Fellows gets off to an early start in 2005

Story by Russ Bond // Photo by Ed Gatner

OAKVILLE, ON – Factory GM Corvette driver, Ron Fellows will kick of his 'day job' a little earlier than usual in 2005. Fellows has signed with Joe Nemechek to drive the #87 Chevy in this weekend's Busch race in Mexico City.

Fellows has three Busch wins to date – all at Watkins Glen – and he is looking for another strong run in Nemechek #87 Chevy.

"I have a pretty stout record in Busch," says Fellows. "Three wins, a second and I think a dnf. This deal is very last minute, and we've had no testing. That being said, I only would do a last minute deal like this with DEI or Nemechek."

Fellows is also planning on a busy Friday with the new rules that impound the cars after qualifying. "Friday we get limited practice and we try to get it set for the race, but we have to qualify with what we have."

Fellows has run part of the park circuit in Mexico before – he was on the pole there for a Trans-Am race in 1991.

You can catch Fellows live as the Busch race is scheduled for live network coverage on Sunday - check your local listings.

Speed Channel will cover qualifying live at 1:00 p.m. Saturday

DIRT: Meet #11 Dan Ferguson - 2005 DIRT Sportsman Rookie

PICTON, ON – The world of DIRT Sportsman racing will see a fresh face in the pit area during the 2005 season. Twenty year old Dan Ferguson of Picton, Ontario Canada will pilot the #11 Sportsman at a variety of tracks throughout Southern Ontario and Upstate New York. The team will compete in a Bicknell chassis purchased from Brockville regular Tim Alton.

This second generation driver may be young but he brings a lifetime of experience to the Sportsman ranks. In 1999, with already three years of experience in karts, Dan made his first attempt at racing a full sized stock car at the tender age of 14 in the Comp 4 division.

As part of an agreement that would allow Ferguson to race at such a young age a stipulation was made that he must start last in each of his first three events in order to gain experience. That wouldn’t hamper this young drivers’ talent though as he would go on to win a feature event that season as well as capture the division championship. Dan remains the youngest driver in Brighton Speedway history to both start and win a race.

Over the following seasons, Ferguson methodically worked his way to Brighton’s top division, the Canadian Modifieds. In 2004 he claimed 4 feature wins and the season championship along with being awarded as the fans favourite driver for the third time in six seasons at the track.

Dan will be leaving his home track in 2005 and will compete at either the Brockville or Thunder Alley Speedpark on Friday nights. The team has also scheduled appearances at Ohsweken, Ransomville, Merrittville, Humberstone, Cayuga County and Rolling Wheels throughout the year.

As Ferguson Racing prepares for the upcoming season many expect this youngster to be competitive out of the box. He has always shown that he has a short learning curve and unmatched enthusiasm when it comes to a new challenge. “I am really excited to get behind the wheel of a sportsman” said Dan. “The car is starting to take shape but some sponsorship help could really make us that much more competitive” he added.

Working together with ImageFactor.ca the team recently unveiled its new web site for the 2005 season. The site contains in-depth information about Dan and his career as well as his 2005 schedule and rookie season diary.

With the beginning of the new season just around the corner Ferguson Racing is busy preparing the car for what should be an educational rookie year. So make sure to watch for the #11 Sportsman this summer at a track near you.

For more information visit Dan Ferguson Online at www.imagefactor.ca/danferguson or by email at fergusonracing2002@hotmail.com

DELAWARE SPEEDWAY: Wins NASCAR award... Best First Year Track!!!

Congratulations to Delaware Speedway!!!

DELAWARE, ON - Delaware Speedway was recently named “Best First Year Track” by NASCAR. The award was announced as part of the recently completed “Speedweeks” celebrations in Daytona Beach, Florida. Sixty-seven tracks across North America participated in the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series in 2004.

“It’s great to be recognized by NASCAR,” said Delaware Speedway General Manager Kevin Bulmer. “The honour is a direct reflection on the race teams, fans, sponsors and staff members who work so hard to produce one of the best weekly racing shows in North America.”

Delaware Speedway began racing as part of the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series last year. Along with Autodrome St-Eustache in Quebec, they were the first tracks ever to be sanctioned by NASCAR outside of the United States.

The 2004 championship chase, the track’s first as part of NASCAR, was one of the most exciting in recent memory. The battle came down to the final night, with Scott Lindsay of St. Marys and Steve Robblee of Dorchester within a point of each other for the title. Lindsay won and became the first NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series champion at Delaware Speedway. His season was good enough for fourth overall in NASCAR’s Heartland Region.

“Throughout the 2004 season we had several visits from NASCAR staff members,” Bulmer said. “They all commented that we had ‘something special’ here at Delaware. We’re just so proud of how our competitors represented the track, the province and, really, the whole country in our first year with NASCAR. Years down the road, we’ll probably look back on 2004 as the start of something really exciting.”

Delaware Speedway’s 2005 season begins on Saturday, April 23.

BARRIE SPEEDWAY: Mall shows set for March & April

This was on the Barrie Speedway site...

BARRIE, ON - Dates for this year's Barrie Speedway mall show are now set. Once again the track will have shows in both Barrie & Orillia. Drivers interested in participating in either show can call the track @ 705-487-0279.

Orillia Square Mall Show: All batteries must be disconnected for show. No leakers and no gas. Please supply 4 plastic placemats for under your tires. Move in date is Thurs. March 17 at 9:00 pm and move out date is Sunday March 20 at 5:00 pm. There is only a limited amount of space so for anyone interested a photo must be submitted to ensure that cars are completed and show ready. Cars will be drawn from a pool a week prior to the show and applicants will be posted on internet. Good luck!

Bayfield Mall Show: All batteries must be disconnected for show. No leakers and no gas. Please supply 4 plastic placemats for under your tires. Move in date is Friday April 1 at 9:00 pm and move out date is Sunday April 10 at 5:00 pm.

KAWARTHA SPEEDWAY: License Forms for 2005 due now!

Found this note on the Kawartha Speedway site...

FRASERVILLE, ON – Urgent Notice to all Kawartha Speedway competitors. We must receive your license forms as soon as possible.

As of March 1st, numbers for all divisions will be on first come, first serve basis. In order to register your number or preserve your existing number, please return your license forms as soon as possible.

Kawartha Speedway is also trying to put together an aggressive driver-oriented promotional package for the newspaper and radio for the 2005 season. If we don't know you're coming, you and your sponsors will not be included. If you need license forms, please contact the race office at 705 939 8881.

Kawartha Speedway will be at the Performance World show in March. Hope to see you there!

KARTS: KART START event a grand success

MARKHAM, ON – KART START, Ontario’s largest indoor go-kart show and swap meet was recently held at the Markham Fairgrounds. The event took place on Feb. 5 and drew almost 400 people from Windsor to Montreal.

Hosted by the Mosport Kart Club, this was the second year of what will continue to be an annual event. Maurice Bachand of MSM Motorsports, has been in the sport for many years and thought the area could use such a venue. “It was the only time for buyers to view and compare products all in one location. Never before had these major vendors displayed their products all under one roof!” commented Mr. Bachand. Many private individuals used this unique occasion to offer their used parts and go-karts for sale.

Tina Marie Bachand, KART START Event Planner and Coordinator, credits the day’s success to several factors. “Despite the early morning fog, the brilliant sun later attracted the people. Attendees doubled from last year. Vendors filled the building, doubling their numbers also. The Mosport Kart Club volunteers assisted with the smooth running of the day. Hunger was satisfied as Neil and Charmain Hamill of My Little Pizzeria and Deli sponsored the pizza.”

Go-karting is a family affair. One can begin at 8 years, and there are gentlemen in their 70's. Karting is a great sport for the whole family with many father and son and sibling teams. Girls and women are certainly not excluded! Children (and parents) learn much about engines, clutches, gear ratios, sportsmanship, focused concentration, not to mention the exhilaration of speed in a safer environment than hockey!

Competitiveness is evident – but it is not necessary to spend exorbitant amounts of money to have fun! To promote karting, go-kart clubs were allowed free display tables. Representatives from Mosport, Toronto, Waterloo, Point Pelee, Simcoe and Innisfil answered questions about their unique tracks. More information about each club can be found at their web sites. To book for KART START 2006, contact Tina at maurice@msmmotorsports.com.

DRAGS: Rudy Held's Performance Centre boosts support for Grand Bend competitors

GRAND BEND, ON – Grand Bend Motorplex is pleased to announce that Rudy Held’s Performance Centre, of New Hamburg, ON is stepping up their program at GBM for 2005.



Already a leading supporter of the facility and its racers as the sponsor of three weekly classes in the GBM ‘Thunder Series’, Rudy Held’s Performance Centre has just inked a deal to become the new series sponsor of the popular Top Sportsman series this season.

“Rudy just blows me away,” said GBM General Manager Ron Biekx. “This is not a huge chain of stores we’re talking about here. This is one outlet with a small group of staff that work very hard to support drag racers in Ontario and to increase that support again this year is truly inspiring.

“It’s easy to say you’re supporting your customer, but I’ve yet to see anyone put their money where their mouth is quite like Rudy Held’s Performance Centre.”

The Rudy Held’s Performance Centre “Double Up Dollars” program will also continue for the Top, Modified and Street E.T. classes at GBM in 2005.

This program rewards competitors who do well in their respective series, while at the same time making purchases at Rudy Held’s Performance Centre. Simply put, qualifying points earners have the chance to double their purse winnings at seasons end, as Rudy Held’s will match their GBM points purse, dollar for dollar.

“With the purchase requirements being removed from the Summit program,” said GBM Chief of Operations Paul Spriet, “there’s absolutely no reason a racer can’t take part in both programs for 2005 and the chances of winning with Rudy’s program are a whole lot better. Especially with the double points season we’re trying this year. That’s twice as many chances to win with Rudy Held’s Performance Centre. I think our racers have a really unique ‘win-win’ program now.”

For more information, visit them on the web at www.rudyhelds.com or call (519) 662-2821.

- From Dwayne Young / RINet / CMSports

STOCKS: New points format for NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series

DAYTONA BEACH, FL - NASCAR has established a new method for determining the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series championship, and has reallocated its annual point fund to provide more awards for more drivers in the series. For the first time in 15 years, a traditional NASCAR championship points system will replace the Competition Performance Index (CPI), which ranked the drivers by a statistical index and was used to determine the series champion each year from 1990-2004.

Beginning in 2005, drivers in each track’s top NASCAR class will be awarded championship points at each race. The driver with the highest total – based on their best 16 finishes of the season – will win a championship in one of NASCAR’s four newly-designated divisions: Division I, Division II, Division III and Division IV. Each division includes a group of randomly-assigned tracks and is not based on geography or types of cars. Point fund awards will be distributed equally to all four divisions. The divisional champion with the highest point total overall will be crowned as the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series national champion.

“This new championship points system marks a new era for the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series,” said NASCAR President Mike Helton. “Since it was founded in 1982, this series has grown to become the premier short track series in North America and this new format will continue to create excitement for teams, tracks, drivers and fans, while ensuring a fair and competitive race for the championship. NASCAR is going to strengthen this series and provide greater support to the true foundation of our sport.”

The divisional and national championships are open to drivers competing in the top class at each NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series track – including Late Model Stock Cars, Modifieds, Dirt Modifieds, Dirt Late Models, Late Model Sportsman, Super Late Models, Super Stocks and other styles of cars.
Highlights of the new format include:

Ø A simple points system … Championship points will be awarded as follows: 50 points to the winner of each race, 48 points for second place, 46 points for third place, 44 points for fourth place, and so on. The driver with the highest points total within each division will win that divisional title.

Ø Bonus points for higher car counts … Bonus points will be awarded based on the number of cars competing at each track. Ten bonus points will be awarded per driver, per finish, at each race with between 15-20 cars in the field. Twenty bonus points will be awarded per driver, per finish, at each race with 21 or more cars in the field. If a track has fewer than 15 cars in the field, no bonus points will be awarded in that race.

Ø Drivers can earn points at any NASCAR track … Drivers can collect points toward a NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series divisional or national title at more than one NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series track, provided they are competing in the top NASCAR-sanctioned class at that track.

Ø Best 16 finishes decide championships … A driver’s best 16 finishes between January 1-September 18, 2005 will be counted towards the divisional and national championships. There is no minimum or maximum number of races a driver must compete in to be eligible.

In the event of a tie in the point standings, ties will be broken per the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series rule book, which breaks the tie by determining which driver has more victories. If the drivers remain tied after comparing the number of race victories, the number of second-place finishes (and so on) will be compared until the tie is broken.

Ø New point fund format rewards more competitors … NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series competitors will continue to receive a championship point fund of nearly $1.7 million – the largest point fund of any short track racing series in North America. The top finishing drivers in each of NASCAR’s four championship divisions will share approximately $150,000 in point fund awards – a total prize offering of nearly $600,000 among the top divisional finishers in the series. The top 10 drivers in the top class at each track will share an additional $8,900 in point fund and contingency sponsor awards.

Drivers in “support” classes will receive greater point fund payouts than ever before. In each track’s second-tier racing division, which includes Street Stocks, Trucks, Sportsman, Limited Late Models, Hobby Stocks and other classes, the top 10 drivers will share $3,000 while drivers in each track’s third-tier, or “Charger” class, will share $2,000 in post-season prize money. NASCAR has discontinued its ShorTrack Division, which provided prizes for second-tier drivers only, in favor of a wider distribution of point fund awards to the top 10 competitors in each of these three classes.

The four championship divisions include the following tracks: *

Division I
Ace Speedway – Altamahaw, N.C.
Beech Ridge Motor Speedway – Scarborough, Maine
Bowman Gray Stadium – Winston-Salem, N.C.
Big Diamond Raceway – Minersville, Pa.
Caraway Speedway – Asheboro, N.C.
Evergreen Speedway – Monroe, Wash.
Greenville-Pickens Speedway – Greenville, S.C.
JAX Raceways – Jacksonville, Fla.
Lakeside Speedway – Kansas City, Kan.
Langley Speedway – Hampton, Va.
Lanier National Speedway – Braselton, Ga.
Lonesome Pine International Raceway – Coeburn, Va.
Motor Mile Speedway – Radford, Va.
Rockford Speedway – Rockford, Ill.
Rocky Mountain Raceways – West Valley City, Utah
South Boston Speedway – South Boston, Va.

Division II
Adams County Speedway – Corning, Iowa
Autodrome St. Eustache – St. Eustache, Quebec, Canada
Concord Motorsport Park – Concord, N.C.
Delaware Speedway – Delaware, Ontario, Canada
Grandview Speedway – Bechtelsville, Pa.
Holland International Speedway – Holland, N.Y.
I-80 Speedway – Greenwood, Neb.
Lee USA Speedway – Lee, N.H.
Lorain Speedway – South Amherst, Ohio
Mesa Marin Raceway – Bakersfield, Calif.
Myrtle Beach Speedway – Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Park Jefferson Speedway – Jefferson, S.D.
San Antonio Speedway – San Antonio, Tex.
Shasta Raceway Park – Anderson, Calif.
Spencer Speedway – Williamson, N.Y.
Stockton 99 Speedway – Stockton, Calif.
Watsonville Speedway – Watsonville, Calif.

Division III
Cajon Speedway – El Cajon, Calif.
Colorado National Speedway – Erie, Colo.
Columbus Motor Speedway – Columbus, Ohio
Dubuque Fairgrounds Speedway – Dubuque, Iowa
Hickory Motor Speedway – Hickory, N.C.
Kalamazoo Speedway – Kalamazoo, Mich.
Kil Kare Speedway – Xenia, Ohio
LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway – LaCrosse, Wis.
Lake Erie Speedway – North East, Pa.
Magic Valley Speedway – Twin Falls, Idaho
Old Dominion Speedway – Manassas, Va.
Peoria Speedway – Peoria, Ill.
Riverhead Raceway – Riverhead, N.Y.
Seekonk Speedway – Seekonk, Mass.
The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway – Las Vegas, Nev.

Division IV
Elko Speedway – Elko, Minn.
Farley Speedway – Farley, Iowa
Irwindale Speedway – Irwindale, Calif.
Jennerstown Speedway – Jennerstown, Pa.
Monadnock Speedway – Winchester, N.H.
Motordrome Speedway – Smithton, Pa.
Music City Motorplex – Nashville, Tenn.
Oglethorpe Speedway Park – Savannah, Ga.
Raceway Park – Shakopee, Minn.
Stafford Motor Speedway – Stafford Springs, Conn.
Star Speedway – Epping, N.H.
Thompson International Speedway – Thompson, Conn.
Tucson Raceway Park – Tucson, Ariz.
Twin State Speedway – Claremont, N.H.
Wall Township Speedway – Wall Township, N.J.
Waterford Speedbowl – Waterford, Conn.

* Divisional alignment as of 2/13/05

NHRA: SCHUMACHER, FORCE AND JOHNSON WIN

CHANDLER, Ariz. – Defending NHRA Top Fuel champion Tony Schumacher raced to victory Sunday at the Checker Schuck’s Kragen NHRA Nationals at Firebird International Raceway near Phoenix.

John Force and Allen Johnson also were winners at the $1.8 million race, the second of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.

Schumacher earned his 22nd career Top Fuel victory and third at FIR by posting a final round performance of 4.485 seconds at 329.50 mph in his U.S. Army dragster to defeat upstart Morgan Lucas, whose Lucas Oil dragster lost power past mid-track and recorded a 4.967 at 207.53.

Schumacher drove his consistently quick dragster to early round wins over Bruce Litton, Cory McClenathan and Brandon Bernstein before racing past Lucas in the final-round.

"It's so cool to drive a car for the best Top Fuel team I've ever seen, from either the inside or across the pit with someone else," said Schumacher, who regained the series points lead with the victory. "Alan (Johnson, crew chief) is at a level that's better than anything he's ever done before. The car is perfect.”

It was the third runner-up finish for Lucas, who has been to three finals in 10 career Top Fuel starts.

"I feel a little sorry for Morgan,” Schumacher said. “I know what that's like. I went to nine finals before I won so I know you start thinking things like, 'What do I need to do to win one of these things?' He'll get his. That's a great car and he's a good driver."

Defending series champ Force earned his 115th Funny Car victory by powering to a 4.802 second run at 344.12 mph in his Castrol GTX Start Up Ford Mustang to hold off Ron Capps, who drove his Brut Dodge Stratus to a 4.856 at 321.27 in his first final round appearance since 2003.

It was Force’s eighth victory at FIR, the most by any NHRA driver.

“We love coming to Arizona,” Force said. “This was a good win. We were running 4.60s last year like magic and went to Pomona two weeks ago and got overconfident and stopped reading the track and started running on ego. (Austin) Coil (crew chief) told me we were going to fix it this weekend and we did.”

Force, who increased his head-to-head record against Capps to 34-7 with the victory (7-2 in final round meetings), was happy to renew his rivalry with his old friend.

"I'm glad to see Capps back in the mix because he's been down for awhile," Force said. "I gave him a big ol' kiss down there because I was happy for him. He said, 'What's that?' and I told him it was that cologne he's wearing, I couldn't resist. He's running good now and that's another car to worry about.”

Capps, whose last victory came at Phoenix in 2003, was pleased to be back in a final round after enduring his worst season ever in ‘04.

“We were close,” Capps said. “It’s disappointing because we wanted to get Brut and Dodge a win. To come out on the losing end hurts a little bit, but it’s OK. We made huge, huge gains. I’m really excited about going to the next race in Gainesville (Fla.).”

Semifinalist Phil Burkart, who upset Cruz Pedregon in the first round and defeated Whit Bazemore in the second, claimed the series points lead in Funny Car for the first time in his career.

“It’s not like we need any extra motivation, but it made a chill run down my back to hear that,” said Burkart, who was runner-up at the season-opener in Pomona, Calif. “We know it’s only the second race of a 23-race season, and we have the mindset that we’ll probably have to win at Gainesville to keep the top spot, so we’ll go down there and try to do that. For the next couple of weeks I’m going to be looking closely at the newspaper in the hope they run the standings. It’s going to be an honor to see my name at the top.”

Johnson scored his third career victory and first since 2002 by beating Ron Krisher in the final round. Johnson, who moved into the series points lead for the first time in his career with the win, covered the distance in 6.801 at 202.36 in his J&J Racing Team Mopar Dodge Stratus, while Krisher trailed in his Valvoline Chevy Cavalier, clocking a 6.887 at 190.65.

"I think the parity is back in Pro Stock," Johnson said. "We've been dominated by Greg (Anderson) for the last two years so the rest of us are pretty anxious to get some wins ourselves. He's been two or three hundredths ahead of everyone, but I don't think there were many races today decided by more than a thousandth of-a-second. We'll probably see 12 to 14 winners this year like we did in 2002.”

Johnson defeated V. Gaines, Jason Line and Jeg Coughlin to advance to the final round. It was the first Pro Stock win for Dodge since 2002 (Larry Morgan, Sonoma, Calif.).

"This was a big win for our program and for Mopar,” Johnson added. “It's been awhile since Mopar has won a race in Pro Stock so it's nice to put them back in the winner's circle.”

Russ Bond feature in Today's Toronto Star... must have furniture for the racing fanatic

You might need to register at TheStar.com to see this story, so I posted the body of the copy below.
Russ Bond took time away from mastering the new GT4 game to write a story for today's Wheels section about an affordable way to bring the racing experience into your own living room... if your better half will let you.

TheStar.com - A must-have if you're serious

A must-have if you're serious
Simulators add to game experience Spend $28,000, or make it for $60

RUSS BOND // SPECIAL TO THE STAR

The other day, I raced Dale Earnhardt Jr. and 41 of his closest friends the full race distance at the Daytona 500 — taking about four hours — in the comfort of my living room, in front of my television.

I was gaming, but not just using your standard computer or video game system. To be a serious video gamer, you need serious equipment — just like real racing.

Lifelike racing simulators are a fast-growing must-have for any serious gamer and they are essential to getting the most out of any racing game.

We've all seen the arcade versions, but what is available for home use? With the new, long-awaited Gran Turismo 4 released this week, this is the time to get hooked up with a realistic racing simulator.

The top-of-the-line in personal simulators is clearly the replica F1 car from SiMiS (http://www.f1 sim is.com), which is rightly billed as the ultimate entertainment package.

Starting at about $28,000, the full-sized Formula One replicas have a computer where the engine would be. SiMiS is based at Silverstone in England (it doesn't get more F1 than that) and the cars are adaptable to meet any gamer's needs. The simulators can be outfitted with a PC, Xbox or PS2.

The cars look amazingly real and can be outfitted with any graphics package you can come up with. They have real F1 wheels and tires, and just like a real F1, SiMiS tailors the seating position with seat inserts to fit any size driver. If you want the ultimate game room accessory, this is clearly it.

For those who don't have a spare $28,000, there is a less-expensive line of simulators from Australian company Hyperstimulator.com. The top of the line is the Extreme, which sells for $5,397. Other models include the Proto GP ($3,103) and the Clubman kit ($600 to $1,600). These personal simulators feature a leather wheel, stainless steel gear paddles, sequential shifter, programmable buttons, carbon fibre dash and drilled pedals.

My favourite option for the Extreme is the $92 drink bottle, complete with tube of course, for those really long races.

Another option for serious gamers is to build your very own simulator tub.

It is not as difficult as you may think. I have built several and it probably is the most economical way of doing things.

Most gamers already have the wheel and pedal assemblies, so all you need is a trip to the hardware store for about $60 worth of wood and screws, followed by a stop at the local junkyard for a car seat.

Three hours of cutting and screwing later and you're all set to go racing.

Whatever option you choose, there is no doubt a good driving simulator will enhance any gaming experience, no matter what your budget.

There is one warning you should take note of from the http://hyperstimcanada.com site: "We accept no responsibility for broken relationships, divorces, missed appointments and lost time due to the use of the Hyper Stimulator. We only accept responsibility if you are having fun."

Now all I need is a crew chief simulator who can advise me whether to swap two tires or four in the pits at Daytona.

Hey, I only need a half a second.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
r.bond@russbondagency.com

OSCAAR: Biederman race set for Peterborough in '05

INSIDE TRACK EXCLUSIVE:

PETERBOROUGH, ON - Peterborough Speedway promoter J.P. Josiasse just stopped by the office with some exciting news for his track. According to Josiasse, he has an agreement with OSCAAR to host the 2005 edition of OSCAAR's Don Biederman Memorial race on the Saturday of the Labour Day Weekend (Sept. 3).



Last year, OSCAAR's version of the Biederman Memorial was held at Kawartha Speedway, after several years of being run at Flamboro Speedway. There was talk, at the time, that the race would move from track-to-track to give fans in different areas a chance to see the Biederman Memorial.

Josiasse said that promotion for the event will be done in conjunction with OSCAAR, and that efforts to build momentum for the event will start as soon as the Performance World Show, in March.

"Peterborough Speedway is the traditional home of the Super Late Models," said Josiasse. "So it's only right that a race of this size be held at Peterborough."

In addition to an OSCAAR SLM race at Peterborough in July, and the Biederman race on Labour Day, the OSCAAR tour will once again appear at Peterborough's Autumn Colours Classic.

"The Kawartha OSCAAR race attracted 26 Super Lates last year and we're thinking that we might get 28-30 if we promote it as a big race all summer," concluded Josiasse.

SPEED WORLD CHALLENGE: Jon Groom Racing signs Penfold

NEW JERSEY – After securing a two year, two-car deal with the team s primary sponsor Axa Financial, Inc., Jon Groom Racing has signed young Canadian driver Alex Penfold to drive the third Axa/Pfaff Porsche in his first Speed World Challenge event at Sebring March 15-18th, 2005.



Alex will drive the third car alongside Robin Liddell and team owner, Jon Groom.
"We re very happy to have Alex on board for his debut in World Challenge GT racing and in a Porsche. We recently did an extended test with Alex and he proved to be quick, consistent and very grounded for a 19 year old. He got on very well with the team and should have a great future in sportscar racing."

Doug Spranger, Team Manager added, "We’re hoping that Alex will continue for the balance of the season as he s well-liked by the team, has a willingness to learn and, most importantly, early testing has shown him to be surprisingly quick and consistent".

Alex will be one of two 19 year olds entered in the GT field of the Speed World Challenge, but has had much racing success already given his young age.

Alex started kart racing in 1999 and by 2001 he was winning races, eventually earning the OKRA Championship "Senior Rookie of the Year" award, followed by 3rd overall in the Sunoco Ron Fellows OKRA Championship in 2002.

Alex ran selected shifter kart races in 2003 winning the Stars of Tomorrow Windsor Grand Prix by a clear 14 second margin before graduating to the Honda Michelin Challenge Series in 2004, where he had a pole, two wins and two podiums. A performance that earned him the Rookie of the Year title and 6th place overall.

"I’m really excited about this opportunity to drive one of the Jon Groom Racing 911 Porsches in what is one of the most exciting series around. I’d like to thank my Manager for his support in getting me here, and also Chris Pfaff who has helped me to this point in my career and is also a sponsor of the team. I know I have a lot to learn, but I can t wait to get started in March. Hopefully, I’ll be able to do the rest of the season and fight for Rookie-of-the-Year" said Alex.

For more information about the Speed World Challenge Series, visit www.world-challenge.com or www.jongroomracing.com

CONTEST: What can you Hemi?

That Thing Got a HEMI®? … It Could Soon!



Go to: www.WhatCanYouHemi.com and you could win a HEMI-powered Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge vehicle of your choice!

WINDSOR, ON. – Since the rebirth of the HEMI® engine, HEMI has become a brand within a brand, taking the hottest new Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge vehicles to a new level in power and technology. "That Thing Got a HEMI" has become a household phrase serving as a constant reminder that anything with a HEMI is truly top notch.

In celebration of the legendary HEMI engine, Chrysler Group launches the "What Can You HEMI?" contest today asking Canadian and American consumers the question: If you could infuse the power and torque of the 5.7-litre V-8 HEMI engine into anything, what would it be?

Chrysler Group is encouraging consumers to imagine the possibilities of HEMI power. Anyone up for the challenge is required to submit their HEMI-powered invention in a brief essay (300 words or less) and to support the idea with a sketch.

A panel of Chrysler Group judges will select five semi-finalists based on creativity, engineering feasibility, safety and functionality. The five semi-finalists will see their HEMI-powered idea brought to life and will win a trip for two to take part in the official unveiling of these creations.

One of the five final HEMI-powered inventions will be named the grand prize winner and its inventor will drive home in a HEMI-powered Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge vehicle of their choice.

"Our hottest new vehicles are powered by HEMI engines including the country's first production high-volume Multi-Displacement System (MDS)," said Joe Eberhardt, Executive Vice President, Global Sales, Marketing and Service, Chrysler Group. "This contest is about extending the same power, torque and technology to make the ordinary, extra-ordinary and to have a lot of fun while we're at it."

Contest entries must be postmarked by April 6 and received by April 13, 2005 and should be mailed to:

"What Can You HEMI" Contest
P.O. Box 6761
Stacy, MN 55078-6761

More contest information is available at www.WhatCanYouHemi.com

The HEMI engine was first made popular in 1951 when Chrysler Corporation introduced its entry in the post-war horsepower race. Its power and efficiency made it an instant favourite for all sorts of motorsports vehicles.

Although reluctantly retired in 1959 due to high manufacturing cost, the HEMI design was still unsurpassed. In 1964, NASCAR competition sparked the HEMI's return, and it has remained available for motorsport use ever since. Today, the 5.7-litre HEMI V-8 engine, a modern high-performance, fuel-efficient and durable powerplant, is available on Chrysler 300C, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Ram Pickup, Dodge Durango, Dodge Magnum and later this year, Dodge Charger. On vehicles offering the HEMI engine, the take-rate in Canada is 42 percent.

The 2005 Chrysler 300C was the first modern volume production vehicle in North America to feature cylinder deactivation. Chrysler Group’s Multi-Displacement System (MDS) is a technology that seamlessly turns off the fuel consumption in four cylinders of the 5.7-litre HEMI engine when V-8 power is not needed, improving fuel economy up to 20 percent. MDS is also standard on Dodge Magnum and Jeep Grand Cherokee, equipped with a HEMI engine.

Additional information and news from DaimlerChrysler is available on the Internet at: www.media.daimlerchrysler.ca

MODELS OF ABT

ABT Audi R8



ABT Audi AS5



ABT Audi TT-R



ABT Audi TT



ABT Audi Q7



ABT Audi Allroad Quattro



ABT VW Polo



ABT VW Passat



ABT VW Golf GTI



ABT VW Golf



ABT Audi AS4 Avant



ABT Audi AS4



ABT Audi AS3



ABT Audi AS400



ABT Audi AS6



ABT Audi A3 Sportback



ABT VW Touran



ABT VW Touareg



ABT VW Sporting Van T5



ABT Audi RS6 Avant



ABT VW New Beetle



Cabriolet



ABT Audi AS8



ABT Audi AS4 Cabriolet



ABT Skoda Fabia



ABT Seat Leon



ABT Audi TT-Limited Wide Body



ABT Audi TT-Limited



ABT Audi allroad quattro

MODELS OF AUDI

First Audi 1914 C1435 Alpensieger



1929 Audi Imperator



1935 Audi Type 225



1969 Audi 100



1969 Audi 100 Coupe S



1979 Audi 100



1980 Audi quattro



1984 Audi 100 Avant quattro



1984 Audi Sport quattro



1985 CoupeGT



1985 Audi Sport quattro S1



1987 Audi 90



1988 Audi Coupe



1988 Audi quattro



1988 Audi V8



1989 Audi 200



1989 Audi 90 quattro



1989 Audi V8L quattro



2010 Audi A4 Allroad Quattro