MOSPORT SOLD: Ron Fellows part of Canadian ownership group

TORONTO, June 1, 2011 /CNW/ - Canadian Motorsport Ventures Ltd., established by famed Canadian racer Ron Fellows, transportation industry leader, Alan Boughton, and real-estate developer Carlo Fidani, today announced the company's purchase of Mosport International Raceway. Taking over from the Panoz Motor Sports Group, the new owners will build on Mosport's storied history and respected reputation to create new and exciting opportunities for race fans, corporate partners and drivers on an international scale.

Recognized as Canada's Home of Motorsports, Mosport is the country's largest automotive performance and racing facility, and has hosted almost every class of road racing on its famed 3.96 km circuit, including Formula 1, IndyCar, sports cars, stock cars, endurance racing, motorcycles, motocross, showroom stock, historic vintage racers, "Big Rig" trucks and karts. Under the new leadership, Myles Brandt will continue to serve in his role as President and General Manager at the facility.

"We want to thank the Panoz Motor Sports Group for making Mosport what it is today - a world class racing venue that hosts some of North America's best road racing series and a place of inspiration for generations of racers in Canada," said Alan Boughton, Managing Partner, Canadian Motorsport Ventures, Ltd. "We are excited to pour our racing passion and business expertise into Mosport and look forward to working together with local government and tourism authorities to take this historic race facility to the next level in delivering the best excitement and entertainment motor racing has to offer."

The new leadership team brings a renewed focus, fresh thinking, and a strong vision on how to maximize the potential of Mosport. Over the next 18 months, they will look at all aspects of improving the facility to deliver the high calibre racing experience that fans, sponsors, teams and drivers want, including the construction of a new events and meeting facility. The new owners will utilize their unique areas of strength and knowledge to guide Mosport into the future:

Ron Fellows - Canadian racing legend with a distinguished racing record and a deep relationship with Mosport, which started at the age of eleven where he attended his first race. Mosport is also where Ron won his first Drivers Championship, first Trans AM Series victory, first prototype sports cars win, three straight class victories in the American Le Mans Series, and most recently in 2010, a series victory in SCCA World Challenge in Mosport's 50th anniversary year.

Alan Boughton - President and Managing Partner of Trailcon Leasing and a long-time classic car enthusiast and restorer with a passion for racing.

Carlo Fidani - Chairman and CEO of Orlando Corporation and an accomplished businessman who brings a wealth of development insight and experience to Mosport.

"Myles and his staff have done an extraordinary job with Mosport," said Don Panoz, founder of the Panoz Motor Sports Group.  "There is no deeper racing tradition or racing history in Canada than what exists here.  I am personally very gratified that we have been able to help this crown jewel grow and improve for both racers and fans and I am very happy to now turn it over to a group that loves this place as much as I do.  And I want to say a special thank you to Ron Fellows, who has always been a true gentleman, champion and the greatest representative of Canadian racing that I have known. The fact that he is now one of the owners of Mosport is a dream come true for both of us."

Panoz also owns the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón, which returns to Mosport for their only north-of-the-border stop, July 21-24, as part of the Mobil 1 presents The Grand Prix of Mosport - Canada's biggest sports car race of the year.

"We could not be more pleased to be returning Mosport back to Canadian ownership and stewardship," said Scott Atherton, president and CEO of Panoz Motor Sports Group. "The new owners represent the best possible combination of top quality business professionals, enthusiasts and resources. Canadian race fans have a lot of very positive things to look forward to at Mosport.  And we will look forward to bringing the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón back to Mosport for many years to come."

About Mosport International Raceway: As Canada's largest automotive performance and racing facility, Mosport International Raceway has been Canada's Home of Motorsports since 1961. Less than an hour east of Toronto, the 750-acre, multi-purpose complex plays host to more than 400 event days a year including major race event weekends, weekly stock car racing, karting, racing schools and advanced driver training programs. It's the only  permanent facility of its kind in Canada, with a  world-renowned 4-kilometre road course, a 2.4 kilometre driver development centre with skid pad, a 1.4 km pro kart circuit and a half-mile paved oval. Visit www.mosport.com for more information.

About Canadian Motorsport Ventures, Ltd.: Established in 2011, Canadian Motorsport Ventures, Ltd., is the owner and operator of Mosport International Raceway, Canada's home of motorsports. Founded by Canadian racing legend, Ron Fellows and Trailcon Leasing President and Managing Partner, Al Boughton, the company is dedicated to bringing new and exciting racing experiences to drivers, auto enthusiasts, and racing fans.

About Panoz Motor Sports Group: The Panoz Motor Sports Group, one of the world's most comprehensive and vertically integrated motorsport entities - is comprised of the varied motorsports holdings of Dr. Don Panoz.  With its worldwide headquarters just outside Atlanta in Braselton, GA, the diverse Panoz Motor Sports Group holdings include the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón, the International Motor Sports Association, Sebring International Raceway, Road Atlanta and Elan Technologies, a multi-faceted race car and engine building entity.

Fiat Rumored to Bring Bravo Successor to the U.S. Market

The launch of the Fiat 500 in the U.S. market has whetted the Italian company’s appetite, as according to reports, Fiat is now considering the addition of a second model to its North-American range, the successor to the Bravo. As we wrote last month, the next-generation Bravo will take the shape of a small crossover with Fiat looking to emulate the success of Nissan's Qashqai.

The 500's early sales figures have exceeded the firm’s expectations despite initial concerns about relaunching the Fiat brand in the U.S. with such a small car. The partially open-top 500C was added to the range recently, with more powerful Abarth versions to follow in the very near future.

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Riverside Speedway - Driving Experience Coming To The High Banks

Looking for that special gift or a treat for yourself check this out

What a unique Father’s  Day Gift this year also birthdays graduations anniversaries etc. Five hot laps around the High Banks of Riverside Speedway in a 650hp Sprint Cup car July 21, 22, 24. The space will be limited so book now don’t miss out. This all takes place during The IWK Super Race weekend. Visit http://www.drivepetty.com/can-tour to book your seat now they will not last long.

Richard Petty Driving Experience Announces Canada Tour

May 31, 2011 (Toronto, ON) – Richard Petty Driving Experience (RPDE), the North-Carolina-based worldwide leader in NASCAR stock car ride and drive entertainment, announced today that it is coming north with a series of dates in July, marking the first-time motorsports enthusiasts will have the opportunity to drive one of "The King's" cars on a Canadian racetrack.

Richard Petty Driving Experience - named for the 7-Time NASCAR Cup Champion and 2010 Hall of Fame Inductee – will visit three tracks in Ontario and one in Nova Scotia during its inaugural "Canadian Summer Tour"; Kawartha Downs & Speedway (Fraserville, ON), Delaware Speedway (Delaware, ON), Sunset International Speedway (Innisfil, ON) and

Riverside International Speedway (Antigonish, NS).

"We're real excited to bring the Driving Experience to Canada this summer" said Petty, who was on hand for today's announcement in Toronto. "I know, first-hand, that some of the greatest fans in the world are right here. I loved coming here to race back in the day and I know they're going to love getting in our race cars."

It was a fitting setting for the announcement, as Petty's first-ever NASCAR-race took place at Toronto's CNE stadium in 1958.

"We've had thousands of Canadians travel to Las Vegas, Orlando and many other tracks at which we run for the opportunity to drive a Petty race car", said Mike Bartelli, Chief Marketing Officer of Petty Holdings, LLC and Richard Petty Driving Experience. "We look forward to seeing some of them again, on their home tracks, as well as introducing many more to our unique brand of motorsports entertainment."

The "Richard Petty Driving Experience Canadian Summer Tour" will kick off on July 9th at Kawartha and includes eleven days on the aforementioned tracks over a nearly three week period, wrapping up at Riverside on July 24th. RPDE will offer the "Rookie Experience," its signature driving program, and a "High-Speed Ride-Along", which simulates a NASCAR qualifying run, in scheduled sessions during the tour.

"Having Richard and his guys come here is a big deal," said Mark Dilley, NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Driver and Sunset International Speedway General Manager. "I'm thrilled as a racer, for Canadian race fans, for Sunset Speedway and for my fellow track promoters. This is going to be special"

Reservations for both driving experiences and Ride-Along's are required and can be made by calling 1-800-237-3889. For complete details, visit www.drivepetty.com/CAN-tour.

Art Rotondo Partners with the Grand Prix of Canada (01-26)

Montréal, June 1, 2011 - Arturo Rotondo, a young and vibrant Montreal artist, whose reputation has already crossed the Québec and Canadian borders notably because of his passion for automobile racing, will be at the heart of the activities going on at the Grand Prix of Canada on June 10-12. At the request of the promoter of the most important summer event in Montreal, fans will be able to view customized works of art around the Gilles-Villeneuve circuit, and, when purchasing a copy of the official souvenir program, receive as a bonus, a limited edition poster exclusively produced by the artist only for this program.

Born with tremendous artistic talent, Arturo combined his gift with his racing passion handed down by his late father. This is the inspiration that drives the Art Rotondo artistic expression. Each brush stroke applied to his work is made with the pure exhilaration of a true racing fan living his artistic dream through his paintings. The Montreal native has revolutionized the world of Motorsport art by developing a unique method to capture the speed and the thrill of racing in his work.

Currently working with many racers in Formula 1, IndyCar, NASCAR and DTM, Art Rotondo, has quickly become the reference in this prestigious sport. Arturo makes it his duty to continue thriving so that the Art Rotondo brand becomes a household name in the fascinating world of racing. Having been part of numerous art exhibitions around the world, this summer, fans will have a chance to meet Art in person as he showcases his talents to his public.

For the Grand Prix of Canada, Arturo has produced striking portraits of all 24 of the F1 drivers competing in Montreal. They can be seen on banners placed at the Cosmos Bridge and also above each F1 driver's team garage. Fans will have the chance to view and purchase his entire Art Lithograph product line which will be available in two official ArtRotondo.com vending stands located throughout the Gilles-Villeneuve Circuit on the much anticipated weekend of June 10, 11 and 12th. His stands will also include a full array of his custom painted racing helmets for fans to admire.

To find out more about Art Rotondo's canvas works, helmet works and more, please visit www.artrotondo.com, or his Facebook Fan Page and Twitter Page, you can also write to info@artrotondo.com or contact Mauro Rotondo, President, on Direct Line (514) 516-2876

Toyota Recalling 106,000 Prius Hybrids Globally Over Steering Wheel Issue

The newest Toyota recall affects approximately 106,000 Prius hybrids globally built from 2001 to 2003 for a fault with the electric power steering system. The Japanese automaker said the voluntary action affects around 52,000 Prius models sold in the United States.

“If the steering wheel is repeatedly and strongly turned to the full-lock position, there is a possibility the nuts securing the pinion shaft in the steering gear box assembly may become loose,” Toyota said in a statement. The company added that if the owner leaves the condition uncorrected, over time they will gradually notice significant increased steering effort when making a left turn.

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All-New Hyundai i40 Tourer Priced from £18,395 OTR in the UK

Hyundai has priced its entry into the medium family estate car market, the new i40 Tourer, announcing that it will take from £18,395 (equal to US$30,340 or €21,100) for UK buyers to park one under their house. In comparison, the Ford Mondeo Estate starts from £18,955 for the 1.6i 120HP model, while the Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer from £19,350 with the 1.8-liter engine.

The estate version of the i40 will arrive in British showrooms this September followed shortly after by the sedan model, which was unveiled at the Barcelona International Motor Show in May.

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STaSIS Engineering Gives the Audi S5 Cabriolet a Power Boost

North American aftermarket specialist STaSIS Engineering has released a new performance package for the Audi S5 Cabriolet in the UK. The STaSIS Engineering S5 Cabriolet Challenge Edition features an upgrade kit that includes an engine tune, Ohlins performance suspension, monobloc brake calipers and a limited-slip differential. Read more »