ChampCar sues Legault

You didn't have to be Karnac to see this one coming down the track....

"I hold in my hand the final envelope..... The answer is: "Bernie will yank it.... Bernie will yank it............ and the question reads: "What will Ecclestone threaten to do to Montreal's F1 race if the courts dare rule against Legault?......... May a drum of racing fuel be dumped on your Kalkhoven....."

**********

"Champ Car has filed a lawsuit against Montreal race promoter Normand Legault, charging breech of contract for outstanding sanctioning fee payments related to the 2005 Molson Indy Montreal."

TSN has the full story...

2007 Lancia Ypsilon FL Pictures

The first unmasked pictures of Lancia’s revised hatchback have surfaced on the net. Due to be presented at the upcoming Paris International Motor Show, the 2007 Yspilon has received a mild exterior facelift which includes new front and rear bumpers, a redesigned front mask with a honeymesh grille and new rear light crystal design. Although it is said that there will be no significant changes in the interior, we’ll have to wait for the official press release to be sure.

Technorati: Lancia+Ypsilon, 2007, facelift, Paris+International+Motor+Show, 2006, autos, auto+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles

OSCAAR: Biederman race this weekend at Peterborough

PETERBOROUGH, ON – Peterborough Speedway will play host to OSCAAR’s most prestigious race of the 2006 season this Labour Day weekend, Saturday September 2nd .

The high banks of Peterborough Speedway always provides some of the best Outlaw racing throughout the OSCAAR season, and the Don Biederman Memorial 75 lap feature event is guaranteed to provide fast and furious wheel to wheel action that will keep fans on the edge of their seat.

The Don Biederman Memorial pays tribute to the life and legacy of one of Canada’s finest Super Late Model drivers of all time. The familiar 43 was notorious for his winning ways, aggressive style, and his outspoken and cantankerous character. If Don wasn’t thrilling the fans in the stands with his on-track performance, then his off-track antics kept things most exciting. Admired for his passion and dedication to short track racing, Biederman possessed the fire and desire to win every time behind the wheel.

There is no doubt that as a Canadian, Biederman achieved great success in racing the short tracks of Canada, and across the border. During his career he won countless prestigious events and championships. Perhaps his greatest achievement was winning the 1977 Oxford 250 in Oxford, Me., where he beat many of the established NASCAR stars of the day. In 2001, Don Biederman earned one of Canada’s highest honours in racing, as he was posthumously inducted into the Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame.

Since the inception of this annual event there have been four different winners of the Don Biederman Memorial. Leading the charge will be three time winner John Fletcher in his JNE Consulting #61. This team is also the current OSCAAR point leader and has a series high of six feature wins in 2006. Second place point man Rob Clarke comes into the 2006 version of the Don Biederman Memorial as a two-time and defending Champion of this event. The #49 Outlaw of Clarke always runs very competitive at Peterborough, as this team picked up the feature win earlier in 2006. Stu Robinson Jr will be returning to Outlaw competition at Peterborough Speedway for the first time in a couple of years. The 2001 winner of the Don Biederman Memorial has teamed up with the #11 Robbins Motorsport team for the remainder of the 2006 season. The only other previous winner of this prestigious event is Dave Taylor who took the win 2000. Dave does not currently pilot a super late model, but can be seen in the pits each and every week.

The 8th Annual Don Biederman Memorial event should prove to be one of the most competitive in recent years. 2006 may be the year that a new name is added to the winners trophy. Leading the charge has to be the #67 of Phil Bullen who is having a break out season in 2006. Drew Spicer has been knocking on the door all year looking for their second OSCAAR feature win. 2006 Rookie of The Year candidate Glenn Watson might surprise everyone and become the first rookie to win this prestigious event. Two previous rookies of the OSCAAR series, Ed Bowlby and TJ Woosley could also play the spoiler role this weekend and pick up their first ever feature win in OSCAAR. Steve Lyons turned a lot of heads in his first ever OSCAAR event leading a large portion of a feature event at Kawartha Speedway a few weeks back, as he could prove to be the Cinderella story of 2006 by taking the win this weekend.

No matter who you cheer for each week, you can be assured that each and every OSCAAR Outlaw driver will be doing their best to honor the memory of the familiar #43 of Don Biederman.

In addition, to 75 laps of awesome Outlaw Super Late Model racing action, Peterborough Speedway and OSCAAR have many added attractions this Saturday September 2nd. The Don Biederman Hall of Fame car will be on display throughout the evening. The OSCAAR Outlaws will be joined by the Hurricane Midgets, Mini-Stocks, Four Funs and a Donut Race. What is a Donut Race you ask?!? Be sure to attend to find out. Bike Races will be held at intermission for the kids. Prior to the feature, OSCAAR will host an autograph session so that you can meet and greet your favorite drivers.

For custom car enthusiasts, Ruckiss Rydez will be presenting the 1st Annual Show N’ Shine, a custom car show specializing in hot rods, imports, trucks and outlaws. Fans will be able to “cruise” the custom car area, and vote for their favorite hot rod.

Be sure to arrive early, as the Outlaws and Peterborough Speedway will be hosting a Pre-Race Corn Roast in honour of all our supporting fans!

All of this exciting entertainment wrapped in one single event – The 8th Annual Don Biederman Memorial! Spectator gates will open at 4:00, with racing action getting underway at 6:00! Admission at the spectator gate as follows: Adults - $18.00, Youth/Seniors - $16.00, Kids 6-11 - $2.00 and Kids Under 6 are Free.

Cayuga... construction on hold for now

Just heard Cayuga Speedway Park president Jerry Santucci on the radio, talking about this weekend's Labour Day Classic Race Weekend at his track. During his conversation, he confirmed that major renovations on the facility will not commence immediately following this weekend's action at the 5/8-mile speedway.

Rather, Santucci said that the track will be open for a full slate of racing under its current configuration in 2007, with the big construction now scheduled to take place in 2008. He cited planning and permit delays for the setback.

2007 Bentley Arnage: More power & new 6speed auto

Bentley presented it's refreshed 2007 Arnage range which, finally, gets a brand new 6speed ZF automatic transmission (the previous model had a 4speed auto) and an upgraded engine range which benefit from a new low inertia turbocharger and roller tappet system. Depending on the model, Arnage's 6.75-litre V8 engine now develops up to 500Hp. The powertrain changes are complemented by subtle exterior, interior and under-bonnet design cues. The new 2007 Model Year Bentley Arnage range will go on sale from September 2006.

Press release

Powertrain: In the performance-oriented Arnage T model, the revised twin-turbocharged V8 engine produces 500Hp and 1000Nm of torque -11% increase in power and 14% increase in torque over the outgoing model. In the Arnage R and RL models the new engine is boosted from 400 to 450bhp, while torque climbs from 835 to 875Nm. All versions are twinned with a new six-speed ZF automatic transmission

Chassis: Another important development for the 2007 Model Year Arnage range is the separation of the sports suspension and sports gearbox settings, allowing the driver to select their preference for each system independently -via a Sport button on the dashboard for the suspension and by positioning the gearlever for the transmission's Sport mode. Also, a new Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) logic system improves dynamic response and handling with less intrusive intervention when a reduction in grip is detected.

Exterior: The performance intent of the Arnage T is underlined by the addition of a new dark finish to its front radiator and bumper grilles. A standardised bright chrome finish is applied to the R and RL grilles while Bentley B badges have been applied to the D-pillars on all models.

Interior: Cabin updates include a new hide-trimmed gearlever, chrome gearlever bezel, and new Thin Film Technology driver information panel to display more comprehensive and clearly accessible information. The Arnage RL model receives additional standard specification including a rear centre armrest bottle cooler, veneered rear centre cushion box, rear rSAP Bluetooth master telephone system and reversing camera (US, EU, Australia and New Zealand markets only). Finally, driver ergonomics are improved thanks to 25mm increase in length of steering column and in vertical steering wheel adjustment.

Technorati Tags: Bentley+Arnage, 2007, autos, auto+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, press+release

Tuning News: STARTECH 2007 Dodge Caliber

Tuning specialist Startech revealed it's first interpretation of Dodge's new 2007 Caliber. As with all Startech versions, the Caliber can benefit from an upgraded suspension and engine kit (the latter is available only for the diesel model for now), and a variety of exterior and interior accessories.

Press Release

40Hp+ for the Dodge Caliber 2.0 CRD: The STARTECH SD3 performance kit consists of a plug-and-play control module that can be installed by any authorized Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge dealer in half an hour. With STARTECH SD3 tuning peak power output of the 2.0-liter common-rail four cylinder engine with Diesel particulate filter jumps from standard 140 hp / 103 kW to 180 hp / 132 kW at 4,000 rpm. Even more important is the increase in peak torque from 310 Nm to 360 Nm between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. Sprint time from 0-100 km/h (62mph) is shortened from 9.3 to 8.6 seconds while top speed of the tuned model increases to 201 km/h (125mph).

Exhaust: For all engine variants STARTECH will soon offer a stainless-steel sport rear muffler with four tailpipes. It lends the Caliber not only a more striking rear appearance but also a more powerful exhaust note.

Suspension: STARTECH offers more driving fun in the form of custom-tailored modifications to the suspension of the Dodge. Progressive-rate springs precision-calibrated to the standard shocks lower the ride height of the vehicle by some 30 millimeters.

Wheels: STARTECH offers various custom-tailored STARTECH Monostar tire/wheel combinations with 19- and 20-inch diameters for the Caliber. The palette of suitable Monostar IV five-spoke wheels ranges from size 8.5Jx19 all around with tires up to 245/40 R 19 in size to an especially exclusive version with size 9Jx20 wheels and 245/35 R 20 tires.

Bodykit: To add more sporty emphasis to the characteristic appearance of the Dodge Caliber the STARTECH designers have developed an aerodynamic-enhancement kit that'll be introduced shortly.

Interior: The STARTECH program also offers numerous customization options for the interiors of all Caliber models including polished aluminum for door-lock pins, shifter and foot pedals. Also available are high-quality floor mats with STARTECH signet.

Technorati: Dodge+Caliber, Startech, diesel, tuning+news, accessories, 2007, autos, auto+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles

Exclusive Paris Sneak Peak: 2007 Nissan Qashqai Production model Teaser Video

Get a first sneak peak at Nissan's 2007 Qashqai production model that will be officially unveiled at the 2006 Paris Motor Show. According to the teaser video, Nissan will release the preliminary photos and specs on September 6th.

Based on the homonymous concept which was revealed at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show, the Qashqai is a compact crossover that combines characteristics from various categories (C-segment hatchback models like the VW Golf /Rabbit, SUV's and MPV's). If that doesn't sound like a perfect match for the Dodge Caliber I wonder what does.

Technorati: Nissan+Qashqai, Paris+International+Motor+Show, 2006, crossover, video, clips, teaser, 2007, autos, auto+news, automobile, cars, automotive

Green day: Nissan Hybrid Concept at the 2006 IAA

Aside Paris, there's another show going around at this time of the year: the 61st International Motor Show (IAA) for Commercial Vehicles (CV) in Hanover, Germany (21-28 September). As with the car industry, Hybrids seem to be the hip here too. So apart from the World Premiere of the all-new 2007 Cabstar light duty truck and a new range of engines on the new Atleon light truck, plus enhancements to Primastar and Interstar, Nissan will also display a hybrid-powered Cabstar concept vehicle.

The concept features a parallel hybrid powertrain (co-developed by Nissan and ZF) with a powerful electric motor (eMotor powered by an ion-lithium battery) supplementing the Cabstar's conventional diesel engine, a 3.0 litre common-rail diesel developing 150PS (110kW). Besides emitting less pollution, the Hybrid Cabstar is expected to cut fuel bills by up to 30 per cent.

Technorati Tags: Hybrids, Nissan+Cabstar, 2007, Commercial+Vehicles, Trucks, ecology, ZF, IAA, 2006, International+Motor+Show, Hanover, CV, Concept, pictures, autos, auto+news, automobile, cars, automotive, electric+vehicles

CASCAR: Micks Motorsports and Berkshire unite for Cayuga race

MT. ALBERT, ON (August 30, 2006) – Veteran CASCAR Super Series driver Kerry Micks, driving his 2006 Micks Motorsports Ford, is pleased to announce the associate sponsorship of the Berkshire group of companies for the Labor Day Weekend Classic event at Cayuga Int'l Speedway.

“I am really excited to have Berkshire on board with us for the Cayuga event. It has been a tremendous struggle for our team this season without having major financial backing, but with help from companies like Berkshire, we have managed to run the complete series and stay in the top three,” stated Micks. “This is a new venture for Berkshire and I hope I can make them proud to be a part of our team for this event by taking them to the winner’s circle”.

For two decades, Berkshire has provided its clients with an outstanding level of personalized financial planning service and support. They recognize that different investors have different investment needs and objectives and, as a result they are positioned to offer timely, prudent advice to their clients. Berkshire advisors have access to a broad spectrum of quality investments products offered by a number of strong companies. This allows advisors to design personalized investment portfolios that will assist each client in choosing a secure financial future. To learn more please visit www.berkshire.ca

Cayuga International Speedway is located one kilometer north of Nelles Corners, ON. From the town of Cayuga take Highway 3 west for eight kilometers to Nelles Corners and turn right on Haldimand Road 20.

For information about the Labor Day Weekend Classic at Cayuga International Speedway call (866) 670-1958 or online at www.cayugaracing.com

Micks Motorsports is sponsored by APX Racing Gear and Incentives Inc., Berkshire group of companies, Beyond Digital Imaging, Canadian Detailing Services, Cathcart Trucking, Trailers by Jim Bray and Two-Tyme Recycling & Disposal for the 2006 CASCAR Super Series Racing Championship.

From Bruce Mehlenbacher

Is that Dave Jacombs I hear on the radio???

Tune into Hamilton's Y108 Radio on Thursday morning between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. to hear CASCAR Super Series racer Dave Jacombs, driver of the #88 Lou's BBQ/CPS Flooring Ford Taurus.

To listen over the internet, Click here for the Y108 main page and hit the Listen Live button to hear Dave chat about this weekend's race at Cayuga Int'l Speedway.

Or just click on the microphone to the right >>>>>>

(h/t Linda Jones for the heads-up)

DELAWARE SPEEDWAY ANNOUNCES “RACING WEEKEND IN VEGAS” PRIZE

One lucky racer will leave Delaware saying, "Thank you.... thank you very much...."

Auto Parts Centres (APC) and Delaware Speedway have announced an additional incentive for APC Late Model teams heading into the Great Canadian Race Weekend: A trip to Las Vegas in March of 2007.

One APC Late Model driver who finishes in the top twenty in the APC 300 on Sunday, September 3, will win the trip. In order to determine the winner, a wheel will be spun on the front straightaway just prior to the final 100-lap race. An envelope with a finishing position inside (anywhere from positions 2 through 20) will be “pulled” from wherever the wheel stops spinning. The random number inside that envelope will then be held and, eventually, revealed from the podium at the end of the race. The driver that finishes in that spot will win the trip.

“APC has put together this fantastic trip for our staff, suppliers and customers and we wanted to include our partners at Delaware Speedway,” said Luke Ramsay, Sales Manager and Director of Motorsports with APC and CANUSA. “With everything included in this trip, such as the chartered jet, Havoline hospitality seats at the Nextel Cup event, the stay at the Bellagio and more, this really is a once-in-lifetime opportunity.”

The trip will take place March 9 through 12, 2007 and includes: three nights and four days at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, a round trip flight from Detroit on a chartered jet and private bus and baggage handling.

Friday’s (March 9) activities include dinner at one of the Bellagio’s fine restaurants and reserved seats at the “Show ‘O’” by Cirque Du Soleil. The Saturday includes either a private bus with round-trip transportation to a golf outing at the Desert Pines Golf Club or a 50-minute relaxation massage at the Bellagio Spa. On Sunday, guests will be treated to round-trip private bus to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway and access to the Havoline hospitality tent, along with breakfast and lunch. Once at the Speedway, guests will have access to car simulators, a driver appearance and reserved seats for the Nextel Cup race. The return flight to Detroit is Monday, March 12th.

The entire package has a retail value of approximately seven-thousand dollars.

“Spreading the opportunity back through the field adds some incentive to race teams that think they can finish, say, fifteenth, but aren’t sure they can win it,” said Delaware Speedway Race Director Jeff Wilcox. “And holding that winning number until the end of the race adds some mystery. We don’t want the racers to know what position it is because you don’t want to see a guy standing on the brakes on the last lap trying to get back to a certain spot or another guy spinning someone out right at the end because they know what place they have to be in to win the trip. This way, it can be a possible bonus for anyone that finishes somewhere between second and twentieth.”

Sunday’s all-new APC 300 will pay ten-thousand dollars to the winner. The APC Late Model Delaware Speedway track champion (which will be determined earlier in the day in the first of three 100-lap races) will also receive ten-thousand dollars, at the year-end awards dinner. For at least a few teams, it is possible to win each of those pay days, as well as the trip, depending on what number the wheel turns up before the race. Based on a full field, the APC 300 race purse is forty-thousand dollars.
Advanced tickets and weekend passes are available at participating Auto Parts Centre stores, TSC Stores, PartSource on Wharncliffe Road in London or online at http://www.delawarespeedway.com/.

- From Delaware Speedway

ALMS Mosport: Here are some shots of today's Pit Stop Competition at Toronto's Dundas Square, through the lens of our own Rob 'Blurry Shots' Morton

Tickets for this weekend's MOBIL1 presents Labour Day Weekend Grand Prix of Mosport are available here.
For info on the race, visit the Mosport site.

RESCHEDULED: Hindle Canadian Fastest Streetbike Shootout

Hello everyone,

For those who haven't heard, rain has forced the Hindle Canadian Fastest Streetbike Shootout to be rescheduled to Saturday, October 14 at Grand Bend Motorplex.

The entire Hully Gully Summer Sizzler All-bike Drags will be run on this date, including the Kevin Blackmore Memorial Quick 16, Superbike, Street ET and Harley classes.

The rain date will be the next day, Sunday October 15. For more information, visit http://www.grandbendmotorplex.com/ or http://www.canadiandragbike.com/shootout.

Thanks,
Graeme Jones
Organizer,
Hindle Canadian Fastest Streetbike Shootout

CASCAR: Cayuga Int’l Speedway set to host the Labour Day Weekend Classic, featuring the Hot Head Henry 200

TORONTO, ON – For the first time ever, Cayuga Int’l Speedway will be rocking to the sounds of CASCAR racing on the Labour Day long weekend. Sunday afternoon’s ‘Hot Head Henry 200 powered by Griddly Headz’ Super Series race will be the focal point of a busy weekend of motorsports, music and partying at Cayuga Speedway Park.

Prior to that, on Saturday, there will be a pair of 50-lap Super Series Shootout Races, followed by the ‘Texaco Havoline 100’ CASCAR Sportsman Series race. Adding to the atmosphere will be live music concerts at the Campground Pavilion on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.

The Hot Head Henry 200 is the ninth CASCAR Super Series race of the season. Following CASCAR’s successful appearance at the Grand Prix de Montreal last weekend, the championship chase has been tightened and shuffled as the series builds towards its conclusion. Young star J.R. Fitzpatrick (Milwaukee Tools Chevy) still leads the points chase, as he has for most of the season, but he is now in the sights of former CASCAR champ Kerry Micks (Cdn. Detailing Svcs. Ford), who has won a pair of races in 2006, including last weekend’s race in Montreal.

This week, Micks installed his race-winning motor from his road course car into his oval car, in hopes of continuing his quest for another CASCAR crown. “We’ve come a long way to get back into this championship,” said Micks, who is just 11 points back of Fitzpatrick with three events remaining on the schedule. “That was a great motor in our car today [in Montreal] and we’re going to switch it over to our oval car for Cayuga. We’ve had a lot of wins at Cayuga and we’re confident that we can go there and do well.”

Fitzpatrick and his teammate Don Thomson Jr. (Home Hardware Chevy) are hoping to rebound from a tough weekend in Montreal, during which both experienced engine failures during qualifying, and had to battle from the back at the start of the race. Fitzpatrick salvaged an eighth-place finish, while Thomson endured more powerplant trouble in the road course event at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, and came home 13th, dropping him to third in the points.

Over the years, there have been many international racing stars who have taken part in CASCAR races. This weekend at Cayuga, Canadian open-wheel star Patrick Carpentier will be behind the wheel of Dave Jacombs’ #88 Ford Taurus as he makes his stock car debut in the Hot Head Henry 200. The Quebec racer competed in the ChampCar series for eight seasons, as well as in the Indy Racing League. “I am very excited to compete in my first stock car racing event with the CASCAR Super Series,” said Carpentier. “CASCAR is Canada’s top race series… and to race at the legendary Cayuga Speedway makes the opportunity even more exciting.”

CAYUGA NOTEBOOK: Longtime Cayuga Speedway owners Bob & Leone Slack will be honoured prior to racetime on Sunday afternoon. The Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame inductees ran the 5/8-mile facility during its glory years, putting Cayuga on the international motorsports map through their creative promotions and hard work… The Canadian Vintage Modifieds will be part of the Labour Day Classic Weekend at Cayuga, with a feature race on Saturday evening… The Campground Pavilion will be busy all weekend. “Red Eye” (Friday), “Ray Lyell and the Storm” (Saturday) and “Good Rockin’ Tonight with a Johnny Cash tribute” (Sunday) will be part of the entertainment, which also includes fireworks… Caledonia, ON resident Ashley Coles will perform the National Anthems on Sunday, prior to the Hot Head Henry 200. Coles made the top 14 in Canadian Idol… Tickets for the weekend are available at www.ticketmaster.ca or through the speedway at (866) 670-1958.


SCHEDULE: Cayuga Labour Day Weekend Classic
Featuring the Hot Head Henry 200 (CASCAR Super Series) and the Texaco Havoline 100 (CASCAR Sportsman Series)

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2006

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. CASCAR Sportsman Series Practice
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. CASCAR Super Series Practice
5:00 p.m. Sportsman Series Time Trials
6:30 p.m. Super Series Time Trials
7:00 p.m. Canadian Vintage Modified Feature
8:00 p.m. CASCAR Super Series Twin 50 Shootout Races
9:00 p.m. START: SPORTSMAN SERIES ‘TEXACO HAVOLINE 100’ FEATURE

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2006

11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. CASCAR Super Series Driver Autograph Session
12:00 p.m. Opening Ceremonies and Driver Introductions
12:30 p.m. Tribute to Bob & Leone Slack
12:50 p.m. National Anthems by Caledonia’s Ashley Coles (Top 14 Canadian Idol)
1:00 p.m. START: HOT HEAD HENRY 200 CASCAR SUPER SERIES RACE


POINT STANDINGS

CASCAR Super Series (As of August 26, 2006 // Top 15): 1. #84 J.R. Fitzpatrick (1357 pts.); 2. #02 Kerry Micks (1346); 3. #4 Don Thomson Jr. (1324); 4. #22 Scott Steckly (1300); 5. #39 Dave Whitlock (1294); 6. #9 Mark Dilley (1252); 7. #60 Ron Beauchamp (1238); 8. #19 Brad Graham (1223); 9. #17 DJ Kennington (1214); 10. #10 Doug Brown (1205); 11. #25 Jim Lapcevich (1203); 12. #1 Peter Gibbons (1192); 13. #3 Jason Hathaway ® (1154); 14. #11 Ron Van Es (1058); 15. #09 Kent Nuhn (1044)

CASCAR Flo~Pro.Com Western Series (As of August 22, 200 // Top 15): 1. #36 Jim White (1015 pts.); 2. #35 Kevin Dowler (1004); 3. #30 Derek Polack (988); 4. #71 Daryl Harr (957); 5. #6 Todd Nichol (932); 6. #2 Carl Harr (905); 7. #26 Shaun Polack (884); 8. #79 Wade Lee (875); 9. #21 Jason White (865); 10. #86 Shawn Press (836); 11. #24 Scott Dennis (826); 12. #48 Chris Dennis (483); 13. #96 Norm Hunger (478); 14. #87 James Ward (468); 15. #76 Dale Biesick (458)

CASCAR Sportsman Series (As of August 22, 2006 // Top 5): 1. #77 Dion Verhoeven (247 pts.); 2. #81 Shawn McGlynn (237); 3. #32 Mike Alguire (228); 4. #00 Steve Munro (227); 5. #95 Ron Lethbridge (217)

CASCAR ON TV: For information regarding initial airings and replays of Super Series races, please check your local listings or visit http://www.cascar.ca/schedule/tv_schedule.html.

Contact CASCAR’s Toronto Office at (416) 531-4714 or visit www.cascar.ca
Prepared by Inside Track Communications. // With files from Cayuga Speedway / Bruce Mehlenbacher

Transformers Exclusive Update: Bumblebee revealed on Video plus pictures from the Pontiac Solstice Jazz

Fed up with all the Bumblebee pics that have been going around the past few months? Think its time that we saw the 2008 Chevy Camaro based character in live action? If so, then click on the follwing video and get a first live glimpse of Autobot's "yellow menace". Also, after the video clip, take a look at a new set of pictures concerning Bumblebee and more importantly, the Pont iac Solstice based Jazz, that have submerged on the net.

Technorati: Transformers, Movies, Bumblebee, Chevrolet+Camaro, Autobots, Deceptecons, Jazz, Pontiac+Solstice, Entertainment, Toys, gadgets, autos, auto+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles

DELAWARE: VANDERWYST TO RETURN FOR GREAT CANADIAN RACE WEEKEND

2005 Track Champion Will Enter Field for Match Race, APC 300

Delaware, ON (August 29, 2006): Pete Vanderwsyt of St. Thomas, the 2005 Delaware Speedway Track Champion, is returning for the “Great Canadian Race Weekend” (September 1, 2 and 3). Vanderwyst has accepted his “Past Champion” provisional to run in Friday’s inaugural “Match Race” and will also compete in the all-new APC 300 on Sunday in a new car built by McColl Racing Enterprises and sponsored by Peterbilt of Ontario.

Asked why he was coming back, Vanderwyst said: “Because it’s Delaware. It’s Labour Day and I want to be a part of it.”

Though Vanderwyst has been registered to run at Delaware Speedway this year, he has competed just once (June 2nd) at his home track this season. He has been busy with a racing schedule that has taken him throughout parts of the United States.

“We’ve been running ASA (American Speed Association) North and M.A.A.R.A. (Mid Atlantic Asphalt Racing Alliance) events,” Vanderwyst said of his 2006 schedule. “We’ve been in Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio. It’s been great to see what the competition is like at other tracks.”

The experience has given Vanderwyst some additional perspective. “It was a whole lot more humbling than we ever would have anticipated,” he said. “It’s tough.”

Labour Day will not be a restful weekend for Vanderwyst, who is planning to run the M.A.A.R.A. race at Holland Speedway in New York on Saturday night in addition to competing in the Friday and Sunday events at Delaware.

“Hopefully I get enough sleep,” said Vanderwyst. “After Friday night, we’ll get out the other car and leave home Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m. We should get to Holland around 1:00 or 2:00 p.m. We’ll run the 100-lapper there and should be home at 3:00 or 4:00 a.m. We’ll get three or four hours of sleep, switch cars again and then it’s back to Delaware.”

Vanderwyst’s return adds to an already deep field that will compete for a $5,000.00 first prize in the Match Race on Friday and $10,000.00 to win on Sunday.

“At the end of the day, Delaware has the best racers in Ontario,” said Vanderwyst. “This is something new for Labour Day and I want to be a part of it.”

Advanced tickets and weekend passes are available at participating Auto Parts Centre stores, TSC Stores, PartSource on Wharncliffe Road in London or online at www.delawarespeedway.com.

From Delaware Speedway

PT is the show

This writer from the National Post gets it.

Paul Tracy is ChampCar. Period.

Without him, there is no show. Without him, no one cares.

Even the fans in Quebec get it. At the start of the weekend, he was as popular as the plague in Montreal. But by the time he was done having fun, he drew the biggest cheers of anyone, on the podium on Monday.

Yes, he inflamatory and controversial.

But the guy is single-handedly keeping the ship afloat.

ChampCar and Bourdais should be kissing PT's feet.

ALSTAR: Weekend Preview

The SHOULDICE STONE ALSTAR SUPER SERIES will honor the 2006 Champion this Labor-Day weekend ,at Steelback Sauble Speedway.

Saturday September 2nd the SHOULDICE ALSTAR Cars starting order will be determined by the qualifying time in the Wayfreight time trial – which will give the ALSTAR drivers their starting positions for the ‘Steelback Twin 50’s’ on the Saturday at the Beach..

Sunday September the 3rd – SHOULDICE ALSTAR drivers will start the ‘STEELBACK 100 Challenge’ by their finishing order of the ‘Steelback Twin 50’s’. Rumour has it there will be some new faces in the series this weekend.

Sunday is the Finale of the 2006 SHOULDICE ALSTAR SUPER SERIES WEEKENDS and virtually it can be anyone’s 2006 championship as there are only 28 points separating the top 10 drivers.

SHOULDICE ALSTAR Series currently top 10 in points:1. #9 Robbie Thompson 2012. #67 Steve Tiemersma 1853. #72 Rob MacDonnell 1834 #1 Dan Delisle 183 5 #82 Jason Shaw 1826 #76 Tyler Williams 1807 #2 Tim Ellis 1808 #38 Kirk Hooker 1789 #7 Derrick Tiemersma 17410 #4 Craig Zurbrigg 173

The 2006 SHOULDICE ALSTAR Drivers Awards Presentation will be immediately following the ‘Steelback 100 Challenge’ on Sunday evening.

For a 2006 SHOULDICE STONE ALSTAR Series registered Drivers List See: http://www.alstarseries.com/ALSTAR_Officia/2006_Registere.html

For more information: http://www.saublespeedway.com/ Home of the SHOULDICE STONE ALSTAR SUPER SERIES: www.alstarseries.com

See you at the Races this weekend.

From the Shouldice ALSTAR Series

Form Russia With Love: Infiniti goes "perestroika"

Nissan Group steps up its offensive global expansion strategy by introducing it's luxury car brand, Infiniti, in the Russian market at the Moscow International Motor Show. That's a good two years ahead of the planned European introduction of Infiniti -the wonders of capitalism ...

Launched in the US and Canada in 1989, Infiniti is currently sold across North America, Taiwan, Korea and the Middle East. Further launches of the Infiniti brand include two other, consumer hungry nations, China and Ukraine (both in 2007).

Back to Infiniti's Russian expedition, the initial line of vehicles, which go on sale this fall, includes the FX SUV and the M sedan, both offered in 3.5 V6 and 4.5 V8 versions and available at dealerships in Moscow and St Petersburg. Infiniti also disclosed its future Russian product line-up including the G35 sport sedan and QX56 full-size SUV and provided a hint at the future with the Infiniti Coupe Concept.

European Headquarters Announcement: During the press conference for the introduction of the mark, the Japanese luxury carmaker also announced the establishment of a regional headquarters for Infiniti Europe in Rolle, Vaud canton in Switzerland.

Technorati: Infiniti, Nissan, Russia, business+news, Moscow+International+Motor+Show, autos, auto+news, automobile, cars, automotive,

ADVERTISER SPOTLIGHT: BFGoodrich

BFGoodrich Tires

STICKY POST: This will be the top post until Thursday, Aug. 31. Check below for current news.

SOS: Southern Ontario Sprints Set to Double Up This Weekend

The Southern Ontario Sprints championship will be declared on Friday night, September 8th when the thundering winged warriors invade the Styres Family owned Ohsweken Speedway to close out the 2006 series tour.

With the concept and format established in 2005 to reward the drivers who support the Southern Ontario Sprints club throughout the season, the championship event is closed to anyone who has not run on at least three of the four tracks the series visits during the season. We have thirty-five drivers who have met the criteria during 2006 exclaims SOS President Bill Oldroyd. And there are six additional drivers who can make the list if they participate when the series moves into Brighton Speedway this weekend for a two day Classic . They include Fred Cade; Larry Atkinson; Mark Schulz; Tom Huppunen; Jamie Collard; and Andrew Reaume. They all have competed at two of the four venues.

Those already qualified for the Invitational include Glenn Styres; Bob McDonald; John Riegling; Warren Mahoney; Brad Malloy; John Watson; Tim Zack; Mike Lauterborn; Jim Price; Adam West; Bob Crawford; Ken Swan; Rob Middlemiss; Rick Wilson; Joe Middlemiss; Garry Evans; Fred Pigeon; Rob Pietz; Gary Evans; Craig Downie; Dean Hoffman; Dick Mahoney; Jeff Daniels; James Whittaker; Tim Phillips; Stan Zanchin; John Burbridge; Daryl Turford; Kevin Job; Jim Davies; Brian Lee; April Wilson; Keith Dempster; Jim Porter; and Kyle Patrick.

Going into this weekend s double header at Brighton Speedway Warren Mahoney holds a forty-five point lead over Bob Crawford and fifty-one over Glenn Styres. Rookie of the year contenders Kevin Job and Joe Middlemiss are one hundred sixty-three and one hundred seventy points behind with three events remaining.

For all the latest information be sure to check the official website of the Southern Ontario Sprints at http://www.southernontariosprints.com/ .

From Ken Pelkie, Public Relations

Capital City Speedway: Big show on Sept. 9

From Arnie Malcolm / Capital City Speedway

OTTAWA, ON – Capital City Speedway is proud to announce that on Sept 9th. 2006 they will produce one of the biggest and richest stock car extravaganza’s ever held in this country, and for certain Capital City Speedway.

Besides one of the richest purse’s in Canadian Stock Car history, over $30,000. The event will have something for everyone, including an enduro race, and Trailer Race and to cap it off Monster trucks.

The main attraction for many NASCAR fans will be the 100 lap Late Model Cars, these cars are the same as the cars you watch on TV every Saturday and Sunday from the US. Some of the biggest names in this country’s stock car world will be on hand including Jeff Hanley the son of Legendary Canadian Stock Car Racer Jr. Hanley.

Jeff Hanley is considered by many to be one of this country’s very best drivers, and has proven it with more wins than many to his credit. Other big name drivers include Peterbrough, Ontario’s Derek Lynch, former CASCAR Champion Steve Robblee, as well as many many more.

The $4000.00 to win prize money for the Late Models has brought entries from as far away as Vermont and the ACT Tour as well as Quebec and the Castrol GTX Series. Now add into this some very good local talent who are more than accustomed to the Capital City Speedway Oval, people like Steve Munro, Rick Rump, Dave Rioppelle and a host of others who compete their every Wednesday night during the summer and well you get the picture.

The event will also include all the regular class’s that compete regularly as well as a Canadian Regional Qualifier event for Lengends (dwarf cars) which here to see’s competitors competing unheard of prize money ($1500. to win).

And that’s not all, as the day which will go well into the night will finish off with a 100 lap enduro and a trailer race as well as a number of visits by the Monster Trucks. This is with out question the largest undertaking for a stock car event ever at the speedway and if this summers support for Nascar Style Stock car racing is any indication this event should be a MONSTER, well what you know lets say we call it ‘MONSTER JAM ONE.

Gates open Saturday at 12:00 the action will be non stop will into the evening for more information visit http://www.capitalcityspeedway.ca/

Say Ciao to all new Hybrid Formula Racing Car From Italy

Italian racing specialist's N.Technology S.p.a. and Tatuus s.r.l. have signed a deal for producing a new single-seater Formula racing car called the N.T07 that's been conceived to be fitted with a hybrid engine system. The new single-seater car will have a 2-litre, 4-cylinder, 250-bhp engine, gearbox and clutch controls on the steering wheel. And this Italian formula racing car isn't yet another concept destined to travel from show to show but it will actually prove itself on the racing grid!

From the next 2007 season the Formula N.T07 cars will compete in a new international series within the European rounds of the FIA World Touring Car Championship. Eurosport will grant TV production and broadcasting to the events of the international series. As for what each company will do, Tatuus will take care of building N.Technology's latest idea. Tatuus will also provide technical assistance and spare parts service to the teams involved in the new series.

WHO IS WHO

Tatuus: Founded by Artico Sandona, Tatuus has been involved in car racing since 1980. The Italian company does not only designs, builds and sells racing cars but it also competes directly with its own team (F.Panda, Alfa Boxer, F.3, F. Renault and the F. Ford 2000 which debuted in the US Championship in 1997)

N.Technology: Three main steps characterized N.Technology's story. Nordauto Squdra Corse was born in 1991 and converged into Nordauto Engineering in 1994. In 2001 N.Technology was established following big successes obtained all around Europe. During all these years, easy "team" concept moved to the one of "avant-garde technical and operating structure able to produce and manage racing cars and sporting programmes".

Among others, N.technology currently manages Alfa Romeo's FIA World Touring Car Championship campaign (WTCC) with the Alfa 156 racer. Previously, N.Technology also managed Fiat Group's diverse racing and rally programmes. Although the Italian car maker held a minority stake in N.technology, both their "racing" relationship and shareholding was dissolved earlier this year.

Technorati Tags: Hybrid, N.T07, Tatuus, N.Technology, FIA, WTCC, Italy, Formula, racing+news, pictures, autos, auto+news, automobile, cars, automotive

Darth Vader-Mobile: The Mercedes S-Class based, ASMA Eagle 1

If the dark lord of the Universe ever wanted a car I'd bet a gazillion bucks that this dazzling German "frauline" would captivate his dreams for ever. For Dark Vader, the Maybach Exelero (see any resemblance ?) wouldn't even comes close to the ASMA designed Eagle 1 in terms of sheer beauty. For the rest of us, Asma's all new interpretation of the new Mercedes S-Class seems to have the same affect as, how can put it, mm... a bad asthma ? via: Autoblog.com

Technorati: ASMA+Eagle+1, Mercedes+S-Class, tuning, , pictures, autos, auto+news, automobile, cars, automotive

NASCAR coming to Montreal

Based on the comments by NASCAR's Richard Buck, it's a matter of 'when' and not 'if' NASCAR will announce that it's coming to Montreal next summer with its touring Busch Series.

(h/t Bourque)

Transformers Update: Holly Autobots, Jazz with Pontiac Solstice uniform revealed!

As reported a few days ago from Carscoop, Autobot character Jazz in the upcoming Transformer Movie will not be based on the classic Martini Porsche 935 Turbo that most of us knew in the 80's, but instead it will wear a Pontiac Solstice "costume". And what better proof of that is a picture from the actual movie set ?

Thanks to Latinoreview which released a series of pictures during a filming in Los Angeles, we get a first look of Jazz in his Solstice uniform -check out that Fast & The Furious rear spoiler, and not only as the set reveals more pictures of Bumblebee (Chevrolet Camaro), Ratchet (rescue vehicle) and Ironhide (Black GMC 4X4 truck). To see more click on this link: LatinoReview - Transformers

Technorati: Transformers, Autobots, Deceptecons, Jazz, Movie, Entertainment, Toys, pictures, autos, auto+news, automobile, cars, automotive

F1 releases 2007 schedule

Whew.... it looks like Canada avoided the shakedown list this time around.

The official F1 site has the story of how San Marino and European GPs have been dropped from the schedule. We wonder what someone will have to cough up to get the race in that big gap between Bahrain and Spain?

Here's the 17-race schedule as released today:

Australia March 18
Malaysia April 08
Bahrain April 15
Spain May 13
Monaco May 27
Canada June 10
United States June 17
France July 01
United Kingdom July 08
Germany July 22
Hungary August 05
Turkey August 26
Italy September 09
Belgium September 16
China September 30
Japan October 07
Brazil October 21

Final Fantasy: Mitsubishi launches the last EVO IX editions, the Lancer EVO IX MR and Lancer EVO Wagon MR

Can this be the "Final Fantasy" of the renowned EVO line up that has taken our hearts since it first came to life in 1992? About a year before the big question mark named EVO X gets unleashed, Mitsubishi released the last versions of the almighty Lancer Evolution IX. Unfortunately, for know at least, the last EVO's will be available only in Japan.

So, what's different? Although maximum power and toque figures are unchanged, thanks to new improvements to the turbocharger and other areas that enhance response, Mitsubishi promises greater dynamic performance in terms of off-the-line acceleration.

The EVO IX MR Sedan also benefits from an upgraded suspension while ride height is lowered by approximately 10 mm (optional on RS). In conjunction with the suspension improvements, the Super AYC system that provides electronic control for the 4WD system has been tuned to a more sporty orientation. Finally both body versions get minor design changes that include a slightly extended front air dam which reduces the flow of air under the car, while reducing air resistance and further reducing front lift.

The EVO IX MR will also be the last model to use the famed 4G63 2L DOHC intercooled turbo engine as the EVO X will get an all new 2.0 Turbo

Versions: The Lancer Evolution IX MR will be available in two grades: the GSR, with a 6-speed manual gearbox and the RS, which has a 5-speed manual gearbox and is stripped down for motorsport competition. The Lancer Evolution Wagon MR also has two grades. The GT is equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox while the GT-A has a 5-speed automatic gearbox with sports mode to provide flexibility in a wide range of scenarios from easy driving to sport driving.

Technorati: Mitsubihsi+Lancer+Evolution+IX, EVO+X, specifications, MR, Wagon, pictures, autos, auto+news, automobile, cars, automotive, press+release