TRG/Kevin Buckler assumes controlling interest of Boogity Boogity Racing (aka Darrell Waltrip Motorsports)

DENVER, NC - Darrell Waltrip Motorsports (DWM) announced today that Kevin Buckler and The Racer's Group (TRG) has assumed immediate controlling interest of its truck racing operations. DWM has fielded Toyota Tundras in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (CTS) since 2004.  David Reutimann drove DWM's truck to a third place finish in the 2006 CTS points and won the 2005 Nashville event.  TRG will continue an alliance with DWM through 2007 and 2008.

The newly formed partnership will take its No 00 TRG Toyota Tundra to this weekend's Silverado 350K at Texas Motor Speedway. Andy Lally will take on the driving duties as he acquaints himself with the team and the truck for the first time in preparation for a full CTS in 2008.

"We will be running the last three races in our new Tundra and are looking forward to getting our feet wet and really learning the ropes in this type of racing," Buckler said. "In our 13 year sports car history, we have had the benefit of working with some top level people and brands.  Many of the conversations regarding motorsports, marketing, sponsorships and long term business goals, always seem to lead to NASCAR.  We decided that it was time to take our racing partnerships to the next level.  We have a strong association with Porsche and the Grand-Am Series, and this endeavor will only benefit our multiple Porsche programs and our presence in the Rolex Series.  The Rolex Series has been good to us and has served as the entrée to NASCAR."

Buckler and the TRG group have been planning this step for the last two years.  After multiple trips to Charlotte to visit with top teams, as well as taking advice from fellow team owners, friends, and partners, the group felt the time was right to enter into the CTS.

"After meeting with numerous teams and discussing many possible scenarios, I was most impressed with this opportunity to begin a long term relationship with one of the world's most respected companies-Toyota.  We are a brand new team running in the Craftsman Truck Series and will have to earn our stripes with both the manufacturer and the other competitors and we are willing to do that.  The team of people at DWM and Toyota has been absolutely fantastic to deal with and that really helped make our decision to be here."

"Assembling a top team in anything we do has always been one of our secrets and we are bringing along a group of partners and friends from the racing and business world to be a part of our journey into NASCAR.  These guys are at the top or their game in everything they do and will be valuable resources and partners in the long term building of our NASCAR program.  These are hallowed grounds we are about to enter and we are heading into NASCAR with our heads down with the utmost respect for the series and everyone involved.  We are going at it with our usual work ethic and professional approach.  It will be a big learning process.  We will be on an aggressive testing schedule and will be looking to compete in the entire 2008 season."

Kevin Buckler and his driver, Lally, have been a fixture in sports car racing since 2004.  The Lally/ Buckler combination has resulted in two championships and 15 race wins to date.  Lally is entrenched in the TRG racing business as lead driver and driver coach and mentor to TRG's list of loyal customers and upcoming young professional drivers.

"Of all the drivers that I have seen, driven against and worked with Andy is the most complete package," Buckler said.  "He is steadfast with his goals and he has always had his sights set on NASCAR.  Since joining us three-years ago, it has been a magical relationship.  He is a team player and knows how to drive and how to win.  In addition, he has a strong understanding of the value of marketing and sponsor relationships.  I have a lot of confidence in Andy and his ability to learn and adapt to the NASCAR philosophies - we are betting on him."

"I am as excited for this opportunity as I have ever been in my racing career," Lally said.  "Growing up, the first kind of racing I was exposed to was NASCAR and those guys were my early role models and heroes.  To be in a truck that has been managed by the legend Darrel Waltrip is awe inspiring.  I'm looking at this as an opportunity to make a dream come true. We have set reasonable goals for these last three races and want to run from green to checker with as few errors as possible. I know I have a lot to learn and will be trying to absorb every bit of information that I can and completely immerse myself into all aspects of this program.  I can't thank Kevin and all of our friends at TRG enough for allowing me this chance, I know that the work ethic within this organization is second to none and so is the determination. I was very happy with the mindset of the guys at Darrel Waltrip Racing when we met and I think that the combination of the two organizations will just elevate them both to increased success."

Lally made his NASCAR debut this year in Montreal where he ran as high as sixth.  The following weekend at Watkins Glen, the Georgia resident, posted a top-10 finish in only his second start.  Lally's main focus in past seasons has been the Grand-Am Rolex Series where he has set records for the most championships in series history as well as most top three finishes, he has also won more races in the last three years than any other driver in the Rolex Series. On the weekends that the Rolex Series was not racing this year Lally found himself in no less then seven other racing series including ARCA, Busch, ALMS and KONI Challenge as well as occasional Late Model and Legends races.

TRG was founded by Kevin and Debra Buckler in 1993 and has been competing at the top level of sports car racing ever since.  TRG has the most wins of any team in the Grand-Am Rolex Series with 23, including the 2005 and 2006 Rolex Series GT championship trophy to go along with wins at the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the 24 Hours or Le Mans. TRG is a manufacturer and distributor of high-performance racing parts.  The group specializes in engine and chassis building as well as full service professional race car preparation.  The company also provides electrical and mechanical engineering services, driver development and arrive-and-drive services. TRG is based in Petaluma, Calif., near its home track of Infineon Raceway in Sonoma.

Summary of TRG Grand-Am Racing Accomplishments:

• TRG is the all-time team win leader in Grand-Am history
• Won five races in 2007 at Laguna Seca, Watkins Glen, Mid-Ohio, Iowa and Montreal, fourth in the drivers' championship
• Only team to have a 1-2 finish in 2006
• Only team to have a 1-2 finish in 2007
• 2002 24 Hours of Daytona GT Class winner
• 2003 24 Hours of Daytona OVERALL winner
• 2002  24 Hours of Le Mans GT class winner
• TRG has the most victories in Rolex Series history (23)
• Only team in Rolex Series history to win an overall race in a GT against prototypes.
• Only team in Rolex Series history to score a Daytona Prototype 1-2 finish
• First and only team in Rolex Series history to win GT and DP on the same weekend 
• First and only team in Rolex Series history to win a championship using multiple manufactures in the same year (Porsche and Pontiac 2005 GT class)
• Marc Bunting and Andy Lally won the Grand-Am GT drivers' championship in 2006
• TRG won the GT team championship in 2005 and 2006
• Pontiac and TRG won the Grand-Am GT manufacturers battle
• TRG had a record streak of 23 podium finishes in Grand-Am competition from 2005-2007

More information and a complete press kit can be found at www.theracersgroup.com.  Please contact press@theracersgroup.com or (707) 935-3999 for additional information.

It felt busy...

NASCAR Canadian Tire Series racer John Gaunt just sent me an aerial photo from the Sept. 8 race at Barrie Speedway. I had a hunch the track was busy as I was driving back and forth up Oro Line 8, three hours before the race (early for me!) being told there was nowhere to park. This photo confirms it.

LFPRESS: Novotny to be inducted into the Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame

Today's London Free Press has a feature story on Tony Novotny (by Jim Cressman) and the news that he's going to be inducted into the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame. I don't believe the Hall has released its new picks yet (I'm on the Selection Committee), but it appears news of Novotny's situation has gotten out of the bag.


Congratulations to Tony for this long overdue honour. It's likely that the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series wouldn't exist today were it not for Novotny's unwillingness to let his legacy (CASCAR) die when it was down and out.


Click here for the link to Cressman's story.

(h/t to J.P / Mosport)

Kuno Wittmer third in World Challenge

Montreal, Quebec - In his second year in the Speed World Challenge in 2007, Kuno Wittmer had an outstanding season. Steering the # 44 RealTime Racing Acura RSX, the 24-year old driver from Vaudreuil, Quebec ran like a clock all season long. He qualified eight times in the Top Ten with a pole position in Toronto and finished six times in the Top Five with a season end podium at Laguna Seca. The former Quebec Touring and Canadian Honda Challenge champion garnered no less than 230 points and completed the 10-round calendar in third place overall and was the best RealTime Racing driver.
 
"I knew at the beginning of the season I would drive a strong contender with a RealTime Racing Acura, declares Wittmer, compared to last year when everything had to be done. The team is one of the best in America and you know you can take to the track with a good machine every time. But I still had to deliver good outings among a bunch of fierce competitors, some of them my temmates. And I have to admit I'm pretty satisfied with the turnout. I was hoping to win in Toronto or Mosport where I was familiar and had won before. In Toronto, I was leading when I made a little braking mistake and finished fifth. In Mosport, I was quickest but the rain spoiled the weekend and the all-wheel drive cars ran away.
 
When I started at Sebring in March, my goal was to finish each round and try to match Peter (Cunningham) and Pierre (Kleinubing), our team leaders. Then I realised I could earn a sport in the Top Five : I kept raking in good results, except for a bad outing at Watkins Glen. The team always gave me a perfect RSX. In Laguna, we had a full RealTime Racing podium but Pierre was slammed by the officials which gave me a second place in the race, a third in the overall standings and best RealTime driver. I feel like Christmas is early this year!"
 
Impressive victory in Trois-Rivières
Kuno also partnered on a few occasions with brother Nick in Grand-Am events. They had a few podiums but the season highlight came at the only event in Quebec when they won the ST race outright at the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières. "To be honest, I would have preferred a victory in the World Challenge, he said, but to win with my brother in Trois-Rivières has to be our season high. Just a perfect weekend that was."
 
Getting ready for 2008
The Wittmer brothers are looking at a few proposals for 2008 and Kuno would like to set something before Winter. " The RealTime Racing RSX will not be eligible next year, he adds, and I have to move up to a TSX. I would like to stay in the World Challenge and RealTime is showing a lot of interest. I think we could come to an agreement soon. There are some possibilities with Nick again in Grand-Am, but he will also have to come to an agreement. We should come up with a definite program within a few weeks." 
 
Nick and Kuno Wittmer enjoy the support of Journal de Montréal, The Montreal Gazette, Les Conseillers F.I.E.R., ICI/Mirroir, Dr. Tint, Bomar, Data Start, Uniformes Vittorio and Honda Ste-Rose.
 
From: Michel Poirier-Defoy

MOSPORT SPEEDWAY HONOURS ITS BEST OF 2007

BOWMANVILLE, ON - More than 300 people filled the Port Perry Community Centre last Saturday night to pay tribute to the drivers, teams, crews and sponsors that made Mosport Speedway�s 2007 Autoworkers Community Credit Union Saturday Night Racing, presented by PartSource, at such a success. In addition to honouring each of the class champions and the season's top rookies, this year's festivities also recognized the support and dedication of those who work behind the scenes at the Speedway each and every week to help bring great racing to the fans.

Class Champions

• CAW Local 222 Limited Late Models- Todd Delisle
• THORSENS EVT 6 or Less- Jeff Scott and Tony Lepizzera
• Bob's Towing ThunderCars- Brad Stevenson
• R.P. Oil Open-Wheel Modifieds- Jim Rossiter

Class Awards

• Best Appearing Car- Dan Kimmerly
• Most Sportsmanlike Driver- Dwight Brown
• Hard Luck Award- Terry Shaw
• Most Improved Driver- Doug Wills

THORSENS EVT 6 or Less

• Best Appearing Car- Kevin Hinds
• Most Sportsmanlike Driver- Paul Ryder
• Hard Luck Award- Phyllis Legge
• Most Improved Driver- Ryan Oosterholt
• Rookie of the Year- Scott Peterson

Bob's Towing ThunderCars

• Best Appearing Car- Kevin Hinds
• Most Sportsmanlike Driver- John Baker, Jr.
• Hard Luck Award- Jim Clapham
• Most Improved Driver- Darrell Weston
• Rookie of the Year- Doug McBain, Jr.

R.P. Oil Open-Wheel Modifieds

• Best Appearing Car- Adam Adams
• Most Sportsmanlike Driver- Randal Hollingsworth
• Hard Luck Award- Wayne Carson
• Most Improved Driver- Andrew McFadden
• Rookie of the Year- Gary Tryon

Good Woman Award (in appreciation for outstanding dedication): Angie Tryon, Teresa Gerrow, Sarah Baker, Jasline Stevenson

For many years of dedicated help and support: Kathy McCabe, Peter Brand, Wally Nesbitt, Rev. Walter J. Kelly

Photo Caption: 2007 Mosport Speedway Class Champions (left to right): Jim Rossiter- R.P. Oil Open-Wheel Modifieds, Brad Stevenson- Bob's Towing ThunderCars, Todd Delisle- CAW Local 222 Limited Late Models, THORSENS EVT 6 or Less- Tony Lepizzera and Jeff Scott- CAW Local 222 Limited Late Models (Photo by www.peterbrand.ca)

From Lee Bailie, Mosport

Bill Davis Trucking declares Chapter 11 bankruptcy

STATEMENT FROM BILL DAVIS RACING ON TUESDAY'S ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING BILL DAVIS TRUCKING
 
HIGH POINT, N.C. (October 30, 2007) – Bill Davis Trucking, Inc., founded in 1975 by Bill and Gail Davis, announced today it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Today's action was necessitated by an injury accident and an ensuing lawsuit against the company, based in Batesville, Arkansas.
 
"This has been a very unfortunate chain of events and Gail and I certainly hate that it ever had to happen," stated Bill Davis. "Bill Davis Trucking and Bill Davis Racing are two completely separate entities and the race team will in no way be affected by today's announcement."

The NASCAR.com story on this is here.

UPDATED: The Inside Track Main Page

The Inside Track Main Page has just been updated.

Click here to see:

• The cover of the new issue, which is on its way to subscribers as I type.


• The 'Inside the Current Issue' listing, which highlights some of the features and profiles in the new issue (Volume 11, Issue 11).


• A photo gallery from the recent NASCAR Canadian Tire Series banquet.


• Links to all of the sponsored features in the issue, where all of these pieces are reprinted in their entirety, courtesy of their respective sponsors.


• And finally, buttons linking to special offers (like Holiday Gift Subscriptions for the racing fan on your list!) as well as to special upcoming advertising features (e.g. NCATS Year-In-Review).

If you've bookmarked the ITMN Breaking News Blog (thank you), you should also stop by the Inside Track main page from time to time, too.

NHRA: Canadian Pontieri Strikes Gold in Vegas

The Quality Plus Racing Pro Mod 57 Chevy, owned by Rob Sporring, and driven by Tony Pontieri, traveled west and struck gold at the AC DELCO NHRA Nationals in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Pontieri, who quickly credits his team owner, Rob Sporring for giving him the opportunity of a lifetime, won this event with his left foot. Pontieri was on the tree all day long and won two of his four round wins on hole shots. Car owner Sporring says, "I've always had faith in Tony, that's why he is behind the wheel of my car. He won the race for us today. It's a testament to my faith in him as a great driver and a hard worker."

Pontieri, who has a runner up finish at the NHRA St Louis Event, got his prize today after 15 yrs behind the wheel of fast doorslammers. He states, "Man, you do not know what this means to me today. This is such an accomplishment. I have to thank my car owners Rob and Anne Sporring and his company Quality Plus Compressors for this opportunity. Without him this would never happen. My lovely wife Doris and my daughter Lilly for their sacrifice, and my crew guys Paulo Dalimonte, Redneck Randy Ward (who gets the last man standing award), Mark Lawrence, truck driver Gord and my nephew Frank. A special thanks goes to Scotty Cannon and Scott Cannon Jr. for their guidance and help during the last races of the year. All of these people make this a reality."

Pontieri is the second Canadian to win an AMS Pro Mod race since Glen Kerunsky in 2005. Ironically Pontieri took out Kerunsky in the 1st round on a hole shot victory. Pontieri saved the best for last as he strapped a .027 light on Steve Engel who ran an impressive 6.11 @ 237 mph, but could not drive around the Pontieri hole shot and 6.19 @ 230 mph for the win. Sporring stated, "It is real sweet to taste the victory at last. We have been working hard at it all year long. This win goes out to all of our wives for letting us play like kids, to all of our supporters and people that make this class happen. It's been a long time coming."

The Quality Plus Compressors Pro Mod team would like to thank the following companies and individuals that help make this effort a reality: Quality Plus Compressors, Pontieri Automotive, Too Precise Machine, L J Chassis, Ultimate Performance, Speed O Rama Shows, Gary's Transmissions, Cucci Hair Salon, Auto Meter, Fast Eddie Race Wear, Weld Wheel Inc, Bear's Performance, D.M.P.E Inc., The Trailer Shop, AMS Staff Leasing, Tindle Ent., Ohio Crankshaft, Stivers HVAC, BAE, Pro Care RX and Joe Van Overbeek Race Car Bodies.

Photo courtesy of competitionplus.com / By Jon Salemi

Inside Track Tuesday Notebook... NASCAR's bad gas and Alonso's woes

You've heard about putting some water into your wine? That may be fine.

But this past weekend in Atlanta, the NASCAR gang proved that you don't want to mix water with your gasoline... especially when there is a charging horde of stock cars on your tail.

NASCAR has admitted that dirty water got into the Sunoco gasoline and played havoc with its Nextel Cup race on Sunday.

TSN has a story on Watergate II here.

***

Fernando Alonso is running out of options for where he's going to race in 2008. TSN has the details on Alonso's situation here. He might have incredibly bad PR, but from the outside it looks like it couldn't have happened to a nicer guy. Somebody give him Dave Jacombs' phone number...

KARTING: CAMERON MOTORSPORTS SUPERNATIONALS PREVIEW

Hamilton, Ontario - October 30, 2007 - Canadian karting operation Cameron Motorsports will enter eight drivers in this year's edition of the Superkarts! USA (SKUSA) SuperNationals to be held from November 14th -18th in Las Vegas, Nevada. With some of the worlds best descending on 'Sin City' Cameron Motorsports (CMI) pilots will look to impress and fight for victory on the temporary course adjacent to Sam Boyd Stadium.

Competing in the ultra competitive SuperPro division will be Intercontinental A (ICA) standout Cody Jolly. The Texan pilot will trade his 100cc Maxter powerplant in for the more powerful 125cc, six speed gearbox powered CRG and will do battle with the nation�s best in Las Vegas. Joining Jolly in the SuperPro ranks is Ontario pilot Curtis Fox. The senior level driver claimed the runner-up position in Formula Senior at the Sunoco Ron Fellows Karting Championship (SRFKC) claiming a huge victory at the Barrie Grand Prix.

Competing in the S1 division will be Canadian drivers Mike DiMeo, David Ostella and Paul Hunter. Di Meo competed in the SRFKC series in Ontario, Canada and has faired quite well scoring victories in the final two rounds in DD2 and claiming a top three result in the Formula Senior overall points standings. Earlier in the year Di Meo also scored the DD2 Florida Winter Tour championship and will be back in '08 to defend. Young David Ostella will advance to the senior ranks and will make the SuperNationals his first ICC event of his career. Ostella has been a force to reckon with in 100cc junior action and will look to take the S1 SuperNationals crown.

Only one driver under the CMI tent will pull double duty this weekend as Ostella will join Alex Ellis and Dylan Gibson in Rotax Senior. Ellis is another one of CMI's juniors progressing to the senior ranks and will look to attack the temporary course and fight for victory. Gibson, who has a year of senior experience under his belt, has proven to be quick at each and every track he competes at. Look for all three drivers to be at the front in a potential podium sweep for the CMI squad.

Cameron Motorsports lone TaG entry will be in the hands of Canadian Enrico Menotti. The Canadian driver has been competing in Rotax Senior at the SRFKC and will look to do battle in the very deep and talented TaG field.

With Cameron Motorsports being the North American importer for Maranello Karts, the CMI team will be pitted with the factory squad in Las Vegas. European drivers and world champions David Fore and Alessandro Piccini will be in attendance competing against and helping Cameron Motorsports drivers.

"We are excited to have such great competitors coming to join our drivers," exclaimed Cameron Motorsports Danielle Duffy. "This is North America's most prestigious karting event and I feel that we have a great shot at taking several victories and with the help and experience from our European friends, we hope to do just that."

Not in attendance at the SuperNationals will be ICC pilots Gianmarco Raimondo and Mike Vincec. Instead, the duo will represent Cameron Motorsports as members of Sunoco Team Ultra 94 at Skip Barber.

For more information on Cameron Motorsports, product sales and exciting dealership opportunities please contact Trevor Wickens. For information on Cameron Motorsports racing opportunities please contact Mike Roth or Danielle Duffy at 905.679.2122 or visit them online at www.CameronMotorsports.com

Photos courtesy of On Track Promotions

From Mike Maurini // Autosports Media

BUSCH MEMPHIS: John Graham survives crash-filled Memphis event

Millington, TN (October 27, 2007) - The Sam's Town 250 at Memphis Motorsports Park was a real Halloween bash with 25 cautions for a total of 117 laps. John Graham and the #37 Kickbutt Amped Energy Ballz Ford Fusion finished the race in 27th position, gaining 14 positions from their 41st place starting position.

On Friday the teams had two practice sessions to perfect the car for raceday. The first practice session saw John Graham and the Kickbutt Amped Energy Ballz team 25th on the speed chart with a quick lap of 23.444 seconds. The #37 Kickbutt Amped Energy Ballz team led the way in practice of all Brewco Motorsports teams.

Qualifying was held Saturday morning and Graham was the 43rd car to take to the track for time trials. With a lap time of 24.198 seconds Graham started the race in the 41st position. The climb forward began on the first lap. John Graham paced himself and methodically worked his way through the field. On lap 27, Graham radioed in, "The car is tight on the bottom. I have a chatter on the exit of four." Graham would pit during the next caution period for four sticker tires and a chassis adjustment. Spotter Mark Green kept encouraging Graham during the race by telling him, "Good corner! Give us another one just like that."

On lap 60 the car snapped loose on Graham causing him to spin; he did not hit anything and was able to continue on. During the pit stop under this caution the Kickbutt Amped Energy Ballz team pulled out an impressive 13.4 second stop for four tires and fuel. Graham stopped a few laps later, on lap 76, to top off with gas. On lap 93 Graham radioed in "The car is really good. I could use some help in the center of the corner though." He would again pit on lap 120 for four sticker tires. He would restart the race in 32nd position. Graham slowly began making his way back through the field; he was in the 29th position on lap 134. Crew Chief Shawn Parker radioed the team, "Good job spotter on helping John miss all these wrecks. Good job John on checking up and avoiding the wrecks."

However, about 20 laps later Graham was tapped from behind and knocked out of the racing groove. Parker jumped on the radio to calm Graham down and told him, "We can come back from this again." Graham regrouped and once again began his climb back through the field. Graham got as high as 22nd position before someone soon found his back bumper again. Graham and the #37 Kickbutt Amped Energy Ballz Ford Fusion was tapped from behind by the #42 of Dario Franchitti. Still, with minimal damage Graham once again regrouped from the 30th position. By the end of the race John Graham and the #37 Kickbutt Amped Energy Ballz team gained three more positions to finish in the 27th position; more importantly, Graham finished on the lead lap and brought the car back in one piece on a day that saw many tore up race cars.

Quotes from John Graham: "I want to thank Brewco and Kickbutt Amped Energy Ballz for giving me good racecar. I didn't have many complaints about the car all day. It was crazy out there today. We got knocked around and turned a couple of times, but we managed to overcome those obstacles and come home in one piece. I have to thank all the guys from the Kickbutt Amped Energy Ballz team. They worked hard all weekend and we did well. I really appreciate all of their hard work."

About Fun Energy Foods, Inc.: Fun Energy Foods Inc. was created in 2004 with the goal of developing a niche energy food with the same attributes as the most effective energy-enhancing products on the market. The company's "Kickbutt Amped Energy Ballz" consists of a proprietary blend of top-quality energy-enhancing ingredients in a great tasting and totally unique delivery format. Kickbutt Amped Energy Ballz are currently available at select GNC Retail Stores throughout Canada and will be available at GNC Stores and other select retailers in the U.S. later this year. For More Information on Kickbutt Amped Energy Ballz visit www.funenergyfoods.com

From Tiffany Bouldin / Brewco Motorsports

Jacques Villeneuve's Texas Truck Preview

Jacques Villeneuve NASCAR Truck Series Preview: Texas Motor Speedway
 
Race/Date: Silverado 350k - Nov. 3, 2007 (NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series)
Location: Texas Motor Speedway Fort Worth, Texas
 
NOTES:
 
This week�s race will be Jacques Villeneuve�s fifth NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series start, and it comes on the heels of a season-best 14th-place finish last weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
 
The Fort Worth track is also almost identical to Atlanta Motor Speedway, so Villeneuve should be comfortable with Texas Motor Speedway after logging 130 racing laps at the Georgia track.
 
Villeneuve�s first memory of Texas is that his mother watched the Dallas TV show in their family home in Monaco. He remembers that somebody shot J.R. but doesn�t believe rumors that JR now races that red No. 8 car in NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series competition!
 
Lone Star State? If only it were that easy. Villeneuve may be NASCAR�s only world-championship winning driver, but he knows that inside NASCAR, past successes elsewhere count for nothing, and that the series is packed with super-talented drivers.
 
None of his exes live in Texas and Villeneuve has never raced there before. Country music legend George Strait wrote the famous song All My Exes Live in Texas, but Villeneuve has never dated a girl from Texas.
 
Strait-talking George has had more albums certified gold or platinum inside the U.S. than any other country artist, and only Elvis and The Beatles have more overall. It is unlikely, though, that Strait has bought Villeneuve�s debut musical album Private Paradise yet.
 
Texas is about all the 2s. It may have only one star in its state flag, but Texas is the second biggest state in terms of both area and population. It also produces the second-highest gross state product. Villeneuve is not a betting man, but if he can finish in position No. 2 (or higher) in Texas this time around, he will be happy to sing the song to his pit crew.
 
Right place wrong time? While Villeneuve was in Atlanta last weekend, the Canadian media (TV, radio and print) were busy celebrating the 10th anniversary of his Formula One world drivers championship. Villeneuve is not a big fan of TV, and with a one-year-old baby at home in Montreal, he knows that any attempt to read the newspaper now ends in shreds!
 
Blondes don�t have more fun in Villeneuve�s opinion. When Jacques won that F1 crown, he was a spiky-haired blonde. Today, in NASCAR, he wears his hair short in style and natural in color, and although he�s not yet winning in NASCAR, he is having the most fun he�s had for a very long time.
 
Villeneuve�s No. 27 UNICEF truck will carry the 24Heures du Villars logos, advertising an annual charity ski race created by Villeneuve and his long-term manager, Craig Pollock. The race is held in the Swiss town of Villars-sur-Ollon ( www.bcv24hvillars.com). The 24-hour race has raised several millions dollars for a range of children�s charities over the last nine years. About 900 competitors race through the night, and it�s not too late to enter a team for the 10th anniversary event Jan 11 13, 2008, which will benefit Patouch (www.patouch.org) and the Teenage Cancer Trust ( www.teenagecancertrust.org). The NASCAR world needs representation, as Villeneuve will be testing at Daytona (Fla.) International Raceway, and will miss the event for just the second time ever!
 
Pink is the new pink. October is breast cancer awareness month, another cause close to Villeneuve�s heart. Having seen several of the NASCAR Cup drivers sporting pink at recent races, it will be left to Villeneuve to continue as the sole male driver to run pink (on his crash helmet) in Texas and beyond, as he has done for the last 25 years plus.
 
Jacques Villeneuve on Texas Motor Speedway:
 
"After Atlanta, the most important thing is to keep the momentum going. I want to complete race distance, to stay clean, to finish on the lead lap, and I want to be top 10. We had problems with the truck set-up in Atlanta, so I�ll be hoping to change that. If we can do that, and I can stay out of the way of trouble, I�m confident that we can do well.
 
From James McArdle / Advantage Management

NEXTEL CUP: Wild finish gives Johnson his second win in a row

(The #24 and #48 Hendrick Motorsports teams are operating on a higher plane than their rivals. It seems one or the other wins every weekend. At a point where you would expect teams outside of the Chase to be pushing the envelope and contending for wins, it's just not happening. Every race seems to come down to championship rivals Johnson and Gordon battling for the win.)
 
HAMPTON, Ga. (Oct. 28, 2007) – Jimmie Johnson survived a wild ending in Sunday's Pep Boys Auto 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway to emerge with his second straight victory and close to within nine points of standings leader and teammate Jeff Gordon with three races remaining.

Johnson grabbed the lead on lap 322 of the scheduled 325-lap event when leader Denny Hamlin faltered on the restart following the 12th caution flag. During that four-lap caution period, Hamlin didn't pit, but Johnson did and was one of five drivers who took two tires. When they lined up for the restart, Johnson was second. It was then that he noticed Hamlin weaving his Chevrolet as the field exited turn four for the single-file restart. Hamlin then moved down, leaving the outside lane open as they approached the green flag. When the flagman waved the green flag, Hamlin's car stalled. Johnson saw the cars stacking up behind him, swerved to the outside and into the lead. The melee that erupted behind him eliminated Martin Truex Jr., who led the most laps, setting the pace on five occasions for 135 laps, and took Hamlin and Kyle Busch from victory contention.

"We had a good car today and as Chad [Knaus, crew chief] pointed out, probably not the fastest, but his pit call at the end [for two tires] was really what put us in contention to win the race," said Johnson, who has now swept three tracks this season and posted back-to-back victories on three occasions this year.

"I feel really good about where we are in the points and we can go lead laps, we can try to lead the most laps, and really race for this championship over the next three events."

The race's 13th caution period sent the event on the 1.54-mile track into a green-white-checker finish that, to Carl Edwards' dismay, never materialized. Shortly after the front-runners received the white flag, the left-rear wheel flew off Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s third-place Chevrolet. Earnhardt Jr. careened up the track, slammed into the second-turn wall and was then hit by Jamie McMurray, who was left with nowhere to go. The field was frozen and Edwards had to settle for second in the 329-lap race.

"I would have loved to have had a shot (at Jimmie Johnson)," said Edwards, who moved into fourth in the standings. "I hate to see a race end like that. The 8 car [Earnhardt Jr.] and the 48 [Johnson] were both really fast. We were gonna be pretty good on two tires and Matt (Kenseth) had four tires, so it was gonna be one heck of a finish."

Rounding out the top five, respectively, were <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Peachtree City, Ga. native Reed Sorenson, Kenseth and Jeff Burton.

Johnson, who donated his winnings to the Southern California Wildfire Relief Fund, averaged 135.26 mph in the race that had 19 lead changes among 11 drivers and was slowed by a record 14 caution flags for 55 laps. The old track record for caution flags was 11, which was set in 1968 and then equaled in the 1993 fall race.

With three races remaining, Hendrick Motorsports appears to be the owner of this year's NEXTEL Cup championship with the only question being which driver will own the title – Johnson or Gordon. Clint Bowyer is third, 111 points behind Gordon.

In Sunday's race, seven of the Chase drivers posted top-10 finishes. In addition to those who recorded top-five finishes, Bowyer placed sixth, Gordon seventh and Kurt Busch eighth. Kevin Harvick took 15th, Kyle Busch 20th, Hamlin 24th, Tony Stewart 30th and Truex 31st.

From Marcy Scott / AMS

      

ACTion News - Wed., Oct. 31, 2007

ACTion News - Wednesday, October 31, 2007
By Justin St. Louis
 
Thursday marks the 20th anniversary of the closing of Catamount Stadium in Milton, VT.  The "Grand Old Lady" was the sister speedway in Vermont to Barre's Thunder Road, and was the site of many major events - not just the stock car races themselves, but also moments that were either immediately profound or happenings that, over time, became much larger and hugely effective (or affective, depending on how you look things).
 
Quebec dairy farmer Jean-Paul Cabana won the first main event held at the high-banked, 1/3-mile oval, driving a sportsman coupe on June 11, 1965.  The victory paid about $200.  Cabana also won the final main event(*) on September 27, 1987, the American-Canadian Tour's New England 300.  The purse was slightly higher in that one, as Cabana took home a shade better than $11,000 that day.
 
The asterisk next Cabana's "final win" is due to the fact that the actual final race ever held at the track was a 300-lap Enduro on November 1.  Cult hero "Dipstick" Don Tofani of Barre, VT won that day, triumphant over a field that included nationally recognized late model drivers Beaver Dragon and Stub Fadden, as well as dignitaries from all parts of the regional stock car racing (professional and otherwise) spectrum.  Tofani pocketed a cool $5,000 for his win, capping a dream season that also saw him earn a $3,000 Enduro 200 victory at Thunder Road and the Vermont State Street Stock Championship.
 
Catamount played a part in the chase for the national NASCAR Modified, Sportsman, and Late Model Sportsman Championships in the 1960s and '70s, with young Boston-area driver Don MacTavish earning the Vermont 200 NASCAR National Championship victory (they called them "NC" shows back then) on his way to the 1966 national sportsman title.  Current ACT President Thomas "T-Bone" Curley finished 15th in that race.  Carl "Bugs" Stevens won the National Modified title and Catamount Stadium championship in 1967, and hero drivers Ed Flemke, Riche Evans, Jerry Cook, and Jimmy Spencer were among the open-wheel winners at The Cat before its closing.  Late model stars L.D. Ottinger (1975) and Butch Lindley (1977-78), won NC events on their way to national titles, and southern invader Bob Pressley and Catamount's own "Dynamite" Dave Dion (although during the time he "belonged" to Thunder Road's fans and the anti-Bobby Dragon crowd) were NC event winners at Catamount.
 
Catamount was, in two ways, the birthplace of what is now known as the American-Canadian Tour.  Curley created the NASCAR North Tour in 1979 as a way to save local late model racing.  In the formative years of the tour, nearly one third of the events were held at Catamount, with as many as ten in one season.  Beaver and Bobby Dragon, Dick McCabe, Robbie Crouch, Dave Dion, Cabana, Jamie Aube, and Kevin Lepage were among the heroes of the day.  The touring concept caught on with local race fans and teams, and is the model for which ACT is built on today.
 
In 1985, however, things took a major turn.  Young Connecticut hotshot Randy LaJoie, a relative newcomer to the late model scene after spending some time in the modifieds, was on his way to winning the NASCAR North Tour title that year, battling Crouch for the prize.  A scoring dispute erupted in the aftermath of the August 11 event at Catamount – LaJoie claiming he was on the lead lap and in fact won the race, Crouch claiming LaJoie had been lapped in the pits and that he had won the race – and was not settled until a Supreme Court ruling awarded the race win, and subsequently the Tour title, to LaJoie three years later.
 
Crouch had been named the winner by Curley's chief scorer, Dr. Gordon "Doc" Nielsen (LaJoie was black-flagged for a procedural infraction and chose to ignore the flag, racing the leaders the rest of the way, but his scorecard had been pulled at lap 71 after several attempts to black flag him), but NASCAR's office staff in Daytona Beach disagreed with the call.  Curley backed his officials and Crouch, while NASCAR backed LaJoie.  In the messy legal fallout, NASCAR dropped Curley and his tour, creating an opportunity for Curley to regroup with the newly-formed ACT, and here we are today.
 
In the mean time, Catamount's fate had been decided in 1981, as a slew of financial disappointments – bad weather, bad crowds, thin fields of weekly competitors, among them – prompted the sale of the property to technology giant IBM for development as an industrial park.  A six-year, special-events-only lease was taken out by Curley and business partner and track founder Ken Squier, and Catamount Stadium flourished in its final seasons running between five and seven events in each of those years.
 
Sadly, the track closed its gates following the Enduro 300 on the chilly evening of November 1, 1987 and was demolished.  Catamount Stadium is still remembered as the site of a lot of good times, a few bad ones, and some great races.
 
Twenty years later, it is still missed.
 
***
 
Catamount Stadium's rich history has been preserved by several die-hard fans, competitors, officials, and media members, but none have done the grunt work as thoroughly and thoughtfully as Milton's own Bill Ladabouche.  The school teacher has created an online guide of the track's history at www.catamountstadium.com, and his efforts were rewarded in 2006 with the Coastal 181 Award through the New England Antique Racers group at their Hall of Fame induction dinner.  You can also learn more about Catamount in Ladabouche's regular column, "Bill's Back in Time" in the Racin' Paper.
 
***
 
Third-place ACT Late Model Tour points finisher Brent Dragon has entered into a partnership with Kenyon Racing Products of Ontario that will see Dragon campaign a Kenyon-built Port City chassis on the Tour next year.  "Mike and Tom Kenyon offered me a deal I couldn't turn down," he said.  "I'm very excited for next year."
 
Tom Kenyon did two tours of duty with ACT in late 1980s and early 1990s.  His first stint was behind the wheel of a race car, competing in 29 events with the former ACT Pro Stock Tour from 1987-1990.  Tom's second go with ACT was behind the wheel of the pace car, a job he did for three seasons.  His one final run with ACT was a 10th place finish at Sanair Super Speedway in August 1994, his only start that year.
 
Kenyon Racing Products was a contingency supporter for the Série ACT Castrol in 2007, rewarding the "hard charger" in each of the 12 races on the schedule.
 
***
 
Did you know…?
-Bobby Dragon won 52 feature events at Catamount Stadium, tops all-time.  Dragon's first 19 victories came in the first Flying Tiger division during the 1960s.  In fact, Dragon took his first career win on May 22, 1966 and then won six more during the year, including the first five consecutively.  He later won 33 Late Model events and a total of four track championships.  Joey Laquerre ranks second on the all-time win list at 34, with 31 wins the VW Beetle-dominated Mini Stock division.  Laquerre won 11 out of 12 races in 1980, and won the only four events held at Thunder Road that season as well.  Laquerre's other three Cat wins were in the second version of the Flying Tigers in the 1980s.
 
-In 1974, the first year of Catamount Stadium's Mini Stock division, Laquerre, Butch True, and "Easy Ed" Orton all tied for the championship!
 
-Caron brothers Gary, Richard, Dennis, and Larry combined for a total of 40 wins at Catamount.  Larry won 25 races across four divisions (Hurricane, Limited Sportsman, Grand American, and Flying Tiger), while each of the remaining three brothers won five times each.
 
While Catamount Stadium may be gone, Thunder Road is still going strong year after year.  We will celebrate the 50th season at "The Nation's Site of Excitement" in 2009, and are asking fans, competitors, and even passers-by to send along their favorite memories of Thunder Road throughout the years.  By all means, please include memories of drivers you love, drivers you don't, moments of glory, controversy, and excitement, and anything that may stick out in your mind.  The older the story, the better!  Send along your thoughts to media@acttour.com, and be sure to visit the websites at www.thunderroadspeedbowl.com and www.acttour.com .

From the America-Canadian Tour

Jacques Villeneuve's Atlanta Truck Recap

Jacques Villeneuve - Unicef Tundra
Post Race Report
Race: Easy Care Vehicle Service Contracts 200
Track: Motor Speedway
Date: Saturday, Oct. 27, 2007
Started: 17th
Finished: 14th
Laps Completed: 130
Total Laps: 130

Having been taken out of his last two NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races by other drivers, Jacques Villeneuve completed the full 130-lap distance at Atlanta Motor Speedway Saturday, where he finished 14th in the EasyCare Vehicle Service Contracts 200.  The race was won by NASCAR Nextel Cup Series front-runner Kyle Busch.  Villeneuve again finished on the lead lap after having broken into the top 10.  Despite a strong finish – his best NASCAR finish to date – Villeneuve was a bit frustrated not to claim a higher finishing position.

Villeneuve qualified his UNICEF Toyota Tundra in the 17th position, just two places behind NASCAR veteran Mark Martin.  Villeneuve's Bill Davis Racing teammates Mike Skinner and Johnny Benson qualified second and eighth, respectively, for Saturday afternoon's race, which was run under hot, sunny conditions.

Villeneuve duked it out for track position throughout the race and was comfortable running at speed in the pack.  Some great work by his pit crew helped Villeneuve climb as high as ninth at one point, and he seemed poised for a top-10 finish.  Such a finish would be well-deserved, after Villeneuve was eliminated from competition last week at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway despite a truck capable of a top-10 finish.  The 36-year-old Canadian, who won the Formula One drivers' world championship exactly 10 years ago, struggled to find anything like the same pace that he'd enjoyed in qualifying.  His problem was that his truck was difficult to control on the higher banks.  On two of the restarts, he was forced to the high side of the 1.5-mile racing surface, which lost him about four positions each time. 

"Well, I have to be quite happy," Villeneuve commented after the race.  "My primary objective was to finish this race...to add track time, which I did.  After the problems in Talladega and Martinsville, it was good to make it to the checker.  I also finished on the lead lap again, which is a big positive with so many variables in these long races, and I thank my team for all their help in that process, but I am disappointed not to finish higher.  The truck didn't feel as good as it had in qualifying, and it didn't seem to matter what we did to change it the front of the truck kept running out towards the wall when tried to run high.  That caused me a few problems, but it's what we had, and we did our best with it.  I'm still learning this entire package, and sometimes, I'm not yet as confident as I want to be in deciding which changes we need to make.  It will get better with time, and I will continue to focus on what I can be doing better."

"All in all, 'JV' did a phenomenal job," said Richard "Slugger" Labbe, who served as Villeneuve's spotter for this race.  "He was very strong.  If it wasn't for losing those places on the five turns after the restarts, he'd have been right up there at the end."

Jacques Villeneuve's NASCAR campaign now moves to Texas Motor Speedway, a 1.5 mile quadoval track, similar in many respects to the Atlanta circuit, where he will contest the Silverado 350k the evening of Friday, Nov. 2. 

From: Amanda Smith Mathis // Bill Davis Racing

Must have been an oversight...

For the past several weeks, Ford of Canada has dominated the Google AdSense banners that appear on this site. I assume this is intentional, on someone's part.

But we all know that the company doesn't have anything to do with Canadian motorsports. In the interest of keeping them on message, I've 'filtered' them out... at least for now... so that they can focus on other more exciting methods of marketing their products to Canadians. And the rest of us don't need to be constantly reminded that Ford of Canada wants nothing to do with 'us.'

Hurry hard.

UPDATE: Apparently it takes a few hours for the filters to kick in. So you better bookmark that Ford Escape website ASAP.

UPDATE 2: Or... how about clicking on their Google banner on this page (I'd appreciate it) and then find their CONTACT US page and send them an e-mail letting them know that you got there from their ad on the Inside Track page and that you'd appreciate it if they returned to Canadian motorsports.

Royal Distributing / Bourque's Polaris Racing Snocross News Release

Royal Distributing / Bourque's Polaris, Canada's Polaris Snocross Team, are excited to announce their Snocross Team for the 07/08 race season
 
Racing in the Pro Division, will be #073 Lee Butler from North York, Ontario. Lee is a past Sport 500, Sport 600, and Sport Open Class, C.S.R.A. Champion, and finished 2nd in the Pro Class at the Canadian Nationals and Regionals in the 05/06 season. This past 06/07 season, Lee battled an unfortunate early season injury, therefore, reducing his ability to capture a Championship. His best finish at the W.P.S.A. was in 2004, when he won a Semi Pro National qualifier. We are confident, that having Lee joining our organization, the talent and drive to win that he has, it will lead to excellent results.
 
Semi-Pro Racer: #115X Dave Joanis
Achievements: C.S.R.A.-04/05 Junior 10-13 1st Place Champion,
- 05/06 Junior 14-15 1st Place Champion and 3rd Place Junior 16/17,
- Awarded the 05/06 C.S.R.A. Most Outstanding Junior Racer of the Year,
- 06/07 Sport 500, Sport 600 and Sport Open 1st Place Champion,
- WPSA - 2005 Amsoil Duluth National Junior 10-13 1st Place Champion,
- 2006 Amsoil Duluth National Junior 14-15 1st Place Champion and 3rd Place Junior 16/17
 
At only 15 years of age, Dave will be stepping up from the Sport Class to Semi-Pro Class, after dominating the Sport Class last season with 3 Championships. He will also be racing some selected Pro Class races. Dave is also a full time motocrosser and a crowd favorite.
 
New to our racing team this season, is a Women SemiPro/Pro racer. Coming to us from Chibougamau Quebec is 16 year old #114X, Miss Stephanie Simard. This talented young individual comes from a family that is highly respected in the S.C.M. circuit. In fact, her mother, Francine Bouchard is a previous S.C.M. Provincial Pro Women Snocross Champion, retiring several years ago, after having won 2 Provincial Pro Championships. Stephanie enjoys her off season, training, mountain biking,and motocross.
 
Achievements:
- 1st Place season 2005-2006 women open S.C.M Racing
- 1st Place season 2005-2006 women stock S.C.M Racing
- 1st Place Malone NY 2005-2006 novice girl Rock Maple Racing
- 2nd Place season 2006-2007 women stock S.C.M Racing
- 2nd Place season 2006-2007 women open S.C.M Racing
- 3rd Place season 2006-2007 Junior 14-17 yrs S.C.M Racing
- 1st Place Craighurst ON 2006-2007 Sport Women C.R.S.A
- 6th Place Craighurst ON 2006-2007 Pro-Women C.R.S.A
 
With so much talent, came the need to hire knowledgeable crew chiefs/mechanics and tuners:
 
Mr. Rick Igercich, owner and head mechanic of GhostRider Performance from Delhi Ontario comes from a race oriented family. His father is a past Oval race team crew chief, engine builder and mechanic. Rick will be Crew Chief and Tuner for Lee Butler. Rick has a college degree in Motive Power Technology and has been involved in building stock class drag sleds since the early 2000, winning several podiums and always placing in the top three in season points. He has been involved and will continue to work closely with Mr. Bill Rader from the Factory Polaris race dept.
 
Mr. Real Simard, father of Stephanie Simard from Chibougamau, Quebec, is a former snowmobile racer and has been involved as a snowmobile Crew Chief and Tuner for numerous successful Championship snocross winners and cross country racers. His responsibility will include Crew Chief and Tuner for both racers, Dave and Stephanie. and he will also work closely with Rick, in sharing their knowledge on the performance and tuning of the Polaris IQ race sleds.
 
Co-owners: Gerry Bourque (Bourque Auto Sales and a Full Line Recreational Dealer, including a Polaris Dealership) & John Mochrie (Royal Distributing-Canada's Largest Powersports Leader, including a World Wide Mail Order with 3 huge retail locations)
 
Royal Distributing/Bourque's Polaris Racing Team Notes:
 
+ The team is based out of Cochrane Ontario (Home to Live Polar Bears and The #1 Snowmobile Trails in the World) and will be managed by Gerry Bourque
+ The Race Shop will be located at GhostRider Performance in Delhi Ontario.
+ The team owns 2 testing and practice tracks and owns Snowmaking Equipment
+ The Team will be attending all C.S.R.A. race events, as well as selected W.P.S.A. National and Regional events, including the opening round of the W.P.S.A. Amsoil Duluth National, on November 23rd of this year.
 
+ Don't forget to visit the following Websites: http://www.royaldistributing.com/ and www.bourqueauto.com
 
Our success last season was brought to you in part by: Royal Distributing, Bourque Auto, Polaris Racing, Walker Evans Shocks, Stud Boy, FXR Clothing, Kimpex, Ipone Oil, HMK, Oakley, Wiseco, PowerMadd, Dayco, Fly, Ogio, Camoplast. We would also like to welcome back our great group of sponsors.

KARL THOMSON REFLECTS ON WINNING SEASON

October 26th, 2007 - Grand Am's KONI Challenge wrapped up it's 12-race 2007 season at picturesque Virgina International Raceway in early October. Karl Thomson, who co-drove with Billy Johnson in the #76 Acura TSX, looks
back on the year with pride. "We started 2007 with a win at Daytona," he noted. "We won at Billy's home track (Laguna Seca) and at mine
(Mosport), and had another win at Watkins Glen. That is simply an amazing year!"

In fact, Johnson and Thomson took more wins than any other Street Tuner-class duo all year. They finished second in the ST Driver's Championship, and helped to bring Acura its second consecutive Manufacturer's Championship. "I've been a season-long driver with
Grand Am since 2004, and have helped to bring the manufacturer's title home three times. That's a special honor and we are looking forward to celebrating with Acura at the Grand Am banquet in Las Vegas!"

Despite winning more races than anyone else, Thomson and Johnson placed second in the Driver's Championship. "We had two races where contact took us out," noted Thomson. "At Lime Rock Billy had to slow
for a back-marker and got tagged from behind, which cracked the header and finished our race early. And at Mid-Ohio I got punted on the second lap, which broke the suspension and meant we ended up 29th."

That was enough for #76's pair to finish just a few points behind the #95 Turner BMW of Adam Burrows and Trevor Hopwood. "It came down to a fight between the two cars in the last half of the season," remarked
Thomson. "It was a tight battle. One race we would do well and be ahead -- the next race they would squeak ahead -- it was back-and- forth until the end."

"I think we made the ST-class fight interesting this year," he said. "Front-wheel drive versus rear-wheel; Japanese against German. Each car has strengths and that's what makes the battle so much fun!"
Johnson brought some extra excitement to the races with two dramatic last-lap passes for the lead, first at Mosport and then at Watkins Glen.

Thomson continued, "It's been a real honor to be in a championship fight with a team like Turner. They've been the class of the field for the past few years, and our guys have worked hard to bring our
game up to their level. Our Crew Chief, Ray Lee, especially, has been instrumental in getting our Acuras to the front."

Thomson's also proud of the strong results posted by the team's #75 TSX and #74 RSX-S. "VIR was a great indicator of how equally our cars are prepared," noted Thomson. "Each of our Acuras led the race at
some point. You've got to admit it's a pretty amazing feat to have three different cars from a single team lead a race!" Thomson puts that down to a great crew and carefully selected driving talent. "We really analyze each driver and pair them with a partner that will maximize the performance of both." He points to rookie Matt Pritiko, who had a number of impressive drives this season, including a fourth place at Trois-Rivieres. Beau Buisson, who was lead driver in the #75 also ran up front regularly, especially at Daytona, where he led for
his entire stint.

"That's how it was for the whole year," explains Thomson. "Unlike many teams, there is no 'number one' car for us. The goal is always to get all of our Acuras right up front, every session, and at the end of the race."

"We're looking forward to the KONI banquet in Las Vegas next week," concluded Thomson. "A bunch of our crew is going with a few folks from Honda, and being part of SEMA gives us some great business
opportunities." In other words, sponsor agreements are expected in the weeks following the show, along with details on the team's program for 2008, which will once again feature a front-running Acura ST-class effort. Be sure to visit http://www.compass360.com/racing for details.

Compass360 Design + Advertising offers branding expertise to clients in diverse industries across North America. The firm's unique Brand- Aid(TM) process has helped clients in financial service, entertainment, real estate development and automotive sectors to generate greater value out of their marketing communications. Visit http://www.compass360.com/ for details.

Karl Thomson is a principal and lead driver with Compass360/Racing, the motorsports marketing arm of Compass360. His team fielded BMW Z3 entries in 2004 and 2005, winning the VIR race in '05 and bringing
the Manufacturer's Championship to BMW. In 2006 and 2007 Thomson teamed with Kensai Racing to run Acuras, rewarding Acura with the Championship twice in succession. Compass360/Racing returns in 2008
to compete for the Driver's, Team and Manufacturer's Championships with Acura in Grand Am's KONI series.

For PR inquiries contact Karl Thomson, (416) 465-2299 x21 or email karlt at compass360 dot com. Information on the team is available at http://www.compass360.com/racing
For more information on the KONI Challenge Series visit http:// http://www.grand-am.com/

Product Spotlight: CRC Di-Electric Grease

(STICKY: This post will be headlined for 2 days... see below for more recent news)

CRC Canada Co. announces the long-awaited Canadian launch of CRC Di-Electric Grease. Applications abound for this new product: electrical connections, circuit breakers, contacts, spark plug boots, trailer connectors, HEI distributors, battery terminals, lubrication of plastic, rubber parts & o-rings, etc.

Application is simple, accurate and efficient with the patented finger-actuated delivery system.

This unique, non-curing compound is used for sealing, protecting & electrical insulating. CRC Di-Electric Grease improves electrical performance by reducing arcing, voltage drop & other conditions.

CRC Canada Co. • 2-1246 Lorimar Drive • Mississauga, Ontario L5S 1R2 T (905) 670.2291 • F (905) 670.5941 • http://www.crc-canada.ca/

Roush responds to the stir generated by his bickering drivers

Several days ago, the apparently long-simmering feud between Roush drivers Carl Edwards and Matt Kenseth came to a public boil.

In news reports of the incident, Edwards seemed to point a finger at the Roush organization for their woes, unfavourably comparing their situation to what exists at happy camper teams like Hendrick Motorsports.

Carl Edwards: "Hendrick Motorsports, and those people that we compete against do a better job of having team spirit than we've done lately at Roush Fenway."

and...

"I think that, obviously, leadership from somewhere is needed, but I think most importantly it comes from within. You know, Mark Martin was very good at communicating when he wasn't happy with something."

Perhaps feeling the heat, today Jack Roush offered his thoughts on the situation. (... with files from Ford)

Jack Roush, car owner of five Ford Racing Fusions, addressed the incident between Carl Edwards and Matt Kenseth in the garage area at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Friday before practice.

JACK ROUSH, Car Owner – Roush Fenway Ford Fusions – WHAT STEPS HAVE YOU TAKEN THIS WEEK AS FAR AS DEALING WITH THE INCIDENT BETWEEN CARL AND MATT?  "I've been engaged all week trying to understand what the reasons were and what the frustration was behind the conflict between Carl and Matt, and I think we have the measure of it.  Certainly, Carl realizes that he wasn't a friend to Matt and Matt, I think, is anxious to have Carl get some relief from the dilemma he finds himself in.  We're working our way through the aftermath of the conflict that was regrettable, and I think in the future, in a scenario where there will be conflict and differences of opinion, that we'll be able to avoid that confrontation." 

THERE HAS BEEN A LOT OF TALK THIS WEEK ABOUT HOW RICK HENDRICK COMES ON THE RADIO TO TALK TO HIS DRIVERS AND MAYBE CALM THEM DOWN.  WILL YOU BECOME MORE ACTIVE IN THAT REGARD WHEN YOUR GUYS ARE ON TRACK?  "Very seldom do I feel the need to become engaged with the running of the race from a crew chief and a driver point of view.  In a very, very rare circumstance I'll clarify something that's obvious to me for all to hear, but not very often.  I think by maintaining a pretty much hands-off policy toward the development of the race is what NASCAR looks for.  I think it's in the interest of fair play as seen by the fans, and I don't see a greater participation myself to try to stave off a conflict or a dispute that could potentially occur.  This is an overtly aggressive, competitive, potentially combative circumstance that occurs between all the drivers on the race track.  I want that from my drivers and their sponsors so everybody recognizes that the ability of the car and the judgment of the crew chief will manifest itself for all of our activities, for all of our different programs in the result on the race track.  There may be a dispute over space from time to time among drivers, but in the case between Matt and Carl it wasn't just what happened at that race at Martinsville, it was the fact that there had been some conflicts and some hard feelings that had smoldered for some period of time.  By having discussion and thinking about the things that are in the common best interest for their careers, I'm sure that reason will prevail going forward."

Targa Newfoundland Veterans Team up to Tackle Tall Pines Rally

For Immediate Release - October 24, 2007 Veteran Targa NewFoundland driver and Overall winner of the 2006 event, Glen Clarke is teaming up with expert rally co-driver and Targa veteran, Ray Felice in an Open Class Subaru to compete in the 2007 Rally of the Tall Pines

Clarke, who owns and operates Open Road Motorsports recently took a rally driving course at Tim O’Neil’s Rally School in New Hampshire in preparation for his first rally. In addition to competing in Targa Newfoundland Glen has competed at many different tracks all over the world including, Pikes Peak, Watkins Glen, and Birmingham in the UK. He is also a Porsche Club PCA National Instructor.

A key to achieving success in any undertaking is effective team work. “My Targa experience has taught me that the most important team member is the co-driver. The co-driver is the team's quarterback and is essential for managing the driver's pace. Ray Felice is one of the more experienced and talented co-drivers in the business. When I learned that Ray was available for Tall Pines, I knew that he would be the right person to help develop our team and help us learn to compete in a safe and competitive manner” says Glen

Glen’s driving career started in the early 90's with karts, Porsches and formulacars. After lots of fun and reasonable success on the track, he turned his attention to adventure races such as the Cannonball One Lap of America and Targa Newfoundland. “Competing at Targa raised my interest in stage rally. Stage rally offers the new challenge of mastering the driving, navigation and team work required to be successful“

Ray says, “It will be different riding with someone other than my usual driver, Peter Reilly, but I am looking forward to it. I have known Glen since 2003 and have always got along well with him. He is a very talented driver who is always focused on his job behind the wheel. “

“We have four goals for the event: don’t damage the car (it’s borrowed), finish the event, learn from it and have some fun! “ We will be running Hankook Tire tires at the event and that will go a long way in helping us with our goals!

When asked why The Tall Pines Rally for the first event Glen replied, “Tall Pines is a sentimental choice for my first rally as I grew up in Wilberforce Ontario not far from Bancroft. As a kid I can remember standing at the end of our driveway watching the cars race by. At that time I never thought I would have the opportunity to take part. This year, another dream comes true!”

We would like to thank ACP for the loan of the car and Hankook Tires for the tire support.

The filming of the series for TV broadcasting is provided by ATV Productions. Information on the Canadian Rally Championship and the various Canadian rally competitions is available at Canadian Association of Rallysport web site below.

http://www.hankooktire.ca/ http://www.openroadmotorsports.com/
http://www.tallpinesrally.com/ http://www.carsrally.ca/. http://www.team-oneil.com/

VINTAGE PHOTO GALLERY: August 2000 at Flamboro & Cayuga by Dave Franks

Another vintage photo gallery... this one is from mid-August of 2000 at Flamboro Speedway and Cayuga Speedway. It includes ALSTAR, TQ Midgets and Thunder Cars (watch for a younger Pete Shepherd). Thanks to Dave Franks for the use of these shots.

Raceline Radio Network Newsletter - Oct. 25, 2007

From Erik Tomas.... Raceline Radio

Random thoughts, some might actually have something to do with racing automobiles...

A shame Lewis Hamilton couldn't dispatch an F-1 World Driving Championship. He would have been the first rookie in history to pull off the feat. I think nerves got the better of the 22 year old and he stumbled with a panicky start in the season closer at Brazil. I bet you his feet were shaking on the pedals. His McLaren then slowed with bubbly hydraulics and a sticky gearbox. He lost drive for a moment, and he simply dropped too far back, 7th and a lap down.

Formula One tried their best to further pollute their season with the cold-fuel inquiry, that for a few hours after the race, questioned whether some BMW and Williams cars would be excluded from the finishing order, bumping Hamilton to 4th, good enough for the title.

You chill the fuel, it takes out some oxygen molecules making it denser, creating a horsepower boost. But F-1 decided it was no big deal, and the finish stood. Kimi wins the crown by 1 point over Hamilton. The pro-Hamilton British press are crying into their fish and chips.

Lewis' interview on Raceline Radio was a definite season hi-lite. He's a great kid and a wonderful talent. He'll have his day no doubt. I admit I was pulling for him to win the F-1 crown, but Kimi Raikkonen wins that. Kimi is a nice guy but he's as out-going as melted ice. He managed to crack a slight smile on the podium in Brazil. Kimi is not an exciting personality, but a fast and precise driver and full measure for it. He's an unlikely champ, ending an interesting but turbulent F-1 season.

Can someone please explain to me why CTV's "Corner Gas" is considered funny? And you would think the Network has another "I Love Lucy" on their hands. They promote "Corner Gas" in every single stop set in their evening programming. Folks, if you insist on pulverizing us with incessant promos, at least have the decency to produce at least 2 versions of it so we're not seeing the SAME damn promo every commercial break.

The mandate of this show is to spotlight Canadian driving talent and success. 2007 was a banner year for Canucks in DIRT Modified Racing. The 358 Division was commanded by Canadians, first and second in final points with St. Edmond Quebec's Mario Clair edging Kingston Ontario's Danny O'Brien for the title. Close to 70% of the cars in the pits at Super DIRT Week Syracuse were Canadian creations from the Bicknell shop in St. Catharines Ontario. We build 'em and drive 'em to victory lane. That works.

The phone rang in the Raceline office at 3 AM Sunday morning. I had set the alarm, so I was up. Sort of. It was Sebastien Bourdais after he clinched his 4th ChampCar World Series championship in a row. He chided me for complaining about the early hour. We have developed that kind of relationship. Sabby talked about his never-say-die Newman-Haas/Lanigan team again, and how time after time, recovered from the usual rash of racing set-backs to keep him in the fight.

The Flying Frenchman scored his 30th career win in Australia to lock down his 4th straight ChampCar title. That breaks Ted Horn's record of 3 set just after the close of World War II. How rare is 4 championships in a row? It's never happened in NASCAR or the NFL, and hasn't happened in 20 years in The NHL or Major League Baseball. And the truly amazing thing? This all happens in just his 5th year in the series. Paul Tracy has one title over 17 years of service. Bourdais finally gets that F-1 break, heading to Torro Rosso and Gerhard Berger's tutelage next year.

Sea-bass has become more Americanized than he thinks. While he allowed wife Claire is looking forward to moving closer to her family in France, Sebastien is more concerned about all the accumulated junk in their garage at their Florida place. Sabby was incredibly co-operative with us. I hope we can stay in touch as he disappears into the isolation of Formula One's infamous unavailability for media and fans.

Heck, I'd even help Bourdais clean out his garage if I thought it would score brownie points.


What do YOU think?

Any suggestions? Opinions? Comments on the show? Better ideas? Keep the E-Mails rolling in for The Raceline E-Mail Bag! The address: erik@raceline.ca We always invite your feedback!

Miss a show? Go to The TEAM 1040's Vancouver's website http://www.team1040.ca/ and click on their pod cast icon and it's all there!

Until next time, talk to ya'll on Raceline Radio! ET

*****************
ITMN EDITOR'S NOTE.... HEYYYYYY.... WE LOVE CORNER GAS!!

DRAGS: ComAnd Racing Ready For The Big Dance

The Com-And Racing team of Raymond Commisso and Ralph Andreacchi sponsored by R2B2 Motors are ready for the final race in Las vegas at the strip.

The Com-And Racing Pro Mod team which has essentially holds the #2 spot in AMS Pro Mod points. also will battle for the Pro Care RX Pro Mod Clash at the upcoming NHRA AC Delco Las Vegas Event. Raymond says, "We have to be on our game this weekend not only to keep our 2nd spot in the points chase, but also the clash we want to do real good for our sponsor Roger from R2B2 motors and Pro Care Rx."

The team has rolled into Las Vegas early to get ready for the big dance. Ralph says, "We all need to do our job and do it well one round at a time, having the most important tool is the key, and that is Al Billes, he brings our attack to another level, the way he studies everything from track reading to computer graph and tuning ,he also supplies the awesome horsepower for this R2B2 Motors 67 Camaro."

Com-And Racing thanks the following sponsors: R2B2 Motors, Steelback Brewery, Torco Race Fuels, Al Billes Racing Matrix Refit, Vinvino Supply, Dimmi Bar and Trattoria, G-Force Race Cars, J.E. Construction, Stratford Motor Products, Fast Eddie Race Wear, Performance Tire, and Scott Jahren Paint.

ICAR On-Track at Mirabel for 2008

MONTREAL-MIRABEL, QC - The International Center of Advanced Racing (ICAR) hosted a distinguished group of VIP's and media Wednesday as plans for the company's on-going development and construction of a state-of-the-art motorsport complex were unveiled on-site near the Montreal-Mirabel International Airport terminal.

Ahead of its planned opening in Spring 2008, ICAR outlined its mission to redefine motorsport in Québec with its revitalization of the former airport facility.  With work having already started on what will be one of the most prestigious private motorsport complexes in Canada, including a permanent 3.8km road course, Wednesday's guests were treated to an overview of ICAR's plans for the site.

With an impressive multi-configuration track layout, where advanced safety features will be showcased, ICAR hopes that the site will serve as an unrivalled platform for automotive manufacturers and dealers to present their products while attracting the corporate sector as an event venue.

The ICAR complex will also serve as a key motorsport facility for professionals and amateurs alike.  Attracted by the ultra-modern design of the circuit, meeting approved FIA design standards, and with virtually the entire track visible from a single viewing point, the motorsport community will have at its disposal a cutting-edge home situated just 20-minutes drive from Montreal.

The new ICAR Club will allow members to have exclusive track time as well as VIP access to events held on-site with full use of the restaurant and lounge situated in the complex's stunning pavilion.

In addition, the site will host the ICAR Academy, helping to ensure the future of motorsport by initiating a trainee and sport-study program for young drivers while offering advanced driving courses.  The Mirabel base will also serve as the official home and testing facility for the ICAR Star Mazda racing team and the ICAR Karting team - the latter making full use of the brand-new kart track located on-site.

"I'm thrilled to have officially introduced ICAR's plans for the Mirabel complex and I'm delighted with the progress we've already made here," commented ICAR Chief Executive Officer, Frédéric Senay.  "We're on-schedule to open in Spring next year and put simply we'll be offering ICAR's users a unique facility in the region.  From day one we've wanted to redefine what we could offer the automotive and motorsport industries and I believe we're on-track to meet that objective."

Jean Teasdale, Vice President of Cargo and Industrial Development for Aéroports de Montréal shares Frédéric Senay's enthusiasm for the ICAR project.  He commented, "ICAR's strategy for the revitalization of the Montreal-Mirabel Airport complex shares our vision for the development of the site and we couldn't be more excited to have found partners with such a dynamic, class-leading business model.  I look forward to returning in 2008 to witness the dream become a reality here at Mirabel."

Wednesday's official introduction was capped with a one-lap display race comprised of some of the vehicles that will feature in ICAR's plans for the site, with Mr. Hubert Meilleur, Mayor of Mirabel, enjoying the honour of waving the checkered flag.

PHOTO: From left to right, Jean Teasdale, Vice President of Cargo and Industrial Development for Aéroports de Montreal (ADM), Hubert Meilleur, Mayor of Mirabel, Frédéric Senay, President of ICAR and Bertrand Godin, spokesperson for ICAR pose after the unveiling of the ICAR model track during Wednesday's press conference at Mirabel.

From Audrey Marleau / ICAR

Rick at the Races.... Rick Young's perspective on last weekend's DIRTcar Eastern States Weekend

By Rick Young

During the course of the year, rain-outs have caused me a few disappointments , but the big down pour that hit most of the North East last Friday did me a great favor.

One big event I look forward to each year is the Eastern States Weekend at the Orange County Fair Speedway at Middletown NY. It's the curtain closer of the SUPER DIRTCAR SERIES for all the divisions within the the organization. It's an event that has been going for 46 years and I first heard about it back in the 70's when I lived in the UK.

Let me digress for a moment... In the late 70's , following an article I had printed in Petersen Publishing's HOT ROD MAGAZINE concerning British stock car racing, I received regular correspondence from North American Modified fans. One of them was a guy called Bill Goodrich of Fort Montgomery NY who was a regular at the Orange County Fair Speedway located at Middletown, not far from New York City . He told me all about the Eastern States Weekend as well as mentioning a top driver called Buzzie Reutimann and some young kid called Brett Hearn who was starting to make a name for himself. Over the years I lost contact with Bill, and often wonder if he still attends the races. If any of my NY readers know of his whereabouts and could put me back in touch, it would be great.

After taking the previous weekend off ( from racing) , to recover from SUPER DIRT WEEK (All the comings and goings of this big event certainly take it out of you ) I was all set for the six hour drive down to Middletown. It's difficult to take time off work at the moment, so the logistics have to be well planned. The 'Eastern States' is a three day event starting on Friday, so on most occasions, I've ended up missing the opening night. My car was packed Thursday night so I'd be ready to head South straight from work on Friday. I'm in the trucking industry and you are never 100% sure when you'll get finished. It turned out to be a really hectic day and I was still driving my truck around Montreal at 7-00pm at night. I eventually got back to my terminal in Cornwall Ontario , and after ending my shift at 9-00pm , I was soon heading South in the pouring rain. Although the forecast for the rest of the weekend was for sunny weather, I was selfishly hoping it would be raining in Middletown on Friday too, which would mean a postponement of the races to Saturday. After traveling down Interstate 87 and over the Adirondack Mountains , I reached a favorite truck stop of mine at exit 16 just north of Saratoga at around 1-00am. The seats were folded down on my Chevy and I slept until about 6-00am. After a wash and scrub, I was back on the road and arrived in Middletown at 9-00am in time for Breakfast. Sure enough, on arrival at the track I discovered Friday nights show had been washed out and with sunshine predicted for the rest of the weekend, the make up events were planned for Saturday morning. Just as I'd hoped ! 'Mother Nature' was kind to me this time !

As usual there was a big crowd assembled for DIRT racings last big event of the year and with the weather now warm and sunny the stage was set for some great racing. With a large turnout of cars in all divisions there were a lot of qualifying races to get through before the days headline 100 lap SUPER DIRTCAR SERIES race for 358 DIRT Modifieds could take place. I set myself up on the infield by turn three and four with camera in hand waiting for the action. It was a sign of things to come when a big wreck occurred involving Kenny Stafford # 60 and Joe Puzzella # 82P right in front of me. This was just the first of many big crashes that occurred over the weekend.

There were a lot of my buddies in attendance, including Cornwall Motor Speedway promotor Ron Morin, so for the start of the 100 lap Mod race I joined him in the pace truck. I can now say I've done a couple of laps of the OCFS !

This race, which was just one of many over the weekend was probably one of the less interesting, with Brett Hearn # 4 ( yes, that young guy I'd heard about from the 1970's) taking the lead from Pat Ward # 42P on lap 8 and staying there unchallenged to the checkers.

Sharing the glory in Victory Lane was Mario Clair # 22 of St Edmund , Quebec, the newly crowned 358 MR DIRT SUPER DIRTCAR Series Champion. I guess for this year he will be called "Monseiur DIRT"

It was now around supper time , so I took off into town to one of the usual restaurants I frequent. This turned out to be a wrong move. After supper I went into the nearby Walmart Photo Department to print off some of my afternoon pictures, which included the 'wreck' shot of Stafford and Puzzella. I was just about to leave Walmart when I had that sudden 'urge' to run to the nearest washroom ( toilet) . For the next twenty minutes or so I was committed to a self-imposed 'solitary confinement' until I felt safe to emerge. I guess something I ate for supper disagreed with me !

I then returned to the track and got my bed made up ( folded the seats down in my Chevy once more) next to my buddies RV in the camping area before checking out the evenings DIRT Sportsman races. At the same time as these were going on , there's was also a lot of socializing to be done at the "31st LAP" . This is the name given to the track bar located behind the main stand, where each year on the Saturday night of the ESTERN STATES WEEKEND they hold a "New Years Eve" Party complete with all the streamers , garlands, hats and hooters etc. It's always a lot of fun, so I split my time between watching the Sportsman and 'partying'. I saw Mike Ruggiero # 4R win the Sportsman SUPER DIRTCAR race then retired to the bar to see the 'New Year' in.

I awoke on Sunday morning to yet another warm and sunny day, and after breakfast ( at a different restaurant ! ) I was ready for more racing action. First of all it was the on-track PIT PARTY for fans to meet the drivers. I chatted briefly to former SUPER DIRTCAR SERIES champion Gary Tomkins who told me a little bit about his forthcoming racing tour to Australia . Apparently an 'Aussie' driver came over and bought one of his old cars and shipped it back home. Following this, Gary has been offered the chance to drive it at a few selected events 'down under' in November.

Top of the bill on Sunday was the 200 lap Eastern States race for big Block Modifieds with a DIRT Pro Stocks Series race as supporting act.

Just like Syracuse, two weeks previous, there were a lot of my local drivers taking part in this division , and I chatted to , Roch Aubin # 4R of Alexandria, Ontario in the pits. It was his first time there so I warned him to stay away from the wall. The Pro Stocks are noted for providing plenty of wrecks and today was no exception. Denny Gauvreau # 72 another of my local drivers was involved in the second nasty wreck of the weekend when he flipped on to the roof of Sean Corr # 8 demolishing both cars. There was more carnage in their 25 lap feature ( won by Eric Marin # 214) with a total of 14 cautions ( it felt like 114 ! ) . Roch kept away from the wall, survived any major wrecks and came in a creditable ninth position.

The Pro Stocks stoppages caused things to run late but eventually it was time for the big race for the DIRT MODS. Once again I stationed myself on turn 3 and 4 hoping to be close to the action. I wasn't to be disappointed !

Things looked all set for another Brett Hearn victory (this time driving his # 20 car) so I was in the process of 'panning' a decent action shot of him when all hell let loose, just behind him. As I turned, I saw the rear end of Frank Cozze's # 44 car smashing through the outer advertising boards, taking down an electricity pole with him, just as Rusty Smith # R2 rolled into the wall behind him. It looked horrific as Smiths car sat on it's side smoking with the throttle jammed wide open. The red flags were soon out and thankfully both drivers were OK, but it was one of the scariest looking incidents I've seen in all my years of racing. Emergency crews and track staff worked well and it wasn't long before racing resumed. Hearn who had led most of the early laps continued leading until Billy Decker # 91 got by on lap 86 with local hero Jeff Heotzler # 66 not far behind . Decker looked uncatchable until lap 193 when he ran out of gas. This handed the lead top Hoetzler who went on to take the flag. After many years of trying, the 2007 OCFS track champion, Jeff Hoetzler of Wallkill NY , close to Middletown finally won the big one.

With everything running later than expected, and with a six hour drive ahead of me, I skipped the Victory Lane photo session and was out of the gate as quickly as I could. With the minimum of stops, I was back home at 12-30 and ready to go back to work on Monday morning for a rest !

This year's Eastern States will be very memorable, not only for the excitement on the track but for the warm and sunny weather. I never dreamed that at my last race meeting of the year I'd be wearing shorts and T shirt.

THANKS to my photographer buddy , Boris Rudzinski for allowing me to use his Victory Lane shot of EASTERN STATES 200 winner Jeff Hoetzler

That's right, this past weekend brought my 2007 RICK @ the RACES campaign to an end. With nothing else planned until the ice racing starts in January this will be the last report until then. Hopefully, it will give me a chance to get back 'on track' with my RICK @ the RACES (RETRO REPORTS) which got sidelined while things got busy. The last one I did brought us up to the latter part of 1979 and with any luck, I'll have the final chapter for that year out to you before long.

PIC 1 Jeff Hoetzler wins the Eastern States 200 BORIS RUDZINSKI PHOTO
PIC 2  Bobby Varin tests the wall in hot laps
PIC 3 Danny O'Brien dices with Vic Coffey
PIC 4  Rusty Smith catches Colin Jackson
PIC 5 2007 358 SUPER DIRTCAR CHAMPION Mario Clair
PIC 6 Brett Hearn in Victory Lane following his 358 Modified win
PIC 7  The start of the Stafford/Puzzella crash
PIC 8  More of the Stafford/Puzzella crash
PIC 9  The Smith/Cozze crash
PIC 10  The Smith/Cozze crash
PIC 11 The Smith/Cozze crash
PIC 12  The Rusty Smith car after the crash
PIC 13  The Frank Cozze car after the crash
PIC  14  The denny Gauvereau Pro Stock after the crash
PIC 15 The Sean Corr Pro Stock after the crash
PIC 16 Roch Aubin in action in his # 4 Pro Stock
PIC 17  No it's not a photo from the 70's, it was taken at this years Eastern States
PIC 18  Eventual Eastern States winner Jeff Hoetzler # 66 avoids a wreck
PIC 19  I got the 'shirt"