Motorsport News

Micks takes 4th in Saskatoon

Micks takes 4th in Saskatoon

Gary Grant ⋅ Motorsport News ⋅ , , , ⋅ No comments

Team press release

July 28, 2011: Less than a week after earning a podium finish in Vernon, BC, Kerry Micks coaxed the No. 02 Dickies / Beyond Digital Imaging Ford Fusion home to a fourth-place finish in Wednesday night’s Velocity Prairie Thunder at Auto Clearing Motor Speedway.

While the two strong NASCAR Canadian Tire Series ‘western swing’ finishes were welcomed by the Mt. Albert, Ontario racer, the Wednesday result in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan was somewhat bittersweet given that Micks led a good portion of the race, but fell to fourth when a rear-end gear started to go with 25 laps to go in the 250-lap race.

“We had a very fast car and led a lot of the race,” said Micks, who was able to stretch out considerable leads, at times, during his 46-lap stint at the front (laps 119-164). “The team worked very hard and got it to where we could really drive the car. It was the first time we’ve had a good, soft-setup in this car; it’s almost been two years we’ve been fighting it. So now, we’re finally getting it down pat and we’re really proud of the team for getting the car to where I can drive it.”

But Micks’ hopes for a victory in front of the capacity mid-week crowd were dashed when trouble developed. “We had a rear-end start to go about 25 laps from the end – a gear was seizing up – and I went from near the front, back to fourth. At least I finished the race, though. I made it to the end, luckily, because I only would have made it a few more laps before it gave out altogether. The car was really, really good. But that’s part of racing and there’s nothing you can do about it.”

So while the final outcome wasn’t what the No. 2 Dickies / Beyond Digital Imaging Ford driver was hoping for, the rest of the event was very positive. “We didn’t really have any incidents during the race. Our pit stops were good and smooth, too.”

Prior to the start of the race, Micks was sixth-fastest during practice for the season’s seventh race (of 12) and posted a qualifying lap of 14.752 seconds (81.264 mph) at the 1/3-mile oval, which was good enough to place him fifth on the 21-car starting grid.

The Velocity Prairie Thunder was won by Pete Shepherd, the sixth different winner in seven races so far in 2011. Reigning series champion DJ Kennington started on the pole and looked set to win the race for the second year in a row before Shepherd passed him on the final lap. Don Thomson Jr. claimed the final podium spot in Saskatoon. Points leader Scott Steckly was involved in an early crash and finished 20th, thereby closing the points chase considerably with five races remaining.

The series’ unofficial point standings have Steckly leading the way with 1153 points, followed by Kennington (1133), Thomson Jr. (1062), J.R. Fitzpatrick (1038) and Micks (999).

Discussing the points battle, Micks continued, “We’re getting up there. J.R. [Fitzpatrick] had some problems, too, so we closed up on him. I think we’re fighting to get a top-three points finish by the end of the season. If we can do that, we’ll be very happy.”

The Velocity Prairie Thunder from Auto Clearing Speedway will be telecast by TSN on Saturday, August 6, at 1 p.m. ET. The series’ next race takes place Sunday, August 7 at the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières, in Trois-Rivières, Quebec. It’s the first of two consecutive NASCAR Canadian Tire Series road course races, the second taking place during the NASCAR Nationwide Series weekend at Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

“We’re looking forward to Three Rivers and Montreal,” continued Micks, who has enjoyed success at both venues in the past. “Our cars – including the road course car – have been getting better and better and I think we’re going to do really well in Quebec.”

Race fans are reminded to go to Dickies.ca before the race and pick the winners in the Dickies Race to Win Challenge for a chance to win some great prizes.

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

Kerry Micks is supported by the following sponsors: Williamson-Dickie Canada Co., Beyond Digital Imaging, Prostate Cancer Canada, Steadymate, Seguin Marina, Thor Motors, NGK Spark Plugs, Samester, Castrol and Cathcart Trucking.

Photo by Perry Nelson.

Voting opens to find Miss Merrittville

Voting opens to find Miss Merrittville

Gary Grant ⋅ Motorsport News ⋅ ⋅ No comments


Thorold, Ontario (February 1) – With the start of Merrittville’s 60th Anniversary Season now less than 3 months away – the DIRTcar sanctioned facility has it’s Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series Drivers and Crews putting the final touches on their race cars in anticipation of another season.

The ultimate goal … Victory Lane!

Staff from the Thorold d-shaped oval are preparing to welcome Feature Winners from the April 23rd 60 lap Spring Sizzler Events and all season long except for that of Miss Merrittville.

“For the first time in our ownership,” relates (Merrittville Speedway GM) Erica Bicknell, “we are enthused that we have considerable interest in candidates for Miss Merrittville 2011 … voting is now open!”

Race Fans and Race Teams alike can now vote on line for their favorite in the race to find Miss Merrittville 2011 by clicking on http://www.merrittvillespeedway.com/candidates.htm.

Some may know the contestants – Amber White, Chantelle Levesque, Emily Wort, Hollee Cooper and Holly Casement but before voting can get to know each one with a short biography included.

Voting will continue until Friday Morning at 9 AM when the Speedway’s Winter Office opens for business. Miss Merrittville 2011 will be announced with the contestant with the most votes declared the winner.

The first official duties for Miss Merrittville 2011 … appearances in the month at a Niagara IceDogs Game and at the Pen Centre (March 21 – March 28) and Seaway Mall (March 28 – April 3) Race Car Shows.

For all the news leading up to Merrittville Speedway’s 60th Consecutive Season including the announcement of Miss Merrittville 2011 visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com or join Merrittville Speedway on Face Book or follow on Twitter.

Join us this season on a Saturday Night for a 60th Anniversary LUCAS OIL WEEKLY RACING SERIES EVENT featuring FIVE Divisions with local heroes and up and coming new stars.

Make your plans … call your friends and maybe even get a carpool together and enjoy a staycation at the speedway with plenty of free parking and camping spots – a night at the races is so much fun and so close to home!

Your Local Dirt Track is where it’s at!!! Merrittville Speedway ‘The Best Family Entertainment in Niagara.”

MERRITTVILLE SPEEDWAY SPONSORS

The 2010 Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series for Merrittville Speedway’s 5 Divisions was brought to race fans and racers by division sponsors – Original Pizza Logs, J&S Heating and Air Conditioning, Hoosier Tire Canada and Turn 4 Collision in addition to contingency sponsors Bicknell Racing Products, Bilstein Shock Absorbers, Brodix Cylinder Heads, Hoosier Tire, Lucas Oil Products, Inside Track Motorsport News, Intercomp, ISC Racer’s Tape, Jaz Products, Kirkey Racing Fabrication, Motorsports Safety Systems, Outerwears, Port City Racing, R.J.S. Racing Equipment, Racing Optics, Schroeder Torsion Bars, Schoenfeld Headers, Ultra Shield Race Products, Wrisco Industries and XRP, Inc.

Lucas Oil Products is one the fastest growing additive lines in the consumer automotive industry featuring a premium line of oils, greases and problem solving additives.

Through innovative product research and development along with aggressive marketing programs, Lucas Oil Products has established itself as the top selling additive in the industry.

Look for Lucas Oil Products at their favorite automotive retailer or maintenance centre including Drummond Home Hardware, KC Auto Parts, RCM Racing Equipment and Tim Phillips Garage

DJ Kennington has a busy January

DJ Kennington has a busy January

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DJ Kennington qualifies at Mosport. Photo by Gary Grant

January 18, 2011. 2010 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Champion DJ Kennington is enjoying a couple of very busy and exciting weeks of activity. The #17 Castrol Edge Dodge driver was one of the Head Table Guests at the London Sports Celebrity Dinner that raises money for local charities. This weekend Kennington will be signing autographs at the Canadian Motorsports Expo at the International Centre in Toronto, and then the following weekend he’ll be participating at the NASCAR All Star Showdown in Irwindale, California.

A busy schedule can be a burden to some, but not to the always smiling Castrol Edge Dodge driver Kennington. “The sports dinner in London is a great event” said Kennington. “They raise money to support nearly 7,000 people every year and I’m proud to have been asked to attend” he added.

The annual Canadian Motorsports Expo is set to begin this Friday January 21st and continue through Sunday the 23rd and has become the place to be for racers and race fans each January. Occupying a large exhibit hall at the International Center near Pearson airport Kennington will be in attendance each day of the show. “Castrol has a large presence at this year’s show and we’re bringing our #17 Castrol Edge Dodge to be part of the display” said the driver. “It’s a great opportunity to meet a lot of race fans and I get to say thank you in person for all the congratulations I’m still receiving on the championship” he added.

That 2010 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Title guaranteed Kennington a starting spot in the annual NASCAR All Star Showdown that will take place January 28th and 29th in Irwindale California and the Castrol Edge Dodge driver can’t wait to turn laps on the half mile track. “I’ve watched this event on TV in the past and when you see some of the guys who’ve driven in this event it’s a real honour” said Kennington. “And I’m very happy to have Bill McAnally Racing (BMR) preparing the car for us. In fact BMR has three series champions signed up for this event and I know we’ll have a strong car. I’m anxious to see how we stack up against some tough competition”.

For more information about the Canadian Motorsports Expo and to purchase tickets fans can log onto www.canadianmotorsportsexpo.com Fans will be able to watch Kenninton participate in the NASCAR All Star Showdown from Irwindale California both January 28th and 29th on SPEED.

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, www.twitter.com/djkracing Fans are also suggested to join the Facebook Group DJK Ra

Canadian racer Ken Wilden joins Bimmerworld team in Grand-Am series

Canadian racer Ken Wilden joins Bimmerworld team in Grand-Am series

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Expanding a racing team from two cars to four requires immense planning and labor, but to make all of that extra effort worthwhile, the best drivers are required. With today’s announcement of Ken Wilden, 2009 Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge Grand Sport champion, and 2010 GS race winner Bob Michaelian as the drivers of the No. 78 BimmerWorld Racing BMW M3 V8 GS entry, the team has everything it needs to succeed.Wilden, who draws from a massive amount of racing experience in open-wheel and touring cars, and Michaelian, who has worked his way up the tin-top ladder with impressive performances at every level, arrive at BimmerWorld after driving together for six races during the 2010 GRAND-AM GS season.Wilden and Michaelian compliment BimmerWorld’s new-for-2011 GS program that will see team owner/driver James Clay and Seth Thomas partner in the No. 79 BMW M3. BimmerWorld’s two-car GS effort, coupled with their two-car Street Tuner program, gives the Dublin, VA-based outfit the strongest possible program to earn a championship.Having two proven stars in the No. 78 BimmerWorld entry is a major boost to the team, according to Clay.”As we were working on our driver lineup for 2011, I had a very short list of GS drivers I wanted as we expanded our program. Having Seth with me in a car was important and filling the other car with a driver pairing equally capable of winning the championship was critical to our program goal. Bob and Kenny are battle-proven and complete our lineup of four championship contenders perfectly.”For Michaelian, getting a taste of success in GS last year spurred him and Wilden to find the most competitive team to pursue a title.”I have followed the success of the BimmerWorld team over the last few years and have been super impressed by the competitiveness and professionalism of their operation. Kenny and I both are excited about the opportunity to partner with BimmerWorld. Given the competitiveness of the team as well as the strength of the BMW M3 platform, we are looking forward to putting together a strong effort for the championship in 2011.”

As Wilden shares, the decision to move to BimmerWorld and the renowned M3 V8 package was done only after careful consideration.”It was a long vetting process for sure, and I feel it was very thorough. We looked at multiple teams and manufacturers. The history and past performance of each team and car was reviewed, and we had multiple conversations over the last few months before coming to a conclusion. Bob and I really felt that BimmerWorld ranked higher in our assessment.”With so much promise shown in 2010, Wilden believes he and Michaelian have the right tools and team beneath them to succeed.”We are going into this year with the expectation of being able to compete for wins with the BimmerWorld package, and to have a very high average overall finishing record. We expect the reliability of the BimmerWorld BMW will get us to the finish of every race consistently, which is crucial in this series. That might seem like high expectations, but that is what you need to win a championship. That’s the formula that helped me to win the 2009 GS championship, and that’s the same focus we’ll have in 2011.”Commercial support is a vital element of fielding a competitive effort, and as Michaelian explains, his sponsorship roster is the driving force behind his championship aspirations.”Bizrate.com is coming on board to support our 2011 GS efforts. I have had the great fortune of working at Shopzilla, Inc. for almost 11 years. Shopzilla, Inc. owns and operates multiple web properties including Bizrate.com, Shopzilla.com, Beso.com, and TaDa.com. The company is a special group of people and I feel privileged to showcase our product on the BWR car in 2011. I have helped run both the Shopzilla and Bizrate websites for the last 5 years and am excited about the opportunity to showcase the Bizrate brand in the GRAND-AM series. The GRAND-AM brand is synonymous with putting out a quality product so we feel like it’s a great place to highlight the quality service that Bizrate provides its consumers.”Follow BimmerWorld’s progress at www.BimmerWorldRacing.com as they prepare for the 2011 GS season opener during this weekend’s test at Daytona International Speedway.Bizrate is the trusted shopping resource, linking shoppers with over a million products, brands, and stores with one click. Bizrate enables shoppers to search for virtually every product, store, brand, and deal on the web. Shop the biggest names you know to the small but trustworthy stores just waiting to be found. Compare across products, prices, and store information. Quickly access all the ratings and reviews you need to make a confident buying decision. With Bizrate, shoppers can find the right product, at the right price, every time.

Photo by Gary Grant

Canadian Karting League adds Centennial Park facility

Canadian Karting League adds Centennial Park facility

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UXBRIDGE, ONTARIO – The Canadian Karting League (CKL), Canada’s fastest growing arrive and drive karting league announced today the addition of Centennial Park Mini Indy as a host facility for its operations. With the addition of the Centennial Park facility, the CKL will now host two separate leagues, the original one in Innisfil at the Innisfil Indy, and the second one at Centennial Park Mini Indy in Toronto.

“We worked really hard to make this happen, with the help of Wrex Roth of Centennial Park,” CKL owner Russ Bond said. “The Centennial Park Mini Indy facility is a great addition to our CKL lineup for 2011 and beyond. We saw tremendous growth at the Innisfil Indy last year with the help of the Launi family, and we are sure that the Centennial CKL League will follow in Innisfil’s footsteps,” Bond added.

Roth is happy with the CKL coming to the Centennial Park facility. “We watched the CKL closely last year, and they run a first class arrive-and-drive program in Innisfil. Their program is ideal for us here at Centennial Park, and we are very excited about having our own CKL events here this year.”

Both facilities will host separate 2011 CKL Championship Series, and both series will be run by the CKL.

CKL members at both tracks will be eligible for the Franczak Sponsored 2011 FV1200 driver search program. That program will send one CKL driver to the 2012 FV1200 series for a full season of racing courtesy of Franczak and Vallis Motor Sport.

2011 CKL Membership applications are now being accepted, visit www.canadiankartingleague.com for additional information.

For more information on the Canadian Karting League, visit www.canadiankartingleague.com or email them at info@canadiankartingleague.com

About the Canadian Karting League:

The Canadian Karting League is an ASN Canada FIA sanctioned arrive and drive karting league based in Innisfil, Ontario. The CKL provides everything you need to go karting – karts, helmets, suits, track, mechanics and insurance. Last year, the CKL has introduced over 50 Canadian kids, ranging in age from 8-15 years old to driving a motorized vehicle. For 2011 the CKL will have two host facilities – Innisfil Indy, and Centennial Park Mini Indy. The experience these kids get driving in the Canadian Karting League will make them better and safer drivers when they join us on the Ontario Highways.

Kawartha Speedway 2011: From the Drawing Board to the Blacktop

Kawartha Speedway 2011: From the Drawing Board to the Blacktop

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Saturday night may be alright for fighting, but Central Ontario’s Friday night place to race is Kawartha Speedway. With a highly successful 10th Anniversary campaign as their template, officials at the Fraserville, Ontario 3/8th mile oval recently put the finishing touches on the 2011 schedule. Based on the growth and level of success achieved in 2010, General Manager and Promoter Derek Lynch firmly believes the 10 race schedule is the best recipe for the track to follow.

“Even though some people had their doubts at first, we had one of most successful seasons in years,” said Lynch. “The car counts were amazing, with more than 102 different drivers scoring points for starting at least 1 race in our NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Model, Better Carpet Thunder Car and Hasiuk Trailer and Container Rentals Mini Stock divisions. The mini stocks have a number of very talented young drivers with the potential to move-up through our different divisions. That’s something any track promoter can be proud to say.”

Another point in Kawartha Speedway’s favour is the success its drivers have enjoyed at other tracks. During the most recent running of Peterborough Speedway’s Autumn Colours weekend, Mike Nelson and Daryl Fice each earned top 5 finishes in the mini stock main event, while late model pilots Bryan Mercer and Ryan Kimball finished 2nd and 3rd respectively against some very tough competition. Late model graduate Brandon Watson earned the checkered flag in the OSCAAR main event. Lynch also gives a ‘tip of the hat’ to Kawartha’s latest track champions.

“Chris Morrow had a strong, very consistent season but still only managed to capture the late model crown by 31 points over Dan McHattie. Willie Reyns claimed a second thunder car title, just 30 markers ahead of Chad Strawn. Mini stock champ Mike Nelson rose to the top of the heap only 29 points ahead of ‘Too’ Moroney. Each battle came down to the final night of the year,” said Lynch. “In itself, that’s an amazing statistic and makes drivers eager to race here because they know they’re running against some of the best short trackers around.”

The first on track activity for the 2011 regular season is a test session Friday, May 27th for Kawartha’s 3 weekly divisions and drivers from any other track interested in shaking-down their new equipment. The opening night for track points is Friday, June 3rd as the OSCAAR Outlaw Super Late Models join the action. The annual 150 lap late model Summer Sizzler is on the agenda for Friday, July 8th. Things wrap-up with the annual NASCAR Canadian Tire Series 250 Saturday, September 24th. The full schedule will be available soon at www.kawarthaspeedway.com.

Canadian James Hinchcliffe impresses in test with Newman-Haas

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SEBRING, Fla. (December 14, 2010) – Newman/Haas Racing (NHR) completed a trouble-free, two-day test at the 1.65-mile Sebring International Raceway road course today. Oriol Servia worked through the team’s long list of setup items to test while James Hinchcliffe continued to get acclimated to driving an Indy car.

“The cars ran faultlessly and we are very pleased with the pace of Oriol and James,” said Brian Lisles, general manager of Newman/Haas Racing. “We were able to get through a large part of our program despite the weather. Fifty-degree temperatures don’t sound very bad but our guys deserve accolades for working so long in near-arctic conditions. The wind was unbelievable and it was remarkably cold.”

Like Monday, the temperature never rose above the 50-degree Fahrenheit range but the gusty winds from Monday subsided. Servia completed 73 laps with a best lap time of 53.0 today while Hinchcliffe continued to get build speed in his second day of driving an Indy car. The 2010 Firestone Indy Lights series championship runner-up completed 81 laps with a best lap time of 52.8.

“The day went great like yesterday, just more of the same,” said Servia. “I’m very happy with the driving and I am feeling great; no rust. I expected to be much sorer today but I have to give thanks to my physical trainer; I feel great. We had a very specific agenda of a lot of big, different setup changes and I’m very happy that we went through almost all of them which seemed quite impossible with the limited amount of tires you are given for testing. I’m very happy that we made progress and found some direction on things and improved the car. It was a lot of fun. And it was as much fun, or more than I expected to work with James. He’s as funny as he comes across on Twitter and obviously he can pedal too. He was on a little different program but it showed how fast he can be. I’m hoping to work with him and the team in the future. Thank you to the Haas family and the Newman/Haas Racing team that once more made me feel at home. So many good things are happening in the IndyCar Series and I want to be part of it.”

“Today was a very successful day,” added Toronto native Hinchcliffe. “We managed to get me up to speed pretty quickly and got to the point where I was comfortable enough in the car that we could start doing some setup changes and some development work for the team. It was a huge and successful day in that respect. I’m very happy that it didn’t take two days to get up to a reasonable pace and that I was actually able to help the team with their test plans. I’m very grateful to Newman/Haas for the opportunity. It’s a great car to drive; a lot of fun. It really lets you push and hustle and I think it’s certainly something I’m looking to get back into in the future. It was great working with my engineer Bruno, and Oriol as well. He was a huge help over the two days. I can’t thank both of those guys enough, and the whole team for the chance.”

The 2011 IZOD IndyCar Series (IICS) season-opening Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg will take place March 25-27. NHR took their first IICS victory, and 106th overall, in the event in 2008 with Graham Rahal behind the wheel.

About Newman/Haas Racing…
Newman/Haas Racing (NHR) was formed by actor/race car driver Paul Newman and racing entrepreneur Carl A. Haas and is one of the most successful open wheel racing teams competing today. In 2011 the team will participate in their 29th season of competition and will attempt to add to the eight championships, 107 race wins and 109 pole positions they have earned to date.

For more information, log on to www.newmanhaasracing.com or www.indycar.com.

Kennington enjoys a memorable week in Charlotte

Kennington enjoys a memorable week in Charlotte

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December 12, 2010. Castrol Edge Dodge driver DJ Kennington was in Charlotte, North Carolina this past week to accept congratulations and his championship ring as the 2010 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Champion. The NASCAR Gala Night of Champions took place in the Crown Ballroom at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Kennington thanked his family and many team members in attendance and then had an enormous surprise for everyone. Kennington stole the show by getting down on one knee as he offered an engagement ring to his girlfriend Jamie who joyfully accepted and the two were given a standing ovation.

The black tie affair on Saturday was the culmination of a week of activities for NASCAR Champions including Kennington who participated in numerous functions including the annual Go Kart Challenge and exclusive tours of several prominent NASCAR team headquarters.

By the time the week of activity had concluded Kennington was both exhausted and elated. “This was such an incredible week here in Charlotte” said Kennington. “NASCAR did so much for us. It was wonderful to have my family here and so many of my team members who are just like family to me. For Castrol and the amazing support they’ve shown me for seventeen years, they made me what I am and I’m proud to have won this title for them” he added.

Keeping the engagement announcement a surprise on top of the many other duties for the champion was no easy task. “It sure wasn’t easy” said the smiling Kennington. “I was a bit nervous about keeping it quiet but the NASCAR folks and everyone who helped organize the dinner and all of activities helped out and it worked out perfectly. Jamie has been really supportive and understanding when I have to miss a family function to be at a race and this just seemed like the perfect way to ask her to be by my side for the rest of our lives”.

The busy off season for the Castrol Edge Dodge team will continue. Next month Kennington will have his championship Castrol Edge Dodge on display and attend the 58th Rogers London Sports Celebrity Dinner & Auction taking place January 17th at the London Convention Centre. Race fans can 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, www.twitter.com/djkracing Fans are also encouraged to join the Facebook Group DJK Racing.

Photo: DJ Kennington on stage with his Championship trophy at the NASCAR Night of Champions Gala
Photo Credit: Getty Images for NASCAR

Jasen Held Races by the Book…If There was One

Jasen Held Races by the Book…If There was One

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If short track stock car racing was something you could learn from a handbook, Jasen Held would read it from cover to cover. Instead, the first year chauffeur in Kawartha Speedway’s Better Carpet Thunder Car division learned his craft the same way every other driver before him has; with hands-on experience that is otherwise known as the school of hard knocks. The 37 year-old from Baltimore, Ontario says it was a tough ride every so often, but he wouldn’t change anything about his learning curve.

“I had a casual interest in the sport and coming to the track as a fan only helped to fuel my desire to compete,” said the gas and oil technician. “It looks like something anyone can do when you’re watching from the grandstands or even hanging around in the pits. Once you’re on the track, it’s easy to see that it’s really not that easy. I love the speed and the challenge of running side-by-side with the best in our division. Scoring that first checkered flag was a thrill and ironically, so was the first time I hit the wall.”

Even though the 2010 campaign was just his first kick at the can, the father of 3 wants to race as much as possible and would like to see the Kawartha schedule expand past its current 10 event agenda. Until that day comes, he’ll continue to wheel his #08 Getty Associates/Markland Mechanical/Buchanan Haulage Monte Carlo at every opportunity, with a long term goal of moving-up to the track’s NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Model division.

“There is still a lot to learn before I take the next step,” said Held. “As a driver, I’ve been making some mental notes of how this car performs and which lines work best on the track. It’s kind of tricky though, because as soon as you think you have things figured-out, the weather can change and even something as simple as a slight shift in the temperature will make the car do different things when you mash the throttle.”

At the track and in the shop, Held’s crew – led by his father Rick Held, with Butch Buchanan, Chase Held, Tylar Held and Jacob Bennett take care of a maintenance program that helped their freshman pilot earn a 12th place finish in the final driver’s standings. Wife and car owner Deneane Held controls the purse strings and makes sure the team stays within their operating budget. Jasen Held says a simple philosophy has helped him keep things in check.

“There’ll be some set-backs along the way, but we’re learning as we go and having fun. That’s what is most important.”

Kawartha Speedway will celebrate the 2010 season Saturday, January 15th with their annual award’s banquet. Fans can vote now for the most improved and most sportsmanlike driver in each weekly division by visiting www.kawarthaspeedway.com.

By Jim Clarke, Kawartha Speedway PR/Clarke Motorsports Communications

Molson Coors Canada Inks New Sponsorship With NASCAR In Canada

Molson Coors Canada Inks New Sponsorship With NASCAR In Canada

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NEW YORK, N.Y. (Dec. 9, 2010) — The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) and Molson Coors Canada, a division of MolsonCoors, today announced a partnership in Canada in which the Keystone Light brand will become the Official Beer of NASCAR in Canada and the Official Beer of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series.

As an official partner, Keystone Light will have the ability to leverage the NASCAR logo on its packaging and throughout its national advertising campaigns. In addition, Keystone Light will participate in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Prize Money and Decal Program with the Keystone Light Pole Award. The award will be given to the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series driver who posts the fastest qualifying time each race of the season. Under the agreement, the brand will also secure pouring rights at multiple facilities the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series visits.

This partnership includes a robust media component on TSN and TSN.ca comprising of spots, billboards and custom features in NASCAR Sprint Cup, NASCAR Nationwide and NASCAR Canadian Tire Series broadcasts. The brand will also activate a national NASCAR promotion featuring VIP NASCAR race weekend experiences that bring Keystone Light drinkers up close and personal to the action on the race track.

“NASCAR Canada is extremely pleased to partner with Keystone Light and help grow its brand among passionate and devoted stock car racing fans using the NASCAR Canada platform,” said Randy Paul, managing director, NASCAR Canada. “To have a brand like Keystone Light, which has a successful history of supporting stock car racing in the U.S., working in partnership with NASCAR Canada is a testament to the popularity of NASCAR racing in Canada and its fans across the country.”

“Coors Light and Keystone Light have been terrific partners in the U.S., and we’re very excited to help Keystone Light expand its NASCAR relationship across the border into Canada,” said Jim O’Connell, vice president of corporate marketing for NASCAR. “With the NASCAR fan base evenly spread across Canada, we anticipate the sport can bring strong results to Keystone Light’s national promotions and retail activation.”

“The opportunity to partner with such a strong brand as NASCAR offers Keystone Light access to a growing fan base, providing immediate legitimacy with the loyal enthusiasts and casual followers of the sport,” said Kristi Knowles, vice president marketing for Molson Coors Canada. “We’re planning to genuinely integrate the Keystone brand within the NASCAR Canada community – many who already happen to be Keystone fans. Our aim is not to be a spectator sponsor but to be right there as the checkered flag is waved.”

With 12 points events in 2011 at Canada’s premier oval track facilities and largest road racing tracks, the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series is Canada’s premier motorsport and only national motorsport championship. The series, which launched in 2007, features Canada’s top teams and drivers competing on both oval and road courses, and as a companion event to other major in-market events. The series stages races in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia.

NASCAR is the #1 motorsports property on television in Canada. Today, 6.8 million adult Canadians are NASCAR fans, up from 5.8 million in 2004. NASCAR fans hail evenly from all parts of Canada, making up over a quarter of the population in each Canadian province.

About NASCAR Canada: NASCAR Canada, a partnership between NASCAR and TSN Events, a division of TSN within the CTVglobemedia family, Canada’s leading multi-media company, was created in 2004 to manage the growth of the NASCAR brand in Canada through sponsorship, licensing, and marketing initiatives. TSN, which has been broadcasting NASCAR races across Canada since 1984, brought to Canadian fans more than 80 NASCAR race broadcasts in 2010.

About Molson Coors Canada: With roots dating back to 1786 and a time-honoured tradition of brewing quality beers, Molson Coors Canada is proud to be the nation’s pre-eminent brewer. The Company proudly offers some of the most popular brands in Canada with an award-winning brand portfolio that includes Molson Canadian, Coors Light, Keystone, Keystone Light, Molson Dry and Rickard’s. Molson Coors Canada also partners with other leading brewers to offer such global brands as Heineken, Corona, Miller Genuine Draft, and Foster’s Lager. The Company employs 3,000 Canadians, operates six breweries, including the boutique brewery Creemore, and invests in communities from coast-to-coast through its various charitable initiatives and sports and entertainment sponsorships. Molson Coors Canada is part of the Molson Coors Brewing Company.

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