Ignition - 19.02

:: INSIDE: FULL COVERAGE MOBIL 1 - 12 HOURS OF SEBRING :: MOTORCYCLE

EDITION ON THE

FLIP SIDE F1 :: NASCAR :: NHRA :: ALMS :: SCCA

NEW direction FRESH START FOR FERRARI IN 2007

inside:

CHAMP CAR PREVIEW MONTOYA WINS IN MEXICO NHRA GATORNATIONALS CAR CARE BUYER’S GUIDE

$3.95 CDN / US

MAY 2007

www.prnmag.com

VOL. 19 ISSUE 2 DISPLAY UNTIL MAY 31/07

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WHEEL & TIRE PACKAGE SEE PAGE 93 OR VISIT WWW.PRNMAG.COM

4/5/2007 1:46:08 PM

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Chrome Tubular Side Steps

Power Retractable Running Boards

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Under-the-Rail Bedliner

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4OOLS FOR SERIOUS MECHANICS

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IT’S THE SUMMER OF SPEED AT MOSPORT THE VICTORIA DAY SPEEDFEST WEEKEND MAY 18- 20 Kick-off the Summer of Speed with this special long-weekend camping & racing classic. Mosport’s season-opener features the Sundown Grand Prix endurance race into darkness for GT and Touring cars. Other races include the popular Cups Lites, the F1200 and more.

Your ticket includes admission to Mosport Speedway – just next door - for Saturday Night Stock Car Racing. We’ll also have an entertaining line-up of live bands and a fabulous fireworks show.

THE FATHER’S DAY DOUBLEHEADER WEEKEND JUNE 15-17 This will be one of the busiest weekends of racing at Mosport. The new NASCAR Canadian Tire Series will showcase Canada’s top stock car racers on the very demanding Mosport road course in The Clarington 200, presented by Canadian Shield Anti-Crime Response Corp. The second part of the twin-bill will see the U.S. based Grand-Am KONI Challenge for domestic and imported high performance sedans compete in separate races for the GS and ST classes. Treat dad to a weekend at the races.

CANADIAN SUPERBIKE DOUBLEHEADER WEEKEND JULY 13 – 15 Canada’s top riders compete in the only Toronto-area event for the national Parts Canada Superbike Championship. This is the most prestigious stop of the tour and includes two points races (Saturday & Sunday) for Superbike, Canadian Thunder, plus several national classes.

The weekend also features an outdoor expo & marketplace, demo rides and the new BMW Motorrad Summer Fest. This is one of the most entertaining weekends of the summer for motorcycle enthusiasts and all road racing fans.

THE FULL-THROTTLE ENERGY DRINK 200 AUGUST 11 The new NASCAR Canadian Tire Series returns for their second Mosport date, this time on the more familiar surroundings of Canada’s fastest halfmile paved oval, Mosport Speedway.

Canada’s top stock car drivers will need every bit of luck and determination to come out on top of this challenging 200lap race into the night.

THE 28TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL VINTAGE RACING FESTIVAL JUNE 22 - 24 Organized by the Vintage Automobile Racing Association of Canada, this 28th annual historic auto racing meet features open and closed wheeled cars from the last 50 years of motorsports.

The Vintage weekend will also celebrate the 40th anniversary of the first Canadian Grand Prix (which was held at Mosport) with an F1 reunion.

MOBIL 1 PRESENTS THE GRAND PRIX OF MOSPORT AUGUST 23-26

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PRN.MAY.07

4-WHEEL NEWS

VOLUME 19.02

FERRARI MAKEOVER

Photo by LAT Photogrpahic

MICHAEL SCHUMACHER’S RETIREMENT, COMBINED WITH THE DEPARTURE OF SEVERAL TOP TEAM MEMBERS HAS LEFT FERARRI WITH A FRESH START IN 2007. WE LOOK AT THE CHANGES AT FERRARI AS IT ENTERS A NEW ERA FOR THE PRANCING HORSE.

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CHAMP CAR PREVIEW

Photo by LAT Photogrpahic

THE CHAMP CAR WORLD SERIES OPENS 2007 WITH A BRAND NEW CHASSIS BUT QUESTIONS STILL REMAIN AS TO WHO WILL FILL THE 18 SPOTS NEEDED ON THE GRID AND IF SOMEONE CAN TAKE THE TITLE AWAY FROM BOURDAIS.

32 INDYCAR PREVIEW

Photo by LAT Photogrpahic

THERE HAS BEEN VERY LITTLE CHANGE TO THE INDYCAR LINE-UP IN 2007 AS TEAMS START THE YEAR ON SOLID GROUND. DAVID HATTER LOOKS AT WHO THE CONTENDERS ARE IN 2007.

38 FINDING HIS GROOVE

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Photo by LAT Photogrpahic

A WIN AT MEXICO IN THE NASCAR BUSCH RACE GRABBED HEADLINES BUT A FIFTH IN ATLANTA HAD HIS CUP COUNTERPARTS TALKING ABOUT THE COLOMBIAN’S TRANSITION TO STOCK CARS.

PERFORMANCE RACING NEWS

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THERE ARE DRIVERS. THEN THERE ARE S.DRIVERS.

When most people are waiting for the road to throw them a curve, you go out looking for one. And now, the revolutionary new S.drive high performance tire puts you more firmly in control. With a breakthrough micro-flexible compound, developed using nanotechnology – for exceptional traction. A forward-looking tread design engineered to outperform. And enough guts to satisfy any serious driver.

www.Yokohama.ca

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4-WHEEL NEWS

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FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

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INSIDE RACING

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VIEW FROM THE TOWER

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GETTING OFF THE MARKS

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TRADING PAINT

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ON THE CHROME HORN

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SEBRING 12 HOURS

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WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP

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SUPERGT CHAMPIONSHIP

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NHRA GATORNATIONALS

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CAR CARE BUYER’S GUIDE

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CAR REVIEW

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2007 POINTS STANDINGS

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The more things change in racing, it seems the more it remains the same.

Todd Lewis surveys the world of motorsports as the season truly gets started.

Photo by LAT Photographic

VOLUME 19.02

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Dan Knutson examines Lewis Hamilton’s Formula One debut.

Monte Dutton wonders if NASCAR really is a “stock car” series.

Photo by McKlein/LAT

George Webster offers a guide to racing on television in 2007.

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Photo by Auto Imagery

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Photo by Dave Pankew

Audi and Corvette once again prove they are in class by themselves as the ALMS season starts

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Photo by LAT Photogrpahic

Jamie Maudsley sits down with Canadian Tire’s Todd Sharman.

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David Hatter looks at Subaru’s resurgence as Loeb and Gronholm continue to battle.

Japan’s best sportscar drivers open their season in Suzuka.

NHRA POWERade Series hits Gainesville for the third event of the season.

The best products available to keep your car clean and looking brand new.

Putting the Acura RDX through its paces.

Points for the top 10 from series around the world.

PERFORMANCE RACING NEWS

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from theEDITOR’S

by NEAL JONES I EXECUTIVE EDITOR

DESK

TIMES ARE

CHANGING

Photo by Rick Dole/LAT

“ARE YOU SURE THE RACE WASN’T YESTERDAY?”

RACE TIME RADIO AND PRN JOIN FORCES Performance Racing News is proud to announce a new partnership with Race Time Radio for the 2007 season.

Race Time Radio has hit the airwaves and PRN has jumped on board to work closely with the new show.

Race Time Radio airs every Monday night between 8-9pm on the am560 CFOS station in Owen Sound, ON and over the internet. The show is dedicated to grassroots racing in Canada with a special dedication to oval track racers.

Race Time Radio will sponsor the PRN grassroots section inside the magazine every issue while PRN will 12

be the title sponsor of the show’s “Green Flag” interview segment as well as being the “Official Publication” of Race Time Radio.

“PRN has re-dedicated itself to the grassroots market in the past year and this relationship will help us continue to grow in that important area of motorsports,” said Neal Jones, Editor-InChief of PRN. “Race Time Radio provides high quality coverage for local racers and PRN is proud to be associated with such an exciting venture.”

For more information on Race Time Radio and their sponsors, please visit www.racetimeradio.com.

C

oming into the 2007 season the buzz word in motorsports was “change.” It didn’t matter what discipline you were talking about, something was different and would require careful attention in the early stages of the season.

In Formula One everyone is watching to see what happens in the post-Michael Schumacher era. Ferrari showed it still has the resources to win championships as Kimi Raikkonen’s debut in the red car brought victory in Australia. But Fernando Alonso’s first race at McLaren went similarly well as he came home second. The change of seats for the top two drivers in the series has gone well and while there will still be an adjustment period it looks like a Ferrari vs.

McLaren title fight yet again.

NASCAR is faced with a slew of changes in 2007, but the two biggest stories on the minds of fans were Juan Montoya’s transition from F1 and the debut of the “Car of Tomorrow.” Montoya has shown signs of being able to make the transition to the bigger stock cars. His win in the Mexico Busch race was not a big surprise as hew as expected to do well on road courses. But a fifth at Atlanta showed the Colombian can run up front in Nextel Cup. Montoya still has a long way to go, especially in terms of consistency, but the speed and patience is there and he is gaining the respect of his rivals on the track.

The Car of Tomorrow is an ongoing discussion in NASCAR. The car will debut at select events in 2007 and there are those pushing for a full introduction in 2008. While NASCAR is unlikely to change its original plans, the new era for stock cars is around the corner and NASCAR’s history shows every change bears watching. It will be interesting to see how the drivers and teams adjust to the new car and how many alterations will be made over the course of the season.

MotoGP changed its engine rules for 2007, making them 800cc machines. After last season, where Nicky Hayden edged Valentino Rossi for the title, fans were hoping to see the American and Italian build a strong rivalry in the ensuing years. Well, Rossi, to no surprise lived up to expectations at the season opener with a second-place result. The surprises came when Casey Stoner emerged with his first GP victory.

Ducati has been making steady progress on the MotoGP grid in recent years and at Qatar the team showed the power of its new motorcycle with an obvious straight line advantage on the competition. The other surprise was Hayden barely taking home points due to an eighth-place result. The defending champion looked off the pace in testing and the first race of the year did nothing to dispel that notion. His teammate Dani Pedrosa now appears to be the man Honda will send after Rossi.

One of the biggest stories this year involves Ricky Carmichael’s decision to quit racing on two wheels and devote his attention to stock cars.

The multi-time supercross and motocross champion leaves that discipline as arguably the greatest of all-time, and now he hopes to succeed on asphalt with four wheels under him. His farewell tour across Canada and the US brought back fond memories and the support shown for Carmichael proves that his decision to change disciplines will also bring new fans to stock car racing.

Even in the World Rally Championship there has been some change.

This year was expected to be another Sebastien Loeb vs. Marcus Gronholm title fight, and the pair have not disappointed. But Subaru threw its hat into the ring with an impressive run at Mexico. There are some mechanical gremlins still haunting them, but Petter Solberg showed the new Impreza can contend and that could mean great things for a series that has lacked some excitement at the front of the grid recently.

Change is always good and it appears 2007 could be a watershed year in motorsports. Who knows, maybe 10 years from now we will look back and remember 2007 as the year that ushered in a new era for racing.

As PRN closed for press we received the sad news that Gordon Spiering, the father of Pro Modified drag racer Carl Spiering, lost his battle with cancer on April 3, 2007. The Holland-native immigrated to Canada in 1947 and operated Gord’s Auto Repair in St. Catharines, ON. He was 76. Gordon is survived by his wife Mary, daughters Debbie and Caroline, and sons Ron, Carl, and Mark, along with their families.

Carl Spiering has been a great friend to PRN and everyone here sends their condolences and best wishes to the entire Spiering family as they deal with their difficult loss.

See you at the races!

PERFORMANCE RACING NEWS

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(ISSN # 0834 - 809X) is published 9 times a year by 1009678 Ontario Inc., 44 Prince Andrew Place, Toronto, ON, M3C 2H4.

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PUBLISHERS: Perry & Blake Breslin V.P. OF OPERATIONS: Frank Spezzano MANAGING EDITOR: Tim Rutledge EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Neal Jones DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING: Charles Stancer SENIOR ART DIRECTOR: Brian Pirocchi ACCOUNTS/SYSTEMS MANAGER: Arnold Adolfo ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR: Michelle Forsyth MARKETING MANAGER: Scott Peachman ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES: Nelson Cheung, Matthew Adolfo, Shane Chattergoon, Erickson Obiacoro, Andrew McEwan, Mark Perrin, JP Kongas SENIOR EDITOR: George Webster DRAG RACING EDITOR: Bruce Biegler ROAD RACING EDITOR: David Hatter QUEBEC EDITOR: Eric Descarries WESTERN EDITOR: Gerry Frechette MX EDITOR: Wil de Clercq CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: Mark Pereira, Paul Rachwal, Michael Semira EDITORIAL INTERN: Tilly Okon PRODUCTION COORDINATOR: John Paul Ramos, Jimmy Manuel PRODUCTION: Richard Robles GRAPHIC DESIGN: Queue Gonzalez, Edward Shintani, Patrick Beltijar, Patrick Dinglasan SUBSCRIPTION MANAGER: Carol Franceschinis 1.888.564.SUBS

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Photo by Malcolm Griffiths/LAT

INSIDERACING WITH TODD LEWIS

KICKING THE SEASON INTO GEAR

Steelback beer has thrown a lifeline to the Grand Prix of Toronto by signing on as title sponsor. The most important part of this agreement; increased promotional activity and advertising surrounding the race that was painfully absent last year.

I was expecting major announcements from Champ Car during their spring training at Laguna… that’s what was promised by Kevin Kalkhoven. Instead there’s a sponsor for the safety car team, and still only about half a decent field of confirmed drivers. Yikes.

A positive for the series, Jon Beekhuis moves out of the hustle and bustle of pit lane to work the television broadcasts as the analyst. He’s a great guy, passionate about the series and knows how to tell a story that can appeal to the most knowledgeable race fan and the novice.

I know the IRL series features names like Penske, Andretti, Foyt, Rahal and Ganassi that resonate as an

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IF FERNANDO ALONSO CAN MAKE A SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION TO MCLAREN, QUESTIONS WILL EMERGE AS TO WHY KIMI RAIKKONEN COULDN’T DO MORE IN HIS YEARS WITH THE TEAM JUAN MONTOYA’ MOVE TO WIN THE BUSCH RACE AT MEXCIO WAS “BUSH LEAGUE” ACCORDING TO TODD LEWIS; WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN MONTOYA MEETS SCOTT PRUETT LATER IN THE YEAR AT WATKINS GLEN FOR THE CUP ROAD RACE?

Photo by Phil Abbott/LAT

F

or the first time since the early ‘90s Michael Schumacher is not the dominant personality and story in Formula One as a new season gets underway. Instead, it’s new faces in new places, a return to a single tire supplier and about as wide open a championship race as we’ve seen in many years.

What to watch for: If Fernando Alonso can get all there is out of the McLaren then we’ll question why Kimi Raikkonen wasn’t more successful in his years with the team. If Kimi and his unique personality can settle into the culture of Ferrari he has a real opportunity to succeed. If he can’t then he faces the same “dump him and quick” overtures that were circulating around Felipe Massa early last year. Massa must produce this year as well.

There are fascinating driver combinations that may create curious team dynamics. Nico Rosberg will partner with Alexander Wurz at Williams. Rosberg started last year strong and is believed to have the tools necessary to succeed and Wurz has been a test driver for the last half dozen years. Who does better this year?

Heikki Kovalainen joins Renault with returning pilot Giancarlo Fisichella. Out from the shadow of Alonso, Fisichella now has the opportunity to shine…. although few are sure he can. Kovalainen will be allowed time to blossom, and may be the number one man before the season ends.

Rookie Lewis Hamilton will bear watching. Plus there’s the “highly regarded but without significant accomplishment” category that Ralf Schumacher and Mark Webber occupy.

It all lays the foundation for a remarkable season.

important part of racing history but there is still no excitement about this series.

Seriously, I’m placing all the personal stuff with Tony George aside, in more than a decade even with these great historical figures there is no personality to the series. Despite the claims of the closest, most competitive open wheel racing anywhere there isn’t the ground swell of support. Curious isn’t it?

If I have to hear one more person talk about what a great achievement it was for Juan Montoya to win the Busch series race in Mexico I’m going to barf. It was a bush league maneuver that never should have been allowed to stick. Just one of those racing incidents my ass. This was NASCAR looking the other way to get the finish they wanted.

At the very least, throw the caution flag and return the competitors to their position before the incident.

Then Montoya would have had a handful of laps to try and make the move with a clean pass instead of an ‘excuse me I didn’t mean for that to happen’ crap. I’m

anxious to see if Scott Pruett returns the favour later in the year at Sonoma or Watkins Glen.

We are still awaiting the official announcement of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series racing schedule (it’s widely available on various websites and in the last issue of the PRN.) I like that there will be plenty of Saturday night races, and the series will once again be part of some the biggest race weekends in the country.

What’s tough to take: there is the perception that with no schedule or significant news announcements occurring for months that this is the same old series with a new name. That is not true. I can state for certain there are sponsors that have signed on this year that would not have been around in the past.

NASCAR may often move at a painfully slow pace, but there is a ton of work that goes into each and every move before it is executed. Like any successful multi-billion dollar company, you don’t necessarily move quickly, but when you do it usually works.

PERFORMANCE RACING NEWS

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VIEWFROMTHETOWER WITH GEORGE WEBSTER

LOTS TO SEE ON CANADIAN TV

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Photos by LAT Photographic

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here was a time when race fans thought they were lucky if they got to see a few short clips of auto racing action on ABC’s “Wide World of Sports.” Today, we expect to be able see every race in every major series live on our big-screen televisions. And for Canadian race fans in 2007, that is close to the truth. This year, you will be able to watch 163 of the 176 races in the eight top auto racing series — almost all of them live.

This will be made possible by a combination of the US networks (FOX, NBC, ABC and CBS), the US-based SPEED channel and the Canadian sports channel TSN. This year TSN has announced a major commitment to big-league auto racing. It will broadcast nearly all of the races in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series (28 of 39), the NASCAR Busch Series (all 35), the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series (all 12), and the Indy Racing League IndyCar series (13 of 17).

On the NASCAR front, between the US networks and TSN we will get almost every Nextel Cup and every Busch Series race, all in both standard and high-definition formats. SPEED (plus FOX) will provide all the Craftsman Truck Series races. Unfortunately, there are three Cup races – Pocono and Michigan in June and Watkins Glen – which are missing from the TSN schedule and not available from the US networks.

Formula One will again be well served. SPEED will carry all but four events live (practice, qualifying and race), with FOX picking up the other four race broadcasts, while TSN will have them all (qualifying and race).

Seven of the 17 IRL races will be shown on ABC and 13 will be on TSN, making every IRL race available to Canadian viewers. Unfortunately, things aren’t so rosy for Champ Car fans. At the time of writing it looked like 10 of the Champ Car races would be missing from TVs in Canada. Six of the 16 races will be shown on one of the US networks, but the rest will be on one of ESPN’s cable channels.

Since we can’t get ESPN in Canada and (at the time of writing) no Canadian network had picked up any of these 10 races, we may be out of luck. Hopefully Global TV will once again carry the race broadcasts from the Canadian events — Mont-Tremblant, Toronto and Edmonton, which would reduce the missing-in-Canada list to seven.

Sports car fans will be able to see all the American Le Mans Series events on either CBS, NBC or SPEED and all the Rolex Grand-Am events on SPEED. Many of these broadcasts will be live.

The bad news is that there is a serious issue with the TSN broadcast schedule. Given the difficult task of trying to fit all these races into an overall schedule which must accommodate all the other important sports events, TSN has resorted to showing a number of the race broadcasts on a tape-delayed (and sometimes edited-for-length) basis — a bummer. However, in most cases, TSN will use its “alternate feed” channel (aka TSN2) to provide the broadcast live in standard format.

TSN’s alternate feed channel is an additional channel that is activated only from time to time to avoid conflicts by providing two separate broad-

While there will be a lot of live action for Canadian race fans in 2007, as of press time 10 Champ Car races were still not available on TV north of the border

casts on two different channels. However, while both Bell ExpressVu and StarChoice offer the alternate feed channel, some cable operators do not. If you hope to be able to access this alternate feed, check with your satellite or cable provider to make sure you know how to do this. In some cases you might want to consider switching from cable to satellite to be able to get this feed.

Last year many satellite and cable services offered NASCAR In Car, a special extra-cost multichannel service which provided alternate in-car views of the Nextel Cup races. This year, it’s back and even better as DirecTV Hot Pass. Many of the Canadian satellite and cable services are offering the new Hot Pass deal even if they are still calling it NASCAR In Car. Check it out.

Last year TSN aired broadcasts of all the NHRA

drag races and SPEED had the IHRA drag races — both on a tape-delayed basis. Look for more of the same in 2007.

SPEED Channel will continue to offer race broadcasts of many other auto racing series such as the Grand-Am Koni Challenge, SCCA SPEED World Challenge, and Star Mazda, most on a tapedelayed basis. Expect SPEED to continue with its motorcycle series such as MotoGP and FIM Superbikes, AMA Superbikes, and AMA Supercross.

How to stay on top of all these choices? Even before the demise of printed television listings, it was hard to find out when the race broadcasts where scheduled. Now, the best, most up-to-date television listings service for Canadian as well as American race fans is the internet website Race Fan TV (www.racefantv.com).

PERFORMANCE RACING NEWS

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3/9/07 9:51:13 AM

The departure of Ferrari’s so-called “super team” in 2007 means a new beginning for the Prancing Horse in Formula One. F1 Correspondent Dan Knutson looks at the changes at Ferrari and how they are effecting the team’s assault on this year’s championship.

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PERFORMANCE RACING NEWS

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The origina r Ross Brawn, technical directo , dt To an Je Martinelli and al cip engine chief Paolo e, rn By ry Ro r designe her. dt Michael Schumac in the same role this year. To ing ag an m o als None of them is now principal but is is on sabremains as team ri group. Brawn rra Fe e tir en e ral years ve se r fo director of th ck been cutting ba s ha e elli has rn tin By ar al.

M batic sition. a consultancy po Fiat. And Schumbut remains in in th wi nior position iving and taken moved up to a se r 16 years of dr te af F1 ed tir re s ha acher for both Ferrari’s fined advisor role up a yet to be de r division. l team and road ca s a broader structure with severa ha lli am ica te en w m ne The Stefano Do er Brawn’s jobs. team people taking ov basically run the er ll wi d an r to ec dir ov g s tin ke or ta sp e do is th mon ekends. Mario Al s. on Grand Prix we and will only attend a few race tor as technical direc sponsible for race strategy. lli is re Luca Baldisseri ility from Martine es full responsib design. sis as ch Giles Simon tak e th s ad e, and Costa he ports to Costa. on the engine sid chief designer, re e th , zis ba m To Nicolas past years,” Costa with him in the e “I have worked e wavelength. W m is exactly the sa e technical traine er th o “s id, sa m pertise and the sa have the same ex . .” nd o reports to Costa ing backgrou mics John Iley als es of pr tic as nt Head of aerodyna fa strong person, a sta said.

“John is a very ethodology,” Co m le dib re inc years.” y an m r fo sional with an istent in his work ns co sta inen Co be s to ha port “He t chiefs who re Other departmen of the drawing office; Marco ttistini p; Simoni Resclude Tiziano Ba performance grou sting. r ca e th m fro Fainello crash te vide Terletti from y, who ta of R&D and Da es Nigel Stepne se ge an ch nt at Ferbly lia re Another importa n ing ra ing sure everyth manager to l ica was key in mak hn tec d an wn as test performance de rari, stepping do as head of team e job th y at tor y fac ne a ep pt St acce for Lloyd takes over m velopment. David zzola has been named test tea Ma race track. Luigi anager. s performance m on ati er op t and tes

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After years of having a Frenchman, a Brit, an Italian and a South African at the top, Ferrari seems to be reverting to its Italian roots.

“Ferrari is an Italian brand and of course we would like to keep the Italian brand,” Costa admitted, “but don’t forget that we have an international spirit. We are Italians in our heart, but we have people working for us from the rest of the world.”

In all, Ferrari’s F1 team consists of some 900 people. So far the movements and changes of some of the key people at the top of that list of 900 seems to have gone smoothly. But longer-term questions remain.

It’s almost impossible to overstate the vast influence of Ross Brawn. Like Schumacher, he played a major role in Ferrari’s success. Brawn says he needs a new challenge, so if he returns to Ferrari it would not be as technical director. He could well become team principal.

Rory Byrne is a quiet genius who splits his time between Ferrari and his scuba diving resort in Thailand.

“Rory is still our guru,” Costa said. “He is a consultant. He will be available for any kind of involvement that we would like. He has not got a director responsibility or involvement in the design system of the company. But he is still part of the group, and I hope we will continue to use his contribution in the future.”

24

You can’t overstate Jean Todt’s role either. He is directly responsible for building Ferrari up from a muddled mess into a championship winning team.

Schumacher was almost unbelievable in his dedication and ability to motivate the team. With Brawn and Schumacher no longer in their former roles, and with Todt branching out, and at age 60 perhaps beginning to consider retirement, Ferrari has or will lose, for want of a better word, its dictators. Will the team be able to keep from falling into a civil war as people grab for power in the void left behind?

TEACHER’S PET SCHUMACHER Michael Schumacher may have stepped out of the cockpit, but he will still be working for Ferrari as an advisor. Schumi was one of the first people to take a look at the newly completed F2007, and he was at Fiorano the next day watching the car in its first tests. He’s attended several other tests as well.

“Every time I got back to the pits he (Schumacher) would ask me for information and impressions on the car based on the telemetry he was looking at,” Massa said, “and then he would start talking to the technicians. By now he’s one of them!”

Red Bull driver Mark Webber shudders at the thought of having a teacher’s pet looking over his shoulder while he tried to get acclimatized with a new team.

“It’s odd having him at the tests,” Webber said of Schumacher. “Really odd.

It’s like having your ex-boyfriend or ex-girlfriend there. And Kimi is there going ‘what the…!’”

Raikkonen may be unflappable, but Webber thinks that this situation might even be too much for The Iceman.

PERFORMANCE RACING NEWS

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The departure of men like Ro Brawn require ss changes, amod numerous personnel ng th em is Baldisseri taki ng over raceLuca strategy “It must feel so strange,” Webbe the teacher’s pe r said. “It’s like t standing abov e yo trying to get on with your own ne u when you are w program. Is th suffocation or wh at at?”

Schumacher has live access to all on his personal co Ferrari telemetry mputer.

DRIVERS

Ferrari says it ne ver had number two drivers in Mi chael Schumache one and number r’s time. Yeah, rig It may not have ht! been written do white in the cont wn in black and racts, but Ferrari was totally center on Schumacher. ed And yo Now, for the firs u can’t argue with the results. t tim e in a de cade, Ferrari wi have two equal ll num as Schumacher’s ber one drivers. After two year’s sidekick, Massa isn’t about to pla second fiddle to y incoming star Ra ikkonen.

“I have always ha d go od teammates on th and the best th e squad ing is to have a fast teammate, is highly rated who by everyone, to be able to com myself to,” Mas pare sa said. “I have learned a lot fro Michael and ab m ove all during th e second part of year I grew enor the mously.

“On the other ha nd it is nice to we will work to work with Kimi; gether to make the car a winner. still have to get We to kn someone with wh ow each other, but he looks lik e om I can work ve ry we When negotiatin ll.” g with Ferrari, Raikkonen mad sure he would ge e t equal number -Jean Todt Raikkonen has one sta In terms of pure pr speed, Raikkonen tus. pects every team omised to stay at the track as fastest driver in long as the team is probably the member to do his F1. He will prob ne konen has a very or her duty, but ably not put in long hours that he also knows an eds him. Todt exdifferent approa the Schumacher did ch d accepts that Ra to “W life e are very happ an d F1 at the track. He th not the type to sit ikan Schu y to have Kimi, Fe ’s at the test track a lot from every lipe, and the team macher did. until 10 pm siftin through telemet m em be we r of ha th ve e team and each ,” Todt said. “We g ry. the atmosphere, of us will have to expect the will, and the “Jean Todt is a give a lot in orde results we want big fan of Kimi, Many people we r to have .” but he knows ex actly the weak sid re ex pe cti ng Ki es of Kimi, espe mi to arrive at Fe Felipe. But that’s cially on the tech nical side,” said rrari and immed not been the ca Peter Sauber wh iately blaze ahea se so far. Massa months, and he’s o gave Raikkon d of has matured im his break in F1. a m uc h be tte en “Kimi is not so int r mensely in the dr ive r It’s going to be than many peop past 12 erested in technic things, and toda interesting to se le thought. al y in F1 that’s a e which Ferrari the season of ch very important po to develop the ca driver comes ou ange. int r.” t ahead at the en The bottom line d of is that despite all competitive. Now the personnel ch anges, Ferrari loo can they stay th at way? ks to be strong an d

“We are very Felipe, and thhappy to have Kimi, expect a lot fr e team we have. We team and eacom every member of the a lot in order toh of us will have to give the will, and th have the atmosphere, e results we w ant.”

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“TO LEAD MY FIRST GRAND PRIX WAS A FANTASTIC FEELING. IT WAS EXTREMELY TOUGH. I HAD FERNANDO BEHIND ME FOR A LONG TIME, AND IT’S PRETTY TOUGH WHEN YOU HAVE THE TWO-TIME WORLD CHAMPION BEHIND YOU IN YOUR FIRST RACE.”

IMPRESSIVE

DEBUT LEWIS HAMILTON TAKES THIRD ON THE PODIUM IN HIS FIRST FORMULA ONE START

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Photo by Lorenzo Bellanca/LAT

WITH DAN KNUTSON

E

leven years after a Canadian driver made a stunning F1 debut in the Australian Grand Prix a young British driver made a perhaps even more impressive debut in the same race.

In 1996, Jacques Villeneuve qualified his Williams Renault on pole in Melbourne. He took the lead at the start and, with an exception of three laps during pit stops, stayed in front until lap 53. Then, with his oil pressure fading, caused by an oil pipe that cracked when he slipped off the track on lap 35, JV had to ease off. His teammate Damon Hill went by to lead the final five laps and win. Villeneuve finished second.

In 2007, Lewis Hamilton qualified his McLaren Mercedes fourth. Adjusting for varying fuel loads, something that was not a factor in 1996 when everybody qualified on light tanks, Hamilton would have been on the front row.

Hamilton ran third in the early laps until Nick Heidfeld dived into the pits in his BMW Sauber. After that, Hamilton took over second place, led for four laps, and finally finished third after teammate Fernando Alonso got by him in the final round of pit stops.

“It has been fantastic,” Hamilton said afterwards. “To lead my first Grand Prix was a fantastic feeling. It was extremely tough. I had Fernando behind me for a long time, and it’s pretty tough when you have the two-time World Champion behind you in your first race.”

With a CART Championship and wins plus a victory in the Indianapolis 500, the 24-year-old Villeneuve was a F1 rookie in 1996 but hardly inexperienced with big, fast cars. He had some 9,000 km of testing with Williams, which would be the best car in F1 in 1996 and 1997.

Hamilton has won in F3 and GP2, and he racked up 7,600 km of F1 testing in the McLaren over the winter.

At the moment, McLaren isn’t quite the best car in F1. That honour goes to Ferrari, and Kimi Raikkonen proved it by winning in Australia. That, plus the fact that Hamilton is not as experienced as Villeneuve

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LEWIS HAMILTON

impressive debut

Photo by LAT Photographic

The last rookie to have such an impressive debut was Jacques Villeneuve in 1996 when he finished second in Australia, but the Canadian was not a rookie to the same degree as Lewis Hamilton

was at this juncture, is what made the 22-year-old’s F1 debut so stunning in 2007.

It was a year or two before Villeneuve started his F1 career that a youthful Hamilton walked up to McLaren boss Ron Dennis at an awards ceremony, shook his hand, looked him in the eye, and said that he wanted to drive for McLaren one day. Dennis was impressed, and over the years McLaren and Mercedes have guided Hamilton’s career.

Once the team made the decision that the 2006 GP2 champion would race for McLaren in 2007 rather than test, the team put him through an intense training program on and off the track to prepare him for F1.

“It is an extremely tough learning curve for me coming into my first Grand Prix, but racing is all relative,” Hamilton told reporters prior to heading out on the track for the first day of practice in Melbourne. “I have had many years of racing. I have had an intense training program, and done a lot of mileage in the car. I have a job to do but I am really looking forward to it.”

Hamilton’s demeanor is remarkable. He is polite, articulate, friendly and doesn’t have a trace of arrogance.

“I like his professionalism and his calmness and his youthful enthusiasm,” Dennis said. “He is slightly overawed by it all. That is great. He could become a cocky swaggart. There is no swagger in him. He is just happy to be here.”

After qualifying, I asked Lewis if, after all the preparation, there had been anything unexpected so far in his first F1 weekend. He said no.

“I owe that to the team for preparing me,” he said.

“They put together a very good program to prepare myself physically. Obviously I do my mental preparation myself, but also learning as much as I can about the car and about the whole procedure of the weekend. They have done a great job with that. I have not come in the weekend, and thought, ‘Wow, I wasn’t expecting that!’

Everything went to plan.”

Hamilton did say he is still getting used to all the attention from the fans and the media.

“It is a lot to take in,” he said, “especially when things are going well, but I think I am dealing with it okay. And I hope it stays that way.”

As for the pressure, Hamilton said he was able to control it and filter it in a way that it works maybe to his advantage.

“But it is intense and it is easy to lose it,” he said. “I just have to stay relaxed. It is something to do with my personality and the fact that at the end of the day Fernando is probably expected to do a lot more than me. So I have got to focus on my job.”

Focus he did, and had he not been held up by a slower car entering the pits, Hamilton may well have finished second ahead of Alonso.

Back in 1996 Villeneuve battled for the World Championship, and he won the title a year later. It’s too early in Hamilton’s career for him to challenge for the crown, but he will be a champion one day.

AUSTRALIAN REVELATIONS Photo by Glenn Dubar/LAT

Elsewhere in this issue of PRN, we take a look at Ferrari in the post Michael Schumacher era.

Raikkonen’s win in Australia showed that the team hasn’t fallen into shambles.

The Australian Grand Prix also gave the first indications in race conditions of what we can expect this season.

Ferrari is out in front but McLaren close behind. BMW Sauber made a big jump over the winter and is now the third best team, albeit a step below the top duo. Renault has fallen from first or second back to fourth.

30

Honda, Toyota and Red Bull have potential and problems. Williams Toyota made a significant step forward from its dismal 2006 season. Toro Rosso has a lot of work to do to sort out the complicated STR2 designed

by Adrian Newey.

Spyker is at the back. And Super Aguri has gone from the back to midfield overnight with its controversial chassis that some rivals argue is really a 2006 Honda and therefore illegal under the current rules that require teams to design their own cars.

PERFORMANCE RACING NEWS

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SEBASTIEN BOURDAIS

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french DRESSING

photos by LAT Photographic

SEBASTIEN BOURDAIS HAS DESIGNS ON A FOURTH STRAIGHT CHAMP CAR TITLE AS THE SERIES CONTINUES TO STRUGGLE TO FILL ITS FIELD IN 2007. NEAL JONES LOOKS AT THE 2007 CONTENDERS AND WHO WILL FILL THE 18 SPOTS ON THE GRID.

I

t’s that time of year again for the Champ Car World Series. With just a few weeks remaining before the season opener in Las Vegas, NV, the series is still looking to fill out the required 18 car grid that all promoters are promised.

As we went to press there were only 15 entries officially confirmed, with two more rides expected to be confirmed. That leaves just 17 official drivers for the entry list heading into a new era for Champ Car racing.

The debut of the DP01 chassis from Panoz Motorsports has gone very well so far and the series had hoped the new look Champ Cars would lure more sponsors and teams to the series. Unfortunately, that hasn’t materialized thus far, but testing proved the new car should provide some exciting racing. Virtually every driver who took to the wheel in preseason testing had nothing but good things to say about the new car. It’s obvious Champ Car did an exemplary job in getting the DP01 ready for the new season and the growing pains for the teams should be kept minimal in the early stages if testing is a good barometer.

So, as the new era dawns let’s look at what’s in store for the 2007 campaign.

Car teams from venturing to Indianapolis for a one-off race in the 500. Two other additions come in the form of races at The Netherlands and Belgium on back-toback weekends in early September. For Canadian race fans the big news is that Le Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve will not host Champ Car this year, but fans in La Belle Province will get the chance to see the series race at the refurbished Circuit Mont-Tremblant just north of Montreal. The track received major kudos for the changes made a few years ago and the Champ Cars should put on an impressive show.

With the schedule in place, the teams need drivers and sponsors and so far, both have been lacking.

Several prominent drivers tested with Champ Car teams but walked away when informed that they needed to bring money to the table if they wanted a ride, such is the state of Champ Car that there are few paid rides in the series. One notable driver left hanging was Andrew Ranger as the young Canadian has decided to pursue a career in stock cars now and will contest the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series (formerly CASCAR) in 2007.

THE SCHEDULE

The three-time defending series champions have shown no signs of letting up and the team heads into 2007 as the team to beat once again. Frenchman Sebastien Bourdais has been as dominant as any driver the past three seasons and there’s no reason to expect the McDonald’s driver from changing.

The big change is the split of teammates Bourdais and Bruno Junqueira, as the Brazilian was passed over in favour of young American phenom Graham Rahal. The son of former champion Bobby Rahal had a very successful rookie campaign in Atlantics last year and hopes to make the next step with the best team in Champ Car. Look for Rahal to show some promise in qualifying, with race results improving as the year goes on.

But Bourdais is without question the man in Champ Car and any title discussion starts with driver with the No. 1 on his car.

When the 2007 calendar first hit the streets there were only 15 races on the schedule. That quickly changed to 17 as the series confirmed its return to Europe for a pair of races. But that number then dropped to 16 as the Grand Prix of Denver was cancelled. So, the 16-race schedule opens in Las Vegas on April 8 and concludes in Phoenix, AZ on Dec. 2.

There have been many changes to the calendar in 2007, even though most of the locations have stayed the same. The big change is that Long Beach no longer serves as the season opener as that honour goes to Sin City’s new street race. And the conclusion in Phoenix ends the season much later than ever before.

In between, Champ Car’s international expansion received a big shot in the arm. China, which has been on the schedule before, will finally see its first race on May 20, which pretty much excludes any Champ

NEWMAN-HAAS-LANINGAN

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4/4/2007 1:23:04 PM

FORSYTHE

PKV

After winning the 2003 title in the final year of CART, Paul Tracy has struggled in the Champ Car era. With his focus split between a possible switch to sportscars or NASCAR, it allowed Bourdais and several other drivers to move up the standings. But, after last year’s dismal seventh place finish in the standings, the “Thrill From West Hill” re-signed with Forsythe and he has been re-energized for Champ Car racing.

It was a long-time coming, but Mario Dominuguez was finally confirmed as the second driver at Forsythe, but even that isn’t a full commitment. After being dropped in favour of AJ Allmendinger four races into 2006, Dominguez was hoping for another full-time ride this year. However, his deal currently lists only the first three races of the season, so the question of who Tracy’s teammate will be all season long is still questionable.

Tracy looked a little behind his younger competition last year and 2007 is a big season for the Scarborough, ON native to prove he still has many years at the front of the grid in him.

PKV Racing is in for a big change this year as their drivers are not only new to the team, but new to the series as well. Neel Jani and Tristan Gommendy are not household names in North America, but the young drivers have climbed the ladder in Europe and should bring a breath of fresh air to Champ Car. Jani comes to these shores after spending last year as the Team Toro Rossi F1 test driver. As part of the Red Bull Development program since 2005, this step is the next logical choice for the 23-year-old Swiss driver. Gommendy has raced in the Renault series in France for several years and is ready to make the jump to the bigger cars here in North America.

Podium results might be a little lofty for PKV’s new duo, but don’t be surprised if the youngsters find their footing early and make some noise at specific events.

french dressing

PAUL TRACY IS RE-FOCUSED ON CHAMP CAR IN 2007 AND HOPES HE CAN PUT PRESSURE ON TITLE RIVAL BOURDAIS AND TAKE HIS SECOND SERIES CROWN

RSPORTS With a new chassis this year one-car teams are going to have trouble keeping up with the two-car teams.

With that scenario bouncing around their heads, the leaders at Rocketsports Racing and RuSPORT chose to team up this year as RSPORTS. Both will still run their teams out of separate headquarters, but they will pit next to each other at the races and share data all season long.

Justin Wilson had a great campaign in 2007 and the Englishman has big designs on taking another step this year. By the end of the 2006 season he was consistently on Bourdais’ tail and the former F1 driver is ready to be listed among the best in the series.

Wilson’s teammate is Canadian Alex Tagliani who has shown great consistency in his Champ Car career.

While he hasn’t had a top ride since leaving Player’s/ Forsythe Racing in 2003, the Canadian has put up wins and can contend when the all the stars come into alignment. The pairing with Wilson and the former RuSPORT team should be a great benefit.

On this two-car team it will be left to Wilson to really challenge at the front and should be considered the favourite to unseat Bourdais. Tagliani should be his usual self and he could crack the top-five in final points.

AUSSIE VINEYARDS Australian Will Power will pit next to 2006 Atlantic Champion Simon Pagenaud in the familiar green and yellow cars. Power has shown flashes of brilliance in his short time in Champ Car while Pagenaud is not wasting his $2-million prize from the Atlantic title. It’s hard to predict who will get a handle on the new DP01 chassis first, but the Aussie team has the personnel in place to contend and could put both drivers in the top 10.

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JUSTIN WILSON HAS MADE STEADY PROGRESS IN CHAMP CAR AND IS POISED TO MAKE A SERIOUS RUN AT THE TITLE THIS YEAR

PERFORMANCE RACING NEWS

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french dressing

PACIFIC COAST MOTORSPORTS The fledgling organization brings a two-car effort into 2007 with Alex Figge and Ryan Dalziel. Both drivers have experience beyond their years and have shown they can run with some of the best in the world. Now is the time for each to make a statement if they hope to have a long career in open wheel cars. With the level playing field in terms of equipment, if Pacific Coast can get their cars up to speed early, Figge and Dalziel will both be darkhorse candidates to sneak into the top-five in points.

MINARDI TEAM USA Former F1 owner Paul Stoddart brings his penchant for grabbing headlines and keeping competition close to the Champ Car World Series this year as the CTE Racing/HVM team changes names. Robert Doornbos has F1 experience from his days with Stoddardt’s F1 Minardi team, so the working relationship should be strong. Second driver Dan Clarke already has a year of experience having finished 12th in last year’s championship with the team. The European drivers have potential and could surprise some with their speed and consistency. The funny thing could be finally seeing a Minardi leading the field, something Stoddart never experienced in F1.

ALEX TAGLIANI RETURNS WITH PAUL GENTILOZZI IN 2007, BUT THE ONE-CAR ROCKETSPORTS TEAM HAS JOINED FORCES WITH RUSPORT TO CREATE A TWO-CAR RSPORTS TEAM

DALE COYNE RACING As usual, Dale Coyne has not officially announced his driver line-up for 2007 just weeks away from the opener. Oh, we all know who will be behind the wheel, but the cost conscious Coyne always seems to make his big announcement at the season opener. The expected news is that Bruno Junqueira will switch from Newman-Haas and Katherine Legge comes over from PKV. Junqueira has been a perennial contender behind teammate Bourdais and the Brazilian hopes the change of scenery will open up a chance for him to take the top spot. Legge had some good outings in her first two Champ Car campaigns, but she faces increased scrutiny this year as it’s time for her to start showing some results.

Unfortunately for both drivers, their chances are slim since they will be running with the chronically underfunded Coyne team. A top-10 finish in the points is about the only realistic goal the team has in 2007.

GRAHAM RAHAL ENTERS CHAMP CAR AS A ROOKIE IN 2007 AS HE HOPES TO FOLLOW IN HIS LEGENDARY FATHER’S FOOTSTEPS

CONQUEST The loss of Mi-Jack as sponsor has left the Conquest team scrambling and the team is down to one-car for 2007. That car will be driven by Matt Halliday and will be tough to find inside the top-10.

That still leaves one seat open just to get to the minimum of 18 on the grid. Where that driver and team will come from is anybody’s guess as even the series is expecting a number of announcements during the week leading up to Las Vegas. Either way, the front will remain the same as in years past. Bourdais will lead the way and the likes of Tracy and Wilson are his only true challengers.

But then again, what we see on paper and what happens on the track are not necessarily the same thing.

2006 ATLANTIC CHAMPION SIMON PAGENAUD ENTERS CHAMP CAR WITH TEAM AUSSIE VINEYARDS THIS YEAR AND WILL PARTNER WILL POWER 36

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2007 IRL PRIVIEW

ITS COURSE

IRL MAINTAINS

THE 2007 INDYCAR SEASON WILL OPEN WITH A VERY FAMILIAR LINE-UP AS OFF SEASON CHANGES WERE FEW FOR THE SERIES. THAT MEANS THE SEASON SHOULD BE CLOSER THAN EVER AND PICK UP ON THE MOMENTUM CREATED BY A GREAT 2006 CAMPAIGN. DAVID HATTER LOOKS AT HOW THE 2007 SEASON IS SHAPING UP.

Photos by LAT Photographic

Danica Patrick (in car) joins Andretti-Green this year and thinks working with drivers like Tony Kanaan will no doubt help her improve further

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Reigning IRL Champ Sam Hornish Jr. has his eyes firmly set on a second straight tile and fourth overall

hile certain other series endure seemingly endless turmoil, the IRL IndyCar championship appears a virtual oasis of stability.

The 2007 season will see an almost identical line-up of teams and drivers as 2006, with just a few notable exceptions, such as Danica Patrick’s move from Rahal/ Letterman to Andretti/Green Racing. But the other AGR drivers are the same — Tony Kanaan, Dario Franchitti and Marco Andretti — while the other powerhouse squads also retain the same line-ups, Sam Hornish Jr. and Helio Castroneves at Team Penske and Dan Wheldon and Scott Dixon at Ganassi Racing.

Between them, these three teams won every race last year and, judging from a pair of major winter tests in Florida, they will again be the ones to beat. AGR’s Kanaan and Penske’s Castroneves were quickest on the road course at Daytona, while Ganassi’s Wheldon was fastest on both of two nights at the Homestead oval, although he had a costly crash along the way. The 17-race season kicks off at Homestead with an event under the lights on the evening of March 24.

“It was a good test other than the fact that I did $300,000 worth of damage,” said 2005 IRL champion and Indy 500 winner Wheldon. “That was my first crash since 2003. Chip (Ganassi) was nice about it. I made a mistake. When you race on ovals and make a mistake, it can be expensive.”

Perhaps the biggest change this year comes on the technical front. The IndyCars will run on 100-percent fuel-grade ethanol and Honda, the sole engine-builder, has created a new motor to burn it, a V-8 designated the H17H. It is 3.5 litres, a 500cc increase over its H16H. The IRL had cut back from 3.5 to 3 litres in 2004 to reduce speeds.

Honda says the bigger engine should provide “increased torque and mid-range power to meet the demands of the additional road courses on the 2007 schedule.” The number of road/street circuits increases

from three to five this year, with the addition of the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and a revamped track on Detroit’s Belle Isle, last used by Champ Car in 2001.

The latter race, being promoted by Roger Penske, gets the coveted Labor Day weekend date.

The top-end speed of the new ethanol-fueled Honda may be fractionally down, though, judging from the test times at Homestead. Wheldon’s pacesetting speed of 214.858 mph compares with a 218.539 recorded by Hornish last year in claiming the pole.

A total of 19 drivers, all IRL veterans, took part in pre-season testing for nine different teams. One team disappeared over the winter — Fernandez Racing, now focusing on the American Le Mans Series (which has three doubleheaders with the IRL, at St-Petersburg, Mid-Ohio and Detroit). Thirteen drivers were in the same seats they occupied in 2006.

Fernandez’ former drivers, Scott Sharp and Kosuke Matsuura, have both found new homes. Sharp, the IRL’s inaugural co-champion in 1996, lost his long-time Delphi sponsorship — which went to Vitor Meira — but found some tequila money and took it to Rahal-Letterman, where he will partner ethanol-funded Jeff Simmons. Matsuura, 2004 Rookie-of-the-Year, has taken his Panasonic backing to Panther Racing, where he joins Meira.

Buddy Rice was released by Rahal-Letterman after its former sponsor Argent Mortgage opted to follow Danica Patrick to AGR. After an unsuccessful Champ Car try-out with Forsythe Racing, the 2004 Indy 500 winner has now found refuge with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing. Not exactly a step-up as D&R is one of the least successful teams in the IRL, but a ride is a ride. He will be partnered by Sarah Fisher as the team expands to two cars.

Long before Danica emerged as a media darling, the now 26-year-old Fisher was a series regular in the early part of the decade when she had two podium finPERFORMANCE RACING NEWS

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DAN WHELDON TIED FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP LAST YEAR BUT LOST OUT ON WINS; HE’LL BE LOOKING FOR HIS SECOND TITLE IN WHAT COULD BE HIS FINAL IRL SEASON

IRL maintains its course

ishes, plus a pole at Kentucky in 2002. She returned for the final two oval races of 2006 with D&R (replacing Buddy Lazier) and will now be a regular member of the team.

IT LOOKED LIKE DARIO FRANCHITTI WOULD BE RACING ELSEWHERE AFTER THE 2006 SEASON, BUT THE SCOTSMAN RE-SIGNED WITH AGR AND HOPES TO BRING HOME HIS FIRST IRL CROWN

Helio Castroneves has been close to the title every year and 2007 should be no different for the affable Brazilian

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Two other faces who have not been seen much lately are also returning — Darren Manning and Anthony Foyt IV. Manning drove a season-and-a-half for Ganassi Racing, but was fired midway through 2005 after a few too many crashes. The former F1 test driver returns with Foyt Enterprises, the team owned

by Anthony’s legendary grandfather, AJ Foyt (although now managed primarily by AJ’s son, Larry).

Foyt IV — who drove from 2003-05 for his grandfather, without much success — left the IRL to embark on a stock car career last season. When that did not work out, he returned to race the Chicagoland finale for AGR. Now, he is going to try his luck with Vision Racing, the team co-owned by IRL founder Tony George and actor Patrick Dempsey, star of the hit TV show “Grey’s Anatomy.”

Vision expects to field three cars this season as Foyt joins the team’s two returning drivers from last year, Tomas Scheckter, the quick but sometimes crash-prone South African, and Ed Carpenter, who is Tony George’s stepson.

That is the extent of this year’s driver changes except, of course, for the much-publicized move by Danica Patrick, the 24-year-old beauty whose best results with Rahal-Letterman last season were a pair of fourth-place finishes. She hopes to be a winner at AGR, although that may be a little far-fetched. Testing showed her to be well off the pace of her three male teammates, as she was just 16th at Daytona and 13th at Homestead, yet she remains upbeat.

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IRL maintains its course

It seems like a while ago, but Scott Dixon was the champ in 2003 and has high hopes on bringing the title back to Ganassi Racing in 2007

Marco Andretti opened a lot of eyes as a rookie in 2006, showing he has more than enough talent to live up to the family name

SCOTT SHARP LOST LONG-TIME SPONSOR DELPHI, BUT HE REBOUNDED WITH NEW SPONSORSHIP AND A RIDE WITH RAHAL-LETTERMAN

“I’m going to a better team. Everybody is excited to do well. Everybody is interested and loves racing.

It’s refreshing. It’s fun. I do have some pretty good teachers. I’m sure Mr. Kanaan will be able to teach me some things, as well as Dario and Marco,” she said.

Kanaan was Honda’s first IRL champion in 2004.

The lone Canadian entry in the IRL this season is 48-year-old Toronto businessman Marty Roth. As in 2006, he is expected to do selected oval events in his own car. He skipped the Daytona road course test and was the slowest of the 19 drivers at Homestead.

Canadian fans might get more joy from cheering for AGR’s Franchitti, the Scotsman who is now sponsored

by Canadian Club.

A late additional entry, announced mid-March, comes from Beck Motorsport, which has chosen Alex Barron to be its driver. Team-owner Gary Beck said he wanted a driver of experience. The 36-year-old Californian made 59 IRL starts between 2001-05 and took two wins. But he badly embarrassed himself last year in his return to Champ Car’s Atlantic series, which he won in 1997. He rarely ran better than midfield and was fired by his team before season’s end.

So there are no rookies in the IRL this year. But including Barron and Roth, there is a potential 20-car field — a reasonably healthy count, although one dark cloud on the horizon is that the two most recent IndyCar champions, Hornish (2006) and Wheldon (2005), may possibly be entering their final IRL seasons.

Both drive for team owners who also have substantial stock car operations, Roger Penske and Chip Ganassi, and both are supplementing their IRL programs with limited schedules in NASCAR Busch this year. If successful, both could well be heading for the Nextel Cup in the not-too-distant future.

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Photos by LAT Photographic

WITH A WIN IN THE BUSCH RACE AT MEXICO AND A FIFTH AT THE ATLANTA CUP RACE, JUAN MONTOYA IS MAKING HIS TRANSITION TO STOCK CARS SEEM EASY. MONTE DUTTON EXPLORES THE EARLY SUCCESS THE COLOMBIAN IS HAVING IN NASCAR AND HOW HE IS HANDLING THE TRANSITION FROM OPEN WHEEL RACING.

groove

FINDINGhis

JUANMONTOYA

finding his groove

“FOR ME, IT’S HARDER IN A STOCK CAR THAN OPEN WHEEL, BUT, FOR A STOCK CAR GUY, PROBABLY AN OPEN WHEEL CAR IS HARDER BECAUSE EVERYTHING HAPPENS FASTER. IT’S COMPLETELY DIFFERENT. THIS IS A HARD RACE CAR.”

H

AMPTON, GA – Juan Montoya represents an entirely new phenomenon in NASCAR. In marked contrast to others who regularly test their mettle against the best stock car racing has to offer, Montoya is already a driver of international renown.

The 31-year-old Colombian has already won a CART championship and an Indianapolis 500, not to mention seven Formula One races, among them the Grand Prix of Monaco in 2003. Virtuosity is a given in Montoya’s case.

What Montoya must prove in NASCAR is his versatility. The vehicles used in Nextel Cup and F1 are similar only in the sense that they are both used to race. For Montoya, climbing out of a McLaren Mercedes and into a Dodge Charger must be akin to a fighter pilot switching from an F-18 Hornet to a P-51 Mustang.

“For me, it’s harder in a stock car than open wheel, but, for a stock car guy, probably an open wheel car is harder because everything happens faster,” reasoned Montoya. “It’s completely different.

This is a hard race car.

“It’s all about comfort. I think the oval is all about the feedback you get out of the car. For me, being so

46

new to this, probably the mile-and-a-half tracks are the hardest ones there are. You go in, you get out of the gas, and you get back on it. The car twitches. I’m not taking any risks. At the same time, you want to run fast, so it’s like, as soon as you get a little bit comfortable, you start attacking and attacking and attacking and going a little faster.”

When Montoya won the Busch Series race in Mexico City, he actually proved little. Everyone knew he was capable of winning in stock cars on a road course, particularly in a second-string series. What was infinitely more impressive was a fifth-place finish on March 18 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, one of the high-banked, lightning-fast ovals that are plentiful on the Nextel Cup schedule.

Atlanta, by the way, is “one of those mile-and-a-half tracks.” Well, 1.54-mile, to be precise.

“I think it’s been great,” said Montoya after getting his first top-five finish in his fifth try. “I’ve been very respectful of them (other NASCAR regulars). I think they are great drivers. They are making my life tough. It’s hard work. You know, something that’s amazing is how clean they race. It’s great. You get a run; they’ll give you room. They get a run on you, and you’ve got to give

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finding his groove

WHILE HIS WIN AT THE BUSCH RACE IN MEXICO CITY GRABBED THE HEADLINES, CUP DRIVERS WERE MORE IMPRESSED BY HIS FIFTH-PLACE RESULT IN ATLANTA them room and you learn to play that way, and it just makes the racing awesome.”

It would seem logical that a driver accustomed to turning left and right, roaring uphill and down and shifting gears almost constantly would have no problem adapting to a variety in which all the turns are left, most of the tracks are level and shifting usually necessary only on starts, restarts and pit stops. That’s not the way it works, though, and Montoya didn’t underestimate the challenge facing him.

Even after the Atlanta finish was greeted as a comingout party of sorts for him, Montoya remained cautious, noting that there are many NASCAR tracks more difficult than Atlanta.

“We go to Bristol,” he said, referring to upcoming races, “and that’s going to be a nightmare. Martinsville will probably be another tough one. Darlington? Let’s not even talk about that one.

“I’m getting comfortable now on these (intermediate) tracks. I need to work on the other ones, and we’re going to have ups and downs. But, when the car is comfortable, we’re going to get in the rhythm the second half of the season where we start going to tracks I’ve been to, and we run the car we ran there before, and setups, and then a little bit of what I know I need to run. That’s definitely going to help.”

Montoya’s new race car of choice is less sophisticated but just as challenging. To his credit, Montoya, by all accounts, has undertaken this vast change with the requisite gravitas. Career road racers have famously had difficulty racing stock cars anywhere but on road courses.

The annals of NASCAR offer many examples — Scott Pruett, Wally Dallenbach Jr., Christian Fittipaldi, Anthony Lazzaro, Scott Lagasse, Dorsey Schroeder and Don Whittington, among them — of standout road racers who failed to master the transition to stock-car ovals.

But NASCAR has never seen a road racer of Montoya’s talent level really give it a serious try.

Montoya’s reputation in Formula One was that he was brilliant but erratic and overly aggressive. Those attributes could stand him well in NASCAR. The observers best equipped to judge his progress are those racing with him on the track. By and large, from that group of critics, Montoya has been receiving rave reviews.

“Oh, it takes a lot of confidence,” said four-time champion Jeff Gordon, “and it’s a huge amount of pressure to say I’m leaving F1 and going over to NASCAR. You’ve got to give him credit for that, which is why he’s been accepted so well. And it’s good for the sport. Once that competition side starts coming out and he starts competing for wins, that’s all going to change.”

After watching Montoya use an unconventional, high line in the turns en route to his fifth-place Atlanta finish, winner and reigning champion Jimmie Johnson said, “This is a tough race track, a long race running the top, the bottom. When I looked in the mirror and saw him catching me at times, he was ‘rim-riding’ the top of the track. For an open-wheel guy to come in and feel comfortable to do that, I think that says a lot about his talents.”

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“OH, IT TAKES A LOT OF CONFIDENCE, AND IT’S A HUGE AMOUNT OF PRESSURE TO SAY I’M LEAVING F1 AND GOING OVER TO NASCAR. YOU’VE GOT TO GIVE HIM CREDIT FOR THAT, WHICH IS WHY HE’S BEEN ACCEPTED SO WELL. AND -JEFF GORDON IT’S GOOD FOR THE SPORT...”

“To come (to Atlanta) and figure this place out is impressive,” added second-place finisher Tony Stewart. “I didn’t figure it out in one try, by any means. He did an awesome job. Every track he goes to this year will be a new track for him. That (finishing fifth) shows why he got his opportunity in Formula One: because he’s a great talent.”

And Matt Kenseth! Kenseth doesn’t often gush about anyone, but, of Montoya, he said, “He was higher than anybody on the track, and he was really making it work.

He had a very unique entry into (turn) three, and obviously, you don’t need me to tell you he’s a great driver, and if they can give him a car that can contend, he’s going to contend.”

Montoya’s high line at Atlanta was reminiscent not of road racing but the style used at the same track by past greats like Richard Petty and Harry Gant. Montoya said it was a coincidence and almost an accident.

“To tell you the truth, it’s funny,” he said, “because when I start watching (videos of) the races, I remember, at Homestead last year, everybody was running the top, and I was just running the bottom, just like open wheel, and I wouldn’t go up there. It was, like, ‘no way.’ As the (Atlanta) race went on, I got more comfortable running the top.

“When I run the bottom, I think I use a lot more wheel than a lot of the guys. If you’ve got a lot of wheel, when you get on the gas, it gets really loose. When you run the top, you’ve got a lot less wheel. That’s probably the biggest reason I tried it.”

Montoya said the Atlanta weekend — he also finished eighth in the Busch Series race — left him “more excited, nearly, than when I won in Mexico.

“Mexico is one of those places you go and expect to be competitive,” he added. “It was a place you go and, even if you do well, you’re actually disappointed… (At

Atlanta) I wasn’t really expecting to be to the point where I could get that good a finish.”

Montoya is realistic and yet confident. He seems to grasp fully the vastly different world he has entered.

Where all too often, the wounds of career road racers have been self-inflicted, Montoya seems bereft of arrogance.

The man who has won the Indy 500, won at Monaco and, presumably, dined with royalty and mingled with the beautiful people, is as happy, it seems, with a corn dog and Coke as with the finest in wine and cheese.

He seems to have earned everyone’s respect. He’s leading the rookie standings, as absurd as that may seem for a driver of international renown. Understandably, Raybestos Rookie-of-the-Year isn’t exactly his prime target.

It’s testimony both to NASCAR’s level of competition and Montoya’s work ethic that he is actually ahead of his own expectations.

“I’VE BEEN VERY RESPECTFUL OF THEM (OTHER NASCAR REGULARS). I THINK THEY ARE GREAT DRIVERS. THEY ARE MAKING MY LIFE TOUGH. IT’S HARD WORK. YOU KNOW, SOMETHING THAT’S AMAZING IS HOW CLEAN THEY RACE… IT JUST MAKES THE RACING -JUAN MONTOYA AWESOME.”

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TRADINGPAINT

Photo by Ramesh Bayney

WITH MONTE DUTTON

PUT THE ‘STOCK’

BACK IN STOCK CAR I

n this, the great NASCAR year of change, perhaps it’s no coincidence that nostalgia swirls like tire smoke in the collective consciousness of its fans.

As much as major-league stock car racing’s ruling body refuses to admit it, changes have increased the already-considerable angst felt in the grandstands and in front of the television sets. Letters and e-mails reflect this.

The fans yearn for a day when they could tell the cars apart, not based on headlight decals but the actual lines of the cars. Once upon a time, one could tell a Ford from a Chevy much more readily than today. The trend toward sameness began in the early 1990s, and with the advent of the so-called Car of Tomorrow, it has become very nearly a done deal.

In defense of NASCAR, just where is this trend not in full advance?

The fans themselves are in denial when they boldly declare they are bolting the major NASCAR races for the weekly shows at their local tracks. Have you been to one lately? The vehicles racing there are even further away from production models than the ones racing the high banks of NASCAR. For instance, it’s quite the stretch to call a dirt modified a stock car at all. It’s more akin to a sprint car with fenders. Late models? Their bowels are covered with almost identically fashioned, fabricated strips of sheet metal.

The honest-to-gosh stock car has gone the way of the dinosaur, at every level save for the lowest ones.

Stock-appearing cars are the denizens of the lower divisions, the ones promoters use to warm up the crowds for the late-night, 50-lap features.

What’s more, one of the appeals of IndyCar racing used to be the difference, in the 1960s and 1970s, 52

between the Dan Gurney-designed Eagle, the A.J. Foytconcocted Coyote and the Mongoose piloted by Lloyd Ruby. When those designs showed up on the scene, the fans of the day bemoaned the extinction of the roadsters. Now, however, the various designs — and there are only a few of them — are almost identically shaped, distinguished from one another by the most arcane of measurements and part locations.

Once upon a time in NASCAR, the body parts could be bought from the local dealership. Once the teams showed up to begin a new season, if, say, the Ford had the sleeker, more aerodynamic shape, then the Chevrolet teams directed their efforts at horsepower. They made the best of the weapons at their disposal. Nowadays, innovation has been beaten down. The unofficial rule – i.e., the only one that matters – is: “If you try something new, it had better not work.”

And what was accomplished by all this fencing in of the technological frontiers? Little that is measurable.

NASCAR’s great revolution was fought in the interest of what officials refer to as “a level playing field,” though it would make more sense if they said “a level track.”

Be it field or track, it isn’t level, nor should it be. Be it driver or mechanic, the best and brightest are still comprised of those with the most skill and money, or, at the very least, the expertise at how to most skillfully spend it. One would think that a ruler committed to uniformity would be disturbed by the fact that Chevrolet drivers took 22 of the 36 checkered flags in 2006. NASCAR isn’t, though, at least not publicly, and undoubtedly in part because to admit such concern would involve the admission of being wrong.

NASCAR wrong? Often, but seldom by admission.

Stock cars that look, even a little, like stock cars?

That’s gone forever, and there isn’t much reason to

THE FANS YEARN FOR A DAY WHEN THEY COULD TELL THE CARS APART, NOT BASED ON HEADLIGHT DECALS BUT THE ACTUAL LINES OF THE CARS. ONCE UPON A TIME, ONE COULD TELL A FORD FROM A CHEVY... THE TREND TOWARD SAMENESS BEGAN IN THE EARLY 1990S, AND WITH THE ADVENT OF THE SOCALLED CAR OF TOMORROW, IT HAS BECOME VERY NEARLY A DONE DEAL. complain. It’s the way of the world, and the competitors have been so beaten down, punished and demoralized that they no longer know now how to do it any other way.

If tomorrow, NASCAR officials announced plans to make the bodies of Nextel Cup cars conform to the actual measurements of production cars, the uproar in the garage would be hard to separate from a mushroom cloud.

Why, they’d all have to pull out their cell phones and get Junior Johnson and Bud Moore to show them how to build some new cars.

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Photo Courtesy NASCAR Canadian Tire Series

SPECIAL FEATURE

aNATURALFIT STORY BY JAMIE MAUDSLEY

CANADIAN TIRE AND NASCAR JOIN FORCES TO TAKE CANADIAN RACING TO A NEW LEVEL

W

hen a brand new chapter opens in the Canadian stock car world on May 26, 2007 at Cayuga Speedway, two multi-million dollar companies will join forces as the NASCAR Canadian Tire Racing Series kicks off.

Since the days of Gilles Villeneuve in a Canada Tire sponsored Atlantic car in the mid-‘70s to the quarter panels of Peter Gibbons Chevrolet on the CASCAR trail since 1999, Canadian Tire has been a huge supporter of Canadian motorsports over the past 30 years.

Recently Todd Sharman, Vice President of Automotive Marketing for Canadian Tire, spoke about the leading automotive retailer in Canada entering into a multi-year arrangement with the largest sanctioning body of stock car racing in the world — NASCAR. Sharman explained how he feels NASCAR and Canadian Tire are a natural fit., “When we first started talking it became clear that both of us have strong brands that are committed to excellence. There is a great overlap between Canadian Tire customers and NASCAR fans, and I think it will be a good relationship. We signed up early on and for a long time, and I think the development of the series will take time, but TSN, Canadian Tire and NASCAR have invested in the development of racing in Canada. There will be 54

visible evidence at the start, but it will still take time to develop that and see it grow.”

Part of the decision to enter the deal came out of Canadian Tire’s relationship with Peter Gibbons. “We’ve enjoyed our association with Peter, and he’s been a great ambassador for our product since we started working with his team. He’ll have a little change to his car this year as he’s racing the Mastercraft / Monroe Chevrolet,” added Sharman.

While Sharman couldn’t comment on the length of the agreement, when looking at NASCAR’s other series’ south of the boarder — Winston was on board for over 30 years, while current partner Busch has been around for 25, Craftsman for 10 on the trucks, and Nextel is in the middle of their 10-year pact — that speaks volumes, and Sharman did offer, “It will be for a long time.”

Canadian Tire has also kicked off its NASCAR based promotions with a trip to the Busch race in Montreal, and Sharman promised there are many more promotions to come. “We have a number of promotions planned. We really want to leverage our advertising to promote the series and reach out to racing fans, on site and in the stores. We will have track level promotions and will be working with the store design teams.

We already have NASCAR branded merchandise in our

stores, and we’ll have products related to the NASCAR Canadian Tire Racing Series.”

While many details have been slow to emerge in regards to rules and a schedule, Sharman explained that it will all come in due time. “NASCAR has kept us up to speed, and we will have an announcement out very shortly. Some of it has been safety related, and when it comes to safely we have been so impressed by their focus.”

One interesting topic that has came up recently is sponsors that compete with a title sponsor, such as Robbie Gordon at Atlanta (Motorola vs. Nextel), or Kevin Harvick (Shell vs. Sunoco), but Sharman said, “We’ve got media presence and official retailer status, so there are opportunities for other companies to get involved with cars.”

With the first green flag of the CTRS season just around the corner, you should keep your eyes open, as Canadian Tire and NASCAR join forces to try and make stock car racing an institution North of the Border.

GAUNT RETURNS TO NATIONAL LEVEL The 2007 Canadian Tire Racing Series will mark John Gaunt’s return to the National stage. Following several successful seasons on the bullring in Barrie,

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THE OFFICIAL AUTOMOTIVE RETAILER OF NASCAR IN CANADA. The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series marks are used under license by Destination Motorsports LP and Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited. NASCAR® is a registered trademark of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc.

Photo by Jamie Maudsley

John had become the big fish in the small pond at Barrie Speedway, but he still yearned for another chance with Canada’s elite. “About the only thing I’m going to miss about racing on Saturday nights in Barrie will be sleeping in my own bed. I tried not to get too caught up in it, because I was still watching those Super Series guys and wanted to be there. Not that I can take anything away from the guys that race at Barrie, because I had some great guys to race against every week. Tom Walters is no slouch and there were a bunch of good drivers there, but it wasn’t the same as racing Don Thomson or Peter Gibbons.”

During this off season, car owner Cotes told Gaunt of his plans to start a team again and enter the CTRS — that’s when Gaunt stared shining his helmet.

Success won’t be instant, but Gaunt feels that the pieces are in place for a solid season. “Ray Meaughey is back as my crew chief. He’s been with me since 1997, but stayed and worked with guys on the series while still helping me out at Barrie. We also have an experienced crew with him, and that is what you need in this series. That being said, there are way more road courses than the last time I competed, and the competition is that much tougher than before. We probably have a little catching up to do, but I think I’ve got the guys behind me to make it work. ” Look for Gaunt in the Centennial Chrysler machine this summer on the CTRS trail, and during the two visits to Barrie for the series that home track advantage might help him close in on a checkered flag.

Photo Bayney

by

Ramesh

TODD SHARMAN (R., SHAKING HANDS WITH NASCAR’S ROBBIE WEISS AND RICHARD BUCK) HAS HIGH HOPES THAT THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CANADIAN TIRE AND NASCAR WILL BE A HUGE BOOST TO CANADIAN RACING

ON, Gaunt, a former CASCAR Super Series winner, will reunite with car owner Gord Coates, owner of Centennial Chrysler in Barrie, to take on the stars of the CTRS tour this summer.

Gaunt is thrilled about the opportunity to put his Dodge Charger into competition against former rivals such as Don Thomson Jr., Kerry Micks, and Peter Gibbons. “I’m looking forward to the challenge. We bought a road course car off the Beauchamps, and a brand new McColl oval track car, so we’re pretty much set to go.”

Gaunt is no stranger to either the tracks or the level of competition, as he made 87 starts in CASCAR from 1991-98, sitting on six poles, scoring and finishing in the top-10 in the standings numerous times. He was also able to win two feature events — at the Ottodrome (formerly Capital City Speedway) in Ottawa during the 1994 season, and at Peterborough Speedway in 1998.

Gaunt later spotted for Al Turner and even filled in for Turner at Ste. Eustache in 2000, finishing in the top-10 during a wild affair, but Gaunt was still looking to get behind the wheel of another full-time ride.

John got his wish in 2001 as Coates founded a Hooters Pro Cup team with Gaunt as his pilot. John raced three part-time schedules for the next trio of seasons, posting a bunch of top-10 finishes, before returning to race a Late Model at Barrie Speedway in 2004.

Gaunt won the championship in ‘04, finished second the next year, and wound up fourth last season, despite missing a race. “We had a good run for three years, and I’m proud of that.”

JOHN GAUNT, A TWO-TIME WINNER IN CASCAR, IS RETURNING TO CANADA’S TOP STOCK CAR SERIES AFTER SPENDING THE LAST FEW YEARS RUNNING AT BARRIE SPEEDWAY AS THE LONG-TIME BACKER OF PETER GIBBONS, CANADIAN TIRE SHOULD BE ABLE TO TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF THEIR TITLE SPONSORSHIP AND TAKE MOTORSPORTS NORTH OF THE BORDER TO A HIGHER LEVEL PERFORMANCE RACING NEWS

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TheUSUAL SUSPECTS

THE SEBRING 12 HOURS PROVED THAT 2007 WILL ONCE AGAIN BELONG TO AUDI AND CORVETTE. HOWEVER, THE ALMS P2 AND GT2 CLASSES SHOULD PROVIDE SOME EXCITING BATTLES ALL SEASON LONG. udi and Corvette have largely dominated the main prototype and GT classes of the American Le Mans Series in recent years and it’s a safe bet that they will do so again this season. They easily cleaned up in the recent season-opener, the Sebring 12 Hours, in no small part because they were without any significant opposition — at least in their own classes.

Frank Biela, Emanuele Pirro and Marco Werner gave Audi its eighth straight overall victory at Sebring, driving a diesel-powered R10 TDI. The main opposition to the Audis came not from P1 prototypes — there were only two others entered — but from the less powerful, though 150kg lighter P2 cars, particularly the new Acuras which made a stunning debut.

The Andretti/Green Racing Acura ARX-01a, driven

by Tony Kanaan, Dario Franchitti and Bryan Herta, was in contention for the win for much of the race. It led on three different occasions, but in the penultimate hour started to develop gearshift problems. A couple of unscheduled pit stops to add gearbox oil dropped it six laps, but it still finished second.

Another Acura, from Fernandez Racing, completed the podium in third place in the hands of Mexico’s Luis Diaz, David Martinez and team owner Adrian Fernandez. They were followed by the other factory Audi, a P2 Porsche from Team Penske and, in sixth, the final Acura from Highcroft Racing, with David Brabham, Stefan Johansson and Duncan Dayton.

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Meanwhile, the two factory Corvettes dominated the GT1 class — hardly surprising as that they had only one competitor, a private Aston Martin DBR9 from Team Modena. The Corvettes ran in close formation throughout and finished only 17 seconds apart, with Oliver Gavin, Olivier Beretta and Max Papis taking victory ahead of Ron Fellows, Johnny O’Connell and Jan Magnussen. They were seventh and eighth overall and 10 laps ahead of the Aston.

Unfortunately for his many Canadian fans, Fellows will not be playing a major role in Corvette Racing’s quest for a seventh straight title. The 47-year-old from Mississauga is taking a first step towards retirement and is contesting only the three major endurance races this season — Sebring, the Le Mans 24 hours and the Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta — but is expected to also race in front of his Canadian fans at Mosport.

“It’s difficult, but the timing is right to do this,” said Fellows, who won the drivers’ crown in 2002, 2003 and 2004 and has repeatedly been voted the series’ most popular driver. “I’ll continue to work with the team as an advisor on (the other) race weekends.”

Chevrolet will be marketing a limited-edition “Ron Fellows ALMS GT1 Champion Corvette Z06” later this year and, in his honour, his car was painted “Arctic White” instead of the usual yellow at Sebring. Only 399 of the special Fellows Corvettes will be built, with approximately 30 destined for Canada.

PERFORMANCE RACING NEWS

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Photo by Bill Murenbeeld

IT WAS ANOTHER WIN FOR AUDI AT SEBRING AS FRANK BIELA, EMANUELE PIRRO AND MARCO WERNER GAVE THE CAR MAKER ITS 8TH STRAIGHT SEBRING VICTORY

Photo by Richard Dole/LAT

Former Stewart F1 driver Magnussen, 33, from Denmark, has been chosen to replace Fellows as the regular driver of the #3 Corvette, paired with O’Connell, while the “two Ollies,” Gavin and Beretta, will continue to handle the #4 car.

In the main prototype class, Audi has won Sebring, as well as the ALMS championship, every year since 2000. This time, eventual winner Biela took the early lead from the pole, but was soon passed by teammate Dindo Capello. The #1 Biela car then got a puncture in hour two and also picked up a couple of penalties for pit lane infractions.

But approaching mid-race, Capello could not get the lead #2 car to fire up again after a routine pit stop.

Thirty minutes passed as the team changed the battery, starter motor and electronic dashboard. That essentially decided the race in favour of the #1 Audi, although it still had to fend off that pesky Andretti/Green Acura. For Biela, this was his fourth overall victory at Sebring, tying the record of Tom Kristensen (who was sharing the #2 car with Capello and Allan McNish).

Audi Sport will now take these two 2007 cars back to Europe to prepare for Le Mans. For the rest of the ALMS season, a pair of 2006 Audi R10s will be campaigned

by Dave Maraj’s Champion Racing team. Regular drivers will be Pirro, Werner, Capello and McNish, all past series champions.

The P2 class looks to be the most intriguing this season, as the new Acuras — which did not turn a wheel until last August — take on the Porsche RS Spyders of Team Penske and Dyson Racing. Given their showing at Sebring, the Acuras must be viewed as favourites, even though the two Porsche teams have more ALMS experience and the RS Spyder is a more developed car. It made its debut in 2005 and took one overall victory last year at Mid-Ohio.

Photo by Bill Murenbeeld

The second Audi car of Dindo Capello, Allan McNish and Tom Kristensen had the lead early but spent 30 minutes in the pits after the car stalled

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The Usual Suspects

Photo by Richard Dole/LAT

AS USUAL IN GT1, THE CORVETTES FINISHED 1-2, WITH THE LINE-UP OF OLIVER GAVIN, OLIVIER BERETTA AND MAX PAPIS TAKING THE TOP SPOT

IT WAS NAIL BITING FINISH IN GT2 AS THE NO. 62 OF JAIME MELO, MIKA SALO AND JOHNNY MOWLEM HELD OFF THE NO. 45 OF VAN OVERBEEK, LIEB AND BERGMEISTER IN THE CLOSEST CLASS FINISH IN SEBRING HISTORY 58

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Photo by Mike Levitt/LAT

The P2 debut of the Acura ARX-01a went well as drivers Bryan Herta, Dario Franchitti and Tony Kanaan challenged for the overall lead before settling for second and P2 winners

Photo by Mike Levitt/LAT

All four Porsches had electrical woes at Sebring. The highest finisher was a Penske car, fifth overall and third in P2, driven by Timo Bernhard and Romain Dumas and “guest” Helio Castroneves. The team’s other car, to be campaigned by Saasha Maassen and recent IRL driver Ryan Briscoe, finished 60 laps down. The Dyson entries were ninth and 10th overall, fifth and sixth in class, in the hands of Andy Wallace, Butch Leitzinger, Andy Lally, Guy Smith and Chris Dyson.

Among the Acuras, the strongest appears to be the Andretti/Green car. Bryan Herta will be the lead driver throughout the season, paired with Dario Franchitti when his IRL commitments allow and otherwise, his brother Marino Franchitti.

In GT1, officials might as well hand the championship trophy to Corvette right away. The only real question is which of its two pairings will take the driver’s championship.

GT2 was by far the biggest class at Sebring with 18 entries (vs. four in P1, nine in P2 and three in GT1) and it produced the closest finish in the 55-year history of the event. Jorg Bergmeister, in a Porsche 911 from Flying Lizard Motorsports, nosed ahead of the Ferrari 430GT of Jaime Melo going into the very last corner, but the Brazilian leaned on the German at the exit. After banging doors, Melo held on to win by 0.2 second for Risi Competizione.

PERFORMANCE RACING NEWS

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FAST START AT SEBRING

Altenburg and Curran take opening wins as SPEED World Challenge Series opens its 2007 season in Florida

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After going three seasons without a win, Jeff Altenburg grabbed his third-career win at Sebring International Raceway. Randy Pobst and Pierre Kleinubing completed the SPEED World Challenge Touring Car podium.

Through all 18 laps of the 66.6-mile race, Altenburg faced continuous pressure from teammate Pobst and the crowd couldn’t tell where one Mazda began and the other ended. Despite having a mirror full of his teammate, Altenburg never wavered and crossed the stripe 0.433-second ahead of Pobst, a new event record.

Altenburg was also quick to credit his teammate for the successful Mazda performance at Sebring and his first win since 2003 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

“It feels awesome to win and it was a perfect weekend,” Altenburg said. “First pole in four years and that was with the help of Randy (Pobst). We decided we 60

were going to help each other out more in qualifying and give one another a pull down the straights. We both got a clean start. Worked together to not do anything silly. Randy says he wanted to win with all of his heart and I’m sure he did, but I think he could have pulled a move or two during the race. But, being teammates, he opted not to and I appreciate that.”

Driving the No. 73 Mazdaspeed Motorsports Development Mazda 6, Pobst had to defend his position from defending SPEED Touring Car Champion Kleinubing, before he could make a bid for the lead. After putting a small gap between him and Kleinubing, Pobst turned up the heat on Lap 11, resetting the fastest race lap and beginning to take a couple looks at his teammate.

Starting fifth in his No.1 Acura Certified PreOwned/RealTime Acura TSX, Kleinubing was able to tuck behind Canadian teammate Kuno Wittmer in the No. 44 Acura RSX on the start. Kleinubing

Photos Courtesy Mark Weber / SCCA

he SPEED World Challenge Series kicked off its 2007 season in style as they took part in the 55th Annual 12 Hours of Sebring on St. Patrick’s Day weekend. When the lucky green flag dropped to open the season the Touring cars put on a show for the fans as drivers ran nose-to-tail throughout.

But then rain showed up prior to the GT race and left to teams scrambling to change their set-ups for the new conditions.

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watched and waited as Wittmer battled with the No. 38 Bimmerworld BMW 325i of Seth Thomas. After a failed passing attempt sent Thomas off course and Wittmer slid wide several corners later, Kleinubing quietly snuck up to third on lap two.

Kleinubing charged on, closing the gap to the Mazdas by lap eight and putting serious pressure on Pobst, occasionally locking up tires in the process.

Kleinubing began to fall back shortly thereafter, but did set the fastest lap of the race with a 2:22.710 (93.336 mph) on lap 16, in one last charge for the front.

Chip Herr finished fourth and was no doubt hoping the threatening skies would open up for his all-wheel drive Audi. RealTime owner Peter Cunningham completed the top five in his No. 42 Acura Certified Pre-Owned/RealTime Acura TSX. Stan Wilson (Dodge SRT-4) was not only the Piloti Rookie-of-the-Race, but he picked up seven positions on the opening lap to take home the B&M Shifters Holeshot Award.

Driving the world’s first biodiesel racecar, Jim Osborn started the race in his No. 24 Volkswagen Jetta TDI, but exited after two laps with mechanical problems.

Eric Curran mastered the tricky track conditions to win his first SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT race. Reigning SPEED GT Champion Lawson Aschenbach and Tomy Drissi completed the podium.

Shortly after the SPEED Touring Car race at Sebring, the skies opened and pummeled the track with more than three hours of heavy rain and strong winds. When the rained ceased two other racing series took to the course before the SPEED GT race, resulting in damp to drying conditions and a tough tire decision for all the teams. With the sun beginning to peak through the clouds, nearly all of the cars opted for dry tires.

To add another variable to the equation, SPEED World Challenge officials announced a rolling start would be used in place of the traditional standing start, since the crown of the front straight had left one side of the grid significantly more wet than the other.

When the green flag was displayed, Curran wasted no time, rocketing around polesitter Peterson into Turn 1 despite not knowing the level of grip the pavement held. The move earned Curran the B&M Oil Coolers Coolest Move-of-the-Race Award. In only a matter of corners, Curran pulled a considerable gap on the rest of the pack, his No. 30 Whelen Engineering Chevrolet Corvette C6 leaving Peterson’s eyesight.

Curran looked to be on track to a runaway victory until the seventh-place No. 12 Chevrolet Corvette of Brian Kubinski slowed and pulled off course in a precarious position at Turn 13, bringing out a full-course yellow and erasing Curran”s lead of 16.8 seconds.

On the lap 14 restart, Curran defended his position from a hoard of Cadillacs and Porsches to maintain the lead. Although he wasn’t able to regain the same margin he held prior to the yellow-flag, Curran put his head down, setting the race’s fastest lap, a 2:11.005 (89.456 mph), on his way to the checkered flag.

Starting fifth in his No. 1 XM/Mobil 1/Motorola/ Bose/Cadillac CTS-V, Aschenbach dropped a position early to the No. 22 K-PAX Racing LLC/Jim Haughy Porsche 911 GT-3 of Randy Pobst, but bounced back in a big way, resetting fast race lap on his way past 62

Eric Curran got his GT season off to a fast start by winning a flag-to-flag battle in strange conditions

5-time GT champion Michael Galati was fourth and won the Hard Charger Award

Jeff Altenburg was pressured by his teammate Randy Pobst at Sebring but took home the top spot in the Touring Car opener

teammate Andy Pilgrim and into second before the yellow flag.

Drissi, a former Trans-Am race winner and latest addition to the LG Motorsports Team, returned to the podium at Sebring in his No.15 Next-The Movie Chevrolet Corvette C6. Starting 10th Drissi made steady progress throughout the race and gained two spots on the lap-14 restart, putting himself into fourth. On lap 16, Drissi pulled alongside the No. 23 K-PAX Racing LLC/Jim Haughey Porsche 911 GT-3 of Michael Galati

on the front stretch, but couldn’t get the advantage before Turn 1. Only a handful of corners later, Drissi made his move again, this time successfully taking the position from Galati and capturing his first SPEED World Challenge podium finish.

A fourth place finish for five-time series Champion Galati earned him the Sunoco Hard Charger Award for advancing 11 positions throughout the race.

James Sofronas finished fifth in the No. 14 Global Motorsports Group Porsche 911 GT-3.

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2007 WORLD RALLY EVENTS

SUBARUjoins theFIGHT

BY DAVID HATTER | RALLY EDITOR

Photos by McKlein/LAT

Photo by Rick Dole/LAT

PETTER SOLBERG SHOWED SOME SPEED IN MEXICO IN THE NEW IMPREZA AND THAT COULD MEAN GREAT THINGS FOR THE WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP. ANOTHER CONTENDER AGAINST LOEB AND GRONHOLM MAKES THE CHAMPIONSHIP EVEN MORE INTRIGUING.

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PERFORMANCE RACING NEWS

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he podium at the finish of the Rally of Mexico may have had a familiar look — with Citroen’s Sebastien Loeb on top, flanked by Ford’s Marcus Gronholm and Mikko Hirvonen — but the lone North American round of the World Rally Championship may have marked a turning point in the season.

For the first time in a long time, Subaru was competitive — in terms of speed, if not reliability — following the introduction of a new version of its Impreza. And if team leader Petter Solberg can maintain the form that he showed in Mexico and make it to the finish, that could throw a whole new dynamic into how the 2007 WRC evolves.

Solberg was quickest on the first three stages of the Mexican rally to take the early lead, but then began to slow slightly before the car came to a complete stop after the fifth stage, having lost most of its oil.

“You can’t imagine how disappointed I am. What did I do to deserve that? I didn’t touch anything,” said the 2003 world champion, who has not tasted victory since the Rally GB Wales in September, 2005. “I have been waiting for this moment for such a long time — finally, to be able to fight for the win. This was really frustrating.”

With Solberg out of the picture, Loeb was able to cruise to a relatively comfortable win, finishing

BACK T O G B EN LOE A VICTORY I T S A B SE K WITH OW JUST C A R T ON ND IS N ARCUS A O C I IN MEX BACK OF M GHT E FI INTS L O T I P T R E U FO M IN TH L O H N GRO

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subaru joins the fight

Marcus Gronholm continues to show his consistency as another podium finish in Mexico maintained his spot atop the points

almost a minute ahead of Gronholm. It was the 30th victory of Loeb’s career and the first gravel win for the new Citroen C4, introduced at the start of the year and previously triumphant on tarmac at Monte Carlo.

The best battle was for third, as Hirvonen had to fight back from a spin on the second day of the threeday event, which cost him about 20 seconds and dropped him behind the other Citroen of Dani Sordo.

But on the last leg, the Finn succeeded in overhauling the Spaniard for the final podium spot. The other Subaru of Chris Atkinson finished fifth.

Subaru’s apparent renaissance was welcomed by just about everyone, even the team’s rivals. Loeb said: “For the championship, it’s good that Subaru has got its rhythm back. It relaunches interest. We need more teams fighting for victory. If it’s no longer limited to a

duel between Gronholm and myself, that will be nice.”

Between them, Loeb and Gronholm have won 18 of the past 20 WRC events, dating back to the start of last year.

Loeb hopes that Solberg could even be a factor in helping him win the championship. After four rounds (of 16), the Frenchman still trails Gronholm by four points, 32-28, due primarily to his failure to score in Norway. The WRC uses the same scoring system as F1, meaning that a win (10) is worth only two points more than second place (8).

“That’s not much (of a difference). I still have four points to make up. If one driver always gets second place when he can’t win, it’s bad for the other one,” said Loeb. “It’s all about reliability, consistency and always scoring points. If the Subarus can cut in

Mikko Hirvonen has helped Ford jump out to a big lead in the Manufacturer’s standings after Mexico

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subaru joins the fight

IF CITROEN HOPES TO CATCH FORD IN THE MANUFACTURER’S CHAMPIONSHIP THEN SECOND DRIVER DANIEL SORDO NEEDS TO IMPROVE ON HIS FINISHES, ESPECIALLY AGAINST THE SECOND FORD OF HIRVONEN

between us and the Fords, that can help us to make up the deficit.”

Citroen also trails Ford in the manufacturers’ standings, by the much bigger margin of 15 points (58-43), as Hirvonen has outscored Sordo three times out of four.

Meanwhile, the sport’s governing body, the FIA (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile), and specifically its president Max Mosley, find themselves embroiled in controversy — and a lawsuit — over a decision to make Pirelli the spec tire of the WRC, effective from 2008 through 2010.

The FIA received two competing bids, from Pirelli and BFGoodrich. Most expected that BFG, a division of Michelin, would get the nod as it already supplies virtually all the top WRC teams. Subaru had been faith-

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ful to Pirelli for many years, but even it has switched to BFG this season. The main Pirelli-mounted entry currently is the PH Sport/Aimont Racing Citroen Xsara being driven by Gigi Galli (sixth in Norway).

The FIA’s rally commission initially proposed adopting a spec tire, as a cost-cutting measure, effective in 2009. But Mosley intervened directly and pushed forward the timetable by one year.

A call for submissions went out in December and the decision in favour of Pirelli was announced on Feb. 27, apparently based on the view that the Italian manufacturer was offering more attractive financial terms to the competitors. But on March 12, BFG launched a lawsuit in Paris, asking the court to annul the decision on the basis of “irregularities in the tender process.”

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lap MPIONSHIP SUPERGT CHA FF 2007 KICKS O CLASSIC SEASON WITH UZUKA RACE AT S

Toranosuke Takagi and Yuji Tachikawa won a great battle in GT500 to take the opening win at Suzuka

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t s a l

und 1 of 300km race, Ro he Suzuka GT s SuperGT Championship, ac the 2007 Autob ka Circuit on March 18. The zu was held at the Su come-from-behind victory by a in n wo s 430 wa ss GT500 cla Zent Cerumo SC alifier, the No. 38 suke Takagi. With the fifth-place qu no ra chikawa and To rd of most wins driven by Yuji Ta ded his own reco 0 class, victen ex wa ika ch Ta this, the GT30 ei driver to nine. In by an individual . 13 Endless Advan Senzaikakum No Fujii in a bu no mo To tory went to the d an mi Kageyama Z driven by Masa d win. re ke ec ch topole-

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GT500

lap, there was er on the opening l Krumm) and At the first corn ae ich n the No. 22 (M a collision betwee uki Hiranaka) in the middle of the 4 uy ats (K 39 . o forced the No.2 the No . This collision als ck.

GT500 class pack ulo Lima De Oliveira) off the tra .

Pa WOODONE (Joao get back on the course but the No to ck le tra ab at s er wa rri 22 ba .

No ge ed into the spon s 39 machine crash avy damage in its rear end. It wa he d re ffe anwhile, su Me d. ne tur side and re r ve the pit but ne that able to return to ive train trouble ine developed dr ira pulled over and ch ma 24 .

No the Eventually De Olive caused it to slow. . ine ch ma (Ralph Firman), stopped the lesitter, the No. 8 Meanwhile, the po lead over second-place No. 32 sec. n opened up a 1.4 rst lap. And, on the third lap Firma fi t, the tha on ter l) Af . va 33 Du 53.1 (Loic ’s fastest lap at 1: n. recorded the race open his lead over the competitio to of Firman continued l had a spinout on the “S” curve va 18 As for No.32, Du opped him back to fifth. The No. dr ed the 10th lap that ved into second position, follow mo . 38 (ToranoNo d (Ryo Michigami) an ) er ag inik Schw O

by No. 100 (Dom d No. 32, the No. 23 XANAVI NISM g suke Takagi). Behin a) had moved up and was waitin am toy Mo i sh ato Z (S ss. ing for a chance to pa d of pit stops the teams runn 8 and No. .

No On the first roun g din lea tires, including strategy of only on Bridgestone No. 17 used the lap 30, when the d an 0, 10 .

No By e.

18, tires to save pit tim ck changing the rear machines had returned to the tra ss cla 0 (Takashi 18 .

No ), all the GT50 Ito e uk ps, No. 8 (Dais after their pit sto 0 (Shinya Hosokawa) held the top 10 .

No d an ) re gu Ko in No. 100 lost spots. wever, Hosokawa On he next lap, ho ank” and crashed into the bard yaku-b . 38 up to third an control in the “G chikawa in the No that the four Ta d ve mo is Th r. rie ter 23 into fourth. Af Lyons in the No.

4/4/2007 12:45:57 PM

AMA AGEY FUJII K I M U MASATOMONOB -TOE D E AN N A GR NCTORY PUT I KERED VI ROM CHEC EY WON F 300 AS TH OLE IN GT THE P

machines held position with no real change over the next 10 laps. It looked as if this is how the race would end. But in fact a dramatic upset was waiting.

On the “Dunlop Corner” of lap 45 flames shot out of the rear of the No. 18 machine forcing it to stop. The leading No. 8 also suffered engine trouble with just one lap remaining before the checkered. Although Ito was able finish, his machine had completely lost power by the spoon curve.

The No. 38 (Tachikawa/Takagi) passed the slowing Ito to take the win. Finishing 2nd was the No. 23 (Takashi Kogure/Richard Lyons). This podium finish was the result of a steady compiling of fast laps to climb from its seventh place start. Third went to the No. 32

(Loic Duval /Fabio Carbone), a team that couldn’t help wondering what would have happened if it hadn’t been for the spin-out a drive-trough pit penalty.

GT300 The race started with an unexpected spin by the third qualifier, the No. 43 (Morio Nitta) during the formation lap. After being forced to start from the back row, Nitta brought the machine into the pit for work on lap six.

Meanwhile, the No. 13 (Masami Kageyama/Tomonobu Fujii) started the race in perfect form. Although the No. 101 (Kazuya Oshima/Hiroaki Ishiura) was right on their tail in the early stages, veteran Kageyama managed to keep himself in the lead before giving the wheel

to Fujii for the second half of the race. The only time the No. 13 gave up the lead was during this pit stop and was soon back in front after all the teams cycled through. Once in the lead again, the No. 13 ran consistently and was never threatened.

The second-place finisher was the No. 2 (Kazuho Takahashi/Hiroki Katoh). After Katoh had climbed to third after starting fifth, Takahashi took over and passed the No. 101 on the out lap to move into second. The 3rd-place finisher was the No. 101 (Kazuya Oshima/ Hiroaki Ishiura). After having struggled with the heavy steering after the power steering failure, both drivers could be seen massaging their arms after their turns at the wheel.

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38TH ANNUAL ACDELCO GATORNATIONALS

RAPID EAST

COAST TRADITION

By Bruce Biegler | Drag Racing Editor

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BMW 335i

R Tony Schumacher’s Top Fuel win was the 36th of his career, surpassing Don Garlits on the all-time NHRA TF event winning list

ROBERT HIGHT QUALIFIED ON THE FC POLE AT 4.686 SECS AND THEN SET TOP SPEED OVERALL AT 331.91 MPH

PHIL BURKHART WAS A SURPRISE FINALIST IN FUNNY CAR DRIVING PAUL SMITH’S INDEPENDENT CHEVY MONTE CARLO

ampaging Pro Stock and Pro Modified fields grabbed the headlines during an extremely quick version of NHRA’s ACDelco Gatornationals, the Eastern seaboards’ traditional season opener.

Benefiting from absolutely unreal atmospheric and track conditions, three-time POWERade Pro Stock World Champion Greg Anderson put on an awesome winning display driving his Summit Racing Equipment sponsored Pontiac GTO. Anderson lowered the Pro Stock national record to a unheard of 6.536 secs while recording his second event win of the season.

Anderson beat the hard running Lucas-sponsored Dodge Stratus of Ohio’s Larry Morgan in the final round, winning easily at 6.577 secs at 211.06 mph.

On Saturday, Anderson made NHRA history by becoming the first driver to top the 210 mph mark. He did that in jaw dropping style; he skipped right by the previous all-time fast mark of 209.75 mph by a very margin at a spectacular 211.20 mph terminal speed.

It was however, Anderson’s teammate Jason Line who exited the event holding the official speed record, upping the all-time mark to a numbing 211.69 mph.

Almost to a man (and lady) Pro Stock racers at Gainesville Raceway ran career best times and speeds. The event’s 16-car bump spot was a super swift 6.634 secs. The class featured some surprise qualifiers and non-qualifiers. Newcomers Matt Scranton and Justin Humphreys both made the cut as did former NBA star Tom Hammonds in his first race back in the class. Scranton, a former Sports Compact circuit racer, went to the semi final round. The event’s Pro Stock DNQ list included Kurt Johnson (for the second year in a row) at his sponsors’ race as well as the normally hard running cars of Richie Stevens, Jim Yates and Ken Koretsky.

The Pro Stock Motorcycle opened at Gainesville in record smashing style, featuring an all-time quick bump spot of 7.033 secs.

Nevada’s Karen Stoffer, who qualified 16th, used some spectacular driving, including three holeshot starts, to win for the fourth time in her career. Riding her Geico-sponsored Suzuki, Stoffer topped the Buell of Matt Smith in the final as her superior .053 RT made her 7.075/186.79 a winner over Smith’s quicker and faster 7.069/187.31.

Class highlights includedg Angelle Sampey resetting the national ET record to a fantastic 6.911 secs aboard the US Army Suzuki. That initial success was short-lived however. In round one Stoffer strapped a superb .004 RT compared to Angelle’s .119 RT to win a 6.983 secs to 6.969 secs decision.

NHRA’s AMS Pro Mod Challenge series also got the ‘07 season started, featuring serious record breaking with the first ever “5s” in NHRA class history.

Josh Hernandez, who was credited with the first ever “five” in Pro Mod history at IHRA Rockingham in 2006, prevailed over the swift field. Hernandez, driving his Dr. Moon’s Rage Camaro defeated teammate Troy Critchley, driver of the “Jackhammer” Barracuda, in the final.

PERFORMANCE RACING NEWS

Gainsville 19.02.indd 3

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WORLD CHAMPION FRANK MANZO WOWED THE SPORT WITH THE FASTEST TAFC SPEED EVER (265.74 MPH) BUT FELL SHORT OF VICTORY LANE Hernandez notched the all-time quickest Pro Mod run at 5.912 secs en route to the victory and Critchley was credited with the all-time fastest Pro Mod runs (including a 245.81 mph!) while placing second. History will show the name Critchley as the first NHRA Pro Mod car into the 5-secs zone, when he earned the pole with a memorable 5.946 secs effort.

Canadian Raymond Commisso also joined the elite Pro Mod club recording his first “five” during round one of eliminations (5.986 secs) with his Al Billestuned, Steelback-sponsored machine (See: Canadian Drag Racing Update). Popular New York-based driver Mike Janis was the fourth driver officially into the fives riding his all new Eaton-sponsored Chevy Colbalt to a superb 5.964 secs.

Team owner “The Don” Schumacher enjoyed a terrific Gatornationals. After he was inducted into the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame on Thursday, his teams won both Nitro categories on Sunday.

Ron Capps, driving the Brut-sponsored Dodge Charger won huge in Funny Car for the second year in a row. Capps, using the tuning expertise of crew chief Ed “Ace” McCulloch, ran a final round 4.773/323.27 to end a serious Cinderella bid by Phil Burkart, who was driving the independent car owned by Paul Smith.

John Force team driver Robert Hight was the performance leader in FC, setting both ends of the Gainesville Raceway track record to 4.686 secs and 331.91 mph while taking the pole. In fact, Hight’s 331.91 mph was top speed overall — faster then a 331.53 mph recorded in Top Fuel by Tony Schumacher.

Top Fuel produced a significant win for defending World Champion Schumacher. His 36th career victory allowed him to pass Don Garlits on the all-time Top Fuel event winning list, he is now fourth. Schumacher’s talented US Army team won a terrific final round battle versus Larry Dixon’s SkyTel-sponsored dragster, 4.542/325.14 to 4.589/321.65.

Top Alcohol Funny Car featured a surprise winner with Connecticut’s Mickey Ferro winning his first ever national event. Driving his Chevy Camaro, Ferro ran career best times and slain some class giants while taking the title. In the final he used a holeshot start (.081 to .153) to defeat fellow Northeast division racer Paul Gill.

Ferro’s biggest win came in the semi-final when he simply outperformed defending World Champion Frank Manzo: 5.539 secs to 5.572 secs. Manzo had recorded the fastest speed ever in TAFC class history during qualifying at an amazing 265.74 mph driving the Lucas Oil Chevy Monte Carlo.

Kansas-state based Randy Meyer won over a spirited and injected nitro dominated TAD program. Meyer won that eliminator from the pole (5.170 secs). In the final he used a holeshot start (.081 to .119) to upset pre-race favourite and defending World Champion Bill Reichert. Meyer won a terrific dash as his 5.222/257.73 held off Reichert’s quicker and faster 5.205/274.50.

Sportsman titles went to Arnie Martel (Competition), Mike Fuqua (Super Stock), Peter Biondo (Stock) and Jim Morrison (Super Gas 9.90).

TEAM OWNER “THE DON” SCHUMACHER ENJOYED A TERRIFIC GATORNATIONALS. AFTER HE WAS INDUCTED INTO THE INTERNATIONAL DRAG RACING HALL OF FAME ON THURSDAY, HIS TEAMS WON BOTH NITRO CATEGORIES ON SUNDAY.

Karen Stoffer (far lane) used a quicker reaction time to win in Pro Stock Motorcycle over Matt Smith

PERFORMANCE RACING NEWS

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NHRA 19.02.indd 1

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ERIC MEDLEN STORY/PHOTOS Bruce Biegler

DRAG RACING FRATERNITY LOSES BUDDING STAR

1 9 7 3 - 2 0 0 7

E

ric Medlen, one of NHRA drag racing’s budding new star drivers, was injured in a devastating testing action at Gainesville Raceway on March 19 and succumbed to his injures on March 23.

The popular 33-year-old driver for John Force Racing never regained consciousness after the incident which saw his Ford Mustang Funny Car crash at high speed into the guardwall, one day after the conclusion of the 38th Ann ual ACDelco Gatornationals.

Despite a valiant and desperate four-day effort by the medical staff at Shands Hospital at the University of Florida, it was determined that Medlen could not survive and his family made the difficult decision to remove him from life support.

“Eric Medlen was the son I never had,” said team owner John Force. “He was the leader of my next generation of drivers. Robert Hight, my daughter Ashley and I were with the family throughout this very difficult time.

This loss is a huge blow not only to the Medlen family, but to drag racing and to John Force Racing.”

After working his way up as a key crewmember for John Force Racing beginning in 1997, it was 2004 when Medlen took over driving responsibilities in the Funny Car in which Tony Pedregon won the 2003 championship. After that he distinguished himself as one of the brightest young stars on the circuit, winning six times in his first three seasons and never finishing outside the Top 5 in points. He was the sport’s top Funny Car rookie in 2004, winning at Brainerd, MN. He won three races in 2005 and two in 2006 including the race contested closest to his hometown – the FRAM/ Autolite Nationals at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, CA. His most recent victory came last autumn when he won at the Virginia Motorsports Park near Richmond.

A graduate of Oakdale (CA) High School, where he was a high school rodeo champion in calf roping, Medlen trained under the watchful eye of two-time PRCA World Champion Jerold Camarillo and contemplated a career in pro rodeo before his father called in 1996 to offer him a mechanic’s job at John Force Racing, Inc. I learned about Eric’s incident shortly after returning back from NHRA Gainesville and like everyone else in the sport held my breath the entire week waiting for some better news, which unfortunately never came.

I do not have the capacity of writing any words that will make drag racing fans feel better or that will 76

take away the immense pain of losing this great racer in such a tragic and untimely manner. I am suffering equally along with everybody else within the extended drag racing family.

Eric Medlen was truly an impressive individual. His driving talents, which were high, were matched only by his terrific personality and positive approach to the sport – win or lose – something that all racers can and should pattern themselves after. It is unfortunate that, like with the loss of Blaine Johnson back in 1996, the sport of drag racing will never know the heights he too could have reached.

For John Force Racing the recovery task at hand is truly formidable. John Force wears his emotions on his sleeve and for this to have happened to the greatest ambassador the sport has ever had is also about as unfair as things can get. The team will pull together and try to get back to racing at the highest level as soon as they can. It goes without saying that Eric Medlen would have wanted it no other way. But rest assured the name Eric Medlen will still have an ongoing impact.

Nobody knows exactly how at this moment, but after the grieving has lessened and the sport returns to some normality, I truly believe a new path for drag racing will be charted. The harsh reality is that this incident has shaken the foundation of the sport because it involved one of NHRA’s premier rising stars and involved a member of drag racing’s highest profile team.

Like Garlits did for rear-engined Top Fuel cars in the 1970s, I believe John Force will steer a new course for Funny Car racing. Be it radically designed cars or technology, imposed impact barriers or even an evolution to a shorter race track — drag racing is at a crossroads and it’s face as we know it is about to change.

On behalf of everyone at Performance Racing News as well as all motorsports I express my heartfelt sorrow to the Medlen Family and John Force Racing.

Rest in Peace Eric…

PERFORMANCE RACING NEWS

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Fastco 9.02.indd 1

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JAPAN-BASED D1 GRAND PRIX IS GOING GLOBAL AS IT STARTS A FOUR-ROUND SERIES IN THE US THIS YEAR

DRIFTING HITS HIGH GEAR IN

by Michael Semira

2007 78

PERFORMANCE RACING NEWS

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4/3/2007 9:53:47 AM

Photo by EverythingDrift.com RS-R’s Honda a S2000 putting on smoke show

f you thought that drifting was a big hit in 2006, hold on to your seats because fans will be getting a serious dose of sideways action this year. North America will now play host to four major professional drifting series in 2007.

In the US, Formula Drift shares the national spotlight with two additional series — D1GP USA and NOPI Drift. The highly popular Formula D series lays claim to being America’s original professional drifting series, as the team adds a stop at the Summit Point Raceway in West Virginia to its sevenstop schedule.

The Japan-based D1 Grand Prix (D1GP) is on the cusp of globalizing its brand, as it is ready to kick-off its four-event D1GP USA series. Surprisingly, the sport’s most famous series was forced to cancel its first date in March, citing scheduling conflicts amongst Japanese teams that are building separate vehicles to compete in both the Japan and US D1GP circuits. However, all eyes will be on the East Coast in May, as some of Japan’s best sliders will battle the America’s finest to jump-start the series in Englishtown, NJ. The good guys at NOPI have thrown their hat into the drifting game, coming out hard with a nineevent series that takes the sport into brand new markets like Miami, FL, St. Louis, MO and Denver, CO. NOPI has long had drifting as an exhibition element to its drag racing and show events, and we’ll be interested to see the team add its fun-loving lifestyle twist to the country’s fastest growing form of motorsport.

On the Canadian side, Drift Mania will provide another action packed series of events. The Drift Mania Canadian Championship is entering its third year, and like its Formula D counterpart down South, has shown steady growth with each successive season. This year’s five-event DMCC campaign kicks off in Montreal, QC and promises big attendance, more prizes and intense door handleto-door handle action.

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L’AUTODROME

Pro Trucks will once again be St-Eustache’s main division for the NASCAR Division II championship

Photos by Eric Descarries

ST-EUSTACHE IS SOLD

Photos by Eric Descarries

WITH ERIC DESCARRIES

PRESENTEDBY

QUEBECREPORT

I

t was expected for quite some time. Rumours were flying for months, but now, it is done. Quebec’s most famous paved short track has been sold.

Once belonging to racing legend Claude Aubin, the 4/10 mile oval combined with a 1.1-mile road course was handed to two Deux-Montagnes area businessmen — Stephane and Daniel Descoste. Both men are also known in the racing community for driving in local classes. Daniel was still active in the NASCAR Cummins Pro Truck division last season.

THE SHOW MUST GO ON For a short time, there was some fear that the land would be used for development. But the Descoste brothers reassured racing fans in and around Montreal that they intend to keep racing at St-Eustache “for at least 10 years” Daniel Descoste told PRN. Obviously, they have dreams and plans for the upcoming season and they will continue the original program… or almost.

Thus, the main series at the NASCAR sanctioned track will remain the Cummins Pro Truck division. More than 30 drivers are expected to run the 2007 series, which saw track champion Jonathan Bouvrette come in second in NASCAR’s division II Dodge weekly Series championship in 2006! Bouvrette had 1,068 points compared to winner Joe Kosiski’s 1,112.

The big change this year is that the Pro Series is no longer part of the NASCAR championship. It is replaced by the newly formed Challenge Elite, the former American Challenge division. It will feature mostly compact American cars powered by four-cylinder engines. Obviously, the crowd-pleasing Legends will be back (there were always some 30 cars or more at every event) while track owner Daniel Descoste would like to revamp the Pro Series to include mostly older Camaros, Chevellles.

Malibus and other cars of the same calibre.

ACT IS BACK Among major events, Autodrome St-Eustache will be hosting at least three American Canadian Tour (ACT) races. Indeed, the traditional Late Model series that ran Quebec tracks last year has once again lost its organizations. So the majority of Quebec drivers opted to team with ACT (again) to build a more solid tour. Headed by American promoter Tom Curly, the tour will stop at least three times at St-Eustache, much to the delight of local fans.

80

Cummins will once again be the Pro Truck Series major sponsor

NO NASCAR CANADIAN TIRE RACE Ironically, the newly formed NASCAR Canadian Tire division has chosen not to stop at l’Autodrome St-Eustache this year. This will most likely be the first time in many years that the ex-CASCAR Super Series will be absent from the 4/10-mile paved oval. At least that is what track public relation manager and announcer Jean-François Descarries told PRN. “It’s kind of funny that the new NASCAR avoids St-Eustache — the only NASCAR Track in Quebec — and the track that always greeted CASCAR in the past just to go to Trois-Rivières and most probably Montréal, two road courses!” According to Daniel Descoste, the main reason was that ex-CASCAR, new-NASCAR drivers could not afford a 13th race on their calendar. St-Eustache was told next year… maybe…

The crowd-pleasing Legends division is still part of the show at St-Eustache

Québec-based LMS Series will now team up with the American-Canadian Tour (ACT)

PERFORMANCE RACING NEWS

Quebec Report 19.02.indd 2

4/4/2007 12:37:23 PM

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PERFORMANCE RACING NEWS

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4/4/07 4:27:22 PM

QUEBECREPORT Photos by Eric Descarries

WITH ERIC DESCARRIES

Yves Legris dominated the Challenge

D

uring the last weekend of February, the 9th annual Continental Ice Challenge was held in Sherbrooke, QC. Until this year, it had always been an international event that included drivers from Europe with incredible T3F racing machines worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. Local drivers tried to follow them but their budget would not allow them to be competitive. So they thought. At the same time, organizers were scrambling trying to find the money to keep the event alive. After last year, though the Challenge was a success, organizers decided to rethink the formula.

A NEW CHALLENGE Thus, they sat down with their major sponsors, including Continental Tires and came up with an idea — bring the event to the people in such a way that they can see local drivers on a one-mile ice circuit but for FREE! So everybody agreed to change the formula while Continental Tires in Canada took care of getting those very special German Ice Contact tires.

The company, headed by marketing manager Guy Hardiman, succeeded in getting the second generation Ice Contact 2 tires that were not used for any major series in Europe. At the same time, Quebec rally and ice racing drivers agreed to participate in the major event with slightly modified cars under the Open Class moniker. A few Ontario, US and even European drivers got on board and a new division was created.

The Continental Ice Challenge also included in the city’s winter carnival and that brought even more visibility. Access to the site was free but spectators had to pay to get a seat in the stands… which many did! All around were attractions, tents selling food and drinks and a playground for kids. But more had to be added for a better show and this is where the Québec-based Toyota Echo Cup drivers came into play. Obviously, the series had to switch tire brand (the Echo Cup is spon82

There was a lot of action in the Open Class

9TH ANNUAL CONTINENTAL ICE CHALLENGE IN SHERBROOKE sored by a major Italian tire brand) and run production Continental Viking winter tires but with regular studs.

And that was a great show by itself as more than 20 drivers showed up.

The motorcycle race was back again and to that organizers added an ATV division. All of that was for free, including Saturday qualifying, the afternoon AND evening races while finishing with the Sunday finale (which was broadcast on regular TV a few weeks after).

Motorbikes also gave an incredible show

SUCCESS Mother Nature cooperated with a very cold Saturday but a warmer and shinier Sunday. Who could ask for more? Actually, the whole weekend belonged to Yves Legris, a household name in Québec in rally and ice racing. He brought an older T3F car, a Citroën that looks like a Toyota (it is sponsored by a Toyota dealership) and is powered by a mid-ship V6 racing engine with fourwheel drive and four-wheel steering. But Yves agreed not to run for the purse (though he was paid for his efforts). He still dominated the weekend. Nonetheless, Laval’s Bruno Carré won the combination of races in a ‘stock’ Subaru.

In the Echo division, guess who won? Bruno Spengler! Still, the show was simply great. It was a riot to see these little cars in close (sometimes too close) contact, especially when the ice started melting and some drivers hit dirt and asphalt patches!

Echos gave a great show

In the Motorbike division, the checkered went to local champ Dominic Beaulac riding a KTM. Note that Champ Car driver Andrew Ranger was one of the top runners in that division (Beaulac went on to race at the Bike Week in Daytona where he got injured, fractured leg). Finally, in the ATV class, the winner was Jasmin Plante over Alexandre Boisvert by only 0.364 seconds! Think the crowd didn’t love it?

PERFORMANCE RACING NEWS

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PROUDLY SPONSORS CANADIAN DRAG RACING REPORT

RAYMOND COMMISSO

by Bruce Beigler

T

five-second

oronto-based driver Raymond Commisso and respected tuner/engine builder Al Billes (Barrie, ON) made Canadian drag racing history during March’s NHRA ACDelco Gatornationals at Gainesville, FL. The duo were credited with the first five-second runs in Pro Modified history for a Canadian team while racing the Steelback-sponsored ’67 Chevy Camaro to a semi-final round finish during the event’s AMS Staff Leasing Pro Modified Challenge.

After qualifying for the swift 16-car field in the sixth with a run of 6.033 secs, Commisso and Billes unloaded a spectacular 5.986 secs at 242.62 mph while winning in round one. The 242.62 terminal speed is also the fastest run by a Canadian in Pro Mod. Commisso was credited in round three with another “five” (5.991 secs), which came up just short of eventual event winner Josh Hernandez, who ran a record quick 5.932 secs in the other lane. That marked the first time in Pro Mod history for side-by-side five second runs. Prior to that (in round two) Commisso beat fellow “Torontonian” Tony Pontieri in a spectacular dash when his quicker RT combined with a run of 6.060 secs toppled Pontieri’s quicker 6.038 secs driving Rob Sporring’s ’57 Chevy.

Saskatchewan’s Kevin Therres will hit the drag racing exhibition circuit this season with a unique bio-fuelled Jet-powered Funny Car

“Being the first Canadian into the fives is something that nobody can take away from me,” said Commisso.

“I knew it was a fast run but didn’t know we had gone into the fives until my crew started yelling at me over the radio. In high gear this Al Billes supercharger program is really incredible. It’s just like hitting a nitrous bottle. It throws you back in the seat, picks up the front tires and just goes.”

The accomplishment is not the first major milestone for Commisso who owns the popular and trendy Dimmi Bar and Trattoria downtown Toronto. During the 1999 season while racing in the Pro Street category, Commisso was credited with the first six second and 200 mph runs by a Canadian in when he hit 6.96 secs at 202.40 mph at St. Thomas Dragway. The Gainesville race marked the first event for Commisso 84

SPRINTS and his new team, including partner Ralph Andreacchi (another former Pro Street racer).

The performance at Gainesville was also a rewarding one for Billes, who was chosen by DragRaceCanada on-line voters as the top Canadian Crew Chief/ Tuner for the 2006 season.

“The five second barrier is just a number but it has been both a milestone and target for our class of racing for some time,” Billes added. “It is very rewarding to be involved with some teams that are capable of doing it.”

Using his engine programs, Billes choreographed John Russo (from Connecticut) to a “five” during recent pre-season testing and helped Pontieri come as close to five seconds as you can – 6.007 secs –at Gainesville.

“Those quick times are really a function of the conditions,” he admitted. “Rarely is the air and the track as good as it was at both Valdosta and Gainesville. It gave us all a real opportunity to show our stuff.”

The recent performances have caused Commisso and Billes to rethink their priorities for the rest of the 2007 season. While they will remain active on the IHRA tour (certainly the IHRA Canadian events), there is also a shift in focus to the entire NHRA schedule.

“The NHRA tracks are generally superior,” added Commisso. “To properly utilize our engine program we need to run on tracks like that. We want to run things as hard and as fast as we can – not back things off.”

Morrison qualified in the middle of the pack but from there put together a string of solid reaction times to win a grueling seven-round affair. In the final, Morrison and his opponent Steve Cohen left together (.015 to .014 RT) but Morrison prevailed by about two feet at the top end with a winning 9.902 secs to Cohen’s 9.913 secs.

JET CAR ADDITION Saskatchewan’s popular and long running Prairieland Motorsports drag racing camp has some significant developments for 2007, including the addition of a wild new Jet-powered Funny Car. Driver/owner Kevin Therres, who has raced primarily in Top Alcohol Funny Car throughout most of his career, will hop in beside a J-60 Pratt & Whitney turbine and underneath the shell of a slick new 2007 Corvette body this season. During the off season he acquired a chassis and engine from veteran jet car racer Richard Smith. Therres will soon begin his licensing process.

“We’re excited about our new Jet car venture,” he reported. “Because we are from Saskatchewan a tie-in to the agricultural community here made sense — so for fuel we will run a bio-diesel made from Canadian grown Canola. Our jet will be the world’s first to do that.”

FIRST SEASON WIN Jim Morrison, from Elmsdale, NS is the first Canadian national event winner for 2007. Driving his familiar and highly reliable 509 CID 1970 Opel GT, Morrison prevailed to win over a huge Super Gas program at Gainesville.

ONTARIO DRAG RACERS RAYMOND COMMISSO AND AL BILLES NOTCHED SOME DRAG RACING HISTORY DURING MARCH WHEN THEY BECAME THE FIRST CANADIAN TEAM TO VENTURE INTO THE 5SECONDS ZONE IN PRO MODIFIED

PERFORMANCE RACING NEWS

CDRU 19.02.indd 2

4/4/2007 12:33:53 PM

Angel Wings 19.02.indd 1

2/12/07 10:52:18 AM

Photos Courtesy NASA Pro Racing

ENTHUSIASTIC PERFORMANCE

NASA GIVES BOTH THE ASPIRING AND COMPETITIVE DRIVER A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT TO HONE THEIR SKILLS

F

ormed in 1991, the National Auto Sport Association (NASA) carries a mandate to deliver high quality motorsports events to enthusiasts at major venues across the United States. NASA programs allow owners of both racecars and high-performance street-driven vehicles to enjoy the full performance capabilities of their Based in Richmond, CA, NASA has 13 regional chapters throughout the US to govern its racing activities. The head group of Executive Director Jerry Kunzman, National Chairman Ryan Flaherty and Chief Divisional Director John Lindsey have created a strong presence in each of their regions and the sanctioning body grows with each passing year.

NASA’s continued growth helped usher in a true National Championship in 2006 and plans are set to run the championships again this year on Sept.

14-16 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.

HPDE If you are interested in learning the basics of the High Performance Driving Experience, or simply want to drive your car on a track in a controlled and professionally staffed environment, then HPDE is the way to go. HPDE gives drivers a chance to test their skills and learn from NASA’s experienced instructors in a venue designed for safe driving far away from the risks present on the street. NASA’s The program features multiple skill levels to ensure drivers enjoy a safe and fun day at the track.

sports and the easy to understand NASA-X rules make the program even more attainable for nearly any enthusiast with the desire to compete.

Championship, which is a national championship series that includes some of the best roads and most famous stages in the country.

TIME TRIAL

COMPETITION RACING

The Time Trial (TT) program gives drivers a chance to compete against the clock to knock down the quickest lap time on many of the country’s best tracks. Classes are determined using a system that assigns a base class to a car and then moves the car into a different class based on modifications.

This format allows enthusiasts to enjoy a wide range of aftermarket upgrades while still being able to compete in a fair environment.

When it comes to wheel-to-wheel racing, the competition racing program has something for every race-minded individual. NASA has racing programs that accommodate all sorts of popular vehicles with rules that encourage aftermarket modification. If you do not posses a competition license, NASA has programs that will allow you to participate in a racing school to gain qualification.

NASA also accepts competition licenses from many different sanctioning bodies.

If you’re looking for an organization with a bright future, then you would be wise to visit www.nasaproracing.com and get more details on this fast rising organization.

RALLY SPORT Rally-X and Rally Sprint programs offer a taste of the adventure of true stage rallying. The Rally Sport program also features the United States Rally

WHEN IT COMES TO WHEEL-TO-WHEEL RACING, NASA’S COMPETITION RACING PROGRAM HAS SOMETHING FOR EVERY RACE-MINDED INDIVIDUAL

NASA-X NASA-X is a version of autocross with classes determined by base car classifications and then assigns points for upgrades similar to the TT program. Autocross is an excellent entry into motor-

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PERFORMANCE RACING NEWS

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4/4/2007 2:05:06 PM

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CARCARE MEGUIAR’S QUIK INTERIOR DETAILER The fastest way to clean and protect all interior surfaces, Meguiar’s Quik Interior detailer maintains the look and feel of interior plastic, vinyl, leather, rubber, metal and audio / video equipment. In just 5 minutes, you can detail the complete interior of your car.

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P21S CARNAUBA WAX Give your car the ultimate concours shine in minutes! A rich blend of pure Brazilian #1 yellow carnauba and beeswax delivers a dynamite shine that lasts and lasts. A paste wax that’s virtually as easy to use as a liquid, P21S wax goes on and comes off with incredible ease and no powder residue. How good is it? In an independent test of 47 waxes, conducted by Guru Reports, P21S ranked as the top paste wax!

FOR MORE VISIT WWW.P21S.COM

SONAX PAINT SCRATCH REMOVER Polishing set is made for manually removing localized scratches from paint-work top coats. Through multi-staged sanding and polishing processes, even deep scratches can be removed, provided that they have not penetrated into the base coat.

FOR MORE VISIT WWW.SONAX.COM

NO TOUCH SERIOUSLY WET EXTREME TIRE SHINE Go ahead and spoil your tires with the intense glossy wet shine of No Touch Seriously Wet Extreme Tire Shine. Seriously Wet contains 100% active shine ingredients that protect your tires and deliver a long-lasting, powerful shine. But just like on the street, power is nothing without control. That’s why Seriously Wet is equipped with a 3-Way adjustable spray valve that allows you to customize and control the spray pattern. That means more shine on your tires and less on your rims and bodywork. Just select a Low, Medium or High setting and spray on the love. Get Serious. Seriously Wet.

FOR MORE VISIT WWW.PERMATEX.COM

MR. CLEAN AUTODRY CAR WASH Forget about spending countless hours with a sponge, bucket, and towels.

With Mr. Clean AutoDry Carwash, you can wash your car and watch it dry to a spotless finish in just minutes. Mr. Clean AutoDry Carwash cuts dirt and grime for a spot-free clean and shine with no need to hand dry. Mr. Clean AutoDry Carwash is safe for all car finishes, does not strip wax, and helps protect your car’s clearcoat by cleaning dirt and water spots — leaving a shine on the surface. Simply hook up Mr. Clean AutoDry Carwash to any garden hose, choose the rinse setting on the nozzle, and begin washing

FOR MORE VISIT WWW.AUTODRY.COM

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4/5/2007 11:23:43 AM

EMCEA 18.04.indd 1

8/9/06 10:03:07 AM

CARCARE FX WHEEL CLEANER Brake dust is a thing of the past with this safe, powerful, fast acting wheel cleaner. Simply spray Mothers FX Wheel Cleaner on a cool, dry wheel, wait a minute, and hose off brake dust and road grime revealing your beautiful rims. Safe for all wheel types including clearcoated, painted, polished and chrome.

FOR MORE VISIT WWW.MOTHERS.COM

BLACK MAGIC ANTI-STATIC DUST GUARD PROTECTANT Black Magic Anti-Static Dust Guard Protectant is specially formulated with anti-static agents to minimize dust accumulation and keep your car’s interior surfaces cleaner, longer. The all-in-one formula cleans, protects, and conditions interior vinyl and plastic while repelling dust for a clean, highly polished look.

FOR MORE VISIT WWW.BLACKMAGICSHINE.COM

EAGLE ONE WAX AS-U-DRY Black Magic Anti-Static Dust Guard Protectant is specially formulated with anti-static agents to minimize dust accumulation and keep your car’s interior surfaces cleaner, longer. The all-in-one formula cleans, protects, and conditions interior vinyl and plastic while repelling dust for a clean, highly polished look.

FOR MORE VISIT WWW.EAGLEONE.COM

LEXOL LEATHER CONDITIONER & PRESERVATIVE This liquid conditioner and preservative is intended for use in the care and conservation of leather. Its purpose is to maintain the strength, beauty, utility and flexibility of leather - old and new - and to restore resiliency to old or neglected leather that has become hardened and stiff.

FOR MORE VISIT WWW.LEXOL.COM

SHINING MONKEY D-SPEC CARNAUBA WAX The D-Spec Carnauba Wax will completely change the way you look at the art of waxing. Acting as a premium sealer and conditioner, Shining Monkey D-Spec Carnauba Wax is formulated with the highest quality Brazilian carnauba. And aside from strengthening your clear coat and leaving the wet look on your ride, the D-Spec Carnauba Wax also features quick, easy, and residue-free formula to help enriching paint and eliminate micro scratches and unruly swirls. Best of all, Shining Monkey D-Spec Carnauba wax will not leave any chalky white residue when it dries.

FOR MORE VISIT WWW.SHININGMONKEY.COM OR WWW.SHININGMONKEY.CA

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4/5/2007 11:24:24 AM

S K R O W t a h t e n o Y L N O e h T PERFORMANCE CLUTCH

www.bullyclutch.com

NEW EXCLUSIVE PRESSURE PLATE DESIGN FOR CHEVY COBALT SS AUDI 1.8 T 6 SPEED VW 1.8 T 6 SPEED VR6 6 SPEED 1171 Newmarket Ottawa, Ontario K1B 3V1 For more details call 1.800.661.9700

RALLY

Bully 19.02.indd 1

DRAG

RACE

STREET

DRIFT

PULL

4/10/07 11:19:12 AM

JOE ROCKET SUPER STREET BOOT

The Men’s Super Street Motorcycle Boot is of leather construction and comes with injected moulded protection heel and ankle. Ankle is also padded. Has a plastic adjuster strap with a aluminum buckle. It has a reinforced gear shift area and a toe slider. Comes in sizes 7 to 13. For more visit www.joerocket.com.

FAST WHEELS DTM

Fast Wheels has long been a premier wheel manufacturer and the new DTM wheel gives drivers the comfort and style they have come to expect. Comes in sizes 19- x 8.5-inches or 19- x 9.5inches with 5 x 112 or 5x 114.3 bolt patterns. Finished a sharp platinum colour. For more visit www.fastwheels.ca.

FAST XFI TOUCH SCREEN DASH/DATA LOGGER

The new Touch Screen Dash/Data Logger not only provides an instant visual read-out of critical engine and vehicle functions, but also records the data from the XFI Electronic Control Unit (ECU) at the rate of one thousand samples per second. With the standard 2 MB memory module, you’ll have over an hour of data stored for later analysis. Optional memory modules up to 16 MB are also available. For more visit www.fuelairspark.com.

KIMPEX XMART DE LUMA

The new concept XMART de LUMA for motorcycle security from Kimpex has complete anti-theft security devices at excellent prices. LUMA is also supported by insurance companies worldwide. This unique new product is a design breakthrough providing added convenience to bikers on a daily basis. The launch range includes adaptors for Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, BMW, Ducati and Harley Davidson bikes. Left and right foot rests are available in individual packs or together, adaptors are sold separately in individual boxes. For more visit www.kimpex.com

AMP RESEARCH BED X-TENDER

There is no question, the Bed X-Tender from AMP Research is one of the most popular and useful accessories ever developed for pickup trucks. Originally designed to keep motorcycles and associated gear in the truck bed and off the highway, this unique product provides a host of benefits for anyone with a pickup. Turns a short bed into a long bed by adding 18” with the tailgate open. Made of lightweight, high-strength 1.5” diameter aluminum, in an aluminum and now black powder coat finish, this product is both rugged and durable. The unit is compatible with all popular tonneau covers, making for a convenient bed divider. For more visit www.amp-research.com.

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PRESENTS

VISIT THE “CONTEST SECTION” ON

WWW.PRNMAG.COM FOR A CHANCE TO WIN ONE OF THREE EXCLUSIVE WHEEL & TIRE PACKAGES FROM AND

Photography by Luke Munnell

FXL ONE BLACK

CONTACT US:

FXL ONE

FOR PRODUCT INFORMATION VISIT:

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double.indd 3

GRAND PRIX IMPORT INC. MOMO CANADA / MARANGONI CANADA 8275 17e Avenue, Montréal, Québec, Canada, H1Z 4J9 PERFORMANCE RACING NEWS 93 Tel. (514)328.2300 info@grandpriximport.com

4/5/07 1:35:52 PM

2007 ACURA RDX

T

he Crossover segment is blurring all the definitions by which we commonly measure a vehicle. Everyone knows what a sports car, sedan or pick-up is, but how do you define this new breed of car-based utility vehicles?

Perhaps the easiest way is in terms of whom a particular one appeals to. Like any vehicle, a crossover has a personality, and to enthusiasts, the most appealing include some sporting characteristics, a funto-drive feeling, the latest technology, and design that is trend-setting.

Such attributes might be used to describe the Acura RDX, and it could be said that one would expect nothing less from an Acura.

The RDX is toward the smaller end of the crossover spectrum, and Acura has used that characteristic to enhance its sporty nature. To its smaller size, it has added technology that makes for a crossover any car-lover can be happy with.

Under the hood is a first for Acura —, a turbocharger attached to a 2.3-litre four cylinder engine. Said turbo is of the variable-flow variety, which assures useful boost at all engine speeds and minimizes turbo lag. Horsepower is 240, with an even more important 260 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm, so the RDX has a lot of punch.

Having said that, fuel economy for a four-cylinder is not great, at best about 9.8L of premium fuel per 100 km on the highway.

When you think sporty four-cylinders, you might think manual transmission, but no, unlike its main competitor the BMW X3, the RDX has only an automatic. It’s a fivespeed with paddle shifters, so that is about as sporty as you can get without a clutch.

What makes the RDX a serious driver’s machine is its so-called Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system, which, unlike some of the “slip-and-grip” systems out there, actually apportions power to all the wheels, all the time. How it does it, though, is what makes it unique. In normal straight-ahead driving, 90 percent of the power goes to the front wheels, while in loose conditions or hard acceleration or aggressive cornering, up to 70 percent of the torque can be sent to the rear wheels. Not only that, but all of that rear-wheel torque can be sent to one rear wheel, which adds grip in hard cornering to the wheel doing all the work, the outside one. The net effect is more balanced handling and less understeer than one would expect in a vehicle of this sort.

To sell the RDX to its intended audience, those famous Young Urban Professionals, Acura loaded it up with not only sporty performance but all the tech toys that are so hot right now. In fact, our tester was the 94

crosses ACURA theLINE

BY GERRY FRECHETTE

Technology model, and it starts with an upgraded audio system that includes 410 watts, ELS Surround Sound, Dolby Pro Logic 5.1 DVD Audio, and 10 speakers including subwoofer. Whew, that is quite a system, and it sounds as good as you’d think.

Added in are a DVD navigation system that recognizes English or French voice commands, Bluetooth wireless connectivity for cell phones and other devices, and a rear-view camera for safety when reversing.

No rear-seat DVD entertainment, alas, so the driver and passenger get all the fun up front. All the above is sold together for $4,000 over the $41,000 base price of the RDX. That base RDX is not a basic car, as much equipment is included. Wheels are 18-inch alloys with 235/55R18 all-season tires. Comfort is handled by heated leather seats with the driver’s power adjustable, automatic climate control, a more-than-adequate audio system with auxiliary input jack, power windows, sunroof, mirrors and locks with keyless entry... all the toys. The expected safety equipment is standard too, including six air bags with side curtains, stability control and ABS, and high-intensity headlights.

The overall design of the RDX is, well, technical.

With the Technology Package, there is a lot to learn about how everything works and what it all can do for you. But once that is taken into account, you are left with the basics, such as, how easily everything can be operated. With that big screen up high on the

centre stack and its controls in the middle below it, the climate controls get pushed to either side. Plus, the RDX is much like several other Acura and Honda products, with a small display high up on the middle of the dashboard for basic functions like clock and a/c settings. But the controls that change those settings are down on the stack, with many buttons and a few knobs to operate, so things can get a little confusing.

Also, the audio head unit is low on the stack behind the shifter, which isn’t considered as useful or as easy to use as higher up at eye level. But in any case, with a bit of practice, all the technology can be accessed, and the buyer of the RDX will love this aspect of it.

The technical look continues outside, with the frontend in particular looking a bit “busy” and high in the nose. Three big air intakes are perhaps one too many, but the RDX has lots of presence on the road.

Driving the RDX combines several appealing aspects. It is quick-feeling, even if the zero-to-100 km/h time is in the eight-second range. The engine is very flexible and torquey, and the paddle shifters allow the driver to get involved. Of course, it handles very well for a tallish, 1,787kg vehicle, thanks to the SH-AWD putting the power where it can be most advantageously used. And it is comfortable, stylish, and chock full of the sort of techno-toys that its target market expects.

Canada’s AJAC journalists agreed, naming the RDX the 2007 Utility-of-the-Year.

PERFORMANCE RACING NEWS

CarReview3 19.02.indd 2

4/3/2007 11:23:35 AM

The

Art of Tuning

Upsolute Toronto Inc. tel: (416) 791-3179 e-mail: toronto@upsolute.com

www.upsolutetoronto.com Upsolute 9.03 V3.indd 1

4/9/07 10:40:00 AM

2007 MOTORSPORTS POINTS STANDINGS THE OFFICIAL AUTOMOTIVE RETAILER OF NASCAR IN CANADA. The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series marks are used under license by Destination Motorsports LP and Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited. NASCAR® is a registered trademark of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc.

FIA FORMULA ONE AFTER 1 OF 17 RACES

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Kimi Raikkonen ............................................ 10 Fernando Alonso ............................................ 8 Lewis Hamilton .............................................. 6 Nick Heidfeld.................................................. 5 Giancarlo Fisichella........................................ 4 Felipe Massa .................................................. 3 Nico Rosberg.................................................. 2 Ralf Schumacher ........................................... 1 ................................................................... N/A ................................................................... N/A

CHAMP CAR WORLD SERIES 2006 FINAL

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Sebastien Bourdais .................................... 387 Justin Wilson.............................................. 298 AJ Allmendinger ......................................... 285 Nelson Philippe .......................................... 231 Bruno Junqueira ........................................ 219 Will Power .................................................. 213 Paul Tracy................................................... 209 Alex Tagliani ............................................... 205 Mario Dominguez ....................................... 202 Andrew Ranger .......................................... 200

IRL INDY CAR SERIES AFTER 2 OF 17 RACES

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Scott Dixon................................................... 80 Dan Wheldon ................................................ 75 Helio Castroneves ........................................ 75 Tony Kanaan................................................. 65 Sam Hornish Jr............................................. 61 Dario Franchitti ............................................ 56 Tomas Scheckter ......................................... 52 Vitor Meira ................................................... 46 Marco Andretti ............................................. 44 Three drivers tied......................................... 40

CHAMP CAR ATLANTIC CHAMPIONSHIP 2006 FINAL

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Simon Pagenaud ........................................ 258 Graham Rahal ............................................ 242 Andreas Wirth ............................................ 227 Raphael Matos ........................................... 205 David Martinez ........................................... 179 Jonathan Bomarito .................................... 178 Danilo Dirani .............................................. 178 Alan Sciuto ................................................. 167 Leonardo Maia ........................................... 161 James Hinchcliffe ...................................... 160

IRL INDY PRO SERIES AFTER 3 OF 16 RACES

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Alex Lloyd................................................... 155 Hideki Mutoh.............................................. 107 Bobby Wilson ............................................... 91 Chris Festa ................................................... 83 Robbie Pecorari............................................ 80 CR Crews ..................................................... 70 Wade Cunningham ....................................... 68 Jaime Camara .............................................. 63 Stephen Simpson ......................................... 61 Andrew Prendeville ...................................... 60

STAR MAZDA CHAMPIONSHIP AFTER 1 OF 12 RACES

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Marco Di Leo ................................................ 44 Dan Di Leo.................................................... 40 James Davison............................................. 37 Dane Cameron ............................................. 35 Lorenzo Mandarino ...................................... 32 Cole Morgan................................................. 30 Ricardo Vassmer .......................................... 29 Charles Anti.................................................. 28 Nick Haye ..................................................... 27 Jonathan Goring........................................... 26

AMERICAN LE MANS SERIES AFTER 2 OF 12 RACES

1 2 3 4 1

LMP1 R. Capello/A. McNish ................................... 42 M. Werner/E. Pirro........................................ 42 J. Field/C. Field/R. Berry .............................. 32 Frank Biela ................................................... 26 Tom Kristensen ............................................ 22 LMP2 R. Dumas/T. Bernhard .................................. 35

96

2 A. Fernandez/L. Diaz .................................... 32 3 Bryan Herta .................................................. 30 4 D. Brabham/S. Johansson ............................ 29 S. Maassen/R. Briscoe ................................. 29 GT1 1 O. Gavin/O. Beretta ....................................... 46 2 Max Papis .................................................... 26 3 J. Magnussen/J. O’Connell........................... 22 Ron Fellows ................................................. 22 4 A. Garcia/L. Halliday/D. Turner ..................... 19 GT2 1 M. Salo/J. Melo ............................................ 46 2 J. Bergemeister/J. Van Overbeek ................. 38 3 W. Henzler/R. Lidell ...................................... 27 4 Johnny Mowlem........................................... 26 5 Marc Lieb ..................................................... 22

GRAND-AM SERIES AFTER 3 OF 15 EVENTS

1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

DP Scott Pruett .................................................. 93 M. Angelelli/J. Magnussen ........................... 92 P. Carpentier/M. Duno .................................. 80 C. Braun/M. Papis ........................................ 75 Mark Wilkins ................................................ 71 GT N. Ham/S. Tremblay ..................................... 96 C. de Quesada/JF Dumoulin......................... 79 P. Edwards/K. Collins ................................... 77 L. Keen/D. Werner ........................................ 75 G. Wilkins/D. Lacey ...................................... 70

NASCAR NEXTEL CUP SERIES

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

IHRA DRAG RACING SERIES AFTER 1 OF 12 EVENTS

AFTER 6 OF 36 EVENTS

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Jeff Gordon ................................................ 966 Jeff Burton ................................................. 938 Jimmie Johnson......................................... 906 Matt Kenseth.............................................. 836 Kyle Busch ................................................. 804 Denny Hamlin............................................. 776 Clint Bowyer............................................... 751 Tony Stewart .............................................. 726 Carl Edwards.............................................. 710 Kevin Harvick ............................................. 687

NASCAR BUSCH SERIES AFTER 6 OF 35 EVENTS

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Carl Edwards............................................ 1005 Kevin Harvick ............................................. 808 Kyle Busch ................................................. 757 Dave Blaney ............................................... 714 Matt Kenseth.............................................. 683 Juan Montoya ............................................ 650 Marcos Ambrose ........................................ 642 Greg Biffle .................................................. 635 Mike Wallace.............................................. 623 Bobby Hamilton Jr. ..................................... 600

NASCAR CANADIAN TIRE SERIES 2006 FINAL

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

JR Fitzpatrick ........................................... 1868 Don Thomson Jr. ...................................... 1823 Kerry Micks .............................................. 1813 Dave Whitlock .......................................... 1800 Mark Dilley ............................................... 1799 Scott Steckly ............................................ 1777 Ron Beauchamp Jr. .................................. 1750 DJ Kennington.......................................... 1734 Peter Gibbons........................................... 1717 Brad Graham ............................................ 1677

FIA WORLD RALLY AFTER 5 OF 17 EVENTS

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Sebastien Loeb ............................................ 38 Marcus Gronholm......................................... 37 Mikko Hirvonen ............................................ 30 Daniel Sordo ................................................ 19 Petter Solberg .............................................. 16 Henning Solberg .......................................... 11 Chris Atkinson .............................................. 10 Daniel Carlsson .............................................. 9 Jari-Matti Latvala........................................... 7 Stohl/Gardemeister ........................................ 5

NHRA DRAG RACING SERIES AFTER 4 OF 23 EVENTS

TOP FUEL 1 Rod Fuller................................................... 307 2 JR Todd ...................................................... 291

Tony Schumacher ...................................... 266 Whit Bazemore........................................... 260 Larry Dixon................................................. 239 David Grubnic............................................. 228 Melanie Troxel ............................................ 214 Brandon Bernstein ..................................... 213 Doug Kalitta ............................................... 170 Joe Hartley ................................................. 153 FUNNY CAR Ron Capps .................................................. 363 Tony Pedregon ........................................... 280 Robert Hight ............................................... 253 Gary Scelzi ................................................. 245 Jim Head .................................................... 229 Cruz Pedregon ........................................... 182 Jeff Arend .................................................. 171 Mike Ashley................................................ 171 Bob Gilbertson ........................................... 167 Eric Medlen ................................................ 159 PRO STOCK Greg Anderson ........................................... 368 Jason Line.................................................. 323 Dave Connolly ............................................ 252 Jeg Coughlin .............................................. 217 Mike Edwards ............................................ 213 Greg Stanfield ............................................ 210 Kurt Johnson.............................................. 187 Allen Johnson ............................................ 175 Erica Enders ............................................... 169 V. Gaines .................................................... 167

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

TOP FUEL Bruce Litton ............................................... 114 TJ Zizzo ........................................................ 95 Doug Foley ................................................... 81 Scotty Cannon .............................................. 78 Terry McMillen ............................................. 52 Jack King ..................................................... 51 Scott Weis .................................................... 50 Bobby Lagana Jr. ......................................... 34 Jim Cavalieri ................................................ 10 Scott Palmer ................................................ 10 PRO MODIFIED Ed Hoover................................................... 113 Danny Rowe ................................................. 88 Burton Auxier Jr. .......................................... 70 Quain Stott ................................................... 63 Kirk Kuhns.................................................... 52 Jim Halsey ................................................... 47 Pat Stoken.................................................... 46 Ray Commisso ............................................. 41 Scotty Cannon Jr. ......................................... 40 K. Lang/T. Pontieri ........................................ 34 ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR Terry Munroe.............................................. 121 Mark Thomas ............................................... 95 Tim Stevens ................................................. 74 Tony Bogolo.................................................. 69 Laurie Cannister........................................... 58 NITRO FUNNY CAR Dale Creasey Jr. ......................................... 111 Gary Densham ........................................... 101 Terry Haddock .............................................. 74 Jack Wyatt ................................................... 69 Del Worsham ................................................ 60 PRO STOCK Robert Patrick ............................................ 121 John Montecalvo.......................................... 93 Robert Mansfield.......................................... 74 Rickie Smith ................................................. 49 Frank Gugliotta ............................................ 48 Daniel Sweeney ........................................... 47 Jeff Dobbins ................................................. 44 Pete Berner .................................................. 42 Steve Spiess ................................................ 40 John Nobile .................................................. 32

FIM MOTOGP CHAMPIONSHIP

9 John Hopkins ............................................... 13 10 Alex Barros................................................... 12

AMA SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP AFTER 1 OF 11 EVENTS

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CANADIAN SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP 2006 FINAL

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Valentino Rossi ............................................ 45 Casey Stoner ................................................ 36 Dani Pedrosa................................................ 36 Colin Edwards .............................................. 26 Marco Melandri ............................................ 19 Nicky Hayden ............................................... 17 Chris Vermeulen........................................... 16 Toni Elias ...................................................... 15

Jordan szoke.............................................. 319 Kevin Lacombe .......................................... 308 Pascal Picotte ............................................ 246 Tom Kipp .................................................... 214 Francis Martin ............................................ 199 Andrew Nelson........................................... 170 Frank Trombino .......................................... 151 Clint McBain............................................... 139 Erick Beausejour ........................................ 136 Jean-Paul Tache......................................... 130

AMA SUPERSPORT SERIES AFTER 1 OF 11 EVENTS

1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Roger Lee Hayden ........................................ 37 Jamie Hacking ............................................. 33 Tommy Hayden ............................................ 29 Michael Barnes ............................................ 27 Josh Hayes................................................... 26 After 1 of 11 events Ben Spies ..................................................... 38 Ben Bostrom ................................................ 32 Geoff May..................................................... 29 Aaron Yates .................................................. 27 Danny Eslick ................................................ 26

AMA FORMULA XTREME SERIES AFTER 1 OF 11 EVENTS

1 2 3 4 5

Steve Rapp................................................... 37 Ben Attard .................................................... 32 Michael Barnes ............................................ 29 Chaz Davies ................................................. 27 Jason DiSalvo .............................................. 26

CANADIAN PRO 600 SPORT BIKE SERIES 2006 FINAL

1 2 3 4 5

Jordan Szoke ............................................. 309 Kevin Lacombe .......................................... 291 Tom Kipp .................................................... 239 Clint McBain............................................... 234 Pascal Picotte ............................................ 229

CMRC MOTOCROSS SERIES 2006 FINAL

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

MX1 Dusty Klatt ................................................. 452 Jean-Sebastien Roy ................................... 437 Blair Morgan .............................................. 320 Simon Homans........................................... 256 Marco Dube................................................ 222 Ryan Lockhart ............................................ 203 Keith Johnson ............................................ 175 Darcy Lange ............................................... 165 Chuck Mesley............................................. 163 Colton Facciotti .......................................... 148

1 2 3 4 5

MX2 WEST Jimmy Nelson ............................................ 216 Teddy Maeir ............................................... 166 Gray Davenport .......................................... 153 Michael Sleeter .......................................... 136 Jeff Northrop.............................................. 135

1 2 3 4 5

MX2 EAST Kyle Chisholm ............................................ 189 Michael Willard .......................................... 186 Matt Barnes ............................................... 150 Tyler Medaglia............................................ 119 Nick Evennou ............................................. 105

AFTER 2 OF 18 RACES

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Ben Spies ..................................................... 38 Miguel Duhamel ........................................... 32 Jake Zemke ................................................. 29 Akira Yanagawa ........................................... 27 Geoff May..................................................... 26 Jason DiSalvo .............................................. 25 Jake Holden ................................................. 24 Tommy Hayden ............................................ 23 James Ellison ............................................... 22 Mat Mladin ................................................... 21

STANDINGS AS OF APRIL 2, 2007

PERFORMANCE RACING NEWS

CDN Points 19.02_V3.indd 2

4/4/2007 1:55:03 PM

MARKETPLACE Fuel Systems

Standalone ECUs

Pistons

Fuel Cells

Gauges

Drivetrain

Lightweight Batteries

Big Brake Systems

Camshafts

Clutches & Flywheels

Gaskets

Blocks

Cooling & Cryogenic

Rods & Crankshafts

Brake Pads & Rotors

Engines

Urethane Upgrades

Clutches & Flywheels

Valvetrain

Fans & Coolers

Radiators

Turbochargers

Helmets

Fuel Systems

Pistons

Spark Plugs & Ignition

Limited Slip Differentials

Oils & Lubricants

Suspension

Gauges

Shocks & Struts

Wastegates & Blowoff Valves

Individual Throttle Bodies

Exhaust Hard Parts

Lightweight Forged Racing Wheels

Brake Systems

VISIT

WWW.JRPONLINE.COM

2344 SOUTH SHERIDAN WAY MISSISSAUGA, ON, CANADA (905) 822-7223

PERFORMANCE RACING NEWS

Marketplace-JRP 19.02 V2.indd 1

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4/9/07 6:30:34 PM

adINDEX: ANGEL WINGS TRADING INC........................ 85 www.angel-wings.ca

BEYOND DIGITAL IMAGING .......................... 51 www.bdimaging.com

BELL RACING ................................................. 27 www.bellracing.com

BULLY CLUTCH .............................................. 91 www.bullyclutch.com

CANADA WIDE DISTRIBUTOR ...............................83 www.canada-wide-parts.com

CASTROL ............................................................3 www.castrol.com

CHAG AUTO RT............................................... 81 www.chagautosport.com

CHEVRON / TEXACO ..................................................31 www.chevron.com

CIRCUIT MONT - TREMBLANT...............................37 www.lecircuit.com

CRC CANADA ..................................................................15 www.crc-canada.ca

DMS NORTH AMERICA..............................................67 www.dmsnorthamerica.com

EMCEA TRANSPORT....................................................89 www.emcea.ca

FAST CO. ...............................................................................77 www.fastco.ca

GATORZ GLASSES ........................................................41 www.gatorz.com

G-FORCE RACING GEAR ..........................................63 www.gforce.com

GRAND PRIX IMPORTS .............................................59 www.grandpriximport.com

GRAND PRIX ASSOCIATION OF TORONTO ..35 www.grandprixtoronto.com

JONES BROWN MOTOR SPORTS ........................81 www.jonesbrown.com

JRP (MARKETPLACE) ..................................................97 www.jrponline.com

onthe

2-WHEEL NEWS

FLIPSIDE

JIFFY TITE .............................................................................74 www.jiffy-tite.com

JRP (SPARCO) ...................................................................29 www.jrponline.com

LINCOLN ELECTRIC ......................................................49 www.lincolnelectric.com

LUCAS OIL...........................................................................23 www.lucasoil.com

MECHANIX WEAR............................................................ 4 www.mechanix.com MOPAC AUTO SUPPLY..............................................53 www.mopacautosupply.com

MOPAR..................................................................................... 2 www.mopar.com

MOSPORT ............................................................................... 6 www.mosport.com

NGK CANADA ...................................................................25 www.ngksparkplugs.ca

NHRA ......................................................................................75 www.nhra.com

PERFORMANCE RACING INDUSTRY ...............71 www.performanceracing.com

RED LINE SYNTHETIC OIL ............................. 43 www.redlineoil.com

ROCKET RALLY RACING...........................................69 www.rocketrally.com

SAFETY FX .........................................................................87 www.safetyfxonline.com

SCCA .......................................................................................61 www.scca.com SHIFT ......................................................................................13 www.shiftracing.ca

SH KARTING .......................................................................93 www.shkarting.com

SHELL.....................................................................................11 www.shell.ca

TISSOT.....................................................................................47 www.swatchgroup.com

TOYO TIRE ...........................................................................17 www.toyocanada.com

UPSOLUTE ..........................................................................95 www.upsolute.com

VALVOLIONE.....................................................................18 www.valvoline.ca

YOKOHAMA......................................................................... 9 www.yokohama.ca

On the Flip Side_v3.indd 2

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