Nascar Nationwide Napa 200 Montreal - Drivers To Meet With Fans

August 17, 2010

Several Great Drivers To Meet With Fans At Circuit Gilles Villeneuve

Admission-Free "Discovery Day" To Return At The NAPA Auto Parts 200 Presented by Dodge on Friday, August 27, 2010.

Montréal, August 17, 2010 - Stock-Car Montreal, the event organizing body of the NAPA Auto Parts 200 presented by Dodge, is pleased to announce that it has once again added an admission-free "Discovery Day" on Friday August 27 to its NASCAR Nationwide race weekend program. The general public will be allowed to enter park Jean Drapeau's Circuit Gilles Villeneuve free of charge from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and discover the fascinating world of motor racing and experience the festive atmosphere of a race weekend. The organizers will also repeat a fan favourite event which will see Quebec racecar drivers sit for an hour-long autograph session beginning at 2:00 p.m. in the infield portion of the track.

"Last year's experiment was very well received, so much so that several other track promoters have decided to add such a day to their weekend race program. It turned out to be a great promotion," said François Dumontier, President of Octane Management and delegated promoter of the event. "Everyone that came to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on the NAPA Auto Parts 200 presented by Dodge 'Discovery Day,' truly enjoyed their visit. I invite the public to come and see us again this year, and to bring family, friends, and neighbours along with them to the track. It is worth the trip. Everyone will be able to enjoy a day at the races and meet with their favorite drivers in a truly friendly environment. All of this only a few Metro stations away from any departure point."

During "Discovery Day", visitors will be able to access free-of-charge, all sections of the site open to the public including grandstands and grassy knolls surrounding the track and watch the on-track action as Formula 1600 single-seaters as well as the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series will be holding class practice sessions all day-long. It is a great opportunity to enjoy a picnic with friends and family. At 2 o'clock in the afternoon in the infield portion of the track, Quebec racecar drivers entered in the weekend's events will stage a one-hour long autograph session. Participants include:

* Patrick Carpentier, driver of car # 00, in the NASCAR Nationwide Series;

* Jacques Villeneuve, driver of car # 32, in the NASCAR Nationwide Series;

* Andrew Ranger, driver of car # 27, in the NASCAR Nationwide and Canadian Tire Series;

* Maryeve Dufault, driver of car # 10, in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series;

* Patrice Brisebois, driver of car # 71, in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series;

* Louis-Philippe Dumoulin, driver of car # 47, in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series;

* Jean-François Dumoulin, driver of car # 04, in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series;

* Didier Schraenen, driver of car # 94, in the Formula Tour 1600 H Grégoire Series.

Fans, who wish to come to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve and enjoy the action on Friday August 27, will have to use the Montreal subway system (Métro) to access the site, as there is no public parking available on the island. From the Parc Jean-Drapeau Metro station on Ile Saint-Hélène, the public will be directed to the Circuit via the Cosmos Bridge. All grandstands seats will be free for use on "Discovery Day" as the seating privileges of Saturday and Sunday ticket holders will not be in effect on Friday.

Tickets for the 2010 Montreal NAPA Auto Parts 200, Presented by Dodge are currently on sale. To order grandstands tickets and see Paul Menard, Marcos Ambrose, Carl Edwards, Brad Keselowski, the current series points leader, Justin Allgaier, Jacques Villeneuve, Patrick Carpentier, Ron Fellows and Andrew Ranger as well as several other NASCAR stars on Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on Saturday and Sunday August 28-29, fans must call 514 397-0007 or order online anytime at,

Circuit Gilles Villeneuve - Nascar Nationwide Napa 200

Nascar Nationwide Napa 200 Montreal - Andrew Ranger

Grâce au soutien de la coop des concessionnaires Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge-Ram du Québec

Andrew Ranger sera du NAPA Pièces d'auto 200 présenté par Dodge avec pour objectif légitime, une première victoire en série Nationwide

Montréal, le 14 juillet 2010 - Andrew Ranger, un des plus populaires et des plus doués coureurs québécois de sa génération, auteur d'une remarquable 3e place l'an passé lors du NAPA Pièces d'auto 200, présenté par Dodge, sera bel et bien de l'édition 2010, les 28 et 29 août prochain, au circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. À 23 ans, il pourra tenter d'inscrire sur le tracé montréalais une première victoire en série Nationwide de NASCAR grâce au soutien des concessionnaires Dodge du Québec qui ont choisi de le soutenir pour cette prestigieuse épreuve, de même que pour quatre manches de la série NASCAR Canadian Tire. Pour se mesurer aux Carl Edwards et Marcos Ambrose, les seuls coureurs l'ayant devancé l'an passé à Montréal, le coureur de Roxton Pond sera au volant d'une Dodge Charger de l'écurie Baker-Curb Racing lors de la course de 74 tours de la série Nationwide de NASCAR.

« Nous sommes très heureux de faire équipe avec Andrew Ranger pour lui permettre de participer à l'épreuve montréalaise de la série Nationwide de NASCAR, un événement dont Dodge est très fier d'être commanditaire présentateur, a déclaré monsieur Jean Gosselin, président de la coopérative publicitaire des concessionnaires Chrysler - Jeep - Dodge - Ram du Québec. En fait, nous croyons que c'est un privilège d'être associé au pilote québécois qui s'est le plus distingué en NASCAR lors de la dernière saison. Nous le savons talentueux, combatif, toujours prêt à relever un défi et chez Dodge et chez ses concessionnaires, relever des défis, ça nous connaît. Nous sommes également heureux d'annoncer que notre soutien à Andrew lui permettra aussi de participer à quatre épreuves de la série canadienne de NASCAR, dont celle de Montréal. »

« En confiant un volant à Andrew Ranger, nous croyons que Dodge a fait un choix judicieux. C'est définitivement un prétendant à la victoire. Sa prestation de l'an passé a ravi nos spectateurs présents au circuit Gilles-Villeneuve et je suis assuré qu'ils se réjouissent comme nous de l'annonce d'aujourd'hui, a déclaré François Dumontier, président d'Octane Management et promoteur délégué de l'événement. À chaque fois qu'Andrew s'est présenté en piste au circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, quel que soit le type d'épreuve à laquelle il a participé, il a tenu ses partisans en haleine. Nous pensons qu'il leur en mettra encore plein la vue les 28 et 29 août prochain. »

Ranger en sera à Montréal à son 7e départ en série Nationwide. En 2008, qualifié 15e à sa première présence dans ce championnat au circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, il s'était affiché un temps parmi les meneurs avant que la pluie ne vienne ruiner sa course, comme celle de plusieurs autres. Il avait suffisamment impressionné pour être ensuite invité à disputer quatre autres épreuves (Bristol, Richmond, Kansas, Charlotte) au volant d'une Dodge d'Armando Fitz. En 2009, à nouveau au circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, cette fois au volant d'une voiture de CJM Racing, après s'être qualifié 9e et avoir mené pendant dix tours, il resta avec Edwards et Ambrose dans la lutte pour la victoire jusqu'à la fin et termina devant Jacques Villeneuve. En trois saisons complètes en série NASCAR Canadian Tire, le Québécois a remporté deux titres et conservé un palmarès de 5 poles, 8 victoires, 20 Top-5 et 31 Top-10. Cette saison, en série NASCAR K&N Pro Est il compte déjà en quatre départs 1 pole, 1 victoire, 2 Top-5 et 3 Top 10. Il a aussi remporté une victoire à Sonoma, dans la version côte ouest de cette série de développement de NASCAR.

« Je suis très heureux de la confiance dont témoigne la Coop des concessionnaires Chrysler - Jeep - Dodge - Ram du Québec à mon endroit. Je connais bien le circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, je m'y sens à l'aise et d'y courir devant les amateurs de chez nous, c'est toujours une grande source de motivation, a déclaré Andrew Ranger. L'an passé, j'y ai vécu d'extraordinaires moments en bataillant avec de grands coureurs comme Carl, Marcos et Jacques. Ils y seront à nouveau cette année et je sais qu'ils veulent tous gagner. Mais, avec l'excellente voiture Dodge qu'on me prépare et l'expérience acquise depuis un an, je pense avoir une chance légitime de les battre. En tout cas, c'est dans cet esprit que je me présenterai en piste. »

On peut se procurer des billets pour assister au NAPA Pièces d'auto 200 présentée par Dodge, et y voir en piste les samedi et dimanche 28 et 29 août prochain, Andrew Ranger se mesurer aux Marcos Ambrose, Carl Edwards, Brad Keselowski, actuel meneur du championnat, Justin Allgaier, Paul Menard, Jacques Villeneuve, Patrick Carpentier et plusieurs autres étoiles de NASCAR. Pour mettre la main sur les meilleures places en tribunes, iI suffit de composer le 514 397-0007 ou de visiter le www.circuitgillesvilleneuve.ca sans tarder.

Jacques Villeneuve will drive the No. 32 in Montreal Nationwide 2010

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (June 1, 2009) - Braun Racing is pleased to announce that former Formula One World Champion Jacques Villeneuve will drive the No. 32 Dollar General Toyota in upcoming NASCAR Nationwide Series events at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, Canada and at the inaugural event at Road America (Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin). Both tracks hold special meaning to Villeneuve. He earned his first career CART Series win at Elkhart Lake and the return to Montreal will mark his third career Nationwide Series start at the world-renowned road course named after his father, Gilles Villeneuve, also a legendary F1 racer.

Last season in Montreal, Villeneuve qualified Braun Racing's No. 32 Toyota Camry in the sixth position. Despite heavy rain conditions that enveloped the area for the second consecutive year, the highly skilled driver brought home a fourth-place finish. He is a road course phenomenon with a tremendous amount of experience at both race tracks. A two-time winner at Road America in the CART Series (1994 and 1995), Villeneuve also claimed the pole position for the 1995 event.

In a career that has spanned more than two decades, Villeneuve has found success that can be rivaled by very few. He has captured world championships in both the CART and Formula One Series and was the winner of the 1995 Indianapolis 500. To win championships in both CART and F1, in addition to the famed Indy 500, is a feat that has only been accomplished by two other drivers.

"It's great to be back driving with Braun Racing and Dollar General," said Villeneuve. "Racing again after an exciting and fun race last year in Montreal, and now to also be doing the race at Elkhart Lake (Road America) where I won my first Indy race is going to be full of good memories! I am very much looking forward to it!"

"We are very happy to have Villeneuve back behind the wheel of the Dollar General Toyota at Road America and Montreal," said Braun Racing owner, Todd Braun. "He is an extremely talented driver and has had very strong runs in our cars in the past. His experience and success at Road America will be a great asset to our team and its road course program."

François Dumontier, President of Octane Management and Associated Promoter of the NAPA Auto Parts 200 Presented by Dodge, was very happy with today's announcement. "The return of Jacques is of course great news for the Montreal fans. But what is more interesting is that racing at Road America will help him get better acquainted with the Braun Racing team members, and also get some seat time in the car. Come the Montreal race a few weeks later, Jacques will be in race mode and could be one of the pretenders looking for the win. To also know that Patrick Carpentier, another one of the crowd favorite, will be in the field next August enables us to anticipate at lot of enthusiasm from the fans"

Tickets for the 2010 Montréal NAPA Auto Parts 200, Presented by Dodge are currently on sale. To order the best grandstands tickets and see Jacques Villeneuve, Patrick Carpentier as well as several other NASCAR stars on Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on Saturday and Sunday August 28-29, fans must call 514 397-0007 or order online anytime at www.circuitgillesvilleneuve.ca/en/.

Keselowski et Allgaier seront au Nationwide Montreal

Communiqué pour publication immédiate

Ils seront du NAPA Pièces d'auto 200 présenté par Dodge, les 28 et 29 août

Brad Keselowski et Justin Allgaier, les deux coureurs de Penske visitent Montréal alors qu'ils luttent pour le titre de la série Nationwide de NASCAR

Montréal, le 29 avril 2010 - Quatre mois précisément avant le départ de la 4e édition du NAPA Pièces d'auto 200 présenté par Dodge, Brad Keselowski et Justin Allgaier, les deux coureurs de l'heure en série Nationwide de NASCAR rencontraient ce midi la presse montréalaise au circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. Keselowski, 26 ans, originaire du Michigan occupe présentement la tête du classement, fort d'une victoire et de sept Top-5 au volant de la Dodge Discount Tire no 22 de Penske Racing. Allgaier, 23 ans, né en Illinois, déjà recrue de l'année 2009 en série Nationwide, occupe présentement le 4e rang du classement 2010 avec une victoire, trois Top-5 et cinq Top-10, tous inscrits au volant de la Dodge Verizon Wireless no 12, aussi de Penske Racing. Tous deux partagent présentement les premiers échelons du classement avec des rivaux de qualité, les Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards et Kevin Harvick.



Au centre-média du circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, les deux jeunes et talentueux coureurs ont été accueillis ce midi par messieurs Charles Dubé, Directeur régional du centre d'affaires Chrysler Canada du Québec et François Dumontier, président d'Octane Management et promoteur délégué du NAPA Pièces d'Auto 200, présenté par Dodge.

« Justin et Brad sont très représentatifs de la série Nationwide. On y retrouve de jeunes talents qui cherchent à se faire une place dans les grandes séries de NASCAR et des coureurs un peu plus expérimentés qui choisissent de courir à la fois en Coupe Sprint et en Série Nationwide. Même si Brad n'en est qu'à sa première saison complète dans le premier championnat de NASCAR, il compte déjà parmi les favoris avec une victoire, un Top-5 et quatre Top-10 en seulement quinze épreuves l'an dernier », a précisé François Dumontier.

À la lumière des succès que les deux coureurs invités aujourd'hui connaissent cette saison en série Nationwide, le promoteur délégué avait aussi un conseil à formuler. « Je ne peux que suggérer aux amateurs de course de les suivre de très près, au fil des 16 épreuves qui nous séparent aujourd'hui de la présentation de notre événement. À la fin du mois d'août, Brad et Justin devraient normalement se présenter chez nous, sur le circuit Gilles-Villeneuve au c¦ur de la lutte pour le titre 2010. »

Victime d'un accident à sa première visite à Montréal, l'an passé, Justin Allgaier n'avait pu se faire justice. Après une s'être qualifié 28e pour terminer 12e en 2008, Brad Keselowski partait de la 19e place l'an dernier lorsqu'il effectua une des plus belles remontées pour compléter le NAPA Pièces d'Auto 200 présenté par Dodge, au 5e rang derrière Edwards, Ambrose, Ranger et Villeneuve.

Rappelons qu'en plus de Brad Keselowski et Justin Allgaier, une autre jeune étoile de NASCAR, Joey Logano, originaire du Connecticut, de même que le gagnant de l'édition 2009 de l'épreuve montréalaise, Carl Edwards, ont déjà confirmé leur présence à Montréal en août prochain.

On peut se procurer des billets pour assister au NAPA Pièces d'auto 200 présentée par Dodge, et y voir en piste les samedi et dimanche 28 et 29 août prochain, Brad Keselowski, Justin Allgaier et plusieurs autres étoiles de NASCAR. Pour mettre la main sur les meilleures places en tribunes, il suffit de composer le 514 397-0007 ou de visiter le,

Circuit Gilles Villeneuve

Depuis 2009, Octane Management inc. agit à titre de promoteur délégué du NAPA Pièces d'auto 200 présenté par Dodge, sous mandat de Stock-Car Montréal, laquelle est une filiale en propriété exclusive d'International Speedway Corporation (ISC) de Daytona Beach, en Floride. ISC, chef de file dans la promotion du sport motorisé en Amérique du Nord, organise plus de 100 événements de sport motorisé chaque année.

Young Gun Joey Logano will participate in the Montreal Nationwide 2010

Press Information For Immediate Release

Young, gifted NASCAR star to make his second start at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve

JOEY LOGANO CONFIRMS AND COMMENTS ON HIS RETURN NEXT AUGUST TO THE NAPA AUTO PARTS 200 PRESENTED BY DODGE

Montréal, February 24, 2010 - One of the young marvels and also one of the most promising NASCAR Nationwide Series drivers, Joey Logano, will compete in the upcoming NAPA Auto Parts 200 Presented by Dodge on August 28-29. The 19-year old phenom, nicknamed Sliced Bread (as in the greatest thing since) by Randy Lajoie, another native son of Connecticut and a well-known stock-car driver in Eastern Canada, will make his second appearance at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in 2010. Driving the GameStop-sponsored No 20 Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs Racing, Logano will run a 21-race schedule in the NASCAR Nationwide Series on top of his full schedule with the big boys in the Sprint Cup Series.

Entering his third partial Nationwide Series season where he has earned six wins and eight poles in 43 starts, Logano confirmed and commented on his return to Montréal after media noticed that the Nationwide Series event at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve was included on his race schedule.

"I'm looking forward to racing again in Montréal. It's a really tough course with tight turns, and it's especially hard on the brakes. In 2008, the infamous race in the rain, we didn't get the finish that I would've liked," remembers Logano about his retirement while in 17th place in the race. He is more positive about his outcome next time around in Montréal. "Everyone had a hard time seeing and that was the first time many of us raced under those conditions. But, I think we've all gotten a lot smarter in terms of racing in the rain. We all have new windshield wipers now and new tires so we're ready."

Another important element in Logano's sureness prior to his next visit to Montréal is the experience acquired on road courses. "Personally, I've also gained a lot more road course experience since the last time we were in Montréal so I'm looking forward to having a great finish in August. We are always racing for the win and Montréal isn't any different." His best performance on a road course came in August 2008 with a seventh-place finish in a Nationwide race at Watkins Glen. A true product of oval racing development series (Quarter Midget Racing, Bandolero Bandits Series Championship, Legends Series, and Late Models), he was quickly signed up by Joe Gibbs when he was 15 years old.

"We weren't in Montréal last year but I watched on television as they again ran in the rain so who knows what we'll face when we get there this year. But, we have a really good team and I expect a much better performance on track than the last time we were there. That event is a lot of fun. Montréal is a great city and the fans are wonderful. I really enjoyed myself there in 2008 and am looking forward to going back in 2010," concluded Logano.

"We are happy that Joe Gibbs Racing has chosen to include Montréal on Joey Logano's race program for 2010. He is exceptional, the next big thing and drivers of his caliber will eventually outperform anyone one on any kind of track," says François Dumontier, President of Octane Management and delegated promoter of the event. "Even though his road course experience is limited, we are assured that he can perform as well here as did Carl Edwards and Brad Keselowski, who also learned how to race on oval tracks. Along with these two Cup regulars, fans should also be on the lookout for Joey in our Nationwide race in August."

Tickets for the 2010 Montréal NAPA Auto Parts 200, Presented by Dodge are currently on sale. To order tickets and see the stars of NASCAR on Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on August 28-29, fans must call 514 397-0007 or order online anytime at, http://www.napa200.ca/montreal-nascar.html Mandated by Stock-Car Montréal, a wholly-owned subsidiary of International Speedway Corporation (ISC) based in Daytona Beach, Florida, Octane Management is, since 2009, the delegated promoter of the NAPA Auto Parts 200, Presented by Dodge. ISC is the leading promoter of motorsports in North America, hosting over 100 major racing events each year.

Communiqué de presse Nascar Media

Samedi 14 novembre 2009Alex Tagliani Dodge #8134e épreuve de la série Nationwide de NASCAR à Phoenix en Arizona

Grille de départ : 41e à cause d'un accidentPosition à l'issue de la course : Classé au 38e rangTours complétés : 14 sur 200



*Alex Tagliani, qui en était à son deuxième départ de la saison en série Nationwide de NASCAR avec l'équipe MacDonald Motorsports et à son premier départ sur une piste ovale dans cette série, a été contraint à l'abandon au 14e des 200 tours de l'épreuve Able Body Labor 200 disputée samedi sur l'ovale du Phoenix International Raceway en Arizona. Carl Edwards a triomphé devant Kevin Harvick et Reed Sorenson. Kyle Bush, qui a terminé neuvième, domine toujours le classement avec 190 points d'avance sur Edwards.

Alex Tagliani, pilote de la Dodge #81

« La pire chose qui pouvait arriver s'est produite aujourd'hui. J'ai endommagé la voiture durant les qualifications aujourd'hui (samedi) et l'équipe n'avait pas de mulet pour une piste ovale courte. La seule qui était disponible était celle préparée pour la piste de Homestead la semaine prochaine. Cette voiture n'est pas montée pour ce type de circuit et nous savions que nous ne serions pas en mesure de compléter beaucoup de tours. C'est dommage. Tout ce que nous pouvions faire était de prendre le départ et d'entrer aux puits pour la garer car une voiture pour piste ovale longue a un système de freinage totalement différent de celle d'une piste d'un mille comme à Phoenix.

« J'ai dit aux gars à la suite de mon accident en qualification, "Je ne sais pas quoi vous dire. Je ne sais pas si c'est moi, mais le pire dans tout cela c'est que je n'avais pas à pousser car la voiture était déjà qualifiée. On dirait qu'une bosse a fait sursauter la voiture. J'ai tout d'abord pensé que j'avais réussi à reprendre le contrôle, mais je me suis retrouvé dans le mur du virage quatre. Je ne sais pas si je suis monté trop haut, mais le derrière a décroché et je me suis retrouvé dans le mur." Je ne me rappelle pas qu'une telle chose me soit déjà arrivé. La voiture était stable. Je suis tellement désolé pour tout le monde. Même si c'est ma première présence sur une piste ovale dans cette voiture, je me suis rapidement adapté, et lors des essais de vendredi, nous avions amélioré notre temps par plus de cinq dixièmes de seconde. C'est désolant pour toute l'équipe, mais ceci fait partie de la course automobile. J'aurais aimé avoir une seconde chance, mais cela n'arrive pas souvent. J'espère que l'équipe connaîtra un meilleur week-end à Homestead. »

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20 aout 2008

J Gibbs Racing punit pour les voitures 18 et 20 de la série Nascar Nationwide.

Les punitions et décisions vont couter cher à l'équipe mais Bravo Nascar qui ne laisse rien passer.

Communiqué de presse Nascar Media,(format pdf)

Gibbs punit... Communique de Presse Nascar Media



13 aout 2008

Almquist, Wolfe Fined For Rule Violations At Watkins Glen DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Aug. 13, 2008) – NASCAR announced today that Kirk Almquist, crew chief for the No. 9 Dodge driven by Patrick Carpentier and Paul Wolfe, crew chief for the No. 22 Dodge driven by Ryan Newman, have been fined due to rule violations during the NASCAR Nationwide Series event at Watkins Glen International.

Almquist was fined $5,000 for violating Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used that do not conform to NASCAR rules) and 20A-5.10.1B(6) (combined thickness of the throttle shaft and throttle plate was less than the specified thickness of 0.197 inches) of the 2008 NASCAR Nationwide Series Rule Book.

Wolfe was fined $1,000 for violating Section 12-4-A, 12-4-Q and 20A-16.5.1B (fuel line,from the fuel cell to the filter, xceeded the maximum specified size).

Both infractions were discovered during opening-day inspection on Aug. 8.

Montréal Nascar Nationwide

31 juillet 2008

Cette 2ième course Nascar Nationwide à Montréal nous fait déja vibrer. Peut être pas encore avec la magnitude de la 'semaine du F1' mais ce petit train s'en vient...

Hier l'atmosphère était relaxe et c'était plutôt une journée Nascar PR. :-)

Ron Fellows (gauche) et Scott Wimmer (droite) ont parlés aux médias de la course samedi sur le circuit Gilles Villeneuve et ensuite, c'était le défi. Une petite course avec les boyz de la presse Canadienne surtout... (Photo: NASCAR Relations Publique)

du Haut au Bas: Ron Fellows (No. 5 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet), Bertrand Godin (porte-parole pour le Cicuit Gilles Villenueve et NAPA Auto Parts 200), Scott Wimmer (No. 29 Holiday Inn Chevrolet) se préparent a une course go-karts au Action 500 à Montréal. (Photo: NASCAR Relations Publique)

Les Boyz, partez vos engins!


Et le Fuge qui ne manques jamais l'opportunité... :-)

Scott Wimmer (No. 29 Holiday Inn Chevrolet) parle avec Dominic Fugère du Journal de Montréal (Photo: NASCAR Relations Publique)

29 juillet 2008

Cette année, on attend la course Napa Auto Parts 200 Nationwide avec impatience. Les ventes de billets vont très bien et maintenant on souhaite du beau temps vendredi et samedi.

Il aura plus de presse et couverture que l'an passé mais surtout Nascar sera impressioné des fans de chez nous... les meilleurs du monde!

Patrick parle de la Nationwide à Montréal,

Audio- Patrick Carpentier parle à Nascar de la course Nationwide à Montrèal

Oh, Canada! NASCAR Nationwide Series Heads To Montreal

Nascar News

The NASCAR Nationwide Series prepares for its second consecutive trip to Montreal's famed Circuit Gilles Villeneuve – where this year the son of the road course's namesake will participate in the event.

Jacques Villeneuve leads a contingent of eight Canadians – including Patrick Carpentier (Quebec), Ron Fellows (Ontario) and DJ Kennington (Ontario) – who will race in front of their passionate fans. Carpentier is foregoing his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series ride in Pocono for Gillett Evernham Motorsports in order to concentrate on the Montreal event.

Two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Terry Labonte – whose family tree extends to Montreal and was the test driver for the series in May 2007 at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve – will drive for Carpentier in Pocono.

Last year's race was one of the most exiting in each of NASCAR's national series in 2007. Kevin Harvick won the inaugural event. Robby Gordon was involved in a scrape with then-leader Marcos Ambrose with two laps to go, resulting in Gordon capturing the lead. Or so he believed. He wasn't the winner, though he celebrated along with Harvick on the frontstretch.

Also performing a celebratory burnout along with Harvick and Gordon was Carpentier, the Quebec native who finished second after winning his first career pole in NASCAR competition earlier in the day. Harvick isn't back to defend his race win and Gordon is racing in Pocono only. Ambrose returns with an eye on his first series victory.

Race Dotted With International Flair

Five countries will be represented in Saturday's event: Canada with eight drivers; the United States with 32; one from Australia (Marcos Ambrose), one from Venezuela (Alex Garcia) and one from Italy (Max Papis).

Papis, who finished third last year, will take over for David Stremme in the No. 66 Rusty Wallace Racing entry. Papis is one of many road-course "ringers" in the race, including Boris Said (No. 25 Ford for Bobby Hamilton Jr.), Ron Fellows (No. 5 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports); Scott Pruett (No. 40 Chip Ganassi Racing Dodge) and Scott Gaylord (No. 52 Jimmy Means Racing Ford). Also Justin Marks looks to make his series debut for Braun Racing. Marks is another road-course specialist who competes full-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and won his first pole at Texas in June.

Top Two In Standings Are Rookies At Circuit Gilles Villeneuve

The great equalizer may be experience on this course and one driver who won't turn his first lap until the race itself is standings leader Clint Bowyer. He is the only one of the five double-duty drivers in the race who will compete in the weekend's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event in Pocono during the weekend who did not run at Montreal last year. Stephen Leicht, who finished fifth in this race last year, will practice and qualify the car for Bowyer.

Second-place Brad Keselowski watched this race one year ago while Andy Pilgrim brought home a 15th-place finish for JR Motorsports. Third-place Carl Edwards, who is coming on of late with two wins and three top fives in his last six races, trails Keselowski by only seven points behind Keselowski. Edwards, the defending series champion, competed in this event last year.

Along with Leicht, the other all-important substitute drivers are: Auggie Vidovich for David Ragan; Colin Braun for Greg Biffle; Erik Darnell for Edwards and Chris Cook for David Reutimann. Braun, 19, has extensive road-course experience and captured his first career pole in NASCAR competition in Mexico City in April. Last week at O'Reilly Raceway Park, Braun won the pole and finished third.

Different Type Of Double-Duty For Kennington

DJ Kennington is a double-duty driver of another type in NASCAR. Driving full-time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series this year for MacDonald Motorsports (owned by another Canadian, Terry MacDonald), Kennington, 31, is also vying for the title in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series and travels in similar fashion to his events when they compete on the same weekends as NASCAR Nationwide Series / NASCAR Sprint Cup Series double-duty drivers. He's third in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series standings and ranks 24th in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. This weekend's trip for both races will be the easiest of the season for the former hockey goalie who was on the 1994 NHL Draft Roster before an injury ended one sports dream.

Rising Series Talent Will Be On Display In Canada

Although not competing in the race, Colin Braun is just one of a group of young drivers who are gaining respect – and top results – in the NASCAR Nationwide Series.

Joey Logano, 18, will make his road course debut in Montreal. Logano has two wins, two poles and three top-five and five top-10 finishes in only six series starts. Steve Wallace, 20, finished 10th in Mexico City earlier this year and was 10th at ORP last weekend.

Brad Coleman, 20, has struggled somewhat this season after moving from Joe Gibbs Racing to Baker Curb Racing, but he's a solid 16th in the standings and is a sleeper in this event. Like Braun – with whom he shares the world record for youngest team in the Rolex 24 in GT Class – he gained his experience in road-course racing.

Landon Cassill, 19, who will drive for James Finch in Montreal instead of his usual role for JR Motorsports, has been one of the most improved drivers in the series. Over the last seven races, he earned his first career pole and four top-10 finishes (including the last three races).

Gentlemen, start your engines!

July 23, 2008

RULE AMENDMENT BRINGS NASCAR NATIONWIDE SERIES ENGINES IN LINE

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 23, 2008) – NASCAR issued a technical bulletin Tuesday amending the NASCAR Nationwide Series Rule Book. Effective as of July 23, 2008, section 20A – 5.10.4 is amended as follows:

“At all Events, unless otherwise specified, all engines with a cylinder bore spacing less than 4.470 inches must compete using a tapered spacer with four (4) 1.125-inch diameter holes. At all Events, unless otherwise specified, all engines with a cylinder bore spacing of 4.470 inches or more must compete using a tapered spacer with four (4) 1.100-inch diameter holes. Unless otherwise authorized, the carburetor restrictor will be issued by NASCAR.”

“Eventually, all teams that upgrade to new engine packages will be subject to this rule modification,” said Robin Pemberton, NASCAR vice president of competition. “Over the years in our sport, we’ve taken steps on numerous occasions to help maintain a level playing field among our competitors and we will continue to do so.”

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July 17, 2008

Press Release Nascar

Driver Jacques Villeneuve gets Braun Racing ride

MOORESVILLE, NC (July 17, 2008) – Braun Racing is pleased to announce that former Formula One World Champion Jacques Villeneuve will drive its No. 32 Toyota Camry in the second annual NASCAR Nationwide Series event at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, Canada on August 1-2, 2008. The addition of Villeneuve to the field at the world renowned road course named after his father, Gilles Villeneuve, a legendary Formula 1 racer, adds a special hometown feeling to the event that already includes an array of Canadian drivers.

Though this event will mark his first NASCAR Nationwide Series start at the track which carries his namesake, the road course phenomenon has a tremendous amount of experience on the 2.709-mile road course. In a career that has spanned for more than two decades, Villeneuve has experienced success that can be rivaled by very few. He has captured world championships in both the CART and Formula 1 Series and is logged in the record books as winner of the 1995 Indianapolis 500. To win championships in both the CART and Formula 1 on top of a win in the famed Indy 500 is a feat that has only been accomplished by two other drivers.

“We’re excited for the race fans in Montreal that Jacques Villeneuve will participate in this event,” said Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR’s Vice President of Racing Operations. “His addition increases the competitiveness of the field and brings another Canadian driver to the mix.”

For Villeneuve’s part, he looks forward to aligning himself with a team as competitive as Braun Racing. ”It’s always fun to have the opportunity to race for such a competitive team as Braun Racing with great people that show confidence in you. It also adds to my pleasure to be in a car that hosted great pilots such as Kyle Bush and Denny Hamlin.”

Braun Racing team owner, Todd Braun, feels that the addition of Villeneuve to his team’s efforts in Montreal will give them an extra advantage from a competitive standpoint.

“Jacques has had an incredible career,” said Braun. “The type of experience he can bring to our entire organization and road course program is invaluable. We look forward to working with him and to taking advantage of the experience and knowledge he brings with him.”

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Week 19 July 2, 2008 PM Back at Daytona

Season In Review – Week 19:

A Look At The 2008 NASCAR Nationwide Series Season DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 2, 2008)

– There have been 10 different race winners in 2008 in the NASCAR Nationwide Series: Tony Stewart (five), Kyle Busch (four), Denny Hamlin (two), Mark Martin (one), Matt Kenseth (one), Clint Bowyer (one), Scott Wimmer (one) and Carl Edwards (one) along with first-timers Brad Keselowski (one) and Joey Logano (one).

First Time Around

Joey Logano posted his first career pole in qualifying for Nashville. Brad Keselowski followed by winning his first career race. It was the 29th time in series history that a first-time pole and first-time race winner occurred in the same event. Only five of those 29 times did the same driver post both a first pole and first win in the same race.

Rocket Start

Joey Logano posted his second series pole and then won at Kentucky – posting his first career win in just his third NASCAR Nationwide Series race. He became the 19th driver to score his first victory within his first three series races.

Eight of the other 18 drivers posted their first series win in 1982, the first year for the series and 14 did so within the first three years of the series. Logano joined Derrike Cope (1994 – third race), Ron Fellows (1998 – second race) and Kurt Busch (2006 - first race) as the only drivers to achieve their first win within their first three races since 1987.

Series Record

Denny Hamlin won at Richmond, scoring the fifth consecutive victory for Joe Gibbs Racing. It was the first time in the history of the NASCAR Nationwide Series that an owner posted five straight wins. Three different drivers registered victories for JGR – Kyle Busch (Texas and Phoenix in the No. 18 and Mexico in the No. 20), Tony Stewart (Talladega in the No. 20) and Hamlin (in the No. 20). Stewart extended the Gibbs streak to six races with his victory at Darlington (the fourth straight for the No. 20).

Roush Fenway Racing recorded four consecutive victories in 2000 (Rockingham through Darlington) with Mark Martin winning Rockingham, Atlanta and Darlington (in the No. 60) and Jeff Burton winning Las Vegas (in the No. 9).

NASCAR Nationwide Series – Season In Review

Dominance Rebirth

Tony Stewart has won five of the seven NASCAR Nationwide Series races that he has participated in this season. Success in a partial season is not a new concept in the series. Dale Earnhardt and Mark Martin both had very successful partial seasons over the years.

Earnhardt won five of the 11 series races he participated in during 1986; three of seven in 1991 and two of four in 1993. Martin won seven of 14 NASCAR Nationwide Series races that he ran in 1993, six of 14 in both 1996 and 1999 and has one victory in his two races this season.

2008 Season Highlights

• Tony Stewart won the season-opening race at Daytona then repeated his trip to Victory Lane in the second race (California). It was just the third time in NASCAR Nationwide Series history a driver had won the first two races of the season (Dale Earnhardt in 1986 and Chad Little in 1995).

• Mark Martin won the third race of the season (Las Vegas) – ending Stewart’s bid to become the first driver to win the first three races of a season in NASCAR Nationwide Series history.

• Matt Kenseth posted the first victory for Ford in 2008 with his win at Atlanta – making three different manufacturers to win in the first four races.

• Clint Bowyer won at Bristol, becoming the 10th consecutive different race winner at the Tennessee short track.

• Kyle Busch posted his first NASCAR Nationwide Series victory of 2008 with his win at Texas. Busch has won in all three of NASCAR’s national series this season, making this the fourth consecutive season he has done so. Only two other drivers have accomplished the feat and both did so only once.

– Kevin Harvick in 2003 and Terry Labonte in 1995.

• Kyle Busch became the second repeat winner with his victory at Phoenix. Like Tony Stewart, Busch’s wins came in consecutive races.

• Kyle Busch posted his third consecutive victory of 2008 with his win at Mexico City. Busch’s victories all came on different type tracks.

• Tony Stewart won his second restrictor-plate race with his victory at Talladega.

• Tony Stewart won his fourth race of the season and the sixth consecutive for Joe Gibbs Racing with his win at Darlington – his first there in any NASCAR series.

• Kyle Busch became the second four-time winner of the season with his victory at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.

• Denny Hamlin became the third multiple-race winner with his victory in the Heluva Good! 200 at Dover – the second of his season.

• Brad Keselowski became the first driver to post his career first victory in 2008 with his win at Nashville.

• Joey Logano won at Kentucky and became the second first-time winner in as many races.

• Carl Edwards edged Clint Bowyer to win at Milwaukee, posting his first victory since Nashville in June 2007.

NASCAR Nationwide Series – Season In Review Qualifying

•116 drivers have attempted to qualify for at least one race this season.

• There have been seven different pole winners in 2008: Tony Stewart (two), Kyle Busch (two), BrianVickers (two), Carl Edwards (two), Joey Logano (two), Colin Braun (one), Kasey Kahne (one), Brad Keselowski (one) and Landon Cassill (one).

• There have been four first-time pole winners this season: Colin Braun (Mexico City), Joey Logano (Nashville-2), Brad Keselowski (Milwaukee) and Landon Cassill (New Hampshire).

• Qualifying was canceled at California, Atlanta, Bristol and Texas.

• 42 drivers have posted at least one top-10 start this season, led by Clint Bowyer with 15.

The Races

• 110 drivers have qualified for at least one NASCAR Nationwide Series race this season.

• 41 drivers have registered at least one top-10 finish in 2008, led by Clint Bowyer with 15.

• Five races have been extended by green-white-checkered finishes in 2008.

• One race has been shortened in 2008: Bristol (171 Laps).

• Kyle Busch has won four races this season – in three different cars, for two different owners. Jamie McMurray won three races in 2004 – each for a different car owner.

First-Timers

Start

James Buescher (Phoenix)
Kevin O’Connell (Mexico City)
Ryan Hackett (Richmond)
Joey Logano (Dover)

Pole

Colin Braun (Mexico City)
Joey Logano (Nashville)
Brad Keselowski (Milwaukee)
Landon Cassill (New Hampshire)

WIN

Brad Keselowski (Nashville)
Joey Logano (Kentucky)