Ford of Canada sales up 16%... best month in 10 years

OAKVILLE, Ontario, July 2, 2010 – Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited saw sales increase 16 per cent in June, marking the best month on record in 10 years. With 31,707 units sold, Ford of Canada posted its highest monthly sales since May 2000. Ford finishes the first half of 2010 with sales up 23 per cent, making the company the top-selling automaker in Canada.  This marks the first time in more than 50 years that Ford has lead the market for two consecutive quarters. 

"Any increase for Ford of Canada this month is significant when you consider that we are comparing this June's sales to an unprecedented month this time last year. In June 2009, we were the only major manufacturer to show a sales increase (Ford sales were up 25%) in an industry that was down 14 per cent and where two key competitors were in bankruptcy," said David Mondragon, president and CEO, Ford of Canada. "Customers are rewarding Ford for delivering new products they want and value – products offering leading fuel economy, quality and resale value.  That’s why our business is growing."

In fact,  the average resale values of Ford vehicles in Canada have increased 28 per cent during the past 18 months, according to the RVI Used Car Price Index, as a result of stronger demand for Ford's new lineup along with improved quality and durability ratings.  This increase translates into an average increase of $2,196 per Ford vehicle - more than double the industry average for the same period. That means more money in customers' pockets when it is time to sell or trade their Ford for a new vehicle. 

"The Ford brand now has the highest initial quality among all non-luxury brands, proving that the long-term focus on delivering value to customers is working," said Mondragon.

June Highlights:

*       Overall vehicle sales increased 16%
*       Total car sales up were up 23%
*       Total truck sales rose 13%
*       Ford Focus sales increased 12%
*       Ford Mustang sales were up 32%
*       Ford Fusion sales rose 41%
*       Ford Taurus sales jumped 145%
*       Ford Escape sales increased 23%
*       Ford Explorer sales rose 79%
*       Ford F-Series sales were up 27%
*       Lincoln MKZ sales increased 26%
*       Lincoln MKS sales rose 35%
*       Lincoln MKX sales were up 26%
*       Overall Lincoln sales increased 16%   

From Ford of Canada

RIVERSIDE INT'L SPEEDWAY: NASCAR's Marcos Ambrose enters IWK 250 after injury sidelines Regan Smith

JAMES RIVER, NS (July 2, 2010) - Marcos Ambrose, driver of the No. 47 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car and two-time V8 Supercar champion, will replace fellow NASCAR driver Regan Smith behind the wheel of the No. 10 Cat Car for Kids in the July 17 IWK 250 presented by Steve Lewis Auto Body. The swap became necessary after Smith fractured his left wrist during a recent race in California.

Ambrose, from Launceston in Tasmania, Australia, where he was known as "Devil Racer" has been competing in NASCAR competition since 2006 when he started in the Camping World Truck Series. In 2007 he stepped up to the Nationwide Series. It was an on-track incident in the Montreal Nationwide Series race that year that got Ambrose his start in Sprint Cup competition.

A road course specialist, Ambrose was leading the Montreal race when Robby Gordon and he tussled for the lead. Gordon spun after being nudged by Ambrose under green; Gordon retaliated by spinning Ambrose under yellow, while leading; after Gordon cooled down he offered Ambrose restitution by giving him the chance to drive his Cup car in an upcoming road course race at Watkins Glen.

Ambrose finished the '07 season eighth in the Nationwide Series point standings - the highest of any driver not competing full-time on the Sprint Cup Series. In 2008 he moved to part-time competition on the Sprint Cup Series; he also scored his first Nationwide Series win that year - at Watkins Glen - a road course. The next day after his win he finished third in Sprint Cup competition at "the Glen" behind NASCAR stars Kyle Busch (first) and Tony Stewart (second). He finished 10th overall in the Nationwide point standings in '08.

In 2009 Ambrose's team owner, former NBA player Brad Daugherty formed an alliance with Michael Waltrip Racing to create the team Ambrose currently drives for in Sprint Cup competition. Ambrose piloted the No. 47 car to a 17th-place finish in the series 2009 championship point standings with four top fives and seven top 10s. A part-time Nationwide campaign in '09 saw Ambrose successfully defend his '08 win at Watkins Glen.

Perhaps the most disappointing moment in Ambrose`s racing career came just a few weeks ago in Sprint Cup competition at a road course in California - ironically the same event in which Regan Smith fractured his wrist. Ambrose had dominated the race and was leading four-time series champion Jimmie Johnson when a miscue under caution with less than 10 laps to go saw Ambrose forfeit the lead to Johnson who went on to win the race while Ambrose finished sixth. He is currently 27th in 2010 Sprint Cup Series driver point standings.

Ambrose's venture to Riverside International Speedway this month marks his first trip to Nova Scotia - indeed his first trip anywhere in Canada except Montreal (for the Nationwide race).

"I'm looking forward to going there," said Ambrose. "That was actually one of reasons we decided to make this last-minute change to our summer schedule."

When Ambrose climbs behind the wheel of the Cat Car for Kids it will be his first time in a late model/pro stock type race car - and he plans to seek advice from 2008 IWK 250 winner Regan Smith about what to expect.

"This is my first time in one of those cars," said Ambrose. "You can rest assured I'll be talking to Regan this weekend to get some pointers."

Both Ambrose and Smith are at Daytona International Speedway this weekend for a Sprint Cup Series race. While Smith continues to compete on NASCAR's top level since his injury, all "extracurricular" activities have been halted, particularly over the July 17 off-weekend so to help the healing process.

Smith is disappointed he won't get a chance to redeem himself after a late-race run-in cost him a top finish.

"I was looking forward to going back to Riverside for the 250," said Smith. "It's been a highlight of my schedule for the past three years."

Ambrose, a second generation racer, had a full racing career in Europe and Australia before making his move to North America and NASCAR. He won four Tasmanian Junior karting titles before starting senior competition at age 16. In 1999 he won the 1999 British Formula Ford championship. He was the 2001 V8 Supercar rookie of the year and went on to win championships in that series in 2003 and 2004.

The IWK 250 weekend expands to a three-day event this year and runs from July 15 to July 17. Thursday will see an afternoon practice for all divisions and an evening concert. Friday will see the Napa Sportsman Super Series and Maritime Legends Tour featured on the race card. Saturday will be a full day of pro stock competition starting at 2:30 with time trials followed by heat races at 4 p.m., an autograph session while fans are entertained by Abbey Road - a Beatles tribute band, the B Feature and then the much anticipated IWK 250.

In the last three years the IWK 250 presented by Steve Lewis Auto Body has raised awareness and more than $60,000 for the IWK Health Care Centre in Halifax, the regions top children and women's hospital.

Tickets are now available for the IWK 250 weekend at Riverside International Speedway's. Visit www.riversidespeedway.ca or call 902.863.2410 for seating information and ticket prices.

Riverside International Speedway, a 1/3-mile high banked asphalt oval, is located in James River, between New Glasgow and Antigonish, at exit 30 off Trans Canada Highway 104. Opened in 1969, the facility was completely rebuilt in 2006 to become a premiere motorsports site, comparable to the best short tracks in Canada and the U.S. For more information about Riverside International Speedway, please visit www.riversidespeedway.ca or call 902.863.2410.

From Joan Roue

Brighton Speedway: Canada Day Celebrations Continue this Saturday

BRIGHTON, ON - Another year has passed and we invite you to continue the celebrations of our countries great birthday with our own version of the Canada Day Championships!  This year they fall on Saturday, July 3rd and the place will be pumped as racers, crews, fans and staff get set for some extra laps, double points and extra money on the line in all divisions brought to you by Brighton Automotive! 

The Vanderlaan Building Supplies Late Models, Bainer's Radiator Canadian Modifieds, Brighton Automotive Pro Stocks and the Bills Johns Comp 4 divisions will all kick it off at 5:00 pm for the once yearly event of time trials.  On the line for the fastest cars will will be poll position in both the heats and feature events as drivers take to the track for two laps all by themselves to strut their suff and see who can come away with bragging rights for fastest lap.

At 7:00 pm the green flag drops on the heats, building up to the main event that will feature a 40 Lap Late Model Feature, 40 Lap Canadian Modified Feature, 30 Lap Pro Stock Feature and 20 Lap Comp 4 feature.   When darkness arrives the night sky at Brighton Speedway will be lit up with the awesome fire works display supplied by Mystical Distributing, Trenton!

Schedule for Saturday, July 3rd

Pit gate opens -                3 pm
Spectator Gate opens -     4 pm
Time trials begin-              5 pm
Racing starts                    7 pm

Also be sure to mark on Saturday, July 17th on your calendar as Brighton Speedway and some of our great sponsors have announced the first ever Mid-Summer Scorcher Event.  Brighton Speedway Late Models and Canadian Modified will be taking on some of the best drivers in their classes from upstate New York as we present this unique invitational event.  Late Models will compete for a cool $1,500.00 to win 40 lap main event while the Canadian Modifieds will take on the best IMCA Modifieds for $1,000.00 to win in a 30 lap shootout.  There will also be additional laps and a bonus to the winners of the Pro Stocks and the Comp 4.  July is just around the corner and expected to be hot,  you can expect nothing less from the racing at Brighton Speedway so make sure you plan on being here all summer long!  

For complete details on this Saturdays Canada Day Championships or other great events please visit www.brightonspeedway.com.

Merrittville Speedway: Boltworks Night is this Saturday

THOROLD, ON - When it comes to Boltworks Night at Merrittville Speedway this Saturday July 3rd – you can only think two things. Be there … and be hungry! Boltworks will present $1.00 Pillers Hot Dogs all night long in the grandstand while on the track - racing action will feature all 5 Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series Divisions plus Round Two of the Grantham Lions Ironman Enduro Qualifiers accelerated by Niagara College. A Firemaster Productions Fireworks Display will also provide lots of excitement above the track.

“What a display Sean and his staff put together last season,” remembers (Merrittville GM) Erica Bicknell, “our fans probably still have all the sights and sounds clearly in their heads!”

The Enduro winner will become the second driver to qualify for a potential $500 Bonus from Niagara College if he or she can win the September 12th 100 lap Enduro.  James Mercer won the first qualifier in the May 24th Monday Night Madness Event presented by Zavitz Financial Strategies & Employee Benefits.

Victory in the 100 could be even more lucrative for the winner with a guaranteed starting spot in the $10,000 US to win Enduro that closes Black Rock Speedway’s season.

“We’re happy to celebrate the end of school and both Canada and the US Birthdays with the mid season Fan Appreciation Special,” adds Bicknell, “6 divisions of racing … $1.00 Hot Dogs all night and FIREWORKS … there’s definitely something on the menu for everyone.”

Merrittville Speedway invites race fans to enjoy the great taste of Pillers anytime – look for Pillers at your favorite grocery store in Niagara or visit pillers.com.

Boltworks have been long time supporters of Merrittville Speedway. Owners Sandy Howe and Ross Trout of Boltworks each have more than 20 years of experience each in the fastener industry with vast product knowledge that you won’t find just anywhere.

Sandy and Ross know the nuts and bolts of nuts and bolts and their Eastchester Avenue East location has a complete supply of industrial fasteners – bolts, screws, nuts, washers, threaded rod, rivets, pins, drills, bits, taps, driver bits, hex keys, tools, industrial sprays and more.

Race fans and race teams can visit Boltworks on line at www.boltworks.ca.

Younger race fans will surely want to visit their display Saturday July 3rd to be eligible to win bikes donated by long time Boltworks sponsored driver Kory Howe (J&S Heating and Air Conditioning Modified Lite) and Boltworks’ own Sandy Howe who in recent years has been competing in the Enduro Events.

In 2010, Boltworks is also supporting drivers Paul Klager who drives the Ripley’s Believe It or Not #1 in the same division as Howe as well as the Gaston Auto Sales Andrew Sittler owned #37s driven by Boyd MacTavish.

Enduro Racing at Merrittville Speedway is enjoying a resurgence over the last couple seasons – all leading to the season-ending Motorized Mayhen Event that will feature the Grantham Lions Ironman Enduro Series Finale 100 lap event accelerated by Niagara College.

Enduro Racing is something that just about anyone can get on track with. Just find yourself a car and with some safety modifications – you’re in the show. Depending on the outcome of each qualifier, a driver could run the same car through-out the summer and then again in the Fall Main Event.

“Our Enduros attract all kinds,” relates (GM) Erica Bicknell, “ drivers with no experience … some that have run this type of event before and even some of our regular Saturday Night competitors … but in the end it’s more survival than experience that counts.”

For Enduro Rules and Specifications – visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com. Rules are also available from the Speedway Office during the season and the Novelty Trailer on race nights.

“We’re thrilled that the Grantham Lions are quite involved in the sport this season,” added Bicknell, “it’s a great organization … heavily involved in the community … and we share the same anniversary!”

The Grantham Lions Club was formed in 1952 and is heavily involved in minor sports organizations and like other Lions Clubs worldwide – has Lions Eye Care as a major project.

For information on how you can become a member of the club – visit www.granthamlionsclub.com or visit Hoosier Stock competitor and Lion Ron MacAulay and club members at the track this summer.

Events that race fans should make note of are their Fish Frys the first Friday of every month.

For information on Hall Rentals for your next event – call 905-935-8434.

Individuals considering re-training for a new career are encouraged to take a serious look at the many programs and opportunities available at Niagara College. For further information on technology, apprenticeship and skills training visit niagaracollege.ca and accelerate your career. Should none of the three drivers come home #1 in the big event – the $500 will still be given away via a draw of starting positions.

“Preregistering now takes on a whole new meaning,” reveals Bicknell, “anyone that enters by September 1st – will be eligible for a chance at $50 bonuses.”

For further information on the 59th Season call the Speedway Office at 905-892- 8266 or visit the award winning www.merrittvillespeedway.com. Race fans and Race teams alike can follow Merrittville on Face Book (Facebook.com/Merrittville Speedway) and Twitter (Twitter.com/Merrittville). 

From Jim Irvine / Merrittville Speedway

Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship: Ready for ICAR

MIRABEL, QC - The Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship presented by Toyo Tires return for round three this weekend at the Mirabel Grand Prix at Circuit ICAR just north of Montreal on the Mirabel Airport facility’s technical 3km tarmac road course. Currently 36+ drivers are slated to be on hand this weekend racing in two extremely competitive car classes. An event that you just won’t want to miss.

Watch for hometown favourites, Nick Wittmer, who is currently leading the ST Class championship, and Nigel Heron driving for Lombardi Honda in the Super Touring Class. Audette Racing’s Matthew Audette and GT Racing Etienne Borgeat will also be on hand and will be pulling out all the stops in an attempt to take the top spots on the podium.

Touring Class stars include Vaudreuil-Dorian native Alain Lauziere in his potent Octane Motorsports MINI Cooper alongside teammate Michel Sallenbach from Roxton Pond. Other noted Quebec drivers such as Joycelyn Hebert, Paul Dargis and Luc Richard will be doing everything they can to attack the Touring class current points leader. Although they may be local favourites to win, the large contingent of Ontario based drivers such as Touring class points leader Anthony Rapone, his Durabond Racing teammate Karl Thomson, M&S Racing’ Tom Kwok and Pfaff Motorsports VW Golf pilot P. J. Groenke will be doing their best to bring championship podiums back home with them.

Canada's Best Racers Racing Today's Hottest Touring Cars will be going door to door in what fans can expect to be some of the season hottest action. Brands being showcased by the competitors this weekend include Acura, BMW, Nissan, Honda, Hyundai, Chevrolet, Pontiac, Mazda, Toyota, Volkswagen and Subaru.

The CCTCC will be the feature race series this weekend with a full 30-minute practice session, a 30-minute qualifying session and a thrilling 30-minute race on Saturday as well as a 20 minute warm up and capping off the weekend with a 30 minute feature race on Sunday.

The Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship Presented By Toyo Tires is Canada's Premiere Touring Car Series and features Canada's Best Drivers Racing Today's Hottest Touring Cars. The Championship is showcased at seven event weekends in Quebec and Ontario will marquee events at Grand Prix de Trois-Rivieres and Honda Indy Toronto.

For further information check out www.touringcar.ca.

OHSWEKEN SPEEDWAY: 3rd annual Northern Summer Nationals this Friday

OHSWEKEN, ON – The sixth round of Ohsweken Speedway’s Friday Night Thunder hits the track this Friday, July 2nd with a big event.  This week’s event is presented by Jones-Brown Insurance, and features the third annual “Northern Summer Nationals” for the Corr/Pak Merchandising Sprint Cars, Southern Ontario Sprints, ASCS Sprints on Dirt, and ASCS Patriots. The ESSO Thunder Stocks, ESSO Mini Stocks, and Bombers will also be a part of this special night.

A large field of Sprint Cars is expected on Friday night at Ohsweken for the third annual Northern Summer Nationals event.  The Northern Summer Nationals feature winner is slated to take home a $3,000 prize, and all four participating sanctioning bodies will be awarding points towards their respective championships on Friday.

Dave Dykstra of Port Colborne is back on top of Ohsweken’s weekly Corr/Pak Merchandising division standings thanks to a second place finish last Friday.  Dykstra leads by just three points over current Southern Ontario Sprints points leader Keith Dempster of Alton, and by just five markers over South Dayton, NY’s Kyle Moffit.  Defending Corr/Pak champion and 2009 Northern Summer Nationals winner Tom Huppunen is currently eighth in points and has one feature win this year.

Dempster leads the SOS standings by a comfortable margin over Consecon driver Tyler Rand, while Ohsweken’s Glenn Styres sits third.  Dempster got the win in the SOS opener at Brighton in May, while Jamie Collard of Burford took the most recent series win back at Brighton on June 19.  Collard is expected to debut a second car for Miles Hill on Friday at Ohsweken as a teammate to Mike Ling of Mount Brydges.  Ling made a spectacular charge through the field last Friday at Ohsweken to finish third after starting seventeenth.

Jared Zimbardi of Salamanca, NY is the ASCS Patriots championship leader heading into Friday.  2008 Northern Summer Nationals winner Brian Howland of Auburn, NY is second on the list, followed by Brookfield, CT driver Jimmy “Bubba” Broderick.  Zimbardi has been a semi-regular visitor to Ohsweken in recent years, and already has three starts under his belt at the track this year.  In each of those events, he finished in the top five.

Dain Naida of Tecumseh, MI leads the ASCS Sprints on Dirt tour to Ohsweken by a narrow three point margin over St. Johns, MI driver Ryan Grubaugh, while Gregg Dalman of Bellvue, MI is third.  Naida was in action at Ohsweken last Friday and claimed the feature win in dominating fashion.  Portland, MI driver Dustin Daggett is also expected at Ohsweken Friday night.  The twenty-seven year old has six career feature wins at Ohsweken, including one on the Friday of Northern Summer Nationals when it was a two day event in 2008.

Billy Bleich of Port Robinson continues to lead the ESSO Thunder Stock standings after taking second and seventh place finishes in last week’s Twin Fifteens.  Caledonia’s Lee Winger and Jamie Cox of Cambridge are tied for second, sixteen points behind.  Jeremy Bean of Stoney Creek, and Grimsby’s Rob Disher round out the top five.  Mike Thorne and Devin Habiuk took the wins in the Twin Fifteens last week, and both are expected back this week despite the damage Thorne’s car suffered.

Trevor Goulding of Welland holds a twenty-five point lead in the ESSO Mini Stock standings.  Amazingly, his third place last Friday was his worst finish all year at Ohsweken.  Brantford’s Kevin Hilborn, Craig Erskine of Brantford, Paul Goodale, and Caledonia’s Mike Evers round out the top five.  Abel Castelein of Cayuga won last week’s feature in thrilling fashion, beating Hilborn by just a few inches.

Karl Sault of Dundas leads the Bomber division standings, followed by Hamilton’s Kacey Huffman and John Cote, and Jeremy Hughes and Shawn Ireland, both of Burlington. The Bombers also ran twin features last week, with Hughes and Adam Reidel taking the wins.

Advanced reserved seat tickets for the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars July 30 and 31 at Ohsweken, and Canadian Sprint Car Nationals September 16, 17, and 18 at Ohsweken are on sale now! Please visit www.OhswekenSpeedway.com and call 1-888-720-RACE to order yours today!

Ohsweken Speedway’s Friday Night Thunder returns this Friday, July 2nd when Jones-Brown Insurance presents the third annual “Northern Summer Nationals” for the Corr/Pak Merchandising Sprint Cars, Southern Ontario Sprints, ASCS Sprints on Dirt, and ASCS Patriots, plus a full card featuring the ESSO Thunder Stocks, ESSO Mini Stocks, and Bombers.

Jones-Brown Insurance helps you manage the ‘total cost of risk,’ by working with you to identify, measure and address the entire financial impact of your risk.  For more information about Jones-Brown Insurance, please visit their website at www.JonesBrown.com.

Spectator gates open @ 6:00p.m., with the first race taking the green flag at 7:45p.m. this Friday, July 2nd!

From Tommy Goudge

Jordan Szoke goes for seventh Parts Canada Superbike title July 9-11 at Mosport

BOWMANVILLE, ON – Wayne Gretzky may be Brantford, Ont.'s most recognizable athlete, but now there is another who is dominating his sport and re-writing the record books in much the same manner, Jordan Szoke.

Szoke is doing what he was born to do - win.  He has become his sport's biggest superstar and in 2010 will look to set himself apart from every rider in Canadian Superbike history, as he chases down a record-breaking seventh series title and fifth in-a-row.

After receiving his expert motorcycle license at 15, he quickly rose through the ranks and captured his first National Championship just two short years are he first started.

The 31-year-old has racked up 12 National Championships over his illustrious 15-year career including his recent domination of the Parts Canada Superbike and Yoshimura Pro Sport Bike classes.  He has won the title in both classes for the past four years and will be seeking to extend his streak to five.

Szoke started his 2010 campaign in a flawless manner.  He has won all three races in both the Superbike class and the Pro Sport Bike class.  His latest doubleheader sweep at Race City in Calgary, AB, on June 26, 27 has given the superstar 32 Superbike victories in his career, most by any rider in series history.

This year he has switched from the Factory Kawasaki Racing Team to a Honda CBR 1000RR.  The #1 Wanzie Racing/BMC Ciclo Werks/DeWildt Honda rider will be seeking to stand alone at the top of the record books.  His six Superbike titles leave him tied with Steve Crevier who last won the crown in 2001.

Not only is Szoke known for his on-track performance, he is also recognized for his off-track charity work.  He regularly competes in the Wayne Gretzky Celebrity Golf Tournaments and help raise donations for the Princess Margaret Cancer Research Centre.  Adding to his credentials, Szoke has also been inducted into the Brantford Sports Hall of Fame, received the Award of Merit from the Walter Gretzky Foundation and has won the Brantford Athlete of the Year honours.

The pride of Brantford will be looking to wrap-up his run for the record series championship when he and his fellow riders come to Mosport International Raceway for the Parts Canada Superbike Doubleheader Weekend, July 9-11.  It will be rounds four and five for the Superbike class in 2010 out of the seven total races held.  Over his career Szoke has seven Superbike victories at Mosport, more than any other rider.

Friday (July 9) will feature practice sessions in the morning and then qualifying in the afternoon including the Pirelli Superpole Qualifying for the Superbikes.  Saturday (July 10) will have the weekend's first races including the Superbike and Pro Sport Bike classes.  Sunday (July 11) be have the second half of the weekend doubleheader points races.

SZOKE'S WIFE ALSO RACING AT MOSPORT

Jordan Szoke's wife, Amy, will also be competing in front of the Mosport faithful in two classes, the Honda Oil Women's Cup and the Armour Bodies Amateur Sport Bike.  In the highly competitive Amateur Sport Bike class she has finished 18th, 11th and 10th respectively through the first three races of the season.

The 30-year-old's best result in her 2010 campaign came in the Women's Cup where she narrowly missed making the podium, finishing fourth overall. Currently, she sits in eighth place overall in the points standings.

She began racing in 2006 and made her debut at Mosport in 2009 in the Women's Cup, finishing second in the back half of the doubleheader.  She and Jordan were married in February 2010.

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