LONDON, ON - Kenny Forth and his Midnight Sun Tanning Salon / Parkinson Tours / CHAM 820 ‘The Legend’ Ford Taurus arrived at Delaware Speedway on Victoria Day weekend for the Mopar 250. The event was the first of the 2005 championship season, and Forth was anxious to be running the entire tour for the second time.
The first event of the weekend was practice and the team was forced to work on the car throughout the session as a loose condition was making it tough for Kenny to handle. The crew made a number of adjustments during the two-hour session, and were able to tighten the car up with those changes. When the session ended Forth was shown as 24th quickest on the speed chart with a fast lap of 20.193 seconds. “We sorted out the loose issue and the car was very stable. I was confident that we were going to be able to have a successful weekend.”
The race against the clock was next during time trials and Forth turned in the 21st fastest lap, stopping the timer with a lap of 20.194 seconds, almost identical to his fastest practice time. “That was, by far, the best qualifying effort I’ve ever had here. I’m very optimistic about tomorrow.”
Sunday’s feature kicked off under overcast skies as Forth accepted the green from the inside of row 11. When the green dropped, Kenny started to make his way forward, gaining a few spots, to show up in 18th before heading to pit road on lap 83. Problems led to a restart from the back of the pack and Forth was able to work his way forward again. ”Our car got a bit tight as the day went on, but it wasn’t too bad at all.”
Another problem would arise a few laps later as Forth pulled onto pit road for the team to check his car over. “I thought something was wrong with the car. The car was slipping and sliding all over the place.” Another car has been leaking oil, and Forth had misdiagnosed that loss of grip as something wrong with the car. “We were looking for a broken axle, a flat tire, or something else. When we figured out that we were all right, we just changed right side tires and went back out, but it cost us a few laps.”
Forth would continue to battle on, though a handful of laps down, making laps and trying to finish as strong as he could. Only his lightning reflexes helped him avoid disaster on lap 187 as two cars spun in front of him coming off or turn two. Forth managed to keep the car in one piece and continued until the checkered flag, bringing home a 19th-place finish. “We’re pleased with the weekend as a whole. We were faster here then we’ve ever been before, and I have to pass the credit for that one onto the crew. This winter, former CASCAR driver Billy Innes and his crew chief Dave Bailey came to work with us, and it’s paid off already. Those two guys have so much experience and made our car a lot better. The other positive that we take from today is finishing. I’ve done this race four or five times before, and I’ve never been around to see the checkered flag before.”
The next event for the Forth Racing Team will be Saturday June fourth at Autodrome Ste. Eustace for the Whelen 200. “I’ve been to Ste. Eustache before, and it’s a fun place to race. It’s totally different then Delaware. There is no banking at all, and you really have to work the throttle, not like this weekend when you just mat it coming out of the turns.”
Prepared by Maudsley Motorsports
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
CASCAR: Dilley’s Dodge charges to third at Mopar 250
London, ON – May 22 2005: Starting from eighth position, Mark Dilley drove his heart out to capture a third place finish and a strong debut of the new Dodge Charger during the season opening Mopar 250 at Delaware Speedway on Sunday. Windsor’s Ron Beauchamp Jr. earned his first victory in seven years driving the Mopar Parts Dodge Charger while team-mate Dave Whitlock finished second to make an all-Dodge podium.
“I am so happy for Dodge, Mopar, Mobil1, Exide and everyone else that’s helped us bring this new #9 Dodge team together this year” said an exhausted Dilley who ran in the top-five all day. “It’s been a whirlwind ever since we unveiled this new Charger on Tuesday and to be here on the podium is just awesome. It’s great also for Ronnie to get this big win and to have an all-Dodge podium at this Mopar event is big for everybody. We have a few new guys on the team this year and they gave me great pit stops and Whitlock Motorsports gave us a great car.”
“I have to say also that Don Thomson Jr. is a class act. We raced so hard most of the race and he never leaned on me or bumped me; he made me work for it though – I have never, ever drank all of my water in a race before. He kept me focused on my mission, and here I am on the podium.”
Dilley charged to 4th position by lap 75 and pitted at lap 102. On lap 119, he was in 3rd but fell to 5th by lap 130. During his final pit on lap 172, he got out ahead of Thomson’s #4 Home Hardware Chev and for the balance of the race, the two were virtually under a blanket, with Dilley never relinquishing the position. Whitlock slipped under both of them during the final 13-lap sprint but his chase of leader Beauchamp ran out of time.
On TV: this race will air at 9 p.m. on June 11 on SPORTSNET.
Next CASCAR Super Series race: June 4 at Montreal’s Autodrome Ste. Eustache.
For more information about the schedule and CASCAR see www.cascar.ca
For more about the team and sponsors see www.whitlockmotorsports.com
“I am so happy for Dodge, Mopar, Mobil1, Exide and everyone else that’s helped us bring this new #9 Dodge team together this year” said an exhausted Dilley who ran in the top-five all day. “It’s been a whirlwind ever since we unveiled this new Charger on Tuesday and to be here on the podium is just awesome. It’s great also for Ronnie to get this big win and to have an all-Dodge podium at this Mopar event is big for everybody. We have a few new guys on the team this year and they gave me great pit stops and Whitlock Motorsports gave us a great car.”
“I have to say also that Don Thomson Jr. is a class act. We raced so hard most of the race and he never leaned on me or bumped me; he made me work for it though – I have never, ever drank all of my water in a race before. He kept me focused on my mission, and here I am on the podium.”
Dilley charged to 4th position by lap 75 and pitted at lap 102. On lap 119, he was in 3rd but fell to 5th by lap 130. During his final pit on lap 172, he got out ahead of Thomson’s #4 Home Hardware Chev and for the balance of the race, the two were virtually under a blanket, with Dilley never relinquishing the position. Whitlock slipped under both of them during the final 13-lap sprint but his chase of leader Beauchamp ran out of time.
On TV: this race will air at 9 p.m. on June 11 on SPORTSNET.
Next CASCAR Super Series race: June 4 at Montreal’s Autodrome Ste. Eustache.
For more information about the schedule and CASCAR see www.cascar.ca
For more about the team and sponsors see www.whitlockmotorsports.com
CASCAR: Whitlock second in CASCAR season opener
Wyoming, ON – May 22 2005: Dave Whitlock had a great day at the season opening Mopar 250 at Delaware Speedway and although leading the field for a total of 104 laps, he was unable to catch Windsor’s Ron Beauchamp Jr. at the checker flag. Mark Dilley earned the final step of the all-Dodge podium.
"It really was an awesome day our Avenue / NMT Dodge team" said Whitlock. "Our race strategy worked out well but we just ran out of laps to catch Ronnie there at the end. Our hats off to their team who have worked so hard to earn that first win in seven years, and I’m really happy for Dodge and Mopar for this outstanding finish today.
They have put so much effort into this CASCAR series that it’s great to see them reaping the rewards too. And to have our team-mate Mark Dilley finish third makes it a great start to the season for Whitlock Motorsports."
Starting from outside pole, the Whitlock moved his #39 Dodge into the lead on lap 39. When most of the others, including Beauchamp, elected to pit under the fourth caution at lap 103, Whitlock chose to stay out and maintain track position. But by lap 144, the fresher tires on Beauchamp’s #60 Dodge Charger allowed him to power by for the lead. Whitlock restarted sixth with new tires after the next caution at lap 179.
The next caution came 9 laps later and he chose to take another tire, restarting seventh. As the laps wound down, Whitlock was on the move, powering up to 4th when the final caution flew. The ensuing 4-car,13-lap shootout saw Whitlock charge past Don Thomson Jr and Mark Dilley but although gaining rapidly on Beauchamp, there was too little time left, and he finished 1.013 seconds behind the winner.
"It really was an awesome day our Avenue / NMT Dodge team" said Whitlock. "Our race strategy worked out well but we just ran out of laps to catch Ronnie there at the end. Our hats off to their team who have worked so hard to earn that first win in seven years, and I’m really happy for Dodge and Mopar for this outstanding finish today.
They have put so much effort into this CASCAR series that it’s great to see them reaping the rewards too. And to have our team-mate Mark Dilley finish third makes it a great start to the season for Whitlock Motorsports."
Starting from outside pole, the Whitlock moved his #39 Dodge into the lead on lap 39. When most of the others, including Beauchamp, elected to pit under the fourth caution at lap 103, Whitlock chose to stay out and maintain track position. But by lap 144, the fresher tires on Beauchamp’s #60 Dodge Charger allowed him to power by for the lead. Whitlock restarted sixth with new tires after the next caution at lap 179.
The next caution came 9 laps later and he chose to take another tire, restarting seventh. As the laps wound down, Whitlock was on the move, powering up to 4th when the final caution flew. The ensuing 4-car,13-lap shootout saw Whitlock charge past Don Thomson Jr and Mark Dilley but although gaining rapidly on Beauchamp, there was too little time left, and he finished 1.013 seconds behind the winner.
CASCAR: Repeat Of Last Year’s Problem Plagues #10 Team at Delaware
By Ken Spencer, Marketing and Media Relations, Brown Auto Racing
It was just one year ago at London’s Delaware Speedway that Doug Brown and his teammates experienced a dreaded DNF in the season opener of the CASCAR Super Series season. Oil pressure problems forced an early end to their afternoon after 132 laps of the scheduled 250-lap event.
This year it was deja vous (all over again) as the NAPA Autopro team suffered a similar fate in the Series opener only this time it was lap 32 when the problem forced an early ending for the Brantford-based team.
Brown had a strong qualifying run, good enough for 14th in the 30 car field and actually started the event 13th when a problem was detected in Ron Beauchamp’ new Dodge Charger during post time trial inspections.
The Brantford driver was running strong and had moved up to 12th during the early going pacing himself with the leaders until the problem arose following a restart.
"Sure, it’s disappointing to start the season this way but we battled back last year and we’ll do it again this year," the upbeat Brantford veteran commented when discussing his 28th-place finish. "There were other contenders who also had their problems, so we are not alone, " he added, looking at the results of Sunday’s race.
Ron Beauchamp Jr. of Windsor led an all-Dodge sweep of the podium finishers in capturing the MOPAR 250 with Dave Whitlock of Wyoming and Mark Dilley of Barrie bringing their Chrysler products home in second and third spots respectively.
The win for Beauchamp was particularly sweet in that he had to start at the back of the 30-car field after being penalized for a height problem by technical inspectors.
Defending Champion Don Thomson Jr. of Hamilton finished fourth followed by J R Fitzpatrick of Ayr, Jim Lapcevich of Hamilton, Ron Sheridan of Strathroy, Peter Gibbons of Stouffville with Jeff Lapcevich of Caistor Centre rounding out the top nine finishers on the lead lap. All were running Chevrolets.
Doug Brown wasn’t the only one suffering from an early season disappointment during the Victoria Day weekend event.
Last season’s Rookie of the Year, Pete Shepherd Jr. of Brampton had a strong run going with the leaders until a similar engine problem developed in his Atto and Associates sponsored Dodge forcing him to retire on lap 165. Perennial championship contender Kerry Micks of Mount Albert had oil pump failure on lap 195 and wound up 24th. Other early retirees included Chad McGlynn of Petersburg (oil leak –lap 53), Stu Robinson Jr. of Holland Landing (damaged radiator –lap 32) and Ron Van Es of Smithville (broken rocker arm –lap 117). Scott Steckley of Milverton and Brad Graham of Glencoe also finished several laps down due to mechanical problems.
The next event of the CASCAR Super Series schedule is June 4th at the flat 4-10th-miile oval at St. Eustache on the outskirts of Montreal.
It was just one year ago at London’s Delaware Speedway that Doug Brown and his teammates experienced a dreaded DNF in the season opener of the CASCAR Super Series season. Oil pressure problems forced an early end to their afternoon after 132 laps of the scheduled 250-lap event.
This year it was deja vous (all over again) as the NAPA Autopro team suffered a similar fate in the Series opener only this time it was lap 32 when the problem forced an early ending for the Brantford-based team.
Brown had a strong qualifying run, good enough for 14th in the 30 car field and actually started the event 13th when a problem was detected in Ron Beauchamp’ new Dodge Charger during post time trial inspections.
The Brantford driver was running strong and had moved up to 12th during the early going pacing himself with the leaders until the problem arose following a restart.
"Sure, it’s disappointing to start the season this way but we battled back last year and we’ll do it again this year," the upbeat Brantford veteran commented when discussing his 28th-place finish. "There were other contenders who also had their problems, so we are not alone, " he added, looking at the results of Sunday’s race.
Ron Beauchamp Jr. of Windsor led an all-Dodge sweep of the podium finishers in capturing the MOPAR 250 with Dave Whitlock of Wyoming and Mark Dilley of Barrie bringing their Chrysler products home in second and third spots respectively.
The win for Beauchamp was particularly sweet in that he had to start at the back of the 30-car field after being penalized for a height problem by technical inspectors.
Defending Champion Don Thomson Jr. of Hamilton finished fourth followed by J R Fitzpatrick of Ayr, Jim Lapcevich of Hamilton, Ron Sheridan of Strathroy, Peter Gibbons of Stouffville with Jeff Lapcevich of Caistor Centre rounding out the top nine finishers on the lead lap. All were running Chevrolets.
Doug Brown wasn’t the only one suffering from an early season disappointment during the Victoria Day weekend event.
Last season’s Rookie of the Year, Pete Shepherd Jr. of Brampton had a strong run going with the leaders until a similar engine problem developed in his Atto and Associates sponsored Dodge forcing him to retire on lap 165. Perennial championship contender Kerry Micks of Mount Albert had oil pump failure on lap 195 and wound up 24th. Other early retirees included Chad McGlynn of Petersburg (oil leak –lap 53), Stu Robinson Jr. of Holland Landing (damaged radiator –lap 32) and Ron Van Es of Smithville (broken rocker arm –lap 117). Scott Steckley of Milverton and Brad Graham of Glencoe also finished several laps down due to mechanical problems.
The next event of the CASCAR Super Series schedule is June 4th at the flat 4-10th-miile oval at St. Eustache on the outskirts of Montreal.
FORMULA BMW USA: Wickens fourth at Mid-Ohio
Courtesy Russ Bond Agency
LEXINGTON, OHIO Cameron Motorsports/MMG Financial Formula BMW driver Robert Wickens had another strong outing in rounds three and four of the series this past weekend at the scenic Mid-Ohio road course in Lexington.
Wickens in both rounds had to drive his way forward, and in round four he scored his best result of the weekend with fourth.
"We were a little behind because we were a man short on our Apex Racing USA team," Wickens said. "But the team still did an incredible job this weekend to get us a great finish."
It was Wickens first time at Mid-Ohio, and he spent practice learning the track. A faulty brake bais adjuster cost him most of the first qualifying session, but he still qualified ninth with only two flying laps. In the qualifier for the second race, Wickens was 10th.
In round three, Wickens got a poor start, dropping back to 13th, but he made his way back up the order to finish seventh.
"The start really killed me," Wickens said. "So, I just put my head down to get the Cameron Motorsports F1-K/MMG Financial Formula BMW as far back up the order as I could."
In round four, Wickens got a better start and drove his way forward to finish a solid fourth, and was credited with the fastest race lap.
"Today was way better," Wickens said. "I really pushed hard all race, and it paid off with a good result. Our team gets better each weekend, so I am really looking forward to Montreal."
LEXINGTON, OHIO Cameron Motorsports/MMG Financial Formula BMW driver Robert Wickens had another strong outing in rounds three and four of the series this past weekend at the scenic Mid-Ohio road course in Lexington.
Wickens in both rounds had to drive his way forward, and in round four he scored his best result of the weekend with fourth.
"We were a little behind because we were a man short on our Apex Racing USA team," Wickens said. "But the team still did an incredible job this weekend to get us a great finish."
It was Wickens first time at Mid-Ohio, and he spent practice learning the track. A faulty brake bais adjuster cost him most of the first qualifying session, but he still qualified ninth with only two flying laps. In the qualifier for the second race, Wickens was 10th.
In round three, Wickens got a poor start, dropping back to 13th, but he made his way back up the order to finish seventh.
"The start really killed me," Wickens said. "So, I just put my head down to get the Cameron Motorsports F1-K/MMG Financial Formula BMW as far back up the order as I could."
In round four, Wickens got a better start and drove his way forward to finish a solid fourth, and was credited with the fastest race lap.
"Today was way better," Wickens said. "I really pushed hard all race, and it paid off with a good result. Our team gets better each weekend, so I am really looking forward to Montreal."
Vinland Motorsports Club 2005 Season Set to Start
Courtesy Vinland Solo 2 Series
What's that smell? Ahhh, burning rubber, courtesy your friendly, neighbourhood motorsport club.
The 2005 Vinland Solo II schedule officially launches Sunday with the Solo II school. Want to know how to cut those corners? Need to know the shift points? Curious about all those crushed cones? Here's your chance to join the g-force fun.
They will be at the Confederation Building in the East Parking Lot. Registration is from 9-10 a.m. The School starts after last participant has registered.
The morning will consist of instruction on proper car tech, set-up and a detailed course walk and interpretation. After lunch there will be one-on-one in car instruction. The day should wrap up by 4:30 p.m.
Cost is $20 for non-members. $15 for members. Memberships are available on site. For more info, visit www.vinland.ca
What's that smell? Ahhh, burning rubber, courtesy your friendly, neighbourhood motorsport club.
The 2005 Vinland Solo II schedule officially launches Sunday with the Solo II school. Want to know how to cut those corners? Need to know the shift points? Curious about all those crushed cones? Here's your chance to join the g-force fun.
They will be at the Confederation Building in the East Parking Lot. Registration is from 9-10 a.m. The School starts after last participant has registered.
The morning will consist of instruction on proper car tech, set-up and a detailed course walk and interpretation. After lunch there will be one-on-one in car instruction. The day should wrap up by 4:30 p.m.
Cost is $20 for non-members. $15 for members. Memberships are available on site. For more info, visit www.vinland.ca
ESS: Full weekend for Team Bergeron
Courtesy Team Bergeron
After winning last week at Albany-Saratoga Speedway NY, Alain Bergeron and the drivers of the 'Empire Super Sprints' series are back on track at this weekend with three races in three days.
The first one of three races will take place on Friday May 27th, at Brockville Ontario. Last year, Alain Bergeron finished in fifth place and won the DASH race.
The following evening, the drivers will cross the border to compete at Can-Am Speedway at Lafargeville NY. In 2004, Alain Bergeron finished in sixteenth place and once again won the DASH race.
Finally, on Sunday May 29th, this marathon of three races will ends with the presentation of the race at the track of Utica-Rome Speedway to Vernon NY. Alain Bergeron had ended in the fourteenth place in 2004 at this track.
After not having qualified from the A-Main at the first race of the season at Weedsport, Alain Bergeron came back strong by taking the checkered flag at Malta NY. That places him in seventh place of the general standing of the series.
After winning last week at Albany-Saratoga Speedway NY, Alain Bergeron and the drivers of the 'Empire Super Sprints' series are back on track at this weekend with three races in three days.
The first one of three races will take place on Friday May 27th, at Brockville Ontario. Last year, Alain Bergeron finished in fifth place and won the DASH race.
The following evening, the drivers will cross the border to compete at Can-Am Speedway at Lafargeville NY. In 2004, Alain Bergeron finished in sixteenth place and once again won the DASH race.
Finally, on Sunday May 29th, this marathon of three races will ends with the presentation of the race at the track of Utica-Rome Speedway to Vernon NY. Alain Bergeron had ended in the fourteenth place in 2004 at this track.
After not having qualified from the A-Main at the first race of the season at Weedsport, Alain Bergeron came back strong by taking the checkered flag at Malta NY. That places him in seventh place of the general standing of the series.
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