Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, January 23, 2012
HELMUTH WINS NATIONAL TALENT SEARCH FOR SPOT IN WINNER’S CIRCLE PROGRAM
With the driver search complete, nine new talented drivers coming from all over the US will join the returning 11 drivers from last year’s RSWC driver roster. These 20 drivers, each with $6,000 to $25,000 of sponsorship dollars from Star Racing Supply, will train and race with the RSWC driver development program with the goal of working their way up the ladder to professional stock car careers. Each driver stood out uniquely and drove impressively in the Shoot-Out to earn a position in the RSWC program.
Among the highlights in the class of 2012 is 16 year-old female driver Molly Helmuth of Seattle Washington trains in go karts but races three different types of stock cars at her local track Evergreen Speedway. In 2010, Helmuth was voted Washington State Driver Rookie of the Year as well as Rookie of the year in Mini Stocks becoming the youngest ever driver to hold this honor.
2011 was her year of progression as Molly set the track record and posted two podiums in the Mini Stock as well as two podiums in her rookie season in the Pro 4 Truck and made a Late Model debut at the end of the season. In the 2011 Driver Shoot-out Molly showed a smart and coachable attitude while being aggressively fast in the USAC Focus Midgets.
"What an exciting group of talented drivers we found in this year's Shoot-Out,” stated head of development, Ron Sutton. "We were more selective in this year's interviewing process and it shows. We are very fortunate to have these impressive young drivers join our development program. We've already started class room training and I can't wait to get to the race track with them."
The race season begins shortly for these 9 drivers but the off-season has been busy already with testing and classroom training sessions. The new season begins on March 31 with many of the new drivers competing in the USAC Focus Midgets Madera Gerhardt Classic event at Madera Speedway in Madera, CA, and with NASCAR Modified openers on April 7 at Stockton 99 Speedway in Stockton, CA.
Ron Sutton’s Winner’s Circle thanks partners: K&N Filters, Scribner Plastics, Allstar Performance, Sunoco Race Fuels and Star Racing Supply. For more information on Ron Sutton’s Winner’s Circle, log on to www.Winners-Circle-Racing.com
Star Racing Supply, one of the fastest growing oval tracks parts companies on the West Coast is a one stop shop for complete race cars, chassis, parts, tires fuel & more. Specializing in pavement oval track racing, the Star Race Cars fabrication shop builds state of the art, winning, race cars from bare chassis to complete race cars in USAC & NASCAR series. For more information on Star Racing Supply, log on to www.StarRacingSupply.com
About Ron Sutton’s Winner’s Circle:
Ron Sutton's Winner's Circle is an established talent scout and development program, providing long term, comprehensive racing and career development for up and coming drivers focused on NASCAR careers. RSWC drivers are raced, coached, groomed, trained and molded, within a professional racing environment, into what top NASCAR teams look for when hiring drivers. Drivers involved in the program race in a variety of cars, including USAC Norcal Focus Midgets, Star Grand American Modifieds, NASCAR Whelen All American Modifieds, NASCAR Late Model stock cars, NASCAR Grand National stock cars and the ARCA series.
Molly Helmuth Racing will be holding a benefit - fund Raiser April 24, 2012 at DirtFish near Snoqualmie Falls.
Contact Info:
Molly Helmuth
molly@mollyhelmuth.com
http://www.mollyhelmuthracing.com/
Monday, January 16, 2012
Thursday, January 12, 2012
WARM WEATHER, HOT RACING AT STARS OF PGP KARTING/SUPERMOTO EVENT
Shifters
Once again the shifter classes showed why they are a perennial fan favorite. With 16 of the region’s finest shifter drivers on the grid for Round 4, one need look no further than PGP to see that shifter racing in the Northwest is back in a big way. Having all that raw talent battling on PGP’s track was an amazing sight to see, and all signs point to even bigger fields this year, too, as PGP has some exciting shifter announcements to make in the future.
As has been the case for most of the season, Sean Naslund continued to show impressive speed in Stock Moto Light, sweeping the event and narrowly missing fast time of the race to a hard-charging Russell Francis. In Open Moto, Brian Nixon snatched his third final race in a row with John Wright taking a strong pre-final win.
Stock Moto Heavy looked to be another strong showing for the McKean family, with father Bruce taking pole and the pre-final victory. However a mechanical failure for Bruce in the final allowed Chuck Eaton to secure his third victory in four events.
Rotax
In Rotax Senior, Derek Wang kept his unbeaten streak alive and continued to show why he has driven multiple times for Team USA at the Rotax Grand Finals. Derek grabbed the pole in qualifying en route to victories in the pre-final and final. Parker McKean did not make it easy, though, providing a strong challenge to Derek in both the pre-final and final. As this was Parker’s first race at PGP this year, look for him to be an even larger threat to Derek’s dominance in Round 5.
The spirited battle between Luke Selliken and Jake Preston was the highlight in Rotax Junior. Jake won the pole and pre-final but Luke was practically glued to his rear bumper throughout the race. The final looked to be more of the same intense competition but a mechanical issue on Jake’s kart kept him out of the mix and Luke cruised to victory in his first trip to PGP this year.
In the Mini-Max class, Edward Portz showed excellent speed, often running lap times very close to those of the much more powerful Rotax Junior machines. Look for Edward to be a tough competitor to beat in the upcoming season.
SuperMoto
The SuperMoto action continued to heat up with the group’s second appearance in the combined format with young Dominic Cameron wowing all in attendance with a blazing-quick performance. Riding his 65cc bike, Dominic was able to match pace and even beat some of the much larger SuperMoto bikes. Look for Dominic to be a force to be reckoned with as he moves up through the ranks.
In Open Am, Ryan Sutton demonstrated on his way to sweeping the day’s races that road-racing style can still be blindingly quick on the SuperMoto track. Jim Martin and Scott Claboe provided an awesome battle for second all day with their differing styles of riding producing some very close racing.
Round 5 of the Stars of PGP is slated for Sunday, Feb. 5, with karts and SuperMoto again combined. Heading into the final two events of the series, point battles are getting hot and heavy, which means hard-charging and fierce racing is sure to be the result. Make sure you don’t miss out on any of the action!
Photo
Brian Nixon climbed to the top of the podium, John Wright was second and Christian Carlson third in the Open Moto class during the Stars of PGP Karting/SuperMoto series event on Jan. 8 at PGP.
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
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
SAFETY TALK WITH LARRY POND ON THIS WEEK IN ASA RACING
DAYTONA BEACH, FL (Tuesday, January 10, 2012) – ASA’s Safety Director will share his thoughts on a new episode of “This Week in ASA Racing.” The new show will air at 7pm Eastern on Wednesday, January 11 on RaceTalkRadio.com.
Larry Pond, ASA Safety Director, will be on talk about the latest in fire safety, seats, seat belts and head & neck restraints. It should be an interesting show as he has been spending most of the last year doing a lot of research in these four areas.
The show will re-broadcast on Thursday at 7pm Eastern on RaceTalkRadio.com.
Fans can also listen live on your smart phone, or you can learn more by logging on to www.racetalkradio.com/mobile.html.
For the fans who cannot listen to the live broadcast, do not worry, there will be a replay available online at www.asa-racing.com. Fans can also subscribe to receive a podcast through iTunes, just look for ASA Racing.
Let your friends know about the radio show and follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/american.speed.assoc) and Twitter @amerspeedassoc.
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.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Richard Petty Driving Experience announces 2012 dates at Evergreen Speedway
(Concord, N.C.) January 9, 2012 This summer, for the first time ever, NASCAR fans, racing enthusiasts, and thrill seekers will all have the opportunity to Drive or Ride-Along in a NASCAR race car with Richard Petty Driving Experience (RPDE) at Evergreen Speedway.
June 26, 27, and 28 marks the first time RPDE will operate at the 5/8 mile facility in Monroe, Washington. This new partnership not only brings the thrill of authentic NASCAR drive and ride entertainment to the Northwest, but will also kick-off Evergreen Speedway’s “Speed Week” including a Fan Fest, driver meet and greets, and two great days of racing including the Coors Light 300.
“We’re excited to partner with Evergreen Speedway for the first time in RPDE history,” says Rick Fedrizzi, President and COO of RPDE. “Operating at this 5/8 mile oval in Monroe, Washington will give the Northwestern race fans a chance to get behind the wheel and drive their home track. Whether you’re a veteran racing enthusiast or casual fan, this will be an unforgettable experience for all.”
Evergreen Speedway was built in 1954 and remains Washington state’s only NASCAR Home Track, running the Whelen All American Weekly Racing Series as well as the K&N Pro Series West Touring Division.
High Road Promotions, has a 25 year agreement to operate the speedway, located within the Evergreen State Fairgrounds.“We are thrilled and proud to be hosting Richard Petty Driving Experience at Evergreen Speedway,” says High Road Promotions owners Doug and Traci Hobbs. “The Richard Petty brand is synonymous with racing. It is an honor to be joining a family of tracks that include Daytona, Charlotte, Indianapolis, and Las Vegas. People throughout the Northwest and Western Canada are very excited about this announcement.”
The 12-lap Rookie Experience will be the base driving program offered by Richard Petty Driving Experience at Evergreen Speedway, priced at $399. The option to Ride-Along shotgun for 4 thrilling laps is also available for only $99.
For the Richard Petty Driving Experience 2012 schedule or to book a reservation, visit www.DrivePetty.com or call 1.800.237.3889.
About Richard Petty Driving Experience:
RPDE is the worldwide leader in NASCAR stock car ride and drive entertainment, available at more than 20 major speedways in the U.S. It has base locations in Las Vegas, Orlando, Concord N.C and Kansas City. RPDE also produces and facilitates auto manufacturer ride and drive programs, safe driving programs, mobile marketing events and motorsports-related production services for the television and film industry.
RPDE Contact:
Jessica Inman, (704) 454-6244, jinman@drivingexp.com
Thursday, January 5, 2012
2012 SCCA NWR Race & Time Trials Dates
January 21 NWR Banquet (All Region) - Emerald Queen Hotel Casino, Fife, WA
February Annual Tech - TBD
February 25 Tire Rack Street Survival - Bremerton (Teens)
February 26 Tire Rack Street Survival - Bremerton (Adults)
March 24 Tire Rack Street Survival - Bremerton (Teens)
April 14-15* SCCA Double Regional - The Ridge Motorsports Park, Shelton, WA
April 21 Spring Fest Time Trials - Bremerton
May 26-28 32nd Annual NWR/MT Double "Rational" - Pacific Raceways (T&T day pending for Friday)
June 23 Summer Solstice Time Trials - Bremerton
July 27* Test & Tune (SOVREN) - The Ridge Motorsports Park, Shelton, WA
July 28-29* Double Regional/Vintage w/(Sovren) Co-Sanctioned w/Oregon SCCA - The Ridge Motorsports Park,
August 11-12 Double Regional/Vintage Co-Sanctioned with Oregon SCCA - Portland International
Sept 9 Fall Escape - Time Trials - Bremerton (Sunday)
November 10 Tire Rack Street Survival - Bremerton (Teens)
November 11 Tire Rack Street Survival - Bremerton (Adults)
*Dates at the new track “The Ridge Motorsports Park” are tentative pending SCCA certification.
February Annual Tech - TBD
February 25 Tire Rack Street Survival - Bremerton (Teens)
February 26 Tire Rack Street Survival - Bremerton (Adults)
March 24 Tire Rack Street Survival - Bremerton (Teens)
April 14-15* SCCA Double Regional - The Ridge Motorsports Park, Shelton, WA
April 21 Spring Fest Time Trials - Bremerton
May 26-28 32nd Annual NWR/MT Double "Rational" - Pacific Raceways (T&T day pending for Friday)
June 23 Summer Solstice Time Trials - Bremerton
July 27* Test & Tune (SOVREN) - The Ridge Motorsports Park, Shelton, WA
July 28-29* Double Regional/Vintage w/(Sovren) Co-Sanctioned w/Oregon SCCA - The Ridge Motorsports Park,
August 11-12 Double Regional/Vintage Co-Sanctioned with Oregon SCCA - Portland International
Sept 9 Fall Escape - Time Trials - Bremerton (Sunday)
November 10 Tire Rack Street Survival - Bremerton (Teens)
November 11 Tire Rack Street Survival - Bremerton (Adults)
*Dates at the new track “The Ridge Motorsports Park” are tentative pending SCCA certification.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
THIS WEEK IN ASA RACING MOVES TO WEDNESDAY; STEVE BEITLER IS THIS WEEK’S GUEST
DAYTONA BEACH, FL (Tuesday, January 3, 2012) – A new year will bring a change to “This Week in ASA Racing” radio show, as the new episodes will now air on Wednesdays at 7pm Eastern on RaceTalkRadio.com. The first episode will air this Wednesday night with the 2011 Auto Racing Promoter of the Year Rocky Mountain Regional Winner as the guest.
Steve Beitler, Promoter of Skagit Speedway, an ASA Member Track in Alger, WA, will be on to talk about the recent announcement that he is one of six finalist for the 2011 Auto Racing Promoter of the Year (ARPY).
He will also share his thoughts on what it takes to be a successful short track promoter today.
The show will re-broadcast on Thursday at 7pm Eastern on RaceTalkRadio.com.
Fans can also listen live on your smart phone, or you can learn more by logging on to www.racetalkradio.com/mobile.html.
For the fans who cannot listen to the live broadcast, do not worry, there will be a replay available online at www.asa-racing.com. Fans can also subscribe to receive a podcast through iTunes, just look for ASA Racing.
Let your friends know about the radio show and follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/american.speed.assoc) and Twitter @amerspeedassoc.
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.
ASA MEMBER TRACK PROMOTER STEVE BEITLER WINS SECOND ARPY REGIONAL AWARD
DAYTONA BEACH, FL (Monday, January 2, 2012) - ASA Racing would like to congratulate Steve Beitler on his second Auto Racing Promoter of the Year (ARPY) Regional Award. Stewart Doty of Racing Promotion Monthly (RPM) informed Beitler, who is the Promoter of Skagit Speedway, an ASA Member Track in Alger, WA, on New Years Day that he is the Rocky Mountain Region Six Promoter of the Year.
"This is a great way to start the new year, I had just got out of church and there was an email on my phone informing me of the selection," said Beitler in a track release. "This award really belongs to the whole team at the track, I am really fortunate to have the people around me that love this place. The fans, the racers, the officials and the employees are really what make this all happen, it is a total team effort".
This is the second award that Beitler has received in the last month. Recently, at the 43rd Annual Western Auto Race Promoters Association (WARPA) Conference in Portland, OR, Beitler and his staff won the “Outstanding Event Award” for his 2011 Jim Raper Memorial Dirt Cup. It is the third time in eight years that Skagit Speedway won this award. Two are for the Dirt Cup and one for the Kasey Kahne Benefit event.
This is also the second time that Beitler has won the Rocky Mountain Region Six Promoter of the Year. He also received this honor in 2009.
“Congratulations to Steve and his staff on this great honor,” Dennis Huth, ASA President said. “We are proud to sanction Skagit Speedway and have them as part of our ASA Member Track program. This award is reflective of Steve’s love for the sport along with his dedication to making Skagit Speedway one of the more successful short tracks in the country. Great job and continue success.”
Beitler is one of six nominees for the 36th ARPY award. The winner will be announced at the 39th Annual RPM Speedweek National Workshop at the Plaza Resort & Spa in Daytona Beach, FL on Monday, February 20, 2012.
The other nominees this year are: Region One, the Eastern Region, Andrew Harpell, Five-Mile Point (NY) Speedway; Region Two, the Southeastern Region, James “Redd” Griffin, Screven (GA) Motor Speedway; Region Three, the Central Region, Bob Sargent, Macon (IL) and Paducah (KY) Speedways; Region Four, the Northern Region, Wayne Anderson, Don & Linus Mack, and Darren Evavold, River Cities (ND) Speedway; and Region Five, the Great Plains Region, Roger Hadan, Eagle (NE) Raceway.
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.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Austin Reed Sets Ambitious Plans for 2012
BAKERSFIELD, CA (January 2, 2012)- When Austin Reed heads back for his final semester of high school next week, he'll be closing in on the finish line of one important chapter of his life but looking forward to the next.
Reed, an Honors student at Frontier High School in Bakersfield, will attend the University of California Bakersfield in the fall to continue his educational excellence but in the mean time he has several races to run. Reed will climb the racing ladder by graduating into full-bodied stock cars this season while also competing in his Legend car throughout the year.
Dedication in the classroom has paid off on the track
"I have always liked math," Reed offered. "Math has certainly helped me in the race shop learning about chassis geometry and setups. There is absolutely real-world application to what you learn in the classroom."
Reed plans to study mechanical engineering in college and he will have plenty of opportunities to put his math skills to work this season as he crisscrosses the country racing in a variety of vehicles and series.
Reed has raced in the Legends Car semi-pro division the past several seasons and will again be one of the top competitors in region competing in the SRL Legends Series this season. And for the second year in a row he will travel to Charlotte, NC to compete in the prestigious Legends Summer Shootout at Charlotte Motor Speedway from early June through the beginning of August.
"The Legends Summer Shootout is an incredible series," Reed said. "There are some of the best racers from all over the country and you have the opportunity to race several nights a week so you really have to be prepared and on your game to be successful. We learned a lot last year and I know it will pay dividends this time around."
When not racing his Legend car, Reed will also make his SRL Southwest Tour debut in March in preparation for a full rookie campaign in 2013. Reed plans to run five SRL SW Tour events under the guidance of rising NASCAR star and multi-time SRL winner Derek Thorne. Also supporting his SRL Tour efforts will be Mike Mulder, Ryan Sebek and his father Dave Reed.
Thorne will be Reed's crew chief and driver coach as he makes the transition to the heavier more powerful race cars. "Derek (Thorne) is a proven winner in the series and a good friend," Reed said. "His experience will make the transition a lot easier."
In preparation for his first SRL race at Stockton (CA), Reed and his team will test several more times in order to contend right out of the gate. "The biggest thing to get used to in the Tour car is letting the car roll through the corner," Reed offered. "The throttle pick up is similar but you can't really muscle the car like you can a Legends car. I can't wait to race in the SRL. I grew up watching guys like Craig Raudman, MK Kanke, and Jim Pettit race these cars and it has been a dream of mine to race against them."
Reed will also race in a Pro Late Model back East while at the Summer Shootout. He will pilot an Approved Memory sponsored Late Model out of the Dave Reed Driver Development shop in Mooresville, NC with Steve Graham preparing the car. "I am looking forward to racing in the Late Model in North Carolina," Reed said. "Racing is the same no matter where you go but racing a stock car in the heart of NASCAR country will be pretty cool."
To round out his racing odyssey in 2012, plans call for Reed to test in a NASCAR K&N Pro Series car while in North Carolina. If history is any indication then Reed will pass with flying colors as he embarks on the next chapter of his life after high school.
Austin Reed is sponsored by K&N Filters, Approved Memory, Vitamin Water, JDA, Eibach, Fluidyne, Joiner Motorsports, HeadBlade, Power Balance, Whipz, Ringers Gloves, www.rpmtvonline.com and Fuel Clothing. You can follow Austin Reed at www.austinreedracing.com
About DJS Sports Marketing
From one-time press releases to total event coverage, to full a season campaign, we have a grassroots motorsports marketing program to fit your budget and needs. Get started today by calling Derrick at 208/870-8066 or email derrick@djssportsmarketing.com
About Approved Memory
Founded in 2003, with over 40 years of experience in the memory industry. Approved Memory is a lead manufacturer of memory upgrade products. Through proven engineering, Approved Memory manufactures and designs virtually every memory upgrade available. Approved Memory provides the latest technology, extensive industry experience, and unparallel sales and service support to supply their customers with the best product availableto meet all of their needs. Call
949-216-9690 phone, 949-216-9695 fax or email the Approved team sales@approvedmemory.com
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