chevrolet in the Telcel Motorola Mexico 200 race at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City next weekend.
Pardo has competed regularly in several Mexican-based Series and notched titles in four consecutive seasons. He was the Tourismo Series champion in 2000 and followed that up with back-to-back crowns in the Mexican Super Truck Series in 2001 and 2002, and the inaugural championship in the Desafio Corona circuit in 2004. The Desafio Corona Tour is endorsed by NASCAR and served as a support event for last year’s first-ever Busch Series race in Mexico City.
Pardo also started a pair of NASCAR Busch Series North (now the new NASCAR Grand National Busch East Series) races in 2005. He finished a very respectable eleventh in each race, one at the Star Country/Domino’s Sausage Pizza 150 at the Motor Mile Speedway in Radford, VA, and the other in the Edge Hotel 150 at the Adirondack International Speedway in Beaver Falls. NY. Pardo was entered each time in cars owned by Lori Williams.
“We tested (Pardo) him on the road course at Virginia International Raceway, and he adapted to the heavier car real quick and kept getting better and better”, said Cicci, now in his 28th season as a NASCAR team owner – 19 of them in the Busch Series.
“Carlos has turned hundreds of laps on the Mexico City course, and our team is really looking forward to going to Mexico City with a driver and car capable of winning”, Cicci added.
Cicci’s #34 Monte Carlo will carry primary sponsorship in the Mexico 200 on March 5 from Telcel, Mexico’s largest cellular telephone service provider. Additional support will come from MobiTech, a NASCAR licensed computer furniture manufacturer, and VecTech, producer of an extensive line of consumer electronic products.
The Vasquez Marketing Group was instrumental in brokering the deal between Pardo and Cicci/Kelly Racing. Cicci/Kelly Racing has a guaranteed starting berth for the first five races on the 2006 Busch Series schedule as a result of its 23rd place finish in owner points in 2005.
Frank Cicci, owner of the Frank Cicci Racing with Jim Kelly NASCAR Busch Series race team, announced today that veteran Mexican driver Carlos Pardo has been hired to drive the familiar #34 Cicci/Kelly Racing Chevrolet in the Telcel Motorola Mexico 200 race at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City next weekend.
Pardo has competed regularly in several Mexican-based Series and notched titles in four consecutive seasons. He was the Tourismo Series champion in 2000 and followed that up with back-to-back crowns in the Mexican Super Truck Series in 2001 and 2002, and the inaugural championship in the Desafio Corona circuit in 2004. The Desafio Corona Tour is endorsed by NASCAR and served as a support event for last year’s first-ever Busch Series race in Mexico City.
Pardo also started a pair of NASCAR Busch Series North (now the new NASCAR Grand National Busch East Series) races in 2005. He finished a very respectable eleventh in each race, one at the Star Country/Domino’s Sausage Pizza 150 at the Motor Mile Speedway in Radford, VA, and the other in the Edge Hotel 150 at the Adirondack International Speedway in Beaver Falls. NY. Pardo was entered each time in cars owned by Lori Williams.
“We tested (Pardo) him on the road course at Virginia International Raceway, and he adapted to the heavier car real quick and kept getting better and better”, said Cicci, now in his 28th season as a NASCAR team owner – 19 of them in the Busch Series.
“Carlos has turned hundreds of laps on the Mexico City course, and our team is really looking forward to going to Mexico City with a driver and car capable of winning”, Cicci added.
Cicci’s #34 Monte Carlo will carry primary sponsorship in the Mexico 200 on March 5 from Telcel, Mexico’s largest cellular telephone service provider. Additional support will come from MobiTech, a NASCAR licensed computer furniture manufacturer, and VecTech, producer of an extensive line of consumer electronic products.
The Vasquez Marketing Group was instrumental in brokering the deal between Pardo and Cicci/Kelly Racing. Cicci/Kelly Racing has a guaranteed starting berth for the first five races on the 2006 Busch Series schedule as a result of its 23rd place finish in owner points in 2005.
Barrie Speedway hooks up with Pocono Raceway
From barriespeedway.com
Barrie Speedway announces partnership with NASCAR Nextel Cup's Pocono Raceway!
Barrie Speedway is very proud to announcement a new promotional partnership with Pocono Raceway in Pennsylvania, the home of a pair of NASCAR Nextel Cup series races.
"Big just doesn't begin to describe this", said Barrie Speedway's Brad Moran. Moran, currently attending Speedweeks in sunny Florida, was clearly elated at the new deal when contacted by phone. "This is huge for the track, but more so for the fan's and the drivers at Barrie Speedway. We're giving away a lot of tickets so a lot of people are going to being seeing a lot of great racing at Pocono Raceway and at Barrie Speedway this summer!"
A lot of tickets indeed as the tracks have teamed up to give away 2 sets of tickets every Saturday night leading up to the June 11 Cup race and 1 set every Saturday night leading up to the second Cup race July 23. Along with special giveaways for our drivers, over 60 tickets will be handed out to fans and drivers.
Pocono Raceway, one of the closest NASCAR NEXTEL Cup venues to Barrie, has long been recognized as one of NASCAR's most competitive raceways. Pocono's unique 2.5 mile track features three turns, each with its own degree of banking.
Plenty more on the way"The Pocono deal is huge for Barrie Speedway, but there's plenty more to come ", states Moran who is himself an ex-racer. "2005 was a milestone year for us - the new track, the huge Canada Day Weekend with the CASCAR Super Series, it's really put us on the map. We've made a lot of noise in Canada and our new partnership with Pocono is a clear indication we're making some noise south of the border as well."
Moran, the driving force behind the speedway's dramatic resurgence since taking the helm in 2001, says the best is yet to come.
"We've got a lot of irons in the fire right now - and we're going to have a lot of fun as we ramp up to our best season ever in 2006. Ours fans and our racers won't want to miss a minute of it."
Of course, BarrieSpeedway.com will have all the breaking news from Ontario's premiere motorsports facility. (end)
Inside Track Readers' Choice Awards Set To Open On Friday
TORONTO, ON – Voting for the fourth annual Inside Track Readers’ Choice Awards, presented by Castrol, will open soon. Starting February 24, 2006, Canadian motorsport fans can go to www.insidetracknews.com and register their ballots for the top Canadian racers of 2005.
Inside Track Motorsport News is Canada’s top racing magazine. One of the publication’s core mandates is the promotion of Canadian motorsports. The Readers’ Choice Awards are a key component of the magazine’s commitment to shine a bright light on this country’s current and future stars.
While in past years Inside Track has supplied a list of potential nominees in each of 10 categories representing various popular forms of racing in Canada, this time voters are given free rein to nominate any racer they choose. Having only eight racers put forward per category was very exclusionary, and Inside Track wanted to ensure that every single Canadian racer had the chance to win, regardless of whether or not they were a ‘popular’ choice.
The categories include Racer of the Year and Up and Coming Racer of the Year awards for Stock Cars, Road Racing and Motorcycles. As well, Inside Track readers will identify Racer of the Year winners for Drag Racing, Rallying and Karting.
They will also have an opportunity to vote for the Canadian Racer of the Year Participating at the Highest Levels of International Competition, as well as selecting an Overall Canadian Racer of the Year. Finally, voters will be polled as to who they believe is Most Deserving of Induction into the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame.
“The Readers’ Choice Awards have been embraced by our readers who want to do their part to promote and recognize Canada’s motorsports stars,” said Inside Track Editor-in-Chief Greg MacPherson. “The program has attracted corporate support from title sponsor Castrol Canada, and Karting award presenter PartSource. We also want to recognize the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame who has incorporated several Readers’ Choice Award winners into their recent induction gala celebrations. The program has come a long way in a short period of time thanks to the support of our readers and these great organizations.”
All voting for the “Castrol Presents the Inside Track Readers’ Choice Awards” will be conducted via a controlled balloting procedure at the official Inside Track website (www.insidetracknews.com). The polls will remain open until 6 p.m. on Friday, April 28, 2006. The results of the readers’ selections will be announced shortly afterward.
Previous Overall Canadian Racer of the Year winners include CASCAR driver Steve Robblee (2002), former Champ Car champion Paul Tracy (2003), and ALMS and 24 Hours of Le Mans GT1-class winner Ron Fellows (2004).
Reports of the demise of the Honda series were greatly exaggerated... OR... IT'S ALIVE!!!!
ASN, CASC-OR & FSAQ combine to find a use for all those cars...
From ASN
MONTREAL, QC – ASN Canada FIA, Canadian Automobile Sports Clubs Ontario Region and Federation Sport Automobile Québec have announced the continuation of the Honda racing series and will be crowning a 2006 Canadian Series Champion.
Honda Canada revived the Honda / Michelin Challenge Series in 2004 after a 12-year absence. Very popular with new and veteran Ontario and Québec drivers and drivers moving up from kart racing ranks, the series ran successfully for two years.
With the news of Honda s withdrawal from the series, Gunter Schmidt CASC-OR Race Director and Marcel Demers FSAQ President set about to partner with ASN Canada FIA to continue the popular racing series for 2006 and onward.
The initial reaction to our decision by the 2005 teams is fantastic, said Gunter Schmidt. It looks like 18 cars will roll to the starting line when the series starts at the St-Eustache Autodrome in Quebec on April 29, commented Marcel Demers.
ASN Canada FIA s Paul Cooke stated Every driver wants a national championship title& it lasts forever. Gunter and Marcel are among the best seasoned officials with plenty of experience when it comes to organizing events, and ASN is proud to help.
The schedule is confirmed for seven of eight proposed races. Series sponsorship and a new series name have yet to be announced.
A 5 year strategy is in the works , say Schmidt and Demers. Our goal is to ensure growth of the series. The current Civic DX Coupe will be eligible to compete until 2010. To add excitement, the new Civic SI may be introduced in 2007, but no later than 2008.
The race schedule as of February 17, 2006
April 29: St-Eustache, Québec
May 21-22: Mosport , Ontario
June 17-18: Mosport, Ontario
June 23-25: Montreal, Québec (to be confirmed)
July 15-16: Shannonville, Ontario
July 22: St Eustache, Québec
September 23-24: Mt. Tremblant, Québec
September 30 - Oct 1: Mosport, Ontario
From ASN
MONTREAL, QC – ASN Canada FIA, Canadian Automobile Sports Clubs Ontario Region and Federation Sport Automobile Québec have announced the continuation of the Honda racing series and will be crowning a 2006 Canadian Series Champion.
Honda Canada revived the Honda / Michelin Challenge Series in 2004 after a 12-year absence. Very popular with new and veteran Ontario and Québec drivers and drivers moving up from kart racing ranks, the series ran successfully for two years.
With the news of Honda s withdrawal from the series, Gunter Schmidt CASC-OR Race Director and Marcel Demers FSAQ President set about to partner with ASN Canada FIA to continue the popular racing series for 2006 and onward.
The initial reaction to our decision by the 2005 teams is fantastic, said Gunter Schmidt. It looks like 18 cars will roll to the starting line when the series starts at the St-Eustache Autodrome in Quebec on April 29, commented Marcel Demers.
ASN Canada FIA s Paul Cooke stated Every driver wants a national championship title& it lasts forever. Gunter and Marcel are among the best seasoned officials with plenty of experience when it comes to organizing events, and ASN is proud to help.
The schedule is confirmed for seven of eight proposed races. Series sponsorship and a new series name have yet to be announced.
A 5 year strategy is in the works , say Schmidt and Demers. Our goal is to ensure growth of the series. The current Civic DX Coupe will be eligible to compete until 2010. To add excitement, the new Civic SI may be introduced in 2007, but no later than 2008.
The race schedule as of February 17, 2006
April 29: St-Eustache, Québec
May 21-22: Mosport , Ontario
June 17-18: Mosport, Ontario
June 23-25: Montreal, Québec (to be confirmed)
July 15-16: Shannonville, Ontario
July 22: St Eustache, Québec
September 23-24: Mt. Tremblant, Québec
September 30 - Oct 1: Mosport, Ontario
A truce in the works?
Coke vs. Pepsi...
Tastes Great vs. Less Filling...
Seat up vs. Seat down...
Canada vs. Switzerland in Olympic hockey...
Kenny vs. Spenny....
and of course, CART vs. IRL.
TSN has a story hinting that at least one of those blood feuds might be coming to an end. And not a moment too soon.
Tastes Great vs. Less Filling...
Seat up vs. Seat down...
Canada vs. Switzerland in Olympic hockey...
Kenny vs. Spenny....
and of course, CART vs. IRL.
TSN has a story hinting that at least one of those blood feuds might be coming to an end. And not a moment too soon.
Jeff Lapcevich updates us on the racing exploits of his son Cayden Lapcevich
I just wanted to let you know what Cayden has been up too. We went to the Motorama event in Harrisburg, PA this past weekend. It is an indoor event that features Motocross, ATV motocross, quarter midget racing, go kart racing, trial bikes, robot wars, show cars, tuner wars, vendors, and more. It's a really cool deal.
(PHOTO IS OF CAYDEN LAPCEVICH AND MIKE LOESCHER AT THE FINISH LINE RACING SCHOOL IN NEW SMYRNA, FLORIDA. CREDIT: JEFF LAPCEVICH)
All in the same building, your $16 ticket allows you to walk from one event to another, all in different arenas, to take in different events. It was a two day show that started early Saturday morning, closed at 11pm, opened at 8am Sunday and went into the early evening.
Anyways, our heat race lineups were by order of pre entry. There were 21 cars in the Jr. Honda class. They were divided into three 7 car heats. Cayden started 6th in the first heat and was shuffled back to last by turn two.
I was a little concerned because at six years old he still gets frustrated by little things but he really surprised me. He took off like Jr. Hanley through a pack of street stockers and was leading the 15 lap race by about the 9th or 10th lap.
There was a caution with three to go and after it went green he opened up a straightaway lead in the three laps and went on to a very dominating win. This finish put him on the pole for the 25 lap A-Main.
We had an early practice session on Sunday morning and we tried a new gear that really seemed to help. He was really comfortable so we opted to skip the second practice session and save our stuff for the main event.
At the start of the A-Main Cayden checked out and by lap 15 he had lapped up to 4th place but was slowed by more lapped cars which allowed the 2nd place car to close the gap and eventually take the lead in a hairy lapped car / race leader deal. Cayden cleared the traffic and settled comfortably into 2nd place and began to challenge for the lead again with four laps to go.
While coming off turn two on the 23rd lap he brushed the left rear of a lapped car with his right front and sent himself into a spin. The poor guy was devastated but Sherri and I were high as kites.
He went on to finish 3rd and collect some valuable experience. It was by far the best he had ever driven and he was really aggressive passing cars which in the past had been his weak spot.
Now he is learning when to go and when not to which has proven to be very tricky to teach a little guy. We're learning that some things he is just going to have to learn for himself. As I write this it just occurred to me the similarities between this race and the Vancouver Cascar race in 2002 where I thought I had my first big win in the bag.
I think I'll pull that DVD out for him to watch tonight because he did take the loss pretty hard. That's a lesson I wish I had learned at six. Our next race probably won't be until the Oswego season starts in April but if we do go to another indoor event this winter I'll let you know. (end)
Thanks to Jeff Lapcevich for taking the time to forward some news on Cayden's early steps in motorsports! (Greg)
BRIGHTON SPEEDWAY RELEASES 39th ANNUAL SCHEDULE
BRIGHTON, ON - Set to begin its 39th season in operation, the 26th under the management of the Rinaldi Family, Brighton Speedway Park’s promoters have put together a schedule that is jammed with action packed, fast, furious and always entertaining grassroots motor sport racing.
Back by popular demand are the Southern Ontario Sprint Car, who will race on the 1/3 mile clay oval 6 times in 2006. Also making a return are the 358 DIRT Modifieds, Lawn mowers, Motorcross, Dirt Bikes, School Busses and Enduro Races. Once again the notorious Labour Day Classic Weekend is set to bring together race enthusiasts both young and old together in the spirit of dirt track competition.
Adding to the summer racing excitement are an increased number of inter track challenges. The Canadian Modified/IMCA Challenge Races and the Pro Stock Duel in the Dirt Series are sure to provide non-stop racing action for fans from all over Ontario and Upper New York State. Added this season, especially for the Comp 4 Class, is the Dirt/Asphalt Challenge (DAC).
4 cylinders will be racing on dirt in Brighton and on asphalt at Kawartha Speedway in Peterborough. Brighton Speedway Park fans will be cheering for home track drivers and local favourites, who are geared up to bring the titles home to the hottest family entertainment ticket in Northumberland County.
The regular weekly racing program, including the Bainer’s Radiator Canadian Modifieds, Brighton Automotive Pro Stocks, Bill’s Johns Comp 4 and Mister Signz Pure Stocks, is sure to keep the Coca-Cola Kids Club members and their families on the edge of their seats. To further enhance the family atmosphere, and get the kids home earlier, the green flag is now set to fly ½ an hour earlier at 7:00pm every Saturday night, from April to October.
The final schedule will be available Mid-March for pick up at various locations throughout Northumberland County, including Car Shows at Northumberland and Quinte Malls. A tentative schedule is now available at www.brightonspeedway.com.
OPEN-WHEEL CHAMPION PAUL TRACY & THE GECKO PARTNER FOR MEXICO CITY
MOORESVILLE, NC (February 21, 2006) One of the world’s top race car drivers, Paul Tracy, will accompany GEICO’s gecko to Mexico City on March 5, 2006, when the #4 Biagi Bros. Racing entry and the NASCAR Busch Series take to the 2.518-mile road course. Tracy, the 2003 Champ Car Series Champion, has spent many Champ Car afternoons racing in Mexico City since the series first debuted there in 2002, winning the event in 2003 and coming home third in 2005. Tracy is fond of the country of Mexico, as he also won the Champ Car race in Monterrey in 2003.
One of the most talented and colorful race car drivers in the business, Tracy is a fan favorite among the people in Mexico and he is excited at the opportunity to drive a stock car in the Mexico City race.
“I'm looking forward to going to Mexico City in a stock car,” Tracy said. “I have won there in the past and I feel like I know the track really well. I thank Fred Biagi for giving me this opportunity and I am looking forward to representing GEICO and BryMak and giving them a great finish.” He continued, “Jon Wolfe is a great crew chief and I look forward to working with him and I have also heard great things about the Biagi team members.”
He added, “This is the same car that Scott (Pruett) drove at Watkins Glen last year and he was in the Top 5 most of the day, so I am looking forward to jumping in it and taking GEICO and BryMak to the front. The people of Mexico have always supported me and treated me well, so I am looking forward to returning for the race.”
Fred Biagi also looks forward to the relationship.
“I met Paul about three years ago and have always thought about putting him in a car,” Biagi said. “This is the perfect opportunity to do that and we are looking forward to working with him. Paul is one of the top drivers around, so it will be fun to watch him in Mexico City.” He continued, “Having Mark Green in the car for the oval events and sticking Paul Tracy in the car at the road course in Mexico City is the perfect one-two punch for trying to get a leg up on the other teams in the Busch Series. These guys are both great drivers and they will help us get to where we want to be in this series.”
This will be Paul Tracy’s second event in the NASCAR Busch Series. His debut came at Daytona on February 18, 2006, where he ran in the Top 10 before being wrecked by John Andretti mid-way through the race. He returned to the race three laps down in the 34th position after getting his car repaired. In an unprecedented sequence of events, Tracy made up all three of his laps and finished the race on the lead lap in the 24th position.
GEICO, who is the fifth largest private-passenger auto insurer in the United States, entered NASCAR in 2001 as the sponsor of Kenny Wallace’s No. 27 Nextel Cup Series race car. Increasing their involvement in the sport, GEICO joined forces with Biagi Bros. Racing as primary sponsor of the No. 4 Dodge where they ran a limited schedule in 2002. Since that time, GEICO has stepped up their involvement with the team and they have experienced success; including a race win at Daytona International Speedway on July 2, 2004. To learn more about GEICO or to get a free insurance quote, please visit www.GEICOracing.com.
From Doug Barnette // Player Management International, Inc.
One of the most talented and colorful race car drivers in the business, Tracy is a fan favorite among the people in Mexico and he is excited at the opportunity to drive a stock car in the Mexico City race.
“I'm looking forward to going to Mexico City in a stock car,” Tracy said. “I have won there in the past and I feel like I know the track really well. I thank Fred Biagi for giving me this opportunity and I am looking forward to representing GEICO and BryMak and giving them a great finish.” He continued, “Jon Wolfe is a great crew chief and I look forward to working with him and I have also heard great things about the Biagi team members.”
He added, “This is the same car that Scott (Pruett) drove at Watkins Glen last year and he was in the Top 5 most of the day, so I am looking forward to jumping in it and taking GEICO and BryMak to the front. The people of Mexico have always supported me and treated me well, so I am looking forward to returning for the race.”
Fred Biagi also looks forward to the relationship.
“I met Paul about three years ago and have always thought about putting him in a car,” Biagi said. “This is the perfect opportunity to do that and we are looking forward to working with him. Paul is one of the top drivers around, so it will be fun to watch him in Mexico City.” He continued, “Having Mark Green in the car for the oval events and sticking Paul Tracy in the car at the road course in Mexico City is the perfect one-two punch for trying to get a leg up on the other teams in the Busch Series. These guys are both great drivers and they will help us get to where we want to be in this series.”
This will be Paul Tracy’s second event in the NASCAR Busch Series. His debut came at Daytona on February 18, 2006, where he ran in the Top 10 before being wrecked by John Andretti mid-way through the race. He returned to the race three laps down in the 34th position after getting his car repaired. In an unprecedented sequence of events, Tracy made up all three of his laps and finished the race on the lead lap in the 24th position.
GEICO, who is the fifth largest private-passenger auto insurer in the United States, entered NASCAR in 2001 as the sponsor of Kenny Wallace’s No. 27 Nextel Cup Series race car. Increasing their involvement in the sport, GEICO joined forces with Biagi Bros. Racing as primary sponsor of the No. 4 Dodge where they ran a limited schedule in 2002. Since that time, GEICO has stepped up their involvement with the team and they have experienced success; including a race win at Daytona International Speedway on July 2, 2004. To learn more about GEICO or to get a free insurance quote, please visit www.GEICOracing.com.
From Doug Barnette // Player Management International, Inc.
Carpentier set for A1 Team Canada debut
Courtesy Stuart Morrison Public RelationsMonterrey, Mexico (February 21, 2006) – Patrick Carpentier assumes driving duties for A1 Team Canada this weekend, 24-26 February, as the A1 Grand Prix of Nations crosses the Atlantic for the first time in its inaugural season and heads to Monterrey, Mexico for Round 9 of the ‘World Cup of Motorsport’.
Carpentier, from Joliette, Québec, debuts behind the wheel of A1 Team Canada’s Lola-Zytek as Vancouver’s Sean McIntosh hands over to his countryman having led Canada to its maiden A1GP victory last time out in Indonesia. McIntosh’s stunning drive, racing from last on the grid to first at the checkered flag in the Feature race in Round 8, cemented the team’s tenth place in the Nations Standings and gave Canada the honor of becoming only the fifth nation to win an A1GP race this season.
While Patrick will sample his A1GP ride for the first time in Friday’s two hour-long practice sessions, Parque Fundidora, Monterrey holds few surprises for the five-time Champ Car winner and former Toyota Atlantic Champion. With four career starts at the 3.38km circuit in Champ Car, from 2001-2004, the 34-year-old Québec-native knows what to expect from the 12-turn, anti-clockwise Mexican track – located on the site of the first Latin American steel mill. From those four starts Patrick boasts an encouraging record of three top-eight finishes including just missing out on a podium on his last visit in 2004.
Eager to return to Monterrey and equally excited to be representing Canada in the A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Patrick commented: “I’m really looking forward to my opportunity to fly the flag for Canada. Sean gave me a nice present to welcome me to the team with his win in Indonesia and I believe as a result of that the whole team will be on an upswing heading into this weekend. I’m excited to be returning to Monterrey as I know the track pretty well, it’s a fun circuit and it’s just a beautiful place to go racing!”
“For sure it’s going to be difficult just to jump into the car with no prior testing but I’ll just take everything one step at a time. The most important thing is to be comfortable with the car heading into Sunday’s races as I’ve seen that the drivers with a decent race pace can make up position as events on track unfold. I’m aiming for a strong run come Sunday afternoon having built up time in the car on Friday and Saturday. I’m excited to race for A1 Team Canada and I’m looking forward to my first taste of A1 Grand Prix!”
CASCAR Sked released
From CASCAR
TORONTO, ON – CASCAR released its 2006 Super Series schedule today in conjunction with a press conference in Trois Rivieries, Quebec, where CASCAR announced it will return to the legendary Grand Prix De Trois Rivieres for the first time since 2001.
TORONTO, ON – CASCAR released its 2006 Super Series schedule today in conjunction with a press conference in Trois Rivieries, Quebec, where CASCAR announced it will return to the legendary Grand Prix De Trois Rivieres for the first time since 2001.
(CASCAR in its last appearance at the GP de Trois-Riveries, in 2001)
The 2006 schedule brings some exciting new changes, venues, and race formats to race fans across Canada. With the addition of major events like the Grand Prix Edmonton and Grand Prix Trois Rivieres, plus exciting new events like the season opener at Barrie Speedway, the schedule has become better distributed throughout Ontario, Quebec, and the Western Provinces.
"Our objective in creating the 2006 Super Series schedule was to focus on markets and venues that share our long-term vision to build the biggest and best events in the country," stated CASCAR marketing director Richard Coughlin. "We wanted to have a better distribution of events in Ontario, be stronger in Quebec, and open up some options for future expansion of the schedule as part of our long-term plans for the growth of the series. We feel that we have succeeded on all fronts and we are very excited about our 2006 CASCAR Super Series schedule."
Another point of interest is the potential for new race formats that will open up new ways for the Championship battle to play out.
"We have also spent considerable time reviewing different race formats for some of our traditional race events," continued Coughlin. "We want to make each event as exciting as possible for the fans in that market, but we also are sensitive to the short race season we have here in Canada, and how a single bad finish can have a huge effect on a drivers' chances to win the Championship. By changing some race formats and possibly making more points available we can make the Championship battle even more interesting. Stay tuned for more news on this in the near future."
CASCAR and NASCAR continue the partnership formed in 2004 when they entered into a marketing and management agreement, and the relationship will continue to grow and expand in 2006.
"2005 was a good year for the CASCAR Super Series. We are very excited about the 2006 schedule, which includes a solid mix of tracks and exciting events that the teams and fans will really enjoy," Stated NASCAR director of racing development Canada Richard Buck. "The competition will continue to strengthen in 2006, and I look forward to a solid championship race."
Buck spent the entire 2005 season working with the CASCAR Super Series teams, drivers, and officials, and will be a regular fixture on the circuit again in 2006.
"2006 should be a great year for the CASCAR Super Series," commented NASCAR international managing director Robbie Weiss. "NASCAR is proud of our association with CASCAR, the premier national racing series in Canada, as well as being able to support the Canadian racing community. We look to further strengthen our involvement in the Series in 2006 and support racing across Canada."
The CASCAR Super Series will kick off at Barrie Speedway on Victoria Day Weekend, May 20 and 21, in what promises to be one of the most fun-filled and exciting race weekends in Canada this year. Complete event details for this and all the race events on the calendar will be released shortly.
2006 CASCAR SUPER SERIES SCHEDULE
Date Track Location
May 20, 21 Barrie Speedway Barrie, ON
June 10 Autodrome Ste. Eustache Ste. Eustache, QC
June 17, 18 Mosport International Raceway (road course) Bowmanville, ON
July 1, 2 Barrie Speedway Barrie, ON
July 15, 16 Sun Valley Speedway Vernon, BC
July 21, 22, 23 Grand Prix Edmonton Edmonton, AB
August 4, 5, 6 Grand Prix Trois Rivieres Trois Rivieres, QC
August 12 Mosport Speedway (oval track) Bowmanville, ON
August 25, 26, 27 To be announced
September 2, 3 Cayuga 2000 Speedway Hamilton, ON
September 16, 17 Kawartha Speedway Peterborough, ON
The CASCAR Super Series is Canada's top level of stock car racing, with events held in Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, and British Columbia. Over 150 race teams across the country compete in CASCAR's three series': the Western Series, Power Water Series, and the Super Series.
CASCAR heading to Trois Rivieres?
Can anyone translate?
I can't read the text of the GP de Trois-Riveries site... but I know the word "CASCAR" when I see it.
I can't read the text of the GP de Trois-Riveries site... but I know the word "CASCAR" when I see it.
The sound of silence...
I would LOVE to be in the press rooom this coming weekend for the Cup race at California.
Tony Stewart gets into a high hissy fit when the press writes negative things about him, and yesterday the scribes were in full song, calling him a "hypocrite" for what he did to Matt Kenseth in the D500. Tony might just take his toys and go home if he read any of the columns on Jayski yesterday.
I don't want to say that Tony tried to "kill" Matt, but it certainly wasn't nice running him into the grass at 190 mph, at a spot that guaranteed that Kenseth would shoot back up into traffic, virtually ensuring 'the big one'.
Visitors to this site yesterday participated in a poll on the issue. It drew over 250 voters and 60% of them said that Stewart deserves a "lengthy suspension" from NASCAR.
But it's Tuesday morning and Mike Helton hasn't said boo. Which is strange because all the talk before the 500 was about how tough guy Helton read the riot act to the racers about how aggressive and reckless driving wouldn't be tolerated.
And then Stewart comes on TV after the race, bragging about how Kenseth "started it", but he "finished it" ????
And Helton says nothing???!!!
I hope the drivers can keep themselves from laughing in Helton's face the next time he comes into a drivers' meeting and threatens them with harsh penalties if they step out of line.
Moving on to another curious situation, it looks like we'll finally be seeing a CASCAR schedule soon.
I just received notice that a few CASCAR drivers' meetings will take place this weekend, in London and Toronto. I would assume that the CASCAR officials don't want to be lynched at those meetings, so it would be in their best interests to release a sked between now and the weekend.
Tony Stewart gets into a high hissy fit when the press writes negative things about him, and yesterday the scribes were in full song, calling him a "hypocrite" for what he did to Matt Kenseth in the D500. Tony might just take his toys and go home if he read any of the columns on Jayski yesterday.
I don't want to say that Tony tried to "kill" Matt, but it certainly wasn't nice running him into the grass at 190 mph, at a spot that guaranteed that Kenseth would shoot back up into traffic, virtually ensuring 'the big one'.
Visitors to this site yesterday participated in a poll on the issue. It drew over 250 voters and 60% of them said that Stewart deserves a "lengthy suspension" from NASCAR.
But it's Tuesday morning and Mike Helton hasn't said boo. Which is strange because all the talk before the 500 was about how tough guy Helton read the riot act to the racers about how aggressive and reckless driving wouldn't be tolerated.
And then Stewart comes on TV after the race, bragging about how Kenseth "started it", but he "finished it" ????
And Helton says nothing???!!!
I hope the drivers can keep themselves from laughing in Helton's face the next time he comes into a drivers' meeting and threatens them with harsh penalties if they step out of line.
Moving on to another curious situation, it looks like we'll finally be seeing a CASCAR schedule soon.
I just received notice that a few CASCAR drivers' meetings will take place this weekend, in London and Toronto. I would assume that the CASCAR officials don't want to be lynched at those meetings, so it would be in their best interests to release a sked between now and the weekend.
TSN: Record Viewership for Yesterday's Daytona 500 on TSN
From TSN.ca
TSN's live coverage of yesterday's Daytona 500 was the most-watched motorsport race in TSN history with a national average audience of 568,000 viewers*. Audience levels peaked at 695,000 viewers from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET.
The audience is especially noteworthy since the NASCAR race (2:27 p.m. to 6:38 p.m. ET) was competing for viewers with live men’s hockey coverage of Team Canada vs. Finland (approximately 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET).
Yesterday’s audience represents a three per cent increase over TSN’s previous auto racing benchmark (the 2005 Daytona 500, with 550,000 viewers).
TSN has been televising the Daytona 500 every year since 1998, excluding the 2004 race. This year, TSN is airing 21 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup races, all of which are available in High Definition on TSN HD.
TSN is Canada's Sports Leader. Setting the Canadian sports broadcasting standard, TSN's flagship news program, SportsCentre, was voted the number-one source for sports news by sports fans from across the country.** TSN's comprehensive broadcast schedule also features the NHL and first three rounds of the Stanley Cup Playoffs; Toronto Maple Leafs hockey; International Hockey including the IIHF World Junior Championship; the Olympic Games through 2014; CFL including Friday Night Football; NFL including Sunday and Monday Night Football; PGA TOUR and all four golf Majors; Championship Curling; NASCAR including the Daytona 500; Formula One including the Canadian Grand Prix; IRL including the Indy 500; Blue Jays baseball; Raptors basketball and the NBA Finals; Tennis and all four Grand Slam events; 2006 FIFA World Cup; UEFA Champions League Soccer; HBO World Championship boxing; and Figure Skating including the national championships. TSN HD offers more sports coverage, more hours and more events in High Definition than any other network in Canada, reinforcing TSN's position as Canada's Sports Leader in High Definition. TSN is available in eight million households. TSN's programming and news content is also available online at TSN.ca.
*Source: Nielsen Media Research. All audience figures are 2+ and exclude pre-race // **2004/2005 Roper Canada - Winter
TSN's live coverage of yesterday's Daytona 500 was the most-watched motorsport race in TSN history with a national average audience of 568,000 viewers*. Audience levels peaked at 695,000 viewers from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET.
The audience is especially noteworthy since the NASCAR race (2:27 p.m. to 6:38 p.m. ET) was competing for viewers with live men’s hockey coverage of Team Canada vs. Finland (approximately 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET).
Yesterday’s audience represents a three per cent increase over TSN’s previous auto racing benchmark (the 2005 Daytona 500, with 550,000 viewers).
TSN has been televising the Daytona 500 every year since 1998, excluding the 2004 race. This year, TSN is airing 21 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup races, all of which are available in High Definition on TSN HD.
TSN is Canada's Sports Leader. Setting the Canadian sports broadcasting standard, TSN's flagship news program, SportsCentre, was voted the number-one source for sports news by sports fans from across the country.** TSN's comprehensive broadcast schedule also features the NHL and first three rounds of the Stanley Cup Playoffs; Toronto Maple Leafs hockey; International Hockey including the IIHF World Junior Championship; the Olympic Games through 2014; CFL including Friday Night Football; NFL including Sunday and Monday Night Football; PGA TOUR and all four golf Majors; Championship Curling; NASCAR including the Daytona 500; Formula One including the Canadian Grand Prix; IRL including the Indy 500; Blue Jays baseball; Raptors basketball and the NBA Finals; Tennis and all four Grand Slam events; 2006 FIFA World Cup; UEFA Champions League Soccer; HBO World Championship boxing; and Figure Skating including the national championships. TSN HD offers more sports coverage, more hours and more events in High Definition than any other network in Canada, reinforcing TSN's position as Canada's Sports Leader in High Definition. TSN is available in eight million households. TSN's programming and news content is also available online at TSN.ca.
*Source: Nielsen Media Research. All audience figures are 2+ and exclude pre-race // **2004/2005 Roper Canada - Winter
REDESIGNED COOPER TIRE MOBILE TOUR EXPANDS 2006 SCHEDULE
Courtesy David S. Craig
FINDLAY, OHIO, February 20, 2006 – COOPER TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY (NYSE: CTB) has more than doubled its mobile tour schedule for 2006 and given the interactive marketing tool a facelift to better reflect the new company logo and brand identify that Cooper launched in November 2005.
The expanded schedule features four Funkmaster Flex Custom Car & Bike Shows, four Extreme Autofest events, six Hot Import Nights (HIN), seven Formula D Drift events, two DUB Custom Auto Show and Concert Tour events (DUB) and the NOPI Nationals Motorsports Supershow.
“We were encouraged by the overwhelming response the mobile tour received from the tuner market last year, and so we added some elements and expanded the schedule this year in an effort to further that positive brand interaction,” said Christopher P. Pantani, director, Ultra-High Performance marketing and business development for Cooper Tire & Rubber Company. “One of the unique, new elements that will appeal to tuners is the capability for well-known, local DJs to come out and spin sets when the tour hits the DUB, Hot Import Nights and Extreme Autofest events.”
The interactive tour will feature XBox gaming systems, interactive racing simulators and an impressive sound system accompanied by twin 45-inch flat-panel televisions. Throughout the schedule the tour will host gaming competitions to match scores of drivers from all over the country.
The product focus of the 2006 mobile tour continues to be the Cooper Zeon line of ultra-high performance tires, including the 2XS, ZPT, XST and brand-new Sport A/S. Each of these tires is designed to match a vehicle’s performance capabilities by providing the driver with an enhanced degree of handling, grip and cornering capability.
COMPANY DESCRIPTION
Cooper Tire & Rubber Company is a global company that specializes in the design, manufacture, marketing and sales of passenger car, light truck, medium truck tires and subsidiaries that specialize in motorcycle and racing tires, as well as tread rubber and related equipment for the retread industry. With headquarters in Findlay, Ohio, Cooper Tire has 40 manufacturing, sales, distribution, technical and design facilities within its family of companies located around the world. For more information and a complete list of scheduled appearances, visit Cooper Tire's web site at: www.coopertireandrubber.com.
REDESIGNED COOPER TIRE MOBILE TOUR EXPANDS 2006 SCHEDULE
Courtesy David S. Craig
FINDLAY, OHIO, February 20, 2006 – COOPER TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY (NYSE: CTB) has more than doubled its mobile tour schedule for 2006 and given the interactive marketing tool a facelift to better reflect the new company logo and brand identify that Cooper launched in November 2005.
The expanded schedule features four Funkmaster Flex Custom Car & Bike Shows, four Extreme Autofest events, six Hot Import Nights (HIN), seven Formula D Drift events, two DUB Custom Auto Show and Concert Tour events (DUB) and the NOPI Nationals Motorsports Supershow.
“We were encouraged by the overwhelming response the mobile tour received from the tuner market last year, and so we added some elements and expanded the schedule this year in an effort to further that positive brand interaction,” said Christopher P. Pantani, director, Ultra-High Performance marketing and business development for Cooper Tire & Rubber Company. “One of the unique, new elements that will appeal to tuners is the capability for well-known, local DJs to come out and spin sets when the tour hits the DUB, Hot Import Nights and Extreme Autofest events.”
The interactive tour will feature XBox gaming systems, interactive racing simulators and an impressive sound system accompanied by twin 45-inch flat-panel televisions. Throughout the schedule the tour will host gaming competitions to match scores of drivers from all over the country.
The product focus of the 2006 mobile tour continues to be the Cooper Zeon line of ultra-high performance tires, including the 2XS, ZPT, XST and brand-new Sport A/S. Each of these tires is designed to match a vehicle’s performance capabilities by providing the driver with an enhanced degree of handling, grip and cornering capability.
COMPANY DESCRIPTION
Cooper Tire & Rubber Company is a global company that specializes in the design, manufacture, marketing and sales of passenger car, light truck, medium truck tires and subsidiaries that specialize in motorcycle and racing tires, as well as tread rubber and related equipment for the retread industry. With headquarters in Findlay, Ohio, Cooper Tire has 40 manufacturing, sales, distribution, technical and design facilities within its family of companies located around the world. For more information and a complete list of scheduled appearances, visit Cooper Tire's web site at: www.coopertireandrubber.com.
Pole Award Sponsor Announced
Courtesy Sauble Speedway
The SHOULDICE STONE ALSTAR SERIES is pleased to announce, new for 2006,
the WAYFREIGHT POLE AWARD. President of WAYFREIGHT - Trucking Warehousing Logistics, Rick Way of Guelph, Ontario will present the fastest time trial for each of the SHOULDICE ALSTAR Super Event Weekends at Steelback Sauble Speedway. The Pole for the first 50 Lap Qualifier, plus $250.00 cash each ALSTAR super event weekend.
ALSTAR drivers will get their first opportunity to claim the WAYFREIGHT Pole Award on Saturday May 20th 5pm at Steelback Sauble Speedway, with racing at 7pm.
For more information on Fast, Reliable Shipping and Warehousing: www.wayfreight.on.ca WAYFREIGHT Celebrating 10 Years of Good, Safe Service!
www.alstarseries.com
The SHOULDICE STONE ALSTAR SERIES is pleased to announce, new for 2006,
the WAYFREIGHT POLE AWARD. President of WAYFREIGHT - Trucking Warehousing Logistics, Rick Way of Guelph, Ontario will present the fastest time trial for each of the SHOULDICE ALSTAR Super Event Weekends at Steelback Sauble Speedway. The Pole for the first 50 Lap Qualifier, plus $250.00 cash each ALSTAR super event weekend.
ALSTAR drivers will get their first opportunity to claim the WAYFREIGHT Pole Award on Saturday May 20th 5pm at Steelback Sauble Speedway, with racing at 7pm.
For more information on Fast, Reliable Shipping and Warehousing: www.wayfreight.on.ca WAYFREIGHT Celebrating 10 Years of Good, Safe Service!
www.alstarseries.com
Dave Steele and Team 6R Racing Awarded Copper World driving in the C&R Racing Silver Crown Chassis
Courtesy Debbie Crowley, C&R Racing, Inc.
Indianapolis, IN – Late Thursday afternoon USAC Racing announced that the appeal to Dave Steele’s 2006 Copper World win was over and that the C&R Racing Silver Crown chassis is legal.
An independent panel met at the USAC corporate headquarters Thursday, February 16 in Speedway, IN to study the details of the appeal and the winning chassis. After an afternoon of presentation and investigation the panel awarded the win to Dave and Team Six R (Team 6R), making it Dave’s second win of the day and his fifth straight Copper World victory.
Chris Paulsen, “C&R is glad that the appeals process is finally over and the win was awarded to Dave Steele and Team Six R Racing. The good thing about this is that everything is behind us, with that me as a car builder, Six R and those involved with the USAC Silver Crown Series can move forward. We are looking forward to carrying on with the success of the new series and future wins with our house driver Shane Hmiel.”
Additionally Bruce Ashmore, co-engineer to the new generation C&R Silver Crown chassis added, “We’ve experienced quite a couple of weeks, Chris and I co-designed the car completely within the guidelines of the rule book. It is reassuring to know that an independent panel studied the details of our car and concluded that it complied within the specifications of the rules.” Bruce continues, “Now we can go back to what we are good at. That is to build more winning race cars including the C&R house car that will debut at the Homestead race.”
Four of the twelve in the 2006 Copper World Classic were a C&R chassis. C&R announced the commitment to build the new generation Silver Crown car in September 2005. They are commitment to the chassis construction of winning race cars and expect to have a minimum of six new generation C&R cars on the track at the upcoming Homestead race in Homestead, Fl (March 25-26).
Founded in 1988, C&R is the leading manufacturer of cooling systems and drivetrain components for the motorsport industry. For all forms of racing, C&R manufactures and distributes parts and equipment; including thermo protection products for high performance applications – complete cooling systems, chassis and drivetrain components, and wind tunnel models. C&R is the largest and preferred supplier of custom all-aluminum radiators to NASCAR Nextel Cup, Busch, and Craftsman Truck Series. C&R is also the preferred supplier to IRL IndyCar Series, Champ Car, off-road, and various open wheel and late model series. C&R utilizes the latest in CNC machine tools, metal fabrication equipment, and CAD/CAM technology. C&R South manufactures and distributes drivetrain components (including the NASCAR approved BB1 transmission), Dynotech driveshafts, Visteon 9” Racing Gear Sets and current C&R products, excluding custom-built radiators. C&R Racing is comprised of C&R Racing, Inc., C&R Racing Performance, C&R Racing Radiators, and C&R Racing South. C&R Racing Radiators is proud to be technical and R&D partner with Visteon – one of the largest automotive suppliers in the world. In 2005, C&R customers won races and championships in every form of professional and amateur racing around the world.
Approximately 40% of total business is radiators
C&R Racing, Inc. Contact Information, Media Releases, Product Information, and downloadable catalog are available at www.crracing.com or email us at info@crracing.com.
Indianapolis, IN – Late Thursday afternoon USAC Racing announced that the appeal to Dave Steele’s 2006 Copper World win was over and that the C&R Racing Silver Crown chassis is legal.
An independent panel met at the USAC corporate headquarters Thursday, February 16 in Speedway, IN to study the details of the appeal and the winning chassis. After an afternoon of presentation and investigation the panel awarded the win to Dave and Team Six R (Team 6R), making it Dave’s second win of the day and his fifth straight Copper World victory.
Chris Paulsen, “C&R is glad that the appeals process is finally over and the win was awarded to Dave Steele and Team Six R Racing. The good thing about this is that everything is behind us, with that me as a car builder, Six R and those involved with the USAC Silver Crown Series can move forward. We are looking forward to carrying on with the success of the new series and future wins with our house driver Shane Hmiel.”
Additionally Bruce Ashmore, co-engineer to the new generation C&R Silver Crown chassis added, “We’ve experienced quite a couple of weeks, Chris and I co-designed the car completely within the guidelines of the rule book. It is reassuring to know that an independent panel studied the details of our car and concluded that it complied within the specifications of the rules.” Bruce continues, “Now we can go back to what we are good at. That is to build more winning race cars including the C&R house car that will debut at the Homestead race.”
Four of the twelve in the 2006 Copper World Classic were a C&R chassis. C&R announced the commitment to build the new generation Silver Crown car in September 2005. They are commitment to the chassis construction of winning race cars and expect to have a minimum of six new generation C&R cars on the track at the upcoming Homestead race in Homestead, Fl (March 25-26).
Founded in 1988, C&R is the leading manufacturer of cooling systems and drivetrain components for the motorsport industry. For all forms of racing, C&R manufactures and distributes parts and equipment; including thermo protection products for high performance applications – complete cooling systems, chassis and drivetrain components, and wind tunnel models. C&R is the largest and preferred supplier of custom all-aluminum radiators to NASCAR Nextel Cup, Busch, and Craftsman Truck Series. C&R is also the preferred supplier to IRL IndyCar Series, Champ Car, off-road, and various open wheel and late model series. C&R utilizes the latest in CNC machine tools, metal fabrication equipment, and CAD/CAM technology. C&R South manufactures and distributes drivetrain components (including the NASCAR approved BB1 transmission), Dynotech driveshafts, Visteon 9” Racing Gear Sets and current C&R products, excluding custom-built radiators. C&R Racing is comprised of C&R Racing, Inc., C&R Racing Performance, C&R Racing Radiators, and C&R Racing South. C&R Racing Radiators is proud to be technical and R&D partner with Visteon – one of the largest automotive suppliers in the world. In 2005, C&R customers won races and championships in every form of professional and amateur racing around the world.
Approximately 40% of total business is radiators
C&R Racing, Inc. Contact Information, Media Releases, Product Information, and downloadable catalog are available at www.crracing.com or email us at info@crracing.com.
Pro Modified Racing Association debuts new-look PMRA RACING WEBSITE
Courtesy Bruce F. MehlenbacherCAYUGA, ON (February 20, 2006) -- The Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA), has re-launched a new-generation website, www.ProModifiedRacing.com, to better incorporate the PMRA sponsors, teams, news and results, along with offering fans and web users a more modern look that is easier to navigate.
“The graphic design and content of the new PMRA website was coordinated by Mike Goodwin,” stated Bruce F. Mehlenbacher, Director of Operations of the PMRA. The success of the series is dependent on devoted race teams, sponsors, and race fans. That was the focus of the new site.”
“We wanted to give a cleaner, more modern look,” said Goodwin, owner of MG Digital Media, http://www.mgdigital.ca/, based in Hamilton, Ontario. “The new-look website also features the latest news, driver bios, series statistics, results, and a photo gallery.”
“The Initial PMRA website builder Matthew Miller has returned to school fulltime. He worked with graphic design specialist Darrell Rattray when the series was launched late in 2004,” added Mehlenbacher. “We are real fortunate; the PMRA has some very talented individuals that help make everything happen.”
For more information on the Pro Modified Racing Association, check out the recently-revamped website: http://www.promodifiedracing.com/, or call 905.772.1800.
Mike Goodwin, owner of MG Digital Media has been involved in the performance industry for over 20 years, with a background that ranges from retailing performance parts to Marketing Manager of Karbelt Speed & Custom, one of Canada’s oldest performance parts warehouses, to a stint as pit road reporter on the popular TV series Raceline Television. “With all of the experience I have in this industry coupled with my knowledge of graphic design, web design and photography I decided to found MG Digital Media to provide a design source to businesses within the performance industry. There are so many racers, speed shops, warehouses and manufacturers who cannot afford to employ an in- house designer. I am able to provide them with a broad range of services at a reasonable price.”
For more information on MG Digital Media, visit the web site at http://www.mgdigital.ca/, or call 905.388.4768
The PMRA has five events confirmed for the 2006 season, the KC Auto Parts Family Day Celebration at Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga, ON, Saturday, June 24, at Lancaster Raceway Park in Clarence, NY on September 15 and the Pro Modified Racing Association is pleased to be running inaugural events at St. Thomas Dragway in Sparta, ON, August 5 and 6, the Eaton PMRA Challenge at Sanair near Montreal scheduled for Saturday, August 19, and at the Grand Bend Motorplex, over the Labor Day weekend.
Auto Meter Products posts Contingency Award
Courtesy Bruce F. MehlenbacherSYCAMORE, IL (February 16, 2006) -- Instrument giant Auto Meter Products will be posting contingency awards at each series event for 2006, the Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA), www.ProModifiedRacing.com, is pleased to announce.
“The PMRA has a good series with great teams,” explained Marc Erickson, Director of Motorsports of Auto Meter Products. “We will present a contingency award to the low qualifier and winner of each of the six-event drag racing series in 2006. Auto Meter offers its customers the most extensive line of technologically advanced, competition-inspired, and race-proven instruments of any aftermarket automotive instrument supplier in the world today. ”
For nearly 50 years, Auto Meter products have been providing top competitors the power of information. Its instruments have run on virtually every competition course in North America, and can be found relaying critical information to drivers in all types of motorsports from record-setting 300 mph-plus passes at Bonneville to hot laps on the high banks of Daytona. Every gauge, tachometer, and data acquisition system is designed and engineered with the power and precision necessary to communicate the exact information top race teams demand in the most intense competition environments.
“Auto Meter Products is the most respected manufacturer of high quality, performance aftermarket instrumentation, tachometers, and gauges,” stated Bruce F. Mehlenbacher, Director of Operations of the PMRA. “The PMRA contingency programs are designed to increase the sponsor’s product sales and exposure to the target market of the series teams and to our fans. Having Auto Meter Products aboard with the PMRA will be great for our series.”
MCINTOSH REFLECTS ON INDONESIAN A1GP SUCCESS
Courtesy Stuart Morrison Public RelationsMontreal, Canada (February 17, 2006) – Last weekend’s eighth round of the A1 Grand Prix of Nations in Indonesia witnessed what was undoubtedly one of the drives of the season as A1 Team Canada’s Sean McIntosh launched himself from the back of the starting grid to claim the Feature win 36-laps later.
In the process the 20-year-old from Vancouver overcame a drive-through penalty proving to be the class of the field as Canada became only the fifth nation to celebrate an A1GP victory in the inaugural season of the ‘World Cup of Motorsport’. A solid top-ten runner at the Sentul International Circuit all weekend, McIntosh found himself at the wrong end of the grid for Sunday’s Feature race having been forced to retire on the opening lap of the Sprint event following contact with the Malaysian entry. Sean, a five-time winner in the 2005 Formula Renault UK Championship and series runner-up, rebounded in style to claim Canada’s second A1GP podium finish of the season but more importantly their first standing on the top step. Looking back on a memorable weekend Sean took time out to review his success.
Q: Having had time to reflect on your victory in Indonesia, how does it feel to have won an A1GP race for A1 Team Canada?
SMc: I think the fact that I was racing for Canada makes this win extra special. It’s an honor to represent your country and that’s what A1GP is all about.
Q: How frustrating was it to start from the back of the grid?
SMc: It wasn’t exactly frustrating to be honest because I was the one who put me in that position! I had nobody but myself to blame for going out in the Sprint race on the very first lap. I just had to refocus and drive as hard as I could to make up for it in the Feature race.
Q: Whose decision was it to pit on the second lap as soon as the safety car appeared? SMc: The team and I had discussed coming in for my pit-stop early. We were really going to let the first couple of laps play out and see what position I was in. If it was worth getting out into clean air by pitting early then we were going to do it. When the safety car came out the crew made the call to pit.
Q: Did you feel your drive-through penalty was fair?
SMc: I didn’t think it was fair but the stewards were in a very awkward position. I did cross the white line at the pit-exit which automatically warrants a penalty. But, I was also avoiding an accident because another car didn’t obey that I was in the fast lane and had priority!
Q: When did you start to think you might have a chance of winning the race?
SMc: After the drive-through penalty I just put my head down and began passing as many people as I could. When the final safety car came out the team told me that Great Britain and South Africa hadn’t pitted and that I was really in second place. I was faster than the Czech Republic car ahead of me so I knew I had a good chance of winning. Cont…
Q: How good was the car and what was the difference in Indonesia?
SMc: The car was awesome in the Feature race. We were on the pace in Friday’s wet practice sessions but struggled a little bit in dry qualifying. We weren’t slow but we didn’t have the pace to be on pole. On Saturday night the team had a think about everything and came up with some things to try. After retiring from the Sprint race we decided to take a little bit of a risk on the set-up and see what would happen, we didn’t have much to lose starting last. It turned out to be a step in the right direction and the car was perfect and I was able to attack and pass for position.
Q: What was it like hearing ‘Oh Canada’ from the top step of the podium? SMc: Well for sure we’ve been hearing the French national anthem a little bit too much in A1GP this season! You don’t really appreciate how special it is to sing your national anthem on the podium until you actually experience it and it was definitely one of the best parts of winning the race. There were even a few Canadian fans down at the bottom of the podium singing with me!
Q: Did you think you’d be in with a shot of winning an A1GP race this season given the team came together a week before the opening round?
SMc: Our first goal heading into the season was to finish in the top-ten. Then after we scored our third-place podium in Germany our expectations were raised. We’ve been comfortably in the top-ten since then. Every team I’ve raced for and been successful with has had that will to win and put in the hard work to gain those results, A1 Team Canada is no exception. We didn’t get to do any pre- season testing which has maybe hurt us a little bit but we haven’t let that bother us. If you work hard enough good things happen and it all came together for us in Indonesia.
Q: Just how tough is the competition in A1GP?
SMc: A1GP is very unique because it brings together drivers from many different series. For example, this is the first time a driver with my experience, coming from a 200bhp Formula Renault car, is able to showcase their abilities on a level playing field against drivers with Formula One, IRL, Champ Car and GP2 experience. Guys like Jos Verstappen, Bryan Herta and Tomas Enge are all highly rated and this year I’ve been able to show that I can compete against them. The sharp end of the grid is as tough as any other high-profile international open-wheel racing series.
Q: You’re handing over to Patrick Carpentier for Monterrey, Mexico (24-26 February), what can he expect and how do you rate your performance for A1 Team Canada so far?
SMc: Well for me Indonesia was the perfect way to hand over! I said before the weekend that I wanted to go out on a high before Patrick took over and I wanted to win races for the team. I think we proved in Indonesia that as a team and a package A1 Team Canada is capable of competing at the front. Patrick can expect the racing in Mexico to be pretty tough. Until you experience the level of competition and know how aggressive the driving is you can’t really appreciate it. While I won’t physically be in the car I’ll still be there supporting Patrick and A1 Team Canada.
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