by Jay | Jan 26, 2010 | NASCAR, NASCAR K&N Pro Series, New England
All-Star Team For All-Star Showdown
Boucenna And Logano In Fadden Racing Entries
North Haverhill, N.H. (January 24, 2010): Fadden Racing will showcase an All-Star lineup when they arrive in California next week for the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown on January 29-30 at Irwindale Speedway. Joey Logano will be joined by Willy Boucenna in making up the two-car team at the post season event.
Paris, France native Willy Boucenna, the 2009 RACECAR Series Champion, has been slated to be behind the wheel of a Fadden Racing entry. The RACECAR Series is based on stock car racing in the United States, but the cars are re-engineered to meet the demands of European tracks. Similar to NASCAR, the RACECAR Series uses Dodge, Chevrolet, and Ford bodies with a 450 hp V-8 engine.
“This will be my first trip in the USA. I know that it will be very difficult to race against the best drivers in NASCAR but I will live my dream as much as I can and do my best to qualify for the main race,” said 18-year-old Boucenna. “I know that we have a very good team with Fadden Racing and (car-owner) Mike Olsen will help me a lot for this first race on a short-track.”
Boucenna is the first driver from France to ever enter the Showdown, and Olsen is determined to get him into the field.
“Willy doesn’t have a guaranteed starting position, but Fadden Racing is going to do everything they can to make sure he has the car to get into that field. It’s an exciting opportunity for Willy and we’re all very excited to be a part of it,” said Olsen, a two-time NASCAR K&N Pro Series Champion.
Earlier this month, it was also announced that Fadden Racing will field a car for NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Joey Logano, who will display his familiar orange and white color scheme for primary sponsor Home Depot. Logano, a previous winner of the event (2007), will have Fadden Racing’s Harry Norcross joining Logano’s Nationwide Series crew chief, Kevin Kidd, in the effort.
“Joey almost won last year and he has a very good chance of winning the Showdown this year,” said Olsen. “It’s amazing the caliber of drivers that will make up Fadden Racing next weekend. We can’t wait to get to the track and get to work with these guys.”
Logano almost won last year’s Showdown, but got tangled up with Peyton Sellers on the last lap. He’s hoping to regain the Showdown trophy this year with the help of Fadden Racing.
“We are really excited to have The Home Depot on board with us for the weekend,” Logano said. “Mike Olsen from Fadden Racing stepped up and is going to provide us a solid car for the weekend. I had a lot of fun last year and we are going try and get the trophy back this year.”
The seventh running of the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown, which brings together the top racers from across North America, will be highlighted by the 225-lap K&N Pro Series All-star race. Each race winner during the 2009 K&N Pro Series season is eligible for a protected starting spot, as are the 2009 champions from each of NASCAR’s six regional touring series and the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series national champion.
In addition to eligible 2009 race winners and series champions, the starting lineup will be determined through time trials, limited provisionals for K&N Pro Series regulars, and the last-chance “Open” race that provides drivers one final chance to make the grid.
Both nights of racing will be televised live on SPEED and will also air live on SIRIUS NASCAR Radio.
For more information on Fadden Racing, visit www.faddenracing.net.
by Jay | Jan 16, 2010 | ACT, Canada, New England
South Burlington, VT – American Canadian Tour (ACT) Late Model stock car Champion Brian Hoar of Williston was honored for his sixth career ACT Late Model Tour Championship on Saturday, January 16 at the Sheraton-Burlington Hotel and Conference Center in South Burlington, VT. Hoar currently holds the record for the most career wins in ACT Late Model Tour history with 25, including back-to-back wins at Beech Ridge Motor Speedway and Waterford Speedbowl in 2010. These wins, plus 11 top tens in 13 starts, helped Hoar edge out runner-up Scott Payea. Hoar was joined by over 500 teams, fans and officials as he celebrated his first championship with new car owner Rick Paya. Paya also has previous ACT Tour championships as a crew chief and car owner with Jean-Paul Cyr.
The 41st Annual MacTavish Award was given to New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) for their contribution to Northeast stock car racing. The prestigious MacTavish Award is named for legendary New England racer Don MacTavish who was killed in 1969 while racing at Daytona International Speedway. In 2010, NHMS hosted the first annual ACT Invitational, which invited 36 of the best Late Model competitors from around the region. It was the showcase event for ACT Late Model competition during the 2010 season.
Thunder Road International Speedbowl crowned Milton’s Jean-Paul Cyr as the 2009 50th Anniversary Season “King of the Road.” The seven-time ACT Late Model Tour Champion took a break from the touring scene in 2009 and set his sights on the 50th Anniversary Season title. He joined forces with car owner Joey Laquerre and crew chief Jeff Laquerre. Cyr used his Times Argus Mid-Season Championship win to beat “Senator” Phil Scott for the championship.
The NAPA Tiger Sportsman title went to Williamstown’s Jimmy Hebert in just his third season. Hebert also scored the first feature win of his career in 2009. The 2009 Tiger Sportsman Tri-State Series Championship was won by Morrisonville, New York’s Shawn Duquette. Duquette tied Jason Bonnett for the title, but used his two victories to win the tie breaker. Veteran Gary Mullen of Tunbridge took the top Allen Lumber Street Stock honors. Donnie Yates of North Montpelier won the Power Shift Junkyard Warriors title.
Over $85,000 plus trophies were awarded to the top teams in all divisions of Thunder Road and the ACT Tours for their efforts during the 2009 season.
The second annual ACT Crew Chief of the Year Award went to John Doiron. Doiron was the crew chief for his son, Joey, who won the ACT Rookie of the Year Award for 2009. John was recognized for his hard work, dedication, enthusiasm and attitude on the ACT Tour and the continual improvement of the Berwick, Maine Doiron race team.
A new award was created this year in memory of Pete Hartt, who covered the American-Canadian Tour and Thunder Road during his time with WDEV Radio and as the sports editor for the Times Argus. The Pete Hartt Memorial Media Award was presented to WCAX sports anchor Seth Leavitt for his support of regional stock car racing.
Troy Germain, “The Voice of ACT” from St. Johnsbury received the Ken Squier Award. Germain was presented the award for his hard work and dedication as the ACT Tour and Thunder Road announcer.
The Gordon R. Nielsen Rookie Achievement Award went to Hyde Park’s Tucker Williams. Williams is the 2009 Allen Lumber Street Stock Rookie of the Year and led the division with four wins. His first career feature win came on opening day of 2009 in his first feature start. Other rookies that qualified for the award were from the ACT Tour, Joey Doiron of Berwick, Maine along with Thunder Road Late Models, Dylan Smith from Randolph and NAPA Tiger Sportsman, Erik Steel of Barre.
Sportsmanship and Most Improved driver awards were presented for all divisions based on driver and official voting. ACT Late Model Tour winners were Chip Grenier of Graniteville for the Sportsmanship Award and Graniteville’s John Donahue for Most Improved. Thunder Road Late Model awards went to Brooks Clark from Fayston for Sportsman and Cambridge’s Craig Bushey for Most Improved. The Thunder Road Sportsman awards were presented to Wolcott’s Brendan Moodie for Sportsmanship and Bradford’s Derrick O’Donnell for Most Improved.
The Ed Carroll Memorial Award for Sportsmanship in the Street Stocks was awarded to Craftsbury’s Mike Martin. The Junkyard Warrior Sportsmanship Award was given to Cabot’s Ken Christman.
The 2010 ACT Late Model Tour season will kick off on Sunday, April 18 at Lee USA Speedway in Lee, NH. Thunder Road will open its gates for the first time on Sunday, May 2 for the 12th annual Merchants Bank 150. For complete schedules and more information visit www.acttour.com or www.thunderroadspeedbowl.com.
by Jay | Jan 11, 2010 | New England, New Hampshire
Raymond N.H. – The Northeast Classic Lites held their annual awards Banquet on January 9th at Strikers East Function Hall in Raymond N.H.
After a buffet dinner, Master of Ceremonies Dennis O’Brien began by introducing special guests Phil Boriello of PB Chopper Shop and Rods, Dave Joyce of Davids Racecars, photographers Bob and Rich Hayes, Dan Provost, and Bob Munroe who came out of retirement from flagging to serve as the clubs dedicated flagman when the Classics Lites race at Hudson Speedway.
Trophies were then handed out those drivers that finished in the top twenty five in points. Drivers that finished eleventh through twenty fifth included Paul Colson, Ralph Cook, Jim Ryder Sr., Jeff Gilman, Shane Reinhold, Dan Shields Sr., Sean Kehoe, Dave McGinn, Adam Giacomozzi, Tom McGowan Jr., Dwayne Schofield and Kyle Pittman.
Finishing tenth through second were Roger Provost, Josh Provost, Eric Bacon, Jeff Miller, Jon Provost, Danny Shields, Eddie Gilman, Dennis O’Brien and Jimmy Ryder Jr.
On the strength of five feature wins and eleven top fives in fifteen races Billy Ryder received the Championship trophy.
The Winners Circle Club includes any driver that won at least one feature or heat during the season. These drivers are Reinhold, Jeff Gilman, Ryder Sr., Cook, Colson, Josh Provost, Bacon, Miller, Jon Provost, Eddie Gilman, Ryder Jr. and Billy Ryder.
Jim Ryder Sr., Sam Gilman and John Dimambro received Appreciation Awards. Paul Colson and Dennis O’Brien both received Sportsmanship Awards. Jim Ryder Jr. received the Hard Luck Award. Dan Shields received the Best Appearing Car. Shane Reinhold was Most Improved Driver and Jeff Miller was Rookie of the Year. All drivers in the top five received a check from club sponsor nhyogamatters.com.
The 2010 Northeast Classic Lites schedule has yet to be finalized, please visit www.neclassiclites.com for updates.
by Jay | Jan 6, 2010 | ACT, New England, New Hampshire, NHMS
Waterbury, VT – The American Canadian Tour (ACT) has announced that the total point fund awards for the 2009 season will total over $85,000. The annual Banquet of Champions will be held at the Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center in So. Burlington, VT on January 16, 2010.
The ACT TOUR will honor the 2009 Championship team of Brian Hoar and owner/crew chief Rick Paya, who also owns RPM Engines in Georgia, VT. Hoar will celebrate his sixth American Canadian Tour title, and car owner, Rick Paya, will also celebrate his sixth ACT title, having won previous titles as crew chief and then owner of the only seven-time ACT winner in its 25-year history, Jean-Paul Cyr. The RPM team will receive $10,000 first place point money at the annual festivities for their efforts during the 2009 thirteen (13) race campaign.
“This past year was a whole lot of fun for RPM racing. We kind of struggled at the beginning of the season, but most of that was trying to figure out what each of us (Hoar and Paya) needed to be successful,” said Rick Paya. “Working with Brian was great, especially after we got things sorted out over the initial few weeks. We kind of entered the deal hoping to get immediate results, but I think our team is better off having to go through the learning curve we experienced. We really are excited about being together for next season, and winning the 25th anniversary title of ACT would be pretty meaningful for Brian and our entire team,” concluded Paya. Both Paya and Hoar have been supporters of the ACT Late Model program since its inception in 1992.
The Thunder Road “King of the Road” title chase was another blending of veteran teams. Ironically, Jean Cyr, who won all those championships with Paya, joined the most storied crew chief of the decade at Thunder Road, Jeff Laquerre, from Barre, VT. Laquerre and his veteran father, Joey Laquerre put together a new team with the sole purpose of winning the 50th anniversary title at Thunder Road. Jeff Laquerre led the Tracie Bellerose championship chase in 2000. She was the first female to win a major division title. Laquerre followed that up with Thunder Road titles for Cris Michaud in 2004 and 2005. The Laquerre-Cyr team took a few weeks to get things sorted out, but in the end they held off Michaud, Phil Scott and David Pembroke to win the coveted 2009 title. The team will receive $5,000 in point fund money for the championship win. Total money awarded to the Thunder Road competitors in three divisions will exceed $20,000.
Previously, in November, 2009, the ACT Castrol Series awarded over $30,000 in point fund money to those that competed in the 2009 nine (9) ACT Castrol Série.
The Banquet of Champions will award trophies, prize money, and special awards to an expected crowd of 500 teams and fans. Announcements regarding the 25th anniversary season of the American Canadian Tour, along with the prestigious awarding of the annual MacTavish Award, Doc Nielsen Award, and many other special recognitions will highlight the evening’s activities. Tickets are still available by calling the ACT office at 802-244-6963.
The 2010 ACT and Thunder Road seasons will offer Late Model teams in the region over $800,000 in various purse and prizes beginning with the opening event at Lee USA Speedway in Lee, NH on Sunday, April 18th, the New Hampshire Governor’s Cup 150.
by Jay | Jan 5, 2010 | Canada, Maine, New England, PASS
FARMINGDALE, Maine — Johnny Clark is getting an early start on the 2010 PASS North Series season.
Clark, a 4-time PASS North champion, was among the first three drivers to register with the sanctioning body for the upcoming season as he seeks to become the first driver to win five championships in the PASS North Super Late Model ranks.
“There’s no reason to believe we can’t contend for a fifth championship,” said Clark, who won back-to-back series championships in 2008-2009. “The same team is coming back, with (crew chief Robert Green) heading it up. I think it’s going to be a great year for us.”
That year kicks off this coming weekend, Jan. 8-10, at the Northeast Motorsports Expo at the Augusta Civic Center, just a few miles down the road from Clark’s Farmingdale home. Clark will be on hand to sign autographs on Friday night and again on Saturday afternoon.
The racing season begins in earnest with the opener at Speedway 95 in Hermon, Maine, on April 18.
Clark has 19 career PASS North victories to rank second all-time in the series. He’d not only like to break the 20-win plateau this season, but he’d also like to snap a tie with Ben Rowe for the most career PASS championships.
Green, of Benton, Maine, will be back as crew chief on the familiar black, red and yellow No. 54 Port City/Clark’s Car Crushing Chevrolet which won three times in 2009.
“The bottom line is that he wants to win races and that’s it,” Clark said of Green. “That’s really it. He doesn’t go to the racetrack to make friends. That’s a little hard sometimes, because it even goes for our own team, but he simply wants to win races.
“You’ve got to respect that.”
The 30-year-old Clark also won championships in the 2004 and 2006 PASS North seasons, giving him three of the last four series titles. He’s one of only two PASS drivers with multiple championships and more than 15 career wins.
He hopes that the momentum from last year will continue to right through the first half of the 2010 season. Four of the first five series races will be held at tracks where Clark has visited victory lane — Speedway 95, Beech Ridge Motor Speedway, Speedway 660 in Geary, New Brunswick, and Unity Raceway.
But winning isn’t everything on the path to the championship, Clark said.
“You’ve got to be consistent all year,” he said. “The competition is so tough on this tour that you can’t really afford to have any bad races, especially early in the year.
“We’ll be ready, for sure.”
by Jay | Jan 2, 2010 | Maine, New England, PASS
PASS Stars Clark, Rowe, Fogleman highlight Northeast Motorsports Expo autograph sessions
Naples ME (January 1 2010) The New Year is upon us, and race fans from all over northern New England will converge on the Augusta (Maine) Civic Center next weekend for the Northeast Motorsports Expo, the traditional lid lifter to the new racing season. The Pro All Stars Series (PASS) will once again celebrate the New Year in Augusta with autograph sessions from racers in every division.
One of the many highlights of the January 8-10 event will be appearances by 2009 PASS North Super Late Model Champion Johnny Clark and 2009 PASS South and National Champion Ben Rowe. Clark is celebrating his fourth PASS North title, while Rowe now has the distinction of being the only driver to claim all three PASS super late model Championships.
A special guest will join Clark and Rowe in Augusta on Friday and Saturday. PASS South star Jay Fogleman will make the trip from Durham North Carolina to meet and greet northern super late model fans. Fogleman has more than 100 career wins to his credit and track championships at Orange County, South Boston and Ace Speedways. He’s won four times at Martinsville Speedway and has nine wins in the former Hooters ProCup series. In 2009 Fogleman finished fifth in the PASS South super late model standings with three wins, six top five and nine top ten finishes in his fourteen starts. Fogleman chased Rowe for the PASS National Championship title as well, finishing fifth.
PASS officials will be on hand throughout the weekend to answer questions; rules and schedules for all four PASS divisions will be available.
The autograph schedule:
Friday January 8 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Jay Fogleman, Ben Rowe, Johnny Clark
Saturday January 9 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Jay Fogleman
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Ben Rowe and Johnny Clark
Expect a number of additional drivers to join Clark, Rowe and Fogleman for the autograph sessions. Keep an eye on www.proallstarsseries.com throughout the week for more driver appearances.
Northeast Motorsports Expo gets underway Friday January 8th. Doors open at 5:00 PM and the show wraps up at 10:00 PM. On Saturday January 9th show hours are 10:00 AM – 9:00 Pm and Sunday January 10th the Expo runs from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM.
