Category: Other Series PR

22, August 2012

Ford Performance Racing’s first Car of the Future (COTF) Falcon will run in Ford’s EcoBoost motorsport livery when it takes to the track joining other Ford squads around the world currently running the colour scheme including teams in NASCAR and the World Rally Championship.

EcoBoost is Ford’s latest engine technology which is now available in Australia in the locally-built Falcon, Mondeo and the soon to be released Focus ST.

EcoBoost engines combine direct injection, turbocharging and variable valve timing to maximise performance and torque while improving fuel economy and reducing CO2 emissions.

Ford Australia motorsport boss Graham Barrie says having Ford’s factory team running the global EcoBoost livery highlights the importance of the company’s V8 Supercar program.

“EcoBoost is the future of Ford’s engine technology globally so it makes sense that we use Car of the Future (COTF), the future of V8 Supercars, as our platform to promote it,” Barrie said.

“Ford Performance Racing’s first Falcon COTF will carry the same EcoBoost livery that all of Ford Racing’s official teams around the globe have run throughout the month of August.

“This further aligns our V8 Supercar program with Ford’s global motorsport plan and places it alongside the likes of NASCAR and the World Rally Championship.”

The striking white, black and blue livery will adorn the factory team’s COTF chassis during its test phase before FPR unveils its 2013 racing colours early next year.

FPR Team Principal Tim Edwards says the new look coincides with a new era for the team and V8 Supercars as a whole.

“The impending debut of our first COTF Falcon coincides with an important time for Ford globally as the company rolls out more and more models featuring EcoBoost technology,” Edwards said.

“By running our test program in Ford’s EcoBoost motorsport colours we are not only showcasing our team and category to the world, but also showing we are an important part of Ford’s racing program.

“It is also appropriate that we are running it on our Falcon at the same time road-going Falcons with EcoBoost engines are being produced just across the road from our workshop.”

FPR drivers Mark Winterbottom and Will Davison are second and third in the Driver points ahead of this weekend’s Sydney Motorsport Park 300 at Eastern Creek.

Visit www.ford.com.au for more information on EcoBoost and www.v8supercars.com.au/COTF for more information on the Car of the Future program.

Starting Lineup Will Be Set By Heat Races, Last Chance Race

MARTINSVILLE, Va. (August 20, 2012) – The Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300 has long been the most exciting Late Model Stock car race around.

The excitement level just got cranked up a few notches.

Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell announced today a major format change for the October 21 running of the Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300.

Time trials have been scrapped for NASCAR’s premier Late Model Stock race as on-track action has been reduced from three days to two days.

The field will be set through four 25-lap qualifying races on Sunday, followed by a 50-lap last chance race. The feature race will be 150 laps, with a break at the halfway point.

Eight drivers will advance from each of the 25-lap heat races, with 10 coming from the 50-lap last-chance race to fill out the 42-car field.

“We are excited about our changes to the format of the Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300,” said Campbell. “We feel that both the competitors and fans will benefit from the changes we are making.

“While the old format has worked and there was nothing wrong with it, we also felt it’s time to mix things up a little and re-energize the event.”

In the past teams loaded in on Thursday, went through inspection and practiced on Friday and practiced and qualified on Saturday. With the changes, teams will not be able to load into the infield until late Friday, October 19. Inspection and practice will be on Saturday, October 20.

Starting positions in the 25-lap heat races will be determined by practice speeds on Saturday.

“By eliminating qualifying and having everyone in qualifying races on Sunday, we can reduce the time competitors spend at the track,” said Campbell. “Saturday will be an action-packed day for the fans with practice sessions in the afternoon.

“I’m confident race day will be one of the most exciting days fans have ever witnessed here at Martinsville Speedway. I think the changes will really bring the intensity level up.”

Campbell also announced that the open practice date for the Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300 is Wednesday, Oct. 3.

2012 Schedule:

October 21: Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300

October 26: NASCAR Practice Day October 27: Kroger 200 October 28: TUMS Fast Relief 500

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https://twitter.com/#!/MartinsvilleSwy

Montreal, Que. – Scott Steckly had a solid weekend at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, once again flexing his consistent top-five driving muscles with his 7th top-five finish of the season.

Steckly’s #22 Canadian Tire Dodge kicked off the weekend strong in practice. #22 and his crew opted for a similar road course set up they had success with in the past, with some minor changes, leading their wheelman to a 5th place qualifying time.

Finally during the race, Steckly elected to kick off the 100km race with an easy pace, but stayed attentive to the leaders.

“We tried to approach this race differently – be patient at the start save all of our energy for the end,” he explained.

Steckly successfully held on between 5th and 6th place throughout the duration of the race until a red flag waved after an oil spill on the track.

After the restart, #22 found himself at odds with #66 hoping to gain more spots from his 5th place starting position. However one last caution halted the opportunity to meet his goals.

“We got up to 3rd where we wanted to be,” Steckly said after the race. “But our chance to take a run at the leaders didn’t work out because of the last caution.”

Steckly completed the final lap under caution, cruising to a 4th place finish and his 7th top-five finish of the season. Despite falling shorter than he would’ve liked, Steckly still found reasons to be happy with the day.

“The car was really good all weekend, we only made minor changes to it,” he said. “It was still a good solid day for us, now we’re heading to three ovals to finish up the season and hopefully get a couple wins.”

With Steckly’s 4th place finish today, he sits in 4th overall in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series standings with 357 points – 7 points behind #3 J.R. Fitzpatrick.

The Autopro 100 aired live on RDS, Sat., Aug. 18 9:30 a.m. ET; TSN, Sat., Aug. 18, 12:30 p.m. ET; RDS2, Wed., Sept. 19, 9:30 p.m. ET

The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series will return to action on Saturday Sept.8th for the first of three oval track events to finish the season at Barrie Speedway. For more information please visit www.localracing.com

22 Racing is supported by the following sponsors:  Canadian Tire, Motomaster Eliminator, Sylvania, Erb Group, Mobil 1 and AW Millwrights.

For more information on Scott Steckly & 22 Racing please contact:
Linda Jones
Wide Open Motorsport Solutions
(705) 730-4044
Email: ljones@wideopensolutions.ca

Montreal, QC:  Kerry Micks and his #02 Leland Industries/Beyond Digital Imaging/PartSource Ford team had high hopes for Micks final race of the 2012 season but had to settle for a 10th place finish after contact on the final lap.

Micks headed out to practice on the 2.709-mile road course on Thursday afternoon but wasn’t happy with the performance of the #02 Ford so the team quickly went to work and changed the transmission.

On Friday afternoon the team again took to the track with a top 5 qualifying effort in mind.  They fell slightly short of that goal with a time good enough for the 7th place start. “We were looking for a little better,” said Micks after qualifying. “But with 39 cars here this weekend, which must be close to a record, 7th isn’t so bad.”

Saturday morning was an early start for the teams as they gridded for the 100 km, 23 lap NAPA Autopro 100 set to start at 9:35 a.m.  At the drop of the green the #02 driver was able to maintain 7th place as the top seven pulled away from the remainder of the field. By lap 7, Micks was firmly in the top 5 and he reported to his crew the power steering had failed.  A restart had the #02 car shuffled back to 6th where he stayed waiting patiently for the laps to wind down so he could make a move.

With 4 laps to go the caution came out and due to a lengthy clean up of oil on the track and with time running out, NASCAR announced there would only be one attempt at a green, white, checkered finish.  On the white flag lap contact from a car behind forced Micks out of the racing groove and 4 cars were able to pass him.  The final result was a 10th place finish.

A not to happy Micks commented after the race, “Some of the guys on the track just don’t get it as some of us race for points competing in all 12 events, while they show up for one.  Most people don’t know it but we lost the power steering on lap 3 and I can’t tell you how much of a handful that car was all day. We were lucky to come away with the 10th for more than one reason but I was looking for more on my last race of the 2012 season.”

The Autopro 100 aired live on RDS, Sat., Aug. 18 9:30 a.m. ET; TSN, Sat., Aug. 18, 12:30 p.m. ET; RDS2, Wed., Sept. 19, 9:30 p.m. ET
The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series will return to the track for the first of 3 oval track races on Saturday Sept 8th at Barrie Speedway.  For more information please visit www.nascarlocalracing.com.

The #02 Micks Motorsports team is supported by the following sponsors:  Leland Industries, Beyond Digital Imaging, PartSource, Armor All, Johnsonville, STP, Cathcart Trucking, Seguin Marina, Thor Motors, Prostate Cancer Canada, Triad Racing Technologies, Gaunt Collision Centres, Samester and Castrol.

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

Montreal, Quebec-After a disappointing run at Trois Riviers, Hathaway in his #3 Snap-on Tools/Rockstar Energy Drink/Vortex Brake Pads Dodge was hoping for a good run at the last road course event of the season at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve this weekend.

Practice for the team was shortened due to a NASCAR timing error during the 1 hour practice session. Despite the glitch and having limited time to tune on their car Hathaway managed to post a 11th place fast time of the speed charts in a deep field of single appearance road racers.

The teams’ weekend hit a speed bump during qualifying on Friday when Hathaway posted 2 laps, 18th fastest, and then felt a vibration in the motor. He shut it down and came onto pit road to the attention of his crew. The team took the car back to paddock area and went to work right away to replace the motor in preparation for Saturday’s race.

Hathaway was looking forward to the race. “Our guys did a great job getting the motor changed and we should be good for the race.”

Unfortunately, Hathaway’s engine troubles followed him into the 23 lap main event around the historic Circuit de Gilles Villeneuve. With the drop of the green flag, Hathaway could not get his car up to its normal quick speed and the motor wasn’t running on all cylinders. Crew Chief Craig Masters bought the car down pit road to change a number of things on the car to see if they could solve the miss. The crew did a great job changing the battery, the carburetor and the spark plugs, but were not able to solve the issue on pit road.

Hathaway went back onto the track and picked up a few positions finishing 26th in a large field of 35 cars.

Hathaway was disappointed with the run at Montreal. “We didn’t even get a chance to race this weekend and show what we can do on the road courses.” He said.  “I’m very proud of our road course efforts this year and this wasn’t the way we wanted to end it. We will diagnose the issue we had today back at the shop, put the bad luck behind us and finish up the next 3 races strong.”

Fans can follow the team and get updates throughout the season through the Team’s website www.team3red.com, on Facebook at Facebook.com/team3red.edhakonsonracing  and on twitter @jasonhathaway3.

Ed Hakonson Racing is proud to be partnered with Snap-on Tools, Rockstar Energy Drinks, Vortex Brake Pads, Napoleon Grills, Castrol, Fast Eddie Racewear, Choko Motorsports, Praxair and Cathcart Trucking and King Brewery.

About Snap-on Tools: Snap-on Tools is a leading global innovator, manufacturer and marketer of tools, diagnostics and equipment solutions for professional users. Product lines include hand and power tools, tool storage, diagnostics software, information and management systems, shop equipment and other solutions used by technicians and professionals at vehicle dealerships and repair centers in the marine, power sports and aviation industries.  Visit www.snapon.com

About Rockstar Energy Drink: “ROCKSTAR is the world’s most powerful energy drink. Enhanced with the potent herbal blend of Guarana, Ginkgo, Ginseng and Milk Thistle, ROCKSTAR is formulated to provide an incredible energy boost for those who lead active and exhausting lifestyles – from athletes to rock stars!

About Vortex Brake Pads: Vortex Brake Pads is a proud Canadian company, manufacturing the highest quality aftermarket brake pads for all automotive segments. Vortex products are well researched, proven in on track and off track testing and are produced in a high quality manufacturing environment. For more information visit www.vortexbrakepads.com

The strong season in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series for St. Thomas, ON driver DJ Kennington continued Saturday at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal.  The #17 Castrol Edge Dodge was up front at the final road course event of the season and Kennington recorded his ninth top five finish of the year in as many events.

 

The race in Montreal at the historic track always attracts a large contingent of road racing specialists and this weekend was no exception as 39 cars attempted to qualify for the race.  The goal was to secure another solid result and maintain the overall points lead.

 

Throughout practice Kennington was strong in the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge posting the fourth quickest lap time.  During qualifying he went one better and scored a third place starting spot.  “I got everything I could out of that lap” said Kennington afterwards.  “I was really working hard and it paid off with a great time” he added.

 

As the 100km event began Saturday morning Kennington kept the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge within striking distance of the leaders.  “It was a fast pace early and I didn’t want to push too hard right away” said the driver.  “The goal was to stay close and be there to take advantage if we have the chance like earlier this year in Edmonton when we grabbed the win” he stated.

 

The disciplined driver stayed in the hunt throughout the race and was in position to capitalize on what turned out to be the final restart of the race.  Sadly for the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge driver a yellow flag on the final lap stalled his progress and he would cross the finish line fifth.  “We had another solid race, another top five is a good day for us in the points” he said.  “Now we’ve got three oval races left in the season and we’ll be looking for more wins” he added.

 

With the fifth place result in Montreal Kennington sits atop the overall championship standings, 33 points ahead of second.

 

DJ Kennington and the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge team return to action on Saturday September 8^th at Barrie Speedway just north of Barrie, ON.

 

Race fans are encouraged to keep up to date with the latest team news in several ways.  Race fans should bookmark the team website www.djkracing.ca and follow them on twitter, @djkracing and fans should also “like” the team Facebook Page DJK Racing.

 

Montreal, Que. – Ron Beauchamp Jr. was excited to showcase his road course program improvements at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on Saturday, but a recipe of cautions and contact with other drivers sidetracked him from breaking into the top ten before the end of the 100km race.

Beauchamp and his crew made changes to the gear selection of his #60 Mopar Parts/Exide Batteries/Mobil 1 Dodge following practice to improve the low-end speed of the car to help him better navigate corners. After some additional changes before qualifying, the car was notably better and #60 qualified 13th. The crew continued to work after qualifying and further changes made the vehicle in even better shape for the main event.

“Every change we made this weekend got us even better,” Beauchamp said.

Beauchamp kicked off the race feeling confident behind the wheel and moved easily up in the field during the early stages, nipping at the heels of the top ten.

As the race progressed, following a caution period, Beauchamp found himself turned in the first corner around shortly after the restart.

“I was an innocent victim,” he explained after the race. “We were all stacked up and I don’t know what the guys behind me were thinking because we couldn’t get anywhere.”

Beauchamp persevered after the incident and fought hard from deep in the field during the final laps of the race, despite another caution getting in the way.

“The longer the race stayed green the better we got,” Beauchamp said. “Those cautions in the second half hurt us.”

#60 eventually ran out of time to recover lost ground and crossed the finish line in 14^th place, down one spot from his qualifying position.

“I’m really happy with how far our road course program has come this year,” he said. “And now we’re headed to ovals where I know we’ll be strong again.”

After today’s race, Beauchamp is ranked 5^th overall in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series standings with 313 points.

Ron Beauchamp Jr. and the #60 Mopar Parts/Mobil 1/Exide Batteries Dodge team will be back in action during the NASCAR Nationwide weekend at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on August 17 & 18.   For more information about the #60 Mopar Parts/Mobil 1/Exide Batteries team log on to www.beauchampmotorsports.com and www.mopar.ca

Montreal, Que. – David Thorndyke and the #67 Thorsons EVT Chevrolet team arrived at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve for round number nine of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series excited to be back at the track for the final road course event of the season.  Sadly the weekend would end prematurely for the team.

Looking to build on their positive showing only two weeks earlier Thorndyke was cautious during the Thursday practice session.  “We felt good about how the car was handling and we just wanted to make sure that everything was in good working order” said Thorndyke. “I did notice the brakes were not ideal” he added.

When Thorndyke hit the track for qualifying on Friday he did his best to work with less than an ideal brake situation.  “I was doing my best to adjust for it but I know the car was capable of more” he said afterward.

Sadly Thorndyke’s speed of 85.662 mph fell just short of the time needed to make the race.  With the #67 team only running a partial schedule that left them without a provisional starting spot and they were unable to start the race.

“There’s no question it was a bitter pill to swallow and really hurt” said Thorndyke.  “Maybe if we’d changed brake pads or made some other changes it would have given us that little bit to get in but we’re a small budget team and we aren’t able to change all kinds of parts for each session” he explained.

While disappointed they could not participate themselves, the #67 team took pride in seeing teammate Robin Buck score a podium finish and entertained numerous race fans and sponsors throughout the weekend.  “It was nice to see Robin have that good run and we’ve met a lot of people from Shell Rotella here this weekend.  It’s always fun to give people a little more insight into the sport” he added.

With the end of the road courses on the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series schedule the #67 team season has come to and close.  “It’s tough to go out this way but we’re already talking about what we can do to improve the car for next season.  We’re going to look at everything in our program and we’ll be even more motivated during the off season” said Thorndyke.

David Thorndyke and the EVT Chevrolet team thank everyone for all of the support they received this season.  The team encourages everyone to enjoy the remaining three races on the schedule either in person or watch them in high definition on TSN.

 

For more NASCAR Canadian Tire Series information log onto www.nascar.ca and to learn more about the #67 Thorsons EVT Chevy team go to www.promotiveracing.com

Sherwood Park, Alberta’s Noel Dowler was happy to put the last race behind them and felt optimistic heading into round number nine of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series in Montreal at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.  The team had a new #5 EMCO Dodge car they were going to race for the first time after Noel’s father Kevin Dowler had driven the car in Edmonton.

 

The #5 EMCO Dodge team approach to the weekend was to get back to basics and bring the car home with a positive result.  The team worked doggedly during practice to ensure the car suited Dowler’s driving style.

 

Thought qualifying didn’t go as well as they’d hoped Dowler felt confident about the #5 EMCO Dodge.  “The car felt very good right from the start of practice” said Dowler.  “We didn’t have any issues, we just kept looking to make it a little better” he added.

 

Dowler would begin the race deep in the field in 30^th position and survival was the key in the early stages.  “Starting that deep things can be a little hairy sometimes” said Dowler.  “I just took it easy and stayed clear of trouble”.

 

As the race settled in Dowler began moving the #5 EMCO Dodge forward.  Even with some drivers being very aggressive he remained calm and continued his progress.  When the 100km race was ended Dowler had moved forward 12 positions.

 

Though not a spectacular finishing result the #5 EMCO Dodge driver was pleased.  “The car was fast, we learned a lot and we brought it home in one piece” said Dowler.  “Going back to basics helped us.  We’ve got that figured out and we can progress from there.  I like road racing but there’s still a lot that I have to figure out so I’m looking forward to getting back to the ovals now” he stated.

 

The 2012 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series gets back in action on Saturday September 8^th at Barrie Speedway, located just north of Barrie, ON.  The series features 12 events from coast to coast including races during the Edmonton Indy weekend and the NASCAR Nationwide event in Montreal.  For more information about Noel Dowler Jr. log onto www.apollomotorsports.ca and follow him on twitter, @noeldowler.