HOMESTEAD, FL – (October 30, 2006) – Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS) announced today that former Formula One star and NASCAR Busch Series rookie Juan Pablo Montoya will compete in the Ford 300 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 18. Montoya will drive the No. 42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge under the lights on the Speedway’s 18 to 20-degree variable banking.
As a South Florida resident, Homestead-Miami Speedway is considered the ‘home’ track for the Colombian-born Montoya, where he is often spotted zipping around the Speedway’s karting track in his spare time. Although Montoya made his NASCAR Busch Series debut in Memphis, the Ford 300 will be his first opportunity to compete as a NASCAR driver in his adopted hometown.
“We are very excited about Juan Pablo’s participation in the Busch Series and look forward to welcoming him back to Homestead-Miami Speedway during Ford Championship Weekend this November,” said Speedway President Curtis Gray. “He has an extremely loyal and dedicated international fan-base and we know that many of his fans live right here within South Florida’s diverse population.
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Monday, October 30, 2006
Richard Day writes about his late friend, WOO founder Ted Johnson
Richard Day, who was the longtime PR man for the World of Outlaws, wrote this piece on his late friend Ted Johnson, who founded the popular tour.
"In early January of 1987, I was a young sportswriter searching for a new career path when I saw “World of Outlaws” in the Sports Promotions section of the Dallas Yellow Pages. Not knowing if it was a group of gangsters or a Wild West show, I called the business and Ted Johnson belted out “World o’ Outlaws” as he answered the phone. His explanation of what his company was all about was so intriguing, I immediately said I was interested in working for him even though I had very little experience writing about auto racing. It just so happened that Johnson’s previous publicist, Gary Guehler, left the company a couple of months earlier to pursue other interests."
... continued at the link above.
ADVERTISER SPOTLIGHT: Carbotech Engineering
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Friday, October 27, 2006
PAUL TRACY COMMITTED TO CHAMP CAR
Las Vegas, Nev. (October 27, 2006) - Paul Tracy is Champ Car’s 2003 champion and he leads the series with 30 wins and over 4000 laps led. He is, without question, the face of Champ Car and has entertained fans globally as the driver of Gerald Forsythe’s #3 Indeck car.
He is a man who has passion for his sport and who is driven to win. Most importantly, anyone who knows P.T. well will tell you that he is loyal. In his 15-year career, he has driven for only 4 teams, which is unheard of these days in a sport where drivers are quick to chase the big money and head to where the grass appears to be greener.
One of the most talented and colorful race car drivers in the business, Tracy has decided to remain loyal to Champ Car and abandon plans to participate in NASCAR in 2007. Tracy participated in six NASCAR Busch Series races in 2006 and showed signs of potentially having a successful career in stock cars.
But, Tracy knows where he comes from.
“I enjoyed my experiences in NASCAR and I appreciate the relationships that I have developed during my first season of stock cars, especially with Sport Clips and American Crew,” Tracy said. “However, Champ Car is where my heart is and it’s where I come from and it’s what has put me where I am today and what has given my family and I this lifestyle. I have a great relationship with Gerry Forsythe and I am committed to returning in 2007 and doing whatever I can to give Forsythe Racing another championship. I have a great team and I am fully committed to working with them to consistently put us in Victory Lane.”
He continued, “I can’t thank Gordon Logan at Sport Clips and John Mulgrew at American Crew enough for believing in me and giving me my first shot at NASCAR. I have great relationships with both of them and they will remain personal friends as well as personal sponsors. I am also appreciative of my relationship with Jim France and everything he did to help facilitate my entry into NASCAR.”
As for his former open-wheel counterparts defecting to NASCAR, Tracy was supportive but once again loyal to his series.
“I wish the best for A.J. Allmendinger and Juan Montoya in NASCAR, however I am committed to continuing my career in Champ Car and building the series in order that it will get both the national and global attention that it deserves. Champ Car is a great series that provides excitement week-in and week-out. In Australia, we had over 300,000 people there. Is that not exciting? Sure it is, and I want to be a part of it. Next season we open in Las Vegas and we also head to China. Great things are happening in Champ Car and people need to pay closer attention to what we have going on over here.”
# # #
From Doug Barnette // PMI
Thursday, October 26, 2006
BUSCH: SHEPHERD TO PRACTICE AND QUALIFY ROUSH RACING'S NO. 60 FORD IN MEMPHIS
CONCORD, N.C. (October 25, 2006) - Roush Racing developmental driver, Peter Shepherd, will practice and qualify Carl Edwards' Busch Series No. 60 FreeCreditReport.com Ford Fusion this weekend in Memphis. This will be Shepherd's inaugural Busch Series event. Shepherd has competed in three NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races this season for Roush Racing, the first of which was at Memphis. Shepherd qualified 25th and finished 23rd in that race.
Carl Edwards is part owner of the USAC Silver Crown race car that Shepherd competed in this year and has helped Shepherd out with driving tips throughout the season. Now Shepherd can return the favor while gaining valuable seat time. With Edwards in Atlanta for the Nextel Cup race he will miss all Busch practice sessions and qualifying for Saturday's Sam's Town 250.
Shepherd will step in to practice and qualify the car while Edwards fulfills his Nextel Cup responsibilities in the No. 99 Office Depot Ford Fusion at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Shepherd is prepared to start the Busch race if Edwards does not make it to Memphis in time for the green flag.
"I am really thrilled for this opportunity," Shepherd said. "Pierre Kuettel (P.K.) and the whole No. 60 team are great at what they do and I can't wait to help out and learn at the same time. I hope we can get the No. 60 FreeCreditReport.com Ford Fusion handling just right so Carl can jump in and win the race."
Edwards said he had confidence in Shepherd's ability to perform.
"Peter has been doing a great job driving," Edwards said. "He finished the season driving my RE Technologies Silver Crown USAC Car, and I got a chance to spot for him in Chicago and was really impressed with him, just like everyone else. He is a super nice kid; he has a great family and will be a great driver. Peter has tested the Silver Crown car at Memphis and ran the truck there so we thought he would be the perfect guy to get the car set up and ready to race."
###
From Nancy Padula // Roush Racing
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Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Chevy set to swap Monte Carlo for the Impala
Monte Carlo.... Lumina.... Monte Carlo.... Impala....
Next season, GM's Chevrolet brand will run under two banners in NASCAR Nextel Cup. According to a report on TSN.CA, the Chevrolet Impala SS will compete in the 'Car of Tomorrow' events, while the current Monte Carlo - the winningest car in NASCAR history - will be in action in non-COT races.
Rick Hendrick is scheduled to pull the wraps off the car this weekend in Atlanta.
The piece also says that Dodge plans to run a stock version of its Avenger.
Plans for the Busch Series (by 2010) include introducing the Ford Mustang, the Chevy Camaro, the Toyota Solara and the Dodge Challenger
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Ron Fellows is appearing at Sherway Gardens Mall
Saturday, November 25, 2006• 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m.
• Autobahn Store - Sherway Gardens Mall
25 The West Mall, Unit 2 (QEW & 427)
Toronto, ON, M9C 1B8, 416-626-9495
Ron will meet fans and sign autographs.
Ron’s Career Highlights Include:
• 2003, 2004 & 2005 FAN Favourite Driver – American LeMans Series
• 2004, 2003 & 2002 American LeMans Series GTS champion
• 2004 & 2003 NASCAR Nextel Cup – DEI
• 2002 & 2001 24 Hours of LeMans GTS champion
• 2001 Overall victory, 24 Hours of Daytona
• Three NASCAR Bush Grand National wins
• Two NASCAR Craftman Truck wins
• 1989 Player’s GM Challenge Champion
Monday, October 23, 2006
INSIDE TRACK: Monday morning notebook
SPORTS CARS: Weaver retires
MONTEREY, CA October 21, 2006 – James Weaver, one of the best sports car racers of all time, announced his retirement today at the conclusion of today’s season ending American Le Mans race at Laguna Seca.
He closed out his unparalleled career on top, winning second place honors in the 2006 American La Mans series championship. Weaver has driven for Dyson Racing for twenty years. He has 100 career victories – achieving that milestone at Mosport in 2005. He is one of the world’s finest sports car racers: he has claimed sixty seven poles, seventy fastest laps, thirty six lap records, and over 200 podium finishes.
“James is phenomenal,” said team owner Rob Dyson. “He has been one of the primary factors in our success these past twenty years. James was always willing to put in more hours than any other driver to get the car right, and that is what separated him from everyone else.” James won thirty-three races and three championships for Dyson Racing. (From Dyson Racing).
***
F1: Massa wins the race, Alonso takes title, Schumi retires
Alonso won his second straight title with a runner-up finish to Felipe Massa at the Brazilian Grand Prix on Sunday. He entered the race needing to finish eighth or better for the crown. Last year, the 25-year-old Spaniard became F1's youngest champion by finishing third.
''The important thing today was to become champion again for the second time and we did it,'' Alonso said. ''Yes, it has been a fantastic weekend.''
Schumacher, a seven-time Formula One champ, needed to win his farewell race to keep alive his remote chance of another title. But the German punctured a tire less than 10 laps into the race, dropped out of contention early and finished fourth.
''Today my racing career comes to an end,'' he said. ''Obviously, it is a special moment for me, and I am proud to have lived my career with some fantastic people, namely everyone who is part of the Ferrari family.''
He retires after 16 years in Formula One with most of the driver records, including 91 victories and 68 pole positions. The 37-year-old driver, racing in his 250th Grand Prix, had a final word for his legions of fans.
... more at the link above...
***
NASCAR: Johnson wins at Martinsville
From NASCAR.com: MARTINSVILLE, Va. -- Trouble for the points leader and good runs for many of his closest pursuers left the Chase wide open on Sunday, setting up what is likely to be a wild four-race battle for the title.
Jimmie Johnson took the lead from Bobby Labonte with 55 laps to go and held it through several restarts to win the crash-filled Subway 500 at Martinsville Speedway, while 2003 champion Matt Kenseth replaced Jeff Burton atop the standings.
Johnson moved from seventh to third in the standings with four races left, and appears to be the driver with the most momentum heading into the final month.
"I'm just happy to finish where we should have," said Johnson, who was denied at least a second-place finish at Talladega when he was spun out on the last lap two weeks ago, then finished second last week at Charlotte. "We've been running up front the last three of four races and haven't been able to close the deal. [Sunday] we did."
Kenseth assumed the points lead when Burton pulled his car into the garage after just 217 laps because of engine trouble, and most everyone took advantage.
... more at the link above...
***
CHAMP CAR: Philippe wins as Bourdais 'three-peats' as champ
SURFERS PARADISE, Australia (October 22, 2006) - On a day when the history-making championship drama of the Lexmark Indy 300 ended after just 18 laps, Nelson Philippe (#4 CTE Racing - HVM Ford-Cosworth/Lola/Bridgestone) made some history of his own in winning his first Bridgestone Presents The Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford event.
Philippe became the youngest driver in the 98-year history of the series to win a Champ Car race, holding off a stern charge from Mario Dominguez (#8 Pemex Ford-Cosworth/Lola/Bridgestone) to score the win in front of a crowd of 101,066. The win was the first for Philippe and the first for CTE Racing - HVM since 2004, and also clinches the Nation's Cup for France for the second consecutive season.
But Philippe was not the only Frenchman celebrating a great milestone today at Surfers Paradise, Australia as while the 20-year-old was cheered for his race win, his fellow Frenchman Sebastien Bourdais (#1 McDonald's Ford-Cosworth/Lola/Bridgestone) was celebrating his own history-making day, after winning his third consecutive Champ Car title.
Bourdais sealed the title on Lap 19 when A.J. Allmendinger (#7 Indeck Ford-Cosworth/Lola/Bridgestone) ended his day - and his title hunt - in the Turn Three wall, eliminating Allmendinger from title contention and ensuring that Bourdais would join Ted Horn as the only drivers ever to win three consecutive Champ Car titles.
... more at the link above...
Saturday, October 21, 2006
BUSTED: Quebec automotive writer tries out for the Daytona 500 on a public highway
Today's Toronto Star has a piece on an automotive writer who was nailed doing 222 km/h in a test car.
Quebec auto writer Philippe Laguë was charged this month with driving at 222 km/h in a 100 km/h speed zone. If convicted, he faces a fine of $948 and a suspension of his driver's licence. Laguë, whose auto reviews have appeared in Montreal's Le Devoir newspaper, told the TQS television network that he'd made "an error of judgment" before he was pulled over by police Oct. 9 at 5:15 a.m. on Hwy. 132 at Longueuil. He was driving a Dodge Charger SRT8 press tester. However, he defended his driving by saying that manufacturers often don't allow their high-performance press vehicles to be driven on closed race- tracks, while they also warn auto writers to watch out for police. He added that he believes that other Quebec auto writers frequently drive at similar speeds. Laguë said that he wants an investigation into why provincial police released the details of his charge to the media.
... more at the link above.
Friday, October 20, 2006
BUMMER: Flamboro calls off Oktoberfest finale
Just got a heads-up from photographer Joe Hamilton who caught this on the Flamboro website (the one that's still up). I guess it's only fitting to end the soggy Ontario short track season with a rainout. Sigh.
"October 20, 2006. 3:45 pm
Oktoberfest Classic Features Cancelled
Dear Race Fans, Competitors and Sponsors
It is with heavy heart that I must inform you that we will be unable to run the Oktoberfest second day events this year. Due to the enormous amount of rain in the past month, the pits and parking lot are in a flooded condition, and it is impossible to stage the event. Several of the Series are unable to return past this weekend, so it is not possible to reschedule to a later date. Any person that has a two day ticket for this event may use the ticket for entrance at the beginning of the 2007 season. I am very sorry for any inconvenience. I hope to see you all in 2007. Lets hope it will be a much drier season."
Thursday, October 19, 2006
ADVERTISER SPOTLIGHT: Bicknell Racing Products
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First batch of inductees announced for the Maritime Motorsports Hall of Fame
ITMN contributor Joan Roue has a piece here, announcing the first-ever group of inductees to the new Maritime Motorsports Hall of Fame.
From the MMHF site:
The names of the 10 inaugural inductees to the Maritime Motorsports Hall of Fame (MMHOF) have been announced. The inductees were chosen by a committee that based their decision on nominations received. The inductions will take place November 18 in Moncton.
The 2006 inductees to the Maritime Motorsports Hall of Fame are (click here for more information):
- Ken Brace
- Walter Brooks
- James D'Accy Jr.
- Caleb Dunn
- Scott Fraser
- Alton (Bootie) Jackson
- Alex Kirkpatrick
- Moncton Motor Sport Club
- Nickerson Family (Son, Norma, Barry, Glenn)
- Shane Scott
Ticket availability is limited and include a reception, dinner and the awards ceremony; they are $75 each. The reception starts at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30 and the induction ceremony at 7:30. For more information please call 1-866-355-8206.
2007 F1 Schedule unveiled.... Canada on June 10... No San Marino
The FIA announced the 2007 Formula 1 schedule. There are 17 races on the calendar, which doesn't include San Marino who are reportedly dragging their feet on changes to the Imola track.
There is a month-long gap in the sked, though, so don't have a stroke if it magically re-appears. It's been known to happen.
(At right, 'Our Lady of Tears' of Sicily)
2007 FIA Formula One World Championship:
18 March Australia
8 April Malaysia
15 April Bahrain
13 May Spain
27 May Monaco
10 June Canada
17 June United States
1 July France
8 July Great Britain
22 July Germany
5 August Hungary
26 August Turkey
9 September Italy
16 September Belgium
30 September Japan
7 October China
21 October Brazil
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
China's F1 boss in corruption inquiry
The head of Shanghai's showcase Formula One motor racing circuit is being questioned over a major corruption inquiry, a state newspaper reported.
Yu Zhifei, manager of the Shanghai International Circuit, is assisting police in the high-profile case, the Shanghai Securities News said.
Mr Yu is being questioned over "illegal operations" at the $240m (£128m ) F1 track, according to the Shanghai Securities News report.
The BBC has more on the story at this link.
IRL releases its 2007 IndyCar schedule
So much for talk of having the IRL be part of the NASCAR Busch Series weekend in Montreal. The IndyCars will be at Michigan Int'l Speedway that weekend.
From IndyCar:
(INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.) -- With the confirmation of Michigan International Speedway on the schedule, Indy Racing League officials have completed a 17-race schedule for the 2007 IndyCar® Series season, featuring the most diverse championship in all of motorsports.
The schedule, which will have races on 12 ovals, three on permanent road courses and two on temporary street circuits, includes every venue which hosted the IndyCar Series in 2006 plus new events at Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio and the Raceway at Belle Isle near Detroit.
“The 2007 schedule is clearly the most diverse schedule in IndyCar Series history and one of the most diverse in motorsports today,” said Brian Barnhart, president and chief operating officer for the Indy Racing League, sanctioning body for the IndyCar Series. “The schedule offers night races, short ovals, speedways, street courses and road courses with each track offering its unique personality that should produce exciting racing.”
Each IndyCar Series event will be televised nationally by ABC, ESPN or ESPN2. The 2007 television schedule will include seven events on ABC, five on ESPN and five on ESPN2.
“We are pleased to once again bring the speed and excitement of IndyCar Series racing to the viewers of ABC, ESPN and ESPN2 in 2007,” said John Wildhack, senior vice president of programming and acquisitions for ESPN. “This will be our 43rd year at the Indianapolis 500 and our 12th with the IndyCar Series. We look forward to more of the close competition and thrilling races that this series is famous for.”
For the sixth consecutive season, Homestead-Miami Speedway will serve as host for the season opener, but for the first time, IndyCar Series teams begin the season under the lights with a prime-time race scheduled for Saturday, March 24.
The race is one of five prime-time races on the schedule joining races at Texas Motor Speedway, Richmond International Raceway, Nashville Superspeedway and Kentucky Speedway as events held under the lights.
“We are committed to continuing the compacted schedule we introduced in 2006 with 17 races scheduled in a 25-week period, including the Month of May at Indianapolis and the two-week lead time for the event at Twin Ring Motegi,” Barnhart said. “In completing the schedule we achieved our two primary goals of returning to all of the venues that were on our 2006 calendar while adding three events to the schedule, and we truly appreciate the efforts made by all of the tracks on our schedule allowing the IndyCar Series to maximize the potential of its 2007 schedule.”
Chicagoland Speedway again will host the season finale on Sunday, Sept. 9. It will mark the second consecutive season that 1.5-mile oval will host the season finale. The 91st Indianapolis 500 is slated for May 27. Other highlights on the 2007 schedule include:
· The IndyCar Series’ stop at Kansas Speedway moves to April 29 giving the IndyCar Series an extra event prior to the Indianapolis 500 for the first time since 2002 while allowing the Kansas Speedway to offer fans a cooler springtime date rather than a hot, humid July date.
· The Milwaukee Mile event moves to June 3, one week after the Indianapolis 500, resurrecting a tradition that began in 1946. From 1947-1995, The Milwaukee Mile traditionally hosted the cars and drivers of the Indianapolis 500 in the weeks following the 500-Mile race. Eight drivers have been able to pull the Indianapolis-Milwaukee double, including four-time Indianapolis 500 winner A.J. Foyt, for whom the IndyCar Series race is named. In addition to Foyt, many Indianapolis 500 champions have competed at The Mile, including every Indianapolis 500 winner since 1946, with the exception of 1966 “500” winner Graham Hill.
· With Kansas’ shift, the historic 3.37-mile road course at Watkins Glen International will have its third date in as many years, July 8, but the Fourth of July weekend has always been the track’s preferred choice for the IndyCar Series event with the intent to make the weekend a mid-summer institution.
· Michigan International Speedway will move from its traditional July weekend to August 5 allowing the IndyCar Series to reach its intended goal of 17 events.
The ESPN alliance dates back to the league’s inaugural 1996 event with ABC’s’ first broadcast of the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race in 1965, a relationship that is the second-longest in sports between a network and sports property.
The complete 2007 IndyCar Series schedule follows:
Date // Venue
March 24 // Homestead-Miami Speedway, 1.5-mile oval (Night)
April 1 // Streets of St. Petersburg, 1.8-mile street course
April 21 // Twin Ring Motegi, 1.5-mile oval
April 29 // Kansas Speedway, 1.5-mile oval
May 27 // Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 2.5-mile oval
June 3 // The Milwaukee Mile, 1-mile oval
June 9 // Texas Motor Speedway, 1.5-mile oval (Night)
June 24 // Iowa Speedway, .875-mile oval
June 30 // Richmond International Raceway, .75-mile oval (Night)
July 8 // Watkins Glen International, 3.37-mile road course
July 14 // Nashville Superspeedway, 1.33-mile oval (Night)
July 22 // Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, 2.258-mile road course
Aug. 5 // Michigan International Speedway, 2-mile oval
Aug. 11 // Kentucky Speedway, 1.5-mile oval (Night)
Aug. 26 // Infineon Raceway, 2.4-mile road course
Sept. 2 // The Raceway at Belle Isle, 2.096-mile street course
Sept. 9 // Chicagoland Speedway, 1.5-mile oval
From IndyCar:
(INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.) -- With the confirmation of Michigan International Speedway on the schedule, Indy Racing League officials have completed a 17-race schedule for the 2007 IndyCar® Series season, featuring the most diverse championship in all of motorsports.
The schedule, which will have races on 12 ovals, three on permanent road courses and two on temporary street circuits, includes every venue which hosted the IndyCar Series in 2006 plus new events at Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio and the Raceway at Belle Isle near Detroit.
“The 2007 schedule is clearly the most diverse schedule in IndyCar Series history and one of the most diverse in motorsports today,” said Brian Barnhart, president and chief operating officer for the Indy Racing League, sanctioning body for the IndyCar Series. “The schedule offers night races, short ovals, speedways, street courses and road courses with each track offering its unique personality that should produce exciting racing.”
Each IndyCar Series event will be televised nationally by ABC, ESPN or ESPN2. The 2007 television schedule will include seven events on ABC, five on ESPN and five on ESPN2.
“We are pleased to once again bring the speed and excitement of IndyCar Series racing to the viewers of ABC, ESPN and ESPN2 in 2007,” said John Wildhack, senior vice president of programming and acquisitions for ESPN. “This will be our 43rd year at the Indianapolis 500 and our 12th with the IndyCar Series. We look forward to more of the close competition and thrilling races that this series is famous for.”
For the sixth consecutive season, Homestead-Miami Speedway will serve as host for the season opener, but for the first time, IndyCar Series teams begin the season under the lights with a prime-time race scheduled for Saturday, March 24.
The race is one of five prime-time races on the schedule joining races at Texas Motor Speedway, Richmond International Raceway, Nashville Superspeedway and Kentucky Speedway as events held under the lights.
“We are committed to continuing the compacted schedule we introduced in 2006 with 17 races scheduled in a 25-week period, including the Month of May at Indianapolis and the two-week lead time for the event at Twin Ring Motegi,” Barnhart said. “In completing the schedule we achieved our two primary goals of returning to all of the venues that were on our 2006 calendar while adding three events to the schedule, and we truly appreciate the efforts made by all of the tracks on our schedule allowing the IndyCar Series to maximize the potential of its 2007 schedule.”
Chicagoland Speedway again will host the season finale on Sunday, Sept. 9. It will mark the second consecutive season that 1.5-mile oval will host the season finale. The 91st Indianapolis 500 is slated for May 27. Other highlights on the 2007 schedule include:
· The IndyCar Series’ stop at Kansas Speedway moves to April 29 giving the IndyCar Series an extra event prior to the Indianapolis 500 for the first time since 2002 while allowing the Kansas Speedway to offer fans a cooler springtime date rather than a hot, humid July date.
· The Milwaukee Mile event moves to June 3, one week after the Indianapolis 500, resurrecting a tradition that began in 1946. From 1947-1995, The Milwaukee Mile traditionally hosted the cars and drivers of the Indianapolis 500 in the weeks following the 500-Mile race. Eight drivers have been able to pull the Indianapolis-Milwaukee double, including four-time Indianapolis 500 winner A.J. Foyt, for whom the IndyCar Series race is named. In addition to Foyt, many Indianapolis 500 champions have competed at The Mile, including every Indianapolis 500 winner since 1946, with the exception of 1966 “500” winner Graham Hill.
· With Kansas’ shift, the historic 3.37-mile road course at Watkins Glen International will have its third date in as many years, July 8, but the Fourth of July weekend has always been the track’s preferred choice for the IndyCar Series event with the intent to make the weekend a mid-summer institution.
· Michigan International Speedway will move from its traditional July weekend to August 5 allowing the IndyCar Series to reach its intended goal of 17 events.
The ESPN alliance dates back to the league’s inaugural 1996 event with ABC’s’ first broadcast of the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race in 1965, a relationship that is the second-longest in sports between a network and sports property.
The complete 2007 IndyCar Series schedule follows:
Date // Venue
March 24 // Homestead-Miami Speedway, 1.5-mile oval (Night)
April 1 // Streets of St. Petersburg, 1.8-mile street course
April 21 // Twin Ring Motegi, 1.5-mile oval
April 29 // Kansas Speedway, 1.5-mile oval
May 27 // Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 2.5-mile oval
June 3 // The Milwaukee Mile, 1-mile oval
June 9 // Texas Motor Speedway, 1.5-mile oval (Night)
June 24 // Iowa Speedway, .875-mile oval
June 30 // Richmond International Raceway, .75-mile oval (Night)
July 8 // Watkins Glen International, 3.37-mile road course
July 14 // Nashville Superspeedway, 1.33-mile oval (Night)
July 22 // Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, 2.258-mile road course
Aug. 5 // Michigan International Speedway, 2-mile oval
Aug. 11 // Kentucky Speedway, 1.5-mile oval (Night)
Aug. 26 // Infineon Raceway, 2.4-mile road course
Sept. 2 // The Raceway at Belle Isle, 2.096-mile street course
Sept. 9 // Chicagoland Speedway, 1.5-mile oval
Monday, October 16, 2006
Inside Track Monday Notebook
The Renault F1 team is butting out by shedding its tobacco sponsorship in favour of financial institution ING. I don't know what I'll do to myself if in the same commercial break, I see an ad for the ING "Save your money!" guy AND the "LEE-LEE-DAHHHHL Cheeken" dude. I might go Elvis on my television.
Not sure what they were thinking cancelling the Flamboro Oktoberfest this past weekend. Saturday morning may have been ugly, but the rest of the weekend was great. Hopefully, next weekend will be as nice.
Canadian Bruno Spengler claimed his third DTM win of the season this week-end on Bugatti circuit in Le Mans. The young Canadian takes second position in championship back. There's more on this here.
And proving that time can heal some wounds, Robby Gordon is heading back to Ford 10 years after he poured gasoline all over his longterm relationship with them and set it alight with his mouth. Gordon doesn't feel he's getting his props from Chevy. Never thought I'd see the day.....
Saturday, October 14, 2006
FLAMBORO: Oktoberfest conclusion postponed to Oct. 21
From Flamboro Speedway's website:
We regret to inform that due to the unsettled weather conditions this weekends race program is postponed until Saturday, October 21.
Pits open at 10:00 am
Racing Starts at 3:00 pm.
Kendall Hebert's mother responds....
In a piece in today's Toronto Star Wheels section, Beth Hebert says that her daughter Kendall did not die in vain. The article is in response to Norris McDonald's article one week ago.
Friday, October 13, 2006
ADVERTISER SPOTLIGHT: Castrol Oil
Castrol Oil
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GREAT NEWS: Benny Parsons announces he's "cancer free"
MOORESVILLE, N.C. – Lowe’s named legendary race car driver and NBC broadcaster Benny Parsons the honorary millionth member of the Team Lowe’s Racing Fan Club on Friday. With almost a million members, the fan club is one of the largest, if not the largest racing fan club in the world.
“Benny symbolizes what is good about the sport of NASCAR and why we think our customers have joined the fan club and made it one of the biggest racing fans clubs around,” said Bob Gfeller, senior vice-president at Lowe’s. “It’s a natural fit to select someone who has given so much to NASCAR as our honorary millionth member.”
Lowe’s Chevrolet driver Jimmie Johnson and Rick Hendrick joined Parsons at the Team Lowe’s Racing Fan Experience on Friday at Lowe’s Motor Speedway where Johnson presented Parsons with a framed cover of a special issue of Track Record – the quarterly fan club magazine.
“Benny is one of my heroes,” Johnson said. “I’ve also gotten to know him over the years and I am glad to call him my friend.”
Lowe’s also made a $10,000 donation in Parsons’ name to the Blumenthal Cancer Center which serves western North Carolina as well as the southeastern United States.
The Blumenthal Center has played a key role in helping Parsons in his fight with lung cancer. Parson’s Oncologist Steven A. Limentani attended Friday’s ceremony and accepted the check on behalf of the Blumenthal Cancer Center.
“This is an honor for me,” said the 65-year-old Parsons who owns 21 Nextel Cup victories over his 21-year career. “It’s hard to believe a fan club in NASCAR could generate a million members and to be the honorary millionth member is gratifying. I certainly appreciate the support racers like Jimmie, fans, and sponsors have shown me over my career and especially in the last few months. Lowe’s donation is certainly appreciated and I hope it will do a lot of good for people fighting cancer.”
Parsons said Limentani gave him “the best news ever” this week.
“Three months ago my family doctor called me into his office and told me I had lung cancer. So Rick Hendrick told me if I was going to fight cancer you have to get Steve Limentani. He helped Rick through his leukemia ten years ago. So we did. The last three months we have been battling the disease. Then Wednesday I had a scan and he called me Wednesday afternoon with the best news…..the cancer is gone…see ya.”
The Team Lowe’s Racing Fan Club expects to surpass the million member mark during October. Members receive a free subscription to Track Record – the official fan club magazine four times a year - plus behind-the-scenes race coverage of race weekends, email updates, and members-only discounts on Team Lowe's Merchandise. Club members can interact with Team Lowe's Racing fans across the world on members-only message boards.
To watch a portion of Parsons announcement go to http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7618450354159890482&hl=en
To join the Team Lowe’s Racing fan club go to http://www.lowesracing.com/.
Your morning laugh
CASCAR, er, NASCAR Canadian Tire Series racer Jeff Lapcevich sent along this picture of a "horrific F1 accident....."
Elliott critical of NASCAR on safety
Flamboro: Oktoberfest Finale this Saturday
Lucas Oil Flamboro Speedway will hold the second half of its Oktoberfest Classic this Saturday.
WHEN: Saturday October 14, 2006
Last chance qualifying for Late Model, Ltd. Late Model and Thunder Car. Qualifying for OSCAAR Super Late Models.
Feature Races 100 laps for Late Models, 50 laps for Ltd Late Models, 40 laps for Thunder cars, 30 lap Mini Stocks Feature, two 25 lap races for Canadian Vintage Modifieds and 50 laps for OSCAAR Super Late Models.
Pits open at 10:00 am Racing Starts at 2:00 pm.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Motocross star Ricky Carmichael signs with NASCAR's MB2 team
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Ricky Carmichael, a 15-time American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) national champion and holder of a record 144 career wins in Supercross and motocross, is moving to NASCAR. On Thursday, he announced a multi-year agreement with the Bobby Ginn-owned MB2 Motorsports operation, which fields NEXTEL Cup Series teams with Joe Nemechek and Sterling Marlin.
But even with his stock car aspirations, Carmichael is not forgetting about continuing his success at Daytona International Speedway where he owns a record five Daytona Supercross by Honda victories.
While he starts a developmental program in 2007 that will consist of events in late model stock cars, ARCA and possibly the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, the 26-year-old Carmichael is also planning on competing in an abbreviated Supercross and Motocross schedule with Team Makita Suzuki Racing.
He says defending his Daytona Supercross By Honda victory on Friday night, March 10 is one of the items at the top of his to-do list.
"That’s probably one of my most favorite races that I do all year,” Carmichael said. “I’m definitely looking forward to it. I’ve got it penciled in on my Supercross schedule. I’m looking forward to it. I love that race. That’s my favorite race."
When he captured his record fifth Daytona Supercross By Honda in 2006 breaking Jeff Stanton’s mark, Carmichael admitted he was a little bit distracted by the intimating 31-degree high banks of DIS.
"When we go there for that race, we park our transporters coming up for the tri-oval there,” Carmichael said. “It’s hard for me to focus on the motorcycle race because it’s such a dream of mine to get out there in a stock car on that track. Especially this year, when I wanted to get something going in NASCAR, that’s all I could think about the whole time I was there. Man, I would just love to get in a stock car out there.”
From Daytona Int'l Speedway
CSC Racing: Roll Cage holds up at Targa Newfoundland
During the recent Targa Newfoundland, competitors Arnold Hoar and Greg Turner had a major incident in their Toyota Echo. Fortunately they emerged largely unscathed. The pair credit their CSC Racing Products roll cage for their safety.
Below are some photos of the wreck, as well as a letter from Arnold Hoar to CSC, thanking them for the quality of their products.
Here are some other comments from the CSC site...
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
David Ragan named to replace Mark Martin in Roush's #6 for 2007
CONCORD, N.C. (Oct. 11, 2006) - Roush Racing today announced that David Ragan will be the full-time driver of the team's flagship No. 6 AAA Ford Fusion in 2007. The No. 6 has been the foundation of the Roush Racing stable, dating back to Jack Roush's beginning into NASCAR's premier series in 1988.
"We are very pleased to have David Ragan going into the No. 6 AAA Ford Fusion next season," said Jack Roush. "David is a driver with outstanding talent and as a result of his actions he is the young man I selected to fill the seat. The No. 6 is obviously a special car to me personally and this organization and we are confident in David's ability to step up and get the job done."
Ragan currently shares the No. 6 Scotts Ford F-150 with Mark Martin and also pilots the No. 50 Roush Racing Ford F-150. Ragan started his first career Nextel Cup race at Dover three weeks ago. He is set to make four more starts in the Nextel Cup Series in 2006 and will make his first start in the No. 6 AAA Ford Fusion in next season's famed Daytona 500.
"This is a tremendous opportunity and I look forward to racing on behalf of AAA's millions of loyal members in 2007. Obviously, I've got big shoes to fill and quite a legacy to follow, but I look forward to the challenge and the next chapter of the No. 6 race team," said Ragan.
"AAA has great confidence in Jack Roush and his entire organization, including their selection of David Ragan as the promising new driver of the No. 6 AAA car," said Kristin Warfield, director AAA Motorsports.
We look forward to cheering David on as he competes in NASCAR NEXTEL Cup racing for the first time, and to introducing him to our members and other race fans at tracks and special appearances throughout the coming year."
Ragan has one pole and six top-10 finishes in 15 starts in the Craftsman Truck Series in 2006. He will make his next Cup start at Martinsville Speedway on October 22nd.
###
Contact: Kevin Woods, Roush Racing
Kasey Kahne to fly MOPAR's "Midnight Camo" scheme at Lowe's this Saturday
Center Line, Mich. — When Evernham Motorsports' Kasey Kahne rolls off the starting grid for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series event at Lowe's Motor Speedway this weekend, the No. 9 Dodge Dealers/UAW Dodge Charger will have race fans seeing blue. Midnight blue camouflage, that is. For the third consecutive year, Kahne's car will carry a Mopar paint scheme in the fall event at Charlotte.
"The Mopar Blue Camo paint scheme on the No. 9 Dodge Dealers/UAW Dodge Charger will be spectacular under the lights at Lowe's Motor Speedway," Kahne said. "This is a cool paint scheme; a different look for the No. 9 Dodge. It would be great to take the Mopar Dodge Charger to victory lane in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series at one of our favorite racetracks. We know how to win at LMS. We won the Coca-Cola 600 in May."
Kahne will look to earn his sixth NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series victory of the season at Lowe's Motor Speedway on Saturday. He drove Mopar's colors to the lead at Charlotte in both 2004 and 2005, before tire issues both years prematurely ended his hopes for a victory. Kahne won the Coca-Cola 600 event at Lowe's Motor Speedway in May of this year, and he'll be looking to return to victory lane again on Saturday.
"The Mopar Blue Camo paint scheme on the No. 9 Dodge Dealers/UAW Dodge Charger will be spectacular under the lights at Lowe's Motor Speedway," Kahne said. "This is a cool paint scheme; a different look for the No. 9 Dodge. It would be great to take the Mopar Dodge Charger to victory lane in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series at one of our favorite racetracks. We know how to win at LMS. We won the Coca-Cola 600 in May."
Kahne will look to earn his sixth NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series victory of the season at Lowe's Motor Speedway on Saturday. He drove Mopar's colors to the lead at Charlotte in both 2004 and 2005, before tire issues both years prematurely ended his hopes for a victory. Kahne won the Coca-Cola 600 event at Lowe's Motor Speedway in May of this year, and he'll be looking to return to victory lane again on Saturday.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
NEXTEL CUP: Apparently Brian Vickers didn't get the memo....
You know, the one saying that it's OK for Earnhardt to spin you out on the final lap, but not the other way around.
And because he didn't get the memo, he needs extra security this weekend at Lowe's Motor Speedway.
CONCORD, N.C. (AP) - Lowe's Motor Speedway is beefing up security for driver Brian Vickers after angry race fans called the track to complain that Vickers wrecked Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jimmie Johnson on the last lap at Talladega.
Beaming in victory lane, Vickers didn't do much to calm people down, using the standard "I hate that it happened...." line. Talk about rubbing a little salt into the wound.
''I got into Jimmie and I hate it,'' Vickers said. ''The last thing I wanted to do was wreck either one of those guys, but what happened, happened. It wasn't intentional.
Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight.
What a great way to let yourself off the hook for something bad.....
"I hate that I robbed that guy's house and stole all his stuff..."
"I hate that I had an affair with my best friend's wife.... It wasn't intentional."
How convenient.
Seriously, though, NASCAR couldn't really do anything about Vickers' win after it has established time and time again that just about anything goes in the final laps.
In Cup, take-outs are racin'.
Sunday, October 8, 2006
Inside Track - Sunday mixed bag
It looks like a great day for the finale of the Autumn Colours Classic at Peterborough Speedway this afternoon. John Fletcher will clinch his first OSCAAR crown by starting the race, so not even a flat tire can spoil his run.
Michael Schumacher's hope for another F1 title blew up today in Japan. His only chance is to win in Brazil and have Alonso score no points to win the championship in a tie-breaker (wins).
Was at the CASCAR Super Series / Sportsman Series banquet on Friday night in London. The tone was extremely positive, especially when compared to years passed. Teams have been told to watch for a 2007 NASCAR Cdn. Tire Series sked in early November, which would be about four months better than it's been. The series is also promising a media kit to the racers (at around the same time) to help them sell their programs.
Lots of tributes to Tony Novotny for getting the series so far. Peter Cadiou was honoured by the Novotnys for all his years of service. Most believe that Peter is the only person to have been at every single Super Series race over the years.
There were also lots of 'old timers' there, including original tech guy Louie Bennett and longtime series administrator Chris Hughes.
J.R. Fitzpatrick was toasted with milk (he's not old enough to drink) as part of his recognition for being the final CASCAR Super Series champion. Sportsman champ Shawn McGlynn and Super Series Rookie of the Year Jason Hathaway joined Fitzpatrick in delivering solid acceptance speeches.
There was also a large DaimlerChrsyler / Dodge / MOPAR contingent on hand to celebrate their second consecutive Manufacturers' Cup award.
I haven't seen the ARCA race (because I was at the banquet), but word spread quickly at the party that Pete Shepherd was running in fourth-place with 20 to go when he was involved in 'the big one' at Talladega.
Everyone's still in shock over Mark Martin leaving Roush to drive for another Cup team in 2007. One option that hasn't come up anywhere (that I've seen) was offered by Louie Bennett, at the banquet. Maybe Martin is feathering a bed for his son Matt at another team... an opportunity that Roush wouldn't offer the second-generation racer. Makes as much sense as anything else.
Speaking of Roush, it sounds as though Jack Roush and Geoff Smith have a different idea on whether or not Jacques Villeneuve might drive for the NASCAR team next season.
JACK ROUSH, Owner-Roush Racing - IS THERE ANY TRUTH TO THE RUMOR THAT JACQUES VILLENEUVE MIGHT DRIVE A ROUSH VEHICLE NEXT YEAR? "That's a possibility. I know we're in discussions. He came to see us in Detroit and he's been in Charlotte and had discussion around our program and what he can do and the rate of which he could get up to speed. If he's got the stomach for it and if we can find the sponsorship for it, that's certainly a possibility."
GEOFF SMITH, President Roush Racing - IS THERE ANY TRUTH TO THE RUMOR THAT JACQUES VILLENEUVE MIGHT DRIVE A ROUSH VEHICLE NEXT YEAR? "The report came over and was translated from Italian, poorly. I didn't really understand what it said, but if it said that he was going to be in a Roush Racing Cup car, the answer is no, we're full up. If the question is whether he's poked around the garage looking for possible opportunities in NASCAR, the answer is yes. I also think it would be fun and exciting for a 35-year-old Formula 1 world champion to be here. But, we do not have a place in our Cup stable. We are constrained. We can only have five. If would could have six, the next announcement that they're about to make would be different."
Hmm....
That's it for now. See some of you at Peterborough, I'm sure.
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Michael Schumacher's hope for another F1 title blew up today in Japan. His only chance is to win in Brazil and have Alonso score no points to win the championship in a tie-breaker (wins).
Was at the CASCAR Super Series / Sportsman Series banquet on Friday night in London. The tone was extremely positive, especially when compared to years passed. Teams have been told to watch for a 2007 NASCAR Cdn. Tire Series sked in early November, which would be about four months better than it's been. The series is also promising a media kit to the racers (at around the same time) to help them sell their programs.
Lots of tributes to Tony Novotny for getting the series so far. Peter Cadiou was honoured by the Novotnys for all his years of service. Most believe that Peter is the only person to have been at every single Super Series race over the years.
There were also lots of 'old timers' there, including original tech guy Louie Bennett and longtime series administrator Chris Hughes.
J.R. Fitzpatrick was toasted with milk (he's not old enough to drink) as part of his recognition for being the final CASCAR Super Series champion. Sportsman champ Shawn McGlynn and Super Series Rookie of the Year Jason Hathaway joined Fitzpatrick in delivering solid acceptance speeches.
There was also a large DaimlerChrsyler / Dodge / MOPAR contingent on hand to celebrate their second consecutive Manufacturers' Cup award.
I haven't seen the ARCA race (because I was at the banquet), but word spread quickly at the party that Pete Shepherd was running in fourth-place with 20 to go when he was involved in 'the big one' at Talladega.
Everyone's still in shock over Mark Martin leaving Roush to drive for another Cup team in 2007. One option that hasn't come up anywhere (that I've seen) was offered by Louie Bennett, at the banquet. Maybe Martin is feathering a bed for his son Matt at another team... an opportunity that Roush wouldn't offer the second-generation racer. Makes as much sense as anything else.
Speaking of Roush, it sounds as though Jack Roush and Geoff Smith have a different idea on whether or not Jacques Villeneuve might drive for the NASCAR team next season.
JACK ROUSH, Owner-Roush Racing - IS THERE ANY TRUTH TO THE RUMOR THAT JACQUES VILLENEUVE MIGHT DRIVE A ROUSH VEHICLE NEXT YEAR? "That's a possibility. I know we're in discussions. He came to see us in Detroit and he's been in Charlotte and had discussion around our program and what he can do and the rate of which he could get up to speed. If he's got the stomach for it and if we can find the sponsorship for it, that's certainly a possibility."
GEOFF SMITH, President Roush Racing - IS THERE ANY TRUTH TO THE RUMOR THAT JACQUES VILLENEUVE MIGHT DRIVE A ROUSH VEHICLE NEXT YEAR? "The report came over and was translated from Italian, poorly. I didn't really understand what it said, but if it said that he was going to be in a Roush Racing Cup car, the answer is no, we're full up. If the question is whether he's poked around the garage looking for possible opportunities in NASCAR, the answer is yes. I also think it would be fun and exciting for a 35-year-old Formula 1 world champion to be here. But, we do not have a place in our Cup stable. We are constrained. We can only have five. If would could have six, the next announcement that they're about to make would be different."
Hmm....
That's it for now. See some of you at Peterborough, I'm sure.
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Friday, October 6, 2006
ARCA: Montoya qualifies on the outside of the front row for his ARCA debut, at Talladega
They qualified for the Food World 250 last night at Talladega. Pete Shepherd will line up 13th. Pierre Bourque missed making the competitive field, while former F1 racer Juan Pablo Montoya outqualified everyone but Bobby Gerhart and will start on the outside of the front row for tonight's race.
CLOSE BUT NO CIGAR FOR PIERRE BOURQUE AT TALLADEGA
TALLADEGA, Ala (Friday October 6, 2006) – Pierre Bourque's bid to make his ARCA RE/MAX Series restrictor plate debut came up short after the Ottawa, Ontario native was shoved out of the starting grid in one of the most competitive fields of the 2006 season.
Hopes were high for Bourque heading into the 2.666 newly repaved superspeedway. In the open test session last week, Bourque impressed many on the circuit with a 12th fastest effort. The plan was to back up his performance Thursday.
In the first and only practice of the day, bad luck struck the No. 1 Driving.Ca-Canada.com-Working.Com-Dose.Ca Ford. A rear tire on the machine blew sending Bourque for a 180 mph loop-de-loop between turns one and two. Bourque masterfully kept his machine off the wall, but the force of the blown tire caused damage to the quarter panel and wheel well.
Bourque ended up 38th on the sheets with a time of 52.144 seconds or 183.645 mph. The team had hoped to maneuver a fast lap in qualifying that would put them in the Food World 250. Unfortunately, Bourque could only post the 38th fastest time in time trials. With no provisionals to fall back on, Bourque had to put an early end to his week.
"It's a a shame that we won't be in the Food World 250," said a dejected Bourque. "I'm not really sure what happened from the test to this week, but we just didn't have the speed. On a track like Talladega, it's all about speed. I thank my Fast Track Racing team for putting a car together; we'll just pick up the pieces and prepare for the next race."
###
By Chris Knight, Bourque Racing
Hopes were high for Bourque heading into the 2.666 newly repaved superspeedway. In the open test session last week, Bourque impressed many on the circuit with a 12th fastest effort. The plan was to back up his performance Thursday.
In the first and only practice of the day, bad luck struck the No. 1 Driving.Ca-Canada.com-Working.Com-Dose.Ca Ford. A rear tire on the machine blew sending Bourque for a 180 mph loop-de-loop between turns one and two. Bourque masterfully kept his machine off the wall, but the force of the blown tire caused damage to the quarter panel and wheel well.
Bourque ended up 38th on the sheets with a time of 52.144 seconds or 183.645 mph. The team had hoped to maneuver a fast lap in qualifying that would put them in the Food World 250. Unfortunately, Bourque could only post the 38th fastest time in time trials. With no provisionals to fall back on, Bourque had to put an early end to his week.
"It's a a shame that we won't be in the Food World 250," said a dejected Bourque. "I'm not really sure what happened from the test to this week, but we just didn't have the speed. On a track like Talladega, it's all about speed. I thank my Fast Track Racing team for putting a car together; we'll just pick up the pieces and prepare for the next race."
###
By Chris Knight, Bourque Racing
ADVERTISER SPOTLIGHT: Competition Insurance
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STICKY POST: This will be the top post until Friday, October 6. Check below for current news.
Thursday, October 5, 2006
IHRA ANNOUNCES 2007 EMAX NITRO JAM™ DRAG RACING SERIES SCHEDULE
NORWALK, Ohio (October 5, 2006) – The International Hot Rod Association announced today the 2007 eMax Nitro Jam™ Drag Racing Series schedule. After 11 races in 2006, next year’s schedule creates a 12-event series throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Including new markets in Tulsa, Okla. and Mansfield, Ohio, the series will again kick-off March 23 – 25 at San Antonio Raceway with the Amalie Oil Texas Nationals and conclude October 19 – 21 at Rockingham (North Carolina) Dragway with the World Finals. Mansfield Motorsports Park will become the new host of the World Nationals on June 15 – 17, keeping the event in Ohio and in close proximity to the sanctioning body’s headquarters in Norwalk. The new event at Tulsa Raceway Park, the Skull Shine Sooner Nationals, will be held Memorial Day weekend, May 25 – 27.
“We’ve hosted extremely successful single-day shows in Tulsa, so the market is prime for an IHRA Nitro Jam event,” said IHRA President Aaron Polburn. “The dragstrip being constructed at Mansfield Motorsports Park already contains the infrastructure necessary for our race. The facility has the experience hosting major events with the NASCAR Craftsman Truck race and IHRA has such a strong fan and competitor-base in Ohio, we’ll without a doubt pack the place.”
The Amalie Oil North American Nationals at New England Dragway, Epping, N.H., which previously has been held in September, will move to July 20 – 22. The IHRA Canadian Nationals at Toronto Motorsports Park will move from July to September 7 – 9. Also, the Suzuki Motor City Nationals at Milan (Mich.) Dragway has been moved to August 24 – 26.
“The momentum we’ve experienced this season will carry into the 2007 IHRA eMax Nitro Jam,” said IHRA vice president of marketing Jim Marchyshyn. “We’ve had a record year. With new markets in Tulsa and Mansfield, Ohio, next year, as well as maintaining our other strong venues, IHRA will continue growing.”
If 2006 proved anything, IHRA demonstrated that by simply altering the elimination ladder, the level of competition, that’s grown drastically in the last five years, could be realized. The result was some of the tightest championship chases in drag racing history. In the past, most championships were already decided with two or three races remaining. However, by placing the No. 1 qualified car against the No. 5 car (in an eight-car field, 1 vs. 9 in a 16-car field), instead of No. 1 vs. the slowest qualified car, IHRA forced drivers to race competitively every round.
“By altering the elimination ladder, we’ve forced competitors to bring their best each time they stage the car,” said IHRA vice president of race operations Skooter Peaco. “Too often we had first round single runs. Not to mention, some cars just run quicker at certain tracks. The new system keeps the quicker cars from racing those that are much slower. The less predictable we make each race, the more exciting it will be for our fans.”
2007 IHRA EMAX NITRO JAM DRAG RACING SERIES NATIONAL EVENT SCHEDULE
March 23 – 25
Amalie Oil Texas Nationals
San Antonio Raceway
April 20 – 22
IHRA Spring Nationals Presented by Advance Auto Parts
Rockingham Dragway
May 25 – 27
Skull Shine Sooner Nationals
Tulsa Raceway Park
June 1 – 3
MOPAR Canadian Nationals Presented by Castrol
Grand Bend Motorplex
June 15 – 17
IHRA World Nationals
Mansfield Motorsports Park
July 6 – 8
CARS RV & Marine & Motorsports Rocky Mountain Nationals Presented by Torco Race Fuels
Castrol Raceway
July 20 – 22
Amalie Oil North American Nationals presented by New England Dodge Dealers
New England Dragway
August 3 – 5
Torco Racing Fuels Northern Nationals
US 131 Motorsports Park
August 24 – 26
Suzuki Motor City Nationals
Milan Dragway
September 7 – 9
IHRA Canadian Nationals
Toronto Motorsports Park
September 28 – 30
Torco Race Fuels President’s Cup Nationals
Maryland International Raceway
October 19 – 21
IHRA World Finals
Rockingham Dragway
Including new markets in Tulsa, Okla. and Mansfield, Ohio, the series will again kick-off March 23 – 25 at San Antonio Raceway with the Amalie Oil Texas Nationals and conclude October 19 – 21 at Rockingham (North Carolina) Dragway with the World Finals. Mansfield Motorsports Park will become the new host of the World Nationals on June 15 – 17, keeping the event in Ohio and in close proximity to the sanctioning body’s headquarters in Norwalk. The new event at Tulsa Raceway Park, the Skull Shine Sooner Nationals, will be held Memorial Day weekend, May 25 – 27.
“We’ve hosted extremely successful single-day shows in Tulsa, so the market is prime for an IHRA Nitro Jam event,” said IHRA President Aaron Polburn. “The dragstrip being constructed at Mansfield Motorsports Park already contains the infrastructure necessary for our race. The facility has the experience hosting major events with the NASCAR Craftsman Truck race and IHRA has such a strong fan and competitor-base in Ohio, we’ll without a doubt pack the place.”
The Amalie Oil North American Nationals at New England Dragway, Epping, N.H., which previously has been held in September, will move to July 20 – 22. The IHRA Canadian Nationals at Toronto Motorsports Park will move from July to September 7 – 9. Also, the Suzuki Motor City Nationals at Milan (Mich.) Dragway has been moved to August 24 – 26.
“The momentum we’ve experienced this season will carry into the 2007 IHRA eMax Nitro Jam,” said IHRA vice president of marketing Jim Marchyshyn. “We’ve had a record year. With new markets in Tulsa and Mansfield, Ohio, next year, as well as maintaining our other strong venues, IHRA will continue growing.”
If 2006 proved anything, IHRA demonstrated that by simply altering the elimination ladder, the level of competition, that’s grown drastically in the last five years, could be realized. The result was some of the tightest championship chases in drag racing history. In the past, most championships were already decided with two or three races remaining. However, by placing the No. 1 qualified car against the No. 5 car (in an eight-car field, 1 vs. 9 in a 16-car field), instead of No. 1 vs. the slowest qualified car, IHRA forced drivers to race competitively every round.
“By altering the elimination ladder, we’ve forced competitors to bring their best each time they stage the car,” said IHRA vice president of race operations Skooter Peaco. “Too often we had first round single runs. Not to mention, some cars just run quicker at certain tracks. The new system keeps the quicker cars from racing those that are much slower. The less predictable we make each race, the more exciting it will be for our fans.”
2007 IHRA EMAX NITRO JAM DRAG RACING SERIES NATIONAL EVENT SCHEDULE
March 23 – 25
Amalie Oil Texas Nationals
San Antonio Raceway
April 20 – 22
IHRA Spring Nationals Presented by Advance Auto Parts
Rockingham Dragway
May 25 – 27
Skull Shine Sooner Nationals
Tulsa Raceway Park
June 1 – 3
MOPAR Canadian Nationals Presented by Castrol
Grand Bend Motorplex
June 15 – 17
IHRA World Nationals
Mansfield Motorsports Park
July 6 – 8
CARS RV & Marine & Motorsports Rocky Mountain Nationals Presented by Torco Race Fuels
Castrol Raceway
July 20 – 22
Amalie Oil North American Nationals presented by New England Dodge Dealers
New England Dragway
August 3 – 5
Torco Racing Fuels Northern Nationals
US 131 Motorsports Park
August 24 – 26
Suzuki Motor City Nationals
Milan Dragway
September 7 – 9
IHRA Canadian Nationals
Toronto Motorsports Park
September 28 – 30
Torco Race Fuels President’s Cup Nationals
Maryland International Raceway
October 19 – 21
IHRA World Finals
Rockingham Dragway
HAMILTON SPEC: Tim Miller's take on NASCAR & CASCAR
Veteran motorsports writer Tim Miller has a piece in today's Hamilton Spectator, talking about the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series.
It kind of clouds the issue of what was 'bought' and 'sold' leading up to the Sept. 12 announcement in Toronto, but it's a convoluted concept to begin with.
It's my understanding that the deal is effective January 1, 2007. But that after tomorrow night's banquet in London, there will be no more mention of CASCAR. At that point, everything will be geared toward promoting the new entity (The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series).
Common sense would tell you that it's anything but ''clean' to purchase something as ambiguous and intangible as a sanctioning body. What is CASCAR? A name? A logo? A legacy? A rulebook? The assets and/or debts? Certainly it's not the tracks, teams, drivers or cars.
Therefore, the easiest way to go about it, I suspect, would be to have Tony Novotny agree to wind down CASCAR on his own. In return, he might receive a sum of money and possibly sign on as a paid consultant to the new series for a pre-determined period of time.
So while NASCAR may not have actually "bought" CASCAR, I suspect there is an agreement between the two parties that will see Tony Novotny compensated to co-operate in a transitional process that will result in a very CASCAR-like product on track next season, called the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series.
Further murkying the waters was the 'cease & desist' letter from NASCAR's legal dept. on Sept. 18, 2006, informing "CASCAR ONLINE" webmaster Evan Towle that "...you are using the CASCAR trademark, of which NASCAR is now the rightful owner..." So they obviously believe they own the logo.
However, while all of these things may appear to be a bit of a 'tangled web', the end result will be that CASCAR is heading into the history books and everyone is excited about the NASCAR-owned and operated "NASCAR Canadian Tire Series".
It kind of clouds the issue of what was 'bought' and 'sold' leading up to the Sept. 12 announcement in Toronto, but it's a convoluted concept to begin with.
It's my understanding that the deal is effective January 1, 2007. But that after tomorrow night's banquet in London, there will be no more mention of CASCAR. At that point, everything will be geared toward promoting the new entity (The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series).
Common sense would tell you that it's anything but ''clean' to purchase something as ambiguous and intangible as a sanctioning body. What is CASCAR? A name? A logo? A legacy? A rulebook? The assets and/or debts? Certainly it's not the tracks, teams, drivers or cars.
Therefore, the easiest way to go about it, I suspect, would be to have Tony Novotny agree to wind down CASCAR on his own. In return, he might receive a sum of money and possibly sign on as a paid consultant to the new series for a pre-determined period of time.
So while NASCAR may not have actually "bought" CASCAR, I suspect there is an agreement between the two parties that will see Tony Novotny compensated to co-operate in a transitional process that will result in a very CASCAR-like product on track next season, called the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series.
Further murkying the waters was the 'cease & desist' letter from NASCAR's legal dept. on Sept. 18, 2006, informing "CASCAR ONLINE" webmaster Evan Towle that "...you are using the CASCAR trademark, of which NASCAR is now the rightful owner..." So they obviously believe they own the logo.
However, while all of these things may appear to be a bit of a 'tangled web', the end result will be that CASCAR is heading into the history books and everyone is excited about the NASCAR-owned and operated "NASCAR Canadian Tire Series".
Wednesday, October 4, 2006
Alonso whining his way to second place
You'd think Renault F1 would want to send Fernando Alonso off to Mclaren next year with a world title to drive home just how bone-headed a move it might be.
Not so, according to Alonso, who is quickly becoming the new Villeneuve of F1. One world title and years of whining afterwords.
Check the article on ITV's F1 site.
CASCAR TV: Dodge Dealers of Ontario Dodge Charger 250 presented by MOPAR from Kawartha Speedway
Watch the 90-minute broadcast of the Dodge Dealers of Ontario Dodge Charger 250 presented by MOPAR CASCAR Super Series season finale from Kawartha Speedway on SPORTSNET on:
EAST
SATURDAY OCT 7th @ 9:30AM EST
WEDNESDAY 11th@1:00PM EST
ONTARIO
SATURDAY OCT 7th @ 9:30AM EST
SUNDAY 15th@ 12:00PM EST
WEST
SATURDAY OCT 7th @ 9:30AM MST
THURSDAY 12th@1:00PM MST
PACIFIC
SATURDAY OCT 7th @ 8:30AM PST
SUNDAY 15th@ 10:00 AM PST
Click here for a full listing.
Villeneuve signs deal to drive in NASCAR for Roush???
A report on TSN quotes an Italian daily, saying that Canada's Jacques Villeneuve will drive in NASCAR for Jack Roush in 2007. If true, it would make him the second Canadian in the Roush stable, joining development program racer Pete Shepherd III.
Killer crash blamed on faulty safety belts
A story in today's Windsor Star regarding the death of teen jet dragster driver Kendall Hebert last weekend at Toronto Motorsport Park starts:
"Kendall Hebert's father said she'd still be alive if it wasn't for a faulty seatbelt that let her get thrown from her rocket car when it hit the wall."
The full text of the piece is here. (h/t SRAMA)
For a full listing of the Google News site about Kendall Hebert's death, click here.
"Kendall Hebert's father said she'd still be alive if it wasn't for a faulty seatbelt that let her get thrown from her rocket car when it hit the wall."
The full text of the piece is here. (h/t SRAMA)
For a full listing of the Google News site about Kendall Hebert's death, click here.
SUPER DIRT WEEK: Flooded Grounds Force Cancellation Action at Can-Am for October 4
LaFargeville, NY – Racing action for Can-Am Motorsports and Entertainment Park has been cancelled for October 4th. The facility is currently underwater due to recent rains in the upstate New York area and with the current forecast predicting strong thunderstorms and rain in the afternoon, management was forced to cancel the show.
“We hated to do it,” stated race director Chip Burdick. “Right now the whole track is flooded and if we get anymore rain then there is no chance we could get the show in. They have been predicting rain all week and with the price of gas and considering it’s just the start to Super DIRT Week, we didn’t want to start the week off with a long night of racing.”
Can-Am was to be the first of three nights of racing for the Mr. DIRT 358-Modified Series. Racing action remains scheduled for Brewerton Speedway and Rolling Wheels Raceway on Thursday, October 5 and Friday, October 6.
Can-Am’s gates will open again on October 14 as the track presents a fall enduro along with racing action for the IMCA and street stocks. There will also be a 4 wheeler drag and 4x4 truck mud runs. Currently Can-Am is also hosting a Fall Go-Kart series with racing action every Sunday at 2pm. Gates open at noon.
For more information on Super DIRT Week, contact their website at www.dirtmotorsports.com. Information on Can-Am Motorsports and Entertainment Parks up coming events and information on the Fall Enduro can be found at www.can-amspeedway.com or by contacting Chip Burdick at (315) 405-2559.
By Megan Rowe, Can-Am PR
PIERRE BOURQUE READIES TALLADEGA DEBUT
TALLADEGA, Ala (Tuesday October 3, 2006) – With a massive number of rookies attempting to make the Food World 250, the final superspeedway event of the season for the ARCA RE/MAX Series, rookie Pierre Bourque is excited to be among them.
Bourque, a native of Ottawa, Ontario will look to make his third RE/MAX Series start on Friday in an entry fielded by Fast Track Racing, the same team that steered Bourque to a 13th place finish at Winchester and a 21st place finish at Nashville earlier this season.
Fast Track Racing was one of over 30 race teams that elected to participate in the open test session for the ARCA RE/MAX Series last week and Bourque impressed, averaging a lap of 51.300 seconds at a fast speed of 186.667 mph, good enough for 12th fastest of 37 cars at the track that day.
“We had a great test,” Bourque said. “The car was awesome and we were fast and competitive. I’m really upbeat about Friday’s race and I think we have a good chance to do well.”
Talladega Superspeedway officials recently repaved the intimidating and breathtaking track and many expect to see one of the best ARCA RE/MAX Series races ever.
“The track is ultra-fast and ultra-smooth, like a baby's bottom,” he said. “The track looks brand new with the repaving. I expect a very fast pace. We weren’t really allowed to draft (at the test) and we were still posting very fast times. I think when we get a group of cars in the draft; we’ll have speeds well over 190 mph. It should be a great race for the fans.”
The Fast Track Racing team won’t be the only guidance that Bourque will have at his side this week. ARCA RE/MAX Series car owner Andy Belmont will also help guide the Canadian driver this week.
“Belmont is a great racer with a lot of heart,” Bourque said. “He's good friends with my car owner and mentor Andy Hillenburg and all those two want is the best for me. I’m very lucky to be working with guys that have so much experience and that will only help advance my career.”
DRIVING.CA, Canada’s No. 1 Automotive website is onside as primary sponsor this weekend.
In addition, CANADA.COM Canada's biggest online community, WORKING.COM, one of North America's top career sites, and DOSE.CA, a cool site that caters to hip Canadian urbanites coast-to-coast, will all serve as secondary sponsors on Bourque’s machine this weekend.
All four sponsors are part of CANWEST-GLOBAL, Canada's largest media company with interests in television, radio, newspapers and the internet.
FULL METAL MINERALS and POLLARA Strategic Public Opinion also join the team as associate sponsors for this weekend’s event.
“Man, this is a great race for our sponsors,” explained Bourque. “Talladega is one of the most viewed races for the ARCA RE/MAX Series and that is great news for our sponsors. We’re all pulling for a great run on Friday and I would like nothing more than to see our hot rod in contention for the win.”
The Food World 250 (94 laps/250 miles) is the 22nd of 23 events on the 2006 ARCA RE/MAX Series schedule. Practice begins Thursday, October 5th with a two hour thirty five minute (9:00am-11:35am EST) session. Pork Pole qualifying is set for that afternoon (3:30pm EST). The teams will receive a Happy Hour practice with limited adjustments on Friday, October 6th with the race set to take the green flag at 4:30pm. The race will be televised on SPEED on a same day tape-delay basis with airtime set for 8:00pm. Visit arcaracing.com for all the latest results from the track.
In addition to running the full 2006 NASCAR Busch East Series and limited starts in the ARCA RE/MAX Series, Bourque also made three CASCAR Series races with Wyoming, Ontario's Whitlock Motorsports.
For further insight on Canwest-Global and its associates please log onto Driving.Ca, Canada.com, Working.com, and Dose.Ca
For more information on Full Metals Minerals, please visit http://www.fullmetalminerals.com
For additional input on Pollara Strategic Public Opinion, please logon to http://www.pollara.ca
To learn more about Pierre Bourque please click onto http://www.pierrebourque.com
###
CONTACT: Chris Knight, Bourque Racing
Tuesday, October 3, 2006
LEAF Open House on Friday, October 20
LONDON, ON - Leaf Racewear is moving up its 22nd Open House with great savings to start on Friday, October 20th instead of Saturday! The event will continue through the end of October and feature great once-a-year discounts on everything in the catalog.
“We had such great response over the phone and the internet the last two weeks that we’re going to start a day early,” says Leaf Racewear President Colin Grandy.
Customers can shop online at www.leafracewear.com , over the telephone using the toll free 800-731-7735 number, fax (519) 453-5460 or in person at the London, Ontario, headquarters. The shop will open at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 21st, and remain open until 1:00 p.m. for racers to cash in on the savings. For those ordering online, the sale pricing will be listed on our homepage. Once an order is placed online, a sales agent will contact you with the sale total and for payment options.
The annual open house kicks off the Leaf Racewear sales team’s busy fall schedule. Among the trade shows where you can find us – National Parts Peddler show in Syracuse, the Dave Dayton show in Indianapolis followed by the Performance Racing Industry show in early December.
If you have any further questions, please write to adam@leafracewear.com , or phone 1-800-731-7735.
“We had such great response over the phone and the internet the last two weeks that we’re going to start a day early,” says Leaf Racewear President Colin Grandy.
Customers can shop online at www.leafracewear.com , over the telephone using the toll free 800-731-7735 number, fax (519) 453-5460 or in person at the London, Ontario, headquarters. The shop will open at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 21st, and remain open until 1:00 p.m. for racers to cash in on the savings. For those ordering online, the sale pricing will be listed on our homepage. Once an order is placed online, a sales agent will contact you with the sale total and for payment options.
The annual open house kicks off the Leaf Racewear sales team’s busy fall schedule. Among the trade shows where you can find us – National Parts Peddler show in Syracuse, the Dave Dayton show in Indianapolis followed by the Performance Racing Industry show in early December.
If you have any further questions, please write to adam@leafracewear.com , or phone 1-800-731-7735.
NASCAR: Busch Series at Circuit Gilles V.
NASCAR: Busch Series at Circuit Gilles V.
Busch Series
Canadian Press
10/2/2006 8:43:57 PM
MONTREAL (CP) - NASCAR confirmed Monday that it will hold a Busch Series race Aug. 4 at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve.
The stock car series announced last week that it would put the Montreal event on its 35-race 2007 schedule but organizers delayed the official announcement until all details were resolved.
NASCAR CEO Brian France confirmed the date with local promoters at a news conference.
"It's a great setting, well-organized, and we're excited to be here next August," said France. "getting everything right on both ends was difficult, but we got the right outcome."
The Busch Series cars, one level below the top-ranked Nextel Cup series, will race on the 4.361-kilometre road track that plays host to the hugely successful Canadian Grand Prix Formula One event.
It has knocked the Champ Car World Series off the track after five years in Montreal, through that circuit has already lined up the Circuit Mont-Tremblant in St-Jovite, Que., 140 kilometres north of Montreal, for a race on July 1.
NASCAR has eyed a move to Canada in recent years after having already staged Busch series events in Mexico.
"I'd expect the Canadian drivers to be better than the American drivers because the know the circuit," said Busch driver Kenny Wallace. ``When we went to Mexico, it was hard to keep up with the Mexican drivers, so I look forward to a Canadian driver winning, if I can't win."
The Busch Series often draws several drivers from the Nextel Cup to its events, but will be tougher for star drivers to make the trip next summer.
The Montreal race will be held one day before the Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono Raceway, more than 600 kilometres away in Long Pond, Pa.
France said he expects several star pilots to make the trip to help ensure its success and to experience a new race on an F1 track, which will need work to lengthen the paddock and pit lane to accommodate 43 Busch cars _ more than double the grid in Formula One.
There may be other familiar faces on the starting grid as well.
Former F1 star Juan Pablo Montoya has joined the Ganassi NASCAR team and former F1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve of Iberville, Que., is reportedly in negotiations to race stock cars for Ford. Villeneuve was recently dropped by the Sauber F1 team.
Normand Legault, promoter of the Canadian Grand Prix, hopes stock cars will be a better draw than Champ Car, whose attendance dwindled from 172,000 in its first race weekend in Montreal in 2002 to 93,755 in 2005, before rebounding to 110,030 this year.
The F1 race regularly draws more than 300,000 for three days of racing at much higher ticket prices.
In June, the municipal government gave Legault's company exclusive rights to hold two race weekends per year at the track. He elected to drop Champ Car for the Busch Series. He had already given up promoting the Champ Car event.
Only two events per year can be held at the track because it is in a busy city park close to downtown, and noise is a factor for nearby residents.
Montreal will replace a Busch race in Martinsville, Va.
Greasemonkey.
_________________
If you are going to spin,
do it coming out of the corner,
not going in
____________________________________
Check out Inside Track Motorsport News
http://www.insidetracknews.com/
Click the Breaking News button.
Busch Series
Canadian Press
10/2/2006 8:43:57 PM
MONTREAL (CP) - NASCAR confirmed Monday that it will hold a Busch Series race Aug. 4 at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve.
The stock car series announced last week that it would put the Montreal event on its 35-race 2007 schedule but organizers delayed the official announcement until all details were resolved.
NASCAR CEO Brian France confirmed the date with local promoters at a news conference.
"It's a great setting, well-organized, and we're excited to be here next August," said France. "getting everything right on both ends was difficult, but we got the right outcome."
The Busch Series cars, one level below the top-ranked Nextel Cup series, will race on the 4.361-kilometre road track that plays host to the hugely successful Canadian Grand Prix Formula One event.
It has knocked the Champ Car World Series off the track after five years in Montreal, through that circuit has already lined up the Circuit Mont-Tremblant in St-Jovite, Que., 140 kilometres north of Montreal, for a race on July 1.
NASCAR has eyed a move to Canada in recent years after having already staged Busch series events in Mexico.
"I'd expect the Canadian drivers to be better than the American drivers because the know the circuit," said Busch driver Kenny Wallace. ``When we went to Mexico, it was hard to keep up with the Mexican drivers, so I look forward to a Canadian driver winning, if I can't win."
The Busch Series often draws several drivers from the Nextel Cup to its events, but will be tougher for star drivers to make the trip next summer.
The Montreal race will be held one day before the Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono Raceway, more than 600 kilometres away in Long Pond, Pa.
France said he expects several star pilots to make the trip to help ensure its success and to experience a new race on an F1 track, which will need work to lengthen the paddock and pit lane to accommodate 43 Busch cars _ more than double the grid in Formula One.
There may be other familiar faces on the starting grid as well.
Former F1 star Juan Pablo Montoya has joined the Ganassi NASCAR team and former F1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve of Iberville, Que., is reportedly in negotiations to race stock cars for Ford. Villeneuve was recently dropped by the Sauber F1 team.
Normand Legault, promoter of the Canadian Grand Prix, hopes stock cars will be a better draw than Champ Car, whose attendance dwindled from 172,000 in its first race weekend in Montreal in 2002 to 93,755 in 2005, before rebounding to 110,030 this year.
The F1 race regularly draws more than 300,000 for three days of racing at much higher ticket prices.
In June, the municipal government gave Legault's company exclusive rights to hold two race weekends per year at the track. He elected to drop Champ Car for the Busch Series. He had already given up promoting the Champ Car event.
Only two events per year can be held at the track because it is in a busy city park close to downtown, and noise is a factor for nearby residents.
Montreal will replace a Busch race in Martinsville, Va.
Greasemonkey.
_________________
If you are going to spin,
do it coming out of the corner,
not going in
____________________________________
Check out Inside Track Motorsport News
http://www.insidetracknews.com/
Click the Breaking News button.
Monday, October 2, 2006
Montreal Busch Series announcement later today
This afternoon, NASCAR will announce a Busch Series race in Montreal for Saturday, August 4, 2007 at le Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
This press conference was supposedly going to take place last Tuesday. But that was before there was chatter out of Montreal about putting an IRL race on-track on the Sunday of the Busch Race race weekend.
I think I heard the screaming all the way from Daytona Beach when they caught wind of the plan to position the NASCAR Busch Series as a support class for the IRL.
So.... given that Roger Edmondson (Grand Am) will be at today's press conference, I would imagine that the issue of Sunday's race card has been resolved to NASCAR's liking.
*****************************
*** NASCAR Media Alert ***
WHAT: Details of a significant NASCAR Busch Series event in Canada
WHEN:Today, 5 p.m. ET
WHO:* Brian France, Chairman & CEO, NASCAR
* Martin Spaulding, General Manager, GMI (Groupe Motorise International)
* John Saunders, Executive Vice President & COO, International Speedway Corporation
* Roger Edmondson, President, Grand American Road Racing Association
* Other distinguished guests including drivers from the NASCAR Busch Series
WHERE: Fairmount Queen Elisabeth Hotel // Montreal, Quebec, Canada
This press conference was supposedly going to take place last Tuesday. But that was before there was chatter out of Montreal about putting an IRL race on-track on the Sunday of the Busch Race race weekend.
I think I heard the screaming all the way from Daytona Beach when they caught wind of the plan to position the NASCAR Busch Series as a support class for the IRL.
So.... given that Roger Edmondson (Grand Am) will be at today's press conference, I would imagine that the issue of Sunday's race card has been resolved to NASCAR's liking.
*****************************
*** NASCAR Media Alert ***
WHAT: Details of a significant NASCAR Busch Series event in Canada
WHEN:Today, 5 p.m. ET
WHO:* Brian France, Chairman & CEO, NASCAR
* Martin Spaulding, General Manager, GMI (Groupe Motorise International)
* John Saunders, Executive Vice President & COO, International Speedway Corporation
* Roger Edmondson, President, Grand American Road Racing Association
* Other distinguished guests including drivers from the NASCAR Busch Series
WHERE: Fairmount Queen Elisabeth Hotel // Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Sunset Speedway: Fall Flea Market
Sunset Speedway is hosting its 2nd Annual Fall Flea Market on Sunday, October 15 at the Speedway.The track is located south of Barrie, in Stroud, ON.
Sad News: Female teen killed in jet car crash at Toronto Motorsport Park
From the Toronto Sun
Ontario teen killed in 480-km/h crash
A teen drag racer died yesterday at the Toronto Motorsport Park track after she hit a wall in her jet-propelled dragster at more than 480 km/h.
Not only was 17-year-old Kendall Hebert's death witnessed by horrified spectators including members of her family, but the event was "carried live on the Internet," OPP spokesman Const. Mark Foster said.
"She was not competing, she was performing for the crowd," Foster said from the park in Cayuga, which is south of Hamilton.
... more at the link above.
Ontario teen killed in 480-km/h crash
A teen drag racer died yesterday at the Toronto Motorsport Park track after she hit a wall in her jet-propelled dragster at more than 480 km/h.
Not only was 17-year-old Kendall Hebert's death witnessed by horrified spectators including members of her family, but the event was "carried live on the Internet," OPP spokesman Const. Mark Foster said.
"She was not competing, she was performing for the crowd," Foster said from the park in Cayuga, which is south of Hamilton.
... more at the link above.
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