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Jason Sides won the opener at Ohsweken Speedway on Friday night to score his third career win at the track in four starts. Joey Saldana, the current World of Outlaws point leader, finished fourth to extend his lead in the series championship standings to 31 markers over Steve Kinser, who finished fifth on Friday night. Jason Meyers is currently third in points with Donny Schatz fourth and Sides fifth.
For more information on the World of Outlaws visit: www.worldofoutlaws.com/sprint.
LONDON, ON - Matt Koricina’s sister Michelle won her first feature in Demar Aggregates Trucks earlier this season and now Matt has a first victory of his own in a race that was shortened by a spectacular crash.
There was trouble very early in the Demar Aggregates Truck feature race. On the night of his birthday, pole sitter Mickey Brydges (17) was fighting to hang onto his lead despite a threat from Steve McCaw (82)when three trucks made contact and spun on turn one. Points leader Paul Fothergill (33), Gary Triska (57)and Michelle Koricina (99) were involved.
McCaw did take the lead off the restart. Fothergill went to the pits but made it back out in time to barely miss another mix-up 3 laps later on turn three that caught up Gary Adriaensen (55), among others, and mixed the line-up up again. At this point the 99 had to be towed off the track and the clean-up crew took care of a significant oil spill. That, plus an aborted restart allowed the 99 to get back out. The 56 of Jeff Showler came in because of a heating problem. Chad Rijnen’s 16 experienced a mechanical issue and went into the pits.
Yet another restart on lap 3 went from green to yellow in a flash as Fothergill ‘s 33 broke an axle, sending him into the cement on turn two.
By lap six, Matt Koricina (93) had grabbed second place and lap traffic at lap 9 shortened McCaw’s lead to a truck length. At lap 13 Koricina took the lead a tangle on turn three took out the second and third place drivers – McCaw and the #3 of Shae Gemmell.
During this caution, Fothergill and Showler both came back to the race.
With Matt Koricina out front at lap 16, Derek Clark’s #7, driven by Scott O’Connor, slammed into the front straightaway wall and burst into flames. The safety crew and emergency response team were on the scene in seconds and O’Connor was out of the truck fast. Clark, who had sprinted to the scene to help his friend, later told the crowd that O’Connor was bruised but mostly okay. The #7 truck, however, is in much worse shape.
The race was immediately declared complete and Matt Koricina won his first ever feature trophy. Shawn Johns ended in second place, Gary Adriaensen third, Steve McCaw fourth and Mickey Brydges, 5th.
Another first-time winner took the Delaware Super Stocks hardware. With Matt Humphrys (04) at the pole, the first caution came at lap 1 with a crash on the front straightaway involving four cars – Jason Lidster (11), Jake Ott (60), DJ DeJesus (9) and Devon Bloemendal (66). Bloemendal actually carried his door panel onto pit road before Whitworth put what remained of the 66 on a hook. Ott’s 60 also got towed off. Lidster’s 11 looked a little crinkled but came back out to join the race.
Humphrys had Steve Smith (84) on his bumper for several laps when the yellow flew at lap 11 as the 74 of Al Bowman took a spin at turn three and he bought himself a place at the back of the pack on the restart.
Kris Lawrence broke away to grab third and Smith kept trying to find his way around Humphrys for the lead. Stephen Richmond joined the top three and the four-pack created a straightaway’s length of empty pavement between themselves and the rest of the competitors.
Lap traffic caused trouble at lap 22. Bowman spun on turn two and caught Stephen Richmond and others up with the slowing traffic, taking Richmond out of the top 5. Steve Smith went to the pits. That left Kris Lawrence to battle Humphrys but he couldn’t quite do it. Humphrys held on to snag his first ever feature win. Kris Lawrence ended second and Jared Shields, third.
Another first-lap caution, this time in NASCAR Late Models. Ron Sheridan (52)was sneaking to the inside of pole-sitter Scott Lindsay (20) when Sheridan spun and the 21 of Matt Pritiko had nowhere to go but into his side. Sheridan pitted to take care of a left rear tire. Pritiko pitted permanently. Jamie Ramsay (22) moved up to second on the restart but it was short-lived. A lap later Ramsay spun on turns one and two, ending up facing tight traffic, but amazingly he wasn’t struck by anyone.
Within a handful of laps, Ron Sheridan was bearing down on the tight top five: Lindsay, Steve Robblee (28), Cole Powell (25), Andrew Gresel (81) and Shawn Thompson (72). That snug fit between Sheridan and Thompson got a little too tight and brought out the caution flag at lap 14. Once again, Sheridan was given the task of working his way up from the back of the field.
At lap 20, the #8 of Marc Jacobs spun, bringing out Sharpie’s yellow flag. The #2 of Doug Stewart had been slowing and came in for some tweaking during the caution.
The final third of the race was caution-free and despite having Robblee on his bumper, Scott Lindsay held on for the win. Robblee was second followed by Cole Powell, Andrew Gresel and Jamie Ramsay.
By comparison, Transmission Direct Enduro was a smooth and virtually trouble-free race. Jeremiah Rabideau had the pole and held on throughout the 35 lap feature to take the win. What made his victory particularly sweet was that after his heat win, his team replaced the #5’s transmission in time for the feature race. Steve Book was second followed by David McCullough, Ed Jeffrey and Steve Lovie.
Transmission Direct Enduro – Heat #1 winner, Jeremiah Rabideau (5). Heat #2 winner, Barry Watson (45).
Demar Aggregates Trucks – Heat #1 winner, Matt Koricina (93). Heat #2 winner, Shawn Johns (00).
Delaware Super Stocks – Heat #1 winner, Matt Humphrys (04). Heat #2 winner, Stephen Richmond (24).
NASCAR Late Models – Heat #1 winner, Jesse Kennedy (5). Heat #2 winner, Ron Sheridan (52).
Next weekend it’s two nights of racing in the Delaware Classic. ISMA – the International Super Modified Association - is making only one stop at a Canadian track this year and that’s right here at Delaware!
Super Modifieds are the fastest vehicles on short tracks and they’re here for two nights – Friday August 6th and Saturday August 7th. Weekend packages and single-night tickets are available. In addition to the ISMA action, Friday night’s action includes Demar Aggregates Trucks and NASCAR Late Models. On Saturday, we’ll have Delaware Super Stocks and Powerade Modifieds ahead of the ISMA feature race.
From Lisa Brandt / Delaware PR
THOROLD, ON - While the countdown continues to the first annual Bob St. Amand Senior Memorial Monday August 2nd – Merrittville Speedway’s Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series Race Teams are no doubt busy preparing for two big nights of racing action. So too are members of the Thorold Track’s Aaron’s Lucky Dog Kids Club.
Fresh off participating in Monday Night’s redraw activities – one of their biggest events is up next on the schedule when CMH Sales and Leasing presents the Meridian Credit Union Box Car Races Saturday August 7th.
“No doubt many have already started on their creations and believe me … the kids are quite creative,” prides (Merrittville GM) Erica Bicknell, “or they could use one of the boxes we have to give out tonight … we’ll have 3 age groups and one entry will be picked as best of show!”
Box car racing affords the opportunity for all kids – not just the members of the 2010 Aaron’s Lucky Dog Kids Club to race on the front-stretch of the d-shaped oval with very little cost or work. All you need is a box … put a hole in the top for their body to fit through … paint and decorate it like your favorite race car and you’re ready to race.
For 2010’s event … parents will become more involved as the children start at one end of the track, run to a predetermined point where their adult crew member is waiting. The crew member takes a shoe off, puts the shoe back on -simulating a pit stop with a tire change.
Once the pit work is completed, the child runs back to the original starting point with the winners receiving a trophy.
“This is a great chance for the parent and child to work together,” adds Kid’s Club Director Mike Barnett, “they can build their box together and then work together in the race.”
Many families will be guests of the “Help a Child Smile” organization will be in the grandstands set to enjoy a night of racing.
“Help a Child Smile” was born in 1986 out of the need to bring some joy into the lives of victims of childhood cancer and their families by providing opportunities to smile and have fun.
“It’s shaping up to be quite a night,” boasts (Merrittville GM) Erica Bicknell, “our 5 stock car divisions … the enduro … and the kid’s races … if there is a night not to miss this season – it’s this one!.”
Kids wishing to enter the Box Car Races can find all the rules and regulations in the can also look for the rules in the Aaron’s Lucky Dog Kids Club Section at www.merrittvillespeedway.com. Since 1993, CMH Sales & Leasing has helped it’s customers with credit problems acquire reliable transportation and reestablish their credit.
CMH Sales & Leasing is located at 169 Hartzel Road in St. Catharines. Visit their location to lease to own a quality used car truck or van or call them at 905-641-8779. Gates open at 5:30 - Showtime is at 7:00.
Prior to next Saturday’s big event for the younger race fans – Cotton Inc. presents the kick off to the Holiday Double header Saturday July 31st and younger race fans can get their box and a set of wheels in the Aaron’s Lucky Dog Kids Club Area.
Racing action will feature another round of the King of the Crates Sportsman Series powered by Niagara Motors in addition to another Turn 4 Collision Triple Crown Event for the 4 Cylinders in addition to the L. St. Amand Enterprises 358 Modifieds and Hoosier Stocks. The night will conclude with the final Grantham Lions Enduro Qualifier accelerated by Niagara College.
Monday August 2nd – L. St. Amand Enterprises presents the Bob St. Amand Senior Memorial 100 lap Big Block Modified Super DIRTcar Series Event – it’s unparalleled … unrivalled and unsurpassed and it’s a must see event.
Since 1972 – a who’s who of DIRTcar Modified Racing have converged on the d-shaped oval the first Monday in August.
The heart-pounding, high-powered, pedal-mashing entertainment includes a 25 lap Duel on the Dirt Home Track Event as Merrittville’s full fendered Hoosier Stocks battle against the Brighton Speedway Pro Stocks in the 2010 Big 6 and a 25 lap Modified Lite Championship Tour Event for the J&S Heating and Air Conditioning Modified Lites.
Merrittville Speedway is located in Thorold Ontario Canada – just a short drive from the International Bridges.
Event Information can also be found by visiting www.merrittvillespeedway.com or by calling 905-892-8266. For further information on the 59th Season – race fans and race teams alike can follow Merrittville on Face Book and Twitter.
OHSWEKEN, ON - Jason Sides really isn't sure what makes him so good at Ohsweken Speedway in Canada, but every single time he has been to the track he has been in contention for a win with the World of Outlaws. He added to his stellar record at the 3/8-mile on Friday night, as he dominated the 30-lap contest score his third win in four starts at the track located in Glenn Styres' backyard.
For Sides, the $10,000 triumph was his fourth World of Outlaws A-Feature win of the season which is a career-high. He won in the series debut at Ohsweken in 2007 and also was victorious last season at the track in the finale, after running up front early in the opener only to have a flat tire force him to the work area.
"It's just one of those places where you have a lot of confidence coming in because you have run well at before and I think that carries into each time we come here," said Sides in Victory Lane. "This is just one of those places that I really like and I hope to come back many times."
Sides sliced his way through lapped traffic for a majority of the race on Friday night after starting on the pole aboard the Wetherington Tractor Service Maxim. He set a blistering pace, lapping all the way up to the 14th-place finisher.
"The car really was good anywhere," stated Sides. "We probably weren't going as fast as the second and third-place cars, but we were getting through lapped cars quicker than them. We were able to choose our lines right and correctly. There were so many lapped cars spread out everywhere that we were trying to pick and choose the right lines to go to."
The only caution of the night flew on the 17th lap with Sides choosing the low line on the double file restart, with Steve Kinser lining up beside him. Sides shot into turn one, quickly opening a lead and was back in lapped traffic just six laps later and weaved his way through the slower machines for the final eight laps.
"I'm not sure if it was right or wrong, but we had been on the bottom the first few times and it's just where I wanted to run," he said when asked about his choice of the low line on the double file restart. "I got a good restart and that helped."
Craig Dollansky used a strong restart on the 17th lap to get around Steve Kinser for the second spot. Dollansky lined fifth in the main event after charging from the 10th starting spot in the dash. He ended up second in the Big Game Treestands Maxim. In four starts at Ohsweken Speedway he has finished seventh or better all four times, with the last three all being podium finishes.
"We had a good run going the other night at Drummondville (Autodrome Drummond) and had a driveline go on us and we started tonight out with another driveline problem," Dollansky shared. "We got that sorted out and just kept working with things. We started deep in the dash and got ourselves forward there. We were able to get pretty close to Jason (Sides) there at the end of the feature."
Donny Schatz snagged the third spot on the final lap from Joey Saldana as the pair drag raced down the front straightaway. He lined up eighth in the Armor All/STP J&J and gained a position on the opening lap and worked his way into the Top-Five just past the halfway point of the 30-lapper. He got around Steve Kinser on the 22nd lap before battling Saldana for the final eight circuits.
"It was a fun race," said Schatz. "Joey (Saldana) got ripping around the top there and then it slowed back down. We lost some ground in the dash and had to make it back up. I had a good car and the fun part is that I know we did something wrong from the first time I hit the gas and we can fix that for tomorrow."
Dollansky had a close call on the 17th lap when Alain Bergeron spun in turn two right in front of him, collecting Kraig Kinser. Dollansky was able to just avoid any contact and restarted on the inside of the second row.
"It was a close call," said Dollansky. "I would have liked to have stayed in lapped traffic or had a few more laps. It seemed like Jason (Sides) was getting loose and I was getting loose too. It's great that we got the event in here tonight. I know they have dealt with rain every time we have been up here the last couple of years."
Schatz has finished on the podium each and every time he has competed at Ohsweken Speedway, as he entered Friday's race with three straight runner-up finishes at the track. He rebounded after falling out of the race at Autodrome Drummond on Tuesday night while running second with a mechanical problem in the late going.
"We haven't been bad here we just need to be a little better," stated Schatz. "Jason (Sides) is good here when they have the speed up when you can just let the tires fry and still go somewhere with the speed up. Hopefully we can come back tomorrow and be a little better. We've been fighting some sort of ignition issue. It took us out of the race the other night at Drummondville and obviously it's not gone yet. We'll keep working on that and hopefully find it and to finish first, you have to first finish. We'll work on that too."
Joey Saldana, the current World of Outlaws point leader, came home fourth in the Budweiser Maxim, with Steve Kinser, who is second in points, one spot behind him in fifth aboard the Bass Pro Shops Maxim.
Danny Lasoski was sixth in the Casey's General Stores JEI, with Doug Esh finishing seventh to earn the KSE Racing Products Hard Charger Award in the Owens-Corning Fiberglass XXX. Sam Hafertepe Jr. used a strong restart on the 17th lap to gain six spot in the Lone Star Speedway Maxim to end up eighth on the night. Paul McMahan was ninth in the Great Clips Maxim. Jason Meyers rounded out the Top-10, after having a flat tire on the 17 th lap and having to restart the back of the field in the GLR Investments KPC.
The World of Outlaws wrap-up the Six Nations Showdown Presented by Arrow Express at Ohsweken Speedway on Saturday, July 31.
OHSWEKEN SPEEDWAY NIGHT #1 NOTES
•FAST QUALIFIER: Kraig Kinser paced the 36 cars that took time with a record setting AMB i.t. timed lap around the semi-banked 3/8-mile oval at 12.047 seconds at 112.061 mph. For his qualifying effort, Kinser earned five bonus points. The next four fastest qualifiers also earned bonus points, including: Donny Schatz (4), Jason Meyers (3), Paul McMahan (2) and Doug Esh (1).
•OHSWEKEN SPEEDWAY QUALIFYING WINNERS: Danny Lasoski, Chad Kemenah, Joey Saldana and Craig Dollansky won heat races. Jason Sides won the dash. Randy Hannagan won the Last Chance Showdown.
• FEATURE WINNERS: There have been 45 World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series A-Feature events held in 2010. The winners include: Joey Saldana (Thunderbowl Raceway, Volunteer Speedway, I-55 Raceway, Eldora Speedway-twice, Dodge City Raceway Park, River Cities Speedway, LaSalle Speedway, Beaver Dam Raceway and Lernerville Speedway), Virginia Motor Speedway, I-96 Speedway and North Central Speedway), Steve Kinser (Volusia Speedway Park, Jackson Speedway, River Cities Speedway, Lakeside Speedway, Eldora Speedway and Autodrome Drummond), Jason Meyers (The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Thunderbowl Raceway, Volunteer Speedway, Tri-State (Okla.) Speedway, Jason Sides (Houston Raceway Park , Tri-City Speedway, Missouri State Fair Speedway and Ohsweken Speedway), Lance Dewease (Lernerville Speedway and Williams Grove Speedway), Craig Dollansky (Lone Star Speedway and Cedar Lake Speedway), Jac Haudenschild (Paducah International Raceway and Knoxville Raceway), Donny Schatz (Volusia Speedway Park and The Dirt Track at Charlotte), Sammy Swindell (Dodge City Raceway and Huset's Speedway), Brooke Tatnell (Knoxville Raceway and Junction Motor Speedway), Dale Blaney (Limaland Motorsports Park), Doug Esh (Lebanon Valley Speedway), Greg Hodnett (Williams Grove Speedway), Chad Layton (Williams Grove Speedway), Paul McMahan (Eldora Speedway) and Fred Rahmer (Williams Grove Speedway).
•3/8-MILE-WINNERS: Ohsweken Speedway is a semi-banked 3/8-mile oval. The World of Outlaws have raced six times this season on a track that size. The winners include: Joey Saldana (Volunteer Speedway and Lernerville Speedway), Lance Dewease (Lernerville Speedway) Jason Meyers (Volunteer Speedway), Jason Sides (Ohsweken Speedway) and Donny Schatz (The Dirt Track at Charlotte).
From Tony Veneziano // World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series PR Director
Ottawa, ON (July 30th, 2010) Pierre Bourque in the #00 Aaron’s Dream Machine Dodge will be looking to keep his positive momentum going at the next event of the Canadian NASCAR series this coming Saturday night at Motoplex Speedway near Vernon, BC.
The three race western swing for Canadian NASCAR series teams began last week in Edmonton and at the end of the race the #00 Aaron’s Dream Machine Dodge driver had improved his position in the overall standings to ninth. “It’s funny how things work out sometimes” said Bourque. “We didn’t have the kind of day we hoped for, but other guys had their troubles too and the result is we moved up in the standings” he added.
Bourque realizes this weeks contest at Motoplex Speedway will be another tough test for the #00 Aaron’s Dream Machine Dodge team but also sees a great opportunity. “This is a tough track but a fun track” said the driver. “The high banks make it fast and exciting to drive and knowing how well our car has performed on ovals we’re expecting to do well again” he stated.
With another solid finish the Bourque has the opportunity to make another significant leap in the overall championship. “Heading into this race we’re only eleven points out of eighth spot overall, and twenty points from seventh. We’ve got a good shot at taking another couple of steps up the standings this weekend” he concluded.
Attached Photo: Pierre Bourque, driver of the #00 Aaron’s Dream Machine Dodge at the Edmonton Indy.
Photo Credit: Sue Chisholm and www.racetimeradio.com
About Aaron's, Inc.: Aaron's, Inc. (NYSE: AAN and AAN.A), the nation's leader in the sales and lease ownership, specialty retailing and rental of residential and office furniture, consumer electronics and home appliances and accessories has more than 1,575 Company-operated and franchised stores in 48 states and Canada. Founded in 1955 by entrepreneur R. Charles Loudermilk, Sr. and headquartered in Atlanta, Aaron's has been publicly traded since 1982. For more information, visit www.shopaarons.com.
About Pierre Bourque: Pierre Bourque will participate in select events of the 2010 Canadian NASCAR Series in his #00 Aaron’s Dodge.
Pierre is supported in this year’s effort by Aaron’s Rents, Mahindra Tractors, Telus Mobility, and Mohawk Internet Technology.
Pierre Bourque’s next scheduled event is this coming Saturday July 31st at Motoplex Speedway near Vernon, BC. All of this year’s Canadian NASCAR series events are broadcast on TSN. For more information about Pierre Bourque, go to www.pierrebourque.net and follow him on twitter at www.twitter.com/pierrebourque
PETERBOROUGH, ON - After looking like the event might end up in a rainout, the sun popped out at Peterborough Speedway on July 24 and the Hurricane Midgets were able to get their race in. A double rainbow appeared... and #7 Jeff Blackburn found the Pot of Gold.
The skies were heavy and overcast in Peterborough when the pits opened for the race teams, and just before the night's events began the clouds opened up and the rain began to fall. Thanks to the crew of Peterborough Speedway with their satellite tracking, we knew it wouldn't last long, and within an hour the races were back underway on a dry track.
It was a Bakers Dozen that showed up for the Hurricanes in Peterborough Saturday night, and it was that magic number that worked for Jeff Blackburn, Car #7 as he took the Checkered Flag for the Feature when he jumped in to 1st position in the 13th lap of a 15 lap feature, after working his way up the field from the 4th line.
The battle for that sweet spot began early as Adam Tyo, Car #27, who currently sits in 6th place for points so far this season and who started at the Pole, took the first 4 laps in first position to the cheers of of the crowd. Then it was AJ Emms, Car #10's turn, and he battled clean and hard to maintain the lead for the next 9 laps. AJ currently sits in second position for points, and is also new to the Hurricanes the year, just completing his last show as a rookie a week before this race.
There were no guaranties in this race folks, and when 7 & 10 came across that finish line it was within a fraction of a second that the win was decided, coming in 3 wide from the 4th turn with Car #48 of Brian Woodland sneaking up and taking the 3rd after battling the middle of the field the entire 15 laps.
The evenings 4 heats, leading up to the feature saw our top two in the feature also each take a race, and Rob McCall, Car #62, along with Hurricane returning vet Richard Woodland, Car #84 each also take a 1st
This was good clean Hurricane Racing at its best folks ! There were no major accidents on Saturday, and this is a true testament as to how good the whole team is this year. Hard, fast, clean racing, and a great show....every time !
FEATURE: 1 - #07 Jeff Blackburn 2 - #10 AJ Emms 3 - #48 Brian Woodland 4 - #62 Rob McCall 5 - #42 Brian MacDonald 6 - #27 Adam Tyo 7 - #11 Paul Dermo 8 - #45 Adam Carrothers (R) 9 - #98 Brent Stieler (R) 10 - #18 Amanda McCall 11 - #15 Sean Reuther 12 - #84 Richard Woodland
HEATS:
Heat 1 - 1) 7, Jeff Blackburn 2) 10, AJ Emms 3) 27, Adam Tyo 4) 48, Brian Woodland 5) 45, Adam Carrothers (R) 6) 15, Sean Reuther 7) 09, Ryan Brown (dnf)
Heat 2 - 1) 62, Rob McCall 2) 18, Amanda McCall 3) 11, Paul Dermo 4) 42, Brian MacDonald 5) 98, Brent Stieler (R) 6) 84, Richard Woodland
Heat 3 - 1) 10, AJ Emms 2) 7, Jeff Blackburn 3) 62, Rob McCall 4) 11, Paul Dermo 5) 48, Brian Woodland 6) 27, Adam Tyo 7) 18, Amanda McCall (dnf)
Heat 4 - 1) 84, Richard Woodland 2) 42, Brian MacDonald 3) 98, Brent Stieler (R) 4) 45, Adam Carrothers (R) 5) 15, Sean Reuther 6) 09, Ryan Brown (dnf)
POINTS: 1) #7 Jeff Blackburn 1052 Pts 2) #10 AJ Emms 964 pts 3) #42 Brian MacDonald 922 pts 4) #48 Brian Woodland 906 pts 5) #62 Rob McCall 875 pts 6) #27 Adam Tyo 825 pts 7) #15 Sean Reuther 822 pts 8) #47 Brent McLean 728 pts 9) #43 Randy Hiusser 721 pts 10) #09 Ryan Brown 710 pts 11) #11 Paul Dermo 620 pts 12) #18 Amanda McCall 326 13) #00 Glen Blaker 261 pts 14) # 72 Nancy Dingman 256 pts 15) #5 Dave Carson 242 pts 16) #45 Adam Carrothers (R) 111 pts 17) #98 Brent Stieler (R) 108 pts 18) #84 Richard Woodland 95 pts 19) #13 Nathan Meneely 43 pts 20) #4 Rob Summers 0 pts 21) #31 Kelly Summers 0 pts
By: Jackie Francis / Hurricane Midgets
Courtesy Sam Tremayne / F2
Jolyon Palmer provided a wet-weather masterclass in a treacherous opening practice session in Brno, the Briton setting a string of fastest laps to top the timesheets for almost the entire 30 minutes. With the rain abating as the session began, the championship leader looked in good touch from the outset and was fastest after his first flying effort. As the track dried, Palmer was able to take advantage and he set about establishing a clear gap between himself and the rest of the field over the first half of the session.
“I was quick straightaway and it felt quite clam,” Jolyon explained – “I just kept plugging away on the laps and I had no traffic really so it was the perfect session. Brands was my worst weekend of the year by a country mile but I'm not going to take any mad risks here - I like the track and it suits my style so hopefully it will be a good weekend.”
As Palmer dominated with a string of purple sectors and fastest laps, Russia's Sergey Afanasiev looked his main challenger but was often only able to close to within half a second of the Briton.
With just ten minutes to go, however, Italy's Nicola De Marco - a polesitter at Brno last year - made the most of a significantly drying track to start his own charge, which eventually saw the Italian finish just two tenths shy of Palmer's overall benchmark.
Benjamin Bailly and Will Bratt also set their fastest times as the session drew to a close, with the Belgian pipping Bratt by just five thousandths of a second to claim third. It was an impressive display by both men, both of whom finished within half a second of Palmer despite never having been to the circuit before.
Having missed out on a first win of 2010 in the last race at Brands Hatch, Kazim Vasiliauskas will be hoping to bounce back this weekend and the Lithuanian got off to a good start by finishing fifth fastest in first practice. Kazim's effort demoted the impressive Sergey Afanasiev into sixth, with the Russian the last driver to lap within one second of Jolyon Palmer's best.
Both Philipp Eng and Dean Stoneman, Palmer's two main championship rivals, could only manage seventh and eighth respectively, although Stoneman did have the difficult challenge of learning the Brno circuit for the first time in the wet.
Natalia Kowalska meanwhile was an impressive ninth, matching her best ever result in F2, while Ivan Samarin - who at one stage had matched exactly Jolyon Palmer's best effort in sector two - rounded out the top ten. Kelvin Snoeks, returning to F2 after a broken ankle forced him to miss Brands Hatch, finished 12th fastest.
A late red flag period, brought about by a stalled engine on the test car of Steven Kane, led to the session ending five minutes early. Jack Clarke and Julian Theobald were the only spinners when the session was at its wettest, although both were able to rejoin without damage.
Weedsport, NY – July 30, 2010 – Series record-setter Brett Hearn hasn’t done it. Nor has DIRTcar Northeast’s career Big-Block win leader Alan Johnson or all-time track feature winner Pete Bicknell.
Matt Sheppard has the opportunity to make history at Merrittville Speedway if he can successfully defend his crown in the Bob St. Amand Sr. Memorial 100 presented by L. St. Amand Enterprises on Aug. 2. In 10 previous Super DIRTcar Series events run at the Thorold, Ont. oval, only Danny Johnson has repeated his trip to victory lane, with no driver able to take two straight checkered flags in the track’s premier summer event.
“I don’t feel any pressure at all going in,” remarked Sheppard, 28, who already owns four first-place trophies and sits atop the Super DIRTcar Series points chart. Victories in the ‘All-Star 100’ and ‘Hall of Fame Classic’ at Cayuga County Fair Speedway, ‘Stars & Stripes 100’ at Rolling Wheels Raceway Park and ‘Longhorn 50’ at Brewerton Speedway have pushed him ahead of both Billy Decker and Jimmy Phelps, tied for second 59 markers back. “We try to win every race we’re in, Merrittville’s no exception.”
“We’re keeping the same set-up as last year and should be good to go if the conditions are similar. They do a tremendous job preparing the track, wish all the places we run could be that good from start to finish. Size (1/3-mile) doesn’t matter when it’s racy with a nice surface and more than one lane to get around,” said Sheppard, who arrived at Merrittville last summer third in the SDS standings with one win under his belt before embarking on a hot streak that would find the JB Motorsports no. 9s Xtreme Lubricants/Bicknell entry parked in victory lane six times during the final 11 tour stops.
Sheppard will be looking to make another mark on Monday in the inaugural St. Amand Memorial that gets underway with Bilstein Shocks Time Trials at 7 p.m. Pit gates open for inspection at 4 o’clock and hot laps get underway at 6:40 p.m. with the first Big-Block qualifying heat going green at approximately 7:45.
Since Merrittville hosted its first SDS show won by Will Cagle in 1981, some of the best drivers ever to buckle into a Big-Block Modified have graced victory lane in Thorold. Sheppard is hoping to set a new standard for generations to come.
“We’re probably going as good as expected right now, doing about the best we can,” figured Sheppard, who tops the entire Northeast region with a dozen Big-Block feature wins. In the 13 Series stops to date, the second-generation standout from Waterloo, N.Y. has set five fast times in qualifying, held the lead in eight main events for a total of 381 laps and copped four heat races. “But there’s still a lot of racing to do.”
“Our goal from the start is to win Mr. DIRT, that would be huge. It’s what everybody wants and at the top of the list starting out every season. We came up just short last year, so taking the program one more step further is what this whole year is about,” added Sheppard, who provided no plans for his future beyond what 2010 may bring.
Among Sheppard’s biggest obstacles to overcome on Monday will be tour regulars and past winners of the Civic Holiday happening, Jimmy Phelps in 2008 along with brothers Alan (’06) and Danny Johnson (’07, ‘90). Hearn (’91) and Ron Smoker (’92) triumphed during the 1990s while Bicknell (’89) and Don McGinnis (’83) joined Cagle atop the podium in the eighties.
Complementing the Big-Block Modifieds at Merrittville on Aug. 2 will be 25-lap Hoosier Stock 'Duel on the Dirt' Big 6 and Modified Lite Championship Tour events. Everyone is invited to arrive early and enjoy the famous Pasta Dinner, served 4-6 p.m., catered by Club Castropignano. Fresh pasta, meatballs, tossed salad, dinner roll and a soda for $10 ($12 on race day). Contact the speedway office (905/892-8266) for tickets today.
Adult general admission tickets on race day are $25 each, Seniors (60+) & Students (13-18 yrs) $23, Juniors (8-12) $10 and Children (under 8 yrs.) Free. A Family Pass is also available for $65 while the Pit Pass fee is $30 for DIRTcar members and $35 for non-members. For additional information, contact the track at 905/892-8266 or visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com on the net.
A reminder that Super DIRT Week reserved tickets will be sold from the novelty trailer at Merrittville Speedway throughout Monday’s show, with Canadian money accepted at par. In addition, anyone purchasing a SDW ticket that day will have their name automatically entered in a second drawing that will reward the winner with a pair of general admission tickets for Syracuse in autumn. Further ticket information is available on-line 24/7 by logging into the SDW homepage at www.superdirtweekonline.com.
From Merrittville Speedway
CORNELIUS, NC - Canadian Steve Arpin gets another opportunity to race for his hometown crowd in this weekend´s US Cellular 250 at Iowa Speedway piloting the No. 88 Realtree Outfitters Chevrolet for JR Motorsports.
"Iowa Speedway isn´t a track you´d expect twice on a racing schedule, so I guess you could say I got lucky. It´s the closest track to my hometown we race," said Arpin. "It´s really special to be able to drive the Realtree Outfitters Chevrolet for Bill Jordan, the folks at Delta Apparel, and everyone at JR Motorsports this weekend."
Arpin has scored one top-10 and one top-15 finishes in six starts for JR Motorsports this season. His best finish came at Daytona Int´l Raceway where he placed 10th. The Fort Frances, Ont. native joins Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kelly Bires, Ron Fellows, Jamie McMurray, Coleman Pressley and Greg Sacks as drivers of the 88 in 2010.
"Iowa is a track I raced on in ARCA (Automobile Racing Club of America), but driving the Nationwide car there will be a new experience for me," explained Arpin. "I will tell you it´s a state-of-the-art facility. The folks up there should be really proud of what they built. As the defending race winners, this Realtree Outfitters team will have some pressure on us. We´re definitely up to the challenge though, and look forward to a chance at getting the Realtree Outfitters Chevrolet its first win of the season."
In addition to his on-track duties, Arpin will be participating in the NASCAR Foundation Track Walk Saturday morning beginning at 10:30 a.m. (CT) followed by a NASCAR Nationwide autograph session from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. behind the Manatt Grandstands. He will also be signing autographs from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. (CT) in the Fan Zone at the JR Nation trailer where fans will be able to purchase Limited Edition Steve Arpin/Realtree Outfitters merchandise.
Realtree, the world's leading camouflage designer, marketer, and licensor with over 2,000 licensees utilizing the Realtree camouflage brand, is primary sponsor of the No. 88 in its second of five races this season. Realtree Outfitters will return to the No. 88 at Bristol Motor Speedway (Aug. 20), Dover International Speedway (Sept. 25) and Gateway International Raceway (Oct. 23).
Live flag-to-flag coverage of Saturday´s US Cellular 250 at the Iowa Speedway is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. (CT) on ESPN2.
From Trina Arpin
Courtesy Ryan Chalmers / Mosport
(BOWMANVILLE, ON – July 29, 2010) The top sports car racing teams and an international field of drivers from 13 countries will arrive at Mosport International Raceway in one month's time as Mosport's 50th anniversary season culminates with the Mobil 1 presents The Grand Prix of Mosport featuring the American Le Mans Series, August 26-29.
The highlight of the Mobil 1 presents the Grand Prix of Mosport will be the prestigious American Le Mans Series, now with Tequila Patron as a presenting sponsor, making their only stop north of the border in 2010. It will be the eighth of nine rounds, making this race critical in the chase for the championships in the Prototype and GT classes.
The world leader in green racing boasts more top manufacturers than Formula 1, NASCAR and IndyCar combined. The elite marques that run in the series include Acura, Aston Martin, BMW, Corvette, Ferrari, Ford, Jaguar, Mazda, Panoz and Porsche.
2010 marks the second year for the Michelin Green X Challenge, a revolutionary competition that rewards Series teams (one prototype and one GT) for their overall performance and environmental impact at each event. The Michelin Green X Challenge is also a season long points championship for both race teams and manufacturers.
Toronto's own Tony Burgess will be looking to make some noise at his home track in the Autocon Motorsports Lola, in the top-level LMP class. Kyle Marcelli of Barrie has made a successful jump to the LMPC class this year and he will co-pilot the #89 Intersport Racing Oreca FLM09. Current point's leaders David Brabham and Simon Pagenaud will look to drive their Patron Highcroft Racing ARX-01 to yet another victory this season in the LMP ranks. Brabham, who drove with Scott Sharp last season, were the victors in the 2009 Grand Prix of Mosport. For Brabham, this race will mark the 100th time that he has drove under the ALMS banner.
In addition to the American Le Mans Series, four popular series, the Star Mazda Championship, Cooper Tires Prototype Lites, Playboy MX-5 Cup and the Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship will also take to the 3.957 km Mosport circuit. The Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear continues their season with round 12 of 13. David Ostella and Michael Furfari of Toronto will have a GTA hometown edge. Quebec City's Mikael Grenier will also represent Canada in this open-wheel series.
Cooper Tires Prototype Lites, the developmental sports car championship, that runs a three-class format race, based on driver's skill levels.
Lites 1 is for the more advanced racers, Lites 2 is a mid-level class and Lites 3 is the entry level class. The Cooper Tires Prototype Lites will run a doubleheader at Mosport which will be rounds 12 and 13.
The U.S. based Playboy MX-5 Cup returns to Mosport and will feature Vancouver native Max Riddle. The MX-5 Cup is an entry level production car-based competition giving drivers an opportunity to race in similarly prepared, low-cost cars with limited modifications.
The country's top sedan road-racing series, the Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship, will make its third and final stop of 2010 at Mosport, boasting a field of more than 30 cars, competing in two distinct classes, Touring and Super Touring. This will be a doubleheader weekend for the Championship. In the Super Touring class, Nick Wittmer of Montreal has a sizable 147 point lead over Toronto's Dave Ciekiewicz. Thornhill native Anthony Rapone, winner of two Series races at Mosport earlier this year, holds a 106 point advantage in the championship standings over Markham's Tom Kwok.
Mobil 1 presents The Grand Prix of Mosport features a wide-array of fun things away from the track for fans to see and do, such as Tech Talks, Driver Chats and an autograph session with American Le Mans Series drivers and teams and vendors selling authentic race-related merchandise. The American Le Mans Series will also feature its famous Open Grid Walk on race day, giving fans an up-close, interactive experience with the teams and drivers on track just minutes prior to the drop of the green flag.
The action kicks-off on Thursday (August 26) with a full-day of testing for all series' except the American Le Mans Series. Friday (August 27) will see practice sessions for all supporting series' and the American Le Mans Series will hold their testing. Saturday's (August 28) schedule starts with both practice and qualifying in the morning, followed by races for Star Mazda Championship, Cooper Tires Lites and the Castrol Touring Car Championship. Sunday (August 29) morning opens with more qualifying and then races in Playboy MX-5 Cup, Castrol Touring, Cooper Lites and the two-hour, 45 minute feature American Le Mans Series race to close out the weekend.
A four-day SuperTicket is just $65 until August 25 ($80 at the Gate). Each ticket includes parking, access to the race team paddock, Mosport Expo and Marketplace and admission to Mosport Speedway's Saturday Night Stock Car racing, located on the grounds. As with all Mosport events, children 12 and under are admitted for free when accompanied by a paid adult admission. Single day tickets are also available.
Family and general camping areas are available. An advanced general camping pass is just $35 for the weekend when purchased before August 25 (tents or pop-up trailers). Advance RV passes are $55. There are full-service washrooms and located on the Mosport grounds.
For the spectators that like to get closer to the action, the Grand Prix Club offers a VIP hospitality package which includes a fully catered BBQ lunch, beverages and bar service (beer and wine) on Sunday. The GP Club Chalet tent is located trackside overlooking the start/finish straight and corner one. Passes are just $200 and are also good for admission to the event on Friday and Saturday.
For more information and to purchase tickets call the Mosport Hotline at 1-800-866-1072 (Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm ET), visit online at www.mosport.com, or email info@mosport.com.
OHSWEKEN, ON - Build it and they will come. Glenn Styres did exactly that when he constructed Ohsweken Speedway right in his backyard in Ohsweken, Ontario, Canada with the intent of having the best sprint car drivers in the world race at his track. Again in 2010, the World of Outlaws will converge on the always racy 3/8-mile in Ontario for two full nights of racing on Friday, July 30 and Saturday, July 31 with $10,000 awaiting the winner each night.
Jason Meyers and Jason Sides split wins at Ohsweken last season with Meyers taking the opener and Sides the finale. Sides is the winningest driver with the World of Outlaws at Ohsweken Speedway, having taking the checkered flag twice in the three races the series has contested at the track dating back to 2007. In fact, Sides has led in each and every one of those feature events. He was running second last season in the opener when a piece of debris cut a tire on his machine, forcing him to the work area. The veteran restarted at the tail of the field and charged all the way back to finish eighth.
Meyers, who was caught up in a first-lap wreck in his debut at Ohsweken in 2007, made up for that last season by winning the opener and finished fourth in the finale. He took the lead from Sides on the 10th lap and would lead the final 21 circuits to score the win over Donny Schatz and Craig Dollansky. Meyers is currently second in wins this season with seven and is third in points, just 18 markers out of second and 47 out of the lead as he chases his first title.
Donny Schatz, the four-time and defending World of Outlaws champion, has been the most consistent driver at Ohsweken Speedway with the series, having finished second in all three events at Ohsweken Speedway dating back to 2007. The North Dakota native has won twice this season and is currently fourth in points.
Joey Saldana leads the series into Ohsweken on the strength of 10 A-Feature wins as he chases his first series title, with 20-time World of Outlaws champion Steve Kinser hot on his heels, just 29 markers out of the top spot as he seeks his record 21st championship. Kinser is the most recent winner on the tour, taking the checkered flag on Tuesday night in the series debut at Autodrome Drummond in Quebec.
A full racing program is on tap each night this weekend at Ohsweken Speedway, with time trials, heat races, a dash, the Last Chance Showdown and a 30-lap A-Feature event paying $10,000 to-win both on Friday, July 30 and Saturday, July 31.
The Buzz:
· Jason Sides looks to add to his strong track record at Ohsweken Speedway, where he has won twice and finished eighth. He has led more laps at the track than any other driver, pacing the field for 52 laps in his three starts.
· Jason Meyers finished first and fourth last season at Ohsweken Speedway after getting caught up in a first lap wreck at the track in his debut there in 2007. He is second this season in wins with the World of Outlaws with seven and is currently third in points.
· Donny Schatz has the best average finish of any driver at Ohsweken, finishing second all three times the World of Outlaws have raced at the track
· Steve Kinser looks to add Ohsweken Speedway to the amazing list of speedways he has won at over the years. He has finished fourth twice at the track and has been among the Top-10 in all three of his starts at the 3/8-mile.
· Joey Saldana has finished sixth in two of his three starts at Ohsweken Speedway. He has one win this season on a 3/8-mile track with that coming at Dodge City Raceway Park
· Danny Lasoski has three Top-10 finishes in three starts at Ohsweken, with one of those being a Top-Five in his debut at the track in 2007.
· Craig Dollansky has finished third twice along with seventh at the 3/8-mile as he looks for his first win at the track.
· Paul McMahan will make his first World of Outlaws start at Ohsweken Speedway since 2007 this weekend. The veteran has finished in the Top-Five in 10 of the last 12 races for the series to lead all drivers during that span.
· Jac Haudenschild will miss the event as he continues to recover from a broken right hand suffered in a vicious wreck earlier this month.
· Kraig Kinser competed at Ohsweken Speedway for the first two times last season finishing ninth and 11th.
· Lucas Wolfe finished sixth at Ohsweken Speedway last season in his second start at the track. He has 13 Top-Five finishes this season as he closes in on his first World of Outlaws win.
· Chad Kemenah has competed all three times the World of Outlaws have raced at Ohsweken and heads to the track with some momentum after finishing sixth at Autodrome Drummond on Tuesday night.
· Sam Hafertepe Jr. will return to Ohsweken Speedway for the first time since 2007. He finished fifth on Tuesday night at Autodrome Drummond.
· Ben Gregg and Toni Lutar, who are competing for the Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year Award this season, will both be making their debut at Ohsweken Speedway.
One year ago: Jason Meyers and Jason Sides split wins at Ohsweken Speedway. In the opener, Sides led early, before Meyers got around him on the high side of turn two and quickly opened a four-car length advantage. Sides began to pull away on the eighth lap, as he entered lapped traffic. On the ninth lap, Meyers nearly took the lead in turn two as a lapped machine stopped in front of Sides, bringing out another caution. On the restart on the 10th, Meyers again went high in turns one and two and pulled even with Sides, with the latter again leading down the back straightaway. As they entered turn three Meyers took the lead with Sides quickly battling back. Meyers would withstand a charge from Donny Schatz late in the race to score the win, with Craig Dollansky third, Steve Kinser fourth and Jac Haudenschild fifth.
In the finale, Dollansky led early, before Sides used a strong restart on the 10th lap to get along sides the leader, nearly taking the top spot from him in turns one and two and then taking the lead as the pair powered their way through turns three and four. Sides quickly pulled away once in front. He was in lapped traffic on the eighth go-around, though the second caution of the night came on the 10th lap giving him clear track to work with. Sides began to pull away with 10 laps remaining as Dollansky and Schatz battled for the second spot. The leader found himself in lapped traffic the last couple of laps, but weaved his way through the slower machines en route to the victory, with Schatz second, Dollansky third, Meyers fourth and Jac Haudenschild fifth.
By the Numbers: Ohsweken Speedway
0.375- Miles around Ohsweken Speedway
1- Driver competing full-time with the World of Outlaws that hails from Canada- Toni Lutar
2- Drivers that have won with the World of Outlaws at Ohsweken Speedway; Wins for Jason Sides at Ohsweken Speedway; Average finish for Donny Schatz at Ohsweken Speedway to lead all drivers
4- Drivers that led laps in A-Feature events at the track last season with the World of Outlaws
6- Track records that have been established in time trials this season with the World of Outlaws
7- Drivers competing full-time with the World of Outlaws that have competed in all three races the series has contested at Ohsweken Speedway
10- Drivers currently competing full-time with the World of Outlaws that raced at Ohsweken Speedway in 2009; A-Feature wins for Joey Saldana this season to lead the series
12.420- Track record established by Joey Saldana in time trials at Ohsweken Speedway in 2009
15- Drivers currently competing full-time with the World of Outlaws; Drivers that have been quickest in time trials this season with the World of Outlaws
16- Drivers that have won A-Feature events with the series in 2010
17- Drivers that have won a dash this season to earn a pole position for a main event
21- Laps led by Jason Meyers en route to winning the opener at Ohsweken Speedway last year
26- Drivers that have led laps in A-Feature events in 2010 with the World of Outlaws
27- Top-Five finishes for Steve Kinser through July 27 to lead the series
29- Points that separate Joey Saldana and Steve Kinser atop the World of Outlaws standings entering this weekend
35- Laps led by Jason Sides last season at Ohsweken en route to a win and eighth-place finish
39- Top-10 finishes for Steve Kinser through July 27 to lead the series
40- Drivers that competed with the World of Outlaws at Ohsweken Speedway last season
52- Laps led by Jason Sides in the three events for the series at Ohsweken dating back to 2007 to lead all drivers
60- Laps of feature racing completion last season for the World of Outlaws at Ohsweken
108.696- Track record at Ohsweken Speedway in miles per hour set by Joey Saldana in time trials last season
269- Laps led by Joey Saldana in feature events this season to lead the series
2007- Year the World of Outlaws first competed at Ohsweken Speedway
10,000- Dollars the winner will receive on Friday, July 30; Dollars the winner will receive on Saturday, July 31
203,100- Dollars earned by Steve Kinser through July 27 to lead the series
Tickets: On Friday, July 30 at Ohsweken Speedway, adult tickets will be $35, with tickets for kids 12 under $20. On Saturday, July 31 at Ohsweken Speedway, adult tickets will be $35, with tickets for kids 12 under $20.
From Tony Veneziano // World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series PR Director
MOORESVILLE, N.C. (July 29, 2010) – Braun Racing is pleased to announce that former Formula One World Champion Jacques Villeneuve will drive the No. 32 Dollar General Toyota in the upcoming Zippo 200 at Watkins Glen International, rounding out the 2010 Nationwide Series road course event trifecta. The August race at “The Glen” will be the road course phenomenon’s debut at the 2.45-mile track.
“I was very disappointed with our end result at Road America,” he said. “We had such a great car and a fantastic team and to not get the win was frustrating. It was difficult to think we’d have to wait until our return to Montreal to try again. I am very much looking forward to the opportunity to race at Watkins Glen for my first time with this talented group. I think it will be a lot of fun and I hope to end this race in victory lane.”
Villeneuve has made three previous Nationwide Series starts with the Mooresville-based team, most recently behind the wheel of the No. 32 Dollar General Toyota at Elkhart Lake’s Road America. Narrowly missing the pole, he started from the second position and was a contender for the win until an electrical issue ended his race on the final lap. He is also scheduled to pilot the No. 32 in the Nationwide Series’ return to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve (Montreal) in late August.
The Canadian driver has found success in racing that is matched by very few. Villeneuve has captured world championships in both the Indy Car World Series and Formula One and was the winner of the 1995 Indianapolis 500, a feat accomplished only by two other drivers. Driving the Dollar General Toyota at Indianapolis Motor Speedway last weekend he joined Juan Pablo Montoya as the only two drivers in history to compete in all three of the historic track’s premier motorsports events: the Indianapolis 500, the U.S. Grand Prix and the Brickyard 400.
“Jacques is the type of driver that any crew chief could hope to have behind the wheel, especially at a road course,” said crew chief, Trent Owens. “Not only is he a very talented driver, but his ability to feel and describe the car’s balance is incredible. Jacques is a great asset to our team and its road course program and we are very excited to have him drive our car at Watkins Glen.”
From Jody Jennings / Braun Racing
LONDON, ON - We hate to admit it but we’re more than halfway through the racing season. Summer goes by too fast! So join us Friday July 30th and savour every minute of the action as we feature four of our exciting racing divisions at Delaware Speedway.
Friday is Exeter Toyota Night at Delaware Speedway. Exeter Toyota is the official supplier of Delaware’s vehicles including our pace truck.
Transmission Direct Enduro fans and drivers can’t wait to get their cars back on the track and Friday night, they’ll do it. David McCullough leads the deep pool of Enduro competitors in points with his brother Derek in third spot. Ed Jeffrey separates the siblings by ranking second.
Steve Robblee will be looking to gain some lost ground in his second NASCAR Late Model race since coming back off an injury. Robblee racked up a win and a second place finish last weekend but he currently sits 8th in the points race. Ron Sheridan is on top with three wins in ’10 and a handful of top-five finishes.
Jason Lidster is your Delaware Super Stocks leader with Kris Lawrence and Steve Smith just a few points off the pace and looking for improve their fortunes on Friday night.
Paul Fothergill now has the lead in Demar Aggregates Trucks but there’s no doubt that Gary Adrieaensen will want the top spot back on Friday.
The spectator gates open at 6 pm and we’re serving up hotdogs for just a toonie from 6-7 pm. Sharpie lets the green flag fly at 8 pm sharp.
www.delawarespeedway.com
From Lisa Brandt, Delaware Publicity
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From Rick Young // www.rickattheraces.com
RICK @ the RACES
24 July Autodrome Drummond (Que)
25 July Cornwall Motor Speedway (Ont)
27 July Fonda Speedway (NY)
MIKE WATTS
It is with great sadness that I start this weeks report with an obituary for one my closest friends in the world of racing. My buddy , Mike Watts suffered a severe heart attack earlier last week and passed away on Sunday 25 July.
Mike was the official track photographer at my local Mohawk International Raceway ( FKA Frogtown International Speedway) at Hogansburg NY as well as the Airborne Speedway at Plattsburgh. As I became a regular race fan at 'Frogtown' I got to know Mike and his wife Jane very well, then when I ventured into race track photography Mike became my mentor. For the past few years the two of us have 'snapped' our pictures side by side at what ever tracks we attended. A typical Friday night at 'Mohawk' would be spent hanging out with Mike and Jane in their souvenir booth between the races. My visits there will never be the same .
Mike was truly a 'Mr Nice Guy' who will be sorely missed.
Here is a tribute from my friend Bill Smith who represents the MIR
REMEMBERING MIKE WATTS, MIR TRACK PHOTOGRAPHER
AKWESASNE, NY -- Mike Watts, track photograph at Mohawk International Raceway (MIR) and Airborne Park Speedway in Plattsburgh, passed away on Sunday morning after suffering a heart attack earlier in the week. The staff, racing teams, fans and sponsors of MIR would like to express their deepest sympathies and condolences to his wife Jane and sons Mike Jr. and Andy, their family and their many, many friends.
Mike Watts had been involved in racing his entire life, first as a fan at Airborne Park Speedway as a child and then first picking up the camera and taking photos of the racing action at the age of sixteen in 1967. He covered racing action at Airborne on a weekly basis from the 1960s through the late 1980s and returned again to Airborne on a weekly basis in 2005 when his close friend Mike Perrotte became promoter and brought the 358 Modifieds back to the track on a weekly basis. Mike Watts was thrilled to "come home" to the track he grew up at and see his friends in action on the speedway.
Mike joined Mohawk International Raceway in its second season, in the late 1980s, when the track was named Frogtown International Speedway and it ran on Friday nights, drawing one of the toughest weekly 358 Modified fields in the Northeast. Mike and his family covered the racing action at MIR every week for over twenty years and Mike and Jane's photo stand was the first stop on race night for so many fans, drivers and officials, not just to get photos and racing newspapers and other souvenirs, but to hear stories, tell jokes and renew friendships.
Mike Watts and Mike Perrotte started the Champlain Valley Motorsports Show in the late 1990s and in the past decade, the show has become a huge success. The Champlain Valley Motorsports Show has become the kick-off of the racing season for most Champlain Valley racing teams and fans, and it is a time when everyone can get together after a long, cold winter to look forward to the excitement ahead in the summer months.
Mike and Jane Watts have been so committed to racing and in many respects, their family life revolved around the sport. Mike proposed to Jane during a racing show at Airborne Park Speedway. Their sons Mike Jr. and Andy grew up at the races and are still deeply involved in the sport.
Mike was known throughout the Northeast as he traveled to many other speedways to cover the action, in addition to covering the weekly action at Mohawk International Raceway and Airborne Park Speedway. His photos were prominently featured in racing newspapers such as Gater Racing News and Area Auto Racing News, in local news coverage, and on many racing websites.
Mike played a special role in racing: His photos document the history of five decades of racing in the North Country. When our memories fade and the old newspaper clippings are brittle, we will always have Mike's amazing photographs to stir our memories and tell the story of the sport we love so much. For that and so much more, we are thankful.
Mike Watts made as many friends as he took photos...and he took a lot of photos over the years. Mike gave so much to the racing community -- he gave us great photos, yes, but he also gave us great memories, great stories and jokes, great times and conversations. He was a great friend to all of us and we will miss him deeply.
Our thoughts and our prayers are with Jane, Mike Jr. and Andy in this very difficult time.
Thank you, Mike, for being our friend. You will be in our hearts forever.
***
Before I move onto more pleasurable news , I have to mention the devastation that happened to another of my local tracks this past week. The Can Am Speedway at Lafargeville NY was hit by a Tornado and many of the track-side buildings were badly damaged. Last Fridays races were canceled (23 July) and work is in progress to get racing resumed ASAP.
My tally of racing this past weekend, netted just two events following another late night finish at work on Friday that ruined any of my plans. As it turned out, none of my three local tracks survived that night. MIR and Edelweiss got rained out while the previously mentioned Tornado damage canceled Can Am.
With the Modifieds taking a night off from my regular Saturday track at Brockville, I made plans to go somewhere a little different. One Ontario dirt track I've never visited is the South Buxton Speedway near Chatham so thought this would be a good opportunity to get it in the bag. It's about a seven hour drive from Cornwall (Ont) and thought it would be wise to check the weather forecast before setting off. It didn't look good, with a definite threat of rain so I decided to 'chicken out'. (I discovered later that it got rained out.)
Instead , I opted to stay reasonably local and take a two and a half hour drive up to Drummondville, Quebec where a 100 lap Ontario versus Quebec Modified race was taking place. There was a good turn out of local cars but unfortunately, only two from Ontario, Laurent Ladouceur (Alexandria) and Stephane Lafrance (Casselman). The big race was led by Clement Therrien up until around lap 75, when Steve Bernard edged past. The high point of the race was watching the fast moving Gino Clair carve his way through the pack to third place in the closing stages. At the finish it was Bernard at the front followed by Therrien and Clair.
On Sunday (25 Jul) the Cornwall Motor Speedway was hosting the Ontario Dirt Late Models as an addition to the program. These cars that made their first appearance at the track last year, went down well, so were invited back again. This time around 25 cars were in attendance and they put on a great show. For most of the feature there was a classic two car dog fight between Greg Oakes (Franklinville NY) and David Scott (Garland, PA) while Peter Mantha ( Gatineau , Que) tailed them in third. As the 35 lapper neared the end, back marker traffic came into the equation. The two front runners chose to stay low while Mantha risked the high groove. The gamble for the Frenchman paid off, and the Quebecer charged through to take the checkers.
The Modified feature also provided a popular winner when young Luke Whitteker got his first Cornwall victory. The former Cornwall 'Kids' Go Karter and Sportsman driver moved up to Mods this year and is already starting to make an impression. Prior to this win , he'd already got two 2010 Autodrome Edelweiss wins under his belt. Other Cornwall winners included Louie Jackson (Pro Stocks) Kevin Fetterley (Semi Pro) and Martin Bernard (Mini Stock)
This should have been my final event of the week, but circumstances changed following the passing of my good friend Mike Watts. Mike's funeral was in Plattsburgh on Wednesday ( 28 July) and I wanted to attend. My regular day off from work is Tuesday's and my employer granted me the Wednesday off too.
I left my place in Cornwall, Ontario around Tuesday lunch time and drove via Montreal to Plattsburgh. I booked into the SUPER 8 Motel around 2-30 pm and then continued to drive south on Interstate 87 towards Albany NY. My destination was the Fonda Speedway for their big Modified and Lucas Oil Late Model Show, 'Thunder on the Thruway'.
I arrived about 6-15 pm just as the warm ups were starting and positioned myself on the center ready to take some pictures. It was a beautiful summers night and I took my lawn chair out on the middle with me.The first people I met up with were Mike Petrucci of Race Pro Weekly and George Smith of Dirt Track Digest.
After the heats and consi's the Late Model feature was first to take place. It included many big names such as Scott Bloomquist, Dan Schlieper, and John Blankenship, but the winner of the 50 lapper was Jimmy Owens of Tennessee. The Modified's closed the evening with their 50 lapper where Ontario's Stewart Friesen ran virtually unchallenged to the flag. There were a few cautions and a red flag situation for Brett Hearn rolling over but on each restart Friesen was uncatchable. The show was over just before 11-00 pm and I was soon heading back towards Plattsburgh where I arrived at the SUPER 8 soon after 2-00 am.
Mike's funeral service took place at St Peters Church on Cornelia Street in the city on Wednesday morning and was attended by many friends from the racing world. Following Mass, the cortege drove to the cemetery for the burial. Behind the hearse, was Mike Perrotte's # 35 Modified on a trailer, and the pace cars of the Airborne and Cornwall Motor Speedways. From the graveside we then moved on to the Airborne Speedway where I joined the other mourners for a celebration of Mike's Life.
RIP 'My Buddy' Mike
PIC 1 'My Buddy" Mike Watts at Airborne 2007
PIC 2 Mike Watts and I working together at the Cornwall Motor Speedway
PIC 3 Kayle Robidoux in action at Drummond
PIC 4 Stephane Lafrance in action at Drummond
PIC 5 Steve Bernard wins the Modified Feature at Drummond
PIC 6 First three at Drummond, LtoR , Therrien, Bernard and Clair
PIC 7 The Late Model of Peter Mantha in action at the CMS
PIC 8 Late Model action at the CMS
PIC 9 Peter Mantha wins the CMS Late Model Feature
PIC 10 Father and son CMS Modified action , Laurent and Lee Ladouceur
PIC 11 Luke Whitteker wins the Mod feature at the CMS
PIC 12 Scott Bloomquist at Fonda
PIC 13 Dan Schlieper at Fonda
PIC 14 Jimmy Owens wins the Fonda Late Model Feature
PIC 15 Modified action at Fonda
PIC 16 Stewart Friesen wins the Fonda Mod Feature
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