Friday, December 24, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
CAMERON GRIMES-HESS LEARNING ABOUT RACING AND LIFE AT PGP
Ask ten racers what they love about racing and nine will say the thrill of going fast or the excitement of pitting their abilities against the elements and other drivers. If Cameron Grimes-Hess was the tenth driver you asked, his answer would be less specific but no less heartfelt.
"I love to race, to be at the track. If I could race the rest of my life, that would be amazing. Even if racing ended up just as a hobby, I'd still be happy because I've had so much fun and learned so many life lessons," said the 15-year-old sophomore from Tahoma High School.
Cameron is in good company with how he feels, joining the late actors Paul Newman, James Dean and Steve McQueen among many others who've fallen hard under the spell of motorsports. McQueen, who raced motorcycles and sports cars at Le Mans, famously once said: "Racing is life, anything before and after is just waiting."
To be sure Cameron enjoys the speed and competition of racing, either in his Rotax Senior or a B-Spec rental kart at PGP Motorsports Park, where he recently finished No. 3 overall in Rotax Senior in the Stars of PGP Kart Series despite missing several races. He also won the B-Spec finale in the Dec. 5 Stars of PGP Kart Fall & Winter Series event, holding off a field of drivers with much more experience.
"The field for that race was just amazing, including Maurice Shawver, Jerry Peterson, Derek Wang, Stepanova Nekeel - great racers," said Cameron. "In the final Maurice was on my tail the whole time. I was lucky enough to pull that one off; racing against him is always nerve-wracking. After the race we checked the sheet and my fastest lap was just one one-thousandths of a second faster than Maurice's."
Cameron was introduced to kart racing two years ago by his father, Kurtis Hess. That first outing at an indoor track was nearly the last for Cameron, however, as his father was much faster. But Kurtis Hess insisted they try it again and Cameron improved his lap time by 10 seconds that next time - and he shaved off some more time in subsequent visits.
A few months after he and Cameron had started karting together, Kurtis Hess discovered PGP on a trip to nearby Pacific Raceways to watch a late-model race. One lap around the purpose-built .82 mile open-air course and Cameron was hooked.
"We tried out the rental karts and the first time I beat my dad again," said Cameron. "A lot of the racing at PGP is really close. One of the best feelings you can get is to battle and battle, try different moves, and finally get that pass. The racing is close, but it's just as fun off the track as on."
"The people at PGP, racers and staff, have been nice to us 100 percent of the time we've been there," he continued "The racing is positive, the people are positive. I can't think of a thing I don't like about PGP."
Cameron is a pretty typical teenager who likes rock music (favorite group "by a landslide" is Nickelback), video games ("Modern Warfare 2" on Xbox; racing simulations on Playstation), TV ("Two and a Half Men" and anything on SPEED channel, naturally) and movies ("Happy Gilmore", the "Back to the Future" trilogy and "Ironman").
He enjoys American Sign Language class in school because it's "new, a whole lot different and the teacher is amazing - the funniest teacher at school." Cameron enjoys being active, listing PE as his second-favorite class, and although he played some basketball in middle school and enjoys baseball and soccer, racing has taken over.
"I've always liked sports and to be competitive, but just about every other sport is a team sport. In racing, if you go out and win the race, it feels like a huge personal accomplishment," he continued. "Racing is still a team sport - and I consider everyone at PGP to be part of our team, with all the help and tips we've gotten - but if I do something, win a race, I feel a lot more accomplishment."
Considering he's been karting for just a couple years, getting to feel that accomplishment so quickly is a testament to Cameron's skill and determination to improve. In his first Rotax Senior race, he surprised himself with a fifth-place finish after battling a much more experienced driver.
But if you ask the teenager about his development as a karter, Cameron quickly points to the assistance he's received from his father and the staff and other racers at PGP.
"So many people have helped me, I could go on with a pages-long list of names," said Cameron. "Given the chance, I would say 'thank you' to everyone, from where I am today to where I started, it's just amazing."
That's a sentiment Kurtis Hess agrees with: "One of the biggest things I've noticed about Cameron is a growing sense of responsibility, that he's taken ownership for his wins and losses, good days and bad days. He's growing as a driver and a student of driving."
Cameron's transformation hasn't been limited to racing, as he alluded to when talking about life lessons learned at the track. One of the most important has been how to communicate with others. By bench racing in the paddock, Cameron has been able to use the common denominator of racing as a starting point for exchanges of information beyond motorsports, often with people decades older than he is.
"In racing you get to communicate with real people; every weekend I'm talking to adults 10, 20 and 30 years older than I am," said Cameron. "At school they don't teach you how to communicate with people directly. Learning that will help me later in life, in job interviews and just day-to-day."
Being at ease while talking to different types of people at the track is something that would surprise his friends at school, according to Cameron, but that just indicates how at ease he feels in that environment.
"People at PGP that haven't met him - they will," said Kurtis Hess. "He loves to socialize with people of all ages. If you're out there racing, he understands your passion and will talk to you about it."
During the last Stars of PGP Kart event, Cameron's short walk from his pit to the office turned into a half-hour as he stopped to talk to various racers and their families and friends along the way. That roundabout journey led fellow Rotax racer and 15-year-old, Jessica Dana, to call Cameron a "social butterfly."
"I thought that was pretty funny, but it's true - I like to talk to everyone," said Cameron. "At school that would surprise people, but the track is a place that I love to be, and a place that I fit in. I feel really comfortable there."
"I love to race, to be at the track. If I could race the rest of my life, that would be amazing. Even if racing ended up just as a hobby, I'd still be happy because I've had so much fun and learned so many life lessons," said the 15-year-old sophomore from Tahoma High School.
Cameron is in good company with how he feels, joining the late actors Paul Newman, James Dean and Steve McQueen among many others who've fallen hard under the spell of motorsports. McQueen, who raced motorcycles and sports cars at Le Mans, famously once said: "Racing is life, anything before and after is just waiting."
To be sure Cameron enjoys the speed and competition of racing, either in his Rotax Senior or a B-Spec rental kart at PGP Motorsports Park, where he recently finished No. 3 overall in Rotax Senior in the Stars of PGP Kart Series despite missing several races. He also won the B-Spec finale in the Dec. 5 Stars of PGP Kart Fall & Winter Series event, holding off a field of drivers with much more experience.
"The field for that race was just amazing, including Maurice Shawver, Jerry Peterson, Derek Wang, Stepanova Nekeel - great racers," said Cameron. "In the final Maurice was on my tail the whole time. I was lucky enough to pull that one off; racing against him is always nerve-wracking. After the race we checked the sheet and my fastest lap was just one one-thousandths of a second faster than Maurice's."
Cameron was introduced to kart racing two years ago by his father, Kurtis Hess. That first outing at an indoor track was nearly the last for Cameron, however, as his father was much faster. But Kurtis Hess insisted they try it again and Cameron improved his lap time by 10 seconds that next time - and he shaved off some more time in subsequent visits.
A few months after he and Cameron had started karting together, Kurtis Hess discovered PGP on a trip to nearby Pacific Raceways to watch a late-model race. One lap around the purpose-built .82 mile open-air course and Cameron was hooked.
"We tried out the rental karts and the first time I beat my dad again," said Cameron. "A lot of the racing at PGP is really close. One of the best feelings you can get is to battle and battle, try different moves, and finally get that pass. The racing is close, but it's just as fun off the track as on."
"The people at PGP, racers and staff, have been nice to us 100 percent of the time we've been there," he continued "The racing is positive, the people are positive. I can't think of a thing I don't like about PGP."
Cameron is a pretty typical teenager who likes rock music (favorite group "by a landslide" is Nickelback), video games ("Modern Warfare 2" on Xbox; racing simulations on Playstation), TV ("Two and a Half Men" and anything on SPEED channel, naturally) and movies ("Happy Gilmore", the "Back to the Future" trilogy and "Ironman").
He enjoys American Sign Language class in school because it's "new, a whole lot different and the teacher is amazing - the funniest teacher at school." Cameron enjoys being active, listing PE as his second-favorite class, and although he played some basketball in middle school and enjoys baseball and soccer, racing has taken over.
"I've always liked sports and to be competitive, but just about every other sport is a team sport. In racing, if you go out and win the race, it feels like a huge personal accomplishment," he continued. "Racing is still a team sport - and I consider everyone at PGP to be part of our team, with all the help and tips we've gotten - but if I do something, win a race, I feel a lot more accomplishment."
Considering he's been karting for just a couple years, getting to feel that accomplishment so quickly is a testament to Cameron's skill and determination to improve. In his first Rotax Senior race, he surprised himself with a fifth-place finish after battling a much more experienced driver.
But if you ask the teenager about his development as a karter, Cameron quickly points to the assistance he's received from his father and the staff and other racers at PGP.
"So many people have helped me, I could go on with a pages-long list of names," said Cameron. "Given the chance, I would say 'thank you' to everyone, from where I am today to where I started, it's just amazing."
That's a sentiment Kurtis Hess agrees with: "One of the biggest things I've noticed about Cameron is a growing sense of responsibility, that he's taken ownership for his wins and losses, good days and bad days. He's growing as a driver and a student of driving."
Cameron's transformation hasn't been limited to racing, as he alluded to when talking about life lessons learned at the track. One of the most important has been how to communicate with others. By bench racing in the paddock, Cameron has been able to use the common denominator of racing as a starting point for exchanges of information beyond motorsports, often with people decades older than he is.
"In racing you get to communicate with real people; every weekend I'm talking to adults 10, 20 and 30 years older than I am," said Cameron. "At school they don't teach you how to communicate with people directly. Learning that will help me later in life, in job interviews and just day-to-day."
Being at ease while talking to different types of people at the track is something that would surprise his friends at school, according to Cameron, but that just indicates how at ease he feels in that environment.
"People at PGP that haven't met him - they will," said Kurtis Hess. "He loves to socialize with people of all ages. If you're out there racing, he understands your passion and will talk to you about it."
During the last Stars of PGP Kart event, Cameron's short walk from his pit to the office turned into a half-hour as he stopped to talk to various racers and their families and friends along the way. That roundabout journey led fellow Rotax racer and 15-year-old, Jessica Dana, to call Cameron a "social butterfly."
"I thought that was pretty funny, but it's true - I like to talk to everyone," said Cameron. "At school that would surprise people, but the track is a place that I love to be, and a place that I fit in. I feel really comfortable there."
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
Thursday, December 16, 2010
GRAYS HARBOR RACEWAY TO HONOR THEIR 2010 CHAMPIONS THIS SATURDAY NIGHT
American Speed Association PR
DAYTONA BEACH, FL (Thursday, December 16, 2010) - It will be a quiet weekend in ASA Racing, except for competitors and fans of Grays Harbor Raceway in Elma, WA. They will be celebrating their 2010 season this Saturday night.
The banquet will take place at the Little Creek Casino & Resort in Shelton, WA.
2010 Champions that will be honored are: Zack Simpson (Hobby Stocks), Seth Hespe (Midgets), Josh Muller (Modifieds), and Seth Bergman (Sprint Cars).
http://www.graysharborraceway.com/
The American Speed Association congratulates these champions and wishes everyone a happy and safe holiday season.
The American Speed Association started as a single racing series in 1968 and is a fast growing racing sanctioning body today. The ASA Member Track program is comprised of asphalt and dirt short tracks along with road courses around the United States, as well as a variety of regional and national touring series. To learn more of the Daytona Beach, Fla.-based American Speed Association call (386) 258-2221 or send an e-mail to info@asa-racing.com. For news and information from all the racetracks and regional tours involved in the ASA, visit www.ASA-Racing.com.
DAYTONA BEACH, FL (Thursday, December 16, 2010) - It will be a quiet weekend in ASA Racing, except for competitors and fans of Grays Harbor Raceway in Elma, WA. They will be celebrating their 2010 season this Saturday night.
The banquet will take place at the Little Creek Casino & Resort in Shelton, WA.
2010 Champions that will be honored are: Zack Simpson (Hobby Stocks), Seth Hespe (Midgets), Josh Muller (Modifieds), and Seth Bergman (Sprint Cars).
http://www.graysharborraceway.com/
The American Speed Association congratulates these champions and wishes everyone a happy and safe holiday season.
The American Speed Association started as a single racing series in 1968 and is a fast growing racing sanctioning body today. The ASA Member Track program is comprised of asphalt and dirt short tracks along with road courses around the United States, as well as a variety of regional and national touring series. To learn more of the Daytona Beach, Fla.-based American Speed Association call (386) 258-2221 or send an e-mail to info@asa-racing.com. For news and information from all the racetracks and regional tours involved in the ASA, visit www.ASA-Racing.com.
Mitchum Motorsports Enters Rolex 24 at Daytona
Virginia Beach, VA (December 15, 2010) – Mitchum Motorsports has entered the #86 GT Porsche in the 2011 Rolex 24 at Daytona with drivers Joey Atterbury and Randy Pobst. Atterbury, regular driver of the team’s Chevrolet Camaro in the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge, will make his Rolex series debut at the Rolex 24 while veteran driver Pobst brings with him two class victories in the historic race.
Team principal Chris Mitchum has spent the off season preparing for both the 2011 Continental Tires Sports Car Challenge and the return to Rolex competition. “I am very excited with the program for the Rolex 24. The pre-season tire testing has allowed everyone to get familiar with the new Continental tires and it's nice to not fall out rhythm like you can in a typical off season. The guys have definitely been busy in the new shop the past few months converting the 2008 GT3 to the updated specs. We have done our own testing and driver development away from the series and that has definitely given us an edge”, said Mitchum. “It's rare to be able to say that the crew and car are ahead of schedule at this point but the reality is we are in a really good spot. We need to remain focused in order to roll into the final test days in Daytona truly prepared.”
“We are very excited about the driver lineup so far with Randy and Joey and are in discussions with a number of very good drivers for the remaining two seats. The Homestead test confirmed that Randy and Joey work well together and a veteran like Randy on the team will be a huge asset”, added Mitchum. “Having the "rocket man" a part of any effort is a plus, but I also feel that we have been able to form a bond between the team and the drivers which will serve us well this season.”
Pobst, who has two previous class wins at the Rolex 24 in Porsches, signed with Mitchum after testing with the team at VIR and Homestead-Miami. "I am thrilled to be a part of the Mitchum Motorsports effort at the Rolex 24 in 2011. After two extensive tests, I am very pleased with the team’s level of organization and positive attitude. Most impressive is the performance of Joey Atterbury, a terrific and smart young driver with whom I feel fortunate to be associated. This team is in a position to not just run this race, but to win it."
Atterbury, who will race for Mitchum Motorsports for the second consecutive season in the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge, is looking forward to his first Rolex 24. “Entering the Rolex 24 is a lifelong dream of mine. Running the full season in Continental Tire has helped prepare me for the upcoming GRAND-AM seasons as well as the Rolex 24, and sharing the car with Randy is a great opportunity as he brings great experience with him”, said Atterbury. “I have tested with Randy on two separate occasions and it is clear to me that not only is he fast, but more importantly for an endurance race, he is a great teammate.”
Mitchum Motorsports will be on track next in January at the Roar Before the 24 in Daytona for the final test with the #86 Porsche. You can follow live timing and scoring on www.GRAND-AM.com to stay up to speed on the team.
Mitchum Motorsports plans to announce full driver lineups for the Rolex 24 and the 2011 Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge in January. Watch for team news at http://www.mitchum.ms and www.GRAND-AM.com.
Team principal Chris Mitchum has spent the off season preparing for both the 2011 Continental Tires Sports Car Challenge and the return to Rolex competition. “I am very excited with the program for the Rolex 24. The pre-season tire testing has allowed everyone to get familiar with the new Continental tires and it's nice to not fall out rhythm like you can in a typical off season. The guys have definitely been busy in the new shop the past few months converting the 2008 GT3 to the updated specs. We have done our own testing and driver development away from the series and that has definitely given us an edge”, said Mitchum. “It's rare to be able to say that the crew and car are ahead of schedule at this point but the reality is we are in a really good spot. We need to remain focused in order to roll into the final test days in Daytona truly prepared.”
“We are very excited about the driver lineup so far with Randy and Joey and are in discussions with a number of very good drivers for the remaining two seats. The Homestead test confirmed that Randy and Joey work well together and a veteran like Randy on the team will be a huge asset”, added Mitchum. “Having the "rocket man" a part of any effort is a plus, but I also feel that we have been able to form a bond between the team and the drivers which will serve us well this season.”
Pobst, who has two previous class wins at the Rolex 24 in Porsches, signed with Mitchum after testing with the team at VIR and Homestead-Miami. "I am thrilled to be a part of the Mitchum Motorsports effort at the Rolex 24 in 2011. After two extensive tests, I am very pleased with the team’s level of organization and positive attitude. Most impressive is the performance of Joey Atterbury, a terrific and smart young driver with whom I feel fortunate to be associated. This team is in a position to not just run this race, but to win it."
Atterbury, who will race for Mitchum Motorsports for the second consecutive season in the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge, is looking forward to his first Rolex 24. “Entering the Rolex 24 is a lifelong dream of mine. Running the full season in Continental Tire has helped prepare me for the upcoming GRAND-AM seasons as well as the Rolex 24, and sharing the car with Randy is a great opportunity as he brings great experience with him”, said Atterbury. “I have tested with Randy on two separate occasions and it is clear to me that not only is he fast, but more importantly for an endurance race, he is a great teammate.”
Mitchum Motorsports will be on track next in January at the Roar Before the 24 in Daytona for the final test with the #86 Porsche. You can follow live timing and scoring on www.GRAND-AM.com to stay up to speed on the team.
Mitchum Motorsports plans to announce full driver lineups for the Rolex 24 and the 2011 Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge in January. Watch for team news at http://www.mitchum.ms and www.GRAND-AM.com.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
Trevor Leighton Tops National Snocross Standings
More than 90 drivers have already competed in the Sport Super Stock class this season and Leighton is solely focused on the series championship. Leighton was the number one qualifier for the weekend on his Polaris sled winning his heat race but a slow start in the main would mean he would have to be aggressive throughout the 10-lap feature.
Leighton settled into the fifth position by the end of lap one and steadily moved forward making his way into the third position by lap 6. While he closed the gap on the leaders he had to settle for a third place finish. His performance over the weekend earned him enough points to jump from fifth to first in the national standings and currently holds a 13-point advantage over second place.
Colby Crapo, St. Anothony, ID netted two top ten finishes over the weekend in the Semi-Pro class but the results are not what the 22-year old needs in order to claim the Semi-Pro title. Crapo also scored finishes of 6th, 3rd, 1st, and 2nd in heat race action.
On Saturday afternoon Crapo was the number three qualifier and had a good hole shot to start the race but exiting turn one he and another rider collided causing Crapo to come off his sled. He spent the remainder of the 15-lap event just playing catch up and would eventually finish in the ninth position. Crapo is currently ninth in the national standings one point out of eighth, 33-points out of fifth, and 66-points out of the top spot.
The next event for the Idaho based team is January 8, 2011 in the Piranha-X Western National at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, UT. The Dakota Magic Fargo National can be seen on Versus Network Sunday, December 26 at 3pm ET.
Leighton Motorsports is owned by Trace and Wendy Leighton of Eagle, Idaho and has the support of Kyle Zarimba (crew chief), Adam Johnson (driver coach), and Timi Leighton (marketing) race weekends.
Leighton Motorsports is a factory sponsored Polaris Industries Racing team with additional support from Fly Racing, Woody's, HMK, C&A Pro, ROX, WPS, Crapo Trucking, 139 Designs, Carl's Cycle Sales, BMC Select, Boise Cold Storage, Ashley Heating, and McAlvain Companies. New to the team this season are Walker Evans Shocks, Dragon Goggles, 2 Cool Vents, Western Trailers, the Idaho Potato Commission, Sidewayz, and CTI Braces. The AMSOIL Duluth National (round 1) can also be seen on the Versus Network December 19, 2010 at 3pm ET. For all the latest news and information about Leighton Motorsports, log onto www.leightonmotorsports.com.
Exclusive marketing partnerships and sponsorship programs are still available for the season. Contact Trace Leighton at 208/941-4700.
About ISOC Racing
The International Series of Champions (ISOC) is the premiere snowmobile race organization in North
America. The AMSOIL Championship Snocross Series is the flagship series, with eight national points races
held across the US. In addition, ISOC affiliates with nine regional race circuits, providing up and coming
snowmobile racers the opportunity to hone their skills as they advance toward the national stage. Visit
http://www.isocracing.com/ for more information, fan and racer memberships, schedule details and more.
Friday, December 10, 2010
“SIMPSON PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS ACQUIRES SAFETY SOLUTIONS
New Braunfels, TX, December 7, 2010 Simpson Performance Products, the industry dominant brand in racing safety for more than 50 years and Safety Solutions, Inc., backed by 18 years of restraint engineering knowledge have joined forces. United by the common mission of making the sport of racing safer, the acquisition of Safety Solutions gives Simpson Performance Products a broader racing safety portfolio and enhances opportunities for future growth and development within the industry.
Trevor Ashline, President of Safety Solutions commented, “I am excited about the growth and opportunities that are ahead. I look forward to working with the Simpson team, pooling our resources and experience to continue bringing innovative safety technology and product choice to the sport of racing. Safety Solutions’ customers will continue to be able to get the same great product technology they are accustomed to, and more.
“Simpson has worked closely with Trevor Ashline and the team at Safety Solutions
since 2001. We are confident the product line fits well with our overall safety mission and extends our presence in the Motorsports industry as a one-stop partner for racing safety products. Safety Solution’s patents for head restraint devices have given the industry safety innovations that have proven to make racers safer. Additionally, Ashline’s dedication to extensive dynamic sled testing for head restraints has been exemplary.” states Chuck Davies, CEO of Simpson.
About Safety Solutions, Inc.
After receiving his engineering degree from Rochester Institute of Technology, Trevor Ashline began his career in the automotive industry in Detroit where he worked for 9 yrs. as a Restraint Engineer/Program Manager for restraint companies, such as Takata, Allied Signal and Autoliv. In 2001, after relocating to the Carolinas, Ashline started Safety Solutions and developed the first of many head restraints and other components for racing safety systems. Ashline is a sought after industry expert and has written numerous industry papers including SAE Paper 2008-01-2969: Occupant Compartment Updates for Side to Side Vibration in a Fuel Funny Car. In 2008, Safety Solutions won the NCMA Safety Innovation Award.
About Simpson Performance Products, Inc.
Since 1959, Simpson Race Products has been manufacturing products for racing safety, including drag parachutes, the flagship Simpson product. That is over 50 years as one of the most recognized brands in racing safety, protecting the driver and crew from head to toe with helmets, fire retardant racing suits, restraints, shoes and gloves. Simpson racing suits, team apparel and sublimated shirts are created at its 53,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility in Harbor City, CA. Helmets, restraints and parachutes are manufactured at its 80,000 sq. ft. headquarters in New Braunfels, TX. Simpson is the preferred safety gear of championship race teams such as John Force Racing, Stewart-Haas Racing, JR Motorsports and Robby Gordon Motorsports. Simpson gives back to the racers through contingency sponsorships and trackside support in numerous sanctioning bodies, including NASCAR and NHRA. More information about Simpson Performance Products is available at www.teamsimpson.com.
Trevor Ashline, President of Safety Solutions commented, “I am excited about the growth and opportunities that are ahead. I look forward to working with the Simpson team, pooling our resources and experience to continue bringing innovative safety technology and product choice to the sport of racing. Safety Solutions’ customers will continue to be able to get the same great product technology they are accustomed to, and more.
“Simpson has worked closely with Trevor Ashline and the team at Safety Solutions
since 2001. We are confident the product line fits well with our overall safety mission and extends our presence in the Motorsports industry as a one-stop partner for racing safety products. Safety Solution’s patents for head restraint devices have given the industry safety innovations that have proven to make racers safer. Additionally, Ashline’s dedication to extensive dynamic sled testing for head restraints has been exemplary.” states Chuck Davies, CEO of Simpson.
About Safety Solutions, Inc.
After receiving his engineering degree from Rochester Institute of Technology, Trevor Ashline began his career in the automotive industry in Detroit where he worked for 9 yrs. as a Restraint Engineer/Program Manager for restraint companies, such as Takata, Allied Signal and Autoliv. In 2001, after relocating to the Carolinas, Ashline started Safety Solutions and developed the first of many head restraints and other components for racing safety systems. Ashline is a sought after industry expert and has written numerous industry papers including SAE Paper 2008-01-2969: Occupant Compartment Updates for Side to Side Vibration in a Fuel Funny Car. In 2008, Safety Solutions won the NCMA Safety Innovation Award.
About Simpson Performance Products, Inc.
Since 1959, Simpson Race Products has been manufacturing products for racing safety, including drag parachutes, the flagship Simpson product. That is over 50 years as one of the most recognized brands in racing safety, protecting the driver and crew from head to toe with helmets, fire retardant racing suits, restraints, shoes and gloves. Simpson racing suits, team apparel and sublimated shirts are created at its 53,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility in Harbor City, CA. Helmets, restraints and parachutes are manufactured at its 80,000 sq. ft. headquarters in New Braunfels, TX. Simpson is the preferred safety gear of championship race teams such as John Force Racing, Stewart-Haas Racing, JR Motorsports and Robby Gordon Motorsports. Simpson gives back to the racers through contingency sponsorships and trackside support in numerous sanctioning bodies, including NASCAR and NHRA. More information about Simpson Performance Products is available at www.teamsimpson.com.
PGP HAS A FULL WEEKEND OF RACING ON TAP WITH KARTING, DRIFTING AND LAP ATTACK
KENT, Wash. — (Dec. 10, 2010) Okay, so you’ve got the tree up, assorted Nutcrackers scattered around the house, those twinkly icicle lights all over the bushes in your yard and around your rooftop, the stockings hung and the presents hidden in a place where your [pick as appropriate] kids / husband / wife / parents / sister / brother shouldn’t find them.
Why not take a well-deserved break from the holiday-season grind and head out to PGP Motorsports Park this weekend for some RACING fun? We’ve got a new karting endurance challenge as well as drifting on Saturday and if you’re not careful you may learn something in our FREE karting clinic from David Cheng, a guy who one day may win the Indianapolis 500, too. The racing goodness continues on Sunday as Lap Attack returns to the premier motorsports facility in the Northwest.
SATURDAY FROM 9-11:30 A.M. is time for some karting at PGP.
Go Kart Lapping Challenge
vHow many laps do you think you can turn in 2.5 hours in one of PGP’s 45 mph B-Spec rental karts? Make it a personal challenge and it’s your own record to break at the next event OR round up the big talkers in your friendly circle to see who’s got what it takes.
This is NOT a race; you can spend as much time on track as you want and pull into the pits as often as you need to during the 2.5 hours, so if you’re not the die-hard type, this event is for you.
New to karting? This is a great chance to rack up some serious seat time while also getting to know the region’s premier track.
Just $85 for members; $105 for non-members ... purchase your 2011 membership for $50 now and you receive member pricing through Dec. 31, 2011.
David Cheng Kart Clinic
Fresh off a dominating win at the eighth annual National Auto Speed Association 25 Hours of Thunderhill Raceway endurance event in Richmond, Calif., 21-year-old Star Mazda and Formula 2000 racer David Cheng will share his secrets for going fast in a kart for FREE.
Sharing the driving duties at Thunderhill with Texas Rangers World Series pitcher CJ Wilson, professional Formula Drift and World Challenge Car Driver Tyler McQuarrie and Mazda Spec Miata National Championship Runner-Up Darin Polsley, David won the E1 class by 45 laps in a Mazda MX-5 and placed sixth overall.
Born in Beijing, China, David lives in Seattle. In 2009 he earned rookie of the year honors in the Formula 2000 series and recorded three runner-up finishes in four Skip Barber races.
SATURDAY FROM NOON TO DUSK is time for tire-smoking slides around the .82-mile track as drifting returns to PGP.
Gates open to spectators at 11 a.m. with the region’s best drifters hitting the track at noon and the action won’t stop until the sun goes down. Spectators are $10 with 5 and under free. Pit passes are $15.
Music provided by DJ Dunn Dirty, beer garden for 21 and older and lots of fun for everyone.
SUNDAY AT 9 A.M. car lapping returns to PGP with Round 3 of the Lap Attack Fall-Winter Series.
• New drivers are welcome, but be warned: It takes a lot more than a heavy foot or a big motor to drive a car fast around PGP. Being smooth with the wheel, finding the right line and braking points, and knowing the limits of your vehicle are critical ingredients to turning a fast lap time.
• Drivers in three categories, front-wheel Drive (FWD), rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), will compete to turn the quickest times around PGP’s 14-turn .82-mile asphalt track.
• Competitive sessions during each round will be four laps each, with drivers turning one out-lap to warm their tires before three hot laps. The best lap time for each session will be combined with the lowest overall total in each class winning that round.
• Drivers must possess a valid driver’s license and tires must be DOT legal. Practice starts at 9 a.m. The cost is $85 per entry and $10 per pit pass. No passengers allowed.
There will be a live broadcast with commentary of Saturday’s drifting and Sunday’s Lap Attack events provided by eventbuilder.com and accessible through a link on the PGP website at www.PacificGP.com. The event will also be available for “on demand” viewing later by following the same link.
Racing at PGP is always rain or shine. A substantial amount of time and money was spent during the construction of PGP to mitigate all water issues. More than two miles of drain pipe sits under the specifically formulated asphalt that includes additional polymers and hardeners that increase the traction in the wet. This means you can expect great racing rain or shine year round.
On the Web
Visit www.pacificgp.com, become a fan of “Pacific Grand Prix” on Facebook or follow @pacificgp on Twitter.
About PGP Motorsports Park
PGP Motorsports Park is the Northwest’s premier multi-purpose racing facility and is located in close proximity to the greater Seattle metropolitan area. Named “Best Guys Weekend Destination” for 2010 in the KING 5 Evening Magazine Best of Western Washington contest, the track is easy to get to and inexpensive to utilize, making PGP a rare combination of top-level racing excitement and affordability. For more information on PGP events and services, visit www.pacificgp.com or call (253) 639-7223.
PGP Motorsports media contact
Paul Zalud, (206) 390-9858, paul@pacificgp.com
Why not take a well-deserved break from the holiday-season grind and head out to PGP Motorsports Park this weekend for some RACING fun? We’ve got a new karting endurance challenge as well as drifting on Saturday and if you’re not careful you may learn something in our FREE karting clinic from David Cheng, a guy who one day may win the Indianapolis 500, too. The racing goodness continues on Sunday as Lap Attack returns to the premier motorsports facility in the Northwest.
SATURDAY FROM 9-11:30 A.M. is time for some karting at PGP.
Go Kart Lapping Challenge
vHow many laps do you think you can turn in 2.5 hours in one of PGP’s 45 mph B-Spec rental karts? Make it a personal challenge and it’s your own record to break at the next event OR round up the big talkers in your friendly circle to see who’s got what it takes.
This is NOT a race; you can spend as much time on track as you want and pull into the pits as often as you need to during the 2.5 hours, so if you’re not the die-hard type, this event is for you.
New to karting? This is a great chance to rack up some serious seat time while also getting to know the region’s premier track.
Just $85 for members; $105 for non-members ... purchase your 2011 membership for $50 now and you receive member pricing through Dec. 31, 2011.
David Cheng Kart Clinic
Fresh off a dominating win at the eighth annual National Auto Speed Association 25 Hours of Thunderhill Raceway endurance event in Richmond, Calif., 21-year-old Star Mazda and Formula 2000 racer David Cheng will share his secrets for going fast in a kart for FREE.
Sharing the driving duties at Thunderhill with Texas Rangers World Series pitcher CJ Wilson, professional Formula Drift and World Challenge Car Driver Tyler McQuarrie and Mazda Spec Miata National Championship Runner-Up Darin Polsley, David won the E1 class by 45 laps in a Mazda MX-5 and placed sixth overall.
Born in Beijing, China, David lives in Seattle. In 2009 he earned rookie of the year honors in the Formula 2000 series and recorded three runner-up finishes in four Skip Barber races.
SATURDAY FROM NOON TO DUSK is time for tire-smoking slides around the .82-mile track as drifting returns to PGP.
Gates open to spectators at 11 a.m. with the region’s best drifters hitting the track at noon and the action won’t stop until the sun goes down. Spectators are $10 with 5 and under free. Pit passes are $15.
Music provided by DJ Dunn Dirty, beer garden for 21 and older and lots of fun for everyone.
SUNDAY AT 9 A.M. car lapping returns to PGP with Round 3 of the Lap Attack Fall-Winter Series.
• New drivers are welcome, but be warned: It takes a lot more than a heavy foot or a big motor to drive a car fast around PGP. Being smooth with the wheel, finding the right line and braking points, and knowing the limits of your vehicle are critical ingredients to turning a fast lap time.
• Drivers in three categories, front-wheel Drive (FWD), rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), will compete to turn the quickest times around PGP’s 14-turn .82-mile asphalt track.
• Competitive sessions during each round will be four laps each, with drivers turning one out-lap to warm their tires before three hot laps. The best lap time for each session will be combined with the lowest overall total in each class winning that round.
• Drivers must possess a valid driver’s license and tires must be DOT legal. Practice starts at 9 a.m. The cost is $85 per entry and $10 per pit pass. No passengers allowed.
There will be a live broadcast with commentary of Saturday’s drifting and Sunday’s Lap Attack events provided by eventbuilder.com and accessible through a link on the PGP website at www.PacificGP.com. The event will also be available for “on demand” viewing later by following the same link.
Racing at PGP is always rain or shine. A substantial amount of time and money was spent during the construction of PGP to mitigate all water issues. More than two miles of drain pipe sits under the specifically formulated asphalt that includes additional polymers and hardeners that increase the traction in the wet. This means you can expect great racing rain or shine year round.
On the Web
Visit www.pacificgp.com, become a fan of “Pacific Grand Prix” on Facebook or follow @pacificgp on Twitter.
About PGP Motorsports Park
PGP Motorsports Park is the Northwest’s premier multi-purpose racing facility and is located in close proximity to the greater Seattle metropolitan area. Named “Best Guys Weekend Destination” for 2010 in the KING 5 Evening Magazine Best of Western Washington contest, the track is easy to get to and inexpensive to utilize, making PGP a rare combination of top-level racing excitement and affordability. For more information on PGP events and services, visit www.pacificgp.com or call (253) 639-7223.
PGP Motorsports media contact
Paul Zalud, (206) 390-9858, paul@pacificgp.com
Thursday, December 9, 2010
FORD RACING’S BOSS 302S READY TO RACE IN ‘11
Dearborn, Mich. — It has been The Year of the Boss. This past year has seen the return of the Mustang BOSS 302R to track at Daytona International Speedway and the unveiling of the 2012 BOSS 302 production Mustang, and now Ford Racing announces the latest addition to its line of turn-key ready to race Mustangs—the BOSS 302S.
Building on the successful race history of the BOSS302, Ford Racing is providing Mustang enthusiasts an affordable way to road race with the introduction of the Mustang BOSS 302S. The limited production BOSS 302S will be the third competition car in Ford Motor Company’s history to be built at a Ford production facility and made available for racers to purchase through authorized Ford Racing dealers. The Mustang FR500S was the first race car built on a modern Ford production line followed by the NHRA legal FR500CJ, a.k.a. Cobra Jet.
"Ford Racing is excited to add an additional turn-key ready to race car to our stable, which includes the highly successful FR500C, FR500S, BOSS 302R and Cobra Jet," said Mark Wilson, Engineering Manager Ford Racing. "The enthusiasts who purchase the BOSS 302S will be competitive in both the World Challenge GTS and the NASA American Iron Series. We look forward to adding their names to the BOSS 302's racing history.”
The 440-hp Ford Mustang BOSS 302S was developed by Ford Racing engineers, and will be built at Auto Alliance International assembly plant in Flat Rock, Mich., the home of the Mustang.
The car is based on the street legal 2012 Mustang BOSS 302. The Mustang BOSS 302S is powered by a Boss 5.0-liter 4-valve Ti-VCT V-8 engine and includes a 6-speed transmission sourced directly from the BOSS 302 parts bin. Power is transferred to the rear wheels, via a T2 Torsen differential and 3.73 gears. The BOSS 302S suspension features two-way adjustable coil-over dampers and Ford Racing anti-roll bars in both the front and rear.
The BOSS 302S uni-body starts as a Mustang body-in-white, to reduce weight, the factory seam sealer, sound deadener and interior panels are deleted prior to body build. In addition to body reinforcement, a 6-point Federation Internationale de L’Automobile legal roll cage is installed for driver safety and chassis rigidity. The interior features a Recaro Head and Neck Support system Pro-Racer lightweight race seat, 6-point safety belt, quick release steering wheel and AiM data acquisition system with Global Positioning System.
BOSS 302S aerodynamic updates include a unique fiberglass heat extracting hood, adjustable front splitter and adjustable carbon fiber rear wing. A retro styled BOSS 302 graphics package is included with each car and mimics the graphics from the original 1969 BOSS 302 program.
Production is scheduled the second quarter of 2011 and orders may be placed at Ford dealers that participate in the Ford Racing Performance Parts program by ordering part number FR500-B302S (performance white paint) or M-FR500-B302SO (orange paint). MSRP for the BOSS 302S is $79,000.00.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
TRACK RECORDS FALL DURING ROUND 2 OF STARS OF PGP KART SERIES
Cool, clear weather brought some new racers to PGP Motorsports Park and helped produce additional horsepower, resulting in exciting racing and new track records during Round 2 of the Stars of PGP Kart Fall & Winter Series on Sunday.
Running clockwise (reverse) on the full .82-mile long course configuration, the final round of kart racing in 2010 at PGP can be viewed on-demand from eventbuilder.com by following the link on www.PacificGP.com. The Stars of PGP Kart Fall & Winter Series returns to action on Sundays in 2011, with Round 3 on Jan. 2, Round 4 on Feb. 6 and the finale on March 6.
ROTAX
The most exciting group of the day, Rotax Senior saw the epic battle between Kyle Byers and Derek Wang continue from the first round of the series, with Wang driving a new Kosmic chassis this time around. Byers repeated his opening-round success by sweeping the day, qualifying fastest - making a late grab of the pole from Wang, who held it most of the session - as well as taking the checkered flag in both the final and pre-final races.
Wang put up a fierce battle in the pre-final, trading the lead with Byers several times. As the two took the white flag, Wang moved to the inside of Byers, who was taking a defensive line into the first corner. Forced off the racing line onto the dirty side of the course, Wang won the braking battle but didn't have the grip to make it through PGP's Roller Coaster corner, instead heading off into the grass. Wang was able to keep his kart heading the right direction to finish second behind Byers.
In the final Wang would again put the pressure on Byers, but even though he clocked the fastest lap of the day, he was unable to find a way past. There was also plenty of action behind them as Kory Estell marched to the front to finish on the podium after a disappointing qualifying run. Estell was just beaten to the line for third place in the pre-final, but his pace and determination pushed him forward in the final as he passed Jessica Dana for third place in the early going. Dana finished fourth.
Records were set in the Rotax Master and Micro classes, by Jerry Peterson and Connor Wick respectively. Wick returned to PGP in a big way in the Micro class, breaking the class mark by several tenths with a lap of 1:13.453. Wick also won the final over Caleb Daniells, who holds the track record for the counter-clockwise (normal) direction. In Rotax Master, Peterson set a new track record of 1 minute, 04.022 seconds while debuting a new motor.
In Rotax Junior, Jake Preston made a clean sweep of the class, taking the pole in qualifying and winning both the pre-final and final races. Second overall was Jacob Delavergne in his return to PGP after nearly six months away racing elsewhere. Third overall was Tessa Daniells, who adjusted to her new Rotax package nicely by setting the fastest lap in the final.
SHIFTERS
The Hammer Nutrition team put on an exciting show in the Stock Moto Light class, with Steve Perdue taking the checkered flag in the final after Brandon Scheiber dropped out with engine problems. Up to that point, Scheiber had dominated, turning laps a half-second faster or better than his competitors. The man on the move in the final was Jim Lilleberg, who dropped back at the start. Showing better pace as the race session went on, Lilleberg used his superior pace and some fantastic late-braking moves to first dispatch teammates Craig Sender for third and then Brian Frank for second before running out of time in his pursuit Perdue and the win. Sender stole the final podium spot from Frank with a late move at the finish line. And although denied his shot at the win, Scheiber still got the last word on the day, heading back out once repairs were made to clock the fastest lap of the race.
In the Open class, John Wright returned to PGP after taking a two-month break to win the final while Matt Russe won the pre-final in his first PGP event.
YAMAHA/4-STROKE/WORLD FORMULA
Jerry Filgiano made a big splash in his PGP debut in the growing World Formula class, sweeping the day with a new track record, the fastest lap in qualifying and wins in the pre-final and final. An experienced World Formula racer, Filgiano was the class of a field that also saw an exciting battle for second between Jim Campbell, and Kevin and Nick Larson. Kevin Larson edged the others for the runner-up trophy in one of his best races to date while his son Nick rounding out the podium after Campbell suffered both a spin and a mechanical failure. The third-place finish was a pleasant surprise for Nick Larson, because by the closing laps he had lost all grip in his front tires and the former track record holder was just trying to stay on the course.
Randy Taylor brought the Yamaha class to PGP for the first time and set the bar for anyone else who wants to come out with a lap of 1:09.234. In 4-stroke action, Jeremy Bolstad re-set his own track mark, driving his Yamaha F200-powered kart around PGP with a time of 1:08.105.
B-SPEC
In the B-Spec (rental) class, there was a mix of series regulars and some new faces - and experienced ones at that - but it was class veterans Cameron Hess-Grimes and Maurice Shawver who took the checkered flags in the final and pre-final respectively. Shawver also won the pole in qualifying, besting a field of racers that included ICC pilot Bob Kim and Rotax Senior drivers Stepanova Nekeel and Derek Wang, who traded in their competition karts for PGP's spec Birel rentals. In the final, Hess-Grimes and Shawver put on a clinic for the rest of the drivers on how to maneuver a B-Spec kart around PGP's .82-mile course, trading the lead back and forth. En route to the victory Hess-Grimes turned the fastest lap of the race, but it was just .001 better than Shawver.
Fellow B-Spec veteran Jerry Peterson took home a comfortable third place after gapping the rest of the field while Wang, Nekeel and relative B-Spec newcomer Brian Raymond battled for fourth. Raymond, responsible for running the cameras for PGP's live broadcasts, took a break to jump in the action, handing off the camera duties to "Afro Matt." Trading paint all the way to the line, Wang would come out ahead in the battle for fourth, with Raymond and Nekeel crossing just behind.
Running clockwise (reverse) on the full .82-mile long course configuration, the final round of kart racing in 2010 at PGP can be viewed on-demand from eventbuilder.com by following the link on www.PacificGP.com. The Stars of PGP Kart Fall & Winter Series returns to action on Sundays in 2011, with Round 3 on Jan. 2, Round 4 on Feb. 6 and the finale on March 6.
ROTAX
The most exciting group of the day, Rotax Senior saw the epic battle between Kyle Byers and Derek Wang continue from the first round of the series, with Wang driving a new Kosmic chassis this time around. Byers repeated his opening-round success by sweeping the day, qualifying fastest - making a late grab of the pole from Wang, who held it most of the session - as well as taking the checkered flag in both the final and pre-final races.
Wang put up a fierce battle in the pre-final, trading the lead with Byers several times. As the two took the white flag, Wang moved to the inside of Byers, who was taking a defensive line into the first corner. Forced off the racing line onto the dirty side of the course, Wang won the braking battle but didn't have the grip to make it through PGP's Roller Coaster corner, instead heading off into the grass. Wang was able to keep his kart heading the right direction to finish second behind Byers.
In the final Wang would again put the pressure on Byers, but even though he clocked the fastest lap of the day, he was unable to find a way past. There was also plenty of action behind them as Kory Estell marched to the front to finish on the podium after a disappointing qualifying run. Estell was just beaten to the line for third place in the pre-final, but his pace and determination pushed him forward in the final as he passed Jessica Dana for third place in the early going. Dana finished fourth.
Records were set in the Rotax Master and Micro classes, by Jerry Peterson and Connor Wick respectively. Wick returned to PGP in a big way in the Micro class, breaking the class mark by several tenths with a lap of 1:13.453. Wick also won the final over Caleb Daniells, who holds the track record for the counter-clockwise (normal) direction. In Rotax Master, Peterson set a new track record of 1 minute, 04.022 seconds while debuting a new motor.
In Rotax Junior, Jake Preston made a clean sweep of the class, taking the pole in qualifying and winning both the pre-final and final races. Second overall was Jacob Delavergne in his return to PGP after nearly six months away racing elsewhere. Third overall was Tessa Daniells, who adjusted to her new Rotax package nicely by setting the fastest lap in the final.
SHIFTERS
The Hammer Nutrition team put on an exciting show in the Stock Moto Light class, with Steve Perdue taking the checkered flag in the final after Brandon Scheiber dropped out with engine problems. Up to that point, Scheiber had dominated, turning laps a half-second faster or better than his competitors. The man on the move in the final was Jim Lilleberg, who dropped back at the start. Showing better pace as the race session went on, Lilleberg used his superior pace and some fantastic late-braking moves to first dispatch teammates Craig Sender for third and then Brian Frank for second before running out of time in his pursuit Perdue and the win. Sender stole the final podium spot from Frank with a late move at the finish line. And although denied his shot at the win, Scheiber still got the last word on the day, heading back out once repairs were made to clock the fastest lap of the race.
In the Open class, John Wright returned to PGP after taking a two-month break to win the final while Matt Russe won the pre-final in his first PGP event.
YAMAHA/4-STROKE/WORLD FORMULA
Jerry Filgiano made a big splash in his PGP debut in the growing World Formula class, sweeping the day with a new track record, the fastest lap in qualifying and wins in the pre-final and final. An experienced World Formula racer, Filgiano was the class of a field that also saw an exciting battle for second between Jim Campbell, and Kevin and Nick Larson. Kevin Larson edged the others for the runner-up trophy in one of his best races to date while his son Nick rounding out the podium after Campbell suffered both a spin and a mechanical failure. The third-place finish was a pleasant surprise for Nick Larson, because by the closing laps he had lost all grip in his front tires and the former track record holder was just trying to stay on the course.
Randy Taylor brought the Yamaha class to PGP for the first time and set the bar for anyone else who wants to come out with a lap of 1:09.234. In 4-stroke action, Jeremy Bolstad re-set his own track mark, driving his Yamaha F200-powered kart around PGP with a time of 1:08.105.
B-SPEC
In the B-Spec (rental) class, there was a mix of series regulars and some new faces - and experienced ones at that - but it was class veterans Cameron Hess-Grimes and Maurice Shawver who took the checkered flags in the final and pre-final respectively. Shawver also won the pole in qualifying, besting a field of racers that included ICC pilot Bob Kim and Rotax Senior drivers Stepanova Nekeel and Derek Wang, who traded in their competition karts for PGP's spec Birel rentals. In the final, Hess-Grimes and Shawver put on a clinic for the rest of the drivers on how to maneuver a B-Spec kart around PGP's .82-mile course, trading the lead back and forth. En route to the victory Hess-Grimes turned the fastest lap of the race, but it was just .001 better than Shawver.
Fellow B-Spec veteran Jerry Peterson took home a comfortable third place after gapping the rest of the field while Wang, Nekeel and relative B-Spec newcomer Brian Raymond battled for fourth. Raymond, responsible for running the cameras for PGP's live broadcasts, took a break to jump in the action, handing off the camera duties to "Afro Matt." Trading paint all the way to the line, Wang would come out ahead in the battle for fourth, with Raymond and Nekeel crossing just behind.
ASA LANDS IN BRITISH COLUMBIA!
The formerly known as and recently acquired Katana Boat Sportsman Tour has a 10-year history as a Late Model Sportsman Tour in BC, and was originally founded by John Aantjes of High Risk Entertainment Ltd. Even before acquiring the tour rights, Ross Productions Ltd. realized that the strength of this tour has always been the core group of racers that have committed to it from the inception. Ross Productions Ltd. looks forward to the opportunity to help the racers build their series and hopes to take it to a new level that will produce some great racing for the fans, racers and sponsors in British Columbia.
John Ross is the owner of Advance Testing Ltd. and has assumed a partial title sponsorship role for the newly titled ASA British Columbia Late Model Tour presented by Advance Testing.ca. Advance Testing is a BC based soil, asphalt and concrete testing company serving the construction industry since 1997 (see www.advancetesting.ca). Rob Angus will assume responsibilities as Director of Operations and help to build and promote late model racing in British Columbia. Without the support of John Ross' self built companies Ross Racing Inc. and Advance Testing Ltd., this newly acquired and exciting tour would not be possible.
The tour has an excellent foundation of quality late model racers and former champions that include Tom Berrow, Ken Jorgensen, Jason Beaulieu, Korbin Thomas and a number of new and old competitors like Brent Morris, Geoff Morris, Dave Key, Brandon Carlson, Bob Kuhn, Harvey Hoogenboom, Michael Haslam, Darrell Midgley, Wade Bland, Francis Payette, Jason Tarasenko, Dave Hemrich, Kalvin Louden and Matt Stephenson to name a few. Who will compete for the first ASA BC Late Model Tour Championship?
The series has seen some of the largest car counts in the Northwest, the highest being 34 cars for the 2010 Canada 200 in Victoria. The ASA BC Late Model Tour presented by Advance Testing.ca will pride itself on keeping the cost down for the racers to compete at a high level, and intends to keep all of the basic rules with only minor clarifications for the next 3 years to help keep exotic parts out. The tour will continue to field fabricated stock clip type late model chassis' with ABC type bodies, limited two barrel and crate motor options from Chevy, Dodge and Ford. The race tracks that the new BCLMT will tentatively compete at in 2011 will be in the towns of Vernon, Campbell River, Penticton, Agassiz, Williams Lake and Victoria.
With the help of the ASA brand, Ross Productions Ltd. is looking forward to stepping up the professionalism, advertising, race day structure and tech crew to make the BC Late Model Tour one of the premier pavement oval track late model series in the Northwest. The new tour would like to thank the past sponsors for their commitments to the former Katana Boat Series and are looking forward to them continuing on in 2011 to promote their business' throughout BC.
"We are looking forward to working with all the tracks to host bigger and better events for the fans and the sponsors," John Ross said. "We would also like to thank the fans, past racers and the past crew that ran the day-to-day operations of the former tour."
Ross also said that it was important for ASA to be on board, "In fact, I would not have undertaken this project and sponsorship without the ASA name attached. Their national exposure will help our series and competitors get more exposure."
"We are very excited to welcome the ASA British Columbia Late Model Tour presented by Advance Testing.ca into the ASA family," Dennis Huth, ASA President said. "This is our first series in Canada and we are looking forward to working with John Ross, Rob Angus, the competitors and officials within this great series. ASA is proud to build champions not only in the United States but now to our new friends in British Columbia, Canada."
For more information and sponsorship opportunities contact the Director of Operations, Rob Angus at 604-996-3021 or angusracing21@yahoo.com. New website and e-mail contact to follow.
Hope to see you all at the track!
To learn more about the Daytona Beach, Fla.-based American Speed Association please call (386)258-2221 or send an e-mail to info@asa-racing.com. For news and information for all race tracks and regional tours sanctioned by the ASA, visit www.ASA-Racing.com.
Monday, December 6, 2010
"Terrible" Tim To Run Kart For Charity
Tacoma, Washington –
12-6-2010 – This coming Saturday, December 11th, will mark a first in the racing career of "Terrible" Tim McDougald, driver of the HayWire Motorsports #68 KMB design / Hargis Engineers/ Print-NW / Ringers Gloves / Cornwell Tools Toyota Camry as he takes the wheel of a go-kart during the 2010 running of the Apex Carting 'Toys-For-Tots' charity race.
Having driven Late Models over the last 4 seasons after moving up through the ranks of Hobby Stock and then Street Stock, "Terrible" Tim will give karts a shot to help raise money for the charity. "I'm pretty excited about it," said "Terrible" Tim. "I never drove karts in a competitive setting. Some of the guys I'm racing with now, they grew up running karts then moved into full size cars. I started in full size cars so this kart thing is new to me. I've run them for fun with my friends. You pay a few bucks, you get like 10 minutes and just make as many laps as you can and try to beat your friends. That sort of thing. But this is a little different. This is a 4 hour race with some driver changes, it should be fun. I want to do the best I can for my team, a couple of those guys are definitely better than me so I don't want to be the anchor that slows us down."
Raising money for charity is something the Haywire Motorsports driver jumps at when given the opportunity. "We like doing this sort of thing," said McDougald. "We took part in the 'Everett Children's Museum - Racin' Rally' car show and we helped out at the AIA scholarship program at the annual dinner auction they do. We like to get involved in these sort of events. They are always great fun and they give us a way to help out the community. And who doesn't like 'Toys For Tots'? What a great charity." Putting together the team was something McDougald really took the lead on after being contacted for this event. "One of our consultants from work first contacted me, KC2 Services, and asked me to help make this happen," said "Terrible" Tim. "I had to find us some sponsors and a few drivers to help us out, but we ended up with a great group for this thing. I have to say thanks to our sponsors for chipping in the entry fee. KC2 Services, KMB design, Merit Construction NW, Dickerson's Southbay BBQ, Quality Car Care and Quality Brake & Muffler all helped us take part in this great event. I really can't thank each one of them enough."
The event, the Third Annual Mini Le Mans Charity Event, a 4 hour kart race at Apex Carting in Tumwater, Washington will benefit 'Toys For Tots'. Teams will consist of between 2 and 8 drivers and rotate drivers throughout the event. Racing starts at 10:00am with a scheduled fuel stop at Noon. Contact Apex Carting for more information or stop by the day of the event to watch the racing action or visit the HayWire Racing website at http://www.haywire-racing.com.
For up to date news, information and complete coverage contact:
HayWire Motorsports
14711 12th Ave E, Suite B
Tacoma, Wa. 98445
Or visit the HayWire Racing website at - http://www.haywire-racing.com.
12-6-2010 – This coming Saturday, December 11th, will mark a first in the racing career of "Terrible" Tim McDougald, driver of the HayWire Motorsports #68 KMB design / Hargis Engineers/ Print-NW / Ringers Gloves / Cornwell Tools Toyota Camry as he takes the wheel of a go-kart during the 2010 running of the Apex Carting 'Toys-For-Tots' charity race.
Having driven Late Models over the last 4 seasons after moving up through the ranks of Hobby Stock and then Street Stock, "Terrible" Tim will give karts a shot to help raise money for the charity. "I'm pretty excited about it," said "Terrible" Tim. "I never drove karts in a competitive setting. Some of the guys I'm racing with now, they grew up running karts then moved into full size cars. I started in full size cars so this kart thing is new to me. I've run them for fun with my friends. You pay a few bucks, you get like 10 minutes and just make as many laps as you can and try to beat your friends. That sort of thing. But this is a little different. This is a 4 hour race with some driver changes, it should be fun. I want to do the best I can for my team, a couple of those guys are definitely better than me so I don't want to be the anchor that slows us down."
Raising money for charity is something the Haywire Motorsports driver jumps at when given the opportunity. "We like doing this sort of thing," said McDougald. "We took part in the 'Everett Children's Museum - Racin' Rally' car show and we helped out at the AIA scholarship program at the annual dinner auction they do. We like to get involved in these sort of events. They are always great fun and they give us a way to help out the community. And who doesn't like 'Toys For Tots'? What a great charity." Putting together the team was something McDougald really took the lead on after being contacted for this event. "One of our consultants from work first contacted me, KC2 Services, and asked me to help make this happen," said "Terrible" Tim. "I had to find us some sponsors and a few drivers to help us out, but we ended up with a great group for this thing. I have to say thanks to our sponsors for chipping in the entry fee. KC2 Services, KMB design, Merit Construction NW, Dickerson's Southbay BBQ, Quality Car Care and Quality Brake & Muffler all helped us take part in this great event. I really can't thank each one of them enough."
The event, the Third Annual Mini Le Mans Charity Event, a 4 hour kart race at Apex Carting in Tumwater, Washington will benefit 'Toys For Tots'. Teams will consist of between 2 and 8 drivers and rotate drivers throughout the event. Racing starts at 10:00am with a scheduled fuel stop at Noon. Contact Apex Carting for more information or stop by the day of the event to watch the racing action or visit the HayWire Racing website at http://www.haywire-racing.com.
For up to date news, information and complete coverage contact:
HayWire Motorsports
14711 12th Ave E, Suite B
Tacoma, Wa. 98445
Or visit the HayWire Racing website at - http://www.haywire-racing.com.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Leighton Motorsports Opens ISOC Season Strong
The AMSOIL Duluth Nationals was staged at Spirit Mountain outside Duluth, MN and featured three days of racing action in a variety of classes. A stout field of racers suited up for action in the first event of the ISOC season making for intense competition throughout the weekend.
Colby Crapo of St. Anthony, ID has his sights set on a national title as well as a return trip the Winter X-Games slated for late January. Crapo accomplished one of his goals early by qualifying for the X-Games winning both his qualifying heats and finishing second in the feature event for the Semi-Pro X class qualifier. Crapo will be one of only three Semi-Pro riders to be featured in the Pro class at this year's Winter X-Games.
"Making the X-Games is huge," Crapo said. "It will be great going to the games with the Leighton Motorsports team this year and we really think we have a solid chance competing against the rest of the pros. While the X-Games is a big deal, winning the Semi-Pro championship this season is our focus."
Crapo's bid for the National Semi-Pro championship is well underway with solid performances all weekend in his heat races but on-track incidents affected his feature finishes.
Trevor Leighton, a high school senior, is vying for the National Sport Super Stock championship and scored his first podium finish of the season with a third place effort in the class feature race. Leighton also scored two first place finishes in heat race action over the weekend.
"I was a little nervous heading into the weekend with this being the first race," Leighton offered. "I am really happy about our finishes this weekend and I have a lot of confidence heading into the next event."
Leighton also finished seventh in the X-Games qualifier just missing the cut. The Leighton Motorsports team will be back in action December 10-11 at the Newman's Outdoor Field in Fargo, ND for round two of the eight race AMSOIL ISOC Championship Snocross Series.
Leighton Motorsports is a factory sponsored Polaris Industries Racing team with additional support from Fly Racing, Woody's, HMK, C&A Pro, ROX, WPS, 139 Designs, Carl's Cycle Sales, BMC Select, Boise Cold Storage, Ashley Heating, and McAlvain Companies. New to the team this season are Walker Evans Shocks, Dragon Goggles, 2 Cool Vents, Western Trailers, the Idaho Potato Commission, Sidewayz, and CTI Braces. The AMSOIL Duluth National will be broadcast on the Versus Network December 19, 2010 at 3pm ET. For all the latest news and information about Leighton Motorsports, log onto www.leightonmotorsports.com.
Exclusive marketing partnerships and sponsorship programs are still available for the season. Contact Trace Leighton at 208/941-4700.
About ISOC Racing
The International Series of Champions (ISOC) is the premiere snowmobile race organization in North
America. The AMSOIL Championship Snocross Series is the flagship series, with eight national points races
held across the US. In addition, ISOC affiliates with nine regional race circuits, providing up and coming
snowmobile racers the opportunity to hone their skills as they advance toward the national stage. Visit
http://www.isocracing.com/ for more information, fan and racer memberships, schedule details and more.
2010/11 AMSOIL ISOC Championship Snocross Series Schedule
November 26-28, 2010
AMSOIL Duluth National
Spirit Mountain
Duluth, MN
December 10-11, 2010
Dakota Magic Casino Fargo National (Friday and Saturday)
Newman's Outdoor Field
Fargo, ND
January 8, 2011
Piranha-X Western Nationals
Rio Tinto Stadium
Sandy, UT
January 27-30, 2011
Winter X-Games
Aspen, CO
February 4-5, 2011 (Friday & Saturday)
Eastern Nationals
Finger Lakes Casino & Racetrack
Farmington, NY
February 12, 2011
Michigan National
Silverdome
Pontiac, MI
March 4-6, 2011
Hayward Nationals
LCO Casino
Hayward, WI
March 12-13, 2011
Air Force National
Elko Speedway
Elko, MN
March 18-20, 2011
Nielsen Enterprises Grand Finale
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa
Lake Geneva, WI
BUY A 2011 PGP MEMBERSHIP NOW AND GET FREE STUFF!
For karts, SuperMoto and scooters, buying a 2011 Competitive Membership now means FREE PRACTICE TIME FOR THE REST OF 2010!
That’s right: YOU PAY NO PRACTICE FEES FOR THE REST OF 2010 when you purchase a 2011 PGP Competition Membership now. Grab your kart, SuperMoto bike or scooter, have fun and build your skills while spending as much time as you like lapping at the region’s premier racing venue FOR FREE!
For the price of $175, all PGP 2011 memberships purchased now are valid through Dec. 31, 2011 and include the following benefits:
$20 off each race entry Fee
$25 off each open practice day in 2011
Free PGP hat!
Free spectator entry to Drift Events (special events excluded)
And did we mention FREE PRACTICE TIME FOR THE REST OF 2010?
For Lap Attack, Lapping Days and Drift, purchase a 2011 Competitive Membership for $175 and get ONE FREE LAPPING DAY! A $100 VALUE! (Valid for Dec. 8, 2010, Jan. 5, 2011 or Feb. 9, 2011 events). You’ll also get:
$25 discount on all Lapping Days
$20 discount on all Lap Attack and Drift Events
Free PGP hat!
Membership is not required to race or practice at PGP Motorsports Park, but a competition license is required to accumulate series points and awards.
Racing at PGP is always rain or shine. A substantial amount of time and money was spent during the construction of PGP to mitigate all water issues. More than two miles of drain pipe sits under the specifically formulated asphalt that includes additional polymers and hardeners that increase the traction in the wet. This means you can expect great racing rain or shine year round.
PGP features power in the pits, free parking in a secure lot for overnight trailers, practice time available every day when other events are not booked and running well water. Near-term upgrades include the installation of a permanent restroom and shower facility.
When it comes to deals, PGP knows you can’t beat FREE, as in, PAYING NO PRACTICE FEES or SAVING THE $100 FEE ON A LAPPING DAY with the purchase of a 2011 Competition Membership. We now return you to your normally scheduled life.
On the Web
Visit www.pacificgp.com, become a fan of “Pacific Grand Prix” on Facebook or follow @pacificgp on Twitter.
About PGP Motorsports Park
PGP Motorsports Park is the Northwest’s premier multi-purpose racing facility and is located in close proximity to the greater Seattle metropolitan area. Named “Best Guys Weekend Destination” for 2010 in the KING 5 Evening Magazine Best of Western Washington contest, the track is easy to get to and inexpensive to utilize, making PGP a rare combination of top-level racing excitement and affordability. For more information on PGP events and services, visit www.pacificgp.com or call (253) 639-7223.
PGP Motorsports media contact
Paul Zalud, (206) 390-9858, paul@pacificgp.com
Thursday, December 2, 2010
COOL WEATHER MEANS FAST KARTS FOR STARS OF PGP KART SERIES ROUND 2
KENT, Wash. — (Dec. 2, 2010) Going fast is cool in more ways than one at PGP Motorsports Park. Did you know engines make more horsepower in cooler weather? If you haven’t experienced the thrill of racing inches off the ground on a state-of-the-art track, head out to PGP this Sunday because cool, rain-free weather is in the forecast for Round 2 of the Stars of PGP Kart Fall & Winter Series.
Saving money is also cool, so PGP will waive the non-member fee for all first-time visitors taking part in Round 2, which will be the final kart event of 2010. The remainder of the Stars of PGP Kart Fall & Winter Series will be on Sundays in 2011: Jan. 2, Feb. 6 and the finale on March 6.
Sunday’s event will run PGP’s tried-and-true race-day format, with practice, qualifying, heat races, and a main event. There will be 4-stroke and B-Spec rental classes as well as Rotax, TaG, shifters, Juniors and Seniors, Heavy, and 35 and over. Don’t worry about track time; our streamlined competition structure means you’ll get lots of time on PGP’s state-of-the-art asphalt track.
To register or for more information, visit www.pacificgp.com. Drivers looking to get some practice in before Round 2 should visit PGP from 9 a.m.-noon on Saturday.
There will be a live broadcast with commentary of Sunday’s event provided by eventbuilder.com and accessible through a link on the PGP website at www.PacificGP.com. The event will also be available for “on demand” viewing after Sunday by following the same link.
Although the weather-guessers are saying Sunday will be dry, racing at PGP is always rain or shine. A substantial amount of time and money was spent during the construction of PGP to mitigate all water issues. More than two miles of drain pipe sits under the specifically formulated asphalt that includes additional polymers and hardeners that increase the traction in the wet. This means you can expect great racing rain or shine year round.
PGP features power in the pits, free parking in a secure lot for overnight trailers, practice time available every day when other events are not booked and running well water. Near-term upgrades include the installation of a permanent restroom and shower facility.
On the Web
Visit www.pacificgp.com, become a fan of “Pacific Grand Prix” on Facebook or follow @pacificgp on Twitter.
About PGP Motorsports Park
PGP Motorsports Park is the Northwest’s premier multi-purpose racing facility and is located in close proximity to the greater Seattle metropolitan area. Named “Best Guys Weekend Destination” for 2010 in the KING 5 Evening Magazine Best of Western Washington contest, the track is easy to get to and inexpensive to utilize, making PGP a rare combination of top-level racing excitement and affordability. For more information on PGP events and services, visit www.pacificgp.com or call (253) 639-7223.
Saving money is also cool, so PGP will waive the non-member fee for all first-time visitors taking part in Round 2, which will be the final kart event of 2010. The remainder of the Stars of PGP Kart Fall & Winter Series will be on Sundays in 2011: Jan. 2, Feb. 6 and the finale on March 6.
Sunday’s event will run PGP’s tried-and-true race-day format, with practice, qualifying, heat races, and a main event. There will be 4-stroke and B-Spec rental classes as well as Rotax, TaG, shifters, Juniors and Seniors, Heavy, and 35 and over. Don’t worry about track time; our streamlined competition structure means you’ll get lots of time on PGP’s state-of-the-art asphalt track.
To register or for more information, visit www.pacificgp.com. Drivers looking to get some practice in before Round 2 should visit PGP from 9 a.m.-noon on Saturday.
There will be a live broadcast with commentary of Sunday’s event provided by eventbuilder.com and accessible through a link on the PGP website at www.PacificGP.com. The event will also be available for “on demand” viewing after Sunday by following the same link.
Although the weather-guessers are saying Sunday will be dry, racing at PGP is always rain or shine. A substantial amount of time and money was spent during the construction of PGP to mitigate all water issues. More than two miles of drain pipe sits under the specifically formulated asphalt that includes additional polymers and hardeners that increase the traction in the wet. This means you can expect great racing rain or shine year round.
PGP features power in the pits, free parking in a secure lot for overnight trailers, practice time available every day when other events are not booked and running well water. Near-term upgrades include the installation of a permanent restroom and shower facility.
On the Web
Visit www.pacificgp.com, become a fan of “Pacific Grand Prix” on Facebook or follow @pacificgp on Twitter.
About PGP Motorsports Park
PGP Motorsports Park is the Northwest’s premier multi-purpose racing facility and is located in close proximity to the greater Seattle metropolitan area. Named “Best Guys Weekend Destination” for 2010 in the KING 5 Evening Magazine Best of Western Washington contest, the track is easy to get to and inexpensive to utilize, making PGP a rare combination of top-level racing excitement and affordability. For more information on PGP events and services, visit www.pacificgp.com or call (253) 639-7223.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
MasterCraft Safety Announces the Acquisition Of Bill Simpson’s Impact! Racing
With the introduction of the suspension seat to the niche off-road community in 1970, MasterCraft Safety immediately became an innovative leader and safety advocate for the off-road racing and recreational four-wheeling markets. Over the last 40 years, MasterCraft Safety has continuously evolved and has strived to expand its presence and improve driver safety through pioneering suspension seat designs and the addition of occupant restraints and driving suits.
Today, MasterCraft Safety once again elevated the company’s presence as a revolutionary manufacturer of safety products and stunned the motorsports industry with the announcement of their acquisition of Bill Simpson’s Impact! Racing Products. The official announcement of the asset-based purchase was delivered during a press conference held at the “Impact! Racing by MasterCraft Safety” booth shortly after the opening of today’s International Motorsports Industry Show (IMIS) in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Founded in 2002, and led by the iconic and charismatic Bill Simpson, the purchase of Impact! Racing adds a host of new products such as helmets, gloves and shoes that will compliment MasterCraft Safety’s existing product line. Even more importantly, Bill Simpson will remain with the company as a technical and design consultant and will work side-by-side with MasterCraft Safety CEO, Robbie Pierce. “I can’t tell you how excited I am to be working with Bill,” explained Robbie Pierce. “This is the man who invented the Nomex driving suit and has continuously improved many of the safety solutions used in today’s motorsports. Bill Simpson is synonymous with safety, which makes him a perfect fit for both companies and I cannot be more honored to work with him.”
In his book, Racing Safely, Living Dangerously, Bill Simpson recalls the first time he met, Rick Mears, prior to the two becoming close friends. Simpson’s initial impression was that Mears was “just another one of those blankety-blank off road racers.” Many years later, Simpson is ironically handing over the reins of his company to another blankety-blank off-road racer: Robbie Pierce. Much as Simpson tested his own products early on (most famously lighting himself on fire while wearing a Nomex race suit), Robbie Pierce competes in a SCORE Trophy-Truck class in the SCORE International desert racing series, a sanction best known for the grueling Baja 1000. “In all honesty, the off-road racers of today do not get the credit they deserve,” explained Simpson. “A racer is a racer and that common thread is all is takes to understand the needs of all the different circuits out there. Robbie and I have both created products that matter for our particular markets. This acquisition is combining a powerful wealth of safety expertise in a broad range of motorsports.”
With a history deeply rooted in racing and a unique sense of understanding driver needs, Robbie Pierce was the ideal choice to carry forward Bill Simpson’s vision and legacy. “As a racer, Robbie understands the inherent dangers of competing and the importance of safety equipment. Drivers rely on my products every time they strap into their race vehicle and that is a reality both Robbie and I share and something neither of us take lightly,” remarked Bill Simpson.
Also sharing Bill Simpson’s loyalty and concern for employees, MasterCraft Safety acquired not just the inventory and product designs of Impact! Racing, but also the real estate. Impact! Racing’s manufacturing facility is situated on 3.5 acres located in the heart of “Gasoline Alley” in Brownsburg, Indiana and their retail location is in the center of NASCAR country in Mooresville, North Carolina. The full-line of Impact! Racing products will continue to be proudly made in the USA, in the birthplace of the famed Indy 500, and will compliment MasterCraft Safety’s manufacturing in Santee, California. “Some of the employees have been with me since 1973 and I am extremely pleased that Robbie has chosen to maintain the existing sales and operations here in Indiana and will continue manufacturing with the same talented workforce that has gotten the company to where it is today,” remarked Bill Simpson.
As dirt meets asphalt, look for MasterCraft Safety’s style and influence to find its way into a host of new Impact! Racing products while Bill Simpson’s legacy will continue through the development of entirely new safety solutions catered towards the existing MasterCraft Safety audience. Throughout the evolution of this acquisition, gradual changes will be made as operations are slowly integrated. For the time being, both brands will operate separately, maintaining a focus on the loyal racers and enthusiasts who have created the identity of each individual company.
More information on MasterCraft Safety’s full-line of products can be found by visiting www.mastercraftsafety.com. Impact! Racing’s colorful history and extensive product line of helmets, gloves, shoes and driving suits are available online at www.impactraceproducts.com
Stop by the Impact! Racing by MasterCraft Safety booth #1201 at the International Motorsports Industry Show in Indianapolis, Indiana on December 1st – 3rd, 2010 or visit booth #501 at the Performance Racing Industry Show in Orlando, Florida on December 9th – 11th, 2010. For those not familiar with off-road racing, Robbie Pierce’s SCORE Trophy Truck that just completed the Baja 1000 race is on display in the C&R Racing booth #1723 at IMIS! Visit their booth to learn more about the vehicle technology used in the harsh and unforgiving desert-racing environment.
About MasterCraft Safety:
Based in Santee, California, MasterCraft Safety is the leading manufacturer of driving suits, window nets, and innovative safety seating and restraint systems custom tailored to endure the most extreme environmental conditions and off-road terrain. In addition to four decades of real world testing in the most extreme racing conditions, independent tests by nationally recognized laboratories indicate the MasterCraft Safety suspension seat directly resulted in an 84% reduction of energy in a 55 “G” load event. Whether the Impact! Racing or MasterCraft Safety products are on a top fuel dragster, a SCORE Trophy Truck or a blast-attenuating seat for a military MRAP, the common theme is both companies are the first choice in environments where safety can mean the difference between life and death.
Today, MasterCraft Safety once again elevated the company’s presence as a revolutionary manufacturer of safety products and stunned the motorsports industry with the announcement of their acquisition of Bill Simpson’s Impact! Racing Products. The official announcement of the asset-based purchase was delivered during a press conference held at the “Impact! Racing by MasterCraft Safety” booth shortly after the opening of today’s International Motorsports Industry Show (IMIS) in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Founded in 2002, and led by the iconic and charismatic Bill Simpson, the purchase of Impact! Racing adds a host of new products such as helmets, gloves and shoes that will compliment MasterCraft Safety’s existing product line. Even more importantly, Bill Simpson will remain with the company as a technical and design consultant and will work side-by-side with MasterCraft Safety CEO, Robbie Pierce. “I can’t tell you how excited I am to be working with Bill,” explained Robbie Pierce. “This is the man who invented the Nomex driving suit and has continuously improved many of the safety solutions used in today’s motorsports. Bill Simpson is synonymous with safety, which makes him a perfect fit for both companies and I cannot be more honored to work with him.”
In his book, Racing Safely, Living Dangerously, Bill Simpson recalls the first time he met, Rick Mears, prior to the two becoming close friends. Simpson’s initial impression was that Mears was “just another one of those blankety-blank off road racers.” Many years later, Simpson is ironically handing over the reins of his company to another blankety-blank off-road racer: Robbie Pierce. Much as Simpson tested his own products early on (most famously lighting himself on fire while wearing a Nomex race suit), Robbie Pierce competes in a SCORE Trophy-Truck class in the SCORE International desert racing series, a sanction best known for the grueling Baja 1000. “In all honesty, the off-road racers of today do not get the credit they deserve,” explained Simpson. “A racer is a racer and that common thread is all is takes to understand the needs of all the different circuits out there. Robbie and I have both created products that matter for our particular markets. This acquisition is combining a powerful wealth of safety expertise in a broad range of motorsports.”
With a history deeply rooted in racing and a unique sense of understanding driver needs, Robbie Pierce was the ideal choice to carry forward Bill Simpson’s vision and legacy. “As a racer, Robbie understands the inherent dangers of competing and the importance of safety equipment. Drivers rely on my products every time they strap into their race vehicle and that is a reality both Robbie and I share and something neither of us take lightly,” remarked Bill Simpson.
Also sharing Bill Simpson’s loyalty and concern for employees, MasterCraft Safety acquired not just the inventory and product designs of Impact! Racing, but also the real estate. Impact! Racing’s manufacturing facility is situated on 3.5 acres located in the heart of “Gasoline Alley” in Brownsburg, Indiana and their retail location is in the center of NASCAR country in Mooresville, North Carolina. The full-line of Impact! Racing products will continue to be proudly made in the USA, in the birthplace of the famed Indy 500, and will compliment MasterCraft Safety’s manufacturing in Santee, California. “Some of the employees have been with me since 1973 and I am extremely pleased that Robbie has chosen to maintain the existing sales and operations here in Indiana and will continue manufacturing with the same talented workforce that has gotten the company to where it is today,” remarked Bill Simpson.
As dirt meets asphalt, look for MasterCraft Safety’s style and influence to find its way into a host of new Impact! Racing products while Bill Simpson’s legacy will continue through the development of entirely new safety solutions catered towards the existing MasterCraft Safety audience. Throughout the evolution of this acquisition, gradual changes will be made as operations are slowly integrated. For the time being, both brands will operate separately, maintaining a focus on the loyal racers and enthusiasts who have created the identity of each individual company.
More information on MasterCraft Safety’s full-line of products can be found by visiting www.mastercraftsafety.com. Impact! Racing’s colorful history and extensive product line of helmets, gloves, shoes and driving suits are available online at www.impactraceproducts.com
Stop by the Impact! Racing by MasterCraft Safety booth #1201 at the International Motorsports Industry Show in Indianapolis, Indiana on December 1st – 3rd, 2010 or visit booth #501 at the Performance Racing Industry Show in Orlando, Florida on December 9th – 11th, 2010. For those not familiar with off-road racing, Robbie Pierce’s SCORE Trophy Truck that just completed the Baja 1000 race is on display in the C&R Racing booth #1723 at IMIS! Visit their booth to learn more about the vehicle technology used in the harsh and unforgiving desert-racing environment.
About MasterCraft Safety:
Based in Santee, California, MasterCraft Safety is the leading manufacturer of driving suits, window nets, and innovative safety seating and restraint systems custom tailored to endure the most extreme environmental conditions and off-road terrain. In addition to four decades of real world testing in the most extreme racing conditions, independent tests by nationally recognized laboratories indicate the MasterCraft Safety suspension seat directly resulted in an 84% reduction of energy in a 55 “G” load event. Whether the Impact! Racing or MasterCraft Safety products are on a top fuel dragster, a SCORE Trophy Truck or a blast-attenuating seat for a military MRAP, the common theme is both companies are the first choice in environments where safety can mean the difference between life and death.
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