Corvettes Qualify Third and Fourth for Sebring 12-Hour

Gavin and Fellows Take 3rd and 4th Spots in GT1 for Season-Opening ALMS Endurance Race

Courtesy GM Racing

SEBRING, Fla., March 16, 2006 - Corvette Racing's new Corvette C6.Rs qualified third and fourth in the GT1 class for Saturday's Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, the season-opening round of the 10-race American Le Mans Series. Reigning GT1 co-champion Oliver Gavin turned the third quickest time in the No. 4 Compuware Corvette at 1:56.770 (114.070 mph) and three-time Sebring winner Ron Fellows was fourth fastest at 1:57.854 (113.021 mph) in the No. 3 Compuware Corvette.

The 20-minute qualifying session was interrupted by a red flag that limited the Corvettes to three flying laps. The GT1 pole went to the Aston Martin DBR9 of Pedro Lamy with a 1:55.286 lap time that surpassed the 1:57.052 track record set by Fellows in 2004.

"It's unfortunate that qualifying was cut short because we had three more hot laps that we were going to put on the tires before the start of the race," said Corvette Racing program manager Doug Fehan. "The red flag came out just at the wrong time, as it often seems to do in racing."

Recent performance adjustments in weight and restrictor sizes announced by series officials have affected the relative performances of the Corvettes and their competitors. The C6.Rs now weigh 121 pounds more than their rivals and have smaller intake restrictors.

"Last year we qualified on the pole and we didn't do that this year - no excuses," Fehan commented. "The lap times have been close throughout the practice and qualifying sessions. I give the sanctioning body high marks for being able to balance the performance differential between the Corvette and the Aston Martin."

Gavin perceived the impact of the performance adjustments on his qualifying run.

"We ran as hard as we could and that was the best we could produce," said the Briton, who qualified his yellow Corvette C6.R 14th overall. "The lap times were coming down and perhaps we could have run a bit quicker had the red flag not come out. It's just one of those things."

Traffic was a factor for Fellows: "I caught traffic four times in two laps, and then the red flag came out," the Canadian reported. "We just didn't get an opportunity to get a good one. The track did seem slippery, and that's something we'll have to address in the race to make sure that we have enough grip."

With warm temperatures and sunny skies in the forecast, the season-opening race promises to be another classic contest.

"Sebring is an unusual place because it changes from hour to hour," Fehan noted. "We know that when it gets hot, it's going to get slippery, and there will be a lot of cars on the track. That's why Corvette Racing focuses very hard on developing a setup that will perform well in a wide variety of conditions. We've spent the majority of our track time this week working on that."

The Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, the first round of the 10-race 2006 American Le Mans Series, is scheduled to start at 10:30 a.m. EST on Saturday, March 18 at Sebring International Raceway in Sebring, Fla. The race will be televised live on SPEED Channel from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring GT1 Qualifying:
Pos./Drivers/Car/Time/Speed
1. Bright/Lamy/Sarrazin, Aston Martin DBR9, 1:55.286, 115.539 mph
2. Enge/Kiesa/Turner, Aston Martin DBR9, 1:56.030, 114.798
3. Gavin/Beretta/Magnussen, Chevrolet Corvette C6.R, 1:56.770, 114.070
4. O'Connell/Fellows/Papis, Chevrolet Corvette C6.R, 1:57.854, 113.021
5. Ruberti/Babini/Davies, Saleen S7R, 2:00.128, 110.882
6. Weickhardt/Borcheller/Belloc, Saleen S7R, 2:00.291, 110.731

Imperial Oil's Mobil 1 Lubricants to be branded "Official Motor Oil of NASCAR" in Canada

Courtesy Imperial Oil

CALGARY, March 16 /CNW/ - Imperial Oil Limited announced today that Mobil 1 will adopt the "Official Motor Oil of Nascar" accreditation in Canadian markets. Mobil 1 packaging as well as promotional materials will now carry the "Official Motor Oil of Nascar" branding and designation.

An industry leader in the development of innovative, problem-solving lubricants, the Mobil 1 line of automotive lubricants includes motor oil, transmission fluid, gear lubricants and greases, and will join a list of performance products endorsed by North America's number one motorsport.

"We couldn't be prouder to announce this marketing relationship with such a well known and respected global brand like Mobil," said Odis Lloyd, NASCAR's Managing Director Automotive Aftermarket. "Mobil 1(R) is a premier, performance brand with a name that NASCAR fans know and respect."

"NASCAR continues to grow and to gain fans in the Canadian market who value automotive performance and the measures that must be taken to achieve NASCAR victories," said Jeff Diederichs, Marketing Manager, Imperial Oil Lubricants & Specialties Division. "Race fans know that with Mobil products - NASCAR's official lubricants - they realize some of the same Performance benefits as the world's top racing teams."

AIM Autosport Launches Three-Car Formula Mazda Campaign

Courtesy AIM Motorsport

March 17 2006 (Woodbridge, Ontario): AIM Autosport will enter the 2006 Star Mazda Championship with a three-car line up. Drivers Rob Bunker, Daniel Herrington and Jay Poscente will spearhead AIM’s second season of Formula Mazda competition which begins this weekend at the 54th annual 12 Hours of Sebring.

Bunker, who has graduated to Formula Mazda from AIM’s Formula BMW programme, will drive car number 18 with sponsorship from Team Rennsport. The 17-year-old from Bridgewater, New Jersey; showed well last year, improving throughout the season and peaking at the final event of the year. He is well liked at AIM and his continued relationship with the team can only help his prospects this year.

A newcomer to AIM Autosport, 19-year-old Herrington of Winston Salem, North Carolina; will race car number 3. Another graduate of Formula BMW, Herrington tested with AIM last fall and convincingly showed his abilities. His sponsor, Bluetooth SIG will show off its technology on Daniel’s race car by developing a wireless helmet which will eliminate the wiring between the driver’s helmet and the car.

Ian Willis, AIM Autosport’s Formula Mazda Team Manager, is confident both Bunker and Herrington will fare well this year.

‘Rob will be a contender this year in the Star Mazda Championship as he has been quick and focused during off-season testing. He has adapted well to the faster Star Mazda car and I am pleased that he is entering his second season with us.

‘Daniel proved himself by setting some very impressive lap times. As we worked through various set ups at our Sebring pre-season two-day test, Daniel provided excellent feedback which helped us to find a fast, well-balanced car. This resulted in lap times that would have put us at the front of last year’s grid and race at Sebring.’

Rounding out AIM’s Formula Mazda line up is Jay Poscente who will drive the number 85, NDA car in the Star Mazda Masters Class (for drivers over 45 years of age). Poscente of Calgary, Alberta, is well known to Willis as they raced each other in the Canadian Pro Formula Ford series in the early 90s. Following a chance reunion at last year’s Mazda exhibition race in Trois Rivieres where Jay was racing sports cars, he expressed an interest in trying a Mazda.

Based on testing, after which Willis reported that Poscente had ‘too much fun and was impressively quick considering he had not been in a high-performance open-wheel car for many years,’ Poscente decided to join AIM Autosport and run a full season. He is not only looking to win the Masters Championship but also hopes to mix it up with his younger team mates.

NASCAR: Atlanta pit notes. Bobby Hamilton to start cancer treatment

BOBBY HAMILTON STEPS OUT OF TRUCK FOR CANCER TREATMENT: Bobby Hamilton announced Friday that he will step out of his No. 18 Fastenal Dodge immediately after tonight's John Deere 200 to begin radiation and chemotherapy for head and neck cancer. His son, Bobby Hamilton Jr., will take over until Hamilton can resume driving duties.

"I will be back; I'm not quitting. I'm not that weak," Hamilton said. "It's just time for me to get out and start treatments and kick this thing."

Hamilton was diagnosed last month after the swelling from wisdom tooth surgery did not subside.

"A wisdom tooth saved my life," Hamilton said. "This thing's called head and neck cancer, but I don't have anything wrong with my head. (Ken) Schrader said he doubted that."

Hamilton made the announcement with his usual candor and bluntness, showing little emotion and remaining upbeat about his upcoming battle.

"I don't want to be labeled as a cancer victim," Hamilton said. "I'm a survivor or a patient. I'm not a victim; I don't like the sound of that. They don't act like it's going to be that big a deal; my body's so healthy it's killing 75 percent of the cancer cells as soon as they can find it, is what they're telling me."

Hamilton will begin treatments immediately at Vanderbilt University.

"To come back home to race is exciting," Hamilton Jr. said. "But the way it turned out just sucks, to be blunt. It's not what we want to experience, but that's life."

A NEW KING IN NASCAR: Michael Waltrip Racing announced Friday that it will team with Burger King and NASCAR champion Bill Elliott for a five-race schedule this season. Elliott will pilot the No. 00 Burger King Chevrolet at Chicago, New Hampshire, Indianapolis, California and Homestead.

"We're eager to return to NASCAR," said Russ Klein, chief marketing officer for Burger King. "This is a great way to reenter the sport, and we're eager to expand our role. We want to be in NASCAR NEXTEL Cup racing long-term. We're just taking things one step at a time."

Waltrip said the team plans to expand to a full-time NEXTEL Cup venture next season, running Toyotas. Waltrip said sponsorship and driver plans for next year were still up in the air. But for now, he's thrilled to have a veteran like Elliott behind the wheel.

"You can't win a race sitting on the couch at home," Elliott said. "I've done the full season, I'm over that. But I like the position I'm in now. I'm able to stay in the sport but still hang with Chase and do some other things. It's my chance to give back a little to the sport that's given so much to me."

Burger King also announced donations to both the Speedway Children's Charities and the National Motorsports Press Association.

Waltrip quotes of the day:
(On fielding Chevrolets for his team despite driving Dodges himself)

"I'm like Switzerland, I can drive anything. Chevrolet is the car to beat. They've won two of the first three races. When we were planning this project, in order to lure Mr. Elliott, we wanted to get the best car he could drive. Right now that appears to be Chevrolet. I'll stay in a Dodge, I suppose, but I am going to be in a Toyota truck later this year, and I've got a call in to Ford."

(On the Burger King mascot, The King) "The King commands respect, even if he has on tights."

(On whether Bill Elliott figures into next year's plans to run a full-time NEXTEL Cup schedule) "We're trying him out. We'll see how he develops. It's a driver development deal."

BILL LESTER DRIVING INTO HISTORY: Atlanta resident Bill Lester will make history during tonight's Georgia Power Qualifying session, when he will be the first African-American in 20 years to attempt to qualify for a NASCAR NEXTEL Cup race. Lester will pilot the No. 23 Waste Management car, fielded by Bill Davis Racing, in his attempt for Sunday's Golden Corral 500. Lester will also race in tonight's John Deere 200 Craftsman Truck race for BDR.

"I love Atlanta Motor Speedway; I love tracks like this. I'm in my hometown, I feel very comfortable here, and the city has embraced me," Lester said during a press -conference Friday to announce his three-race NEXTEL Cup schedule with Waste Management, a program termed the "Drive Into History". "I have extremely high confidence going into tonight based on our test at Kentucky."

Lester said he also hopes his presence in NASCAR helps propel the sport's diversity program.

"I think I can be a catalyst for change," Lester said. "Every time I bring a friend to the race, the immediately become a fan. It blows them away. It's never something they think they would like. But as more people of color realize there are drivers out there, as they are exposed to it more, things will change. When they see me race on network TV, that's going to be the catalyst for change."

Lester said he didn't see the lack of diversity in NASCAR as a racial divide, but rather as a matter of exposure and opportunity.

"Most kids in the inner city don't have the opportunity to go to the race track," Lester said. "They're exposed to stick and ball sports, music. Once you have that exposure, you have to be able to participate, and then that's when the financial aspect comes in. If you're not born in the sport and not exposed to it at a young age ... I'm one of the anomalies."

NASCAR President Mike Helton also addressed the diversity issue, saying, "We're proud of our diversity efforts in NASCAR, and although we didn't think there were any barriers there, the perception was there. Our diversity program is an ongoing effort, not an overnight fix, but we're proud of our efforts."

URBAN YOUTH LEARN IN ATLANTA: Four students from Philadelphia's Urban Youth Racing School (UYRS) will get a little hands-on training during this weekend's John Deere 200 Craftsman Truck race. Danny Colon, Shawnna Stanton, Kristopher Fuller and Nkosi Harmon, all from Philadelphia, will team with four Craftsman Truck teams as they participate in this intense internship-type program designed to educate and train today's urban youths through exposure to the automotive and motorsports industry. The teams hosting a UYRS member are Circle Bar Racing, Darrell Waltrip Motorsports, Morgan-Dollar Motorsports and Red Horse Racing.

Rick Crawford's Circle Bar Racing team has paired with UYRS student Danny Colon, and Crawford joked that Colon couldn't stay long at a Friday afternoon press conference because he had a lot of work left to do on the Circle Bar No. 14 Ford truck.

"This program really helps the kids expand their knowledge of NASCAR," Crawford said. "It teaches them little by little about the sport, the tools, the officials, everything. And then when they come into the shop, these kids know how to act and what to do. Every major city in the U.S. ought to have something like the Urban Racing School. It gives these kids direction, something missing in a lot of households today."

Would the Molson Grand Prix of Toronto be a better event if it included stock cars?

There's an interesting poll on the main page of the GP of Toronto.

So far, 63% of respondents would like to see a variety of racing vehicles in action at the annual event on the temporary street course. Only 37% want it to be an 'open wheel' only affair.

If its customers' opinions mean anything, the Toronto promoter should be calling CASCAR immediately.

Will fans turn their back on the event when they realize that there are no Canadian racing series and no stock cars on the card?

I guess we'll find out....

NASCAR DODGE WEEKLY SERIES DIVISION II PREVIEW

From: Jeremy Davidson, NASCAR Public Relations

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 17, 2006) – When NASCAR re-structured its championship point system for the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series in 2005, drivers at Nebraska’s I-80 Speedway and Iowa’s Adams County Speedway took notice. Under the new format, which continues in 2006, drivers can race at multiple tracks to collect points towards a NASCAR championship.

The two dirt tracks are located about 100 miles apart and feature same type of Super Late Model cars. Adding to the appeal, Adams County hosts its NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series events on Saturday nights while I-80 features Super Late Models on Sundays.

The result is a prime opportunity for area drivers to boost their chances for the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series Division II and national championships, determined by a points tally of their best 16 finishes of the year. By racing more often, drivers can increase their odds of winning.

Chris Spieker, a 35-year-old Super Late Model driver from Massena, Iowa, took advantage of the system last season and won the $25,000 Division II championship. Spieker, a long-haul truck driver by trade, raced full-time at both tracks. He won the track championship at Adams County and, in the process, collected the most NASCAR points in Division II.

Ed Kosiski, the 1998 NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series national champion from Ralston, Neb., was a key rival for Spieker and is expected to contend for the title again. Kosiski plans to run the full season of Sunday races at I-80 Speedway, along with 10 Saturday night races at Adams County.

“That’s what I’m after,” said Kosiski of the Division II title. “The advantage of having two race tracks is that you’ve got double the chances of winning the Division.”

Winning the Division championship carries its own rewards, but also makes one eligible for the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series national title, which carries a $50,000 bonus. The 60 NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series tracks are divided into four Divisions – Division I, II, III or IV. Drivers at each track in each Division race under the same point system and the Division champion with the highest overall point total, based on their best 16 finishes, wins the national championship.

Kosiski missed out on the Division II title last year, by a narrow margin, partially because of engine problems that cost him precious positions and the NASCAR points lead at his home track.

“I feel good about our chances,” said Kosiski. “Our problems were because of some internal engine parts that were bad. We’ve got them fixed and I feel that we’re going to have a good year.”

The incentive to win is even higher for Kosiski, who drives a Dodge-powered car. As the series’ title sponsor, Dodge has posted additional awards for the highest-placing Dodges in the Division standings, in each Division. The top-finishing Dodge driver in each Division can win a $3,000 bonus – and an additional $25,000 if a Dodge driver wins the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series national championship.

Peyton Sellers, of Danville, Va., won the 2005 national championship while racing at South Boston (Va.) Speedway. Sellers, 22, was the youngest driver to win the national championship in series history.

Along with Adams County and I-80, other tracks in Division II include Altamont Motorsports Park in Tracy, Calif., Autodrome St. Eustache in St. Eustache, Quebec, Concord (N.C.), Motorsport Park, Edmonton International Raceway in Wetaskiwin, Alberta, Grandview Speedway in Bechtelsville, Pa., Lee USA Speedway in Lee, N.H., Myrtle Beach (S.C.) Speedway, Oglethorpe Speedway Park in Savannah, Ga., San Antonio (Tex.) Speedway, Shasta Raceway Park in Anderson, Calif., Spencer Speedway in Williamson, N.Y., Stockton 99 Speedway in Stockton, Calif. and Wall Township (N.J.) Speedway.

TIEMERSMA MOTORSPORTS: Sponsor Update

With the 2006 season just around the corner, Tiemersma Motorsports is ready to get back to the track.

This season we would like to welcome back Wayfreight Trucking Services as the major sponsor of the #7 Wayfreight Monte Carlo of Derrick Tiemersma. We would also like to welcome back our associate sponsors: Castrol Oils, Victor Reinz Gaskets, Clevite Engine Parts, CRC Chemicals, Gates Belts and Hoses, Bosch Spark Plugs and Wix Filters.

New for 2006 Tiemersma Motorsports would like to welcome Exide batteries as an associate sponsor for all three cars in the Tiemersma stable.

Without all of these companies support the 2006 season for Tiemersma Motorsports would be an uphill battle.

In the mean time the three cars are coming together with the finishing touches being done. The #7 Limited Late Model of Tony Tiemersma is being scaled this week while the bodies on both the #7 and #67 of Derrick and Steve Tiemersma are done and ready for paint.

After paint the cars have to be scaled and then it is time for testing the cars and dialing in the cars for the 2006 race season. Tiemersma Motorsports is looking at a busy 2006 season as the Late Model scene in Ontario has a very busy schedule.

Thank you for supporting Tiemersma Motorsports and we hope to see you all out at the track some time this season.

Thank You
Mike Sutton // Crew Chief // Tiemersma Motorsports

South Buxton Raceway Set to Celebrate Their 35th Anniversary

As we struggle with the last of old man winter, South Buxton Raceway hopes to change those cold thoughts with the release of their 2006 race schedule. The 2006 schedule features five special events for a total of 20 race dates starting May 6th. Once again, the track will feature the return of the Sprints on Dirt series May 27th.

The Empire Super Sprints will make their first appearance at the speedway July 15th. The Southern Ontario Sprints will make 2 stops at the 3/8 mile “D” shaped oval July 15th & Aug. 26th. The Canadian Late Model Shootout will close the season September 30th. The 2005 Shootout winner Jayme Zidar from Greenfield, Wisconsin, has already stated that he will be back to defend his title.

Work on the race facility has continued since the checkered flag flew on Oct.1st. A new concrete wall complete with new catchfence will be completed from the flagstand through to turn one. A new pedestrian fence will also be built in conjunction with the new catchfence. Other construction planned for the start of the season will see the removal of the pit admissions trailer and replaced with a permanent building. Other changes this year will be the debut of a new program for the kids. Three nights will be devoted just for the kids. These nights will consist of games, giveaways and a special on-track autograph session. The primary benefit for all parents is that there will be no registration fees required for participation.

UMP Modified Triple Crown - UMP Modified drivers can look forward to the UMP Modified Triple Crown sponsored by Misselbrook Racing Engines. On three race nights throughout the year, a separate points total will be tabulated to determine the winner of the U.M.P. Triple Crown. The selected nights are, May 6th, July 1st and September 9th. The winner of this event will pocket $1000 with 2nd place receiving $500.

The next event at the track will be our practice day. Practice is open to our four race divisions plus sprint cars. Race teams are encouraged to have their cars decaled and ready for photographs. Pit gates will open at 1:30 with a driver’s meeting set for 3pm. The first round of practice will start at 3:30. For further information about South Buxton Raceway log onto, www.southbuxtonraceway.com

Flamboro Speedway Newsletter

Hello Race Fans

A quick update.

The Lucas Oil Flamboro Speedway website is now mostly up to date. I will slowly start to change the site appearance over the next few months. If you have any design ideas feel free to let me know.

The website now has two URL’s.

www.flamborospeedway.itgo.com and also www.flamborospeedway.com . Both URL’s will take you to the website until the end of 2006 when the itgo site will be dropped.

The Performance World Car Show was a huge success topped by two Flamboro Race Teams winning top honours in their respective categories. Congratulations to the Thunder Car teams of #5 Ken Stenhouse and Linda Dean Best Appearing Stock Car Mid 1980’s and # 72 Randy Russnell, Best Appearing Stock Car pre 1980.

The first ever WWS drivers meeting will be held this Sunday March 19th at 11:30 am at Hot Rods Restaurant in Milton. Check out the 2006 Headlines Section.

Grisdale Racing is holding a Shock Seminar on Saturday March 25. For further details check out the 2006 Headlines Section.

Parts Peddler is holding their 11th Annual Racing Swap Meet in Syracuse N.Y. also on March 25. For further info check out their site at www.partspeddlernews.net .

I again remind you all to continue to stuff the ballot box at the Inside Track Peoples Choice Awards. www.insidetrackpublications.com/readerschoice Lets win one for our local drivers!


Revd up as always!

Dave……………..

Vote Cody Geldart to Racin' for a Livin' TV Reality Show

Eighteen year old sprint car driver Cody Geldart of Mossley, Ontario has been placed on the ballot for the Racin' for a Livin' reality TV show. Fans will have a chance to vote in 12 participants to be a part of the competition which will land the winner a seven race deal in the NASCAR Busch Series in 2007.

NASCAR TV Celebrities such as Mike Joy, Larry McReynolds, and Jeff Hammond will be a part of the show as well as former drivers A.J. Foyt, Harry Gant, and Ernie Irvan. The voting process begins on Tuesday March 28th, 2006 at 1pm EST. This is a great opportunity to show your support while helping Cody gain some great exposure and give him the chance to compete for a limited NASCAR Busch Series ride in 2007.

For more information log on to http://www.codygeldart.com. For complete contest details log on to http://www.racinforalivin.com

DODGE CHARGER SET TO LIGHT UP THE STRIP IN 2006 NHRA POWERADE FUNNY CAR SERIES DEBUT

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – When it comes to racing, nobody exhibits modern-era muscle more than the Dodge drag race teams competing in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). So, after celebrating a 1-2 championship finish in 2005, Dodge has announced it will introduce the Dodge Charger to NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series Funny Car competition in 2006, with its debut in the NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Fla., March 16-19.

The announcement comes a little more than one year following the public reveal of the 2006 Dodge Charger passenger vehicle at the 2005 North American International Auto Show and the introduction of the Dodge Charger race car to NASCAR Nextel Cup Series competition.

“The Dodge Charger is a perfect fit for the next generation of NHRA Funny Cars,” said John Fernandez, Director – Dodge Motorsports Operations. “Dodge has an incredible heritage in racing and the Charger name is synonymous with power and performance – two key ingredients to winning in any form of racing.

“We want to build on the winning tradition that our NHRA teams established in 2005 and pave a way to even more success in 2006. With the amount of research and testing that went into developing the Dodge Charger production model – the ultimate American muscle sedan – as well as the Charger Funny Car, Dodge will continue to win both on the track and on the showroom floor this year.”

The newly designed Dodge Charger Funny Car combines the latest in Dodge engineering advancements with an added boost of Dodge DNA. The race car features the same bold styling, signature grille and powerful performance found throughout the Dodge lineup, and it takes design cues directly from the 2006 Dodge Charger passenger vehicle.

Don Schumacher Racing’s stable of drivers expect to be as competitive as ever in the new Dodge Charger, which could mean a shot for returning champion Gary Scelzi to become the first driver in NHRA history to win back-to-back titles in both the Funny Car and Top Fuel divisions.

Scelzi will pilot the Mopar/Oakley Dodge Charger in 2006, with runner-up championship teammate Ron Capps in the Brut Dodge Charger, and NHRA veteran Whit Bazemore in the Matco Tools Iron Eagle Dodge Charger.

CASCAR: Hint of things to come?

Thanks to Bruce M. for forwarding this story, from today's Winston-Salem Journal.
Writer Mike Mulhern's discussion of the Car of the Future contains a comment about NASCAR's future in Canada. Interesting.

NASCAR's proposed "car of the future" remains controversial, and in its current design, even with a rear wing, is still basically undriveable, particularly in traffic, according to some drivers. And it's unclear when testing of the intermediate track version of the new car may resume. NASCAR says it plans to debut the car of tomorrow next year at Bristol, a track where aerodynamics is less significant than at most stock car tracks. And NASCAR is delaying introduction of the model at the tour's many mid-size tracks, like Las Vegas, Kansas and Texas, until 2009.

How all that may impact NASCAR's proposed new Grand National regional touring series is unclear.
Part of NASCAR's original game plan for its car of the future was to turn current Nextel Cup cars into Busch cars and, in turn, to turn current Busch cars, modified, into new Grand National touring cars.

That Grand National prototype was debuted in Orlando in December at the Performance Racing Industry trade show. Currently it is expected to run Corvette aluminum block engines, which will not be allowed to generate more than 608 horsepower, and which would cost about $15,000. And it would have a molded fiberglass body.

Engine builders would have to be licensed by NASCAR.

The new Grand National series would consist of five regional touring series: on the old Winston West tour tracks; on Canadian CASCAR tracks; in the Northeast; the Southeast; and the Midwest. At the end of the season NASCAR would hold a playoff to determine the national champion.

The next test for the car of the future is set for later this month, at Bristol, the day after that tour stop.

CASCAR ANNOUNCES NEW TITLE SPONSOR FOR THE WESTERN SERIES: THE CASCAR FLO~PRO.COM WESTERN SERIES

CALGARY, AB – CASCAR announced today that a new entitlement sponsorship agreement has been reached for the CASCAR Western Series; the tour will now be known as the “CASCAR Flo~Pro.com Western Series”.

The CASCAR Flo~Pro.com Western Series is Western Canada’s premier stock car racing series. It is comprised of an eight race tour that holds events in Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia. The Championship includes two events that are in cooperation with the National CASCAR Super Series events; Sun Valley Speedway on July 15, 16, and Grand Prix Edmonton on July 21, 22, 23.

“We are delighted to welcome Flo~Pro as the title sponsor of our Western Series tour,” stated CASCAR president Tony Novotny. “Flo~Pro has been the Official Exhaust of CASCAR for many years, and we are very proud that they have chosen to step up and place their name on our Western Series tour. We feel that the 2006 season will be our strongest year in Western Canada yet, and I would like to sincerely thank Flo~Pro for their support in making it happen.”

The 2006 CASCAR Flo~Pro.com Western Series promises to be the most exciting season in years, with several new teams and competitors joining the tour. Also, with the addition of Grand Prix Edmonton to the schedule the CASCAR Flo~Pro.com Western Series competitors will race in front of over 200,000 fans over the weekend. Edmonton-based Kevin Dowler will return as the defending Champion of the series in 2006.

“We are very excited about expanding our commitment with CASCAR,” stated Don Schumacher President of Red Deer Exhaust. “Being a Western Canadian based manufacture of performance exhaust we see the title sponsorship as a great fit for our organization. We look forward to furthering our identity with CASCAR and the fans who support this professional race circuit”

Red Deer Exhaust is a Canadian manufacturer of high flowing performance exhaust products that was founded in 1981 and is still located in Red Deer, Alberta today. They have grown into a 60,000 square foot facility that distributes performance exhaust products throughout North America. They manufacture a variety of high flowing performance designs with deep smooth aggressive sounds for the traditional, tuner and diesel markets. Known for quality and exceptional customer service their brand names like Flo~Pro - the official Cascar muffler, V-Force, Truck and Twister Race mufflers they are well recognized and respected within the traditional market. While the tuner enthusiasts enjoy their high polished stainless steel mufflers and tips the diesel enthusiast is satisfied with complete 4” and 5” mandrel bent performance exhaust conversion systems for Powerstroke, Duramax and Cummins trucks. A complete listing of all Red Deer Exhaust products and approved dealers is available at www.flopro.com

2006 CASCAR FLO~PRO WESTERN SERIES SCHEDULE
Date Track Location

May 20, 21 Sun Valley Speedway Vernon, BC
June 10 Sun Valley Speedway Vernon, BC
July 15, 16 Sun Valley Speedway *National Event* Vernon, BC
July 21, 22, 23 Grand Prix Edmonton *National Event* Edmonton, AB
August 5 Bridge City Speedway Saskatoon, SK
August 19 Edmonton International Raceway Wetaskiwin, AB
September 2, 3 Sun Valley Speedway Vernon, BC
September 23 Bridge City Speedway Saskatoon, SK

* Please note that National Events count for Western Series points.

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 CASCAR Flo~Pro Western Series, Sportsman Series, and the Super Series.

DODGE CHARGER SET TO LIGHT UP THE STRIP IN 2006 NHRA POWERADE FUNNY CAR SERIES DEBUT

Courtesy Dan Bodene

March 7, 2006, AUBURN HILLS, MI – When it comes to racing, nobody exhibits modern-era muscle more than the Dodge drag race teams competing in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). So, after celebrating a 1-2 championship finish in 2005, Dodge has announced it will introduce the Dodge Charger to NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series Funny Car competition in 2006, with its debut in the NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Fla., March 16-19.

The announcement comes a little more than one year following the public reveal of the 2006 Dodge Charger passenger vehicle at the 2005 North American International Auto Show and the introduction of the Dodge Charger race car to NASCAR Nextel Cup Series competition.

“The Dodge Charger is a perfect fit for the next generation of NHRA Funny Cars,” said John Fernandez, Director – Dodge Motorsports Operations. “Dodge has an incredible heritage in racing and the Charger name is synonymous with power and performance – two key ingredients to winning in any form of racing.

“We want to build on the winning tradition that our NHRA teams established in 2005 and pave a way to even more success in 2006. With the amount of research and testing that went into developing the Dodge Charger production model – the ultimate American muscle sedan – as well as the Charger Funny Car, Dodge will continue to win both on the track and on the showroom floor this year.”

The newly designed Dodge Charger Funny Car combines the latest in Dodge engineering advancements with an added boost of Dodge DNA. The race car features the same bold styling, signature grille and powerful performance found throughout the Dodge lineup, and it takes design cues directly from the 2006 Dodge Charger passenger vehicle.

Don Schumacher Racing’s stable of drivers expect to be as competitive as ever in the new Dodge Charger, which could mean a shot for returning champion Gary Scelzi to become the first driver in NHRA history to win back-to-back titles in both the Funny Car and Top Fuel divisions.

Scelzi will pilot the Mopar/Oakley Dodge Charger in 2006, with runner-up championship teammate Ron Capps in the Brut Dodge Charger, and NHRA veteran Whit Bazemore in the Matco Tools Iron Eagle Dodge Charger.

A1 Team Canada up to 9th with Carpentier points-haul

Courtesy Stuart Morrison Public Relations

12th March 2006 / Round 10 / A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Laguna Seca, California, USA Qualified: 18th / Sprint Race: 6th / Feature Race: 5th / Series standing: 9th (55pts)

A1 Team Canada climbed to ninth in the A1GP Nations Standings today courtesy of a double points- scoring run from Patrick Carpentier in the penultimate round of the ‘World Cup of Motorsport’ at the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

Sixth place in the Sprint followed by fifth in the Feature rewarded the Canadian team with 11 priceless points in a day where A1 Team France clinched the inaugural A1 Grand Prix of Nations Championship while A1 Team Mexico scored back-to-back victories.

Sprint Race, 16-laps; 30-minute time limit (Winner – A1 Team Mexico, Salvador Duran)
With a sudden downpour greeting the field just minutes before the start of the race the grid became a hive of activity as slick tires were hurriedly swapped for wets. The rain failed to faze Laguna-veteran Patrick Carpentier in the A1 Team Canada car as he gingerly picked off his rivals on the opening lap to climb five places to 13th. When the safety car was summoned for a second tour of duty, this time on lap 8, the charging Carpentier was looking strong in eighth. Taking two more spots at the checkered flag, the race distance determined by the time limit, Patrick bagged a welcome five points, his sixth place effort further safe-guarding A1 Team Canada’s top-ten points standing.

Feature Race, 40-laps, 1-hour time limit (Winner – A1 Team Mexico, Salvador Duran)
In keeping with the changeable conditions the Feature race started on a predominantly dry track. Initially out on wet tires, Carpentier made his mandatory pit-stop on lap 3, switching to slicks and immediately firing himself back into the top-ten. Following a six-lap safety car period the 34-year-old set his sights on further progression, quickly passing the Czech Republic for eighth. The second-half of the Feature saw Patrick up to sixth and chasing A1 Team Portugal five seconds further up the track. A second safety period allowed the pack to close up before Patrick was elevated to fifth at the checkered flag thanks to an uncharacteristic late-race retirement from A1 Team France.

Comments from Patrick Carpentier:
“The rain actually helped me in the first race as some people made mistakes and I was able to get past them at the start. From there I just worked my way up to get a good start position for the Feature. I was fighting to catch Portugal at the end of the main race but it was still pretty slippery out there. Overall though it’s been fun and we scored points and improved our position. Today was a lot better than yesterday that’s for sure, it’s all a learning experience and I really enjoyed myself out there!"

Shanghai, China hosts Round 11 of the A1 Grand Prix of Nations, 31st March -2nd April 2006.

A1GP Standings Standings:
1st France (163), 2nd Switzerland (121), 3rd Great Britain (88), 4th Brazil (70), 5th Netherlands (69), 6th New Zealand (67), 7th Portugal (66), 8th Ireland (61), 9th CANADA (55), 10th Malaysia (54)

Ontario Formula Ford Challenge News

Courtesy David Hilton, V.P. BARC, OFFC Marketing and Promotion Manager

Epsom, ON – Brian Stewart of Brian Stewart Racing in his ongoing support of the OFFC has agreed to supply a custom fit Bell Dominator helmet to the Overall Champion of the Ontario Formula Ford Challenge to use in November at the IRL IPS test in Nashville Tenn. The Overall Champion will get to keep the helmet after the test. This prize is in addition to the full test, race licence and IRL hard card.

Brian Stewart Racing
Brian Stewart Racing, one of the first teams to join the Indy Pro Series when it was formed in 2002, returns in 2006 as defending champion. Wade Cunningham gave the team its first series pole position (Watkins Glen), first race victory (California) and first championship in 2005. Brian Stewart Racing has been a driving force in North American motorsports for more than 35 years. The team fielded cars in Formula Ford, Formula 2000, Super Vee, Atlantic and Indy Lights prior to joining the Indy Pro Series in 2002.

OFFC (Ontario Formula Ford Challenge)
The Ontario Formula Ford Championship sponsored by Dunlop tires is a competitive, economical, and very enjoyable series of races designed to challenge everyone from the budding Professional to the seasoned Master and of course welcoming rookies of all ages.

Ontario Formula Ford Challenge News

Courtesy David Hilton, V.P. BARC, OFFC Marketing and Promotion Manager

Epsom, ON – Brian Stewart of Brian Stewart Racing in his ongoing support of the OFFC has agreed to supply a custom fit Bell Dominator helmet to the Overall Champion of the Ontario Formula Ford Challenge to use in November at the IRL IPS test in Nashville Tenn. The Overall Champion will get to keep the helmet after the test. This prize is in addition to the full test, race licence and IRL hard card.

Brian Stewart Racing
Brian Stewart Racing, one of the first teams to join the Indy Pro Series when it was formed in 2002, returns in 2006 as defending champion. Wade Cunningham gave the team its first series pole position (Watkins Glen), first race victory (California) and first championship in 2005. Brian Stewart Racing has been a driving force in North American motorsports for more than 35 years. The team fielded cars in Formula Ford, Formula 2000, Super Vee, Atlantic and Indy Lights prior to joining the Indy Pro Series in 2002.

OFFC (Ontario Formula Ford Challenge)
The Ontario Formula Ford Championship sponsored by Dunlop tires is a competitive, economical, and very enjoyable series of races designed to challenge everyone from the budding Professional to the seasoned Master and of course welcoming rookies of all ages.

Merrittville Speedway “Countdown to Green”: “A Saturday Night Racing Tradition - Celebrating 55 Years”

Thorold, Ontario…General Manager Erica Bicknell calls it the “Countdown to Green”, a series of upcoming exciting press releases slated for the 55th Anniversary Edition at Merrittville Speedway. The highly anticipated 2006 racing season is just around the corner at the Merrittville Speedway. This year's version will feature the most ambitious racing schedule in track history, filled with fast family fun for the entire family!

“Our dedication to running a tight, efficient race program with a combined emphasis on fan-friendly admission prices and entertaining special events was the main objective looking forward to the 2006 Season “states Erica.

The price of gasoline has gone through the roof. A new car costs more than ever. When is it going to end? Right now, that’s when!

General Manager Erica Bicknell is proud to announce a new price structure for the upcoming 2006 Dirt Weekly Racing Series. The Saturday Night Racing Tradition continues in 2006 featuring FIVE Weekly Racing Divisions…That’s right folks - five divisions of live racing entertainment featuring local and up-coming drivers and even perhaps your next door neighbor.

Commencing opening night, May 6th, the Adult General Admission Grandstand price has been reduced to just $10.00 for any Dirt Weekly Racing Series Event. Students and Seniors will remain at $10.00, Juniors (ages 8-12) will be $5.00, and as always, kids under 8 are free with adult accompaniment.

The ever popular Ultimate Family Pass will also return in 2006. The Pass includes General Admission for two adults, two juniors, and includes 4 Hot Dogs and your choice of 4 Pepsi Products for the Dirt Weekly Racing Series Event. You couldn’t ask for a cheaper form on Entertainment in Niagara!

“We are proud of Merrittville’s rich racing history,” relates GM Erica Bicknell, “and we’re excited about the future … but none of it could have been achieved without the support of our loyal fans every Saturday Night. In this day and age when prices continue to rise,” adds Bicknell, “we have to make it affordable for today’s family to enjoy a night of racing.

Whether you are four, forty or a hundred years of age, Merrittville Speedway provides the “Best Family Entertainment in Niagara” at the BEST possible price!

For more information, or to check out our 2006 Schedule, visit us online at http://www.merrittvillespeedway.com/, or give us a call at our Winter Office at 905-685-7223 or email ebicknell@cogeco.net.

See you at Performance World

Please feel free to stop by and say hi at the Inside Track booth at the Performance World Show this weekend.

World of Outlaws at LVMS

LAS VEGAS – Donny Schatz of Fargo, ND took the checkered flag in the World of Outlaws A-Feature at The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway Thursday night.

This victory is the fourth for Schatz making it the most wins by a single driver at The Dirt Track at LVMS. Jeremy Campbell started on the pole of the 25-lap A-Feature. Schatz took over the lead on lap nine making a pass on the outside coming out of turn four. Schatz held the lead for the remainder of the race.

Jeremy Campbell finished second followed by Randy Hannagan and Terry McCarl. Daryn Pittman finished fifth. Kelly Boen of Henderson, Colo. won the 25-lap dirt Late Models A-Feature. Bowen started on the pole and led the 26-car field from start to finish.

NASCAR Nextel Cup veteran Ken Schrader finished second followed by Lonnie Parker, Jr. and Jeep Berry. Rick Eckert finished fourth.

World of Outlaws Qualifying Results:1. Terry McCarl, 14.419 2. Greg Wilson, 14.628, 3. Donny Schatz, 14.664, 4. Joey Saldana, 14.719, 5. . Brooke Tatnell, 14.729, 6. Daryn Pittman, 14.805, 7. Jesse Giannetto, 14.823, 8. Kevin Swindell, 14.831, 9. Sammy Swindell, 14.891, 10. Jeremy Campbell, 14.913, 11. Tim St. Arnold, 14.921, 12. Randy Hannagan, 14.953, 13. Natalie Sather, 14.974, 14. Barry Ruble, 14.993, 15. Rob Chaney, 15.026, 16. Chad Kemenah, 15.035, 17. Chad Hillier, 15.080, 18. Jac Haudenschild, 15.132, 19. Toni Lutar, 15.136, 20. Williw Hernandez, 15.144, 21. Brandon Johnson, 15.149, 22. Justin Henderson, 15.183, 23. Kaley Gharst, 15.272, 24. Craig Dollansky, 15.353, 25. Ned Powers, 15.453, 26. Dion Hindi, 15.470, 27. Becca Anderson, 15.517, 28. Brian Carlson, 15.544, 29. Brian O’Donnell, 15.671, 30. Bill Rose, 15.695, 31. Garrett Ishii, 15.792, 32. Ben Gregg, 16.048, 33. Patrick Bourke, 16.211, 34. Kaylene Verville, 16.367, 35. James Mosher, 17. 272, 36. Steve Stone, 17.615, 37. Jesse Stone, no time
Dirt Late Models Heat Race No. 1 Results (8 laps): 1. John Kuchar 2. A.J. Kirkpatrick, 3. Ken Schrader, 4. Justin Dittman, 5. Dino Napler, 6. Clint Mitchell, 7. Chet Buckley, 8. Clark Guglielmoni, 9. Denny Robblee

Dirt Late Models Heat Race No. 2 Results (8 laps): 1. Jeep Berry, 2. John Lowrey, 3. Richard Pappenha, 4. Randy Carder, 5. Scott Maulkin, 6. John Soares, 7. Jimmy Schram, 8. Jack Marontate, 9. Reldon Hatch

Dirt Late Models Heat Race No. 3 Results (8 laps): 1. Kellen Chadwick, 2. Kelly Boen, 3. Corey Smith, 4. Mark Carrell, 5. Paul Guglielmoni, 6. Dave Newquist, 7. Rob Ireland, 8. Karl Tipton, 9. Terry Loos

Dirt Late Models Heat Race No. 4 Results (8 laps): 1. Rick Eckert, 2. Steve Drake, 3. John Anderson, 4. Trevor Glasser, 5. Curt Daniels, 6. Phil Barrow, 7. Keith Noyes, 8. Donnie Hampl, 9. Randy Schafer

Dirt Late Models Heat Race No. 5 Results (8 laps): 1. Brett Hallmark, 2. Mike Johnson, 3. Lonnie Parker, Jr., 4. Jeff Decker, 5. Rick Hazen, 6. Jim Beaman, 7. Nick Perivolaris, 8. Ron Bennett, 9. Casey Ultale

Dirt Late Models Heat Race No. 6 Results (8 laps): 1. Greg Walters, 2. Billy Griffin, 3. Rob Mayea, 4. Ron Bartels, 5. Jeremy Petrell, 6. Bill Bartels, 7. Eric Jacobson, 8. Tom Johnson
World of Outlaws Heat Race No. 1 Results (8 laps): 1. Craig Dollansky, 2. Terry McCarl, 3. Chad Kemenah, 4. Sammy Swindell, 5. Kevin Swindell, 6. Chad Hillier, 7. Ned Powers, 8. Patrick Bourke, 9. Brian O’Donnell

World of Outlaws Heat Race No. 2 Results (8 laps): 1. Kaley Gharst, 2. Jac Haudenschild, 3. Rob Chaney, 4. Jeremy Campbell, 5. Greg Wilson, 6. Dion Hindi, 7. Kaylene Verville, 8. Bill Rose, 9. Jesse Giannetto

World of Outlaws Heat Race No. 3 Results (8 laps): 1. Donny Schatz , 2. Justin Henderson, 3. Daryn Pittman, 4. Toni Lutar, 5. Garrett Ishii, 6. Becca Anderson, 7. Kames Mosher, 8. Barry Ruble, 9. Tim St. Arnold

World of Outlaws Heat Race No. 4 Results (8 laps): 1. Joey Saldana, 2. Randy Hannagan, 3. Brooke Tatnell, 4. Ben Gregg, 5. Natalie Sather, 6. Willie Hernandez, 7. Brandon Johnson, 8. Brian Carlson, 9. Steve Stone

Dirt Late Models Dash No. 1 Results: 1. Brett Hallmark, 2. Mike Johnson, 3. Lonnie Parker, Jr., 4. Billy Griffin, 5. Rick Eckert, 6. Kellen Chadwick, 7. John Anderson, 8. Greg Walters, 9. John Lowrey

Dirt Late Models Dash No. 2 Results: 1. Ken Schrader, 2. Kelly Noyes, 3. A.J. Kirtpatrick, 4. Jeep Berry, 5. John Kuchar, 6. Steve Drake, 7. Rob Mayea, 8. Richard Pappenhausen, 9. Corey Smith

World of Outlaws Dash No. 1 Results (6 laps, finishing order determined first six positions of A-feature): 1. Jeremy Campbell, 2. Brooke Tatnell, 3. Kevin Swindell, 4. Donny Schatz, 5. Terry McCarl, 6. Natalie Sather

World of Outlaws Dash No. 2 Results: 1. Rob Chaney, 2. Randy Hannagan, 3. Sammy Swindell, 4. Joey Saldana, 5. Daryn Pittman, 6. Greg Wilson

World of Outlaws B-Main Event Results (12 laps, top 4 transfer to A-feature): 1. Ned Powers, 2. Chad Hillier, 3. Brian Carlson, 4. Brian O’Donnell, 5. Willie Hernandez, 6. Bill Rose, 7. Kaylene Verville, 8. Barry Ruble, 9. Dion Hindi, 10. Patrick Bourke, 11. Jesse Giannetto, 12. James Mosher, 13. Becca Anderson, 14. Steve Stone, 15. Tim St. Arnold, 16. Brandon Johnson, 17. Jesse Stone

Dirt Late Models Last Chance Qualifier No. 1 Results: 1. Trevor Glaser, 2. Jeff Decker, 3. Scott Maulkin, 4. Clarke Guglielmoni, 5. Randy Schafer, 6. Paul Guglielmoni, 7. Jeremy Petrell, 8. Justin Dittman, 9. Phil Barrow, 10. Bill Bartels, 11. Reldon Hatch, 12. Donnie Hampl, 13. Nick Perivolaris, 14. Tom Johnson, 15. John Soares, 16. Rob Ireland, 17. Dino Napier

Dirt Late Models Last Chance Qualifier No. 2 Results: 1. Curt Daniels, 2. Mark Carrell, 3. Keith Noyes, 4. Casey Ultale, 5. Jimmy Schram, 6. Jack Marontate, 7. Jim Beaman, 8. Clint Mitchell, 9. Randy Carder, 10. Denny Robblee, 11. Dave Newquist, 12. Chet Buckley, 13. Ron Bartels, 14. Rick Hazen, 15. Eric Jacobson

World of Oulaws A-Main Event Results (25 laps): 1. Donny Schatz, 2. Jeremy Campbell, 3. Randy Hannagan, 4. Terry McCarl, 5. Daryn Pittman, 6. Kevin Swindell, 7. Sammy Swindell, 8. Rob Cheney, 9. Joey Saldana, 10. Chad Kemenah, 11. Craig Dolansky, 12. Jac Houdenschild, 13. Kaley Gharst, 14. Brooke Tatnell, 15. Greg Wilson, 16. Ben Gregg, 17. Toni Lutar, 18. Garrett Ishii, 19. Brian Carlson, 20. Brian O’Donnell, 21. Ned Powers, 22. Chad Hillier, 23. Natalie Sather, 24. Justin Henderson

Dirt Late Models A-Main Event Results (25 laps): 1. Kelly Boen, 2. Ken Schrader, 3. Lonnie Parker, Jr., 4. Jeep Berry, 5. Rick Eckert, 6. A.J. Kirtpatrick, 7. Trevor Glaser, 8. Greg Walters, 9. Mike Johnson, 10. Curt Daniels, 11. Kellen Chadwick, 12. Steve Drake, 13. Richard Pappenha, 14. Billy Griffin, 15. Jeff Decker, 16. John Lowrey, 17. Rob Mavea, 18. Corey Smith, 19. Keith Noyes, 20. John Anderson, 21. Casey Ultale, 22. Jimmy Schram, 23. Brett Hallmark, 24. Mark Carrell, 25. John Kuchar, 26. Scott Maulkin

- From LVMS

PAUL TRACY: Las Vegas Preview

From: American Crew/Sport Clips Racing
Pre-Race Notes

Paul Tracy on Las Vegas Motor Speedway:
"I'm really looking forward to Las Vegas. It was my home for a long time and I am looking forward to making a great run for American Crew and Sport Clips. This will be the first race for American Crew as a primary sponsor in the NASCAR Busch Series, so I am hoping to show them a great weekend. We're all going out to dinner this week and we will enjoy ourselves and show all the American Crew and Sport Clips people a great time in Vegas."

Paul Tracy on Testing at Las Vegas:
"Testing went alright at Vegas, but we should be better when we unload for the race this week. My Crew Chief, Dave Fuge, has done a great job making adjustments to the car and getting it ready to race this weekend. I have always been pretty good at LVMS in Champ Car and the Vegas test gave me a chance to get a feel for the track in a stock car. I felt pretty comfortable and I am looking forward to racing there on Saturday."

Last Weekend's Post-Race Rundown:
Paul Tracy proved why he is a champion after strapping in behind the wheel of the No. 4 GEICO Dodge on Sunday for the Telcel-Motorola 200 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City, Mexico. The 2003 Champ Car Series Champion started mid-pack and on the first lap picked up seven spots. He used his road-course skills to power his way to the front at the 2.518-mile road course, running as high as 3rd before being caught up in a late race wreck caused by Kyle Busch.

Race Week:
P.T. has spent his week after Mexico City testing his Forsythe Championship Racing Champ Car racecar in Houston, TX. He will return to his home in Las Vegas on Wednesday night where he will get some rest before embarking on his 3rd NASCAR Busch Series Start this weekend.

Champ Car Turbo Tour Touches Down with Molson Grand Prix of Toronto on March 15th

March 6, 2006, Toronto - Just like rock stars touring to promote a new album, Champ Car is hitting the road, traveling on a private jet and bringing some of its hottest stars to race host cities. Wednesday, March 15th is the Molson Grand Prix of Toronto’s show date and the summer event is ready to heat up Toronto media with two opportunities to meet the Champ Car stars.

WHO: The All Star Champ Car Tour Stop will feature:
§ Toronto 2005 Champion, Justin Wilson
§ Katherine Legge ,the first female to win a major open wheel race in North America
§ Steve Johnson, President of Champ Car
§ 2005 Rookie of the Year A.J. Allmendinger
§ Mario Dominguez of Forsythe Championship Racing
§ Champ Car Atlantic driver and former North American karting champion Alan Sciuto
§ Champ Car Atlantic driver James Hinchcliffe
§ Face of Champ Car, Brandi Latimer

WHERE/ WHEN: March 15, 2006 – 8:00 p.m.

Location #1
Brant House – 1 Brant Street, Toronto
Time: 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. (8:00 p.m. Media Interviews)

Champ Car Stars: Justin Wilson, Katherine Legge, A.J. Allmendinger, Steve Johnson

Location #2
Air Canada Centre – Toronto Raptors - 40 Bay Street, Toronto
Time: 8:00 p.m. – game end (Drivers will tour Media Centre)

Champ Car Stars: Mario Dominquez, Alan Sciuto, James Hinchcliffe, Brandi Latimer

New ownership and a new name make this a landmark year for the Molson Grand Prix of Toronto. For the past 20 years, Torontonians have celebrated a long-weekend of racing on their streets and 2006 promises to be another spectacular festival of international racers and exciting off-track entertainment. Tickets are on sale now at www.grandprixtoronto.com or 416-872-2222.

For more information contact:
Shannon Emily Davidson
Director, Marketing & Communications, Molson Grand Prix of Toronto
Tel: 416.966.6085
E-mail: sdavidson@grandprixtoronto.com

THE GRIM REAPER IS COMING, ADM MOTORSPORTS ADDS 1957 CHEVY TOP SPORTSMAN CAR

Courtesy Arnie Malcolm

ADM Motorsports is pretty excited about the newest addition to their race team, a state of art Don Ness 1957 Top Sportsman Chevy. The car which was purchased back in Sept and has been kept under wraps until paint could be done the way they wanted it. The car which features an all round tube chrome molly chassis is covered with a complete fiberglass body, making for one very light race car.

The car which will carry The Grim Reaper theme, just continues with Arnie Malcolm's thinking about our sport being entertainment as much if not more than a sport, and the fans have an easier time catching on too a car that has a name like that. Lets face it, that is with out question one of the big attractions for Monster Trucks, (Big Foot, Grave Digger and so on) and if you go back in drag racing, and when it started out trying to attract the fan, the drag cars also had titles. Plans for the drive train are still being worked out, but it will be a naturally aspirated engine with the addition of Nitrous if all goes well. Plans are to run the car on a limited basis for the first couple of years until it is completely decided which way we want to go with the car, and the future of some of our drivers.

We do however believe the spectators will love the new addition to the show at Luskville Dragway and all of the Benson Auto Parts Extra Show Me the Money Tour events. The car along with a new interaction practice tree simulator will be part of each major event that ADM Motorsports is part of, including all of the Benson Auto Parts Extra Show Me the Money Tour events in 2006.

Kirkland Lake CSRA National Race Report

Courtesy Mark Fries

The Royal Distributing / Factory Recreation Pro Xtreme Team unloaded in Kirkland Lake with high hopes of extending their points lead in the various classes after a good round of productive testing. Things started out well on Friday night, as the three day national event raced under the lights. #202 Semi-Pro Joey Sagan was flying and was able to run at the front of the pack all night on both his Open Mod sled and on the 440 REV. Pro Rider #93 Iain Hayden started out front and stayed there in both the Pro Stock 440 class, and Pro Open Mod class.

On Saturday, it was more of the same for both riders, as Iain swept his 440 heats, and Joey had firsts and seconds. In Pro Open, technical gremlins began to bite the Royal team, as Iain had motor issues in both his heats on Saturday, resulting in DNF's. Team Royal Super Tuner Wayne Legge and Jason Smith worked late into the night to replace the motor and get things ready for Sundays competition.

Iain went out Sunday with something to prove, and swept the day in convincing style with huge leads in both Pro Stock and Pro Open. Iain is 12 for 12 in CSRA-only finals and has still not lost a CSRA-only final this year. Not to be outdone in the technical bad luck department, Joey Sagan had leads in both the Semi Pro Stock and Semi Pro Open finals evaporate into DNF's with race ending technical problems. Joey was super-fast and running up front in both finals when the bad luck hit.

The team has a couple weeks off to regroup and will be stronger than ever when the series starts up again on March 25th in Kitchener, at the Chicopee Ski Hill. Thanks for all the help from Factory Recreation, Ski-Doo, FXR clothing, Kimpex, CKX, Ipone Lubricants, HMK boots, Studboy Traction, Spy eyewear, and TekVest.

ALSTAR Charity Ride Details Announced

Keith Hepburn, the driving force behind last summer's successful inaugural ALSTAR Charity Ride, has announced the details of the second annual fund-raiser.

The ride will take place on August 6th. Details at the Shouldice ALSTAR Series link above.

Congratulations to everyone involved in this worthwhile effort. Last year, they raised over $13,500.

Brighton Speedway & Kawartha Speedway team up

As planning for the 2006 Stock Car Seasons starts to materialize into schedules, Kawartha Speedway and Brighton Speedway have teamed up to offer fans some “Fast and Furious” racing action. Set aside the weekend of August 11th and 12th, 2006 for two great racing attractions and an incredible mix of asphalt and dirt track racing, at one low price.

On Friday August 11th the OSCAAR Outlaw Super Late Models will hit the asphalt at Kawartha Speedway. These record breaking fastest Late Models in Ontario, including Port Hope father and son drivers, John and Robert Bickle, will turn heads at record high-speed laps around the renowned paved speed plant.

The very next night, Saturday August 12th, Brighton Speedway will follow up with it's own display of dirt flying horsepower as the ever popular Southern Ontario Sprint cars come to town. Race enthusiasts will be lining up to catch the winged warrior favourites Adam West and Glenn Styres pull wheelies and turn 13 second laps around the 1/3 mile clay oval.

This complete weekend of grassroots stock car racing, quickly becoming known as “Fast and Furious” Weekend will be offered to fans in one low ticket price. The convenience and affordability will encourage fans to experience two fantastic back to back racing events, while experiencing the non-stop action provided by two of the areas top entertainment facilities.

Final details are being confirmed and up to date information can be viewed on the web-site at www.brightonspeedway.com. The first race event at Brighton Speedway Park is scheduled for April 29th, 2006 when the stock cars hit the track for opening night. Admission is only $2.00 with a non-perishable food donation that will support local food banks. Green flag flies at the new start time of 7:00pm. For more information, contact Brighton Speedway at (613) 475-1102.

WWS Drivers' Meeting

Delaware Speedway (and several other sites) have posted a news release inviting racers to a meeting of Weekend Warrior Series drivers on March 19 in Milton.

Carpentier thrilled to return to Laguna Seca with A1 Team Canada

Courtesy Stuart Morrison Public Relations

Monterey, California, USA (March 07, 2006) – The A1 Grand Prix of Nations makes its U.S. debut this weekend, 10th-12th March, with the penultimate round of the ‘World Cup of
Motorsport’ hosted at the Mazda Raceway
Laguna Seca in Monterey, California.

Patrick Carpentier remains in the driving seat for A1 Team Canada heading into the American round, the 34-year-old Québec-native looking to build on his A1GP debut after an encouraging points scoring run in the Sprint race last time out in Monterrey, Mexico.

In addition to competing at Laguna Seca this weekend, Carpentier has now been confirmed as A1 Team Canada’s driver for the final round of the inaugural A1 Grand Prix of Nations at the Shanghai International Circuit, China, 31st March – 2nd April. Vancouver’s Sean McIntosh, winner of his last outing for A1 Team Canada in Indonesia, was originally scheduled to return to action for the Chinese event but a date clash with his pre-season testing commitments in the 2006 World Series by Renault means the 20-year-old standout is unable to compete in the A1GP season finale.

Focusing on this weekend’s program, Carpentier’s return to Laguna Seca is eagerly anticipated as the 3.6km Californian road course holds happy memories for the Canadian. With seven career Champ Car starts at the track, from 1998-2004, Patrick’s record showcases five top-ten finishes highlighted by back-to-back victories in 2003 and 2004.

Both wins followed strong qualifying performances, in 2003 he triumphed from pole then a year later another front-row grid slot propelled Patrick to a second successive victory. Carpentier’s track knowledge can be paired with A1GP seat time following his series debut in Round 9 in Mexico. There he raced to a ninth place finish in the Sprint event, and the points, before taking 15th in the Feature race following problems in the pits.

Previewing his trip to Laguna Seca and looking ahead to China Patrick commented:

“I’m thrilled to be returning to Laguna Seca having not raced there since 2004. It’s a great track and a fun place to drive so I’m looking forward to combining my knowledge of the circuit with my A1GP experiences in Mexico. I’ll sit down with my engineer and we’ll go through a few things, I know which set-ups are effective at the track so hopefully we can implement a successful strategy for the weekend. After that I’m really excited to continue with A1 Team Canada for the final round in China. I’ve never been there, it’s another new experience for me but I hear it’s going to be a major event!”

CDW Becomes Primary Sponsor of No. 9 CDW/RuSPORT Car in Champ Car World Series

Courtesy RuSPORT

Vernon Hills, Ill. March 7, 2006 CDW Corporation (NASDAQ: CDWC) a leading provider of technology products to business, government and education, today announced it is taking its reputation for technology and high-speed delivery to the racetrack. CDW will be the primary sponsor of the No. 9 CDW/RuSPORT car driven by Justin Wilson in the 2006 Bridgestone Presents The Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford.

As part of a multi-year sponsorship, CDW is providing technology equipment by some of its leading business partners to increase the team s ability to quickly and reliably monitor and improve on and off track performance, giving the CDW/RuSPORT Team an added edge on race day.CDW partners that are joining in this unique sponsorship with RuSPORT are HP, providing notebooks, printers and video displays; Plantronics, supplying communications headsets; EDGE Tech Corp., providing memory and portable solutions; and Targus, supplying notebook accessories.

We re known for delivering technology products to business and public sector customers with speed and accuracy, said John A. Edwardson, chairman and chief executive officer, CDW. In racing, technology, speed and accuracy all come together, so this partnership with the RuSPORT racing team makes perfect sense for us.

"We are proud to say that CDW is a true member of our team, said RuSPORT owner Carl Russo. At RuSPORT we live in a world of time-based competition and CDW's experts have already given us a competitive edge. Rapid and effective use of information has enabled us to get to the front and CDW will help us stay there."

In just two seasons in the series, Wilson, 27, has quickly become one of the Champ Car World Series most successful young drivers. In 2004, he was runner-up for the Roshfans Rookie of the Year Award, as well as runner-up for the coveted Autosport International Rookie of the Year Award.

In 14 races last year, Wilson earned 11 top-ten starts and eight top-ten finishes. He won in Toronto and the final race of the 2005 Champ Car World Series season in Mexico City. In January, Wilson also was among a team of four drivers to finish second in the famed 24 Hours at Daytona, an annual Grand American endurance race at Daytona International Raceway. The 2006 season opens April 9 at the Grand Prix of Long Beach, Calif.

“I’m looking forward to having CDW support me for the 2006 season. The technology, expertise and equipment they can bring to our team can help us make sure our car is performing at its best, improving my chances on the track. It’s great to have a lead sponsor that can really be a part of the team and help contribute to victory,” Wilson said.

NASCAR Selects Charlotte as Home of NASCAR Hall of Fame

Courtesy NASCAR Public Relations

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 6, 2006) The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) today announced that it has selected Charlotte, N.C., to be the home of its Hall of Fame.

The NASCAR Hall of Fame, which will be a state of the art facility capturing the spirit of the sport, will honor the NASCAR icons and create an enduring tribute to the drivers, crew members, team owners and others that have impacted the sport in the past, present and yet to come.

Ya don't want to buy mah cars? Whut are ya? Stooopid?

Dr. Phil's Ferrari & Porsche are set to go up for sale.

CASCAR Schedules - 2006

Here are the 2006 CASCAR schedules for the Super Series, Sportsman Series and Western Series.

CASCAR

2006 SUPER SERIES SCHEDULE
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 de Trois-Rivieres // Trois-Rivieres, QC
August 12 Mosport Speedway (oval track) // Bowmanville, ON
August 25, 26, 27 TBA
September 2, 3 Cayuga 2000 Speedway // Hamilton, ON
September 16, 17 Kawartha Speedway // Peterborough, ON


2006 SPORTSMAN SERIES SCHEDULE (TENTATIVE)
June 17 Mosport Speedway (oval track) // Bowmanville, ON
July 1 Barrie Speedway // Barrie, ON
TBA Barrie Speedway // Barrie, ON
September 2, 3 Cayuga 2000 Speedway // Hamilton, ON
September 16, 17 Kawartha Speedway // Peterborough, ON

NOTE: A sixth date to complete the schedule remains under negotiations.


2006 WESTERN SERIES SCHEDULE
May 20, 21 Sun Valley Speedway // Vernon, BC
June 10 Sun Valley Speedway // Vernon, BC
July 15, 16 Sun Valley Speedway *National Event* // Vernon, BC
July 21, 22, 23 Grand Prix of Edmonton *National Event* // Edmonton, AB
August 5 Bridge City Speedway // Saskatoon, SK
August 19 Edmonton International Raceway // Wetaskiwin, AB
September 2, 3 Sun Valley Speedway // Vernon, BC
September 23 Bridge City Speedway // Saskatoon, SK

NOTE: National Events count for Western Series points.

Lucas Oil Repeats Support for Brighton Speedway

Lucas Oil Products announced recently that they will once again be strong supporters of Canadian Motor sports by sponsoring the Brighton Speedway Points Fund.

(PHOTO: Tim Bradley (#31) of Brighton celebrates his 2005 Canadian Modified Championship after accepting the largest end of season payout for a champion at Brighton Speedway Park, thanks to the support of Lucas Oil Canada.)


This repeat contribution is just one of many generous ventures in sponsoring grass roots racing and will be greatly appreciated by the Brighton Speedway and their drivers. Brighton Speedway has experienced tremendous growth in all of its classes and special events and this sponsorship along with the funds that are raised through out the season, will rebuild the appreciated points fund purse that pleased drivers with the largest purse ever at the end of the 2005 season.

"Points funds are important to both the drivers and the speedway" says Mark Rinaldi, Promoter of the Brighton Speedway. "Points funds are used to increase the champions’ winnings of each class at the end of the season, creating a more dynamic and exciting purpose to racing. It encourages drivers to show up every week and race not only for the single race checker but to battle for every point they can get en route to the ultimate goal of a championship."

Don Baker, Lucas Oil Products Director stated in his recent correspondence, “Once again we are pleased to lend our support to what is arguably some of the best Grass Roots Racing Eastern Ontario has to offer. We will be supporting both weekly racing and the "Labor Day Classic Weekend" one of the highlights of Brighton Speedway's Schedule. On behalf of myself and all of us at Lucas Oil Products Canada I wish everyone a safe and exciting Race Season at Brighton Speedway.”

Lucas Oil has decided that an investment in the Brighton Speedway provides them an excellent opportunity to promote their product to the loyal fan base and supportive drivers of this dirt racetrack. Their sponsorship of the Lucas Oil Driver’s Points Fund combined with their third sponsorship of the biggest and most exciting weekend in Ontario motor sports, the Labour Day Classic Weekend, gives them exposure to a vast fan and driver base from all across Ontario and Upper New York State. Brighton Speedway Park encourages drivers, fans and race supporters to visit the Lucas Oil website at http://www.lucasoil.ca/ to find out more about their quality automotive supplies.

Sunset Speedway

From SunsetSpeedway.ca

STROUD, ON – Longtime Sunset Speedway and Thunder Car fan Dan Maracle passed away at his home on Sunday, February 26th. Dan leaves behind Richard (6), Echo (3) and born on February 27th, the day after Dan's passing, Charity. Dan also leaves behind Viola, Desiree, family and many friends - our heart felt condolences go out to his family.

Yokohama Named Official Tire at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

Courtesy Michael F. Hollander

FULLERTON, Calif. -- (Feb. 27, 2006) Yokohama Tire Corp. today announced that it will become the Official Tire of the famed Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in the next three years and during several prestigious racing events that include the Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races, U.S. Sports Car Invitational, and Monterey Sports Car Championships, which will host an American Le Mans Series race. The pact was inked with the Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula, which oversees the raceway's operation.

"Motorsports is an integral part of our marketing strategy," said Jim MacMaster, Yokohama executive vice president, Business Division, "and our affiliation with Mazda Raceway presents us with several new opportunities to showcase Yokohama and our ultra-high-performance ADVAN tire line. Our presence at Mazda Raceway will be visible on the Yokohama Tire bridge as well as with signage around the historic track in the hills above Monterey."

The traditional spring U. S. Sports Car Invitational provides west coast fans with the chance to see Daytona Prototypes and GT cars of the rapidly-growing Grand American Road Racing Association's Rolex Sports Car Series.

In August, the Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races are a highlight of a weekend that also includes the Concours d'Elegance at the landmark Pebble Beach, where Yokohama is also an Official Sponsor.

The racing season wraps up in October at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca with the exotic prototypes and sports cars of the American Le Mans Series, in which Yokohama Tire is a major participant. Team PTG's BMWs will fly Yokohama colors as they compete on ADVAN tires and vie for top places in the main event.

About Yokohama Tire Corporation:
Yokohama Tire Corporation is the North American manufacturing and marketing arm of Tokyo, Japan-based Yokohama Rubber Company, a global producer and distributor of premium tires since 1917. Servicing a network of more than 4,500 points of sale in the U.S., Yokohama Tire Corporation offers a complete line of tires, including high-performance, light truck, passenger car, commercial truck and bus, as well as off-the-road mining and construction applications. For more information on Yokohama's extensive product line, visit www.yokohamatire.com.

Yokohama is a strong supporter of the tire care and safety guidelines established by the Rubber Manufacturers Association and the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration. Details can be found at the "Taking Care of Your Tires" section at www.yokohamatire.com.

About Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and SCRAMP:
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca was built in 1957 and has been operated since its inception by the Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula (SCRAMP). The world-renowned 2.238-mile, 11-turn permanent road course has seen many of the all-time greats in motorsports grace its technically challenging layout that includes the spectacular signature Corkscrew (Turns 8 and 8A). Among the many who have raced here are the likes of Mario Andretti, Wayne Rainey, Kenny Roberts, Eddie Lawson, Michael Andretti, Dan Gurney, Parnelli Jones, Sir Stirling Moss, Sir Jackie Stewart and on and on through a virtual who's who of automobile and motorcycle racing. SCRAMP is a not-for-profit corporation that donates net proceeds from each race season to the volunteer organizations that help put on the events at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

GRAND BEND MOTORPLEX Adds “ RUN WHAT YA BRUNG” HEADS UP race series for 2006

From Paul Spriet

Grand Bend Motorplex has added a 4 race “Run What Ya Brung” Quick 8, Heads Up race series to its 2006 lineup.

The program will be a great compliment to their already successful Rudy Held’s Performance Centre Top Sportsman and New Orleans Pizza and Submarine Top Dragster programs. The races are single day events, with 2 qualifiers, followed by eliminations. The series is open to both door and open body competitors. The kickoff race will be held on the Saturday of the Rudy Held’s Performance Centre Victoria Day holiday weekend presented by Leaf Racewear (May 20th) and has a total purse in excess of $5000. The subsequent races will be held at the following events – Sarnia Shootout (Sat June 24th), Stratford Spectacular (Sat July 15th) and Windsor Weekend (Sat Sept 16th).

According to Ron Biekx, Grand Bend Motorplex’s General Manager: “ A number of our fans and faster competitors have been asking us to look at adding more professional style (heads up) racing, and based on the success we have seen at some other area tracks we felt it was something we wanted to add to our program. With the help of various sponsors & our community partners we were able to make it happen.”

“We have worked our program to try and be non conflicting with most of the other area Heads up programs so it offers competitors more opportunities to race this style of program.”. “It also gives competitors the opportunity to race in our Top Dragster/Top Sportsman program on Sunday if room is available.” adds Paul Spriet, GBM’s Chief of Operations.

Ontario Formula Ford Challenge News

Courtesy David P. Hilton (david.hilton@powergate.ca)

For the Ottawa Driver's and surrounding areas including Quebec, the Maritimes and east United States the Driver's meeting will be held on Saturday March 25 at 1pm at Nigel Mortimer's house in Ottawa. Email me for directions.

For the rest of the Driver's the meeting will on Sunday March 26 at 1pm at the Markland Pub 666 Burnamthorpe Road in Toronto. This meeting is for the Toronto, Ontario, Western New York, Ohio and the rest of the US Drivers.

And:

Brian Stewart of Brian Stewart Racing has now offered up one 5 gallon pail of Lucas Oil per race event weekend. In an ongoing effort to promote the Ontario Formula Ford Challenge, Brian Stewart has agreed to supply the oil to be given out at each event to a Driver in the OFFC. Details of the awarding of this prize to be posted at a later date. The OFFC Officials and the OFFC Drivers would like to thank Brian for his generous offer.

And:

Ontario Formula Ford Challenge Overall Champion Point Structure:

Points System: Points are awarded in EACH class and according to the numbers of drivers racing in that class.

It is very simple; you have to beat cars to win.

Example:

Class “A” 15 cars start the race and you win Class “A” you receive 15 points. Second place would receive 14 points and so on until last place would receive 1 point.

Class “B” starts 10 cars then the winner would receive 10 points, second would receive 9 points and so on until last place gets 1 point.

Class “C” starts 2 cars then the winner would receive 2 points.

DNF’s receive 0 points.

In the event of a tie at the end of the season we will determine the overall Champion by most wins, seconds, thirds, until the tie is broken.

There will be no dropping of points hence we will get an overall winner and they get a wonderful prize pack.

Thanks for helping out!

Thanks to Sue and Joe Chisholm for their help in promoting the ITMN Readers' Choice Awards. Both the Sauble Speedway and Shouldice ALSTAR sites are prominently displaying links to the voting page.

If any other track or series is interested in helping to attract votes and attention for their racers, by posting details of the Awards program on your site, please drop a note to James Neilson, requesting the ITMN RCA Press Release as well as the program logo.

Barrie Speedway to host CASCAR opener

Barrie Speedway has posted details about its inaugural hosting of the season-opening CASCAR Super Series race.

"We're very pleased to be getting a second Super Series date at Barrie Speedway", says BSW's Brad Moran. "The Super series is Canada's premiere division and to have them here at Barrie twice this year is just awesome".

... more at the link above ...

You say it's your birthday.....

Happy Birthday to my friend and basketball fanatic extraordinaire, Mr. Joel Robinson. The resident of Toronto’s elite ‘Beach’ community turns 30-something today. ‘Marty2’ shares his special day with over-the-hill rocker John Bon Jovi, CASCAR veteran Scott Steckly and motorports guru Jason Sharpe.

Asked to comment on his plans going forward in life, Robinson - who co-produces the CASCAR Super Series races for television - said, “Whoooooaahhhhh, I’m halfway there.”

Coincidentally, today is also a big day for Mr. Jim (a.k.a. Jeeeeem) Robinson, who receives birthday wishes every time he has the misfortune of running into our own Rob Morton.

(PHOTO: Joel was practicing his birthday 'happy dance' way back in the year 2000, in Edmonton)

A1GP: McIntosh and Kerr to pair for 2006 World Series by Renault

LONDON, ENGLAND (March 02, 2006) – Having had the honor of racing for their respective nations in the inaugural A1 Grand Prix Series, it was announced today that Canada’s Sean McIntosh and Britain’s Robbie Kerr will be paired together as team-mates in the 2006 World Series by Renault competing for the Belgian-run Team KTR.

The decision to place two of A1GP’s most exciting talents together for the 2006 season came following a meeting at the last round of the ‘World Cup of Motorsport’ in Monterrey, Mexico where Wade Cherwayko, Seatholder for A1 Team Canada, and John Surtees, Team Principal for A1 Team Great Britain and 1964 Formula One World Champion (Ferrari), decided on an extension of their driver development program which was first initiated with the creation of the A1GP Series and the opportunities initially offered to McIntosh and Kerr to race for their countries.

McIntosh (20) from Vancouver, runner-up in the 2005 Formula Renault UK Championship with five victories and already an A1GP winner (Round 8 – Indonesia), and Kerr (26) from Burbage, winner of the prestigious British Formula Three Championship in 2002 and a six- time podium finisher this season in A1GP, look set to form a considerable driver pairing for Team KTR in the World Series by Renault.

The Belgian outfit, run by Kurt Mollekens, already boasts a race-winning pedigree with the team finishing third overall in 2005. “For a number of years I’ve thought a system needed to be put in place to assist drivers in developing their careers,” John Surtees explained.

“My experience in recent years with karting and Buckmore Park Kart Circuit only confirmed the need for this. Having come together with Wade Cherwayko in the A1 Grand Prix program we have now created an opportunity to give drivers the superb opportunity of a year-round racing program incorporating the regular season as well as the winter racing offered by A1GP, but importantly, this is all on the world stage which is vital if they wish to progress their careers.”

He continued, “Needless to say we also feel our program will be attractive to businesses and we hope to attract partners who see the benefits of being involved with a unique opportunity for networking and business expansion off the back of a continuous marketing platform incorporating the World Series by Renault, with the added benefit of the association and support of the reigning Formula One World Champion’s, and the A1 Grand Prix of Nations, through the concept of one nation, one car and the ability to reach into world markets as populous as the likes of China, India and the U.S.”

Francois Sicard, Sporting Director for the World Series by Renault is similarly excited by the prospect of adding Robbie and Sean’s driving talents to the depth of competition signed up for this year’s championship. “I’m very pleased to welcome Robbie Kerr and Sean McIntosh to our series. Both drivers have accomplished records and we’ve been aware of their talents for some time.”

“Robbie sampled our Euro V6 series back in 2004 following his F3 championship success and Sean is a multiple race winner in the Formula Renault UK Championship and of course, a recent A1GP winner. I’m delighted that we have drivers representing Great Britain and Canada in our series and I’m equally pleased that John Surtees recognizes the platform offered by the Renault development ladder. We’ve been talking to John for a while now and I’m pleased that by placing Robbie and Sean with KTR they’re going to be competing for one of the strongest team’s on the grid. Everything’s in place for a great 2006 season!”

Sean McIntosh, who was involved in the closest Formula Renault UK Championship title fight in 15 years last season, enthused, “This is a very exciting opportunity for 2006 after a successful season in the Formula Renault UK Championship last year.

I’m excited to be staying within the Renault development ladder for another year, this time at the next level in the World Series. I’ve learned a lot from racing in A1GP over the winter, not least in driving a higher horse-powered car so I feel I’m heading into the regular season more experienced and with more confidence.

“To be involved in this kind of driver development program, of which I have to thank both Wade and John, is something that every driver dreams of. I know there’s plenty more hard work to be done to keep moving but it’s an awesome opportunity and there’s already a track record of drivers moving up to F1 from the World Series with Robert Kubica winning last season’s championship and signing with BMW-Sauber. Ultimately it’s an honor for me to continue to represent Canada in European motorsport.”

Leading A1 Team Great Britain to third place in the current A1GP Nations Standings with two rounds remaining, Robbie Kerr’s looking ahead to working with Team KTR when the new season begins. “It’s going to be good working with Kurt (Mollekens),” said Kerr. “He’s a good experienced guy who was also a superb driver. He knows what he’s watching when he sees you out on the circuit which will be a fantastic help in continuing to improve as the season progresses. I’m grateful to Wade and to John for this opportunity and I hope I can repay it with a shot at the title.”

- From Stuart Morrison Public Relations

Does anyone recognize any of the 'stars'?

Joel "Marty2" Robinson sent me a link to a movie preview for the film "Hot Rod", about a guy who won the "Lansdowne (Peterborough??) Demolition Derby" in 1998, and promptly retired to a life of hunting and fishing (and drinking).

Not content to rest on his laurels, Hot Rod Joey Kemp has announced his intention to return to the Derby wars. And this is his story.

Charlotte chosen for NASCAR Hall of Fame? (Globe & Mail)

globeandmail.com : Report: Charlotte chosen for NASCAR hall: "Report: Charlotte chosen for NASCAR hall

Atlanta and Daytona Beach still feel good about their chances to land NASCAR's Hall of Fame, even though a report from Charlotte says that city has locked up a deal to build the shrine to stock car racing.

'We've heard rumours in the past. Almost three weeks ago we got calls from all over that Atlanta was getting the nod and that proved to be not true. Two weeks later we're hearing Charlotte got the nod. Maybe two weeks from now the rumour will be Daytona,'' said George Mirabal, the local official in Daytona Beach working to bring the hall of fame to NASCAR's birthplace.

The Charlotte Observer, citing three anonymous sources, reported Wednesday that Charlotte had won the race for the stock car racing museum and an official announcement was expected Monday."

... more at link above...

Have you voted yet?

Click here to register your votes for the Inside Track Readers' Choice Awards!

OSCAAR: Bickle interview

The OSCAAR Outlaw site has a new interview with John & Robert Bickle, as written by Sandy Macfarlane and Don McLeod.

Kawartha Speedway

I see that Kawartha Speedway has published its 2006 schedule on its website.

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.