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Race No. 1: Vortex Brake Pads 200 at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park

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SM Staff
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[media-credit name=”OntarioOval.com” align=”alignright” width=”255″][/media-credit]After months of waiting, it is finally here – the first race of the 2012 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series season takes the green flag tomorrow afternoon with the Vortex Brake Pads 200 at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park.

Known as Mosport International Raceway in years past, the track has gone under new ownership and upgrades in the winter, including a new pedestrian bridge. Ron Fellows and team took ownership of the track near the end of last year and have been working feverishly through the winter to have the track ready for this weekend.

“It’s really enjoyable to be a part of it. Mosport has been a big part of my life,” Fellows said at the Canadian Motorsports Expo back in February. “I went to the first race in 1969 as an 11 year old kid and that’s where I got bitten by the bug to go racing for myself and have had a lot of firsts at Mosport in terms of big wins for me so the place has meant a lot to me. For me, to get an opportunity to be part of the ownership team with Carlo Fidani and Alan Boughton, it’s pretty special.”

It was then announced last February that the track would be renamed Canadian Tire Motorsports Park as part of a new marketing partnership between the ownerships group and Canadian Tire.

“For the Canadian Tire Series to do their season opener at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park is absolutely ideal scenario for us,” Fellows added. “And then having a marketing partner like Canadian Tire, we feel it’s going to grow Mosport and create a lot more auto racing interest.”

Going into this weekend, one of the favorites is J.R. Fitzpatrick after the success he has had there. In his past five starts, he has two wins and five top fives while leading 91 of 257 laps. Fitzpatrick ran some NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races to start the year, however with sponsorship not materializing, he chose to focus on the Canadian Tire Series.

“We’re going for the win,” he said back at the end of March. “I think there’s only two of us that are two time winners at that place and we’re both going to be at that race so it’s going to be exciting. That’s one of my favourite tracks and to be one of the guys everybody watches every week when we go there, it’s kind of a cool feeling.”

The other two-time winner on the road course is Andrew Ranger. Ranger has two wins and three top fives in four starts. Ranger returns to run the full schedule once again in 2012 after spending some time in the United States running some NASCAR Nationwide Series races. Ranger will team up with GC Motorsports International, who has fielded Natiownide Series cars for David Ragan and Fitzpatrick in the past.

“I am happy with the faith entrusted in me by GCMI, Quebec Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge-Ram Dealers Co-op,” the Quebec native says. “I know the Canadian Tire Series tracks well, and look forward to competing in front of a home town crowd.”

The Canadian Tire Series has had five races on the Mosport road course – Fitzpatrick has won two, Ranger has won two and DJ Kennington has[media-credit id=4 align=”alignleft” width=”112″][/media-credit] won one. In five starts, the 2010 series champion has a win and four top fives.

“This is where we got our first series road course win in the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge” Kennington says.  “It would be really nice to get another one, especially with Castrol presenting the event this weekend” he added.

Defending series champion Scott Steckly returns for another year as he looks to defend his championship. In five starts at Mosport, Steckly has three top fives with an average finish of 10.6. Steckly will once again have support from Canadian Tire.

“I’m grateful for the support I’ve received from Canadian Tire and their continued support of motorsports in Canada,” Steckly says. “I am honoured to be part of such an incredible team and looking forward to another fantastic year on the track in 2012.”

Jeff Lapcevich is also returning to the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series full-time in 2012, with sponsorship once again from Tim Hortons. In five starts at Mosport, he has one top five finish and an average finish of 7.4. When he’s not behind the wheel, he is at Sunset Speedway supporting his son, 12-year-old Cayden Lapcevich, as he embarks on his rookie season in the Super Stock division.

Isabelle Tremblay is set for sophomore season in the Canadian Tire Series as she looks to improve on her eighth place finish at Mosport last year. She has only confirmed so far to run four events this year, however is optimistic that marketing partners can be brought on to run the full season.

“This new partnership with Martin Roy is going to be very good for both us” Tremblay says.  “He is very professional, has great experience in racing and I’m confident we’re going to work very well together.”

The race at Mosport also marks the beginning of a partnership that will play out this season between Kerry Micks and Mark Dilley. The two series veterans will share the driving duties of the No. 02 Leland/BDI Ford owned by Micks Motorsports in an attempt to win the owner’s championship. Micks will run the five road courses while Dilley runs the seven ovals.

“(It’s) is going to be very different year, for sure,” Micks says. “It will be the first time for Mark and I not to run a full season in our own rides. It will definitely be a change of scenery to sit on the box and cheer for the other at the different events. I have not stood on the box and watched someone else race my car.”

In five starts at Mosport, Micks has a top 10 and an average finish of 15.2.

The race is set to take the green flag on Sunday May 20 at 1:30pm EST with practice and qualifying taking place today (May 19). There will be an autograph session held at 11:15pm on Sunday.

Bayne 11th in All-Star Qualifying While His Team’s Founder is Honored at the NASCAR Hall of Fame

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Lofton Conquers Charlotte to earn his first career win

By
Tammyrae Benscoter
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[media-credit name=”Brad Keppel” align=”alignright” width=”209″][/media-credit]Charlotte NC – Justin Lofton earned his first career victory at Charlotte Motor Speedway, joining two other rookie winners in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) in 2012. It was the 55th start for the Westmoreland CA native. At age 26, Lofton held off a hard charging Brad Keselowski to take the checkers.

Lofton’s best career finish had been third twice, most recently at the Daytona International Speedway in the NCWTS season-opener. Owner Eddie Sharp invested all his cards and funds to this team. “I’m just tickled to be apart of it,” said Sharp, who at the end of last year bought a good portion of equipment from KHI Motorsports. “I love being in this series, and I love being a part of NASCAR,” said Sharp.

“The stars aligned,” said Lofton, who attributes some of his win to timing. He gives credit to Todd Bodine as his mentor. With this win, Lofton takes over the points lead in the NCWTS by one point over Timothy Peters. “This is definitely my favorite place now,” said Lofton. He will ride the wave of confidence to Dover and Texas.

The Camping World Truck Series delivered four-wide door to door racing and an action packed event. With a distance of 134 lap scheduled in the 10th Annual North Carolina Education Lottery 200, the fans witnessed nail biting competition, multiple cautions and on track shuffling.

An after race discussion between Ron Hornaday Jr. and Brad Keselowski had the potential of fireworks, but was quickly simmered down by multiple officials. An altercation between their cars on tone of the final restarts led to a raunchy discussion between the two on pit lane.

Keselowski spoke to the media regarding his second-place finish, he was very proud of his team’s effort and a “phenomenally good car,” Keselowski said. In reference to his incident with Hornaday, Keselowski was looking for a little respect. The second place finish is Keselowski’s second top-10 of 2012. A win in the NCWTS still eludes the Rochester Hills, Michigan driver.

Third place finisher Todd ‘Onion’ Bodine had a decent run. This is the fourth top-10 for Todd Bodine in 9 starts at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Rounding out the top five was the No. 18 of Jason Leffler and the No. 9 of Hornaday. Finishing in sixth was Jason White. Joey Coulter would cross the finish line in seventh; his evening was not without interest. He had lost a lap when the radiator clamp broke, pushing out water on the RCR Chevrolet.

Jeb Burton, son of former Sprint Cup competitor Ward Burton was the top finishing rookie. He ran the raced and finished the event in eighth place. Burton is trying to get more track time and is in search of a full-time sponsor. He is trying to keep a positive outlook and advance his career in the NCWTS.

The top-ten included point’s leader Timothy Peters and the polesitter Ty Dillon.

Race leaders included Ryan Sieg, Keselowski, Dillon, Lofton and James Beuscher. Ty Dillon led the field to the green flag. Dillon who pilots the No. 3 Bass Pro Shop Chevrolet in the Truck Series earned his pole award with a speed of 181.616. This is his first pole in eight Camping World Truck Series Races, and his fourth top-ten start in 2012

Notable cautions include an incident between Paulie Harraka in the No. 5 and David Reutimann, which sent the No. 5 spinning down the track. The Child Help Ford went back up the track and sustained rear end damage after striking the outside retaining wall. The No. 31 machine of James Buescher was involved. He would return to the track and finish 22nd.

The No. 14 of Brennan Newberry brought out multiple cautions during the event. The Bakersfield, CA native received some driver side door damage in the initial incident, but suffered throughout the event. He finished in 27th.

The NCWTS returns to on-track action at Dover International Speedway on June 1.

Unofficial Race Results
NC Education Lottery 200, Charlotte
http://www.speedwaymedia.com/truckseries/race.php?race=5
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Pos. St. No. Driver Make Points
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1 2 6 Justin Lofton Chevrolet 48
2 9 119 Brad Keselowski Ram 0
3 17 11 Todd Bodine Toyota 41
4 5 18 Jason Leffler Toyota 40
5 15 9 Ron Hornaday Chevrolet 40
6 7 23 Jason White Ford 38
7 3 22 Joey Coulter Chevrolet 37
8 21 27 Jeb Burton * Chevrolet 36
9 4 17 Timothy Peters Toyota 36
10 1 3 Ty Dillon * Chevrolet 35
11 14 29 Parker Kligerman Ram 33
12 11 2 Brendan Gaughan Chevrolet 0
13 24 98 Dakoda Armstrong * Toyota 31
14 12 32 Miguel Paludo Chevrolet 30
15 6 88 Matt Crafton Toyota 29
16 22 9 John Wes Townley * Toyota 28
17 34 81 David Starr Toyota 27
18 31 92 David Reutimann Chevrolet 0
19 8 33 Cale Gale * Chevrolet 25
20 26 99 Bryan Silas * Ford 24
21 35 275 Caleb Holman * Chevrolet 23
22 10 31 James Buescher Chevrolet 23
23 28 101 Jake Crum Chevrolet 21
24 23 24 Max Gresham * Chevrolet 20
25 13 13 Johnny Sauter Toyota 19
26 25 10 Jennifer Jo Cobb Ram 18
27 29 214 Brennan Newberry Chevrolet 17
28 27 39 Ryan Sieg Chevrolet 17
29 16 30 Nelson Piquet Jr. Chevrolet 15
30 20 5 Paulie Harraka * Ford 14
31 30 60 Chad McCumbee Chevrolet 13
32 32 84 Chris Fontaine Chevrolet 12
33 19 7 John King * Toyota 11
34 36 138 Dennis Setzer Chevrolet 10
35 18 8 Ross Chastain * Toyota 9
36 33 168 Clay Greenfield Ram 9

Lofton Gets First Truck Win in N.C. Education Lottery 200, Takes Points Lead

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SRT Motorsports — Camping World Final Race Quotes – Charlotte

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Toyota NCWTS Charlotte Post-Race Notes & Quotes

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ARCA Racing Series Driver Ryan Reed Kicks Off “Ryan’s Mission Wristband Drive”

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SM Staff
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[media-credit name=”Venturini Motorsports” align=”alignright” width=”225″][/media-credit]While 18-year-old rookie Ryan Reed continues to improve on track, he is spreading word about Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). This weekend at Toledo Speedway, Reed will kick off the Ryan’s Mission Wristband Drive.

“We have developed some great partnerships within the past month with companies like PacificHealth Labs, Accelerade, Logitech, RaceHard.com, PlaySeat, iRacing, and IRP,” Reed says. “This entire drive really relies on all of the commitment that they have given me and Ryan’s Mission.”

The wristbands came about through a partnership between RaceHard.com, PacificHealth Labs, Accelerade and Ryan’s Mission. The goal is to raise $150,000 by the end of the year to benefit JDRF. JDRF is the world’s largest funding provider for research towards curing, treating and preventing T1D and its complications.

“It’s a really neat idea – each wristband will have Ryan’s Mission on it along with the participating partner’s logo,” Reed continues. “So if you are a big advocate of Accelerade drinks like I am, then you can sport it with a Ryan’s Mission/Accelerade wristband and all for a good cause. Win Win.”

In February 2011, Ryan Reed was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and was told that he would never be able to race again. However, after getting in contact with a doctor through IndyCar driver Charlie Kimball, he was told that it was possible.

Now a year and three months later, Reed finds himself sitting fourth in the ARCA Racing Series Championship standings after four races this season.

Reed formed Ryan’s Mission shortly after finding out that he’d be able to race to inspire others.

“I know other kids are being told that they won’t be able to do things and only some are lucky enough to find doctors that are as supportive as mine and able to still chase their dreams,” he says. “So Ryan’s Mission was formed almost immediately and I just wanted to show kids and spread that message and not be held back.”

Behind the mission, there’s a dedicated team of individuals who are doing events while Reed is racing to help spread the word.

“I really have to thank my parents for creating the infrastructure of my team that makes all of this happen,” Reed says. “From offices in California to offices in North Carolina; I’m not really sure how they make all of this come together – but they do. It’s pretty amazing.”

The wristbands can currently be purchased for a $5.00 donation through Ryan’s Mission (www.ryansmission.org), RaceHard.com (www.racehard.com/jdrf) and PacificHealth Labs / Accelerade (www.pacifichealthlabs.com).

Charlotte rumbles with excitement and news

By
Tammyrae Benscoter
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[media-credit name=”Credit: Streeter Lecka/Getty Images” align=”alignright” width=”225″][/media-credit]NASCAR’s superstars will fight for supremacy in their own backyard this weekend, and while the format is different for the All-Star event, it is a guaranteed fight to the finish. In order to brawl for the big bucks, some of the sports most popular players must make their way to the main event.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. will be amongst the 22 competitors pounding the pavement in the Sprint Showdown. The top two finishers will advance to the All Star Competition, along with the fans vote. Giving three racers the chance to mix it up, and run for the million-dollar payday.

The Showdown will consist of 40-laps and gets underway at 7 pm. EST. Earnhardt, who will drive the black and orange foundation car hopes to earn one of the top two finishes. “We’re working on trying to win our little race,” Earnhardt Jr. said. “I’d like to allow someone else to have the fan vote.”

A.J. Allmendinger, who scored his qualifying lap at 192.465 mph, will lead the Sprint Showdown field. This is his fourth appearance in the showdown. In 2008, he won the race and advanced to the All-Star Race. Allmendinger, driver of the No. 22 Pennzoil Dodge is prepared to take it one race at a time. His first goal is to make it into the big race.

Martin Truex Jr., will sit outside the front row. Rounding out the top five starters are Earnhardt, Jeff Burton and Aric Almirola.

The segmented All-Star race consists of 90 laps and will get underway at approximately 9 pm EST. Three 20-lap segments will set the field for a 10-lap sprint to the checkers.

Kyle Busch’s qualifying run topped the charts at 115.112 mph, the average of three laps with a full-service pit stop, giving Busch his third All-Star pole. Busch and the No. 18 M&M’s Toyota Camry, won $50,000 for his pole run, a repeat of his 2011 performance. While Charlotte Motor Speedway is Busch’s proclaimed favorite track, he has yet to secure a win at CMS in Sprint Cup competition. He will lead the field of 23 competitors to the green flag.

Rounding out top five qualifiers includes Ryan Newman, Denny Hamlin, Greg Biffle and Joey Logano.

Kasey Kahne driver of the No. 5 Farmer’s Insurance Chevrolet will go to a backup car for Saturday night’s event. Kahne hit the wall during his practice run when the rear of his car jumped out of line. The car suffered major damages.

A win in Saturday’s race is not only a confidence booster or a big payday. It is bragging rights until teams return to Charlotte next May, and they do battle again.

“You never know what’s gonna happen, said Edwards, the defending All-Star race winner and driver of the No. 99 Fastenal Ford. “I think I can speak for most of the drivers and be completely honest and say that if a driver’s car is faster than the guy in front of him, and it’s for $1 millions bucks, there’s not gonna be a lot of patience,” Edward continued. “I’d hate to guess how much chaos there would be if there was a green-white-checkered, double file restart for $1 million bucks. Edwards concluded by saying, “That would be insane.”

Until the checkers falls, anything can happen under the lights in Charlotte. In addition, anyone that starts the race can win it.

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NOTES: Jimmie Johnson’s Lowe’s team performed flawlessly and stole the thunder from Denny Hamlin’s Fed Ex team in the Pit Crew Challenge held Thursday night at the Time Warner Arena. Johnson and Hamlin were among the drivers that watched their teams perform at break neck speeds, showing true athleticism and physical speed. Team and Individual winners are rewarded and recognized by the sport during Saturday night’s All-Star event. As a reward to the team, Johnson will choose his pit box first for the All-Star race.

“They’re still on cloud 9,” Johnson said Friday in the Charlotte Motor Speedway media center. “Winning last night puts us in a good position, and hopefully (Saturday) night we’ll have a good night on track to help us take advantage of that.”

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Matt Kenseth will debut his new sponsor Fifth Third Bank and their signature blue and green colors. Tony Stewart’s No. 14 Chevrolet will carry camouflage paint scheme in honor of the Wild Turkey Federation. Meanwhile Jamie McMurray’s Bass Pro Shop Chevrolet will feature a white camo pattern. Greg Biffle’s machine along with Jimmie Johnson’s machine will carry a more patriotic color scheme. Even Johnson’s helmet is apart of the unique changes for this race. His helmet features George Washington’s Profile, just like that of the dollar bill.

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Brad Keselowski stole the social media stage when he tweeted from his car during a red-flag occurrence in the Daytona 500, so it seemed fitting that he joined the executives from NASCAR and Twitter as they announced a new partnership that will bring a unique racing perspective to the average fan. The tag #NASCAR is where all the excitement will be starting with the June 10 Pocono 400. Race fans can expect a unique experience with access to drivers and behind the scenes information.

“I think Twitter has a large effect on myself personally and the sport,” said Keselowski. “It is a great opportunity to combine technology and give more access to our fan base. I get on Twitter and I love to tweet.”

Twitter, which boasts 140 million active members, will use an editorial team and a special algorithm to bring the best content to the best interactive fans in Motorsports. Keselwoski along with Camping World Truck Series Driver Nelson Piquet Jr. both embrace twitter. Other drivers are encouraged to join the platform and help enhance the experience for fans.
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As Labor Day Weekend approaches and the backyard barbeque becomes evident, check out the unique flavors of Atlanta Motor Speedway. The track is introducing the flavors of Coca Cola and Georgia peaches to the track with a unique twist. Levy Restaurants and Chef Frank Abbinanti inspired the full line of menu items. Coca Cola Racing Drivers Greg Biffle and Joey Logano tried the special menu items during the All-Star event. To cast your vote, visit Atlanta Motor Speedway’s website. Menu items for the Advocare 500 include Coke Zero Braised Beef Tacos, Coca-Cola Chili Dog, French Fries with Coca-Cola Dipping Sauce, Georgia Peaches and Sprite Elephant Ear and Cherry Coke BBQ Pork Sandwich with Vidalia Onion Rings. www.atlantamotorspeedway.com/vote “In racing, somebody always loses, but you can’t lose with any of this,” Biffle said. “I’m going with the taco and the dog as my favorites, but none of this is bad.”
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Grow One, Save a Million initiative is being endorsed by Kevin Harvick and the Budweiser team. If the team begins to look scruffy, please forgive them as they attempt to help save a million gallons of water for World Environment Day June 5. Race fans and media members are invited to begin saving water as well. For more information and to make your pledge, visit Facebook.com/Budweiser or text GROW ONE to BEERS (23377) It is estimated that if a man does not shave for two weeks, he may save up to 70 gallons of water.

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Three-time Grammy nominee and reigning CMA Male Vocalist of the Year Blake Shelton will perform a free concert for ticket holders prior to the All-Star Race Saturday night in Charlotte. Race fans looking for a prime location to see the show, can upgrade their ticket for $20.

“I cannot wait to help kick-off one of the biggest All-Star events in pro sports,” said Shelton, “we are going to party.”

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The Fifth Annual Pennzoil Ultimate Victory Burnout Challenge will feature drivers honing their handling skills. Expect some rubber to be laid down. Defending winner Kasey Kahne and 2010 winner Joey Logano will be joined by AJ Allmendinger, Brad Keselowski and Clint Bowyer. Race fans on site at CMS will text their votes to determine the burnout winner. The winner receives $10,000 for their designated charity and a secured spot in the 2013 competition.

On track activities will also include a Global Rally Cross Demonstration. The season opener for Rally Cross will be held on May 26 in conjunction with the Nationwide event at Charlotte. Four-time Rally America champion and sports legend Travis Pastrana will compete in both events.

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Ty Dillon claimed the Keystone Pole Award in his No. 3 Bass Pro Sports Chevrolet for the Camping World Truck Series. Dillon’s lap of 181.616 mph secured the pole in the 10th annual North Carolina Education Lottery 200. This is his fourth top-10 start of 2012. He will be joined upfront by Justin Lofton and Joey Coulter.

Busch Grabs Pole For NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race; Allmendinger Starts No. 1 in Sprint Showdown

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CHEVY NSCS AT CHARLOTTE ALL STAR RACE — Qualifying Notes and Quotes

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