Upcoming Grand Bend events will determine Quick 32 Sportsman Series Champion

Teams in tight points battle going into Teamsters Union

"Thunder by the Beach" finale

 

GRAND BEND, ONTARIO (August 30, 2010) – Although the season is winding down in the popular Quick 32 Sportsman Series presented by NAPA Auto Parts, the championship will not be decided until the final events are completed.

 

With fields of 16 Top Dragsters racing together and 16 Top Sportsman cars racing together, the Quick 32 Sportsman Series has had large fields of competitors, and they will be on hand for the Teamsters Union "Thunder by the Beach" September 3-5 at the Grand Bend Motorplex in Grand Bend, Ontario.

 

The fifth event of August 6-8 was postponed due to rain, and only the first two rounds of eliminations took place. The qualified teams that are still in the program for this race will finish off their eliminations with a Top Dragster and Top Sportsman victor declared, as well as an overall event champion.

 

After this race is completed, the Quick 32 Sportsman Series teams will take to the track once more during the Grand Bend weekend for their sixth and final race of 2010.

 

While Top Dragster driver Scott Wildgust of Wartburg, Ontario, has a slim Championship Point Award Series lead at present, the points leaders could be shuffled around after the winner of the uncompleted race is in the books.

 

Along with Wildgust, Buddy Forrest of Rochester, NY, and Melanie Simmons of Orillia, Ontario are high enough in the points and are still in the uncompleted race to have the best chance of advancing in the Top Dragster class. 

 

On the Top Sportsman side, Kevin Wicke of Stratford, Ontario, Steve Parkhurst of Belleville, Ontario, and Darryl McMillen of Goderich, Ontario are good bets for advancing, and it is likely that one of these six drivers could win the event.

 

But nothing is cast in stone at present, and along with the above six teams, others in the Quick 32 Sportsman Series that have a mathematical chance of winning the 2010 Championship Point Award Series include the team of Bill Wilson and Rob Gray of Ingersoll, Ontario, Darrin Grubb of Pine River, Ontario, Steve Corriveau of Fonthill, Ontario, Michael Hinbest of Orangeville, Ontario, and Jamie Bridge of Napanee, Ontario.

 

When present points leader Wildgust qualifies for the final event the odds drop to the eight teams of Wildgust, Parkhurst, Wilson and Gray, Forrest, Wicke, Grubb, McMillen, and Hinbest.

 

Along with the finale in the Quick 32 Sportsman Series, the 2010 Pro Modified Racing Association champion will be decided during this Grand Bend event. At present Mike Stawicki of Medina, NY has a slim lead in the Championship Point Award Series presented by Magnum Auto Parts and Patio Passport.

 

The Teamsters Union "Thunder by the Beach" will feature the popular Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA), www.PMRA.ca, and the Quick 32 Sportsman Series presented by NAPA Auto Parts, featuring Top Dragster and Top Sportsman action with quick six and seven-second cars.

 

The first qualifying session is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Saturday and round one of eliminations for the 32-car field will take place Sunday, starting at 11:00 a.m.

 

For information about the Teamsters Union "Thunder by the Beach" at the Grand Bend Motorplex, call (519) 238-7223 or visit www.grandbendmotorplex.com

 

For more information contact Bruce F. Mehlenbacher at Bruce@Quick32.ca

 

About the Quick 32 Sportsman Series presented by NAPA Auto Parts:

The Quick 32 Sportsman Series presented by NAPA Auto Parts, www.Quick32.ca, of drag racing was started early in 2009 as an alternative for high-horsepower Sportsman-class teams to compete on a regular basis, and will continue in 2010 for its second full season.

 

In 2010 the Quick 32 Sportsman Series will compete at Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga, Ontario and the South-western Ontario track of the Grand Bend Motorplex.

 

With 32-car qualified fields comprised of the 16 quickest open wheeled cars (Top Dragster) and the 16 quickest door cars (Top Sportsman), the Quick 32 Sportsman Series featured the best in ET-style, dial-in drag racing, competing on a Sportsman ladder and pit door-slammers against dragsters in every race day final. 

 

Competitors in this exciting Series must comply with the IHRA Top Dragster and Top Sportsman Safety rules and regulations, and the maximum dial-in will be 7.95 seconds for the quarter-mile.

 

This new venture provided $3000 to win for each event and $5000 for the annual Championship Point Award Series Champion, payouts very popular with competitors and will provide large fields of race cars. 

 

The Quick 32 Sportsman Series is committed in providing a professional atmosphere for its teams. It will also provide solid media and logistic support to ensure it becomes one of the most popular drag race series running Top Sportsman and Top Dragster race cars.

 

The Quick 32 Sportsman Series presented by NAPA Auto Parts competes several times with the Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA), www.PMRA.ca, as well as selected special events, offering fans a great show of drag racing.

 

Photo Credit: Mike Goodwin www.mgdigital.ca and Dave Erauw Photography

 

For more information, please contact:

 

Bruce F. Mehlenbacher

Director of Operations

Telephone: (905) 772-1800 Ext. #22

Cellular: (905) 517-5345

E-mail: Bruce@Quick32.ca

 

Tim Miller

Media Director

Telephone: (905) 870-1456

E-mail: Tim@Quick32.ca

 

1209 Kohler Road, Cayuga, ON Canada N0A 1E0

Telephone: (905) 772-1800 Extension #22, Fax: (905) 772-1799

E-mail: Bruce@Quick32.ca

Website: www.Quick32.ca

KAWARTHA SPEEDWAY: Invasion of the Victory Snatchers

When it comes to defending their hometown turf against attacks by drivers from other tracks, Kawartha Speedway's regulars have earned an excellent reputation.  August 27 the local heroes turned-in some outstanding runs, but when the checkered flag fell in two of the Fraserville, Ontario oval's three weekly divisions, unfamiliar names had earned the victory lane bragging rights.

 

As the clock struck seven, the headline NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Models left the turn four staging area for a pair of ten lap heats.  Spencer MacPherson and Chris Morrow shared the honours in the first round of action.  Steve Mayhew and Matt Spence split the Better Carpet Thunder Car qualifiers, while Brad Martin and Mike Nelson made it to victory lane following Hasiuk Trailer and Container Rental Mini Stock qualifying.  Next on the agenda were the night's semi features, with invader Marvin Freiburger, MacPherson and Martin capturing the thunder car, late model and mini stock checkered flags.  Willie Reyns, Craig Graham and John Bryan made it to the feature race line-up after winning their respective consolation rounds.  The Ontario Legends were also part of the night's action.  Tim Fernandes won two of the evening's four heats, with Kevin Foisy and Adam Cuthbertson picking-up the others.

 

The Better Carpet Thunder Car field rolled to the line nearly 20 strong for their 50 lap main event.  Jamie Wagar and Ottawa's Greg Ogilvie paced the pack to Mike Charest's green flag.  As quickly as the action began, things were slowed when Matt Spence looped the #53 at the exit of turn two.  At the same time, Andy Ford headed pit side for some quick attention from his crew.  There was another yellow on lap nine when Wagar and Joe Sinopoli came together – again in turn two.  The feature developed a long, green flag feel until Chad Strawn's solo backstretch spin on lap 25.  Willie Reyns was the next to encounter troubles, as his #87 Monte Carlo slowed to a stop on the high side of turn four.  While everything else was going on around him, Freiburger had built-up a commanding lead.  The Sauble Speedway regular, who has more than 43 sponsors on his car and donates all his race winnings to Easter Seals, picked-up the win in only his second Kawartha start.  Steve Mayhew, Matt Spence, Ken Grubb and Andy Ford completed the top five.

 

With the nights first 'A' main under wraps, the NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Models were set to stretch their legs for 25 laps as Sean Cronin and Ryan Kimball made-up the front row.  Even with some early yellow flags, Kimball's #16 was the class of the field and it looked like the second generation speedster from Norwood would be on the way to his first career win.  When Dwight Brown spun on the backstretch – an incident that also involved Craig Graham – Chris Morrow lined-up outside Kimball and the writing was on the wall.  On the ensuing green flag, Morrow took over the top spot and brought Dan McHattie and Larry Jackson along for the ride.  The trio played very well together, treating fans to some action-packed racing until a yellow flag for an incident between J.P. Josiasse and Mike Sinopoli slowed the pace with 13 laps to go.  On the re-start, McHattie used the outside line to out-run Morrow to turn one and assumed the top spot.  A couple of laps later, he showed the driver of the #11 the bottom groove, then used a textbook crossover move to head back to the top, where his Chevy was on rails.  A late race spin by Cale Bailey couldn't deny McHattie another win.  Morrow held-on for second, with Jackson, Kimball and MacPherson wrapping-up the top five positions.

 

From the drop of the green flag, the Hasiuk Trailer and Container Rental Mini Stock field scattered like children on a playground.  All 23 starters were searching for a racing line, running three and sometimes four wide throughout the pack.  Front row starters Steven Slot and Dwight Lavoie had control of the field early, but Doug Mould was charging from his seventh place starting spot and had moved into the top spot before the halfway point of the 20 lapper.  Deeper in the running order, Lavoie was facing a challenge from 'Too' Moroney, who was doing his best to keep a strong run by Mike Nelson from becoming another win.  While he watched the others fight it out in his rear view mirror, Mould worked through lapped traffic with the skill of a surgeon and picked-up the win.  Moroney held-off Nelson for second, with Michael Batchelor and Daryl Fice fourth and fifth.

 

The night's action closed-out with a 20 lap Ontario Legends feature.  Kevin Foisy picked-up the win, followed by Johnny Whalen and Tim Fernandes.  Details can be found at www.ontariolegends.ca.

 

Kawartha klips:  NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Model driver Tim Burke from Bancroft made it to the track, but never managed to turn a lap.  While unloading a pit cart from his trailer, a cable came loose and caused the toolbox to roll out of the rig.  Burke was trapped between the cart and the racecar and suffered a compound fracture of his right leg, just above the ankle.  He was taken from the track by ambulance to a Peterborough area hospital and is scheduled for a second round of surgery September 1.  Kawartha Speedway drivers, teams, officials and fans wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him back at the track...The Hasiuk Trailer and Container Rental Mini Stock feature again ran caution-free, but there was a late-race incident after the checkered flag.  Danny Benedict was trying to pick-up an extra-spot and made hard contact with the front stretch wall.  The young driver was unhurt, but disappointed that his car was damaged too much to race the next night...Kawartha Speedway was a hive of activity, even before the races began.  The 'boot camp' members from Custom Fit Pilates were taken for laps in the track's ride cars and there was a demonstration event featuring members of the Kawartha-Durham Kart Club.  The organization stages events Sunday afternoons on a road-course set-up inside the 3/8^th mile oval.

 

Photo Credit:  Joel & Heather Wiebe  www.adrianmediaservices.com

Photo: Walkerton, Ontario's Marvin Freiburger celebrates his Better Carpet Thunder Car victory Friday, August 27^th at Kawartha Speedway.

 

Release Prepared by:  Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communication

clarkemotorsports@hotmail.com

613.968.6410 / 613.922.0654

Last-lap mechanical failure ruins top five NASCAR run for Lapcevich; Grimsby racer fails to finish Montreal NASCAR Canadian Tire Series race

August 30, 2010, GRIMSBY, ON –Jeff Lapcevich appeared poised for a top-five finish in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series’ premier event in Montreal Sunday. The acclaimed road racer from Grimsby, Ontario, suffered a broken transmission just two turns from the finish of the NAPA Autopro 100. His Tim Hortons-sponsored Chevrolet never crossed the finish line.

“We bought a brand new transmission for this race,” said Lapcevich. “It worked great all weekend, but something went wrong at the very end. I can’t believe it broke. They’re supposed to be basically indestructible.”

Lapcevich was running in the top five when his transmission failed. Prior to the event’s finish Lapcevich’s Fastline Motorsports entry enjoyed a stellar weekend in the final road course race on the schedule.

“I thought we would qualify better than eighth, but any time you can start in the top 10 you give yourself a chance to contend,” said Lapcevich. “Things appeared to be going my way throughout the race.”

After starting near the front Lapcevich advanced as high as second place early in the event. His ability to avoid mishaps and capitalize on his competitors’ errors helped his cause. After losing a few spots in a mid-race restart Lapcevich found himself in the midst of a torrid multi-car battle for position.

Lapcevich endured contact with competitor Louis Phillip Dumoulin that sent the Trois Rivieres, Quebec, spinning across the grass before getting hit hard by another driver. He regrouped to challenge fellow veterans Don Thomson jr., and Robin Buck for the third position.

“We were all racing hard,” said Lapcevich. “The pace in these road course races is terribly fast. You can’t give an inch.”

When one final green-white-checkered flag restart meant the drivers had just two laps to settle the finish it was clear the gloves had fallen.

Lapcevich again stumbled on the restart, but his determined driving style allowed him to close on Thomson and Bowles to challenge for second.

“I’m not sure if we had anything to challenge Ranger, but when you’re that close to the lead anything can happen,” said Lapcevich.

Anything did happen. Jason Bowles contacted race leader Andrew Ranger just three turns from the finish to take the lead. At the same time Lapcevich’s transmission failed causing him to pull out of the racing groove and coast to a stop. Ranger retaliated returning the contact to Bowles to take the dramatic victory.

Lapcevich and the Fastline Motorsports team have great optimism heading towards the 2011 road course season. The remaining three events in 2010 are on oval tracks.

“We got better all season long with our road course program,” said Lapcevich. “We brought in a new crew chief Bucket Torrey from North Carolina during the off season, and I’m happy with how the entire team adjusted.

“This was as competitive as we’ve been on a road course this year. We have a lot to look forward to when we come back next year. We’ve been on the podium once this year so far, and I think we have a good chance to do it again with the upcoming events.”

For more information on Jeff Lapcevich and Fastline Motorsports visit LapcevichRacing.com.

-30-

Dreyer & Reinbold Racing signs Canadian Paul Tracy to pilot the #24 Motegi Racing Wheels entry at Kentucky and Japan

Indianapolis, IN (August 31, 2010) - Dreyer & Reinbold Racing announced today that Canadian driver, Paul Tracy, will join the team in Kentucky and Japan. Tracy will replace the injured Mike Conway for the two events and will drive the team's No. 24 Motegi Racing Wheels/ Dreyer & Reinbold Racing / Dallara entry.

The Canadian was the sensible choice for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing as not only does he have experience on ovals, over his entire career, he has competed in 270 Indy car-type events. Tracy, the 2003 Champ Car World Series champion, will be making his tenth IZOD IndyCar start at Kentucky. However, it will be his first time to compete at Kentucky Speedway and his sixth time to compete at Twin Ring Motegi. He is one of the most successful drivers in the history of open-wheel racing with 31 career victories.

Wheel manufacturer, Motegi Racing Wheels will join the team and Tracy for the two events, as they will sponsor the No. 24 entry. "Motegi Racing Wheels is excited to be supporting one of the most exciting drivers, Paul Tracy for the Kentucky and Japan races. We"ve known the type of energy, honesty and excitement that PT brings to the series. Motegi Racing Wheels has had a great experience this year being associated with PT and certainly the Dreyer & Reinbold Team. It"s certainly been a great relationship and we appreciate the opportunity to work with Dennis & Robbie this year," stated Motegi Racing Wheels president, Jody Groce.

Tracy first ran with the team a couple of months ago at Watkins Glen and he will be making his return with DRR this weekend in Kentucky and Dreyer & Reinbold Racing couldn't be more excited to have him on board. "We are very happy to have Paul back with us for the next two events. He's a great driver and big personality and we are thrilled to have him driving for us in Kentucky and Japan. Paul did a great job for us in Watkins Glen and we can't wait to get him on an oval with us. We are also thrilled to have Motegi Racing Wheels with us for the two races as well. We have developed a great relationship with them and we know that Paul and Motegi Racing Wheels will be a great combination for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing for the next two events," commented Dreyer & Reinbold Racing Co-Owner, Robbie Buhl.

Tracy, now in his 20th season, has had a storied career that has made him one of the top drivers in open-wheel racing. He is among the top-10 in almost every Champ Car career statistical category including wins, 31 (tied for seventh all-time), poles, 25 (ninth all-time), and laps led, 4,238 (sixth all-time).

Over the last 20 years, Tracy has earned 75 career podium performances, 102 top-five finishes and 144 top-10 showings in 270 starts (262 in Champ Car and eight in IZOD IndyCar, tied for seventh all-time). In the 15 seasons in which Tracy has competed in over 80 percent of the races, he has finished in the top-10 in the championship standings 10 times including eight times in the top-five, four in the top-three and captured the championship in 2003.

"It's great to be back with the Dreyer & Reinbold Racing again this year. I'm excited to have the opportunity to run some ovals with the team. It's been a while since I"ve raced on an oval but I'm ready for the challenge with the next two races plus I have some experience in Japan. Many thanks to Robbie & Dennis again for welcoming me to their team. Motegi Racing Wheels also deserves a big thanks for sticking by me. I"m also looking forward to working with Justin (Wilson) again. I also want to thank my personal sponsors for their continued support; Motegi Racing Wheels, CEC Wheels, Oakley, Kicker Car Audio & MONSTER Energy," said Tracy.

Decisions have not been made on a driver for the last event of the 2010 IZOD IndyCar season. Stay tuned for more details and please visit www.dreyerreinboldracing.com for more information.

About Motegi Racing: Motegi Racing wheels are purpose-built for professional-level competition in drifting and road racing as well as available for street applications. Motegi Racing wheels have the perfect blend of attitude, performance and style with the latest technology and finishes. For more information on Motegi Racing Wheels please visit www.motegiracing.com.

About Dreyer & Reinbold Racing: Dreyer & Reinbold Racing is entering its 11th season of full-time competition in 2010, making it one of the longest-tenured teams in Indy Racing League competition. Current co-owners, Dennis Reinbold and Robbie Buhl, first teamed in full-time competition at the Walt Disney World Speedway in January of 2000. With Buhl behind the wheel, the two owners tasted victory in their debut race. The 2009 IZOD IndyCar Series season-opener on the streets of St.Petersburg marked Dreyer & Reinbold Racing's 200th series start. DRR now has over 250 starts to tuck under its belt and has qualified a total of 27 cars for the Indianapolis 500. In its history, the team has boasted a championship list of alumni drivers. Besides Buhl, the team has run Indianapolis 500 winners, Al Unser, Jr., Buddy Lazier, and Buddy Rice, along with IZOD IndyCar Series race winner Ryan Briscoe. The team has one of the longest lines of heritage in American open-wheel racing and the Indianapolis 500 as Dennis Reinbold's grandfather, "Pop" Dreyer, built leading roadsters that raced at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the 30s, 40s, and 50s.

From Elizabeth Cannon (317) 341-2222 ecannon@dreyerreinbold.com

Micks Finishes Sixth in Montreal

Micks Battles Back From Flat Tire on Lap Three

MONTREAL, QC, Sunday Aug. 29, 2010: Kerry Micks driver of the No. 02 Dickies/Beyond Digital Imaging Ford Fusion started the NAPA Auto Pro 100 in fourth and after early contact came back to finish sixth.

After practice on Saturday Micks would have the eleventh fastest time. The team wasn't happy with the car so they made their way back to the garage to make some changes before qualifying. Their hard work paid off as Micks toured the 15 turn 2.709 mile road course in a time of 1:46.815 with an average speed of 91.3 mph. The No.02 Dickies/Beyond Digital Imaging Ford Fusion would qualify fourth and line up on the starting grid on the outside of row two to start the NAPA Auto Pro 100.

Micks maintained the fourth spot at the drop of the green flag and was immediately working the car in front of him to pick up position. However on lap three Micks and another competitor would make contact and the No.02 Ford Fusion would suffer a flat tire. After a quick trip to pit road for a new tire, Micks had his work cut out for him as he restarted in thirty-third position.

Micks was on a mission and by lap twelve he had the No.02 Dickies/Beyond Digital Imaging Ford Fusion in seventeenth and by lap nineteen Micks had moved into the eleventh position.

With a late race caution Micks had moved into ninth and was preparing for a green-white-checkered finish. Using great determination and perseverance Micks picked up three positions and crossed the finish line in sixth place.

"We were disappointed at the beginning of the race because of the contact and the flat tire but we were happy we saved the car and were able to get back out there." commented Micks after the race. "We didn't give up and battled back all day and managed to stay out of trouble and ended up with a well deserved sixth place finish" added Micks.

Finish 1. Andrew Ranger. 2. Don Thomson Jr. 3. Robin Buck 4. Scott Steckly 6. Kerry Micks

Kerry Micks maintained third in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Standings. The point's battle has closed up as the first and second placed drivers heading into this event both had mechanical problems and finished deep in the 34 car field. Micks is currently 92 points out of first and 41 points out of second with three oval track events remaining in the 2010 season.

The NAPA Auto Pro 100 was broadcast live on TSN and will air again on Saturday August 31st, at Midnight EST.

The No. 02 Dickies/Beyond Digital Imaging team head to Barrie on September 11th for the Wild Wing 300 where Micks finished sixth in 2009.

For more information on the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series please visit http://www.nascarlocalracing.com/.

Kerry Micks is supported by the following sponsors: Williamson-Dickie Canada Co., Beyond Digital Imaging, Prostate Cancer Canada, Steadymate, Seguin Marina, Thor Motors, NGK Spark Plugs, Canadian Detailing Services, Cathcart Trucking and for the Montreal event, Fantrax Fantasy Sports.

For more information please contact:
Linda Jones
Wide Open Motorsport Solutions
(705) 730-4044
Email: ljones@wideopensolutions.ca

Susan Micks
Micks Motorsports
(905) 853-3876
E-mail: kmicks@neptune.on.ca

Autodrome Chaudiere: ACT 2010 Showdown

On August 28th the third ACT Showdown at Chaudiere at Autodrome Chaudière in Vallée Jonction, QC. Patrick Laperle won over Donald Theetge and Brian Hoar. A confrontation showcasing the best 12 drivers from both the ACT Castrol and ACT Tour Championships.

Complete album can be found here: http://picasaweb.google.com/marc.patrick.roy/20100828SHOWDOWNATCHAUDIERE?feat=directlink

From Marc Patrick Roy

MOSPORT SPEEDWAY: Dwight Brown Wins Late Model and Open-Wheeled Modified Features

BOWMANVILLE, ON - Long time Mosport Speedway supporter Roy Nichols Motors was the presenting sponsor on August 28, and following the evening's racing activities, their used car division may be a busy place in the coming week.

The THORSONS EVT Six Or Less

Mosport Speedway hosted their annual Mini Stock Invitational on Saturday, with a dozen visitors joining the regular Six or Less class competitors for a 35 lap feature race. Local pilots Duane Jeffery (#26 Car-Du Camaro) and Kevin Hinds (#57 Rad Man Pontiac) each claimed one heat dash win, with visitor Doug Mold (#27X) claiming the victories in the remaining two, 8-lap heat sprints.

A total of 19 drivers were able to answer the call for the feature race, with Ken Storer in the #01 Honda grabbing the lead from the outside of the front row. Holding the point for just two laps, Storer relinquished the position to Brad Martin (#53), who also led for only two tours of the half-mile oval. On lap five, Capital City Speedway regular Doug Mold wrestled the lead away from Martin in Turn Three, and proceeded to pull away from the pack with relative ease.

Mold would maintain his position throughout the remaining race laps, and an equal number of caution period laps, the race slowed by an agonizing seven yellow flags. So heavy was the carnage, that only six of the original 19 starters were able to see the checkered flag.

"I liked having the gap on the field, but I got some pretty good restarts so the yellows didn't hurt me too badly," explained Mold. "To be honest, I was more worried about running out of gas."

A five car incident on the front straight with just three laps to go eliminated, among others, Kevin Hinds and second place driver Brad Martin. Inheriting the runner-up spot was the Kawartha Speedway regular Dwight Lavoie, but using a last lap drag race to the line, Peterborough's Alex Lees edged Lavoie for the spot. Mosport drivers Heath McDonald (#69 U-Haul Dodge) and points leader Kevin Pickford (#19 Priestly Demolition Skyhawk) rounded out the top five finishers.  Peterborough Speedway driver Dan Demars was the final finisher in the 35-lap wreck fest.

The Bob's Towing Sportsman

Courtice's Brad Stevenson continues to dominate the Sportsman class Winner's Circle, wrapping up another three race sweep on Saturday, in every contest leading John Baker Jr. (#63 Marksmen Club Monte Carlo) to the stripe.

Starting from the inside of the third row, Stevenson leapt past early race leaders Bob Kish (#78 Buckhorn Woodworking Chevy) and Bill Northam (#85) with a diving Turn Two pass on the fourth lap. Building up a slight lead, Stevenson saw his advantage disappear on a lap seven yellow flag. After getting the green flag, there was no stopping the #77 Sanfords Racing Engines Monte Carlo as he streaked away to a 10-car length margin over Baker at the end of 20 laps.

"Of all the years I've been racing, I've never had a season like this one," said Stevenson. "This is incredible. Tonight was the first time I've bought tires this year. The car is so amazing; it's easy on the tires and the driver."

Norm Mayhew (#60 Mayhew Graphics), making a rare Mosport appearance, edged out the #85 Five Points Mall Pontiac of defending series champion Bill Northam for the final podium position, while pole sitter Bob Kish held off a determined Chad Strawn (#77X) for a top five finish.

The R.P.Oil Ltd. Late Models

The last time that the Late Models ran at Mosport Speedway, Todd Delisle led Dwight Brown to the stripe for the hard fought, feature race victory. On Saturday night, the situation was reversed as Brown took the race lead on lap four and was never bested. Brown's #12 Bourque Transmission Monte Carlo surviving an eight lap, bumper-to-bumper battle with Delisle to score the win.

"The track really changed tonight," said Brown. "In practice this afternoon, it was greasy, probably from the rubber laid down by the Canadian Tire Series cars last weekend. As the night cooled off, the track got really racy."

Delisle in his #22 Drake's Auto Glass Cadillac was relentless in his pursuit, but fell a single car length shy of the victory. From his runner-up position, the young Port Perry resident could watch a heated dice for third place in his rearview mirror.

On lap eight, Jim Rossiter managed to poke the nose of his #66 Roy Nichols Motors Impala underneath Shannon Kimmerly's #01 Dom's Auto Parts Monte Carlo to take over third place. Refusing to give up, Kimmerly stayed in line with Rossiter's back bumper, running out the laps in lockstep. The #23 Freeman Motorsports Fusion of John Baker Jr. joined the fray, the three-car train taking the checkered flag covered by the proverbial blanket.

The Open Wheeled Modifieds

The Modifieds have only been occasional visitors to Mosport Speedway in 2010, but five-time division champion Dwight Brown proved that he had not lost the touch in this open-wheeled class.

Sharing heat race victories with Delaware Speedway's David McCullough (#39), Brown had his work cut out for him, taking the green flag for the 20-lap feature from deep in the field. Quickly working his way to the front, by lap five Brown's familiar #2 Modified engaged McCullough's #39 in a battle for the lead. Stalking the frontrunner for five full laps, Brown ducked low as the pair entered Turn Three, wrestling the point away from McCullough as they entered onto the long front straight. Gary Tryon's Turn Four spin brought out a late race caution, the yellow
regrouping the field for a three lap dash to the checkers.

Able to hold onto top spot, Brown sprinted away, taking the feature race victory by four car lengths over McCullough.

"That McCullough is really fast," admitted Brown. "A few more laps around this place and he will be lightning quick."

Gary McLean (#8), visiting from Varney Speedway was holding down third place until a lap 11 incident sent him into the back straight wall.  Inheriting the position was Bill Pickford's Techtonix #61, the Mosport veteran holding off the Warnes Racing teammates of Samantha Jansen and Rob Warnes for a well-deserved third place finish.

Release Prepared by Ryan Chalmers, Mosport
Photo Credit: Peter Brand

Photo 1: Late Model winner Dwight Brown
Photo 2: 6 or Less feature winner Doug Mold
Photo 3: Winner of all three Sportsman races and current points leader Brad Stevenson.
Photo 4: Open wheel Modifieds feature race winner, Dwight Brown.

Merrittville Speedway: September 4 Championship Chase Finale Preview

Thorold, Ontario (August 30) As a lead in to 2011 and Merrittville Speedway's 60th Season Brian's Tire Repair will present the 2010 Championship Chase Finale Saturday September 4th.

"Race fans are in for a real treat," exclaims (Merrittville GM) Erica Bicknell. "In our 59 year history several of our points races have never been so close prior to all the feature excitement - we'll also have a real fan favorite event, Autograph Night!"

Last season saw Mike Bowman become the 12th different winner in the 2009 running of the John Spencer Memorial. The 50 lap Event had real meaning to it as many members of the Spencer Family were in attendance – joining the Reunion Committee to honor the driver that lost his life back in the 50's as a result of a racing accident at Stamford.

A winner's list from the modern era includes Pete Bicknell, Fred Carleton, Larry Lampman Jr. and Chad Brachmann. The original annual trophy also includes former winners Jerry Winger, Murray Stricker, Bruce Van Dyke, George Winger, Bill Rafter, Sandy MacPherson and Lloyd Holt.

With Lampman inactive this season Bowman and Brachmann would very much like to have their names added to the trophy once again that dates back to the 50's as would the most recent 2010 winner - Fred Carleton.

Bowman just won his first event of the season at Humberstone while Brachmann looks to ride a second place finish this past Saturday into the finale.

Barring disaster, Pete Bicknell will just have to start the Brian's Tire Repair 50 lapper to win his 20th career title at the Thorold facility. Depending on who finishes where though Mat Williamson has a chance at making up the 44 points that he needs to put him into top
spot.

Never before has finishing position mattered so much in a points race as the one that will decide the Original Pizza Logs Sportsman Title. Brandon Easey raced his way into a tie with Greg Panunte after this past weekend's Ball Hockey International Sterling Silver Victory.

Through 15 feature events - both drivers have 716 points meaning the title could be decided by as little as 2 points. The top 4 drivers are within 28 points of each other so while they are on the watch for each other ... the two will also have to keep an eye on Cody McPherson and Ryan Susice as well.

For the second straight season, Panunte has tied for the title in the King of the Crates Series powered by Niagara Motors.

The recent BHI Night assisted by the Niagara IceDogs set up quite a battle in the Hoosier Stock point race as well.

Ken Sargent rebounded from near disaster to take second place behind Graham MacKay to take over the points lead. The former champion sits just 5 points ahead of rookie Kevin Aube who has made a smooth transition from the 4 Cylinder Trucks.

Going into the night the leader was Dolf McCready who is now going into the finale 10 points out of top spot.

Josh Sliter could miss the final night of action in the J&S Heating and Air Conditioning Modified Lites and still win his first career points title. Whether he gets behind the wheel of his dad's car once again or gets his own fixed - the races over the season between him and former champion Paul Klager have been worth the price of admission alone.

So have runs from rookies and veterans alike with Randy Hollingshead, Kory Howe and Derek Moore winning their first features this season.

In the Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinder Division Rocco Conte would love to make it three wins in a row to take his first title but that race could come down to the final lap as well.

Already the 2010 Triple Crown Champion - Aaron Wiley is just 8 points behind. Not out of the picture either is Rob Overholt with 18 points to make up.

You really couldn't ask for a better Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series Show but wait there's more!

During the course of the evening - all of Merrittville's race teams will assemble on the front stretch for an Autograph Session. The gates at the start finish line will open and race fans of all ages can take part.

Every driver will have custom autograph cards to sign for you and many will have special treats for younger race fans as well!

It's all part of Brian's Tire Night at Merrittville Speedway.

Brian's Tire Repairs specializes in Large Truck Repairs of Domestic and Foreign Vehicles. Call their 24 Hour Emergency Service number at 905-646-7508 for mobile service as well or visit their newly expanded and renovated St. Catharines location at 3 Petrie Street.

When the gates open at 5:30 Saturday August 28th - the grandstand front gate area should have quite a display of race cars as Team Brian's Tire is well represented throughout all divisions Saturday Nights and in Kart Racing Tuesday Nights as well. Showtime is 7:00

Merrittville Speedway is located at 2371 Merrittville Highway in Thorold Ontario in the heart of Niagara. Race fans can visit http://www.merrittvillespeedway.com/ or call the 24 Hour Raceline at 905-892-8266 for event information.

Lombardi Honda Racing: Nick Wittmer and Benjamin Distaulo Ensure Points at Mosport

Lombardi Honda Racing collects another "Top 5"…
Nick Wittmer and Benjamin Distaulo Ensure Points at Mosport

Mosport Park (Ontario), August 30, 2010.- The Lombardi Honda Racing team competed in the second-last event of the Canadian Touring Car Championship, held this past weekend at Mosport, near Oshawa. This double-header program allowed Nick Wittmer to maintain his lead in the Super Touring Driver's Championship while teammate Benjamin Distaulo's monumental comeback put him in the weekend's spotlight.

Contested as part of the American Le Mans Series Weekend, this new event on the Mosport track, where Nick Wittmer had won a race in June, was awaited with impatience by the entire Lombardi Honda Racing team. During Saturday afternoon's race, Nick Wittmer and Benjamin Distaulo finished back-to-back in fifth and sixth spots. The following day, Wittmer crossed the finish line in sixth place while Distaulo, who was forced to start last (30th place), made a huge comeback to finish tenth overall.

"Honestly, I was going for a podium but the first race was a bit chaotic so finishing in the "Top 5" is acceptable. During the second race, I had to deal with some mechanical problems so ensuring good points became the essential goal," explains Nick Wittmer. As for Benjamin Distaulo, after finishing behind his teammate on Saturday, he gave an exceptional performance on Sunday by climbing twenty spots.

"My biggest handicap was that the entire race was completed without a single yellow flag, which would have allowed me to close the gaps between the competitor with a little more ease. I had to push to the maximum and work really hard to win back spots one at a time during the thirty minutes of competition," explains Benjamin.

Ontarian driver André Rapone was entered by the Lombardi Honda Racing team in a third car for the weekend. Unfortunately, mechanical problems prevented him from competing both races.

Team owner Tony Lombardi has a mixed assessment of their weekend but the important thing for him was to leave Mosport with their championship lead in tact.

"We won't hide the fact that it was a challenging weekend mechanically, troubles prevented Nick and Benjamin from performing at their usual level and battling amongst the leaders as we have been accustomed to since early in the season," he explains. "I hold onto the fact that our drivers and mechanics never gave up and that allowed us to earn important points in the hunt for the title. Everything will now play out in two weeks at the final event on the ICAR circuit in Mirabel. According to my calculations, Nick has a 46 point lead in the championship so we can remain pretty optimistic," adds Tony Lombardi. The next event in the Canadian Touring Car Championship is the last of the season. It will take place at the ICAR complex in Mirabel on September 11 and 12.

Lombardi Honda Racing is contesting all rounds of the 2010 Canadian Touring Car Championship, which kicked off the season with two visits to Mosport before the Grand Prix in Mirabel, Toronto, and Trois-Rivières. The season concludes with this third trip to Mosport and a second visit to Mirabel in mid-September. The team receives support from the following partners : Lombardi Honda, Trim Line Montréal, Discount, Pole-Position Magazine, Distaulo Racing (Puma), Perry Auto Parts, Gulf and Pneu Nicoletti. All information concerning the dealership can be accessed on the web site http://www.lombardihonda.com/. For more information on the racing team, visit the site http://www.lombardiracing.com/ or visit the Lombardi Honda Racing page on Facebook and team videos on Youtube.

For more information :
Lombardi Honda Racing
(514) 728-2222

2010 Canadian Touring Car Championship

Date Location

May 22 and 23 Victoria Day Weekend at Mosport, Ontario

June 12 and 13 NASCAR High Octane Weekend at Mosport, Ontario

July 3 and 4 ICAR Grand Prix de Mirabel, Quebec

July 17 and 18 Honda Indy Toronto Grand Prix

August 14 and 15 Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières, Quebec

August 28 and 29 American Le Mans Weekend at Mosport, Ontario

September 11 and 12 ICAR Sundown Weekend Mirabel, Quebec

Photo Credit : © Sylvain Lachapelle/Lombardi Honda Racing.
Photo 1: Nick Wittmer, leading the championship for the Lombardi Honda Racing team.
Photo 2: Benjamin Distaulo in action at the wheel of his Honda Civic Si.

HUMBERSTONE SPEEDWAY: Good weather made for good racing

PT. COLBORNE, ON - Metro Group Inc. and Xtreme Custom Exhaust and Performance presented full five divisions of racing at Humberstone Speedway Sunday Night. Mother Nature finally consented to beautiful weather and as hot as the temps were so was the action on the speedway!

The Young Automotive 30 lap Syracuse Qualifier Bill Bleich Sr. showed the way from the start. Bleich would hold an ten car advantage over Rob Krull and Chad Chevalier. The drama heightened opening lap as Chad Brachmann tangled with Mat Williamson and would have to pit but did not lose any laps but lost valuable track position. Lap 23 would have Robbie Krull pressure Bleich for the lead and Krull made it work to take the lead. Krull would soon be put to the test by Mike Bowman with two to go.  With Krull high and Bowman to the bottom, Krull had the advantage for the half car length win by .067 thousands of a second over Krull, Bleich, Chevalier and Travis Braun giving Krull the Syracuse Qualifying spot.

In the 25 lap Cosco Haulage Sportsman feature Ryan Susice claimed the lead from the outset as he would open a huge field. Susice handicapped towards the front after a few rough weeks used it to his advantage. The yellow would fly for a spin involving Bill Gill and Rick St Pierre. Cody McPherson who was second in points would get a flat tire during the yellow.  Darrell Farraway and Nick Cupolo were running third and fourth on the restart were bogged down and tangled to be forced to the tail. Greg Panunte the current point leader would find the outside to his liking to gain many spots and battle Brad Rouse for second. Susice would gain the win by a quarter straightaway over Panunte, Rouse Mark Dixon and B J Willard.

The always exciting Brian's Tire Repair Street Stock 20 lap event was also a Ransomville Speedway King of the Hill Qualifier for their September event Mark Fawcett set the pace from the start. Fawcett would lead through the halfway mark but was overtaken by Bill Bleich Jr. on a nice outside move. Jason Fontaine has been on a tear of late would make a charge from his eighth starting spot. Bleich would take a five length win for his fifth of the season over Jason Fontaine, Vince Fargnoli, Mark Fawcett and Dave Small.

The Ron's Automotive Mini Stock 15 lap feature Chris Laskey to the green from the start with a battle soon with Rob Goulding with Goulding taking the lead on lap 3. Rocco Conte aboard the former Matt Deschamps V-Dub also applied heavy pressure but Goulding used the outside to perfection.  Conte would claim the win by two car lengths of Goulding Aaron Wiley, Garnet Wilson and Brandon Iudiciani.

In the 15 lap Niagara Auto Sales Pro 4 Truck Feature, Hilary Haegens took the lead in the 15 lap race. Her lead was short lived as Kevin Conley and Bob McNamara soon claimed the lead with McNamara holding a solid lead and a great battle for second with Conley and Haegens contesting the runner-up spot. With Mc Namara getting the win over Conley, Billy Beales, Haegens and Andy Imbeault to round out the top five.

Release Prepared By Fran Bushardt / Humberstone PR

SPEEDWAY 660: Ben Rowe, Kittleson and Clark Headline Strong US Contingent for Auto Value 250

Chubbuck, Benjamin and Thibeau also looking to take the trophy back across the border!

 

Fredericton, NB – The biggest name in modern stock car racing in the Northeast, Ben Rowe has announced his intentions to compete in the 10^th Annual Auto Value 250.  Rowe is a four time PASS North Champion as well as a two time winner of the Oxford 250.  Rowe will pilot a car prepared by O'Neal Racing crew, the same car Sterling Marlin entered in the 2009 event.   "This race has been on my radar for a while; my schedule has never worked out until this year.  I'm pretty excited to be taking a crack at it.  It's a great race" said Rowe. 

 

Another familiar southern face, Travis Kittleson, will also be returning to the Auto Value 250 for a fourth attempt at victory. Kittleson has been a force to be reckoned with in his last two starts in the Auto Value 250 and he doesn't expect this year to be any different.  "This event is now on my radar every year.  I'm fortunate to be able to drive one of Lonnie Sommerville's cars with the help of McKay Builders." said Kittleson who currently resides in Mooresville, NC.  Most noticeably last year he dominated the early part of the race and led over 70 laps.   Travis has had some success in these Pro stock cars.  In 2006, he was touted as one of the top Pro Stock/Super Late Model drivers in America.  In 2005, Travis took part in Jack Roush's Driver X Show and finished in the top 8 drivers vying for a chance to race a Craftsman truck for Roush racing.  All totalled Travis has over 190 starts in Pro Stock and ASA Late Model events.  54 of those events he won!!! And was in the top 10 in 138 of the 190+ starts.  Oh yeh, he's also had 35 poles and 87 top 5's. 

 

Johnny Clark is also no stranger to Speedway 660 victory lane.  Johnny is a former Auto Value 250 champion and most recently captured the PASS 200 victory at Speedway 660 on June 12.  In victory lane that day Johnny made his intentions clear when asked if he would be returning to compete in the 2010 Auto Value 250, "Are you kidding me, I love this place and I love the 250.  I won $20,000 here in 2007.  You bet I'll be here".    Johnny has three PASS North wins this season and is currently leading the PASS North points championship by 13 points over Ben Rowe. 

 

Another familiar name that is making his way to Speedway 660 for the Auto Value 250 is 2005 Champion Scott Chubbuck.  Scott is coming off a 2^nd place finish in the COASTAL Blending & Packaging 150 a few weeks back and is ready to roll this weekend.  "We love coming up here on labour day weekend.  The guys look forward to it all year." Said Chubbuck. 

 

Rounding out the registered US competitors are 2001 Auto Value 250 Champion Kirk Thibeau and multi-year runner up, Travis Benjamin. 

 

Please contact Angela Coffey at Speedway 660 at 506-455-3181 or info@speedway660.com  for any questions.

 

 

The Auto Value 250

The 2010 Auto Value 250 will take place on Sunday, September 5^th, 2010 and will be the highlight of the 9th Annual SPEEDWEEKEND. The event will showcase the Speedway 660 Coastal Blending & Packaging Pro Stocks against the best of the Eastern Canada and New England. The purse for 2010 will be over $70,000 with a guaranteed $15,000 to the event winner and possible winner's cheque of $28,000. Seven years ago, the late Scott Fraser took home a record $25,400 including lap money. Only ten years old, the event as grown in crowd, atmosphere, and car count every year since its inception. Over 8,000 people attended the 2010 event to break attendance records at Speedway 660.  Forty plus pro stock cars will be attempting to qualify for 28 spots on the starting grid.

 

SPEEDWEEKEND

Just like the Auto Value 250, SPEEDWEEKEND continues to grow every year. Over 14,000 people attended last year's four-day stock car fest that includes a corn boil on Friday night, O'Leary Buick GMC Sportsman 150 race on Saturday night, the Auto Value 250 on Sunday, and finishes up with an Enduro 200 on Monday. While the Auto Value 250 is the highlight of the racing event, the weekend has developed into an event on its own with over 650 campers turning Speedway 660 into a small town over the weekend. It has become the destination of choice for the region's stock car fans.

 

Speedway 660

Speedway 660 is WicKID Family Fun!  The 1/3 of a mile high-banked paved oval features three classes of racing on a weekly basis: Coastal Blending & Packaging Pro Stocks, Martin's Home Heating, and Leisure Family Rv.com Street Stocks. Over 70,000 people are expected to attend over 18 events during the 2010 season. Speedway 660 is located off Highway 7 on Route 660 in Geary, NB, and is within minutes of Saint John and Fredericton. Speedway 660 can be found online at www.speedway660.com. 

 

 
Chris Johnston

Speedway 660

HOME OF THE AUTO VALUE 250

E-mail: chris.johnston@speedway660.com

Website: www.speedway660.com

Direct: 506-455-3181

Fax: 506-451-7223

Info: 506-454-7223 (RACE)