Category: Other Series Racing

New Castle, Ind.—Sept. 13, 2012— There’s just something about quarter-mile dirt tracks in Indiana and sprint car racing that go hand-in-hand. Tracy Hines knows very well the lore of the bullrings in his home state, and will get a chance to race at two of the legendary venues in the Hoosier state this weekend.

Hines will compete in the Fall Classic with the Midwest Sprint Car Series (MSCS) on Friday, Sept. 14 at Bloomington Speedway aboard his MP Environmental Shaver-powered DRC. He’ll then take to the track with the USAC Amsoil National Sprint Car Series on Saturday, Sept. 15 at Tri-State Speedway in Haubstadt, Ind., for the Haubstadt Hustler. The event will be a co-sanctioned  USAC/MSCS event that pays $10,000 to the winner of the 50-lap main A-Feature.

“Anytime we get to race two nights in the same weekend in Indiana is great,” said Hines. “Both events will draw a very strong field of cars, so we’ll really have to be on our game both nights. We’ve been fast the last few races on quarter-mile tracks, and I feel like we have a pretty good set-up for both Bloomington and Haubstadt. As long as Mother Nature cooperates it should be a great weekend.”

Hines has made three starts at Bloomington Speedway this season, with two of those coming aboard a sprint car and one in a midget. He finished fifth in May with the USAC Amsoil National Sprint Car Series at the track. The veteran driver made his second sprint car start of 2012 at the historic venue during Indiana Sprint Week. He finished eighth at the quarter-mile in June with the USAC Mopar National Midget Series. Hines won a USAC Sprint Car event at Bloomington in 2005.

“We ran really well at Bloomington the first time we went there this season,” he shared. “During the Sprint Week show we were a little off, and have found a few things since then that I think will help going back this weekend. There is going to be a strong field there, so the heat races are going to be very, very important.”

Hines has also made three starts at Tri-State Speedway this season, again with two of those coming in a sprint car and one in a midget. His first start at the high-banked oval came in May in a sprint car event that was co-sanctioned by USAC and MSCS. Hines returned to Haubstadt in June for the Hut 100, which was co-sanctioned by the USAC Mopar National Midget Series and the Lucas Oil POWRi National Midget Series. He made his most recent start at Tri-State in July during the Indiana Sprint Week event.

Last season in the Haubstadt Hustler, Hines finished eighth, after opening the night with a third-place showing in the third eight-lap heat race. That event was run under the MSCS format, utilizing the draw to line up heat races rather than time trials. Hines was victorious with the USAC Amsoil National Sprint Car Series at Tri-State Speedway in 2002.

“The Haubstadt Hustler is a unique event,” Hines stated. “We had a pretty good run there last year. To run 50 laps at a track like that, you really have to be on it, and also have some luck on your side and try to keep your nose clean. On long green flag runs at a track like Haubstadt, the laps click off pretty quick, so you really don’t have a lot of time to be patient there. You have to be charging hard from the drop of the green.”

In his most recent USAC sprint car start at Riverside International Speedway in West Memphis, Ark., on Saturday, Sept. 8, Hines finished 19th after a car in front of him spun early in the race, leaving him nowhere to go. The native of New Castle, Ind., got upside down, which ended his night. He began the event by qualifying 10th, and followed that up with a third-place finish in the second 10-lap heat race.

The race scheduled for Friday, Sept. 7 at I-30 Speedway in Little Rock, Ark., was interrupted by rain following the second heat race and has yet to be rescheduled. Hines opened that night as the third-fastest qualifier of the 31 entrants.

Hines is currently fourth in the USAC Amsoil National Sprint Car Series championship standings. The 2002 USAC Amsoil National Sprint Car Series champion has one victory on the season, with that coming at the famed Eldora Speedway in Ohio in April. He has recorded 16 Top-10 finishes and has eight Top-Five performances this year.

Tracy Hines Racing would like to thank: MP Environmental, DRC, Shaver Specialties, AFCO Racing Shocks, Bell Race Gear, FatHeadz, Kenny’s Components, Race Bumpers, ROD END Supply, Schoenfeld Headers and Stanton Racing for their continued support.

For more information on Tracy Hines Racing, including a complete 2012 schedule, visit http://www.tracyhinesracing.com.

SALEM, Indiana (September 13, 2012) – – He’s back. After making his ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards debut at Salem (Ind.) Speedway this past April, Blake Hillard returns to the series looking for another opportunity to gain more experience in a stock car in Saturday night’s Kentuckiana Ford Dealers Fall Classic by Federated Car Care.

In the spring, the quiet, humble but yet determined 23-year old qualified a respectable 24^thand raced his way comfortably into the top-15 before being sidelined by a mechanical failure.

While the Owensboro, Kentucky native didn’t see that checkered flag six months ago, Hillard’s purpose this weekend is to continue his learning curve in the ARCA Racing Series and conquer any road blocks behind the wheel of his Hillard Racing machine and see that checkered flag.

“I’m glad to be back this weekend,” said Hillard, a competitor in the ARCA / CRA Series. “I learned a lot in my ARCA debut earlier this year and that should help me a ton coming back to Salem this weekend. There was so much that I learned in April. I know what I can do and can’t do with an ARCA car – so our performance should elevate forward on Saturday night.”

Speaking of performance, the Hillard Racing participated in a private test session at the 0.5-mile paved oval last week and the results of it have left a good vibe amongst the members of the volunteer-crew for Saturday night’s anticipated thriller.

“The test went very well,” offered Hillard. “The car adjusted well to the changes and our lap times were better than before, so overall we have a good upbeat demeanor about the race this weekend. Obviously, we know its short track racing, so almost anything can happen – but we’ve done everything possible to make sure what happened in the spring, doesn’t happen again.”

Hillard’s friend Brett Hudson won’t be on the sidelines standing next to him this weekend as he did in April. Instead, Hudson himself will be competing in the 18^th ARCA race of the year – but Hillard is excited about having the opportunity to race against him this weekend.

“I’m glad to see Brett back at Salem,” Hillard noted. “Brett is a great driver and a strong competitor. I haven’t raced against him this year and I am looking forward to racing with him again. Brett and I grew up racing against each other since we were kids and we have a lot of respect for each other. This should be an exciting race and who knows what will happen when it comes down to the end of the race. It’s going to be a lot of fun, that’s guaranteed.”

The Kentuckiana Ford Dealers Fall Classic by Federated Car Care (200 laps / 111 miles) is the 18^th of 20 events on the 2012 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule. The 92^nd ARCA race held at Salem Speedway is a one day show.Practice begins Saturday, September 15 with a forty-five minute session planned from 12:30 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. Final practice also consisting of forty-five minutes begins at 1:45 p.m. and will conclude at 2:30 p.m. Menards pole qualifying presented by Ansell is set for later in the day slated to begin at 4:00 p.m. An on-track autograph session has been etched in immediately following qualifying. The event will take the green flag shortly after 7:15 p.m. later that night. The race will not be televised but additional coverage including a radio broadcast and timing and scoring will be available through the ARCA Racing Network (ARN) online at arcaracing.com. All times are local (Eastern).

Concord, NC (September 12, 2012) — USAC driver Caleb Armstrong is the latest open-wheel racer to join Venturini Motorsports as he prepares to make his stock-car – ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards debut this coming Saturday night at Salem Speedway in the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers Fall Classic by Federated Car Care.

Armstrong who tested for Venturini last season will drive the No.15 Mudd Advertising – Drive for Savings team entry.

“Salem is a fast and furious half mile track which demands good equipment and strong car control. I’m expecting good things this weekend driving for Venturini Motorsports. They’re as good as they get in the series and I think my driving style will play out well,” says Armstrong.

The 20-year old native from New Castle, Indiana currently occupies the fourth place position in USAC’s highly competitive Midget Mopar National Division Championship standings. Since jumping onto the national scene in 2009 Armstrong has quietly made a name for himself among the counties elite midget drivers.

In 2011, Armstrong enjoyed a breakout season driving for his family owned midget team highlighted by USAC national victories at Iowa Speedway and at the famed Turkey Night Grand Prix at Toyota Speedway in Irwindale, California.

Armstrong who started his racing career in 1998 will have a large contingency of hometown supporters when he takes the green flag at Salem as his hometown of New Castle, Indiana is located just a couple hours north of the Indiana track.

Practice for the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers Fall Classic by Federated Car Care at Salem will take place over two sessions on Saturday, from 12:30-1:15 p.m. and 1:45-2:30 p.m. Menards Pole Qualifying presented by Ansell is scheduled for 4 p.m., and a driver autograph session will be open to all fans from 4:45-5:15 p.m. The 200-lap, 111-mile race will start at 7:15 p.m.

ARCARacing.com will feature live timing and scoring coverage throughout the day, and ARCA Racing Network hosts Charlie Krall and Tim Clagg will deliver a live audio call for the race on the site.

About Venturini Motorsports 
Venturini Motorsports (VMS), fielding cars in the ARCA Racing Series, is one of the premier NASCAR driver development programs in the country. The 2012 season marks the team’s 30th Anniversary of competition in the ARCA Series. Multiple team championships and consistent on-track success, VMS has evolved into one of the most recognizable names in motorsports.

Since 2007, VMS has assisted in the career development of notable NASCAR drivers such as Joey Logano, Justin Allgaier, Steve Arpin, Brian Scott, Max Gresham, Miguel Paludo, Josh Richards, Ryan Blaney, and Scott Lagasse, Jr.

Official: www.VenturiniMotorsports.com  |  Twitter @VenturiniMotor  |  Facebook: Venturini Motorsports

Watertown, Conn.—Sept. 12, 2012 — David Gravel has acquired a pretty diverse skill set competing with the UNOH All Star Circuit of Champions over the last four seasons. One of the key attributes he has learned is how to be versatile. After all, the series races on a variety of tracks ranging from tight quarter- and third-miles bullrings to sprawling, high speed half-miles. The native of Watertown Conn., will be able to put all of that experience to good use this week as he heads to Fremont Speedway in Ohio, one of the smallest tracks on the schedule, following last weekend’s Tuscarora 50 at the half-mile Port Royal Speedway in Pennsylvania, one of the largest venues the series races at.

Gravel takes to the track at Fremont Speedway with the All Stars for the opening night of the Jim Ford Classic on Friday, Sept. 14, with a 30-lap main event highlighting the evening. The weekend concludes on Saturday, Sept. 15 with a 50-lap, $10,000 to-win A-Feature at the one-third-mile oval.

“It’s always a challenge racing at Fremont,” said Gravel. “The local competition is very good. There will be a lot of travelers coming for that race as well, so the field is going to be very tough. I’m excited to go back with how well we are running right now, and hopefully we can carry some of the momentum we have into Fremont.”

The 20-year-old has made a couple of appearances this season at the track located at the Sandusky County Fairgrounds. In the two-day event at Fremont back in May, he finished fifth and ninth. Gravel began that weekend as the seventh-fastest driver in time trials of the 35 entrants. He finished fifth in the fourth 10-lap heat race, which put him in the dash, where he came home sixth. Gravel lined up on the outside of the third row for the 30-lap main event and ran near the Top-Five for the duration, taking the checkered flag in fifth.

“Time trials definitely sets the tone for your night at Fremont and we were good in time trials there in the spring,” he shared. “It’s an uphill battle if you don’t qualify well, since you’ll be at the back of a heat race. If you don’t make it out of your heat, you may be in the C-main or back of the B-main. With how close everyone is right now, it’s pretty difficult to come from the back of the B-main. The best way to avoid that is to turn a couple of good laps in time trials to start the night.”

In the finale of the All Stars event at Fremont in May, Gravel was fifth in qualifying. He lined up fifth in the first heat race and finished in that same position to earn a spot in the dash. Gravel was sixth on the grid for the dash and moved up one spot and started the main event from the inside of the third row. He slipped back a few spots, finishing ninth. He returned to Fremont during Ohio Sprint Speedweek and missed qualifying for the main event in that contest.

“Fremont can be heavy sometimes and it can also be slick,” explained Gravel of the surface. “We might get two completely different tracks on each night, but we’ve been on just about every type of track at Fremont, so we’ll be prepared for no matter what we’re facing.”

Gravel finished a career-best fourth at Fremont last season in the finale of the Jim Ford Classic, after lining up ninth. He has six Top-10 finishes at the track over the last two seasons, with five of those coming in races with the All Stars. Gravel also competed in the World of Outlaws race in 2011, which was the series first visit to Fremont since 1993. The finale of the Jim Ford Classic this weekend will mark the second 50-lap feature of the season for the All Stars at Fremont.

“In a 50-lap race at Fremont, if you are up front, you want to hold your position and ride around there and be ready for the end,” Gravel stated. “If you are at the back, you have to be aggressive, because you don’t want to go a lap down or have lapped cars between you and people you are battling with for position. We’ll give it everything we got both nights and see how we do.”

Following a sixth-place showing in the opener at Port Royal last weekend, Gravel is currently third in the UNOH All Star Circuit of Champions National standings. He wrapped up both the Eastern Region and Western Region portions of the schedule in third as well, and is currently sixth in Ohio Region points. Gravel has one win this year along with 26 Top-10 finishes and has been quickest in qualifying with the All Stars seven times in 2012.

David Gravel and DDR Motorsports would like to thank: J&J Chassis, JRC Transportation, Kistler Engines, Musco Fuels and P&M Transportation for their continued support.

Keep up-to-date with David Gravel and DDR Motorsports by visiting www.DavidGravel89.com. Follow David on Twitter atwww.Twitter.com/DavidGravel89g. Like David on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/David-Gravel-Racing/143538695709198.

September 12, 2012.  Martin Roy driver of the #90 Batteries Expert/Veloce/Gamache Truck Centre Dodge and teammate Isabelle Tremblay pilot of the #07 Frank Lyman Design Dodge with both return to action this weekend at Riverside International Speedway near Antigonish, NS for round number eleven of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series on Saturday evening.

While Tremblay returns to Riverside for her second tour at the beautiful 1/3 mile oval this will be the first time Roy has competed on the track modeled after Bristol Motor Speedway, both drivers are equally excited to be part of the competition.

“This is a special weekend for me” said Tremblay.  “I want to thank Lemken who are represented by Green Diamond Equipment in the Martimes, they’ll have a large group at the race on Saturday for a BBQ.  And also we’ll be at Eastern Auto on Friday afternoon.  With their help and that of Tim’s Service Centre, Highland Home Hardware and of course Riverside International Speedway they are making it possible for me to be racing this weekend” explained Tremblay.

Tremblay is looking for another top ten result this weekend.  “Working with new Crew Chief Phillip Mathews last weekend we made some improvements and I’m very excited about our chances this weekend” she stated.

Martin Roy will continue his quest to become the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series rookie of the year this weekend with another strong result.  Earlier this year Roy posted three consecutive top ten results including a top five finish in Edmonton.  “Our team has continued to make good progress every weekend” said Roy.  “Sometimes the result wasn’t there but I feel very confident for this weekend at Riverside” he further explained.

Both drivers suffered disappointment last weekend.  Though he qualified ninth at Barrie Speedway in his #90 Batteries Expert/Veloce/Gamache Truck Centre Dodge Martin Roy would suffer damage during contact and finish 19^th.  Tremblay also had difficulty and managed a 16^th place result.

A reminder to race fans that voting is underway for the NCATS most popular driver and Isabelle Tremblay currently sits second in voting.  You can vote once each day by logging onto the NASCAR Home tracks website, hometracks.nascar.com

The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series race September 15^th at Riverside Speedway near Antigonish, NS takes place on Saturday with afternoon practice and qualifying and the green flag drops for the 300 lap main event at 7PM local time.

BARRIE, ON, Sunday Sept. 9, 2012:  After a one day delay due to heavy rains the teams finally took the green flag for the Wahta 300 at Barrie Speedway at 1:30 on Sunday afternoon.  Dilley driving the PartSource/Gaunt Collision Centres Ford Fusion ran up front all day but a late race driveline failure caused them to finish a disappointing 20th.

Dilley was quick right off the trailer for practice and when the session was done, the #02 Ford team were scored 6th quickest of the 23 cars registered for the event.  He backed it up with a 5th place time during the qualifying session.  “I am a little disappointed in our qualifying effort here in front of my home town fans, but we will be good for the race,” said Dilley after qualifying.

The #02 driver was scored in the top five for much of the event even leading laps shortly after the halfway point prior to pit stops.  With 50 laps to go, Dilley passed the second place car of J.R. Fitzpatrick and was on a mission to track down leader #22 Scott Steckly.   The caution flag flew with 20 laps to go and this is exactly what Dilley was hoping for.  This would tighten up the field and he was set to make a run for the lead.  As the teams lined up for the green, the #02 car stopped in turn 2.  It was later determined that something in the driveline broke and Dilley was pushed to pit road.

“I am disappointed with our finish today,” said Dilley when asked after the race.  “But this car was a rocket and I could put the #02 PartSource/Gaunt Collision Centres Ford anywhere I wanted – passing on the inside or the outside.  I can’t thank my team and all of our sponsors enough for their support.  We wanted to put it in victory lane for them again this year but it just wasn’t meant to be.”

Dilley was scored in the 20th position at the end of the 300 lap event. The Wahta Springs 300 will be aired on TSN on Saturday, Sept. 15 at noon ET and on RDS2 on Wednesday, Oct. 3 at 10 p.m. ET. The #02 team will now make their way to Antigonish, NS for event 11 of the 12 race NASCAR Canadian Tire Series.  The Wilson Equipment 300 will be held at Riverside Speedway on Saturday Sept. 15th. 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, ljones@wideopensolutions.ca