IRL Confirms Edmonton on 2008 Race Schedule

When the Champ Car World Series merged with IndyCar earlier this year, the 2008 race schedule was thrown into confusion. A large number of races were cancelled in the struggle to fit so many events into an already cramped schedule and a lot of fans saw red. But it would seem that the dents are slowly being beaten out the schedule and things are getting back on track. The IRL recently confirmed that the IndyCar open-wheel auto racing series would be a feature at Edmonton on July 26. The track has received the race under a new three-year deal and officials are already saying Toronto is next on the list to receive a race.

Terry Angstadt, the head of the IRL’s commercial division, said that things were still in their early stages but that the IRL wanted to bring at least two events to Canada and that they were working hard to that effect. He also said that the IRL had a very good relationship with Andretti Green Promotions and they expected to sign a deal with this company soon. It hasn’t even been a month since former race driver Michael Andretti announced his decision to form a wholly-owned Canadian company under Andretti Green Promotions. Even as he took ownership of the assets belonging to the Grand Prix Association of Toronto, he commented that he hoped to start hosting an IndyCar series event at the track again soon. While it seems that this may be a reality from as early as next year, Edmonton will be the only track hosting an IRL event in Canada in 2008.

While moving an IRL event to Edmonton has been on the cards for a while, there has been quite a bit of red tape to get out of the way before it could become a reality. A number of legal problems arose from the fact Champ Car filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and this meant that the IndyCar open-wheel auto racing series could not be a confirmed feature of the 2008 season at Edmonton until these problems were sorted out. Fortunately things have finally been taken care of and drivers are already looking forward to the race. Veterans of the track may think they have an advantage over the others, but in truth it doesn’t take long for a good driver to learn the track and start making their way to the front of the pack. Up to 30 drivers are expected to compete in the race on the 14-turn, 1.97 mile circuit later this year. In previous years the race has seen as many as 167 000 fans making their way to the track to watch the race over a period of three days. No doubt the 2008 Edmonton season will be every bit as great as it has been in previous years, so make sure you get in on the action and book your ticket now!

Michael Schumacher Heads New Motor Sport Safety Development Fund

The Motor Sport Safety Development Fund has been created to manage the distribution of the $60 million awarded to the FIA (Federation Internationale De L’Automobile) as part of the $100 million fine which was imposed on McLaren-Mercedes in 2007. Heading up the new fund as Chairman, is Michael Schumacher, seven times Formula One world champion.

In addition to Michael Schumacher as Chairman, the fund’s management committee includes Max Mosley, FIA President; Jean Todt, Member of the Board of Ferrari; Nic Craw, President of the Automobile Competition Committee for the USA; and Norbert Haug, Vice President of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport.

As the name of the fund suggests, it will ensure that the money is used in the interests of motor sport safety. Working hand-in-hand with the FIA Institute, the Motor Sport Safety Development Fund will establish a Young Driver Safety Scholarship Program, a Facility Safety Improvement Consultancy Program and an Officials Skills Safety Training Program.

Expressing his viewpoint with regard to his appointment as Chairman of the Motor Sport Safety Development Fund and the role it will play, Michael Schumacher has been quoted as saying: “I’m proud to be able to help with the further development of safety in motor sport across the world. The FIA has achieved a great deal already in its safety activities but the grants available from this new Fund will make a huge contribution to improving motor sport safety, especially in emerging motor sport markets.”

Jean Todt stated that he was pleased that the unfortunate events of last year had been resolved and that it had resulted in a worthy project. As a long-standing member of Ferrari’s Board of Directors, Todt would have been acutely aware of the ins-and-outs of the so-called “spy scandal” in which McLaren stood accused of, and was found guilty for, cheating by using data obtained from a Ferrari employee to improve its own car. The $100 million fine has gone down in motor sport history as the harshest punishment ever given to a team since the sport began 57 years ago. Additionally, the FIA stripped McLaren of all its constructor’s points for the entire 2007 FIA Formula One World Championship season.

Norbert Haug said that the money entrusted to the Motor Sport Safety Development Fund would be used to ensure that the sport had strong foundations. FIA President, Max Mosley confirmed that the intention had always been to use any money received from the McLaren-Mercedes fine for the benefit of motor sport at grass-roots level. Now that the money has been allocated, it will be invested in a safer future for motor sport.

Hamilton wins Monaco Grand Prix

When the cars lined up at the starting grid at Monaco on a very wet Sunday morning, it was anyone’s guess who’d take the checkered flag. The grueling, wet, race conditions put everyone through their paces and a lot of accidents kept fans excited and put pressure on contenders to drive well in order to place. In the end it was 23-year-old Lewis Hamilton from Britain who managed to take first place in an altogether outstanding race.

Hamilton left the starting grid in third place and quickly made his way to second right from the start, but then it seemed as if he’d spoilt his chances of winning when he swiped the wall six laps in and almost lost his back tire. However a quick pit stop fixed the damage and gave him the chance to do a bit of refueling, getting him back on the racing circuit in record time. His luck further turned when pole sitter Felipe Massa slipped up, giving him the chance to overtake and win the race. This brief summary of events makes the victory sound easy, but it certainly wasn’t. Persistent rain during the morning ensured that the race was slippery and there were literally dozens of crashes during the course of the grand prix. In fact, there were so many accidents that race officials eventually decided to shorten the race to 76 laps. Hamilton himself nearly saw his victory slip away a second time when his 40 second advantage was destroyed on the final 17 laps as the safety car came out. In the end he still managed to limp over the finish line in first place despite the fact that his tire was punctured by the debris left behind after Nico Rosberg’s accident. He beat Robert Kubica by only three seconds, and his victory made him the first English driver to win the Monaco Grand Prix since 1969. Felipe Massa finished in third place 4.811 seconds behind.

After a wild pit lane celebration, an overjoyed Hamilton remarked that he was “absolutely over the moon.” He also noted that this was definitely his best win yet and that he’d worked hard at keeping his cool – especially near the end when he saw the possibility of having his victory slip away from him. Hamilton finished second to Fernando Alonso at Monaco last year, and so it may seem that the win was a natural progression for him. However, it was a grueling race the whole way through and this made his victory even more spectacular.

Indy 500 Results – Victory for Dixon

The Indy 500 is one of the most prestigious races in North America and each year it receives plenty of media attention. This year was certainly no different and the race proved to be full of action and excitement every step of the way.

As the cars lined up on the starting grid early Sunday morning no-one would be able to guess the final result of this career-defining race. No one presumed that New Zealander Scott Dixon would manage to climb his way to the front of the pack during the course of the race, eventually shooting into the lead and claiming first place by the end of the race. The driving was spectacular and a number of collisions along the way had pit crews running for their lives. The 92nd annual Indianapolis 500 was every bit as magnificent as it could have been expected to be and the thousands of fans that streamed through the gates of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway could not have been disappointed.

When the race started a lot of heads were turned to Dan Wheldon – one of the top contenders for the checkered flag. Unfortunately Wheldon developed engine problems during the course of the race and he only finished at 19th place. Another top contender was Tom Scheckter. Despite the fact that he was among the top five for much of the race, his fortunes ended when he had to leave his car because of a broken gear shaft. Ed Carpenter also appeared to be blazing around the racetrack in top form, leading the front of the field for quite a long time because he did not pit. However on lap 159 Dixon overtook Carpenter and Vitor Meira, claiming second place for himself and putting himself in the running to win the race.

Accidents were plentiful and it seemed that the yellow flag was everywhere. Alex Lloyd from England hit the outside of the fourth turn wall, causing him to veer into the pit lane backwards and scattering pit lane officials. However this rookie received much less attention than Danica Patrick did. Patrick was hit in the pits by Ryan Briscoe and the accident destroyed her left rear suspension. With only 29 laps to go and having run in the top ten up until that point, Patrick was furious. This was the first occasion in her four trips to Indianapolis that she failed to finish in the top ten. She eventually became the 22nd person to cross the finish line.

Scott Dixon’s ultimate break came when he beat Meira out of the pits on the last fuel stop. He then managed to stay in front for the final 29 laps. This is Dixon’s first Indy 500 victory, although he did finish in second place in the race last year. The New Zealander said that he was focusing on fuel conservation for most of the race. Dixon is now the 19th driver to win the race from pole position and his win has put him in the line to receive massive money and corporate sponsorships. His chief competitor, Vitor Meira, eventually finished second while Marco Andretti was third.

Best Western Woodstock Hosts No. 99 NASCAR Busch Series Show Car

Auto racing enthusiasts are in for a treat at the major event that Best Western Woodstock will be hosting at its 123 Gallop Court grounds, off the Trans-Canada Exit 185 on Sunday 8 June from 11 am through to 4 pm. This tribute to the popular race circuit will feature a special appearance by the Best Western No. 99 NASCAR Busch Series Show Car, an appearance made possible through the sponsorship of Best Western and NAPA Auto Parts.

The No. 99 NASCAR Busch Series Show Car promises to be the highlight of the car show which will form part a major part of the day’s festivities. In the spirit of celebrating the sport of auto racing, fans from the region are being encouraged to participate by bringing their antique, classic, new, or replica vehicles to this special event.

NASCAR fans will have the opportunity of having an up-close view of a replica of the NASCAR Busch Series Show Car, which is to be driven by Michael Waltrip Racing’s newcomer, David Reutimann, at the Phoenix International Raceway during the upcoming season.

In addition to the car show and having the opportunity of having a photo taken with the NASCAR Busch Series Show Car, visitors can enjoy a day of fun and games, with plenty of prizes to be won. Food vendors will offer the crowd an opt and a charity BBQ will donate their proceeds for the day to the local food bank. Kids will be entertained by a face painter and balloon artist. The popular movie “Cars” will be shown at the hotel for the enjoyment of the youngsters, and young at heart.

At the event visitors can sign up for Speed Rewards – Best Western’s frequent guest program which has been designed specifically for racing fans. Speed Rewards points, which are earned by staying at Best Western Hotels, can be exchanged for free room nights at world-wide Best Western hotels, NASCAR-licensed merchandise, airline miles, shopping and dining vouchers, plus much more.

Auto racing enthusiasts would not want to miss this exciting event, so make sure to mark 8 June 2008 in your diary as a date with the Best Western No. 99 NASCAR Busch Series Show Car at Best Western Woodstock.

Barrington Concours D’elegance Auto Show

In response to the overwhelming support enjoyed by the inaugural Barrington Concours D’elegance Auto Show held at Makray Golf Course in 2007, organizers have decided to present the 2008 event at Arlington Park. The reason for this move is to accommodate the large number of visitors who are expected to attend the second Barrington Concours D’elegance, which is set to take place 4-5 October 2008. Additionally, Arlington Park offers indoor exhibition space which will prove invaluable in the event of inclement weather.

Although the event has been moved to Arlington Park, the name of the Auto Show will remain as Barrington Concours D’elegance, and a number of events will take place in and around Barrington during the event weekend. On 4 October a “Celebration of Speed” will be held at the Autobahn Country Club raceway in Joliet, with the day ending off with a dinner hosted by the Onion Pub and Brewery in Lake Barrington.

Sunday will feature a Road Rally and Village Day, which will focus attention on the picturesque Barrington area. This Road Rally will give automobile exhibitors and visitors the opportunity to take a leisurely drive along the winding roads of Barrington’s countryside. Various car clubs, including Ferrari, Aston Martin, Lamborghini, Porsche, BMW and Jaguar, will station superb examples of their cars throughout the town of Barrington for all to see.

The Barrington Concours D’elegance will showcase over 100 rare, classic, historic, sports and performance racing cars and motorcycles. Cars on display at the 2007 event that are expected to be seen again at the 2008 show include a 1937 Austin 7 Nippy 2-Seater, a 1907 Packard 30 Runabout, a 1939 Lincoln Zephyr Coupe, and a 1910 Ford Model T Touring.

Tickets will be on sale at the 6-8 June Barrington Community Appreciation Weekend which is to be held at Arlington Park. Barrington residents will be given free admission to this event, and visitors who buy their Barrington Concours D’elegance tickets during the Barrington Community Appreciation Weekend will receive a $10 discount.

Proceeds from the Auto Show will be split between the Hospice of Northeastern Illinois and the Barrington Area Conservation Trust. So, not only are you getting the benefit of a fascinating, educational and fun event, but you will be supporting two worthy charities. Be sure not to miss the Barrington Concours D’elegance at Arlington Park in October 2008.

Old Spice Prelude to the Dream

The Old Spice Prelude to the Dream racing event is hosted by the Eldora Speedway, which is owned by Tony Stewart. It is an event which sees twenty-five of the world’s greatest drivers donating their time and skill for the charities that the Old Spice Prelude to the Dream raises funds, and to take on their racing counterparts in a day of fun and excitement. Here, spectators can see their favorite drivers take on the dirt track in late model stock cars. But do not be fooled, these old cars can put out more than eight hundred horsepower, and ensure that the racing is as thrilling and exciting to take part in as it is to watch.

The first charity, the Victory Junction Gang Camp, is an organization that was envisioned by a teenage stock car driver named Adam Petty. Together with his parents, Kyle and Pattie, Adam approached Paul Newman, founder of Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, for advice and assistance with his dream. Tragically, Adam was killed at New Hampshire International Speedway in 2000, but his parents kept his dream alive and opened the Victory Junction Gang Camp in 2004. NASCAR driver Kurt Busch got very involved in the camp that offers children who are terminally ill or suffering from life threatening diseases a camp where they can have fun, exercise and make memories, at a facility that has a medical clinic on hand and all the activities they can dream of.

Tony Stewart established the Tony Stewart Foundation approximately five years ago, and has been assisting various organizations in need of help. In the eyes of Tony Stewart, drivers and their families, homeless and abused animals, and children in need of help are as important as the next and his foundation aids them all. Old Spice has been sponsoring Tony Stewart since 1999, and saw the Old Spice Prelude to the Dream as a worthy event to sponsor.

This year, on 4 June 2008, spectators and those watching on HBO Pay-Per-View, can look forward to a star studded racing event that includes Jeff Gordon, Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards, Kenny Wallace, Ryan Newman, Denny Hamlin, Jimmie Johnson, Robby Gordon, Ray Evernham, J.J. Yeley, Bobby Labonte, Matt Kenseth, David Reutimann, Red Farmer, Ken Schrader, Aric Almirola, Cruz Pedregon, Kevin Harvick, Kasey Kahne, Mark Martin, Clint Bowyer, Dave Blaney, Ron Capps and Bill Elliot. These drivers that come from various driving backgrounds and disciplines will man their stock cars to take part in heat races, hot laps, qualifiers and the feature race, which is a thirty lap race. It is all in the name of a trophy, supremacy, fun and a good cause.

Catch the Action at the 24 Hours Nürburgring

The Nürburgring race track in Germany needs no introduction to most auto racing enthusiasts. This legendary track has been in existence since the 1920s and combines a challenging and entertaining circuit with absolutely breathtaking scenery. This is the setting for the popular 24 Hours Nürburgring racing event. Inspired by the 24 Hour Le Mans and Spa 24 Hour, the 24 Hours Nürburgring is a GT and touring car endurance race.

The 24 Hours Nürburgring was introduced by the ADAC in 1970 as a cheaper alternative to the 1000 km Nürburgring. While the 1000 km race was for professional drivers, the 24 Hours Nürburgring is targeted at amateur drivers who mainly use relatively cheap production cars. Despite the fact that the 1000 km race was later moved to the shorter GP track that was built in 1984, the 24 Hours Nürburgring remains a regular feature on the original Nürburgring track. The main reason for this is the fact that drivers simply love the challenging northern loop of the track. However the lower costs involved in the race also means that some 220 cars organized into three groups regularly take off from the starting grid and a large track is needed to accommodate all the traffic.

The overall length of the track is approximately 26 km (16.2 miles). As many as 230 cars are allowed in the practice sessions, but only 220 of these are able to qualify for the race. The race is made even more accessible by the rule that permits as many as four drivers to share one car. Thus there may be as many as 800 drivers participating in the race each year. A driver is permitted to drive 150 minutes nonstop before having to observe the two hour rest time before taking his next turn behind the wheel. A driver may also enter on two different cars so he can get plenty of time in behind the wheel. The race is probably one of the biggest – if not the biggest – in the world, with more than 150 000 spectators watching the 220 cars as they navigate their way around the track for a full 24 hours. This year’s 24 Hour Nürburgring is set to take place between May 22 and 25. So make sure that you get your ticket and get in on the action, because you can be sure that there isn’t another race quite like this one anywhere else in the world!

NASCAR Coca-Cola 600

Every year motor racing enthusiasts gather to watch one of the best Memorial Day races around: The NASCAR Coca-Cola 600. Formerly known as the World 600, this great stock car race has the distinction of being the longest race in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. It is has also been in existence longer than any other regularly-scheduled oval track automobile race in the world.

The NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 was originally started as part of an attempt to create an auto racing event that would be able to generate just as much fan interest as the Indianapolis 500 does. Over the years the Coca-Cola 600 has certainly achieved that goal. In fact, it actually had larger TV ratings than its chief competitor between 2002 and 2004. Originally the races were held on different days during the course of the week leading up to Memorial Day weekend but since 1974 the races have been held on exactly the same day. Some drivers attempt to challenge both races in one day but this often proves virtually impossible for most. Fortunately fans can have the best of both worlds from the comfort of their own homes because both races are fully broadcast on national television.

There are several unique challenges that face drivers when racing the Coca-Cola 600. Since having the starting time for the race moved to 17:30 in 2001, drivers find that they not only have to cope with the searing Carolina heat, but they also have to face a radical drop in temperature after night fall. This makes for very different track conditions and also means that drivers have to drive both in daylight and under spotlights. The race usually ends by 22:00.

This year’s NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 will take place on Sunday, 25 May 2008 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Charlotte. Officials have already lined up some additional entertainment so fans can make the most of this great event. Country music fans will be delighted to know that artist Darryl Worley to participate in the pre-race ceremony. Tickets are selling out fast so make sure you get yours as soon as you can!

30th Annual Memorabilia Show This Weekend

What began as essentially a “swap meet” among a relatively small group of racing collectible enthusiasts has now reached its 30th Anniversary. The National Auto Racing Memorabilia Show has experienced a colorful and successful evolution and is now solidly associated as one of the unique events tied to the running of the Indianapolis 500.

In 1979, the first gathering of Indy 500 memorabilia collectors took place at the old Howard Johnson’s Motel on Washington Street in downtown Indianapolis. After a few years at the HoJo, the event moved into the newly constructed Indianapolis Convention Center. In 2005 the annual show moved to the Indiana State Fairgrounds where it is currently held.

The event is now the second-oldest continually operated sports memorabilia show in the country. Each year thousands of auto racing aficionados converge on the site of the Show to buy, sell and trade items that would be difficult, or impossible, to find anywhere else in town, on that weekend. The dealers come from literally all corners of the U.S. and some foreign countries. The fans come from an even more diverse list of home towns. If you are looking for unique souvenirs, sought-after items for the well-established collection, or one-of-a-kind artifacts, the NARM Show presents your best possibilities for success. You can find crew-used uniforms, driver autographs, programs back to the 20s, pieces of car bodywork, photos, artwork, advertising pieces and so much more.

Some details for 2008 are:

Friday, May 23 1:00 PM- 7:30 PM
30th Annual National Auto Racing Memorabilia Show at the State Fairgrounds.
In the Pioneer Our Land Pavilion.
Includes personal appearances by: Jerry Grant and long-time 500 veteran drivers Gary Bettenhausen and Mel Kenyon.
Advice from Chris Economaki: “If you are coming to Indy for the Race, you don’t want to miss this!”
NARM Show has been labeled for years by Andy Granatelli as, “The best-kept secret of the 500 Weekend.”
Adult Friday admission is $10 for the general public.

Saturday, May 24 9:30 AM- 4:30 PM.
30th Annual National Auto Racing Memorabilia Show at the State Fairgrounds.
In the Pioneer Our Land Pavilion.
Includes personal appearances by 1960 Indy 500 winner Jim Rathmann, Midget and Indy car star Mel Kenyon, Indy veterans Jerry Sneva and Bob Harkey, and possibly Mr. 500: Andy Granatelli.
Speed Channel’s Robin Miller says, “This show is terrific. I never, ever, miss it.”
Adult Saturday admission is $7 to the general public. Admission for Young Persons, ages 7-14, is $3 each day.

www.NARMShow.com
Additional information: John Douglas (765) 482-3477

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