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Rolex 24 Standings Through 21.5 Hours (1pm EST)
posted by Phil Allaway
Sunday January 29, 2012
DP: GT:
Rolex 24 Standings Through 18.5 Hours
posted by Phil Allaway
Sunday January 29, 2012
DP: GT:
Rolex 24 Standings Through 11 Hours
posted by Phil Allaway
Sunday January 29, 2012
DP: GT:
Standings after 5 Hours 50 minutes
posted by Phil Allaway
Saturday January 28, 2012
DP: GT:
Standings After Regulation Sprint Race Distance (2 hours, 45 minutes)
posted by Phil Allaway
Saturday January 28, 2012
DP: GT:
Grand-Am to Add B-Spec Events Later in 2012
posted by Phil Allaway
Saturday January 28, 2012
On Saturday, Grand-Am Road Racing officially announced the creation of a new series that will act as the teritary division for the organization. The series will simply be referred to as “B-Spec.” The new B-Spec class is designed to be a very inexpensive way for brand new organizations to get involved with racing, and for existing organizations to cultivate new talent at a minimal cost. No professional drivers from any series will be allowed to participate in any B-Spec races. The B-Spec series will race four cylinder subcompact automobiles. Five manufacturers have already signed on to provide vehicles for the series. Those are Mazda with their 2, Honda with their Fit, Ford with their Fiesta, Mini with their Cooper and Kia with their brand-new Rio. As for how expensive these cars will be, Mazda would have prospective teams purchase a new Mazda 2. These start at roughly $15,000. From there, there would be a $2600 package that teams would have to buy from Mazdaspeed Motorsports. Finally, there would the all-important safety equipment (roll cage, racing seat, safety harness, fire extinguisher, etc.). The total cost per new car would be somewhere between $20,000-$30,000. Grand-Am brass are quite confident that the series will be a great fit in the organization. “This new form of Grand-Am racing will attract new racers and in the process, new fans,” said Mark Raffauf, Grand-Am’s Managing Director of Racing Operations. “The cars are cool and the competition will be door-to-door, which should be a lot of fun for everyone – a nice fit with what Grand-Am already has happening at every event.” The B-Spec class will race at six tracks later this season starting with Homestead at the end of April. Subsequent rounds would be held at New Jersey Motorsports Park, Mid-Ohio, Watkins Glen (during the Six Hour weekend), Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and Lime Rock Park. Events will be 30-45 minutes in length with no pit stops. The new series has been likened to the Renault Cup, a spec-series of Renault Le Car’s (and later Renault Alliances) back in the 1980’s. However, it more closely resembles IMSA’s International Sedan Series, which featured Acura Integras, Plymouth Horizons, Volkswagen Golfs, and the 1980’s version of the Dodge Charger, amongst others.
Ryan Dalziel Wins Overall Pole for Rolex 24, Brumos Racing on GT Pole
posted by Phil Allaway
Friday January 27, 2012
One of the sport’s legendary racetrack owners, spearheading the last independently-owned Sprint Cup facility has died. Dr. Joe Mattioli, 86, passed away Thursday afternoon at the Lehigh Valley Hospital Center after a lengthy illness. A dentist by trade, the patriarch of one of the most influential NASCAR families staked the biggest portion of his reputation on racing, constructing the 2.5-mile Pocono Raceway in Northeast Pennsylvania and convincing the most popular series in the country to stage races there. Constructed in the early 1960’s, the “Tricky Triangle” as it’s become known has hosted a total of 68 Cup Series events, beginning in 1974. Pocono Raceway is also home to a successful driving experience, a mainstay for the ARCA Series (two races per year) and has recently hosted one Camping World Truck Series event per season. Open-wheel cars also once graced the asphalt at a facility that has grown to hold over 100,000 fans. But Mattioli’s legacy reaches far beyond the racetrack. His land in Northeast PA is now home to a 25-acre solar energy system, made up of 40,000 American-made photovoltaic modules that will produce more than 72 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy over the next 20 years. Opened in 2010, it makes the raceway the largest solar-powered sports facility in the country, spearheading NASCAR’s push towards protecting the environment and renewable energy. A Navy medic during World War II, Mattioli went to Temple University in Philadelphia, PA through the G.I. Bill and established a successful dental practice in the area. Investing in real estate during the ensuing decades allowed him to accumulate wealth and establish the funding necessary to build the racetrack, which now has expanded to include nearby lodging year-round among other projects, past, present and future which have helped boost the economy in the Pocono Mountain Region. “‘Doc’ was a true leader in every sense of the word,” said the Mattioli family in a statement. “As a visionary, he brought an unknown sport into an alien place, where he along with his unstoppable will and undeniable tenacity built one of the biggest monuments of sports. His passion for his projects was only overshadowed by his deep love for his family, which he gave to all of us hand over fist.” For years, other corporations have looked to buy the speedway and the surrounding land but Mattioli would never sell. That leaves Pocono one of just three tracks on the NASCAR schedule not owned by NASCAR-linked International Speedway Corporation or Bruton Smith’s Speedway Motorsports, Inc. (Indianapolis and Dover are the other two). Mattioli also steadfastly clung to the track’s 500-mile distances, a tradition that was only recently changed for 2012. The good doctor leaves behind his wife Rose – the couple was married 63 years – three children, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. In August, 2011 he had retired from his role as President of the Raceway and left the day-to-day operations in the hands of grandchildren Brandon, Nick, and Ashley Igdalsky. There are no plans to sell the facility in the wake of his death; in fact, it was left in a trust so the track will remain in family hands for generations to come. “They can’t touch it,” he said last year in a conversation recounted by Brendan Gaughan Thursday on SiriusXM’s NASCAR channel. “They’re going to learn how to run it or starve.” Chances are, with the great teacher the grandkids had to learn from success, not starvation will be the modus operandi for years to come.
Statement On Dr. Joe Mattioli's Passing
posted by Thomas Bowles
Friday January 27, 2012
From the family of former Pocono Raceway owner and president, Dr. Joseph Mattioli… It is with the upmost remorse that we announce that Dr. Joseph Mattioli passed away this afternoon. His loss has left with each of us an unbearable sadness, which we’ll bear with us for the rest of our lives. “Doc” was a true leader in every sense of the word. As a visionary, he brought an unknown sport into an alien place, where he along with his unstoppable will and undeniable tenacity built one of the biggest monuments of sports. His passion for his projects was only overshadowed by his deep love for his family, which he gave to all of us hand over fist. Beyond our family, he had a true love and admiration for the wonderful members of his North Eastern Pennsylvania Community. He had a great respect for all of the great people that laid the foundations of prosperity before him, and an even greater hope for the future of our area, which he believed lies in its youth. He leaves not only his family, but also everyone he’s ever met with an insatiable desire to take life by the horns. He always lived life on his own terms He did it his way. “Every man’s life ends the same way. It is only the details of how he lived and how he died that distinguish one man from another.” – Ernest Hemingway He died loved, respected, and admired.
SunTrust Racing, TRG fastest in Opening Practice for Rolex 24
posted by Phil Allaway
Thursday January 26, 2012
When the track opened up for practice at 10am Thursday morning, the teams were ready and raring to go. Many of the teams had new equipment to come to grips with, while others were using older, proven machinery. Unfortunately for Starworks Motorsport, their new equipment let them down before they even got onto the track. A failure in the Ford powerplant was found on pit road before the car even saw the track. As a result, they were forced to miss the first session while they changed the engine. The other 13 Daytona Prototypes managed to make their way onto the track and set times. The results more or less kept in line with the Roar Before the 24 test. The SunTrust Racing No. 10 Chevrolet Corvette DP driven by Max Angelelli turned in the fastest lap with a time of 1:41.952 (125.706 mph). This is about six-tenths of a second slower than the fastest test times. However, temperatures are just about 80 degrees at the track. Second was the No. 01 BMW Riley DPG3 for Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates. The car, driven by Graham Rahal, posted a lap at 1:42.086 (125.541 mph), a tenth and a half slower than the Corvette. Third was the No. 99 Gainsco/Bob Stallings Racing Chevrolet Corvette DP driven by Alex Gurney with a 1:42.199 (125.402 mph). Juan Pablo Montoya in Ganassi’s No. 02 and John Pew in the Michael Shank Racing No. 60 Ford Riley DPG3 rounded out the top-5. In GT, Spencer Pumpelly in the No. 67 TRG Porsche 911 GT3 Cup set down the fastest lap of the session right at the end of the session. His lap of 1:49.867 (116.650 mph) was less than two-hundredths of a second faster than Dirk Muller in the No. 94 BMW M3 for Turner Motorsport. Third in class was the Paul Miller Racing No. 48 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup driven by former Porsche factory driver Sascha Maassen with a 1:50.078 (116.426 mph). Sebastian Asch in the No. 17 Burtin Racing with Goldcrest Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 Cup was fourth fastest, while Emil Assentato in the No. 69 FXDD Ferrari 458 Italia rounded out the top-5.
Ford Racing unveils 2013 Ford Fusion
posted by Mike Neff
Tuesday January 24, 2012
In the biggest announcement so far of the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Media Tour hosted by Charlotte Motor Speedway, Ford Racing took the wraps off of their 2013 Ford Fusion. The car incorporates common areas agreed upon by all manufacturers with style components unique to the 2013 production car to give fans a race car that truly resembles the street version of the Fusion. While there are most likely going to be some tweaks to the design the car is definitely a much needed change from the current race car and a vast improvement toward bringing the STOCK back to stock car racing. The car was a collaborative effort across many different parts of the Ford organization. One of the key members of the project was Garen Nicoghosian, design manager for specialty vehicles. He was oozing with pride over the car as the assembled members of the media commented on the great looks. He’s a fan of the cars that used to race in the old Trans Am series and it shows in the end product. “I am a big fan of the flared fenders” Nicoghosian said. “The body style and the proportions we came up with lent itself to the flared fenders and the planted look that it gives to the car. It reminds you a lot of a Porsche 911 in how it just looks planted into the track.” While the other manufacturers have not yet unveiled their proposed cars for 2013, Ford has certainly set the bar high with their Ford Fusion. |
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Opening Night 2009 Part I kicks off 68th anniversary season on Saturday, May 2nd at Owosso Speedway!
Monday April 27, 2009
By Matt Prieur – Owosso Speedway
Ovid, Michigan (Monday, April 27, 2009): Affectionately known as the
Big “O”, the Owosso Speedway in Ovid, Michigan is ready to jump start
the 2009 racing season and it all begins on Saturday, May 2nd with
Opening Night 2009 Part I!
The Weekly Local Racing Series co-headlining division of Drive Train
Specialists Pro Late Models (Formerly Late Models) will headline the
start of the tracks’ 68th anniversary season while Pro Stocks
(Formerly Street Stocks), Pure Stocks, and Sport Stocks (Formerly Mini
Stocks) will also be a part of a big four in one show.
The Pro Late Models division looks to be one of the strongest in
recent memory! Led by Defending Track Champion, Dave Bigos, the
Fowlerville, Michigan veteran will have his hands full with the likes
of former track champions, Mark Welch and Ed Young Jr., both of whom
will be gunning after their second championships respectively.
Ed Doutre Jr., a two-time track champion from near-by Dixie Motor
Speedway will look to add an Owosso title to his resume while 2008
Runner-Up, Russ Cords is on the brink of breaking out as a rising star
in this division. Current and Former Super Late Model competitors
looking to take on the Pro Late Model stars includes two-time Super
Late Model Track Champion, Jon McNett while Jason Felver and 2008 Pro
Stock Track Champion and former Late Model competitor in the 1990s,
Leo Smith add to an already stellar line-up.
Throw in a slew of former Rookies of the Year including; Ryan
Etchison, Mark Pettit, Jerry Lupien, and John Buckner Jr., as well as
Ron Hauser and Joe Cantu, and this field is strong from top to bottom.
The Rookies are also coming in with high expectations as 15-year-old
Dillon Bigos will join his Father in the Pro Late Models while former
Pure Stocks Track Champion (2006), Fabian Frary, and Loren Huntley add
to a strong Freshman group.
The second co-headlining division at the Big “O” the Modifieds feature
Six-Time Defending and 10-Time Overall Track Champion, Bill Luckhurst
as the Ovid, Michigan veteran has proven for the last 13 years that he
is the man to beat in the only open wheeled division at Owosso. Only
Scott Clifford (1997 and 1998) and Harry Parish (2002) have slowed
Luckhurst’s amazing string of 10 Track Championships since that first
title in 1996!
Luckhurst will have some tough competition though in 2009 as a slew of
former track champions are coming over and give Ovid’s favorite son
all he can handle. They include 1995 Track Champion Todd Matheson who
is returning to full-time duty in 2009. Track Champions from other
tracks looking to dethrone Luckhurst include; Chuck Silva, Scott Lamp,
Larry Wallace, and rising star, Travis Eddy, the son of Seven-Time ASA
National Champion, Mike Eddy.
Track Champions in other divisions at Owosso looking to add a Modified
title in 2009 includes; 2008 Runner-Up, John Forsythe Jr., as well as
Mark Abee and Laci Donnert. Throw in stars such as Steve Bates Jr.,
Joe Morrisette, Claude Plante Jr., and others and this division will
be fun to watch all season long.
Add in the rookies that will try to take this tough division, they
include a pair of 15-year-olds’ Kenton Taylor and Megan Carpenter and
former Mini Stocks (Now Sport Stocks) Track Champion, Scott Quaal, and
the future stars of this division will surely shine bright.
The tracks Pro Stocks (Formerly Street Stocks) division is right on
par with the Pro Late Models as one of the strongest in recent memory!
Defending Track Champion, Leo Smith is back and is puling double duty
this season as the Corunna, Michigan veteran is also racing full-time
in the tracks’ Pro Late Models division.
Smith will have to deal with a slew of former Owosso Track Champions
in this division including; John Forsythe Jr., who’s also pulling
double duty in a Modified and Pro Stocks. Mark Ragsdale and Tom Stone
are also in the hunt while six-time Feature Winner in 2008, John
Forsythe III is in search of his first career Track Championship.
One of the most intriguing drivers that will call Owosso Speedway home
in 2009 is Three-Time Street Stocks Track Champion at near-by Auto
City Speedway, Robby Johnston, who will be a regular at the Big “O” on
Saturday nights! The Flushing, Michigan veteran, who’s also a former
Late Model Champion at Dixie Motor Speedway, will give the Owosso
contingent all they can handle all season long.
Add in rising stars such as 2008 Rookie of the Year, Eric Olsen,
Andrew Clark, Jordan Harvey, and establishing drivers such as Dixie
Motor Speedway Sportsman competitors, Don Riley, Dennis Roys, and Chet
Allen as well as Owosso regulars Chris Begg, Tony Basalone, Nick Burd,
and Andy Willard, who returns after a 10-year absence, and a slew of
others. Don’t forget about the rookies, 13-year-old Max Thompson and
Josh Shiver are two of them. This Pro Stock field will be entertaining
to say the least!
The always exciting Pure Stocks will see Defending Track Champion,
Kevin Adkins led a talented group of drivers as the Durand, Michigan
pilot has his sights set on a repeat. He’ll be armed with two
teammates in his Father, 2008 Rookie of the Year, Hurley Adkins and
former Late Model competitor, Eric Spencer.
Former Track Champion, and 2008 Runner-Up, Mike McMullen looks to get
back into Championship form while veteran, Jimmy Stratton, the 2008
Owosso Fall Nationals Champion, who will be calling the Big “O” home
in 2009, will have a say in the outcome of the 2009 title.
More veterans such as Ricky Moore, Jim Gokee, Steve Pelky, Leroy
Whitaker, Pat Standley, Bob Robinson, Gary Dabney, and Mike Ashford
will all be competitive all season long. Rising stars such as Chris
Wood also looks to rise up to the challenge in 2009 while the rookie
contenders are plentiful beginning with 2008 Sport Stocks Track
Champion, Dan Gokee, 13-year-old Eric Jones, and 16-year-old Dale
Spencer.
Finally in the Sport Stocks (Formerly Mini Stocks), Dan Gokee is
moving up to the Pure Stocks division but does still have his Sport
Stock in the garage and may pull double duty this season. 2008
Runner-Up, Shaun Conner wants his first career Track Championship and
veteran Darren Bohne is always a tough customer.
A slew of Lansing / Jackson area invaders such as veteran Russ Potter,
2008 Owosso Fall Nationals Champion, 15-year-old, Lex Jarecki, 2008
Rookie of the Year, J.T. Leach, 16-year-old, Marq Eaton, and
14-year-old, Matt Vainner. Plus add in 13-year-old Alex Donnert, the
2007 Track Champion, who despite running on a limited schedule in 2009
will all have a say in the outcomes all season long.
Their will be plenty of rookies in the tracks beginners division led
by 13-year-old Billy Luckhurst, Mod Driver, Bill Luckhurst’s nephew
will lead the freshman while Dale Spencer is pulling double duty in
both the Pure Stocks and Sport Stocks and going after both rookie
titles. Add in 13-year-old Harley Smith and this field is full of
future stars!
Every Saturday night during the regular season, the Pit Gates will
open at “High Noon” 12:00p.m., with Rotating Practice set to begin at
2:00p.m. The Grandstand Gates swing open at 5:00p.m., with Qualifying
going at 5:00p.m. Racing is set for 7:00p.m.
General Admission during the season on regular race nights are; Adults – $12.00, Seniors – $10.00, Students (9-16) – $8.00 and Kids (8 and
Under) are absolutely FREE. Pit Passes on regular race nights are
$25.00.
The second co-headlining division at the Big “O” within the Weekly
Local Racing Series, the open-wheeled Modifieds will begin their
season the following week on Saturday, May 9th as part of Opening
Night Part II. They’ll be joined by the Pro Stocks, Pure Stocks, and
Sport Stocks for another exciting four in one show on the fast 3/8s
mile high-banked paved oval.
In addition to Opening Night Part II, it’ll also be Graduates Night
and Michigan Auto Racing Fan Club Night at the speedway. Any 2009
College and High School Graduates who show their School I.D. Card and
wear there school colors will get into the grandstands for FREE!
In addition, anyone who brings their Michigan Auto Racing Fan Club
card will also get into the grandstands for FREE! Learn more about the
Michigan Auto Racing Fan Club by going to their website at:
www.marfc.org
The Drive Train Specialists Pro Late Models and Modifieds will
alternate weekends throughout the 2009 racing season as the headlining
division during the Weekly Local Racing Series Racing Programs on
Saturday nights.
The only nights where the Pro Late Models and Modifieds will be in
action on the same night will be during the 2009 Season Championships
on September 12th and the 14th annual Owosso Fall Nationals Weekend on
September 25-27th.
For more information, please call: 1 (989) 834-5948, 1 (810) 965-6698,
or 1 (989) 709-6113. You can also log onto the website as well by
going to: www.owossospeedway.com
2009 Owosso Speedway Order of Events for Saturday, May 2, 2009
12:00p.m. Pit Gates Open
1:00p.m. Tech Lines Open (optional)
2:00p.m. Pro Late Models Practice 1 (10 Minutes)
2:10p.m. Pro Stocks Practice 1 (10 Minutes)
2:20p.m. Pure Stocks Practice 1 (10 Minutes)
2:30p.m. Sport Stocks Practice 1 (10 Minutes)
2:40p.m. BREAK (Track Silent) (5 Minutes)
2:45p.m. Pro Late Models Practice 2 (15 Minutes)
3:00p.m. Pro Stocks Practice 2 (15 Minutes)
3:15p.m. Pure Stocks Practice 2 (15 Minutes)
3:30p.m. Sport Stocks Practice 2 (15 Minutes)
3:45p.m. BREAK (Track Silent) (5 Minutes)
3:50p.m. Pro Late Models Practice 3 (15 Minutes)
4:05p.m. Pro Stocks Practice 3 (15 Minutes)
4:15p.m. Pro Late Models Qualifying Tech Lines Open
4:20p.m. Pure Stocks Practice 2 (15 Minutes)
4:30p.m. Pro Stocks Qualifying Tech Lines Open
4:35p.m. Sport Stocks Practice 2 (15 Minutes)
4:45p.m. Pure Stocks Qualifying Tech Lines Open
4:50p.m. BREAK (Track Silent) (10 Minutes)
5:00p.m. Grandstand Gates Open
5:00p.m. Sport Stocks Qualifying Tech Lines Open
5:00p.m. Pro Late Models Qualifying (2 Laps)
5:25p.m. Pro Stocks Qualifying (2 Laps)
5:50p.m. Pure Stocks Qualifying (2 Laps)
6:15p.m. Sport Stocks Qualifying (2 Laps)
6:40p.m. DRIVERS MEETING (Track Silent)
6:55p.m. Pre-Race Ceremonies / Invocation / National Anthem(s)
7:00p.m. RACING Begins….
Pro Late Models Heats (2-3 Heats – 8 Laps or 8 Minutes)
Pro Stocks Heats (2-3 Heats – 8 Laps or 8 Minutes)
Pure Stocks Heats (2-3 Heats – 8 Laps or 8 Minutes)
Sport Stocks Heats (2-3 Heats – 8 Laps or 8 Minutes)
B Mains – ALL Divisions (If Needed)
Fire The Tire / First Feature on Frontstretch for Driver Introductions
(15 Minutes)
Pro Late Models Feature (30 Laps)
Pro Stocks Feature (25 Laps)
Pure Stocks Feature (20 Laps)
Sport Stocks Feature (20 Laps)
(NOTE: Order of Events for Saturday, May 2nd is subject to change at
the discretion of Owosso Speedway)
This Week on the Frontstretch:
Mirror Driving: Rebuilding Denny Hamlin, Kurt Busch, Penske, And The NASCAR Banquet’s Future
The Only Thing Mutual? Penske, Kurt Busch Both Stand to Lose Big
Who Gets An Early Christmas Gift? Sorting Through Potential Busch Replacements
Burned At The YouTube Stake: How Technology Brought Busch Down
2011 NASCAR Driver Review: Justin Allgaier
2011 NASCAR Driver Review: A.J. Allmendinger
2011 NASCAR Driver Review: Aric Almirola
2011 NASCAR Driver Review: Marcos Ambrose
2011 NASCAR Driver Review: Michael Annett
2011 NASCAR Driver Review: Greg Biffle
2011 Driver Review Schedule
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This report was provided by an outside PR source and posted by Kim DeHaven.
©2000 - 2008 Kim DeHaven and Frontstetch.com. Thanks for visiting the Frontstretch!
