Sunday, July 31, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
PGP GOES MOBILE TO BRING KART RACING EXCITEMENT TO YOU
KENT, Wash. — (July 28, 2011) Looking for the ultimate kart racing experience but can’t get to PGP Motorsports Park, the premier multipurpose racing facility in the Northwest?
No problem — we can bring PGP to you!
That’s right — PGP will bring its award-winning fun blend of fun and thrills to you, just like we did for a social event for a group of Microsoft engineers on July 26 in the parking lot at CenturyLink Field in Seattle.
From 5:30-8:30 p.m. more than 100 participants from around the world tried to set their best time while racing around the approximately one-third mile temporary circuit. At the end of the evening the fastest three drivers climbed the podium to be recognized with trophies.
Caterers were on hand for refreshments, and bleachers and executive restroom facilities were brought in. PGP supplied a sound system for announcing and music during the event, which received rave reviews from both drivers and their guests.
PGP can bring the track to you for your Team Building Event, Client Appreciation Event, Employee Bonus Day or any reason you want. Contact Paul@PacificGP.com to inquire about lot size requirements and planning a private event for your employees or work group.
Check “PGP Motorsports Park” on Facebook for more photos of the Microsoft event.
On the Web
Visit www.pacificgp.com, become a fan of “PGP Motorsports Park” 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 and 2011 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
No problem — we can bring PGP to you!
That’s right — PGP will bring its award-winning fun blend of fun and thrills to you, just like we did for a social event for a group of Microsoft engineers on July 26 in the parking lot at CenturyLink Field in Seattle.
From 5:30-8:30 p.m. more than 100 participants from around the world tried to set their best time while racing around the approximately one-third mile temporary circuit. At the end of the evening the fastest three drivers climbed the podium to be recognized with trophies.
Caterers were on hand for refreshments, and bleachers and executive restroom facilities were brought in. PGP supplied a sound system for announcing and music during the event, which received rave reviews from both drivers and their guests.
PGP can bring the track to you for your Team Building Event, Client Appreciation Event, Employee Bonus Day or any reason you want. Contact Paul@PacificGP.com to inquire about lot size requirements and planning a private event for your employees or work group.
Check “PGP Motorsports Park” on Facebook for more photos of the Microsoft event.
On the Web
Visit www.pacificgp.com, become a fan of “PGP Motorsports Park” 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 and 2011 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
ASA WEEKEND PREVIEW FOR JULY 29-31
ASA ADVANCE TESTING BRITISH COLUMBIA LATE MODEL TOUR
Penticton Speedway (Penticton, BC, Canada)
The Late Model stars of Western Canada will be in action on Saturday and Sunday for the Gordie Mannes Memorial Weekend. This will be two great nights of side-by-side late model racing action on the quarter-mile oval. Geoff Morris holds an eight point lead over Tom Berrow in the standings.
http://www.asaadvancetestingtour.com/
GRAYS HARBOR RACEWAY (Elma, WA)
Don't miss the 12th Annual Shipwreck Beads Northwest Modified Nationals this weekend. Qualifying, Heat Races, and Race of Champions Friday night. Plus $20 per car load admission price on Friday night only.....Bring a car, truck, van, bus or even motorhome. Fill it, stop at the security personnel as you pull in the parking lot to get a party ticket. They will put your party number on the ticket. Take your ticket to the front gate and get them in for $20 for all of you. Saturday night - Modified National Races. Hope to see you all there!
http://www.graysharborraceway.com/
MERIDIAN SPEEDWAY (Meridian, ID)
There will be some great racing action this Saturday night as the Pepsi 50 and Outhouse Grand Prix highlight the action. The Late Models, Mini Stocks, Street Stocks, Pro-4’s and Thunderdogs will be in action. Plus, kids arrive early with their bikes and helmets to participate in bicycle races.
http://www.meridianspeedwayonline.com/
ROCKY MOUNTAIN RACEWAYS (West Valley City, UT)
A full racing program is on tap this Saturday night. The Sprints, Super Stocks, Mini Cup, Ford Focus Midgets, and Hornets will be in action. Racing begins at 6:00pm.
http://www.rmrracing.com/
SKAGIT SPEEDWAY (Burlington, WA)
The summer is heating up and so is the action on the track! 410 Sprints, 360 Sprints, Sportsman Sprints & Outlaw Hornets. Gates open at 5:45pm and racing at 7:00pm.
http://www.skagitspeedway.com/
SOUTHERN OREGON SPEEDWAY (Medford, OR)
A full racing program is scheduled for this Saturday night. The Late Models will be competing in a $2,000 to win feature event. Plus the Pro Stocks, Street Stocks, Super 4’s, Mini Stocks and Thrill Cars will also be in action. Grandstands open at 4:00pm with Racing at 6:00pm.
http://www.sospeedway.com/
YAKIMA SPEEDWAY (Yakima, WA)
Yakima Speedway has cancelled their racing program for this Saturday night. They will be back in action on Saturday, August 6.
http://www.yakimaspeedway.us/
To learn more about the ASA Member Tracks and Sanctioned Series in your area, please visit www.asa-racing.com. Follow ASA Racing on Facebook at www.facebook.com/american.speed.assoc and on Twitter at @amerspeedassoc.
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 sanctions dirt and asphalt short tracks along with road courses around the United States, as well as a variety of regional and national touring series. For more information call (386) 258-2221, or send an email to info@asa-racing.com. The latest news and information from all the racetracks and tours involved in the ASA can be found by visiting www.ASA-Racing.com.
ASA®, ASA Racing®, American Speed Association® are registered trademarks of Racing Speed Associates, LLC.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Caddell Survives Brutal Charlotte Heat with Back to Back Podium Finishes
First practice saw everyone just getting used to the new track that was built on and inside the half mile dirt oval. Andrew started the Pro Light practice tentatively as he knew there was a second practice that afternoon, slowly getting the truck and himself up to speed on the high speed but tricky track.
Friday qualifying would see Andrew go out in the first group of Pro Light trucks which wasn’t the preferred group as the track was still lacking grip from the necessary track watering so the fans could enjoy the show. When qualifying was over, Andrew would qualify 4th which wasn’t a bad place to be starting for the 20 lap race. Andrew urged the crew back in the pits to review the AiM Sports data logging equipment and it showed that as the track evolved and Andrew got more comfortable, a gear change was needed to get the most speed out of the truck. The Jenkins Brothers crew would make that change before the race.
For the Friday night, round 5 race Andrew got a great start passing 2 trucks in turn 1 and by turn 2 was battling for the lead running 2nd behind only Casey Currie. Eventually MOPAR teammate Samuel Hübinette would pass Andrew through the long turn 1 sweeper putting him back to 3rd as Andrew started to feel the power steering malfunction in the tight hairpins but still working on straights and fast corners. Andrew was cruising to the series mandated competition yellow in 3rd right on the back bumpers of the two leaders. When the race went back green Andrew continued to keep pace and ran the races fastest lap to secure the Traxxas Maxx Lap award but the power steering kept getting worse until with 5 laps remaining, it was totally gone and controlling the truck was getting very difficult.
Then if not all of that was making driving at race speeds difficult enough, a stray rock found just the wrong spot on the last lap in the infield and the throttle stuck wide open and almost spun the truck which gave the always quick RJ Anderson a chance to take the final podium spot. Andrew got the truck back under control and fought hard around the outside of the last corner to beat RJ for the final podium spot by just a fender length.
“What a tough race out there tonight,” remarked Caddell “We probably had the best truck tonight but the power steering issue held us back a little bit. This Jenkins Brothers Racing crew is amazing; they always seem to give me the best truck. I’m ready to go for the win tomorrow night because I know we have a great Traxxas truck to do it!”
Heading into Saturdays race, Andrew felt really good about where they stacked up against the competition the night before and during the Saturday afternoon practice where he was clocked in a close 2nd position right behind his teammate Hübinette and only a tenth of a second back.
The Traxxas TORC series always inverts the start of the 2nd round of the weekend’s events so Andrew would start 4th for the Saturday night race. At the drop of the green flag, Andrew quickly moved into 2nd place and going into turn two would move right to the front of the tough Pro Light field with Currie right on his back bumper. Caddell and Currie were matching lap times and pulling away from the field until on the 5th lap, Hübinette would get bumped going up the face of a jump and roll his truck several times that created a full course caution to make sure he was OK and clear the track.
On the restart Caddell and Currie again began to pull away from the rest of the field with Andrew building a lead over Casey as Andrew's Mopar power and BFGoodrich tires began to show their superiority. Heading into the tight right hander in the infield, Andrew slowed more than normal as he was just cruising until the mandated mid race caution and he hit a large hole in the track and slowly rolled the truck over a full 1 turn and luckily it landed back on its wheels but by the time he got moving again, he was back to 5th place. Then in the next corner, he was helped around to a full spin and dropped all the way to last place! Andrew got back to full focus very quickly and would pass a truck before the competition yellow.
Under the yellow Caddell noticed his mandatory window net had come unhooked so he quickly headed to the hot pit area where the team got the net fixed and he rejoined the event again at the back of the pack with only 10 laps left in the race. On the restart Caddell would pass 3 trucks during first lap and was driving as fast and hard as he could, passing trucks every lap. With only 3 laps remaining, he had driven brilliantly back up to the 2nd position. However, by the time he got into 2nd the leader had been running with no traffic and had built a lead too large for Andrew to erase in such a short time although he did make it close at the end! The comeback would come up just a little bit short but a 2nd place after a flip and a trip to the pits was a very good result.
“Well that’s not how we wanted to finish tonight,” exclaimed Caddell. “I got a great start and was leading by turn 2 and just taking it easy until the yellow because this track can tear up the trucks pretty quickly. I went into that right hander knowing it was a tricky corner and just hooked a rut and went over. I am glad I ended up back on my BF Goodrich tires though and kept going. Turns out you can roll this Traxxas Pro Light truck over and back onto its wheels just like our Traxxas Radio Controlled trucks and just keep on going, pretty cool!”
“Most exciting though is we are tied for the points lead” he continued “which is great for where we started this season. We are heading to my two favorite tracks for the next 5 rounds and I can’t wait to get to Bark River and Crandon.”
Next up for Andrew Caddell, Jenkins Brothers Racing, and the rest of the Traxxas TORC series racers is August 13-14 in Bark River, MI. For more information on the 2011 schedule or to buy tickets, visit the series website at www.torcseries.com
Andrew Caddell thanks all of his 2011 supporters including:
Traxxas - BFGoodrich Tires - AMSOIL - King Racing Shocks - Simpson - SafeRacer – AiM Sports
Please support them!
To contact/follow Andrew Caddell:
- Website: www.andrewcaddell.com - Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Andrew-Caddell/141189415939687
- Email: andrew@andrewcaddell.com - Twitter: www.twitter.com/AndrewCaddell
About Traxxas
Traxxas, The Fastest Name In Radio Control®, is based in Plano, Texas. Traxxas is the leader in hobby-class, radio controlled models, and has been building the world's fastest Ready-To-Race® R/C vehicles for over 24 years. Traxxas models are sold exclusively in Hobby Stores, 4-Wheel Parts, and Pep Boys, or buy online at BuyTraxxas.com
About St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Since the hospital was founded in 1962 by Danny Thomas, St. Jude's has made amazing advances in the treatment of pediatric diseases. In 1962, the survival rate for childhood leukemia was less than 5%; today, advances made by St. Jude Children's Hospital have ensured a survival rate of 94%. Other strides include Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (7% survival in 1962; 85% today) and brain tumors (10% in 1962; 85% today). At St. Jude's, no child is turned because of a family's inability to pay, so the support that comes from donations is essential.
To pledge your donation and help Andrew support this great cause, please visit: https://www.traxxas-stjudes.com/ and pledge a one-time donation or pledge an amount based on Andrew's TORC series accomplishments!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Thompson Posts Sixth Place Performance at Portland
JEROME, IDAHO (July 26, 2011) Brett Thompson, driver of the RTTI/Jerome Truck Service Inc. Chevrolet, notched his best road course finish of the season this past weekend at Portland (OR) Int'l Raceway in the Bi-Mart Salute to the Troops "125" for the NASCAR K&N Pro Series-West. Thompson overcame three off track excursions en route to his fourth top ten finish of the season.
The Thompson Motorsports crew was excited to complete the third of three road course events on the schedule. Part of that optimism was the fact the team had a really good race car for the event coupled with Dale Quarterly joining the team for the weekend as driver coach.
The coaching paid off as Thompson was among the fastest in both practice sessions on Saturday and backed up his practice speeds with one of his best road course qualifying efforts to date Sunday morning. "Dale really helped me with my lines and how to better race the track," Thompson said. "He was a big help to me and the team this weekend."
Thompson started the 68-lap (the race went extra distance and finished with a green/white/checkered) event from the 14th position but quickly moved up during the first third of the race. By lap 25, he was running fifth and pitted a few laps later. He rejoined the field outside the top ten but by lap 38 he was back in the top ten closing on the leaders.
While his race was not without challenges, the veteran competitor persevered and overcame three spins to finish in sixth place to record his best finish in the last four races.
"Road racing is not easy but I really enjoy the challenge," Thompson offered. "I over-drove one of the corners and looped the car myself. The other two I got run off the track. But that is just close racing and I am glad we were able to make it back through the field and get a solid finish."
While a top ten finish is always on your mind, the result did little to close the gap on the top five as he still sits 33-points out. "All the guys ahead of me in the points had good runs and finished ahead me in the race," Thompson said. "The important thing is we finish races and complete every lap, the points take care of themselves. I am really looking forward to the next three short track races. We have a great car and we feel we have a great shot at getting back into victory lane."
Of the three tracks the series will visit in the next month, only Colorado National Speedway is familiar to Thompson. "I love Colorado," Thompson said. "We have always run really good there and if it were not for cutting a tire a couple years ago we had the win in our sights." The series will also visit Montana Raceway Park in Kalispell, MT, and an inaugural event in Spokane Labor Day weekend.
Through nine races this season, Thompson has averaged a finish of 11.5 while completing 94% of all laps contested and has been running at the conclusion at eight of the nine races. He currently holds down the sixth position in the point standings on the strength of two top five and four top ten performances. In his NASCAR K&N Pro Series career, Thompson has started 108 NKNPS races since 2000 scoring one win, one Coors Light Pole Award, 22 top five and 60 top ten performances. His best points finish was fifth in 2009.
Thompson Motorsports is a premier racing organization based in Jerome, Idaho providing complete race car preparation and fabrication supporting the local grassroots racer and experienced professional driver. TMS prepares and fields race vehicles in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, NASCAR K&N Pro Series, CarbonX Rocky Mountain Challenge Series, Intermountain Pro Truck Series, and entries at local area short tracks. TMS has corporate partnerships with Rich Thompson Trucking Inc. (RTTI), Jerome Truck Service Inc., Eibach Springs, Schroeder Torsion Bars, United Oil, Speedbear Fasteners, and Hagerman Valley Spring Water. For all the latest news and information about Brett Thompson and Thompson Motorsports, log onto www.brettthompsonracing.com or NASCAR Hometracks.
Thank you for your interest continued support of Thompson Motorsports, a premier motorsports operation in Jerome, Idaho fielding entries in NASCAR, regional Late Model racing, and local short tracks.
~Thompson Motorsports
Monday, July 25, 2011
Friday, July 22, 2011
FATHER AND SON RIDERS FIND SUPERMOTO AT PGP IS A FAMILY AFFAIR
KENT, Wash. — (July 22, 2011) There is nothing new about families being involved together in motorsports. The desire to go fast on two or four wheels is often passed on and nurtured by mothers and fathers, aunts and uncles, grandparents and siblings.
So it is also for Cliff Griffin and his 11-year-old son Darrin, known as DJ, who started racing SuperMoto at PGP Motorsports Park in October 2010.
But for Cliff and DJ, the definition of family has broadened to include not just each other, but also everyone they’ve met at PGP.
“I’ve competed in wakeboard, BMX bicycle racing, motorcycle track days and sporting events,” said Cliff. “But nothing has ever been so inclusive and friendly as the group of folks at PGP — the staff and the people who race. I’ve never seen that and it’s a big part of why we race there.”
The Griffins — Cliff and his wife of 18 years, Julie; DJ is their only child — live in Renton. Cliff works as a regional fleet manager for Pepsi, Julie is a contracts auditor for Pierce County. DJ will attend sixth grade at McKnight Middle School later this year.
Cliff was born in Eugene, Ore., and moved to this area when he was 4. He began riding motorcycles around the same age as DJ is now, mostly riding trail bikes. His fascination with bikes grew over the years and in the summer of 2010 some friends he rode with talked Cliff into taking part in a track day at Pacific Raceways.
After a summer of riding at PR, Cliff once again took a friend’s suggestion to try something new, this time SuperMoto at PGP. Cliff owned a SuperMoto bike that he rode on the street, so along with DJ he stopped by to check the venue out. They quickly got a taste of the family feeling.
“(PGP owner) Paul Zalud said, ‘You know your son can ride here as well,’” Cliff said. “DJ had a dirt bike and when I told him that, Paul said ‘Don’t worry about it, we’ll take care of it for him to ride.’”
Father and son took part in their first PGP SuperMoto track day in October of 2010 and found the feeling on the track was just as positive as in the paddock.
“We tried SuperMoto out and my kid fell in love with it instantly and I fell in love with it instantly,” said Cliff. “We sold our recreational motorcycles and both of us bought track-dedicated SuperMoto bikes within a month of our first time at PGP.”
Cliff found SuperMoto’s mix of dirt and asphalt surfaces to be less physically demanding than other types of motorcycle racing, but no less fun. He said DJ’s riding skill grew “by leaps and bounds” by taking part in SuperMoto as he could learn the capabilities and limitations of the bike without the demands of riding on a dirt-only track.
“The biggest misnomer about SuperMoto is that because there’s asphalt involved it’s more dangerous or less forgiving,” said Cliff. “Some people think dirt and jumping is safer than pavement and corners, but it’s just the opposite in my opinion.”
Although two-thirds of the family was all-in for SuperMoto, Julie wasn’t convinced. She watched Cliff ride his road-race bike once, and promptly left while he was still hitting triple digits on the speedometer on the track. Cliff convinced her to watch a SuperMoto event at PGP, and Julie found both the racing and the venue more to her liking.
“She’s much more relaxed at PGP. She can see the whole track and she knows we’re not going triple digits out there,” Cliff said. “She knows DJ has the same passion I do and she supports us. She really likes the involvement of the group at PGP and how it’s like family there.”
In addition to riding motorcycles, DJ is an avid basketball player and is preparing to get his brown belt in karate. DJ has participated in karate since he was 6 and hopes to earn a junior black belt in the next couple years. He’s also active in scouting, and hopes to become an Eagle Scout.
“Between scouting, karate, basketball and motorcycles our agenda is pretty full,” Cliff said with a laugh.
Cliff said DJ isn’t sure what the future holds for him yet, but he has plenty of time to figure it out. Earning enough to buy a SuperMoto track or start a clothing line for younger SuperMoto riders have been mentioned.
Although DJ has been riding a dirt bike recreationally for several years, Cliff was initially apprehensive about having his son on PGP’s track with a large group of older and more experienced riders.
But by the halfway point of their first day at PGP, Cliff said his concerns melted away when “I realized everyone in the pits and on the track was going out of their way to keep (DJ) safe on the track and to give him tips and pointers in the pits.”
“I could walk away and know he’s safe and everyone out there has their eye out for him,” Cliff continued. “It’s like he has a whole family of parents when he’s riding there.”
Both Cliff and DJ are looking forward to the national series event in August slated to be the Stars of PGP SuperMoto Series summer finale. DJ will have more competition in his own age group and Cliff hopes the additional attention will convince more regional riders to try SuperMoto at PGP.
Cliff actively promotes SuperMoto and PGP in online motorcycle message boards and forums, and he is often asked if he gets a discount for doing so. Laughing, he said his typical response to such question is an offer to show his receipts to anyone who cares to see that he pays full rate.
“I’m genuinely happy when I’m there, and I’m happy to tell people about it,” said Cliff of PGP. “I’ve never been in an environment that’s that friendly, open, honest and helpful.”
“I just absolutely love it out there.”
On the Web
Visit www.pacificgp.com, become a fan of “PGP Motorsports Park” 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
So it is also for Cliff Griffin and his 11-year-old son Darrin, known as DJ, who started racing SuperMoto at PGP Motorsports Park in October 2010.
But for Cliff and DJ, the definition of family has broadened to include not just each other, but also everyone they’ve met at PGP.
“I’ve competed in wakeboard, BMX bicycle racing, motorcycle track days and sporting events,” said Cliff. “But nothing has ever been so inclusive and friendly as the group of folks at PGP — the staff and the people who race. I’ve never seen that and it’s a big part of why we race there.”
The Griffins — Cliff and his wife of 18 years, Julie; DJ is their only child — live in Renton. Cliff works as a regional fleet manager for Pepsi, Julie is a contracts auditor for Pierce County. DJ will attend sixth grade at McKnight Middle School later this year.
Cliff was born in Eugene, Ore., and moved to this area when he was 4. He began riding motorcycles around the same age as DJ is now, mostly riding trail bikes. His fascination with bikes grew over the years and in the summer of 2010 some friends he rode with talked Cliff into taking part in a track day at Pacific Raceways.
After a summer of riding at PR, Cliff once again took a friend’s suggestion to try something new, this time SuperMoto at PGP. Cliff owned a SuperMoto bike that he rode on the street, so along with DJ he stopped by to check the venue out. They quickly got a taste of the family feeling.
“(PGP owner) Paul Zalud said, ‘You know your son can ride here as well,’” Cliff said. “DJ had a dirt bike and when I told him that, Paul said ‘Don’t worry about it, we’ll take care of it for him to ride.’”
Father and son took part in their first PGP SuperMoto track day in October of 2010 and found the feeling on the track was just as positive as in the paddock.
“We tried SuperMoto out and my kid fell in love with it instantly and I fell in love with it instantly,” said Cliff. “We sold our recreational motorcycles and both of us bought track-dedicated SuperMoto bikes within a month of our first time at PGP.”
Cliff found SuperMoto’s mix of dirt and asphalt surfaces to be less physically demanding than other types of motorcycle racing, but no less fun. He said DJ’s riding skill grew “by leaps and bounds” by taking part in SuperMoto as he could learn the capabilities and limitations of the bike without the demands of riding on a dirt-only track.
“The biggest misnomer about SuperMoto is that because there’s asphalt involved it’s more dangerous or less forgiving,” said Cliff. “Some people think dirt and jumping is safer than pavement and corners, but it’s just the opposite in my opinion.”
Although two-thirds of the family was all-in for SuperMoto, Julie wasn’t convinced. She watched Cliff ride his road-race bike once, and promptly left while he was still hitting triple digits on the speedometer on the track. Cliff convinced her to watch a SuperMoto event at PGP, and Julie found both the racing and the venue more to her liking.
“She’s much more relaxed at PGP. She can see the whole track and she knows we’re not going triple digits out there,” Cliff said. “She knows DJ has the same passion I do and she supports us. She really likes the involvement of the group at PGP and how it’s like family there.”
In addition to riding motorcycles, DJ is an avid basketball player and is preparing to get his brown belt in karate. DJ has participated in karate since he was 6 and hopes to earn a junior black belt in the next couple years. He’s also active in scouting, and hopes to become an Eagle Scout.
“Between scouting, karate, basketball and motorcycles our agenda is pretty full,” Cliff said with a laugh.
Cliff said DJ isn’t sure what the future holds for him yet, but he has plenty of time to figure it out. Earning enough to buy a SuperMoto track or start a clothing line for younger SuperMoto riders have been mentioned.
Although DJ has been riding a dirt bike recreationally for several years, Cliff was initially apprehensive about having his son on PGP’s track with a large group of older and more experienced riders.
But by the halfway point of their first day at PGP, Cliff said his concerns melted away when “I realized everyone in the pits and on the track was going out of their way to keep (DJ) safe on the track and to give him tips and pointers in the pits.”
“I could walk away and know he’s safe and everyone out there has their eye out for him,” Cliff continued. “It’s like he has a whole family of parents when he’s riding there.”
Both Cliff and DJ are looking forward to the national series event in August slated to be the Stars of PGP SuperMoto Series summer finale. DJ will have more competition in his own age group and Cliff hopes the additional attention will convince more regional riders to try SuperMoto at PGP.
Cliff actively promotes SuperMoto and PGP in online motorcycle message boards and forums, and he is often asked if he gets a discount for doing so. Laughing, he said his typical response to such question is an offer to show his receipts to anyone who cares to see that he pays full rate.
“I’m genuinely happy when I’m there, and I’m happy to tell people about it,” said Cliff of PGP. “I’ve never been in an environment that’s that friendly, open, honest and helpful.”
“I just absolutely love it out there.”
On the Web
Visit www.pacificgp.com, become a fan of “PGP Motorsports Park” 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, July 21, 2011
ASA WEEKEND PREVIEW FOR JULY 22-24
Kevin Ramsell/American Speed Association PR
DAYTONA BEACH, FL (Thursday, July 21, 2011) – Most of the United States is experiencing record high temperatures. As most of the ASA Member Tracks and Series start their second half of the season, expect high quality of racing and maybe a few high tempers.
Here is a look at what is happening this weekend.
ASA NORTHWEST SPRINTCAR RACING SERIES (NSRA)
Douglas County Speedway (Roseburg, OR)
Current ASA NSRA point leader Matt Hein will go for his third win of the season at his home track this Saturday night. The fast asphalt winged sprint cars will be competing in the Art Pollard Memorial as part of their racing program
http://www.nsraracing.com/
GRAYS HARBOR RACEWAY (Elma, WA)
The Prelude to the Nationals is this Saturday night. The Modifieds, Hobby Stocks and Hornets will be in action. The 12th Annual Shipwreck Beads Nationals is next weekend.
http://www.graysharborraceway.com/
I-25 SPEEDWAY (Pueblo, CO)
It is Family Night this Saturday night. Two adults and two kids admission for $20!!! The Grand American Modifieds will have twin 25-lap feature events. Plus the Charger Figure 8’s, Sportsman, Mini Stocks, Hornets, and Street Drags will also be in action. Racing starts at 6:00pm.
http://www.i25speedway.com/
MERIDIAN SPEEDWAY (Meridian, ID)
Shelby Stroebel has fallen back in the Joe Gibbs Driven Racing Oil ASA Member Track National Championship standings, but the top ASA ESI Express Modified driver at ASA-sanctioned Meridian Speedway still has the leaders in his sights. Stroebel looks to extend his local series lead and gain some ground on the national leaders during ESI Express Service Division Night at the Races on Saturday on the historic paved quarter-mile. The Modifieds run two main events this weekend. According to a July 20 release from ASA media, Stroebel’s 2.8603-point index is third in the national standings, trailing leader Barry Beggarly of Ace Speedway in Altamahaw, N.C. (3.2460 points) and Chrissy Wallace of Lebanon I-44 Speedway in Missouri (2.8988). In addition to the Modifieds, Meridian on Saturday plays host to the NAPA Late Model Sportsman division, the Pepsi Sprintcars, Domino’s Pizza Legends and Tates Rents Hornets.
http://www.meridianspeedwayonline.com/
ROCKY MOUNTAIN RACEWAYS (West Valley City, UT)
The SRL Southwest Tour and Fireworks highlight the racing action this Saturday night. The Maverik Modifieds, Mini Cups, Figure 8 and Figure 8 Trains will also be in action. Racing begins at 6:00pm.
http://www.rmrracing.com/
SKAGIT SPEEDWAY (Burlington, WA)
Skagit Speedway is taking the weekend off. We invite you to Deming Speedway for the finals of the 2011 Clay Cup Nationals! Racing starts at 7:00 p.m. - info at demingspeedway.com.
http://www.skagitspeedway.com/
SOUTHERN OREGON SPEEDWAY (Medford, OR)
The Western States DWARF Nationals is taking place this Friday and Saturday night. On Friday, the Street Stocks will be part of the action and the Mini Stocks will be part of the program on Saturday. Grandstands open at 4:00pm with Racing at 6:00pm.
http://www.sospeedway.com/
YAKIMA SPEEDWAY (Yakima, WA)
The Mid-Season Championships are this Saturday night with the Late Models, Sportsman, Pure Stocks, Hornets, and Bump to Pass in action. Racing gets underway at 6:00pm.
http://www.yakimaspeedway.us/
To learn more about the ASA Member Tracks and Sanctioned Series in your area, please visit www.asa-racing.com. Follow ASA Racing on Facebook at www.facebook.com/american.speed.assoc and on Twitter at @amerspeedassoc.
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 sanctions dirt and asphalt short tracks along with road courses around the United States, as well as a variety of regional and national touring series. For more information call (386) 258-2221, or send an email to info@asa-racing.com. The latest news and information from all the racetracks and tours involved in the ASA can be found by visiting www.ASA-Racing.com.
ASA®, ASA Racing®, American Speed Association® are registered trademarks of Racing Speed Associates, LLC.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
MORRIS DOMINATES! CARLSON WINS ASA THRIFTY FOODS 150
Qualifying started off with six racers breaking the former track record. Brandon Carlson would once again find himself at the top of the qualifying board by smashing his old track record by over two-tenths of a second with a 14.980 and winning the Harding Forklift fast Time Bonus Award.
The trophy dashes saw Tyler Clough come home with the Longacre Racing Products "B" Dash win and Dave Hemrich the Bayfield Mortgage Professionals "A" Dash.
The heat races produced spirited battles with Dave Hemrich outdueling Rory Smith and Bob Kuhn for his second win of the day in the Richmond Engines first heat. The Braun Geotech second heat race saw Bart Smith stay at the front with Brandon Carlson hot on his tail followed by Tom Berrow.
The Thrifty Foods 150 was up next. The fans and racers new from the qualifying and preliminary races, that the 150 lap main event would be highly contested.
Doug Richens would bring the field to the green with Bob Kuhn on the outside pole. Early in the main event it was clear that the 52 car of Geoff Morris hit the setup and made his way to the front from his seventh starting position and proceeded to put numerous cars a lap down while the fans were treated to 118 consecutive green flag laps of racing. By lap 110, the 52 rocket ship of Morris had lapped the 4th place car and it seemed that he would cruise to a dominating win.
In the late stages of the event a caution came out with the spin of the 58 car of Bob Kuhn and it would set the stage for a late race battle with the 52 car of Geoff Morris and the 14 car of Brandon Carlson. Morris would once again continue to lead as the field went back to green with 12 laps left to go with Brandon Carlson and Brent Morris showing that they could challenge the leader in the late stages of the race. The leader, Morris, would once again find himself in lapped traffic with only a couple of laps to go and the fans were on their feet. The 52 of Morris chose the outside lane on a lap car and buy the time he got clear, the 14 car of Brandon Carlson shot buy on the inside to take the lead and bring home the win in the Thrifty Foods 150.
In the Advance Testing Victory lane, Carlson would go on to thank his crew for giving him and excellent car to not only smash the track record but outduel the dominating car of Geoff Morris in the closing laps to take the win. With coming in 2nd in the 150 lap main event the 52 car of Geoff Morris will take over the championship points lead by a total of 12 points over last years champion Tom Berrow
The overall top race day points finishers for the Thrifty Foods 150 are: Brandon Carlson,Geoff Morris, Brent Morris, Dave Hemrich, Rory Smith, Tom Berrow, Bart Smith, Bob Kuhn, Gord Quaite, Doug Richens, Tyler Clough, John Ross, Ray Anderosov.
Next up for the ASA Advance Testing BC Late Model Tour is the two day Gordy Mannis memorial weekend in Penticton with two 100 lap main events July 30/31.
For more information about the ASA Advance Testing BC Late Model Tour, please visit www.asaadvancetestingtour.com.
For more information about the American Speed Association (ASA), please visit www.asa-racing.com.
Hope to see you all in the sunny Okanagon!
PHOTOS BY: Leslie McKellar
(First) Brandon Carlson is joined in victory lane by his crew, family and friends. (Second) Carlson chases down Rory Smith. (Third) Carlson races with Bob Kuhn (58).
Monday, July 18, 2011
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
ROUND 4 OF STARS OF PGP SUPERMOTO SERIES THIS SATURDAY
With early-week reports showing good weather in the forecast, expect the dirt section to be open for riders to catch some air before heading back onto the challenging twists and turns of our state-of-the-art .82-mile asphalt track.
Don’t forget we offer an exclusive SuperMoto practice session from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday. We will have rental kart sessions mixed in (no racing karts allowed), but don’t worry: SuperMoto riders will get plenty of track time.
There will be no food service this Saturday, so be sure to pack a lunch and some snacks.
PGP’s SuperMoto Series features at least 8 classes — SMJR, 250/400F, Open Am, 450, 35+ Veteran, Pro with 100% pay back ($40 fee), Unlimited, Asphalt only — and we haven't forgotten Pee Wee riders, either: they will run during breaks in the program.
The series follows our tried-and-true format, with gates open at 7 a.m. and practice at 9 a.m., followed by qualifying, heat races and final events for all classes. The day will conclude with an awards ceremony.
Although the event is rain-or-shine, in the event of rain, all laps will be run only on the asphalt track. A diagram of the course, series primer, raceday schedule and complete rules and regulations can be found at www.pacificgp.com.
All PGP Motorsports events are now available on line live so you can have all your friends and family follow along live or later “on demand” if they are not able to attend in person. Just click on the link on our website for access to online viewing.
On the Web
Visit www.pacificgp.com, become a fan of “PGP Motorsports Park” 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
Veteran Racer Wins for Second Time; Maintains Point Lead
BOISE, IDAHO (July 12, 2011) The CarbonX Rocky Mountain Challenge Series presented by Century Boatland visited Rocky Mountain Raceways this past weekend for round six of the championship series and it was local racing icon Jeff Hillock of Cedar City, UT claiming his second win of the season in front of a capacity crowd. Hillock edged former two-time series champion Zan Sharp in the 125-lap ITT sponsored event.
Jeff Hillock (Cedar Hills, UT), driver of the JH Hillock Electric Chevrolet, maintains a slim lead the point standings with the win but defending series Champion Steve Jones is closing the gap with only three races left in the championship. "It was a fun event," Hillock said. "The crew has been put to the test the last couple of races and they earned this one. "Back in the day I used to "own" RMR and winning races again; I really want it back."
Hillock started out the evening qualifying in the seventh position but championship rival Jones scored his third Sharp Powder Coating Fast Time Award of the season and finished third in the race to score the most points for the event. "This series rewards qualifying well and getting those passing points make all the difference in the world," Jones offered. Lynn Hardy, Sharp, Bruce Quale, and Thane Alderman rounded out the top five qualifiers scoring bonus points.
The heat races were won by Quale and Alderman also adding to their point totals for the evening. Several newcomers joined the series for their first race including former SRL Southwest Tour champion Dave Byrd, Ron Norman, and Scott Rueschenberg from Arizona.
Based on the invert, Bryan Wordelman, last year's ASA champion, started on the front row and led the first nine circuits before Hillock took over at the point. Hillock would lead the next 44-laps until Hardy reeled him and and made the pass for the lead.
Hardy's time at the front was short lived as Hillock wrestled the top spot back from Hardy the very next lap. Even though Hillock would lead the rest of the way, Jones, Sharp, Hardy, and Wordelman would all challenge for the top spot.
Over the final 40-laps the top five were covered by a blanket thrilling the fans with two and three-wide racing. All without ever laying a fender on anyone.
"It was a heck of a show and a whole lot of fun," Hillock said. "This is what racing is all about. These guys are some of the best and the fans certainly got their monies worth. I am thrilled to get the victory and can't wait to get up to Stateline for the Idaho 200."
Zan Sharp (Wellsville, UT) had another stellar evening in his Sharp Transportation Chevrolet finishing second. After winning the opening round of the season, he has not finished outside the top ten. In his RMCS career he has started 58 races claiming seven wins, 29 top five, 39 top ten performances along with eight Sharp Powder Coating Fast Time awards.
For Steve Jones it was a good night but one that he may have let slip away driving the NC Enterprises Chevrolet. "We are still learning a few things about this new car and even though we are fast, we need a little more late in the race," Jones explained. "After a couple of bad races for us, we are right back in the thick of the points battle and winning that second championship keeps us focused." Jones has started 30 RMCS races scoring three wins, 14 top five and 20 top ten finishes along with 5 Sharp Powder Coating Fast Time Awards.
Lynn Hardy (West Valley, UT) scored his second top five finish of the season coming home in the fourth position. His Qivana/Metaboliq Chevrolet has been fast all season and was a threat to win Saturday night. Hardy has started 38 RMCS races with two wins (both at RMR) 11 top five and 19 top ten performances along with eight career Sharp Powder Coating Fast Time Awards.
Rounding out the top ten finishers were Wordelman, Norman, Byrd, Eric Rhead, John Wong, and Devin LaHorgue.
LaHorgue leads the A-1 Heating and Air Conditioning Rookie of the the Year standings driving his I-5 Tire Factory of Red Bluff Chevrolet scoring his second top ten finish of the season.
Hillock clings to a five point advantage over Jones in the standings with Sharp 31-points back in third place. Hardy sits fourth in the standings with Bruce Quale rounding out the top five. The next event on the schedule is the NAPA Auto Parts Idaho "200" at Stateline Stadium Speedway in Post Falls, Idaho. The event is scheduled for August 6-7 with qualifying and heat races on Saturday night and the Idaho "200" Sunday afternoon. Racers from all over the Northwest are expected to compete. Log on to www.rmcsracing.com or www.raceidaho.com for complete details.
The RMCS utilizes a racing format not found in ANY other regional touring series around the country. The RMCS inverts the full starting field putting the fast qualifiers at the back to start the race. This format ensures race fans see what they paid for and that is passing. Each driver is awarded three points per position gained in the event. Points are also awarded for qualifying and heat race finishes. Through the history of the series, the winning driver has averaged a 15th place starting position. To ensure competition, the RMCS pays it purse based on total point accumulation for the event and provides several special performance awards at each race. Century Boatland in Twin Falls is a major sponsor to the series providing significant support to the series all season.
The CarbonX Rocky Mountain Challenge Series presented by Century Boatland is a regional touring series that allows all competitors to race and gain experience on different types of racetracks. It is a high-quality professional racing series that offers maximum opportunity at an affordable price serving the intermountain West. The motto of the series is to “Race Hard and Have Fun!” For all the latest news and information regarding the CarbonX Rocky Mountain Challenge Series log on to our website at www.rmcsracing.com .
About CarbonX:
CarbonX® non-flammable fabrics offer the best level of fire and heat protection in flame-resistant clothing for the most extreme conditions. Based on patented blends of oxidized fibers, CarbonX is the only fabric able to withstand the direct flame of a blow torch without melting, igniting, or burning—even when exposed to the flame for up to 20 times longer than the leading competition. CarbonX flame-resistant fabrics also retain this level of persistence and protection against molten metal and arc flash, leaving it as the only choice for professionals working in conditions where safety matters most. Our non-flammable fabrics can be found in flame-resistant clothing for industrial, fire, motorsports and tactical industries, although its uses in safety are endless. CarbonX FR fabrics are the non-flammable fabrics that save lives—accept no substitute. Log onto www.carbonx.com for full details.
Monday, July 11, 2011
RACETECH NORTH AMERICA WELCOMES BACK FORMER SALES MANAGER
After a brief stay at an OEM recycled automotive parts distributor and marketing manager for a construction equipment manufacturer, Brian rejoins the Racetech team eager to solve race safety fitment issues from drivers and car build shops.
Racetech seats are made with the latest technology using only high quality materials and are suited for most forms of racing. These seats have been tested and passed strict FIA standards and proven to perform at the track. Most Racetech seats and harnesses are FIA approved. Racetech seats have been used and approved by top drivers in WRC, Speed World Challenge, Grand Am Racing, NHRA Pro Mod, World of Outlaws, NASA Pro Racing, Rally America, and Australian V8 Supercars.
For more information, visit http//www.racetechseatsna.com
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Port Orchard Driver Qualifies for National Championship Event
Photo courtesy Thom Vick, Evergreen Speedway
July 10th, 2011, Port Orchard, WA The Righteous Racing team qualified for the 2011 U.S. Legends Asphalt Nationals at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Bullring, to happen later this year. With a strong run at South Sound Speedway in Rochester, WA, on Saturday night, Jon VanGesen, of Port Orchard, driver of the #17 race car, earned a provisional starting position in the 2011 U.S. Legends Asphalt Nationals A Main Event.
At South Sound Speedway on Saturday night, Jon VanGesen started fifth out of 14 cars at the Regional Qualifier for the National event. At the drop of the green flag, Rachel VanKopp quickly moved in lead followed by VanGesen, before one lap was completed. It took several more laps for VanGesen to get around race leader, VanKopp (#79). VanGesen took the lead while dealing with constant pressure from VanKopp and then pressure from Longley (#40) after passing VanKopp.
The race was delayed and shortened from its original 50 laps to 30 laps after several cautions for spins, wrecks, and a blown motor with other cars in the pack. Pro Driver Longley worked passed VanGesen for the lead. While Longley and VanGesen worked lapped traffic, Master Driver Duane Swanson (#16) and Pro Driver Rowan Carey (#42) were able to get in the top 3 when Longley and VanGesen got pushed up the track at the north end of the Speedway. Swanson passed Longley for the lead and VanGesen passed Carey who then encountered a motor issue. Swanson won the main event, followed by Longley and VanGesen in 3rd place. Swanson had won a Regional Qualifier last weekend, at Meridian Speedway in Idaho, giving VanGesen and his team the Masters Division Regional Qualifier position for the South Sound Speedway event. [Soft Break]
The team is owned by Thom and Jai VanGesen, of Port Angeles who provide the 1937 Chevy Sedan Legends to Jon VanGesen. Jon was the 2007 Outlaw Compact Champion, 2008 NW Legends Semi Pro “Rookie of the Year” and Championship runner up, and 2009 NW Legends Masters Division Champion. Crew members for the team include Jerry West, Ian VanGesen and Steve Deets, who assist with repairing and setting up the car for each race.[Soft Break]
Special thanks to all our Kitsap area professional business partners. Our 2011 professional business partners include; Cutters Point Coffee, the Kitsap County Corrections Association, Westbay NAPA Auto & Truck Parts, 911 Driving School, Les Schwab Tires, Foster Family Connections, and Camp to Belong Washington.[Soft Break]
Special thanks to all our Olympic Peninsula professional business partners. Our 2011 professional business partners include; Olympic Game Farm, Port Angeles and Sequim NAPA Auto Parts, A1 Auto Parts, Les Schwab Tires, The Auto Doctor, Dockside Grill, John Miller Insurance, Northwest Mortgage, Mt. Pleasant IGS, Extra Mile Electric and Steve’s Repair.
Check out Righteous Racing on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/RighteousRacing17
Media contact Jon VanGesen (360) 535-2479, righteousracing3@hotmail.com
Friday, July 8, 2011
AN ACTION PACKED WEEKEND IS ON TAP IN ASA RACING
Stateline Stadium & Speedway (Post Falls, ID)
The fast asphalt winged sprint cars will make their annual visit to Post Falls, ID this Saturday night for the Super Shoe Show. Last year, Sierra Jackson won the event after finishing second in 2009. She will be looking to defend her 2010 win.
http://www.nsraracing.com/
GRAYS HARBOR RACEWAY (Elma, WA)
This Saturday night is Whitney's Auto Group Fireworks Night. All classes will be in action. Make plans to be there to see fireworks on the track and in the skies!
http://www.graysharborraceway.com/
MERIDIAN SPEEDWAY (Meridian, ID)
It is Edmark Free Car Night this Saturday night! Be in attendance to be eligible to win a free car from Edmark Superstore. The Pro Trucks, ISRL Sprint Cars, Sprint Cars, Mini Stocks and Junior Stingers will be in action. Gates open at 4:00pm with racing at 6:30pm.
http://www.meridianspeedwayonline.com/
ROCKY MOUNTAIN RACEWAYS (West Valley City, UT)
A full racing program is scheduled for this Saturday night. The Maverik Modifieds, Super Stocks, Mini Cups, Ford Focus Midgets, Hornets and Late Models will be in action. Gates open at 4:00pm with racing at 6pm.
http://www.rmrracing.com/
SKAGIT SPEEDWAY (Burlington, WA)
The Northwest's Largest and Longest Les Schwab Tires Fireworks Extravaganza follows the evenings racing festivities on Saturday night. 410 Sprints, Budweiser 360 Sprints, Cook Road Shell Sportsman Sprints, & The Outlaw Hornets will be in action. Gates open at 5:30pm, racing at 7:00pm.
http://www.skagitspeedway.com/
SOUTHERN OREGON SPEEDWAY (Medford, OR)
There will be some great racing action this Saturday night. The 360 Sprints, Modifieds, Street Stocks, and Super 4's will be in action. Grandstands open at 4:00pm with Racing at 6:00pm.
http://www.sospeedway.com/
YAKIMA SPEEDWAY (Yakima, WA)
The racing action scheduled for this Saturday night has been cancelled. Racing will return on Saturday, July 23.
http://www.yakimaspeedway.us/
To learn more about the ASA Member Tracks and Sanctioned Series in your area, please visit www.asa-racing.com.
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 sanctions dirt and asphalt short tracks along with road courses around the United States, as well as a variety of regional and national touring series. For more information call (386) 258-2221, or send an email to info@asa-racing.com. The latest news and information from all the racetracks and tours involved in the ASA can be found by visiting www.ASA-Racing.com.
ASA®, ASA Racing®, American Speed Association® are registered trademarks of Racing Speed Associates, LLC.
Hillock Leads RMCS Back to Rocky Mountain Raceways
BOISE, IDAHO (July 8, 2011) The CarbonX Rocky Mountain Challenge Series presented by Century Boatland returns to Rocky Mountain Raceways Saturday night July 9 for round six of the championship series and their third of four races slated at the 3/8-mile ultra-fast paved oval this season. The series known for its full field invert will stage the 27th series event at the racetrack located outside Salt Lake City, Utah that has seen 14 different series winner's in the previous 26 races.
Jeff Hillock (Cedar Hills, UT), driver of the JH Hillock Electric Chevrolet, leads the point standings on the strength of one win, three top five and five top ten performances this season. In his last race at RMR he scored his first career RMCS victory. In his RMCS career, he has started 22 races with one win, four top five and 12 top ten finishes. Hillock is coming off a ninth place performance at Meridian Speedway two weeks ago.
Steve Jones (Meridian, ID) drives the NC Enterprises Chevrolet and is the defending series champion. Jones has one win, three top five and three top finishes so far this season and sits second in the point standings just 23-points behind Hillock. Jones finished second in the last event at RMR and all three of his series wins have come at RMR. In his RMCS career, Jones has started 29 races with three wins, 13 top five and 19 top ten finishes along with 4 Sharp Powder Coating Fast Time Awards. Jones is coming off a 12th place finish at Meridian Speedway two weeks ago.
Zan Sharp (Wellsville, UT). Sharp is sponsored by Sharp Transportation and drives a Chevrolet. So far this season, Sharp has started four races with one win and four top ten performances. He is currently third in the standings just 27-points behind Jones. He has three wins at RMR and finished second at RMR back in May. Sharp finished 7th at Meridian two weeks ago and in his RMCS career he has started 57 races with seven wins, 28 top five, 38 top ten performances along with eight Sharp Powder Coating Fast Time awards.
Bruce Quale (Twin Falls, ID) is sponsored by Dish Network. Through five races this season, Quale has two top five and three top ten performances and is coming off a 6th place effort at Meridian. In his last event at RMR, Quale finished 4th and is currently 4th in the standings 42-points behind Sharp. Quale has started 41 races with one win, 17 top five and 26 top ten finishes along with two Sharp Powder Coating Fast Time Awards.
Lynn Hardy (West Valley, UT) rounds out the top five in the point standings in his Qivana/Metaboliq Chevrolet. Hardy has one top five and four top ten finishes this season and is coming off a 15th place finish at Meridian. Hardy has started 37 RMCS races with two wins (both at RMR) ten top five and 18 top ten performances along with eight career Sharp Powder Coating Fast Time Awards. Hardy finished third at RMR back in May.
Eric Rhead (West Jordan, UT) is sponsored by ITT and drives a Chevrolet. Rhead has scored two RMCS victories in his career, both coming at RMR. This season he has two top five and four top ten finishes and is currently 6th in the point standings 46-points behind Hardy. Rhead has started 18 career races with two wins, 5 top five and 12 top ten finishes. Rhead finished 8th at Meridian and 6th the last time the series was at RMR back in May. Rhead is also the defending winner of this event.
John Wong (Parma, ID) sits 7th in the standings in his Champion Produce Chevrolet. Wongs has two top five and four top ten finishes this season and was unable to compete in the last series event after a practice crash leading up to the race. In his last visit to RMR, Wong finished in 8th place. In his RMCS career, he has started 20 races with two top five and and nine top ten performances.
Thane Alderman (Las Vegas, NV) drives a Chevrolet sponsored by Western General Inc. and currently sits in the eighth position in the standings. Alderman is coming off his best finish of the season at Meridian Speedway where his finished second. He has started 41 RMCS races with three wins, 14 top five and 25 top 10 performances. He has one win at RMR (2008) and finished 18th back in May.
Jim Wulfenstein (Pahrump, NV) drives the Desert Promotions Chevrolet. "Wulfy" has started 24 RMCS races with three top five and 15 top ten finishes. He finished 7th at RMR back in May and missed the last series event at Meridian. Wulfenstein is currently ninth in the point standings 86-points out of 8th place.
Lonnie Lowder (Twin Falls, ID) is sponsored by Rob Green GMC. Lowder rounds out the top ten in the standings despite missing the last event due to a scheduling conflict. Lowder has three top ten finishes this season and finished 9th at RMR back in May. In his RMCS career, Lowder has started 12 races with one top five and five top ten finishes.
Leading the A-1 Heating and Air Conditioning Rookie of the the Year standings is Devin LaHorgue (Redding, CA). Devin is sponsored by the I-5 Tire Factory in Red Bluff. He has one top ten finish so far this season in three starts and looked to have his best career finish in the last event at Meridian two weeks ago when he was running in the second position on the final lap only to have the rear axle on his Chevrolet fail a half a lap from the finish. In his last start at RMR he finished 14th. LaHorgue is currently 13th in the point standings 102-points out of tenth place.
Brian Levant (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) is the track record holder at RMR with a quick lap of 14.906 seconds/90.568 MPH set 5/31/2010. In 26 previous races there have been 14 different winners with James Eaton (4 wins), Zan Sharp (3 wins), Steve Jones (3 wins) leading all winners. Dave Minegar, John Dillon, Eric Rhead, and Lynn Hardy each have two wins apiece.
The event on Saturday is a 125-lap contest with racing action getting underway 4:45 PM MT with qualifying and a whole slate of local racing action. Log onto www.rmrracing.com for complete details.
The RMCS utilizes a racing format not found in ANY other regional touring series around the country. The RMCS inverts the full starting field putting the fast qualifiers at the back to start the race. This format ensures race fans see what they paid for and that is passing. Each driver is awarded three points per position gained in the event. Points are also awarded for qualifying and heat race finishes. Through the history of the series, the winning driver has averaged a 15th place starting position. To ensure competition, the RMCS pays it purse based on total point accumulation for the event and provides several special performance awards at each race. Century Boatland in Twin Falls is a major sponsor to the series providing significant support to the series all season.
The CarbonX Rocky Mountain Challenge Series is a regional touring series that allows all competitors to race and gain experience on different types of racetracks. It is a high-quality professional racing series that offers maximum opportunity at an affordable price serving the intermountain West. The motto of the series is to “Race Hard and Have Fun!” For all the latest news and information regarding the CarbonX Rocky Mountain Challenge Series log on to our website at www.rmcsracing.com .
Thompson Set for Evergreen Speedway This Weekend
Thompson has made five previous starts at the .646-mile slightly banked oval with his best finish of eighth coming back in the 2003 season. His average finish has been 14.8 over those five starts. "Evergreen is an interesting track," Thompson said. "Even though it is bigger than most of the short tracks we compete on, it gets real tight real quick, so you have to be on your toes every lap."
The event this weekend is a chance for Thompson to rebound after two straight difficult outings for the Idaho based team. This past weekend at Toyota Speedway in Iwindale CA., Thompson struggled to find the setup at a place where he has historically ran really well and finished 16th. "We flat missed it," Thompson offered. "We got a lap down early and could never really get back on the lead lap as there was a lot fewer cautions then normal. By the end of the race we were running lap times equal to that of the leaders but it really didn't matter."
What matters is a great finish this weekend. "The team is really hungry," Thompson explained. "We are a much better team then our finishes indicate and while Evergreen has not been one of my bests tracks, we are finishing races and completing laps, so I am optimistic about our chances."
Through seven races this season, Thompson has averaged a finish of 11.5 while completing 99.4% of all laps contested and has been running at the conclusion of each race. He currently holds down the sixth position in the point standings on the strength of two top five and three top ten performances. In his NASCAR K&N Pro Series career, Thompson has started 106 NKNPS races since 2000 scoring one win, one Coors Light Pole Award, 22 top five and 59 top ten performances. His best points finish was fifth in 2009.
While championship leader Greg Pursley is running away from the pack, second through sixth place is wide open. Thompson is only two points out of fifth place, 12-points out fourth place, 25-points out of third place, and just 73-points out of second place. A margin that can easily be made up with a solid finish this weekend.
"The series is very competitive and a lot of fun," Thompson offered. "We just need to continue to focus on our program and finishing races and will be in contention. There are still seven more chances to win races so anything can happen."
Thompson Motorsports is a premier racing organization based in Jerome, Idaho providing complete race car preparation and fabrication supporting the local grassroots racer and experienced professional driver. TMS prepares and fields race vehicles in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, NASCAR K&N Pro Series, CarbonX Rocky Mountain Challenge Series, Intermountain Pro Truck Series, and entries at local area short tracks. TMS has corporate partnerships with Rich Thompson Trucking Inc. (RTTI), Jerome Truck Service Inc., Eibach Springs, Schroeder Torsion Bars, United Oil, Speedbear Fasteners, and Hagerman Valley Spring Water. For all the latest news and information about Brett Thompson and Thompson Motorsports, log onto www.brettthompsonracing.com or NASCAR Hometracks. For all the latest west coast racing action, log onto www.racingwest.com.
NASCAR Media Press Release click here.
The Evergreen "200"
Place: Evergreen Speedway
Date: Sunday, July 10
Time: 3:15 p.m. PT
TV Schedule: SPEED, July 21, 6 p.m. ET
Track Layout: .646-mile paved oval
2010 Winner: Event not held
2010 Polesitter: Event not held
Event Schedule: Saturday: Practice 12:30-1:30 p.m., 2–3 p.m., Qualifying 6 p.m.
Track PR Contact: Traci Hobbs (425) 268-9994 doug@highroadgroup.com
Twitter: WAStateNascar
NASCAR IMC Contact: Kevin W. Green (661) 392-8543 kgreen@nascar.com
Fast Facts
Race: This event is the eighth of 14 events on the 2011 schedule for the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West.
Procedure: The starting field is 28 cars, including provisionals. The first 24 cars will qualify through two-lap time trials. The remaining four spots will be awarded through the provisional process. The race will be 200 laps (125 miles).
Track: Evergreen Speedway is a semi-banked .646-mile paved oval with turns banked eight degrees and four degrees banking in the straights. This event marks a return to the historic speedway that hosted 50 series events between 1964 and 2008.
Records: Qualifying: Mike Duncan, Aug. 4, 2007, 99.691 mph, 23.328 seconds; Race: Roy Smith, July 12, 1981, 86.197 mph, 1 hour 29 minutes 56 seconds.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
FIA Approves the Hybrid Head Restraint
July 7, 2011, New Braunfels, Texas, USA
The Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has approved the Simpson/Safety Solutions Hybrid Head Restraint for use in FIA sanctioned competition, effective immediately.
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Simpson’s Trevor Ashline, inventor of the Hybrid Head Restraint, had the following to say, “The FIA approval represents a real milestone for us. It speaks to our dedication to providing world class neck protection for racers. We are extremely proud of having organizations like the FIA add their stamp of approval to our design,as one of only two approved designs in the world.
I have to thank everyone involved for their hard work and dedication to this project. The Hybrid offers improved protection from multiple angles, a low profile for easy entry and exit from the race car and reduced body load in an impact, while being an extremely comfortable design.”
Chuck Davies, CEO for Simpson adds, “Simpson is committed to providing the highest level of safety to racers. Our acquisition of Safety Solutions in December of 2010 represents an important step for Simpson, in working toward our goal of a comprehensive and strong offering of racing safety products for global Motorsports. Trevor Ashline and the team from Safety Solutions is a valuable asset in our technology advances. It is important to note that we have the first FIA approved alternative to the HANS Device, giving racers more choices and benefits to consider. The approval of the Hybrid Head Restraint adds to Simpson's range of FIA approved racing products which also includes suits, belts, gloves and undergarments.”
About Simpson
Since 1959, Simpson Performance Products has been the leading U.S. manufacturer of safety equipment for the Motorsports industry. We believe in putting safety first and are dedicated to elevating the standards of racing safety through continuous development, refinement and testing. The Hybrid retails for $1095. and ships “race ready”. Safety Solutions head restraints range from $545.00 to $1095.00 USD.
The Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has approved the Simpson/Safety Solutions Hybrid Head Restraint for use in FIA sanctioned competition, effective immediately.
Simpson’s Trevor Ashline, inventor of the Hybrid Head Restraint, had the following to say, “The FIA approval represents a real milestone for us. It speaks to our dedication to providing world class neck protection for racers. We are extremely proud of having organizations like the FIA add their stamp of approval to our design,as one of only two approved designs in the world.
I have to thank everyone involved for their hard work and dedication to this project. The Hybrid offers improved protection from multiple angles, a low profile for easy entry and exit from the race car and reduced body load in an impact, while being an extremely comfortable design.”
Chuck Davies, CEO for Simpson adds, “Simpson is committed to providing the highest level of safety to racers. Our acquisition of Safety Solutions in December of 2010 represents an important step for Simpson, in working toward our goal of a comprehensive and strong offering of racing safety products for global Motorsports. Trevor Ashline and the team from Safety Solutions is a valuable asset in our technology advances. It is important to note that we have the first FIA approved alternative to the HANS Device, giving racers more choices and benefits to consider. The approval of the Hybrid Head Restraint adds to Simpson's range of FIA approved racing products which also includes suits, belts, gloves and undergarments.”
About Simpson
Since 1959, Simpson Performance Products has been the leading U.S. manufacturer of safety equipment for the Motorsports industry. We believe in putting safety first and are dedicated to elevating the standards of racing safety through continuous development, refinement and testing. The Hybrid retails for $1095. and ships “race ready”. Safety Solutions head restraints range from $545.00 to $1095.00 USD.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
HayWire Racing Working On Miracle
Tacoma, Washington – 7-5-2011 – After suffering what appeared to be a season ending crash, "Terrible" Tim McDougald, driver of the #68 KMB Design / Hargis Engineers / Print-NW / Cornwell Tools / Ringers Gloves Toyota Camry is crossing his fingers, holding his breath, and praying for a miracle that will return him and his team to the track much sooner than first thought.
At the end of the second round of the "Big-West" series at Evergreen Speedway, held on June 25th, "Terrible" Tim McDougald was left loading a bruised, beaten and battered hulk of what was once his #68 KMB Design / Hargis Engineers / Print-NW / Cornwell Tools / Ringers Gloves Toyota Camry. With damage to both ends of the car sustained from a crash with just 3 laps left in the night's events, the small family team confronted the reality that the season had come to an abrupt end. But that end was to be put on hold, at least temporarily, due to a huge outpouring of support from some fellow racers. "I can't believe the amount of support that we've got," said driver "Terrible" Tim McDougald. "The whole community has really rallied behind me; I'm just shocked by all this. Jeff Knight was the first to offer help and I gotta thank him for that. I've known Jeff a little bit for a while now. He really jumped in to help me out here. Several other people followed right behind Jeff; I gotta thank John Zaretzke, Rick Hagar and even Fred Hall. Fred and I talked after the wreck and it didn't go too well. But he called me a couple days later and said he wanted to help us get it fixed. I can't ask for much more than that. We talked about the wreck, he offered his help, and I'm good with it. Everyone has just been so amazing."
With the goal of making the GM Crate Nationals on July 10th looming, the work continues on the #68 KMB Design / Hargis Engineers / Print-NW / Cornwell Tools / Ringers Gloves Toyota Camry. "I know right now making the Crate Nationals is a long shot," said "Terrible" Tim. "But we're gonna give it a run and see what happens. JZ is up at his place doing what he does best. If anyone can fix that car, it's him. A lot of people are throwing parts at it to replace what we bent or broke. I'm staying optimistic, I think it's possible, but it's still a long shot. What we need right now are a lot of crossed fingers and a lot of answered prayers. I've placed my faith in their hands, I believe these guys can do it, you just watch." The impromptu crew will be doing everything they can to add one more car to the entry list.
With the NASCAR K&N West Series coming to town for the weekend's festivities, this event promises to be the biggest spectacle at Evergreen Speedway this season. The don't miss event of the season could be the big K&N West Series race, or it could be the return of "Terrible" Tim McDougald and his #68 KMB Design / Hargis Engineers / Print-NW / Cornwell Tools / Ringers Gloves Toyota Camry at the hands of his fellow racers rallying around a car that many thought would never race again. Only time will tell; and you don't want to miss the outcome. Be sure to get your tickets to this event now and be sure to let the HayWire Racing team and all those who have jumped on board to fix the #68 KMB Design / Hargis Engineers / Print-NW / Cornwell Tools / Ringers Gloves Toyota Camry know that you appreciate the effort being put into adding that car to the field for Sunday's events.
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.
At the end of the second round of the "Big-West" series at Evergreen Speedway, held on June 25th, "Terrible" Tim McDougald was left loading a bruised, beaten and battered hulk of what was once his #68 KMB Design / Hargis Engineers / Print-NW / Cornwell Tools / Ringers Gloves Toyota Camry. With damage to both ends of the car sustained from a crash with just 3 laps left in the night's events, the small family team confronted the reality that the season had come to an abrupt end. But that end was to be put on hold, at least temporarily, due to a huge outpouring of support from some fellow racers. "I can't believe the amount of support that we've got," said driver "Terrible" Tim McDougald. "The whole community has really rallied behind me; I'm just shocked by all this. Jeff Knight was the first to offer help and I gotta thank him for that. I've known Jeff a little bit for a while now. He really jumped in to help me out here. Several other people followed right behind Jeff; I gotta thank John Zaretzke, Rick Hagar and even Fred Hall. Fred and I talked after the wreck and it didn't go too well. But he called me a couple days later and said he wanted to help us get it fixed. I can't ask for much more than that. We talked about the wreck, he offered his help, and I'm good with it. Everyone has just been so amazing."
With the goal of making the GM Crate Nationals on July 10th looming, the work continues on the #68 KMB Design / Hargis Engineers / Print-NW / Cornwell Tools / Ringers Gloves Toyota Camry. "I know right now making the Crate Nationals is a long shot," said "Terrible" Tim. "But we're gonna give it a run and see what happens. JZ is up at his place doing what he does best. If anyone can fix that car, it's him. A lot of people are throwing parts at it to replace what we bent or broke. I'm staying optimistic, I think it's possible, but it's still a long shot. What we need right now are a lot of crossed fingers and a lot of answered prayers. I've placed my faith in their hands, I believe these guys can do it, you just watch." The impromptu crew will be doing everything they can to add one more car to the entry list.
With the NASCAR K&N West Series coming to town for the weekend's festivities, this event promises to be the biggest spectacle at Evergreen Speedway this season. The don't miss event of the season could be the big K&N West Series race, or it could be the return of "Terrible" Tim McDougald and his #68 KMB Design / Hargis Engineers / Print-NW / Cornwell Tools / Ringers Gloves Toyota Camry at the hands of his fellow racers rallying around a car that many thought would never race again. Only time will tell; and you don't want to miss the outcome. Be sure to get your tickets to this event now and be sure to let the HayWire Racing team and all those who have jumped on board to fix the #68 KMB Design / Hargis Engineers / Print-NW / Cornwell Tools / Ringers Gloves Toyota Camry know that you appreciate the effort being put into adding that car to the field for Sunday's events.
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.
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