A recent story in the Peterborough Examiner states that the Kawartha Speedway in Fraserville, Ontario will not host any weekly racing on Friday nights in 2013. The lone date on the schedule will be the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series season finale on Saturday, September 21st.

The full story can be read at: http://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/2012/12/16/harness-racing-season-ends-2013-in-doubt

12-Race Slate Includes Companion Weekend With NASCAR Camping World Truck Series

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Dec. 8, 2012) – NASCAR announced today the 2013 schedule Canada’s premier racing series, the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Mobil 1.

The schedule features 12 dates at 11 different tracks across five provinces. The slate includes tracks and events familiar to the series, but with a little different look for this edition.

“The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series features the top drivers in the country competing on Canada’s finest stock-car racing circuits,” said George Silbermann, NASCAR vice president, regional and touring series. “With a challenging mixture of ovals and road courses, and a new high-profile companion event at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, the 2013 calendar will continue to bring excitement to race fans from coast to coast.”

The series will kick off the season on Victoria Day weekend (May 19) on the 2.459-mile, 10-turn road course at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park near Bowmanville, Ont.

It will make a return visit to the track’s road course on Labour Day weekend (Sept. 1) when the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series makes its Canadian debut at the historic venue, which has undergone extensive renovations that last two years under new ownership.

For the first time since the 2010 season, the Canadian Tire Series returns to the .4-mile oval at Autodrome St. Eustache (Que.) on July 27.

The annual trek to the Nova Scotia’s Riverside International Speedway moves from mid-September to Aug. 17 and it follows the Aug. 11 date for the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivieres (Que.) – the always popular road-course event.

The annual swing through Western Canada includes stops at Motoplex Speedway in Vernon, B.C., and Auto Clearing Motor Speedway in Saskatoon, Sask., on July 13 and July 17, respectively.

The series will visit the challenging 2.113-mile airport road course of Mirabel, Quebec’s Circuit ICAR on July 7.

Exciting short-track races at Delaware (Ont.) Speedway on June 15, the Speedway at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park on June 22 and a Sept. 7 date at Barrie (Ont.) Speedway highlight the schedule, as well.

The season will draw to a close and a new champion will be crowned at Kawartha Speedway, the .375-mile oval near Peterborough, Ont., on Sept. 21.

2013 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Schedule

Schedule Subject to Change

By Jim Clarke, Kawartha Speedway PR/Clarke Motorsports Communications

Whether it’s a matter of reaching your comfort level, finding a set-up that’s perfect for the track conditions, being in the right place at the right time – or a combination of all 3 – there’s no feeling that compares with the experience a racecar driver enjoys once they finally land on something that works on a consistent basis.  Taking the step from being a mid-pack runner to a top 10 competitor is an accomplishment every driver dreams of and being rewarded for that achievement can define a career.

Ryan Kimball is no stranger to Kawartha Speedway’s annual awards presentation.  The second generation speedster fromNorwoodwon the track’s Thunder Car championship in 2002 and captured the NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Model division’s most improved driver award in 2010.  With the success he enjoyed in 2012 – including a runner-up point finish, his long-overdue first main event win and a trip to the American-Canadian Tour Invitational at New Hampshire Motor Speedway – Kimball was the obvious choice to have his name engraved on the trophy for the second time in 3 years.

The name ‘Crowe’ has been part of Kawartha Speedway’s driver line-up in one form or another since the track’s opening season.  Although he’d managed some respectable efforts – primarily at the controls of a Thunder Car – Howie Crowe, of the Alderville First Nation had been denied his time in the spotlight.  Acquiring the car campaigned by 2011 track champion Ken Donaldson Jr. pushed the roofing contractor’s career another rung up the ladder.  A series of strong efforts – including his first career feature win – not only propelled the driver of the #28 machine to a runner-up point finish, he was also named the most improved driver in the track’s Thunder Car division.

With a resume that includes multiple seasons in a Street Stock, Late Model and Canadian Modified at Brighton Speedway, the world of short track motorsports is nothing new to Peterborough’s Rob Flindall.  Making the transition from dirt to asphalt racing may have initially thrown the Trenton native a bit of a curve, but the driver of the #57 machine in Kawartha’s Hasiuk Trailer and Container Rental Mini Stock division – a class project for his transportation technology students at Peterborough’s Adam Scott Collegiate and Vocational Institute – managed some solid runs on the way to a 4^th place point finish and was named the most improved driver in the Fraserville oval’s entry level field.

Fans can track the latest speedway news on-line anytime by visiting www.kawarthaspeedway.com.

Photo attachment:  Heather Wiebe – Heather Wiebe Photography

NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Model, Thunder Car and Hasiuk Trailer and Container Rental Mini Stock drivers Ryan Kimball, Howie Crowe and Rob Flindall earned the 2012 Kawartha Speedway most improved driver awards.

Prepared by:  Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications

clarkemotorsports@hotmail.com

613.968.6410  /  613.922.0654

By Jim Clarke, Kawartha Speedway PR/Clarke Motorsports Communications - After concluding another successful season of action, Kawartha Speedway’s drivers, race teams, supporters and sponsors gathered Friday, October 12^th to receive the awards for their efforts during the year.  Among those honoured with individual or team recognition was the #54 Hasiuk Trailer and Container Rental Mini Stock program, driven by Orono, Ontario’s Danny Benedict.  The teenaged wheel twister – who graduated to stock cars after a successful tenure with the Kawartha-Durham Kart Club – scored his first career main event Friday, September 28^th during the final show of the year.

Team Benedict endured some frustrating mechanical failures on the way to their first ‘A’ main checkered flag, but hard work and determination by the father and son operation, with a group of friends and crew members helped pave the way to victory lane, a 7^th place point finish and the 2012 Dedicated Pit Crew Award.

“We changed the engine 5 times during the second half of the season,” said Doug Benedict.  “After the 3^rd swap, we discovered the problem was deeper than just the powerplants we’d been getting from the local auto wreckers and showed the problem components to OSCAAR Super Late Model driver John Owen.  A little brainstorming with John helped us determine what was going wrong and he coached us on the installation of pistons and rings.”

Doug Benedict also gave credit to Wallace Auto Supply – Carquest in Bowmanville for their help with parts, along with Max and Mike Beyore who pitched-in with welding expertise, in addition to the long time support they’ve offered Danny Benedict over the years.

“Danny and I accepted the award at the banquet, but there were so many people who played a role in keeping things together and kept us from getting discouraged,” continued Benedict.  “Carl Thompson helps us at the track every week.  Norm Mayhew’s assistance was never more than a text message away.  We also received support and encouragement from fans and other race teams.  Derek Lynch gave us the practice time we needed – sometimes as little as just 2 laps – during the week and his words of wisdom and assistance helped us more than he knows.”

Doug and Danny Benedict are the public faces of a family race team that also includes the behind the scene contributions of wife and mother Chris, who keeps things running smoothly on the home front while the boys are out there playing.

Fans and race teams can look to www.kawarthaspeedway.com to keep up to date with the latest off season news.

Photo attachments:

#1:  Danny and Doug Benedict accepted the Dedicated Pit Crew Award at the 2012 Kawartha Speedway banquet.  Heather Wiebe – Heather Wiebe Photography

#2:  Danny Benedict scored his first career Hasiuk Trailer and Container Rental Mini Stock feature win on the final night of the 2012 season.  Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications

Prepared by:  Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications

clarkemotorsports@hotmail.com

613.968.6410  /  613.922.0654

By Jim Clarke, Kawartha Speedway PR/Clarke Motorsports Communications - Whether you’re just starting out in the world of motorsports or moving into a new division, the goal of any driver is to gain as much experience as possible and earn the respect of your fellow drivers.  The 2012 rookie crop at Kawartha Speedway was comprised of 2 runners with understanding in other classes and another – who at the age of 14 – isn’t old enough to hold a licence that would allow him to drive on the street.

Bowmanville’s Jamie Horner comes from a family of racers.  After some solid efforts behind the wheel of a Thunder Car, she advanced to the Fraserville oval’s former Limited Late Model division and earned the rookie of the year honours in 2008.  Although she has yet to earn a main event win, the 2011 graduate of the Anthropology program at the University of Waterloo ran well enough to finish 9^th in the final point standings for Kawartha Speedway’s headline NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Model division and claimed the rookie of the year award at the track’s annual award’s celebration.

His racing career started in what is now known as the Hasiuk Trailer and Container Rental Mini Stock class and following some solid seasons in the track’s entry level division,Peterborough’s Brad Lavalle started the 2012 campaign at the controls of a Thunder Car. The move to the bigger, heavier machines wasn’t without its bumps in the road and Lavalle’s #6Monte Carloride was actually sidelined for a few weeks late in the season after a multi car incident.  That didn’t stop the second generation speedster from recording a top 10 point finish and taking the Thunder Car division’s top freshman honours.

There is a strong bond that exists between a father and son and occasionally, that bond extends to the racetrack.  After watching his father Craig compete in Kawartha Speedway’s Limited Late Model and NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Model divisions before developing his own talents in a go-kart, Brandt Graham entered the track’s Hasiuk Trailer and Container Rental Mini Stock field to kick-off the 2012 season.  At just 14 years of age, the youngster from Orono has only ever driven while wearing a helmet, firesuit and driving gloves.  Some solid runs during his first season saw him earn the rookie of the year award in the 4 cylinder pack.  Not content to rest on his laurels, Graham has set a long-term goal of running head-to-head in the same field as his father.

Fans can look to www.kawarthaspeedway.com for the latest off-season news.

Photo attachment:  Heather Wiebe Photography

Brad Lavalle, Jamie Horner and Brandt Graham collected their respective Thunder Car, Late Model and Mini Stock rookie of the year honours at Kawartha Speedway’s 2012 banquet.

Prepared by:  Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications

clarkemotorsports@hotmail.com

613.968.6410  /  613.922.0654

By Jim Clarke, Kawartha Speedway PR/Clarke Motorsports Communications - The year’s final event was just over 2 weeks ago and Friday, October 12^th, Kawartha Speedway’s drivers and race teams – along with their families, friends, sponsors and track officials – gathered to commemorate the recently completed season.

Trophies and point fund payouts were presented to the top 10 participants in the 3 regular divisions, with Cavan’s Dan McHattie claiming his 8^th NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Model crown, while Bailieboro’s Matt Spence andOshawa’s Daryl Fice earned their first career titles in the Thunder Car and Hasiuk Trailer and Container Rental Mini Stock classes.

Bowmanville’s Jamie Horner – who captured the same honour in the former Limited Late Model division – took the Late Model rookie of the year prize, withPeterborough’s Brad Lavalle and Orono teen Brandt Graham named the top freshman runners in the Thunder Car and Mini Stock fields.  The year’s most improved drivers wereNorwood’s Ryan Kimball – one of 3 track regulars to represent the speedway’s Late Model pack at the American-Canadian Tour Invitational – along with Thunder Car pilot Howie Crowe of the Alderville First Nation andPeterboroughhigh school teacher and Mini Stock driver Rob Flindall.

For the second consecutive season, Beeton’s Dwight Brown was named the most sportsmanlike driver in the NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Models.  Warsaw’s Jamie Wagar and Cavan’s Dan Demers earned the same recognition in voting by fellow competitors for their efforts in the Thunder Car and Mini Stock divisions.  The year’s annual dedicated pit crew award was presented to the #54 Hasiuk Trailer and Container Rental Mini Stock team, represented by driver Danny Benedict and his father Doug.  The youngster from Orono captured his first career feature event win on the final night of the season.

Having just completed his final season as track Promoter/General Manager, Derek Lynch took to the podium for some closing remarks, before presenting the night’s final award – the President’s Trophy – to the Edgerton Family.  Mark and Deborah Edgerton co-ordinate the track’s Emergency Response Team, while their son Michael recently concluded his first year as the track’s official starter.

Fans can keep up to date with Kawartha Speedway’s off-season news by visiting www.kawarthaspeedway.com.

Photo attachment:  Heather Wiebe Photography

2012 track champion Dan McHattie and the top runners in the NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Model field collected their hardware Friday, October 12^th at Kawartha Speedway’s annual awards banquet.

Prepared by:  Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications

clarkemotorsports@hotmail.com

613.968.6410  /  613.922.0654

By Jim Clarke, Kawartha Speedway PR/Clarke Motorsports Communications - It may have taken a few weeks longer than originally anticipated, but for Daryl Fice, Matt Spence and Dan McHattie, it was well worth the wait.  The trio clinched their respective Kawartha Speedway track championships – just by taking the first green flag of the night – in the Hasiuk Trailer and Container Rental Mini Stock, Thunder Car and NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Model divisions.  For Fice and Spence, it was their first title, while McHattie – who finished 9^th in the annual American-Canadian Tour Invitational Saturday, September 22^nd at New Hampshire Motor Speedway – will sit at the champion’s table for the 8^th time in his career at the Fraserville, Ontario 3/8^th miler.

With the 2012 titlists decided, it was time to focus on determining the balance of the finishing order in the 3 regular classes.  The NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Models kicked things off with a pair of heats won by Ryan Kimball and Bryan Mercer.  Matt Spence and Kyle Donaldson shared the first round of Thunder Car action, with the Hasiuk Trailer and Container Rental Mini Stock qualifiers split between Brad Martin and Daryl Fice, who earned the front row starting spots for the night’s 50 lap main event.  Taking a turn at the controls of Bryan Watts’ #61 machine, Derek Lynch picked-up the Late Model semi feature, with Ken Donaldson Jr. and Danny Benedict earning checkered flags in the Thunder Car and Mini Stock semis.  Alex Lees took the Mini Stock consolation round.

A 20 lapper for the Thunder Cars started the year’s final round of feature race action.  John Bryan and Ken Donaldson Jr. paced the field to the line and from the drop of the green flag; Donaldson was in control of the show.  The 2011 track champion – who has made selected Kawartha starts this year – led every circuit in the caution free event.  Spence was assured of his 2012 title by finishing 2^nd, with his championship rival Howie Crowe 3^rd.  Kyle Donaldson and Donny Beatty completed the top 5.

The Hasiuk Trailer and Container Rental Mini Stock 50 lap invitational feature was next on the agenda.  Championship contenders Brad Martin and Daryl Fice brought the 17 starters to the stripe, but right off the bat the night took a dramatic turn for Fice.  His #44 Cavalier was off the pace, while Martin moved out to a commanding lead.  While the point leader lost positions, his adversary caught the tail end of the pack and began putting the back-markers a lap down.  Just before the halfway mark, Martin saw Fice as his next victim and put the title hopeful down a lap.

While it looked like Daryl Fice’s mechanical issues would hand the crown to Martin, the #53 Neon started to make unhealthy noises as the driver backed out of the throttle at the end of the straightaways.  Within a couple of laps, the race leader slowed to a stop on the infield escape road.  With his championship dreams dashed, a dejected Martin sat in his car – still with his helmet on – while the rest of pack completed the main event.

Fice clinched the 2012 crown while Martin watched from the sidelines, but the story had yet another plot line developing on the racetrack.  Danny Benedict was steering his #54 Honda toward the front of the field.  The talented teen – who developed his racing skills in the Kawartha-Durham Kart Club – worked around defending rookie of the year Ryan Oosterholt and held off a late race attack from Alex Lees to pick-up his first career main event win in the caution-free feature.  Rob Flindall and Tyler Junkin – making his first start of the season – finished 4^th and 5^th.

The last feature event for Kawartha Speedway’s regular divisions was a 25 lap shootout for the NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Models and after watching the Thunder Car and Mini Stock ‘A’ mains run without a single yellow flag, the Fraserville oval’s headline class had some pretty big shoes to fill.

Opening night winner Dave Morgan and Brad Stevenson – subbing for Jamie Horner in the #14 Chevy – brought the starting field to the flag.  The dream of running all 3 features from green to checker nearly came true.  Contact between Mike Wallace and Ryan Kimball with 23 laps complete sent both drivers to the back of the pack.  On the ensuing restart, Stevenson spun in the second turn and with nowhere to go, Owen Smith made hard contact with the Horner Chassis ride.  Both cars were towed from the scene, with the drivers checked by rescue personnel before being released.

After a race-long battle with Derek Lynch, Dan McHattie claimed another main event win and secured his 8^th Kawartha Late Model championship.  Bryan Mercer, Morgan and Tim Cole completed the top 5.

Kawartha klips:  Former Kawartha Late Model star Brandon Watson won the 75 lap OSCAAR Super Late Model Don Biederman Memorial event.  Gary McLean entered the history books as the track’s first OSCAAR Modified feature winner…Canadian Tire Motorsport Park Pure Stock runners Corey Hayward, Jeff VanDebelt and Henk Mulders ran with the Mini Stock pack, as did Oshawa’s Ryan Babin, Ryan Rentnell from Dunsford and Stayner’s Ryan Toon.  Former Kawartha regular Dwight Lavoie was also back in action with the Mini Stock starters…The track’s annual award’s banquet will be held Friday, October 12^th.  Drivers and race teams can find the details at www.kawarthaspeedway.com.

Photo attachment:  Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications

Bailieboro’s Matt Spence and his car owners celebrate their 2012 Thunder Car track championship – Friday, September 28^th – at Kawartha Speedway.

Prepared by:  Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications

clarkemotorsports@hotmail.com

613.968.6410  /  613.922.0654

Photo gallery by Joel Wiebe / Adrian Media Services

Caps Off NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Championship With 7th Win At Kawartha

FRASERVILLE, Ont. (Sept. 22, 2012) – D.J. Kennington won it all. Kennington capped his 2012 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Mobil 1 championship with a victory Saturday in the final race of the season, the Pinty’s 250 presented by Dodge, at Kawartha Speedway.

It is the second championship in three years for the 35-year-old St. Thomas, Ont., driver. And it was his record seventh win in 12 races on the season.

Kennington took the lead from pole sitter J.R. Fitzpatrick on Lap 231 and led the rest of the way. He held off runner-up Andrew Ranger and third-place Fitzpatrick over a green-white-checkered finish that pushed the race to 255 laps.

Fitzpatrick led a race-high 216 laps, losing the lead only on a cycle of pit stops and when Kennington overtook him for the race-winning pass.

Pete Shepherd III and Martin Roy rounded out the top five. Roy entered the weekend having already clinched the Rookie of the Year honors.

Scott Steckly finished sixth, followed by Mark Dilley, Jeff Lapcevich, Donald Chisholm and L.P. Dumoulin.

Kennington took the points lead early in the season on the strength of five-straight wins and finished it off with back-to-back victories. He ended 27 points ahead of Fitzpatrick and 35 over Ranger. Steckly and Ron Beauchamp Jr. were fourth and fifth, respectively.

With the championship, Kennington earned a locked-in spot to the UNOH Battle At The Beach next February on the .4-mile oval at Daytona International Speedway. The champions of NASCAR’s three international series — Canadian Tire Series, Mexico’s Toyota Series, and Euro Racecar Series — have a locked-in spot to one of the three races (K&N Pro Series, Whelen Modified Tour or Whelen All-American Series) they elect to enter.

Kennington will be honored for his title run along with NASCAR’s other touring series champions on Saturday, Dec. 8 at the NASCAR Touring Series Awards at the Grand Ballroom of the Charlotte (N.C.) Convention Center at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Contact:
Shon Sbarra
Integrated Marketing Communications
(704) 309-5493
ssbarra@nascar.com

UNOFFICIAL
NASCAR CANDADIAN TIRE SERIES presented by MOBIL 1-Pinty’s 250 presented by Dodge Results
Saturday
At Kawartha Speedway
Fraserville, Ontario
Lap length: 0.375 miles
(Start position in parentheses)
1. (4) D.J. Kennington, St. Thomas, Ont., Dodge, 255 laps, 51.480 mph.
2. (3) Andrew Ranger, Roxton Pond, Que., Dodge, 255.
3. (1) J.R. Fitzpatrick, Cambridge, Ont., Chevrolet, 255.
4. (5) Pete Shepherd, III, Brampton, Ont., Dodge, 255.
5. (12) Martin Roy, Napierville, Que, Dodge, 255.
6. (2) Scott Steckly, Milverton, Ont., Dodge, 255.
7. (7) Mark Dilley, Barrie, Ont., Ford, 255.
8. (10) Jeff Lapcevich, Grimsby, Ont., Dodge, 255.
9. (6) Donald Chisholm, Antigonish, N.S., Ford, 255.
10. (15) L.P. Dumoulin, Trois-Rivieres, Que., Dodge, 255.
11. (8) Ron Beauchamp, Jr., Windsor, Ont., Dodge, 255.
12. (14) Jason Hathaway, Dutton, Ont., Dodge, 255.
13. (9) Larry Jackson, Oakville, Ont., Dodge, 255.
14. (18) Jason White, Sun Peaks, B.C., Dodge, 255.
15. (27) Dave Connelly, Arnprior, Ont., Dodge, 254.
16. (19) Isabelle Tremblay, St. Hippolyte, Que., Dodge, 253.
17. (13) Howie Scannell Jr., Milton, Ont., Dodge, 251.
18. (22) Ray Courtemanche Jr., Montreal, Que., Dodge, 249.
19. (25) Hugo Vannini, Repentigny, Que., Ford, 243.
20. (20) Elie Arseneau, Laval, Que., Dodge, 232.
21. (16) Max Papis, Como, Italy, Dodge, 219.
22. (17) Derek White, Kahnawake, Que., Chevrolet, 203, fuel pump.
23. (11) Steve Mathews, New Liskeard, Ont., Ford, 195, suspension.
24. (24) Noel Dowler, Sherwood Park, Alta., Dodge, 186, accident.
25. (28) Jarrad Whissell, Calgary, Alta., Chevrolet, 88, accident.
26. (23) Mike Scholz, Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., Chevrolet, 80, rear end.
27. (21) Dexter Stacey, Kahnawake, Que., Dodge, 45, oil leak.
28. (26) Joey McColm, Ajax, Ont., Dodge, 7, engine.
Race Statistics
Time of Race: 1 hour 51 minutes 27 seconds
Margin of Victory: .440 seconds
Fastest Qualifier: J.Fitzpatrick (75.263 mph, 17.937 seconds)
Caution Flags: 8 for 65 laps.
Lead Changes: 3 among 3 drivers.
Lap Leaders: J. Fitzpatrick 1-118; J. Hathaway 119-132; J. Fitzpatrick 133-230; D. Kennington 231-255.
Standings: 1. D. Kennington, 517; 2. J. Fitzpatrick, 490; 3. A. Ranger, 482; 4. S. Steckly, 471; 5. R. Beauchamp,Jr., 422; 6. L. Dumoulin, 396; 7. J. Hathaway, 390; 8. M. Roy, 383; 9. J. White, 375; 10. N. Dowler, 355.

By Jim Clarke, Kawartha Speedway PR/Clarke Motorsports Communications

After having the first 2 attempts at waving the checkered flag on the 2012 campaign postponed by inclement weather, Kawartha Speedway officials are ready to try again Friday, September 28^th.  With positions still to be decided in the Hasiuk Trailer and Container Rental Mini Stock, Thunder Car and NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Model point standings, Promoter/General Manager Derek Lynch and his team at the 3/8^th mileFraserville,Ontario oval are anxious to see things get settled on the racetrack.

“With some spots just 1 or 2 points apart, things can still change in all 3 of our regular divisions and it wouldn’t be fair to the race teams or fans to call it a year without running the final event,” said Lynch.  “There are a number of drivers on the verge of breaking through for their first career feature win and a strong night during the last show of the year is a great way to head into the off season.  Nothing looks better than having a feature win on your resume when you’re searching for sponsorship to take into the next campaign.”

Currently 11^th in the Thunder Car standings, Brad Lavalle – a graduate of the Hasiuk Trailer and Container Rental Mini Stock division – is 40 points out of 8^th spot.  Overtaking that position may be a long shot, but the Peterborough, Ontario racer is 14 markers away from cracking the top 10 and 16 from moving into 9^th.  A mid-season crash sidelined his own#6 Running Rite Mobile Marine/Gavin Bay Park Resort/Park Street Auto/Nurse Auto Parts/Mr. Transmission – Peterborough/Connelly’s Minute Muffler/Hamilton Radiator/Trannys by Dave Lavalle machine, but help from good friend Ross Evans has kept him chasing his dreams.

“My car was the meat in a multi-car sandwich in the second turn and it’ll need a new front clip before it gets back on the track,” said Lavalle.  “That’s a little more work than we can manage in the garage beside the house, so I parked my car for the year.  Luckily, Ross still had the car he’d used a few years ago sitting at his place and I happily accepted when he offered the chance to use it for the rest of the season.”

After spending a few days putting some of the parts from his car onto Evans’ machine, Lavalle made it back to the track without missing any action.  He needs to look for the #30 instead of his familiar number when checking the line-up boards, but at least he’s still in the fight and that’s what counts the most.

“We’re all friends and quick to help each other out,” said Lavalle.  “No one wants to see another driver knocked out of action because of a wreck.  At this point of the year, a win would be nice but I really have my sights set on earning the Thunder Car rookie of the year award.  I’m the only first year driver near the top 10 in the point’s chase, so I think I’ve got a pretty good shot.”

Kawartha klips:  The final night of the season offers fans a full program of action with a 50 lap feature for the Hasiuk Trailer and Container Rental Mini Stocks, along with regular distance main events for the Thunder Cars and NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Models.  Also on the bill will be the annual running of the 75 lap Don Biederman Memorial for the OSCAAR Super Late Models and the first Kawartha appearance for the new OSCAAR Open Wheel Modifieds.  Gates will open at 3:00, with racing starting at 6:00.  See the full schedule of events at www.kawarthaspeedway.com.

Photo attachment:  Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications

Peterborough’s Brad Lavalle (#6) is looking to break into the top 10 of Thunder Car points during the final night of the 2012 season – Friday, September 28^th – at Kawartha Speedway.

Prepared by:  Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications

clarkemotorsports@hotmail.com

613.968.6410  /  613.922.0654

Analyzing The Pinty’s 250 At Kawartha Speedway 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Sept. 18, 2012) – The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Mobil 1 travels to Kawartha Speedway near Peterborough, Ont., on Saturday, Sept. 22 for the Pinty’s 250 presented by Dodge to close out the 2012 season. Below is a statistical look at the recent performance of the series and selected drivers at Kawartha, as well as some other statistical trends:

Kawartha Race Setup

• This is the 75th race for the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series.
• D.J. Kennington, a two-time Kawartha winner, has to finish 19th or better to clinch his second series title.
• Kennington along with Ron Beauchamp Jr. and Scott Steckly have four top-10 finishes in five starts at the .375-mile speedway.
• Fifteen different drivers have led laps at Kawartha led by Kennington with 252.
• Pete Shepherd III has top-10 finishes in all three of his Kawartha starts including a win in 2010.

NASCAR Canadian Tire Series At Kawartha Speedway

• This is the series’ sixth visit to the track that is a .375-mile progressive-banked track in Fraserville, Ont.
• The Pinty’s 250 presented by Dodge will premiere on TSN at 4:30 p.m. ET on Sat. Oct. 6 and on RDS2 at 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 24.
• Each of the five previous winners at Kawartha has driven a Dodge.
• For three of the five previous winners –Scott Steckly, Jason Hathaway and Pete Shepherd III – the Kawartha victory was the first of their series career.
• Both the 2008 and 2009 events at Kawartha Speedway were cut short due to rain.
• There has been an average of 8.8 caution periods for an average of 66.4 laps in the five prior races at Kawartha, with the earliest coming on Lap 2 in 2009 and the latest at Lap 247 in 2007.
• The lead has changed hands an average of 9.8 times in Kawartha races with a high of 14 in the 2009 event.
• The average starting position of the winner is 7.8, while the polesitter has an average finish of 6.4.

Kawartha Data

Race: #12 of 12 (9/22/12)

Track Layout: .375-mile paved oval

Race Length: 250 laps (93.75 miles)

Records

1-Lap Qualifying: Mark Dilley, Dodge, 17.704 seconds, 76.254 mph, Sept. 23, 2007

250-Lap Race: Pete Shepherd III, Dodge, 1 hr., 49 min., 7 sec., 51.550 mph, Sept. 25, 2010

Race Winners

D.J. Kennington…………………………… 2

Jason Hathaway…………………………… 1

Pete Shepherd III………………………….. 1

Scott Steckly………………………………. 1

Pole Winners

Ron Beauchamp Jr. ……………………… 1

Mark Dilley………………………………….. 1

D.J. Kennington…………………………… 1

Steve Mathews…………………………….. 1

Don Thomson Jr. …………………………. 1

Manufacturer Wins

Dodge……………………………………….. 5

Laps Led

D.J. Kennington………………………… 252

Don Thomson Jr. ……………………… 199

Pete Shepherd III……………………….. 151

Selected Driver Information:

Ron Beauchamp Jr. (No. 60 Mopar/Exide/Mobil 1 Dodge)

• Finished 17th a year ago at Kawartha.
• Scored third-place Kawartha finishes in 2007 and 2008.
• Has led 65 laps at the Ontario oval in five starts.
• Has recorded top 10s in eight of his last 10 starts overall.
• One of just four drivers to start all 74 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series races.

Donald Chisholm (No. 89 Keltic Ford/Nova Construction Ford)

• Recorded a 22nd-place finish a year ago at Kawartha.
• Logged a 10th-place Kawartha finish in his 2008 track debut.

Mark Dilley (No. 02 PartSource/BDI/Leland Ford)

• Posted a fifth-place finish in last year’s Pinty’s 250.
• Scored a series career-best finish of fourth at Kawartha in 2010.
• Is the owner of three career Canadian Tire Series victories.
• Sharing time with Kerry Micks this season behind the wheel of the No. 02 Ford.

Noel Dowler (No. 5 EMCO-Kohler/Rheem Dodge)

• Finished 25th last year at Kawartha in his rookie season.
• Posted a career-best finish of third on Sept. 9 at Barrie.
• Logged three straight top-10 finishes from June 16 to July 14.
• Finished third in last year’s Rookie of the Year standings.

Louis-Philippe Dumoulin (No. 47 WeatherTech Canada/Bellemare Dodge)

• Posted a 16th-place Kawartha finish last year in his track debut.
• Earned his first career Canadian Tire Series pole position on Aug. 4 at Trois-Rivieres, Que.
• Opened the season with back-to-back top-five road-course finishes.
• Was the 2011 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Rookie of the Year.
• Made his NASCAR Nationwide Series debut on Aug. 20, 2012 at Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

J.R. Fitzpatrick (No. 84 Equipment Express Chevrolet)

• Scored a third-place finish a year ago at Kawartha.
• Has led 87 laps in series action at the Kawartha event.
• Seven of his eight career series wins have come on road courses – CTMP (3), Edmonton (2) and Montreal (2).
• Has made a pair of NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starts this season.

Jason Hathaway (No. 3 Snap-on Tools/Vortex Brake Pads/Rockstar Energy Drink Dodge)

• Finished 21st in last season’s Kawartha race – his worst finish in five starts.
• Won the rain-shortened 2008 race at Kawartha.
• Has three top-10 finishes in five starts on the .375-mile Ontario track.
• One of only four drivers to start all 74 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series races.

D.J. Kennington (No. 17 Castrol Edge/Mahindra Tractors Dodge)

• Won at Kawartha a season ago to go with his 2009 victory.
• Has Kawartha finishes of second in 2009 and third in 2010.
• Has four top-five finishes in five outings at Kawartha.
• Has led a series-best 252 laps at the .375-mile speedway.
• Had a series record five-race winning streak snapped on Aug. 5 at Trois-Rivieres, Que. The streak equaled the modern era NASCAR touring series record shared with Ricky Craven (NASCAR K&N Pro Series East-1991), Herschel McGriff (NASCAR K&N Pro Series West-1972), Richie Evans (NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour-1985) and Mike Stefanik (NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour-1997) among currently NASCAR-sanctioned series.
• Sits atop the championship standings with a 23-point lead and needs to finish 19th or better to claim his second series title.
• Has 12 top-five finishes in last 13 series starts.
• Won 2010 series championship.
• One of four drivers to start all 74 NCATS races.

Jeff Lapcevich (No. 23 Tim Hortons Dodge)

• Placed ninth last season at Kawartha.
• Scored a series career-best finish of eighth in 2010 at the Ontario oval.

Steve Mathews (No. 15 Bill Mathews Motors Ford)

• Finished seventh a season ago at Kawartha.
• Won first career pole position in last year’s event at the Ontario track.
• Registered a fourth-place finish in his last start at Barrie (Ont.) Speedway to equal his series-career best.
• Has led 44 laps in three Kawartha starts.

Andrew Ranger (No. 27 Dodge/GC Motorsports Dodge)

• Registered a ninth-place finish in 2009 at Kawartha – his last start at the track.
• Logged a sixth-place finish in the 2007 Kawartha event.
• Has led 63 laps at the .375-mile speedway.
• Has finished inside the top 10 in 31 of his last 34 series starts dating back to the 2008 season.
• Tied with Don Thomson Jr. at 11 atop the all-time list for pole wins.
• Won the series championship in 2007 and 2009.

Pete Shepherd III (No. 7 National Exhaust Dodge)

• Finished 10th a year ago at Kawartha.
• Won the 2010 event at the Ontario track.
• Has led 151 laps in three series starts at Kawartha.
• Has won races in each of the last three seasons (2010-12).

Scott Steckly (No. 22 Canadian Tire Dodge)

• Was runner-up to Kennington in last year’s Kawartha event.
• Won the series’ inaugural visit to the track in 2007.
• Has four top-10 finishes in five Kawartha starts..
• Has led 103 laps at Kawartha.
• Has 11 top-10 finishes in his last 13 series starts dating back to last season.
• Won 2008 and 2011 series championships.
• One of just four drivers to start all 74 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series races.

Jason White (No. 21 Bowers & Wilkins at Future Shop Dodge)

• Scored an eighth-place finish in last year’s Kawartha event.
• Finished eighth in his 2007 track debut.
• Recorded his first series top-five finish on July 14 at Motoplex Speedway in Vernon, B.C.
• Was 2008 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Rookie of the Year.

By Jim Clarke, Kawartha Speedway PR/Clarke Motorsports Communications

Since the checkered flag flew Friday, August 24th race teams, fans and officials at Kawartha Speedway have been waiting for the 2012 season finale. The first attempt to wrap-up the current campaign was scheduled for Friday, September 7th but predicted heavy rains and thunderstorms delayed the show to Friday, September 14th. Everyone was checking the forecast and hoping for the best, but there must be something about Fridays in September, because for the second straight week, the last show of the year was delayed. Promoter/General Manager Derek Lynch says its unfortunate, but they’ll keep trying to take care of the unfinished business.

“There are tight point battles throughout our 3 regular divisions and we owe it to the drivers and the fans to settle things on the racetrack,” said Lynch. “We keep a close eye on the weather for every race because it has always been our policy to give the crowd a complete show. I’m a race fan too and the last thing I want to do is start a program we can’t run through to the conclusion.”

Kawartha’s final night of the season is a full night of racing with a 50 lap feature for the Hasiuk Trailer and Container Rental Mini Stocks, along with regular action Thunder Cars and the NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Models. The show will also include the much anticipated 75 lap Don Biederman Memorial for the OSCAAR Super Late Models and the first Fraserville appearance for the OSCAAR Modifieds. Before making the decision to postpone their latest attempt at finishing the schedule, Lynch says his team of officials needed to see what some of the other tracks in the area were up to.

“We looked at the 21st of September, but that’s the first night of a big weekend at Brighton,” said Lynch. “Another factor that ruled out that date was the ACT Invitational in New Hampshire. Dan McHattie, Ryan Kimball and Bryan Mercer will be attending that race September 22nd. They’ll be representing our track and we couldn’t have them miss the final night of points. After working the phones and various web-sites for a couple of hours, we made the decision to go with Friday, September 28th and hope for the best.”

Kawartha klips: The Friday, September 28th show – with the exception of the Ontario Legends Series – will follow the same format Kawartha Speedway officials had scheduled for September 7th. Gates open at 3:00, with racing starting at 6:00. Kawartha will host the annual NASCAR Canadian Tire Series season finale Saturday, September 22nd. A schedule and details for the running of this year’s race – The Pinty’s 250, presented by Dodge – can be found at www.kawarthaspeedway.com.

Photo attachment: Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications
Since his win in the first Thunder Car feature of the year, Matt Spence has held the top spot in points. The Bailieboro, Ontario racer is looking forward to closing out Kawartha Speedway’s 2012 season Friday, September 28th.

Prepared by: Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications
clarkemotorsports@hotmail.com
613.968.6410 / 613.922.0654

Mother Nature is not a race fan.  For the second time in 2 weeks, Kawartha Speedway’s 2012 season finale has been postponed due to inclement weather forecast for the area.  Speedway promoter/general manager Derek Lynch says he understands the frustrations being experienced by race teams and fans.

“It’s upsetting for everyone, but there isn’t too much that can be done,” said Lynch.  “Our goal is to give everyone a full show.  To get things started and then have to call it due to rain wouldn’t be fair to anyone.  We’re committed to finishing out the year and rewarding our track champions.”

Looking at the upcoming schedule, Lynch and the Kawartha Speedway team have decided that the best available date would be Friday, September 28th.  The full race program from Friday, September 7th – with the exception of the Ontario Legends – will be moved to the new date.  Pit gates will open at 3:00, with racing at 6:00.

From Jim Clarke, Kawartha Speedway Media/PR

By Jim Clarke, Kawartha Speedway PR/Clarke Motorsports Communications

Championship hardware for Kawartha Speedway’s 3 regular classes was at the trophy shop, waiting for the year’s final checkered flags so the 2012 division winners could have their names engraved on the Hasiuk Trailer and Container Rental Mini Stock, Thunder Car and NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Model awards.  The season was scheduled to wrap-up Friday, September 7^th, but Mother Nature’s predicted heavy rains and thunderstorms stepped-in to postpone the celebration.

“We set-up the calendar about 6 months in advance and cross our fingers,” said General Manager/Promoter Derek Lynch.  “This is the 3^rd year we’ve run the 10 race schedule and this is the first season that more than 1 show has been rained-out.  It’s the chance you take when you plan things and unfortunately, we lost a couple of the shows earlier in the year.  With tight point battles in each of the divisions and some other unfinished business, we decided it was in everyone’s best interest to postpone the finale for another week.”

Heading into the last event of the year – now scheduled for Friday, September 14^th – Dan McHattie occupies the top spot in the NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Model standings.  The Cavan, Ontario veteran is chasing his 8^th track championship at the Fraserville oval.  On the strength of his opening night win, Matt Spence is in line for his first Thunder Car title.  Wheeling a machine owned by David Landles, the Bailieboro driver has enjoyed a pair of main event wins in his breakthrough season.  Oshawa’s Daryl Fice – who started his racing career as a fresh-faced 15 year old – is leading the Hasiuk Trailer and Container Rental Mini Stock chase.  Already planning to move to Kawartha’s Thunder Car field for 2013, Fice would love to claim the crown in the track’s entry level division before moving on.

NAPAAuto Parts ACT Late Model Top 10:

1) Dan McHattie, 680.  2) Ryan Kimball, 654.  3) Bryan Mercer, 631.  4) Dwight Brown, 573.  5) Dave Morgan, 568.  6) Mike Wallace, 527.  7) Larry Jackson, 511.  8) Linc Brown, 506.  9) J.P. Josiasse, 487.  10) Jamie Horner, 487.

Thunder Car Top 10

1) Matt Spence, 672.  2) Howie Crowe, 651.  3) Steve Mayhew, 584.  4) Donny Beatty, 583.  5) Dan Price, 575.  6) Jamie Wagar, 520.  7)  Kyle Donaldson, 498.  8) Willie Reyns, 396.  9)ChadStrawn, 372.  10) Ross Evans, 370.

Hasiuk Trailer and Container Rental Mini Stock Top 10:

1) Daryl Fice, 712.  2) Brad Martin, 658. 3) Ryan Oosterholt, 656.  4) Rob Flindall, 622.  5) Michael Batchelor, 600.  6) Alex Lees, 590.  7) Danny Benedict, 549.  8) Brandt Graham, 519.  9) Dan Demers, 487. 10) Kyle McCabe, 452.

Kawartha klips:  The final regular event of the 2012 season – Friday, September 14^th – will be a full night of action at the Fraserville 3/8^th miler.  In addition to a 50 lap feature for the Hasiuk Trailer and Container Rental Mini Stocks, racing also includes Thunder Cars and the NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Models.  The annual 75 lap Don Biederman Memorial for the OSCAAR Super Late Models, the first Kawartha appearance by the OSCAAR Modifieds and the 4^th run for the Ontario Legends Series will also be on the show.  Gates will open at 3:00; with racing starting at 6:00…The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series will crown this year’s champion at the Pinty’s 250 – presented by Dodge – season finale Saturday, September 22^nd.  For full schedule details, see www.kawarthaspeedway.com.

Photo attachment:  Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications

Cavan, Ontarioveteran Dan McHattie is in the running for his 8^th NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Model track championship at Kawartha Speedway.  Point battles in all 3 of the track’s regular divisions will be decided at the season finale Friday, September 14^th.

Prepared by:  Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications

clarkemotorsports@hotmail.com

613.968.6410  /  613.922.0654

By Jim Clarke / Kawartha Speedway – With heavy rains and thunderstorms in the forecast, Kawartha Speedway officials have decided to postpone the final night of the 2012 season to Friday, August 14th.

The show will follow the same format as had been planned for Friday, September 7th.  Pit gates will open at 3:00, with practice sessions starting at 3:30 and racing at 6:00.  On track action will include a 50 lap main event for the Hasiuk Trailer and Container Rental Mini Stocks, Thunder Cars and NAPA Auto Parts ACT Late Models.  Daryl Fice, Matt Spence and Dan McHattie are the current point leaders in each class respectively.  Also on the bill will be the year’s 4th appearance by the Ontario Legends, the 75 lap Don Biederman Memorial event for the OSCAAR Super Late Models and the Kawartha Speedway debut for the OSCAAR Modified tour.

For complete information, see www.kawarthaspeedway.com.

By Clayton Johns (@cjohnsmedia)

*For Immediate Release*

Peterborough, ON – Mother nature has wiped away OSCAAR Super Late Model and Modified racing at Kawartha Speedway for Friday, September 7. A forecast of heavy rains in the Peterborough area surrounding the track of forced promoter Derek Lynch to cancel this evening’s competition. The 75-Lap Don Biederman, which was scheduled to headline the show, has been rescheduled along with the remainder of the scheduled events for next Friday, September 14. The race will run an identical schedule to that planned for this evening, with racing set to begin at 6:00pm and the pit gate opening for competitors at 3:00pm.

Today’s forecast of rain marks the third time in 2012 that OSCAAR Racing has been washed out at Kawartha Speedway. The first was on June 1^st, 2012 when both OSCAAR divisions were scheduled to be in attendance. The second came on the originally scheduled August 10 date for the Don Biederman Memorial.

The rainout puts the OSCAAR Modified tour in a particularly difficult position. The Modifieds are scheduled to race on Saturday, September 15 at Varney Speedway Motorplex for the 50-lap Rick Woolner Memorial, the post prestigious event in the province for open-wheel modifieds. The rescheduled race at Kawartha would force the drivers to race on back to back nights at different facilities. Thus, fans should be aware that there is a possibility the OSCAAR Modified portion of the event will be removed from the program on September 14.

All modified drivers are encouraged to contact OSCAAR President Dave Gainforth as soon as possible in order to determine whether both races will be run.